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Harnessing Innovative Technologies to Drive Cultural Mobility and Foster Global Exchange

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 16 June 2026 – The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST), in collaboration with the Center for Metaverse and Computational Creativity at HKUST(Guangzhou), presents the SURREALITY Mixed Reality (MR) × Artificial Intelligence (AI) Digital Art Cross-City Exhibition. As part of HKUST’s 35th-anniversary celebrations, an exclusive media preview of the world’s first large-scale, cross-regional MR × AI digital art exhibition was held at the University’s Clear Water Bay campus.

Showcasing selected works by renowned international and Chinese Mainland digital artists, as well as faculty and students from both campuses, the exhibition integrates creativity with Virtual Reality (VR), MR, and AI technologies. It transforms the campus into a global hub for arts innovation and technological excellence.

The exhibition will open at HKUST(GZ) tomorrow and run through July 31, 2026, before returning to Hong Kong for public engagement. This exhibition exemplifies HKUST’s visionary commitment to driving cultural mobility and fostering international exchange through innovative technologies.

Prof. Nancy IP, President of HKUST, remarked, “This event signifies a major milestone for HKUST in its pursuit of integrating technology, humanities, and cross-regional innovation. The national 15th Five-Year Plan released this year explicitly supports Hong Kong in deepening its development as the East-meets-West centre for international cultural exchange. In 2024, the HKSAR Government also introduced the Blueprint for Arts and Culture and Creative Industries Development, outlining plans to develop diverse arts and culture industries with an international perspective, and to establish international platforms that foster East-meets-West arts and cultural exchanges. Local universities play a pivotal role in advancing these initiatives.”

“HKUST’s Strategic Plan 2031 identifies the integration of innovation and the humanities as a key direction for the University’s future development. In line with this vision, we established Hong Kong’s first Division of Arts and Machine Creativity, which is committed to creating an innovative platform that fosters the fusion of technology and art while nurturing a new generation of creative talent with strong interdisciplinary perspectives. Hosting initiatives such as SURREALITY and the HKUST AI Film Festival exemplifies this direction and is poised to develop into prominent international platforms that fosters arts and cultural exchanges between China and the rest of the world,” she added.

Prof. Lionel NI Ming-Shuan, President of HKUST(GZ), stated, “‘SURREALITY’ is not only the world’s first large-scale MR × AI art exhibition, but also a powerful showcase of the strengths of HKUST and HKUST(GZ) in interdisciplinary studies and computational creativity. As a flagship initiative under the ‘One HKUST, Complementary Campuses’ framework, the two campuses have welcomed artists and young creators from 23 countries and regions, redefining the boundaries of knowledge production and artistic expression through the seamless fusion of the virtual and the real. At a time when the nation is strategically advancing future industries and the Greater Bay Area is accelerating the development of new quality productive forces, the digital ‘Portal’ connecting Clear Water Bay and Nansha represents far more than a technological breakthrough—it embodies a forward-looking model of educational collaboration, where engineering converges with aesthetics, algorithms with poetry, and global vision with local engagement. At thirty-five years old, HKUST remains youthful and dynamic. Guided by this founding aspiration, HKUST(GZ) will continue to advance in step with HKUST, writing a new chapter of integrated innovation and talent development in the Greater Bay Area.”

SURREALITY showcases the integration of AI-generated artworks with the physical campus environment, creating an immersive experience through spatial computing and real-time rendering technologies. Across the two campuses, nearly 50 works by more than 70 digital artists from the United States, Germany, Russia, Australia, Bolivia, Singapore, Korea, the Chinese Mainland, and Hong Kong are featured. Presented in innovative and striking forms, these exceptional works from around the world highlight HKUST’s strong commitment to advancing interdisciplinary integration.

Today, 19 selected works premiered at the Clear Water Bay campus, where MR-enhanced creations transform the HKUST campus into an immersive, technology-driven art space. By wearing MR headsets, visitors can freely explore three exhibition areas: Living Currents, Future Fables, and Beyond Mind. Several projects created by HKUST(GZ) faculty and students stand out as highlights, with The Gate—built on a metaverse concept—emerging as the centerpiece of the exhibition. As the armillary sphere slowly turns and the portal comes into view, visitors can step inside and instantly traverse the virtual spaces of both campuses, experiencing a groundbreaking sense of cross‑campus, seamless connectivity that embodies the vision of “One HKUST, Complementary Campuses.” Another featured work, Kunpeng, symbolizes a spirit of boundless freedom. A giant fish leaps from the nearby Port Shelter in Sai Kung and transforms into a soaring roc that ascends powerfully into the sky. Its majestic presence delivers a striking visual spectacle. The piece The Twinworld Tree creates a dynamic living system formed by the World Tree and virtual life, symbolizing the interdependence of all things, like the tides.

