EXP REALTY EXPANDS INTO THREE MARKETS NEXT YEAR TO SOLIDIFY GLOBAL PRESENCE

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 29 (Bernama) -- eXp Realty, the largest independent global real estate brokerage and a core subsidiary of eXp World Holdings Inc, announced its expansion into three vibrant markets, namely Türkiye, Peru, and Egypt, set for 2025.

In a bold move to strengthen its global footprint, eXp Realty is bringing its agent-centric model and innovative cloud-based platform to some of the world’s most dynamic real estate markets, according to a statement.

Once this expansion is complete, eXp Realty will operate in 27 countries, empowering thousands of agents globally with its unique value propositions. The model is designed for success in both residential and commercial real estate, and underscores eXp’s unwavering commitment to equip its agents with the tools and platform they need to thrive in real estate’s evolving landscape.

“Our expansion into Türkiye, Peru, and Egypt is a testament to our relentless drive for innovation and our commitment to empowering agents around the world.

“These markets are buzzing with potential, and we are excited to introduce our cloud-based model and agent-first approach to real estate professionals who are eager to elevate their careers and unlock new opportunities,” said eXp World Holdings Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Glenn Sanford.

Türkiye, a critical hub bridging Europe and Asia, is home to a resilient and rapidly evolving real estate market, bolstered by strong domestic demand and increasing foreign investment, particularly in bustling cities like Istanbul.

In Peru, the property market is thriving thanks to a booming economy and urban expansion, attracting global investors seeking opportunities in Lima and other emerging areas.

Meanwhile, Egypt, with its rich history and rapidly modernising real estate landscape, offers unparalleled investment prospects, especially in Cairo, one of Africa’s largest and fastest-growing cities.

eXp Realty’s global expansion is driven by its agile, cloud-based platform, empowering agents with an unmatched commission structure, cutting-edge collaborative tools, and the unique opportunity to earn equity through their sales and growth.

As 2025 approaches, eXp remains dedicated to supporting agents worldwide with the innovation and resources needed to thrive in any market while continuing to broaden its global reach.

-- BERNAMA

CHINA'S BEIDOU NAVIGATION SYSTEM BOOSTS INDUSTRY, GLOBAL COOPERATION

The Third International Summit on BDS Applications kicked off in Zhuzhou.

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 28 (Bernama) -- The third International Summit on Beidou Navigation Satellite System (BDS) Applications, which kicked off in Zhuzhou, east-central China’s Hunan Province, from Oct 24 to 25, witnessed the signing and announcement of 142 projects with a total investment of 58.2 billion Chinese yuan. (100 Chinese yuan = RM61.14)

According to a statement, it attracted nine academicians from the Chinese Academy of Sciences and the Chinese Academy of Engineering in the fields of domestic satellite systems, rockets, operational control, and data application, as well as 85 foreign delegates from the African Union, Laos, South Korea, France, and Côte d'Ivoire.

Themed "Sharing the World, Sharing BDS", the summit aims to establish a platform for industry leadership and policy announcement; international promotion and cooperation; the exchange and announcement of cutting-edge technologies; and industrial integration and the demonstration of application achievements.

Hunan, a pivotal force in the development of the BDS, has participated in the construction of the Beidou-1, Beidou-2, and Beidou-3 systems throughout the entire process, contributing its wisdom and capabilities to the global networking and stable operation of the BDS.

In recent years, Hunan has fully promoted technological breakthroughs, achievement transformations, project collaborations, large-scale applications, and industrial agglomeration in the field of Beidou technology.

It has advocated the spirit of the new era's Beidou, striving to become a national leader in Beidou technological innovation, a demonstration area for large-scale Beidou applications, and a high-quality development cluster for the Beidou industry.

A bluebook on the development of the BeiDou industry was also released during the opening ceremony. The bluebook stated that BDS services and related products have been exported to more than 130 countries, providing users with diversified choices and better application experience and promoting industrial development.

China actively participated in the formulation of international standards, and a number of international standards related to the BDS have been successively published.

These standards have laid a solid foundation for the industrial development and application in multiple key areas such as civil aviation, satellite-aided search and rescue, maritime affairs, and mobile communications.

-- BERNAMA

APO UNVEILS GREEN PRODUCTIVITY 2.0 AT 65TH WORKSHOP MEETING OF NPO LEADERS

(Photo: Business Wire)

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 28 (Bernama) -- The Asian Productivity Organization (APO) convened its 65th Workshop Meeting (WSM) of Heads of National Productivity Organizations (NPOs) in Nadi, Fiji from Oct 23 to 25.

