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A Swedish University crowned World's Best, Asia ascends and UK Shines as US drops LONDON, Nov. 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- QS Quacquarelli Symonds, global higher education experts, have released the 2026 edition of the QS World University Rankings: Sustainability. Lund University in Sweden has taken the top spot for the first time. University of Toronto drops to second place, followed by UCL up to third. This year, 2000+ universities are featured across 106 higher education systems.The US is most represented (240 universities), followed by China (163), the UK (109), India (103) and France (76). Top-10 2026 2025 1 =3 Lund University Sweden 2 1 University of Toronto Canada 3 =5 UCL UK 4 =7 The University of Edinburgh UK 5 =5 University of British Columbia Canada 6 =39 LSE UK =7 =7 Imperial College London UK =7 =12 UNSW Sydney Australia 9 =15 McGill University Canada 10 =9 The University of Manchester UK Ben Sowter, QS Senior VP, said, "The publication of the QS Sustainability Rankings arrives at a pivotal moment. With only 17% of the 169 global Sustainable Development Goals on track for delivery in 2030, the need for accelerated action on environmental and social challenges has never been clearer." Overview University of California, Berkeley (11th ), remains top in the US. NYU joins the top-20. The UK has the most institutions in the top 10, top 50, and top 200. Canada has the world's highest concentration of top-10 universities (7%) UNSW Sydney re-enters the top-10 (7th). Four Australian universities are in the top-20. Université Paris-Saclay (45th) is the only French university among the top-50. Germany boasts 65 ranked universities, led by Universität Hamburg (46th) Delft University of Technology (35th) is the Dutch leader 58 Spanish universities are featured in this edition, led by Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (83rd) Seoul National University (37th) becomes Asia's top-performer, overtaking The University of Tokyo (48th). China adds more institutions than any other system - 49 new entries—nearly double its closest competitor, India (+26). Fudan University is the highest ranked (140th). IIT Delhi remains India's best performing institution (205th). National University of Singapore (69th) and Nanyang Technological University (99th) are tied in first for Environmental Research Universidade de São Paulo is the only Latin American university in the top-200 (90th). South Africa boasts all four of Africa's top-ranked universities. University of Cape Town leads (59th) American University of Beirut retains highest rank in the Arab Region (176th) The complete rankings are available here.
Canadian Cancer Society report highlights global progress on key tobacco control measures TORONTO, Nov. 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- An international report released today by the Canadian Cancer Society (CCS) reveals ongoing progress for tobacco plain packaging and graphic picture warnings worldwide. The CCS report, titled Cigarette Package Health Warnings: International Status Report, details global developments on plain packaging, ranks 212 countries and territories on the size of their health warnings on cigarette packages, and lists the 140 countries and territories that now require graphic picture warnings. The report also highlights Canada's and Australia's groundbreaking move to require health warnings printed directly on every individual cigarette—first implemented in Canada in 2024 and in Australia in 2025. Plain packaging – global progress Plain packaging means cigarette packages can't display brand colours, logos or design elements, and must use a standard shape and colour, making all brands look the same. Guidelines under the international tobacco treaty, the World Health Organization (WHO) Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO FCTC), recommend that countries consider implementing plain packaging on cigarette packages. Presently, 44 countries and territories are actively moving forward with plain packaging, with 27 having adopted the measure, 3 having it in practice, and 14 in the process of implementation. "Plain packaging is a key measure to protect youth and to reduce tobacco use," says Rob Cunningham, Senior Policy Analyst, CCS. "Plain packaging – which acts as a mini-billboard – strips brands of their allure, an allure that prompts many youth to begin smoking. It is encouraging that an increasing number of countries have adopted this measure. The sooner more do so, the sooner more lives will be saved." The 27 countries/ territories that have