Many countries in Asia are reporting a sharp rise in flu cases. The intensified rainy season is fueling transmission and creating ideal conditions for rapid spread. In a single week, Thailand recorded more than 30,000 new cases.1 Meanwhile, Japan declared a nationwide flu epidemic on 3 October after confirming more than 6,000 patients that week.2

Flu Wave Hits Southeast Asia, Highlighting Gaps in Protection for the Elderly

The Philippines has also surpassed epidemic thresholds, with a 10% increase in private hospital admissions.3 In response, all public schools in Metro Manila suspended face-to-face classes on 13-14 October.4 Similar upward trends have also appeared in Taiwan and Singapore, reflecting a broader regional surge.5,6

Health experts warn that older adults are most at risk of severe flu complications including pneumonia and heart attacks, hospitalization, and even death. This concern is growing as Southeast Asia’s population ages rapidly. The World Health Organization (WHO) projects that the proportion of people aged over 60 in the region will nearly double, from 12.2% in 2024 to 22.9% by 2050.7 Despite the rising need for protection, influenza vaccination coverage among the elderly remains low, leaving millions at higher risk of severe illness each flu season.

Recognizing this gap, Sanofi, in collaboration with the Vietnam National Institute for Control of Vaccines and Biologicals (NICVB) and the Malaysian Society of Infection Control and Infectious Diseases (MyICID), organized a regional webinar titled “Shielding Golden Years: The Power of Flu Vaccines for Older Adults.” The event gathered leading experts and engaged nearly 700 healthcare professionals across Southeast Asia.

Dr. Steven C.L. Lim, MD, MRCP, President of the MyICID, emphasized that older adults are the most vulnerable to severe outcomes from influenza due to aging immune response, frailty, and comorbidities. “The flu virus infection exacerbates underlying chronic medical conditions, leading to an increased risk for hospitalization and death. Influenza vaccination should be part of standard care for the elderly, especially those with chronic diseases,” he said.

Assoc. Prof. Pham Quang Thai, MD, MPhil, PhD, Head of the Expanded Immunization Office for the Northern Region of Vietnam, highlighted that “among older adults in Vietnam, annual influenza hospitalizations are 154% higher, and mortality rates 700% higher than those in the 50 to 64 age group. However, vaccination coverage among adults aged 65 and above remains low at just 5.55%, far below the WHO target of 75%.8“

Flu Wave Hits Southeast Asia, Highlighting Gaps in Protection for the Elderly

“Flu vaccines offer meaningful protection against severe outcomes such as hospitalization and complications in this vulnerable population,” said Prof. Sasisopin Kiertiburanakul, MD, MHS, Vice President of the Infectious Disease Association of Thailand (IDAT). “The priority is ensuring that older adults choose the right vaccines available to prevent serious flu-related outcomes.” She called for stronger awareness and regional collaboration to improve vaccine access and better protect Southeast Asia’s aging population.

Flu Wave Hits Southeast Asia, Highlighting Gaps in Protection for the Elderly

Dr. Ruby Dizon, Head of Medical for Sanofi Vaccines Southeast Asia & India, emphasized: “As the global leader in advanced influenza prevention solutions, Sanofi’s commitment is to deliver Protection Beyond Flu. We ensure people have access to vaccines with proven better protection against influenza infection and its severe complications. By raising the bar in influenza prevention, we are striving to set new standards in public health as we move closer to our vision.”

¹ Thailand Sees Spike in Flu and RSV Cases as Rainy Season Hits
² As the Flu Surges in Asia, Could Getting Sick Year-Round Be the New Normal? | TIME
³ Health group to LGUs: Secure flu vaccines for seniors | Philippine News Agency
⁴ Flu-like illness: Metro Manila onsite classes suspended | Philstar.com
⁵ Flu visits up 13.5% to over 150,000 last week: CDC – Focus Taiwan
⁶ Some Singapore clinics see spike in flu cases amid weather changes, weak
precautionary practices – CNA
⁷ www.who.int/southeastasia/health-topics/ageing
⁸ www.who.int/news-room/feature-stories/detail/understanding-drivers-of-influenza-vaccine-uptake

In a recent episode of Breakfast with Champions, legendary cricketer and Head Coach Rahul Dravid brought critical attention to an often-overlooked element of peak athletic preparation: oral health. Drawing on his experience at the highest level of competitive sport, Dravid highlighted how meticulous attention to the “smallest things” now defines the pursuit of excellence, confirming that oral health is fast becoming recognized as an essential factor in achieving and maintaining superior sporting performance.

Rahul Dravid’s Game-Changing Advice for Every Athlete

YouTube Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zfSsMO8gw_w

Dravid emphasized that in modern, high-stakes competitions, success hinges on securing the slightest advantage, or the “1% margins”. He asserted that dedication to physical condition now extends to every detail of an athlete’s well-being, especially oral health.

