KUALA LUMPUR, June 4 (Bernama) — In a vivid display of how artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping regional trade, Vietnamese truckers equipped with AI-powered tools recently navigated through the Friendship Pass in Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China’s busiest land port with Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), streamlining their cross-border journey with real-time navigation and safety features.
Just a few kilometres away, Southeast Asian livestreamers at an e-commerce park were generating speech data for an AI language corpus, part of efforts to enhance machine translation across ASEAN languages.
As China and ASEAN strengthen economic ties, AI is playing an increasingly central role, transforming logistics, communications, and collaboration. At the Guangxi Pingxiang Comprehensive Bonded Area, smart AI cameras now handle cargo inspections—cutting manpower needs and boosting efficiency.
This trend is echoed across the region. In Nanning, a digital risk management hub monitors thousands of trucks and drivers, using facial recognition to detect fatigue and issuing real-time safety alerts.
Guangxi’s integration of AI does not stop at logistics. The region is actively developing AI tools tailored to ASEAN markets, including drones for air-ground inspections and digital certificate platforms for safer cross-border trade.
Guangxi Daring Technology Co Ltd has introduced an advanced AI translation model optimised for Southeast Asian languages like Vietnamese, offering high accuracy with reduced computational load.
In 2025, China ramped up efforts to build an AI-driven partnership with ASEAN, with these innovations forming part of a broader vision, according to a statement.
Notably, Guangxi and Laos launched the first China-Laos AI Innovation Cooperation Center, aiming to strengthen Laos’s technological base, while Guangxi partnered with Malaysia’s MYEG to roll out a China-Malaysia AI centre, including a digital ID system enabling seamless services and transactions for citizens of both nations.
Guangxi is also investing heavily in AI infrastructure. The Wuxiang Cloud Valley AI Industrial Park in Nanning focuses on computing power, algorithm research, and AI application in sectors like agriculture and consumer goods and aims to provide AI leasing services to ASEAN countries, fostering shared technological growth.
Looking to the future, Guangxi aspires to become the AI nerve centre for the ASEAN region. Projects like the China-ASEAN AI Innovation Cooperation Center in Nanning aim to attract global talent and foster AI adoption in industries ranging from education to tourism.
According to local officials, the region is targeting an AI industry output exceeding 100 billion Chinese yuan (about US$13.9 billion) by 2027, solidifying its position as a cornerstone of China-ASEAN technological collaboration. (US$1=RM4.23)
A&E Participants: The inaugural event attracts GPs representing over 130 clinics nationwide, showcasing the primary care community’s dedication to enhancing emergency response skills.
The seamless coordination between primary care and A&E departments enhances patient outcomes and system efficiency
KUALA LUMPUR, June 4 (Bernama) — IHH Healthcare Malaysia, a leading private healthcare provider with a network of 18 hospitals nationwide, has successfully rolled out a series of Accident & Emergency (A&E) Collaboration events with General Practitioners (GPs) across the Central, Northern, and Southern regions, reinforcing the role of GPs as frontline partners in emergency care.
This initiative highlights IHH Healthcare Malaysia’s commitment to deliver timely, high-quality care by fostering stronger, seamless coordination between primary care providers and hospital emergency teams across its network, which includes Gleneagles Hospitals, Island Hospital, Pantai Hospitals, Prince Court Medical Centre and Timberland Medical Centre.
To operationalise this collaboration, IHH Healthcare Malaysia has implemented several key measures to enhance patient safety, streamline A&E referrals and optimise continuity of care:
· Timely Patient Updates for GPs – GPs will receive timely clinical updates on patients referred to A&E departments across IHH Healthcare Malaysia’s hospitals, ensuring continuity of care and informed follow-up management.
· Direct Access to A&E Teams – Dedicated phone lines will allow GPs to connect directly with A&E teams for urgent referrals, enabling prompt decision-making and early intervention.
· Seamless Two-Way Communication – Structured communication channels between GPs and A&E departments will ensure smoother patient clinical handovers, real-time updates and coordinated care delivery.
· GP Masterclasses & Practical Sessions – Expert-led sessions will equip GPs with up- to-date clinical skills in emergency care, including ENT emergencies, fracture recognition, suturing techniques and ECG interpretation.
· Basic Life Support (BLS) Training – To boost pre-hospital emergency readiness, GPs and their teams will receive training in CPR, AED and essential emergency response.
