In vitro studies: Xlear kills and/or deactivates SARS-CoV-2

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 30 -- New in vitro studies led by renowned authority on respiratory diseases conclude that Xlear nasal spray is “an effective...and replicable means to deactivate SARS-CoV-2...to an undetectable amount of infectious virus.”

This is “validated by two independent sets of experiments, performed by different labs, on different viral strains...” The Virucidal studies were independently funded.

In vitro studies: Xlear kills and/or deactivates SARS-CoV-2: In vitro studies: Xlear kills and/or deactivates S

Taiwanese e-bikes riding high with strong industry chain

 

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 26 -- With the international e-bike market being driven by Europe as demand for e-bikes among seniors in the EU market increases, the average unit price of e-bikes exported to the EU from Taiwan has also risen significantly by 36.7 per cent, creating an increase in the overall export value of e-bikes.

Taiwan's export structure, apart from Europe, is led by exports of e-bikes to North America and in 2019 reached 144 thousand units in volume, ranking first in terms of growth of export value among all regions.

The rising awareness of environmental protection and the popularisation of leisure and fitness concepts, e-bikes have become a new model of ‘green transportation’ due to their various advantages, such as power saving and zero pollution.

Since the rise of the sharing economy, the Taiwanese bicycle industry was hit hard as the overall export value of Taiwanese bicycles slid downward. However, e-bikes have experienced ‘a rise in both volume and price’ recently.

According to a  statement, the Taiwanese bicycle industry stresses quality over quantity as well as pursuing high-tech and high-value-added products. It has also greatly affected the development of global bicycle technology.

In recent years, Taiwan's two major bicycle brands - Giant and Merida - have actively developed e-bike products, to satisfy the global demand.

Giant, whose bicycles are currently sold in over 50 countries with over 10,000 distributors globally, has been developing power-assisted bicycles since 1999. It was also the first brand to bring power-assisted bicycles into the European market.

Founded in 1972, Merida Industry Co Ltd has also been targeting the trend of e-bikes. This year, Merida launched the eONE-SIXTY and has again won the Taiwan Excellence Silver Quality Award due to its variety of unique designs.

-- BERNAMA

Maiden transnational employment reality show explores socialist development

 

Caption: International employees in Hani terrace in Yunnan province

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 27 -- Co-produced by Mango Excellent Media, Mango TV and Discovery, the first transnational employment reality show, THE DAY I RAN CHINA II is currently on hit.

The show invited 10 foreign youth with different nationalities, career and professional background to explore the ‘Kungfu’ that China adopted for poverty alleviation in the countryside, and witness China's achievements in building a moderately prosperous society in 2020.

According to a statement, it depicted a vivid image of China's economic development and building a moderately prosperous society through opening-up to the whole world.

By visiting Hunan, Zhejiang, Sichuan, Guizhou, Guangxi, Yunnan, Ningxia and Inner Mongolia, they travelled a long journey through coastland, inland, plateaus, basins, mountains and grasslands.

With ‘RAN’ as the keyword this season, the show well presented the fruits of rural vitalisation, on account of adopting measures according to local conditions and formulating suitable policies regarding poverty alleviation by extending their advantages and avoiding the disadvantages.

In Zhangyi county, Hunan province, the international youth experienced the life of ‘Internet farmer celebrity’ whereby, phones became their new farm tools, and broadcasting turned to be their new farm work.

Meanwhile, in Hani terrace, Yunnan province, they discovered the poverty alleviation model of tourism with local characteristics and witnessed how the agricultural heritage became alive.

THE DAY I RAN CHINA II presented the rich fruits of ‘targeted poverty alleviation’ through the foreign youth's perspective and depicted a vivid view of China's prosperous society, helping the whole world see and feel more of the extraordinary features and power of China.

-- BERNAMA

10KW+ LASER CUTTING MACHINE MADE A SALES RECORD OF 260 SETS, BODOR LASER CONSTANTLY SURPRISES THE MARKET

SHANDONG, China, Nov 24 (Bernama-GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The spring of 2020 is different. A sudden epidemic has stopped us from all kinds of progress. The world is shrouded in the haze of the epidemic, and the COVID-19 epidemic has become a matter of concern to everyone. There is no doubt that the outbreak of this epidemic has brought a great blow to the world economy. In this context, “high efficiency” has become the overall demand of manufacturing and processing in several major industries such as heavy machinery, urban rail transit, high-speed rail and new energy etc. 

