NABEP STRENGTHENS SENIOR LEADERSHIP TEAM, LEGAL EXPERTISE WITH NEW APPOINTMENTS

Sara Chouraqui joins NABEP as its General Counsel, bringing decades of legal expertise.

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 27 (Bernama) -- North American Blue Energy Partners (NABEP), an oil and gas exploration and production company, has appointed Sara Chouraqui as General Counsel, with Elizabeth Collery and Victoria Jacobson joining as Deputy General Counsel.

NABEP in a statement said the appointments significantly strengthen its senior leadership team and legal expertise as the company improves its operations, increases production and develops new strategic and commercial partnerships.

“Sara understands the complex legal and regulatory environment in which global businesses operate and, equally importantly, how a strong legal function can help a business grow, pursue opportunities and build lasting partnerships.

“This expertise will be critical as NABEP enters an important new phase of its development, expanding our operations and establishing new strategic relationships,” said NABEP Chief Executive Officer, Alejandro Betancourt.

Meanwhile, Chouraqui said the company remains committed to operating with integrity, upholding the highest legal and compliance standards and setting a benchmark for responsible leadership in the energy industry in Latin America, adding that she, Collery and Jacobson look forward to bringing their collective experience to support NABEP as it contributes to the revitalisation of the Venezuelan economy.

With her experience navigating complex cross-border legal and regulatory matters, Chouraqui will lead NABEP’s global legal function and advise the company’s leadership on legal, regulatory and corporate priorities, including major transactions and partnerships, governance, compliance and the management of legal and regulatory risk across its operations.

Chouraqui joins NABEP following a distinguished career at the United Kingdom’s Serious Fraud Office (SFO), where she served as Head of a Fraud, Bribery and Corruption division, overseeing some of the office’s most significant international investigations.

NABEP said Collery and Jacobson also held senior positions at the SFO, closely assisting Chouraqui in her work.

-- BERNAMA

Axi Refreshes Its Brand Identity with The Launch of a New Website

 

SYDNEY, Aug 26 (Bernama-GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Axi, a global online trading broker, today announces the launch of its refreshed brand identity, including a new website with a fully updated visual system designed to reflect the broker's position as a dedicated partner to traders across every market.

The refresh marks an evolution of Axi's identity, not a departure from it. The logo retains its recognised form, and the brand's signature red remains central to the new visual language. What has changed is the precision and cohesion with which every element comes together.

The new visual system introduces refined typography, a sharper and more modern design language, and a globally scalable character system that reflects the diversity of the markets and communities Axi serves. The updated website is the clearest expression of the new brand in action. The refresh will extend across Axi's full product ecosystem. The Axi app and client portal will carry the updated visual identity, giving traders a consistent brand experience across every platform they use.

Axi Select: a sharper look for a programme built on performance

Axi Select, Axi's capital allocation programme for qualifying traders, debuts a refreshed visual identity as part of the broader brand update. Designed for traders who are serious about their edge, Axi Select offers a structured six-stage progression model, giving participants a clear pathway to grow their trading capital. From the Seed stage through to professional-level funding of up to $1,000,000 of Axi's capital. With over 55,000 traders already on the programme, the refreshed look reflects the programme's ambition and the community it serves.

“A lot changed with this refresh, and that was intentional.”, said Julie Sharova, Global Head of Marketing at Axi, “But our DNA stays — the logo, the elements that make us us. It was about making sure our DNA speaks to more people, in more places. We wanted to feel modern and relatable across different audiences — because we believe you can be globally consistent and locally connected at the same time.”

Axi operates across multiple regions globally, serving retail and professional traders with access to forex, stocks, indices, and commodities. The brand refresh reflects the broker's continued investment in the trader experience, across every touchpoint, in every market.

About Axi

Axi is a global online trading broker providing retail and professional traders with access to forex, stocks, indices, and commodities. Through its trading platforms, educational resources, and market analysis tools, Axi helps traders navigate global financial markets with confidence.

Media enquiries: mediaenquiries@axi.com

The Axi Select program is only available to clients of AxiTrader LLC. CFDs carry a high risk of investment loss. This content may not be available in your region. For more information, refer to Axi's Terms of Service. Standard trading fees and minimum deposit apply. 

