AMBANK GROUP CONTINUES TO REAFFIRM ITS COMMITMENT ON COMMUNITY SUPPORT, INCREASES CONTRIBUTION TO THE LOST FOOD PROJECT TO RM75,000

KUALA LUMPUR, June 28 (Bernama) -- AmBank Group is proud to announce its increased contribution to The Lost Food Project (TLFP), raising its support from RM50,000 in the previous years to RM75,000 this year. The contribution underscores the Bank’s commitment to supporting the operations of TLFP, a non-profit organisation dedicated to rescuing surplus food and redistributing it to those in need.
 
“The contribution reflects the Bank's ongoing dedication to addressing food insecurity and promoting sustainable solutions. The Bank has and will always be a staunch advocate for community welfare, actively participating in initiatives that make a tangible difference in the community’s lives,” said Jamie Ling, Group Chief Executive Officer, AmBank Group.
 
To commemorate its commitment on TLFP, AmBank Group also launched its own volunteer platform; the AmBank Volunteer Network (AVN) which is aimed at facilitating greater employee engagement in community service initiatives. The platform will serve as a central hub for employees to discover volunteering opportunities and hours, organise events, and track their impact, further amplifying AmBank Group's corporate social responsibility efforts.
 
“We extend our gratitude to AmBank for their ongoing support to The Lost Food Project and commitment to our cause. At TLFP, our success highly depends on partnerships and with AmBank's continuous support, we can amplify our efforts to reduce food waste and alleviate hunger in our communities. Together, we're making a real and meaningful impact," said Daniel Devadason, General Manager of The Lost Food Project.
 
AmBank Group continuously plays its role for the community at large, irrespective of race, creed or religion as the Group contributes to the sustainable development of the community within which the Group operates.
 
About AmBank Group

AmBank Group is a leading financial services group with over 40 years of expertise in supporting the economic development of Malaysia. We have over three million customers and employ over 8,000 people.
 
The Group was listed on the Main Market of Bursa Malaysia in 1988. It is the sixth-largest banking group by assets in Malaysia, with a market capitalisation of more thanRM13.9 billion as at 31 March 2024.
 
AmBank Group serves over three million individual and corporate customers. It provides services in wholesale banking, retail banking, business banking, investment banking and related financial services which include Islamic banking, underwriting of general insurance, life insurance, family takaful, stock and share broking, futures broking, investment advisory and asset management services in unit trusts and real estate investment trusts.
 
For more information, please visit www.ambankgroup.com
 
Source: AmBank Group 

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REVIEVE AND MATSUKIYOCOCOKARA INTRODUCE GROUNDBREAKING BEAUTY SOLUTIONS, TRANSFORMING THE BEAUTY EXPERIENCE IN JAPAN

HELSINKI, June 28 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- Revieve, a leading personalized digital brand experience company, today announced their partnership with MatsukiyoCocokara & Co (MatsukiyoCocokara), a prominent beauty and healthcare retailer, to redefine the beauty journey, leveraging advanced AI technology to offer customers personalized skincare, haircare, and makeup recommendations.

This collaboration introduces a trio of cutting-edge solutions, all powered by the Revieve Beauty Platform: the Digital Skincare Advisor, Virtual Try-On (VTO), and Digital Haircare Advisor. Shoppers gain access to expert skin, face, and hair analysis along with personalized product suggestions, transforming the shopping experience into an immersive, interactive, and seamless journey.

Revieve and MatsukiyoCocokara's commitment to enhancing the digital and in-store beauty journey with these technologies signifies the beginning of a customer-centric revolution in beauty retailing. By harnessing AI-driven recommendations and expert digital evaluations, customers are empowered to embrace their unique beauty preferences, embarking on an exceptional, transformative beauty journey.

Whether delving into skincare, makeup, or haircare, shoppers can immerse themselves in a personalized consultation as if they had a beauty expert by their side. The convenience of real-time analysis and assistance and tailored recommendations elevates the beauty experience, transforming the online shopping and in-store visit experience.

The solutions have already been implemented in a two-phase rollout. The first phase saw the introduction of the Skincare Advisor and VTO at the new Shibuya store, offering customers personalized skincare recommendations and the ability to virtually try on makeup products for informed decision-making.

Following this, the same was released on MatsukiyoCocokara’s new website, while the Haircare Advisor was also launched to further enhance the customer experience by helping them discover the ideal haircare products tailored to their unique needs and preferences.

The Skincare Advisor employs advanced AI technology to analyze individual skin requirements, taking into account factors such as skin type, concerns, and environmental influences. It then provides customized skincare recommendations, addressing issues like acne-prone skin, anti-aging concerns, and hydration.

The Makeup Virtual Try-On (VTO) allows customers to virtually experiment with a wide range of makeup products. With a simple scan, they can visualize how different lipstick shades, eyeshadows, and foundations appear on their face, making the decision-making process engaging and interactive.

Lastly, the Digital Haircare Advisor offers expert recommendations for haircare products based on an analysis of hair texture, concerns, and desired outcomes. It guides customers in selecting the perfect products for nourishing, styling, and maintaining their hair, ensuring that all their haircare needs are met accurately.

Both in-store and online, customers can exclusively access a variety of innovative beauty solutions. These solutions include the Skincare Advisor, Makeup VTO, and Haircare Advisor, and MatsukiyoCocokara store staff will be equipped with tablets to offer personalized assistance and expert guidance to customers. Additionally, the convenience and benefits of this experience extend beyond the store walls, as the general public can easily access it by scanning a QR code.

