EISAI SELECTS MEDIDATA'S CLINICAL DATA STUDIO TO ENHANCE AND MODERNIZE CLINICAL TRIAL EFFICIENCY AND PATIENT EXPERIENCE

AI-enhanced solution will help Eisai accelerate data review and reconciliation by 80%

NEW YORK, July 29 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- Medidata, a Dassault Systèmes brand and leading provider of clinical trial solutions to the life sciences industry, today announced Eisai Inc. (“Eisai”), the U.S. pharmaceutical subsidiary of Tokyo-based Eisai Co., Ltd., as one of the first customers to harness its recently announced AI-driven Medidata Clinical Data Studio. Eisai Inc., will leverage this innovative data experience to gain unprecedented control over its clinical data, enable the execution of scalable and complex clinical trials, and enhance patient experience.

“We’ve included Medidata’s Clinical Data Studio in our clinical trial management platform given its ability to break down data silos and seamlessly integrate into our current software stack, while maintaining quality and integrity across all data sources,” said Shobha Dhadda, Ph.D. chief clinical science & operations officer, at Eisai. “Having a suite of technology solutions capable of processing diverse clinical and patient data types provides increased efficiencies without sacrificing quality or needing additional resources.”

Clinical Data Studio is powered by the Medidata Platform, the industry’s only unified platform that centrally manages all data sources, improving data reliability across the entire clinical trial ecosystem. By seamlessly integrating data from both Medidata sources, including Medidata Rave EDC, and non-Medidata sources, such as labs or another electronic data capture system, Clinical Data Studio streamlines the import process and enables automatic validation through configured data transfer agreements. Utilizing AI, it mitigates challenges posed by disparate data systems and offers up to 80 percent faster data review while providing a comprehensive view of patient data that can be concurrently reviewed, visualized, and acted on.

“Through Clinical Data Studio, Eisai is enabling healthcare stakeholders to overcome the complexities of modern clinical trials and foster collaboration on cleaner, more actionable data,” said Janet Butler, executive vice president, global head of sales, Medidata. “By delivering a unified AI-driven data management and analytics experience, we are enabling study teams to identify potential data issues faster and gain a more accurate understanding of the patient.”

About Medidata

Medidata is powering smarter treatments and healthier people through digital solutions to support clinical trials. Celebrating 25 years of ground-breaking technological innovation across more than 33,000 trials and 10 million patients, Medidata offers industry-leading expertise, analytics-powered insights, and the largest patient-level historical clinical trial data set in the world. More than 1 million registered users across 2,200+ customers trust Medidata’s seamless, end-to-end platform to improve patient experiences, accelerate clinical breakthroughs, and bring therapies to market faster. A Dassault Systèmes brand (Euronext Paris: FR0014003TT8, DSY.PA), Medidata is headquartered in New York City and has been recognized as a Leader by Everest Group and IDC. Discover more at www.medidata.com and follow us @Medidata.

About Dassault Systèmes

Dassault Systèmes is a catalyst for human progress. We provide business and people with collaborative virtual environments to imagine sustainable innovations. By creating virtual twin experiences of the real world with our 3DEXPERIENCE platform and applications, our customers can redefine the creation, production and life-cycle-management processes of their offer and thus have a meaningful impact to make the world more sustainable. The beauty of the Experience Economy is that it is a human-centered economy for the benefit of all –consumers, patients and citizens. Dassault Systèmes brings value to more than 350,000 customers of all sizes, in all industries, in more than 150 countries. For more information, visit www.3ds.com.

© Dassault Systèmes. All rights reserved. 3DEXPERIENCE, the 3DS logo, the Compass icon, IFWE, 3DEXCITE, 3DVIA, BIOVIA, CATIA, CENTRIC PLM, DELMIA, ENOVIA, GEOVIA, MEDIDATA, NETVIBES, OUTSCALE, SIMULIA and SOLIDWORKS are commercial trademarks or registered trademarks of Dassault Systèmes, a European company (Societas Europaea) incorporated under French law, and registered with the Versailles trade and companies registry under number 322 306 440, or its subsidiaries in the United States and/or other countries. All other trademarks are owned by their respective owners. Use of any Dassault Systèmes or its subsidiaries trademarks is subject to their express written approval.

About Eisai Inc.

Eisai Inc., a human health care company, is the U.S. pharmaceutical subsidiary of Tokyo-based Eisai Co., Ltd. headquartered in Nutley, N.J. Dedicated to oncology and neurology, its U.S. operations include research & development; manufacturing; global supply & logistics; and commercial activities. Learn more: https://us.eisai.com; Follow us on X and LinkedIn. 

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VOTIRO HIGHLIGHTS CONTINUOUS MOMENTUM IN THE ASIA-PACIFIC

Company unveils key executive appointments, industry partnerships, and market growth within the region

SINGAPORE, July 26 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) --Votiro, innovator in Zero Trust Data Detection and Response and trusted to deliver safe and compliant content to industry leaders across the globe, announces significant growth and advancements in Asia-Pacific (APAC) and Japan. The company also shares its plans to advance product functionality within the region in the second half of the year, expanding its Content Disarm and Reconstruction (CDR) engine with a real-time data security pillar via Zero Trust Data Detection & Response (DDR).