SOURCE: Axi Financial Services (UK) Limited

DISCLAIMER: BERNAMA MREM are not accountable for any causes of website defacement, misuse, or illegal activities connected to cryptocurrency, blockchain, tokenisation, or bitcoin. This material should not be considered as guidance or an opinion, as it does not constitute financial or investment advice. Use this information at your own risk; we are not liable for any losses or damages caused by the republication of this article. 

INDONESIAN HEALTHCARE TRAVEL TO MALAYSIA HITS RECORD RM2.2 BILLION AS MHX RETURNS TO YOGYAKARTA

YOGYAKARTA, Aug 24 (Bernama) -- Malaysia Healthcare Travel Council (MHTC) once again strengthened Malaysia’s presence in Indonesia through MHX Yogyakarta 2026, held from 20 to 23 August 2026 at the Grand Atrium, Pakuwon Mall Jogja. The four-day event came on the back of a record year for the Indonesian market, which generated RM2.2 billion in healthcare travel revenue in 2025, marking a 24% year-on-year increase. The four-day healthcare consumer event underscores Malaysia Healthcare's commitment to bringing trusted, high-quality healthcare services closer to Indonesian communities while expanding its footprint in one of Indonesia's fastest-growing regional centres. Held under the Malaysia Year of Medical Tourism (MYMT) 2026 campaign themed Healing Meets Hospitality, MHX Yogyakarta 2026 reinforces Malaysia's position as the preferred destination for medical tourism by combining world-class medical expertise with compassionate patient care and seamless healthcare experiences.

Yogyakarta has emerged as a strategic market for Malaysia Healthcare, supported by a well-educated population, increasing demand for advanced specialty care, and convenient direct connectivity to Kuala Lumpur. These factors present strong opportunities to further strengthen healthcare collaboration between Malaysia and Indonesia and to provide greater access to specialised treatment options for Indonesian patients.

Speaking on the occasion, Rahmatullah Baragau, MHTC’s Head of Indonesia Market said: "Indonesia has always been Malaysia Healthcare's closest and most valued market, and Yogyakarta represents an exciting opportunity as healthcare awareness and demand for specialised treatments continue to grow. Through MHX Yogyakarta 2026, we aim to strengthen public confidence in Malaysia Healthcare while bringing our trusted healthcare ecosystem closer to local communities."

More than 15 member hospitals participated, showcasing Malaysia's strengths across various medical disciplines including cardiology, oncology, orthopaedics, fertility, health screening, gastroenterology, and other specialised services.

Participating list of hospitals:

1. Island Hospital Penang
2. Institut Jantung Negara
3. Mahkota Medical Centre
4. Subang Jaya Medical Centre
5. Alpha IVF & Women’s Specialists
6. Ampang Puteri Specialist Hospital
7. GenPrime Everlink Fertility Centre
8. Hospital Picaso
9. Damansara Specialist Hospital 2
10. KPJ Klang Specialist Hospital
11. MSU Medical Centre
12. Optimax Eye Specialist Centre
13. Pantai Hospital Kuala Lumpur
14. Pantai Hospital Penang
15. Penang Adventist Hospital
16. Sunway Medical Centre Damansara
17. Sunway Medical Centre Penang
18. Sunway Medical Centre Sunway City Kuala Lumpur
19. Thomson Hospital Kota Damansara

Indonesia continues to be Malaysia Healthcare's largest source market. Healthcare traveller arrivals from Indonesia reached 968,000 in 2025, a 16% increase from the previous year, reflecting sustained confidence among Indonesian patients in Malaysia's healthcare offerings. MHX Yogyakarta 2026 forms part of MHTC's broader strategy to strengthen long-term partnerships with communities, healthcare stakeholders, and local organisations across Indonesia, while supporting MYMT 2026’s goals to position Malaysia as the world's preferred medical tourism destination.

Photo can be found in this link:
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/10AzLpq9bue6XIhyX-d36lQsp4iuq-lw5?usp=sharing

SOURCE: Malaysia Healthcare Travel Council (MHTC)

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:
Name: Mohamad Shahizam Fauzi
Head, Communications
Tel: +603 8776 6168
Email: shahizam.f@mhtc.org.my

Name: Siti Hamidah Mohd Najib
Senior Executive, Communications
Tel: +603 8776 6168
Email: hamidah.m@mhtc.org.my

--BERNAMA

SHAPE MEMORY MEDICAL CLOSES US$10 MLN FINANCING FOR CLINICAL TRIALS

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 24 (Bernama) -- Shape Memory Medical Inc, a California-based global medical device company, has closed a US$10 million convertible note financing led by new investor August Global Partners (AGP), joined by fellow new investor Taiwania Capital. (US$1=RM4.03)

The financing provides capital to support continued clinical development of the company’s aortic portfolio, including patient follow-up and data collection in the AAA-SHAPE Pivotal Trial, and advancement of the False Lumen Treatment for Prevention of Aortic Growth Using Shape Memory Polymer (FLAGSHIP) feasibility trial.