"We are thrilled to embark on this transformative journey with Revieve, marking a pivotal moment for MatsukiyoCocokara & Co’s leadership in Japan’s beauty and healthcare retail sector," says Mr. Takashi Matsumoto, Senior Managing Director, MatsukiyoCocokara & Co. “Our shared vision is to redefine the beauty and cosmetics experience, transcending traditional methods and embracing a more convenient and versatile approach, making online buying the new norm in Japan. Historically, customers in Japan have primarily purchased cosmetics through physical stores, either to understand the product before purchase or to buy regularly used items online, or to purchase items not available in stores based on others' reviews. Our partnership aims to break this mold by enabling customers to understand and purchase products online without visiting a physical store, thereby aiming for a more convenient purchasing method to become commonplace in Japan.”

“The partnership with Revieve was rooted in our commitment to upholding the trust we've cultivated with our Japanese customers, particularly in makeup and skincare. Recognizing the paramount importance of solid technological capabilities, we saw in Revieve a fitting ally to propel us forward in the digital landscape of the beauty sector. By joining forces, we are confident that the digital services we develop together will play a pivotal role in our long-term growth strategy," continued Mr. Takashi Matsumoto, Senior Managing Director, MatsukiyoCocokara & Co.

"This collaboration with MatsukiyoCocokara represents a significant milestone in our quest to redefine the beauty retail experience. MatsukiyoCocokara's dedication to providing exceptional customer experiences aligns perfectly with our vision for a new era of beauty interactions. Together, we aim to revolutionize how customers discover and choose beauty products, ensuring that every visit, whether online or in-store, becomes an immersive and fulfilling experience," says Revieve CEO Sampo Parkkinen.

About MatsukiyoCocokara & Co

MatsukiyoCocokara is a renowned beauty and healthcare retailer with a commitment to providing quality products and exceptional customer service. With a wide range of beauty and healthcare products, MatsukiyoCocokara is a go-to destination for customers seeking the best-in-class products in the industry.

About Revieve

Revieve is the preferred provider to beauty brands and retailers for delivering a digitally-driven, personalized brand experience leveraging its enterprise-grade beauty and wellness technology platform cross-category, cross-channel, and throughout the customer journey.

With easy-to-use self-diagnostic and coaching solutions that personalize search, product discovery, and shopping experiences, Revieve's digital beauty and wellness technology platform delivers consumers targeted products, services, and treatments that enhance the customer-brand relationship and drive loyalty. 

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NIQ EXPANDS SPACE MANAGEMENT SERVICES VIA SPAR INTERNATIONAL COLLABORATION

KUALA LUMPUR, June 27 (Bernama) -- NielsenIQ (NIQ), a global leader in consumer intelligence, has announced its strategic collaboration with SPAR International BV, facilitating the integration of NIQ Spaceman services.

According to NIQ in a statement, its space management services will be offered to SPAR country organisations worldwide, with the objective of enhancing the market position of all the retail organisation's partners.

“This collaboration is an exciting opportunity for us to support all SPAR country organisations in optimising their shelf space and fostering growth across diverse markets.

“Leveraging our experience working with select partners in the past, we have successfully driven growth through effective space management strategies,” said NIQ Analytics Leader, Simon Trott.

Meanwhile, SPAR International Head of Operations, Tom Rose said: “We are pleased to collaborate with NIQ to provide access for our global country organisation's to this solution. This collaboration underscores our commitment to our partners in providing cutting edge solutions that drive their success.”

SPAR is the world’s largest voluntary group of independently owned and operated retailers and wholesalers, who work in partnership under the SPAR Brand, comprising more than 13,984 stores in over 48 countries.

SPAR International BV is responsible for the development of SPAR network worldwide and for the enhancement of competitiveness, productivity, and profitability of its retail and wholesale partners.

Widely used in 79 countries, NIQ Spaceman suite unlocks an integrated, automated planogramming process with diverse modules to support client’s needs, analysing performance and opportunities across planograms​ to help make the best merchandising decisions.

By using this software, NIQ clients have seen increases in sales of 10 to 35 per cent, optimised assortment, and inventory reductions by 10 to 30 per cent.

-- BERNAMA

VONAGE POSITIONED AS A LEADER IN THE 2024 GARTNER® MAGIC QUADRANT™ FOR COMMUNICATIONS PLATFORM AS A SERVICE FOR THE SECOND YEAR IN A ROW

HOLMDEL, N.J., June 28 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- Vonage, a global leader in cloud communications helping businesses accelerate their digital transformation and a part of Ericsson (NASDAQ:ERIC), has again been recognized as a Leader in the Gartner Magic Quadrant for Communications Platform as a Service (CPaaS) for Ability to Execute and Completeness of Vision.

For the second consecutive year, Vonage is positioned furthest to the right on the Completeness of Vision axis in the Leaders Quadrant. A Gartner Magic Quadrant report is a culmination of research in a specific market, giving a wide-angle view of the relative positions of the market’s competitors.

“Vonage enables developers and enterprises to program communications functions like video, voice, messaging and verification into their existing products, applications, and workflows to create better connections, conversations and engagements with an easy-to-use developer platform,” said Niklas Heuveldop, Vonage CEO and Head of Business Area Global Communications Platform for Ericsson. “Leveraging our CPaaS, we are also pioneering a new market by exposing 5G network capabilities as APIs to unlock the power of the network for developers to create a new class of applications to transform how enterprises operate and engage with customers.”

Heuveldop continued, “We are honored to be named a Leader in the Gartner Magic Quadrant for CPaaS. We believe this recognition is a testament to our commitment to innovation, customer focus, and our ability to help enterprises to reimagine their business, improve customer experiences and create new value-added services.”

Vonage’s CPaaS offers API building blocks to embed programmable capabilities into workflows and applications - voice, video, messaging, verification and more - to help improve customer experience, business productivity and enhance customer engagement. Communications API solutions such as Vonage AI Acceleration Suite and Vonage AI Studio simplify this process for developers and enterprises by providing an integrated offering of no-code/low-code tools to speed development of new AI-powered capabilities, like chatbots and virtual agents, across any channel, including voice, WhatsApp, SMS, and HTTP.

