Anaqua’s IP Management Platform Enables Businesses To Achieve Maximum Value

KUALA LUMPUR, June 27 (Bernama) -- Anaqua, an innovation and intellectual property (IP) management technology provider, has launched artificial intelligence (AI)-powered AQX 11, its most significant platform release in 20 years, to help corporations and law firms achieve maximum value from their IP assets.

The launch coincides with the first day of the Anaqua Experience Conference and is part of the company’s 20th-anniversary celebrations, according to a statement.

Its Chief Executive Officer, Bob Romeo in a statement said Anaqua is excited to commemorate its anniversary and share this achievement with its global client community, who has been integral in making this possible.

Meanwhile, Anaqua Senior Vice President of Product & Innovation, Vincent Brault said: “This release empowers our clients to optimise operational efficiency and strategic decision-making through groundbreaking AI capabilities and automation.

“By enabling IP practitioners to extract vital insights from essential data and streamline portfolio decisions and patent classification, AQX 11 sets a new standard in IP management technology.”

An IP platform designed for operational and strategic advantage, AQX 11 brings a fresh look and feel to the world of IP management while dramatically enhancing decision-making capabilities and efficiency for IP attorneys and operations teams.

A suite of new features includes AI capabilities in which users can easily summarise patent claims and inventions, as well as automatically classify and map both internal and competitor patents; attorney workspace where attorneys can quickly access critical data related to IP matters in one central place; and organisations can accelerate innovation and maximise value in strategic planning through Innovation Management.

-- BERNAMA

Fortrea’s AI Innovation Studio Revolutionises Clinical Trials Execution

KUALA LUMPUR, June 28 (Bernama) -- Fortrea, a global contract research organisation (CRO), has launched its artificial intelligence (AI) Innovation Studio, signalling a strategic investment in reshaping the execution of clinical trials today and into the future.

According to Fortrea in a statement, the studio will develop and deploy AI and machine learning (ML) technologies to drive speed, agility, quality and enhanced patient safety in the clinical research process by equipping and empowering people to focus on the critical human element of clinical trials.

“Fortrea’s AI Innovation Studio will enable enhanced technological capabilities that will allow AI-enabled systems to perform cutting-edge processes, such as trial simulations, predictive analytics and pattern recognition, as well as repetitive, administrative, ‘machine-friendly tasks’,” said Fortrea Chief Information Officer, Alejandro Martinez Galindo.

Fortrea’s AI Innovation Studio aims to partner across Fortrea and with its customers to provide technology solutions for bespoke site and sponsor innovation strategies; develop net new, greenfield technology innovations; and support existing infrastructure and operations with enhanced technology.

Technologies under development in the studio include smartphone-enabled data collection; specialised large language models for text comprehension and generation; symbolic AI with real-valued logic, namely building decision logic using real-world scenarios and data; mixed reality and augmented intelligence; advanced data mining and predictive analytics; as well as digital twinning.

Strategic application of these technologies is expected to result in meaningful advancements in patient recruitment and retention, protocol creation/optimisation, risk-based quality monitoring and overall delivery speed and quality.

These technologies can also deliver an improved patient experience and greater productivity for Fortrea customers, sites and employees.

Developments from the AI Innovation Studio will be critical to Fortrea’s clinical technology platform, which is being designed to integrate clinical trial technology into a consumer-grade, location-agnostic, omni-channel, persona-based experience accessible through a single screen.

Fortrea’s solutions leverage three decades of experience spanning more than 20 therapeutic areas, a passion for scientific rigour, exceptional insights and a strong investigator site network, with a team working in more than 90 countries to deliver focused and agile solutions to customers globally.

-- BERNAMA

EMPOWERING MALAYSIA'S GAMING FUTURE: HERIOT-WATT UNIVERSITY MALAYSIA AND XSOLLA CURINE ACADEMY FORGE PATH FOR LOCAL GAMING TALENT

Source: HWUM

PUTRAJAYA, June 28 (Bernama) --The Ministry of Digital Malaysia has announced that the country's gaming industry is expected to reach a revenue of US$649 million by 2024, with a growth rate of 7.55% from 2024 to 2027, projecting a market volume of US$807 million by 2027.

In light of these promising prospects, Heriot-Watt University Malaysia ("HWUM" or "University") and Xsolla Curine Academy ("XCA") have entered into a Memorandum of Understanding ("MoU") to nurture and harness local talent.

The MoU signing at the University's campus in Putrajaya marks a pivotal moment for both parties, symbolising a concerted effort to cultivate a robust talent pipeline for the gaming industry. The MoU was signed by Kaveh Wong, Co-Founder of XCA and Heriot-Watt University Malaysia Provost and Chief Executive Officer, Professor Mushtak Al-Atabi, with the senior management teams from both organisations present to witness the event.

Professor Mushtak said: "We are deeply honoured by this partnership. Through this MoU, we are committed to nurturing talent within the gaming industry, aligning with our purpose-driven approach to education. Our goal is to provide equal opportunities for our students, nurture purpose-driven leaders capable of positively impacting the gaming world, and drive innovation and growth within the industry in Malaysia and beyond."

Kaveh Wong expressed: "This partnership highlights the collective commitment of both Xsolla Curine Academy and Heriot-Watt University Malaysia to nurture talent, foster innovation, and propel Malaysia's gaming startup ecosystem to new heights. XCA is here to bridge the gap between global demand and local talent, not just in Malaysia but internationally. This collaboration aims to nurture the next generation of leaders and innovators in the dynamic game development sector by providing students with the necessary resources and opportunities."

Through this collaboration, HWUM and XCA will foster and promote the local game development community, showcasing Malaysians' immense capabilities and achievements in creating original Intellectual Property within the gaming sector.

As part of the collaborative efforts, informative sessions featuring industry experts will be organised for HWUM students. These sessions will offer invaluable insights, experiences, and tools relevant to game development, equipping students with the necessary knowledge to thrive in the industry. Additionally, HWUM will receive support in facilitating connections with international game developers, ensuring that students are exposed to global industry standards and requirements.

To further bolster the local game development community, collaborative initiatives will include organising events such as the Global Game Jam or Game Developer Meetups. These events will serve as platforms for knowledge exchange, networking, and skill enhancement, creating a vibrant ecosystem that fosters innovation and growth within the gaming industry. Through the partnership, HWUM will also be recognised by XCA as a prominent supporter or member of the "Local Game Development Empowerment Club" or similar entities.

SOURCE: HWUM

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:
Name: Diyana Kamar
Email: N.Shamsul_Kamar@hw.ac.uk

--BERNAMA

H.I.G. Capital Closes US$1.3 Bln Infrastructure Fund

KUALA LUMPUR, June 25 (Bernama) -- H.I.G. Capital (H.I.G.), a global alternative asset management firm, has announced the closing of H.I.G. Infrastructure Partners (Fund), with aggregate capital commitments of approximately US$1.3 billion. (US$1=RM4.70)

The Fund seeks to make control-oriented, infrastructure equity investments focused on the middle market segment, leveraging the firm’s focus on the middle market and its operational value creation expertise.

To date, across North America and Europe, the Fund has made seven investments, two of which are expected to close in the third quarter of this year, according to a statement.

“We greatly appreciate the strong support from our investors for our Infrastructure strategy. Their confidence in our investment approach to infrastructure underscores the power of the firm’s platform and our ability to generate strong returns through value creation in the underserved middle market,” said H.I.G. Co-Founders, Sami Mnaymneh and Tony Tamer.

Meanwhile, H.I.G. Infrastructure Co-Heads, Andrew Liau and Ed Pallesen commented that the Fund is well-positioned to capitalise on opportunities in the less efficient middle market.

“H.I.G.’s unique platform provides us with a demonstrated, differentiated sourcing model and a deep pool of resources focused on operational value creation. We believe this allows us to generate strong returns, especially as the industry adjusts to higher interest rates and macro volatility.”

The Fund was supported by a diverse and global group of limited partners that include sovereign wealth funds, public and private sector pensions, as well as insurance companies in North America, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East.

Based in Miami, H.I.G. has invested in and managed over 400 companies worldwide since its founding in 1993 with current portfolio includes more than 100 companies.

