Author: jezzabellemente

Healthcare Partners Protocol & Solutions Committee (HPPSC) Launches and Spearheading Key Initiatives to Enhance Communication, Operational Efficiency and Customer Experience in Malaysia’s Healthcare Ecosystem

by jezzabellemente, posted in Uncategorized
Mark O’Dell, LIAM CEO

Joint Press Statement by MMA, APHM, LIAM, MTA, AND PIAM 

KUALA LUMPUR, June 19 (Bernama) — The Healthcare Partners Protocol & Solutions Committee (HPPSC) implemented two initiatives* and continues to drive a series of strategic initiatives aimed at enhancing a seamless communication and improving operational efficiency among doctors, hospitals, insurers and takaful operators (ITOs), enhancing the overall customer experience across the healthcare ecosystem.

Key Initiatives by HPPSC 

1. Improving Communication Between Medical Practitioners and ITOs
To facilitate more efficient and timely medical and health insurance and takaful (MHIT) claims for patients, the HPPSC has recommended for the establishment of a dedicated “doctor-to-doctor” hotline by ITOs. In response to this recommendation, the hotline was implemented and has been operational since 30 April 2026 to support and address claims enquiries, as well as enable direct discussions between medical practitioners and the medical advisory team at ITOs. Such discussions are often necessary to understand case-specific matters such as treatment pathways and the use of new technologies or drugs.
*https://www.liam.org.my/news/press_details.aspx?ps=11166&ct=3,
Healthcare Budget Planner 

This initiative is expected to strengthen communication, improve mutual understanding and support better coordination between medical practitioners and ITOs. This is intended to result in faster resolution of claims queries that will lead to better patient care and treatment decisions.

2. Enhancing Transparency in Panelling and Review Processes for Cashless Facility
The HPPSC has established a transparent and streamlined governance framework to support the panelling review and appeal processes relating to healthcare providers participating in cashless facility arrangements under MHIT products. The framework establishes a structured panelling review and appeal processes with clear guiding principles to promote fair and impartial assessment, continuous engagement, consistent decision-making and ongoing oversight. This initiative aims to strengthen confidence while improving governance and stakeholder engagement to promote prudent healthcare spending, strengthen governance, and enhance the overall integrity and sustainability of the MHIT ecosystem.  

3. Improving MHIT Claims Management Operational Efficiency
As part of ongoing efforts to improve operational efficiency and consistency in claims management, the HPPSC is undertaking several initiatives relating to clinical protocols and policy coverage.

These initiatives include: 

(a) Claims Management Processes
Developing processes to guide ITOs in managing clinical queries involving treatments recommended by medical practitioners that may not be directly aligned with or covered under existing Clinical Practice Guidelines (CPGs) issued by MOH through Malaysian Health Technology Assessment Section (MaHTAS). 

(b) Best Practices for Emerging Medical Technologies and Treatments
Developing best practices recommendations to support ITOs in assessing and determining MHIT coverage for new procedures, diagnostics, treatments and medicines, including emerging medical technologies such as robotic surgery, genetic testing and new cancer therapies. 

(c) Cancer Drug List Alignment and Awareness
Endorsing a cancer drug list developed in alignment with the MOH’s prescribed formulary prior to publication by MOH (NPRA). This initiative is intended to ensure healthcare providers remain updated on the MOH’s current prescribed cancer drug formulary.

The above initiatives will also include:
• Collaboration with the MOH, hospitals, treating specialists and relevant medical associations to facilitate alignment and resolution; and
• The implementation of mechanisms to disseminate outcomes, protocols and solutions arising from such engagements to all ITOs to promote greater consistency in application. 

4. Streamlining the Guarantee Letter (GL) Issuance Process
HPPSC will work towards simplifying and improving the Guarantee Letter (GL) issuance process to support timely issuance and more effective communication between ITOs, TPAs, medical practitioners and hospitals. 

This initiative aims to reduce administrative inefficiencies, improve coordination among stakeholders and enhance patients’ overall experience during hospital admissions and treatment. 

The initiatives undertaken by HPPSC reflect the Committee’s ongoing commitment to fostering greater collaboration, transparency and operational efficiency across the healthcare ecosystem. 

