Xsolla Curine Academy Launches In Kuala Lumpur

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 29 (Bernama) -- Xsolla, a global video game commerce company announced it is launching Xsolla Curine Academy in collaboration with Curine Ventures, at Malaysia Digital Content Festival (MYDCF) organised by Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC).

The Xsolla Curine Academy is an initiative dedicated to nurturing and empowering local talent within the video game industry which aligns with industry needs and adheres to the highest standards created in collaboration with global experts.

Its goal is to provide game developers with a comprehensive, industry-leading programme designed to equip them with the skills and knowledge necessary for a successful career in the industry.

Xsolla Chief Executive Officer, Chris Hewish said the launch of Xsolla Curine Academy is a monumental step towards bridging the gap between local talent and the industry opportunities available to them, in Kuala Lumpur, where local talent abounds.

“With the diverse programmes, expert-led workshops, and invaluable network offered through the Academy, we are laying the foundation for a robust gaming community in Malaysia," he said in a statement.

The Xsolla Curine Academy offers various programmes for four and 12 months, where participants can expect a rigorous curriculum covering various aspects of game development, and industry-endorsed best practices that prepare developers for the competitive world.

The mission is to bridge the gap between talent and opportunity, ultimately fostering growth within the local game development ecosystem.

As part of the Xsolla Curine Academy, the team also introduced the Game Incubator programme, which lasts four or 12 months, whereby participants will benefit from focused workshops and insightful lectures by industry experts, which is set to elevate game development in Malaysia.

In a game-changing move, Xsolla Funding Club and Accelerator are joining forces with the Xsolla Curine Academy, providing a network of over 180 investors and publishers and share their experience in launching indie games.

-- BERNAMA

Datacubed Health - AppInChina Partnership To Launch eClinical Platform In China

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 27 (Bernama) -- Datacubed Health in collaboration with AppInChina, a renowned leader in Android App Store publication, has launched its eClinical platform app in China, representing a significant step forward for Datacubed Health's commitment to expanding its presence in the Chinese market.

This partnership ensures seamless deployment of the eClinical platform app in official Android stores across China and the Apple App Store, as well as guarantees accessibility to a wide range of devices and ecosystems.

The company has also established a legal entity within China and acquired all necessary commercial and legal licences as well as certificates. These crucial steps are a testament to Datacubed Health's commitment to providing secure and regulated services within the Chinese market.

Datacubed Health Chief Executive Officer, Brett Kleger said the company is thrilled to introduce its eClinical platform app to the Chinese market.

“Our partnership with AppInChina, legal entity establishment, and rigorous compliance efforts demonstrate our dedication to providing world-class services to our Chinese users. We look forward to empowering clinical research initiatives in China with our cutting-edge solutions,” he said in a statement.

The launch of the eClinical platform app represents a significant stride in bridging the gap between global research initiatives and the Chinese healthcare landscape.

This app has been meticulously customised to align with local requirements and has undergone rigorous testing by local quality assurance teams, ensuring the seamless functioning of the platform while adhering to Chinese network security requirements and restrictions.

Datacubed Health has also bolstered its presence in China by establishing a fully compliant and fault-tolerant Software as a Service (SaaS) infrastructure and their solution is now hosted in AWS Beijing, ensuring data security and reliability for users in the region.

With these key developments in operational, legal and software compliance, Datacubed Health is well-prepared to provide unmatched support to clinical research efforts in China.

A global provider of innovative solutions for patient engagement and data collection in clinical trials, Datacubed Health is a pioneering eClinical technology company built from the ground up by industry veterans who wanted to create a better clinical trial experience for all stakeholders.

-- BERNAMA

Saudi Crown Prince Sets Out Soudah Peaks' Masterplan

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 27 (Bernama) -- Saudi Arabia’s Prime Minister and Soudah Development Chairman, Crown Prince Mohammed Salman, has launched the masterplan to develop Soudah and parts of Rijal Almaa into Soudah Peaks, a luxury mountain tourism destination set 3,015 metres above sea level on the Kingdom's highest peak. 

Situated within an extraordinary natural and cultural environment in the Aseer region (southwest Saudi Arabia), the project is a key part of the Public Investment Fund (PIF)’s efforts to diversify the economy by expanding vital industries such as tourism, hospitality and entertainment, and supporting Aseer development strategy.

It is strategically aligned with Vision 2030 goals of expanding tourism and entertainment, supporting economic growth, attracting investments, contributing more than 29 billion Riyal to the Kingdom’s cumulative gross domestic product (GDP), and creating thousands of direct and indirect job opportunities. (100 Riyal = RM125.48)

Salman said Soudah Peaks represents a new era of luxury mountain tourism by providing an unprecedented living experience while preserving the natural environment, cultural and heritage richness.

“The masterplan reaffirms our commitment to global efforts in preserving the environment and natural resources for future generations and aims to contribute to diversifying national income sources and building a strong economy that attracts local and global investment.

“Soudah Peaks will be a significant addition to the tourism sector in Saudi Arabia and place the Kingdom on the global tourism map, whilst highlighting and celebrating the country’s rich culture and heritage,” he said in a statement.

Soudah Peaks aims to offer high-end luxurious hospitality services to over two million visitors throughout the year by 2033. The masterplan is being designed to reflect the local traditional and architectural styles, as well as promoting both the cultural and landscape heritage of the region.

It is set across more than 627 square kilometres of awe-inspiring nature, with less than one per cent of the land being acquired for building, reflecting Soudah Development’s commitment to protecting and preserving the environment, and contributing to the efforts of the Saudi Green Initiative.

Soudah Development will deliver 2,700 hospitality keys, 1,336 residential units, and 80,000 square metres of commercial space for Soudah Peaks by 2033. The masterplan will be developed over three phases, with 940 hotel keys, 391 residential units, and 32,000 square metres of retail space expected to be completed in 2027, within phase one.

As a closed joint-stock company owned by PIF, Soudah Development aims to develop a unique luxury mountain tourism destination in Saudi Arabia, whilst preserving the natural environment and cultural heritage of the project area spread across Soudah and parts of Rijal Almaa.

-- BERNAMA

KIOXIA UNVEILS EMBEDDED FLASH MEMORY PRODUCTS FOR CONSUMER APPLICATIONS

 

Kioxia: e-MMC Ver. 5.1 Embedded Flash Memory Device (Photo: Business Wire)

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 27 (Bernama) -- Kioxia Corporation, a world leader in memory solutions, announced the sampling of new, higher performing JEDEC e-MMC Ver. 5.1-compliant embedded flash memory products for consumer applications.

The new products integrate a newer version of the company’s BiCS FLASH 3D flash memory and a controller in a single package, reducing processor workload and improving ease of use.

In a statement, Kioxia said both 64 and 128 gigabytes (GB) products will be available.

As the market continues to shift to Universal Flash Storage (UFS), there are cases where embedded Multi Media Card (e-MMC) may still be used. This includes consumer products with mid-range storage requirements such as tablets, personal computers and point of sale devices.

Kioxia continues to reinforce its market-leading position by delivering a broad, high-performance product lineup and expanding the available options for these applications.

The new Kioxia devices improve sequential and random write performance and random read performance over previous generation devices, with terabytes written (TBW) is also improved in correspondence with an enhanced area setting for the whole e-MMC area.

Kioxia is now sampling its next-generation e-MMC devices, with mass production expected in spring of 2024. It is committed to uplifting the world with “memory” by offering products, services and systems that create choice for customers and memory-based value for society.

-- BERNAMA

RENEWABLE GAS SOLUTIONS AND COGENERATION CAN HELP MALAYSIA ACHIEVE ITS 22% ENERGY EFFICIENCY TARGET BY 2050

Key Government Stakeholders from the Ministry of Natural Resources, Environment and Climate Change, Energy Commission Malaysia, Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA), Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MOSTI), Cyberview Sdn Bhd, Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC) at the Workshop on Renewable Gas Solutions & Cogeneration for Data Centres in Malaysia held on 26 September 2023 in Cyberjaya.