The exhibition also features an MR recreation of a classic work—GFP Bunny, created by internationally acclaimed contemporary artist, Prof. Eduardo KAC, who is also Professor of Art and Technology Studies at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. Since its debut, this piece has sparked global reflection on genetic modification, bioethics, and the boundaries of art. Mr. ZHANG Yishuai, a PhD student in the Thrust of Computational Media and Arts at HKUST(GZ) and a computational artist, presents Echoes of Earth 2.0, offering a forward-looking perspective on AI and interstellar civilizations. This work enriches the exhibition with a visionary reflection on humanity’s aspirations for the future.

Several VR digital art pieces are also on display, including Astra, created by Ms. Eliza MCNITT— Venice Immersive Grand Prize winner and renowned American writer and director—which offers visitors a unique journey of exploration into the universe. Mr. Benedict YU, a VR visual artist from Singapore, presents Mother’s Body Remembers, utilizing LiDAR to capture movements and combining VR with tactile interaction to rekindle visitors’ memories of family connections. The HKUST XRIM Lab‘s work, Unfolding Touch, enables a soft-robot-mediated handshake between the Clear Water Bay and Guangzhou campuses, integrating sensing and tactile replication to create a shared touch experience across distance. Other works include My Flower, which invites viewers to experience the daily challenges faced by people with Alzheimer’s disease. A short animation, The Cat Ghost, which narrates the relationship between ancient Chinese people and cats from the Western world, is also screened.

Prof. Pan HUI, Chair Professor of Emerging Interdisciplinary Areas at HKUST, Acting Head and Chair Professor of the Thrust of Computational Media and Arts, and Director of the Center for Metaverse and Computational Creativity at HKUST(GZ), introduced the core concept of “SURREALITY.” He explained that as technologies such as AI, spatial computing, and MR rapidly evolve, digital worlds are transcending screens into real spaces and becoming deeply integrated into people’s daily life. SURREALITY explores a new form of reality that may emerge in the future—a scenario where the virtual and the physical are no longer distinctly separate but collectively form the environments in which we perceive, interact, and live. Through artistic creation and immersive experiences, the exhibition offers audiences a glimpse into this transformative vision, prompting reflection on how technology is reshaping humanity’s understanding of reality.

The exhibited works come from numerous internationally renowned artists, showcasing the remarkable fusion of creative arts and digital technology. Several prominent participating artists also joined today’s event to introduce their works, fostering cross-regional cultural and arts exchanges. They include Prof. Benjamin SEIDE, media artist, VFX expert, and Associate Professor in the School of Art, Design and Media at Nanyang Technological University; Ms. Katerina SEMENKO, a Russian conceptual phygital artist and International Design Award recipient; and Dr. Adam NASH, an Australian digital virtual artist and Honorary Fellow of RMIT University.
Hashtag: #HKUST #HKUST(GZ)

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About The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology

The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) (https://hkust.edu.hk/) is a world-class university known for its innovative education, research excellence, and impactful knowledge transfer. With a holistic and interdisciplinary pedagogy approach, HKUST was ranked 6th in the QS Asia University Rankings 2026, 3rd in the Times Higher Education’s Young University Rankings 2024, and 19th globally and 1st in Hong Kong in the Times Higher Education’s Impact Rankings 2025. Eleven HKUST subjects were ranked among the world’s top 50 in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2026. In addition, in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings by Subject 2026, HKUST’s Computer Science discipline which encompasses areas such as artificial intelligence and machine learning, has been ranked No. 1 in Hong Kong for ten consecutive years. Our graduates are highly competitive, consistently ranking among the world’s top 30 most sought-after employees. In terms of research and entrepreneurship, over 80% of our work was rated “internationally excellent” or “world leading” in the Research Assessment Exercise 2020 of the Hong Kong’s University Grants Committee. As of May 2026, HKUST members have founded over 1,900 active start-ups, including 11 Unicorns and 22 exits (IPO or M&A).

According to Fortune, Vinachem ranked 148 among Southeast Asia’s 500 largest companies in 2026. This marks the third year that Fortune has published the Southeast Asia 500 ranking, recognizing companies that demonstrate scale, operational excellence, and significant contributions to regional economic development. The list ranks companies based on total revenue across seven countries in the region, including Vietnam, Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, the Philippines, and Cambodia.

Based on Fortune’s report, Vinachem recorded revenue of USD 2.332 billion and profit of USD 103.8 million in 2025. These results reflect the Group’s solid financial foundation, resilience in responding to market fluctuations, and the effectiveness of its restructuring and productivity improvement efforts across the organization.

