Friday, August 30, 2024

NIKKISO CE&IG TO INCREASE EUROPE'S MANUFACTURING CAPACITY BY TWOFOLD

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 30 (Bernama) -- Nikkiso Clean Energy & Industrial Gases Group (CE&IG), part of Nikkiso Co Ltd’s Industrial Business segment, has announced the expansion of its manufacturing operations in Wurzen, Saxony, Germany, which will nearly double the group’s manufacturing capacity in Europe.

Nikkiso CE&IG Chief Executive Officer, Adrian Ridge said the group brings a depth of experience in the cryogenics industry that few can match.

“The facility in Wurzen will be Nikkiso’s manufacturing hub in Europe and complement our customer centre in Neuenburg,” he said in a statement.

Meanwhile, Saxony Prime Minister, Michael Kretschmer said: “The facility expansion of Nikkiso in Wurzen is a far-sighted investment that shows how attractive Saxony is as a business location for international investors.

“The doubling of production capacity is a vote of confidence that we can be proud of. With this decision, Nikkiso will become an important part of the hydrogen economy that we in Saxony want to rely on in the coming decades.”

With the additional space, the group will build on its existing carbon capture business and bring new manufacturing capabilities for cryogenic pump assembly, heat exchangers and hydrogen fuelling skids.

This is to meet market demand for cryogenic equipment and plant solutions used in clean energy projects like hydrogen fuelling stations, liquefied natural gas (LNG) and ammonia terminals, and hydrogen production plants.

Expanding manufacturing space and capabilities in Europe will help the group share knowledge and expertise between regions and provide good-paying jobs for local workers, resulting in approximately 20 per cent growth in the near term with further growth expected longer term.

Facility operations are and will continue to be fully powered by renewable solar energy when the expanded operation is complete in the first half of 2025.

-- BERNAMA

MAKING IT LESS COSTLY TO BE GBI-CERTIFIED

This latest initiative by GBI is to incentivise project owners who appoint PAM and ACEM members for their respective consultancy services, says Ar. Adrianta.


GBI Offers 20% Discount on Registration Fees for New Project Applications

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 30 (Bernama) -- Green Building Index (GBI), Malaysia’s premier and international green rating tool for buildings and townships, was launched in 2009. It was developed through the spirit of necessity as a professional driven initiative by Pertubuhan Akitek Malaysia (PAM, the Malaysian Institute of Architects) and Association of Consulting Engineers Malaysia (ACEM).

As a celebration of its 15th Anniversary, GBI is giving a 20 per cent discount on registration fees for new project applications submitted from 1 September 2024 onwards. To qualify for the discount, the architects and engineers appointed for the projects must be registered members of PAM or ACEM.

GBI Chairman, Adjunct Prof. Ar. Adrianta Aziz, said this latest initiative is to incentivise project owners who appoint PAM and ACEM members for their respective consultancy services. This is also to show our appreciation to the project owners who have strongly supported GBI through the years.

“This further reflects our commitment towards creating a sustainable built environment for our future generations through GBI’s 18 rating tools, which have been developed by the many GBI professional volunteers through the years.

“Since our establishment in 2009, GBI has been entrusted by more than 1,200 building owners to have their buildings green-certified. These include international and national organisations and companies, federal and state government ministries and agencies, public and private universities and individual residences.

“Of these 1,200 building projects, GBI has certified 702 buildings as of 31 July 2024, accounting for 316.4 million square feet of GBI rated building Gross Floor Area. These GBI accredited buildings have reduced the country’s greenhouse gas emissions by 1.829 million tons of CO² per annum.

“With another 500 buildings having registered for certification, the total registered Gross Floor Area under GBI is around 600 million square feet. This places GBI as the undisputed leading certification body for green buildings and townships in Malaysia,” said Ar. Adrianta, who is also PAM President.

For more information, please visit www.greenbuildingindex.org.

SOURCE: Greenbuildingindex Sdn Bhd

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:
Name: Puan Wan Ain
Tel: +6017 9150362
Email: wanain@greenbuildingindex.org

--BERNAMA

SEDA INNOVATION CHALLENGE 2024: PIONEERING SUSTAINABLE ENERGY SOLUTIONS

YB Lee Chean Chung, Member of Authority at SEDA Malaysia (standing fourth from right), emphasised that innovation is essential for accelerating the energy transition. He highlighted that innovation knows no borders, as participants come from various parts of Malaysia.


Finalists are at the forefront of driving sustainable solutions, competing for atotal prize pool of RM15,000

 
KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 30 (Bernama) -- SEDA Innovation Challenge 2024 has come to the final stage where five standout projects are to compete and the final project documentation is due by 19 September 2024, with winners to be announced at the Awards Ceremony during the 2024 IEEE R10 Humanitarian Technology Conference (HTC) on 1 October 2024.
 
