Media OutReach

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 14 January 2025 – Around 3,600 policymakers, business leaders, investors and scholars from around the world are attending the 18th Asian Financial Forum (January 13-14) in Hong Kong, the region’s first major finance event in 2025. Themed “Powering the Next Growth Engine”, AFF features high-level discussions, deal-making and networking as well as insights from some 130 elite speakers on the latest developments in global financial markets and investment opportunities. With a focus on Middle East markets, this year’s programme includes a new Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Chapter (January 14). Hong Kong SAR’s Chief Executive Mr John Lee and representatives from around the globe attend the Asian Financial Forum. In his opening remarks, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR)’s Chief Executive, John Lee, highlighted the city’s status as an international financial centre. “Thanks to ‘one country, two systems’, we enjoy the strong support of our country China, while developing ever-expanding global ties, making Hong Kong the world’s foremost ‘super connector’ and ‘super value-adder’. Our established common law regime dovetails with the legal system of many major global financial hubs. Our professionals are proficient in both Chinese and English, and well-versed with the business practice of both China and the rest of the world,” he said. The Governor of the People’s Bank of China (PBOC), Pan Gongsheng, said that, with strong support of the Central Government and the leadership of the HKSAR Government, Hong Kong has been actively enhancing its traditional advantages and grasping the new development opportunities, which has continuously stimulated great creativity and vitality, consolidating and bolstering its status as an international financial centre. To fully support Hong Kong’s development as an international financial centre, Mr Pan said the PBOC would focus on four key directions: first, to support the development of Hong Kong’s capital market and continuously deepen the mutual access between the financial markets of the two places; second, to expand and strengthen Hong Kong’s position as an offshore Renminbi business hub; third, to enhance Hong Kong’s functions as an international asset and wealth management centre; and fourth, to resolutely safeguard Hong Kong’s financial stability and security. During the first Keynote Luncheon, Financial Secretary Paul Chan underlined the city’s competitive edge, including a full range of funding options catering to the divergent needs of governments and enterprises at different development stages to fund their projects and scale up; and the innovative financial strategies to enhance product offerings such as securitisation of infrastructure loans and catastrophe bonds. Former Chief Economist and Senior Vice President of the World Bank, Professor Justin Yifu Lin delivered the main Keynote Luncheon speech, sharing insights on the shifting global economic landscape, its impact on the international markets, and China’s current trajectory and its evolving role in the world. Distinguished speakers from Pakistan, Kyrgyz Republic, Luxembourg and Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development participate in a plenary session themed “Innovation: The Solution to Unlock the Next Growth Engines”. The debut GCC Chapter (January 14) was hailed as a significant milestone in financial services collaboration between Hong Kong and the GCC countries. Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury, Christopher Hui, identified green finance, securities market, Islamic finance and asset and wealth management as areas with enormous potential for bilateral co-operation. Secretary General of the Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf, Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi, emphasised the GCC’s aspiration to enhance dialogue and co-operation to achieve mutual prosperity. Hashtag: #hongkong #brandhongkong #asiasworldcity #aff #asianfinancialforum #finance https://www.brandhk.gov.hk/https://www.linkedin.com/company/brand-hong-kong/https://x.com/Brand_HK/https://www.facebook.com/brandhk.isdhttps://www.instagram.com/brandhongkong The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 14 January 2025 – Around 3,600 policymakers, business leaders, investors and scholars from around the world are attending the 18th Asian Financial Forum (January 13-14) in Hong Kong, the region’s first major finance event in 2025. Themed “Powering the Next Growth Engine”, AFF features high-level discussions, deal-making and networking as well as insights from some 130 elite speakers on the latest developments in global financial markets and investment opportunities. With a focus on Middle East markets, this year’s programme includes a new Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Chapter (January 14). Hong Kong SAR’s Chief Executive Mr John Lee and representatives from around the globe attend the Asian Financial Forum. In his opening remarks, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR)’s Chief Executive, John Lee, highlighted the city’s status as an international financial centre. “Thanks to ‘one country, two systems’, we enjoy the strong support of our country China, while developing ever-expanding global ties, making Hong Kong the world’s foremost ‘super connector’ and ‘super value-adder’. Our established common law regime dovetails with the legal system of many major global financial hubs. Our professionals are proficient in both Chinese and English, and well-versed with the business practice of both China and the rest of the world,” he said. The Governor of the People’s Bank of China (PBOC), Pan Gongsheng, said that, with strong support of the Central Government and the leadership of the HKSAR Government, Hong Kong has been actively enhancing its traditional advantages and grasping the new development opportunities, which has continuously stimulated great creativity and vitality, consolidating and bolstering its status as an international financial centre. To fully support Hong Kong’s development as an international financial centre, Mr Pan said the PBOC would focus on four key directions: first, to support the development of Hong Kong’s capital market and continuously deepen the mutual access between the financial markets of the two places; second, to expand and strengthen Hong Kong’s position as an offshore Renminbi business hub; third, to enhance Hong Kong’s functions as an international asset and wealth management centre; and fourth, to resolutely safeguard Hong Kong’s financial stability and security. During the first Keynote Luncheon, Financial Secretary Paul Chan underlined the city’s competitive edge, including a full range of funding options catering to the divergent needs of governments and enterprises at different development stages to fund their projects and scale up; and the innovative financial strategies to enhance product offerings such as securitisation of infrastructure loans and catastrophe bonds. Former Chief Economist and Senior Vice President of the World Bank, Professor Justin Yifu Lin delivered the main Keynote Luncheon speech, sharing insights on the shifting global economic landscape, its impact on the international markets, and China’s current trajectory and its evolving role in the world. Distinguished speakers from Pakistan, Kyrgyz Republic, Luxembourg and Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development participate in a plenary session themed “Innovation: The Solution to Unlock the Next Growth Engines”. The debut GCC Chapter (January 14) was hailed as a significant milestone in financial services collaboration between Hong Kong and the GCC countries. Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury, Christopher Hui, identified green finance, securities market, Islamic finance and asset and wealth management as areas with enormous potential for bilateral co-operation. Secretary General of the Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf, Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi, emphasised the GCC’s aspiration to enhance dialogue and co-operation to achieve mutual prosperity. Hashtag: #hongkong #brandhongkong #asiasworldcity #aff #asianfinancialforum #finance https://www.brandhk.gov.hk/https://www.linkedin.com/company/brand-hong-kong/https://x.com/Brand_HK/https://www.facebook.com/brandhk.isdhttps://www.instagram.com/brandhongkong The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 14 January 2025 – Around 3,600 policymakers, business leaders, investors and scholars from around the world are attending the 18th Asian Financial Forum (January 13-14) in Hong Kong, the region’s first major finance event in 2025. Themed “Powering the Next Growth Engine”, AFF features high-level discussions, deal-making and networking as well as insights from some 130 elite speakers on the latest developments in global financial markets and investment opportunities. With a focus on Middle East markets, this year’s programme includes a new Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Chapter (January 14). Hong Kong SAR’s Chief Executive Mr John Lee and representatives from around the globe attend the Asian Financial Forum. In his opening remarks, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR)’s Chief Executive, John Lee, highlighted the city’s status as an international financial centre. “Thanks to ‘one country, two systems’, we enjoy the strong support of our country China, while developing ever-expanding global ties, making Hong Kong the world’s foremost ‘super connector’ and ‘super value-adder’. Our established common law regime dovetails with the legal system of many major global financial hubs. Our professionals are proficient in both Chinese and English, and well-versed with the business practice of both China and the rest of the world,” he said. The Governor of the People’s Bank of China (PBOC), Pan Gongsheng, said that, with strong support of the Central Government and the leadership of the HKSAR Government, Hong Kong has been actively enhancing its traditional advantages and grasping the new development opportunities, which has continuously stimulated great creativity and vitality, consolidating and bolstering its status as an international financial centre. To fully support Hong Kong’s development as an international financial centre, Mr Pan said the PBOC would focus on four key directions: first, to support the development of Hong Kong’s capital market and continuously deepen the mutual access between the financial markets of the two places; second, to expand and strengthen Hong Kong’s position as an offshore Renminbi business hub; third, to enhance Hong Kong’s functions as an international asset and wealth management centre; and fourth, to resolutely safeguard Hong Kong’s financial stability and security. During the first Keynote Luncheon, Financial Secretary Paul Chan underlined the city’s competitive edge, including a full range of funding options catering to the divergent needs of governments and enterprises at different development stages to fund their projects and scale up; and the innovative financial strategies to enhance product offerings such as securitisation of infrastructure loans and catastrophe bonds. Former Chief Economist and Senior Vice President of the World Bank, Professor Justin Yifu Lin delivered the main Keynote Luncheon speech, sharing insights on the shifting global economic landscape, its impact on the international markets, and China’s current trajectory and its evolving role in the world. Distinguished speakers from Pakistan, Kyrgyz Republic, Luxembourg and Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development participate in a plenary session themed “Innovation: The Solution to Unlock the Next Growth Engines”. The debut GCC Chapter (January 14) was hailed as a significant milestone in financial services collaboration between Hong Kong and the GCC countries. Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury, Christopher Hui, identified green finance, securities market, Islamic finance and asset and wealth management as areas with enormous potential for bilateral co-operation. Secretary General of the Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf, Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi, emphasised the GCC’s aspiration to enhance dialogue and co-operation to achieve mutual prosperity. Hashtag: #hongkong #brandhongkong #asiasworldcity #aff #asianfinancialforum #finance https://www.brandhk.gov.hk/https://www.linkedin.com/company/brand-hong-kong/https://x.com/Brand_HK/https://www.facebook.com/brandhk.isdhttps://www.instagram.com/brandhongkong The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 14 January 2025 – Around 3,600 policymakers, business leaders, investors and scholars from around the world are attending the 18th Asian Financial Forum (January 13-14) in Hong Kong, the region’s first major finance event in 2025. Themed “Powering the Next Growth Engine”, AFF features high-level discussions, deal-making and networking as well as insights from some 130 elite speakers on the latest developments in global financial markets and investment opportunities. With a focus on Middle East markets, this year’s programme includes a new Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Chapter (January 14). Hong Kong SAR’s Chief Executive Mr John Lee and representatives from around the globe attend the Asian Financial Forum. In his opening remarks, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR)’s Chief Executive, John Lee, highlighted the city’s status as an international financial centre. “Thanks to ‘one country, two systems’, we enjoy the strong support of our country China, while developing ever-expanding global ties, making Hong Kong the world’s foremost ‘super connector’ and ‘super value-adder’. Our established common law regime dovetails with the legal system of many major global financial hubs. Our professionals are proficient in both Chinese and English, and well-versed with the business practice of both China and the rest of the world,” he said. The Governor of the People’s Bank of China (PBOC), Pan Gongsheng, said that, with strong support of the Central Government and the leadership of the HKSAR Government, Hong Kong has been actively enhancing its traditional advantages and grasping the new development opportunities, which has continuously stimulated great creativity and vitality, consolidating