Hosted by the Government of Fiji, this annual event gathered 51 NPO Heads and advisers from 19 APO members to outline the future of sustainable productivity in the region, with a focus on Green Productivity (GP) and artificial intelligence (AI).

The inaugural session was honoured by the presence of Fiji’s Deputy Prime Minister, Manoa Seru Nakausabaria Kamikamica, who emphasised the unique challenges island nations face in balancing economic growth with urgent climate action.

According to a statement, a highlight of this workshop was the launch of the APO Green Productivity 2.0: The Road Ahead report.

Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) Science and Technology Advisor and member of the APO GP Advisory (GPA) Council, Professor Yoichiro Matsumoto presented the evolution of the GP concept since its inception by the APO in 1994.

The report offers a forward-thinking roadmap for governments, businesses, and individuals to adopt GP 2.0 strategies, merging productivity with environmental responsibility.

Presentations from experts, including GP 2.0 Technical Working Group Chair, Dr Chin-Hsu Lin, and representatives from the Korea Development Institute (KDI) and MOFA Japan, emphasised how integrating GP and AI can foster sustainable growth in the region.

At the Welcome Dinner hosted by APO Chair 2024-2025 and Director for Fiji, Jone Maritino Nemani, Fiji President, Ratu Wiliame Maivalili Katonivere, delivered a keynote speech and called for greater international cooperation to combat climate change as well as emphasised the role of GP in driving sustainable development.

The WSM also featured a strategic planning session where NPO Heads discussed programme plans for 2025 and 2026, in which these plans focus on supporting APO members in leveraging GP and AI to address pressing productivity challenges and shaping the organisation’s strategic transition post-Vision 2025.

As the region faces ongoing global challenges, the 65th WSM reinforced the APO’s leadership in driving socioeconomic growth and strengthening the collective resolve of member economies to champion sustainable development for a greener, more prosperous future.

-- BERNAMA

EIG'S MIDOCEAN ENERGY COMPLETES ACQUISITION OF ADDITIONAL 15% INTEREST IN PERU LNG FROM HUNT OIL COMPANY

WASHINGTON, Oct 25 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- MidOcean Energy (“MidOcean” or the “Company”), a liquefied natural gas (LNG) company formed and managed by EIG, a leading institutional investor in the global energy and infrastructure sectors, today announced the completion of its previously announced agreement to acquire an additional 15% interest in Peru LNG (“PLNG”) from Hunt Oil Company (“Hunt”).

MidOcean’s interest in PLNG now stands at 35%. Hunt will remain the operator of PLNG.

PLNG owns and operates the only LNG export facility in South America, which is located in Pampa Melchorita, 170 kilometers south of Lima, Peru. PLNG’s assets consist of a natural gas liquefaction plant with 4.45 mmtpa processing capacity; a fully-owned 408 kilometer pipeline with 1,290 mmcf/d capacity; two 130,000 m3 storage tanks; a fully-owned 1.4 kilometer marine terminal; and a truck loading facility with a capacity of up to 19.2 mmcf/d. PLNG is operated by Hunt and is one of only two LNG production facilities in Latin America.

Morgan Stanley acted as exclusive financial advisor to MidOcean on the transaction and Latham & Watkins acted as legal advisor. Bracewell LLP served as legal advisor to Hunt.

About MidOcean Energy

MidOcean Energy, an LNG company formed and managed by EIG, seeks to build a diversified, resilient, cost- and carbon-competitive global LNG portfolio. It reflects EIG’s belief in LNG as a critical enabler of the energy transition and the growing importance of LNG as a geopolitically strategic energy resource. MidOcean Energy is headed by De la Rey Venter, a 26-year industry veteran who has held a variety of senior executive roles, including Global Head of LNG for Shell Plc.

About EIG

EIG is a leading institutional investor in the global energy and infrastructure sectors, with $24.9 billion under management as of June 30, 2024. EIG specializes in private investments in energy and energy-related infrastructure on a global basis. During its 42-year history, EIG has committed over $48.6 billion to the energy sector through 413 projects or companies in 42 countries on six continents. EIG’s clients include many of the leading pension plans, insurance companies, endowments, foundations, and sovereign wealth funds in the U.S., Asia, and Europe. EIG is headquartered in Washington, D.C., with offices in Houston, London, Sydney, Rio de Janeiro, Hong Kong, and Seoul.