With its excellent performance, 10kW+ laser cutting machine has gradually become the darling of the market and has been adopted by the majority of metal processing enterprises. As one of the fastest-growing companies in the laser industry, Bodor Laser has also taken part in this activity. Bodor Laser's 10kW+ products have become a representative of new productivity in the field of laser cutting by virtue of wider and deeper processing range, stronger cutting ability and higher processing efficiency. Since the Bodor Laser 10kW+ laser cutting machine was put into the market, it has repeatedly created industry sales miracles.

Until the beginning of November 2020, the sales volume of Bodor Laser 10kW+ products have achieved 260 units, the sales of 20kW have exceeded 20 units, the 30kW equipment has reached the world's first batch of contracts, and the world's first 40kW laser cutting machine has achieved its world premiere at the same time.

On September 4th, the Bodor Laser's 40kW ultra-high power fiber laser cutting machine made its global debut at the Bodor Laser Innovation and Research Center, in order to define the future pioneering posture and achieve a new high point in the laser cutting industry.

http://mrem.bernama.com/viewsm.php?idm=38779

Bitcoin Latinum announces official pre-sale launch

Bitcoin Latinum (Photo: Business Wire)

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 25 -- Bitcoin Latinum, the next-generation Bitcoin fork capable of massive transaction volume, digital asset management, cyber security, and capacity is announcing its official pre-sale launch.

It will trade under the symbol LTNM with a total supply of 888,888,888 LTNM [verifiable by LTNM] and is now available for pre-sale on bitcoinlatinum.com and will be available on exchanges in 2021, according to a statement.

Bitcoin Latinum announces official pre-sale launch: Bitcoin Latinum announces official pre-sale launch

PETRONAS RECEIVES CORPORATE NATION-BUILDING AWARD AT THE INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON NATION-BUILDING 2020

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 25 (Bernama) -- PETRONAS was recently announced as the recipient of the Corporate Nation-Building Award in the Private Sector category by Thailand’s Nation-Building Institute International (NBII), at a virtual ceremony in Bangkok.

The ceremony was organised in conjunction with The International Conference on Nation-Building (ICNB) 2020, themed “Nation-Building in the Pandemic New Normal” and was hosted by the NBII and the Nation-Building Institute Malaysia (NBIM).

The Nation-Building Awards are given to individuals and organisations from tri-sectors (government, private and people sectors) that contribute meaningfully to the society as well as nation-building in an impactful manner. They aim to create inspiration for those that dedicate their lives to the cause of public interest.

In commemorating the recognition, PETRONAS President and Group Chief Executive Officer Tengku Muhammad Taufik’s acceptance speech was broadcasted at the event.

“As Malaysia’s national oil company, PETRONAS was entrusted with the responsibility of managing and maximising the nation’s hydrocarbon resources for the benefit of the nation. In the past 46 years, we remain grateful that our growth has been synonymous with the growth of Malaysia. We strive to continue to become the nation’s pride at the global stage.”

PETRONAS RECEIVES CORPORATE NATION-BUILDING AWARD AT THE INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON NATION-BUILDING 2020

Australia's new Humanigen entity facilitates Asia-Pacific growth plans

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 24 -- Humanigen Inc (Humanigen), a clinical stage biopharmaceutical company has established Humanigen Australia Proprietary Limited (Humanigen Australia Pty Ltd) to facilitate Asia-Pacific growth plans.

Through the establishment, Humanigen intends to assess potential partnering opportunities, facilitate clinical development programmes, and conduct other corporate and business development activities in the region.

According to a statement, the first of these was announced on Nov 3, with the execution of a licensing agreement for lenzilumab for South Korea and the Philippines.

“Humanigen’s expansion strategy in COVID-19 includes conducting regional clinical trials, local manufacturing, partnering and potential early market entry,” said Humanigen Head of Asia-Pacific Region, Bob Atwill.

“Some of these opportunities may allow Humanigen Australia Pty Ltd to benefit from certain financial and tax incentives offered by the Australian government, including a potential 43.5 per cent rebate on eligible research and development expenditures.”