To lead expansion in the large growth market, the company has appointed John Ong as Regional VP of Sales, APAC, Japan, and Middle East. Ong joins Votiro with more than two decades of experience in the cybersecurity industry at companies including Panorays, AlgoSec, and Check Point Software Technologies. With a deep understanding of direct and indirect business models specific to the dynamic APAC market, Ong is well-positioned to drive regional growth and serve existing customers and partners.

“We are excited to welcome John to the Votiro team. John brings a wealth of expertise and understanding of the complexities of the digital security business and channel-focused growth. He is the ideal leader for continuing to build and lead Votiro’s momentum in the region,” said Ravi Srinivasan, CEO of Votiro. “We are committed to helping our APAC, Japan, and Middle East customers and partners accelerate cybersecurity strategies and maintain an always-safe and -compliant posture. We look forward to working with John and his team to introduce our new real-time data security solutions and further product functionalities with technology partners.”

In recent months, Votiro has implemented key technology integrations with industry partners, including Microsoft SharePoint, Zscaler ZIA, and Palo Alto Networks Prisma platforms. The company has also strengthened existing integrations with partners such as Menlo Security, SumoLogic, industry-leading Enterprise Security Browsers, Microsoft Teams, and Microsoft OneDrive. With all these open, API-based integrations, Votiro can help more enterprise users eliminate the risk of file-borne data privacy exposure and proactively prevent unknown malware, and other evasive malicious attempts to gain initial access in the first place. 

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EISAI SELECTS MEDIDATA'S CLINICAL DATA STUDIO TO ENHANCE AND MODERNIZE CLINICAL TRIAL EFFICIENCY AND PATIENT EXPERIENCE

AI-enhanced solution will help Eisai accelerate data review and reconciliation by 80%

NEW YORK, July 25 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- Medidata, a Dassault Systèmes brand and leading provider of clinical trial solutions to the life sciences industry, today announced Eisai Inc. (“Eisai”), the U.S. pharmaceutical subsidiary of Tokyo-based Eisai Co., Ltd., as one of the first customers to harness its recently announced AI-driven Medidata Clinical Data Studio. Eisai Inc., will leverage this innovative data experience to gain unprecedented control over its clinical data, enable the execution of scalable and complex clinical trials, and enhance patient experience.

“We’ve included Medidata’s Clinical Data Studio in our clinical trial management platform given its ability to break down data silos and seamlessly integrate into our current software stack, while maintaining quality and integrity across all data sources,” said Shobha Dhadda, Ph.D. chief clinical science & operations officer, at Eisai. “Having a suite of technology solutions capable of processing diverse clinical and patient data types provides increased efficiencies without sacrificing quality or needing additional resources.”

Clinical Data Studio is powered by the Medidata Platform, the industry’s only unified platform that centrally manages all data sources, improving data reliability across the entire clinical trial ecosystem. By seamlessly integrating data from both Medidata sources, including Medidata Rave EDC, and non-Medidata sources, such as labs or another electronic data capture system, Clinical Data Studio streamlines the import process and enables automatic validation through configured data transfer agreements. Utilizing AI, it mitigates challenges posed by disparate data systems and offers up to 80 percent faster data review while providing a comprehensive view of patient data that can be concurrently reviewed, visualized, and acted on.

“Through Clinical Data Studio, Eisai is enabling healthcare stakeholders to overcome the complexities of modern clinical trials and foster collaboration on cleaner, more actionable data,” said Janet Butler, executive vice president, global head of sales, Medidata. “By delivering a unified AI-driven data management and analytics experience, we are enabling study teams to identify potential data issues faster and gain a more accurate understanding of the patient.”

About Medidata

Medidata is powering smarter treatments and healthier people through digital solutions to support clinical trials. Celebrating 25 years of ground-breaking technological innovation across more than 33,000 trials and 10 million patients, Medidata offers industry-leading expertise, analytics-powered insights, and the largest patient-level historical clinical trial data set in the world. More than 1 million registered users across 2,200+ customers trust Medidata’s seamless, end-to-end platform to improve patient experiences, accelerate clinical breakthroughs, and bring therapies to market faster. A Dassault Systèmes brand (Euronext Paris: FR0014003TT8, DSY.PA), Medidata is headquartered in New York City and has been recognized as a Leader by Everest Group and IDC. Discover more at www.medidata.com and follow us @Medidata.

About Dassault Systèmes

Dassault Systèmes is a catalyst for human progress. We provide business and people with collaborative virtual environments to imagine sustainable innovations. By creating virtual twin experiences of the real world with our 3DEXPERIENCE platform and applications, our customers can redefine the creation, production and life-cycle-management processes of their offer and thus have a meaningful impact to make the world more sustainable. The beauty of the Experience Economy is that it is a human-centered economy for the benefit of all –consumers, patients and citizens. Dassault Systèmes brings value to more than 350,000 customers of all sizes, in all industries, in more than 150 countries. For more information, visit www.3ds.com.

© Dassault Systèmes. All rights reserved. 3DEXPERIENCE, the 3DS logo, the Compass icon, IFWE, 3DEXCITE, 3DVIA, BIOVIA, CATIA, CENTRIC PLM, DELMIA, ENOVIA, GEOVIA, MEDIDATA, NETVIBES, OUTSCALE, SIMULIA and SOLIDWORKS are commercial trademarks or registered trademarks of Dassault Systèmes, a European company (Societas Europaea) incorporated under French law, and registered with the Versailles trade and companies registry under number 322 306 440, or its subsidiaries in the United States and/or other countries. All other trademarks are owned by their respective owners. Use of any Dassault Systèmes or its subsidiaries trademarks is subject to their express written approval.