This is a collaboration between the Sustainable Energy Development Authority (SEDA) Malaysia with the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) Kuala Lumpur Subsection, Universiti Tektology Malaysia (UTM), UCSI University, and Leave a Nest (M) Sdn Bhd. It aims to identify and promote innovative technologies that leverage renewable energy to facilitate a global energy transition.
 
The top five are:
1. AMSOLAR ECOS with the project; Energy Control Cost Optimization System,
2. UNIQUE EDGE TECHNOLOGY-UTM with the project; MERCAT – Microgrid,
3. VEM X with the project; Virtual Energy Manager: Real-Time Monitoring and Predictive Analytics for Enhanced Energy Efficiency,
4. UCPVC with the project; SolCurve: Seamless Remote PV Monitoring System and
5. SUNSHINE with the project; FarmE.
 
This initiative, held in conjunction with the 6th International Sustainable Energy Summit (ISES) 2024, is focused on integrating sustainability into the core of innovation, emphasising reducing environmental impact, improving efficiency, and promoting responsible resource management. It provides a collaborative platform for interdisciplinary approaches to address critical challenges in the sustainable energy sector, enabling innovators to present scalable and practical solutions with the potential for widespread implementation.
 
The 6th International Sustainable Energy Summit (ISES) 2024 was held at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre from 20 to 21 August 2024. This summit serves as a backdrop for the announcement of the finalists of the SEDA Innovation Challenge, further highlighting the importance of sustainable energy solutions in shaping a cleaner and more resilient future.
 
Yang Berbahagia Dato’ Hamzah Hussin, Organising Chair of the 6th ISES 2024 and Chief Executive Officer of SEDA Malaysia stated: “The SEDA Innovation Challenge 2024 is a significant stride in our efforts to expedite the global energy transition through innovation and cooperation. Participants are demonstrating exceptional creativity and dedication to sustainability, pushing the boundaries of renewable energy technology. We anticipate that the solutions developed here will inspire others and pave the way for scalable advancements towards a cleaner, sustainable future.”
 
Prof. Datuk Dr. Ahmad Fauzi Ismail, Vice-Chancellor of Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, added: “Universiti Teknologi Malaysia is committed to advancing sustainable energy solutions through innovation and collaboration. Our participation in the SEDA Innovation Challenge 2024 aligns with our mission to foster research and development in renewable energy technologies. We believe that interdisciplinary approaches and strategic partnerships are essential to addressing the complex challenges of sustainable development. This competition provides an excellent platform for innovators to showcase their groundbreaking ideas, and we are proud to support initiatives that contribute to a cleaner and more resilient future.”
 
Yang Berhormat Lee Chean Chung, the Member of Authority SEDA Malaysia who deliver the certificate to the finalists said innovation will is an essence of accelerating the energy transition. Besides, innovation has no border, since the participant is among anyone residing in Malaysia. He added, “Efforts to embrace sustainability is at the core of your innovations, with a focus on minimising environmental impact, enhancing efficiency, and promoting responsible resource management.”
 
Participants in this year's Challenge are competing in three pivotal categories, each targeting a distinct aspect of renewable energy technology:
i. Artificial Intelligence (AI) Analytics: Aims to boost energy efficiency through integrated data analysis for enhanced decision-making.
ii. Internet of Things (IoT) & Blockchain: Focuses on monitoring energy systems to increase efficiency and reliability through continuous data flow.
iii. Smart Geographical Information System (GIS) & Digital Twin: Seeks to optimise renewable energy locations by considering environmental impact and resource efficiency.
 
The winners of the SEDA Innovation Challenge 2024 will share a prize pool of RM15,000, distributed across the following categories:
i. Innovation Award: Recognising the most groundbreaking technology in sustainable energy.
ii. Impact Award: Awarded for the project with the most significant positive environmental and societal impact.
iii. People’s Choice Award: Acknowledging the most popular project as voted by ISES attendees.

The SEDA Innovation Challenge 2024 showcases innovators' remarkable talents andunderscores the essential role of sustainable energy solutions in shaping a cleaner and more resilient future.
 
For information on the SEDA Innovation Challenge, please visit 
https://www.seda.gov.my/seda-innovation-challenge/.

About SEDA Malaysia:

Sustainable Energy Development Authority (SEDA) Malaysia is a statutory body reporting to the Ministry of Energy Transition and Water Transformation (PETRA). SEDA Malaysia was established in September 2011 under the SEDA Act 2011 [Act 726] with the key purpose of driving the renewable energy and energy efficiency agenda in the country. 

