KUALA LUMPUR, April 24 -- Algernon Pharmaceuticals Inc (Algernon) has received approval from the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety in South Korea, as well as ethics approval, for an investigator-led, Phase 2 COVID-19 clinical study of its re-purposed drug NP-120 (Ifenprodil), an NMDA receptor antagonist.
The clinical stage pharmaceutical development company, in a statement said the Lead Principal Investigator was Dr Dong Sik Jung, Professor, in the Division of Infectious Disease of Dong-A University Hospital, Busan.
The 40-patient, four-week trial, is designed to test the effect of Ifenprodil in COVID-19 infected patients with severe pneumonia. Patients are randomised in a 1:1 fashion to receive either standard of care (SOC) or SOC with Ifenprodil.
The primary endpoint will be the rate at which their lung function improves by measuring oxygen levels in the blood (Pa02/Fi02). Secondary endpoints will include mortality, rate of mechanical ventilation and patient reported effects on cough and breathlessness (dyspnea).
Enrolment in the phase 2 clinical trial is expected to begin on May 8.
The Company cautions that while it is preparing to begin a Phase 2 clinical trial shortly in South Korea, it is not making any express or implied claims that NP-120 (Ifenprodil) is an effective treatment for acute lung injury, the COVID-19 virus or any other medical condition at this time.
More details at www.algernonpharmaceuticals.com.
-- BERNAMA
Tuesday 28 April 2020
Saturday 25 April 2020
ECOKNIGHTS LAUNCHES DIGITAL STREAMING SERVICE KLEFFLIX IN CONJUNCTION WITH EARTH DAY 50TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION
Media Kit: bit.ly/PRklefflix
KUALA LUMPUR, April 23 (Bernama) -- In conjunction with Earth Day 2020, EcoKnights announces the launch of KLEFFlix – Malaysia’s first and only streaming service for environmental and community films, a digital maneuver to its flagship event, the International Kuala Lumpur Eco Film Fest (KLEFF).
KLEFFlix enables the film festival to transcend beyond its physical element and reach a wider audience by screening past and future KLEFF films digitally. This means that this year’s theme and message of “Climate (in)Justice” can now be spread virtually as well. This is further aligned with the climate action theme of Earth Day 2020 50th Anniversary - raising awareness on the threat of climate change to our future.
The launch of KLEFFlix also marks another notable milestone of KLEFF partnering with the Ministry of Environment and Water, which further helps the spread of the climate action message nationwide.
Leading up to today’s Earth Day celebration, the Ministry has run a digital contest seeking the best climate action-themed poster or video. In partnership with KLEFF, the 50 best submissions will win a Special Premium Membership to KLEFFlix – giving them access to a host of award-winning and compelling eco-themed films past and present.
EcoKnights Program Director and KLEFF Festival Director, Fadly Bakhtiar, said that the partnership with the Ministry represents positive progress in strengthening the national sustainability agenda by supporting a homegrown initiative utilizing technology as a tool to spread the message of climate action.
2020 signifies a long-term partnership of EcoKnights working closely with relevant ministries since its inception 15 years ago, with KLEFF being a strong foundation for climate action advocacy together with the Ministry - as seen in the collaborative effort between KLEFF and IGEM since 2017.
“Short movie documentaries are powerful tools to bring about environmental awareness and nudge behavioural change,” said Dato’ Seri Ir. Dr. Zaini Ujang, Secretary General, Ministry of Environment and Water. He further stated that this partnership with KLEFF is to enable all stakeholders to work together to drive climate action.
Dato’ Seri Zaini Ujang felt that it’s a collective action as we chart our pathway in sustainable development and local made movies are important in mainstreaming our narrative and our perspective of these global issues. With KLEFFlix going digital, he is very encouraged that more people can enjoy these movies and he hopes it will bring a positive change and encourage Malaysians to live in harmony with Nature.
Since 2008, KLEFF has been championing the cause to mainstream the concept of sustainable living through the power of audio-visual materials, while ensuring equal access to environmental education to all. EcoKnights President and KLEFF Honorary Advisor, Dr. Yasmin Rasyid said that KLEFF, while charting positive growth since 2008 in terms of size and scope, remains very localized.
“Hopefully with KLEFFlix in a digital form, we can exponentially grow the number of people that can benefit from the festival and reach out to more global citizens who are passionate about sustainability and driven to make a change,” she said.
Fadly added that KLEFF successfully engaged over 100,000 people in the past 12 years through physical events like festivals, satellite screenings and roadshows.
“We have bigger aspirations to reach out to more people and continue to be the leader for environmental education and action – connecting stories from Malaysia and around the world to inspire a better future for all,” Fadly said.
“The digitalization of KLEFF via KLEFFlix can help us realize our mission, while giving a space for eco-themed films that would otherwise be left out of the mainstream a chance to be aired on a commercial platform.”
KLEFF boasts a growing database of films submitted from both local and international filmmakers globally in the past years. From this database, the committee has shortlisted a significant amount of groundbreaking KLEFF films of various lengths, genre, and themes to be screened on KLEFFlix, with the film catalog to be gradually expanded as KLEFF runs its film submission annually.
KLEFFlix is part of EcoKnights’ unceasing efforts to enable everyone – from top corporates to everyday Malaysians – to be agents of environmental change.This can be done by simply subscribing to one of three of its membership plans; Free membership; Premium Membership; and Corporate Package.
For more details about the streaming service KLEFFlix and the membership plans, visit its official website at http://klefflix.kleff.my/
For further inquiries about KLEFFlix, you may contact the festival manager, Nabila at nabila@ecoknights.org.my and for KLEFF partnership and collaboration, you may reach the KLEFF Festival Director at fadly@ecoknights.org.my
ABOUT THE INTERNATIONAL KUALA LUMPUR ECO FILM FEST (KLEFF)
The International KLEFF is Malaysia’s first and longest-serving platform promoting sustainable living through showcases of environment-themed films, workshops, talks, exhibitions, Impact Market, local performances and other engaging activities. Organized by EcoKnights, KLEFF features groundbreaking films that kindle important dialogues, traversing the relationship between humans and their environments, challenging the way people think about the natural world and inspiring them to discuss, explore and act on important environmental issues. For more information about KLEFF, kindly visit its official page at kleff.my and for more current updates, find us on Facebook at @KualaLumpurEcoFilmFestival and Instagram and Twitter at @kleff_my.
ABOUT ECOKNIGHTS
EcoKnights is an environmental non-governmental organization (NGO) registered with the Registrar of Societies Malaysia. EcoKnights' core focus areas are in environmental education; smart partnerships; strategic engagement and on-ground efforts as well as capacity building of youths. In these areas, EcoKnights focuses on working with key stakeholders to deliver strategically designed developmental interventions, further contributing to positive social, environmental and economic change. More information about EcoKnights can be obtained from www.ecoknights.org.my. For more current updates on what EcoKnights is up to, find us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter at @EcoKnights.
SOURCE: EcoKnights
KUALA LUMPUR, April 23 (Bernama) -- In conjunction with Earth Day 2020, EcoKnights announces the launch of KLEFFlix – Malaysia’s first and only streaming service for environmental and community films, a digital maneuver to its flagship event, the International Kuala Lumpur Eco Film Fest (KLEFF).
KLEFFlix enables the film festival to transcend beyond its physical element and reach a wider audience by screening past and future KLEFF films digitally. This means that this year’s theme and message of “Climate (in)Justice” can now be spread virtually as well. This is further aligned with the climate action theme of Earth Day 2020 50th Anniversary - raising awareness on the threat of climate change to our future.
The launch of KLEFFlix also marks another notable milestone of KLEFF partnering with the Ministry of Environment and Water, which further helps the spread of the climate action message nationwide.
Leading up to today’s Earth Day celebration, the Ministry has run a digital contest seeking the best climate action-themed poster or video. In partnership with KLEFF, the 50 best submissions will win a Special Premium Membership to KLEFFlix – giving them access to a host of award-winning and compelling eco-themed films past and present.
EcoKnights Program Director and KLEFF Festival Director, Fadly Bakhtiar, said that the partnership with the Ministry represents positive progress in strengthening the national sustainability agenda by supporting a homegrown initiative utilizing technology as a tool to spread the message of climate action.
2020 signifies a long-term partnership of EcoKnights working closely with relevant ministries since its inception 15 years ago, with KLEFF being a strong foundation for climate action advocacy together with the Ministry - as seen in the collaborative effort between KLEFF and IGEM since 2017.
“Short movie documentaries are powerful tools to bring about environmental awareness and nudge behavioural change,” said Dato’ Seri Ir. Dr. Zaini Ujang, Secretary General, Ministry of Environment and Water. He further stated that this partnership with KLEFF is to enable all stakeholders to work together to drive climate action.
Dato’ Seri Zaini Ujang felt that it’s a collective action as we chart our pathway in sustainable development and local made movies are important in mainstreaming our narrative and our perspective of these global issues. With KLEFFlix going digital, he is very encouraged that more people can enjoy these movies and he hopes it will bring a positive change and encourage Malaysians to live in harmony with Nature.