and bolstering its status as an international financial centre. To fully support Hong Kong’s development as an international financial centre, Mr Pan said the PBOC would focus on four key directions: first, to support the development of Hong Kong’s capital market and continuously deepen the mutual access between the financial markets of the two places; second, to expand and strengthen Hong Kong’s position as an offshore Renminbi business hub; third, to enhance Hong Kong’s functions as an international asset and wealth management centre; and fourth, to resolutely safeguard Hong Kong’s financial stability and security. During the first Keynote Luncheon, Financial Secretary Paul Chan underlined the city’s competitive edge, including a full range of funding options catering to the divergent needs of governments and enterprises at different development stages to fund their projects and scale up; and the innovative financial strategies to enhance product offerings such as securitisation of infrastructure loans and catastrophe bonds. Former Chief Economist and Senior Vice President of the World Bank, Professor Justin Yifu Lin delivered the main Keynote Luncheon speech, sharing insights on the shifting global economic landscape, its impact on the international markets, and China’s current trajectory and its evolving role in the world. Distinguished speakers from Pakistan, Kyrgyz Republic, Luxembourg and Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development participate in a plenary session themed “Innovation: The Solution to Unlock the Next Growth Engines”. The debut GCC Chapter (January 14) was hailed as a significant milestone in financial services collaboration between Hong Kong and the GCC countries. Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury, Christopher Hui, identified green finance, securities market, Islamic finance and asset and wealth management as areas with enormous potential for bilateral co-operation. Secretary General of the Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf, Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi, emphasised the GCC’s aspiration to enhance dialogue and co-operation to achieve mutual prosperity. Hashtag: #hongkong #brandhongkong #asiasworldcity #aff #asianfinancialforum #finance https://www.brandhk.gov.hk/https://www.linkedin.com/company/brand-hong-kong/https://x.com/Brand_HK/https://www.facebook.com/brandhk.isdhttps://www.instagram.com/brandhongkong The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

HANOI, VIETNAM – Media OutReach Newswire – 14 January 2025 – VinFuture Prize announces the launch of its 2025 season and officially opens nominations until 2:00 p.m. on April 17, 2025 (Vietnam time, GMT+7). After 4 seasons, the Prize has seen nearly a threefold increase in nominations, from 599 projects in its inaugural year to 1,469 projects in the most recent 2024 season. The VinFuture Prize has established its ability to identify and honor groundbreaking scientific research with global impact, standing alongside other long-established and prestigious awards worldwide. Photo: VinFuture. Inventions and scientific-technological solutions eligible for consideration in 5th season of VinFuture Prize must fully meet the nomination criteria and be nominated by reputable organizations and individuals in science and technology worldwide. Nominated projects undergo a thorough evaluation process conducted by the VinFuture Prize Pre-Screening Committee and the Prize Council, comprising esteemed scientists and leading global experts who have been honored with prestigious awards such as Nobel Prize, A.M. Turing Award, Millennium Technology Prize, etc. The evaluation process is expected to conclude in September 2025 and the 2025 VinFuture Prize Award Ceremony is scheduled to take place on the evening of December 6, 2025. The nomination period for the 2025 VinFuture Prize will close at 2:00 PM on April 17, 2025 (Vietnam time, GMT+7). Nominations submitted after this deadline will be automatically carried over for consideration in the 2026 season. To provide information to nominating partners, the VinFuture Foundation will host two online seminars in the first quarter of 2025, featuring representatives from the Prize Council, the Pre-Screening Committee and VinFuture Prize Laureates. In addition to organizing the annual prize, the VinFuture Foundation plans to implement various highlight science-connection activities in 2025 to mark its 5th anniversary. Accordingly, VinFuture Foundation will expand the InnovaConnect scientific program for all institutes, universities, and research organizations nationwide that wish to establish connections with the leading scientists and experts worldwide. The program aims to foster practical cooperation and sustainable development in the field of science and technology. The Foundation will further strengthen its collaboration with international partners to organize InnovaTalk webinars, reaffirming its role as a bridge for global scientific knowledge exchange and sharing, as well as the mission to identify and promote groundbreaking solutions worldwide. At the same time, VinFuture will continue the Top Nominators Recognition program for scientists who have made invaluable contributions to identifying and nominating impactful technological innovations and solutions for the VinFuture Prize 2025. This initiative also serves as an opportunity to foster greater collaboration in the development of science and technology in Vietnam. Professor Sir Richard Henry Friend, FRS, Chair of VinFuture Prize Council, shares: “After four years, the VinFuture Prize has consistently demonstrated its ability to identify groundbreaking scientific research with global impact, sharing the same vision with world-renowned, prestigious awards. A testament to this is the fact that five VinFuture Prize Laureates subsequently honored with the prestigious Nobel Prize. I am very proud that this year, the Prize’s recognition has extended beyond academia, honoring industry leaders like the CEO of NVIDIA, reinforcing the critical link between fundamental research and its practical applications in propelling the AI revolution and driving scientific and technological progress forward. As the fifth Prize cycle commences, I eagerly anticipate the new innovative projects and diverse nominations for the 2025 VinFuture Prize.” The fourth season of VinFuture Prize has just concluded, garnering strong support from the global scientific and technological community with 1,469 high-quality nominations from scientists across all five continents. This season left a lasting impression and achieved significant success by expanding the scale of activities to connect and inspire the domestic scientific community. With four successful seasons and convincing award results, the VinFuture Prize has demonstrated its fair and comprehensive evaluation criteria, emphasizing diversity and its mission of serving humanity, creating positive impacts and improving the lives of billions worldwide. Notably, the recognition of many VinFuture Prize Laureates at prestigious international awards such as the Nobel Prize, Breakthrough Prize, and Tang Prize highlights VinFuture’s foresight in identifying groundbreaking works with global influence. Hashtag: #vinfuture The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. About the VinFuture Prize The VinFuture Foundation, established on International Human Solidarity Day on December 20th, 2020, is a non-profit organization co-founded by billionaire Mr. Pham Nhat Vuong and his wife, Mrs. Pham Thu Huong. The Foundation’s core activity is awarding the annual VinFuture Prize, which recognizes transformative scientific and technological innovations capable of making significant positive changes in the lives of millions of people worldwide. The VinFuture Prize consists of four prestigious awards presented each year. The most esteemed is the VinFuture Grand Prize, valued at US$3 million, making it one of the largest annual prizes globally. Additionally, there are three Special Prizes, each valued at US$500,000, specifically dedicated to honoring female innovators, innovators from developing countries, and innovators with outstanding achievements in emerging fields. In pursuit of its mission, the Foundation undertakes various activities. These include engaging in strategic grantmaking initiatives, fostering intellectual connections, and collaborating in the advancement of science and technology. Learn more at: https://vinfutureprize.org.

HANOI, VIETNAM – Media OutReach Newswire – 14 January 2025 – VinFuture Prize announces the launch of its 2025 season and officially opens nominations until 2:00 p.m. on April 17, 2025 (Vietnam time, GMT+7). After 4 seasons, the Prize has seen nearly a threefold increase in nominations, from 599 projects in its inaugural year to 1,469 projects in the most recent 2024 season. The VinFuture Prize has established its ability to identify and honor groundbreaking scientific research with global impact, standing alongside other long-established and prestigious awards worldwide. Photo: VinFuture. Inventions and scientific-technological solutions eligible for consideration in 5th season of VinFuture Prize must fully meet the nomination criteria and be nominated by reputable organizations and individuals in science and technology worldwide. Nominated projects undergo a thorough evaluation process conducted by the VinFuture Prize Pre-Screening Committee and the Prize Council, comprising esteemed scientists and leading global experts who have been honored with prestigious awards such as Nobel Prize, A.M. Turing Award, Millennium Technology Prize, etc. The evaluation process is expected to conclude in September 2025 and the 2025 VinFuture Prize Award Ceremony is scheduled to take place on the evening of December 6, 2025. The nomination period for the 2025 VinFuture Prize will close at 2:00 PM on April 17, 2025 (Vietnam time, GMT+7). Nominations submitted after this deadline will be automatically carried over for consideration in the 2026 season. To provide information to nominating partners, the VinFuture Foundation will host two online seminars in the first quarter of 2025, featuring representatives from the Prize Council, the Pre-Screening Committee and VinFuture Prize Laureates. In addition to organizing the annual prize, the VinFuture Foundation plans to implement various highlight science-connection activities in 2025 to mark its 5th anniversary. Accordingly, VinFuture Foundation will expand the InnovaConnect scientific program for all institutes, universities, and research organizations nationwide that wish to establish connections with the leading scientists and experts worldwide. The program aims to foster practical cooperation and sustainable development in the field of science and technology. The Foundation will further strengthen its collaboration with international partners to organize InnovaTalk webinars, reaffirming its role as a bridge for global scientific knowledge exchange and sharing, as well as the mission to identify and promote groundbreaking solutions worldwide. At the same time, VinFuture will continue the Top Nominators Recognition program for scientists who have made invaluable contributions to identifying and nominating impactful technological innovations and solutions for the VinFuture Prize 2025. This initiative also serves as an opportunity to foster greater collaboration in the development of science and technology in Vietnam. Professor Sir Richard Henry Friend, FRS, Chair of VinFuture Prize Council, shares: “After four years, the VinFuture Prize has consistently demonstrated its ability to identify groundbreaking scientific research with global impact, sharing the same vision with world-renowned, prestigious awards. A testament to this is the fact that five VinFuture Prize Laureates subsequently honored with the prestigious Nobel Prize. I am very proud that this year, the Prize’s recognition has extended beyond academia, honoring industry leaders like the CEO of NVIDIA, reinforcing the critical link between fundamental research and its practical applications in propelling the AI revolution and driving scientific and technological progress forward. As the fifth Prize cycle commences, I eagerly anticipate the new innovative projects and diverse nominations for the 2025 VinFuture Prize.” The fourth season of VinFuture Prize has just concluded, garnering strong support from the global scientific and technological community with 1,469 high-quality nominations from scientists across all five continents. This season left a lasting impression and achieved significant success by expanding the scale of activities to connect and inspire the domestic scientific community. With four successful seasons and convincing award results, the VinFuture Prize has demonstrated its fair and comprehensive evaluation criteria, emphasizing diversity and its mission of serving humanity, creating positive impacts and improving the lives of billions worldwide. Notably, the recognition of many VinFuture Prize Laureates at prestigious international awards such as the Nobel Prize, Breakthrough Prize, and Tang Prize highlights VinFuture’s foresight in identifying groundbreaking works with global influence. Hashtag: #vinfuture The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. About the VinFuture Prize The VinFuture Foundation, established on International Human Solidarity Day on December 20th, 2020, is a non-profit organization co-founded by billionaire Mr. Pham Nhat Vuong and his wife, Mrs. Pham Thu Huong. The Foundation’s core activity is awarding the annual VinFuture Prize, which recognizes transformative scientific and technological innovations capable of making significant positive changes in the lives of millions of people worldwide. The VinFuture Prize consists of four prestigious awards presented each year. The most esteemed is the VinFuture Grand Prize, valued at US$3 million, making it one of the largest annual prizes globally. Additionally, there are three Special Prizes, each valued at US$500,000, specifically dedicated to honoring female innovators, innovators from developing countries, and innovators with outstanding achievements in emerging fields. In pursuit of its mission, the Foundation undertakes various activities. These include engaging in strategic grantmaking initiatives, fostering intellectual connections, and collaborating in the advancement of science and technology. Learn more at: https://vinfutureprize.org.