Mr. Nguyen Huu Tu, Chief Executive Officer of Vietnam National Chemical Group (Vinachem), said:”Vinachem’s inclusion in the Fortune Southeast Asia 500 ranking as early as 2026 represents a significant milestone in the Group’s development journey. It is a tangible outcome of our determined efforts to implement the directives set forth by the Politburo in Resolution No. 79-NQ/TW dated January 6, 2026, which aims to have 50 state-owned enterprises ranked among Southeast Asia’s 500 largest companies by 2030.

The achievement provides further momentum for Vinachem to accelerate innovation, digital transformation, green transition, and the development of high-tech industries. At the same time, it reinforces our commitment to fulfilling our role as a core enterprise of Vietnam’s chemical industry and contributing to the goal of building large-scale, efficient, and internationally competitive state-owned economic groups in line with the spirit of Politburo Resolution No. 79-NQ/TW.”

The development of the VinachemMart e-commerce platform and the launch of the Vinachem Agriculture platform represent concrete steps in implementing this strategy. While VinachemMart contributes to advancing digital commerce and strengthening market connectivity, Vinachem Agriculture seeks to connect farmers with scientists, experts, businesses, and government agencies, thereby improving the efficiency of the agricultural value chain and promoting green and sustainable agricultural development.

Looking ahead, Vinachem has identified innovation, digital transformation, green transition, and sustainable development as its key growth drivers. The Group is prioritizing investment in high-value, technology-intensive sectors, including pharmaceutical chemicals, advanced materials, chemicals serving the electronics and semiconductor industries, rare-earth extraction and processing, and circular economy initiatives. In parallel, Vinachem is investing in research and development (R&D) centers and integrated industrial parks designed around modern, circular, and sustainable principles, contributing to the enhanced competitiveness of Vietnam’s chemical industry within regional and global value chains.

Vinachem’s inclusion in the Fortune Southeast Asia 500 reflects not only the Group’s scale and financial strength, but also the progress achieved through its transformation, international integration, and efforts to elevate the standing of Vietnam’s chemical industry. This recognition provides a solid foundation for the Group to continue fulfilling its role as a leading enterprise, contributing to national industrial development and strengthening the presence of Vietnamese enterprises on the regional economic stage.

Hashtag: #Vinachem

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The restriction, issued through the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology under Section 69A of the Information Technology Act, 2000, follows complaints that groups on the messaging platform were being used to sell, advertise or fabricate claims about leaked question papers. A separate direction requires Telegram to disable, within the country, the editing of already published messages until June 30, a feature investigators say has been exploited to alter posts after publication and mislead candidates about when alleged leak material first appeared.

The National Testing Agency, which conducts NEET-UG, welcomed the move and said the intervention was intended to protect candidates from fraud, impersonation and misinformation before the retest. The agency has also opened an online reporting mechanism for claims linked to fake paper leaks, suspicious social-media groups and attempts to contact candidates with offers of access to the examination paper.

The June 21 test follows the cancellation of the May 3 NEET-UG examination, which affected more than 2.2 million medical aspirants. The original test was annulled after allegations of a question-paper leak and organised cheating led to widening investigations, student protests and criticism of examination governance. The re-examination has become a test of the authorities’ ability to restore confidence in a high-stakes admission system that determines access to medical colleges.

Officials involved in the crackdown have focused on Telegram because of its large channels, rapid forwarding systems and privacy-oriented architecture, which have made it attractive both to legitimate users and to networks selling purported exam material. Investigators have examined groups that allegedly claimed to possess NEET papers, sought payments from anxious candidates and used screenshots of edited posts to suggest advance access to confidential material.

The role of message editing has drawn particular scrutiny. Authorities say some posts were modified after circulation to create the impression that a question paper, answer key or inside information had been available before the examination. That method can fuel panic even where no genuine paper leak has occurred, because altered timestamps and viral screenshots are difficult for candidates and parents to verify quickly.

Cybercrime teams, including the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre, Bihar Police and the Ahmedabad Cyber Cell, have been involved in action against suspected digital fraud networks. Gujarat cyber officials have also arrested two people accused of promising access to NEET papers, underlining that the threat extends beyond one platform and includes paid deception, impersonation and panic-driven extortion.

The government’s decision marks one of the most visible temporary app restrictions since the sweeping blocks imposed on Chinese-linked apps in 2020, though this order is narrower in duration and linked to an examination-security objective. Telecom operators are expected to comply with blocking directions, while app-store availability and platform-level functionality may vary as implementation proceeds.

Telegram has not issued a detailed public response to the order. The platform has faced scrutiny in several countries over alleged misuse by fraud groups, piracy networks and extremist channels, even as it remains widely used for education, business updates, news distribution and community communication.

