YUFENG DISTRICT STRIVES FOR INNOVATION, HIGH-QUALITY DEVELOPMENT

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 30 (Bernama) --The Yufeng District in Liuzhou City, China received a total of 8.96 million tourists in 2021, an increase of 16.43 per cent year-on-year (y-o-y), while tourism consumption rose by 17 per cent y-o-y to 10.181 billion yuan (100 yuan=RM63.33), driven by cultural tourism.

The Yufeng District has deeply delved into its own resource endowment, striving for innovation and changes while adhering to its traditions, and comprehensively promoting the cultural tourism industry in its jurisdiction to take a new step towards high-quality development.

In the first half of 2022, its total number of tourist arrivals and tourism consumption ranked first in all counties and districts of Liuzhou City.

According to a statement by the Publicity Department of Yufeng District, to strengthen development, Yufeng District promoted the construction of cultural tourism projects, advocating investment attractions of its cultural tourism industry and cultivating cultural tourism projects.

The district also launched the 5G+Virtual Reality (VR) science and technology theme park known as Xiangyun Snail Park, injecting new power and adding new vitality to the economic development in the jurisdiction.

In 2016, Yufeng District set up the Liuzhou River Snail Rice Noodle Industrial Park, with 48 enterprises engaged in producing river snail rice noodles, a street delicacy in Liuzhou City.

With a daily production and sales of nearly four million bags, the industrial park is China’s largest bagged river snail rice noodle-producing area.

-- BERNAMA

Global join forces to grant online access for adults with Down Syndrome

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 30 (Bernama) -- The Global Down Syndrome Foundation (Global) has collaborated with El Centro de la Universidad Católica de Síndrome de Down in Chile (CUSD) and Japan Down Syndrome Association to translate and provide online access to the Global Medical Care Guidelines for Adults with Down Syndrome (Global Adult Guideline).

Published in Spanish and Japanese languages, the Global Adult Guideline is the first evidence-based guideline for adults with Down syndrome and was published in English for the Journal of American Medical Association in 2020.

The authors include the directors of the largest adult Down Syndrome clinics in the United States (US).

Currently, the guideline comprises nine medical topics: behaviour, dementia, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, obesity, osteoporosis, atlantoaxial instability, thyroid disease and celiac disease.

In a statement, Global said it is working on expanding the topics to include sleep apnea, solid tumours, leukaemia, vision/eye care, and physical therapy and fitness.

In addition to the 80-page guideline for medical professionals, Global has also published a much shorter family-friendly version, and toolkits that include easy-to-follow assessments for Celiac disease, diabetes, behaviour, and annual check-ups.

“Global is currently working with the Ministries of Health in both Chile and Japan to ensure that the guidelines are available free of charge and easily found on their disability home pages,” it said.

Global is the largest non-profit in the United States, working to save lives and dramatically improve health outcomes for people with Down syndrome.

-- BERNAMA

Mary Kay unveils list of accomplishments for 2022

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 29 (Bernama) -- Mary Kay Inc has furthered innovations in skin science, continued its sustainability and social impact efforts and garnered prestigious awards for its business and leadership throughout 2022, based on its annual accomplishments that were unveiled recently.

Among others, the global entrepreneurship company was ranked eighth on “The Companies Employees Don’t Want to Leave” list published by Resume.io and received four top employer awards throughout Europe and Malaysia, it said in a statement.

As for its accomplishment on organisational effectiveness, it said chief operating officer Deborah Gibbins has expanded her role in operations to support the company’s digital strategy; Nathan Moore was appointed to the newly-created role of president, global sales and marketing; and Chaun Harper expanded his role to chief supply chain officer.

Mary Kay continued its leadership position for women around the world by awarding grants to six young women in STEAM (science, technology, engineering, the arts, and mathematics) fields for them to continue their passions and career pursuits; and also awarding four skin health or skin disease research to female researchers, in partnership with the Society for Investigative Dermatology.

Meanwhile, Mary Kay received the American Red Cross Corporate Partner Award for its Emergency Response to the conflict in Ukraine, and Mary Kay Ash Foundation clinched a Bronze Stevie award for its COVID-19 relief efforts at the 20th Annual American Business Awards.

The company was also placed No. 91 on the Purpose Power Index under the global social impact and local community accomplishment. This is the third iteration of the largest study ever measuring perceptions of brand purpose, based on more than 20,500 individual ratings among more than 5,500 American consumers and employees, encompassing over 200 different brands.

“Other accomplishments include Leadership Recognition; Digital Innovation; Women’s Empowerment and Equality; Diversity, Equity and Inclusion; Gender-Responsive Procurement and Supplier Diversity; Cancer Research; Gender-based Violence and Domestic Violence; Climate Change; Water Stewardship; and Transparency and Advocacy,” it added.

As an entrepreneurship development company, Mary Kay is committed to empowering women on their journey to economic independence through education, mentorship, advocacy, networking, and innovation.

-- BERNAMA

MBC, NAVER CLOUD COLLABORATE ON DOCUMENTARY TO SUPPORT SMES OVERSEAS EXPANSION

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 28 (Bernama) -- Munhwa Broadcasting Corporation (MBC) has collaborated with NAVER Cloud to produce Silver Lining, a documentary illustrating South Korean software as a service (SaaS) startups’ overseas entry and growth, in support of the overseas expansion of small and medium enterprises (SMEs).

In a statement today, MBC said the documentary was released on YouTube, featuring startups such as INBET, ARGOSDYNE, Business Canvas, WayneHills Bryant AI, ichrogene, FutureMain and FOUR GRIT with singer John Park participating as a storyteller

It said INBET, which was founded in 2008, offered a “Real Packing” solution that auto-records the goods’ packaging process in coordination with a management programme and manages claims for marketing use.

“ARGOSDYNE is an unmanned vehicle mobility company founded in 2018, which chiefly develops and sells unmanned mobile mobility integration operations whilst ichrogene is a genetic information-based disease prevention solution provider founded in 2017.

“Other startups, namely Business Canvas develops and services Typed, a SaaS and cooperation tool that offers simultaneous maneuvering of material collection, administration and documentation,” it said.

It said the collaboration panned out as part of the “Large and SMEs Joint Expansion Support Project” supported by the Ministry of SMEs and Startups and the Korea Foundation for Cooperation of Large and Small Business, Rural Affairs.

NAVER Cloud has provided international networks, cloud server infrastructures and marketing channels.

-- BERNAMA 

Hytera PoC devices ensure safety during International Vertical Marathon in Shenzhen, China

The medical and support team staff helping the contestant (Photo: Business Wire)

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 27 (Bernama) -- Hytera Communications, a global communications technologies and solutions provider, provided Push-to-Talk over Cellular (PoC) devices during the 2022 Ping An Finance Center International Vertical Marathon Master in Shenzhen, China.

In a statement, the company said two models were chosen for the on-site team communications during the event, namely, the PNC380 PoC Radios and PNC560 5G XSecure Rugged Devices, ruggedised for heavy duties.

“Both the hardware and software algorithms empower their premium audio; the noise cancellation algorithm ensures crystal-clear voice calls in the stair shaft, where ambient echoes are common,” it said.

The PoC devices kept all the onsite personnel, across more than 100 floors of the building, connected as teams of different functions and ensured a smooth and safe event.

Hytera director of global marketing and solutions, Gerald Zhang, said the company always proposes and offers the right solutions to its customers.

“The skyscraper indoor environment is usually a challenge for push-to-talk communications if the property owner hasn’t deployed a well-planned system with repeaters.

“For the Ping An vertical marathon, as long as the carriers’ indoor coverage is good, PoC is the right solution. Our PoC devices performed perfectly to keep teams informed and synchronised,” he added.