About Eisai Inc.

Eisai Inc., a human health care company, is the U.S. pharmaceutical subsidiary of Tokyo-based Eisai Co., Ltd. headquartered in Nutley, N.J. Dedicated to oncology and neurology, its U.S. operations include research & development; manufacturing; global supply & logistics; and commercial activities. Learn more: https://us.eisai.com; Follow us on X and LinkedIn. 

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FAST COMPANY MAGAZINE AWARDS XENCO MEDICAL WITH 2024 INNOVATION BY DESIGN AWARD FOR THE TRABECULEX CONTINUUM

SAN DIEGO, July 25 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- Fast Company Magazine has awarded pioneering life sciences company Xenco Medical with its prestigious 2024 Innovation by Design Award for its groundbreaking TrabeculeX Continuum, the first convergent technology bridging regenerative medicine and digital health. Unveiled by Xenco Medical at CES 2024, the heralded platform’s unification of biomaterial implantation and remote therapeutic monitoring has signified an important advancement in the extent to which surgeons can maintain a continuous link with patients from the intraoperative phase throughout the entire course of recovery. The distinguished award marks the second time in two consecutive years that Xenco Medical has been recognized by Fast Company Magazine for its breakthrough innovations. Last year, Xenco Medical was named one of the World’s Most Innovative Companies by the esteemed publication.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: 
https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240724363293/en/

 

“We are immensely honored to receive Fast Company’s 2024 Innovation by Design Award for the TrabeculeX Continuum and deeply grateful for their recognition of our technology’s capacity to upend the siloed nature of surgical care. Devoted to the longitudinal recovery of our patients, we look forward to the continued impact of the TrabeculeX Continuum as a seamless link from implantation to full mobility,” said Xenco Medical Founder and CEO Jason Haider.

According to Fast Company Magazine, the Innovation by Design Award “is one of the most sought-after design awards in the industry.” “This year’s honorees show how essential creativity is to the process of innovation,” said Brendan Vaughan, editor-in-chief of Fast Company. “It’s inspiring to see how some of the best minds across industries are using design to shape our world for the better.” Harmonizing the journey from biomaterial implantation to physical rehabilitation, Xenco Medical’s TrabeculeX Continuum enables surgeons who’ve used a TrabeculeX Bioactive Matrix strip in their patient to prescribe and remotely monitor patient-specific physical rehabilitation plans while engaging in asynchronous video and text messaging through the TrabeculeX Recovery App. Intricately designed to conduct three-dimensional bone-formation, the TrabeculeX Bioactive Matrix’s novel architecture begins at the sub-micron scale and spans to the entire lattice itself.

Harnessing the hydroxycarbonate apatite-forming capabilities of bioglass in every TrabeculeX Bioactive Matrix, the regenerative biomaterial included in the TrabeculeX Continuum features a complex surface topography chemically engineered for robust bone regeneration. Driven by a mission to deliver value-based care through surgical innovation, Xenco Medical’s breakthrough technologies have been uniquely centered on addressing the entire spectrum of a surgical patient’s journey. The Innovation by Design Awards will be published in the Summer 2024 issue of Fast Company Magazine, and the honorees will be celebrated in New York City at the Innovation by Design Awards Reception on the evening of September 16th. 

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KIOXIA RECOGNISED FOR GROUNDBREAKING BICS FLASH 3D FLASH MEMORY TECHNOLOGY

KUALA LUMPUR, July 25 (Bernama) -- Kioxia Corporation, the inventor of NAND flash memory, was honoured by FMS: the Future of Memory and Storage with 2024 Lifetime Achievement Award for 3D NAND flash invention.

This breakthrough technology has become fundamental to a wide range of computing applications, including advanced smartphones, personal computers, solid state drives (SSDs), data centres, artificial intelligence, and industrial.

“Our technology has created a new paradigm in the industry, enabling flash memory to vastly increase storage density per cell, die and package.

“I am excited to see our achievements recognised and look forward to witnessing their continued influence in the years to come," said its vice president and technology executive for Memory Division, Atsushi Inoue in a statement.

The Kioxia engineering team, consisting of Hideaki Aochi, Ryota Katsumata, Masaru Kito, Masaru Kido, and Hiroyasu Tanaka, will accept this prestigious award for its pioneering work in developing and commercialising 3D flash memory.

Kioxia presented the concept of BiCS FLASH 3D flash memory technology at the VLSI Symposium in 2007. After announcing the prototype, Kioxia continued development to optimise the technology for mass production, eventually introducing the world’s first 256 gigabit, 48-layer 3D flash memory in 2015.

With a 3D stacked structure that boosts capacity and performance, BiCS FLASH 3D flash memory has been a transformational force in the storage industry.

The technology has enabled higher density storage solutions while maintaining reliability and efficiency, significantly enhancing the capabilities of data centres, consumer electronics, and mobile devices, setting a new standard for flash memory technology.

By leveraging vertical stacking, Kioxia’s BiCS FLASH technology addressed the limitations of planar NAND flash, paving the way for future developments in memory storage solutions, and reinforcing Kioxia Corporation as an industry leader.

-- BERNAMA

POLICYMAKERS URGED TO EMBRACE SELF-CARE IN ADDRESSING GLOBAL HEALTH ISSUES

KUALA LUMPUR, July 24 (Bernama) -- Policymakers and health leaders worldwide are urged to embrace self-care as an essential component of healthcare, by ensuring it is fully integrated into national health systems and policies, as part of this year’s International Self-Care Day.