The clinical trials that are ongoing, or in advanced planning in Australia comprise lenzilumab in cancer patients who are COVID-19 positive and have pneumonia as part of the C-SMART (COVID-19 Prevention and Treatment in Cancer; a Sequential Multiple Assignment Randomized Trial).

The C-SMART study is led by the National Centre for Infections in Cancer at Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre and will be conducted at five Australian sites in Melbourne and Sydney.

In addition, Humanigen is in advanced planning for a Phase 2 study of lenzilumab in combination with azacitidine in newly-diagnosed chronic myelomonocytic leukemia (CMML) patients who express NRAS/KRAS/CBL mutations.

More details at www.humanigen.com.

-- BERNAMA

ZHEJIANG LOGISTICS CONNECTS MALAYSIA

2020 Zhejiang Service Trade Online Exhibition (Malaysia-Logistics Service Session) - Coming soon

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia, Nov 23 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- 2020 Zhejiang Service Trade Online Exhibition (Malaysia-Logistics Service Session), hosted by Zhejiang Department of Commerce and undertaken by Zhejiang Samexpo Exhibition & Convention Holdings Co., Ltd, is going to be taking place from 23th November to 25th November by ZOOM.

In order to promote the sustained and stable development of the foreign trade economy in Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang Department of Commerce has been committed to cooperating with overseas enterprises to help them open up trade channels. Malaysia is strategically located in the heart of the 10-member Group of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), playing a key role in global logistics and links, and creating enormous business opportunities. Malaysia has more than 50 maritime ports of different sizes, among which Penang, Port Klang and Tanjung Pelepas are world famous ports. According to the World Bank's logistics capability Ranking in 2014, Malaysia ranks 27th in the world in six aspects: border inspection efficiency, transport infrastructure development level, logistics price competitiveness, logistics service quality, cargo tracking ability and on-schedule delivery ability. At present, Malaysia is building a core logistics center and striving to become a logistics giant in ASEAN with broad space for cooperation. The strong economic development momentum of Malaysia will greatly promote the development of the logistics field and directly stimulate the demand for logistics transport-related equipment and technical services in the fields of land transport, air transport and sea transport in Malaysia, which will be an excellent opportunity for Chinese logistics related enterprises to enter the Malaysian and ASEAN markets.


http://mrem.bernama.com/viewsm.php?idm=38750

QED Investors enters Indian, Southeast Asian market with new hiring

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 20 -- QED Investors, a leading boutique venture capital firm has entered the Indian and Southeast Asian market, hiring Sandeep Patil to lead its investments within the region.

With the addition of Patil, QED will expand its global footprint, adding India and Southeast Asia to existing work in North America, South America and the United Kingdom. 

Founded in 2007, QED Investors has invested in more than 120 companies, including 13 unicorns, and has over US$1.8 billion under management. (US$1 = RM4.089)

Notable investments include Nubank, SoFi, Credit Karma, Klarna, GreenSky, Avant, Flywire, Remitly, QuintoAndar, Creditas, ClearScore and Konfio, according to a statement.

“QED has evaluated entering the Asian continent closely and we are excited to welcome Sandeep to help us invest in the best fintech companies the market has to offer,” said QED Investors Co-Founder and Managing Partner, Nigel Morris.

QED is known for its singular focus on fintech and its more than 200 years of operator experience. Patil added significant depth in both areas and helped launch consumer and SME lending business at Flipkart and contributed to its fundraise and eventual sale to Walmart.

He was the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer for India at Truecaller where he directed Adtech, Payments, FinTech, SME/Enterprise and Developer businesses, which doubled the company’s revenues and achieved net income profitability despite the pandemic. 

Additionally, with Patil, QED has recruited Camila Key Saruhashi as a Principal based in San Francisco and Adams Conrad as a Principal in New York.

-- BERNAMA

SNOMED CT SUPPORTS NEW ZEALAND'S CANTERBURY DISTRICT HEALTH BOARD REALIZE VISION OF A DATA DRIVEN, CONNECTED AND INTEGRATED HEALTH SYSTEM

 

LONDON, Nov 24 (Bernama-GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- SNOMED International has released a series of videos that demonstrate the value that a healthcare system is deriving from implementing and using SNOMED CT, the world’s most comprehensive clinical terminology.