Vonage remains one of only two vendors recognized in all three Magic Quadrant reports – CPaaS, Unified Communications as a Service (UCaaS) and Contact Center as a Service (CCaaS) in the cloud communications space. Download the complimentary Gartner Magic Quadrant for CPaaS.

Disclaimer

Gartner does not endorse any vendor, product or service depicted in its research publications, and does not advise technology users to select only those vendors with the highest ratings or other designation. Gartner research publications consist of the opinions of Gartner’s research organization and should not be construed as statements of fact. Gartner disclaims all warranties, expressed or implied, with respect to this research, including any warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose.

GARTNER is a registered trademark and service mark of Gartner, Inc. and/or its affiliates in the U.S. and internationally, Magic Quadrant is a registered trademark of Gartner, Inc. and/or its affiliates and is used herein with permission. All rights reserved.

Gartner, Magic Quadrant for Communications Platform as a Service, By Lisa Unden-Farboud, etc., 24 June 2024

Gartner, Magic Quadrant for Unified Communications as a Service, Rafael Benitez, Megan Fernandez, Christopher Trueman, Pankil Sheth, 28 November 2023.

Gartner, Magic Quadrant for Contact Center as a Service, By Drew Kraus, etc., 7 August 2023

About Vonage

Vonage, a global cloud communications leader, helps businesses accelerate their digital transformation. Vonage's Communications Platform is fully programmable and allows for the integration of Video, Voice, Chat, Messaging, AI and Verification into existing products, workflows and systems. The Vonage conversational commerce application enables businesses to create AI-powered omnichannel experiences that boost sales and increase customer satisfaction. Vonage's fully programmable unified communications, contact center and conversational commerce applications are built from the Vonage platform and enable companies to transform how they communicate and operate from the office or remotely - providing the flexibility required to create meaningful engagements.

Vonage is headquartered in New Jersey, with offices throughout the United States, Europe and Asia and is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Ericsson (NASDAQ: ERIC), and a business area within the Ericsson Group called Business Area Global Communications Platform. To follow Vonage on X (formerly known as Twitter), please visit www.twitter.com/vonage. To follow on LinkedIn, visit linkedin.com/company/Vonage/. To become a fan on Facebook, go to facebook.com/vonage. To subscribe on YouTube, visit youtube.com/vonage.

View source version on businesswire.com: 
https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240627919190/en/

Contact

Vonage Media Contact: Jill Baldassano, +1 848.301.7024, jill.baldassano@vonage.com

Source : Vonage

EBC FINANCIAL GROUP BAGS DOUBLE RECOGNITION AT WORLD FINANCE AWARDS

KUALA LUMPUR, June 27 (Bernama) -- EBC Financial Group (EBC) has been honoured with Most Trusted FX Broker and Best CFD Broker awards at the World Finance Awards 2024, reflecting its unwavering commitment to transparency, regulatory compliance, and exceptional customer service.

This double recognition highlights global investors' trust in EBC’s top-tier regulatory credentials, superior trading environment, and diverse security measures, further cementing the company’s position as a global leader in the financial industry.

The Best CFD Broker award is one of the most prestigious industry accolades, evaluating brokers on order execution, pricing optimisation, user experience, fund security, trading support, and innovation, according to EBC in a statement.

As the 2024 recipient, EBC has demonstrated unparalleled execution advantages, offering lightning-fast order execution, high capacity for order aggregation, as well as exceptional system stability.

Alongside the Best CFD Broker award, EBC was also honoured as the Most Trusted FX Broker. Trust is built on a foundation of strict regulatory compliance, ensuring every order is executed safely and efficiently, supported by a responsive service team and diverse offerings tailored to various market conditions.

This year, EBC Financial Group (Cayman) Limited obtained a full regulatory license from the Cayman Islands Monetary Authority (CIMA), demonstrating its proactive compliance with broader jurisdictional requirements.

EBC has established a service team to provide round-the-clock support and specialised solutions. With localised talent pools, it shares industry insights, cutting-edge tools, and real-time information, ensuring users stay ahead.

Winning these two prestigious awards underscores global traders' trust and support for EBC and marks a significant milestone in the company’s industry achievements.

Looking ahead, EBC will adhere to the principles of integrity and respect, maintain the highest standards of trading environments, and integrate diverse services and partnerships to build a safer, more comprehensive financial ecosystem for global investment opportunities.

-- BERNAMA

SUSTAINABILITY IS SELDOM A PRIORITY AMONG BOARDS IN THE ASIA PACIFIC

 

Infographic caption: Survey data reveals that board directors in APAC face biases impacting sustainability efforts. Short-termism, profit maximization, shareholder bias, and risk aversion often overshadow long-term environmental and social considerations, impeding progress.   

Only 21% of Asia Pacific boards prioritise sustainability as short-termism, profit maximisation, and stakeholder bias remain key concerns, reveals a new study. 

KUALA LUMPUR, June 24 (Bernama) -- Sustainability is seldom a board-level priority in the Asia Pacific, with a lack of intent and ability holding boards back, revealed a research study conducted by Stewardship Asia Centre (SAC) with the support of 13 institutions across 11 Asia-Pacific countries.
 
Based on the study “Boards as Stewards of Sustainability: View Across Asia Pacific,” only 21% of respondents indicated that sustainability is a responsibility of the entire board. About 26% of respondents said sustainability is the responsibility of the board's chairman or the C-suite executive, and 16% shared that no one owns sustainability on their boards.
 
Separately, 11% of respondents indicated that their boards almost never evaluated progress on ESG considerations, and 16% said they do so once a year.
 
