GXS BANK ACHIEVES REMARKABLE ONBOARDING EFFICIENCY USING FICO PLATFORM

Singaporean challenger bank successfully onboards vast majority of customers in less than 3 minutes

SINGAPORE, May 30 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- FICO (NYSE: FICO):

Highlights:

• GXS Bank is using FICO® Platform to make credit decisions in milliseconds and issue loans in under 3 minutes upon approval, for vast majority of customers
• GXS Bank is leveraging alternative data and FICO Platform’s Intelligent Decisions capabilities to extend credit to applicants with thin to no credit history
• The implementation of FICO® Platform took just three months to complete
• GXS Bank has won a 2024 FICO® Decisions Award for Customer Onboarding & Management

GXS Bank (GXS), Singapore’s first digital bank for consumers and businesses, is using the industry-leading capabilities of FICO® Platform to streamline its onboarding process for GXS FlexiLoan, its personal loan product. This has resulted in an onboarding time of under three minutes for the vast majority of approved GXS FlexiLoan applications.

GXS uses FICO Platform to automatically generate credit decisions in milliseconds, executing complex policy rules that utilise traditional and alternative data, to provide loans to a wider pool of consumers without compromising the bank’s credit risk appetite.

GXS leverages user-permission data from its ecosystem partners, Grab and Singtel, to expand credit access to underserved users. Utilizing data from 'super app’ Grab, a dominant force in Southeast Asia akin to Uber in the Americas, and Singtel, a major regional telco, offers valuable insights. This ecosystem data is then layered onto information from conventional sources like credit bureau scores. By integrating these datasets, GXS enhances applicant assessments, providing more accurate evaluations and personalized interest rates.

Thanks to this innovative approach, individuals previously overlooked by traditional banks—such as those starting their careers or entrepreneurs with fluctuating incomes—can now secure loans.

“Digital banks play an important role in extending banking and credit facilities to a large and underserved group of individuals and small businesses across Southeast Asia,” said Vaman Sriraman, Group Chief Risk Officer at GXS Bank. “FICO has been an invaluable partner for us in our bid to drive financial inclusion in Singapore. FICO Platform enables us to leverage alternative data and expand our offerings. Its agile infrastructure enables us to iterate quickly while ensuring robust risk controls are in place.”

More information: https://www.fico.com/en/solutions/account-opening

Agility and Adaptability: Empowering Innovation in Digital Banking

“Introducing GXS FlexiLoan exemplifies our commitment to pioneering customer-centric solutions in the digital banking realm,” added Sriraman. “The implementation of FICO Platform in just three months was nothing short of remarkable, especially when considering the traditional timelines of up to a year for other providers’ on-premises solutions.”

FICO Platform capabilities will be deployed for upcoming credit products in Singapore as well as across the region, in Malaysia and Indonesia. The collaboration with FICO has set the stage for the GXS’ continued innovation and growth.

“FICO Platform plays a pivotal role in advancing financial inclusion by enabling banks like GXS to leverage alternative data sources and streamline credit decisioning processes,” said Nikhil Behl, EVP of sales and chief marketing officer at FICO. “Moreover, the implementation of the FICO Platform in just three months is a testament to our dedication to delivering tangible, rapid value to our clients.”

As a digital-only bank, GXS recognises the paramount importance of agility and efficiency in its operational processes. The imperative to swiftly go-live while upholding stringent risk controls posed a challenge. With the FICO Platform, GXS has been able to configure and deploy risk policies with remarkable speed and precision, utilising advanced analytics, rule design, and flow orchestration.

For its achievements, GXS Bank won a 2024 FICO® Decisions Award for Customer Onboarding & Management.

“The ability to architect scalable solutions while maintaining unprecedented speed is what impressed the judges with GXS Bank,” said Paul Mah, senior editor at CDO Trends and one of the FICO Decisions Awards judges. “GXS Bank’s commitment to excellence and customer satisfaction allowed it to extend credit access to underserved segments of the population, fostering economic empowerment and creating opportunities for individuals who may have previously been excluded from traditional banking services.”

To see the full list of 2024 FICO Decisions Awards winners, check out: https://www.fico.com/en/decisionsawards.

About GXS

GXS Bank (GXS) is a digital bank with a relentless focus to make banking better for the everyday consumer and small business. This includes Singapore’s underserved individuals and businesses.

The Bank aims to improve financial inclusion and to drive financial revolution for its customers through the secure and ethical use of technology and data.

GXS holds a banking licence issued by the Monetary Authority of Singapore.

It is backed by a consortium consisting of Grab Holdings Inc. – Southeast Asia’s leading super app, and Singtel – Asia’s leading communications technology group. GXS is a separate entity and is not associated with the businesses of Grab Holdings, Singtel and their entities. GXS is also not associated with or related to the businesses of FICO or its entities.

About the FICO® Decisions Awards

The FICO Decisions Awards recognize organisations that are achieving remarkable success using FICO solutions. A panel of independent judges with deep industry expertise evaluates nominations based upon measurable improvement in key metrics; demonstrated use of best practices; project scale, depth and breadth; and innovative uses of technology. The 2024 judges are:

• Andrew Birmingham, editor, Mi3
• Eric Kavanagh, CEO Bloor Group and host, InsideAnalysis
• Elizabeth Lumley, deputy editor, The Banker
• Paul Mah, senior editor, CDO Trends
• Laura Martins, editor, IT Forum
• Paul Robinson, VP credit management at Canadian Tire Bank (previous winner)
• Shiv Sehgal, EVP audience analytics at RSG Media (previous winner)
• Nick Vitchev, director at Chartis

The winners of the FICO Decisions Awards were spotlighted at and won tickets to FICO® World 2024, April 15 – April 18, 2024 in San Diego, California

About FICO

FICO (NYSE: FICO) powers decisions that help people and businesses around the world prosper. Founded in 1956, the company is a pioneer in the use of predictive analytics and data science to improve operational decisions. FICO holds more than 200 US and foreign patents on technologies that increase profitability, customer satisfaction and growth for businesses in financial services, insurance, telecommunications, health care, retail and many other industries. Using FICO solutions, businesses in more than 100 countries do everything from protecting 4 billion payment cards from fraud, to improving financial inclusion, to increasing supply chain resiliency. The FICO® Score, used by 90% of top US lenders, is the standard measure of consumer credit risk in the US and has been made available in over 40 other countries, improving risk management, credit access and transparency.

View source version on businesswire.com: 
https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240529969454/en/

Contact

Neil Mirano
RICE for FICO
+65 3157 5680
neil.mirano@ricecomms.com

Saxon Shirley
FICO
+65 9171 0965
saxonshirley@fico.com

Source : FICO

--BERNAMA

UEM EDGENTA DELIVERS Q1 2024 FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE WITH REVENUE GROWTH YOY AND RM1.7 BILLION NEW CONTRACTS SECURED TO-DATE

KUALA LUMPUR, May 30 (Bernama) -- UEM Edgenta Berhad (UEM Edgenta), a leading Asset Management and Infrastructure Solutions company in the region, on 29 May 2024 announces its unaudited financial results for the first quarter of 2024 ending 31 March 2024 (“Q1 FY2024”).