HANOI, VIETNAM – Media OutReach Newswire – 14 January 2025 – VinFuture Prize announces the launch of its 2025 season and officially opens nominations until 2:00 p.m. on April 17, 2025 (Vietnam time, GMT+7). After 4 seasons, the Prize has seen nearly a threefold increase in nominations, from 599 projects in its inaugural year to 1,469 projects in the most recent 2024 season. The VinFuture Prize has established its ability to identify and honor groundbreaking scientific research with global impact, standing alongside other long-established and prestigious awards worldwide. Photo: VinFuture. Inventions and scientific-technological solutions eligible for consideration in 5th season of VinFuture Prize must fully meet the nomination criteria and be nominated by reputable organizations and individuals in science and technology worldwide. Nominated projects undergo a thorough evaluation process conducted by the VinFuture Prize Pre-Screening Committee and the Prize Council, comprising esteemed scientists and leading global experts who have been honored with prestigious awards such as Nobel Prize, A.M. Turing Award, Millennium Technology Prize, etc. The evaluation process is expected to conclude in September 2025 and the 2025 VinFuture Prize Award Ceremony is scheduled to take place on the evening of December 6, 2025. The nomination period for the 2025 VinFuture Prize will close at 2:00 PM on April 17, 2025 (Vietnam time, GMT+7). Nominations submitted after this deadline will be automatically carried over for consideration in the 2026 season. To provide information to nominating partners, the VinFuture Foundation will host two online seminars in the first quarter of 2025, featuring representatives from the Prize Council, the Pre-Screening Committee and VinFuture Prize Laureates. In addition to organizing the annual prize, the VinFuture Foundation plans to implement various highlight science-connection activities in 2025 to mark its 5th anniversary. Accordingly, VinFuture Foundation will expand the InnovaConnect scientific program for all institutes, universities, and research organizations nationwide that wish to establish connections with the leading scientists and experts worldwide. The program aims to foster practical cooperation and sustainable development in the field of science and technology. The Foundation will further strengthen its collaboration with international partners to organize InnovaTalk webinars, reaffirming its role as a bridge for global scientific knowledge exchange and sharing, as well as the mission to identify and promote groundbreaking solutions worldwide. At the same time, VinFuture will continue the Top Nominators Recognition program for scientists who have made invaluable contributions to identifying and nominating impactful technological innovations and solutions for the VinFuture Prize 2025. This initiative also serves as an opportunity to foster greater collaboration in the development of science and technology in Vietnam. Professor Sir Richard Henry Friend, FRS, Chair of VinFuture Prize Council, shares: “After four years, the VinFuture Prize has consistently demonstrated its ability to identify groundbreaking scientific research with global impact, sharing the same vision with world-renowned, prestigious awards. A testament to this is the fact that five VinFuture Prize Laureates subsequently honored with the prestigious Nobel Prize. I am very proud that this year, the Prize’s recognition has extended beyond academia, honoring industry leaders like the CEO of NVIDIA, reinforcing the critical link between fundamental research and its practical applications in propelling the AI revolution and driving scientific and technological progress forward. As the fifth Prize cycle commences, I eagerly anticipate the new innovative projects and diverse nominations for the 2025 VinFuture Prize.” The fourth season of VinFuture Prize has just concluded, garnering strong support from the global scientific and technological community with 1,469 high-quality nominations from scientists across all five continents. This season left a lasting impression and achieved significant success by expanding the scale of activities to connect and inspire the domestic scientific community. With four successful seasons and convincing award results, the VinFuture Prize has demonstrated its fair and comprehensive evaluation criteria, emphasizing diversity and its mission of serving humanity, creating positive impacts and improving the lives of billions worldwide. Notably, the recognition of many VinFuture Prize Laureates at prestigious international awards such as the Nobel Prize, Breakthrough Prize, and Tang Prize highlights VinFuture’s foresight in identifying groundbreaking works with global influence. Hashtag: #vinfuture The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. About the VinFuture Prize The VinFuture Foundation, established on International Human Solidarity Day on December 20th, 2020, is a non-profit organization co-founded by billionaire Mr. Pham Nhat Vuong and his wife, Mrs. Pham Thu Huong. The Foundation’s core activity is awarding the annual VinFuture Prize, which recognizes transformative scientific and technological innovations capable of making significant positive changes in the lives of millions of people worldwide. The VinFuture Prize consists of four prestigious awards presented each year. The most esteemed is the VinFuture Grand Prize, valued at US$3 million, making it one of the largest annual prizes globally. Additionally, there are three Special Prizes, each valued at US$500,000, specifically dedicated to honoring female innovators, innovators from developing countries, and innovators with outstanding achievements in emerging fields. In pursuit of its mission, the Foundation undertakes various activities. These include engaging in strategic grantmaking initiatives, fostering intellectual connections, and collaborating in the advancement of science and technology. Learn more at: https://vinfutureprize.org.