The first chapter of the SNOMED CT Value Series, which focuses on New Zealand’s Canterbury District Health Board (CDHB), highlights the advances the organization has made in realizing its vision of a connected, integrated system that supports the country’s Healthy Ageing strategy and enables it to better serve its population. Acting Executive Director Planning, Funding and Decision Support, Ralph La Salle offers that “an integrated health system is essential for the health outcomes of the Canterbury population and quality data with thorough analysis leads to shared clinical insights and new ways of working collectively to optimise this integration.”

Carolyn Gullery, who at the time of filming was the Executive Director, Planning, Funding and Decision Support for the CDHB, said New Zealand’s commitment to becoming a SNOMED International Member in 2007 was the beginning of a positive change for a healthcare system that was, like so many others across the globe, under extreme financial and performance-related pressure. She explains that in 2007, while its primary care system was thriving, its hospital system was struggling. Canterbury needed a better picture of its current situation and a way to predict the future needs of its 578,000 residents.

Harnessing the power of data analytics
Key to that goal, she noted, was the ability to use data and analytics to understand why people were ending up in the health system, who they were and how to intervene more effectively to reduce the demand on the system and provide better care for patients. By using SNOMED CT as part of its core infrastructure, and its Healthcare Analytics Solution (HCAS), a software tool that applies natural language processing to the unstructured text-based data in a clinical record, the health boards were able to code their existing data to SNOMED CT and then demonstrate to clinicians the power of using those codes to analyze that data. It is estimated that approximately 80 percent of health data is unstructured, and can represent text, photos, X-rays, voice/video recordings, slides and emails, among other types of health data.

By building a series of systems that act as an integrated health platform, CDHB managed to use the same number of beds in 2019 as it did in 2007 for a population that over 12 years had grown by 80,000. Canterbury representatives also observed a 30 percent lower emergency department use and a 30 percent lower acute medical admission rate than the national average, meaning New Zealanders are less likely to end up in the hospital in Canterbury than in any other part of the country.

Reducing manual labor for clinicians
According to Dr. Nigel Gilchrist, a Canterbury physician, the organization had also struggled to identify vertebral spine fractures and identify patients who may not have received care for those fractures. By using SNOMED CT to search 13,000 X-ray reports as part of a pilot project involving West Coast DHB patients, the organization found that one-third of relevant patients had been treated, another third had not, and the remaining third had been misclassified.

“We now identify over 200 new vertebral fractures every month,” he explained. “SNOMED CT has enabled us to identify specific case mixes that would otherwise take someone a long time to do manually.” In fact, the organization saved more than a year of a clinician’s time.

Interoperability across platforms
Another benefit of using SNOMED CT is its interoperability across the healthcare district’s best-of-breed applications. “We need to be sure we’re speaking the same language when we use data, and if we move it around, it’s got to mean the same thing in one place as in another,” said Dr. Saxon Connor, a Canterbury physician.

Other Canterbury clinicians say they are most excited by SNOMED CT’s ability to help two different clinical tools – an electronic medical record system and a pathways tool – talk to each other via a SNOMED CT code linked to diagnoses, and by the ability to search for pathways and find hierarchies.

“In the past, we had to go through our pathways manually and put keywords on them so people could find them, and with SNOMED we get all those synonyms for free,” said Kieran Holland, Clinical Lead for New Zealand’s HealthPathways Programme, an online clinical guidance tool. “It has improved the user search experience.”

SNOMED CT: a piece of the digital health ecosystem as CDHB realizes multiple benefits

• 30 percent lower emergency department use than the national average
• 30 percent lower acute medical admission rate than the national average
• Held 2019 bed use to same numbers as in 2007 while serving a population that had grown by 80,000
• Identified vertebral fracture patients who had not received care or whose cases had been misclassified
• Saved a year of clinician time by automating previously manual processes
• Interoperable across best-of-breed system
• Ability to link clinical tools via a SNOMED code
• Ability to search for pathways and hierarchies and improved user search experience

There is more energy than ever in rolling out SNOMED CT as a key clinical information standard for an equitable New Zealand health and disability system, one that is data-driven and digitally enabled and SNOMED International’s CEO, Don Sweete, recognizes the dedication of New Zealand’s implementation efforts. “Canterbury is a great example of the breadth of maturity that SNOMED CT offers from data coding, data analysis, and ultimately the ability to apply artificial intelligence to already structured SNOMED CT data. It’s an end to end example of the benefit of SNOMED CT.”