The Global Self-Care Federation (GSCF) is urging members and campaigners to rally behind the #SelfCareIs movement, which aims to educate global audiences about the critical link between self-care and healthcare.

This initiative also encourages engagement with local policymakers and healthcare providers to call on them to put in place plans for the urgent integration of self-care into the healthcare delivery continuum.

“Our ‘Self-care is healthcare’ campaign is all about fuelling the movement for self-care to be recognised as an integral part of healthcare. It aims to drive greater awareness and recognition of the potential of self-care to people and policymakers across the world.

“At GSCF, we firmly believe that everyone benefits when there is a greater choice of healthcare options and more accessible entries to care,” said its Director General, Judy Stenmark in a statement.

As health systems worldwide continue to face a range of challenges from increased demand on services, to inequity in access to healthcare, evidence shows that self-care can avert an estimated 3.9 million premature deaths each year, through physical activity alone.

In addition, self-care is able to save billions of dollar each year for global healthcare systems and, therefore, national economies; improve the autonomy and agency of disadvantaged groups, including women and girls, in managing their own health; as well as provide a legitimate tool in the pursuit of universal health coverage. 

First recognised by the World Health Organization (WHO) in 1983, the concept of self-care describes the role of individuals in preventing disease, promoting and maintaining their mental and physical health, and actively participating in their healthcare.

Representing associations and manufacturers in the self-care industry, promoting sustainable and better global health outcomes for all, GSCF is the go-to source of information for the self-care industry.

-- BERNAMA 

NIPPON KINZOKU'S COLD PROFILE ROLLED PRODUCTS ARE NAMED "FINE PROFILE" TO STRENGTHEN SALES EXPANSION

Contributing to the Realization of Carbon Neutrality Through Resource- and Energy-Saving Processing Technology

TOKYO, July 23 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- NIPPON KINZOKU CO., LTD. (TOKYO: 5491) (Headquarters: Minato-ku, Tokyo) announces that it has named and registered the trademark "Fine Profile" for its cold profile rolled products, which can be used for various metals from ferrous to nonferrous, by combining its proprietary cold rolling technology and specialized equipment.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: 
https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240723992481/en/

 

Fine Profile is our original new product that contributes to customers' manufacturing cost reduction and yield improvement as an alternative to various machining processes such as cutting and grinding, and we aim to expand sales of this product in the future.

Features

1. Cost reduction of metal processing, resource saving, energy saving
   Use of a deformed cross-sectional shape contributes to reduce machining processes and waste.
2. Stabilization of quality
   Continuous rolling from coil provides stable supply of high quality products.
3. Roll forming on metal surfaces
   By rolling the uneven pattern on the roll surface, it is possible to process various designs and functions such as unique designs, oil grooves, gloss prevention, identification grooves, etc.
4. Various delivery forms
   We can deliver products in a variety of forms, such as record rolls, oscillate rolls, fixed-length products, and secondary processing, etc. according to customer needs.
5. Shorter development period
   Roll design using CAE analysis contributes to reduction of customers' development cost and time.

Metal types

Nonferrous metals: oxygen-free copper, copper alloys, aluminum alloys, pure titanium, titanium alloys, pure nickel, magnesium alloys, etc.
Stainless steel: SUS304 (L), SUS316 (L), SUS430, SUS420J2, SUS440C, etc.
Carbon steel: SS400, SPCD, SPCC, SPHC, SECC, etc.
Special steel: SCM415, SUJ2, S10C, S45C, S65C, SAE1070, SK75, SK95, SKS81, 1LSSP, etc.

* Please inquire separately for specifications other than those listed above.

Application examples

Fine Profile is developed and manufactured by our rolling technologies and co-creation with our customers that require stable quality and reliability in various applications.

1. Automotive applications (Automotive drive parts, Bearing components, Vane pump parts, Engine parts, etc.)
2. Electrical and electronic parts applications (Connector parts, Secondary battery terminals, Heat spreaders, Bus bars, etc.)
3. Building material applications (Grating components, Braille studs, Screen components, Special fasteners, etc.)

About NIPPON KINZOKU Group

Our products have been used in a range of areas from the precision field to the construction industry. https://www.nipponkinzoku.co.jp/en/ 

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IGNITING A PASSION FOR GENETICS: B. BRAUN'S SIGNATURE LIFE SCIENCES PROGRAMME WITH PSC RETURNS BIGGER AND BETTER

Programme aims to empower more youths on their journey in STEM education
 
BAYAN LEPAS, Penang, July 23 (Bernama) -- B. Braun Medical Industries Sdn. Bhd. (“BMI”), a leading global medical technology company, reaffirmed its commitment to inspiring youths on their journey into STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics), with the latest installation of its B. Braun Genetics Kits Workshop, held at the company’s premises today. Developed in partnership with the Penang Science Cluster (“PSC”), the interactive workshop was attended by approximately 80 secondary school students from SMK Telok Kumbar and SMK Seri Nibong, Penang, led by 15 specially trained B. Braun volunteers and PSC staff.
 