Civil-liberties groups have criticised the measure as disproportionate, saying a temporary shutdown penalises ordinary users and small businesses that rely on Telegram while leaving deeper vulnerabilities in examination management unresolved. They have called for publication of the blocking order, the reasons cited by the authorities and details of why channel-specific enforcement was judged insufficient.

By Asad Mirza The framework peace agreement between the United States and Iran has reduced the immediate risk of a wider regional war. Yet the accord leaves unresolved the central issues that have fuelled four decades of confrontation, making its long-term survival far from assured. The announcement of a framework peace agreement between the United […]

The article Can The US-Iran Peace Deal End Decades Of Hostility In West Asia? appeared first on Latest India news, analysis and reports on Newspack by India Press Agency).

From campus-based learning to visits to a Chinese medicine production base, combining story-based learning with hands-on experience to bring students closer to TCM through fun and interactive engagement

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 16 June 2026 – Building on last year’s success, Beijing Tong Ren Tang’s “The Tong Ren Extraordinary Journey” school outreach programme has been further deepened and expanded this year. Evolving from in-school learning to a model that integrates and extends into off-campus activities, the programme combines school visits with tours of Beijing Tong Ren Tang’s production and R&D base, opening a new chapter in a comprehensive way and bringing students closer to traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) through a lively and interactive engagement.

Two-stage learning: from in-school education to hands-on experience
Through a variety of interactive formats, “The Tong Ren Extraordinary Journey” offers students an engaging and knowledge-rich introduction to Chinese medicine. Designed around the concept of “from understanding to experience,” the programme combines in-school learning with off-campus visits to Beijing Tong Ren Tang’s production and R&D base. Activities include guided storytelling on the “Tong Ren” story, acupoint-based interactive games, and lively introductions to Chinese medicine culture and basic Chinese medicine knowledge, making the learning experience both enjoyable and informative. Students can also visit Beijing Tong Ren Tang’s production and R&D base in Tai Po, where they tour the museum, learn about the operation of the production line, and explore the Chinese Herbal Garden. In this way, students gain a well-rounded understanding of Chinese medicine and learn how it can be applied in daily life.

Herbal planting activities reinforce learning experience
A special feature of the programme is a planting experience in the Beijing Tong Ren Tang Chinese Herbal Garden. Guided by gardeners and instructors, students take part in a seedling transplanting activity, observing herbal plants up close and experiencing the planting process first-hand. This hands-on experience not only gives them a sense of achievement but also deepens their understanding of what they have learned. Through this enjoyable and educational activity, Chinese medicine culture is brought to life for the younger generation while supporting its preservation and continued development.

In-school learning: “The Tong Ren Extraordinary Journey” tutorial
During the school visits under “The Tong Ren Extraordinary Journey,” Chinese medicine practitioners and instructors each led nearly 100 students at a time through a lively one-hour session, using an easy-to-understand approach that combined storytelling and interactive games to explore Chinese medicine knowledge. Topics covered ranged from itinerant physicians to hall physicians, from the acupuncture bronze figure to the meridian system, and from the four diagnostic methods of Chinese medicine to its internal and external treatment approaches. Students were also introduced to Tong Ren Tang’s history of supplying imperial medicine, as well as Chinese medicine concepts such as “monarch, minister, assistant and guide“. These sessions helped students understand Chinese medicine in an accessible way, while interactive acupoint games further strengthened memory and comprehension through play.

Off-campus experience: visits to Beijing Tong Ren Tang’s production and R&D base
After completing the school visit component of “The Tong Ren Extraordinary Journey,” students also had the opportunity to visit and experience Beijing Tong Ren Tang’s production and R&D base in Hong Kong. During the guided tour, students gained a deeper understanding of the story of Tong Ren Tang, a time-honoured Chinese medicine brand, its imperial medicine tradition and its pharmaceutical culture, while revisiting the core beliefs it upholds: “cultivating benevolence and virtue, and promoting health for the benefit of society” and its corporate motto of “No compromise on cost and labour despite the complexity of processing herbal medicine. No compromise on quality and standard despite the scarcity of medicine ingredients.”

During the visit, students sampled herbal tea as an entry point to understanding Chinese herbs. They then learned about the Chinese medicine production process and took part in a workshop on the traditional pill-rolling technique, an item of intangible cultural heritage. This allowed them to translate theory into practical experience, and to understand how herbs are processed and prepared into medicinal materials for use. Through this, they learned about the development of Chinese medicine from ancient times to the present, as well as the evolution of different dosage forms. Students later moved to the Beijing Tong Ren Tang Chinese Herbal Garden for a herbal planting activity, where they learned how soil, water and sunlight affect plant growth.