When planning for the vertical marathon along with the organiser, Hytera team did a technical evaluation of the event venue. The indoor coverage by local cellular operators was good and the Wi-Fi network offered reliable connectivity.

-- BERNAMA

SYNCHRONOSS ANNOUNCES MORE THAN 30 MILLION RCS-BASED MESSAGING SUBSCRIBERS IN JAPAN

Leveraging the Synchronoss Advanced Messaging Platform, NTT DOCOMO, KDDI, and SoftBank Deliver Cross-Operator Advanced Messaging Service Enabling Users and Brands to Communicate, Interact, and Transact

BRIDGEWATER, N.J., Dec 22 (Bernama-GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Synchronoss Technologies, Inc. (“Synchronoss” or the “Company”) (NASDAQ: SNCR), a global leader and innovator in cloud, messaging and digital products and platforms, today announced a new milestone in Japan for its Synchronoss Advanced Messaging platform. In collaboration with mobile operators NTT DOCOMO, KDDI, and SoftBank, the Japanese consortium now supports 32.5 million subscribers of +Message, the cross-operator RCS service powered by Synchronoss Advanced Messaging.

The current milestone represents a 62 percent increase in subscribers since Synchronoss noted the progress of the Japanese consortium’s deployment of its Rich Communications Service (RCS) in November 2020.

Offering a feature-rich text messaging system, +Messaging allows Japanese users to communicate with friends and family, in addition to providing the capability to interact and engage with brands and businesses safely and securely.

The consortium’s +Messaging service is powered by Synchronoss Advanced Messaging, an end-to-end platform and mobile commerce suite that allows operators to deliver an advanced messaging ecosystem. Synchronoss Advanced Messaging connects brands and content providers with subscribers, offering new ways to communicate and transact commerce.

“The adoption of more than 30 million +Messaging subscribers in Japan further validates the value of RCS and how mobile operators can utilize it to offer new revenue-generating services,” said Yosuke Morioka, General Manager, Japan, at Synchronoss. “We look forward to working with NTT DOCOMO, KDDI, and SoftBank to explore additional market opportunities for this feature-rich technology platform.”

It is signification that +Message currently is available for all the mobile phone brands of the three operators and MVNO. In addition, it now supports public personal identification (JPKI) with My Number cards, allowing the users to open a bank account or use a credit card with easy and secure verification of the identity via +Message, delivering more engaging experiences within the mobile ecosystem. 

http://mrem.bernama.com/viewsm.php?idm=45094

Hytera Communications to unveil digital mobile radio and body camera in Jan 2023

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 22 (Bernama) -- Global communication technologies and solutions provider Hytera Communications will introduce two models from the digital mobile radio (DMR) and body-worn camera lines in a Jan 10, 2023 webinar for its 30th anniversary.

The new models consist of the HP5 Professional DMR Portable Two-way Radios and GC550 2K Mini Body Camera, a statement today said.

Hytera director of global marketing and solutions Gerald Zhang said the company decided to kick off its 30th anniversary with a product release that has been anticipated by the market for quite a while.

“It is more of a reminder for us that we should always keep creating value for users and partners by introducing more innovations and new products, which is also what we learned from 30 years of growth,” he said.

Designed for business users, the HP5 series excels in balancing functionalities, usability, and price point, while GC550 2K Mini Body Camera, a new member of the Hytera body camera series, is the smallest and lightest.

Hytera globally introduce its next-generation DMR two-way radios, the H Series, at end-2021. Designed and developed on new hard and software platforms, it is a generation ahead of what the market offers, the statement said.

-- BERNAMA

Yili shares whole life cycle biodiversity conservation efforts at COP15

 

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 21 (Bernama) -- Chinese dairy products manufacturer Yili Group has identified six focus areas as part of its whole life cycle biodiversity conservation efforts at the 15th Conference of the Parties (COP15) to the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity that was reconvened this month in Montreal, Canada.

The six focus areas include habitat preservation, climate change response, species diversity conservation, sustainable resource use, environmental management, and ecological conservation advocacy.

In a statement today, Yili said its group executive president Liu Chunxi presented the group’s wide-ranging biodiversity conservation efforts, including being the first Chinese company to sign the Convention on Biological Diversity’s Business and Biodiversity Pledge, and pioneered a comprehensive conservation model that featured disclosure, management and popularisation.

“Under the Yili Homeland Initiative, which is aimed at safeguarding the future of life, Yili has collaborated with the World Wildlife Fund and the China Green Foundation on grasslands protection, wetland protection in Northeast China, and habitat preservation for Asian elephants,” it added.

During the first session of COP15 in 2021, Yili’s brand, Satine, launched limited-edition products themed on biodiversity conservation, with designs featuring animals, plants, forests, oceans, wetlands, and grasslands to raise public awareness of biodiversity conservation.

Additionally, it released the first non-fungible token edition called the Biodiversity Conservation Report in China at the second COP15 session, uploading the company’s actions and results in biodiversity conservation into the metaverse.

“By leveraging cutting-edge technology, we aim to encourage the next generation to become involved in the effort to protect our homeland,” it added.

-- BERNAMA

SERSOL TAKUNI PARTNERS WITH CHINA'S BEIDOU JIEAN TO GREEN THREE NATIONS WITH EV MOTORBIKES AND SCOOTERS

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 22 (Bernama) -- Malaysia’s E-hailing industry is poised to earn healthy growth returns as Sersol Takuni (ST) – the joint-venture company between Sersol Berhad and Thai energy giant Takuni, undertakes a new alliance with China’s Chongqing Beidou Jiean Neo-energy Technology Ltd (CBJN). The agreement was formalised at the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between both parties in Bangkok last week.

The ST Partnership with CBJN, a formidable satellite giant based in China, marks much anticipation in its potential to transform the electric motorbike and scooter industry across Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand.

“ST’s latest venture seeks to embed Beidou’s technological expertise in design, product development and manufacturing of electric motorcycles and scooters to help the transition towards Net Zero carbon emissions, “said Datuk Wira Justin Lim, Managing Director, Sersol Berhad.

The MOU covers transfer of technology from CBJN to ST, involving selling and leasing solutions for the market.

“We are specifically targeting electric motorbikes and scooters to meet consumer needs to combat increased traffic congestion in urban cities, rising cost of living, high fuel prices, pollution and long commuting hours,” explained Datuk Lim.

Datuk Lim further elaborated ST has identified a unique market opportunity as there are 150k bikes crossing the Johor Bahru - Singapore causeway daily. By manufacturing, selling and leasing these electric motorcycles to consumers, the new JV Company will be able to leverage on Singapore government’s incentive scheme to promote usage of EV motorbikes and scooters in the Republic to reduce its carbon footprint.

“To start with, the JV Company will be marketing, assembling and distributing Beidou Jiean’s Colt Electric Motorbike and Scooters. Beidou Jiean has an annual production capacity of producing 500k Colt motorbikes in their manufacturing plants in Chongqing, China,” explained Datuk Lim.

The Colt electric motorbikes models range from Standard, Performance and Premium. All three are powered by advanced lithium batteries with an endurance ranging from 90-130km up to a maximum speed of 60-80kmh according to specifications for each model. There is a strong potential the JV Company may develop their own version for the regional market in the near future.

“This EV industry ecosystem will be further supported by the development of a charging infrastructure developed by our Thai Partner, Takuni Group in Malaysia, Thailand and Indonesia,” added Datuk Lim.

Datuk Wira Justin Lim signed the MOU on behalf of Sersol Takuni, while Mr Alvin Lee represented Beidou Jiean at the signing ceremony in Bangkok.