The B. Braun Genetics Kits, which were officially launched in August 2022, have continued to garner positive response from over 3,000 students to date, leading to an expansion of the programme from 1,000 kits initially to 1,600 kits in 2024. The updated kits also feature additional interactive experiments to enrich the learning experience of secondary school students in hopes of fostering their scientific curiosity of genetics. The pursuit of STEM is crucial for the country’s economic development and innovative capacity, more so for Penang, who’s economy is largely reliant on high-tech to mid-tech manufacturing industries that require a skilled STEM workforce to innovate and expand.    
 
Emphasizing this was Dato’ Ooi Peng Ee, Chief Executive Officer of PSC, who was present at the workshop.
“The collaboration between B. Braun and PSC demonstrates the power of public-private partnerships in advancing STEM education and nurturing the next generation of innovators. We believe that by investing in our students today, we are laying the groundwork for a brighter, more innovative future. Penang Science Cluster remains committed to championing initiatives that not only nurture the next generation of scientists and researchers but also solidifies Penang as a hub for scientific excellence and innovation in the region,” he said.
 
The workshop that is usually performed in schools was organised for the first time in the BMI vicinity at Bayan Lepas, to allow the participants the rare opportunity of experiencing a manufacturing environment. It also provided students an opportunity to hear directly from representatives of BMI’s R&D Division, where they shared their personal stories on the transformative powers of STEM education and the various career options that lay ahead.
 
“For more than 180 years globally, and over 50 years in Penang, B. Braun has helped shape healthcare with our pioneering spirit and groundbreaking contributions. We fully embrace the importance of nurturing STEM education to cultivate a competent and skilled talent pool that will sustain the needs of the industry for generations to come. Our active collaboration with PSC spans over a decade and is perfectly aligned with our vision to protect and improve the health of people around the world, through sharing expertise and the power of technology. B. Braun is pleased to continue to uphold our role as a true partner in shaping the bright minds of tomorrow,” Mr. Lam Chee Hong, President, B. Braun Asia Pacific said in a statement.
 
The B. Braun Genetics Kits initiative reaffirms B. Braun’s commitment to promote continuous learning in youths and to inspire them to pursue a career in life sciences, in line with its objectives as Pillar Lead for Life Sciences in PSC.
 
At B. Braun, decisions are made with the generations of today and tomorrow in mind. The company takes responsibility in the pursuit of protecting and improving the health of people around the world, and acknowledges their shared standards and global goals, implementing them with local contributions.
 
About B. Braun Genetics Kits
• The Genetics Kits by B. Braun was launched in 2021 in collaboration with the Penang Science Cluster. The programme is the continuous evolution of the previous B. Braun Genetics Workshops held in 2016 and 2017, and the DNA Fingerprinting Workshops in 2019.
• It includes two (2) segments of Genetics Kits – Advanced and Novice.
• The content of the kits is flexible and adaptable, following the latest developments, trends and requirements of the school syllabus and educational needs.
 
Aim:
• To ignite students’ interest in Life Sciences and Genetics through interactive experiments that promote innovation and critical thinking.
• To encourage interest in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education among the students.
• To equip the nation, a pipeline of human capital and fulfilling the growing needs and requirements of the industry
 
The Advanced Genetics Kit:
• It comprises two different experiments – Mendelian Corn and Onion DNA Extraction.
• This kit benefits higher-level secondary school students.
• Both experiments are part of the compulsory Genetics Experiments to fulfil school syllabus for Form 6 Biology students.

The Novice Genetics Kit:
• It comprises four (4) sets of interactive, hands-on experiments – Basic DNA Extraction, Blood Typing, Karyotyping and Fingerprint Dusting.
• Provides a more versatile introduction for lower secondary school students from 13-15 years old.
• Engaging experiments can be experienced in any settings i.e.: home/school or Online/Offline mode.
 
About B. Braun
B. Braun is one of the world’s leading medical technology companies with over 63,000 employees in 64 countries. We aim to protect and improve the health of people around the world. As a true partner, we develop smart solutions and set standards to improve health care. For more than 180 years, we have shaped health care with our pioneering spirit and groundbreaking contributions. Through Sharing Expertise and the power of technology, we drive advancements in health care. Our integrated solutions aim to make medical treatment more innovative, more efficient and more sustainable. 
 
B. Braun Medical Industries in Penang, Malaysia is one of the Group’s largest production sites with over 7,300 employees. Here, we produce healthcare solutions for world markets and advance education for medical practitioners through its world-renowned Aesculap Academy. B. Braun’s Regional Asia Pacific Headquarters is also in Penang. In Petaling Jaya, B. Braun Medical Supplies serves Malaysian healthcare professionals. 

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AM BEST AFFIRMS CREDIT RATINGS OF THE PEOPLE'S INSURANCE COMPANY OF CHINA (HONG KONG), LIMITED

HONG KONG, July 22 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- AM Best has affirmed the Financial Strength Rating of A- (Excellent) and the Long-Term Issuer Credit Rating of “a-” (Excellent) of The People’s Insurance Company of China (Hong Kong), Limited (PICC HK) (Hong Kong). The outlook of these Credit Ratings (ratings) is stable.

The ratings reflect PICC HK’s balance sheet strength, which AM Best assesses as very strong, as well as its adequate operating performance, limited business profile and appropriate enterprise risk management. The ratings also reflect the strategic importance of the company to its parent, The People’s Insurance Company (Group) of China Limited (PICC Group) (China), as the sole overseas insurance entity and a key component of PICC Group’s overseas strategies.