The survey also revealed that a lack of knowledge on sustainability is the biggest staller, with three in four boards citing it as a challenge they must overcome. The survey respondents indicated that despite increased awareness, many directors lack a deep understanding of the complexities of sustainability and its implications for business operations. The research also revealed that sustainability knowledge as a hiring criterion is still, at best, a good to have in three out of five boards.
 
A lack of intent on sustainability is illustrated by the fact that board directors tend to focus on short-term results, profit maximisation, and the interest of specific groups of stakeholders. Many are also risk averse, preferring to maintain the status quo.
 
The “heart” of boards, however, seems to be in the right place. One in three board directors consider sustainability an integral part of the corporate purpose. A significant fraction of respondent board directors aspires to spend more time than they currently do on sustainability, innovation, talent development and organisational culture while rationalising the time they spend on financial performance evaluation and regulatory compliance.
 
“The research results highlight that more needs to be done to drive action and impact in the Asia Pacific to create a collective better future. True leadership in the 21st century demands an understanding of stewardship values to drive sustainability and long-term growth. Sustainability should not be seen as an obstacle or a risk mitigation endeavour, but as an opportunity to redefine corporate strategies that will build success for the environment, humanity, future generations as well as the business,” said Mr Rajeev Peshawaria, Chief Executive Officer, SAC.
 
“It is all about boards' intent to drive the sustainability agenda, and their ability to execute it. Boards that disproportionately focus more on sustainability opportunity than sustainability risk, will emerge as long-term stewards,” added Mr Sunil Puri, Senior Vice President of Research and Engagement at SAC.

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HUNAN MUSEUM INTEGRATES CULTURE, TECHNOLOGY FOR A MULTISENSORY EXPERIENCE

KUALA LUMPUR, June 26 (Bernama) -- The Hunan Museum, together with the Digital Library of China and the team of Wang Yuejin, professor at CAMLab, Harvard University, recently launched "The Art of Life - Mawangdui Han Dynasty Culture Immersive Digital Exhibition".

According to a statement, the exhibition is in conjunction with the 50th anniversary of the archaeological excavation of the Han Tombs at Mawangdui, which remains open to the public until Feb 16, 2025, with plans for a worldwide tour.

Intended to explore ways to advance the deep integration of culture and technology, the exhibition mobilises academic resources worldwide and employs cutting-edge multimedia technology to present the cultural heritage of the Han Tombs in digitalised form through a theatrical multimedia experience, offering a glance into the essence of early Chinese civilisation and artistic achievements.

The exhibition delivers a holistic display of the art, imagination, and world view as reflected by the culture of Han Tombs and seeks to create a new paradigm for digital presentation of cultural heritage with global influence.

Structured around three modules, namely "Time and Space", "Yin and Yang", and "Life", it embarks the visitors on a "journey through space and time", by revealing the dynamic process of "cosmic operations - the sublimation of life"; displaying the chamber structure, numerous artefacts, cultural ideas and humanistic thoughts of the Han Tombs; as well as unfolding the grand imagination and artistic expression of the universe and life by ancient Chinese.

The exhibition also delivers a multisensory experience to the visitors. In the "Yin and Yang" section, the four life spaces contained in the four-outer-layer coffins of Tomb One allow visitors to marvel at the ancient Chinese people's endless exploration of the mystery of life and their profound imagination for spiritual sublimation.

In the "Life" section, the T-shaped silk paintings relive their "glorious moments", via the immersive LED ball screen, interactive dynamic graphic design, and digital restoration of cultural relics, among other technologies, visitors feel as if they were attending the "from earth to heaven" ceremony depicted in the silk paintings.

While allowing the visitors to experience the transformation and ascension of life, the section also offers a glimpse into the thoughts and emotions of the Chinese ancients 2,000 years ago.

-- BERNAMA

FREEDOMPAY AND TOAST SURVEY REVEALS TOP PRIORITIES FOR ENTERPRISE HOSPITALITY LEADERS: DATA SECURITY, INTEGRATION, AND GROWTH ENABLEMENT

Integration and Customer Support Emerge as Crucial Factors in Merchant Preferences for Payment Solutions

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, June 26 (Bernama-GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- A recent survey conducted by FreedomPay, a global leader in Next Level Commerce™ solutions, in collaboration with Toast, a leading cloud-based restaurant management software company, has unveiled crucial insights into the top priorities for enterprise hospitality leaders. The findings emphasize the importance of data security, system integration, and growth enablement in shaping merchant preferences and trust in payment solutions and point-of-sale (POS) providers.

Key Insights from the Survey:

• 53% of merchants face challenges in deciding where to allocate their technology budgets, highlighting the demand for integrated solutions that offer comprehensive value and support informed decision-making.
• The biggest factors that contribute to trust in a payment solution/point of sale (POS) provider are the quality of customer support (49%), user-friendliness (46%), reliability (44%), and integration capabilities (44%).
• Almost all merchants believe data security (100%) and data privacy (98%) are highly important when selecting a payment solution, while most believe growth enablement (82%) and speed (81%) are highly important.
• Organizations are already implementing a high level of integration between their payment/POS systems and other software systems. Most merchants say they have either fully integrated (15%) or have a very high level (70%) of integration between these systems. Almost all merchants (98%) place strong value on an integrated payment solution

“The survey with Toast highlights that integration, understanding customer behavior, and ensuring security are paramount for merchants,” said Nate Ware, SVP Sales & Digital Development at FreedomPay. “This also shows that most merchants are striving for a fully integrated ecosystem to drive growth and enhance operational efficiency. At FreedomPay, we are committed to providing the integration and security that merchants need to thrive and succeed.”