HANOI, VIETNAM – Media OutReach Newswire – 14 January 2025 – VinFuture Prize announces the launch of its 2025 season and officially opens nominations until 2:00 p.m. on April 17, 2025 (Vietnam time, GMT+7). After 4 seasons, the Prize has seen nearly a threefold increase in nominations, from 599 projects in its inaugural year to 1,469 projects in the most recent 2024 season. The VinFuture Prize has established its ability to identify and honor groundbreaking scientific research with global impact, standing alongside other long-established and prestigious awards worldwide. Photo: VinFuture. Inventions and scientific-technological solutions eligible for consideration in 5th season of VinFuture Prize must fully meet the nomination criteria and be nominated by reputable organizations and individuals in science and technology worldwide. Nominated projects undergo a thorough evaluation process conducted by the VinFuture Prize Pre-Screening Committee and the Prize Council, comprising esteemed scientists and leading global experts who have been honored with prestigious awards such as Nobel Prize, A.M. Turing Award, Millennium Technology Prize, etc. The evaluation process is expected to conclude in September 2025 and the 2025 VinFuture Prize Award Ceremony is scheduled to take place on the evening of December 6, 2025. The nomination period for the 2025 VinFuture Prize will close at 2:00 PM on April 17, 2025 (Vietnam time, GMT+7). Nominations submitted after this deadline will be automatically carried over for consideration in the 2026 season. To provide information to nominating partners, the VinFuture Foundation will host two online seminars in the first quarter of 2025, featuring representatives from the Prize Council, the Pre-Screening Committee and VinFuture Prize Laureates. In addition to organizing the annual prize, the VinFuture Foundation plans to implement various highlight science-connection activities in 2025 to mark its 5th anniversary. Accordingly, VinFuture Foundation will expand the InnovaConnect scientific program for all institutes, universities, and research organizations nationwide that wish to establish connections with the leading scientists and experts worldwide. The program aims to foster practical cooperation and sustainable development in the field of science and technology. The Foundation will further strengthen its collaboration with international partners to organize InnovaTalk webinars, reaffirming its role as a bridge for global scientific knowledge exchange and sharing, as well as the mission to identify and promote groundbreaking solutions worldwide. At the same time, VinFuture will continue the Top Nominators Recognition program for scientists who have made invaluable contributions to identifying and nominating impactful technological innovations and solutions for the VinFuture Prize 2025. This initiative also serves as an opportunity to foster greater collaboration in the development of science and technology in Vietnam. Professor Sir Richard Henry Friend, FRS, Chair of VinFuture Prize Council, shares: “After four years, the VinFuture Prize has consistently demonstrated its ability to identify groundbreaking scientific research with global impact, sharing the same vision with world-renowned, prestigious awards. A testament to this is the fact that five VinFuture Prize Laureates subsequently honored with the prestigious Nobel Prize. I am very proud that this year, the Prize’s recognition has extended beyond academia, honoring industry leaders like the CEO of NVIDIA, reinforcing the critical link between fundamental research and its practical applications in propelling the AI revolution and driving scientific and technological progress forward. As the fifth Prize cycle commences, I eagerly anticipate the new innovative projects and diverse nominations for the 2025 VinFuture Prize.” The fourth season of VinFuture Prize has just concluded, garnering strong support from the global scientific and technological community with 1,469 high-quality nominations from scientists across all five continents. This season left a lasting impression and achieved significant success by expanding the scale of activities to connect and inspire the domestic scientific community. With four successful seasons and convincing award results, the VinFuture Prize has demonstrated its fair and comprehensive evaluation criteria, emphasizing diversity and its mission of serving humanity, creating positive impacts and improving the lives of billions worldwide. Notably, the recognition of many VinFuture Prize Laureates at prestigious international awards such as the Nobel Prize, Breakthrough Prize, and Tang Prize highlights VinFuture’s foresight in identifying groundbreaking works with global influence. Hashtag: #vinfuture The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. About the VinFuture Prize The VinFuture Foundation, established on International Human Solidarity Day on December 20th, 2020, is a non-profit organization co-founded by billionaire Mr. Pham Nhat Vuong and his wife, Mrs. Pham Thu Huong. The Foundation’s core activity is awarding the annual VinFuture Prize, which recognizes transformative scientific and technological innovations capable of making significant positive changes in the lives of millions of people worldwide. The VinFuture Prize consists of four prestigious awards presented each year. The most esteemed is the VinFuture Grand Prize, valued at US$3 million, making it one of the largest annual prizes globally. Additionally, there are three Special Prizes, each valued at US$500,000, specifically dedicated to honoring female innovators, innovators from developing countries, and innovators with outstanding achievements in emerging fields. In pursuit of its mission, the Foundation undertakes various activities. These include engaging in strategic grantmaking initiatives, fostering intellectual connections, and collaborating in the advancement of science and technology. Learn more at: https://vinfutureprize.org.