PICC HK’s risk-adjusted capitalisation, as measured by Best’s Capital Adequacy Ratio (BCAR), remained at the strongest level at year-end 2023. The company’s investment portfolio remains well-diversified, with the majority of its assets allocated to investment-grade bonds, cash and cash equivalents, and preference shares, while the remainder is in listed equities and other investments. With an increasing proportion of liquid invested assets, the company has maintained a strong liquidity position. Other supporting factors include a strong regulatory solvency position, both under the legacy Hong Kong Insurance Ordinance and Hong Kong’s new risk-based capital regime.

PICC HK’s operating performance remains adequate. The company returned to profitability in 2023, with net earnings mainly supported by robust investment income owing to its diversified investment portfolio. In 2023, PICC HK achieved positive underwriting results, driven by its profitable inward business.

The company’s business profile is assessed as limited. PICC HK underwrites direct onshore general insurance in Hong Kong and inward reinsurance from mainland China and other geographic regions. The company’s underwriting portfolio is exposed to moderate concentration risk in terms of sourcing premium revenue from its affiliated company, PICC Property and Casualty Company Limited, despite the stable profit margin. While its presence in Hong Kong’s domestic market remains modest, PICC HK has actively expanded its inward reinsurance portfolio in recent years with a higher retention ratio in 2023, which helps to diversify its business sources. PICC HK established its Macau branch in 2022 to better satisfy insurance demand from Portuguese-speaking countries of the world, as well as to provide one-stop general insurance solutions covering mainland China’s greater bay area, Hong Kong and Macau.

As the group’s sole overseas insurance entity, PICC HK continues to be of strategic importance to the PICC Group. PICC HK plays a key role in deploying the group’s overseas strategies, and benefits from its support implicitly and explicitly. As a way of explicit support from the group, there is a track record of multiple capital injections to PICC HK from PICC Group; the latest being a capital injection of HKD 970 million in December 2020. The company has also benefited from the group’s operational synergies, especially in the areas of underwriting, investment management and risk management.

Positive rating actions could occur if PICC HK further bolsters its presence in its domestic insurance market, further diversifies its reliance on affiliated companies and continues to improve its business profile. Negative rating actions could occur if there is a decline in PICC HK’s operating performance to a level that no longer supports AM Best’s adequate operating performance assessment, or if the support the company receives from its parent weakens notably or the parent’s credit fundamentals deteriorate materially.

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

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

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

Copyright © 2024 by A.M. Best Rating Services, Inc. and/or its affiliates. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. 

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MILLIMAN STUDY: INCREASE IN EMBEDDED VALUE AND VALUE OF NEW BUSINESS ACROSS MOST ASIAN MARKETS IN 2023

MUMBAI, July 23 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- Milliman, a premier global consulting and actuarial firm, today released its annual 2023 embedded value results: Asia report which includes 2023 embedded value (EV) and value of new business (VNB) results disclosed by major multinational and domestic life insurers across Asia Pacific. The report also analyses and discusses the EV methodologies and assumptions used, and the impact of changes to key regulations in the region.

“An overall increase in EV and VNB across the region in 2023 reflects the bounce back of many economies,” said Milliman Principal and Consulting Actuary Heerak Basu. “With the easing of Covid restrictions and the return of Mainland Chinese visitors, Hong Kong’s VNB more than doubled, while India, Japan and Taiwan showed double-digit EV growth in 2023.”

A complimentary copy of the report is available for download here: 2023 embedded value results: Asia (milliman.com)

A few key insights include:

• The majority of insurers in Asia reported EV growth in 2023, with increases ranging from 1% to 24.1%.
• In line with global trends, bond yields decreased during 2023 in most of the Asian markets, which led Chinese insurers to decrease their investment return and discount rate assumptions for 2023, with mixed responses in other markets.
• VNB experienced an overall growth of 9.9% in the Asia region, with double digit growth in Indonesia and Thailand and 102.8% growth in Hong Kong.
• The implementation of IFRS 17 from 1 January 2023 in certain markets has impacted EV reporting. Some European MNCs have shifted towards IFRS 17 and no longer report EV results for their Asian subsidiaries.

About Milliman

Milliman is among the world's largest providers of actuarial and related products and services. The firm has consulting practices in healthcare, property & casualty insurance, life insurance and financial services, and employee benefits. Founded in 1947, Milliman is an independent firm with offices in major cities around the globe including multiple offices in Asia & the Middle East. For further information, visit milliman.com

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Contact

Charles Carneiro
Marketing & PR
Milliman, Inc.
Tel: +65 90175746
charles.carneiro@milliman.com

Source : Milliman

XSOLLA ACQUIRES LFG TO ENHANCE GAMING CONNECTIVITY AND COMMERCE

Strategic Acquisition Aimed at Empowering Creators and Enhancing User Engagement Across Platforms

LOS ANGELES, July 19 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- Xsolla, a global video game commerce company, announces its acquisition of LF.Group, a leader in digital solutions for gaming communities. This strategic collaboration is poised to transform how developers connect with their audiences and manage transactions across various platforms, integrating advanced technology to improve the creator and gamer experience.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: 
https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240718282494/en/

 

Xsolla's president, David Stelzer, shared, “Investing in technology and providing innovative solutions that enhance the gaming experience for developers is central to our strategy. This acquisition will significantly enrich our capabilities by incorporating LF.Group's technological strengths in our commerce framework.”