Relevant images to the event can be found in the following link:

https://www.mediafire.com/folder/c0mxi1t77nmwh/Folder

SERSOL TAKUNI PARTNERS WITH CHINA'S BEIDOU JIEAN TO GREEN THREE NATIONS WITH EV MOTORBIKES AND SCOOTERS

BLACK & VEATCH TO DELIVER SEAWATER DESALINATION PLANT IN INDONESIA

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 22 (Bernama) -- Black & Veatch has been appointed by PT Freeport Indonesia to design and manage the delivery of a seawater desalination plant for its Manyar Smelter in East Java, Indonesia, as part of its sustainable development commitments.

The United States-based engineering firm said the seawater desalination plant will support the processing of mine concentrates from the Grasberg mine in West Papua.

“The new domestic copper smelter and refinery supports Indonesia’s downstreaming strategy to further refine the processed mine concentrates and brings additional economic value to the local community and Indonesia,” the company said in a statement.

The seawater desalination plant will be located adjacent to the Manyar Smelter Project and produce over 1,400 cubic metres of desalinated seawater per hour to support the copper smelter and precious metals refinery.

Its executive vice-president and managing director for Asia-Pacific, Narsingh Chaudhary, said the mining industry plays a critical role in the global shift to a decarbonised and sustainable future.

“Accessing water from the ocean saves freshwater resources for the local community and ecosystems and ensures a more sustainable, resilient and reliable water future. It also improves efficiencies and reduces operational risks and downtime that affect business profitability,” he added.

Black & Veatch, in collaboration with its joint operating agreement partner PT Wika, will perform the engineering, procurement, construction and commissioning responsibilities for the seawater desalination plant.

Black & Veatch is a 100-per cent employee-owned global engineering, procurement, consulting and construction company with a more than 100-year track record of innovation in sustainable infrastructure.

-- BERNAMA

MDRT LAUNCHES MDRT GLOBAL SERVICES TO PROVIDE INNOVATIVE GROWTH OPPORTUNITIES TO FINANCIAL SERVICES LEADERS IN MALAYSIA

2023 MDRT President Peggy Tsai, RFP, CCFP

Separate association within MDRT Family of Brands now open to Malaysians for membership applications

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia, Dec 21 (Bernama) -- Building on its culture of excellence and providing financial professionals with opportunities for personal and career growth, MDRT (Million Dollar Round Table) is expanding its family of brands to Malaysia with the introduction of MDRT Global Services. This new association strives to inspire field and home office leaders by creating ways for them to foster deeper engagement with the MDRT community, to gain skills to develop an MDRT culture within their teams and to enhance their professional and personal growth.​

The MDRT Family of Brands provides opportunities for financial services professionals at every stage of their career to achieve increasing levels of success. Through MDRT, MDRT Academy and MDRT Global Services, the MDRT Family of Brands helps the best and brightest elevate their success, build a community of excellence, and live rich and meaningful lives.

“For nearly 100 years, financial advisors have been able to grow and learn from each other through membership in MDRT,” said 2023 MDRT President Peggy Tsai, RFP, CCFP. “Now leaders in financial services have new tools to sharpen their skillsets, build an MDRT culture within their teams and lead more effectively, through their membership and engagement with MDRT Global Services.”

“Malaysian financial services leaders now have the opportunity to accelerate their careers and fulfill their potential - sharing their experiences as well as learning from recognized leaders from other countries. We look forward to connecting with them and together build a brighter future for Malaysia,” added Peggy.

Created as a standalone association to help home office and field leaders excel in their profession, MDRT Global Services provides members various opportunities to broaden their horizons and professional knowledge. This includes study groups, custom leadership content, awards, webcasts and eligibility to attend MDRT organized events, paving the way for them to build success.

​MDRT Global Services offers exclusive member benefits that are custom-made to successfully build the esteemed MDRT culture within one’s team. Malaysian leaders can grow alongside a dynamic global community of peers, and learn innovative techniques and time-tested leadership strategies. At the MDRT Annual Meeting or MDRT Global Conference, members will also gain valuable opportunities to forge strong connections with fellow financial experts and learn from peers in the profession.

Membership is open to field and home office leaders looking to build an MDRT culture in their teams. Applications can be completed directly on the MDRT Global Services website. Field and home office leaders interested in learning more about MDRT Global Services and applying for membership can visit mdrtgs.org/join.

MDRT LAUNCHES MDRT GLOBAL SERVICES TO PROVIDE INNOVATIVE GROWTH OPPORTUNITIES TO FINANCIAL SERVICES LEADERS IN MALAYSIA

FOURKITES RECORDS STRONG GROWTH, INNOVATION IN APAC

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 20 (Bernama) -- Logistics and transportation company FourKites has recorded strong growth in 2022 in its automated, interconnected and collaborative supply chains that span transportation, warehousing, storage.

In a statement today, the company said it has extended its leadership position in the supply chain visibility market with strong growth and innovation in Asia-Pacific (APAC).

The company saw a 91 per cent in new customers growth in the region and more than 240 per cent growth in shipments tracked across 46 APAC countries.

“In 2023, we look forward to helping our APAC customers take the next leap forward in their logistics operations as they expand further. Together, we will build a more resilient and agile supply chain,” said FourKites founder and chief executive officer Mathew Elenjickal.

Its new customers include Mitsui & Co Global Logistics Ltd, Nestlé Japan, Chevron Corporation, Kraft Heinz, SpaceX and QVC.

Globally, the company has recorded nearly 50 per cent year-on-year growth as it continues to connect the supply chains of 50 per cent of the Fortune 500 companies it said.

In addition to strategic investments in 2021 from industry heavyweights Qualcomm Ventures LLC, Volvo Group Venture Capital AB and Zebra Technologies, over the past year, FourKites inked strategic partnerships with a number of industry titans to continue executing its vision for the future of digital supply chains.

These companies include FedEx, Quiet Platforms, Mitsui & Co Ltd, Sony, Microsoft and Narvar.

Among the new solutions released this year include patented ocean shipment innovations that provide international shippers and their partners with complete visibility of all documentation requirements at every leg of the shipment.

Tracking more than three million shipments daily, FourKites combines real-time data and powerful machine learning to help companies digitise their end-to-end supply chains.

-- BERNAMA

Hong Kong Cyclothon draws thousands of cyclists' participation after four-year hiatus

Riders have the exclusive opportunity to dash along signature landmarks and instructures the Hong Kong Cyclothon. (Photo credit: Hong Kong Tourism Board)

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 19 (Bernama) -- The Hong Kong Cyclothon successfully concluded with the roaring cheers from excited spectators for thousands of cyclists participating in the cycling extravaganza on Dec 18, after a four-year hiatus.

The event returned as one of the largest outdoor sports events in Hong Kong this year, drawing nearly 4,000 cycling enthusiasts and professional cyclists to take to the street along spectacular landmark infrastructures and iconic Victoria Harbour.

According to the Hong Kong Tourism Board in a statement, cyclists taking part in the thrilling 50 km and 30 km rides enjoyed the exclusive experience of cycling on major traffic routes along spectacular landmarks and infrastructures in Hong Kong.

The peloton was welcomed by the gentle light at the break of dawn as they sped across Stonecutters Bridge and tunnels, as well as the Hong Kong Cultural Centre, Xiqu Centre and the International Commerce Centre (ICC).

After the amateur cyclists streaked past the finish line in Tsim Sha Tsui, professional cycling athletes staged a series of intense battles for the win on the other side of the city centre.

The keen competition among the riders heated up the winter air as the audience tried to catch the racing bikes overtaking each other at high speed in front of the panoramic view of the iconic Victoria Harbour skyline.

-- BERNAMA

Graphenea introduces spin-off company KIVORO

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 16 (Bernama) -- Graphenea S.A., a world-leading graphene producer, has launched a spin-off company, KIVORO, a speciality chemicals company that is focused on creating solutions for industrial challenges.

Graphenea’s chief executive officer Jesus de la Fuente said KIVORO was spun out to allow the company to commercialise its current industrial solutions and move beyond graphene.