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 27 (Bernama) -- The Malaysian Gas Association (MGA) in collaboration with Cyberview and supported by the Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC) has recently organised a Workshop on Renewable Gas Solutions and Cogeneration for Data Centres in Malaysia. With the aim of exploring cutting-edge advancements in renewable gas solutions and cogeneration technologies, the one-day workshop successfully gathered over 100 energy industry experts, digital investors, and representatives from data centres. Key government stakeholders from the Ministry of Natural Resources, Environment and Climate Change, Energy Commission Malaysia, and Malaysia Investment Development Authority (MIDA) were also in attendance.

According to Abdul Aziz Othman, President of the Malaysian Gas Association, MGA has been a staunch advocate for increased adoption of Cogeneration since 2016. Leveraging its inherent energy efficiency, the implementation of innovative solutions like Cogeneration will not only enable businesses to optimise resource utilisation but also provide a cost-effective and sustainable solution while reducing energy intensity.

“It has been a crucial mission led by MGA to drive increased adoption of Cogeneration, which will play a significant role in supporting the national energy efficiency targets outlined in the National Energy Efficiency Action Plan (2016-2025). By incorporating Renewable gas solutions into the initial programme that solely concentrated on Cogeneration, this workshop aligns seamlessly with the recently launched National Energy Transition Roadmap (NETR), which acknowledges the significance of Energy Efficiency as a vital driver towards our energy transition objectives." he highlighted.

“We firmly believe that renewable gas such as Biogas and Cogeneration solutions will make significant contributions to data centres, which play an increasingly critical role in our digitally-driven global landscape. As part of the gas industry's ongoing decarbonisation efforts towards a low-carbon and sustainable future, the development of energy-efficient technologies becomes a vital driver to help the country achieve its energy-saving targets. These include an average of 21% energy savings by 2040 and 22% energy savings by 2050 under the National Energy Transition Roadmap (NETR), as well as a 45% reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2030," said Abdul Aziz.

MGA expresses gratitude to the Government for acknowledging its role in representing the Malaysian gas industry and actively contributing to the development of energy-related policies and roadmaps. MGA remains committed to supporting the Government's sustainability agenda and eagerly anticipates the inclusion of Cogeneration as an innovative solution in the upcoming Energy Efficiency and Conservation Act (EECA), which is set to be unveiled next month.

RENEWABLE GAS SOLUTIONS AND COGENERATION CAN HELP MALAYSIA ACHIEVE ITS 22% ENERGY EFFICIENCY TARGET BY 2050

MIA LAUNCHES WHITE PAPER ON SHARIAH AUDIT TO ENHANCE SHARIAH GOVERNANCE AND STRENGTHEN MALAYSIA'S LEAD IN ISLAMIC FINANCE

From left - Mohd Muazzam Mohamed - Chairman of the MIA Islamic Finance Committee, Datuk Bazlan Osman - President of the Malaysian Institute of Accountants (MIA), Dominic Chegne, President of the Institute of Internal Auditors Malaysia (IIA Malaysia), Prof. Dr. Zurina Shafii, Professor, Faculty of Economics and Muamalat, USIM and Prof. Dato’ Dr. Mustafa Mohd Hanefah, Professor, Faculty of Economics and Muamalat, USIM at the Launching of White Paper on Shariah Audit.

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 27 (Bernama) -- As part of its advocacy on Islamic finance, the Malaysian Institute of Accountants (MIA) recently published a White Paper on Shariah Audit (White Paper) in collaboration with Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia (USIM).

This White Paper is intended to help enhance Shariah governance and strengthen Malaysia’s global leadership in Islamic finance, and is aligned with MIA’s nation building purpose. “Shariah governance is one of the key areas for MIA’s advocacy and Malaysia’s globally competitive Islamic finance industry, as spearheaded by the MIA Islamic Finance Committee. Given that Shariah regulations and compliance are a competitive edge in growing and capitalising on Islamic markets, it is imperative to ensure consistent Shariah compliance for the issuance of Islamic finance services and products, particularly through the adequate implementation of Shariah governance structures and Shariah audit practices,” stated Encik Mohd Muazzam Mohamed, Chairman of the MIA Islamic Finance Committee, and a leading practitioner in the Islamic finance sector at the launch of the White Paper.

In essence, the White Paper emphasises the importance of Shariah audit practices and governance structure in attaining Shariah compliance. It also provides an overview of the diverse regulations and current practices as well as issues and policy recommendations relating to Shariah audit in Islamic financial institutions, Islamic capital market, Islamic cooperatives, public trust entities and other Islamic institutions such as state Islamic religious councils.

Based on a mix of primary and secondary data, the White Paper derives analysis of the current challenges in implementing Shariah audit practices from roundtable sessions and the deliberations of a Shariah Audit Working Group comprising industry experts and regulators. “The White Paper has gone through a vigorous review process by a Working Group that is represented by regulatory bodies including Bank Negara Malaysia and the Securities Commission,” added Encik Muazzam.

The White Paper identifies two key challenges to improving Shariah audits. One, the lack of defined scope for Shariah audit. Two, the lack of required talent with the requisite skill and knowledge to perform an effective Shariah audit. To tackle these issues, the White Paper proposes the issuance of a Roadmap and Best Practice Guides that address talent management and professional development for Shariah auditors as well as audit coverage respectively. 

MIA LAUNCHES WHITE PAPER ON SHARIAH AUDIT TO ENHANCE SHARIAH GOVERNANCE AND STRENGTHEN MALAYSIA'S LEAD IN ISLAMIC FINANCE

Syntagma Capital To Acquire Lennox European Commercial Hvac, Refrigeration Divisions

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 25 (Bernama) -- Syntagma Capital has entered into exclusive negotiations with Lennox International to acquire its European Commercial HVAC and Refrigeration businesses.

“We are excited about the opportunity to invest in Lennox EMEA and continue to grow the business. This transaction illustrates our expertise in corporate carve-outs as it is composed of two simultaneous transactions.

“This transaction represents our third carve out in 2023 alone and reflects Syntagma’s strategy to acquire businesses that will benefit from a new owner to drive the next area of growth,” said Syntagma Managing Partner, Sebastien Kiekert Le Moult in a statement.

The HVAC division designs and manufactures commercial heating, air conditioning and air handling equipment, while the Commercial Refrigeration division designs and manufactures commercial evaporators, condensing units, condensers and dry coolers.

Having served customers in the industrial, retail, logistics, residential, office and HORECA sectors in over 40 countries, the businesses are headquartered in Lyon, France and employ approximately 940 people across four sites and their commercial organisation.

The proposed transaction, which is subject to the fulfilment of customary closing conditions, including the information and consultation of works councils and other regulatory approvals, is expected to be completed by the end of this year.

Syntagma’s team involved in the transaction included Le Moult, Frank Coenen (Partner), Benjamin Dahan (Partner), João Pilecco (Senior Vice President), Gabriele Lo Monaco (Senior Associate) and Alicia Azema (Senior Analyst).

The company was advised by Willkie Farr & Gallagher (mergers and acquisitions (M&A) legal and antitrust), PricewaterhouseCoopers (financial DD and tax structuring), Deloitte (tax and social), Kaiser Associates (operations) and 4Strategies (strategy).

-- BERNAMA

THE FIRST ANNIVERSARY OF MALAYSIA NANOTECHNOLOGY INDUSTRIAL GROUP (MNIG)

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 25 (Bernama) -- Malaysia Nanotechnology Industrial Group (MNIG) – an association formed under the auspices of NanoMalaysia Berhad (NMB), marks its first anniversary this month.

“The concept of “Malaysia Nanotechnology Industrial Group (MNIG)” was ideated by NanoMalaysia back in 2014 and translated into the National Nanotechnology Policy and Strategy (DSNN) 2021-2030 to call for the formation of a nanotechnology industrial group run by industry players. Hence, MNIG is designed to complement NanoMalaysia’s ongoing effort to re-energise Malaysia’s industry powered by nanotechnology solutions,” said Dr. Rezal Khairi Ahmad, CEO of NMB.