Neighborhood Retail Assets and Industrial/Logistics Sector Gain Investors’ Interest Since the Politburo’s emphasis in its September 2024 meeting that authorities “must work to halt the real estate market decline and spur a stable recovery,” Chinese mainland residential market sentiment has strengthened significantly, supporting a pick-up in primary market home sales Total investment volume in the Greater Bay Area (GBA) commercial real estate (CRE) market recorded RMB44.7 billion in 2024, accounting for 20% of total Chinese mainland CRE investment volume The industrial/ logistics sector became sought-after, accounting for 22% of total investment volume in the GBA, with transaction activity in second-tier GBA cities performing notably well HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 14 January 2025 – Global real estate services firm Cushman & Wakefield today published its Greater Bay Area Residential and Investment Market 2024 Review and 2025 Outlook. In reviewing 2024, GBA residential market sentiment remained cautious in the first three quarters, due to the slower-than-expected pace of economic recovery and a lack of confidence among potential buyers. However, since the Central Government emphasized at the Politburo meeting that authorities “must work to halt the real estate market decline and spur a stable recovery,” and put forward stimulus measures targeting both the demand and supply sides, residential transaction activity started to strengthen from October. The CRE investment market also began to show a steady uptrend from Q4 onwards, with neighborhood retail assets and the industrial/ logistics projects being the most sought-after by investors. GBA Residential Market Overall GBA residential market sentiment remained cautious in the first half of 2024 due to the economic slowdown in the Chinese mainland combined with a lack of confidence in the real estate market. Although overall GBA primary market residential transactions picked up in June following the introduction of the “517” new housing policies, the market then gradually digested the favorable impact in the subsequent months, failing to bring a sustained stimulus to residential transactions. In late September, the Central Government then emphasized at the Politburo meeting that authorities “must work to halt the real estate market decline and spur a stable recovery”. Unlike the “517” new housing policies, which mainly targeted the demand side, this time the policies were designed to stimulate the market from both the demand and supply sides. The Central Government also introduced real estate measures summarized as “four cancellations, four reductions, and two additions,” aimed at lowering the cost of entry for buyers,and boosting the market’s confidence in developers’ capital flow by encouraging local governments to use funds from special-purpose bonds to reclaim and acquire idle land and unsold units. Since October, the residential market has become more active, with transaction numbers picking up significantly. Around 40,000 transactions were recorded in the GBA primary residential market in October, growing 70% m-o-m. Transactions through Q4 showed a strong recovery, growing 42% y-o-y and 72% q-o-q, with new home sales in Shenzhen and Guangzhou surging 165% and 72% respectively over the same period last year. These figures reflect that with the support of favorable policies, residential transaction activity in the Greater Bay Area is gradually recovering. Although total primary market transactions for the full-year 2024 reached approximately 318,000 units, a 16% y-o-y drop from 2023, the decline was concentrated in the first three quarters. (Chart 1). Chart 1: GBA First-Hand Residential Sales Primary market home prices are more swayed by the quality level of newly launched projects, and first-hand residential prices in the nine GBA Chinese mainland cities showed a mixed trend in 2H 2024. Secondary market home prices generally better reflect current underlying trends, and National Bureau of Statistics data shows that Shenzhen secondary home prices had been in a correction of -9.2% for the first nine months of 2024. However, since the Central Government introduced a series of stimulus measures for the real estate market in September and October, in particular the special-purpose bonds to improve developers’ cash flow, the sales price index of secondary market residential buildings in Shenzhen has stabilized, with m-o-m increases of 0.7% in October and 0.5% in November. We expect the price index in December to record similar growth to November, narrowing the annual decline to 7.7% (Chart 2). Chart 2: Change in Shenzhen Secondary Home Price Index Alva To, Cushman & Wakefield’s Vice President, Greater China & Head of Consulting, Greater China said, “In reviewing the easing policies introduced in 2H 2024, the Central Government has not only stimulated housing demand but also strived to stabilize supply. Among the measures, we believe the policy of encouraging local governments to use funds from special-purpose bonds to reclaim and acquire idle land and unsold units is the most noteworthy. This is expected to help developers improve their cash flow and liquidity, in turn strengthening market’s confidence in developers’ deliveries, while also ensuring a stable housing supply. Only with the gradual restoration of market confidence can the purchasing power stimulated by easing policies be truly unleashed. Looking ahead to 2025, we believe that the most challenging time is over and that the property market is now gradually stabilizing with the support of the Central Government’s policies. With the support of favorable policies, transaction numbers are likely to be maintained at the current level. We forecast that total first-hand residential transactions in the GBA will increase by 20% to around 380,000 units in 2025, supporting the gradual recovery of home prices.” GBA CRE Investment Market Charli Chan, Cushman & Wakefield’s Deputy Managing Director, Head of HK PRC Team, Capital Markets, said, “After significant downward asset price adjustments in the middle of the year, the GBA CRE investment market began to show a trend of stable recovery trend from Q4 2024. The GBA CRE investment market (large-sized deals at RMB100 million or above) recorded 66 deals totaling RMB44.7 billion for the full-year 2024, decreasing 9% y-o-y, accounting for 20% of the overall Chinese mainland investment market (Chart 3). Of the 66 large-sized deals, 15 were above the RMB1 billion mark, accounting for 23% of the total

