MSD launches IDEA Studios to fund healthcare innovation in Asia, Europe

Bimla Bissell, a well-connected social secretary to four American ambassadors to India, passed away at 92 due to complications of diabetes. She played a crucial role in organizing diplomatic events, including Jacqueline Kennedy's visit to India, and was known for her vast social network and political astuteness. Bissell's influence extended beyond diplomacy, as she also founded Delhi's first progressive preschool, leaving behind a legacy as a guiding light for newcomers and a unique citizen-diplomat for...

The TikTok ban was implemented due to concerns of Chinese government exploitation for spying or influencing US public opinion. Despite briefly shutting down, TikTok is back in service in the US with Oracle's support. While existing users can access the app, new downloads and updates are unavailable on Apple and Google stores due to the ban, with violators facing penalties. Full Article

In response to TikTok's parent company ByteDance, Donald Trump has signed an executive order granting a 75-day extension to sell its US stake or face a ban. Trump warned China against interfering and threatened tariffs if a deal is blocked. Marketers are advised to adapt to the changing social media landscape, diversifying platforms to mitigate risks and remain visible to audiences. Full Article

Instagram, owned by Meta, has introduced Teen Accounts in Singapore with enhanced safety features such as limited contact options and filtered content. These private accounts for teenagers include restrictions on tagging and a 60-minute daily usage limit. Parents can monitor their teens' activity and set usage parameters, including a Sleep Mode that silences notifications overnight. Full Article

Singapore’s Global Energy Trading and Towngas have signed an MOU to develop green methanol supply solutions for the shipping industry in Asia, with Towngas producing green methanol from biomass and municipal waste in Inner Mongolia. Global Energy, owning dedicated bunkering tankers for methanol, aims to provide a one-stop bunkering solution and advisory services for compliance. Towngas plans to expand production bases in China to achieve an annual capacity of 1m tonnes, aiming to accelerate the...

In 2024, the education technology industry underwent a transformative period, redefining the intersection of education and technology. The key shifts included the widespread integration of AI tools like ChatGPT, personalized learning becoming a reality, a focus on skills-based learning over traditional credentials, and the maturity of remote learning models. Lessons learned included the importance of AI integration, data-informed design, flexibility in learning journeys, and prioritizing accessibility. Moving forward, the industry must maintain a focus on...