Issued by MNAIR PR Consultancy Sdn Bhd on behalf of
the Sustainable Energy Development Authority (SEDA) Malaysia

SOURCE: Sustainable Energy Development Authority (SEDA) Malaysia


FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:
MNAIR PR Consultancy Sdn Bhd

Name: Khadijah Muhammad Yusof
Public Relations Consultant
Tel: +6010 425 2068
Email: khadijah@mnairpr.com 

Name: Noor Fadilah Ibrahim
Associate, Public Relations Consultant
Tel: +6017 291 0711
Email: noorfadilah@mnairpr.com 

--BERNAMA

ASIAN CAPTIVE CONFERENCE 2024: SHAPING THE FUTURE OF SELF-INSURANCE

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia, Aug 29 (Bernama) -- Labuan IBFC Incorporated Sdn Bhd (Labuan IBFC Inc.) and the Labuan International Insurance Association (LIIA) are pleased to announce that the Asian Captive Conference (ACC) 2024 will take place on September 19, 2024, at the Sime Darby Convention Centre in Kuala Lumpur. This year’s conference, themed Asian Anchors: Leading the Way in Captive Innovation promises to be a pivotal gathering for risk professionals navigating the dynamic world of captive insurance.

ACC 2024 will offer a vibrant platform for global stakeholders to engage with the latest developments and challenges in the captive industry. The conference will kick off with a welcome address from Datuk Iskandar Mohd Nuli, Executive Chairman cum CEO of Labuan IBFC Inc., followed by the keynote address by Mr. Nik Mohamed Din Nik Musa, Director General of Labuan Financial Services Authority (Labuan FSA).

With Labuan International Business and Financial Centre’s captive industry demonstrating impressive growth – with a total of 74 registered captives contributing gross premiums of almost half a billion US dollars as at the first half of 2024 – the jurisdiction stands out as a leading hub in the captive sector. This growth underscores the importance of ACC 2024 as a venue for celebrating these achievements while driving forward the industry’s evolution through insightful discussions and networking.

ACC 2024 will commence with a presentation and panel discussion on the crucial role of captive insurance within the evolving OECD BEPS 2.0 framework. The discussion will also cover global reporting implications, the strategic importance of captives, and innovative approaches to using captives for efficient capital expenditure management.

Next, a dialogue will delve into the similarities and differences among leading captive domiciles in the region, examining their landscapes, regulatory environments, and competitive advantages. The session will also explore strategies for optimising risk management and insurance needs across these diverse domiciles.

After lunch, ACC 2024 will feature a panel discussion on leveraging captives to manage employee benefits, focusing on achieving greater control, cost efficiency, and improved data management.

Following this, the afternoon will feature two concurrent break-out sessions: Captive 101 for newcomers and Advanced Captive for seasoned professionals, designed to address the needs of both new and experienced captive practitioners.

The conference will conclude with a dynamic panel discussion on leveraging technology to advance captive company products, and an in-depth exploration of the intersection between the digital economy and artificial intelligence. Ms. Annie Undikai, Chairwoman of the LIIA, will deliver the closing remarks for the event.

Gold sponsors for ACC 2024 include Marsh and Accura PCC Limited, with additional support from a range of sponsors, media partners, and supporting organisations. For a full list of presenters and panellists as well as additional information, please visit here.

To register or for more details, please contact the ACC Secretariat at +603 2773 8977 or email events@libfc.com.

Join us in shaping the future of self-insurance and connecting with industry leaders at ACC 2024!

SOURCE: Labuan International Business and Financial Centre Incorporated Sdn Bhd

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:
Labuan IBFC
Nama: Lalitha Sivanesan
Tel: +603-2773 8984
Email: lalitha@libfc.com

--BERNAMA

Wednesday, August 28, 2024

Varian’s HyperSight Offers Next Generation In-Room Imaging For Radiotherapy Treatment In APAC

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 27 (Bernama) -- Varian, a Siemens Healthineers company, announced the launch of HyperSight imaging solution for its TrueBeam and Edge systems across the Asia Pacific (APAC) region (excluding China).

This upgrade gives clinicians unparalleled image quality, enhancing their ability to deliver precise and efficient radiation therapy treatments, as HyperSight optimises workflows across Varian’s entire suite of linear accelerators, enabling more tailored treatment for each patient.

“Guided by the evolving needs of radiation therapy based on current clinical trends, this innovation exemplifies our commitment to advancing clinical practice and providing high quality solutions for cancer patients everywhere.

“By combining advanced imaging with precise treatment delivery, we empower clinicians to deliver superior care,” said Varian APJ President, Hideaki Mori in a statement.