Since 2008, KLEFF has been championing the cause to mainstream the concept of sustainable living through the power of audio-visual materials, while ensuring equal access to environmental education to all. EcoKnights President and KLEFF Honorary Advisor, Dr. Yasmin Rasyid said that KLEFF, while charting positive growth since 2008 in terms of size and scope, remains very localized.
“Hopefully with KLEFFlix in a digital form, we can exponentially grow the number of people that can benefit from the festival and reach out to more global citizens who are passionate about sustainability and driven to make a change,” she said.
Fadly added that KLEFF successfully engaged over 100,000 people in the past 12 years through physical events like festivals, satellite screenings and roadshows.
“We have bigger aspirations to reach out to more people and continue to be the leader for environmental education and action – connecting stories from Malaysia and around the world to inspire a better future for all,” Fadly said.
“The digitalization of KLEFF via KLEFFlix can help us realize our mission, while giving a space for eco-themed films that would otherwise be left out of the mainstream a chance to be aired on a commercial platform.”
KLEFF boasts a growing database of films submitted from both local and international filmmakers globally in the past years. From this database, the committee has shortlisted a significant amount of groundbreaking KLEFF films of various lengths, genre, and themes to be screened on KLEFFlix, with the film catalog to be gradually expanded as KLEFF runs its film submission annually.
KLEFFlix is part of EcoKnights’ unceasing efforts to enable everyone – from top corporates to everyday Malaysians – to be agents of environmental change.This can be done by simply subscribing to one of three of its membership plans; Free membership; Premium Membership; and Corporate Package.
For more details about the streaming service KLEFFlix and the membership plans, visit its official website at http://klefflix.kleff.my/
For further inquiries about KLEFFlix, you may contact the festival manager, Nabila at nabila@ecoknights.org.my and for KLEFF partnership and collaboration, you may reach the KLEFF Festival Director at fadly@ecoknights.org.my
ABOUT THE INTERNATIONAL KUALA LUMPUR ECO FILM FEST (KLEFF)
The International KLEFF is Malaysia’s first and longest-serving platform promoting sustainable living through showcases of environment-themed films, workshops, talks, exhibitions, Impact Market, local performances and other engaging activities. Organized by EcoKnights, KLEFF features groundbreaking films that kindle important dialogues, traversing the relationship between humans and their environments, challenging the way people think about the natural world and inspiring them to discuss, explore and act on important environmental issues. For more information about KLEFF, kindly visit its official page at kleff.my and for more current updates, find us on Facebook at @KualaLumpurEcoFilmFestival and Instagram and Twitter at @kleff_my.
ABOUT ECOKNIGHTS
EcoKnights is an environmental non-governmental organization (NGO) registered with the Registrar of Societies Malaysia. EcoKnights' core focus areas are in environmental education; smart partnerships; strategic engagement and on-ground efforts as well as capacity building of youths. In these areas, EcoKnights focuses on working with key stakeholders to deliver strategically designed developmental interventions, further contributing to positive social, environmental and economic change. More information about EcoKnights can be obtained from www.ecoknights.org.my. For more current updates on what EcoKnights is up to, find us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter at @EcoKnights.
SOURCE: EcoKnights
Wednesday 22 April 2020
ONLINE PUBLIC CONSULTATION ON TECHNICAL DESIGN REFERENCE FOR NEW HIGH-RISE PRIVATE HOSPITAL
KUALA LUMPUR, April 21 (Bernama) -- Malaysia Productivity Corporation (MPC) has organised an online Public Consultation on First Virtual Technical Design Reference for Disaster Preparedness in Setting Up New High-Rise Private Hospital. This virtual reference was initiated from the focus group workshop attended by the Ministry of Health (MOH) and the technical agencies from the Fire and Rescue Department of Malaysia (BOMBA), Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) and Malaysian Institute of Architects (PAM) held on 14 to 16 December 2018 in Penang. The focus group has identified some critical aspects that emphasise on the technical specifications that include safety & disaster management systems and permits approval for high-rise hospitals buildings.
According to Dato' Dr. Jacob Thomas, Champion, Private Healthcare Productivity Nexus, “Trends towards urbanisation, the scarcity of land is one of the business’s concern on health facility developments and re development for better utilization of space. High-rise hospitals are not a new concept in the world including, to address space constraints, optimise efficiency and improve patient care.
The focus group intends to address this gap by producing Malaysia’s guideline for high-rise private hospital building,” he said. He adds first guideline to be developed in Malaysia to address Risk and Disaster Management (both human-made and natural disaster) and the guideline will facilitate investors, as there is already a demand for it.
Public consultation is one of the initiatives by Private Healthcare Productivity Nexus and PEMUDAH’s Focus Group Dealing with Construction Permits, which provides an invaluable opportunity and platform to have your views represented and discussed with relevant policymakers and other stakeholders in improving efficiency by producing Technical Design Reference for Disaster Preparedness In Setting Up New High-Rise Private Hospital.
The Public Consultation is a two-way communication process between the government and all relevant stakeholders. It is the key to a more effective policy making as it covers the elements of transparency and accountability by having adequate engagements and proper record of what has been proposed, the reactions from the stakeholders, as well as response from the government.
Private Healthcare Productivity Nexus and PEMUDAH’s Focus Group Dealing with Construction Permits urge all relevant stakeholders to participate in this public consultation process and hope to obtain extra inputs on policy matters, working towards enhancing the industry growth and productivity.
About the Malaysia Productivity Corporation (MPC)
Malaysia Productivity Corporation (MPC) is a statutory body under the Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI). MPC promotes productivity, quality and competitiveness to the industries and organisations in Malaysia. MPC's vision is to be the leading organisation in productivity enhancement for global competitiveness and innovation.
http://mrem.bernama.com/viewsm.php?idm=37201
According to Dato' Dr. Jacob Thomas, Champion, Private Healthcare Productivity Nexus, “Trends towards urbanisation, the scarcity of land is one of the business’s concern on health facility developments and re development for better utilization of space. High-rise hospitals are not a new concept in the world including, to address space constraints, optimise efficiency and improve patient care.
The focus group intends to address this gap by producing Malaysia’s guideline for high-rise private hospital building,” he said. He adds first guideline to be developed in Malaysia to address Risk and Disaster Management (both human-made and natural disaster) and the guideline will facilitate investors, as there is already a demand for it.
Public consultation is one of the initiatives by Private Healthcare Productivity Nexus and PEMUDAH’s Focus Group Dealing with Construction Permits, which provides an invaluable opportunity and platform to have your views represented and discussed with relevant policymakers and other stakeholders in improving efficiency by producing Technical Design Reference for Disaster Preparedness In Setting Up New High-Rise Private Hospital.
The Public Consultation is a two-way communication process between the government and all relevant stakeholders. It is the key to a more effective policy making as it covers the elements of transparency and accountability by having adequate engagements and proper record of what has been proposed, the reactions from the stakeholders, as well as response from the government.
Private Healthcare Productivity Nexus and PEMUDAH’s Focus Group Dealing with Construction Permits urge all relevant stakeholders to participate in this public consultation process and hope to obtain extra inputs on policy matters, working towards enhancing the industry growth and productivity.
About the Malaysia Productivity Corporation (MPC)
Malaysia Productivity Corporation (MPC) is a statutory body under the Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI). MPC promotes productivity, quality and competitiveness to the industries and organisations in Malaysia. MPC's vision is to be the leading organisation in productivity enhancement for global competitiveness and innovation.
http://mrem.bernama.com/viewsm.php?idm=37201
Tuesday 21 April 2020
COVID-19: Dole launches initiative to supply nutritious foods globally
KUALA LUMPUR, April 20 -- Dole Packaged Foods LLC has launched an initiative to supply nutritious foods to the needy to provide much-needed assistance during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Dole is inviting other organisations and companies, large and small worldwide, to join them to help cast a little sunshine in dark times and ensure the health of those in need.
From kids to the elderly, to those who are on the front lines caring for others, through a series of donations and partnerships, Dole is aiming to help close the gaps to access to healthy food in trying times.
The company has committed its resources, facilities and social impact efforts under its Sunshine for All Promise for people to have access to the nutritious food they need.
It includes delivering sunshine for the frontline; teaming up with World Central Kitchen to support seniors and under-served families in California; partnering with Lyft to provide under-served seniors with nutritious foods in Seattle and Chicago; and delivering fruit cups to healthcare workers at hospitals in Paris (France), Barcelona (Spain) and Auckland (New Zealand), among others.
According to a statement, Dole will also launch a campaign honouring essential frontline workers as superheroes, thanking their partners and calling on others to join its mission to make Sunshine For All a reality.
Dole has doubled down with its employees to ensure they have what they need to stay healthy. It also created resources for employees who may come in contact with the virus and is working to upgrade its hospital immunity facilities in Dolefil/Polomolok to ensure doctors are well equipped to service the community.
-- BERNAMA
Dole is inviting other organisations and companies, large and small worldwide, to join them to help cast a little sunshine in dark times and ensure the health of those in need.
From kids to the elderly, to those who are on the front lines caring for others, through a series of donations and partnerships, Dole is aiming to help close the gaps to access to healthy food in trying times.