adopted plain packaging is up from only 9 in 2018 and from 25 in 2023. Australia was the first country to implement plain packaging in 2012. Plain packaging has since been implemented in France (2016), United Kingdom (2016), Norway (2017), Ireland (2017), New Zealand (2018), Saudi Arabia (2019), Turkey (2019), Thailand (2019), Canada (2019), Uruguay (2019), Slovenia (2020), Belgium (2020), Israel (2020), Singapore (2020), Netherlands (2020), Denmark (2021), and Guernsey (2021), Hungary (2022), Jersey (2022), Finland (2023), Mauritius (2023), Oman (2024), Georgia (2025) and Myanmar (2025), with implementation to be required in Iceland (2027) and Syria (2027). Graphic picture warnings – a key measure The 140 countries and territories that now require picture health warnings on cigarette packages is an increase from 117 in 2018 and 138 in 2023. This represents 66% of the world's population. Canada became the first country in the world to require picture health warnings in 2001. "It is essential that large graphic picture health warnings be used on cigarette packaging – they work," says Cunningham. "A picture says a thousand words and vividly conveys the devastating health effects of tobacco, and the larger the size, the better. A larger warning is more impactful and more memorable. The more countries that implement large picture health warnings, the bigger the global public health benefit will be." In total, 130 countries and territories have required warnings to cover at least 50% of the package front and back (on average), up from 107 in 2018 and 24 in 2008. There are now 77 countries and territories with a size of at least 65% (on average) of the package front and back, and 11 with at least 85%. The top countries ranked by warning size as an average of the front and back of the package are: 92.5% East Timor (Timor-Leste) (85% of front, 100% of back) 92.5% Turkey (85%, 100%) 90% Gambia (90%, 90%) 90% Maldives (90%, 90%) 90% Nepal (90%, 90%) 90% Vanuatu (90%, 90%) 90% Mauritius (80%, 100%) 87.5% New Zealand (75%, 100%) 85% Hong Kong (S.A.R., China) (85%, 85%) 85% India (85%, 85%) 85% Thailand (85%, 85%) The United States ranks 175 in the world, tied for last. Cigarette package warnings are an extremely cost-effective way to increase awareness of the negative health effects of smoking and to reduce tobacco use. Health ministries determine the content of health warnings, and tobacco companies pay the printing cost. Guidelines under the WHO FCTC recommend that warnings should: be as large as is achievable; include a rotated series of graphic pictures; be at the top of both the front and back of packages. Picture warnings are especially valuable for countries where there are higher rates of illiteracy and where governments may have few resources. As depicted in the report, examples of graphic picture warnings include a diseased lung or mouth, a patient with lung cancer in a hospital bed and a child being exposed to second-hand smoke. "Warnings directly on individual cigarettes simply cannot be ignored," adds Cunningham. "This innovative measure reaches every person who smokes every day, in every community, with every cigarette and with every puff. The measure is even more important in some low-income countries where cigarettes are often sold individually without a package. The successful implementation of this approach by Canada and Australia will provide an example for other countries to do the same." The release of today's report aligns with the 11th session of the Conference of the Parties to the WHO FCTC, taking place November 17-22, 2025, in Geneva, Switzerland. The report supports the WHO FCTC's implementation, which mandates that all parties have health warnings covering at least 30% of the principal display areas and should cover at least 50% of the display areas, and may include picture warnings. Currently, the FCTC has 183 parties. This marks the 9th Canadian Cancer Society international report on cigarette packaging and health warnings, following previous publications in 2008, 2010, 2012, 2014, 2016, 2018, 2021 and 2023. Cigarette Packaging and Warnings report in English Cigarette Packaging and Warnings report in French About the Canadian Cancer Society The Canadian Cancer Society works tirelessly to save and improve lives. We raise funds to fuel the brightest minds in cancer research. We provide a compassionate support system for all those affected by cancer, across Canada and for all types of cancer. Together with patients, supporters, donors and volunteers, we work to create a healthier future for everyone. Because to take on cancer, it takes all of us. It takes a society.