-- BERNAMA

Acino Gains Commercial Rights For Allecra’s Antibiotic Drug

KUALA LUMPUR, June 24 (Bernama) -- Acino and Allecra Therapeutics (Allecra) have signed an exclusive licensing agreement under which Acino gains the rights to commercialise Allecra’s antibiotic drug EXBLIFEP (cefepime/enmetazobactam).

Acino has the rights to commercialise the drug within the Republic of South Africa and the member states of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) alliance, which includes Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates, effective June 12.

In addition, the companies have signed a supply agreement under which Allecra will supply the cefepime/enmetazobactam finished product in that territories, according to a statement.

Acino Interim Chief Executive Officer, Andrew Bird said the company is incredibly excited to partner with Allecra to offer access to this innovative product in two key geographic regions and, potentially, beyond.

“We are committed to expediting the registration process in these designated markets to ensure hospitals’ swift access to EXBLIFEP as they continue to fight against high-risk infectious diseases in patients,” he said.

Meanwhile, Allecra Therapeutics Chief Financial Officer and Managing Director, Andreas Kranzusch said: “This agreement reflects the understanding that there remains a significant global need to address the dangerous increase of resistance to standard-of-care antibiotics, and we look forward to working with Acino to address this.”

In February, the United States (US) Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved EXBLIFEP as a treatment for complicated urinary tract infections (cUTI), in patients 18 years and older.

Meanwhile, in March, the European Commission (EC) granted marketing authorisation for EXBLIFEP on the treatment of adult patients with cUTI; hospital-acquired pneumonia (HAP); and bacteraemia that occurs in association with, or is suspected to be associated with any of the infections listed previously.

Headquartered in Zurich, Acino is a Swiss pharmaceutical company that delivers quality pharmaceuticals to promote affordable healthcare in these emerging markets and leverage its high-quality pharmaceutical manufacturing capabilities and network to supply leading companies via contract manufacturing and out-licensing.

-- BERNAMA

China’s BYD Unveils Energy Solutions, Celebrates 1 Mln Installed BatteryBox Systems

KUALA LUMPUR, June 24 (Bernama) -- BYD Co Ltd, one of the world’s largest rechargeable batteries and electrical vehicles manufacturers, showcased its renewable energy solutions at “The Smarter E Europe” from June 19 to 21.

The exhibition featured the latest BatteryBox energy storage systems, BatteryMax Lite, and BYD MC Cube-T for utility-scale, commercial and industrial applications, according to the company in a statement.

BYD Residential Energy Storage Director, Jiang Feng highlighted the importance of European markets and the company’s goal to provide green energy solutions, in which its partnership with UEFA Euro 2024 aligns with promoting eco-friendly energy and mobility solutions.

Since its debut in 2015, the BYD BatteryBox series has become a leading residential energy storage solution worldwide, now boasting over one million installations with an impeccable safety record.

The full BYD BatteryBox Premium portfolio, including high-voltage models HVS/HVM and low-voltage models LVL/LVS, were on display. A new battery control unit (BCU) for HVM and HVS series was also introduced, simplifying installation by eliminating the need to remove covers for cable connections.

Launched at ees Europe 2024, the new BatteryMax Lite is designed for commercial and industrial applications, offering scalable solutions from 30 kilowatt-hours (kWh) to 90kWh, and up to 5.76 Megawatt-hours (MWh) with parallel connections.

Compatible with inverters from brands like SMA and Goodwe, BatteryMax Lite will be available for pre-order from August with shipments starting in late summer, and system availability in Europe expected by October.

To thank its partners, BYD hosted a special event whereby its Energy Storage General Manager, Yin Xiaoqiang presented the certificates and prizes such as UEFA Euro 2024 final tickets and BatteryBox systems to the distributors and installers. 

Meanwhile, on ees Europe 2024, BYD was awarded the recognition of “Top Brand PV Storage Europe 2024” and the “Top Brand PV Storage 2024” country-level awards for several European markets, including Belgium, Germany, Italy, Poland, Spain, Austria, and the United Kingdom.

-- BERNAMA

WeRide, CTM Roll Out Driverless Sweepers By Year-end In Singapore

KUALA LUMPUR, June 21 (Bernama) -- WeRide, a global leader in autonomous driving technology, announced a partnership with Chye Thiam Maintenance (CTM), Singapore’s renowned sanitation company, to jointly advance the commercial deployment of WeRide Robosweepers in Singapore.

According to a statement, the first batch of WeRide Robosweepers has successfully arrived in the country and begun safety testing, with official operations expected to commence by the end of this year.

The partnership between WeRide and CTM will provide the latest cutting-edge technology and high-quality unmanned sanitation services for urban cleaning in Singapore.

WeRide Robosweeper S6 features multiple high-precision sensors and artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms, enabling it to efficiently perform various urban sanitation tasks such as road sweeping, water spraying, and disinfection.

The Robosweeper can automatically detect road conditions, avoid pedestrians and obstacles, ensuring safe and reliable operation while enhancing cleaning efficiency.

Additionally, the WeRide Robosweeper is powered by an all-electric drive system, reducing carbon dioxide emissions by nearly 10,000 kilogrammes per month on average, to ensure its low-carbon footprint while significantly contributing to the green transformation of Singapore's sanitation sector.

As the country achieved remarkable results in urban sanitation, with tree-lined streets, numerous gardens, and a picturesque landscape, earning it the reputation of a "Garden City", the launch in Singapore marks WeRide’s successful entry into the global market, expanding its commercial landscape and potential.

WeRide will view Singapore as a strategic centre, collaborate with local partners, and rapidly enter the Southeast Asian sanitation market, bringing efficient and high-quality unmanned sanitation services to more countries and cities.

Since September 2022, WeRide's smart sanitation services have been rolled out in multiple cities, including Guangzhou, Shenzhen, and Beijing. These deployments contribute to model projects for smart city development, enhancing the livability and tourism appeal of these urban areas.

-- BERNAMA

Medidata's AI-enhanced Solution Modernises Data Experience In Clinical Trials

KUALA LUMPUR, June 19 (Bernama) -- Medidata, a Dassault Systèmes brand and clinical trial solutions to the life sciences industry provider, has launched the Medidata Clinical Data Studio, a unified experience that unlocks the true power of clinical research data.

In a statement, Medidata said this groundbreaking technology will give stakeholders greater control over the quality of data and the ability to deliver safer trials to patients faster.

“Clinical Data Studio unlocks the broad ecosystem of clinical data. Powered by embedded AI, we are democratising access to data and revealing the signals, risks, and insights that matter most.

“Together this accelerates trial execution and creates rich data for new discoveries,” said Medidata chief technology officer, Tom Doyle.

Built on the Medidata Platform, Clinical Data Studio integrates data from both Medidata and non-Medidata sources, accelerating decision-making across the full clinical trial process and delivering holistic data and risk strategies that connect patients, sites, and sponsors.

Through artificial intelligence (AI), study teams can more effectively identify potential data issues and safety signals, resulting in a more accurate understanding of the patient. 

This reduces the challenges posed by siloed data systems and enables action data review and reconciliation up to 80 per cent faster.

Clinical Data Studio offers a comprehensive workspace for data integration, transformation, and management.

It includes AI-assisted data reconciliation and anomaly detection, self-serve data listings, robust risk-based quality management, and tools to implement a holistic data and risk strategy supported by workflows and visualisations.

-- BERNAMA

Duck Creek Technologies CEO Is New England’s Entrepreneur Of The Year 2024 Winner

KUALA LUMPUR, June 19 (Bernama) -- Duck Creek Technologies chief executive officer (CEO), Mike Jackowski, was named winner for Entrepreneur Of The Year 2024 New England Award by Ernst & Young LLP (EY US).

According to a statement, Entrepreneur Of The Year is the preeminent competitive awards programme for entrepreneurs and leaders of high-growth companies.

Jackowski expressed his gratitude to Ernst & Young and the judging panel on behalf of Duck Creek for bestowing this award stating he is honoured and humbled to be recognised as an Entrepreneur Of The Year in New England.

“I have the privilege of working alongside some of the finest and most talented professionals in the insurance industry and this award would not be possible without the support of the entire Duck Creek team,” he said.

Jackowski was selected by an independent judging panel made up of previous award winners, leading CEOs and other business leaders.

Candidates were evaluated based on their ability to create long-term value through entrepreneurial spirit, commitment to their purpose and the demonstration of growth and substantial impact, among other key indicators.