The company said it is backed by a global syndicate of healthcare investors, including HBM Healthcare Investments (Cayman) Ltd, Earlybird Venture Capital and WexMed II LLC. The financing was also supported by HEAL Venture Lab.

“With enrolment recently completed in our AAA-SHAPE Pivotal Trial and continued progress in FLAGSHIP, we are focused on generating the clinical evidence needed to support the broader adoption of our shape memory polymer technology in aortic applications,” said Shape Memory Medical President and Chief Executive Officer, Ted Ruppel.

He said the company was pleased to welcome AGP and Taiwania Capital as investors and appreciated the continued support of its existing shareholders.

The AAA‑SHAPE Pivotal Trial is evaluating the safety and effectiveness of the IMPEDE‑FX RapidFill Device when used alongside endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) to proactively manage the abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) sac.

Shape Memory Medical in a statement said the randomised, multicentre study recently completed enrolment and will follow patients for five years.

FLAGSHIP is a first-in-human clinical study evaluating the company’s investigational False Lumen Embolisation (FLE) System for treatment of aortic dissection false lumen. The study is designed to evaluate safety and preliminary signs of efficacy and will follow patients for two years.

AGP is a Singapore-based independent fund management firm investing across healthcare and advanced manufacturing, while Taiwania Capital is a venture capital firm focused on early- to growth-stage companies.

-- BERNAMA

NORAINI CALLS FOR GREATER INNOVATION AND MARKET ACCESS TO STRENGTHEN MALAYSIA’S RUBBER PRODUCTS INDUSTRY

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 21 (Bernama) -- Malaysia’s rubber products industry must accelerate innovation, strengthen supply chain resilience and expand market access to remain competitive in a rapidly changing global economy, said Minister of Plantation and Commodities, YB Datuk Seri Dr. Noraini Ahmad.

Speaking at the inaugural Malaysian Rubber Council (MRC) Industry Leadership & Networking Dinner, she said the industry must build on its manufacturing strengths while responding to growing market expectations for sustainability, traceability and technology-driven solutions.

“We must build on our existing strengths and reinforce Malaysia’s position as a preferred global supplier of innovative, sustainable and high-quality rubber products. This is essential to securing the long-term growth and resilience of our industry,” she said.

Datuk Seri Dr. Noraini outlined three key priorities for the industry. These include accelerating innovation, automation and digital transformation, strengthening sustainable and resilient supply chains, and expanding market access for Malaysian rubber products.

She reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to providing a conducive policy and regulatory environment while continuing to engage closely with industry to understand operational challenges and develop practical solutions.

The Minister also welcomed MRC’s commitment to eliminating forced labour in the Malaysian rubber industry as part of its collaboration with the International Labour Organization. She called on industry players to support responsible labour practices and participate actively in MRC’s social compliance initiatives.

The event also saw MRC exchange five memoranda with its strategic partners to accelerate innovation, support the commercialisation of new technologies and develop higher-value rubber products.

Datuk Seri Dr. Noraini also presented the MRC Scholarship Awards and congratulated the recipients. She encouraged them to make full use of the opportunity and contribute their knowledge and leadership to Malaysia’s rubber industry.

The inaugural dinner brought together key industry stakeholders and reinforced the importance of close Government-industry collaboration, strategic partnerships and talent development in strengthening the future of Malaysia’s rubber products industry.

About MRC

The Malaysian Rubber Council (MRC), formerly known as the Malaysian Rubber Export Promotion Council, was incorporated on 14 April 2000 under the Companies Act 1965 as a company limited by guarantee under the Ministry of Plantation and Commodities (KPK). MRC is governed by a Board of Trustees appointed by KPK. MRC is tasked with undertaking market promotion of quality Malaysian rubber and rubber products in world markets. In getting more Malaysian rubber products to penetrate local and international markets successfully, MRC also provides various commercialisation supports to the industry. MRC has overseas offices in the US and India serving as hubs for information on Malaysian rubber and rubber products. These offices support Malaysian companies in expanding their business abroad, promote Malaysian rubber exports, monitor policy changes and regulations affecting rubber imports and usage, as well as facilitate joint ventures, and R&D collaborations.