UEM Edgenta achieved a revenue growth of 7.2% in Q1 FY2024, with total revenue reaching RM677.6 million. This marks an increase of RM45.8 million from RM631.8 million in the corresponding quarter of the previous year (“Q1 FY2023”). Revenue growth mainly contributed by commencement of new and renewed projects in Healthcare Malaysia, Singapore and Taiwan, as well as revenue contribution by the newly acquired subsidiaries located in Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and United Arab Emirates. 

The company recorded an improvement in profit after tax (“PAT”), growing by RM8.6 million to RM10.2 million in Q1 FY2024 compared to Q4 FY2023, attributed to better financial performance and quality service delivery, complemented by diligent cost and resource optimisation measures. Year on year PAT however was 5.4% lower compared to Q1 FY2023.

UEM Edgenta continued to demonstrate its market leadership by securing new contracts totalling RM1.7 billion within the first four months of the year. This healthy orderbook replenishment is a testament to the company's robust pipeline and its ability to renew and win new contracts, paving way for further growth. As of 31 March 2024, the Company has an outstanding order book of RM9.5 billion, out of which 69% contributed by Infrastructure Services division, followed by 24% from Healthcare Solutions.

In Singapore, the company successfully secured 5-year contracts for the provision of hospital support services to various hospitals worth RM934.57 million to RM963.49 million. This underscores UEM Edgenta’s excellent track record, high-quality service delivery, and competitiveness in the healthcare support service market in Singapore, to both public and private hospitals. The operations in the United Arab Emirates and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia further expanding their footprint in the region with additional contracts from existing and newly acquired clients, while Infrastructure Services successfully secured few road maintenance contracts in Indonesia.

On the domestic front, UEM Edgenta is bolstering its presence in the private healthcare sector by extending services to new clients and renewing contracts with existing ones. The company's strategic investments in sustainability and technology are gaining momentum, with OPUS Energy securing a 10-year Energy Performance Contracting (“EPC”) contract from Boustead DCP Sdn Bhd. Additionally, the Infrastructure division's orderbook has been strengthened by the additional state road maintenance contracts in Selangor and Sarawak, reinforcing UEM Edgenta's pivotal role in maintaining critical transportation infrastructure assets in Malaysia.

Syahrunizam Samsudin, Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of UEM Edgenta, said, "Our Q1 FY2024 financial performance remains resilient amidst the persistent challenges arising from the competitive business landscape and inflationary pressures. While cost discipline remains the strategic priority, the quality of profits is upheld through the new high-quality contract wins across all our markets, as evidenced by the improvement in profit compared to the previous quarter. This positions us well for continued success throughout the year."

"Our focus remains on driving sustainable growth through enhancing operational efficiency, optimizing resources and costs, and delivering value to our stakeholders. With a healthy balance sheet featuring a low gross gearing ratio of 0.33 times and a robust cash and bank position of RM540.6 million, we aim to further improve our growth momentum. We are committed to leveraging our expertise and innovative solutions to capitalize on emerging opportunities in the market," he added.
 
For further information on UEM Edgenta, log on to https://www.uemedgenta.com.

About UEM Edgenta Berhad 
UEM Edgenta (www.uemedgenta.com) is a leading Asset Management and Infrastructure Solutions company in the region and is a subsidiary of the UEM Group. Listed on the Main Market of Bursa Malaysia Securities Berhad (KLSE: EDGENTA), our expertise covers Healthcare Support and Property & Facility Solutions, and Infrastructure Services covering Expressways and Rail, including project management & engineering design capabilities via our Opus Consultants business arm.
 
Guided by our ‘Edgenta of the Future 2025’ vision, UEM Edgenta’s full suite of business services is driven by technological advancements throughout the business assets’ life cycle including consultancy, procurement & construction planning, operations & maintenance, as well as optimisation, rehabilitation and upgrades. Digital solutions across multiple industries positions UEM Edgenta as a powerhouse to become a Technology-Enabled Solutions Company with a focus on healthcare by 2025.
 
UEM Edgenta has operational presence in Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Taiwan, United Arab Emirates and The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. 

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IHH REPORTS HIGHEST EVER QUARTERLY REVENUE IN Q1 2024, WITH DOUBLE-DIGIT GROWTH ACROSS KEY METRICS, ON OUTSTANDING PERFORMANCE ACROSS ALL MARKETS

 KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia and SINGAPORE, May 30 (Bernama-GLOBE NEWSWIRE) --

• Revenue at RM6.0 billion mark for the first time
• Outstanding growth momentum: revenue up 16%, EBITDA up 19%
• Core profit or PATMI (ex EI) up 22%; Lower headline PATMI due to high base in previous period (Q1 2023) which included one-off gain from sale of non-core asset IMU 

“We carried strong growth momentum into Q1 2024, with quarterly revenue hitting the RM6.0 billion mark for the first time. This outstanding performance cut across all our core markets as we took in more patients and provided more complex treatments. This drove core profit, or PATMI (ex EI), higher, even as headline profit was lower because the high base in Q1 2023 included a one-off gain from the sale of IMU. 
 
We continue to focus on providing patients with cutting edge care; for instance, the recent official opening of the region’s first private proton therapy care centre in Singapore further reinforces our position as Asia’s leading Centre of Excellence in comprehensive cancer care.
 
Overall, we expect favourable tailwinds from secular trends in the countries we operate in, which will underpin our longer-term growth. As we push on with our growth strategy aligned with our “ACE” framework, we are confident that we can generate sustained and sustainable value for all.”  
 
Dr Prem Kumar Nair
Group Chief Executive Officer, IHH Healthcare 

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Q1 2024: Outstanding core performance

• Highest ever quarterly revenue; revenue and EBITDA saw double-digit growth from sustained patient volume and taking on more acute, complex cases.
• PATMI excluding exceptional items (“PATMI (ex EI)”) was up 22% on the strong operational performance. Excluding effects of MFRS 129, PATMI (ex EI) increased 30%.
• The lower headline PATMI was primarily due to the high base in Q1 2023, which recorded one-off gains of RM862.0 million from the sale of International Medical University (“IMU”).
• Balance sheet remained strong: net cash generated from operating activities at RM831.3 million; overall cash balance at RM2.2 billion.
• Post Q1 2024,
  • Shareholders approved all resolutions tabled at the 14^th Annual General Meeting on 28 May 2024.
  • IHH officially opened the Mount Elizabeth Proton Therapy Centre in Singapore – it is the first private healthcare provider in Asia to offer proton therapy, providing patients unprecedented access to this advanced and highly specialised cancer treatment.