The inaugural events saw participation from GPs representing over 130 clinics across Malaysia, demonstrating strong interest and commitment from the primary care community in enhancing emergency response capabilities.
Jean-François Naa, CEO of IHH Healthcare Malaysia, said, “Primary care is the foundation of a resilient healthcare system, and GPs are often the first point of contact for patients. Through this collaboration, we are strengthening that vital role – ensuring GPs have direct access, streamlined referral pathways and timely clinical support when patients need hospital care. Our goal is to deliver comprehensive care at every stage of the patient journey, with seamless continuity from clinic to hospital and back.”
Dr. Jeewadas Baladas, Consultant Emergency Physician and Head of Emergency Services at IHH Healthcare Malaysia, said, “From pre-hospital care to A&E admission and beyond, every step in the patient journey is vital. Closer collaboration between GPs and our A&E teams ensures timely, evidence-based care for patients when clinically indicated. Our 18 A&E departments follow a standardised triaging system and clinical pathways, ensuring consistent, high-quality emergency care.”
The nationwide rollout of this collaboration marks a step forward in redefining emergency care delivery in Malaysia. By bridging the gap between GPs and emergency departments through timely access, structured communication and shared clinical responsibility, IHH Healthcare Malaysia is setting new standards for responsiveness, coordination, and excellence in patient care.
ABOUT IHH HEALTHCARE MALAYSIA IHH Healthcare Malaysia is one of the largest private healthcare providers in Malaysia, with approximately 3,500 beds. Our healthcare network of 18 hospitals comprises Gleneagles Hospitals, Island Hospital, Pantai Hospitals, Prince Court Medical Centre and Timberland Medical Centre, complemented by ancillary services including Premier Integrated Labs, Premier Integrated Rehab and a chain of primary care clinics under Twin Towers Medical Centre. Our team of over 15,000 staff and more than 1,500 consultants are strongly committed to our aspiration to Care. For Good. where we prioritise patients’ needs to deliver quality clinical outcomes.
IHH Healthcare Malaysia is part of IHH Healthcare, a world-leading integrated healthcare provider with presence in 10 countries, including its key markets of Malaysia, Singapore, Turkiye, India and Greater China (including Hong Kong). IHH’s portfolio of trusted brands include Gleneagles, Island Hospital, Pantai, Prince Court, Timberland Medical Centre, Acibadem, Fortis, Mount Elizabeth and Parkway. Our vision is to be the world’s most trusted healthcare services network.
Sipika Singh, Chief Commercial Officer of IHH Healthcare Malaysia and Deputy CEO of Gleneagles Hospital Johor and Rahmatullah Baragau, Head of Indonesia Market at MHTC during the launch event.
Trusted by over 200,000 Indonesian patients, IHH Healthcare Malaysia’s hospitals lead the way in innovative, patient-first care with expert teams and convenient locations JAKARTA, Indonesia, May 30 (Bernama) — IHH Healthcare Malaysia proudly marks its third consecutive year organising the exclusive Malaysia Healthcare Expo (MHX) in Indonesia, reaffirming its commitment to delivering world-class, patient-centred care to the Indonesian community. In partnership with the Malaysia Healthcare Travel Council (MHTC), MHX Jakarta 2025 will be held from 8 to 11 May at Terra Atrium, Central Park Mall, further solidifying Malaysia’s position as a leading destination for accessible and high-quality medical tourism.
“Our presence at the Malaysia Healthcare Expo 2025 is a testament to IHH Healthcare Malaysia’s strong commitment to the health and well-being of the Indonesian community. With over three decades of trust and more than 200,000 Indonesian patients cared for each year, we remain focused on delivering world-class care, personalised support and accessible treatment options. In fact, one in every three Indonesian patients receiving treatment in Malaysia chooses an IHH hospital. Every patient that comes to us reflects our continued dedication to being a trusted healthcare partner at every stage of their healthcare journey,” said Sipika Singh, Chief Commercial Officer of IHH Healthcare Malaysia and Deputy CEO of Gleneagles Hospital Johor.