As a New England award winner, Jackowski is now eligible for consideration for the Entrepreneur Of The Year 2024 National Awards, whereby the National Overall Award winner will then move on to compete for the World Entrepreneur Of The Year Award in June 2025.

Entrepreneur Of The Year recognises many different types of business leaders for their ingenuity, courage and entrepreneurial spirit.

The programme celebrates original founders who bootstrapped their business from inception or who raised outside capital to grow their company; transformational CEOs who infused innovation into an existing organisation to catapult its trajectory; and multigenerational family business leaders who reimagined a legacy business model to fortify it for the future.

Entrepreneur Of The Year Award winners become lifetime members of a global, multi-industry community of entrepreneurs, whereby they receive exclusive, ongoing access to the experience, insight and wisdom of programme alumni as well as other ecosystem members in more than 60 countries, all supported by vast EY resources.

-- BERNAMA

APPLYBOARD’S FIRST-EVER AI ADVISOR TURNS STUDY ABROAD DREAMS INTO REALITY

KUALA LUMPUR, June 19 (Bernama) -- ApplyBoard, the leading international student mobility platform, has launched an industry-first artificial intelligence (AI) advisor designed to revolutionise the study abroad experience, called Abbie.

Powered by the latest Generative Pre-Trained Transformer (GPT), Abbie offers personalised expert guidance to support and streamline the entire international education journey, according to a statement.

“By harnessing the power of AI, we are revolutionising the way students navigate the complex and cumbersome study abroad landscape.

“Abbie is more than just a tool; it is a manifestation of our commitment to student success and our vision for the future of international education,” said ApplyBoard Co-Founder & Chief Executive Officer, Meti Basiri.

Abbie draws upon ApplyBoard's extensive knowledge base, including institution and programme information, anonymised student search and application data, and insights from ApplyBoard's knowledge base Assist, ApplyInsights, and other proprietary resources.

This comprehensive dataset also enables Abbie to provide unparalleled support and strategic guidance to recruitment agents, helping them better serve their students.

Key features include tailored guidance based on each student's unique profile and needs; comprehensive support across the entire study abroad journey; 24/7 availability directly within the ApplyBoard platform; and support for multiple languages to serve a global audience.

Abbie is currently available to select recruitment agents in ApplyBoard's network, with wider rollout and additional features to come in the coming months.

Headquartered in Kitchener, Ontario, Canada, ApplyBoard has helped over one million students from more than 150 countries along their educational journeys since 2015.

-- BERNAMA

YAYASAN PETRONAS RELEASES 2023 ANNUAL REPORT SHOWCASING EFFORTS ON EMPOWERING COMMUNITIES, ENRICHING LIVES

In 2023, Yayasan PETRONAS disbursed RM44.17 million through various programmes and initiatives across the three focus areas, reaching 125,438 beneficiaries across the nation.

KUALA LUMPUR, June 19 (Bernama) -- Yayasan PETRONAS unveiled its annual report, showcasing contributions made under three of its focus areas of Community Well-being, Education, and Environment in 2023.

“The Yayasan PETRONAS annual report this year reflects our commitment to Empowering Communities, Enriching Lives as guided by our three focus areas.” said Shariah Nelly Francis, CEO of Yayasan PETRONAS.

She added, “In an effort to deliver greater impact, we have also embedded the Theory of Change framework as a basis to assess our programmes across the three focus areas. We looked outside our existing contributions and collaborations which allowed us to identify areas where potential contributions may deliver even more significant impact.”

The report also details the foundation's strategic provision of grants, impactful partnerships, and its commitment to building a more sustainable future.

In 2023, Yayasan PETRONAS disbursed RM44.17 million through various programmes and initiatives across the three focus areas, reaching 125,438 beneficiaries across the nation. Cumulatively, Yayasan PETRONAS has impacted more than 400,000 people in Malaysia across all communities since its inception.

Under education, in recognition of the fundamental role that educators play in nurturing the leaders of tomorrow, Yayasan PETRONAS’ flagship educational programme, Program Duta Guru (PDG) focuses on elevating the potential and skills of the nation’s teachers through strategic intervention, across the STEM educational system. 2023 saw 243 teachers graduating from PDG, this brings the overall number of Duta Guru to 496 teachers since the programme’s inception in 2019.

The impact was equally significant within Community Wellbeing & Development, as the foundation strives to create sustainable economic opportunities for underserved families in urban and rural areas through its upskilling and entrepreneurial trainings, where a total of 2,769 graduated from its flagship Memampankan Ekonomi Asas Rakyat (MEKAR) programme.

Spanning 47 districts nationwide, our grants, donations, and programme empowered 7,155 individuals from underserved communities. Through its focus area, the foundation hopes to bridge the gap and ensuring no one is left behind as we collectively progress.

Empowering communities also meant protecting the natural environments they interact with and depend on. Last year, Yayasan PETRONAS continued to work with communities across the nation in the effort to increase their resilience towards climate change impact through the planting of an additional 13,0638 trees, bringing the total number of trees planted to 74,652 trees. The programme had also won the Foundation its first regional award with the ASEAN Green Initiative recognition in the Large-Scale Tree Planting Initiatives Category by the ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity last year.

Additionally, under the Environment focus area, a total of 10,300 care packages were delivered to communities located at high-risk zones, aiding over 40,000 families under the Disaster Relief programme.

The Yayasan PETRONAS Report 2023 is now available at https://www.yayasanpetronas.com.my/annual-report-2023/

Issued by:
Yayasan PETRONAS

SOURCE : Yayasan PETRONAS

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:
Yayasan PETRONAS
Name: Lim Shie Lynn
Tel: +60 12 304 3389
Email: lim.shielynn@petronas.com

Name: Low Jia Yin
Tel: +60 12 385 8631
Email: low.jiayin@petronas.com

--BERNAMA

CORPAY CROSS-BORDER CONTINUES GLOBAL EXPANSION WITH LAUNCH OF NEW OFFICE IN NEW ZEALAND

The expansion aims to offer more localized support to clients in the region and provide innovative solutions tailored to the local market

TORONTO, June 18 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- Corpay, Inc.*, (NYSE: CPAY), a global leader in corporate payments, is pleased to announce the latest expansion of its Cross-Border business with the establishment of a new office in Auckland, New Zealand. This expansion reinforces the company’s leading position in the payment industry and strengthens its presence in the Asia-Pacific region.

“Our decision to establish a presence in New Zealand underscores our commitment to prioritizing our current and future clients’ evolving needs,” says David Britten, Managing Director, APAC, Corpay Cross-Border Solutions. “While we may not be the first player in the New Zealand market, our years of experience in collaborating with our clients in Australia enable us to provide tailored services that suit their needs. We recognize a profound synergy between these two nations.”

The New Zealand office will provide clients with access to Corpay’s Cross-Border business’s full suite of products, including global payments and in the case of wholesale customers, currency risk management solutions as well.

As a top-tier payment solution provider, Corpay has consistently demonstrated its industry leadership, achieving the prestigious number one ranking for Enterprise Payment Software in 4 consecutive G2 Market Reports. With this track record, Corpay is primed to offer unmatched value to clients in the Asia-Pacific region and globally. As part of its strategic expansion, Corpay is actively seeking top local talents and experienced professionals to strengthen its team in New Zealand.

“We see tremendous potential in New Zealand and are excited to bring our industry-leading services to organizations in the region,” said Mark Frey, Group President, Corpay Cross-Border Solutions. “We have always worked closely with our clients to ensure they’re involved in the products and solutions we build, and look forward to learning more about the New Zealand market in the coming months. With local talents joining our new office, we are confident that we can build a diverse and dynamic workforce that delivers best-in-class products to our clients while contributing to the future growth of Corpay.” 

http://mrem.bernama.com/viewsm.php?idm=48813

CELEBRATING TOP STUDENTS AND THEIR GLOBAL SUCCESS AT MCKL

High achievers from MCKL and MCKL College, Pykett Campus, Penang with their families.

KUALA LUMPUR, June 18 (Bernama) -- Seven students from Methodist College Kuala Lumpur (MCKL) were honoured at the Outstanding Cambridge Learner Awards Malaysia (OCLA) for the November 2023 Examination Series, held on 23 May 2024 at Sime Darby Convention Centre. Four students were from the KL Campus, and three were from MCKL Penang, Pykett Campus.
Among the KL Campus achievers, Lim Yen Nie earned Top in the World for AS Level Mathematics. She plans to pursue a BSc in Computer Science at the University of Manchester. Reflecting on her success, she stated, "A Level offers a strong foundation for my future studies and provides a high level of academic challenge. MCKL is known for maintaining high academic standards and has a track record of producing excellent students."

