26TH CROSS-STRAITS FAIR FOR ECONOMY AND TRADE KICKS OFF IN FUZHOU

The 26th Cross-Straits Fair for Economy and Trade opened in Fuzhou, Fujian Province.

 

KUALA LUMPUR, May 17 (Bernama) -- The 26th Cross-Straits Fair for Economy and Trade, hosted by the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council and the People's Government of Fujian Province, kicked off in Fuzhou, the capital of east China's Fujian Province on May 16.

The event was organised by the Fuzhou Municipal People's Government, the Taiwan Affairs Office of the Fujian Provincial People's Government, and the Department of Commerce of Fujian Province.

This year's fair aims to become the most influential large-scale comprehensive investment and trade event across the Strait and an important experimental platform for early-stage cross-Straits integration.

According to a statement, the four-day event is expected to attract more than 50 industrial and commercial groups and over 1,000 Taiwan compatriots and businessmen.

This year, the Cross-Straits Fair for Economy and Trade adopts the "5+3+N" mode, planning five major activities, three supporting theme exchange platforms, and numerous investment promotion and industry collaboration activities.

A series of key activities will be held, including the Opening Ceremony and Cross-Straits Exchange, in addition to the establishment of thematic exchange platforms such as Achievements Release of Cross-Straits Integration Development and Industrial Collaboration Promotion Booth.

The Cross-Straits Fair for Economy and Trade has become a prestigious comprehensive economic and trade exchange event across the Strait, attracting tens of thousands of Taiwanese enterprises and more than 30,000 Taiwanese businessmen.

-- BERNAMA

TEALIUM’S CDP ENHANCES CX DELIVERY WITH SNOWFLAKE INTEGRATIONS

KUALA LUMPUR, May 17 (Bernama) -- Tealium announced it is one of the first customer data platforms (CDPs) to seamlessly connect to Snowflake’s Snowpipe Streaming application programming interface (API), offering industry-leading customer data collection and activation capabilities.

Tealium’s CDP, powered by Snowflake, streamlines the process of landing low latency customer behaviour data into the Snowflake Data Cloud to power analytics, artificial intelligence (AI), and customer-360 initiatives, allowing enterprises to better serve and engage their customers.

“At the heart of any customer experience (CX) strategy, is your data. CDPs and cloud data platforms are powerful catalysts for managing, analysing, and activating customer data successfully to achieve this. And although unique on their own, together, they become a powerful force.

“That is why Tealium and Snowflake are truly better together, providing a centralised consented data hub combining the benefits of historical data, real-time behaviour, and utmost flexibility,” said Tealium Chief Product Officer, Bob Page in a statement.

Meanwhile, Snowflake Head of Product Management, Marketing Data Cloud, Onil Gunawardana said: “Tealium's advanced CDP with consent management, integrated with Snowflake's Snowpipe API, provides enterprises with immediate access to cleansed, high-quality, first-party data.

“This seamless connectivity not only speeds up data ingestion for AI and improves customer experiences, but also ensures that data usage remains compliant within Snowflake's robust analytics environment, elevating customer data strategies with unmatched security and efficiency.”

Tealium’s integration with the Snowpipe Streaming API enables businesses to capture, process, analyse, and activate data efficiently, allowing organisations to unlock valuable insights, enhance personalisation, and make data-driven decisions, ultimately driving growth and customer satisfaction.

The integration leverages the power of a real-time CDP coupled with Snowflake’s elastic performance engine to drive customer data capabilities, including establish unified and actionable customer views to power real-time engagement; fuel and activate AI initiatives across the entire data infrastructure; as well as minimise wasted time on data wrangling for more strategic and higher-quality insights.

This powerful combination also equips teams with widened flexibility, allowing them to augment customer data with AI, fuelling models with clean and consented data, as the integration enforces enhanced data quality and governance, which supports successful AI implementation across the enterprise.

-- BERNAMA

EIG’S LNG UNIT MIDOCEAN NAMES ARMAND LUMENS AS CFO

 

(Photo: Business Wire)

KUALA LUMPUR, May 15 (Bernama) -- MidOcean Energy (MidOcean), a liquefied natural gas (LNG) company formed and managed by EIG, has appointed Armand Lumens as Chief Financial Officer (CFO).