New Zealand’s focus over the next few years is on primary and community care, where users are migrating their systems from Read Codes to SNOMED CT as they introduce new models of care and supporting software.

Watch the Value Series to learn more about SNOMED CT and New Zealand, a founding SNOMED International Member represented by the Ministry of Health Manatū Hauora.

About SNOMED International
SNOMED International is a not-for-profit organization that owns and develops SNOMED CT, the world's most comprehensive healthcare terminology product.  We play an essential role in improving the health of humankind by determining standards for a codified language that represents groups of clinical terms.  This enables healthcare information to be exchanged globally for the benefit of patients and other stakeholders. We are committed to the rigorous evolution of our products and services, to deliver continuous innovation for the global healthcare community.  SNOMED International is the trading name of the International Health Terminology Standards Development Organisation. Learn More...

Kelly Kuru
Chief Communications Officer
SNOMED International
kku@snomed.org 

SOURCE : SNOMED International

World Internet of Things Exposition 2020 takes off in Wuxi, China

The Award Ceremony of 2020 WIoT "New Technologies, New Products and New Applications" Results Selection

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 23 -- The World Internet of Things Exposition (WIoT) 2020 Innovation Achievement Conference and China Enterprise Strategic Investment Summit were recently held in Wuxi, China, which is also the closing event of the WIoT 2020.

Themed ‘The New World of the Internet of Things, 5G Wins the Future’, the conference differs from the previous centralised exhibition.

The current expo lasted 104 days and adopted a new mode of two-line mutual integration.

New forms such as ‘Cloud Exhibition, Cloud Forum, Cloud Release, and Cloud Technology’ will create a panoramic, all-weather, multi-dimensional industry event on the Internet of Things, according to the organising committee of World Internet of Things Expo in a statement.

In addition, the 2020 WIoT ‘New Technologies, New Products and New Applications’ results selection has solicited 1,625 results from the world, involving over 20 countries including Switzerland, Ireland and more than 20 provinces and cities including Beijing and Shanghai.

The declared companies include Fortune 500 companies such as Siemens, Bosch, Huawei, JD, Infineon and Ericsson.

More than 30 academicians from worldwide with over 4,000 corporate executives, and 1,053 companies participated in the expo.

Among them, the ‘Haichuang Jiangnan’ Internet of Things Innovation and Entrepreneurship Competition made its debut at the expo with 481 projects from 15 countries signed up for the competition.

-- BERNAMA

1 MILLION+ GLOBAL PARTICIPANTS EXPECTED TO JOIN 3RD ONLINE RALLY OF HOPE

 Saturday, November 21, 2020 (7:30 p.m. EST/4:30 p.m. PST)

Global leaders and citizens come together for peace based on ideals of interdependence, mutual prosperity and universal values

Special Performance to honor Korean War veterans and commemorate 70^th anniversary of the Korean War


WASHINGTON, Nov 23 (Bernama-GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Universal Peace Federation (UPF) is announcing that a third global Rally of Hope will be held this weekend, featuring world leaders who see new opportunities for peacebuilding in all sectors of society.

The online rally will be held simultaneously worldwide — on Saturday, November 21, 2020, at 7:30 p.m. (Eastern Standard Time) and at 4:30 p.m. (Pacific Standard Time) in the United States. The program will be produced and broadcast from Seoul, Korea on Sunday, November 22, 2020 at 9:30 a.m. (Korea Standard Time).

Dr. Hak Ja Han Moon, co-Founder of the Universal Peace Federation, will be the keynote speaker. Other speakers include H.E. Sahle-Work Zewde, President of Ethiopia; H.E. Uhuru Kenyatta, President of Kenya; H.E. Salva Kiir Mayardit, President of South Sudan; H.E. Mahinda Rajapaksa, Prime Minister of Sri Lanka; Hon. German Alcides Blanco Alvarez, Colombia Parliament Speaker; H.E. Yves Leterme, Prime Minister of Belgium (2009-2011); The Rt. Hon. Stephen Harper, Prime Minister of Canada (2006 – 2015): Hon. Christopher Hill, (U.S. Ambassador to the Republic of Korea (2004-2005) and Hon. Charles Rangel, U.S. House of Representatives (1971-2017) and Korean War Veteran.