From Pykett Campus, Tung Ze Rui and Wong Ching Shuen, part of the inaugural A Level batch, achieved Top in the World for AS Level Law and AS Level Physics, respectively, in June 2023. They now secured Top in the World for A Level Law and Top in Malaysia for A Level Physics for the recent examination series.

“This award is a constant reminder that passion, effort, and curiosity can elevate me to greater heights. It fuels my ambition for academic excellence and boosts my confidence to embrace new challenges. Special thanks to my lecturer for the engaging lectures that deepened my understanding, and to my peers for trusting and confiding in me, which reinforced my learning,” said Wong Ching Shuen, now pursuing a Doctor of Medicine at Monash University, Malaysia.

MCKL has been nurturing high achievers since 2013, a legacy reaffirmed by consecutive accolades of Top in the World and Top in Malaysia. These achievements highlight MCKL’s commitment to empowering students and providing top-notch educational services.

MCKL’s Cambridge A Level programme is open for the July and September 2024 intake. For more information, visit www.mckl.edu.my.

List of Achievers

SOURCE : Methodist College Kuala Lumpur (MCKL)

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:
Name: Monisha Sri 
Executive, Public Relations & Communications 
Methodist College Kuala Lumpur 
Tel: (603) 2274 1851  Ext: 170
Email: monisha.sk@mckl.edu.my  

--BERNAMA

GLI advocates Global Efforts To Turn The Tide On Fatty Liver Disease

KUALA LUMPUR, June 14 (Bernama) -- Global Liver Institute (GLI) led the seventh annual Global Fatty Liver Day (formerly International NASH Day), with the theme “Act Now, Screen Today”, raising awareness about fatty liver disease.

This campaign underscores the crucial need for early identification and treatment of fatty liver disease to prevent its progression to chronic liver disease, cirrhosis or cancer, according to GLI in a statement.

GLI Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Donna R. Cryer said: “As pharmaceutical treatment options gain approval in different geographies, health payers and systems must listen to the call from global advocates and not place undue obstacles to care, whether that be required biopsy, ambiguous lifestyle requirements, or other hurdles, so that patients are able to access the care they require, no matter who or where they are.”

Fatty liver disease is now estimated to affect one in three adults worldwide, and its prevalence is increasing, and with early detection and timely intervention, whether through lifestyle changes or medical treatments, are essential in stopping and even reversing the progression of the disease.

Global Fatty Liver Day, observed annually on the second Thursday of June, is a rallying cry for collective action to address the growing prevalence of fatty liver disease, the most common liver disease worldwide.

There are several proactive steps that individuals can take to maintain liver health which include taking advantage of liver health screening events happening globally to get assessed for fatty liver disease or a check-up with the doctor; increase physical activity; as well as staying informed about the disease and its risk factors.

Recognising the importance of early detection, a diverse range of partners, including healthcare providers, patient advocacy groups, and community organisations, have joined forces to “Act Now, Screen Today” and launch screening events worldwide.

These events aim to raise awareness, provide education, and offer screening services to individuals at risk of fatty liver disease or the providers who care for them, with activities to drive positive change at the grassroots level.

Although the challenge of fatty liver disease to the well-being of communities globally is great, the power of locally-rooted, collective efforts can turn the tide towards positive change by heightening awareness, equipping people and their healthcare providers with prevention and management tools, expanding understanding of the disease through research, and protecting future liver health through effective policies.

-- BERNAMA

ADALVO RECEIVES EU'S MAIDEN GENERIC APPROVAL FOR LIRAGLUTIDE PRE-FILLED PEN

KUALA LUMPUR, June 14 (Bernama) -- Adalvo announced the successful decentralised procedure (DCP) approval for Liraglutide pre-filled pen, marking it the first generic approval in the European Union (EU).

“This achievement reflects Adalvo’s dedication to enhancing diabetes care by providing our partners with high quality, affordable treatment options.

“Securing this approval demonstrates the exceptional capabilities of our team and their commitment to the industry,” said Adalvo Chief Executive Officer, Anil Okay in a statement.

As a bioequivalent version of Victoza pre-filled pen, indicated for the treatment of type 2 diabetes, this peptide drug achieved global sales exceeding US$4.8 billion in 2023, as reported by IQVIA. (US$1=RM4.71)

The successful development of Liraglutide highlights Adalvo's capability to offer a diverse and comprehensive diabetes portfolio, encompassing both complex peptide injectables and small molecule oral treatments.

Adalvo’s commitment to providing access to high-quality differentiated products while simultaneously navigating manufacturing complexities reinforces its position as a trusted leader in the pharmaceutical industry.

The company is committed to maintaining the highest standards of excellence in all their endeavours and looks forward to continuing to deliver innovative healthcare solutions that make a difference in the lives of patients worldwide.

Adalvo is a global pharmaceutical company, and one of the leading business-to-business (B2B) pharmaceutical companies in Europe, with commercial partnerships in more than 130 countries and over 140 partners globally.

-- BERNAMA

HONG KONG TOURISM BOARD, ART BASEL ENTER 3-YEAR GLOBAL COLLABORATION

 

Mr Dane Cheng, HKTB Executive Director, and Mr Noah Horowitz, CEO, Art Basel, announced a new global partnership between Art Basel and HKTB during the press conference of Art Basel in Basel held on 11 June 2024 (Photo: Hong Kong Tourism Board)

KUALA LUMPUR, June 12 (Bernama) -- The Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) and Art Basel have announced a new three-year global partnership, which will extend beyond Hong Kong to all Art Basel shows worldwide, beginning with Art Basel Paris this October.

“Our strategic alliance with Art Basel underscores our commitment to promoting Hong Kong as the East-meets-West centre for international cultural exchange, and a valuable gateway to the Chinese art market.

“By sharing the city’s unique character through immersive experiences and exhibitions at the world’s most prestigious art platform, we hope to inspire travellers to visit our city and discover its thriving creative community and rich cultural experiences,” said HKTB Executive Director, Dane Cheng in a statement.

Meanwhile, Art Basel Chief Executive Officer, Noah Horowitz said: “By shining a global spotlight on Hong Kong’s vibrant art scene, this partnership will enhance the experience for our fair visitors while unlocking new opportunities and fostering deeper connections between Hong Kong and art communities around the world.”

The first tourism organisation to enter into a global strategic partnership with Art Basel, HKTB will serve as a Show Partner of Art Basel and celebrate Hong Kong art and culture on the world stage, as part of this alliance.

HKTB will also be present in four annual shows, over the next three years namely Art Basel in Paris, Miami Beach, Hong Kong, as well as Basel, with different thematic experiences or activations.

Debuting in Hong Kong in 2013, Art Basel has collaborated with HKTB on several successful projects together since 2020, whereby they have presented a local “Cha Chaan Teng” experience that aimed to highlight the vibrant living culture of Hong Kong in March, this year.

The organisations’ three-year partnership will kick off with Art Basel Paris, taking place at the Grand Palais in the French capital from Oct 18 to 20.

-- BERNAMA

E& Triumph In Telecoms Employer Brand Reflects UAE As Global Talent Hub

KUALA LUMPUR, June 10 (Bernama) -- The global technology group, e& has attained the highest position in Brand Finance’s inaugural Employer Brand Report 2024 with its United Arab Emirates (UAE) entity ranking as the Top Global Telecoms Employer.

According to a statement, the group also secured the 16th spot among the Top 20 Employer Brands across measured employer brands such as financial services; telco, media, and tech (TMT); oil; gas; and energy in Africa, Asia, Europe, and the United States.

Its Group Chief People Officer, Ali Al Mansoori said this recognition as an employer of choice reflects the incredible dedication and passion of its people, who are its greatest assets.

“It also reaffirms our commitment to cultivating a unified company culture where every employee is empowered to think differently, experiment fearlessly, and innovate continuously. In today’s rapidly evolving landscape, having a talented workforce is more critical than ever.”

Leading the way in employer branding and talent development in UAE, the group scored highly across several considerations, including as a 'prestigious brand', an 'inspiring vision', 'enjoyable and rewarding work' as well as a 'well-managed and governed company'.