“We are delighted to welcome Armand to the MidOcean team. We are confident in his ability to drive financial excellence and contribute to the company's continued growth and success.

“His wealth of expertise will be an invaluable asset as MidOcean continues to pursue its strategic objectives,” said MidOcean Chief Executive Officer, De la Rey Venter in a statement.

Meanwhile, Lumens said: “MidOcean is well positioned to make a significant impact on the energy transition through its expertise in and focus on LNG. I am thrilled to join De la Rey and the EIG team as it seeks to build a global LNG portfolio.”

Lumens brings to MidOcean over 30 years of highly relevant and broad expertise across mergers and acquisitions (M&A), private equity, business development, trading, financing, audit, risk management, venture capital, take-privates and initial public offerings.

Most recently, he served as the group CFO of Neptune Energy, where he played a pivotal role in developing and implementing the company's financial and information technology strategies and achieving its operational success.

Lumens earned a Bachelor’s degree and an Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Maastricht University and an Master of Science (MSc) in Finance from the London Business School.

An institutional investor in the global energy and infrastructure sectors, EIG specialises in private investments in energy and energy-related infrastructure on a global basis.

-- BERNAMA

KFSH&RC TO BOLSTER HEALTHCARE EXCELLENCE WITH DEPUTY CEO HIRING

KUALA LUMPUR, May 14 (Bernama) -- King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre (KFSH&RC) has appointed Dr Björn Zoéga as its Deputy Chief Executive Officer (CEO), underscoring its commitment to promote and foster healthcare excellence.

Renowned for his extensive experience in healthcare management and policy, Dr Zoéga joins a dedicated team as the hospital continues to drive key strategic initiatives, according to a statement.

As a leader in medical research and clinical services, KFSH&RC continues to attract global expertise to bolster its vision of healthcare excellence, and with Dr Zoéga's involvement, the hospital is advancing a digital transformation strategy designed to improve operational efficiency and enhance patient care.

His expertise in fostering international collaborations, evidenced by his former role as president of the European University Hospital Alliance (EUHA) and through initiatives like JOIN4ATMP aimed at advancing access to innovative therapies, further aligns KFSH&RC's services with global healthcare trends.

Dr Zoéga's previous contributions at Karolinska University Hospital, which is ranked the second best in Europe and seventh globally by Newsweek's 2024 World's Best Hospitals, where he nurtured a culture of continuous learning and collaboration among healthcare professionals, align well with KFSH&RC's objectives.

His role in fostering programmes like EUCARE and facilitating the Europe-wide exchange of intensive care nurses during crises has significantly enhanced staff development and supported his previous hospital's goal of attracting top talent, a principle mirrored in KFSH&RC's transformation journey.

With Dr Zoéga contributing to leadership, KFSH&RC is poised to further its role as a pivotal player in shaping the future of healthcare in Saudi Arabia.

Key projects at KFSH&RC include the deployment of advanced digital technologies to streamline the patient care process, the adoption of innovative care models, and the upgrading of facility amenities, aiming to improve access to medical services and facilitate better communication, reflecting KFSH&RC's dedication to setting new standards in healthcare.

-- BERNAMA

ANESSA SUNSHINE PROJECT NURTURES CHILDREN'S HOLISTIC WELL-BEING VIA OUTDOOR EXPERIENCES

 

_{(Graphic: Business Wire)}

KUALA LUMPUR, May 14 (Bernama) -- ANESSA, the number one suncare brand in Asia from Shiseido, has unveiled the ANESSA Sunshine Project, a groundbreaking initiative to promote children’s holistic well-being by safely harnessing the power of the sun.

According to a statement, the goal is to directly reach over 300,000 children cumulatively, including related initiatives, by 2030.

Shiseido Chief Brand Officer of Global Premium Brands, Chiaki Tomita said: “We look forward to expanding these efforts through the ANESSA Sunshine Project to encourage children to play outdoors and enjoy the many holistic benefits.”