Understanding customer behavior, including shopping and purchasing patterns, is key to enhancing the customer experience and driving sales. Additionally, merchants are prioritizing security and minimal system downtime to safeguard operations and ensure business continuity. The availability of responsive and reliable customer support significantly contributes to fostering a sense of security and trust among merchants.

“The survey really underscores merchants’ need for seamless integration and a thorough understanding of customer behavior to fully enhance operational efficiency,” remarked Kelly Esten, GM of Enterprise at Toast. “For merchants, prioritizing robust data security and reliable customer support is crucial for fostering trust with customers.”

These insights highlight that seamless integration, robust data security, and reliable customer support are essential for merchants aiming to enhance operational efficiency, foster trust with customers, and drive sustained business growth in today's competitive landscape. These factors form the cornerstone of strategic decision-making for enterprise hospitality leaders as they align their technology investments with long-term success and customer satisfaction.

To learn more, download the full report: The Security Tightrope: Balancing Innovation and Risk Management for Enterprise Brands
 

About FreedomPay:

FreedomPay’s Next Level Commerce™ platform transforms existing payment systems and processes from legacy to leading edge and enables merchants to unleash the power of pay. As the premier choice for many of the largest companies across the globe in retail, hospitality, lodging, gaming, sports and entertainment, foodservice, education, healthcare and financial services, FreedomPay’s technology has been purposely built to deliver rock solid performance in the highly complex environment of global commerce.

The company maintains a world-class security environment and was one of the first payment solution providers in North America to be validated by the PCI Security Standards Council. FreedomPay’s robust solutions across payments, security, identity, and data analytics are available in-store, online and on-mobile and are supported by rapid API adoption. The award winning FreedomPay Commerce Platform operates on a single, unified technology stack across multiple continents allowing enterprises to deliver an innovative Next Level experience on a global scale. www.freedompay.com
 

About Toast:

Toast [NYSE: TOST] is a cloud-based, all-in-one digital technology platform purpose-built for the entire restaurant community. Toast provides a comprehensive platform of software as a service (SaaS) products and financial technology solutions that give restaurants everything they need to run their business across point of sale, payments, operations, digital ordering and delivery, marketing and loyalty, and team management. We serve as the restaurant operating system, connecting front of house and back of house operations across service models including dine-in, takeout, delivery, catering, and retail. Toast helps restaurants streamline operations, increase revenue, and deliver amazing guest experiences. For more information, visit www.toasttab.com. 

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OPENING OF ONLY CARDIAC AND VASCULAR SPECIALIST HOSPITAL IN PENANG AND THE NORTHERN REGION OF PENINSULAR MALAYSIA

 

Photo Caption: Northern Heart Hospital Penang now open

· Northern Heart Hospital Penang is the first hospital dedicated to advanced cardiovascular care located outside the Klang Valley

· Partnership between Malaysian doctors and TE Asia Healthcare Partners, a group which invests and operates specialty hospitals and centres across Southeast Asia

PENANG, June 25 (Bernama) -- Northern Heart Hospital (NHH), the first and only cardiac and vascular specialist hospital in Penang and the Northern Region of Peninsular Malaysia, is proud to announce its soft opening. Strategically located in George Town, the hospital serves the pressing needs of patients requiring cardiac and vascular care in the northern states of the country.
 
The National Health and Morbidity Survey 2023 found that 6.7 million Malaysians (29.2 percent of the population) suffer from hypertension while more 7.5 million adults (33.3 percent of the population) have high cholesterol, which increases the risk of cardiovascular disease. Heart disease is the number one cause of premature deaths¹ in the country, with 18.4% of medically certified deaths in 2022. According to the Statistics on Causes of Death Malaysia 2023 report, 95,266 deaths were recorded in 2022 within this age group.
 
NHH provides a comprehensive range of cardiac, vascular and cardiothoracic diagnostic facility and services to treat cardiovascular diseases such as heart disease. The team comprises highly skilled specialist doctors proficient in interventional cardiology, the treatment of structural heart diseases, complex surgical procedures, electrophysiology interventions, heart and lung surgeries, as well as comprehensive vascular and endovascular therapies.
 
“As the first hospital dedicated to cardiovascular care located outside of the Klang Valley, we offer comprehensive services that support every aspect of heart health, from prevention and early detection to advanced treatment and rehabilitation for patients in Penang and the northern states of the country. Our holistic approach emphasises not only the physical aspects of care but also the emotional and mental well-being of our patients,” Kelen Leong Choy Fun, Chief Executive Officer of Northern Heart Hospital.

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RECTITUDE HOLDINGS LTD ANNOUNCES CLOSING OF $8 MILLION INITIAL PUBLIC OFFERING

SINGAPORE, June 25 (Bernama-GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Rectitude Holdings Ltd (the “Company” or “Rectitude”), a Singapore-based provider of safety equipment and related industrial products, today announced the closing of its initial public offering (the “Offering”) of 2,000,000 ordinary shares at a public offering price of $4.00 per ordinary share, for total gross proceeds of $8,000,000, before deducting underwriting discounts, commissions, and other related expenses.

The Company has granted A.G.P./Alliance Global Partners (“A.G.P.” or “Representative”), the underwriter, an option, exercisable within 45 days from the closing date of the Offering, to purchase up to an additional 300,000 ordinary shares at the initial public offering price, less underwriting discounts to cover over-allotments, if any. Shares of the Company’s common stock began trading on the Nasdaq Capital Market under the symbol “RECT” on June 21, 2024.

The Offering was conducted on a firm commitment basis. The Company intends to use the proceeds from the Offering for marketing and promotional campaigns, product development, digital transformation and system upgrades, along with working capital and general corporate purposes.

A.G.P./Alliance Global Partners acted as the sole book-running manager for the Offering. Ortoli Rosenstadt LLP acted as U.S. counsel to the Company, and The Crone Law Group P.C. acted as U.S. counsel to A.G.P. in connection with this Offering.