SINGAPORE and NEW YORK, Nov. 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- At the recently concluded 2025 World Chinese Language Conference, global education technology company LingoAce announced the forthcoming publication of its Chinese learning textbook series, Ace Chinese, in collaboration with Peking University Press (PUP). Designed for overseas learners aged 5-12, including both Chinese heritage and multicultural children, Ace Chinese marks the first comprehensive textbook formally published by an online Chinese education brand. Its launch signifies a meaningful milestone in LingoAce's long-term commitment to international Chinese education, reflecting years of sustained investment in curriculum R&D, classroom practice, and technology-enhanced learning, as well as recognition from one of the most respected academic publishers in the field. The collaboration between LingoAce and PUP builds on a long-standing partnership. As early as 2021, the two organizations signed a strategic cooperation agreement, initiating copyright collaborations on reading materials and other content projects. During the 2024 World Chinese Language Conference, they further deepened their ties by signing the publication agreement for Ace Chinese. By combining PUP's academic expertise in language education publishing with LingoAce's extensive learner data and frontline teaching experience across the globe, the two parties have been exploring an innovative pathway that integrates EdTech with academic publishing. "Peking University Press has always been dedicated to advancing Chinese language education worldwide," Xiaoxia Deng at PUP, speaking at the New Book Launch Session of the Conference. "Our collaboration with LingoAce demonstrates how academic rigor and innovative educational technology can together support the next generation of global Chinese learners. We believe the publication of Ace Chinese marks an important milestone for the international Chinese language education." "This partnership embodies our shared mission to bring authentic and effective Chinese learning experiences to students worldwide," said Hugh Yao, Founder and CEO at LingoAce and Editor-in-Chief of Ace Chinese. "By placing learners first, Ace Chinese integrates pedagogy, technology, and culture—moving beyond teaching language skills to nurturing curiosity, identity, and global competence." The textbook series draws upon PUP's extensive expertise in Chinese language pedagogy while integrating LingoAce's insights from teaching over 400,000 learners across more than 100 countries. Each unit blends clear linguistic progression, cross-cultural understanding, and digital-age adaptability—helping students not only learn the Chinese language, but also connect with its cultural context. Built around real-life contexts such as family, school, festivals, and community, the series adopts thematic and project-based learning, to help children acquire language naturally through listening, speaking, reading, and writing. It aligns with ACTFL, YCT, and HSK standards, while referencing Common Core, AP, and IB frameworks to ensure global relevance and consistency. Each level includes core textbooks, workbooks, flashcards, placement tools, and digital audio materials, forming a complete learner-centered ecosystem. The series will first be rolled out across LingoAce's AI-powered global classrooms upon publication, driving the company's next phase of curriculum and content innovation. "Language learning should not be about rote repetition—it should be an immersive and meaningful experience," said Dr. Xiaoqiu Xu, Vice President of Academics at LingoAce and Editor-in-Chief of Ace Chinese. "In developing this series, we drew on heritage and second-language acquisition theories, as well as cross-cultural education research. From vocabulary distribution and topic selection to visual storytelling, every design choice follows children's natural language development patterns." The New Book Launch Session at the 2025 World Chinese Language Conference also featured Bo Liu, Head of Chinese Curriculum at LingoAce and Associate Editor-in-Chief of Ace Chinese, who presented the series' academic design and LingoAce's experience in global Chinese education. By focusing on learners' real needs and global learning contexts, LingoAce continues to upgrade its curriculum and content ecosystem—bridging academic excellence, technology, and cultural connection to empower every learner to succeed as a global citizen. About LingoAce LingoAce is a global education technology company on a mission to make learning for kids more engaging, effective, and accessible through technology. Founded in 2017, the company is headquartered in Singapore and has global operations throughout the United States, Southeast Asia, Europe, and China. Backed by the world's top investors, including Peak XV Partners (formerly Sequoia India & Southeast Asia), Owl Ventures, Tiger Global, and Shunwei Capital, LingoAce has a roster of more than 5,000 professionally certified teachers and has taught more than 20 million classes to PreK-12 learners in more than 100 countries. In 2023, LingoAce was named to Fast Company's World's Most Innovative Companies list and the GSV EdTech 150 list of the world's most transformative EdTech companies for the second year in a row. In 2025, LingoAce won the EdTechX Asia Pacific Award, and was also recognized on the 2026 GSV 150 list for the third time. Learn more about LingoAce: https://www.lingoace.com/.