The project will begin in Japan and eventually encompasses 12 Asian countries/regions where ANESSA products are sold, namely, China, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Macau, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand, and Vietnam.

Based on ANESSA’s “Free to Shine: let people shine infinitely under the sun” brand purpose, the project will include three main activities to help children build a foundation for lifelong well-being through healthy outdoor experiences under the sun including participatory events for children; ultraviolet (UV) education; and support for Xeroderma Pigmentosum (XP) patients.

ANESSA will host special events to encourage children to enjoy more holistic well-being by playing outside spontaneously; continue providing opportunities to help schools, children and their parents learn about UV protection; as well as continue offering sunscreen products and financial support to patients suffering from XP, an incurable genetic disease that prevents exposure to UV rays.

In addition, a video on the health benefits of children playing outside is now available on Shiseido’s YouTube channel which features parents in urban areas of China, Japan, Thailand and Vietnam talking about the limited outdoor play time of today’s children.

ANESSA was created to provide UV protection that allows people to enjoy the benefits of sunshine, the ultimate source of life-giving energy.

Going forward, the ANESSA Sunshine Project will address this growing need in modern society by helping children across Asia build a foundation for lifelong holistic well-being through nurturing experiences under the sun.

-- BERNAMA

YARA CLEAN AMMONIA TO OFFTAKE RENEWABLE AMMONIA SUPPLY FROM INDIA'S AM GREEN PROJECT

Ammonia production facility and port infrastructure on East coast of India (Photo: Business Wire)

KUALA LUMPUR, May 14 (Bernama) -- Yara Clean Ammonia signed a term sheet with Greenko ZeroC, the green ammonia production arm of India-based AM Green, securing up to 50 per cent of renewable ammonia supply from Phase 1 of AM Green’s ammonia production facility in Kakinada, India.

The plant will produce and export renewable ammonia derived from round-the-clock carbon free energy by 2027, according to a statement.

Yara Clean Ammonia Chief Executive Officer, Hans Olav Raen said the AM Green Kakinada project expands its portfolio of ammonia produced with renewable energy and consolidates the company’s position as a reliable supplier of low-emission ammonia to established and emerging markets such as fertiliser production, cracking of clean ammonia to hydrogen, shipping fuel, power generation, and other industrial applications.

Meanwhile, AM Green President, Mahesh Kolli said: “Continuous focus on innovation combined with execution reinforces AM Green’s leadership position as a global clean energy transition solutions platform for low-cost green molecules such as hydrogen, ammonia, fuels and other chemicals.”

Renewable ammonia and other sustainable fuels from AM Green’s platform, will be compliant with European Union (EU) renewable fuels of non-biological origin (RFNBO) and Renewable Energy Directive requirements.

For Yara Clean Ammonia, the renewable ammonia supply will contribute to producing low-emission fertiliser and for decarbonising other industries like shipping, power, and other industries.

Headquartered in Oslo, Norway, Yara Clean Ammonia operates the largest global ammonia network with 15 ships and has, through Yara, access to 18 ammonia terminals and multiple ammonia production and consumption sites worldwide.

-- BERNAMA

 

DIGITAL TRUST MODEL ROADMAP: STAKEHOLDERS TO WORK TOWARDS AN INCLUSIVE ECOSYSTEM

From Left: Ong Kian Yew, CEO of PIKOM, Ahmad Izham Khairuddin of Cybersecurity Malaysia, Emmanuel Hervé，BSI ASEAN Managing Director, Datuk Ts. Dr. Haji Amirudin Abdul Wahab, CEO of Cybersecurity Malaysia, Taufik Nurhidayat, Head of Indonesia National CSIRT of BSSN, Victor Lo, Head of Digital Tech, Digital Industry Acceleration Division, MDEC and Dr. Roshaliza Rosli, Ecosystem Manager, Digital Tech Department of MDEC

KUALA LUMPUR, May 10 (Bernama) -- The Digital TRUST Model for Digital Prosperity Roadmap that was presented at the recently held Future of Cybersecurity Summit (FOCS) 2024 by PIKOM Cybersecurity Chapter, will be critical for stakeholders to address the dynamic nature of cybersecurity challenges, including newly emerging threats, evolving policies, technological advancements, and changing economic and social factors.

