Latest news with #NVI
Bangkok Post
2 days ago
- Health
- Bangkok Post
Thailand hosts ASEAN vaccine security, workforce dialogue
Bangkok, August 19, 2025 — Thailand, through the National Vaccine Institute (NVI) in collaboration with the Ministry of Public Health, the ASEAN Secretariat, and international partners, hosted the ASEAN Vaccine Security and Self-Reliance (AVSSR) meeting to advance the region's strategy for vaccine security and self-reliance. The objective was to translate ASEAN's vaccine strategy into concrete outcomes and promote sustainable regional cooperation. The meeting also reviewed progress under the ASEAN Vaccine Security and Self-Reliance Strategic Plan (2021–2025). In addition, NVI partnered with the International Vaccine Institute (IVI), with support from the World Bank, to organize a vaccine workforce development program for ASEAN countries for the second consecutive year. The training was held on August 20,2025 at the Mandarin Hotel, Bangkok. On 19 August, NVI, together with the Ministry of Public Health and the ASEAN Secretariat, convened the ASEAN Meeting on the AVSSR: Reviewing Progress and Advancing the Strategic Action Beyond 2025. Participants included senior health officials and representatives from ASEAN Member States, UNICEF, IVI, the World Bank, the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI), the Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunization (GAVI), the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), experts from the Regionalized Vaccine Manufacturing Collaborative (RVMC), and the National University of Singapore (NUS). More than 90 participants attended, both in person and online. The meeting was opened by H.E. Mr. San Lwin, Deputy Secretary-General of ASEAN for ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community, and Dr Opart Karnkawinpong, Permanent Secretary of Ministry of Public Health. H.E. San Lwin commended ASEAN Member States for their commitment to the AVSSR Strategic and Action Plan (2021–2025), which has strengthened capacity-building, advanced the ASEAN Vaccine Dashboard, and promoted regional cooperation. With the plan nearing completion, discussions also addressed the next five-year framework (2026–2030), aimed at enhancing regional collaboration, strengthening vaccine security, and preparing ASEAN for future health threats. Dr Opart expressed gratitude to the World Bank and IVI for their continuous support, noting that this collaboration has enabled ASEAN members to advance the AVSSR agenda over the past five years. He stressed that the meeting provided a vital opportunity to review achievements and shape future directions for vaccine security and self-reliance in ASEAN. The meeting discussed key agenda items, including a review of the implementation over the past five years (2021–2025) to evaluate the achievements of the AVSSR Strategic Plan and Action Plan in various areas, such as vaccine policy development, capacity-building of personnel, and the establishment of cooperation networks among ASEAN member states. The meeting also considered approaches to further strengthen, broaden, and sustain vaccine-related work in ASEAN, ensuring effective preparedness for future health challenges. In addition, participants deliberated on the direction and strategic plan for the next five years (2026–2030), with the aim of elevating ASEAN's role on the global stage, emphasizing enhanced intra-regional cooperation as well as expanding partnerships at the international level. Member states endorsed the proposed strategic plan. On 20 August, NVI and IVI held the AVSSR Vaccine Human Resource Development Program 2025: Building Resilient Vaccine Policies for Epidemic/Pandemic Readiness: ASEAN Perspectives in Global and Regional Contexts, supported by the World Bank. Over 90 participants from the public and private sectors attended this event, focusing on policy for epidermic/ pandemic preparedness. Dr Jerome Kim, Director General of IVI, noted that the program emphasized knowledge-sharing and policy approaches, helping shape practical guidelines for vaccine security at both national and regional levels. Additionally, Dr Nakorn Premsri, Director of NVI, highlighted that this event was the 2nd AVSSR training and underscored the important of capacity-building activity in the AVSSR strategy. He concluded by appreciating ASEAN and international partners for their support, emphasizing that the dialogue and training not only advance strategies but also strengthen partnerships to drive vaccine security and self-reliance across the region.
Hans India
6 days ago
- Automotive
- Hans India
Renault India's new'R store debuts in Andhra Pradesh with inauguration in Vijayawada
Continuing its bold journey under the renault. rethink. brand transformation strategy, Renault India, a fully owned subsidiary of the French carmaker Renault Group, inaugurated its new'R store in Vijayawada, marking a debut of its new and modern retail identity in Andhra Pradesh. The roll-out is part of Renault India's brand experience and transformation strategy to align with evolving customer expectations, blending design innovation, digital integration, and customer-first service. Speaking on the occasion, Francisco Hidalgo, Vice President Sales & Marketing- Renault India Pvt. Ltd., said, "Andhra Pradesh is a priority market for us with the encouraging response our products have received in the state. The opening of the new'R store in Vijayawada is a step forward in scaling up our business expansion under the renault. rethink. strategy, which focuses on delivering outstanding customer experiences while showcasing Renault's global brand values tailored to local aspirations. As we continue to expand our footprint, we intend to set new benchmarks in automotive retail.' The new'R store in Vijayawada spans across 21,720 sq. ft., with total showroom area of 5,400 sq. ft. The vast expanse of the facility has dedicated 5 car display and a delivery bay to offer a seamless buying experience for customers. With this expansion, Renault India reinforces its commitment to offering world-class customer experiences across India, through cutting-edge store design, innovative layouts, and an enhanced car buying journey. The new'R store is set to deliver Renault's New Visual Identity (NVI), featuring a sleek black façade and an updated logo designed in line with global standards making the urban car dealership more inviting and futuristic. The redesigned layout offers ample room for customers to explore the vehicle from all angles, creating an immersive experience and comfortable environment for customers. Designed to offer seamless and modern car buying experience to customers, the new'R store is developed as per Renault's global retail standards, blending style, comfort, and accessibility to prospective customers in Vijayawada.