Neighborhood Retail Assets and Industrial/Logistics Sector Gain Investors’ Interest Since the Politburo’s emphasis in its September 2024 meeting that authorities “must work to halt the real estate market decline and spur a stable recovery,” Chinese mainland residential market sentiment has strengthened significantly, supporting a pick-up in primary market home sales Total investment volume in the Greater Bay Area (GBA) commercial real estate (CRE) market recorded RMB44.7 billion in 2024, accounting for 20% of total Chinese mainland CRE investment volume The industrial/ logistics sector became sought-after, accounting for 22% of total investment volume in the GBA, with transaction activity in second-tier GBA cities performing notably well HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 14 January 2025 – Global real estate services firm Cushman & Wakefield today published its Greater Bay Area Residential and Investment Market 2024 Review and 2025 Outlook. In reviewing 2024, GBA residential market sentiment remained cautious in the first three quarters, due to the slower-than-expected pace of economic recovery and a lack of confidence among potential buyers. However, since the Central Government emphasized at the Politburo meeting that authorities “must work to halt the real estate market decline and spur a stable recovery,” and put forward stimulus measures targeting both the demand and supply sides, residential transaction activity started to strengthen from October. The CRE investment market also began to show a steady uptrend from Q4 onwards, with neighborhood retail assets and the industrial/ logistics projects being the most sought-after by investors. GBA Residential Market Overall GBA residential market sentiment remained cautious in the first half of 2024 due to the economic slowdown in the Chinese mainland combined with a lack of confidence in the real estate market. Although overall GBA primary market residential transactions picked up in June following the introduction of the “517” new housing policies, the market then gradually digested the favorable impact in the subsequent months, failing to bring a sustained stimulus to residential transactions. In late September, the Central Government then emphasized at the Politburo meeting that authorities “must work to halt the real estate market decline and spur a stable recovery”. Unlike the “517” new housing policies, which mainly targeted the demand side, this time the policies were designed to stimulate the market from both the demand and supply sides. The Central Government also introduced real estate measures summarized as “four cancellations, four reductions, and two additions,” aimed at lowering the cost of entry for buyers,and boosting the market’s confidence in developers’ capital flow by encouraging local governments to use funds from special-purpose bonds to reclaim and acquire idle land and unsold units. Since October, the residential market has become more active, with transaction numbers picking up significantly. Around 40,000 transactions were recorded in the GBA primary residential market in October, growing 70% m-o-m. Transactions through Q4 showed a strong recovery, growing 42% y-o-y and 72% q-o-q, with new home sales in Shenzhen and Guangzhou surging 165% and 72% respectively over the same period last year. These figures reflect that with the support of favorable policies, residential transaction activity in the Greater Bay Area is gradually recovering. Although total primary market transactions for the full-year 2024 reached approximately 318,000 units, a 16% y-o-y drop from 2023, the decline was concentrated in the first three quarters. (Chart 1). Chart 1: GBA First-Hand Residential Sales Primary market home prices are more swayed by the quality level of newly launched projects, and first-hand residential prices in the nine GBA Chinese mainland cities showed a mixed trend in 2H 2024. Secondary market home prices generally better reflect current underlying trends, and National Bureau of Statistics data shows that Shenzhen secondary home prices had been in a correction of -9.2% for the first nine months of 2024. However, since the Central Government introduced a series of stimulus measures for the real estate market in September and October, in particular the special-purpose bonds to improve developers’ cash flow, the sales price index of secondary market residential buildings in Shenzhen has stabilized, with m-o-m increases of 0.7% in October and 0.5% in November. We expect the price index in December to record similar growth to November, narrowing the annual decline to 7.7% (Chart 2). Chart 2: Change in Shenzhen Secondary Home Price Index Alva To, Cushman & Wakefield’s Vice President, Greater China & Head of Consulting, Greater China said, “In reviewing the easing policies introduced in 2H 2024, the Central Government has not only stimulated housing demand but also strived to stabilize supply. Among the measures, we believe the policy of encouraging local governments to use funds from special-purpose bonds to reclaim and acquire idle land and unsold units is the most noteworthy. This is expected to help developers improve their cash flow and liquidity, in turn strengthening market’s confidence in developers’ deliveries, while also ensuring a stable housing supply. Only with the gradual restoration of market confidence can the purchasing power stimulated by easing policies be truly unleashed. Looking ahead to 2025, we believe that the most challenging time is over and that the property market is now gradually stabilizing with the support of the Central Government’s policies. With the support of favorable policies, transaction numbers are likely to be maintained at the current level. We forecast that total first-hand residential transactions in the GBA will increase by 20% to around 380,000 units in 2025, supporting the gradual recovery of home prices.” GBA CRE Investment Market Charli Chan, Cushman & Wakefield’s Deputy Managing Director, Head of HK PRC Team, Capital Markets, said, “After significant downward asset price adjustments in the middle of the year, the GBA CRE investment market began to show a trend of stable recovery trend from Q4 2024. The GBA CRE investment market (large-sized deals at RMB100 million or above) recorded 66 deals totaling RMB44.7 billion for the full-year 2024, decreasing 9% y-o-y, accounting for 20% of the overall Chinese mainland investment market (Chart 3). Of the 66 large-sized deals, 15 were above the RMB1 billion mark, accounting for 23% of the total