Nation’s First-of-its-Kind Endometriosis Scientific Workshop Aims to Improve the Quality of Life for Malaysian Women

From left: Prof. Dr. Prasanna, Prof. Katy Vincent, Prof. J. Ravichandran, Dr. Hannah Nazri, Prof. Christian Becker, Ms Lakshmi Menon, CEO of Thomson Fertility Malaysia, Prof. Krina Zondervan, Prof. Beverley Vollenhoven and Dr. Thomas Tapmeier, speakers from Monash University Malaysia, University of Warwick and University of Oxford.

PETALING JAYA, June 5 (Bernama) -- Thomson Fertility (also known as TMC Fertility), in collaboration with Thomson Hospital Kota Damansara (THKD) and Monash University Australia, hosted the Holistic Endometriosis Care Scientific Workshop, a landmark event in advancing women’s health in Malaysia.

Held at THKD, the workshop brought together leading experts from the University of Oxford’s Endometriosis CaRe Centre, Monash University (Malaysia & Australia), and University of Warwick. It focused on addressing the complex management of endometriosis, a chronic condition affecting 1 in 10 Malaysian women. Endometriosis can cause severe pain and impair fertility in women.

Themed “Holistic Endometriosis Care – From Bench to Bedside”, the workshop aimed to enhance awareness, improve diagnostics, and promote multidisciplinary care starting at the primary healthcare level. It also emphasised the strong link between endometriosis and infertility.

In her opening remarks, Ms Lakshmi Menon, CEO of Thomson Fertility, highlighted the organisation’s broader mission in women’s health:

“Empowering primary care providers is key to ensuring women get the right diagnosis early, especially when endometriosis is so closely linked with fertility struggles. Together with our international partners, we aim to transform the future of women’s care in Malaysia.”

The event showcased research and practices to improve diagnosis, pain relief, and long-term care. Topics included:

· Oxford’s clinical models improving outcomes in the UK
· Early diagnosis and the role of GPs in managing chronic pelvic pain
· Updates on the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology (ESHRE) guidelines
· Fertility preservation and the impact of untreated endometriosis on reproductive health

Prof. Dr. Prasanna Supramaniam, Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist at Thomson Fertility and Honorary Senior Clinical Lecturer, University of Oxford, said:

“This is the first workshop of its kind in Malaysia, and it’s time we addressed the reality that many women suffer in silence. Pain is not normal, and primary care doctors are our first line of defence. This initiative is part of our long-standing commitment to endometriosis education, awareness, and fertility support.”

Prof. Christian Becker, Lead of the Oxford BSGE Endometriosis Centre, added:

“Endometriosis remains underdiagnosed globally. I’m honoured to share our research and see Thomson Fertility take a leadership role in improving care pathways in this region.”

Adding a Malaysian perspective, Prof. J. Ravichandran, Senior Consultant Obstetrician & Gynaecologist at Hospital Sultanah Aminah, Johor Bahru, said:

“Endometriosis is an enigmatic disease. Many women live through cycles of pain, ineffective medication, and repeat surgeries due to delayed or inadequate treatment. There is an urgent need for better data and early intervention strategies to optimise care.”

To further support awareness, Thomson Fertility has launched Endo Care @ Thomson, a monthly initiative offering public education sessions on the first Saturday of every month. These sessions provide expert talks and aim to break the silence around menstrual health, helping more women access timely care.

SOURCE: Advertising.com.my

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:
Pengurus
Perhubungan Awam & Komunikasi Kumpulan
Name: Rowena Selvarasan
Tel: +603 6148 1068 / +6016 2083 727
Email: rowenas@tmclife.com
Website: www.thomsonhospitals.com

--BERNAMA

Bitget Wallet Showcases Real-World Utility as Platinum Sponsor of Blockchain Futurist Conference

TORONTO, June 4 (Bernama-GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Bitget Wallet, the leading non-custodial Web3 wallet, will take the spotlight as a Platinum Sponsor at the Blockchain Futurist Conference, North America’s flagship crypto and blockchain event, taking place on 13 May 2025. With a full lineup of programming and community activations, Bitget Wallet’s presence signals continued investment in ecosystem development, real-world utility, and inclusive Web3 innovation.