Commenting on the progress and significance of these initiatives, the Co-Chairs of HPPSC shared the following:

Chief Executive Officer of LIAM, Mark O’Dell said “HPPSC reflects what can be achieved when all stakeholders across the healthcare ecosystem come together with a shared purpose. These initiatives are designed to strengthen communication, improve operational efficiency and enhance transparency, ultimately benefiting patients and policyholders. As healthcare needs continue to evolve, it is important that insurers, takaful operators, healthcare providers and regulators work collaboratively to develop practical and sustainable solutions that support timely access to care while ensuring the long-term affordability and sustainability of medical and health insurance and takaful coverage for Malaysians.”

Dr Gunalan Palari @ Arumugam Palari of Malaysia Medical Association added “Effective patient care depends on strong collaboration and mutual understanding among all parties involved in the healthcare journey. Through HPPSC, we have established a constructive platform that enables healthcare providers and healthcare financiers to address operational challenges, improve communication and develop solutions that support better clinical and patient outcomes. The implementation of initiatives such as the “doctor-to-doctor” hotline demonstrates our collective commitment to ensuring patients receive timely, appropriate and coordinated care.”

Commitment to Continued Collaboration
The Malaysian Medical Association (MMA), Association of Private Hospitals of Malaysia (APHM), Life Insurance Association (LIAM), Malaysian Takaful Association (MTA), and General Insurance Association of Malaysia (PIAM) reaffirm their commitment to constructive collaboration and continuous engagement in strengthening the sustainability, transparency and efficiency of Malaysia’s healthcare financing ecosystem. 

The HPPSC will continue to serve as a platform for practical problem-solving, constructive engagement and industry collaboration in support of better healthcare access and patient outcomes for all Malaysians. 

The Committee brings together representatives from healthcare providers and healthcare financing stakeholders, including MMA, APHM, insurers and takaful operators (ITOs), as well as third-party administrators (TPAs), with observers from the Ministry of Health (MOH) and Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM). It is co-chaired by MMA and LIAM, with the support of PIAM and MTA, reflecting a shared commitment to collaborative solutions.

Issued jointly by:
• Malaysian Medical Association (MMA)
• Association of Private Hospitals Malaysia (APHM)
• Life Insurance Association of Malaysia (LIAM)
• Malaysian Takaful Association (MTA)
• Persatuan Insurans Am Malaysia (PIAM) 

SOURCE: Life Insurance Association of Malaysia (LIAM)

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:
MMA:
Name: Mr Darren Atkinson
Press Officer
Malaysian Medical Association
Level 4, MMA House
124 Jalan Pahang
53000 Kuala Lumpur
Tel: 03 4041 1375 / +60 12-295 5042
Fax: 03 4041 8187
Email: secretary@mma.org.my
Website: mma.org.my

APHM:
Name: Muhammad Badri Hussin
CEO
Associations of Private Hospitals of Malaysia
A-17-01 Menara UOA Bangsar
5, Jalan Bangsar Utama 1
59000 Kuala Lumpur
Tel : 603 22841701
Email : badri@aphm.org.my / aphm@aphm.org.my
Website : https://aphm.org.my

LIAM:
Puan Norizan Hassan
Head of Corporate Communications
Life Insurance Association of Malaysia
Level 6, AICB Building
No. 10, Jalan Dato’ Onn
50480 Kuala Lumpur
Tel: 603-2691 6168 / 6628 / 8068
Email: liaminfo@liam.org.my
Website: http://www.liam.org.my
Facebook: LIAM – Life Insurance Association of Malaysia
Instagram: @liamalaysia 

MTA:
Name: Puan Siti Nor Kamariah Ishak
Head, Corporate Communications
18th Floor, Main Block
Menara Takaful Malaysia
Jalan Sultan Sulaiman
50000 Kuala Lumpur
Tel: 018-355 1427
Fax: +603-2031 8170
Email: mtasecretariat@malaysiantakaful.com.my

PIAM:
Name: Ms. Susanna G. Simon
Manager, Communications
Persatuan Insurans Am Malaysia (PIAM)
Wisma PIAM
150, Jalan Tun Sambanthan
50470 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan
Tel: 03-2274 7399
Fax: 03-2274 5910
Email: susanna.simon@piam.org.my
Website: http://www.piam.org.my