SOURCE: Malaysian Rubber Council (MRC)

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:
Corporate Communications Division
Malaysian Rubber Council (MRC)
Tel: +603 2782 2100
Email: comms@myrubbercouncil.com
Visit our website: www.myrubbercouncil.com

Media Contacts
Name: Angela Chan
Tel: +60 16 280 7703
Name: Thania Ammanena
Tel: +60 19 218 3564
Name: 'Aisyah 'Izzati
Tel: +60 17 739 1219

--BERNAMA

RESULTICKS STRENGTHENS CHANNEL PARTNERSHIPS WITH PALLASENA V VISWANATH APPOINTMENT

 

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 20 (Bernama) -- Resulticks has appointed Pallasena V Viswanath as Global Advisor, Channel Partnerships, to strengthen its global partner ecosystem and drive growth through strategic alliances.

Based in Singapore, Viswanath will focus on expanding Resulticks' partner network and accelerating channel partnerships across key markets, particularly in Asia Pacific and the Middle East and Africa (MEA), according to the company in a statement.

Resulticks Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Redickaa Subrammanian said Viswanath brings strategic vision, industry relationships and execution expertise that will help deepen partner engagement and create new opportunities for customers and partners.

Meanwhile, Viswanath said he looks forward to working with the leadership team to strengthen partner collaborations, expand strategic alliances and support the company's next phase of growth.

Viswanath brings more than 40 years of experience across the solutions and distribution ecosystem, including senior roles with HP and Redington. He will work with Resulticks' leadership team to strengthen relationships with technology providers, system integrators, consulting firms and strategic partners.

RESULTICKS is a connected customer engagement platform that helps brands unify customer data, manage communications across channels and drive data-informed decisions through artificial intelligence (AI)-powered intelligence and analytics.

Headquartered in New York, the company serves enterprises across North America, Asia and the Middle East, with offices in India, Singapore and Dubai.

-- BERNAMA

HONG KONG CYCLOTHON OPENS REGISTRATION WITH NEW 56 KM ROUTE, UCI ROAD RACE

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 20 (Bernama) -- The Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) has announced the opening of public registration for the Sun Hung Kai Properties Hong Kong Cyclothon, which will take place on Oct 11.

This year’s event continues to promote the spirit of sports for charity and features several new elements, including a 56-kilometre (km) non-competitive ride on a “Five Tunnels, Three Bridges” route, while the popular 32 km ride will continue on the “Two Tunnels, Two Bridges” route. More than 6,500 places are available for the two non-competitive rides.

The Cyclothon will also feature the return of the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) Class 1.1 Road Race, with a new 100 km racecourse that will draw elite teams from around the world for competition in Hong Kong.

“Starting in mid-September, HKTB will roll out a series of mega events, with the Hong Kong Cyclothon standing out as one of the most energetic and dynamic international sporting spectacles on our calendar,” said HKTB Chairman, Dr Peter Lam in a statement.

HKTB said the popular non-competitive ride has been upgraded this year, with the previous 50 km route extended to 56 km and spanning six districts — Yau Tsim Mong, Sham Shui Po, Kwai Tsing, Tsuen Wan, Sha Tin and Kowloon City.

The 56 km route will take participants along the newly opened Central Kowloon Bypass for the first time, while the 32 km ride will maintain its “Two Tunnels, Two Bridges” route, incorporating Cheung Tsing Tunnel, Nam Wan Tunnel, Stonecutters Bridge and Ting Kau Bridge.

The starting and finishing lines will be relocated to Museum Drive in the West Kowloon Cultural District, with a dedicated viewing zone allowing locals and visitors to watch cyclists up close as they make their final dash to the finishing line. The new UCI route will also pass iconic landmarks, including the Hong Kong Palace Museum and the International Commerce Centre.

A new non-competitive World University Trophy will be introduced as part of the 56 km ride, bringing together university cyclists from Hong Kong, the Chinese Mainland and overseas institutions ranked among the world’s top 100 universities.

In addition, HKTB will stage a dedicated cycling-themed carnival at the Great Lawn of Art Park in the West Kowloon Cultural District, featuring sports, entertainment, family-friendly activities and culinary offerings.

-- BERNAMA