Expanded to 20 primary schools, with a comic book supporting school-based extended reading
This year, “The Tong Ren Extraordinary Journey” expanded to 20 primary schools, reaching approximately 3,000 teachers and students in total. To complement the in-school curriculum and extended reading, Beijing Tong Ren Tang specially wrote and produced the comic book The World of Chinese Medicine – “The Tong Ren Extraordinary Journey”. Featuring the adorable “Little Tong Ren” as the main character and guide, the comic adopts a child-friendly narrative approach to help students understand the meaning of “Tong Ren” and “Tong Ren Tang,” the wisdom of balance emphasised in Chinese medicine culture, and its people-oriented spirit of benevolence and compassionate healing. Beijing Tong Ren Tang hopes that, through more interesting and approachable content formats, Chinese medicine culture can take root on campus and, through students’ reading and sharing, extend into families and communities as a cultural learning journey that can be passed on continuously.

Bringing Chinese medicine into everyday life
Beijing Tong Ren Tang hopes to foster a relaxed and enjoyable learning environment for students, introducing Chinese medicine step by step and encouraging them to share what they have learned with family and friends. By starting from a child’s perspective and focusing on themes such as meridians, herbs and balance, the programme helps integrating the wisdom of TCM into students’ everyday knowledge systems and encouraging them to share and apply these insights in daily life.

Hashtag: #BeijingTongRenTang #TheTongRenExtraordinaryJourney #primaryschool #chinesemedicine

https://cm.tongrentang.com
https://www.facebook.com/beijingtongrentanghk

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

About Beijing Tong Ren Tang

Tong Ren Tang was founded in 1669 and has a 356-year history. The company has always adhered to its corporate motto of “No compromise on cost and labour despite the complexity of processing herbal medicine. No compromise on quality and standard despite the scarcity of medicine ingredients.” This commitment has led Beijing Tong Ren Tang to steady development, lasting through every generation, achieving excellence, and becoming a national treasure while expanding globally.

At the same time, Beijing Tong Ren Tang has taken on the mission of promoting traditional Chinese medicine culture, actively participating in domestic and international traditional Chinese medicine promotion activities, facilitating cultural exchanges around the world, and striving to expand the international influence of traditional Chinese medicine. To date, it has been operating over 160 retail branches in 26 countries and regions overseas, making it one of the most recognized traditional Chinese medicine brands internationally.

About Beijing Tong Ren Tang Chinese Medicine Company Limited

Established in Hong Kong in 2004, Beijing Tong Ren Tang Chinese Medicine Company Limited serves as Tong Ren Tang’s development platform outside Mainland China. The Company was listed on the Growth Enterprise Market of the Hong Kong Stock Exchange in 2013 and transferred to the Main Board in 2018. Guided by its corporate spirit of “cultivating benevolence and virtue, and promoting health for the benefit of society” and driven by its mission to “create health for all to share globally,” the Company has built on Hong Kong as its base while expanding its global presence. It is committed to promoting Chinese medicine culture beyond Mainland China, and has accelerated the internationalisation of Chinese medicine through a communication model that integrates medical services with pharmaceutical products and places culture at the forefront. (Beijing Tong Ren Tong Chinese Medicine Company Limited website: https://cm.tongrentang.com)

The West Synchrony™ Prefillable Syringe (PFS) System offers strategic infrastructure to support Chinese biotech innovators to expand their global footprint in biologics and vaccines.

SHANGHAI, CHINA – Media OutReach Newswire – 16 June 2026 – West Pharmaceutical Services, Inc. (NYSE: WST), a long-standing partner to China’s pharmaceutical industry, today announced the availability of its West Synchrony™ prefillable syringe (PFS) system to drug developers at CPHI & PMEC China 2026, taking place June 16-18, 2026. This innovative platform uniquely integrates the syringe barrel, plunger, and needle shield/tip cap into a fully harmonized, verified system from a single supplier and emphasizes the company’s commitment to supporting the development of China’s biopharmaceutical sector in alignment with the country’s 15th Five-Year Plan. By strengthening the innovation ecosystem and accelerating development and time to market, the company supports China’s biopharmaceutical companies in achieving biotechnology breakthroughs and reaching global milestones.

Enabling China’s Next Phase of Global Biopharmaceutical Growth

To support Chinese biopharmaceutical companies in their ambitions, West has now made the West Synchrony™ PFS system available in the country.

This gives Chinese innovators the infrastructure needed to compete on quality, safety, and regulatory compliance across international markets, with greater confidence and efficiency.