Winning in sport begins with healthier everyday habits, like good oral health, says cricket legend Rahul Dravid

Dravid cited the example of elite global sport, noting that Hansi Flick, the coach of FC Barcelona, made oral health checkups compulsory for athletes, alongside their physical requirements. This decision underscores a growing global trend to elevate oral care from basic hygiene to an indispensable component of performance fuel. “You don’t necessarily think about this, but when I read that and read the research around it, it makes absolute sense. If you’re going to look after yourself as a professional athlete, you’ve got to look after your oral health as well,” Rahul Dravid said.

Reflecting on his own career, Dravid underscored this crucial link, “Even looking after sometimes the smallest things can impact your performance and can make a difference in your performance…people are going to that level of attention and that level of detail looking after everything whether it’s oral hygiene or nutrition everything makes a difference.“

Proactively maintaining optimal oral health is vital to eliminating potential distractions and physical impediments, providing the competitive advantage athletes constantly seek. The strategy is clear: Prevent Problems. Perform Better.

Rahul Dravid’s compelling message serves as a timely reminder that for athletes striving for top performance, oral health goes beyond basic hygiene, it can quietly contribute to giving a competitive edge.

Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), Bengaluru is bringing back Open House. After two immensely successful editions, the Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), Bengaluru is all set to host Open House 3.0 on Saturday, November 8, 2025, at its vibrant Yelahanka campus.

Open House 3.0: Discover future-ready education at MAHE Bengaluru campus

Open House 3.0 transforms the university into a living roadmap to the future, where every corner tells a story and every interaction inspires discovery. Reflecting on the event, Pro Vice-Chancellor Dr. Madhu Veeraraghavan observes, “Open House 3.0 offers a glimpse into what future-ready education truly feels like; where students and parents not only explore our new-age programmes but experience the vibrant pulse of our academic community.” Hear more from him and the leadership team as they address the gathering between 2:00 PM and 3:30 PM.

Visitors can expect a power-packed day filled with hands-on workshops, performances, and immersive activities across MAHE’s constituent institutions, each offering a glimpse into the learning and life that define the MAHE spirit. Walk through the campus as it comes alive with live jam sessions, flash mobs, student showcases, and engaging faculty interactions. 

Insights into Future-Ready Learning Across MAHE Bengaluru
From Management and Media to Technology and the Humanities, MAHE Bengaluru’s Open House 3.0 offers a unique window into the depth and interdisciplinarity of its academic landscape. Each school invites visitors to experience how innovation, collaboration, and creativity come together to shape future-ready learning aligned with new trends in education and emerging career pathways.

At T. A. Pai Management Institute (TAPMI-BLR), leadership meets legacy through the Family Business League, where students and parents collaborate to solve real-world business challenges. The TAPMI Student Museum extends this spirit of experiential learning, featuring student-led projects and internship innovations. Meanwhile, engineering excellence takes center stage at the Manipal Institute of Technology (MIT-BLR), with live demonstrations on Autonomous Mobility and AR/VR labs showcasing how future engineers are designing intelligent, immersive worlds. At the Department of Commerce (DOC), finance turns dynamic through Fin-Analytics: The Case Study Challenge and Dunk Your Investment, which bring data-driven decision-making and gamified investing to life. Adding a scientific edge, the Manipal Institute of Regenerative Medicine (MIRM) engages visitors with quizzes, puzzles, and model-making that ignite curiosity in the world of biomedical innovation.

Creativity and critical thinking converge at the Department of Liberal Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences (DLHSS) through workshops in Dance Movement Therapy, Visual Storytelling, and Mapping the World through Social Sciences, alongside vibrant student showcases exploring empathy, art, and social change. At the Manipal Law School (MLS), visitors can witness the excitement of a live Moot Court and test their knowledge through a Pop Quiz on Legal Curiosities. The Manipal Institute of Art, Design and Technology (SMI) completes this creative journey with Designing Workshops and Screen Printing Studios, inviting participants to transform ideas into stories that inspire.

Offering just a snapshot of what’s in store for the Open House, these highlights reflect the energy and creativity that define MAHE Bengaluru. MAHE Bengaluru Open House 3.0 is an invitation to see, explore, and experience what the future of learning looks like.

Register Now: admissions.manipal.edu/lp/maheblr/open-house

About Manipal Academy of Higher Education Bengaluru (MAHE B’LRU)
Established in 1953, Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) is an Institution of Eminence and a Deemed to be University. With a remarkable track record in academics, state-of-the-art infrastructure, and significant research contributions, MAHE has earned recognition and acclaim both nationally and internationally. In October 2020, the Ministry of Education, Government of India, honoured MAHE with the prestigious designation of Institution of Eminence Deemed to be University. Currently ranked 3rd in the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF), MAHE is the preferred choice for students seeking a transformative learning experience.