“As it might be expected, ever since its launch in September 2022 at Nano Kebangsaan Malaysia (NANOKEB 2022), we have been focusing on the organisational matters, in particular, the preparation for election of office bearers, membership framework, Terms of Reference and others,” said the Managing Director of Naglus Industries Sdn. Bhd., Ts. Dr. Rozzeta Dolah, the inaugural President of MNIG, and is also one of the founding members. “We are on a membership drive, facilitating members towards commercialisation, organising events and more,” she added.

MNIG is a platform for all nanotechnology-based companies, including start-ups. Dr. Rozzeta pointed out that “this is one of the significant platforms to ensure Research & Development are being materialised along with the Commercialisation and Innovation. Together, we strive to elevate Malaysia’s Global Innovation Index to a greater height.”

MNIG is Malaysia’s first and only association for nanotechnology industry players to come together and collaborate for mutual benefits towards being greater as a collective voice, ultimately realising its vision, which is “to be a leading nanotechnology industrial hub in ASEAN by 2030”.

Dr. Rozzeta further emphasised the importance of industry players lobbying for the greater good on a single platform, and the formation of MNIG heralds a significant development for such a cause. “By standing together and speaking with the same voice, we can ensure that Malaysia’s nanotech industry has a strong influence in relevant policy and regulatory discussions,” she said.

Looking ahead, MNIG will continue to support NanoMalaysia Berhad in nanotechnology commercialisation while promoting nanotechnology adoption by fostering closer collaboration with all relevant Government agencies, national intellectual communities, institutions and organisations, and individuals working in the Organisation’s fields of competence.

In addition to Dr. Rozzeta, founding members of MNIG who are also on its committee are Vice President Muhammad Asnawi Mohd Kusaimi (Serdang Paste Tech Sdn. Bhd.), Secretary Dr. Mariani Abdul Hamid (Biopro Cosmeceutical Sdn. Bhd.), Treasurer, Abu Talib Abd Rahman (Syarikat Salmi HJ Tamin Sdn. Bhd.), Sector Leader – Energy & Environment, Ir. Bernard Sagaiyaraj (Blue Snow Consulting and Engineering Sdn. Bhd.), Sector Leader – Electronic Devices & Systems, Michael CK (Eclimo Sdn. Bhd.), Sector Leader – Wellness, Medical and Healthcare, Dr. S. Supramaniam (Bonric Sdn. Bhd.), and Sector Leader – Food and Agriculture, Chor Chee Hoe (Qarbotech Sdn. Bhd.).

Membership in MNIG is available to individuals and organisations involved in or interested in exploring the world of nanotechnology and its potential applications, along with supporters that share our vision coming on board from the wider industry, academia, nonprofit sector and others. For further membership information, visit https://mnig.my/members/#join.

About Malaysia Nanotechnology Industrial Group (MNIG)

MNIG is a well-integrated business community that operates as a neutral, independent industry platform, creating a voice for nanotechnology development that provides core regulatory support, networking and promotional support for all members.

MNIG and its Members are committed to forming sustainable collaborative networks in strategic areas led by industry through strategic partnership. We work towards enabling Malaysian industries to incorporate rich nano-based knowledge content into their products and services, making Malaysia a knowledge hub and drawing global talent into our innovation ecosystem.

SOURCE : NanoMalaysia Berhad

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:
Name: Raja Riznal Raja Abidin MCIM MIPR
Senior Vice President, Group Corporate Affairs
NanoMalaysia Berhad
Tel: +6016 660 4606 / +603 2779 0200 ext 6001

--BERNAMA

HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS AND STAFF OF GLENEAGLES HOSPITAL MEDINI JOHOR PLEDGE TO PROVIDE SAFE CARE FOR PATIENTS

^{Dr. Kamal Amzan (centre), CEO of Gleneagles Hospital Medini Johor with consultants and staff members of the hospital.}

Orange Hue Covers The Hospital's Building In The Spirit Of Solidarity For World Patient Safety Day 2023

ISKANDAR PUTERI, Malaysia, Sept 25 (Bernama) -- In conjunction with World Patient Safety Day 2023, Gleneagles Hospital Medini Johor (GHMJ) observed the public health day on September 18, 2023, with a celebration attended by both consultants and staff of the hospital. The convene extends the hospital's vision towards sustaining safe healthcare alongside achieving the primary objectives of this year’s celebration which are to foster awareness and engage stakeholders in recognizing the crucial significance of collaborative work in patient’s safety, given their active involvement in patient care.

The event commenced with an upbeat Zumba session at the main entrance of the hospital. Following that, GHMJ's team gathered for a human formation, creating the letters 'P,' 'S,' and 'D' as an abbreviation for 'Patient Safety Day,' all while holding orange umbrellas that had lights to glow in the evening. The choice of orange symbolizes the crucial role of patient safety in the nation's pursuit of universal health coverage, and the illuminated umbrellas serve as a metaphor for the responsibility healthcare professionals bear in offering protection and shelter to patients, safeguarding them from harm.

GHMJ also joined the rest of the world as the orange light illuminated the hospital’s facade in heeding the World Health Organizations’ call to light up any landmarks with the hue. Through this demonstration it accentuated the need of patient and family involvement for safer care.

“As a single hospital, the impact is limited but when we join forces, we can move mountains. We stand with other IHH facilities across the country to ensure our treatments are efficient, timely and the processes are lenient, for those who matter most to us – our patients” said CEO, Dr. Kamal Amzan in his opening remarks. He highlighted that it takes mutual effort from various parties in the enlightenment of patient safety and providing exceptional healthcare benefits for them.

GHMJ envisions a future where joint cooperation can be achieved among healthcare professionals, staff, patients, and caretakers to raise the benchmark in medical care excellence. At the official inauguration of World Patient Safety Day, organized by the hospital, Dr. Kamal Amzan, CEO of Gleneagles Hospital Medini Johor, was joined by Tan Sri Mohammed Azlan Hashim, Chairman of IHH Healthcare, and Mr. Jean-François Naa, CEO of IHH Healthcare Malaysia as well as the hospital staff demonstrated their dedication by signing on the pledge board, further marking their persistence to put a spotlight on patient well-being as a fundamental aspect in centralizing a patient-centric wellness service. There are also engaging activities planned for the annual campaign such as pledge board exhibition, and a pitch and pledge contest.

About Gleneagles Hospital Medini Johor (GHMJ):
A premier tertiary hospital located in Johor, Malaysia, Gleneagles Hospital Medini Johor is a mere 20-minute drive from the Singapore-Tuas checkpoint, right at the heart of Medini's Lifestyle precinct. GHMJ is home to some of the most advanced medical technologies and procedures available such as:

● PET CT (FDG & Gallium) - the first outside Klang Valley with Gallium and the second one in Johor with FDG to complement the hospital's Cancer Centre.
● CORI - A robotic surgical system designed to assist surgeons in performing minimally invasive orthopedic procedures, particularly for knee and hip surgeries.
● ESWL - Treatment of kidney stones and ureteral stones through a non-invasive, day-surgery, with higher precision using Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy (ESWL).
● Linear Accelerator Elekta Synergy equipped with Catalyst HD - The latest Radiotherapy system with 3-Dimensional Radiation Therapy (3DRT), Intensity Modulated Radiotherapy (IMRT) and Volumetric Arc Therapy (MAT) which provides more accurate delivery, shortens treatment time and lowers overall dose of radiation.
● Davinci Xi - The da Vinci® Surgical System is a robotic surgical system that uses a minimally invasive surgical approach. It features multiple arms that can perform manoeuvres and rotations beyond the natural ability of the human hand.

About World Patient Safety Day:
World Patient Safety Day, observed globally on September 17th every year, was initiated by the World Health Organization (WHO) with the aim of increasing awareness regarding patient safety. The main purpose of the public health day is to foster worldwide unity and initiatives that prevent and mitigate harm to patients.