As a leading private healthcare provider, IHH Healthcare Malaysia operates a network of 18 hospitals with established brands spread across major cities in Malaysia, including Gleneagles Hospitals, Pantai Hospitals, Prince Court Medical Centre, Timberland Medical Centre, and the newly added Island Hospital. With decades of experience and a strong commitment to providing exceptional care, IHH Healthcare Malaysia has built trust with Indonesian patients, delivering positive clinical outcomes and accessible healthcare options that meet their unique needs.
“MH Expo Exclusive 2025, in partnership with IHH Healthcare Malaysia, reinforces our dedication to bridging Indonesia with Malaysia’s exceptional healthcare services”, said Rahmatullah Baragau, Head of Indonesia Market at MHTC.
At the expo, visitors will have the opportunity to explore a range of health screening packages, treatment options and the latest healthcare advancements from leading hospitals, including Gleneagles Hospital Penang, Gleneagles Hospital Kuala Lumpur, Gleneagles Hospital Johor, Pantai Hospital Kuala Lumpur, Pantai Hospital Melaka, Prince Court Medical Centre, Timberland Medical Centre and Island Hospital. These hospitals are known for their expertise in key specialties such as cancer care, heart health, orthopaedics, brain and nerve disorders and digestive health. Each offers personalised treatment plans, supported by advanced medical technology and experienced specialists.
Exclusive offers for Indonesian patients include buy-one-get-one-free deals on health screenings and special health packages with complimentary hotel stays. Through a partnership with Batik Air Malaysia, discounted flights are available, offering Indonesian patients preferential pricing, flexibility in travel dates and passenger names, as well as priority check-in and baggage handling. These benefits make it easier for Indonesian patients to access affordable, top-tier healthcare just a short flight away.
Understanding the distinct needs of international patients, IHH Healthcare Malaysia has developed a patient-first framework designed to offer seamless support from initial consultation to recovery. This approach includes assistance with treatment options, cost inquiries, appointment scheduling, travel and accommodation arrangements, ensuring every Indonesian patient has a smooth healthcare experience.
To further ease the process, IHH Healthcare Malaysia offers a user-friendly one-stop website with multiple communication channels, including an International Patient Hotline available by phone, email, and WhatsApp, staffed by Bahasa Indonesia-speaking medical professionals. Additionally, dedicated International Patient Centres (IPCs) at each hospital provide personalised, in-person assistance, helping guide Indonesian patients every step of the way—from their first inquiry to treatment and recovery.
Through its commitment to continuous innovation, patient care, and operational excellence, IHH Healthcare Malaysia has earned recognition on both regional and global stages. The healthcare group was recently named APAC Hospital Group – Excellence in Medical Tourism of the Year at the Global Health Indonesia Summit 2025. In Newsweek’s World’s Best Hospitals 2025, 12 of its hospitals were ranked, with Gleneagles Hospital Kuala Lumpur, Island Hospital, Pantai Hospital Kuala Lumpur, and Prince Court Medical Centre all listed in Malaysia’s Top 10. Gleneagles Hospital Kuala Lumpur climbed to #204 globally, up from #223 the previous year.
Building on this momentum, IHH Healthcare Malaysia is deepening its commitment to the Indonesian community by offering trusted expertise, culturally attuned care and greater access to world-class treatment. MHX Jakarta 2025 represents the next step in strengthening cross-border partnerships and expanding healthcare choices for Indonesian patients.
Malaysia Healthcare Expo Jakarta May 2025
Date: 8 May to 11 May 2025 Time: 10:00 am – 10:00 pm Venue: Terra Atrium, Central Park Mall
ABOUT IHH HEALTHCARE MALAYSIA IHH Healthcare Malaysia is one of the largest private healthcare providers in Malaysia, with approximately 3,500 beds. Our healthcare network of 18 hospitals comprises Gleneagles Hospitals, Island Hospital, Pantai Hospitals, Prince Court Medical Centre and Timberland Medical Centre, complemented by ancillary services including Premier Integrated Labs, Premier Integrated Rehab and a chain of primary care clinics under Twin Towers Medical Centre. Our team of over 15,000 staff and more than 1,500 consultants are strongly committed to our aspiration to Care. For Good. where we prioritise patients’ needs to deliver quality clinical outcomes.
IHH Healthcare Malaysia is part of IHH Healthcare, a world-leading integrated healthcare provider with presence in 10 countries, including its key markets of Malaysia, Singapore, Turkiye, India and Greater China (including Hong Kong). IHH’s portfolio of trusted brands include Gleneagles, Island Hospital, Pantai, Prince Court, Timberland Medical Centre, Acibadem, Fortis, Mount Elizabeth and Parkway. Our vision is to be the world’s most trusted healthcare services network.