The company has committed its resources, facilities and social impact efforts under its Sunshine for All Promise for people to have access to the nutritious food they need.
It includes delivering sunshine for the frontline; teaming up with World Central Kitchen to support seniors and under-served families in California; partnering with Lyft to provide under-served seniors with nutritious foods in Seattle and Chicago; and delivering fruit cups to healthcare workers at hospitals in Paris (France), Barcelona (Spain) and Auckland (New Zealand), among others.
According to a statement, Dole will also launch a campaign honouring essential frontline workers as superheroes, thanking their partners and calling on others to join its mission to make Sunshine For All a reality.
Dole has doubled down with its employees to ensure they have what they need to stay healthy. It also created resources for employees who may come in contact with the virus and is working to upgrade its hospital immunity facilities in Dolefil/Polomolok to ensure doctors are well equipped to service the community.
-- BERNAMA
MarketsandMarkets cites Fusionex in exclusive 2020 research report
KUALA LUMPUR, April 20 -- Data technology provider, Fusionex has been recognised as a key global player offering Big Data solutions and services in the latest MarketsandMarkets 2020 report.
Fusionex is the only ASEAN company to be cited in the report, according to a statement.
The market research firm’s comprehensive report analyses Big Data Market by Component, Deployment Mode, Organization Size, Business Function (Operations, Finance, and Marketing and Sales), Industry Vertical (BFSI, Manufacturing, and Healthcare and Life Sciences), and Region - Global Forecast to 2025 state that the Big Data market is forecasted to grow in size from US$138.9 billion in 2020 to US$229.4 billion by 2025. (US$1 = RM4.368)
“This recognition validates the strides we have made in providing innovative-driven solutions that continue to make an impact in aiding organisations and enterprises overcome even the most complex digital challenges, by turning them into opportunities,” said Fusionex Group Chief Executive Officer, Datuk Seri Ivan Teh.
When including Fusionex in the report, MarketsandMarkets took into account key technology players that are capitalising on major Big Data growth factors including heightened awareness of the Internet of Things devices among organisations.
The report stated that numerous companies are implementing big data solutions and services to evaluate their internal processes and enhance operations. Big data implementation assists companies to strike the right balance between operational cost, speed, flexibility and quality.
More details at www.fusionex-international.com.
-- BERNAMA
Fusionex is the only ASEAN company to be cited in the report, according to a statement.
The market research firm’s comprehensive report analyses Big Data Market by Component, Deployment Mode, Organization Size, Business Function (Operations, Finance, and Marketing and Sales), Industry Vertical (BFSI, Manufacturing, and Healthcare and Life Sciences), and Region - Global Forecast to 2025 state that the Big Data market is forecasted to grow in size from US$138.9 billion in 2020 to US$229.4 billion by 2025. (US$1 = RM4.368)
“This recognition validates the strides we have made in providing innovative-driven solutions that continue to make an impact in aiding organisations and enterprises overcome even the most complex digital challenges, by turning them into opportunities,” said Fusionex Group Chief Executive Officer, Datuk Seri Ivan Teh.
When including Fusionex in the report, MarketsandMarkets took into account key technology players that are capitalising on major Big Data growth factors including heightened awareness of the Internet of Things devices among organisations.
The report stated that numerous companies are implementing big data solutions and services to evaluate their internal processes and enhance operations. Big data implementation assists companies to strike the right balance between operational cost, speed, flexibility and quality.
More details at www.fusionex-international.com.
-- BERNAMA
Monday 20 April 2020
DONATION OF MEDICAL GLOVES FROM SMART GLOVE CORPORATION SDN BHD AND MALAYSIA RUBBER EXPORT PROMOTION COUNCIL (MREPC)
KUALA LUMPUR, April 16 (Bernama) -- On behalf of the Ministry of Plantation and Commodity Industries (MPIC), I would like to express my gratefulness and appreciation to leadership of Malaysian Rubber Export Promotion Council (MREPC) and Smart Glove Corporation Sdn. Bhd. who donated 500,000 rubber gloves each to the Ministry. At the Ministry level we have identified Government bodies especially those in the Front Liners to distribute this supply for their use.
As the Deputy Minister of Plantation and Commodity Industries, I humbly express our gratitude here for the tremendous help we have received so timely as we are currently fighting the COVID-19 pandemic in our country as well as in every places in the world.
As we know, Malaysia is the world's number one rubber glove manufacturer. Malaysia is also the leading supplier of rubber gloves to the medical sector currently facing the critical condition of COVID-19. MREPC is one of the agencies in this Ministry responsible for promoting domestic rubber products especially gloves, catheters, seismic bearing and so forth.
MREPC is working closely with the Malaysian Rubber Glove Manufacturers Association (MARGMA) in ensuring that Malaysian standard gloves continue to be the top choice in the world.
MARGMA estimates that the global demand of rubber gloves are 330 billion units. Malaysia's exports this year alone are expected to be 225 billion units a year, which worth over RM20 billion compared to 170 billion units last year; of which generated export earnings of RM17.3 billion. Our country's rubber glove industry is very important as exports from Malaysia meet 65% of global demand.
In this regard, the Government through Ministry of International Trade and Industries and Ministry of Health has agreed to list medical and surgical devices especially glove manufacture to continue operating during the period of the Movement Control Order (CPP).
We will definitely focus on the rubber sector and I hereby advise all the rubber sectors to operate and gain relief during the Covid-19 outbreak, wherein they shall always in compliance with the SOP set by the Ministry. This is to enable them to operate without violation of the law imposed by the Government.
We have recently received a report on 2 rubber gloves that have been found to be in violation of regulations that leads to environmental pollution in our country. We do not want this to happen again and I urge all rubber industry operators to comply with all the directives set by the Government and the Ministry.
Last but not least, I once again take this opportunity to greatly thank all the parties involved in making this event a success today.
YB Tuan Willie Mongin
Deputy Minister of Plantation Industries & Commodities
16th April 2020
Source: Ministry of Plantation Industries & Commodities (MPIC)
Saturday 18 April 2020
Fusionex, Heriot-Watt University collaborate to nurture resilient future talent
KUALA LUMPUR, April 17 -- Fusionex has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Heriot-Watt, a prestigious leading UK university, to embark on a strategic collaboration that will enable the exchange of invaluable industry knowledge, insights and expertise.
According to a statement from the multi award-winning data technology specialist, the initiative will enable students to face the difficult economic realities that have emerged as a result of the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic.
The MoU was signed by key representatives of each organisation, namely, Fusionex Vice-President, Chen Keat Ming; and Heriot-Watt University Provost and Chief Executive Officer, Professor Mushtak Al-Atabi.
This partnership will see Fusionex providing employment and internship opportunities to graduates of the university’s data science programme, as well as setting up a scholarship and other programmes for outstanding students.
Other areas of cooperation include joint consultancy activities in various academic and professional fields, joint organisation of data science-related events and providing mentorship to scholars of the university.
In addition, Fusionex will also serve as a member on the University’s industry advisory panel and panel member for their public forum to promote awareness of Data Science as a career option.
The MoU is in line with Fusionex’s endeavour to nurture a new generation of data scientists, analysts and engineers who are fully-equipped to meet the growing demands of the technology landscape, both now and in the future.
-- BERNAMA
According to a statement from the multi award-winning data technology specialist, the initiative will enable students to face the difficult economic realities that have emerged as a result of the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic.
The MoU was signed by key representatives of each organisation, namely, Fusionex Vice-President, Chen Keat Ming; and Heriot-Watt University Provost and Chief Executive Officer, Professor Mushtak Al-Atabi.
This partnership will see Fusionex providing employment and internship opportunities to graduates of the university’s data science programme, as well as setting up a scholarship and other programmes for outstanding students.
Other areas of cooperation include joint consultancy activities in various academic and professional fields, joint organisation of data science-related events and providing mentorship to scholars of the university.
In addition, Fusionex will also serve as a member on the University’s industry advisory panel and panel member for their public forum to promote awareness of Data Science as a career option.
The MoU is in line with Fusionex’s endeavour to nurture a new generation of data scientists, analysts and engineers who are fully-equipped to meet the growing demands of the technology landscape, both now and in the future.
-- BERNAMA
China’s Chongqing Liangjiang New Area grabs major opportunities for inland opening-up
KUALA LUMPUR, April 17 -- The Chengdu-Chongqing Economic Circle Industry Service Summit was recently held, with topics including new business forms of digital economy discussed by local governments, enterprises and industrial organisations via online exchanges.
According to Chongqing Liangjiang New Area Administrative Committee in a statement, the summit was held in Chongqing Liangjiang New Area.
Following the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei Coordinated Development Region, the Yangtze River Delta Integration, and the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, Chengdu-Chongqing Economic Circle has become another of China’s important regional development strategy.
With national central cities Chongqing and Chengdu as the core area, China plans to develop a significant growth pole in its western region based on the Belt and Road Initiative and Yangtze River Economic Belt.
As the first national development and opening-up new area in inland China, Chongqing Liangjiang New Area witnesses its 10th anniversary of establishment in 2020, and the Chengdu-Chongqing Economic Circle initiative is also a new opportunity for the new area.