“Chinese biopharmaceutical companies today have established themselves as serious global innovators, with significant opportunities to sustain momentum through high‑quality innovation,” said Maha Guruswamy, Vice President & Managing Director, Commercial, Asia Pacific. “The challenge is that a traditional, individual-component system introduces significant technical and regulatory complexities. West Synchrony addresses these by providing a fully verified and integrated containment and delivery system from a single source, allowing our partners to accelerate development and focus on delivering therapies to patients.”

Deepening A Long-Term Partnership with China’s Pharmaceutical Ecosystem

The introduction of the West Synchrony™ PFS system reflects the company’s decades-long commitment to supporting pharmaceutical innovation. This investment extends beyond product offerings to include technical expertise, regulatory support, and a single source of accountability that serve both domestic Chinese companies and multinational partners operating in China.

“As China’s biopharmaceutical companies continue to strengthen their capabilities and expand their presence globally, West is committed to partnering with them at every stage of their growth journey,” said Philip Wang, Senior Director, Commercial, China. “We aim to enable them to achieve their global ambitions, and the West Synchrony™ PFS system is one example from our portfolio of high‑quality, innovative solutions that provide customers with the same trusted infrastructure relied upon by leading multinational pharmaceutical companies worldwide.”

Join West at CPHI & PMEC China 2026

The West Synchrony™ PFS system will be showcased at CPHI & PMEC China 2026, where an expert from West will present on the role of integrated delivery systems in supporting China’s next phase of biopharmaceutical innovation and its global ambitions for expansion. Trade media and industry stakeholders interested in learning more about the technology and its application in biologics are invited to visit the West booth during the exhibition. The details of the presentation are as follows:

Presentation: “Stop Piecing It Together—Get an Integrated Verified Prefillable Syringe System from One Source”

• Date & Time: June 17, 14:10-14:40

• Location: Shanghai New International Expo Center

• Speaker: Lynn Yao, Senior Manager, TCS, AP

The West Synchrony™ PFS System is now available to bio and pharmaceutical companies in China. Visit West at Booth N5D18 to learn more, or find out more information via the website here.

Forward-Looking Statements

Certain forward-looking statements are included in this press release. They use words and phrases such as “achieving biotechnology breakthroughs,” “reaching global milestones,” “accelerate development,” and other similar terminology. These statements include, but are not limited to, statements regarding the anticipated benefits of the West Synchrony™ prefillable syringe system in China, the expected growth of China’s bio-health and pharmaceutical industries, and West’s ability to support customers’ development and commercialization efforts. These statements reflect management’s current expectations regarding future events and operating performance and speak only as of the date of this release.

Forward-looking statements are based on current expectations and assumptions and are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in such statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially include, but are not limited to, changes in market conditions, regulatory requirements, global economic and geopolitical conditions, customer demand, supply chain constraints, competitive developments, technological changes, and other risks. These important factors are not all inclusive. For a description of certain additional factors that could cause West’s future results to differ from those expressed in any such forward-looking statements, see Item 1A, entitled “Risk Factors,” in West’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year that ended on December 31, 2025. Except as required by law or regulation, West undertakes no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.

Hashtag: #WestPharmaceuticalServices

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

About West Pharmaceutical Services, Inc.

Headquartered in Exton, Pennsylvania, USA, West in its fiscal year 2025 generated USD 3.07 billion in net sales. West is traded on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: WST) and is included on the Standard & Poor’s 500 index. For more information, visit www.westpharma.com.

All trademarks and registered trademarks used in this release are the property of West Pharmaceutical Services, Inc. or its subsidiaries in the United States and other jurisdictions, unless otherwise noted.

Lee met the Pope at the Apostolic Palace on Monday during the Vatican leg of a wider European tour, accompanied by first lady Kim Hea Kyung. The meeting placed religion and diplomacy at the centre of Seoul’s outreach strategy, as the Lee administration looks for channels beyond formal security talks to keep a peace agenda alive despite Pyongyang’s weapons programme.

The invitation was tied to World Youth Day 2027, the Catholic Church’s largest youth gathering, which Seoul will host from August 3 to 8. The event is expected to bring large numbers of young Catholics and other visitors to the capital, giving South Korea a global platform and offering Pope Leo his first major Asian pastoral journey if he accepts.

Lee and Pope Leo agreed to cooperate on the successful staging of the event, while the South Korean leader briefed the pontiff on his government’s approach to peace-building. Seoul wants the Vatican to sustain moral and diplomatic attention on the peninsula at a time when inter-Korean contact remains frozen and North Korea has shown little interest in official exchanges.