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KOLMAR BNH EXPANDS ITS GLOBAL MARKET BY LAUNCHING HEMOHIM G IN TAIWAN

SEOUL, South Korea, May 29 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- Kolmar BNH (KRX: 200130), a prominent Korean health functional food Original Development Manufacturing (ODM) firm, announced that it has unveiled its latest offering, HemoHIM G, in Taiwan. This introduction is part of the company's endeavor to expand its presence in global markets.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: 
https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240527924165/en/

 

HemoHIM G represents an enhanced iteration of HemoHIM, tailored to meet the distinctive tastes of consumers in Taiwan and Europe.

Kolmar BNH plans to expedite its market expansion in Asia by launching HemoHIM G in the Taiwan market on May 15. HemoHIM G, tailored for international export, has made meticulous adjustments in raw materials and ingredient proportions to comply with varying food regulations across different jurisdictions. Key ingredients such as Angelica sinensis, Ligusticum chuanxiong, and Paeonia lactiflora went through rigorous sourcing procedures, accompanied by stringent quality control measures. The taste and aroma profiles were tailored to suit the preferences of European consumers.

Furthermore, in April, Kolmar BNH's research findings on HemoHIM G were published in the esteemed academic journal 'Toxicological Research,' accredited at the SCIE level. These findings, which adhere to OECD guidelines, hold paramount significance as they not only validate the product's safety for regulatory compliance in diverse markets but also bolster intellectual property rights through reliable results.

HemoHIM, Kolmar BNH's flagship product, is distributed through its partner Atomy. The product has achieved remarkable milestones, surpassing KRW 2 trillion in cumulative sales at home and abroad since its launch. The product's success is attributed to Kolmar BNH's research and development capabilities, coupled with enduring consumer trust built over time.

The product name HemoHIM derives from the fusion of ‘HEMO (hemoglobin)’ and ‘HIM (H: hematopoiesis, I: immunity, and M: modulation)’. It encompasses extracts sourced from natural medicinal herbs such as Angelica gigas, Cnidium officinale, and Paeonia japonica. This accomplishment is a result of the collaborative endeavors of Kolmar BNH, established jointly by the Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute and Kolmar Korea, with a budget of KRW 5 billion over eight years.

Notably, the Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute, an institution concerned with radiation, has reinforced trust in HemoHIM, as it initiated research for self-protection purposes. This collaboration, combined with Kolmar BNH's expertise in commercialization and production technology, culminated in the successful development of a blended substance that enhances immune function.

HemoHIM gained recognition from the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety in 2006 as the first individually recognized functional raw material in Korea for enhancing immune function. It marked a pioneering milestone in functional food development within Korea, particularly at a juncture when research and raw materials for improving immune function were scarce.

Kolmar BNH has been reinforcing reliability through sustained research and development endeavors since the launch of HemoHIM. Consistently allocating more than 2% of its annual sales to R&D initiatives for new developments, the company achieved a significant milestone by integrating fatigue improvement functionality into HemoHIM. This came six years after the 'HemoHIM sustainable technology development project' began in 2017.

Kolmar BNH has grown by leaps and bounds with HemoHIM. In 2015, when it was listed on Korea’s key stock market KOSDAQ, the company posted sales of KRW 236.2 billion, and last year it surged 145% to KRW 579.6 billion.

An official from Kolmar BNH said, "The enduring appeal of HemoHIM among consumers underscores its proven functionality. We will remain steadfast in our commitment to advancing research and development efforts to uphold HemoHIM's status as Korea's premier functional health food." 

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THE WORLD'S FIRST PAIR OF NIKKEI 225 LEVERAGED & INVERSE PRODUCTS (L&IS) OUTSIDE OF JAPAN TO LIST ON HKEX TOMORROW

HONG KONG, May 29 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- Coupling with the first Nikkei 225 Index ETF (3153.HK) in Hong Kong, CSOP Asset Management Limited (“CSOP Asset Management”) rolls out CSOP Nikkei 225 Daily (2x) Leveraged Product (7262.HK) and CSOP Nikkei 225 Daily (-2x) Inverse Product (7515.HK), which will be listed on Hong Kong Stock Exchange on May 29, 2024 as the world’s first pair of Nikkei 225 Leveraged & Inverse Products (L&Is) outside of Japan¹. Aligning with CSOP Nikkei 225 Index ETF (3153.HK), which was launched to help investors tap into the long-term investment value in Japan, 7262.HK and 7515.HK aim to help investors ride on the short-term ebb and flow of Japan market.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: 
https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240528817965/en/

 

In order to track the two times daily performance and two times inverse of the daily performance (before fees and expenses) of the Nikkei 225 Index, both 7262.HK and 7515.HK deploy a futures-based replication strategy, through investing directly in the nearest quarter Nikkei 225 Futures (and/or nearest quarter Nikkei 225 mini), with a listing price of about 78 Hong Kong dollars per unit, trading lot of 10, and management fee of 1.6% of the ETF’s net asset value per year. 7262.HK and 7515.HK each has received an initial investment of around 10 million US dollars.

The Nikkei 225 Index has surged by 17.77% YTD after rising 30% in 2023, positioning Japan as the best performing stock market among major global markets². The launch of the Leveraged and Inverse Products is in response to mixed views on the outlook of Japan stock market after it hit the all-time high. On one hand, the corporate efforts to enhance ROE and shareholder returns continue to bolster valuations. The Bank of Japan maintains accommodative monetary policy this year, and the inflation outlook remains steady³. On the other hand, Japanese Yen, reached its 34-year nadir lately⁴, is deterring foreign investors from Japanese stocks, while weak domestic consumption has led to tepid economic growth. Additionally, Japan has lost its crown as the world’s third-largest economy in Q4 2023, with GDP figures disappointed⁵.

Among the top 10 actively traded ETPs, 6 are Leveraged and Inverse Products of the Nikkei 225 Index, establishing them the most actively traded ETPs in Japan⁶. 7262.HK and 7515.HK provide additional tools for Hong Kong investors seeking to capture the fluctuations in the Japanese market. Nikkei 225 Futures and Nikkei 225 mini are futures contracts on the Nikkei Stock Average, traded on the Osaka Exchange (OSE). These futures are the most popular ones in Japan, accounting for approximately 70% of the total derivatives market, with foreign investors making up around 75%⁷.

Ms. Ding Chen, CEO of CSOP Asset Management Limited, is delighted to announce the listing of the CSOP Nikkei 225 Daily (2x) Leveraged Product (7262.HK) and CSOP Nikkei 225 Daily (-2x) Inverse Product (7515.HK) on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange tomorrow. She remarks, "As an ETF issuer esteemed by investors in the APAC region, CSOP has consistently endeavored to offer comprehensive and diversified investment products. Currently, we stand as the leading issuer of Leveraged and Inverse products in Hong Kong, commanding a market share of 99%⁸. The introduction of the first Nikkei 225 Index L&Is listed in Hong Kong presents avenues for capturing short-term opportunities in the Japanese market."