This year, it will coordinate the COVID-19 prevention and control as well as economic and social development to minimise the impact of the pandemic with a high standard of openness.
In the future, Liangjiang New Area will focus on building an open portal of inland China through optimised business environment, high-quality and efficient services so as to become a vital global investment destination.
More details at http://www.liangjiang.gov.cn.
-- BERNAMA
According to Chongqing Liangjiang New Area Administrative Committee in a statement, the summit was held in Chongqing Liangjiang New Area.
Following the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei Coordinated Development Region, the Yangtze River Delta Integration, and the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, Chengdu-Chongqing Economic Circle has become another of China’s important regional development strategy.
With national central cities Chongqing and Chengdu as the core area, China plans to develop a significant growth pole in its western region based on the Belt and Road Initiative and Yangtze River Economic Belt.
As the first national development and opening-up new area in inland China, Chongqing Liangjiang New Area witnesses its 10th anniversary of establishment in 2020, and the Chengdu-Chongqing Economic Circle initiative is also a new opportunity for the new area.
This year, it will coordinate the COVID-19 prevention and control as well as economic and social development to minimise the impact of the pandemic with a high standard of openness.
In the future, Liangjiang New Area will focus on building an open portal of inland China through optimised business environment, high-quality and efficient services so as to become a vital global investment destination.
More details at http://www.liangjiang.gov.cn.
-- BERNAMA
MYPINPAD latest certification offers secure payments on Android, iOS devices
KUALA LUMPUR, April 16 -- MYPINPAD (MPP) has achieved Payment Card Industry (PCI) Security Standards Council (SSC) certification for its Android software-based PIN entry on a Commercial off-the-shelf (SPoC) solution.
According to a statement by MPP, the global leader in secure personal authentication for payment solutions, the certification makes the company the first to achieve a software only SPoC accreditation to enable secure payments on both Android and iOS devices.
The bar is set very high to meet PCI’s SPoC requirements, and MPP’s solution has succeeded in passing them, enabling it to now work on any Android device operating v8.0 and above.
Mobile devices running the Android operating system hold 87 per cent share of the global market, creating an expansion at scale for the deployment and adoption of MPP’s PIN on Mobile Solution MPP mPOS.
With both PCI accredited software only SPoC certifications, MPP is set to deploy its secure and accessible solution globally in all major continents this year, enabling everyday smartphones and tablets to replace traditional Point of Sale terminals and PIN entry mPOS devices.
Now that PCI SSC SPoC approval has been obtained for both Android and iOS operating systems, MPP is already working to achieve PCI certification for Contactless Payments on Commercial-off-the-shelf devices.
The company aims to drive mobile device acceptance exponentially from 100 million currently to over 400 million by 2024.
Discover more at www.mypinpad.com
-- BERNAMA
According to a statement by MPP, the global leader in secure personal authentication for payment solutions, the certification makes the company the first to achieve a software only SPoC accreditation to enable secure payments on both Android and iOS devices.
The bar is set very high to meet PCI’s SPoC requirements, and MPP’s solution has succeeded in passing them, enabling it to now work on any Android device operating v8.0 and above.
Mobile devices running the Android operating system hold 87 per cent share of the global market, creating an expansion at scale for the deployment and adoption of MPP’s PIN on Mobile Solution MPP mPOS.
With both PCI accredited software only SPoC certifications, MPP is set to deploy its secure and accessible solution globally in all major continents this year, enabling everyday smartphones and tablets to replace traditional Point of Sale terminals and PIN entry mPOS devices.
Now that PCI SSC SPoC approval has been obtained for both Android and iOS operating systems, MPP is already working to achieve PCI certification for Contactless Payments on Commercial-off-the-shelf devices.
The company aims to drive mobile device acceptance exponentially from 100 million currently to over 400 million by 2024.
Discover more at www.mypinpad.com
-- BERNAMA
Friday 17 April 2020
ECOKNIGHTS ENHANCES DIGITAL EXPERIENCE IN SUSTAINABILITY WITH WEBSITE REVAMP
KUALA LUMPUR, April 15 (Bernama) -- Non-governmental environmental organization EcoKnights revamped its website to enhance its online presence and reach a wider audience in today’s digital age.
Amid the growing importance of environmental sustainability, EcoKnights recognized the need to communicate more efficiently via a virtual and centralized platform, especially as more services become digitalized.
The newly improved website boasts a fresh and user-friendly interface to facilitate seamless digital interactions with the organization’s numerous sustainability programs. New structures and streamlined content were also introduced to enhance users’ digital experience.
“Communication is key in the work we do, and using the right tools, such as the website, helps us disseminate information, mobilize communities and gather the necessary support to create impact-driven sustainability initiatives,” EcoKnights Founder and President Dr Yasmin Rasyid said.
“We wanted to ensure that we are constantly being current in our tools and channels of communication, and I hope the revamped new website will serve as a great platform for all.”
Among the new digital features available is an online fundraising platform to finance key environmental projects. This allows users to take direct action irrespective of geographical limitations and time constraints.
Current projects in need of funding include Trees ForUs – a tree-planting initiative to rehabilitate and rejuvenate degraded land – and Fund to Filter which aims to provide Orang Asal communities with affordable solutions to access clean water.
EcoKnights Program Director Fadly Bakhtiar said the organization made a significant impact in the transition into sustainability, and it is time for its digital presence to catch up.
“We want to reach out to and engage with like-minded individuals as well as the general public who are keen on strengthening our vision of empowering people to live sustainably,” Fadly said.
“As we continuously work on improving our brand image and share more impact-driven stories via the revamped website, we aim to grow our online traffic by 50% year-on-year in 2020. We want to establish EcoKnights as an important stakeholder at the national level, especially as environmental and sustainability issues pose a serious threat to Malaysia,” he added.
As an environmental organization, EcoKnights develops and implements a large number of sustainability programs across five dedicated pillars. The pillars comprise of Community Development & Education; Public Outreach; Rehabilitation, Restoration & Conservation; Sustainability Communications; and Youth Development & Volunteerism.
All of these pillars further drive flagship programs that contribute to positive social, environmental and economic change. Since its inception in 2005, EcoKnights made significant contributions to the field of environmental sustainability, ranging from tree planting to waste collection to executing corporate social responsibility (CSR) programs and more.
EcoKnights is further on the lookout for driven and determined individuals from any background to join the organization. The newly designed Talent Development webpage allows a streamlined and better approach to an online application for internship and volunteering opportunities at EcoKnights.
Strong economic value was further unlocked from EcoKnights’ sustainability programs in the form of employment opportunities, impact markets and fundraising initiatives.
Make a difference today and visit EcoKnights’ new website at ecoknights.org.my
Amid the growing importance of environmental sustainability, EcoKnights recognized the need to communicate more efficiently via a virtual and centralized platform, especially as more services become digitalized.
The newly improved website boasts a fresh and user-friendly interface to facilitate seamless digital interactions with the organization’s numerous sustainability programs. New structures and streamlined content were also introduced to enhance users’ digital experience.
“Communication is key in the work we do, and using the right tools, such as the website, helps us disseminate information, mobilize communities and gather the necessary support to create impact-driven sustainability initiatives,” EcoKnights Founder and President Dr Yasmin Rasyid said.
“We wanted to ensure that we are constantly being current in our tools and channels of communication, and I hope the revamped new website will serve as a great platform for all.”
Among the new digital features available is an online fundraising platform to finance key environmental projects. This allows users to take direct action irrespective of geographical limitations and time constraints.
Current projects in need of funding include Trees ForUs – a tree-planting initiative to rehabilitate and rejuvenate degraded land – and Fund to Filter which aims to provide Orang Asal communities with affordable solutions to access clean water.
EcoKnights Program Director Fadly Bakhtiar said the organization made a significant impact in the transition into sustainability, and it is time for its digital presence to catch up.
“We want to reach out to and engage with like-minded individuals as well as the general public who are keen on strengthening our vision of empowering people to live sustainably,” Fadly said.
“As we continuously work on improving our brand image and share more impact-driven stories via the revamped website, we aim to grow our online traffic by 50% year-on-year in 2020. We want to establish EcoKnights as an important stakeholder at the national level, especially as environmental and sustainability issues pose a serious threat to Malaysia,” he added.
As an environmental organization, EcoKnights develops and implements a large number of sustainability programs across five dedicated pillars. The pillars comprise of Community Development & Education; Public Outreach; Rehabilitation, Restoration & Conservation; Sustainability Communications; and Youth Development & Volunteerism.
All of these pillars further drive flagship programs that contribute to positive social, environmental and economic change. Since its inception in 2005, EcoKnights made significant contributions to the field of environmental sustainability, ranging from tree planting to waste collection to executing corporate social responsibility (CSR) programs and more.
EcoKnights is further on the lookout for driven and determined individuals from any background to join the organization. The newly designed Talent Development webpage allows a streamlined and better approach to an online application for internship and volunteering opportunities at EcoKnights.
Strong economic value was further unlocked from EcoKnights’ sustainability programs in the form of employment opportunities, impact markets and fundraising initiatives.