HyperSight acquires high-quality images and offers an extended field of view during a patient's daily radiation treatments, which is particularly beneficial for treating large cancers.

This facilitates accurate tumour volume targeting, reduces target volume margins, and preserves healthy tissue. It provides Hounsfield Unit (HU) accuracy needed for treatment planning directly on the acquired conebeam CT (CBCT) images, allowing clinicians to calculate changes in tumours and surrounding organs with greater precision, helping to adjust treatments more effectively.

This eliminates the need for separate CT scans, potentially avoiding extensions to a patient’s hospital stay. HyperSight is designed for all anatomical sites and has a 50 per cent faster gantry rotation compared to traditional CBCT scans, which can take up to 60 seconds.

For existing TrueBeam and Edge users, the upgrade seamlessly integrates with their systems, reducing motion-related artefacts due to patient movement and minimising discomfort from prolonged treatment times.

Varian is committed to supporting healthcare providers with an innovative portfolio of radiotherapy solutions, including HyperSight, and is working with regulators to review reimbursement models to support optimal patient care.

-- BERNAMA

Friday, August 23, 2024

KFSHRC SHOWCASES MEDICAL EDUCATION INNOVATIONS AT AMEE 2024 SWITZERLAND

RIYADH, Saudi Arabia, Aug 21 (Bernama-GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Centre (KFSHRC) is further expanding its global footprint by participating in the 2024 International Association for Medical Education in Europe (AMEE) Conference for the second consecutive year. Taking place from August 26 to 28 in Basel, Switzerland, this event brings together global leaders in medical education and healthcare.

This year, KFSHRC’s focus is on refining clinical practices, improving patient outcomes, and enhancing learner satisfaction and safety. By sharing its knowledge, KFSHRC aims to contribute to medical education's global advancement, benefiting not only trainees and patients but also healthcare communities worldwide.

KFSHRC will highlight its success in leveraging cutting-edge technologies in medical education, such as virtual simulations and interactive learning platforms, which have significantly enhanced trainees’ clinical decision-making skills. These innovations have led to notable improvements in clinical training quality, better patient safety protocols, and the development of highly competent healthcare professionals prepared to meet the sector's evolving demands globally.

Dr. Esam Albanyan, Chief of Education and Training officer at KFSHRC, emphasized that the hospital’s participation aligns with its strategic goals to become a global leader in medical education and patient care. He highlighted that attending AMEE 2024 facilitates forging new knowledge partnerships and exchanging expertise with international institutions to foster medical competencies that address future healthcare challenges and drive excellence in patient outcomes and safety.

Dr. Ali AlShehri, Deputy Executive Director of Academic and Training Affairs, elaborated on KFSHRC’s contributions to the conference, which include presenting advanced programs integrating technology into medical education, such as simulation and innovations in clinical training. KFSHRC will also share its successful experiences in curriculum development, adopting modern educational methods, and tackling global challenges in medical education with a focus on improving patient care. 

MONEYHERO PROPOSES US$8.0 MLN BID TO ACQUIRE MONEYSMART

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 23 (Bernama) -- MoneyHero Limited (MoneyHero), a leader in personal finance and digital insurance aggregation and comparison platform in Greater Southeast Asia, has made a non-binding offer to acquire 100 per cent shares of competitor MoneySmart.

According to a statement, this strategic move aims to consolidate MoneyHero’s leading position and unlock significant synergies in Asia’s rapidly evolving personal finance and insurance landscape.

MoneyHero Chief Executive Officer, Rohith Murthy said this acquisition will further strengthen the company’s leadership in Greater Southeast Asia, delivering enhanced products, services, and technological innovation.

“Given MoneySmart’s recent share buyback, we believe we have made a fair and compelling offer that benefits both sides. Most importantly, we believe the synergies from this merger will drive significant value for our shareholders and customers,” he said.

Under the terms of the offer, MoneyHero has valued MoneySmart at US$8.0 million with potential valuation upside. (US$1=RM4.37)

The considered value is to be paid in new MoneyHero shares whereas the potential additional valuation upside will be paid in cash contingent on the results of a thorough due diligence process.

While MoneyHero’s intent is to fully acquire MoneySmart, the company is also exploring the purchase of any number of shares from individual shareholders.

The consideration of US$8.0 million in MoneyHero shares and an additional cash amount (to be defined based on due diligence results) references MoneySmart’s recent capital reduction reflected in recent filings made with the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority of Singapore.

MoneyHero’s offer reflects a premium for MoneySmart’s business, as well as confidence in the value that MoneySmart would bring to the combined entity.

-- BERNAMA