About Hunt Oil Company

Founded in 1934, Hunt is one of the largest privately held independent oil and gas companies in the United States. Based in Dallas, Texas, the company’s principal areas of operations are located in Peru, the United States and the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, as well as exploration projects in Tunisia and Morocco. Hunt is an active international exploration company and has drilled on all continents other than Antarctica.

For additional information, please visit MidOcean Energy’s website at www.midoceanenergy.com or EIG’s website at www.eigpartners.com.

View source version on businesswire.com:
https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241024391520/en/

Contact

EIG/MidOcean Contact
FGS Global
Kelly Kimberly / Brandon Messina
+1 212-687-8080
EIG@fgsglobal.com

Hunt Contact
Paul Schulze
+1 214-978-8534
publicaffairs@huntconsolidated.com

Source : EIG

--BERNAMA

CIMB ARTOBER TO FEATURE OVER 1,000 ARTWORKS; RAISES THE BAR FOR MALAYSIAN ART SCENE

Photo 1: KDYMM Seri Paduka Baginda Raja Permaisuri Agong Raja Zarith Sofiah (second from left); DYAM Raja Di Hilir Perak, Raja Iskandar Dzulkarnain Sultan Idris Shah (second from right) together with Tan Sri Mohd Nasir Ahmad, Chairman of CIMB Group (left); and Ahmad Shahriman Mohd Shariff, Chief Executive Officer of CIMB Islamic (right) at the launch of CIMB Artober Art & Soul 2024, held at Malaysian International Trade & Exhibition Centre (MITEC).

The art fair which runs from 25-27 Oct will feature works by 100 artists and 20 local galleries

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 25 (Bernama) -- CIMB Group Holdings Berhad (“CIMB” or “the Group”) returns with CIMB Artober Art & Soul, the Group’s annual celebration of art, culture and lifestyle, aimed at supporting and empowering the Malaysian art community while elevating Malaysia’s position as a world-class arts and culture hub. The art fair will run from Friday, 25 October to Sunday, 27 October at Hall 1, Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (“MITEC”), Kuala Lumpur, and admission is free.

CIMB Artober is set to spotlight Malaysia’s most creative and artistic minds, with a curation of over 1000 captivating artworks by more than 100 artists, presented by 20 local galleries including Taksu, Sareng, Segaris, Galeri Puteh and more. In addition, the art fair will also showcase 30 seminal artworks from The AFK Collection, a robust collection of first generation works of Malaysian contemporary artists dedicated to the preservation and documentation of contemporary art in the country. The collection will also feature the transformative artworks of Fauzan Omar, one of Malaysia’s most respected contemporary artists.

The launch of CIMB Artober was graced by KDYMM Seri Paduka Baginda Raja Permaisuri Agong Raja Zarith Sofiah, together with Tan Sri Mohd Nasir Ahmad, Chairman of CIMB Group as well as various senior leaders of CIMB Group. Royal Sembilan showcased a fashion show titled Bungolado featuring a special songket collection woven by inmates from Penjara Marang, through one of the prison’s rehabilitation programmes.

Tan Sri Mohd Nasir Ahmad said, “CIMB Artober Art & Soul has proven to be an important economic engine for the Malaysian art ecosystem, generating over RM15 million to date and benefiting at least 200 artists since its inception. This art fair has since gained a greater following, stronger traction and a wider audience, and we hope that Artober will continue its legacy of contributing to the economic empowerment of local artists and designers.”

“Embedded into CIMB’s 100-year history is a deep and profound appreciation for the arts, which underpins our commitment to strengthening the Malaysian arts and cultural ecosystem. CIMB believes in art as a conduit for cultural preservation and community building, as well as being integral to uplifting the local economy for the creatives. We are pleased to play our part in rendering art accessible to a much wider audience, accelerating Kuala Lumpur’s budding reputation as an established arts capital in Southeast Asia.”

The weekend-long activities at the fair will include an exciting series of fashion shows featuring the latest art-to-wear collections by veteran designers such as Dato’ Radzuan Radziwill and Ezuwan Ismail, talented local fashion students from three prestigious design schools: University Teknologi MARA (Perak), Tunku Abdul Rahman University of Management and Technology, and Limkokwing University of Creative Technology, as well as the works of 13-year-old LeiYa Lim.