MAHE Bengaluru, an off-campus of MAHE, excels in delivering comprehensive education to students, supported by highly qualified faculty, and dedicated mentors. The MAHE Bengaluru campus has an inspiring, future-relevant learning ecosystem, on a new-age tech-enabled living campus. Here, the students immerse themselves, transform, and discover multiple choices and opportunities. At MAHE Bengaluru, the potential for growth and the opportunities available are boundless.

Shapoorji Pallonji Real Estate (SPRE), one of India’s most trusted real estate developers, has unveiled ‘Coexistence with Flora & Fauna’, an immersive, handcrafted mural that celebrates the township’s nature-first philosophy and transforms biodiversity into art.
 

Installation at VANAHA
 

Positioned in VANAHA’s sales gallery near Bavdhan, Pune, the mural stands as a symbolic expression of the township’s core belief that modernity and nature can coexist seamlessly.
 

Handcrafted by some of India’s most accomplished artisans, the mural brings VANAHA’s ecological wealth to life. Each hand-carved blossom, bird, and leaf mirrors the real flora and fauna thriving within the township, making every detail an ode to nature’s resilience and diversity.
 

When unveiling the mural, Mr Sriram Mahadevan, CEO of Shapoorji Pallonji Real Estate and Managing Director of Joyville Shapoorji Housing, said, “At Shapoorji Pallonji Real Estate, we see sustainability not as an element but as the essence of our design philosophy. With ‘Coexistence with Flora & Fauna’, we aimed for every visitor at VANAHA to experience the township’s thriving ecosystem. We want people to feel that harmony and balance are possible when we build with nature, not against it.”
 

More than an artistic installation, the mural redefines the role of a sales gallery. It introduces visitors to VANAHA’s ecological philosophy, turning the first encounter into an experience of harmony between design and biodiversity.
 

At VANAHA, architecture and ecology are deeply interwoven. The township spans 1,000 acres, of which over 350 acres are dedicated to open green spaces. Home to more than 400 species of flora and fauna, VANAHA extends SPRE’s legacy of building environments that nurture human well-being while preserving natural balance.
 

VANAHA by Shapoorji Pallonji Real Estate is one of Pune’s largest integrated townships, offering thoughtfully designed residential, commercial, and retail spaces. The township features premium lifestyle amenities, including a state-of-the-art clubhouse, gym, spa, multi-purpose courts, landscaped gardens, and panoramic views of the Oxford Golf Course – ranked among Asia’s top five and Pune’s only private 18-hole golf course.
 

VANAHA is strategically located near major IT hubs like Hinjewadi, Mahalunge-Mann Hi-Tech City Park, and Baner. This gives it immense appeal for professionals. Its location is further enhanced by proximity to renowned educational institutions, such as FLAME University and Symbiosis International University. It is also near multi-speciality hospitals and established commercial centres. The acclaimed Oxford Golf Course, ranked among Asia’s top five, further elevates the project’s lifestyle quotient.
 

Recently, SPRE launched VANAHA Verdant, offering 2 and 3-BHK apartments. To date, the company has sold over 2000 apartments worth Rs. 1800 crores. These sales include both the mid-segment (Yahavi and Springs) and premium developments (Golfland phases 1 & 2) within the township.
 

With upcoming infrastructure upgrades, including, the Mumbai-Pune Expressway Missing Link, the proposed 10-lane Mumbai-Bangalore National Highway, the 6-lane Paud-Mahad corridor, the new 8-lane flyover at Chandni Chowk, and the 14-lane Ring Road, VANAHA is poised to become one of Pune’s most well-connected and future-ready addresses.
 

About Shapoorji Pallonji Real Estate (SPRE)
Shapoorji Pallonji Real Estate is a well-regarded, reputed player in the Indian real estate sector owing to its cutting-edge design innovation, construction quality, and architectural excellence. It constitutes a significant segment of the Shapoorji Pallonji Group, an enormous multi-business conglomerate. The group has more than 160 years of legacy that bridges the earliest celebrated structures of India and the modern marvels. With a development potential of over 130 million square feet, SPRE has made inroads into most Indian cities—Mumbai, Pune, Bangalore, Gurugram, and Kolkata – with a variety of developments, from luxury apartments and opulent residences to aspirational homes for mid-income homebuyers as well as one of the largest mass housing projects in India.
 

Link to the website: shapoorjirealestate.com.

Few leaders have redefined the meaning of leadership with both strength and empathy quite like Anne Jakkaphong Jakrajutatip. A pioneering entrepreneur and the force behind the transformation of the Miss Universe Organisation into a global platform of inclusivity and empowerment, Anne continues to inspire through her vision, courage and reinvention. Today, she embraces a new chapter of leadership rooted in motherhood and nurturing the next generation. A devoted mother to her children, she embodies a leadership journey grounded as much in family as in global influence.
 