“We will naturally maintain our leading expertise in carbon and nanomaterials, but we are firmly focused on developing the right speciality chemicals for our clients’ industrial challenges to bring about operative efficiencies and emissions reduction,” he said.

According to a statement, KIVORO’s tagline “Let’s go faster!” refers to the agility and speed when collaborating with the company and combined with its keep-it-simple approach they are breathing new life into the speciality chemicals sector.

“We are working on complicated industrial challenges, but we are uncomplicated to deal with. We understand our clients are looking for solutions, not problems, and we are a straightforward and agile organisation,” said KIVORO sales director Jeremey Shipp.

Created in 2010, Graphenea specialised in the production of graphene and has clients in more than 60 countries and offices in San Sebastian (Spain) and Boston (United States).

Graphenea supports its customers by producing new forms of graphene from graphene field-effect transistors to graphene oxides, whilst maintaining its leadership in the expanding graphene production sector.

-- BERNAMA

actyv.ai appoints Abhijit Rao as global head of people

 

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 15 (Bernama) -- Singapore-headquartered actyv.ai has appointed Abhijit Rao as its global head of people to bolster employer brand and people growth.

“Abhijit’s passion for people development, domain expertise and leadership will drive synergies and help build a world-class organisation focused on a ‘people-first’ and winning culture. 

“As organisations are recalibrating people practices post pandemic and the current global scenario, these are exciting and challenging times to be a human resource leader,” said its founder and global chief executive officer, Raghunath Subramanian in a statement.

Meanwhile, Rao said with a purpose-driven vision of enabling the B2B supply chain ecosystem through technology, actyv.ai is helping spark imagination and build excitement for a more connected future.

“I am elated to be a part of this growth journey and look forward to building on the strong foundation laid down by the team,” added Rao.

As a people operations leader with over 18 years of experience, Rao has worked with some of the leading companies in the services (Infosys, Wipro) and products (Onmobile, UiPath) space in the information technology industry.

In his last corporate role as Head of People - APAC at UiPath, Rao was instrumental in the setting up and expansion of the people operations function.

actyv.ai is an artificial intelligence-powered enterprise SaaS platform with embedded B2B Buy Now Pay Later and insurance, transforming the global B2B supply chain by making business transactions faster and easier.

-- BERNAMA

NIKKISO CLEAN ENERGY & INDUSTRIAL GASES GROUP AWARDED DNV'S MANAGEMENT SYSTEM CERTIFICATE AND ISO 9001:2015 CERTIFICATION

TEMECULA, Calif., Dec 15 (Bernama-GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Nikkiso Clean Energy & Industrial Gases Group (“Group”), a part of the Nikkiso Co., Ltd (Japan) group of companies, is proud to have been awarded DNV’s Management System Certificate and ISO 9001:2015 certification. The award was presented to George Pappagelis, President of Nikkiso Clean Energy & Industrial Gases group’s Process Systems unit. The certificate was issued to Cosmodyne LLC in Seal Beach California.

ISO 9001 is defined as the international standard that specifies requirements for a quality management system (QMS), helps businesses and organizations be more efficient and improve customer satisfaction. By obtaining and implementing the ISO 9001 certification and standardized management system, we can lower operational costs, improve our bottom line, offer a competitive advantage, improve reputation, and deliver better products and services - all of which ultimately benefit our customers!

http://mrem.bernama.com/viewsm.php?idm=45029

PHOTO STORY: MULTIPLE WINS FOR MCKL STUDENTS AT ICDL ASIA DIGITAL CHALLENGE 2022

 

A group photo of the MCKL student winners, (L to R) Liao Ying, Chin Jun Lin, and Law Yen Kay from the recent ICDL Asia Digital Challenge 2022

Multiple wins for MCKL students at ICDL Asia Digital Challenge 2022

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 15 (Bernama) -- Three students from Methodist College Kuala Lumpur (MCKL) bagged top prizes at the recent ICDL Asia Digital Challenge 2022 (DC2022). The annual student competition invites secondary and tertiary students in Asia to compete and showcase their digital prowess and its application in the new digital economy.  Liao Ying, took home the silver award in the Business Track, while her classmate, Law Yen Kay, was presented the bronze award in the same category, whereas Chin Jun Lin,  secured a bronze award under the Emerging Technologies track. The students, currently undergoing their Cambridge A Level programme at MCKL, went head-to-head with over 1,000 students from 11 territories like China, India, Japan, Indonesia, New Zealand, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Vietnam to name a few. 

http://mrem.bernama.com/viewsm.php?idm=45020

Falcon’s Beyond to expand footprint in The Philippines

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 15 (Bernama) -- Falcon’s Beyond, a leading fully integrated global entertainment development company specialising in intellectual property (IP) creation and expansion, plans to expand its footprint internationally with a new office scheduled to open in Metro Manila early 2023.

In a statement, the company said that Falcon’s Creative Philippines Inc is expected to employ approximately 20 new associates within the next quarter to support and expand Falcon’s Creative Group, a division of Falcon’s Beyond that provides master planning, creative design, media and audio production, attraction systems and experiential technology to customers around the world.

“As someone of Filipino descent, it has been a lifelong dream of mine, as well as my father’s, to open a Falcon’s office in the Philippines and support its vast array of local talent.

“We are excited to expand our company’s footprint globally and build a team of passionate storytellers and creatives to support our portfolio of high-profile international entertainment projects,” said its chief executive officer Cecil D. Magpuri.

The new office’s team of local talent include illustrators, architectural designers, modellers, artists, and media and interactive gaming designers who will serve as an extension of the company’s Orlando-based family of nearly 100 associates.

This new international team will work on world-class projects in the themed entertainment.

-- BERNAMA

MASTERCONTROL RAISES US$150 MLN FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF SAAS SOLUTION

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 16 (Bernama) -- MasterControl, a leading provider of quality and manufacturing software solutions for the life sciences has announced its first-ever funding, a US$150 million (RM661.5 million) Series A round led by Sixth Street Growth.

The proceeds will be used to accelerate the development of software-as-a-service (SaaS) solutions serving the company’s global life sciences customers, which include Pfizer, Cochlear, Thermo Fisher Scientific and more than 1,100 others worldwide.

Chief executive officer Jon Beckstrand said the company sees an urgent need to help its customers to deliver their breakthrough technologies to the market faster and at a lower cost.

“Our goal is to add a strategic partner with resources and expertise to help us to meet the significant need for our solutions. We’re fortunate to have the experienced investment team at Sixth Street Growth to help make that a reality,” he said in the statement.

Meanwhile, Sixth Street Growth managing director Nari Ansari said MasterControl has a proven business model, an accomplished leadership team, a marquee client base and a solid track record of growth.

“We’re honoured to be the company’s first external investor and look forward to supporting its continued success,” added Ansari.

MasterControl will use the financing to continue to build and enhance its solutions while also placing more focus on technology that will predict and prevent quality events, and enable true artificial intelligence-assisted manufacturing optimisation.

With half of the top 50 pharmaceutical and medical device companies as customers, MasterControl is poised to enter new markets adjacent to its core pharmaceutical and medical device segments, such as contract development and manufacturing, personalised medicine, and cell and gene therapy.

-- BERNAMA

Michael Martin appointed CEO of St Kitts and Nevis Citizenship by Investment Unit

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 15 (Bernama) -- Michael Martin has been appointed as the new chief executive officer of St Kitts and Nevis’ Citizenship by Investment Unit, leading the evolution of the country’s investment migration programme.

Continuing to be the benchmark of the global investor immigration industry, the twin-island nation is on a drive to enhance its Citizenship by Investment Programme.

A local Kittian, Martin has strong financial acumen and brings a wealth of experience in strategic planning and compliance.