As a platform for Malaysians to engage in conversations and discourse on art, CIMB Artober will also present a series of thought-provoking art talks by prominent figures in the local art scene, moderated by public figure Khairy Jamaluddin and Dato’ Tiffanee Marie Lim of Limkokwing University of Creative Technology.

In honour of CIMB’s 100-year anniversary and its new social movement, Kita Bagi Jadi, which celebrates the Bank’s long history of advocating for economic inclusion among communities and supporting talent in many fields, CIMB Artober will also feature a series of special performances by the talented young musicians of the Malaysian Philharmonic Youth Orchestra (“MPYO”) which will take place over the weekend.

As part of CIMB Artober, CIMB cardholders will be able to enjoy a 10% discount on minimum spending of RM10,000 and a 15% discount for spending above RM25,000 on a single receipt with any CIMB debit, credit or prepaid card at the participating galleries. Terms & Conditions apply.

More information on CIMB Artober 2024 is available on
https://www.cimb.com.my/en/personal/promotions/latest-promotions/artober2024.html.

About CIMB

CIMB is one of ASEAN’s leading banking groups and Malaysia’s second largest financial services provider, by assets. Listed on Bursa Malaysia via CIMB Group Holdings Berhad, it had a market capitalisation of approximately RM72.7 billion as at 30 June 2024. It offers consumer banking, commercial banking, wholesale banking, transaction banking, Islamic banking and asset management products and services. Headquartered in Kuala Lumpur, the Group is present in eight ASEAN nations (Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, Myanmar and Philippines).

Beyond ASEAN, the Group has market presence in China, Hong Kong and UK. CIMB has one of the most extensive retail branch networks in ASEAN with 594 branches and over 33,000 employees as at 30 June 2024. CIMB’s investment banking arm is one of the largest Asia Pacific-based investment banks, which together with its award-winning treasury & markets and corporate banking units comprise the Group’s leading wholesale banking franchise. CIMB is also the 92.5% shareholder of Bank CIMB Niaga in Indonesia, and 94.8% shareholder of CIMB Thai in Thailand.

SOURCE: CIMB Group Holdings Berhad

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:
Name: Anis Azharuddin / Kelvin Jude Muthu
Group Corporate Communications
CIMB Group Holdings Berhad
Email: anis.azharuddin@cimb.com / kelvinjude.muthu@cimb.com

--BERNAMA

Recursion: Non-antibiotic Treatment For Recurrent C. diff Infection Enters Phase 2 Trial

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 23 (Bernama) -- Recursion, a clinical stage TechBio company, announced the first patient has been dosed in its Phase 2 clinical trial of REC-3964, a potential first-in-class, oral small molecule and new chemical entity for the treatment of recurrent Clostridioides difficile (C. diff) infection.

“There is a significant unmet need for new treatment options for patients with C. diff infections that are easier to use and more cost-effective. We are encouraged by the progress of REC-3964, the first new chemical entity from our platform to advance to Phase 2 clinical trials, and now to the first patient dosed.

“We look forward to continuing to advance this trial to help patients in need and drive down billions in costs to the healthcare system for treatment,” said Recursion co-founder and chief executive officer, Chris Gibson in a statement.

The Phase 2 ALDER clinical trial is a multicentre randomised study to investigate the safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics (PK) and efficacy of REC-3964 at doses of 250 milligramme (mg) or 500 mg for the reduction of C. diff and will include an observation only arm. Approximately 80 individuals will ultimately be enrolled in the study across the U.S. and Europe.

The C. diff infection is a toxin producing bacteria that causes diarrhoea and colitis, and can be life threatening, affecting up to 730,000 people annually in the United States (US) and EU5 countries (France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and the United Kingdom), causing an estimated 29,000 deaths in the US each year.

Recursion’s study will initially address the recurrent C. diff (up to 175,000 cases in the US per year) population, which costs the healthcare system approximately US$2 billion per year. (US$1=RM4.32)

Antibiotics, the standard treatment for C. diff infection, disturb the gut microbiome due to their non-selective nature. Despite initial success, antibiotics fail to prevent recurrence in 20 to 30 per cent of primary cases.

REC-3964 is the first novel small molecule developed through Recursion’s Operating System, and selectively inhibits the glucosyltransferase activity of toxin B produced by C. diff in the gastrointestinal tract, offering a unique mechanism of action.