SOURCE : Gleneagles Hospital Medini Johor

HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS AND STAFF OF GLENEAGLES HOSPITAL MEDINI JOHOR PLEDGE TO PROVIDE SAFE CARE FOR PATIENTS

Yili Wins "best Corporate Sustainability Film" At Odyssey 2023

 

Passion for a Sustainable Future 

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 21 (Bernama) -- A short film co-produced by Yili Group and The Economist Group in the UK titled "Passion for a Sustainable Future" had won "Best Corporate Sustainability Film" at Odyssey 2023 in Cambridge, an acknowledgment of the Asian dairy giant's commitment to global sustainability.

Now in its third edition, the Odyssey film festival celebrates "Global Sustainability" as its main theme this year, in response to the United Nations’ (UN) 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), according to a statement.

Integrating sustainability into its corporate culture, the company upholds a development philosophy that underscores the importance of green development, win-win cooperation and shared prosperity.

Yili launched China's first net-zero product series, covering milk, yoghurt, organic milk powder and ice cream, pioneering in the country’s food sector as one of the first companies to unveil its carbon reduction goal and commitment to achieving carbon neutrality by 2050 across the industry chain.

Adhering to the principles of altruism and creating long-term positive impact, it pools various resources to establish a global health ecosystem and promote shared prosperity, in the process of generating business value and social value.

Yili is China's first enterprise to sign the Business and Biodiversity Pledge of the Conference of Parties (COP) to the Convention on Biological Diversity, the first to commit to and be approved to join the UN Water Action Agenda, and the sole dairy partner of the COP to be invited to the second session of the COP15.

With its dream of "World Integrally Sharing Health", Yili has also been expanding its environmental, social and governance (ESG) footprint across the continents.

This year, with its outstanding performance in the ESG field, it has achieved an A-level MSCI ESG rating, placing it at the top among A-share-listed dairy companies. Following its "New Vision for Value Creation", Yili is dedicated to uniting all forces to create value and contribute to the UN SDGs in the future.

-- BERNAMA

Acino Expands Latin American Footprint Via M8 Pharmaceuticals Acquisition

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 21 (Bernama) -- Acino, a Swiss pharmaceutical company, has entered into an agreement to acquire M8 Pharmaceuticals (M8), a fast-growing specialty biopharmaceutical company, focused on licensing, marketing, and distributing innovative and established medicines in Mexico and Brazil.

Through this acquisition, Acino will enter the two largest pharmaceutical markets in Latin America, significantly expanding its geographic footprint and strengthening its position in the region, providing a more powerful and comprehensive offering for healthcare professionals and patients.

The acquisition will complement Acino’s existing Latin American division, which is based in Panama and operates across eight countries in Central America, the Caribbean, and Ecuador, delivering high-quality medicines to improve people’s health in this key region.

“This is a transformative deal for Acino, significantly expanding our presence in Latin America and delivering against our overall strategy and stated intention to increase patient’s access to high-quality pharmaceuticals and diversify our footprint in key high-growth markets.

“We see M8 and Acino as highly complementary offerings, and we are confident that we can use this acquisition as a catalyst to further increase value and accelerate growth for Acino in this key region,” said Acino Interim Chief Executive Officer, Andrew Bird in a statement.

M8, a Montreux Growth Partners portfolio company, has a highly successful record of signing exclusive licensing agreements with large pharmaceutical and biotech companies for the rights to market and commercialise products in Latin America.

It brings a portfolio of well-known proven brands and innovative products, a best-in-class deal-making platform and an outstanding reputation among its partners, in addition to building a large pipeline across a broad range of key therapeutic areas.

The transaction is subject to customary closing conditions, including antitrust clearance, and is expected to be completed by the end of 2023.

Banco J.P. Morgan S.A. is acting as exclusive financial advisor, Goodwin LLP as exclusive legal advisor, and PricewaterhouseCoopers as exclusive accounting and tax advisor to Acino, while Stifel, Cooley LLP and Credit Suisse, a UBS Group Company acted as advisors to M8.

-- BERNAMA

LRN REPORT: ETHICS AND COMPLIANCE PRACTICES CONVERGING AMID THE 'LONG ARM' GLOBAL IMPACT OF US REGULATION

New Global Standards Edition of Flagship Report Analyzes Four Years of Global Data to Pinpoint Key Attributes for Maximum Impact 

NEW YORK,Sept 20 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- According to a new report from LRN Corporation released today, best practices are rapidly converging around the globe when it comes to ethics and compliance (E&C) programs. In particular, five key characteristics appear most significant when it comes to ensuring an organization’s E&C program achieves true impact.

Amalgamating the past four years of data from its annual flagship research (2020 – 2023), the newly released Global Standards Edition of the Ethics & Compliance Program Effectiveness Report from LRN identifies the five major attributes of the world’s most highly effective E&C programs. More specifically, high-impact programs tend to be those that: 

· Rely on values, for 94% of high-impact programs;
· Are embedded in decision-making, an aspect that has grown in importance by 20% for high-impact programs over the past four years;
· Are accessible and relevant, now around seven times more likely in 2023 when compared to 2020;
· Innovate in training design and delivery, such as the implementation of ‘test out’ options which grew from 27% to 55% of high-impact programs; and
· Prioritize personal responsibility, including an increase (to 79%) in the proportion of high-impact programs that consider E&C when determining executive and employee bonus allocations. 

In addition, the report underscores the increasing and truly global impact of US regulations on ethics and compliance programs, a trend that is growing when it comes to anti-corruption, trade controls, and sanctions. In the past decade alone, nearly half of all US prosecutions under the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act have been against non-US companies, notes the report. 

“In light of global regulators' heightened focus on holding accountability and the dynamic emergence of intricate risks, it is imperative for companies to diligently allocate ample resources and authority to their organization's Ethics and Compliance (E&C) programs,” said LRN senior advisor Susan Divers, lead author for the Program Effectiveness Reports, including the Global Standards Edition. “This necessity is particularly underscored by the findings in our report, which illuminates the increasing convergence of best practices across borders and the far-reaching influence of US regulations on E&C programs worldwide.” 

“In looking back over the last four years of our research on what makes E&C programs effective, we can say with confidence that companies’ ethics, culture, and values do matter,” added Kevin Michielsen, CEO of LRN. “Our data not only documents the necessity of this convergence but the need for all organizations to implement best practices in the face of increased regulatory scrutiny. At LRN we strive to fix that gap in hopes that we can help set a worldwide standard for the benefit of the entire E&C community.” 

The 2023 edition of LRN’s yearly Program Effectiveness Report, originally released in February, was based on responses from more than 1,850 E&C professionals around the globe at organizations with more than 1,000 employees. Spanning 26 industries and 10 different countries, it is the largest and most comprehensive research of its kind. 

http://mrem.bernama.com/viewsm.php?idm=47051

St Kitts And Nevis Celebrates 40 Years Bilateral Ties With Taiwan

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 18 (Bernama) -- The Taiwan External Trade Development Council (TAITRA) in collaboration with the Taiwanese Embassy have organised the 2023 Taiwan Expo held in St Kitts and Nevis, marking a pivotal moment in the diplomatic history of both nations.

Held recently at the Visitor Centre, Malcolm Guishard Recreational Park in Nevis, the expo solidified the deep-rooted bond between these two countries, through a myriad of exhibitions and cultural experiences, according to a statement.

The expo featured 26 Taiwanese companies representing diverse industries, whereby visitors had the privilege of exploring a wide array of cutting-edge products as it also offered an immersive journey into Taiwanese culture beyond trade and technology.

In a bid to foster inclusive bilateral cooperation, the expo extended invitations to local businesses, enabling them to showcase their products alongside Taiwanese exhibitors.

It served as a powerful platform to underscore significant trade opportunities between St Kitts and Nevis with Taiwan. Last year, bilateral trade between the two nations reached an impressive US$1.56 million. (US$1=RM4.68)

As both nations look ahead, they remain committed to deepening their ties, nurturing their friendship, and exploring new avenues for collaboration, in which the Expo was a testament to the enduring partnership between St Kitts and Nevis and Taiwan, setting the stage for a future marked by shared success and prosperity.