The group’s achievement reflects the broader reputation of the UAE as a global talent hub and the preferred destination for people seeking to shape a prosperous future.

The inaugural “Employer Brand Index” report showcases the world’s top brands with global and regional league tables. The research-driven study is the first of its kind, measuring internal and external perceptions of employer brands from 16 countries.

The Brand Finance 2024 Employer Brand Index follows the release in January of the global brand rankings in which e& UAE was rated the strongest telecom brand globally (AAA rating) and the strongest brand in the Middle East and Africa across all categories.

Brand Finance is the world’s leading brand valuation consultancy, conducting more than 5,000 brand valuations every year, supported by original market research, and publishes over 100 reports that rank brands across all sectors and countries.

-- BERNAMA

AM BEST AFFIRMS JAPAN’S MITSUI SUMITOMO INSURANCE COMPANY, AFFILIATES CREDIT RATINGS

KUALA LUMPUR, June 10 (Bernama) -- Global credit rating agency, AM Best has affirmed Japan’s Mitsui Sumitomo Insurance Company Limited (MSI) financial strength rating (FSR) of A+ (Superior) and the long-term issuer credit rating (Long-Term ICR) of “aa” (Superior).

Concurrently, AM Best has affirmed the FSR of A+ (Superior) and the Long-Term ICRs of “aa” (Superior) of MSI’s United States operating companies, which are domiciled in New York, namely, Mitsui Sumitomo Insurance Company of America, Mitsui Sumitomo Insurance USA Inc and MSIG Specialty Insurance USA Inc.

In addition, the credit rating agency has affirmed the FSR of A+ (Superior) and the Long-Term ICR of “aa” (Superior) of Japan’s Aioi Nissay Dowa Insurance Company Limited (ADI) and the FSR of A- (Excellent) and the Long-Term ICR of “a-” (Excellent) of Aioi Nissay Dowa Insurance (China) Company Limited (ADIC).

According to AM Best in a statement, the outlook of all the aforementioned credit ratings (ratings) is stable, in which these companies are owned ultimately by MS&AD Insurance Group Holdings Inc (MS&AD), a major non-life insurance group based in Japan.

The ratings of MSI reflect the group’s balance sheet strength, which was assessed as strongest, as well as its strong operating performance, favourable business profile and appropriate enterprise risk management (ERM).

The ratings also reflect the favourable impact of MS&AD as the ultimate parent, which has robust balance sheet strength that is supported by ample available capital, low financial leverage, and high level of financial flexibility, enabling MSI to have good access to capital and debt markets.

MSI remains a prominent insurer with a strong reputation in Japan’s highly consolidated non-life insurance sector, in which it continues to hold approximately one-fifth of the market share based on net premium written (NPW), along with its leading and stable market position.

Meanwhile, the ratings of ADI reflect its balance sheet strength, which AM Best assesses as strongest, as well as its strong operating performance, neutral business profile and appropriate ERM, on top of considering ADI’s strategic importance to its parent company, MS&AD, as one of its two core operating entities and integral role in the group.

Separately, the ratings of ADIC reflect its balance sheet strength, which AM Best assesses as very strong, as well as its adequate operating performance, limited business profile and appropriate ERM, in addition to also reflecting the company’s strategic importance to its parent, ADI, as a key contributor of overseas business profit and a major component of ADI’s business expansion in China.

-- BERNAMA

ADTP AT MCKL: A DECADE OF GROWTH AND COMMUNITY

 

Source: MCKL

KUALA LUMPUR, June 10 (Bernama) -- Methodist College Kuala Lumpur (MCKL)’s American Degree Transfer Program (ADTP) celebrated its 10th anniversary in March 2024. This significant event was attended by representatives from University of Wisconsin-La Crosse, University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, Messiah University, and EducationUSA Malaysia. The unveiling of a new backdrop in MCKL’s Main Lobby highlighted the enduring collaboration between MCKL and its U.S. partners.

This milestone is not just a celebration of a decade of accomplishments but a testament to the strong partnerships MCKL has established with esteemed U.S. universities. Over the past ten years, ADTP has grown into a vital academic pathway, offering MCKL students’ opportunities to pursue higher education in the U.S.

Throughout the years, MCKL's partner universities have provided numerous exclusive and merit-based scholarships to ADTP students transferring to the United States. These scholarships recognize academic excellence and enhance students' resumes, for further opportunities. Recently, two ADTP students received exclusive scholarships: Lee Rou was awarded the Moey-Phipps Scholarship of Distinction 2024 from Messiah University, and Andree Lin Yiew Xuan received the UWL-MCKL Exclusive Scholarship 2024 to pursue Computer Science at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse.

The celebration, themed A Decade of Growth and Community, highlighted the program's strong alumni network. ADTP graduates have succeeded in various fields worldwide, showcasing the program's effectiveness in preparing students for the global landscape. Notably, two ADTP alumni are now working at Microsoft, and others have pursued advanced degrees at prestigious institutions like Duke University and Wheaton College.

During the celebration, Ms Veronica Yap from Messiah University praised the ADTP’s program structure and its role in student success at American universities. Ms Heather Pearson from the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse commended the ADTP for offering the American Dream to Malaysian students and highlighted the decade of collaborative efforts that have promoted educational and cultural exchange.

ADTP has achieved numerous milestones, establishing partnerships with over 50 universities. These collaborations have facilitated seamless transfers for ADTP students and provided financial support through exclusive scholarships and merit-based opportunities, easing the financial burden of pursuing undergraduate degrees in the United States. Together, they aim to continue empowering the next generation of leaders, ensuring that the legacy of ADTP at MCKL endures in the years to come.

Methodist College Kuala Lumpur (MCKL) was founded by the Methodist Council of Education in 1983, with a branch campus in Pykett, Penang. Presently, MCKL offers programmes in the pre-university pathway for subjects including Cambridge A Level, Australian Matriculation; the American Degree Transfer Program (ADTP), Diploma courses in Early Childhood Education, Social Work, IT (Internet of Things Focused), Computer Science (data science focused), Digital Business, Financial Technology, and Professional Accounting Programmes.

ADTP offered by MCKL is now open for August 2024 enrolment. For further information, visit www.mckl.edu.my. Follow MCKL on its official social media channels on Facebook and Instagram @MethodistCollegeKL.

SOURCE: Methodist College Kuala Lumpur (MCKL)

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:
Name: Monisha Sri
Executive, Public Relations & Communications
Methodist College Kuala Lumpur
Tel: (603) 2274 1851 Ext: 170
Email: monisha.sk@mckl.edu.my

--BERNAMA

MBZUAI CELEBRATES 101 GRADUATES IN KEY AI FIELDS

KUALA LUMPUR, June 10 (Bernama) -- The Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence’s (MBZUAI) 2024 commencement ceremony celebrated 101 graduates from 22 countries, receiving post-graduate degrees in key AI fields including computer vision (CV), machine learning (ML), and natural language processing (NLP).

The ceremony was attended by the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council, Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan; United Arab Emirates (UAE) Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology and MBZUAI Founding Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Dr Sultan bin Ahmed Al Jaber; as well as other dignitaries.

In a statement, Dr Al Jaber noted that the growth of AI is one of three megatrends shaping the future, alongside the accelerating pace of the energy transition and the rise of emerging markets and Global South.

“The Class of 2024’s growing expertise will hold the keys to unlocking solutions to some of the world's most pressing challenges. In fact, if we are to achieve the ambitious goals of the historic UAE Consensus agreed at COP28 in December in Dubai, AI must play a critical role,” he said.

Meanwhile, MBZUAI President and University Professor, Eric Xing said: “MBZUAI’s Class of 2024 are the future leaders of technology, innovation, and creativity, they are equipped to accept the responsibility that comes with the stewardship of something so powerful and transformative.”

MBZUAI’s third and largest commencement celebrated the university’s first PhD graduates in ML along with master’s graduates in ML (55), CV (28) and NLP (12) with students hailing from countries including UAE, Canada, United Kingdom, and France.

Five years since its inception, MBZUAI is now recognised as one of the world’s top 100 computer science universities and is ranked in the top 20 for its specialisations in AI, CV, ML, NLP, and robotics (CSRankings).