HONG KONG, TOKYO and BANGKOK, Nov. 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- On-us, a global FinTech and AI-powered B2B2C incentive platform, and Valuedesign, Japan's leading prepaid and digital gift card infrastructure provider, are proud to announce a strategic partnership to expand cross-border reward experiences across Asia. The collaboration integrates Valuedesign's extensive network of over 800 premium Japanese merchant brands into On-us' Smart E-Voucher ecosystem, enabling outbound travelers from Mainland China, Hong Kong SAR, Taiwan region, Thailand and Malaysia to access curated rewards at more than 100,000 points of sale. Through this partnership, On-us empowers collaborating banks, insurers, and loyalty programs with a broader variety of cross-border rewards, enabling the launch of real-time travel reward campaigns for card schemes. Personalized Smart E-Vouchers with curated, localized merchant choices are delivered instantly to travelers abroad for in-store redemption without app downloads and registration. This creates a seamless reward experience that incentivizes card spending and deepens campaign engagement. By connecting Valuedesign's merchant network with On-us' platform, the collaboration delivers value across the entire ecosystem of customers, merchants and marketers. Travelers enjoy elevated travel journeys with seamless access to authentic Japanese brands, transforming rewards into instant and memorable local experiences. Japanese merchants and brands are opened to a direct channel to attract high-value overseas customers, gaining footfall and incremental spend through On-us' global marketer network. For financial institutions, card schemes and loyalty marketers, the partnership offers a differentiated incentive strategy to drive engagement and spending, leveraging seamless, cross-border reward experiences powered by On-us' Smart E-Voucher technology and Valuedesign's extensive merchant network. Meanwhile, Valuedesign gains access to On-us' regional merchant network and a customer base of more than 50 million across Hong Kong and Southeast Asia, strengthening its reward presence across Asia. This partnership creates a more efficient and scalable cross-border digital incentive infrastructure, benefiting merchants by reducing operations friction through reduced manual processes and training needs. Together, On-us and Valuedesign accelerate cross-border engagement through a unified, data-driven approach that unlocks new strategic growth for brands across the region. Shuji Hayashi, CEO of Valuedesign, highlighted "We are excited to partner with On-us to bring greater convenience and accessibility to travelers worldwide. This collaboration allows Japan's top brands to connect directly with overseas customers, delivering seamless, instant, and culturally enriching reward experiences." Dennis Shi, Founder and CEO of On-us, remarked, "This partnership marks a milestone in building a truly borderless reward ecosystem. By integrating On-us' FinTech innovation with Valuedesign's merchant network, we empower financial institutions and loyalty programs to offer instant, personalized rewards while providing real-time behavioral insights to deepen engagement and predict customer needs." Together, On-us and Valuedesign are setting a new benchmark for cross-border reward innovation in Asia. The partnership underscores the shared vision of building a connected, frictionless reward ecosystem that strengthens regional commerce and redefines how brands engage global travelers, driving the next wave of digital loyalty transformation. About ValuedesignValuedesign is Asia's leading provider of tailored gift card solutions, offering end-to-end services in card design, distribution, and technology integration. With headquarters in Japan and operations across India and Thailand, Valuedesign partners with more than 800 brands through over 100,000 touchpoints. About On-usOn-us is a Global B2B2C Incentive platform that leverages FinTech, data and behavioral AI, designed to elevate consumer loyalty engagement and unlock maximum value for marketers, merchants and customers. Through omni-channel APIs and data-driven campaigns, we empower businesses to strengthen customer engagement while maximizing ROI. Trusted by financial services providers, people management teams, blue-chip property developers, non-profit organizations, and SMEs, our platform delivers sustainable sales growth and seamless integration, driving success across industries. For more information, please visit: https://www.on-us.com/about or follow our Linkedin for latest updates.