The Roadmap was the highlight of the Roundtable on the Digital Trust Model at the Summit, and is set to be a key reference point for stakeholders to collaboratively shape a trusted digital future. A key emphasis of the Roadmap was the need for a cohesive ecosystem of digital trust, without which the potential benefits of the intelligent economy will remain unrealised.

In the era of widespread adoption of Artificial Intelligence (AI), driven by the proliferation of data analytics and AI innovations, the global landscape is undergoing a profound shift towards an Intelligent World. This transformation includes the emergence of Generative AI (GenAI) as a game changer with significant impact on the economy and society to drive unimaginable increases in productivity and output.

In this landscape, digital trust is crucial for economic development. Without robust cybersecurity measures, trust in the intelligent world will remain low, impacting the growth of economies and the willingness of consumers to participate in a digitally connected economy.

The Digital TRUST Model for Digital Prosperity Roadmap also establishes that achieving digital trust cannot be based on certain values or principles. In a multicultural world, these perspectives are too diverse and cannot be governed by a one-size-fits-all approach thus necessitating a nuanced and inclusive approach to building trust in the digital era.

Additionally, creating digital trust is a process and must be done in a structured manner. It requires the collective commitment of representative stakeholder voices responsible for establishing a cybersecurity ecosystem that will enhance the quality of life in the intelligent world. The diverse range of stakeholders that need to be engaged include Governments, businesses, academia, technology experts, civil society organisations, and individuals.

Personal Data Protection (PDP) Commissioner Professor Dr Mohd Nazri Bin Kama stated in his foreword, “In an era where the digital realm permeates every facet of our lives, the question of data privacy and cybersecurity looms large. It is a question that demands not just technical solutions, but a collaborative approach, a shared vision, and a global language. And within this complex landscape, the publication of the Digital TRUST Model for Digital Prosperity is a timely roadmap towards a safer, more prosperous digital future.”

Executive Director of ASEAN Foundation Dr Piti Srisangnam said in the preface, “The Digital TRUST model recognises that achieving GenAI's full potential requires a shared commitment from all stakeholders. From the development of ethical and responsible AI technologies to the promotion of digital literacy and data security, collective action is essential. By collaborating across sectors and borders, we can ensure that GenAI benefits all of humanity, bridging the digital divide and fostering a global community united in progress.”

Taufik Nurhidayat, Chairman of Id-SIRTII BSSN from Indonesia mentioned, "BSSN welcomes discussion and collaboration on best practices as well as globally recognized standards and frameworks to support cyber security. “Governments, associations, and industry players learned valuable lessons from the launch of the DIGITAL TRUST model framework at FOCS 2024, and we hope that cybersecurity levels will continue to be improved in the future to create a safe and trusted digital ecosystem."

Chairman of PIKOM Mr Ong Chin Seong said, “Digital TRUST Model for Digital Prosperity is more than just a roadmap; it is a clarion call to action. It challenges us, the industry, to rise to the occasion, to embrace our role as active participants in shaping a secure, inclusive, and prosperous digital future. We must lead by example, championing best practices, nurturing talent, and fostering collaboration.”

As rapid technological evolution reshapes societal dynamics, the Digital TRUST Model will be a strategic guide to shape Malaysia’s policies in the development of an Intelligent Economy within an Intelligent World, with digital trust as the fundamental prerequisite at the core of this progress. For the full copy of the roadmap, please visit https://pikom.org.my/research-white-paper/

About PIKOM

PIKOM, THE NATIONAL TECH ASSOCIATION OF MALAYSIA, is the association representing the technology industry in Malaysia. Its membership currently stands at more than 1,000 active companies involved in a whole spectrum of tech products and services, and which command 80% of the total TECH business in Malaysia.