A registration statement on Form F-1 (File No. 333-276517) was filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) and was declared effective by the SEC on June 20, 2024. A final prospectus relating to the Offering dated June 21, 2024 has been filed with the SEC and is available on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. Electronic copies of the final prospectus relating to this Offering, when available, may be obtained from A.G.P./Alliance Global Partners, 590 Madison Avenue, 28th Floor, New York, NY 10022, Telephone: (212) 624-2060; Email: prospectus@allianceg.com.

Before you invest, you should read the prospectus and other documents the Company has filed or will file with the SEC for more information about the Company and the Offering. This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy these securities, nor shall there be any sale of these securities in any state or jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation, or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such state or jurisdiction.

About Rectitude Holdings Ltd

Founded in 1997 in Singapore, Rectitude is principally involved in the provision of safety equipment, encompassing essential items such as personal protective clothing, gloves, safety footwear, personal fall arrest systems, portable fire extinguishers and traffic products. The Company also offers auxiliary products such as industrial hardware tools and electrical hardware required for construction sites. Rectitude’s products and solutions are marketed to a wide array of distributor networks and end markets, both in Singapore and increasingly throughout the Southeast Asian region, including Brunei, Cambodia, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Vietnam.

For more information, please visit the Company’s website: https://ir.rectitude.com.sg

Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements in this announcement are forward-looking statements, including, but not limited to, the Company's proposed Offering. These forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties and are based on the Company’s current expectations and projections about future events that the Company believes may affect its financial condition, results of operations, business strategy and financial needs, including the expectation that the Offering will be successfully completed. Investors can identify these forward-looking statements by words or phrases such as “approximates,” “believes,” “hopes,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “estimates,” “projects,” “intends,” “plans,” “will,” “would,” “should,” “could,” “may” or other similar expressions. The Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise publicly any forward-looking statements to reflect subsequent occurring events or circumstances, or changes in its expectations, except as may be required by law. Although the Company believes that the expectations expressed in these forward-looking statements are reasonable, it cannot assure you that such expectations will turn out to be correct, and the Company cautions investors that actual results may differ materially from the anticipated results and encourages investors to review other factors that may affect its future results in the Company's registration statement and other filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. 

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BASF PETRONAS CHEMICALS AND GREEN GROWTH ASIA FOUNDATION KICK OFF ECO SCHOOLS GREEN SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY CARNIVAL

KUANTAN, June 25 (Bernama) -- Eco Schools Green Science & Technology Carnival was held on June 25, 2024 at SMK Sultanah Hajjah Kalsom, Kuantan, Pahang. This inaugural event, dedicated to fostering a generation of green innovators marking a significant milestone in the journey towards a sustainable future. About 64 schools around Malaysia and 1200 students participated in the carnival. 

This programme is part of company’s effort to raise awareness on how chemistry, innovation and technology can contribute to sustainability among secondary school students and is also supported by The Ministry of Education (MoE) Malaysia. The primary objective of Eco Schools Green Science and Technology Carnival is to provide a platform for Green Innovation Science Project (GISPRO) competition finalists to showcase their groundbreaking projects. It also aims to offer students opportunities to engage with corporate leaders and explore green technology careers, as well as to promote practical learning through lab-based exhibitions focusing on sustainability.

The Eco Schools Green Science and Technology Carnival is more than just an event; it's a dynamic platform designed to ignite the passion for science and green technology among students. It is about inspiration and learning, with around 750 participants from 55 schools joining the GISPRO competition that was conducted few months prior to the main carnival event. The carnival witnesses 15 finalists and brightest young minds all over Malaysia presenting their innovative green technology projects, all vying for the prestigious championship title. This competition promises to showcase the ingenuity and creativity of students who are committed to making a tangible impact on the environment.

Together with employee volunteers, 30 student volunteers from Institut Latihan Perindustrian (ILP) Kuantan, guided the children through the experiments and activities in the carnival.

“Through our societal engagement efforts, we continue to create a sustainable future and provide quality education as part of our commitment to UN Sustainable Development Goals. It is an honor to host Eco-Schools Green Science & Technology Carnival this year as we recognize the importance of working together with the community and partners such as GGAF to uplift the society. We also appreciate the continued collaboration with the student volunteers from ILP Kuantan,“ said Tan Aik Meam, Managing Director, BASF PETRONAS Chemicals. 

Datuk Ir. Ts. Dr. Mahadi Mohamad, Executive Director of Green Growth Asia Foundation (GGAF), echoed these sentiments, saying, “This carnival exemplifies how education and innovation can drive sustainable change. By showcasing their projects, students not only highlight their talents but also deepen their commitment to environmental stewardship.”

“The Eco Schools Green Science and Technology Carnival is a beacon for nurturing young minds towards sustainable innovation. It’s a platform where our future leaders learn to think creatively and act responsibly for a greener Malaysia,” emphasized YB Dato' Mohamad Nizar bin Dato' Sri Mohamad Najib, EXCO Pelaburan, Perindustrian, Sains, Teknologi Dan Inovasi Negeri, highlighting the event's significance.

About BASF PETRONAS Chemicals Sdn. Bhd.

BASF PETRONAS Chemicals Sdn. Bhd. is a Malaysia-based joint venture between BASF and Petroliam Nasional Berhad (PETRONAS), Malaysia’s fully integrated oil and gas multinational, under its subsidiary PETRONAS Chemicals Group Berhad (PCG). Incorporated in 1997, the company operates an integrated Verbund site situated in the Gebeng Industrial Zone, Kuantan, Pahang. The company’s share capital is 60% held by BASF and 40% held by PCG. Key products include acrylic monomers, oxo products, 2-ethylhexanoic acid, highly reactive polyisobutene and aroma ingredients. 