SINGAPORE, Nov. 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Blue Planet Environmental Solutions, a Singapore-headquartered sustainability company pioneering technology-driven, IP-based waste management and upcycling solutions, today announced a strategic investment from Novo Holdings, a leading global investor focused on advancing planetary health, sustainability, and environmental stewardship. A panoramic look at Blue Planet’s circular waste infrastructure advancing Zero Waste to Landfill. Founded in 2017, Blue Planet has developed an integrated platform for circular waste management that combines proprietary technologies, data analytics, and operational expertise to convert waste into valuable resources. Its group portfolio includes Zigma (India), Wah & Hua (Singapore), Smart Environmental (New Zealand) and few others delivering end-to-end solutions across landfill remediation, recycling, biofuel generation, and e-waste processing. The investment from Novo Holdings strengthens Blue Planet's technology-driven model and supports its commitment in building a circular, low-carbon economy in high-growth markets. The partnership will enable the company to expand sustainable infrastructure across India, Southeast Asia, New Zealand, and Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) markets, deepen operational synergies across its regional network, and continue strategic, M&A-driven growth in identified segments. It will also reinforce initiatives in carbon credit generation, circular resource management, ESG-linked innovation, and development of environmentally friendly products from landfill waste. Madhujeet Chimni, Founder and Chairman, Blue Planet Environmental Solutions, said: "We are excited to partner with Novo Holdings, whose global sustainability expertise aligns with our vision of building scalable, responsible waste solutions. This investment strengthens our strategic expansion into Southeast Asia and GCC markets, and enables continued M&A-driven growth in priority segments. It positions Blue Planet to deliver measurable social and economic impact while advancing Zero Waste to Landfill across the regions we serve." Prashant Singh, Co-Founder and CEO, Blue Planet Environmental Solutions, said: "This partnership empowers us to continue our strong focus on innovation across our platform and deploy advanced waste valorisation technologies, including converting landfill materials into high-value products such as pellets and cladding. It also supports our mission to expand sustainable infrastructure and develop data-driven circular models that reduce environmental footprints, drive resource efficiency, and create long-term value for industries and cities." Deepa Hingorani, Partner and Head of Asia, Planetary Health Investments, Novo Holdings, commented: "The rapid pace of urbanisation across Asia is intensifying the need for sustainable and context-specific waste solutions. Blue Planet exemplifies the type of knowledge-driven, impact-oriented platform that promotes resource efficiency and circularity. We are impressed by the company's vision and execution and look forward to supporting its continued growth." About Blue Planet Environmental Solutions Founded in 2017, Blue Planet Environmental Solutions is a Singapore-headquartered company pioneering regional sustainability through technology-driven and IP-based, end-to-end waste management and upcycling solutions. Operating across Southeast Asia, India, the UK, and New Zealand, Blue Planet's activities include landfill reclamation, hazardous and e-waste recycling, biogas production, and energy recovery. Blue Planet's mission is to create scalable circular ecosystems that extract higher value from waste, reduce environmental footprints, and enable a resource-efficient economy, advancing its vision of Zero Waste to Landfill.www.blueplanet.asia About Novo Holdings Novo Holdings is a holding and investment company responsible for managing the assets and wealth of the Novo Nordisk Foundation. Its purpose is to improve people's health and the sustainability of society and the planet by generating attractive long-term returns on the Foundation's assets. Wholly owned by the Foundation, Novo Holdings is the controlling shareholder of Novo Nordisk A/S and Novonesis A/S (formerly Novozymes A/S) and manages an investment portfolio with a long-term return perspective. In addition to managing a broad portfolio of equities, bonds, real estate, infrastructure, and private equity assets, Novo Holdings is a world-leading life sciences investor. Through its Seed, Venture, Growth, Asia, Planetary Health, and Principal Investments teams, Novo Holdings invests in life sciences companies at all stages of development. As of year-end 2024, Novo Holdings had total assets of EUR 142 billion.www.novoholdings.dk