About CSOP:

CSOP is a leading ETF issuer in Hong Kong SAR, with a wide range of product offerings across equity, fixed income, leveraged and inverse, thematic, money market, and virtual assets. In 2023, 5 out of 10 of the most traded ETFs on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange are CSOP-issued products*. Innovation and leadership are deeply rooted in CSOP’s DNA as we strive to bring first-of-its-kind products to the market, educate investors about ETF trading, and never stop looking for ways to improve trading efficiencies.

CSOP’s commitment to cross-border initiatives and collaborations is unwavering. We are the only product issuer participating in all the ETF connectivity programs between mainland China and Hong Kong SAR, capturing an 89% market share of the aggregate southbound AUM**, as well as the first issuer to participate in the China – Singapore Cross-border ETF Link Scheme.

* Source: Daily average from 1 January 2023 to 31 December 2023, Bloomberg

** Source: As of 28 September 2023, 89% of southbound connect total AUM is from CSOP Hang Seng TECH Index ETF and CSOP Hang Seng Index ETF, CSOP 

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NANOMALAYSIA BERHAD TRIUMPHS AGAIN AT ITEX 2024, WINNING THREE GOLD MEDALS AND ONE SILVER MEDAL

KUALA LUMPUR, May 29 (Bernama) -- NanoMalaysia Berhad, a company limited by guarantee under the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MOSTI), is proud to announce its continued exceptional achievement at the 35th International Invention, Innovation, Technology Exhibition (ITEX 2024), held from the 16^th to 17^th May 2024 at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre. For the second consecutive year, NanoMalaysia has demonstrated its unwavering commitment to technological and innovation excellence by successfully securing three gold medals and one silver medal this year as a crucial step to secure the return of investments made through our product development and scale-up project partners, both from universities and industries.

This year’s ITEX 2024 saw over 700 inventions, technologies, and products from over 15 countries presented by inventors. Among this impressive display of global innovation, NanoMalaysia stood out with its groundbreaking projects:

Gold Medal and ITEX Best Invention Award (Corporate): AI-Powered Air Quality Monitoring for Nanopollutants and Biocontaminants to Prevent Microbial and Fungal Infestations partnering with iDeria Sdn Bhd.

Gold Medal: UV Car Disinfection System partnering with Caso Resource Optimizing Sdn Bhd.

Gold Medal: Advanced Graphene-Based Oil and Heavy Metal Absorbent for Industrial Wastewater Filtration Applications, partnering with Metro Koats Sdn Bhd and Universiti Putra Malaysia.

Silver Medal: Organic Conductive and Thermal Paste for Electronics Application partnering with Serdang Paste Tech Sdn Bhd, Universiti Teknikal Malaysia Melaka (UTeM), and Snap Technology & Solutions Sdn Bhd (Snaptec).

Dr Rezal Khairi Ahmad, CEO of NanoMalaysia Berhad, expressed pride in the team’s effort and continued success: “Winning multiple awards at ITEX for two consecutive years is a testament to our dedication to pushing the boundaries of technology and innovation to ensure locally developed useful products benefit our triple-bottom-line target namely the people, planet and profit. ITEX is a useful third-party validation platform for the technological and commercial value of NMB, and its partners have created and deemed it a critical marketing step towards the return of investments for collective sustainable growth.  The gold medal innovations are a clear commitment from NMB to addressing planetary health and climate change. The silver medal innovation shows our support for Malaysia’s strategic focus on the Electrical & Electronic sector. Our team's hard work and commitment to excellence have again been recognised in this prestigious platform, and we look forward to further breakthroughs.”
 
The AI-Powered Air Quality Monitoring system addresses critical health and safety concerns by detecting nano pollutants and bio-contaminants to prevent microbial and fungal infestations. The UV Car Disinfection System enhances vehicle hygiene, while the Advanced Graphene-Based Oil and Heavy Metal Absorbent offers a sustainable solution for industrial wastewater filtration. The Organic Conductive and Thermal Paste for Electronics Application showcases the company's innovation in electronics.

Reflecting on the previous year’s accomplishments at ITEX 2023, NanoMalaysia earned a gold medal in the Automotive, Aerospace, Aviation, and Transportation Category for the Graphene Pre-Cured Tread Liner. The AQUENE graphene-based nanofluid, nominated for the Malaysia Innovative Product Award under the Environment & Energy category, enhances heat transfer at various interfaces. Additionally, the Scale Up Of Reduced Graphene Oxide (RGO) from Oil Palm Trunk (OPT) project, which won gold in the Agriculture Category, focuses on sustainably converting oil palm trunks into reduced graphene oxide with broad applications in sensors, composite materials, nanofluids, and energy storage.

The consistent recognition at ITEX highlights NanoMalaysia's leading role in driving technological advancements and sustainable solutions. NanoMalaysia’s award-winning projects demonstrate diverse applications, from improving air quality and vehicle disinfection to industrial wastewater treatment and enhancing electronic applications.

SOURCE: NanoMalaysia Berhad

ENTER THE DRAGON BOAT: HONG KONG INTERNATIONAL DRAGON BOAT RACES RETURN IN JUNE

Pyrotechnic Display & Drone Show to Enhance the Festivities　

HONG KONG, May 27 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- The Hong Kong Tourism Board and the Hong Kong China Dragon Boat Association are proud to announce the highly anticipated 2024 “Hong Kong International Dragon Boat Races.” Set against the stunning backdrop of Victoria Harbour, this legendary sporting event will take place on 15–16 June, 2024, and will see over 170 teams and 4,000 dragon boat athletes from around the world compete over an exhilarating weekend in the heart of Hong Kong. The Races will headline a series of water-splashing activities taking place in Hong Kong this June.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: 
https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240523545091/en/

 

With a rich history dating back to 1976, Hong Kong is recognised as the birthplace of modern competitive dragon boat racing. Today, the annual Hong Kong International Dragon Boat Races (IDBR) have become a hallmark event on the global sporting calendar. Beyond its athletic significance, the IDBR has captivated hundreds of thousands of spectators and overseas visitors, offering them a chance to witness the excitement of dragon boat races while immersing themselves in an authentic cultural experience.

In 2024, in addition to race categories for teams of all ages from around the world, as well as the always colourful Fancy Dress Competition, visitors may explore an array of Instagram-ready dragon boat-themed LINE FRIENDS displays and indulge in local specialty drinks and sweets while cheering on the races. There will also be a food lane lining the Avenue of Stars from 8–16 June offering ice-cold drinks, refreshing desserts and more for a day to night experience.

More events splashing into town

There are more water-related activities splashing into Hong Kong this June. Waterbomb, a popular Korean event known for its music and water fights, will make its debut in Hong Kong on 1–2 June at the West Kowloon Cultural District. This exciting festival showcases vibrant performances by renowned Korean artists such as Jay Park, Rain, Jessi, Hyuna and more and offers thrilling water fights involving both the artists and the audience.