Motherhood in high heels: Anne Jakrajutatip proves that raising a gentleman starts with leading by example: elegant, bold, and deeply kind
 

Anne made history as the first Thai transwoman billionaire and the visionary who brought the Miss Universe Organisation under her leadership. Her acquisition of the global pageant in 2022 marked a defining moment for the industry. Under her guidance, Miss Universe evolved into a platform that celebrates diversity, empowerment and modern womanhood. She broke long-standing barriers by welcoming married women, mothers and transwomen to participate, ensuring that the competition reflects the diversity and strength of women around the world.

Through JKN Global, Anne led the acquisition of Miss Universe, Miss USA and Miss Teen USA pageant organisations in October 2022, becoming both the first woman and the first transwoman to own the Miss Universe Organisation. Her leadership not only reshaped global pageantry but also set a new precedent for inclusivity in the world of entertainment and business.

With more than two decades of experience in media and business, Anne’s influence extends far beyond the stage. In 2019, she received the Asia Media Woman of the Year award at the Content Asia Summit in Singapore, becoming the first Thai and transgender woman to receive this honour. Her commitment to creating opportunities is evident through the Life Inspired Foundation Thailand, established in 2019, which has provided hundreds of scholarships and opened doors for young people to pursue their dreams. This initiative reflects her belief that empowerment begins with access to education and opportunity.

 As a transgender woman and influential business leader, Anne has consistently used her voice to advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and gender equality. She has spoken openly about her personal journey and transformation, describing herself as “a live example” for those who dare to live authentically. Through her advocacy and example, she has become a symbol of courage, authenticity and representation for millions around the world.

Anne is now entering a new and deeply personal phase in her life. A devoted mother of two children, she has chosen to dedicate her time to raising them and shaping their future. For her, this new role signifies not a step back from leadership but a natural evolution of it. “Leadership is about creating impact where it matters most,” Anne shares. “For me, that begins with my children and the values I want to pass on to them.”

Her journey illustrates how the essence of leadership continues to evolve – from commanding boardrooms and global platforms to inspiring change within one’s home. She demonstrates that influence is not confined to public recognition but can also thrive through quiet acts of care and guidance.

Anne’s story is a powerful reflection of how leadership can be both purposeful and personal. It represents the balance between strength and compassion, showing that success is not only measured by corporate milestones but also by the values one instils in others.
 

It highlights how authenticity and empathy can redefine traditional notions of influence. And most importantly, it reaffirms that true legacy is built through purpose, love and courage.
 

Through her continued journey, Anne Jakkaphong Jakrajutatip stands as an enduring example of how leadership, at its core, is an act of the heart—one that continues to inspire the world with both power and grace.
 

About Anne Jakrajutatip
Anne Jakrajutatip is a Thai entrepreneur, media executive, and philanthropist recognized for inclusive leadership and advocacy in gender equality. Her work spans content, culture, and community initiatives, advancing empowerment and representation across Asia and beyond.

Sistema.bio, a global leader in biogas technology, financing, and services for family farmers, announced the addition of Next Bharat Ventures (NBV), the Impact Fund created by Suzuki Motor Corporation in India, to its group of strategic investors and partners.

Bio-gas Implemented at Rural India

NBV’s investment will accelerate Sistema.bio’s expansion across India, support the launch of new agricultural and energy solutions, and strengthen the company’s overall growth trajectory.

Established in 2024, Next Bharat focuses exclusively on impact enterprises in India, backing entrepreneurs creating large-scale change across India 2 and India 3. With this partnership, NBV and Sistema.bio aim to advance agritech, enable financial inclusion, strengthen rural supply chains, and decarbonize agricultural value chains.

“Sistema.bio is a perfect match for Next Bharat Ventures’ mission to back entrepreneurs building scalable, innovative businesses that serve the ‘Next Billion’ Indians. By joining forces, we strengthen the last mile: Sistema.bio not only delivers groundbreaking biogas technology, but also ensures robust customer service that can reach millions of farmers in rural areas,” said Vipul Jindal, Managing Director, Founder & CEO of Next Bharat Ventures.

The investment will boost Sistema.bio’s manufacturing capacity, accelerate R&D, and drive the development of new product lines. This includes advanced materials, IoT-enabled solutions, and digital MRV technologies to improve current offerings and maintain leadership in biogas innovation.

“We are thrilled to welcome Next Bharat to our strategic partners and investor group. Beyond the strong alignment in values and impact, this partnership unlocks exciting opportunities to merge Suzuki’s innovation capabilities with our 15 years of experience working alongside family farmers worldwide,” said Alexander Eaton, CEO & Co-founder of Sistema.bio.

For more, visit www.sistema.bio.