Investment reinforces Novo Holdings' Planetary Health strategy to scale technologies that enable a cleaner, more resource-efficient planet SINGAPORE, Nov. 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Novo Holdings, a leading global life sciences and sustainability investor, today announced the completion of its investment in Blue Planet, a fast-growing integrated waste management platform with operations across India, Southeast Asia, and New Zealand. The investment aligns with Novo Holdings' Planetary Health strategy to back scalable businesses that address urgent environmental challenges and enable a circular economy. Building a Circular Waste Platform Across AsiaBlue Planet specialises in waste valorisation, transforming municipal, commercial, industrial, and electronic waste into high-value materials and energy resources. Through its portfolio of companies, including Zigma in India, Wah & Hua in Singapore, and Smart Environmental in New Zealand, the company delivers end-to-end waste solutions spanning landfill reclamation, recycling, biofuels, and e-waste processing. Blue Planet will use the new investment from Novo Holdings to drive business growth, strengthen synergies across its operations, and expand its leadership in sustainable waste management. The company aims to accelerate the deployment of innovative recycling, energy recovery, and carbon credit initiatives, while deepening its operational presence in high-growth markets across Asia. Deepa Hingorani, Partner and Head of Asia, Planetary Health Investments, Novo Holdings, said:"The growing pace of urbanisation is creating a pressing need for fit-for-purpose solutions to sustainably manage different types of waste, from household and commercial to electronic. Blue Planet exemplifies our focus on knowledge-driven solutions that promote resource efficiency and circularity. As a leading platform in this space, it applies deep technical know-how to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and unlock economic value from waste. We are impressed by the founders' vision and the management team's execution, and look forward to combining our expertise and networks to help make Blue Planet a best-in-class platform." Madhujeet Chimni, Founder & Chairman, Blue Planet Environmental Solutions, said: "We are delighted to welcome Novo Holdings as a strategic investor. Their deep expertise in sustainability, long-term investment philosophy, and global network make them an ideal partner as we enter our next phase of growth. Together, we aim to advance waste valorisation technologies and build a truly circular business that delivers value to communities and the environment." About Blue Planet Blue Planet is an integrated waste management platform committed to extracting higher value from waste through circular and technology-enabled solutions. The company operates across Southeast Asia, India, UK and New Zealand, with diversified activities spanning landfill reclamation, hazardous and e-waste recycling, biogas production, and energy recovery. Blue Planet's mission is to reduce the environmental footprint of waste by creating scalable, sustainable waste-to-resource ecosystems.www.blueplanet.asia About Novo HoldingsNovo Holdings is a holding and investment company responsible for managing the assets and wealth of the Novo Nordisk Foundation. The purpose of Novo Holdings is to improve people's health and the sustainability of society and the planet by generating attractive long-term returns on the assets of the Novo Nordisk Foundation. Wholly owned by the Foundation, Novo Holdings is the controlling shareholder of Novo Nordisk A/S and Novonesis A/S (formerly Novozymes A/S) and manages an investment portfolio with a long-term return perspective. In addition to managing a broad portfolio of equities, bonds, real estate, infrastructure, and private equity assets, Novo Holdings is a world-leading life sciences investor. Through its Seed, Venture, Growth, Asia, Planetary Health, and Principal Investments teams, Novo Holdings invests in life sciences companies at all stages of development. As of year-end 2024, Novo Holdings had total assets of EUR 142 billion.www.novoholdings.dk
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