For more information, visit www.pikom.org.my

Source: Persatuan Industri Komputer dan Multimedia Malaysia (PIKOM)

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:
Name: Ong Kian Yew, CEO, PIKOM
Tel: 03-76220079 / 012-2050879
Email: oky@pikom.org.my/info@pikom.org.my

--BERNAMA

Zenas BioPharma Raises US$200 Mln To Bolster Immunology-focused Clinical Programmes

KUALA LUMPUR, May 9 (Bernama) -- Zenas BioPharma, a global biopharmaceutical company has announced the closing of an upsized US$200 million Series C preferred stock financing. (US$1=RM4.74)

In a statement, the company said the financing round was led by SR One along with NEA, Norwest Venture Partners, and Delos Capital with significant participation from Enavate Sciences and Longitude Capital.

Proceeds will support ongoing mid- to late-stage clinical development programmes for the company’s lead product candidate, obexelimab, a bifunctional monoclonal antibody being developed to treat various autoimmune diseases.

The obexelimab clinical programmes include an ongoing Phase 3 registration-directed trial in IgG4-Related Disease, two planned Phase 2 randomised controlled trials in Multiple Sclerosis and Systemic Lupus Erythematosus, and an ongoing open label Phase 2 trial in Warm Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia.

“We are pleased and appreciative of the support we have received from this group of tremendous life sciences investors as we advance the ongoing obexelimab development programme across multiple auto-immune diseases.

“This financing enables us to complete multiple potentially value driving clinical programmes,” said Zenas BioPharma Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Lonnie Moulder.

Additional new investors, the Federated Hermes Kaufmann Funds, and Arrowmark Partners, along with existing investors, Fairmount, Wellington Management, Rock Springs Capital, Pivotal bioVenture Partners, Vivo Capital, Quan Venture Fund, and Superstring Capital participated in the financing.

In conjunction with the financing, SR One venture partner, Jake Nunn and Delos Capital Partner, Tim Xiao joined Zenas’ Board of Directors.

Zenas BioPharma committed to becoming a leader in the development and commercialisation of inflammation and immunology-directed therapies, aims to improve the lives of those facing autoimmune and rare diseases.

-- BERNAMA

BLACK & VEATCH URGES ASIA PACIFIC TO RAPIDLY SCALE LOW-CARBON INFRASTRUCTURE FOR DECARBONISATION

KUALA LUMPUR, May 9 (Bernama) -- Black & Veatch, a global leader in critical infrastructure solutions, has prompted Asia Pacific to rapidly identify and adopt the next generation of low-carbon and scalable infrastructure to accelerate its decarbonisation progress.

The next stage of renewable energy and alternative fuel development to achieve lower carbon emissions is complex. Project sites will be larger and more challenging, with many sites require connecting renewable energy resources in remote areas to the grid.

“Nevertheless, ample opportunities exist in the Asia Pacific to integrate a mix of different generation, transmission, and distribution technologies at the right price point and at the right time to achieve commercial and environmental success.

“Black & Veatch has been at the forefront of building critical energy infrastructure for several decades and is committed to supporting the rising energy needs in Asia Pacific with low and no-carbon energy sources,” said Black & Veatch President, Asia Pacific and India, Narsingh Chaudhary in a statement.

As Asia Pacific economies transition from a carbon-based economy to an electron- and molecule-based one, the region must find the right energy mix for near-term requirements and long-term change.

Hence, liquefied natural gas (LNG) can support the shift from coal and the additional energy mix needed to fuel economic growth in developing markets.

Meanwhile, energy storage technologies, such as Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) and Pumped Storage Hydropower (PSH), can enhance energy security by balancing sudden and significant drops in power production from variable renewable energy resources to improve grid reliability and stability.

In the longer term, hydrogen has the potential to provide seasonal energy storage and serve as the missing link for utilities, commercial businesses, and industries seeking to operate sustainably.

Better-planned and designed transmission systems, including interconnection lines and substations, as well as switching facilities, will help Asia Pacific address voltage and frequency variability and grid code requirements across the grid.

Additionally, Chaudhary will present global best practices for scaling low-carbon technologies in carbon reduction and share his insights on the role of gas and LNG as a transition fuel at Future Energy Asia 2024 taking place from May 15 to 17, in Bangkok, Thailand.