According to a statement, he is touted as being the man to bring greater stability to the CBI Unit which will now have more legislative and administrative oversight.

“Martin’s past experience as a service provider in the investment migration industry and his local roots make him the right candidate to understand what our external stakeholders require from us as well as knowing how we can use this programme to uplift our people,” it said.

Martin will lead a team of efficient and focused experts who will ensure that the programme increases processing efficiency and accuracy while also maintaining strong due diligence processes so that only investors of the highest calibre are accepted.

He has served in top management positions in several companies, including the National Caribbean Insurance Company, National Bank Trust Company, and Sagicor Life Inc.

Martin was previously a director of the Insurance Association of the Caribbean, Honorary Secretary of the Brimstone Hill Fortress National Park Society Council of Management, and director for First Federal Cooperative Credit Union.

-- BERNAMA

Nikkiso CEIG Group gets DNV Certificate, ISO 9001:2015 certification

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 15 (Bernama) -- Nikkiso Clean Energy & Industrial Gases (Nikkiso CEIG) Group, a part of the Nikkiso Co Ltd (Japan) group of companies, has been awarded the DNV Management System Certificate and ISO 9001:2015 certification.

The award was presented to Nikkiso CEIG Group’s process systems unit president George Pappagelis, while the certificate was issued to its subsidiary Cosmodyne LLC.

Pappagelis said the company believes that quality is a continuous process that requires it to never stop trying to improve.

“Our internal corrective action system helps assure that all of our internal systems, future processes and designs are as trouble-free as possible,” he said in a statement.

ISO 9001 is defined as the international standard that specifies requirements for a quality management system, helps businesses and organisations be more efficient and improves customer satisfaction.

-- BERNAMA

AM BEST REVISES OUTLOOK ON CHINA'S NON-LIFE INSURANCE SEGMENT TO STABLE

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 13 (Bernama) -- AM Best has revised its market segment outlook on China’s non-life insurance industry to stable from negative due to the segment’s improved underwriting performance and better growth prospects as the republic eases its zero-tolerance COVID-19 policy.

In its Best’s Market Segment Report, “Market Segment Outlook: China Non-Life Insurance", AM Best said the net profit of China’s non-life companies’ increased 20 per cent year-over-year as of the third quarter of 2022.

“As the non-life segment, in aggregate, has a relatively high net premium leverage (a measure of net premium written to capital level), the improvement in underwriting performance was magnified in the overall net profit, which was more than sufficient to offset the recent less favourable investment returns,” the credit rating agency said in a statement.

It said that the improvements in the segment’s underwriting performance were attributed to benign catastrophe activity for the year-to-date (YTD) and a slowdown in economic activity given COVID-19 lockdowns, and, therefore, a lower accident rate.

“Most importantly, with the negative impact of the 2019 motor comprehensive reform and financing-type credit insurance fully reflected in recent years’ performance, this allows the non-life segment to begin 2023 anew in terms of underwriting performance.

“The large insurance companies typically have more favourable operating outlooks given their strong capabilities to source profitable business and manage down acquisition costs amid market reform,” said AM Best senior director Christie Lee. 

She said traditional mid-sized and smaller insurance companies in China thus sought to expand into non-motor lines of business or find their own competitive edge to navigate the motor comprehensive reform while pursuing profitability.

AM Best said China’s non-life industry generated total direct premiums of 1.25 trillion yuan or a premium growth of 10 per cent as of the first ten months of 2022, while direct paid losses rose by just 4.1 per cent.

“The motor comprehensive reform rolled out in September 2019 has diluted the motor’s contribution to the overall segment from 63 per cent in 2019 to 53 per cent in YTD October 2022,” it said.

The non-life segment’s growth continued to be steered by non-motor lines, where the three largest non-motor lines of business – health, agriculture, and liability – combined recorded remarkable growth of approximately 20 per cent over the first ten months of 2022, compared with the same period last year, on the back of government policy and regulations.

“Given that China’s non-life segment is marked by relatively high net premium leverage, a sustainable and profitable underwriting performance in a post-pandemic environment when economic activities resume is a key factor to maintaining a stable outlook for the non-life insurance segment in the future,” it added.

-- BERNAMA

AM Best revises outlook on China's non-life insurance segment to stable

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 13 (Bernama) -- AM Best has revised its market segment outlook on China’s non-life insurance industry to stable from negative due to the segment’s improved underwriting performance and better growth prospects as the republic eases its zero-tolerance COVID-19 policy.

In its Best’s Market Segment Report, “Market Segment Outlook: China Non-Life Insurance", AM Best said the net profit of China’s non-life companies’ increased 20 per cent year-over-year as of the third quarter of 2022.

“As the non-life segment, in aggregate, has a relatively high net premium leverage (a measure of net premium written to capital level), the improvement in underwriting performance was magnified in the overall net profit, which was more than sufficient to offset the recent less favourable investment returns,” the credit rating agency said in a statement.

It said that the improvements in the segment’s underwriting performance were attributed to benign catastrophe activity for the year-to-date (YTD) and a slowdown in economic activity given COVID-19 lockdowns, and, therefore, a lower accident rate.

“Most importantly, with the negative impact of the 2019 motor comprehensive reform and financing-type credit insurance fully reflected in recent years’ performance, this allows the non-life segment to begin 2023 anew in terms of underwriting performance.

“The large insurance companies typically have more favourable operating outlooks given their strong capabilities to source profitable business and manage down acquisition costs amid market reform,” said AM Best senior director Christie Lee. 

She said traditional mid-sized and smaller insurance companies in China thus sought to expand into non-motor lines of business or find their own competitive edge to navigate the motor comprehensive reform while pursuing profitability.

AM Best said China’s non-life industry generated total direct premiums of 1.25 trillion yuan or a premium growth of 10 per cent as of the first ten months of 2022, while direct paid losses rose by just 4.1 per cent.

“The motor comprehensive reform rolled out in September 2019 has diluted the motor’s contribution to the overall segment from 63 per cent in 2019 to 53 per cent in YTD October 2022,” it said.

The non-life segment’s growth continued to be steered by non-motor lines, where the three largest non-motor lines of business – health, agriculture, and liability – combined recorded remarkable growth of approximately 20 per cent over the first ten months of 2022, compared with the same period last year, on the back of government policy and regulations.

“Given that China’s non-life segment is marked by relatively high net premium leverage, a sustainable and profitable underwriting performance in a post-pandemic environment when economic activities resume is a key factor to maintaining a stable outlook for the non-life insurance segment in the future,” it added.

-- BERNAMA

Mary Kay Unveils report on its global sustainability programme

Enriching Lives Today for a Sustainable Tomorrow extends Mary Kay's vision to 2030 and beyond. (Credit: Mary Kay Inc.)


KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 15 (Bernama) -- Mary Kay Inc, a global advocate for corporate social responsibility, has released a report detailing progress on Enriching Lives Today for a Sustainable Tomorrow (ELTFAST), the brand’s global sustainability programme.

According to its chief operating officer Deborah Gibbins in a statement, ELTFAST is the company’s roadmap for supporting its business strategy, reducing its environmental impact, and supporting communities where they operate.

“We’re proud of the progress we’ve made on our sustainability journey so far, and we are inspired to see how our actions today will address global challenges for future generations,” she said.

Mary Kay has garnered 13 employer/great place to work awards and was ranked number 8 on list of “The Companies Employees Don’t Want to Leave,” published by Resume.io, and received 38 company awards in business excellence, social impact, and sustainability.

Meanwhile, for product stewardship, the company has achieved Forest Stewardship Council certification (U.S.A only); held inaugural Sustainability-Focused Supplier Summit at global headquarters; and named 2022 Silver Champion for Supplier Diversity & Inclusion, to name a few.