On 8 and 9 June, S2O, the largest water music festival in Hong Kong is celebrating its second year in Hong Kong this year and will bring electrifying performances by internationally acclaimed DJs and artists to the Central Harbourfront Event Space.

The Drone and Pyro Show at Victoria Harbour this June

Not to be missed are the monthly Drone and Pyro Shows at Victoria Harbour that elevate the overall appeal of the celebrations. On the night of 10 June, Dragon Boat Festival, a newly curated drone show will be launched over Victoria Harbour, adding an extra layer of enchantment to the festivities that resonate throughout the city. A captivating Pyrotechnic Display will follow on 15 June, the first day of IDBR to invite overseas visitors to enjoy a spectacular show under Hong Kong’s skyline after a full day of exciting races.

Whether witnessing the power, excitement, and cultural splendour of the thrilling Dragon Boat Races, or taking part in an immersive music event by Hong Kong’s world-famous harbourfront, there’s something for everyone in Hong Kong this June. For more details and to start planning your next visit, head to www.discoverhongkong.com/eng

Media can download photos from the following link: https://assetlibrary.hktb.com/assetbank-hktb/action/browseItems?categoryId=1541&categoryTypeId=2&cachedCriteria=1
 

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MING LAUNCHES THE 37.09 BLUEFIN, A NEW 600M DIVE WATCH WITH AN INTERNALLY ROTATING SAPPHIRE DIAL

LA CHAUX-DE-FONDS, Switzerland, May 24 (Bernama-GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Today, Horologer MING releases the new 37.09 Bluefin, featuring their third-generation design language. It is their first watch with a unidirectionally-rotating, luminous sapphire timing dial that replaces a conventional dive bezel. It rides on bearings and is set by a dedicated crown. The Bluefin’s steel case is water resistant to 600m, but comfortably sized at 38x12.8mm. It is powered by a customized Sellita SW300-1 with 50 hours of power reserve and bidirectional automatic winding.
 

The 37.09 Bluefin continues the MING design tradition of graphically minimalist scales that are easy to read and index. A new metallisation process creates a deep blue hue on the sapphire dial, which along with the hands, is extensively treated with Super-LumiNova X1 for optimal legibility under all conditions.

Watches will be delivered on a new moulded FKM rubber strap that is also compatible with all of MING’s previous 20mm lug watches. The natural shape of the strap matches the curvature of the average wrist, and it is also keeperless and tapered in thickness to further enhance comfort. It will be available as a standalone accessory as well.

The MING 37.09 Bluefin is priced at CHF 4,950, with 500 watches produced for 2024. They will be exclusively available at www.ming.watch from 1PM GMT on 24 May 2024, with deliveries expected to begin October 2024.

MING 37.09 Bluefin Specifications

• Case: 316L stainless steel, 38mm diameter, 12.8mm thickness, 44.5mm interlug
• Domed sapphire crystals with double anti-reflective coating
• Super-LumiNova X1 markings
• 600m water resistance
• Sellita for MING SW300.M1 with anthracite skeletonized bridges; automatic with 50h power reserve
• Moulded FKM rubber strap
• 2-year warranty
• Made in Switzerland

About MING:

Horologer MING is an independent watch brand with the goal of reviving a sense of excitement and discovery among watch enthusiasts. We are dedicated to refined aesthetics, and pushing the boundaries of materials, mechanics and engineering. This has won us many accolades including the Horological Revelation Prize at the 2019 Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève. MING products are available exclusively online at www.ming.watch. Subscribe to our newsletter and follow our Instagram for the latest updates from MING.

MING is an internationally registered trademark of Horologer MING SA, Switzerland. 

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HITACHI ENERGY'S HVDC TECHNOLOGY TO POWER MARINUS LINK, A KEY STEP TOWARD AUSTRALIA'S NET ZERO AMBITIONS

An Australia-first using advanced HVDC technology to stabilize an increasingly renewable grid -- A transmission project of national significance to play a key role in Australia’s energy transition to power 1.5 million homes -- Hitachi Energy’s two-way power transmission technology will unlock Tasmania’s world-class wind and hydro storage resources to deliver affordable and reliable clean energy for Australians

Melbourne, Australia / Zurich, Switzerland, May 24 (Bernama-GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Hitachi Energy has been selected by Marinus Link Pty Ltd (MLPL) to supply a high-voltage direct current (HVDC) project of national significance, which will augment the connection between mainland Australia and Tasmania’s grid.  

The approximately 345-kilometer cable route HVDC system will enable the flow of renewable power in both directions between the Victorian and Tasmanian states. 

For the first time in Australia, Marinus Link will use advanced converter technology at both ends of the link to stabilize and integrate more and more renewables into the power grid. 

The connection will enable the Tasmanian state to import excess supply of solar and wind produced in Victoria, while reserving its hydro and storing the extra energy. Clean hydropower can then feed the mainland grid when it is needed most, acting as a large battery for the nation. Moreover, it strengthens the security of supply in the Australian power grid in which electricity is increasingly generated from sustainable energy. 

Hitachi Energy will supply its HVDC Light® voltage source converter (VSC) stations in the first stage of the project, which will convert alternating current (AC) to direct current (DC) for efficient, long-distance transmission and DC to AC, where the electricity is returned to the grid.  

“As Australia is rapidly transforming its grid to support the integration of more clean energy sources, we are proud of our HVDC technology that will help transmit large amounts of electricity with higher stability and lower electrical losses,” said Niklas Persson, Managing Director at Hitachi Energy’s Grid Integration business. “Interconnectors like Marinus Link give customers access to affordable, on-demand renewable energy supply and increase storage capabilities.” 

Upon completion of both project stages, Marinus Link will have a total capacity of 1,500 megawatts (MW), equal to the power needed for 1.5 million Australian homes. In line with Australia’s Net Zero ambitions, as coal-fueled generation is retired, this link will result in saving up to 140 million tons of CO2 equivalent emissions by 2050, equal to taking approximately 1 million cars off the road.1 

Australia has committed to achieving Net Zero emissions by 2050 and reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 43 percent below 2005 levels by 2030. The lowest-cost pathway for secure and reliable electricity is from renewable energy, connected by efficient transmission systems, supported by storage and pumped hydro.  

Marinus Link is a project of national significance that will play a fundamental role in the two states’ energy ecosystem in which power infrastructure requires a major overhaul to satisfy the growing electrical demands and guarantee a constant and reliable power flow through Australia’s transition to renewable energy 

“Today, we have taken another firm step towards project execution. With our essential HVDC systems secured, Marinus Link is poised for delivery by the end of the decade. Marinus Link is a cornerstone project of the Australian Government’s Rewiring the Nation Plan and is classified as urgent in the Australian Energy Market Operator’s national energy plan,” said Caroline Wykamp, CEO of Marinus Link Pty Ltd. “The Australian, Tasmanian and Victorian governments recently entered an historic agreement for joint ownership of Marinus Link, securing it as a critical transmission project for Australia.” 