Time of India
02-07-2025
- Automotive
- Time of India
Renault India launches its first new'R stores in Madhya Pradesh
Renault India has inaugurated two new'R stores in Indore and Sagar, marking the debut of its next-generation showroom concept in Madhya Pradesh, under the ' renault . rethink.' strategy. According to the company's statement, the launch is a key step in Renault's brand experience evolution, aimed at offering a digitally enhanced, design-led, and customer-centric retail environment aligned with global standards. Francisco Hidalgo, Vice-President, Sales & Marketing , Renault India, said, 'Madhya Pradesh has always been a priority market for us. The opening of our new'R stores in Indore and Sagar reflects our focus on delivering superior customer experiences while expanding our footprint under the 'renault. rethink.' strategy.' He also shared that two more new'R stores will be launched soon in India. The new'R store concept features Renault's New Visual Identity (NVI), including a sleek black façade, redesigned logo, and immersive layout that places vehicles at the heart of the space. Customers benefit from premium seating, dedicated consultation zones, and a welcoming lounge, ensuring a smooth and engaging car-buying journey. Strategically located for maximum accessibility, the stores reflect Renault's long-term vision to build a future-ready retail ecosystem in India, blending global brand values with local aspirations.
Bangkok Post
30-06-2025
- Health
- Bangkok Post
Fighting Health Misinformation in the Digital Age
The National Vaccine Institute (NVI), in collaboration with the Vaccine for the People Foundation and partner agencies, launched a special forum titled 'Misinformation Spreads Faster Than Disease – Check Before You Click, Think Before You Share' to raise public awareness about vaccine safety and digital media literacy. The event featured a panel discussion with medical, law enforcement, and communication experts aiming to build immunity against online fake news and promote responsible digital behaviour. Held on 26 June 2025 at the Thailand Healthcare 2025 event hosted by the Matichon Group at Samyan Mitrtown, the exhibition and forum encouraged critical thinking in the digital space while providing accurate information on vaccines. The initiative underscores NVI's commitment to fostering informed media consumption and strengthening public trust in science and health communication. Panel speakers included Pol. Col. Neti Wongkulab, Deputy Commander of the Technology Crime Suppression Division, Central Investigation Bureau (CIB); Lt. Col. Dr. Atthasit Dul-amnuay, forensic medicine specialist at Bhumibol Adulyadej Hospital; Dr. Songkiat Udompornwattana, senior paediatrician at Buddhachinaraj Hospital and founder of the Facebook page Infectious ง่ายนิดเดียว (Infectious Made Easy); Mr Peerapon Anutarasoat, Fact-Checker and Manager at Sure And Share Centre, Thai News Agency, MCOT; Assoc. Dean Dr. Warat Karuchit from the Faculty of Planning and Development at NIDA; and Dr. Nakorn Premsri, Director of NVI. The session was moderated by Ms Savika Kanchanamas. Speakers addressed a range of issues, from health misinformation and distorted online content to exaggerated dietary supplement claims. Pol. Col. Neti urged the public to avoid becoming victims or accomplices in spreading fake news, reminding attendees that distributing false information is punishable under the Computer Crime Act with up to five years in prison or a fine of 100,000 baht. Offences can be reported via hotline 1111 (press 87). Lt. Col. Dr. Atthasit warned that health-related misinformation is more dangerous than a pandemic. He advised verifying any death-related claims with reliable sources such as hospitals or official agencies and reaffirmed that vaccines are the only medication that benefits both individuals and society. Dr. Songkiat highlighted the speed at which misinformation spreads and likened vaccines to the body's soldiers, emphasising the rigorous development process they undergo. Mr Peerapon categorised health misinformation into advice and warnings, urging the public to be wary of overly dramatic claims and to verify before sharing. Dr. Nakorn discussed how vaccine misinformation contributes to public hesitancy, especially among high-risk groups, and warned that sharing unverified claims may carry legal consequences. Assoc. Dean Dr. Warat concluded by addressing misleading supplement advertisements, noting their ethical implications and potential risks to life and public health. The forum ultimately called for collective vigilance, encouraging the public to question content, verify sources, and act responsibly when engaging with health information online.