The event marks Bitget Wallet’s latest move in strengthening its North American footprint, bringing its growing product suite and ecosystem to one of the most influential stages in the industry. At 11:00 AM, Bitget COO Vugar Usi Zade took the stage for a featured session titled "Striking the Balance: UX vs Security in Crypto Exchanges", where he will address one of the most critical challenges in crypto platform design.

"Our goal is to make Web3 accessible and practical for everyday users," said Alvin Kan, COO of Bitget Wallet. "Being part of this year’s conference is not just about visibility, but about connecting with builders and users shaping the future of crypto. Whether it’s through on-chain tools, ecosystem support, or real-world use cases. Bitget Wallet is committed to delivering real utility across the crypto experience." The appearance follows the launch of "Shop with Crypto," a new in-app marketplace that enables users to spend cryptocurrencies directly on goods and services within the wallet, including gaming, travel, gift cards and more.

As part of its broader commitment to community-led change, Bitget Wallet’s global initiative Blockchain4Her also sponsored the ETHWomen Happy Hour, happening from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM at the ETHWomen Stage & Gallery Room during the conference. Designed to foster authentic conversations and connections, the event offers a welcoming space for women in Web3 to network, share experiences, and build meaningful relationships. Attendees will receive limited-edition Blockchain4Her pins as part of a special charity activation — with Bitget Wallet donating $10 to a local women’s charity for every pin worn.

Later that evening, Bitget Wallet hosted Bitget Mixer Night at the iconic Old Toronto Stock Exchange, one of the most anticipated side events of the crypto week. Set in a venue where traditional finance meets decentralized innovation, the exclusive mixer will bring together top minds in crypto for canapés, and conversation. Guests will get a closer look at the latest developments from Bitget Wallet while enjoying a high-energy environment designed for discovery and networking.

From the main stage to intimate side events, Bitget Wallet’s participation reflects a growing focus on community impact, utility-driven innovation, and inclusive growth across the Web3 ecosystem.

About Bitget Wallet

Bitget Wallet is a non-custodial crypto wallet designed to make crypto simple, seamless and secure for everyone. With over 60 million users, it brings together a full suite of crypto services, including swaps, market insights, staking, rewards, a DApp browser, and crypto payment solutions. Supporting 130+ blockchains, 20,000+ DApps, and a million tokens, Bitget Wallet enables seamless multi-chain trading across hundreds of DEXs and cross-chain bridges. Backed by a $300+ million user protection fund, it ensures the highest level of security for users' assets.

For more information, visit: X | Telegram | Instagram | YouTube | LinkedIn | TikTok | Discord | Facebook

For media inquiries, please contact media.web3@bitget.com

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at
https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/6928899a-bd2d-4fec-8f64-aa390ffadbce

SOURCE: Bitget 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.

--BERNAMA

NIKE NAMES MICHAEL GONDA AS EVP, CHIEF COMMUNICATIONS OFFICER EFFECTIVE JULY 7

KUALA LUMPUR, June 4 (Bernama) -- NIKE Inc, the leading designer, marketer and distributor of authentic athletic footwear, apparel, equipment, and accessories, has appointed Michael Gonda as Executive Vice President (EVP) and Chief Communications Officer, effective July 7.

In his new role, Gonda will oversee the company’s global communications strategy, including storytelling, corporate and brand reputation, issues management, and employee engagement.

As a member of the company’s Senior Leadership Team, NIKE in a statement said Gonda will report to President and Chief Executive Officer, Elliott Hill.

Hill said Gonda's vision for driving impactful communications, his instinct for building high-performing teams, and his ability to form authentic connections will help Nike amplify the voice of sport and athletes around the world in bold and meaningful ways.