Hitachi Energy pioneered commercial HVDC technology 70 years ago and has delivered more than half of the world’s HVDC projects. Today, the company has the largest installed base of HVDC in the world.  

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MetaHomes Collaboration With Artist Roy Wang Cements Commitment To Cultural Integration, Innovation

KUALA LUMPUR, May 23 (Bernama) -- MetaHomes recently had the privilege of taking part in the "Chinese Dragon" large-scale light painting creation event, hosted by world-renowned light painting artist Roy Wang, in Dubai.

In a statement, MetaHomes said this collaboration added a touch of Chinese culture to Dubai's vibrant art landscape, further cementing the company' commitment to cultural integration and innovation.

This event underscored MetaHomes' commitment to creating a unique cultural and high-quality life service experience for its users.

MetaHomes Chief Executive Officer, Jerry Wu said collaborating with Wang has been an incredible opportunity for MetaHomes as his artistic vision and the company’s technological innovations together create a unique blend of art and real estate.

“This partnership reflects our ongoing commitment to cultural enrichment and technological advancement," said Wu.

Meanwhile, Wang, a dignitary in his field, said participating in this event with MetaHomes has been an extraordinary experience.

“Dubai's unique multicultural character provides an ideal backdrop for artistic innovation, and I am excited to see how our combined efforts will enhance the real estate landscape here,” he added.

During the event, MetaHomes highlighted its innovative platform features, including its artificial intelligence (AI) and virtual reality-powered system, as well as its brand identity, Kylin, a thoughtfully developed cultural AI mascot.

As MetaHomes' brand ambassador, Kylin reflects the company's image while drawing inspiration from the rich heritage of Chinese traditional culture, in which this mascot serves as a user-friendly guide, empowering clients to make informed and cost-effective real estate decisions.

Through this approach, MetaHomes strives to not only offer cutting-edge technological solutions but also foster a welcoming and approachable user experience. Notably, Kylin complements Roy Wang's "Chinese Dragon" light painting work by injecting new life into Dubai's cultural exchanges and symbolising MetaHomes' innovative approach to real estate solutions.

-- BERNAMA

ECOKNIGHTS BENEFITED FROM ADOBE CERTIFIED PROFESSIONAL; WINNING DESIGNS TO FEATURE AT 16TH INTERNATIONAL KL ECO FILM FEST

KUALA LUMPUR, May 24 (Bernama) -- The third Micro-Credentials Education Summit (MCES) launched in Kuala Lumpur on May 23, 2024, with over 300 delegates from federal ministries, government agencies, industry, and 110 higher education institutions. Deputy Minister Teo Nie Ching officiated, coinciding with the Creative Cloud Community (CCC)'s Adobe Certified Professional (ACP) and MOS Malaysia National Championship 2024 finale.

Themed "Preparing for Tomorrow’s Workforce," MCES 2024 acts as a global education hub, fostering collaboration, innovation, and change. It encourages dialogue between education and industry to ensure future talents are workforce-ready.

In her opening remarks, Teo highlighted “The creative industry, particularly in creating visual and video contents, recognises a compelling need for the production team to have validated skills such as video editing in post-production.”

“To this end, FINAS actively implements a wide array of human capital development programs, ranging from workshops and masterclasses to film appreciation programs, seminars, community initiatives, and beyond with 3,700 participants over the last year.”

Dato’ Kamil Othman, chairman of the National Film Development Corporation (FINAS), remarked “At FINAS, we are committed to integrating craftsmanship with cutting-edge technology, optimising this methodology to produce world-class content.”

The summit facilitated a live dialogue between educational institutions and industry representatives to align outcomes with industry needs. It explored micro-credentials, bridging academic learning with practical skills.

Case studies showcased effective upskilling and AI integration, improving student job prospects. The summit shared Vietnam's digital skills strategies, encouraging similar approaches worldwide.

Natalie Sit, Acestar’s managing director, emphasised “Micro-Credentials and AI will be the future of our national education and talent acquisition ecosystem. Acestar Group welcome all partners to collaborate in turning this vision into a reality as we are aiming for 3 million Malaysians to be upskilled and certified in the upcoming few years,” 

The event concluded with the declaration of winners for CCC's ACP and Microsoft Office Specialist Malaysia Championship 2024. ACP assessed Adobe software skills, MOS focused on Microsoft Office. Champions will compete in the Certiport World Championship 2024 in Anaheim, California. This year, EcoKnights was selected as the NGO Partner-Beneficiary Body for the ACP, with the winning designs being designated as the official posters for the 16th International Kuala Lumpur Eco Film Fest organised by EcoKnights. 

The 16th International Kuala Lumpur Eco Film Fest (KLEFF), Southeast Asia’s longest-running ecofilm festival, is collaborating with CCC’s ACP Malaysia National Championship 2024 and ‘Kempen Air Kita’, supported by the National Water Services Commission (SPAN), to creatively educate on sustainable water management.

“Malaysians' daily water consumption per person averages 237L versus World Health Organization's (WHO) recommended 165L, thus KLEFF’s theme, ‘Water: Sustainably Yours’ highlights the importance of internally-motivated behaviours in water consumption based on informed decision-making process,” explained Amlir Ayat, KLEFF Honorary Advisor, on this year’s championship theme.

Malaysian youths have previously achieved notable successes in the Adobe Certified Professional World Championship, bringing home several top titles. The press release urged corporate sponsor support.

For more information on the Malaysia National Championship 2024, please visit https://www.championshipmy.com/.

About EcoKnights

EcoKnights, an environmental NGO inspiring sustainable living, has organised KLEFF since 2008. Through Kempen Air Kita, EcoKnights collaborate with SPAN to promote sustainable water consumption and conservation. Visit EcoKnights: https://ecoknights.org.my/, KLEFF: https://kleff.my/kleff2024/ and Air Kita: https://www.airkita.org.my/ for more information.  

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Oaktree Takes Over Inter Milan After Missed Payment

KUALA LUMPUR, May 23 (Bernama) -- Oaktree Capital Management L.P. (Oaktree) has taken over FC Internazionale Milano (Inter Milan) after the Serie A champions' Chinese owner defaulted on a loan with a balance of 395 million euros. (1 euro = RM5.09)

In a statement, Oaktree said it assumed ownership of Inter following the non-repayment of a three-year loan to Inter Milan's holding companies that matured on May 21.

“As new owners, we recognise our responsibility to Inter Milan’s community, history and legacy. Our initial focus is operational and financial stability.

“We have great respect for Inter Milan's management team and look forward to working closely with them to provide strong leadership for the club,” said Oaktree Managing Director and Co-Head of Europe for Global Opportunities strategy Alejandro Cano.