–BERNAMA

​From Ancient Delicacy to Global Trend: The Industrial Upgrade and Global Journey of Ningxia Goji Berries

by jezzabellemente, posted in Uncategorized

Table

Ningxia Goji Berries

ZHONGWEI, China, June 16, 2026 /Xinhua-AsiaNet/–

Lush plantations glitter across the sun-drenched Yellow River alluvial plain at an elevation of 1,100 meters on the eastern flank of the Helan Mountains. This is Zhongning County in the Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, located in northwestern China. As the opening ceremony of the 9th Goji Berry Industry Expo officially kicks off here, farmers are busy harvesting the first goji berries of 2026.

While goji berries are widely cultivated across China, Ningxia goji berries stand out for their exceptional quality and have become the region’s most iconic specialty. As the core producing area of authentic Ningxia goji berries, also known as wolfberries, Zhongning enjoys over 3,000 hours of annual sunlight. The weakly alkaline soil, formed by the convergence of the Yellow River and Qingshui River, is rich in essential minerals and trace elements. These unique natural conditions have given birth to this distinctive “Magic Fruit.”

“Every single goji berry is hand-picked,” said Pan Tai’an, chairman of Ningxia Wolfberry Goji Industry Co., Ltd., a leading regional goji producer. “The goji trees blossom and bear fruit simultaneously, which means all berries must be harvested manually.”

“Thanks to Ningxia’s cool climate, pests and diseases are rare here. Still, we never use chemical fertilizers or pesticides. We only apply organic compost to guarantee the pure, natural quality of our goji berries,” he added.

From a Local Specialty to a Health and Lifestyle Trend

In China, Ningxia goji berries have been treasured as a medicinal and edible delicacy. It is the only goji variety officially listed for medicinal use in the Pharmacopoeia of the People’s Republic of China. The ancient Chinese medical masterpiece, the Shennong Ben Cao Jing (Classic of Materia Medica), documents their anti-aging properties. This profound cultural heritage has laid a solid foundation for Ningxia goji berries to enter international markets.

Today, this ancient red berry has gained unprecedented global popularity. Boasting powerful anti-aging benefits, high vitamin C content, and abundant antioxidants, Ningxia goji berries have become a trending “superfood” on international social media. Overseas consumers are willing to pay a premium for authentic Ningxia products, freeing the berry from its former identity as a niche, rustic specialty.

“Western researchers have long been studying the health benefits of goji berries, including immune enhancement, anti-tumor effects, and anti-aging properties. They call it a ‘superfood’ and extract its active ingredients for use in health supplements and cosmetics,” Pan Tai’an explains. “This inspired me to focus on deep processing, because that’s where the real value lies.”

For decades, the industry was held back by two major bottlenecks: the extreme perishability of fresh berries and underdeveloped deep-processing technology. To address these issues, the company invested six years in intensive R&D and successfully developed ambient-temperature preservation technology for goji puree. This pioneering breakthrough fills a technical gap and sets world-leading standards for the global goji industry.

To retain precious nutrients, fresh goji berries go through cleaning, pulping, sterilization and canning within two hours after harvest. This rigorous workflow best preserves key nutrients including goji polysaccharides, betaine and zeaxanthin to the greatest extent possible.

Powered by this core innovation, the company has produced over 100,000 tons of goji puree, with total sales exceeding 2 billion yuan (about 293 million U.S. dollars). More importantly, the technology has driven the construction of 50 high-standard production lines across Ningxia, marking a decisive shift – transforming the regional industry from raw material sales to high-value product manufacturing.

According to the latest data provided by the Goji Industry Development Center of the Ningxia Forestry and Grassland Administration, Ningxia’s goji marketing network covers more than 50 countries and regions spanning Southeast Asia, Europe, and the Americas. In 2025, Ningxia’s fresh goji berry output reached 200,000 tons, with the full industrial chain output value exceeding 21.3 billion yuan.