Furthermore, the "Commemorative Stamp Competition” was unveiled not only to underscore the remarkable rapport shared between the Federation and Taiwan but also invites participants to visually capture the essence of this enduring partnership.

The competition will feature an engaging online voting mechanism, scheduled to run from Sept 15 to 30, and the results will be unveiled on Oct 9.

This enduring diplomatic relationship has manifested itself in their partnership in various sectors, including renewable energy; health; training and education; people empowerment; diplomacy; climate change and cultural exchange.

-- BERNAMA

George Mason University Bags Virginia’s Top University For Social Mobility

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 20 (Bernama) -- George Mason University has been placed among America’s top 50 public universities, top 100 among all public and private institutions, and Virginia’s number one university for social mobility.

Released recently, United States (US) News & World Report’s Best Colleges 2024 rankings puts Mason at number 51 among all public universities and number 105 among all universities nationwide.

Furthermore, Mason retains its top 20 ranking position for innovation and improved to a top 50 (number 49) university for veterans, according to these national rankings.

In a statement, Mason President Gregory Washington said: “The rankings confirm what we here at Mason and Virginians have known for some time; based on our performance, George Mason University is one of America’s top 50 public universities.

“All students deserve access to a college education and experience that will deliver on a promise to transform their lives and set them up for lifelong success. Mason delivers in access, innovation, excellence,and opportunity.”

The most significant change in this year’s rankings is the addition of social mobility factors to ranking methodologies, in recognition of growing public demand for more affordable, inclusive and accessible universities.

Mason placed number one in Virginia across all rankings that measure social mobility, while among public universities nationwide, it ranked 41 with the Wall Street Journal and 34 with Washington Monthly, both for social mobility.

The university’s total student enrolment has surpassed 40,000 this year, a first for the Commonwealth of Virginia, including the largest freshman class in school history with 4,500 students.

Over the years, Mason has been recognised in the numerous college rankings as Virginia’s top public university for diversity, innovation, cybersecurity, homeland security, service to military veterans, and service to students outside the traditional college ages.

-- BERNAMA

MARY KAY'S NEW FINDINGS DEFEND FREE RADICALS, DELAY PREMATURE SKIN AGEING

“Mary Kay scientists have spent years researching the latest ingredient innovations to best defend against free radicals and help delay the onset of premature skin aging," said Dr. Lucy Gildea, Chief Innovation Officer, Product & Science at Mary Kay. (Photo: Mary Kay Inc.)

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 20 (Bernama) -- Mary Kay Inc, recently has revealed breakthrough research on a treatment that diminishes the visible effects of pollution and ageing on human skin.

The findings were shared at the first International Societies for Investigative Dermatology (ISID) Meeting, significantly improving skin firmness and the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles over the course of the study.

“Mary Kay scientists have spent years researching the latest ingredient innovations to best defend against free radicals and help delay the onset of premature skin ageing from environmental and lifestyle stressors such as car exhaust and air pollution,” said its Chief Innovation Officer, Product & Science, Dr Lucy Gildea.

Presented at the 2023 ISID, the findings are just the latest efforts by Mary Kay to reinforce the brand’s long-standing commitment to advancing research and development in skin health and beauty.

In a statement, Mary Kay said the research was also published in the International Journal of Cosmetic Science.

Since 2016, scientists at Mary Kay have been investigating the effects of air pollution on skin through multiple academic collaborations.

Previous efforts have analysed the biochemical responses of human skin cells to various forms of pollution, including diesel exhaust and urban air pollution. Key findings revealed a proprietary blend of antioxidants reduces those responses.

Mary Kay is dedicated to investing in the science behind beauty and manufacturing cutting-edge skincare, colour cosmetics, nutritional supplements and fragrances.

-- BERNAMA

Curia Assists Replicate Bioscience's Clinical Trial Of Novel Next-generation RNA Vaccine

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 18 (Bernama) -- Curia, a contract research, development and manufacturing organisation, announced its partner Replicate Bioscience, has received investigational new drug (IND) clearance from the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

In addition, it has dosed the first participant with RBI-4000, a self-replicating (srRNA) rabies vaccine, in a phase one clinical study utilising clinical material developed as part of the collaboration with Curia.

According to a statement, Curia conducted process development, scale-up and Current Good Manufacturing Practice (cGMP) manufacture of srRNA RBI-4000 drug substance.

“Curia is proud to be a pioneer in manufacturing this new class of srRNA technology by delivering RBI-4000 srRNA drug substance to our partner Replicate in support of their phase one clinical trial.

“We are dedicated to providing advantaged solutions from development to cGMP manufacture for our customers in the mRNA field,” said Curia President, Research & Development, Christopher Conway.

At approximately 10,000 bases, this srRNA is significantly larger than a conventional linear mRNA and has been historically difficult to manufacture at the scales required for clinical development.

Curia’s analytical method development and qualification of the assays were also critical to the release of this srRNA molecule.

Curia is committed to being a partner of choice from discovery and development through manufacture and commercialisation, providing a full suite of services to support small and large molecule, drug substance, drug product aseptic fill-finish and laboratory testing at every phase of the drug development life cycle.

-- BERNAMA

Hillstone Networks Named XDR Leader In Frost Radar 2023 Report

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 13 (Bernama) -- Hillstone Networks, a cybersecurity solutions provider, has been named an innovation and growth leader in the 2023 Frost Radar Extended Detection and Response Report.

The Frost Radar 2023 Report is a market analysis conducted by Frost & Sullivan, evaluating industry participants based on their growth strategy, innovation, customer experience and market share.

According to a statement, the report aims to assist organisations in making informed decisions when selecting a reliable Extended Detection and Response (XDR) solution provider.

“Our inclusion as a leader in the Frost Radar 2023 Report reaffirms our dedication to deliver cutting-edge solutions that effectively counter evolving digital threats.

“Our solution integrates advanced threat detection, incident response, and forensic capabilities into a unified platform, empowering businesses to proactively safeguard their digital assets,” said Hillstone Networks Chief Technology Officer and Co-founder, Tim Liu.

Meanwhile, Frost & Sullivan Industry Analyst, Lucas Ferreyra said: “Hillstone Networks shows commitment to the Open XDR approach, as it is investing its significant R&D budget in increasing third-party integrations and providing software development kits (SDKs) to facilitate integration with its platform.”

According to Frost & Sullivan, XDR solutions have seen rapid expansion across geographies, industries and companies of all sizes as it delivers the visibility, integration, analytics, flexibility and automation that customers need in today’s complex information technology environments.

Hillstone’s commitment to continuous innovation and successful customer deployments contributes to its emergence as a frontrunner in the XDR domain, as well as delivering on the core promises of XDR.

-- BERNAMA

CHIEF SALES OFFICER OF AI-MEDIA EXCITED TO SHOWCASE SUBTITLING INNOVATION AT UPCOMING IBC BROADCAST TRADESHOW

BROOKLYN, N.Y., Sept 14 (Bernama-GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- AI-Media, the leader in technology-driven live captioning & subtitling, transcription, and translation solutions, is excited to announce its presence at the IBC Show 2023, scheduled to take place from 15^{th –} 18^th September in Amsterdam, NE. The event promises to be a gathering of industry experts, thought leaders, and innovative companies in the broadcast and media technology sector.

As the global leader in captioning and subtitling for the broadcast industry, AI-Media is proud to be part of this influential event. Our Chief Sales Officer, James Ward, will lead our delegation and represent our commitment to excellence in delivering cutting-edge solutions to our clients and partners.

AI-Media’s Chief Sales Officer, James Ward said:

"We are delighted to participate at the IBC show once again. This tradeshow is an exceptional platform for us to showcase our latest innovations and demonstrate how we continue to push the boundaries of what's possible in the broadcast industry. We're excited to engage with industry leaders, customers, and partners, and to share our vision for the future of broadcasting."