Unlike antibiotics, which disrupt the gut microbiome, REC-3964 precisely targets the bacterial toxin while sparing healthy tissue, potentially minimising adverse events and it is being studied as part of a treatment regimen to prevent recurrent C. diff infection.

Presented at the sixth edition of the World Congress on Infectious Diseases, preclinical studies demonstrated its superiority over bezlotoxumab in a human disease-relevant C. diff hamster model.

Additionally, Phase 1 studies in healthy volunteers showed REC-3964 was well tolerated with no serious adverse events (SAEs), underscoring its potential safety and tolerability.

-- BERNAMA

NTIS MARKS 3 YEARS OF EMPOWERING TECHNOLOGICAL GROWTH

 

Opening Speech by YB. Dato' Haji Mohammad Yusof Bin Apdal

Deputy Minister Of Science, Technology And Innovation in conjunction with NTIS 3 YEAR CELEBRATION & PROPTECH SANDBOX LAUNCH

742 Applications, 100 Projects Funded, and Over RM87 Million in Sales Generated

SELANGOR, Oct 24 (Bernama) -- The National Technology and Innovation Sandbox (NTIS) marked its 3rd anniversary today, highlighting its ongoing mission to empower innovators, startups, and entrepreneurs across Malaysia. The event was officiated by the Deputy Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, YB Dato’ Haji Mohammad Yusof Bin Apdal, and featured the launch of the PropTech Sandbox, an initiative in partnership with S P Setia.

Since its establishment in 2020, NTIS has been spearheaded by the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MOSTI) as a key pillar of Malaysia’s tech ecosystem. It has supported innovators in testing, refining, and commercialising new technologies by providing regulatory sandboxes, which allow for safe and efficient navigation of regulatory challenges. This approach has fostered a vibrant environment for technological growth, advancing Malaysia’s goal of becoming a technology-driven economy.

Over the past three years, from July 2020 to December 2023, NTIS has achieved significant milestones in supporting Malaysia’s innovation ecosystem. It has processed 742 applications, approved 100 projects for grants, and facilitated the distribution of RM80.84 million in funding to drive the development of cutting-edge solutions. As a result, 49 companies have successfully completed their projects, with 28 reaching commercialisation. Collectively, these efforts have generated RM87.28 million in sales. Additionally, NTIS has helped four companies penetrate international markets, achieving export values of approximately almost a million ringgit.

“NTIS has been instrumental in advancing MOSTI’s vision of transforming Malaysia into a high-tech nation by 2030,” said YB Dato’ Haji Mohammad Yusof Bin Apdal, Deputy Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation. He also emphasised that innovations developed through NTIS have had significant impacts across key sectors, including smart cities, healthcare, and agriculture, demonstrating Malaysia’s commitment to fostering technological growth.

Pioneering Solutions Across Sectors

NTIS’s achievements are underscored by success stories across various sectors:

● Smart Cities: Vectolabs Technologies Sdn. Bhd. developed a LoRa IoT Network in collaboration with Perbadanan Putrajaya, deploying a smart street lighting system in Presint 15, Putrajaya, setting a benchmark for future smart city initiatives.
● Healthcare: Health Digital Technologies Sdn. Bhd. revolutionised healthcare services with DoctorOnCall, a digital platform now implemented in hospitals, clinics, and pharmacies nationwide, with plans for international expansion.
● Smart Homes: Archtron Research & Development Sdn. Bhd. developed the Bluguard-AI platform, an IoT-based system poised for full-scale production, enhancing smart home technology and driving economic value.

Launch of the PropTech Sandbox: Pioneering Innovation in Real Estate

As part of the celebration, NTIS, in collaboration with S P Setia, launched the PropTech Sandbox Pilot Programme. This initiative aims to foster innovation in the property sector by promoting smart, sustainable, and secure building solutions. The PropTech Sandbox aligns with Malaysia’s goals of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 45% by 2030 and achieving carbon neutrality by 2050.

Datuk Wira Dr. Hj. Rais Hussin, CEO of MRANTI, reiterated the organisation’s commitment to nurturing innovation. He emphasised that as the lead secretariat of NTIS, MRANTI will remain a vital enabler, offering crucial resources, strategic support, and collaborative partnerships to accelerate commercialisation and foster sustainable growth in Malaysia’s technology sector.

Prepared by
MINISTRY OF SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND INNOVATION
24 Oktober 2024

SOURCE: MINISTRY OF SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND INNOVATION

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:
Email: enquiry@mosti.gov.my

--BERNAMA