-- BERNAMA

KERRY SIAM SEAPORT OPTIMIZES OPERATIONS AND REDUCES CARBON EMISSIONS

-Thailand’s highest-volume port achieves double-digit improvements using technology-

BANGKOK, June 7 (Bernama-GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Kerry Siam Seaport Limited (“KSSP”), a multi-purpose deep sea port in Laem Chabang, Thailand, today announced benchmark operational improvements achieved through an optimization program conducted in partnership with Kaleris, a leading provider of supply chain technology solutions including Navis Terminal Operating Systems. The program optimized the Navis N4 Terminal Operating System to reduce truck driving distances by 20 percent and container rehandles by 10 percent, significantly improving productivity and lowering carbon emissions.

KSSP is part of Kerry Logistics Network, a global third-party logistics company headquartered in Hong Kong, with a highly diversified business portfolio and extensive coverage throughout Asia. Kerry Logistics Network offers a broad range of supply chain solutions, including integrated logistics, international freight forwarding for air, ocean, road, rail and multimodal, and e-commerce for industrial project logistics and infrastructure investment.

As KSSP’s annual volume steadily grew and exceeded one million TEU, the terminal proactively launched an optimization program to ensure its operations would scale in the most efficient, sustainable and cost-effective way. KSSP engaged Kaleris Optimization Services, a team of expert consultants specializing in operational best practices that increase productivity and efficiency at marine container ports and terminals. The Kaleris Optimization Services team worked closely with KSSP to identify improvement opportunities in yard strategy, terminal truck operations, and vessel planning. In addition, KSSP implemented advanced planning and optimization software modules in the Navis N4 including, Quay Commander, Berth Window Manager, Expert Decking, Prime Route, and Autostow.

KSSP experienced significant value from the optimization program, which includes:

• Reduced unladen driving distance of terminal trucks by 20 percent, creating an associated fuel savings of 190,000 liters per year.
• Reduced container rehandling by 10% and failure-to-deck events to almost zero.
• Improved quay crane productivity by one point, providing accelerated service for customers.
• Equipped yard planners with tools to manage the yard more strategically.
• Enhanced collaboration with shipping line stowage coordinators, improving vessel and crane workplans.
• Reduced drayage dwell time, creating a better experience for the KSSP trucking community.

“Kaleris Optimization Services generated important ROI for us, making it well worth the investment,” said Sirirat Srerattanamongkon, KSSP’s Director. “Kaleris delivered unmatched operational knowledge alongside a specialized approach that considered the uniqueness of our terminal operations while also sharing industry best practices. The optimization program improved the way work and delivered tangible results.”

“We appreciate the opportunity to partner with KSSP and help them optimize terminal operations,” said Molly Harrison, COO at Kaleris. “By tailoring our knowledge of global operating best practices to align with local requirements, we devised creative solutions to address KSSP’s distinct challenges and improve productivity. KSSP is well positioned to continue delivering the best service to its customers.”

“Our collaboration with KSSP was an ideal example of partnership,” said Alvin Thottukadavil, Sr. Director of Optimization Services. “Together we developed ways to address extremely high yard utilization and managed to deal with above-average driving distances from the yard to the quay.”

About Kaleris

Kaleris is a leading provider of cloud-based supply chain execution and visibility technology solutions. Many of the world’s largest brands rely on Kaleris to provide mission-critical technology for terminal operations, yard management, transportation management, maintenance and repair operations, and ocean carrier and vessel solutions. By consolidating supply chain execution software assets across major nodes and modes, we address the dark spots and data gaps that cause friction and inefficiency in the global supply chain. For more information, visit www.kaleris.com.

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/7151ef4e-3175-4f47-bb5e-38a3eeef467f

Media contacts
Kaleris: Suzy Swindle, suzy.swindle@kaleris.com
KSSP: th.kssp.sales@kerrylogistics.com

SOURCE: Kaleris

--BERNAMA

APO: 66TH GBM IN MALAYSIA PAVES WAY FOR PRODUCTIVITY, GROWTH

 

Heads of delegations and Secretary-General (front row, 6th L) at the 66th GBM. (Photo: Business Wire)

KUALA LUMPUR, June 7 (Bernama) -- The Asian Productivity Organization (APO) recently convened the 66th Session of the Governing Body (GBM), gathering 50 government-appointed representatives from 20 member economies to set strategic priorities and strengthen regional collaboration for productivity growth.

Hosted by the Government of Malaysia which took place here for three days, the GBM inaugural session included embassy representatives from four member economies and the Malaysia Productivity Corporation (MPC) Board of Directors in attendance.

APO Director for Malaysia and MPC Chairman, Datuk Kamaruzzaman Johari in his welcome remarks noted that: “As we forge ahead, our resolve remains steadfast to elevate Malaysia's productivity and competitiveness and contribute to regional growth.

“Together, we can ensure that our region continues to thrive for the prosperity of this generation and the ones to come,” he added.

According to a statement, deliberations at the GBM included the APO Vision 2025: Pause-and-Reflect activity, which aimed to integrate a monitoring and evaluation framework to align project planning more closely with member needs.

Another key milestone was the transformation of the Green Productivity (GP) concept, developed by the APO in 1994, whereby the newly endorsed GP 2.0 approaches and roadmap address current environmental and productivity challenges, marking a critical step forward in sustainable socioeconomic development.

The session also featured the APO Awards 2024 Conferral Ceremony, honouring distinguished individuals for their transformative contributions to productivity, as well as the accreditation of new certification bodies under the Green Productivity Specialist scheme.

The outcomes of the 66th GBM underscored the APO’s commitment to fostering sustainable change and prosperity through enhanced productivity across the Asia Pacific.

-- BERNAMA

UNIVERSITY OF ROCHESTER'S EASTMAN SCHOOL OF MUSIC RECOGNIZED IN THE QS WORLD UNIVERSITY RANKINGS

ROCHESTER, N.Y., June 4 (Bernama-GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The University of Rochester's Eastman School of Music has been honored in the prestigious QS World University Rankings for 2024. Ranked No. 3 in North America and No. 11 globally, Eastman shares the stage with leading music institutions in the United Kingdom, France, Russia, China, Finland, Denmark, and Hungary.

For over a century, the Eastman School of Music has been a beacon of excellence in music education and performance. Building from its foundational pillars of artistry, scholarship, leadership, and community, Eastman has cultivated a diverse environment where music thrives not only within our halls but also reverberates beyond, enriching lives and fostering engagement. The school is renowned for its holistic approach to music education, integrating rigorous musical training with humanities studies, leadership education, and interdisciplinary experiences. This commitment to comprehensive education produces graduates who are not only skilled musicians, but also well-rounded individuals prepared to use their talents to influence and inspire communities around the globe.

Dean Jamal J. Rossi commented on the school’s ethos and its recent accolade: "The Eastman School of Music is a vibrant community where some of the best musicians in the world come together to make each other better. Our century-long dedication to the core values of artistry, scholarship, leadership, and community has served as the foundation upon which our alumni have built impactful careers in all aspects of music, and they have enriched the world through their music. This recognition by the QS World Rankings reaffirms our commitment and mission to shape the future of music through artistic and scholarly excellence and innovative leadership." 

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PSP Sets Up 500 Mln Baht Equity Transaction With CPFam-LDA Asia Growth Fund

KUALA LUMPUR, June 4 (Bernama) -- P.S.P. Specialties Public Company Limited (PSP) has announced one of its shareholders has signed a Share Purchase Agreement with CPFam-LDA Asia Growth Fund (Fund) for up to 500 million baht. (100 baht = RM12.80)

This collaboration between PSP and CPFam-LDA Asia Growth Fund not only bolsters its capacity for innovation and expansion but also reinforces the infrastructure supporting Thailand's critical industrial sectors, according to a statement.

“Our strategic plan is to strengthen the core business by expanding the revenue portfolio to various specialty products and international markets, and to optimise sustainable growth from investment in new target industries.

“Listing on the Stock Exchange of Thailand last year was our achievement but to have an investor with strong global connections will enhance PSP’s growth significantly,” said PSP Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Sakesan Krongphanich.

Meanwhile, Fund Director Anthony Romano said the transaction with PSP marked a significant milestone for the Fund as PSP represents the type of high-potential company it seeks to support, crucial to its industry and poised for substantial growth and development.

“It underscores our commitment to the region and exemplifies the strategic capabilities we aim to enhance through our partnership,” he said.