Make a difference today and visit EcoKnights’ new website at ecoknights.org.my
About EcoKnights
EcoKnights is an environmental non-governmental organization (NGO) registered with the Registrar of Societies Malaysia. EcoKnights' core focus areas are in environmental education; smart partnerships; strategic engagement and on-ground efforts as well as capacity building of youths. In these areas, EcoKnights focuses on working with key stakeholders to deliver strategically designed developmental interventions, further contributing to positive social, environmental and economic change. More information about EcoKnights can be obtained from www.ecoknights.org.my. For more current updates on what EcoKnights is up to, find us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter at @EcoKnights.
Thursday 16 April 2020
MERCK FOUNDATION ANNOUNCE 'STAY AT HOME' MEDIA RECOGNITION AWARDS FOR ASIAN COUNTRIES
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| Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation with H.E. DJÈNÈ CONDÉ, The First Lady of Guinea; H.E. FATIMA MAADA BIO; The First Lady of Sierra Leone; H.E. Prof. GERTRUDE MUTHARIKA, The First Lady of Malawi; H.E. FATOUMATTA BAH-BARROW, The First Lady of The Gambia; H.E. DENISE NKURUNZIZA, The First Lady of Burundi; H.E. AÏSSATA ISSOUFOU MAHAMADOU, The First Lady of Niger; H.E. BRIGITTE TOUADERA, The First Lady of Central African Republic; H.E. REBECCA AKUFO-ADDO, The First Lady of Ghana; H.E. CLAR MARIE WEAH, The First Lady of Liberia; H.E. ANTOINETTE SASSOU-NGUESSO, The First Lady of Congo Brazzaville; H.E. MONICA GEINGOS, The First Lady of Namibia; H.E. AUXILLIA MNANGAGWA, The First Lady of Zimbabwe; H.E. NEO JANE MASISI, The First Lady of Botswana; H.E. Dr. ISAURA FERRÃO NYUSI, The First Lady of Mozambique and Former First Lady of Mauritania. (Photo: Business Wire)
· Merck Foundation marks World Health Day to raise awareness on Coronavirus.
· Rasha Kelej CEO of Merck Foundation started “Separated but Connected” Initiative. MUMBAI, India, April 15 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- Merck Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany, announced the call for applications for ‘Stay at Home’ Media Recognition Awards for the journalists in Asian countries. The theme of the awards is ‘Raising Awareness on how to Stay Safe and keep Physically and Mentally Healthy during Coronavirus Lockdown’.
This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200414005580/en/
Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation explains, “This is how we mark World Health Day. The ‘Stay at Home’ Media Recognition Award will encourage media to sensitize our communities. Raising awareness about coronavirus in our communities will contribute to supporting health workers who are at the forefront of COVID-19 response - providing high quality, respectful treatment and care, it will also enhance their great efforts in leading community dialogue to address fears and questions. Our hearts and thoughts are with them”. “As I am Working from Home like most of you. I’d like to call it physical distancing, not social distancing. Let’s keep our physical distance but still socially connected, thanks to available technologies we are actually connected every second. Above all we are globally united more than ever. Practice Physical Distancing but Keep Socially Connected to stay mentally and physically healthy”, explained Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation. The awards are open to all the journalists from Print, Online, Radio and Multimedia Platforms from all Asian Countries. More than one winner will be chosen from each category. The most creative and influential media work aiming to raise awareness and sensitizing communities about this alarming topic at a regular basis will be eligible to win these awards. “Since most of the people are confined to their homes, they are spending a lot of time reading and listening to news through different platforms. Media professionals, it is your time to help the people to take care good care of their mental & physical health during these disturbing times, through your creative, informational and motivational work. You can guide them to adjust to their new and different routine & rhythm of life”, emphasized Dr. Rasha Kelej. Merck Foundation has already initiated these awards in African and Middle Eastern Countries and will also extend the awards to Latin American Countries in the next few days to involve all media across the global South. Details of the Merck Foundation “Stay at Home” Media Recognition Awards Who can Apply: Journalists from Print, Online, Radio and Multimedia Platforms from Asian Countries Last date of submission: Entries can be submitted till 30th June 2020 How to apply? Entries can be submitted via Email to submit@merck-foundation.com along with your details (including Name, Gender, Country, Media house, Email address & Mobile Number) and entry as an attachment Categories and Prize Money:
Download the Merck Foundation App now Google Play - https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=de.merck.foundation.googleplay App Store - https://apps.apple.com/no/app/merck-foundation/id1297299793 About Merck Foundation The Merck Foundation, established in 2017, is the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany, aims to improve the health and wellbeing of people and advance their lives through science and technology. Our efforts are primarily focused on improving access to quality & equitable healthcare solutions in underserved communities, building healthcare and scientific research capacity and empowering people in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) with a special focus on women and youth. All Merck Foundation press releases are distributed by e-mail at the same time they become available on the Merck Foundation Website. Please visit www.merck-foundation.com to read more. To know more, reach out to our social media: Merck Foundation; Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube and Flickr. About Merck Merck is a leading science and technology company in healthcare, life science and performance materials. Almost 52,000 employees work to further develop technologies that improve and enhance life – from biopharmaceutical therapies to treat cancer or multiple sclerosis, cutting-edge systems for scientific research and production, to liquid crystals for smartphones and LCD televisions. Founded in 1668, Merck is the world's oldest pharmaceutical and chemical company. The founding family remains the majority owner of the publicly listed corporate group. Merck holds the global rights to the Merck name and brand. The only exceptions are the United States and Canada, where the company operates as EMD Serono, MilliporeSigma.
View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200414005580/en/
Contact Mehak Handa (Community Awareness Program Manager),Merck Foundation, mehak.handa@exteral.merckgroup.com, +91-9319606669 Source : Merck Foundation --BERNAMA |
Transports Vervaeke deploys Juniper Mist platform to streamline operations, improve productivity
KUALA LUMPUR, April 15 -- Juniper Networks recently announced that Transports Vervaeke, a leading international chemical and fuel logistics provider, has deployed the Wireless LAN (WLAN) platform from Mist Systems, a Juniper company.
According to a statement, the platform will streamline network operations and improve employee productivity in the company’s garages, warehouses and office locations across Europe.
Transports Vervaeke is in the process of modernising fleet management operations, starting with the customisation, maintenance and operation of the applications, systems and processes needed to manage 750 tractors, 1,000 tank trailers and 750 tank containers.
Juniper Mist Access Points and Wi-Fi Assurance software are essential to this digital transformation project.
It enables mobile devices to gradually replace clipboards and paper in garages and warehouses so technicians can access work orders remotely, update workflow tasks, check inventory for parts, place orders and even automatically trigger invoicing when jobs are complete.
The Mist Wi-Fi solution is also available to employees and visitors in the company’s corporate offices. The company now has the flexibility within its offices to be mobile with laptops and handheld devices. When employees travel to other company locations, their devices are automatically connected upon arrival.
-- BERNAMA
According to a statement, the platform will streamline network operations and improve employee productivity in the company’s garages, warehouses and office locations across Europe.
Transports Vervaeke is in the process of modernising fleet management operations, starting with the customisation, maintenance and operation of the applications, systems and processes needed to manage 750 tractors, 1,000 tank trailers and 750 tank containers.
Juniper Mist Access Points and Wi-Fi Assurance software are essential to this digital transformation project.
It enables mobile devices to gradually replace clipboards and paper in garages and warehouses so technicians can access work orders remotely, update workflow tasks, check inventory for parts, place orders and even automatically trigger invoicing when jobs are complete.
The Mist Wi-Fi solution is also available to employees and visitors in the company’s corporate offices. The company now has the flexibility within its offices to be mobile with laptops and handheld devices. When employees travel to other company locations, their devices are automatically connected upon arrival.
-- BERNAMA
Fusionex, international energy giant collaborate to enhance AI, Customer Analytics platform
KUALA LUMPUR, April 15 -- Fusionex has been awarded an initiative to drive customer engagement for an internationally-renowned energy conglomerate via utilisation of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Customer Analytics, in a multi-year extended deal.
The leading multi-award-winning data technology specialist, Fusionex, in a statement said the client was a key oil refining and marketing company with a strong 30-year record, over 20,000 employees and more than 1,000 service stations across the region.
This expansive engagement will see Fusionex making further modernisations, leveraging Fusionex’s AI-driven platform so it may deliver more accurate, personalised, valuable and hyper-targeted products and service content to the client’s customers.
These augmentations will enable the client to gain a holistic view and understanding of their consumers’ trends and behaviours via their consumption patterns, demographic profiles, and purchasing behaviours, among other parameters.
Fusionex will also furnish the client with state-of-the-art customer analytics to better understand their customers. This insights-driven solution will help the client better manage customer records and segment customers according to the products and services they use most regularly.
In a simulation of the client’s customer engagement and management, Fusionex is projected to help the client increase customer engagement efficiency by 17 per cent.
More details at www.fusionex-international.com.
-- BERNAMA
The leading multi-award-winning data technology specialist, Fusionex, in a statement said the client was a key oil refining and marketing company with a strong 30-year record, over 20,000 employees and more than 1,000 service stations across the region.