Mary Kay has also supported The Arbor Day Foundation on three global reforestation projects in Brazil, Madagascar, and the United States; and completed The Women’s Empowerment Principles Gender Gap Analysis Tool as part of its participation in the UN Global Compact Target Gender Equality Accelerator.

The global sustainability programme extends Mary Kay’s vision to 2030 and beyond, building a picture of what good “looks like” for Mary Kay, Independent Beauty Consultants, customers and most importantly the planet.

ELTFAST was developed with Mary Kay’s key stakeholders and is aligned with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, making Mary Kay a key part of a global coalition to ensure a better future.

-- BERNAMA

[INVNT GROUP] named winner in Inc. Magazine’s Best in Business 2022

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 15 (Bernama) -- [INVNT GROUP]’s THE GLOBAL BRANDSTORY PROJECT has been named a winner in the Inc. 2022 Best in Business Awards - Marketing category.

According to a statement, Inc.’s Best in Business Awards recognises companies that have made an extraordinary impact in their respective fields and in society.

Inc.’s award winners span 55 different categories, from advertising to sustainability, as well as revenue-based, size-based, and impact-based categories.

Led by president and chief executive officer, Scott Cullather, [INVNT GROUP] represents a growing portfolio of complementary disciplines designed to help forward-thinking brands everywhere impact the audiences that matter, anywhere.

The statement said for this year’s Best in Business List, rather than relying on quantitative criteria tied to sales or funding, Inc.’s editors reviewed the companies’ achievements over the past year and noted how they made a positive difference in the world.

Since its launch, [INVNT GROUP] has delivered history-making campaigns for a diverse roster of global brand partners and pro bono causes, leading across creative, strategy, design, content, and marketing communications.

A well-known business-media brand, Inc’s. award-winning multiplatform content reaches more than 50 million people each month across a variety of channels, including websites, newsletters, social media, podcasts, and print.

Its prestigious Inc. 5000 list, produced every year since 1982, analyses company data to recognise the fastest-growing privately held businesses in the United States.

-- BERNAMA

MEREX INVESTMENT INTRODUCES J1 BEACH - AN INTERNATIONALLY-RENOWNED BEACH RESORT AS PART OF LA MER SOUTH REDEVELOPMENT

 

J1 Beach (photo: AETOSWire) 

· La Mer South will be renamed J1 Beach, a first of its kind day-to-night premium F&B destination featuring three brand new experiences – Gigi Rigolatto, Bâoli and Sirene Beach by Gaia – and 10 new upscale restaurants
· The redevelopment is set to reimagine the way people enjoy hospitality experiences 
 

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, Dec 14 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- Asset management firm Merex Investment has announced a redevelopment of La Mer South, which will be named J1 Beach, with the addition of three brand new seaside experiences – Gigi Rigolatto, Bâoli and Sirene Beach by Gaia – and 10 upscale restaurants that visitors can enjoy from sunrise to sunset.

J1 Beach will become a flagship beach resort destination and the first-of-its kind in the region, offering uninterrupted sea views, premium F&B offerings and a cluster of high-end operators in the heart of Jumeirah, Dubai.

The redevelopment will ease connectivity for visitors through valet services and ample parking, golf cart shuttle services and green pathways, which are shaded in the day and illuminated at night to create an ideal ambience for beachgoers. Visitors can even arrive by sea via the framed seaside reception.

The new restaurants for the J1 Beach development will make their debut in the UAE and will be completely licensed with day-to-night trade.

Shahram Shamsaee, CEO at Merex Investment Group, said: “J1 Beach is an exciting extension of Dubai, as a leading lifestyle and business destination, and we firmly believe that the addition of the day-to-night seaside lifestyle experiences and restaurants will reimagine the way visitors enjoy an interactive and offering new elevated choices.”

“Merex Investments aims to take destinations to and beyond their business potential by capitalising on prime locations and amplifying the principles of placemaking. The three new additions to J1 Beach will support the growth of local and global partners through the delivery of holistic, convenient and diverse lifestyle assets.”

In line with Merex Investment’s strategic priority to enable people to re-imagine the way they experience the city, the move will enable residents to be part of Dubai’s ever-growing vibrant and lifestyle landscape.

Merex and Paris Society International signed an agreement to bring the legendary Gigi Rigolatto to the region for the first time. Voted amongst the world’s top brands in its category, Gigi Rigolatto offers guests an Italian menu, an interior restaurant, two exterior terraces, a garden, a Bellini House, a swimming pool, a kids’ circus, a wellness area and direct access to the beach. 

http://mrem.bernama.com/viewsm.php?idm=45012

TESSA THERAPEUTICS ANNOUNCES NEW CLINICAL DATA FROM PHASE 1 ALLOGENEIC STUDY PRESENTED AT 2022 ANNUAL MEETING OF AMERICAN SOCIETY OF HEMATOLOGY (ASH)

Oral podium presentation highlights data demonstrating a 79% overall response rate and complete responses in 43% of relapsed or refractory CD30-positive lymphomas treated with Tessa’s “off the shelf” CD30.CAR EBVST cell therapy (TT11X)

Therapy well tolerated with no dose-limiting toxicities or evidence of graft-versus-host-disease (GVHD) observed

SINGAPORE, Dec 12 (Bernama-GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Tessa Therapeutics Ltd. (Tessa), a clinical-stage cell therapy company developing next-generation cancer treatments for hematological malignancies and solid tumors, today announced enhanced clinical data from an ongoing Phase 1 study (NCT04288726) of TT11X, an allogeneic “off the shelf” CD30.CAR-modified Epstein-Barr virus-specific T-cell (EBVST) therapy being co-developed by Baylor College of Medicine and Tessa. The results, detailed in an oral podium presentation at the 64^th Annual Meeting of the American Society of Hematology (ASH) on December 10, demonstrated TT11X to be well-tolerated at all dosing levels, eliciting a 79% overall response rate and complete disappearance of tumor in six patients. 

http://mrem.bernama.com/viewsm.php?idm=44989

NTHU TEAM WINS CHAMPIONSHIP AT SCC

_{NTHU team advisor Jerry Chou (second from right) with team members (right to left) Tsai, Wu, Kuo, Ting, Chang, Huang, and Mou (in wheelchair). (Photo: National Tsing Hua University)}

HSINCHU, Taiwan, Dec 13 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- A student team from the Department of Computer Science at National Tsing Hua University (NTHU) in Taiwan has recently won the championship at the World Supercomputer Student Cluster Competition (SCC) held in Dallas, USA. This was the fifth championship won by an NTHU team at the two largest supercomputer competitions in recent years.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here:
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The team’s advisor was Professor Jerry Chou. The six team members were Department of Computer Science seniors Mou Chan-yu, Chang Fu-chiang, and Ting Hsu-tzu, and Department of Computer Science juniors Huang En-ming, Kuo Pin-yi, and Wu Pang-ning. The team’s coach was Tsai Kuo-Guang, a graduate student from the Department of Computer Science with rich experience in computer competitions.

NTHU TEAM WINS CHAMPIONSHIP AT SCC

Shenzhen Global Investment Promotion Conference grabs 879 billion yuan investment

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 13 (Bernama) -- The Shenzhen Global Investment Promotion Conference held recently has led to the negotiation and signing of 315 project contracts, including those with Amazon, Intel and Maersk, encompassing a total planned investment of 879 billion yuan (10 yuan = RM6.35).

From 2019 to 2021, the Shenzhen Global Investment Promotion Conference witnessed the cumulative negotiation and signing of more than 600 projects which have resulted in a total intended investment of more than two trillion yuan.

“We once again extend an invitation to global businessmen: Invest in Shenzhen, build a winning future,” Commerce Bureau of Shenzhen Municipality director Zhang Feimeng said in a statement.

He said Shenzhen will continue to strengthen the protection of foreign investment, improve foreign investment services, and facilitate and deepen investment and cooperation by holding a series of activities, including policy presentations and investment promotions.