The meeting also touched on the possibility of a papal visit to North Korea, a move that would be unprecedented and politically sensitive. No pope has visited Pyongyang, and any such trip would require a formal invitation and guarantees from the North Korean authorities. The late Pope Francis had repeatedly signalled willingness to go if invited, but the plan never progressed beyond exploratory diplomacy.

Lee’s Vatican stop followed a peace Mass at the Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls in Rome, celebrated by South Korea-born Cardinal Lazzaro You Heung-sik. Lee told the congregation that the “ember of hope” for dialogue and cooperation with North Korea remained alive, recalling the June 15, 2000 inter-Korean declaration that opened the way for family reunions, exchanges and humanitarian cooperation before relations deteriorated again.

The president has sought to present his North Korea policy as a shift from confrontation towards risk reduction. His administration has suspended propaganda loudspeaker broadcasts across the border and has said it does not seek unification by absorption or ideological competition. Officials frame those steps as confidence-building measures aimed at preventing accidental clashes and rebuilding basic military trust.

Pyongyang has not responded positively. North Korea has continued to define relations with Seoul as those between hostile states and has maintained its commitment to nuclear weapons and missile development. That position limits the scope for diplomacy and makes any papal role dependent on choices by Kim Jong Un’s government rather than on Vatican willingness alone.

After meeting Pope Leo, Lee held separate talks with Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin and Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher, the Holy See’s senior diplomat for relations with states and international organisations. Those discussions covered bilateral ties, World Youth Day, regional affairs and the contribution of the local Catholic Church to education, welfare and democratic development.

The Vatican and the Republic of Korea established diplomatic relations in 1963. Pope John Paul II visited the country in 1984 and 1989, while Pope Francis travelled there in 2014 for Asian Youth Day. The 2027 event will return the papacy to a society where Catholics are a minority but hold a visible role in civic life and social services.

South Korea’s Catholic population surpassed 6 million at the end of 2025, representing about 11.4 per cent of the population. The Church has grown steadily over the past two decades, though it faces the same demographic pressures as the wider country, including ageing congregations and fewer vocations. World Youth Day is therefore being treated as both a diplomatic opportunity and a test of the Church’s appeal to younger generations.

The first batch was received by officials of the Army’s Southern Command in Nashik, Maharashtra. The delivery forms part of a 217-drone contract, with the company aiming to supply the remaining 176 units by August 2026. The schedule gives Drogo Aerospace a tight execution window at a time when demand for tactical drones is rising across reconnaissance, border monitoring and battlefield support roles.

The JK 250e drones have been developed and built by Drogo Aerospace for surveillance, reconnaissance and other military missions. The platform can fly for up to three hours on a single charge, giving field units extended aerial coverage without depending on conventional runway infrastructure. The drone’s role is centred on intelligence gathering and real-time observation, areas that have become central to ground operations as armies adapt to a battlefield shaped by low-cost aerial systems, loitering munitions and sensor-driven targeting.

Drogo Aerospace founder and chief executive Yeshwanth Bonthu said the delivery validates the company’s technology base, manufacturing capability and commitment to national security. The company is now working on indigenous loitering munitions, long-endurance UAVs, AI-powered aerial intelligence platforms, advanced surveillance systems and reconnaissance products aimed at future operational requirements.

The order also marks a transition point for the company, formerly known as Drogo Drones Pvt Ltd. Its rebranding as Drogo Aerospace reflects a broader move beyond conventional drone manufacturing into defence, aviation, unmanned systems, satellite-linked platforms and aerospace technologies. Headquartered in Madhapur, Hyderabad, the firm has positioned itself as a next-generation unmanned systems developer at a time when procurement policy is opening more space for private manufacturers and specialised start-ups.

The company is setting up a 100,000-square-foot drone manufacturing facility at Maheshwaram in Telangana’s Ranga Reddy district. The state government has allotted about 4.5 acres to the firm within the Electronics Manufacturing Cluster for the project. The facility is expected to generate around 500 additional jobs, adding to an existing workforce of about 300. The investment is designed to support scale production as defence orders move from prototypes and limited trials to larger supply commitments.

The delivery comes as the armed forces are accelerating induction of drones for tactical and operational roles. Planned domestic military drone orders may exceed $2 billion this year, with deliveries expected over 18 to 24 months. More than 600 drone and component companies now operate in the country, including over 100 focused on defence applications. The sector includes large industrial groups as well as specialist start-ups developing reconnaissance platforms, logistics drones, loitering munitions, precision-strike systems and critical components.

Battlefield developments over the past three years have sharpened the focus on unmanned systems. The war in Ukraine demonstrated how inexpensive drones can alter artillery targeting, logistics interdiction and frontline surveillance. Conflicts in West Asia have further highlighted the value of layered air defence, counter-drone technology and rapid intelligence cycles. Along the northern and western frontiers, persistent surveillance has become a core requirement for ground formations operating across difficult terrain and extended lines of control.

