Media OutReach

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 14 January 2025 – Water droplets under freezing conditions do not spontaneously detach from surfaces as they do at room temperature due to stronger droplet-surface interaction and lack of an energy transformation pathway. Since accumulated droplets or ice have to be removed manually or with mechanical equipment, which is costly and inefficient, preventing droplet accretion on surfaces is both scientifically intriguing and practically important. Researchers at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) have invented a ground-breaking self-powered mechanism of freezing droplet ejection that allows droplets to shoot themselves away, paving the way for cost-efficient and promising technological applications. A research team led by Prof. Zuankai Wang, Associate Vice President (Research and Innovation), Kuok Group Professor in Nature-Inspired Engineering and Chair Professor of the PolyU Department of Mechanical Engineering (front row, left), and Prof. Haimin Yao, Associate Professor of the PolyU Department of Mechanical Engineering (front row, right), has invented a self-powered mechanism of freezing droplet ejection that allows droplets to shoot themselves away. Research team members include Postdoctoral Fellow Dr Huanhuan Zhang (back row, 1st from left), PhD student Mr Wei Zhang (back row, 2nd from left), Research Assistant Professor Dr Yuankai Jin (back row, 2nd from right), and PhD student Mr Chenyang Wu (back row, 1st from right). Published in Nature Chemical Engineering as the cover feature for its last December issue, the research project “Freezing droplet ejection by spring-like elastic pillars” is led by Prof. Zuankai WANG, Associate Vice President (Research and Innovation), Kuok Group Professor in Nature-Inspired Engineering and Chair Professor of the PolyU Department of Mechanical Engineering, and Prof. Haimin YAO, Associate Professor of the PolyU Department of Mechanical Engineering. First co-authors include Postdoctoral Fellow Dr Huanhuan ZHANG, PhD student Mr Wei ZHANG, Research Assistant Professor Dr Yuankai JIN, and PhD student Mr Chenyang WU. The discovery of the self-ejection phenomenon in freezing droplets was inspired by a fungus capable of shooting its spores away through osmosis-induced volume expansion. Noting that a similar volume expansion occurs when water droplet is freezing, the research team has replicated the self-shooting mechanism found in the fungi and developed a structured elastic surface (SES) with spring-like pillars and wetting contrast that allows for the spontaneous ejection of freezing water droplets. The SES structure is designed to accelerate the ejection velocity and enlarge the kinetic energy transformation of freezing droplets. When the freezing droplet undergoes volume expansion, it compresses the pillar of SES. The volume expansion work is first converted to and stored as elastic energy in the pillar within tens of seconds, and then to be transformed into the droplet’s kinetic energy rapidly within milliseconds. This thousandfold reduction in timescales leads to sufficient kinetic energy to drive freezing droplet ejection. The simple SES structure, after parameter design, is effective in ejecting freezing droplets without external energy input and even against the forces of wind and gravity. It can be applied to aircraft, wind blades or cable lines to prevent hazards caused by ice accretion. Dr Huanhuan Zhang said, “It is exciting that we, for the first time, introduce a self-powered ice removal concept that will offer a wide range of innovative solutions. We will continuously improve the design of SES, allowing it to be manufactured at various scales and at a low cost to meet societal needs.” Furthermore, the theoretical model developed in the research elucidates the factors determining the successful onset of the freezing droplet ejection phenomenon, with scalable design exhibiting potential practicability in various fields. Prof. Wang envisions, “This nature-inspired research paved the way for numerous impactful applications. We believe that the freezing droplet ejection, as a prototype, could stimulate the development of self-powered concepts and methods for a wide range of purposes such as de-icing, energy harvesting and soft robotic applications.” Specifically, droplet ejection induced by volume expansion enhances understanding of multi-phase freezing dynamics for anti-icing applications. Prof. Yao remarked, “Our research demonstrates a strategy to efficiently harness and utilise the volume expansion work of freezing droplets to generate ballistic motion. This could subsequently expand the application of energy conversion phenomena, and inspire the development of droplet-based energy generators and soft robotic catapults.” Hashtag: #PolyU #Nature-inspiredResearch #De-icing #SoftRobotics #香港理工大学 #仿生研究 #除冰 #飞机积冰 #软件机器人 The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 