For more information, visit our website www.basf-petronas.com.my.
 

About Green Growth Asia Foundation
 
GGAF, also known as the Green Growth Asia Foundation, is an international civil society organisation advocating for the sustainable development agenda of the United Nations (UN) and headquartered in Melaka, Malaysia. GGAF is the national operator for the Eco-Schools Malaysia programme appointed by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE). Through mental reengineering and initiatives based on the UN Greening Education Partnership, GGAF empowers youth for individual climate action. Established in 2015, GGAF supports holistic impact and drives change through education, aligning with national and global sustainability targets.
 
For more information, visit our website www.greengrowthasia.org/ecoschools.my.  
 
 
About Eco-Schools Malaysia
 
The Eco-Schools programme is an education-based initiative aimed at encouraging young people to engage in environmental issues and sustainability by providing them with opportunities to actively protect the environment through identified, designed and implemented eco projects within school premises. Through this programme, students can better understand the concepts they have learned, thereby enhancing their awareness, experience, and interest in environmental education.
 
Source: Green Growth Asia Foundation 

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SME BANK PARTNERS SCHOOL OF BUSINESS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF APPLIED SCIENCES AND ARTS NORTHWESTERN SWITZERLAND (FHNW) FOR SME BANK SANDBOX SWISS INNOVATION CHALLENGE

 · RM110,000 Prize and Swiss Innovation Challenge Awaits Malaysian Talent

· Collaboration with CEDAR, UMK, Putra Business School, and DRB-HICOM University of Automotive Malaysia Boosts Innovative Sustainable Business Ideas

KUALA LUMPUR, June 24 (Bernama) -- Small Medium Enterprise Development Bank Malaysia Berhad (SME Bank) has partnered with the School of Business of the University of Applied Sciences and Arts Northwestern Switzerland (FHNW) for the SME Bank Sandbox Swiss Innovation Challenge (SSSIC) 2024.
 
This challenge invites start-ups, SMEs and tertiary students to submit innovative business ideas with significant environmental, social, and economic impact, for an opportunity to receive a total cash prize of RM110,000 as well as the chance to represent Malaysia at the Swiss Innovation Challenge 2024 International Pitch in October 2024. Supported by institutions like the Centre for Entrepreneur Development and Research Sdn. Bhd. (CEDAR), Universiti Malaysia Kelantan (UMK), Putra Business School, and DRB-HICOM University of Automotive Malaysia, SSSIC 2024 will offer practical knowledge and skill enhancement through experienced coaches and entrepreneurs.
 
Datuk Wira (Dr.) Aria Putera Ismail, Group President/Chief Executive Officer of SME Bank said: “At SME Bank, we want to encourage entrepreneurs and SMEs to always be ahead of the curve. The SME Bank Sandbox Swiss Innovation Challenge provides a platform to promote innovation among MSMEs and enable entrepreneurs and innovators to demonstrate their creativity and propose innovative sustainable solutions to today's challenges, whilst creating opportunities for international networking and potential funding.”

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OPEN HEALTH-FUSION PARTNERSHIP PROVIDES AI-POWERED HEALTHCARE COMMUNICATIONS

KUALA LUMPUR, June 24 (Bernama) -- OPEN Health announced a partnership with fusion, an innovative artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) solutions provider that will work exclusively with OPEN Health.

In a statement, OPEN Health said this alliance will see fusion's market-leading AI capabilities deployed across its extensive global client base, which includes 49 of the top 50 pharmaceutical companies.

“We immediately recognised the need to expand our capabilities and started a dialogue with fusion about an exclusive partnership to provide pioneering solutions that integrate OPEN Health’s capabilities with fusion’s cutting-edge expertise in AI and ML.

“fusion’s expertise in this area is unparalleled, and we are excited about the possibilities this partnership brings for our clients,” said OPEN Health Chief Executive Officer of Scientific Communications, Margot Hannah.

Meanwhile, fusion Founder, Mary McGregor said: “Our longstanding relationship with OPEN Health leadership facilitated early conversations, enabling us to quickly market-test joint solutions, which led to a swift and unanimous decision to formalise this collaboration.”

By integrating with fusion’s advanced technology, OPEN Health underscores its commitment to leading the AI agenda with socially beneficial innovations to drive innovation and efficiency for clients.

A pre-eminent global provider of scientific communications, Health Economics and Outcomes Research (HEOR) and market access, patient engagement, and consulting, OPEN Health delivers innovative solutions that have a positive impact on commercial and patient outcomes.

-- BERNAMA

RECTITUDE HOLDINGS LTD ANNOUNCES PRICING OF INITIAL PUBLIC OFFERING

SINGAPORE, June 24 (Bernama-GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Rectitude Holdings Ltd (the “Company” or “Rectitude”), a Singapore-based provider of safety equipment and related industrial products, today announced the pricing of its initial public offering (the “Offering”) of 2,000,000 ordinary shares at a public offering price of $4.00 per ordinary share, for total gross proceeds of $8,000,000, before deducting underwriting discounts, commissions, and other related expenses. The ordinary shares have been approved for listing on the Nasdaq Capital Market and are expected to commence trading on June 21, 2024, under the ticker symbol “RECT.”

The Company has granted A.G.P./Alliance Global Partners (“A.G.P.” or “Representative”), the underwriter, a 45-day option to purchase up to an additional 300,000 ordinary shares at the initial public offering price, less underwriting discounts to cover over-allotments, if any. In addition, the Company issued the Representative warrants to purchase up to 100,000 ordinary shares.