The Ministry of Defence has also widened support for smaller firms through innovation challenges and procurement pathways aimed at turning prototypes into deployable systems. Under the iDEX framework, hundreds of start-ups, MSMEs and individual innovators have entered the defence innovation ecosystem since 2018. Dozens of prototypes have received procurement clearance, and contracts worth thousands of crores have moved from concept development into acquisition. This has helped shorten the distance between battlefield requirements and production-ready technology.

For Drogo Aerospace, execution of the JK 250e order will test its ability to deliver at scale while maintaining quality and mission reliability. Military drone contracts require not only airframe performance but also secure communications, rugged field handling, dependable batteries, payload integration, training, maintenance support and spare availability. The Army’s experience with the first batch is likely to shape follow-on acceptance, deployment tempo and confidence in the remaining units due by August.

By Nitya Chakraborty Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be taking part in the outreach session of the 52nd meeting of G7 being held in Evans of France hosted by the French President Emanuel Macron. Already the main session started on Monday with the participation of the leaders of the seven nations. The main task of […]

The article Can PM Narendra Modi Redeem India’s Status As Defender Of Global South At G7 Meet In France? appeared first on Latest India news, analysis and reports on Newspack by India Press Agency).

Service provides medical assessment, ingredient information and delivery arrangements where appropriate

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 15 June 2026 – FastMed today announced the launch of online consultation support for hair loss concerns, providing a private and structured pathway for medical assessment of increased shedding, a receding hairline, thinning at the crown and reduced hair volume. The service covers online information submission, doctor assessment, review of possible hair loss causes, evidence-informed ingredient information and follow-up arrangements where appropriate.

Structured Online Assessment for Hair Loss Concerns

Hair loss has become an earlier concern among urban adults. Many cases are first managed through over-the-counter shampoos, hair growth serums, supplements or products promoted online. Hair loss, however, may be associated with a range of factors, including genetics, hormonal changes, stress, lack of sleep, nutritional status, scalp conditions, underlying illnesses and medication-related effects.

FastMed’s online consultation workflow supports the submission of relevant health information before medical assessment. Information reviewed may include duration of shedding, location of hair thinning, family history of hair loss, recent health status, lifestyle factors and products previously used. The process is designed to support assessment of whether hair loss may be related to temporary shedding, scalp-related concerns, or genetic and hormonal factors.

Genetic and Hormonal Factors Included in Assessment

Male-pattern hair loss, also known as androgenetic alopecia, and female-pattern hair loss are commonly associated with genetic and hormonal factors. These conditions may appear before middle age. Early signs may include a gradually receding frontal hairline, thinning at the crown, finer hair strands or widening of the hair parting. Because these changes often develop gradually, early signs may be mistaken for stress, insufficient rest or unsuitable haircare products.

Dr. Leung Kin Hei, medical adviser to FastMed, said: “Hair loss can involve a range of underlying causes. General haircare products may help cleanse the scalp or improve hair appearance, but hair loss associated with genetic or hormonal factors requires a clearer understanding of hair loss type and possible causes. A structured assessment process can support more appropriate follow-up decisions.”

Evidence-Informed Ingredient Information

FastMed’s online consultation support may also provide medical information on commonly discussed ingredients for hair loss, based on assessment findings. For androgenetic alopecia, ingredients commonly referenced in medical literature and supported by regulatory approval include finasteride and topical minoxidil. Finasteride is the active ingredient in prescription medicines such as Propecia and Damocare, while topical minoxidil is commonly found in external hair growth products such as Regro and Regaine.

Suitability, method of use and potential risks vary across ingredients. Prescription medicines in particular should only be considered following medical assessment. FastMed’s service is designed to support appropriate information provision and assessment-based follow-up, rather than product selection based solely on advertising, online reviews or brand claims.

Online Process Supports Privacy and Convenience

Hair loss is common, but concerns about appearance, confidence and privacy may delay medical support. FastMed’s online process allows information to be submitted through a digital pathway before doctor assessment. Where appropriate following assessment, the platform may arrange relevant support, medication advice, delivery or follow-up.

Dr. Leung added: “Hair loss concerns may affect confidence, social interaction and emotional well-being. Medical support is not intended to create anxiety. A structured assessment process can help clarify possible causes, reduce reliance on unverified online information and support more informed follow-up decisions.”

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About FastMed HK

FastMed is a medical platform providing online doctor consultations and delivery support. The platform supports access to appropriate medical information and follow-up arrangements in a private, convenient and compliant manner, with assessments conducted according to individual circumstances.