-- BERNAMA

INVNT Group, MSM Advance Offerings, Solutions In Motorsports With Strategic Appointment

KUALA LUMPUR, May 6 (Bernama) -- INVNT GROUP and Media & Sport Management (MSM) enhanced service offerings and commercial solutions tailored for talent and brands within the booming motorsports industry with strategic leadership appointment.

The partnership brings the appointment of Roc Nation music and entertainment veteran, Luca Zanello, as INVNT GROUP Senior Vice President of Content Strategy, fortifying the global suite of award-winning capabilities and integrated services within the motorsports.

According to a statement, Zanello is reporting to INVNT GROUP President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and INVNT.ATOM CEO, Scott Cullather.

“Our evolving collaboration with MSM, and appointment of Luca, places us at the forefront, allowing us to deliver pioneering, bespoke solutions to the motorsports industry,” said Cullather.

Meanwhile, MSM Founder and CEO, Enrico Zanarini said: “With MSM’s deep history in the motorsports industry, and INVNT GROUP's storytelling expertise, we are poised to deliver exciting and unexpected engagement programmes that resonate deeply with fans and stakeholders alike.”

The partnership aims to deliver strategies within the motorsport domain, leveraging both INVNT GROUP and MSM’s deep rooted motorsports network and industry expertise.

This strategic allegiance is a significant milestone in the evolution of motorsport marketing and the overall industry, promising next-generation strategies and enhanced engagement for clients, brands, partners, and audiences globally.

Over four decades, MSM has built standout relationships between brands, drivers, teams, and championships at the pinnacle of motorsport, including sponsorships, hospitality, and events.

INVNT GROUP, the global brand storytelling agency portfolio, was named Best Global Media Agency at the 2023 Automotive Marcomm Awards by Autocar, for groundbreaking campaigns with Lamborghini, Formula E, General Motors, Lotus and Rolls Royce, among others.

-- BERNAMA

HITACHI ENERGY TO PROVIDE HVDC TECHNOLOGIES FOR US’ LARGEST TRANSMISSION PROJECT

KUALA LUMPUR, May 8 (Bernama) -- Hitachi Energy, a global technology leader, has entered into a multi-year agreement with Pattern Energy to support its high-voltage direct current (HVDC) technologies for the SunZia Transmission Project.

According to a statement, the link will connect the SunZia Wind project in New Mexico to Arizona and Western states in the United States (US) which will be one of the world’s largest transmission links delivering renewable energy.

“We are proud to be selected once again to provide our unique service expertise to keep the important SunZia link operating at maximum efficiency, performance, and reliability.

“With our service solutions, we are building a partnership ecosystem to ensure continued support to the HVDC link throughout its lifetime, delivering cutting edge digital service with sustainability and customer-value at its core,” said Hitachi Energy global head of the HVDC business, Andreas Berthou.

Meanwhile, Pattern Energy vice president of Operational Excellence, Paul Haberlein said Hitachi Energy was selected as its partner to engineer, manufacture and maintain the HVDC converter stations after they enter operation.

The long-term agreement will provide service solutions for the SunZia Transmission HVDC link, currently under construction, owned by Pattern Energy, one of the world’s largest privately-owned developers and operators of renewable energy and transmission projects.

Hitachi Energy’s HVDC Light technology will efficiently transfer and integrate huge volumes of wind power over 885 kilometres into the regional power grid, which will significantly increase the availability of sustainable energy for homes and businesses throughout the region when it enters operation, which is expected in 2025.

Once complete, SunZia Wind will have a total power capacity of 3,515-megawatt (MW), enough clean, renewable electricity to provide power to approximately three million Americans.

The HVDC link will efficiently transmit up to 3,000 MW of this power west to Arizona. The HVDC Light system will be the largest voltage source converter (VSC) installation in the US, one of the largest worldwide, and one of the country’s longest HVDC connections.

Service for an HVDC system includes a wide range of activities and support, including scheduled maintenance, cyber services, on-site engineering support and life cycle assessment of the HVDC Light stations.