From Product Upgrade to a Global Cultural Brand

While technology-driven companies like Ningxia Wolfberry are deepening their presence in international supply chains, emerging players in the goji industry are reshaping the consumer perception of goji berries as “just a traditional medicinal herb.” As a leader in e-commerce, Ningxia Qilixiang Goji Co., Ltd. is dedicated to promoting this traditional tonic to the younger generation. Founded in 2009 by three university students with a startup fund of just 700 yuan from their living allowances, the company has now grown into a top-tier brand with annual sales exceeding 1 billion yuan.

To transform traditional wellness into a trendy lifestyle, Qilixiang has developed a variety of blended purees – such as goji-ginseng, red date-goji, and mulberry-goji – all paired with eye-catching packaging. Operating about 200 online stores, the company has consistently ranked first in e-commerce sales for goji products.

These Innovative, high-value-added products derived from goji berries – including goji puree, goji seed oil, and goji juice – are now enjoying immense global demand. Once viewed as a mysterious Chinese herbal remedy, Ningxia goji berries have now become part of daily life for middle-class families from New York to London, a favorite among Hollywood celebrities, and a common ingredient in premium restaurants worldwide.

The international reputation is built on rigorous quality control. To meet the highest global food safety standards for organic products, Ningxia goji companies adhere to the world’s most stringent regulations. For instance, Ningxia Wolfberry has held organic certifications from North America, the European Union and Japan for 21 consecutive years, earning a “green pass” to the global market. To date, its products have been exported to 33 countries and regions worldwide.

Today, Ningxia’s goji industry is no longer confined to production and sales; it is gradually embracing a diversified development model. With the establishment of goji art galleries, history museums, and experience centers, the industry is shifting from merely “selling products” to “selling scenery” and “selling culture,” growing into a multi-faceted and integrated economic driver.

The transformation of Ningxia goji berries reflects the progress and the rise of Chinese products and brands. It has evolved from a little-known northwest specialty and low-end raw material exporter into a global health trend and a modern, diversified industry fueled by technology, creativity, and culture. This journey mirrors the broader transformation of China’s traditional agriculture and the innovative drive of its real economy.

Source: Goji Industry Development Center of the Ningxia Forestry and Grassland Administration

EAACI CHAMPIONS VISION ZERO TO REDUCE ALLERGY, ASTHMA BURDEN

by jezzabellemente, posted in Uncategorized

KUALA LUMPUR, June 12 (Bernama) — The European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology (EAACI) is calling for a new global health ambition through Vision Zero, a future free from the burden of allergy and asthma.

As allergic diseases continue to affect hundreds of millions of people worldwide and place growing pressure on healthcare systems, this vision will serve as the central theme of the four-day EAACI Annual Congress 2026 in Istanbul, Türkiye, beginning June 12.

The congress will bring together thousands of clinicians, researchers and healthcare professionals to discuss the latest scientific advances and the future of allergy and asthma care, according to EAACI in a statement.

“Vision Zero reflects our determination to move beyond disease management and towards disease prevention and burden reduction. Through collaboration across research, clinical practice and public health, we can work towards a future where allergy and asthma no longer limit the lives of millions,” said EAACI President, María Torres.

EAACI believes scientific innovation, prevention strategies and coordinated policy action can significantly reduce the impact of allergic and respiratory diseases on individuals, families and societies rather than accepting them as an inevitable and growing public health challenge.

The congress will showcase emerging research and clinical developments in immunotherapy, environmental and genetic factors, digital health technologies, precision medicine and preventive approaches. Discussions will also address health equity and the need to ensure that advances in allergy and asthma care are accessible to patients worldwide.

Allergic diseases are among the most common chronic conditions globally, and their burden extends beyond healthcare to affect education, productivity, quality of life and mental wellbeing.

Against this backdrop, EAACI’s Vision Zero initiative seeks to encourage long-term thinking about what is possible when scientific discovery is matched by effective implementation and policy support. The congress is expected to bring together experts worldwide to accelerate progress towards substantially reducing the burden of allergy and asthma.

— BERNAMA

Holafly Names ATP Star Francisco Cabral Global Brand Ambassador

by jezzabellemente, posted in Uncategorized

KUALA LUMPUR, June 10 (Bernama) — Holafly, the global leader in travel eSIMs, has announced a new partnership with ATP Top 20 doubles player Francisco Cabral, who will serve as its global brand ambassador.