The Offering is being conducted on a firm commitment basis. The Company intends to use the proceeds from the Offering for marketing and promotional campaigns, product development, digital transformation and system upgrades, along with working capital and general corporate purposes. The offering is expected to close on or about June 24, 2024, subject to the satisfaction of customary closing conditions.

A.G.P./Alliance Global Partners is acting as the sole book-running manager for the Offering. Ortoli Rosenstadt LLP is acting as U.S. counsel to Rectitude, and The Crone Law Group P.C. is acting as U.S. counsel to A.G.P. in connection with this Offering.

A registration statement on Form F-1 (File No. 333-276517) was filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) and was declared effective by the SEC on June 20, 2024. A final prospectus relating to the offering will be filed with the SEC and will be available on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. Electronic copies of the final prospectus relating to this offering, when available, may be obtained from A.G.P./Alliance Global Partners, 590 Madison Avenue, 28th Floor, New York, NY 10022, Telephone: (212) 624-2060; Email: prospectus@allianceg.com.

This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy these securities, nor shall there be any sale of these securities in any state or jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation, or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such state or jurisdiction.

About Rectitude Holdings Ltd

Founded in 1997 in Singapore, Rectitude is principally involved in the provision of safety equipment, encompassing essential items such as personal protective clothing, gloves, safety footwear, personal fall arrest systems, portable fire extinguishers and traffic products. The Company also offers auxiliary products such as industrial hardware tools and electrical hardware required for construction sites. Rectitude’s products and solutions are marketed to a wide array of distributor networks and end markets, both in Singapore and increasingly throughout the Southeast Asian region, including Brunei, Cambodia, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Vietnam.

For more information, please visit the Company’s website: https://ir.rectitude.com.sg

Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements in this announcement are forward-looking statements, including, but not limited to, the Company's proposed Offering. These forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties and are based on the Company’s current expectations and projections about future events that the Company believes may affect its financial condition, results of operations, business strategy and financial needs, including the expectation that the Offering will be successfully completed. Investors can identify these forward-looking statements by words or phrases such as “approximates,” “believes,” “hopes,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “estimates,” “projects,” “intends,” “plans,” “will,” “would,” “should,” “could,” “may” or other similar expressions. The Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise publicly any forward-looking statements to reflect subsequent occurring events or circumstances, or changes in its expectations, except as may be required by law. Although the Company believes that the expectations expressed in these forward-looking statements are reasonable, it cannot assure you that such expectations will turn out to be correct, and the Company cautions investors that actual results may differ materially from the anticipated results and encourages investors to review other factors that may affect its future results in the Company's registration statement and other filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. 

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TRUSTQUAY VIEWPOINT REBRANDS AS QUANTIOS AFTER SUCCESSFUL MERGER

KUALA LUMPUR, June 24 (Bernama) -- TrustQuay Viewpoint, a global Software as a Service (SaaS) provider to the Wealth, Trust and Corporate services (TCSP) industry has rebranded to Quantios, as the business sets out its mission to lead digital transformation in the sector.

This rebrand, following the merger between TrustQuay and Viewpoint in May 2023, is the final step in the consolidation of the two companies and marks a new beginning, solidifying Quantios as a global player.

Drawing on the heritage and expertise of TrustQuay and Viewpoint, Quantios aims to accelerate technology innovation in the TCSP sector.

Quantios chief executive officer, Guy Harrison said the rebrand to Quantios marked a significant milestone in its mission to lead the industry on a path towards fully realising the potential of digitalisation, enabling its clients to extract maximum value from digital advancements.

“We are dedicated to being the platform of choice that facilitates governance, operations, and investment globally,” he said in a statement.

With a client base of over 600 international firms, Quantios strives to deliver product innovation in the SaaS space, as well as enhancing global customer service, and extending its capabilities across a broader geographic scope and into more diverse regulatory environments.

Quantios will be expanding its extensive industry knowledge and understanding of jurisdictional specifics to continually innovate and accelerate digital advancement to the sector.

The name 'Quantios' conveys modernity, precision, and intelligence, honouring the company’s 40-year legacy of expertise in the TCSP industry.

Designed to resonate on a global scale, the new identity mirrors the company's combined expansive reach and diverse clientele.

-- BERNAMA

NAIM ENHANCES PROPERTY DEVELOPMENT WITH VISIONARY COMMUNITY DESIGNS

 

Mr. Tan Chuan Dyi (representing NAIM) receiving The Best Innovative Developer Award from Deputy Economy Minister Datuk Hanifah Hajar Taib 

KUCHING, June 21 (Bernama) -- NAIM Holdings Berhad ("NAIM"), one of the leading names in property development in Malaysia, proudly announces its triumphant success at the Des Prix Infinitus’ ASEAN Property Developer Awards.

NAIM’s reputation for quality, innovation, and masterful planning in the Malaysian property market continues to flourish with the following prestigious awards:

Outstanding Development Category

· Best Community-Inspired Lifestyle Development (Bandar Baru Permyjaya, Miri)
NAIM’s flagship mixed development, Bandar Baru Permyjaya (BBP), is known as the ‘Resort City’ of Sarawak and is one of the fastest growing satellite towns in the region.
 
· Best Gated & Guarded Development (Southlake Permyjaya, Miri)
Spanning over 450 acres, NAIM SouthLake Permyjaya is a lakeside mixed township, master-planned based on an appreciation for the environment and healthy community living.

· Best Luxury Lifestyle Development  (George Y Residence, Kuching)
Perfect for those with an appreciation for privacy living, George Y holds 17 inviting homes with its own private lift lobby, dedicated car park units and face recognition system to offer best in comfort and security.

Outstanding Developer Category

· Innovative Developer Award
Award recognizing innovative business model and developments approaches, unique design and, value creation to the economy and environment.

These awards highlight NAIM's dedication to creating homes that resonate with community values, security, luxury, and innovation. 

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