AI-Media will be showcasing several key broadcast solutions at the event, the cornerstone of which is our AI-Powered live automatic captioning solution – LEXI. LEXI consistently delivers accuracy rates of over 98%, identifies speaker changes, uses AI to ensure captions don’t interrupt onscreen content and all at a fraction of the cost of human captions. This innovative tool is revolutionizing real-time captioning, providing a cost-effective solution that has been embraced by the world’s leading broadcasters. AI-Media will be conducting live demos at the booth to display this groundbreaking technology in action.

The recently launched AI-powered LEXI Captioning Tool Kit will also be featured at IBC2023, featuring six key solutions each designed to address different captioning needs. LEXI Tool Kit transforms content creation and captioning, offering complete end-to-end solutions for media companies, broadcasters, event producers, educational institutions, and content creators worldwide. Broadcasters can mix and match the Tool Kit components to suit their business needs, accessing solutions including captioning, translation, archiving & search and disaster recovery.

With IP video production at the forefront of innovation in the broadcasting landscape; broadcasters can look to AI-Media’s ALTA solution for their IP compatible closed captioning and subtitling encoding solution. ALTA supports global broadcast standards including SMPTE-2110, MPEG-TS inputs, and can output 2110-40, DVB subtitles, DVB TTML, DVB Teletext and SMPTE 2038. Deployable as a standalone virtual machine, a pre-packaged AMI or turnkey physical server, ALTA can fit into any production workflow. Along with effortlessly handling six languages per instance, ALTA also supports the insertion of advertising cues using SCTE-35 and SCTE-104. With ALTA, AI-Media is helping broadcasters elevate their IP video broadcasts to new heights of reach and accessibility. Also available at the booth will be our range of SDI Hardware Encoders, including our Encoder Pro (HD492) 1 RU caption encoder - now synonymous as the broadcast standard for SDI encoders. 

http://mrem.bernama.com/viewsm.php?idm=47002

St Kitts And Nevis Tops 2023 CBI Index

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 18 (Bernama) -- The Caribbean nation of St Kitts and Nevis has topped in this year’s CBI Index rankings for offering one of the best citizenship by investment (CBI) programmes in the world, beating 11 other nations.

In the seventh edition of the CBI Index published in partnership with the Financial Times’ Private Wealth Magazine, St Kitts and Nevis took first place at 86 per cent and scored top marks in almost all pillars, cementing itself once again as a leader in the industry.

The twin federation retained its top position in the due diligence category as it is the country leading the way in strengthening the legislative framework for its programme, closing all loopholes relating to real estate investment and development projects.

Dominica took second place, at 83 per cent and attained full marks for Minimum Investment Outlay, Mandatory Travel or Residence and Ease of Processing.

Meanwhile, Grenada and Saint Lucia shared third place at 80 per cent, while Antigua and Barbuda took fifth place, at 73 per cent.

The CBI Index provides captivating insights into the world’s top investment migration programmes and it has been comprehensively ranking operational CBI programmes for almost a decade, making it the ultimate cross-jurisdictional investment tool for global investors, according to a statement.

The index assesses the performance and appeal of CBI programmes across a diverse range of indicators and measures by isolating factors, or ‘pillars’, that measure programme features and the desirability of different jurisdictions.

The nine pillars include Standard of Living; Freedom of Movement; Minimum Investment Outlay and Mandatory Travel or Residence.

The CBI Index has been published annually for seven years and remains as the most trusted source for global investors looking to expand their portfolios through CBI.

-- BERNAMA

STATE POWER INVESTMENT CORPORATION'S INNOVATIVE SMART POWER PLANT TECH (3IPP) ATTRACTS CONSIDERABLE INTEREST IN MALAYSIA

 

The China-Malaysia Integrated Intelligent Impactless Power Plant (3iPP) Development Forum

SHANGHAI, Sept. 12, 2023 /Xinhua-AsiaNet/--
 

On September 11th, 2023, the China-Malaysia Integrated Intelligent Impactless Power Plant (3iPP) Development Forum took place in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. This forum, hosted by State Power Investment Corporation (SPIC) Shanghai Energy Technology Development Co., Ltd. (hereinafter referred to as SPIC Shanghai Energy Tech), successfully attracted a substantial audience. Of particular interest was the 3iPP presented by SPIC. The event featured participation and speeches from notable figures such as Mr. Chang Lih Kang, Minister of Science, Technology, and Innovation of Malaysia; Mr. Sun Shuqiang, Minister Counselor of the Economic and Commercial Office of the Chinese Embassy in Malaysia; and Mr. Huang Dongsong, Deputy General Manager of SPIC Shanghai Energy Technology Development Co. Ltd. The forum gathered over 100 attendees, including representatives from Malaysian government agencies, as well as professionals from various sectors, including technology innovation, new energy, green finance, higher education institutions, and businesses. Throughout the forum, in-depth discussions and exchanges centered on the advancement of the China-Malaysia Integrated Intelligent Impactless Power Plant. A highlight of the event was the signing of a strategic cooperation memorandum of understanding between SPIC Energy Malaysia Berhad and Malaysia's Majuperak Holdings Berhad. The study regarding the plan and prospect of Malaysia's 3iPP holds the promise of not only bolstering technological and industrial innovation cooperation between China and Malaysia but also of applying a range of technological innovations to facilitate Malaysia's shift towards green energy. This initiative closely aligns with the imperative of combating climate change and promoting sustainable human development. Source: Shanghai Energy Technology Development Co., Ltd. Image Attachments Links:   Link: https://iop.asianetnews.net/view-attachment?attach-id=442153 Caption: The China-Malaysia Integrated Intelligent Impactless Power Plant (3iPP) Development Forum  --BERNAMA

PLANVIEW REDEFINES STRATEGIC DECISION-MAKING WITH ADVANCED AI

 

A user queries Planview Copilot: "What should I be worried about?" Instantly, Planview Copilot delivers a list of items, flagging issues like team overload. (Photo: Business Wire)

Planview Copilot harnesses the collective intelligence of the enterprise to optimize how organizations bring ideas to impact and de-risk project and product initiatives 

AUSTIN, Texas, Sept 13 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- Planview, a leader in Portfolio and Value Stream Management, today announced Planview Copilot—an advanced generative AI assistant for connected work—at its annual flagship customer event, Planview Accelerate™. Trained using a unique and comprehensive data set, Planview Copilot accesses operational insights across Portfolio Management, Value Stream Management, and Agile Planning and Delivery to accelerate insights and action data-driven, strategic decision-making through a conversational interface.
 

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230912870697/en/

“As organizations embark on a growing number of digital transformation initiatives while leveraging a plethora of tools to execute them, there is a tremendous opportunity to reimagine how smarter decisions can be made to accelerate business outcomes,” said Razat Gaurav, CEO at Planview. “Planview Copilot leverages all the relevant data across project and product initiatives and brings insights, decision support, and actions through a simple, conversational interface. This is an important evolution in our journey from being a system of record to becoming a system of insights for digital transformations.” 

Planview Copilot taps into an extensive ecosystem of operating data that other AI assistants in the market cannot access. This includes access to: 

· Exclusive strategy-to-delivery data from across portfolio planning, enterprise agile planning, and delivery from Planview’s market-leading solutions.
· Broader data from team tools involved in the delivery of project and product initiatives from Planview’s 60+ connectors in the Flow Fabric.
· An organization’s current and historical initiative data.

Combined with methodologies such as Planview’s Flow Methodology and Agile Principles, this collective intelligence enables Planview Copilot to coach and mentor, identifying bottlenecks and offering solutions along the strategy-to-execution journey. 

http://mrem.bernama.com/viewsm.php?idm=46981

RICHARD CURTIS RELEASES NEW VERSION OF FAMOUS AL PACINO 'LOCKER ROOM' SCENE TO MARK THAT THE WORLD IS AT HALFTIME ON SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS

· The world is at ‘Halftime’ when it comes to achieving 2030 Sustainable Development Goals - but only 15% are on track to be met· Richard Curtis releases new version of Pacino’s famous locker room speech to mark this halftime point

LONDON, Sept 14 (Bernama-GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Filmmaker and Sustainable Development Goal Advocate Richard Curtis and his organisation Project Everyone are releasing a special version of the famous ‘Inch by Inch’ locker room speech, delivered by Al Pacino in the Warner Bros. Pictures film Any Given Sunday.