“I am confident he is the right leader for us as we put Nike back at the centre of sport, and our team is excited for the vision and leadership he brings,” added Hill.

Meanwhile, Gonda said: “I am deeply honoured to join a company that has shaped how people see themselves and the world around them and am humbled to help Nike tell the stories that matter, connect even more deeply with athletes and communities, and write the next ambitious chapter with Elliott and this team.”

Gonda joins Nike from McDonald’s Corporation, where he held several senior leadership roles, including Chief Impact Officer for North America and Global Chief Communications Officer. During his tenure, he served on several leadership bodies, including the Global Senior Leadership Team.

Prior to McDonald’s, Gonda held senior leadership roles at Chobani, a purpose-driven food company, and communications agency Weber Shandwick.

-- BERNAMA

IHH Healthcare Malaysia Strengthens Emergency Care Through Nationwide GP-A&E Collaboration

A&E Participants: The inaugural event attracts GPs representing over 130 clinics nationwide, showcasing the primary care community's dedication to enhancing emergency response skills.

The seamless coordination between primary care and A&E departments enhances patient outcomes and system efficiency

KUALA LUMPUR, June 4 (Bernama) -- IHH Healthcare Malaysia, a leading private healthcare provider with a network of 18 hospitals nationwide, has successfully rolled out a series of Accident & Emergency (A&E) Collaboration events with General Practitioners (GPs) across the Central, Northern, and Southern regions, reinforcing the role of GPs as frontline partners in emergency care.

This initiative highlights IHH Healthcare Malaysia’s commitment to deliver timely, high-quality care by fostering stronger, seamless coordination between primary care providers and hospital emergency teams across its network, which includes Gleneagles Hospitals, Island Hospital, Pantai Hospitals, Prince Court Medical Centre and Timberland Medical Centre.

To operationalise this collaboration, IHH Healthcare Malaysia has implemented several key measures to enhance patient safety, streamline A&E referrals and optimise continuity of care:

· Timely Patient Updates for GPs – GPs will receive timely clinical updates on patients referred to A&E departments across IHH Healthcare Malaysia’s hospitals, ensuring continuity of care and informed follow-up management.

· Direct Access to A&E Teams – Dedicated phone lines will allow GPs to connect directly with A&E teams for urgent referrals, enabling prompt decision-making and early intervention.

· Seamless Two-Way Communication – Structured communication channels between GPs and A&E departments will ensure smoother patient clinical handovers, real-time updates and coordinated care delivery.

· GP Masterclasses & Practical Sessions – Expert-led sessions will equip GPs with up- to-date clinical skills in emergency care, including ENT emergencies, fracture recognition, suturing techniques and ECG interpretation.

· Basic Life Support (BLS) Training – To boost pre-hospital emergency readiness, GPs and their teams will receive training in CPR, AED and essential emergency response.

The inaugural events saw participation from GPs representing over 130 clinics across Malaysia, demonstrating strong interest and commitment from the primary care community in enhancing emergency response capabilities.

Jean-François Naa, CEO of IHH Healthcare Malaysia, said, “Primary care is the foundation of a resilient healthcare system, and GPs are often the first point of contact for patients. Through this collaboration, we are strengthening that vital role – ensuring GPs have direct access, streamlined referral pathways and timely clinical support when patients need hospital care. Our goal is to deliver comprehensive care at every stage of the patient journey, with seamless continuity from clinic to hospital and back.”

Dr. Jeewadas Baladas, Consultant Emergency Physician and Head of Emergency Services at IHH Healthcare Malaysia, said, “From pre-hospital care to A&E admission and beyond, every step in the patient journey is vital. Closer collaboration between GPs and our A&E teams ensures timely, evidence-based care for patients when clinically indicated. Our 18 A&E departments follow a standardised triaging system and clinical pathways, ensuring consistent, high-quality emergency care.”