Int'l Business Times
23-06-2025
- Business
- Int'l Business Times
NewVines International Founder on How Shifting Cultural Mindsets Can End Generational Poverty in Africa
In most parts of Sub-Saharan Africa, the roots of poverty run deep. Virgil Hughes, founder of NewVines International (NVI), has spent the last decade working with communities in Kenya, Uganda, and the Ivory Coast. His conclusion? To truly break the cycle of poverty, funding alone isn't enough. What's required is a profound shift in mindset, as well as in culture. "It took me a while to realize it," Hughes reflects. "But what we're really seeing is culture change and mindset shift. That's what breaks generational poverty. You can't provide enough money to fix this. People need to be encouraged to do it themselves." This faith-based nonprofit headquartered in Virginia operates on that exact premise. Through biblically grounded teachings, financial training, and deep engagement with local churches, NVI empowers individuals not just to improve their financial conditions but to fundamentally rethink their relationship with work, money, and responsibility. The tight-knit communal cultures of rural Africa evolved from necessity. In regions threatened by natural predators and economic instability, mutual resilience became essential for survival. That has fostered beautiful traditions of sharing and interdependence. And, along with that, unintended barriers to financial independence. "In many African communities, there's an unspoken expectation that people should unconditionally share whatever they have," Hughes explains. "While interdependence plays an important role in communal living, without boundaries, people can become dependent and mired in poverty, keeping everyone at the lowest level." Hughes offers the example of a woman with a professional job. Her family knows exactly when she gets paid. And by the next day, her paycheck is gone, handed out to relatives. She's left with nothing, and no one is expected to explain how they used her hard-earned money. "That mindset," he explains, "is a cultural artifact of survival-based living, but it doesn't work in a modern economy driven by fiat currency. It becomes a system where no one is able to build financial security." Another cultural challenge lies in the absence of clear property rights or personal responsibility. Hughes recounts a story of a young man who damaged a leader's property. Despite the costly repairs, there was no expectation for the man to repay any of the damages. "The cultural issue was not who caused the damage, but who's most able to actually pay for it. That kind of thinking removes personal accountability and reinforces a cycle where actions have no consequences," he states. Rather than impose Western cultural norms, NVI takes a different approach, bringing biblical wisdom into the center of community development. "We're not exporting American values. It wouldn't make sense for us to. Instead, we're sharing biblical principles and then working with people to apply those principles in their cultural context," Hughes explains. At the heart of NVI's approach is a spiritual reframing. For example, Proverbs 31 becomes a practical roadmap for transformation. Hughes recounts how one woman in the Adopt-a-Widow program said, "You've taken us from being Proverbs 14 women, foolish and making poor decisions, to being Proverbs 31 women: wise and full of purpose." Women's Business Group, Rural Ivory Coast Christian ethics, Hughes argues, are inherently conducive to financial flourishing. Integrity, accountability, wise stewardship, and generosity are all teachings that translate into long-term stability. But, he says, these must be taught and internalized. "Biblical ethics are by their very nature development-oriented," Hughes says. "Through these teachings, individuals internalize a sense of right and wrong. And this alters the foundational relationship with money, work, and even others." NVI's work is grounded in shifting a 'victim mindset' toward a belief in self-empowerment, particularly important in post-colonial societies where people still carry the psychological weight of historic oppression. Hughes explains, "You don't just 'get over' colonization in one generation. But what we're seeing through our training is that people are beginning to say: I can do something about my future. And that itself is a huge mental leap." Its training is highly practical. NVI teaches people to save, budget, and make intentional financial choices. "We had men stand up and say they didn't realize gambling was wrong," Hughes shares. "They were wasting money without even thinking about it. Our teachings helped them become aware." One of NVI's budgeting principles is "Give yourself a small reward, but only after you've set money aside for your bills and emergencies." These teachings are changing daily habits and bringing structure to lives where survival has been the only priority. NVI's programs currently reach many churches across western Kenya and eastern Uganda. Its most notable initiative, Adopt-a-Widow, allows donors to sponsor women who have lost their husbands, often survivors of abuse or severe poverty. For $50 a month, donors help fund a kitchen garden and NVI training. After a year, participants begin small businesses, supported by 'Table Banking' and communal savings groups. Hughes recently visited one of these groups. He says, "What I found was stunning. Women who once described themselves as 'in darkness' were now running small businesses and teaching budgeting to their grandchildren. One woman said she no longer spends a shilling on vegetables; she grows and sells her own." These groups, Hughes notes, are self-reinforcing. Once people start to experience change, they support each other. "They don't need us as much anymore. That's the goal," he adds. With centers in Kenya, Uganda, and The Ivory Coast already thriving, NVI is expanding efforts into Togo and Tanzania. "Our goal," Hughes says, "is to create hubs of transformation where people can come, receive training, and take it back to their own communities. We're here to equip Africans to uplift Africa." Truly, NVI is untangling the deep-rooted cultural narratives that keep people locked in poverty. "This isn't about imposing a new culture," Hughes says. "It's about revealing truths that lead to flourishing and watching people rediscover their dignity, their responsibility, and their given potential." That's the mission Virgil Hughes and NewVines International are living out one village, one training, and one mindset at a time.