LF.Group has been instrumental in player connectivity/gamer connectivity solutions, mainly through its advanced Discord bot technology, which is key to this acquisition. This technology facilitates enhanced interactions and transactions within gaming communities, aligning with Xsolla's strategy to support game developers and publishers monetize their content effectively.

Alexey Moiseenkov, CEO & Co-Founder of LF.Group, emphasized the shared goals of the acquisition. “We are excited to bring our technology and vision to Xsolla. Together, we aim to create a more connected and transaction-friendly gaming environment, expanding beyond traditional platforms to include major messaging services like WhatsApp.”

The collaboration will focus on Xsolla's commerce solution, Xsolla Mall. This solution facilitates the distribution of game content through influencer custom-branded shops and direct-to-consumer stores. It aims to expand its influencer acquisition network and increase the distribution of virtual items and game keys globally. As the integration progresses, both companies are committed to focusing on the end-user experience, ensuring that the innovations developed are impactful and user-friendly.

For more information about the acquisition, please visit: xsolla.pro/lfg.

About Xsolla

Xsolla is a global video game commerce company with a robust and powerful set of tools and services designed specifically for the industry. Since its founding in 2005, Xsolla has helped thousands of game developers and publishers of all sizes fund, market, launch, and monetize their games globally and across multiple platforms. As an innovative leader in game commerce, Xsolla’s mission is to solve the inherent complexities of global distribution, marketing, and monetization to help our partners reach more geographies, generate more revenue, and create relationships with gamers worldwide. Headquartered and incorporated in Los Angeles, California, with offices in London, Berlin, Seoul, Beijing, Kuala Lumpur, Raleigh, Tokyo, and cities around the world, Xsolla supports major gaming titles like Valve, Twitch, Epic Games, Take-Two, KRAFTON, Nexters, NetEase, Playstudios, Playrix, miHoYo, and more.

For additional information and to learn more, please visit: xsolla.com.

About LF.GROUP

LF.Group develops a toolkit that includes a Web platform, an LFG bot in Discord, and a mobile app. All those serve one purpose: to create the easiest way to connect with other gamers of the same skill level and interests. No matter what games you play mostly, some people perfectly match your time slots and in-game goals. LFG tools support all these criteria and even more.

http://mrem.bernama.com/viewsm.php?idm=49018

HONEYWELL TECHNOLOGY PRODUCED IN MALAYSIA SUPPORTS GAS OPERATORS AROUND THE WORLD

KUALA LUMPUR, July 19 (Bernama) -- Honeywell announced that its industry-leading membrane technology is now used in more than 300 major natural gas operations globally, enhancing production and contributing to the 40 million tons of installed CO₂ capture capacity enabled by the company’s technology.¹ This innovation is made in the company's advanced manufacturing facility in Penang and demonstrates Honeywell's alignment of its portfolio with three compelling megatrends, including the energy transition.

Honeywell Separex™ membranes enable oil and gas operators to remove contaminants, such as carbon dioxide and hydrogen sulfide, from natural gas operations. Removing these contaminants makes the natural gas usable as fuel, transformable into petrochemicals, or transportable through pipelines.

“Honeywell's Penang facility is a center of excellence for membrane technology,” said YC Lim, Honeywell president of Malaysia and Singapore. “The expertise of our Malaysian employees and strong relationships with local suppliers in sourcing raw materials are vital to Honeywell’s global operations.”

The technology was recently selected for a carbon capture and storage project in Thailand, where hydrocarbon that would otherwise be flared or burned is captured and geologically stored in depleted gas reservoirs. Honeywell’s membrane technology is also currently deployed at major natural gas operations in Asia-Pacific countries including Petronas’ Kasawari offshore gas development project Malaysia, Indonesia, and Australia.

The Malaysian National Energy Transition Roadmap (NETR) highlighted the importance of decarbonizing Malaysia’s fossil fuel energy sources, and natural gas is being used as a transitional fuel toward renewable sources. Natural gas accounts for approximately 25% of global electricity generation and has become a crucial resource in the energy sector's sustainability efforts,² and is expected to comprise 40% to 50% of the demand by 2050, with Asia anticipated to experience the largest growth in gas demand.³

Honeywell's Penang facility collaborates closely with the company's gas processing R&D center in Des Plaines, Illinois, USA, in developing new products to support their customers' evolving operational requirements and market demands.
 
About Honeywell

Honeywell is an integrated operating company serving a broad range of industries and geographies around the world. Our business is aligned with three powerful megatrends – automation, the future of aviation and energy transition – underpinned by our Honeywell Accelerator operating system and Honeywell Forge IoT platform. As a trusted partner, we help organizations solve the world's toughest, most complex challenges, providing actionable solutions and innovations through our Aerospace Technologies, Industrial Automation, Building Automation and Energy and Sustainability Solutions business segments that help make the world smarter, safer and more sustainable. For more news and information on Honeywell, please visit www.honeywell.com/newsroom. 

 

¹ Includes capacity of deployed Honeywell technology (membranes and chemical & physical solvents) in installed projects enabling CO2 capture from gas streams, of which 15 million tons of the captured CO2 is being utilized for enhanced oil recovery annually.