This expansive engagement will see Fusionex making further modernisations, leveraging Fusionex’s AI-driven platform so it may deliver more accurate, personalised, valuable and hyper-targeted products and service content to the client’s customers.
These augmentations will enable the client to gain a holistic view and understanding of their consumers’ trends and behaviours via their consumption patterns, demographic profiles, and purchasing behaviours, among other parameters.
Fusionex will also furnish the client with state-of-the-art customer analytics to better understand their customers. This insights-driven solution will help the client better manage customer records and segment customers according to the products and services they use most regularly.
In a simulation of the client’s customer engagement and management, Fusionex is projected to help the client increase customer engagement efficiency by 17 per cent.
More details at www.fusionex-international.com.
-- BERNAMA
MEI PHARMA AND KYOWA KIRIN ANNOUNCE GLOBAL LICENSE, DEVELOPMENT AND COMMERCIALIZATION AGREEMENT FOR ME-401
• MEI Pharma and Kyowa Kirin will co-develop and co-promote ME-401 in the U.S.; MEI to book U.S. sales on 50-50 profit and cost sharing
• Kyowa Kirin obtains exclusive commercialization rights ex-U.S.; MEI to receive escalating tiered royalty payments on ex-U.S. sales
• MEI to receive $100 million in an upfront cash payment and is eligible to receive up to an additional $582.5 million based on the achievement of specified development, regulatory and commercial milestones
• MEI to host conference call on April 14 at 8:00 a.m. ET
SAN DIEGO & TOKYO, April 15 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- MEI Pharma, Inc. (NASDAQ: MEIP) and Kyowa Kirin Co., Ltd. (Kyowa Kirin, TOKYO: 4151) today jointly announced that the companies have entered into a global license, development and commercialization agreement to further develop and commercialize MEI’s ME-401, an oral, once-daily, investigational drug-candidate, selective for phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase delta (PI3Kδ), in clinical development for the treatment of B-cell malignancies. MEI and Kyowa Kirin will co-develop and co-promote ME-401 in the U.S., with MEI booking all revenue from U.S. sales. Kyowa Kirin has exclusive commercialization rights outside of the U.S.
ME-401 is being studied in the ongoing Phase 2 TIDAL clinical trial evaluating patients with relapsed or refractory follicular lymphoma which, subject to results, may support an accelerated approval of a marketing application with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). An ongoing Phase 1b study is evaluating ME-401 as a monotherapy and in combination with rituximab (Rituxan®) or zanubrutinib (Brukinsa™) in patients with B-cell malignancies. Also, a Phase 1 study was initiated in 2019 evaluating ME-401 as a monotherapy in patients with indolent B-cell malignancy in Japan.
“This global partnership with Kyowa Kirin is a key step to achieving our goal of broadly developing and commercializing ME-401, optimizing the opportunity to benefit patients across multiple B-cell malignancies inside and outside the U.S., and also building value for our shareholders,” said David M. Urso, J.D., chief operating officer & general counsel of MEI Pharma. “The decision to expand our alliance with Kyowa Kirin is based on the successful relationship we’ve built working together to date under our 2018 Japan license agreement, and the respect we have for Kyowa Kirin and their ability to jointly execute our shared vision of ME-401 in the U.S. and around the world.”
http://mrem.bernama.com/viewsm.php?idm=37159
• Kyowa Kirin obtains exclusive commercialization rights ex-U.S.; MEI to receive escalating tiered royalty payments on ex-U.S. sales
• MEI to receive $100 million in an upfront cash payment and is eligible to receive up to an additional $582.5 million based on the achievement of specified development, regulatory and commercial milestones
• MEI to host conference call on April 14 at 8:00 a.m. ET
SAN DIEGO & TOKYO, April 15 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- MEI Pharma, Inc. (NASDAQ: MEIP) and Kyowa Kirin Co., Ltd. (Kyowa Kirin, TOKYO: 4151) today jointly announced that the companies have entered into a global license, development and commercialization agreement to further develop and commercialize MEI’s ME-401, an oral, once-daily, investigational drug-candidate, selective for phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase delta (PI3Kδ), in clinical development for the treatment of B-cell malignancies. MEI and Kyowa Kirin will co-develop and co-promote ME-401 in the U.S., with MEI booking all revenue from U.S. sales. Kyowa Kirin has exclusive commercialization rights outside of the U.S.
ME-401 is being studied in the ongoing Phase 2 TIDAL clinical trial evaluating patients with relapsed or refractory follicular lymphoma which, subject to results, may support an accelerated approval of a marketing application with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). An ongoing Phase 1b study is evaluating ME-401 as a monotherapy and in combination with rituximab (Rituxan®) or zanubrutinib (Brukinsa™) in patients with B-cell malignancies. Also, a Phase 1 study was initiated in 2019 evaluating ME-401 as a monotherapy in patients with indolent B-cell malignancy in Japan.
“This global partnership with Kyowa Kirin is a key step to achieving our goal of broadly developing and commercializing ME-401, optimizing the opportunity to benefit patients across multiple B-cell malignancies inside and outside the U.S., and also building value for our shareholders,” said David M. Urso, J.D., chief operating officer & general counsel of MEI Pharma. “The decision to expand our alliance with Kyowa Kirin is based on the successful relationship we’ve built working together to date under our 2018 Japan license agreement, and the respect we have for Kyowa Kirin and their ability to jointly execute our shared vision of ME-401 in the U.S. and around the world.”
http://mrem.bernama.com/viewsm.php?idm=37159
Wednesday 15 April 2020
VISTA EYE SPECIALIST GOING DIGITAL TO RAISE AWARENESS ON PREVENTABLE BLINDNESS
KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia, April 13 (Bernama-PRNewswire) -- Amidst the global effort to stem the spread of the COVID-19 virus, including Malaysia adopting its own Movement Control Order (MCO), VISTA Eye Specialist is not holding back their effort in its "War against Blindness" campaign. In fact, VISTA is turning to the use of the latest in communication and social digital technology, to escalate the awareness out to more Malaysian homes instead. Previously, VISTA has raised awareness through seminars, road shows and screening events.
"As a result of the MCO, many people are staying at home. However, despite the slowing down of almost everything, eye diseases like most health-related issues are still in existence," explains Mr Lim Boon Siong, CEO of VISTA.
"Following the success of online classes after school closure and after days of brainstorming, we have decided to use Facebook Live and Zoom Video Webinar to reach out to patients in their homes," explains Mr Bernard Chan, Marketing of VISTA. "People who are staying at home because of MCO now have more time to spend and will seek out topics that they are very keen on."
http://mrem.bernama.com/viewsm.php?idm=37142
"Following the success of online classes after school closure and after days of brainstorming, we have decided to use Facebook Live and Zoom Video Webinar to reach out to patients in their homes," explains Mr Bernard Chan, Marketing of VISTA. "People who are staying at home because of MCO now have more time to spend and will seek out topics that they are very keen on."
http://mrem.bernama.com/viewsm.php?idm=37142
Tuesday 14 April 2020
Fusionex Group CEO appointed IMU Board of Studies member
KUALA LUMPUR, April 13 -- Fusionex founder and Group Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Datuk Seri Ivan Teh has been appointed member of the Board of Studies for the Bachelor’s in Digital Health programme at the International Medical University (IMU).
The appointment sees Teh lending his expert knowledge and experience to further the programme’s growth and development, according to a statement.
“IMU is an outstanding institution with a great, passionate team. I am committed and look forward to working with IMU, to contribute in any way or shape possible, to help enhance the programme,” he said.
The Digital Health Bachelor’s degree programme prepares students for the healthcare technology industry, where they will shape the future of healthcare via innovative technologies.
Through the application of Big Data Analytics, Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning knowledge that students will garner through this programme, they will be able to design and develop better healthcare solutions including digitalised platforms, clinical decision aids and hospital information systems.
Apart from this appointment, Fusionex and IMU have collaborated on an initiative that saw the application of Big Data Analytics and AI into IMU's medical and health sciences programmes.
The aim of this initiative is to equip future healthcare providers with the right set of skills, techniques, insights and knowledge to take on various roles in healthcare upon graduation.
More details at www.fusionex-international.com.
-- BERNAMA
Thursday 9 April 2020
FWD TAKAFUL INTRODUCES FWD MEDSECURE DIRECT, A NEW ONLINE HOSPITAL CASH INCOME PLAN
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| Ease your additional expenses burden and cover the loss of income during hospitalisation with FWD MedSecure Direct |
Ease your additional expenses burden and cover the loss of income during hospitalisation
KUALA LUMPUR, April 6 (Bernama) -- FWD Takaful Berhad (“FWD Takaful”) today introduced FWD MedSecure Direct, an online hospital cash income plan which provides coverage and cash allowance for every day you’re hospitalised.
Salim Majid Zain, FWD Takaful’s Chief Executive Officer said, “In line with our vision to change the way people feel about takaful, we’ve developed an online hospital cash income plan which is quick and easy to apply for, providing coverage to support yourself and your family should you fall ill and need to cover the loss of income. The plan is useful to all Malaysians and will help with your out-ofpocket expenses including your living and certain medical expenses which might not be covered under your existing medical plan when you’re hospitalised.”