This third Rally of Hope commemorates the 70^th anniversary of the Korean War, which began in 1950 with North Korea’s invasion of South Korea and ended in an armistice in 1953 after an estimated 3 million deaths. Tragically, many Korean families remain separated by the Demilitarized Zone at the 38^th parallel that still divides North and South.

The renowned Little Angels Folk Ballet of Korea will perform a special tribute at the Rally of Hope to honor veterans of the 16 nations who, as part of the United Nations peace force, sent troops and support for the Republic of South Korea.

The Rally of Hope will be broadcast from Cheongshim Peace World Center in South Korea. Dedicated links for broadcast media will be available at https://www.peacelink.live/bc from Friday, November 20, 2020.

These Rally of Hope events are aimed at building a “unified world of lasting peace around the core ideas of interdependence, mutual prosperity and universal values," said UPF Chairman Dr. Thomas G. Walsh.

The first Rally of Hope, held in August, "drew several million online viewers from around the world with its focus on the COVID-19 pandemic, environmental degradation, poverty and race relations," said Dr. Walsh.

The second Rally of Hope held in September, as well as this weekend’s third Rally of Hope, envision a heavenly, unified world that embraces the values of freedom, peace, unity and happiness.

Previous rallies’ speakers, “in their own ways and in their own words, all express hope that humankind, as one family under God, has the full potential to resolve all of these issues by working together,” said Dr. Walsh.

“This Rally of Hope,” he added, “is part of UPF’s global effort to overcome the barriers that divide us and establish peace on the Korean Peninsula.”

Founded by Rev. Sun Myung Moon and Dr. Hak Ja Han Moon in 2005, UPF is building a global coalition of stakeholders and peacemakers around the core principles of interdependence (mutual respect, cooperation and recognition of our common humanity), mutual prosperity (reduction of extreme poverty and more equitable distribution of wealth), and universal values (the common ground of shared values, with recognition that characteristics that unite us are stronger than those that might divide us).

The path to such a world is formed around a worldwide peace movement that includes heads of state and first ladies, parliamentarians, faith leaders, media professionals, scholars and business and financial experts in economic sectors.

The Rally of Hope series features leaders from UPF’s six associations: the International Summit Council for Peace (ISCP), International Association of Parliamentarians for Peace (IAPP), Interreligious Association for Peace and Development (IAPD), International Media Association for Peace (IMAP), International Association for Peace and Economic Development (IAED), and International Association of Academicians for Peace (IAAP).

A fourth Rally of Hope is planned for December.

Universal Peace www.upf.org

Larry Moffitt
Universal Peace Federation
(202) 669-0387
lmoffitt@us.upf.org

Laura Ortiz
Washington Times
Global Media Group
lauraortiz@twtglobalmediagroup.com 

SOURCE : Universal Peace Federation

VIVEK GOEL NAMED PRESIDENT AND VICE-CHANCELLOR OF THE UNIVERSITY OF WATERLOO

Innovator, scholar and bold leader becomes university’s seventh president

WATERLOO, Ontario, Nov 19 (Bernama-GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Vivek Goel, a distinguished scholar with extensive achievements in research, teaching and leadership across both public and private sectors, will become the seventh president and vice-chancellor of the University of Waterloo.

Goel, who begins his five-year term on July 1, 2021, is recognized in Canada and around the world as a leading public-health researcher, health-services evaluation expert, and champion for the use of research evidence in health policymaking.

Goel has held several senior roles at the University of Toronto, including Vice-President and Provost and most recently as Vice-President of Research and Innovation.

The public health physician currently serves as a member of the federal government’s COVID-19 Immunity Task Force and Scientific Advisor for the CanCOVID Research Network. He was previously the founding president and CEO of Public Health Ontario.