² https://www.iea.org/energy-system/fossil-fuels/natural-gas

³ https://www.mckinsey.com/industries/oil-and-gas/our-insights/
global-energy-perspective-2023-natural-gas-outlook

 
Source: Honeywell International Sdn Bhd 

http://mrem.bernama.com/viewsm.php?idm=49024

DRIVING PRODUCTIVITY THROUGH SAFER DANGEROUS GOODS TRANSPORT PROGRAM

PETALING JAYA, July 18 (Bernama) -- In a groundbreaking move, the Malaysia Productivity Corporation (MPC) through Chemical Productivity Nexus (CPN) and leading chemical industry experts have joined forces to develop the Dangerous Goods Driver Training Programme (DGDT) - a revolutionary initiative designed to enhance safety, efficiency, and sustainability in the transportation of hazardous materials across the country.

This transformative program sets new standards for competency and ensures the utmost professionalism among dangerous and hazardous chemicals goods drivers, revolutionising the industry. Developed to comply with the ASEAN Framework Agreement on the Facilitation of Goods in Transit (AFAFGIT) Protocol 9, the DGDT program will provides drivers with the knowledge and skills necessary to safely transport dangerous goods, including hazardous chemicals, by road.
 
"Ensuring the safe and responsible transportation of hazardous materials is of utmost importance to the safety of our roads and the protection of our environment”, said Dato' Dr. Mohamed Noor Sany, Champion of CPN. "This program will equip drivers with the necessary expertise to handle these sensitive goods, ultimately enhancing the overall performance, productivity, and image of the transportation industry in Malaysia".
 
The comprehensive DGDT curriculum covers critical areas such as driver duties and responsibilities, driving, maintenance, collection and delivery, information and communication, safety and quality. The training will be delivered through a combination of classroom sessions and hands-on practical exercises, adhering to rigorous industry-driven standards developed in collaboration with key stakeholders.
 
By aligning with industry requirements, the program ensures that drivers are equipped with the latest knowledge and best practices, enhancing their employability, productivity, and career prospects. The DGDT is expected to be fully implemented by the end of 2024, with the first batch of certified drivers set to hit the roads shortly after. 

http://mrem.bernama.com/viewsm.php?idm=49010

GOOD FRAUD PROTECTION TOP PRIORITY FOR MALAYSIANS OPENING BANK ACCOUNT - SURVEY

KUALA LUMPUR, July 18 (Bernama) -- Global analytics software leader FICO in its latest global consumer fraud research, revealed that consumers in Malaysia have a low tolerance for inefficient digital experiences when opening an bank account via mobile app or website.

However, in a statement, FICO said Malaysians selecting a new financial account place a high value on both good fraud protection and ease of use.

According to the study, nearly two in three (64 per cent) expect to answer 10 questions or less or they will abandon a personal bank account application, while one in three (33 per cent) will drop out if asked more than five questions.

Regardless of the number of questions asked, one in four Malaysians will give up on a personal bank account application after 10 minutes.

The survey also highlighted that Malaysian consumers show varying levels of patience for different account opening processes, whereby they are most likely to abandon savings accounts (41 per cent) or personal bank accounts (39 per cent) applications due to complex or time-consuming identity checks.

Close to one in three have abandoned credit card applications (31 per cent) for the same reason, while close to one in four (24 per cent) have been frustrated enough to abandon mortgage loan applications.

In the past year, half of Malaysians have noticed more identity checks when they log in to bank accounts (51 per cent) or make an online purchase (49 per cent).

Despite the rise in identity checks, the survey found that three in 10 Malaysians will stop or reduce the use of existing accounts if the identity verification experience is poor, while seven in 10 consumers expect to answer 10 questions or less, or they will abandon a savings account application.

While some consumers are more tolerant of detailed processes for certain financial products that require thorough scrutiny, the survey clearly shows that expectations for ease of use remain high.

The survey was conducted in November 2023 with 1,001 Malaysian adults surveyed, along with approximately 12,000 other consumers in Canada, the United States, Brazil, Colombia, Mexico, The Philippines, Indonesia, India, Singapore, Thailand, the United Kingdom and Spain.

-- BERNAMA

GMAC Board Election Affirms Continuity, Advancing Equitable Access To Education

KUALA LUMPUR, July 18 (Bernama) -- The Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC), has announced the election of Itziar de Ros, IESE Business School associate dean of advancement and engagement,  to her first full term, and the re-election of François Ortalo-Magné, dean of London Business School, to another term of four years to its board of directors.

In addition, EY former global vice chair of markets, Jay Nibbe was re-appointed for a second term, whereby all three started their new term on July 1, according to GMAC in a statement.

“Our newly confirmed board, along with our staff across continents, recognises our long-term investment in both the business schools and the candidates aspiring to enter them.

“We remain driven toward realising the vision of a world where every talented person can benefit from the best business education for them, knowing that business school graduates are motivated to take on some of our greatest challenges,” said GMAC Chief Executive Officer, Joy Jones.

GMAC also recognises and thanks its outgoing board member Yuan Ding, China Europe International Business School Cathay Capital Chair Professor in Accounting, for his continuous support of GMAC’s mission over the past four years.

With the GMAC board’s continuity confirmed by its member schools, it also reiterates its commitment to the organisation’s mission to serve prospective candidates with talent and aspirations in business careers and school professionals who are passionate about holistic admission practices to build an inclusive classroom while delivering high quality education and services to their students.

GMAC programmes, products, and services are widely available, and the organisation takes additional measures to ensure everyone with aspirations has opportunity as its commitment to cultivating an inclusive talent pipeline spans decades.

GMAC is a non-profit association representing over 200 graduate business schools globally, with offices in China, India, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

-- BERNAMA