14 January 2025 – Water droplets under freezing conditions do not spontaneously detach from surfaces as they do at room temperature due to stronger droplet-surface interaction and lack of an energy transformation pathway. Since accumulated droplets or ice have to be removed manually or with mechanical equipment, which is costly and inefficient, preventing droplet accretion on surfaces is both scientifically intriguing and practically important. Researchers at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) have invented a ground-breaking self-powered mechanism of freezing droplet ejection that allows droplets to shoot themselves away, paving the way for cost-efficient and promising technological applications. A research team led by Prof. Zuankai Wang, Associate Vice President (Research and Innovation), Kuok Group Professor in Nature-Inspired Engineering and Chair Professor of the PolyU Department of Mechanical Engineering (front row, left), and Prof. Haimin Yao, Associate Professor of the PolyU Department of Mechanical Engineering (front row, right), has invented a self-powered mechanism of freezing droplet ejection that allows droplets to shoot themselves away. Research team members include Postdoctoral Fellow Dr Huanhuan Zhang (back row, 1st from left), PhD student Mr Wei Zhang (back row, 2nd from left), Research Assistant Professor Dr Yuankai Jin (back row, 2nd from right), and PhD student Mr Chenyang Wu (back row, 1st from right). Published in Nature Chemical Engineering as the cover feature for its last December issue, the research project “Freezing droplet ejection by spring-like elastic pillars” is led by Prof. Zuankai WANG, Associate Vice President (Research and Innovation), Kuok Group Professor in Nature-Inspired Engineering and Chair Professor of the PolyU Department of Mechanical Engineering, and Prof. Haimin YAO, Associate Professor of the PolyU Department of Mechanical Engineering. First co-authors include Postdoctoral Fellow Dr Huanhuan ZHANG, PhD student Mr Wei ZHANG, Research Assistant Professor Dr Yuankai JIN, and PhD student Mr Chenyang WU. The discovery of the self-ejection phenomenon in freezing droplets was inspired by a fungus capable of shooting its spores away through osmosis-induced volume expansion. Noting that a similar volume expansion occurs when water droplet is freezing, the research team has replicated the self-shooting mechanism found in the fungi and developed a structured elastic surface (SES) with spring-like pillars and wetting contrast that allows for the spontaneous ejection of freezing water droplets. The SES structure is designed to accelerate the ejection velocity and enlarge the kinetic energy transformation of freezing droplets. When the freezing droplet undergoes volume expansion, it compresses the pillar of SES. The volume expansion work is first converted to and stored as elastic energy in the pillar within tens of seconds, and then to be transformed into the droplet’s kinetic energy rapidly within milliseconds. This thousandfold reduction in timescales leads to sufficient kinetic energy to drive freezing droplet ejection. The simple SES structure, after parameter design, is effective in ejecting freezing droplets without external energy input and even against the forces of wind and gravity. It can be applied to aircraft, wind blades or cable lines to prevent hazards caused by ice accretion. Dr Huanhuan Zhang said, “It is exciting that we, for the first time, introduce a self-powered ice removal concept that will offer a wide range of innovative solutions. We will continuously improve the design of SES, allowing it to be manufactured at various scales and at a low cost to meet societal needs.” Furthermore, the theoretical model developed in the research elucidates the factors determining the successful onset of the freezing droplet ejection phenomenon, with scalable design exhibiting potential practicability in various fields. Prof. Wang envisions, “This nature-inspired research paved the way for numerous impactful applications. We believe that the freezing droplet ejection, as a prototype, could stimulate the development of self-powered concepts and methods for a wide range of purposes such as de-icing, energy harvesting and soft robotic applications.” Specifically, droplet ejection induced by volume expansion enhances understanding of multi-phase freezing dynamics for anti-icing applications. Prof. Yao remarked, “Our research demonstrates a strategy to efficiently harness and utilise the volume expansion work of freezing droplets to generate ballistic motion. This could subsequently expand the application of energy conversion phenomena, and inspire the development of droplet-based energy generators and soft robotic catapults.” Hashtag: #PolyU #Nature-inspiredResearch #De-icing #SoftRobotics #香港理工大学 #仿生研究 #除冰 #飞机积冰 #软件机器人 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.

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.