-- BERNAMA

MOGAS Industries Mourns Loss Of Its Chairman And Founder

KUALA LUMPUR, May 6 (Bernama) -- MOGAS Industries Inc has announced the passing of its chairman and founder, Vincent Louis Mogas on May 2 in Houston, Texas.

The family of Mogas, the company’s executive leadership team and its employees worldwide are saddened over the passing of this amazing man, whose leadership was only matched by his passion and fervour for life and serving others.

According to a statement, MOGAS Industries was formed in May 1973 when Mogas purchased a small machine shop in Houston and soon acquired the rights to service and manufacture ball valves from Cameron Iron Works.

Under his leadership, the company studied valve failures and established a research and development (R&D) department that customised valves for specific applications.

Since 2000, MOGAS has established sales and service offices in Australia, China, Europe, Canada, South America, Middle East and India.

While Mogas received many company awards, including The Inc. 500 Fastest Growing Private Companies, multiple Best Companies to Work For in Texas, vendor excellence, and Texas Family Large Business of the Year Finalist, he was most proud of his and his family's philanthropy, and of employee fund raising and volunteerism contributions.

MOGAS Industries is the most trusted severe service technology company offering severe service valves, surface engineering/coating, modular process units, and aftermarket support.

-- BERNAMA

ATMECS GLOBAL REDEFINES AI/ML LANDSCAPE VIA INVOLVEMENT AS NVIDIA'S SOLUTION ADVISOR CONSULTANT

 

Lori Banas-Chief AI/ML Officer (Photo: Business Wire)

KUALA LUMPUR, May 7 (Bernama) -- ATMECS Global, renowned for its prowess in digital transformation and engineering solutions, announced it has joined the NVIDIA Partner Network as a Solution Advisor Consultant.

The milestone marks a pivotal step in ATMECS’s journey to redefine the artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) landscape, amplifying its commitment to innovation and excellence in delivering next-generation AI solutions.

ATMECS Chief Executive Officer, Gayathri Malolan in a statement said this collaboration with NVIDIA not only enhanced the company’s value proposition but also served as a catalyst for nurturing and expanding its talent pool, aligning with its vision for growth.

Meanwhile, its Chief AI/ML Officer, Lori Banas said: “We are thrilled to collaborate with NVIDIA, which reflects our dedication to harnessing the transformative power of AI and ML.

“We aim to unlock new possibilities and deliver cutting-edge AI solutions that drive business transformation and create a competitive edge for our clients.”

The collaboration with NVIDIA equips ATMECS with access to subject-matter experts and an extensive array of AI and ML technologies, including state-of-the-art graphics processing units (GPUs), high-speed networking, and comprehensive software platforms.

This portfolio of NVIDIA tools and expertise empowers ATMECS to architect and implement advanced AI-powered solutions that cater to a broad spectrum of use cases across industries, ranging from media and entertainment to healthcare, finance, retail, and manufacturing.

ATMECS will support customers in building and deploying a broad range of NVIDIA-powered solutions. With AI, ATMECS’s clients can transform how they operate and innovate, providing an unprecedented edge in the competitive AI marketplace.

By integrating cutting-edge NVIDIA technologies and ATMECS's wide expertise in AI and digital transformation, the collaboration is poised to deliver solutions that not only advance business processes but also create substantial value for clients.

This announcement showcases ATMECS's resolve to drive business transformation and deliver exceptional value through AI, setting new industry standards and driving a wave of technological excellence and innovation that benefits its clients and their broader industries.

-- BERNAMA

KFSH&RC IS TOP HEALTHCARE INSTITUTION IN SAUDI ARABIA, MIDDLE EAST

KUALA LUMPUR, May 6 (Bernama) -- King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre (KFSH&RC) has led the healthcare sector in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Middle East, ranking as the most valuable healthcare brand in these regions for the second successive year.

According to the 2024 Brand Finance reports, it was ranked ninth in Saudi Arabia and 28th in the Middle East, in addition to also distinguishes itself as the only hospital worldwide to be listed among its country's top 10 most valuable brands.