The nationwide rollout of this collaboration marks a step forward in redefining emergency care delivery in Malaysia. By bridging the gap between GPs and emergency departments through timely access, structured communication and shared clinical responsibility, IHH Healthcare Malaysia is setting new standards for responsiveness, coordination, and excellence in patient care.

ABOUT IHH HEALTHCARE MALAYSIA
IHH Healthcare Malaysia is one of the largest private healthcare providers in Malaysia, with approximately 3,500 beds. Our healthcare network of 18 hospitals comprises Gleneagles Hospitals, Island Hospital, Pantai Hospitals, Prince Court Medical Centre and Timberland Medical Centre, complemented by ancillary services including Premier Integrated Labs, Premier Integrated Rehab and a chain of primary care clinics under Twin Towers Medical Centre. Our team of over 15,000 staff and more than 1,500 consultants are strongly committed to our aspiration to Care. For Good. where we prioritise patients’ needs to deliver quality clinical outcomes.

IHH Healthcare Malaysia is part of IHH Healthcare, a world-leading integrated healthcare provider with presence in 10 countries, including its key markets of Malaysia, Singapore, Turkiye, India and Greater China (including Hong Kong). IHH’s portfolio of trusted brands include Gleneagles, Island Hospital, Pantai, Prince Court, Timberland Medical Centre, Acibadem, Fortis, Mount Elizabeth and Parkway. Our vision is to be the world’s most trusted healthcare services network.

More information can be found at https://www.ihhhealthcare.com/my

SOURCE: Malaysia Corporate Office Pantai Medical Centre Sdn Bhd

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:
Name: Dineshwary Radakrishnan
Assistant Manager, Public Relations
Tel: +6011 123 92910
Email: dineshwary.r@ihhhealthcare.com

Name: Noor Yasmin Farahanim Binti Abdul Wahab
Assistant Manager, Public Relations
Tel: +60 12 542 3466
Email: yasmin.wahab@ihhhealthcare.com

Name: Kathleen Renuka Martin A/P Matthew
Manager, Marketing Communications
Tel: +60 12 296 9400
Email: kathleen.matthew@ihhhealthcare.com

--BERNAMA

MIDA AND UNGCMYB UNITE FOR SUSTAINABLE INVESTMENT FUTURE

KUALA LUMPUR, June 3 (Bernama) -- The Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA) and the UN Global Compact Network Malaysia & Brunei (UNGCMYB) have sealed a strategic partnership to ignite a new era of sustainable and responsible investment in Malaysia. Through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed on 30 May 2025, both organisations commit to accelerating the adoption of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles among businesses, laying the foundation for Malaysia’s transition towards a sustainable and more inclusive economy.

The MoU brings together MIDA’s mandate as the nation’s principal investment promotion agency and UNGCMYB's deep expertise in corporate sustainability. UNGCMYB plays a critical role in supporting businesses in Malaysia and Brunei to align with global sustainability goals by providing essential resources, tools, and expert guidance.

Datuk Sikh Shamsul Ibrahim Sikh Abdul Majid, Chief Executive Officer of MIDA, emphasised at the event, "Sustainability is a critical enabler of future-ready investments. As Malaysia moves forward with our Net Zero 2050 agenda, we’re seeing strong national commitment, policy clarity, and growing investor interest in green sectors. By working with UNGCMYB, we aim to step up efforts to promote greater awareness, build capacity, and increase private sector participation in ESG initiatives, especially in line with MITI’s Green Investment Strategy (GIS) launched last August.”

"This MOU with MIDA is a strategic leap forward in accelerating sustainable business practices across Malaysia. By combining our strengths in knowledge-sharing and ESG capacity-building, we can bridge the gap between awareness and tangible action—ensuring businesses are equipped to meet both the SDGs and evolving market demands," said Mr. Faroze Nadar, Executive Director of UNGCMYB, in his speech during the event.

The primary scope of the MoU involves collaborative initiatives that facilitate multi-stakeholder participation in sustainability programs. This includes jointly organising conferences, roundtables, and selected development programs focused on Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) and broader sustainability topics.