The new cut of the scene puts it into the context of reaching ‘halftime’ for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and includes new lines especially recorded for this version of the scene by Mr Pacino.

The film is being launched today [14 September] to highlight the fact that the world is now at Halftime when it comes to the SDGs.

The SDGs are a collection of 17 goals agreed by world leaders at the United Nations in 2015 which aim to end poverty, protect the planet, and ensure prosperity for all by 2030.

However, only 15% of the Goals are on track to be met, with the triple impact of COVID-19, conflict, and the climate crisis reversing years of hard-earned progress.

The film is being released as leaders prepare to gather at the UN General Assembly in New York. To highlight that the world is at Halftime when it comes to the Goals, renowned artist Es Devlin has designed and built a unique art installation at UNHQ – the SDG Pavilion – which is kicking off with a ‘Halftime Show’ at 7 pm EST on Monday 18 September featuring global talent and world leaders.

Richard Curtis said: “The Halftime Campaign asks everyone to come together to achieve the SDGs by 2030. I’m genuinely optimistic that with the right action and political will, in seven years, we could be looking back at one of the greatest second-half comebacks of all time. It has been very exciting to work with Al Pacino’s extraordinary speech to illustrate the passion and sense of urgency that is needed to turn things around.”

Video Courtesy of Warner Bros. Discovery, Inc.
ANY GIVEN SUNDAY and all related characters and elements © ™ Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. (s23)

Media contact: cbull@goodnesspr.co.uk

A video accompanying this announcement is available at
https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/2bcc4f3a-f733-4233-8321-2572934c8967

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at
https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/dc4d4e06-625c-41e0-929a-d7be3d7d35ac

Source: PROJECT EVERYONE

--BERNAMA

UEM EDGENTA FORGES A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE: UNVEILING THE PATHWAY TO NET ZERO

 

YB Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad, Minister for Natural Resources, Environment and Climate Change and Syahrunizam Samsudin, Managing Director / Chief Executive Officer, UEM Edgenta Berhad at the recent UEM Edgenta Berhad’s launch of its Net Zero Targets.


KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 13 (Bernama) -- UEM Edgenta Berhad (“UEM Edgenta” or the “Company”), the region’s leading Asset Management and Infrastructure Solutions company, yesterday launched its groupwide Net Zero Targets and announced its commitment to achieve net zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2050. Graced by YB Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad, the Minister of Natural Resources, Environment, and Climate Change (NRECC), the launch is a long-term testament to combating climate change and advancing a greener future for Malaysia and beyond.

UEM Edgenta has set forth a goal to reduce its operational GHG emissions by 26% by 2030 in the medium term. In the long term, UEM Edgenta aims to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. These commitments align with the International Energy Agency's (IEA) Net Zero Emissions by 2050 Global Pathway (published in 2022). The targets are set against the company's 2022 groupwide global baseline GHG carbon footprint of 17,577 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent (tCO2e). UEM Edgenta’s decarbonisation strategy is based on a multifaceted approach, reliant on energy efficiency solutions, the generation of renewable energy sources, and the electrification of its fleet of vehicles.

In an era of heightened climate urgency, UEM Edgenta firmly supports Malaysia's commitment to sustainability in the economy, society, and the environment toward achieving net zero by 2050. We proudly align ourselves with the 12th Malaysia Plan (12MP) for 2021-2025, which prioritises sustainability in the economy, society, and the environment. Guided by the Finance Ministry's Economic 2023 Outlook Report, we embrace the National Policy on Climate Change and related policies, working towards a sustainable future. Our commitment includes exploring eco-friendly materials, adopting renewable energy models, and integrating sustainable asset management practices. We're dedicated to contributing to Malaysia's goal of achieving 20%- 23% energy efficiency savings by 2050 as outline in recently unveiled in the National Energy Transition Roadmap (NETR). Malaysia's target to reduce carbon intensity by 45% against 2005 levels by 2030 is commendable, and UEM Edgenta is proud to play a role as a responsible corporate citizen in advancing Malaysia's sustainable development goals.

In line with the 'Edgenta of the Future 2025' vision, UEM Edgenta is launching OPUS Consultants' Sustainable Solutions, a holistic approach to enhance asset performance and value through sustainability, technology, and data analytics. This solution supports our sustainability goals, backed by government support, and offers clients the benefits of expertise, a greener future, and cost savings.

Building on the success of the previous RM100 million allocations under the 'Sustainable Zero-Capex Programme' for Sarawak, UEM Edgenta is pleased to announce the extension of a similar initiative amounting to RM100 million in Peninsular Malaysia, in collaborating with NRECC focusing on sustainable asset life cycle management and built environment. This expansion encompasses various sectors, including healthcare, industrial, commercial, and residential. The transformative initiative is designed to empower building and asset owners to expedite their sustainability agendas with minimal to no upfront costs through a one-stop solutions provider. Serving as the one-stop solutions provider, OPUS offers a comprehensive range of end-to-end sustainability solutions. With OPUS at the helm, the commitment is to facilitate and advance sustainable practices across various industries in Malaysia. These end-to-end solutions encompass initial consultancy and baseline assessment of greenhouse gas emissions, as well as the conversion of buildings into environmentally certified structures either for new development or existing buildings. Additionally, these services include comprehensive operations and maintenance, and a real-time monitoring through centralised command and contact centre. Cutting-edge technologies, such as IoT (Internet of Things) and digital twin, are integrated into our solutions through our sister company, EdgentaNxt, and strategic partners.

In his keynote speech, YB Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad eloquently remarked, "The Net Zero Target initiative stands as a momentous stride toward a more environmentally conscious future. UEM Edgenta's unwavering commitment is not only commendable but serves as an inspiring example for the broader business community. I hold firm in my belief that this initiative will play a pivotal role in expediting Malaysia's transition to a low-carbon economy. It brings us immense pleasure to learn of UEM Edgenta's resolute dedication to achieving Net Zero Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 2050, a commitment that extends beyond our borders to encompass their global operations. UEM Edgenta's remarkable endeavours in enhancing energy efficiency, exemplified by initiatives like the Green Building Certification (GBI) program for their clients, will undoubtedly cast a positive green hue over our national built environment."

"Through UEM Edgenta's Energy Efficiency solutions, clients were able to achieve more than a 50% reduction in energy consumption and more than a 10% reduction in water use. The Ministry also welcomes the fact that three (3) of UEM Edgenta's hospitals in the northern part of the country achieved prestigious LEED certification. Sultanah Maliha Hospital was the first hospital in the world to receive Gold LEED status in 2020. Recently, Slim River Hospital and Kepala Batas Hospital were accredited with Platinum LEED standards in 2022 and 2023, respectively. These achievements also helped the Ministry of Health (MOH) record savings of RM90.0 million in energy consumption between 2017 and 2022 at the 32 government hospitals in the Northern Region of Malaysia, translating into a carbon reduction of 165 million kg of CO2," he added.

The unveiling of UEM Edgenta’s Net Zero Targets initiative marks an important step in the company’s journey towards a more sustainable future. Syahrunizam Samsudin, Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of UEM Edgenta, shared, “Our Property and Facilities Solutions (PFS) division partners with Edgenta NXT for data-driven facilities management, benefiting clients such as the Prime Minister’s Office and the Petronas Twin Towers. We are expanding to offer Emission Baselining and Carbon Roadmap services, aligning with our net-zero by 2050 goal. OPUS Consultants, a subsidiary of UEM Edgenta, will commercialize Sustainability Services, offering the Sustainable Zero-Capex Program and committing a total of RM200 million to support clients in achieving their net-zero ambitions. We are well-prepared to support the NETR with our expertise, collaborating with Khazanah and UEM Group to become a global sustainability services provider. We envision a National Adaptation Plan that bolsters our nation's resilience against climate change.”