PSP plays a crucial role in the lubricant and specialty products industry, sectors that are essential for the functioning of a wide range of industrial activities and automotive services in Southeast Asia.

In August 2023, LDA and the Jiaravanon family, who drew their wealth from the Charoen Pokphand Group, launched the CPFam-LDA Asia Growth Fund to invest in publicly listed and pre- initial public offering (IPO) high-growth companies across Southeast Asia.

The synergy between LDA’s cross-border expertise and CP Group’s deep regional connections is expected to drive significant advancements in sectors such as technology, agriculture, and energy, which are pivotal for sustainable growth.

-- BERNAMA

AMEC APPOINTS RAINA LAZAROVA AS NEW CHAIR

KUALA LUMPUR, June 6 (Bernama) -- The International Association for the Measurement and Evaluation of Communication (AMEC) has announced Raina Lazarova as the new incoming Chair of the association, who will take over the position for a two-year term commencing this month.

Lazarova, global media intelligence organisation Ruepoint Co-Founder, will lead the AMEC Board of Directors to continue deliver on its mission to define, promote and advance best practice in communication measurement and evaluation, research, analysis, evaluation, data and insights in a fast-changing communication landscape.

Outgoing Chair Aseem Sood who is also Impact Research and Measurement Pvt Chief Executive Officer, is confident that under Lazarova’s leadership, AMEC will continue to thrive and achieve even greater accomplishments.

“During the recent board meeting in Sofia, the AMEC Board deliberated and established the key areas of focus and strategic plan for the upcoming two years.

“I will continue to serve as an engaged member of the AMEC Board of Directors, with a specific focus on spearheading the development of a thought leadership editorial calendar for the board,” he said in a statement.

Meanwhile, Lazarova said: “It is a great honour to have been elected Chair of AMEC's board of directors. As a leading industry body, we will continue to promote the benefits of communication measurement and evaluation, while delivering value to our members and the extended communication community.

“The advent of generative AI has meant that we are in a very interesting time for the communication sector, and AMEC recognises its role in providing both thought leadership and support to the profession in leveraging new technologies,” she said.

The official handover took place at the 2024 AMEC Global Summit on Measurement, in Sofia, from May 21 to 23 which welcomed over 200 in-person attendees including communicators, public relations professionals, academics and those involved in the research and analytics industry.

AMEC, the world’s largest media intelligence and insights professional body, strives to support to the global communication industry with free educational resources and best practice guidance, has chapters across four continents in Europe, Middle East, and Africa (EMEA), Asia Pacific, North America and Latin America.

-- BERNAMA

Black & Veatch To Support Malaysia's Decarbonisation Journey, Green Hydrogen Advancement

KUALA LUMPUR, June 5 (Bernama) -- Black & Veatch has been appointed by Malaysia energy companies Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB) and PETRONAS to conduct study on green hydrogen commercialisation pathways as part of efforts to realise the country’s low-carbon energy ambitions.

The objectives of the study are to validate the findings of a joint feasibility study conducted by TNB and PETRONAS to develop hydrogen in Malaysia and provide strategic, technical and commercial insights on the generation, transportation, distribution and demand of green hydrogen.

According to Black & Veatch in a statement, this strategic collaboration affirms the partners’ commitment to support the country's vision for a flourishing green hydrogen economy.

Black & Veatch Director, South & Southeast Asia, Taiwan, Jerin Raj said with Malaysia’s abundant renewable resources including solar and hydropower, this feasibility study has the potential to shape the development of a hydrogen economy in Malaysia over the next decade.

“Black & Veatch has been working with hydrogen and ammonia production for over 80 years. Since developing the first hydrogen power generation conversion project and the first major hydrogen fuelling station in the United States, the company has continued to deliver reliable innovation and first-of-a-kind solutions across the hydrogen value chain,” he said.

Black & Veatch, a global leader in critical infrastructure solutions, is meeting Asia Pacific’s rapidly rising energy needs with low and no-carbon energy sources, including green hydrogen.

The company has engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) experience across the value chain of green hydrogen development, technical knowledge, and business and regulatory experience across power, transport and bunkering value chain elements.

-- BERNAMA

Novel Antibody Therapy Holds Potential For Kidney Cancer Treatment

KUALA LUMPUR, June 5 (Bernama) -- Even with new immunotherapies, only around one in 10 patients ultimately survive from advanced clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC), a deadly form of kidney cancer with few treatment options.

Currently, The Wistar Institute scientists have built upon bispecific T cell engagers (BTEs) technology to develop new and improved recombinant and synthetic DNA versions of therapeutic antibodies that target CA9, called Persistent Multivalent T Cell Engager (CA9-PMTE), that shows promise in pre-clinical models as a potent, long-lasting treatment against ccRCC.

While BTEs are a promising new antibody therapy for many difficult-to-treat cancers, they do have some limitations, including a short half-life, with most BTE drugs break down quickly, sometimes within a matter of hours, which means they are only effective for a short time.

Senior author David Weiner, who is also the executive vice president of The Wistar Institute and director of the Vaccine & Immunotherapy Center, said the new format represents the potential for an important new tool for enhancing cancer therapy.

According to a statement, in this study, the researchers also demonstrated that the more potent therapy could be delivered using synthetic DNA, allowing therapeutic production directly in patients.

In preclinical models, the team tested the efficacy of novelly designed anti-ccRCC BTE variants developed to enhance the interactions between T cells and the targeted cancer. These were developed to be delivered using synthetic DNA technology.

The researchers compared traditional BTEs with a newer format design termed persistent BTEs (PBTEs), which have a longer half-life but use the same targeting system as older BTEs and found that, while the initial PBTEs did last longer than the traditional BTEs, the new design reduced the overall anticancer potency.

The research team then created a new molecule by taking an existing PBTE and adding additional binding domains to better “see” and bind to the cancer, whereby this novel, alternative design, called a persistent multivalent T cell engager (PMTE), proved to be highly potent while also maintaining a longer half-life than the traditional BTE design.

The researchers are now studying these new PMTEs in combination with other immunotherapies as well as expanding designs to additional difficult-to-treat cancers.

-- BERNAMA

HERIOT-WATT UNIVERSITY PARTNERS EMCC GLOBAL TO ELEVATE COACHING STANDARDS WORLDWIDE

Source: HWU

PUTRAJAYA, June 6 (Bernama) -- Heriot-Watt University (HWU) has become the first UK university to partner with EMCC Global, a leading professional body in coaching, mentoring, and supervision.

Coaching and mentoring are increasingly popular for career development across various sectors such as business, human resources, and science. HWU’s Coaching Lab, which supports staff and students at campuses in Scotland, Dubai, and Malaysia, recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with EMCC Global and its respective geographical affiliates. The signing took place at HWU’s Edinburgh Business School.

The partnership aims to develop joint research projects and establish continuing professional development by combining research and practice. Students will benefit from networking events with industry leaders, training sessions, workshops, and a pathway to becoming registered coaches and fully accredited members of EMCC Global.

Professor Angus Laing, Executive Dean of the Edinburgh School and the School of Social Sciences, signed the MoU alongside representatives from EMCC Global and its affiliates.

Professor Laing said: “Our partnership with the EMCC marks a significant milestone in the field of coaching. By bridging academia with industry expertise, this collaboration not only amplifies opportunities for students but also enhances the landscape of professional development. Together, we’re shaping the future of coaching equipping individuals to reach their potential and driving career advancement.”

Dr Ke Guek-Nee, Director of the Heriot-Watt University Coaching Lab and a driving force behind the MoU, highlighted the growing interest in coaching and mentoring.

She said: “This MoU marks a pivotal stride in propelling forward the Coaching Lab’s goals, and our Master’s programmes in coaching psychology theory and practice. Our approach, blending academic rigour with practical expertise, is designed to empower and elevate the impact of both students and staff coaches on personal and organisational development. This strategic collaboration harmonises seamlessly with the University’s vision of being a pioneer in education, collectively working towards fostering a globally connected university.”

The MoU promises to create new opportunities for collaboration between all parties, leveraging the global reach of Heriot-Watt’s Coaching Lab, which is a central point for coaching psychology and coaching research across the University.

Alison Mitchell, Head of EMCC Global Centre for Excellence in Research who led on behalf of EMCC Global, said: “It is vital for the future reputation of coaching practice that it is underpinned by evidence-based research. This agreement brings us closer to empowering practitioners to engage with research.”