In the past four years, along with steadily rising investment, a large number of projects of strategic emerging industries, such as new energy, electronic information, ecological protection, biomedicine and new materials, have been established and developed in Shenzhen.

During the investment conference, 48 major projects, with international influence and core competitiveness, were signed.

Shenzhen's governmental departments, companies and associations are also constantly going out and getting deeply linked with global investors. The activities of this conference cover 16 cities outside of China.

The projects signed on-site cover such fields as new-generation information technology, digital fashion, green and low-carbon industries, biomedicine and health, and the marine industry.

Apart from attracting businesses and investment, Shenzhen has spared no effort to attract talent. The event on Dec 9 saw guests promoting Shenzhen and welcoming entrepreneurs, investors, and scientists in "road shows".

-- BERNAMA

BRANDSTARS unveils '2022 Korean Wave Brands'

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 13 (Bernama) -- The representative brands for each category of ‘2022 Korean Wave Brands (KWB)’ hosted by the  BRANDSTARS Selection Committee has been announced.

Marking its fifth anniversary this year, this event held concurrently through major media outlets in China and Southeast Asia, aimed at helping consumers make better choices by providing accurate information to overseas consumers.

In a statement, BRANDSTARS said as the brands representing each industry, Samsung Electronics’ Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4 and Z Flip4, Hyundai Motor Company’s IONIQ5, LG Electronics’ OLED TV and TROMM, Dong-A Pharm’s Bacchus were selected.

“Among others, in the shopping category, Lotte Department Store and The Shilla Duty Free were again selected this year.

“As for the entertainment category, BTS and Extraordinary Attorney Woo, which are leading the popularity of K-pop and K-drama respectively, were selected,” it said. 

The committee added that Jeju Special Self-Governing Province and Jeju Sky Water Show were on the list in the tourism and performance categories respectively.

“Amorepacific’s Sulwhasoo and LG Household and Health Care’s The History of Whoo were selected in the category of K-beauty cosmetics, and OLIVE YOUNG was chosen for the category of health and beauty shop.

“Meanwhile in functional cosmetics, organic cosmetics, and mask pack categories, Skin79, Coszone Make9, and Scanco Ballon Blanc were selected respectively,” it added.

Also announced was for the Brand K category, a joint brand representing Korea, Funshine Optatum, a fabric perfume brand, and Rokkiss, an organic cosmetic brand, were selected.

-- BERNAMA

DATUK SRI DR SHAMIR KUMAR NANDY RECEIVES ROTARY'S EXCELLENCE IN SERVICE TO HUMANITY AWARD

Datuk Sri Dr Shamir Kumar Nandy Awarded The Excellence in Service to Humanity during the 36th Installation Ceremonies of the Rotary Club of Greater Kuala Lumpur.

SELANGOR, Dec 13 (Bernama) -- Datuk Sri Dr Shamir Kumar Nandy was awarded the Excellence in Service to Humanity Award during the 36th Installation Ceremonies of the Rotary Club of Greater Kuala Lumpur. The event was attended by over 400 Rotarians from Malaysia, Singapore and the Philippines. The event was held at the Hee Lai Ton Restaurant in Petaling Jaya.

Datuk Sri Dr Shamir is a renowned game-changing entrepreneur, maverick disruptor and innovator par excellence. He has achieved remarkable things in the Trust services industry, created award-winning property developments and developed ingenious financial concepts and fund-raising models. Over the past decade he has generated more than RM10 billion in business and created jobs and business opportunities for more than 25,000 people.

The Excellence in Service to Humanity Award is one of the highest honours an individual can receive from the Rotary Club of Greater Kuala Lumpur. The award recognises outstanding individuals whom have carried out exemplary humanitarian service through Rotary and whom have demonstrated a strong commitment to Rotary’s ideal of Service Above Self.

DATUK SRI DR SHAMIR KUMAR NANDY RECEIVES ROTARY'S EXCELLENCE IN SERVICE TO HUMANITY AWARD

ICCA ACKNOWLEDGES MALAYSIA'S CONTRIBUTION TO THE INDUSTRY

PUTRAJAYA, Dec 12 (Bernama) -- Chief Executive Officer of the International Congress and Conference Association (ICCA), Senthil Gopinath presents himself for a courtesy visit to Malaysia Convention & Exhibition Bureau’s Chief Executive Officer, Dato’ Sri Dr. Abdul Khani Daud in Putrajaya in light of shared views with regards to the essence of international association meetings for the business events industry.

The pleasant visit contemporaneously acknowledges Dato’ Sri Dr. Abdul Khani Daud’s tenure as the ICCA Board of Director as the voice for the Asia Pacific Region that concluded in November 2022. Being elected during the high tide of the pandemic calls for vigorous upskilling and planning in reviving the business events industry that will catalyse a resurgence of this vital economic driven sector. With the full support of MyCEB, regional alliances, industry partners, government agencies and ministries, Asia Pacific was able to showcase an enlightening growth that sums the business events industry’s revival post pandemic today.

“I am humbled to wish Senthil a warm Malaysian ‘Selamat Datang’. The global business events community requires support from peak association such as ICCA and it is my humble experience being elected as the ICCA Board of Director for the term 2020 - 2022. Being part of an industry that highly transcends social and economic drivers, I was proud to see the growth of the region and how the region came back strong with trailblazing initiatives. MyCEB will continue to support the establishment of ICCA Asia Pacific office in Kuala Lumpur since 2007. The collaboration between MyCEB and ICCA is vital in our business events growth,” says Dato’ Sri Dr. Abdul Khani.

ICCA ACKNOWLEDGES MALAYSIA'S CONTRIBUTION TO THE INDUSTRY

GEORGE CLINICAL INKS AGREEMENT FOR ITS ACQUISITION BY HILLHOUSE

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 9 (Bernama) -- George Clinical, an Australia-headquartered global clinical research organisation (CRO), has entered into a sale agreement with Hillhouse, a global investment firm with deep experience in partnering with and supporting healthcare businesses.

The transaction will allow the CRO to continue a path of rapid global expansion and leadership in Asia-Pacific clinical research services while providing considerable new investment, George Clinical said in a statement.

Chief executive officer James Cheong said that George Clinical’s acquisition by Hillhouse presents an immense opportunity for the CRO to achieve even greater success in the next phase of its development.

“The path ahead is very exciting for our company, our staff and our clients as we will now have a bigger platform to continue our important mission to improve the health of millions of people worldwide and doing so with much more vigour in our new ownership structure,” he added.

This transaction with Hillhouse validates the value of the platform that George Clinical has built and will provide the company with the necessary support to drive its growth plans and maximise full market potential.

“This includes the expansion of the George Clinical global footprint, the extension and diversification of therapeutic expertise, the broadening of service offerings, and investment in processes and systems for greater efficiencies in project delivery,” George Clinical said.

The George Institute will hold a minority stake in George Clinical following the acquisition and will maintain a collaboration in applicable scientific areas such as in the Global Kidney Patients Trials Network (GKPTN).

The transaction is subject to Foreign Investment Review Board approval.

BofA Securities acted as lead financial advisor on the transaction and Lazard Australia acted as co-advisor. Herbert Smith Freehills acted as legal advisor on the transaction.

-- BERNAMA  

COSMOS HOTEL OPENS FIVE MORE UNIQUE MIMARU APARTMENT HOTELS IN TOKYO, OSAKA

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 9 (Bernama) -- Cosmos Hotel Management Co Ltd recently announced the opening of five new unique MIMARU Apartment Hotels in Tokyo and Osaka following the return of international travellers to Japan.

According to the company’s statement, with these latest openings, MIMARU now has 25 hotels in the popular urban areas of Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto as of 2022.