In May 2021, Oaktree provided the club’s holding companies with rescue capital to stabilise its financial situation and enable it to continue operating, including to pay its players and employees.

In the three years since Oaktree’s rescue financing, Inter has lifted its eighth and ninth Coppa Italia, secured its sixth, seventh, and eighth Supercoppa, earned its 20th Scudetto title and historic second star, and reached the UEFA Champions League final for the first time since 2010.

Oaktree is dedicated to achieving the best outcome for the long-term prosperity of Inter Milan, with an initial focus on operational and financial stability for the club and its stakeholders as well as values the legacy, the passion of the players, the loyalty of the fans, and the its significant role in Milan, Italy and the global sporting community.

The firm is committed to working closely with Inter Milan’s current management team, partners, the league and governing bodies to ensure the club is positioned for success on and off the pitch; focusing on robust management, operations and governance with a vision for sustainable growth and success.

A leader among global investment managers specialising in alternative investments, Oaktree emphasises a value-oriented and risk-controlled approach to investments in credit, private equity, real assets and listed equities.

-- BERNAMA

APRINOIA THERAPEUTICS ANNOUNCES FAST TRACK DESIGNATION GRANTED BY U.S. FDA TO APN-1607 FOR THE DIAGNOSIS OF PROGRESSIVE SUPRANUCLEAR PALSY

Fast Track Designation follows announcement in January 2024 that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) granted a “Study May Proceed” letter for APRINOIA’s planned Phase 3 study of APN-1607 (florzolotau (18F)) in the U.S., U.K., Europe and Asia

CAMBRIDGE, Mass., May 23 (Bernama-GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- APRINOIA Therapeutics Inc. (“APRINOIA” or the “Company”), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company developing novel therapeutics and precision diagnostics for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases, today announced that on May 8, 2024, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) granted Fast Track Designation (FTD) to APN-1607 (florzolotau (18F)), a Positron Emission Tomography (PET) tracer for imaging tau protein in patients with suspected progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP).

PSP is a rare neurodegenerative disorder caused primarily by the accumulation of a specific form of tau in subcortical brain regions. There are no FDA-approved diagnostic markers for PSP or any other rare tau-related disorder such as frontotemporal dementia, and until now, diagnosis has primarily relied on clinical assessment. APN-1607 may enable more accurate diagnosis at earlier disease stages, potentially improving patient management and resulting in more efficient clinical trial designs for novel therapies.

“We are very pleased with the FDA’s decision to grant APN-1607 Fast Track Designation as it underscores the significant unmet medical need for a diagnostic marker for the early diagnosis of PSP and potentially other tau-related disorders, including Alzheimer’s disease. APN-1607 is a unique imaging agent as it was designed to detect specific forms of tau implicated in PSP and other related disorders. Sadly, patients with PSP can remain undiagnosed for several years as it is often confused with other Parkinson’s like disorders, especially during the early stages. If approved, APN-1607 would provide physicians with an important diagnostic tool that will allow them to diagnose PSP with greater confidence and differentiate it from other disorders, thereby improving the management of these patients,” stated Dr. Brad Navia, Chief Medical Officer of APRINOIA Therapeutics.

“Receiving Fast Track Designation, along with the previously announced “Study May Proceed” letter from the FDA, reinforces the importance of our work related to APN-1607, and specifically, the clinical development plan to advance the asset into the clinic for the early diagnosis of PSP, and potentially other tau-related neurological disorders, including frontotemporal dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. We look forward to our further engagement with the FDA as a part of APN-1607’s Fast Track Designation, as we seek to accelerate the clinical development program for this important diagnostic tracer. We are grateful to our many investigators and partners, including the Alzheimer’s Drug Discovery Foundation and CurePSP for their continued support in our efforts to advance APN-1607 for the diagnosis of PSP and related disorders,” said Dr. Navia.

“Providing patients with neurodegenerative disorders, such as Alzheimer’s, and PSP with an early and accurate diagnosis is critical for determining the best course of treatment as well as accelerating drug development via clinical trials. The Fast-Track Designation for APRINOIA’s PET tracer is a milestone for the field that will serve as the first tau imaging agent for PSP and will add to the arsenal of tau imaging tools for Alzheimer’s. This new generation PET Tracer – in addition to other biomarkers – will move us closer to the day when we can treat the right patients with the right drugs at the right time through a precision medicine approach,” said Dr. Howard Fillit, Co-Founder and Chief Science Officer at the Alzheimer’s Drug Discovery Foundation (ADDF).

Fast Track Designation is designed to facilitate the development and expedite the review of product candidates that demonstrate the potential to address an unmet medical need, with the goal of advancing important new diagnostic and treatment options to patients more quickly than traditional regulatory routes.

Once a drug candidate receives Fast Track Designation, early and frequent communication with the FDA, including discussions around the product candidate’s development plan and regulatory review process are ensured. If the relevant criteria are met, the product candidate may be eligible for Accelerated Approval and Priority Review by the FDA.

About APN-1607
APN-1607 is a radioactive fluorinated molecule developed to visualize and quantify 3R and 4R tau aggregates by PET imaging across a number of diverse tau-related disorders, including PSP, frontotemporal dementia and Alzheimer’s disease, among others. APRINOIA is developing APN-1607 as a first-in-class radioactive diagnostic tracer for the detection of 3R and 4R tau aggregates, which contribute to the pathogenesis of various tau-related neurological disorders. APRINOIA previously received an Orphan Drug Designation from the FDA for APN-1607 as a diagnostic agent for PSP. APN-1607 has been clinically utilized in over 3,000 patients through investigator-initiated and sponsor trials, supporting its potential clinical utility as a diagnostic marker for tau-related disorders. In December 2023, enrollment of a Phase 3 trial to evaluate the efficacy and safety of APN-1607 for the diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease was completed in China and on December 8, 2023, APRINOIA received a “Study May Proceed” letter from the U.S. FDA to conduct a global Phase 3, multicenter, open-label study to evaluate the efficacy and safety of APN-1607 as a diagnostic marker in patients suspected to have PSP.

About APRINOIA
APRINOIA Therapeutics Inc. is a clinical-stage biotechnology company, headquartered in Cambridge, MA, committed to developing highly sensitive and selective diagnostic and therapeutic agents for a broad range of neurodegenerative diseases. To learn more, please visit http://www.aprinoia.com and follow us on LinkedIn.