FWD MedSecure Direct also offers an option to cover accidental medical reimbursement benefits to be attachable to the plan. In addition, participants are entitled to a 20% discount if no claims are made within the past two (2) certificate years, thus contribution amount will reduce by 20% on the next certificate year.
FWD MedSecure Direct provides the option for an individual plan, couple plan, family plan or single parent plan. As for family plan, up to 2 children will be covered and future contributions shall be waived in the event the certificate owner passes away. This feature of waiver of contribution is also made available for couple and single parent plans.
The complimentary special extension of coverage and benefits for COVID-19 is now extended to FWD MedSecure Direct too. Certificate owners will be entitled to an additional death benefit of RM20,000 upon person covered’s death due to COVID-19. We’ll also pay a special lump sum compassionate benefit of RM5,000 per person upon immediate family member’s death or diagnosis with COVID-19.
FWD MedSecure Direct is the third family-themed plan offered online. Our easy-to-use online channel is simple, reliable and direct, which enables customers to manage their Takaful certificates at their own convenience and it’s simply affordable for everyone.
Get a free quote for FWD MedSecure Direct fwd.com.my/direct/medsecure-direct. Alternatively, call 1300 13 7988 or email contact.my@fwd.com for more information.
http://bernamamrem.com/viewsm.php?idm=37107
Wednesday 8 April 2020
COVID-19: ABG Organizing Committee visits 248 medical staff back to Hainan from Hubei, China
KUALA LUMPUR, April 7 -- The Organizing Committee of the 6th Asian Beach Games 2020 (ABG) recently visited representatives of the first and fourth groups of the medical and nursing staff back to Hainan from Hubei, China.
According to a statement, the visit was participated by the ABG Organizing Committee Deputy Secretary General, Ye Kaizhong and Deputy Secretary General of Sanya Municipal Government.
Ye expressed cordial greetings and gave them each a Yaya doll, the ABG mascot.
The 248 heroes who have fought COVID-19 are on vacation together in Sanya.
These two groups of 248 medical workers went to Jingzhou City, Hubei Province, to work closely and fight side by side with local medical institutions.
A total of 344 infected patients were cured with their medical care. During their stay, none of the members were infected.
ABG is the first intercontinental comprehensive sports event to be held in Hainan Province. During the novel coronavirus outbreak, the Organization Committee attached equal importance to the prevention and control of the epidemic as well as preparations for the games.
At the same time, leveraging its role in the ABG, the Organization Committee has organised businesses to donate medical supplies, branding an energetic and healthy ABG.
-- BERNAMA
According to a statement, the visit was participated by the ABG Organizing Committee Deputy Secretary General, Ye Kaizhong and Deputy Secretary General of Sanya Municipal Government.
Ye expressed cordial greetings and gave them each a Yaya doll, the ABG mascot.
The 248 heroes who have fought COVID-19 are on vacation together in Sanya.
These two groups of 248 medical workers went to Jingzhou City, Hubei Province, to work closely and fight side by side with local medical institutions.
A total of 344 infected patients were cured with their medical care. During their stay, none of the members were infected.
ABG is the first intercontinental comprehensive sports event to be held in Hainan Province. During the novel coronavirus outbreak, the Organization Committee attached equal importance to the prevention and control of the epidemic as well as preparations for the games.
At the same time, leveraging its role in the ABG, the Organization Committee has organised businesses to donate medical supplies, branding an energetic and healthy ABG.
-- BERNAMA
Tuesday 7 April 2020
COVID-19: MALAYSIAN TECH COMPANY CREATES SECURE APP, SOLVES SECURITY CONCERNS FOR REMOTE EMPLOYEES
KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia, April 6 (Bernama-PRNewswire) -- As small to large enterprises alike execute social distancing measures in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, a resulting spike in remote working is joined with a plethora of data security concerns. To combat these and keep employees safe, Linkdood Communication Platform (LCP) has come up with a timely solution - a secure and customizable remote office platform with core servers solely controlled by users themselves.
Linkdood Communication Platform (LCP) is the first home-grown Malaysian remote office platform to offer dual security guarantees with private cloud technology to assist and help employees succeed remotely, particularly during this tough situation.
"One fundamental issue is how to equip all employees to work from home as if they were at the office? Technology has the answer. Our proprietary software creates a safe, confidential personal environment for each employee to ensure productivity," said Richard, COO of Linkdood.
Secure Remote Office Platform with Triple-end-encryption
There are individual requirements that remote workers need to be productive and to remain social with their co-workers without endangering the privacy of company data.
Richard added, "Small, medium enterprises (SMEs) without adequate protection systems or network infrastructure in place are easily subject to data leakage, hacking, or interception from unsolicited users when employees work off-site."
Designed by the Linkdood's cybersecurity professionals with advanced experience, the app provides a robust, secure communication network and user storage encrypted with triple-layer encryption to ensure data confidentiality and integrity. Unwanted access is easily blocked, even from web administrators themselves.
"We enrich enterprises with an understanding of how important it is to have full control and access to our data, regardless of where we are. With Linkdood Communication Platform (LCP), we ensure that users will have full control over their data, as the core server will be owned entirely by users and enterprise owners themselves," said Richard.
http://mrem.bernama.com/viewsm.php?idm=37102
Linkdood Communication Platform (LCP) is the first home-grown Malaysian remote office platform to offer dual security guarantees with private cloud technology to assist and help employees succeed remotely, particularly during this tough situation.
"One fundamental issue is how to equip all employees to work from home as if they were at the office? Technology has the answer. Our proprietary software creates a safe, confidential personal environment for each employee to ensure productivity," said Richard, COO of Linkdood.
Secure Remote Office Platform with Triple-end-encryption
There are individual requirements that remote workers need to be productive and to remain social with their co-workers without endangering the privacy of company data.
Richard added, "Small, medium enterprises (SMEs) without adequate protection systems or network infrastructure in place are easily subject to data leakage, hacking, or interception from unsolicited users when employees work off-site."
Designed by the Linkdood's cybersecurity professionals with advanced experience, the app provides a robust, secure communication network and user storage encrypted with triple-layer encryption to ensure data confidentiality and integrity. Unwanted access is easily blocked, even from web administrators themselves.
"We enrich enterprises with an understanding of how important it is to have full control and access to our data, regardless of where we are. With Linkdood Communication Platform (LCP), we ensure that users will have full control over their data, as the core server will be owned entirely by users and enterprise owners themselves," said Richard.
http://mrem.bernama.com/viewsm.php?idm=37102
Sunday 5 April 2020
China's Hainan offers over 30,000 global talent positions
KUALA LUMPUR, April 2 -- Hainan, the southern Chinese island province will offer over 30,000 positions to global talent, promoting free trade port construction.
The job openings are provided by the government, public service sector, state-owned enterprises, and private enterprises which involve fields including the modern service industry, tourism and high-tech industry.
There are 1,717 senior positions with an annual salary of 300,000 yuan (about US$42,301) or more and 59 top positions with at least one million yuan annual salary, mainly in education, medical treatment and tourism.
According to a statement by the Hainan Free Trade Port Investment and Talent Network, the recruitment involves 470 positions for international talents, mainly in foreign language teaching, aviation industry and hotel management.
The deadline for online registration is April 30. Visit https://www.contacthainan.gov.cn/ or call 400-885-9898.
-- BERNAMA
The job openings are provided by the government, public service sector, state-owned enterprises, and private enterprises which involve fields including the modern service industry, tourism and high-tech industry.
There are 1,717 senior positions with an annual salary of 300,000 yuan (about US$42,301) or more and 59 top positions with at least one million yuan annual salary, mainly in education, medical treatment and tourism.
According to a statement by the Hainan Free Trade Port Investment and Talent Network, the recruitment involves 470 positions for international talents, mainly in foreign language teaching, aviation industry and hotel management.
The deadline for online registration is April 30. Visit https://www.contacthainan.gov.cn/ or call 400-885-9898.
-- BERNAMA
Thursday 2 April 2020
Zhongshan attracts almost 55 billion yuan investment via recent trade, investment fair
KUALA LUMPUR, April 1 -- The Zhongshan Trade and Investment Fair was recently held in Zhongshan, China, attracting 52 high-quality projects with nearly 55 billion yuan of total investment. (100 yuan = RM60.87)
According to a statement, the projects are mainly related to financial services, headquarters economy, biomedicine, intelligent manufacturing, testing and supply chain upgrades.
Forty-one projects were signed at the opening ceremony, with 38 signed via video conference, and three projects from TCL, Midea and Mingyang, respectively, signed on site.
When promoting the city’s business environment, mayor of Zhongshan, Wei Weihan, said within five years from this year, Zhongshan would invest 150 billion yuan to improve its transportation system covering high-speed rail, intercity railway, expressway, water transport and city terminals.
Meanwhile, Zhongshan plans to speed up the construction of two major scientific facilities and two high-level universities.
In early-February, Chinese governments at all levels, including Guangdong province, clearly stated their support for the resumption of operation and production.
By releasing 20 measures to support enterprises and holding the 2020 Zhongshan Trade and Investment Fair and the Top Talent Networking Zhongshan event, the city has shown a good trend of supporting enterprises' development and attracting talents.