“Three Apartment Hotel MIMARU locations which are situated in Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto have been selected in the top 20 of the ‘Best Hotels in Japan 2020 by International Travelers', announced by the Tripadvisor Inbound Report 2020.

“Apart from offering excellent access, MIMARU also offers spacious rooms furnished with stocked kitchens, enabling guests to stay together and discover Japan,” it said.

Cosmos Hotel said while many visitors to Japan travel with their families or in groups, hotels that offer the luxury of relaxation to such large groups are limited in most urban areas.

“However, MIMARU accommodates large groups on extended stays, with spacious rooms (40 square metres and larger) furnished with stocked kitchens, a living or dining area, and laundromats in each hotel.

“Many guests appreciate MIMARU’s apartment-style hotels because they offer a comfortable home-away-from-home space to experience Japan, enabling guests to feel at home while experiencing Japan in an entertaining way,” it added.

MIMARU also has diverse themed rooms that make the Japanese experience even more memorable.

The Pokemon Room, where a huge stuffed Snorlax and original Pokemon-themed tableware await guests, is immensely popular among Pokemon fans from around the world.

Meanwhile, visitors can also play “Find the Hidden Ninja!” in the Ninja Room, created under the supervision of the Japan Ninja Council, with displays of “shuriken” (ninja stars) and scrolls and ninja motifs hiding in surprising places.

Other themed rooms include a Premium Party Room furnished with a sushi counter and an Ukiyo-e (Japanese woodblock print) Room adorned with works by Hokusai and original MIMARU works created by modern Ukiyo-e artists.

MIMARU staff members are fans of Japan from around the world with many being multilingual and able to communicate smoothly in Japanese and English while some are fluent in Chinese, Spanish, and Korean as well.

The name MIMARU is a neologism from the Japanese phrase “MInna de toMARU” meaning “stay together”.

-- BERNAMA

OPENING CEREMONY FOR NTHU'S CENTER FOR DISSECTION EDUCATION AND RESEARCH HELD

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 9 (Bernama) -- The opening ceremony of National Tsing Hua University (NTHU) in Taiwan’s Center for Dissection Education and Research, which cost over NT$100 million, was recently held. (NT$100=RM14.36)

At the ceremony, former NTHU president, Hocheng Hong signed the first donation agreement, which indicates that the donor has unconditionally pledged his body for education and research after death, for the purposes of advancing medical science.

He also said that he is pleased to sign the donation agreement, and sees it as an expression of his unreserved support for medical education at NTHU.

Current NTHU president W. John Kao thanked Hocheng for his contributions to medical education at NTHU, including raising NT$2 billion, which has enabled NTHU to set up state-of-the-art anatomy classrooms. 

“In addition, NTHU has also appointed three full-time and two part-time faculty in human anatomy which is the foundation of medical education," said Kao in a statement.

On behalf of NTHU, Kao sincerely thanked all those who donated their cadavers, as well as their family members for agreeing with their loved ones’ intentions to benefit medical education. 

Kao said that cadavers are essential for medical education, and that they help students to acquire the knowledge necessary for treating countless patients in their future medical careers.

-- BERNAMA 

TransferJet Consortium member carries out field trial of content distribution service in India

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 8 (Bernama) -- A field trial of high-speed content distribution service was carried out at several subway stations around New Delhi, India, in November 2022 by HRCP Research and Development Partnership (HRCP R&D).

HRCP R&D is a member of the Tokyo-based TransferJet Consortium (the TJC). 

According to a statement, the service enables users to download movies and games at an extremely high speed by just touching the devices used.

Given a TransferJet X-installed dongle, attached to an Android smartphone, participants can select their favourite content types on an app developed by HRCP R&D.

“By touching a Touch Point (transfer device) at a station, the selected content, for example, a two-hour-long HD movie, is transferred in two seconds. The content is protected by Digital Rights Management,” it said.

TransferJet Consortium was established in 2008 to develop the technology, products and services of TransferJet wireless technology. It was transformed into an incorporated association in 2011.

The consortium focuses on development of the specifications, compliance testing processes and tools, and promotional marketing activities.

-- BERNAMA

AM BEST AFFIRMS CREDIT RATINGS OF LONPAC INSURANCE BHD

SINGAPORE, Dec 9 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- AM Best has affirmed the Financial Strength Rating of A (Excellent) and the Long-Term Issuer Credit Rating of “a” (Excellent) of Lonpac Insurance Bhd (Lonpac) (Malaysia). The outlook of these Credit Ratings (ratings) is stable.

The ratings reflect Lonpac’s balance sheet strength, which AM Best assesses as very strong, as well as its strong operating performance, neutral business profile and appropriate enterprise risk management.

Lonpac’s balance sheet strength is underpinned by its risk-adjusted capitalisation, which was at the strongest level at year-end 2021, as measured by Best’s Capital Adequacy Ratio (BCAR), and is expected to remain at this level over the near to medium term. Despite a high dividend payout ratio over the past five years (2017-2021), the company has demonstrated strong capital growth from retained earnings over this period. In addition, the company has a generally conservative investment portfolio comprising cash, bonds and debt-focused unit trust funds. However, Lonpac is viewed to have a moderate dependence on third-party reinsurance to enable the underwriting of large limit risks and to manage catastrophe exposure accumulation.

AM Best assesses the company’s operating performance as strong, as evidenced by its five-year average return-on-equity ratio of 31.5% and combined ratio of 66.1% (2017-2021). In 2021, the company’s combined ratio improved driven by COVID-19-related movement restrictions in Malaysia. This has been followed by an uptick in claims activity in 2022 due to easing of these restrictions. Underwriting margins for property and marine classes of business have benefited from low net loss experience and favourable reinsurance commission income over a number of years, which remain the key drivers of technical profitability. Investment returns continue to be a stable contributor to overall earnings. Prospectively, claims normalisation, as well as the ongoing phased liberalisation of motor and fire insurance pricing in Malaysia may constrain underwriting margins over the near to medium term. Nonetheless, AM Best expects the company to maintain strong operating performance over the medium term, supported by its disciplined underwriting approach.

The business profile assessment of neutral reflects Lonpac’s position as a mid-sized non-life insurer in Malaysia, with a market share of approximately 8%, based on 2021 gross direct premium. The company’s underwriting portfolio is diversified moderately by line of business, albeit with majority of business originating from Malaysia. Lonpac continues to benefit from a long-standing relationship with Public Bank Berhad, which provides the company with preferential access to profitable property business through the banking channel.

Ratings are communicated to rated entities prior to publication. Unless stated otherwise, the ratings were not amended subsequent to that communication.

This press release relates to Credit Ratings that have been published on AM Best’s website. For all rating information relating to the release and pertinent disclosures, including details of the office responsible for issuing each of the individual ratings referenced in this release, please see AM Best’s Recent Rating Activity web page. For additional information regarding the use and limitations of Credit Rating opinions, please view Guide to Best’s Credit Ratings. For information on the proper use of Best’s Credit Ratings, Best’s Performance Assessments, Best’s Preliminary Credit Assessments and AM Best press releases, please view Guide to Proper Use of Best’s Ratings & Assessments.

AM Best is a global credit rating agency, news publisher and data analytics provider specialising in the insurance industry. Headquartered in the United States, the company does business in over 100 countries with regional offices in London, Amsterdam, Dubai, Hong Kong, Singapore and Mexico City. For more information, visit www.ambest.com.

Copyright © 2022 by A.M. Best Rating Services, Inc. and/or its affiliates. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

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Contact

Susan Tan
Financial Analyst
+65 6303 5023
susan.tan@ambest.com

Christopher Sharkey
Manager, Public Relations
+1 908 439 2200, ext. 5159
christopher.sharkey@ambest.com

Kanika Thukral
Senior Financial Analyst
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Senior Public Relations Specialist
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Source : AM Best