The event featured the signing of three Memorandum of Business Exploration (MOBE) with partners Earth Finance Inc., Honeywell International Sdn. Bhd, and Yinson Green Technologies, aiming to strengthen strategic partnerships for sustainable solutions and green financing. These MOBEs will align UEM Edgenta with international standards and provide decarbonization solutions. Notable attendees included Garrett Kephart, President of Earth Finance; Sharad Yadav, Vice President & General Manager, Rest of APAC, together with Lim Yeong Chuan, Regional/Country General Manager from Honeywell International and Srinivas Tati, Senior Vice President of Yinson.

About UEM Edgenta Berhad

UEM Edgenta (www.uemedgenta.com) is a leading Asset Management and Infrastructure Solutions company in the region and is a subsidiary of the UEM Group. Listed on the Main Market of Bursa Malaysia Securities Berhad (KLSE: EDGENTA), our expertise covers Healthcare Support and Property & Facility Solutions, and Infrastructure Services covering Expressways and Rail, including project management & engineering design capabilities via our Opus Consultants business arm.

Guided by our ‘Edgenta of the Future 2025’ vision, UEM Edgenta’s full suite of business services is driven by technological advancements throughout the business assets’ life cycle including consultancy, procurement & construction planning, operations & maintenance,as well as optimisation, rehabilitation and upgrades. Digital solutions across multiple industries positions UEM Edgenta as a powerhouse to become a Technology-Enabled Solutions Company with a focus on healthcare by 2025.

UEM Edgenta has operational presence in Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Taiwan, United Arab Emirates and The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

APPENDIX 1

Issued by UEM Edgenta Berhad
SOURCE: UEM Edgenta Berhad

Name: Wan Laila Fatihah

Head, Corporate Communication
Email: wanlaila@edgenta.com

Name: Ali Baizuri Razali
Manager, Media Relations
Email: alibaizuri@edgenta.com

--BERNAMA

UPIN & IPIN VIRTUAL DINING EXPERIENCE

Shah Alam- ZING Eat and Les Copaque Productions to Offer An Immersive "Upin & Ipin" Virtual Dining Experience

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 12 (Bernama) -- In a strategic partnership that blends culinary innovation with an iconic Malaysian intellectual property, ZING Eat Sdn. Bhd. and Les Copaque Productions have signed a term sheet as a momentous first step toward collaboration on a range of exciting "Upin & Ipin" virtual dining brands.

ZING Eat Sdn. Bhd. (“ZING”) is a Food and Technology Company, dedicated to revolutionizing the culinary landscape through innovative solutions and technology-driven experiences. As a trailblazer in the Food & Beverage (F&B) industry, ZING is at the forefront of utilizing Generative-AI to transform the way F&B brands operate and engage with their customers.

"Creating virtual food brands around the 'Upin & Ipin' universe is a great opportunity," exclaimed Eu-Jinn Chan, Vice President of ZING. "We are excited to partner with Les Copaque in exploring new avenues for creativity and innovation with this cherished homegrown brand.”

Creators of “Upin & Ipin”, Les Copaque Productions (“Les Copaque”) is a creative powerhouse in the animation industry, renowned for their exceptional 3D animations that have gained international recognition. With a legacy spanning close to two decades, Les Copaque has consistently delivered captivating content that transcends cultural boundaries. Through their iconic creations, Les Copaque has earned a reputation for crafting endearing characters that not only entertain but also impart meaningful life lessons.

"The essence of 'Upin & Ipin' is rooted in community, diversity, and family," shared Haji Burhanuddin Md. Radzi, Managing Director of Les Copaque. "Our collaboration with ZING Eat is an exciting one as we look towards new ways to engage and serve fans of ‘Upin & Ipin’ both new and old. Together, we aim to create food brands that not only serve delectable food but also capture the character of the 'Upin & Ipin’ identity.”

The ‘Upin & Ipin’ virtual brands will find their home in 11 ZING Food Hubs - online and offline fulfillment centers that are strategically located across the Klang Valley. Customers will have access to the virtual brands via ZING’s partnered 3rd Party Delivery platforms such GrabFood and the likes. Additionally, as ZING offers catering services for existing brand partners, a customized and branded ‘Upin & Ipin’ catering service is also in the works with the aim of delivering a bespoke brand experience to customers regardless of location.

This exciting venture sets a new standard for the intersection of food and entertainment, creating another avenue for families, foodies, and fans to indulge in quality cuisine while soaking in the charm of the Upin & Ipin universe. Furthermore, with ZING’s plans to expand into foreign markets, these ‘Upin & Ipin’ virtual brands stand to be introduced in Singapore, Indonesia, and other regions in the future.

About ZING Eat Sdn. Bhd.
ZING Eat Sdn. Bhd. is a trailblazing Food and Technology Company at the forefront of transforming the F&B industry. By harnessing the power of Generative-AI and tech-driven solutions, ZING Eat is reshaping operations, enhancing customer experiences, and empowering F&B brand owners to thrive in a dynamic market.

Website: https://zingventures.co/

UPIN & IPIN VIRTUAL DINING EXPERIENCE

CAPITAL A, AIRASIA ACADEMY HOSTS MINISTER OF YOUTH AND SPORTS, JOINS FORCES TO EMPOWER MALAYSIA'S YOUTH AND PARA ATHLETES IN A RAPIDLY CHANGING ECONOMY

Aireen Omar, President (Investment & Ventures) Capital A with YB Hannah Yeoh, Minister of Youth & Sports Malaysia during a visit to airasia academy and airasia Superapp on Friday.


KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 11 (Bernama) -- In a collaboration aimed at uplifting the socioeconomic status of Malaysia's youth, airasia academy, the edutech platform of Capital A, proudly welcomed the delegation from the Ministry of Youth and Sports Malaysia (KBS), led by the Minister of Youth and Sports, YB Hannah Yeoh, to its learning and training centre on Friday.

The delegates from KBS engaged in productive discussions with the management of airasia academy and its sister companies, airasia Superapp and BigPay led by Aireen Omar, President (Investment & Ventures) of Capital A, airasia Superapp management and Zubin Rada Krishnan, CEO of BigPay.

This visit marks the beginning of a journey where Capital A, airasia academy, airasia Superapp and BigPay are set to join forces with the Ministry in a number of initiatives. The collaboration extends to supporting the Ministry’s Rakan Muda Initiatives through programs like Rakan Mahir and Rakan Digital, reinforcing its collective dedication to serving the underserved, as well as youth empowerment and digital literacy. Another aspect of the initiative is airasia academy’s commitment to upskilling and reskilling Para Athletes, equipping them with the essential skill sets required to thrive in today’s rapidly evolving digital economy through their various educational offerings. Recognizing the unique talents and determination of these athletes, airasia academy will be providing its unwavering support to uplift the Para Athletes, not just on the field, but also in their pursuit of excellence outside of sports.

In a move aimed at easing the financial hardships Malaysia's youths are facing, BigPay, the fintech arm of Capital A, and travel platform airasia Superapp, are committed to providing comprehensive support to young individuals who may have faced financial setbacks, including bankruptcy, by offering them a transformative pathway towards financial recovery and substantial career growth. The two companies aim to break down financial challenges that can often be a significant barrier to a young person’s aspirations and well-being, by delivering tailored solutions and offering empowerment programs to nurture financial resilience and growth opportunities.

Aireen Omar, President (Investment & Ventures) Capital A said: “We are honoured to host the Minister of Youth and Sports and her delegation at airasia academy. Capital A has consistently championed innovation across our diverse range of enterprises, which includes airasia academy, airasia Superapp, and fintech leader BigPay. This partnership underscores our shared commitment to empowering Malaysia's youth and enhancing their future prospects.”

CAPITAL A, AIRASIA ACADEMY HOSTS MINISTER OF YOUTH AND SPORTS, JOINS FORCES TO EMPOWER MALAYSIA'S YOUTH AND PARA ATHLETES IN A RAPIDLY CHANGING ECONOMY