“Dr. Goel has decades of experience and expertise as a university leader and as a champion of student experience, research and innovation. He is uniquely qualified to guide the institution and to bolster our strengths at the intersection of health, society and technology,” said Cindy Forbes, Chair of the University of Waterloo’s Board of Governors.

Goel said the current global situation reminds us of our responsibility to prepare students and citizens to confront the many challenges ahead. “A research-intensive institution like Waterloo is ideally poised to create the change and solutions for a better future – whether it is tackling public-health challenges, addressing systemic racism, dealing with the climate crisis, or spurring economic recovery and growth.”

“In Waterloo, I can see what a post-pandemic university looks like,” he said.

The appointment represents the culmination of an almost yearlong effort by a 19-member presidential nominating committee comprised of students, staff, faculty and board governors, in consultation with stakeholders across campus and the broader community.

“The Presidential Nominating Committee sought a candidate who is renowned for their experienced leadership and is committed to the success of faculty, staff, students and alumni,” Forbes said. “We looked for an individual who will actively engage to foster equity, diversity and inclusion as well as a deep sense of community across our campuses.”

“I look forward to working with Dr. Goel as he leads Waterloo on its transformational path and builds on the achievements of President Feridun Hamdullahpur.” 

Hamdullahpur has served as president and vice chancellor of the University of Waterloo since 2010 and will continue through June 2021. He has elevated Waterloo’s international profile, placed exceptional focus on student experience and wellbeing and set the ambitious course for the University’s 2020-2025 strategic plan.

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'Indonesia's Internet Liberator' Purbo bags Jonathan B. Postel Service Award

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 18 -- Global non-profit organisation, the Internet Society has presented the prestigious Jonathan B. Postel Service Award to Onno W. Purbo for sustained and substantial technical contributions, leadership and service to the global Internet community.

Known as ‘Indonesia’s Internet Liberator’, Purbo is a prolific and well-published Internet advocate who has played a key role in democratising Internet access, making it more affordable especially in Indonesia’s rural areas.

“Purbo’s contribution to the digital sector is invaluable and this award marks what he has achieved and inspired others to achieve,” said Minister of Communication and Information Technology for Indonesia, Johnny Plate.

Of his many achievements, Purbo is best known for pioneering the Internet in Indonesia through sophisticated use of wireless and Voice over Internet Protocol technologies, according to a statement.

Named in honour of the technical community legend, Jonathan Postel, this award recognises extraordinary people who have committed themselves to the technological development, growth, and strength of the Internet.

Currently in its 21st year, the Postel Award was established in 1999 by the Internet Society to honour individuals and organisations that embody the spirit of Jonathan Postel through their work.

Internet Society President and Chief Executive Officer, Andrew Sullivan will present the award, which includes a US$20,000 honorarium and a crystal engraved globe, during a virtual ceremony as part of the five- day 109th Internet Engineering Task Force Meeting, ending Nov 20. (US$1 = RM4.10)

-- BERNAMA

Walgreens revamps customer loyalty programme offering extensive benefits

Walgreens pickup at curbside (Photo: Business Wire)

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 20 -- Walgreens has announced the launch of myWalgreens, a complete reinvention of its customer loyalty programme to offer customers extensive new benefits, including the fastest same-day retail pickup offering.

Customers can now shop online and on a fully-redesigned mobile app for health and wellness items, and then pick them up in the store, curbside or at the drive-thru in as little as 30 minutes.

Walgreens has the nation’s largest health and wellbeing-centered customer loyalty programme, with more than 100 million members, according to a statement.

It is now easier than ever for its members to stay well, shop conveniently and save money and time seamlessly across more than 9,000 stores, Walgreens.com and the mobile app.

The new benefits are in addition to many others already offered by Walgreens including an at-home delivery service through DoorDash and Postmates and a Prescription Savings Club with up to 80 per cent off cash retail prices.

Additionally, the mobile app now features a broad range of health and wellness services for customers and patients, including a 24/7 pharmacy chat, access to find and book medical care and vaccination appointments, as well as personalised health and wellness advice.

The debut of myWalgreens marks another milestone in the company’s digital transformation. Walgreens delivers customers more benefits and a highly-personalised experience by working with the very best technology and customer-insight partners, including Microsoft, Adobe and Epsilon.

More details at www.walgreens.com.

-- BERNAMA