Forward-Looking Statement
This communication contains forward-looking statements which reflect APRINOIA’s current expectations regarding future events, including its expectations for the future development of the Company. APRINOIA’s actual results may differ from its expectations, estimates and projections and consequently, you should not rely on these forward-looking statements as predictions of future events. Forward-looking statements include statements concerning plans, objectives, goals, strategies, future events or performance, and underlying assumptions and other statements that are other than statements of historical facts. No representations or warranties, express or implied are given in, or in respect of, this communication. When APRINOIA uses words such as “may,” “will,” “intend,” “should,” “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “project,” “estimate” or similar expressions that do not relate solely to historical matters, it is making forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made and factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from current expectations include, but are not limited to: the performance of APRINOIA’s business; the risk that preclinical studies and early-stage clinical trials may not be predictive of future results; the risk that regulatory approvals for APRINOIA’s product development are not obtained or are delayed, and the timing, success and cost of APRINOIA’s pipeline development activities and clinical trials. There may be additional risks that APRINOIA does not presently know, or that APRINOIA currently believes are immaterial, that could cause actual results to differ from those contained in the forward-looking statements. APRINOIA undertakes no obligation to publicly revise these forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances that arise after the date of this communication, except as required by applicable law. 

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DUCK CREEK TECHNOLOGIES APPOINTS NEW CMO TO DRIVE GLOBAL EXPANSION

KUALA LUMPUR, May 21 (Bernama) -- Duck Creek Technologies, the intelligent solutions provider defining the future of property and casualty (P&C) and general insurance, has appointed Bindu Crandall as Chief Marketing Officer (CMO).

As CMO, Crandall is responsible for overseeing Duck Creek’s strategic marketing and branding efforts driving the company’s global expansion and leadership as a provider of P&C insurance software and services.

Its chief executive officer, Mike Jackowski in a statement said Crandall is a seasoned marketer and leader who understood how to connect with Software as a Service (SaaS) customers and deliver value.

"She has a wealth of experience building and scaling world-class marketing organisations for cloud-based software companies. I am thrilled to welcome her to the Duck Creek team and look forward to working with her to accelerate our growth and expand our market leadership," he said.

Meanwhile, Crandall said: "I am honoured and excited to join Duck Creek at this pivotal time in the insurance industry. I look forward to collaborating with the talented Duck Creek team and partners to amplify our brand, engage our audiences, and drive business outcomes."

With more than 20 years of experience at enterprise technology companies, Crandall brings deep expertise in branding, demand generation, thought leadership, and content strategy to her role, backed by a proven track record of successfully launching brands and products through revenue-driven marketing and sales strategies.

Prior to joining Duck Creek, she was the CMO of Navisite, part of Accenture, a digital transformation and information technology services provider, where she built an award-winning marketing organisation that relaunched the company as a leader of managed cloud services in the mid-market.

Earlier in her career, she was the Senior Vice President of Marketing at Optima Healthcare Solutions, a SaaS provider for the post-acute care industry, and held senior marketing, product marketing, and strategy roles at companies including Internap, McKesson, and Scientific Atlanta (now Cisco).

-- BERNAMA

INTERNATIONAL TEA CULTURE FESTIVAL HELD IN CHAOYANG, BEIJING

BEIJING, May 20, 2024 /Xinhua-AsiaNet/--

The 2024 Beijing Chaoyang International Tea Culture Festival kicked off recently at the Chaoyang Park and the Junwangfu Hotel, gathering more than 100 tea brands for tea party, tea-related poem recitals and traditional Chinese-style performances, attracting many guests from both home and abroad.
 
Upon entering the Junwangfu Hotel, one can hear the melodious sound of the guqin from afar. This quaint garden-style building has been transformed into a tea culture reception hall with four distinctive areas for exhibition and display, interactive experience, immersive shopping, and new cultural experience, respectively, providing visitors with immersive tours featuring the traditional Chinese tea culture.
 
There were also special activities such as incense rituals, ikebana, Hanfu performances, tea-related poems, tasting tea and identifying flowers, as well as new consumption scenarios such as "Tea & Coffee Theme Salon" and "Sunset Music Party", providing opportunities for young people to meet friends over tea.
 
Although Beijing's Chaoyang District does not produce tea, it is one of the areas that sees the greatest tea consumption, with both traditional tea houses and innovative tea beverage stores ranking first in Beijing.
 
On the day the festival was launched, Chaoyang released the Tea Fragrance Tour Map, highlighting the highest tea fragrance indexes in 12 business districts, including CBD, Sanlitun, Wangjing, and Shuangjing.
 
In the future, Chaoyang District will further enrich the forms of cultural consumption to support Beijing's efforts for developing itself into an international consumption center, a "City of Tea Fragrance", and a "Garden City".
 
Known as "China's Number One District for Foreign Affairs", Chaoyang District gathers a number of embassies in China, international media organizations, international organizations, and regional headquarters of multinational companies. Tasting Chinese tea offers many international friends a unique experience in Chinese culture and aesthetics. Additionally, tea beverages from around the world, such as English black tea and Argentine mate tea, thrive here. Using tea as a medium to make friends, Chaoyang looks forward to welcoming guests from all over the world to enjoy the fragrance and charm of tea together.
 
Source: The Organizing Committee of 2024 Beijing Chaoyang International Tea Culture Festival 

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AMPLEXD THERAPEUTICS TO REVOLUTIONISE HPV-INDUCED CERVICAL PRECANCER TREATMENTS

KUALA LUMPUR, May 20 (Bernama) -- Amplexd Therapeutics Inc (Amplexd) has secured US$2 million from an Asia-based life sciences focused family office, towards the finalisation of product development ahead of Phase 1/2 clinical trials for its non-invasive treatments of Cervical Intraepithelial Neoplasia (CIN), the precursor to cervical cancer. (US$1=RM4.68)

“The funding marks a major milestone in our R&D efforts for our two therapies after extremely promising preclinical studies were completed.

“The capital will enable us to finalise development and IND submissions ahead of first-in-human clinical trials, expected to commence later this year,” said its Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Alia Rahman in a statement.

The strategic funding positions Amplexd to reshape the landscape in human papillomavirus (HPV) and cervical precancer treatments with two topical, non-invasive options as potential alternatives to the “watch and wait” approach for low-grade CIN, and invasive surgery for high-grade CIN.

Hence, Amplexd is poised to move the needle with the development of two low-cost therapies that favour patient comfort and increase access, and a vision to provide accessible solutions to target the often-overlooked public health crisis of HPV-induced cervical precancers.

About five per cent of cervical screenings in the United States and Europe reveal abnormalities at any given time, with significantly higher rates in Asia, Latin America, and Africa. CIN results from certain oncogenic varieties of HPV, which can transform cervical cells into invasive cancer if left untreated.

Cervical cancer is the fourth leading cause of cancer death globally in women and can largely be prevented by treatment at the CIN stage, according to World Health Organization.

A clinical stage patient-scientist-led biotech company specialising in accessible treatments for HPV-induced CIN, Amplexd was born from Rahman’s personal experience with persistent CIN, following a diagnosis of carcinoma in situ (high-grade CIN) and an invasive surgery, a 13-year journey with chronic CIN ensued.

Founded in 2022, Amplexd has been gaining prominence in the women’s health space as a company at the technological vanguard of the treatment of CIN, a disease which affects upwards of 178 million women globally every year.

-- BERNAMA