Dr Riza Kadilar, President of EMCC Global, said: “I’m thrilled with this great step forward, hopefully marking a significant stride towards enhancing global coaching and mentoring standards. This collaboration symbolises our commitment to developing research informed practice fostering excellence and innovation in coaching and mentoring across the world. Together, we aim to develop our collaboration that will empower professionals in our field to better meet the challenges facing our stakeholders now and in the future.”

For more information on Heriot-Watt University Malaysia and its world-class programmes, kindly visit https://www.hw.ac.uk/malaysia/about/campus.html

SOURCE: Mnair PR Consultancy Sdn Bhd

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:
Name: Diyana Kamar
Email: N.Shamsul_Kamar@hw.ac.uk

--BERNAMA

IDENTIFLIGHT V5 TECHNOLOGY PROTECTING AVIAN SPECIES IN WIND FARMS

KUALA LUMPUR, June 5 (Bernama) -- IdentiFlight, a leader in avian anti-collision systems for wind farms, has launched its V5 technology, representing a significant advancement in both performance and reliability.


Building upon the company’s proven track record of safeguarding avian species while supporting the expansion of renewable energy, IdentiFlight V5 sets a new standard for efficiency and effectiveness in avian detection systems.


According to a statement, Boulder Imaging is the company responsible for developing IdentiFlight, and the debut deployment of V5 will take place at the Musselroe Wind Farm in Tasmania, in collaboration with Woolnorth Renewables.


“We are thrilled to unveil our V5 technology, representing a significant leap forward in species protection at wind farms.


“This milestone reflects our unwavering dedication to a sustainable future, where clean energy flourishes alongside thriving ecosystems,” said Boulder Imaging Chief Executive Officer and Chief Technology Officer, Carlos Jorquera.


With enhanced performance, V5 boasts improved detection accuracy and efficiency, ensuring swift and reliable identification and classification of bird species, particularly raptors such as eagles, hawks, and falcons, expanding detection to a 1.3 kilometres range.


In addition, with ruggedised control cabinets capable of withstanding harsh environmental conditions, V5 is optimised for deployment in diverse landscapes, now including coastal areas.


Furthermore, the new design of V5 facilitates easier maintenance and serviceability, minimising downtime and optimising operational efficiency for wind farm operators.


Deployed globally since 2016 and independently validated over multiple years, the IdentiFlight system now protects for hundreds of wind turbines worldwide.


-- BERNAMA

FORTREA WRAPS UP DIVESTITURE OF TWO BUSINESSES TO ARSENAL CAPITAL PARTNERS

KUALA LUMPUR, June 5 (Bernama) -- Fortrea, a global contract research organisation (CRO), has completed the divestiture of assets relating to its Enabling Services segment, namely Endpoint Clinical (Endpoint) and Fortrea Patient Access (FPA) businesses, to Arsenal Capital Partners (Arsenal), a private equity investment firm.

Arsenal has appointed Fortrea’s Enabling Services segment former president, Sam Osman, to serve as chief executive officer (CEO) of the new entities, while Raymond (Ray) H. Hill, an operating partner within Arsenal’s healthcare team, will serve as chairman of the board.

Fortrea Chairman and CEO, Tom Pike in a statement said the successful closing of this transaction is a testament to the calibre of the teams involved, who have planned a smooth transition for colleagues, customers and the patients it served.

“This transaction enables both organisations to focus their leadership and resources on delivering optimal solutions for our customers. As previously disclosed, the net proceeds from this divestiture will be used to reduce a portion of Fortrea’s overall debt structure,” he said.

Meanwhile, Osman said: “With Arsenal as our partner, I am confident that both our businesses and our teams will benefit from accelerated growth opportunities as well as investment and executive focus, resulting in enhanced capabilities and solutions for customers.”

Endpoint and FPA provide best-in-class Randomization and Trial Supply Management (RTSM) and patient access solutions respectively.

Both entities represent strategically differentiated entry points within the pharmaceutical services value chain, where Arsenal holds significant domain, scientific and technical knowledge.

-- BERNAMA

CYBER ACOUSTICS AND ES CONNECT PARTNER TO DELIVER CYBER ACOUSTICS SOLUTIONS ACROSS MALAYSIA

Partnership poises both companies to meet the rapid growth of call center industry in the region

VANCOUVER, Wash., June 4 (Bernama-GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Cyber Acoustics, a leading manufacturer of reliable and affordable computer peripherals used in schools, businesses, contact centers, and homes, today announced a strategic partnership with ES Connect, a distributor providing tailored business solutions to clients spanning industries. Together Cyber Acoustics and ES Connect will meet the needs of Malaysia's commercial business marketplace, delivering competitive and leading-edge technology solutions to the region’s rapidly growing call center industry.

“ES Connect is the perfect partner for us as they bring a wealth of experience in telecommunications and have a strong reputation for outstanding customer service,” said Steve Erickson, COO at Cyber Acoustics. “Their reach and expertise allow us to support global customers with call centers in Malaysia while ensuring both our companies are successfully poised for the growth of the call center industry in the country.”

Working collaboratively on technology and design with some of the world’s largest business process outsourcing (BPOs) companies, Cyber Acoustics has developed a suite of solutions tailored to solve some of the industry’s biggest pain points, including loud work environments and outdated agent training systems.

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BIOGNOSYS LAUNCHES GROUNDBREAKING P2 PLASMA ENRICHMENT TECHNOLOGY FOR UNBIASED, DEEP PLASMA PROTEOMICS AT ASMS 2024

·  The proprietary P2 Plasma Enrichment method leverages a novel single-well, single particle-type enrichment method to achieve market-leading performance for unbiased, deep mass spectrometry-based plasma proteomics

·  P2 now offers excellent quantitation and higher throughput for large-cohort biomarker or drug discovery studies, and clinical, epidemiological or population proteomics research

·  P2 Plasma Enrichment is available as a CRO service via Biognosys’ TrueDiscovery^® platform, or as an in-house method for high-performance mass spectrometry end-users via licensing

·  With the optional additional combination of TrueDiscovery^® unbiased, deep mass spectrometry proteomics workflows with targeted Alamar NULISA affinity-based ultra-high sensitivity proteomics panels, Biognosys now enables the most quantitative and complete access to the human plasma proteome
 
ZURICH, Switzerland and NEWTON, Mass., May 31 (Bernama-GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Biognosys, a leader in next-generation proteomics services, software and kits for life sciences research and drug development, today announced the launch of the novel, proprietary P2 Plasma Enrichment method for single-well, single particle-type enrichment with market leading performance and sensible, superior economics. P2-based plasma proteomics can be used for human or for animal-model proteomics studies and clinical research.

This novel P2 plasma proteomics method achieves a proteome coverage of 7,000 proteins in a previously published five-cancer plasma sample set, demonstrating highest reproducibility, unprecedented enrichment of low abundant proteins, and unparalleled throughput on Bruker timsTOF® HT mass spectrometers. The technical features and performance data will be presented at the American Society of Mass Spectrometry (ASMS) Annual Conference in Anaheim, CA on Monday, June 3^rd during Biognosys’ Breakfast Seminar, “Accelerating Drug Discovery and Development with Biognosys’ Next-Generation Proteomics Services,” and on Wednesday, June 5^th during the WP 084 poster session.

“With our proprietary P2 Plasma Enrichment method, Biognosys can now significantly enhance the depth and throughput in plasma proteomics beyond what existing methods could achieve,” explains Dr. Oliver Rinner, CEO and founder of Biognosys. “Most importantly, this advancement comes with exceptional reproducibility, which is crucial for quantitative studies. It also provides superior economics and achieves a false discovery rate of less than 1%, that cannot be matched with expensive, high-plex affinity-based methods. Additionally, our optional licensing model now also opens a new avenue for advanced proteomics mass spectrometry end-users to access our cutting-edge methods and software for in-house use.”

Dr. Rohan Thakur, President Bruker LSMS Division, says: “Biognosys' state-of-the-art P2 Plasma method enables profiling of the plasma proteome with rigor, providing deep insights into protein expression, and uniquely leverages the proven robustness of the timsTOF HT. A powerful combination that will provide superior data-completeness with simplicity, both of significant value for large cohort studies.” 

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