Kicking off this collaboration, MIDA proudly announces its strategic partnership in the Forward Faster Symposium 2025, UNGCMYB’s flagship programme dedicated to accelerating sustainability, scheduled for 5 June 2025, at MIDA’s headquarters.

About MIDA
The Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA) is the government's principal investment promotion and development agency under the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI) to oversee and drive investments into Malaysia's manufacturing and services sectors. Headquartered in Kuala Lumpur Sentral, MIDA has 12 regional and 21 overseas offices. MIDA continues to be the strategic partner to businesses in seizing the opportunities arising from the technology revolution of this era. For more information, please visit www.mida.gov.my and follow us on X, Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, TikTok and YouTube channel.

About UN Global Compact Network Malaysia & Brunei (UNGCMYB)
United Nations Global Compact (UNGC) is a strategic policy initiative for businesses that are committed to take actions to advance broader societal goals. UN Global Compact Network Malaysia & Brunei (UNGCMYB), the official country network of UNGC, is the leading advocate for business sustainability action in Malaysia and Brunei. We empower both corporates and SMEs through value-creating initiatives across learning, connections, and enablers to Forward Faster a collective sustainable future. We support Malaysian and Bruneian companies in aligning with the Ten Principles and contributing meaningfully to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), while providing access to partnerships, tools and knowledge sharing to advance responsible business practices.

SOURCE: Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA)

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:
MIDA
Name: Tuan Syed Kamal Muzaffa Syed Hassan Sagaff
Director, Sustainability Division
Tel: +603-2267 3636
Email: syedkamal@mida.gov.my

UNGCMYB
Name: Nabilah Doyle
Head, Events & Communications
Tel:nabilahdoyle@ungcmalaysia.org
Email: +60124261969

--BERNAMA

MARY KAY HONOURS TOP YOUNG STEM MINDS AT REGENERON ISEF 2025

Kristin Dasaro, Director, Package Engineering and Sustainability at Mary Kay, greets Brazilian cancer researcher, Carolina de Araujo Pereira da Silva, who received back-to-back awards from Mary Kay for innovative findings in the malignancy of tumors. (Photo Credit: Mary Kay Inc.)

KUALA LUMPUR, June 3 (Bernama) -- Mary Kay Inc returned for the second consecutive year as a Special Awards Organisation at the Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair (Regeneron ISEF) 2025.

The event, held in Columbus, Ohio, is a part of its continued commitment to empowering youth in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), according to Mary Kay in a statement.

The global beauty and innovation company awarded 10 grants worth nearly US$10,000 to outstanding high school students for innovative projects ranging from women's cancer research to sustainable packaging solutions and environmental conservation. (US$1 = RM 4.21)

Mary Kay Manager of Product Formulation, Carrissa Dowdy said the ingenuity, passion, and innovation demonstrated by these young STEM leaders are awe-inspiring.

“Their work has the potential to transform industries, drive sustainable advancements, and accelerate breakthroughs in fields such as cancer research, material science, and environmental engineering,” she said.

Regeneron ISEF, organised by the Society for Science, is the world’s largest global STEM competition for pre-college students. This year marks its 75th edition, drawing nearly 2,000 participants from more than 60 countries.

The annual event offers over US$9 million in awards and scholarships, alongside exclusive invitations to corporate and academic events with global STEM leaders.

Mary Kay’s participation reflects its ongoing efforts to support the next generation of women’s scientists and innovators worldwide.

-- BERNAMA

AM Best Upgrades Credit Ratings of Asian Reinsurance Corporation

SINGAPORE, May 29 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- AM Best has upgraded the Financial Strength Rating to B++ (Good) from B+ (Good) and the Long-Term Issuer Credit Rating to “bbb” (Good) from “bbb-” (Good) of Asian Reinsurance Corporation (Asian Re) (Thailand). The outlook of these Credit Ratings (ratings) has been revised to stable from positive.