KFSH&RC Chief Corporate Communications & Marketing Officer, Muhannad Kadi said the hospital's position among the top 10 most valuable brands in Saudi Arabia not only highlights its effectiveness but also the positive impact of the ongoing transformations within the Kingdom’s healthcare sector.

“This accomplishment underscores the hospital’s dedication to achieving the highest quality standards and providing outstanding healthcare, as well as the significant value it delivers to its beneficiaries,” he said in a statement.

The Brand Finance Report shows that KFSH&RC brand value increased by 31 per cent, exceeding 5.6 billion Saudi Riyals, equivalent to US$1.5 billion, which is the result of the hospital's unwavering commitment to incorporating the latest medical technologies and treatments as well as providing specialised medical care that adheres to the latest international standards. (US$1=RM4.73)

Over the past year, KFSH&RC has achieved several notable milestones that have significantly contributed to its brand strength and reputation, which include conducting four ground-breaking experiments in space medicine, performing the world's first fully robotic liver transplant, and launching a rapid whole genome sequencing analysis service available to all beneficiaries.

Furthermore, KFSH&RC celebrated the successful treatment of 100 T-cell lymphoblastic leukaemia patients, a testament to its advanced medical capabilities and dedication to patient care.

In line with Saudi Vision 2030 and its transformation programmes, which aim to enhance the Kingdom's global position and establish it as a healthcare hub, KFSH&RC has been ranked as the top Academic Medical Centre in the Middle East and Africa.

Additionally, it also secured the 20th spot globally for 2023 and 2024 by Brand Finance's Global Top 250 Hospitals report, while Newsweek Magazine has classified it as one of the top 250 Best Hospitals in the World.

-- BERNAMA

NPCI INTERNATIONAL TO SUPPORT NAMIBIA DEPLOY UPI-LIKE PAYMENT SYSTEM

Mr. Johannes !Gawaxab, Hon'ble Governor of the Bank of Namibia (left) and Mr. Ritesh Shukla, CEO, NPCI International (Photo: Business Wire)

KUALA LUMPUR, May 6 (Bernama) -- NPCI International Payments Limited (NIPL), the international arm of the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), has signed an agreement with the Bank of Namibia (BoN) to support them in developing an instant payment system like Unified Payment Interface (UPI) for Namibia.

“We are proud to join hands with Bank of Namibia to enable the deployment of UPI-like real-time payments system in Namibia for the Digital Public Good of its citizens. We are excited about this partnership, which will enable Namibian citizens to transact instantly leveraging technology and experiences from India's UPI.

“By enabling this technology, the country will gain sovereignty in the digital payments landscape and stand to benefit from enhanced payment interoperability and improved financial access for underserved populations,” said NPCI International Chief Executive Officer, Ritesh Shukla in a statement.

Meanwhile, Bank of Namibia Governor, Johannes !Gawaxab said: “This system aims to connect individuals, businesses, and government entities across Namibia, including the payment of social grants, enabling more efficient economic interactions and supporting the growth of digital entrepreneurship.”

This collaboration marks a strategic leap towards strengthening Namibia’s financial infrastructure and fostering inclusive economic growth, in addition to helping the country modernise its financial ecosystem, by leveraging technology and experiences from India’s UPI.

This includes improving accessibility, affordability, connectivity with both domestic and international payment networks, and interoperability.

This strategic partnership aims to enhance digital financial services and bolster real-time Person-to-Person (P2P) and Merchant payment transactions (P2M) in the African nation. The robust security features inherent in the UPI platform not only promise to instil confidence among users and stakeholders but also ensure scalability for future technological advancements and market demands.

Furthermore, through this collaboration, BoN will gain access to best-in-class technology and insights from NIPL, enabling the creation of a similar platform in Namibia for the digital welfare of its citizens.

Once live, the platform will facilitate digital transactions in Namibia, driving financial inclusion and reducing cash dependency by catering to underserved populations, offering essential and affordable financial services to all, with a particular focus on rural and informal sectors.

-- BERNAMA