As part of the partnership, Cabral will share firsthand moments from life on the ATP Tour, offering fans a clear view into the realities of competing worldwide, from packed tournament schedules and long-haul journeys to the challenges that come with constant travel.

The collaboration will also spotlight Holafly’s Always On feature, which includes one gigabyte (GB) of backup data at no additional cost, providing travellers with added reassurance during unexpected situations.

“Francisco represents a new generation of athletes whose careers take them all over the world. Every season means new countries, new cities and new challenges, but also incredible opportunities.

“His journey reflects the way millions of people travel today, which makes him a natural fit for Holafly and everything we stand for,” said Holafly Brand Director, Daniela Prado in a statement.

According to Holafly, Cabral competes in approximately 35 to 40 tournaments each season across Europe, North America, Asia, Australia and the Middle East. Constant adaptation to new countries, cultures, climates and time zones means his experience closely reflects the realities faced by millions of international travellers every day.

Cabral has reached a career-high ranking of World No. 19 and became the highest-ranked Portuguese doubles player in ATP history. His career includes six ATP Tour doubles titles, 15 ATP Challenger titles and appearances at all four Grand Slam tournaments.

The partnership begins as the Portuguese star continues to compete on some of the biggest stages in professional tennis, including Wimbledon, the United States Open and the Australian Open.

Throughout the season, Holafly and Cabral will bring fans closer to life beyond the court, highlighting the experiences that come with competing around the world. The partnership reflects a shared belief that exploring the world should be shaped by opportunity, not uncertainty.

— BERNAMA

Vocalbeats.AI Joins SuperAI 2026 as Gold Sponsor

by jezzabellemente, posted in Uncategorized

SINGAPORE, June 9 (Bernama-GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Vocalbeats.AI, a Singapore-based AI-powered audio company, today announces its Gold Sponsorship of SuperAI 2026, taking place on 10–11 June 2026 at Marina Bay Sands, Singapore.

As part of its Gold Sponsorship, Vocalbeats.AI will sponsor continental breakfast, lunch and afternoon tea sessions on Day 1, with branded signage in the Food & Beverage (F&B) area and the corporate logo displayed across the venue, event stages and website.

SuperAI convenes more than 10,000 founders, investors, and enterprise leaders to explore the frontiers of AI — spanning large language models (LLMs), agentic systems, voice AI, and AI infrastructure.

Vocalbeats.AI’s focus on voice AI, real-time multimodal interaction, and practical consumer AI applications places it squarely within these themes. Its flagship applications, Owll, a voice-first productivity app, and Owll Translator, a real-time multilingual translation app, reflect that focus in everyday use across global markets. As AI development moves increasingly from capability to usability — how AI becomes integrated into communication, productivity, and daily life at scale, the company sees SuperAI as a timely platform to engage with the broader industry on that shift.

The sponsorship also reflects Vocalbeats.AI’s deepening presence in Singapore’s AI ecosystem. Earlier this year, the company established two university scholarship programmes — the Vocalbeats.AI–Turing AI Scholarship with Nanyang Technological University, Singapore (NTU Singapore) and the Vocalbeats.AI Scholarship at the National University of Singapore (NUS). Both initiatives provide recipients with access to career pathways at Vocalbeats.AI, reflecting the company’s commitment to nurturing Singapore’s next generation of AI talent.

About Vocalbeats.AI

Vocalbeats.AI is a Singapore-based AI-powered audio company dedicated to innovating intelligent, user-friendly products and services designed to improve everyday life with more lifelike, intuitive, and accessible voice AI. Its expanding portfolio of AI-powered applications—spanning productivity, wellness, and beyond—is increasingly being embraced by a diverse global user base.

Beyond developing applications, Vocalbeats.AI is redefining how people interact with AI. Powered by an international team of engineers, designers and researchers, the Company pushes the boundaries of voice and AI technology to empower people everywhere to work smarter, connect more meaningfully, and live better.

For more information, please visit www.vocalbeats.ai.

Media contact: media@vocalbeats.com

SOURCE: Vocalbeats