The ratings reflect Asian Re’s balance sheet strength, which AM Best assesses as strong, as well as its adequate operating performance, limited business profile and appropriate enterprise risk management (ERM).

The rating upgrades reflect Asian Re’s sustained improvement in operating performance in recent years, evidenced by a return-on-equity ratio of 9.4% in 2024 (2023: 4.6%). The company has achieved positive operating results in four of the last five years. Underwriting performance in 2020 was hampered by a reserve strengthening exercise and higher-than-expected claims experience. However, the combined ratio improved to 85.3% in 2024 (2023: 101.6%) following remediation actions undertaken by the company. The company’s investment returns, arising mainly from interest income, have consistently supported operating earnings. Prospectively, AM Best expects Asian Re’s operating performance to be supported by sound underwriting profitability and robust investment returns.

Asian Re’s balance sheet strength assessment is underpinned by its risk-adjusted capitalisation, which was at the strongest level at year-end 2024, as measured by Best’s Capital Adequacy Ratio (BCAR), and is expected to remain at that level over the medium term. Notwithstanding, the company is viewed to have a relatively modest absolute capital base of USD 76 million at year-end 2024, as compared with regional reinsurance peers, which increases the sensitivity of its balance sheet to shock events. A significant offsetting balance sheet strength factor remains Asian Re’s high-risk investment strategy, which includes the holding of a sizable balance of cash and deposits in a sanctioned country and, to a much lesser extent, in a country that historically defaulted on and subsequently restructured its sovereign debt. Although the company has been actively reducing its holdings of some of these assets in recent years, AM Best’s view is this investment strategy exposes Asian Re to heightened credit and liquidity risks.

AM Best views Asian Re’s business profile as limited, reflecting its position as a regional non-life reinsurer, with a modest-sized gross premium base of USD 26 million in 2024. The company writes treaty and facultative business in Asia, the Middle East and Africa. The company continues to grow its book of business, with a focus on improved diversification by geography and line of business. Despite persistent market and regulatory challenges in some of the markets where it operates, Asian Re is expected to continue to implement several strategic initiatives and business partnerships that are aimed at expanding its underwriting portfolio and market presence over the medium term.

AM Best considers Asian Re’s ERM approach to be appropriate relative to the current size and complexity of its operations. The company continues to develop its risk management framework and has demonstrated improvements in its risk management capabilities over recent years.

Ratings are communicated to rated entities prior to publication. Unless stated otherwise, the ratings were not amended subsequent to that communication.

This press release relates to Credit Ratings that have been published on AM Best’s website. For all rating information relating to the release and pertinent disclosures, including details of the office responsible for issuing each of the individual ratings referenced in this release, please see AM Best’s Recent Rating Activity web page. For additional information regarding the use and limitations of Credit Rating opinions, please view Guide to Best’s Credit Ratings. For information on the proper use of Best’s Credit Ratings, Best’s Performance Assessments, Best’s Preliminary Credit Assessments and AM Best press releases, please view Guide to Proper Use of Best’s Ratings & Assessments.

AM Best is a global credit rating agency, news publisher and data analytics provider specialising in the insurance industry. Headquartered in the United States, the company does business in over 100 countries with regional offices in London, Amsterdam, Dubai, Hong Kong, Singapore and Mexico City. For more information, visit www.ambest.com.

Copyright © 2025 by A.M. Best Rating Services, Inc. and/or its affiliates. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
 

Contacts
 

Sin Yee Chuah, CFA
Senior Financial Analyst
+65 6303 5022
sinyee.chuah@ambest.com 

Victoria Ohorodnyk
Director, Analytics
+65 6303 5020
victoria.ohorodnyk@ambest.com 

Christopher Sharkey
Associate Director, Public Relations
+1 908 882 2310
christopher.sharkey@ambest.com 

Al Slavin
Senior Public Relations Specialist
+1 908 882 2318
al.slavin@ambest.com

Source: AM Best 

--BERNAMA