-- BERNAMA
MONSTA LAUNCHES VIRTUAL SUMMIT WITH INDUSTRY LECTURERS ACROSS ASIA
COVID19 STRIKES THE COUNTRY INCREASING THE NEED AND DEMAND FOR VIRTUAL CLASSES
KUALA LUMPUR, April 1 (Bernama) -- With another pandemic, the Cabin Fever among the age group of 18-25 has been on the rise as a side effect of the Movement Control Order (MCO) to subdue the spread of COVID-19. According to a survey by Monsta, a Malaysian based company specialises in engaging young talents, found out that 70% of students indicate anxiousness and are fearful for their future.
Therefore, Monsta is introducing a series of virtual classes with the upcoming University of Xperience Summit 2020, starting from April until July 2020, to fight this upcoming trend of Cabin Fever-20. With Monsta’s previous experience in conducting successful virtual classes, their platform is the best options for young talents to turn to for learnings from the real world (classes will be conducted following ‘kidzania’ concept to make it more appealing to our targeted audience ) as they keep their classes fun and engaging.
Amongst some of the notable and satisfied customer that have gone through the programme by Monsta are Rafiq, from faculty of Kolej Kejuruteraan Universiti Malaysia Perlis (UMP), “The programmes conducted online via Monsta has provided me a whole new perspective in shifting my mindset in the most exciting and fun way. I absolutely love the fact that I get the chance to speak and discuss one-on-one with key industry player and to get the advice personally was life changing for me as I understand more and put it into practice. I highly recommend for everyone to participate in this programme!”.
Founder and CEO of Monsta, Zhi Ee Chan said, “the University of Xperience Summit 2020 will be launch on the 1 April 2020 instead of November to deliver the high demand of virtual classes due to Covid19 pandemic. This summit is aimed to keep young talents engaged and promote continuous learning during their unexpected additional “Semester Break” due to the COVID-19 MCO, where the focus of the world is taken away from students”.
With the MCO in place, students have gained an extended 1-month Semester Break with nowhere to go and potentially resort to gaming and binge-watching on TV Programmes.
Due to this pandemic Covid-19, there will be more people losing their job and upskilling themselves is the only way to go. Being adaptable to current situation will help our young adults to be better.
http://bernamamrem.com/viewsm.php?idm=37085
METLIFE AND AMMETLIFE SIGN U.N. WOMEN'S EMPOWERMENT PRINCIPLES
KUALA LUMPUR, March 31 (Bernama) -- MetLife, Inc. recently announced today that it has become the first U.S.-based insurance company to sign the United Nations Women’s Empowerment Principles, a series of commitments created by U.N. Women and the U.N. Global Compact to promote gender equality in the workplace and society.
MetLife President and CEO, Michel Khalaf said, “MetLife’s support for gender equality reflects our purpose of building a more confident future for all. Empowering women is more than a core value for us – it is a key element of our business strategy. Partnering with the U.N. will help us strengthen our focus and take our commitment to the next level.”
The U.N. Women's Empowerment Principles are:
• Principle 1: Establish high-level corporate leadership for gender equality
• Principle 2: Treat all women and men fairly at work – respect and support human rights and non-discrimination
• Principle 3: Ensure the health, safety and well-being of all women and men workers
• Principle 4: Promote education, training and professional development for women
• Principle 5: Implement enterprise development, supply chain and marketing practices that empower women
• Principle 6: Promote equality through community initiatives and advocacy
• Principle 7: Measure and publicly report on progress to achieve gender equality
Commenting on AmMetLife Insurance Berhad’s support for the United Nations Women’s Empowerment Principles, CEO, Ramzi Toubassy said, “At AmMetLife, we are committed to advocating and promoting gender equality in the workplace. 66 percent of our employees are women and women also account for 53 percent of our senior management team. We will continue to foster an environment that is both safe and conducive for women of all backgrounds to enjoy equal opportunities to grow, lead and succeed. “
For more information on MetLife’s commitment to gender equality and its corporate responsibility activities, visit www.metlifeglobalimpact.com.
About MetLife
About MetLife MetLife, Inc. (NYSE: MET), through its subsidiaries and affiliates (“MetLife”), is one of the world’s leading financial services companies, providing insurance, annuities, employee benefits and asset management to help its individual and institutional customers navigate their changing world. Founded in 1868, MetLife has operations in more than 40 markets globally and holds leading positions in the United States, Japan, Latin America, Asia, Europe and the Middle East. For more information, visit www.metlife.com
About AmMetLife
AmMetLife is a strategic partnership between AMMB Holdings Berhad (AmBank Group) and MetLife International Holdings LLC (MetLife). AmMetLife offers a comprehensive range of life assurance and wealth protection solutions distributed through a combination of over 200 AmBank and AmMetLife branded branch offices, in addition to the strength of its authorised life insurance agents nationwide. The strategic partnership combines the international expertise and financial strength of MetLife with the local strength and reach of AmBank Group to create a customer-centric and modern life assurance solutions provider in Malaysia.
SOURCE: AmBank Group
MetLife President and CEO, Michel Khalaf said, “MetLife’s support for gender equality reflects our purpose of building a more confident future for all. Empowering women is more than a core value for us – it is a key element of our business strategy. Partnering with the U.N. will help us strengthen our focus and take our commitment to the next level.”
The U.N. Women's Empowerment Principles are:
• Principle 1: Establish high-level corporate leadership for gender equality
• Principle 2: Treat all women and men fairly at work – respect and support human rights and non-discrimination
• Principle 3: Ensure the health, safety and well-being of all women and men workers
• Principle 4: Promote education, training and professional development for women
• Principle 5: Implement enterprise development, supply chain and marketing practices that empower women
• Principle 6: Promote equality through community initiatives and advocacy
• Principle 7: Measure and publicly report on progress to achieve gender equality
Commenting on AmMetLife Insurance Berhad’s support for the United Nations Women’s Empowerment Principles, CEO, Ramzi Toubassy said, “At AmMetLife, we are committed to advocating and promoting gender equality in the workplace. 66 percent of our employees are women and women also account for 53 percent of our senior management team. We will continue to foster an environment that is both safe and conducive for women of all backgrounds to enjoy equal opportunities to grow, lead and succeed. “
For more information on MetLife’s commitment to gender equality and its corporate responsibility activities, visit www.metlifeglobalimpact.com.
About MetLife
About MetLife MetLife, Inc. (NYSE: MET), through its subsidiaries and affiliates (“MetLife”), is one of the world’s leading financial services companies, providing insurance, annuities, employee benefits and asset management to help its individual and institutional customers navigate their changing world. Founded in 1868, MetLife has operations in more than 40 markets globally and holds leading positions in the United States, Japan, Latin America, Asia, Europe and the Middle East. For more information, visit www.metlife.com
About AmMetLife
AmMetLife is a strategic partnership between AMMB Holdings Berhad (AmBank Group) and MetLife International Holdings LLC (MetLife). AmMetLife offers a comprehensive range of life assurance and wealth protection solutions distributed through a combination of over 200 AmBank and AmMetLife branded branch offices, in addition to the strength of its authorised life insurance agents nationwide. The strategic partnership combines the international expertise and financial strength of MetLife with the local strength and reach of AmBank Group to create a customer-centric and modern life assurance solutions provider in Malaysia.
SOURCE: AmBank Group
COVID-19: Vista Global expands complimentary empty leg flights for governments, medical organisations
KUALA LUMPUR, March 30 -- The private aviation group, Vista Global will expand on VistaJet’s offer of complimentary empty leg flights to those with critical travel requirements during this time of uncertainty.
Through VistaJet and now XO, the global digital marketplace for private aviation, Vista Global will provide governments and medical organisations access to over 115 aircraft during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Combining efforts across VistaJet and XO in utilising their global network, infrastructure and technology, the group will help governments repatriate citizens who are stranded abroad.
It will also assist in transporting healthcare professionals and medical supplies to countries that need them the most by providing access to complimentary empty leg flights, according to a statement.
“We understand that people need help, especially in times of instability, and now in expanding the availability also to XO’s fleet, we are able to use our entire global network, infrastructure, expertise and technologies to help even more communities in need,” said Vista Global’s founder and chairman, Thomas Flohr.
In addition to helping officials keep their response plans as prompt as possible, Vista Global will also assist with the complex logistics of the necessary permits and paperwork.
-- BERNAMA
Through VistaJet and now XO, the global digital marketplace for private aviation, Vista Global will provide governments and medical organisations access to over 115 aircraft during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Combining efforts across VistaJet and XO in utilising their global network, infrastructure and technology, the group will help governments repatriate citizens who are stranded abroad.
It will also assist in transporting healthcare professionals and medical supplies to countries that need them the most by providing access to complimentary empty leg flights, according to a statement.
“We understand that people need help, especially in times of instability, and now in expanding the availability also to XO’s fleet, we are able to use our entire global network, infrastructure, expertise and technologies to help even more communities in need,” said Vista Global’s founder and chairman, Thomas Flohr.
In addition to helping officials keep their response plans as prompt as possible, Vista Global will also assist with the complex logistics of the necessary permits and paperwork.
-- BERNAMA
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