Malaysia Healthcare Travel Council (MHTC), founded in 2009 and operating under the purview of Ministry of Health (MOH) Malaysia, is tasked with developing and nurturing the “Malaysia Healthcare” brand. MHTC enhances, coordinates and promotes Malaysia’s healthcare travel industry by fostering industry collaborations and establishing valuable public-private partnerships both domestically and internationally. Working with 78 private hospitals across Malaysia, MHTC aims to elevate the healthcare travel industry through an active ecosystem, a robust “Malaysia Healthcare” brand, and strategic market initiatives. The “Malaysia Healthcare” brand aspires to position Malaysia as the premier global healthcare destination. As a significant export service, Malaysia’s healthcare travel industry plays a vital role in the nation’s economy.
Kristin Dasaro, Director, Package Engineering and Sustainability at Mary Kay, greets Brazilian cancer researcher, Carolina de Araujo Pereira da Silva, who received back-to-back awards from Mary Kay for innovative findings in the malignancy of tumors. (Photo Credit: Mary Kay Inc.)
DALLAS, May 29 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) — Mary Kay Inc., a global advocate for furthering young women’s education and encouraging youth to follow their STEM dreams, returned for a second year as a Special Awards Organization at the Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair (Regeneron ISEF) in Columbus, Ohio. Ten grants totaling nearly $10,000 were awarded to standout high school-aged students excelling in innovative projects spanning topics from finding cures for cancers affecting women to sustainable packaging innovation and protecting our planet’s most valuable resources.
Each year, the event convenes nearly 2,000 participants representing more than 60 countries, with a total award pool offering over $9 million in awards and scholarships and invitations to corporate and academic events with elite global leaders in STEM.
Celebrating its 75th year, ISEF, a program of Society for Science, is the world’s largest pre-college global STEM competition. Through a global network of local, regional, and national science fairs, millions of students are encouraged to explore their passion for scientific inquiry. Each spring, a group of these students is selected as finalists and offered the opportunity to compete for approximately $9 million in awards and scholarships at the annual Regeneron ISEF.
“The ingenuity, passion, and innovation demonstrated by these young STEM leaders are awe-inspiring,” said Carrissa Dowdy, Manager of Product Formulation at Mary Kay. “Their work has the potential to transform industries, drive sustainable advancements, and accelerate major breakthroughs in fields like cancer research, material science, and environmental engineering. Mary Kay is proud to stand behind them as they shape the future of STEM.”
MEET THE STUDENT STEM LEADERS
1.Pragathi Kasani-Akula (GA, USA) Multi-Color Magneto-Fluorescent Nanoarchitectures for the Targeted Identification of Exosomes of Triple Negative Breast Cancer
2.Grace Liu (NY, USA) Evaluating Gender Disparities Due to Decision-Making Under Uncertainty in Entrepreneurship: A Panel Data Analysis
3.Alina Albeik (VA, USA) Implications of Resveratrol on Memory Retention in Dugesia tigrina
4.Kaili Tseng and Leila Gheysar (CA, USA) Bombyx mori Antimicrobial Peptides: A Novel and Sustainable Catalyst for Cancer Cell Growth Inhibition and Death
5.Elisabeth Fischermann and Tom Kressbach (Bavaria, Germany) On the Hunt for Free Radicals With a Blue Light Reaction
6.Ela Doruk Korkmaz (Istanbul, Turkey) Investigation of Potential Anti-Cancer Impacts of Coffee Bean-Derived Exosomes Through Anti-Proliferative and Apoptosis Inducing Effects on Melanoma Skin Cancer Cells via Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase Signaling Pathway
7.Carolina de Araujo Pereira da Silva* (Rio de Janeiro, Brazil) Salinomycin as a Molecular Trojan Horse for Targeting Mn-Induced Malignancy in Aggressive Tumors
8.Sofia Nunes (Maranhao, Brazil) Formulation of Low-Cost Artificial Skin for Cellular Regeneration and Severe Burns Treatment
9.Margareth Ac-ac (Negros Oriental, Philippines) SKIMP: Artificial Intelligence- Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) Portable Skin Cancer Detection Device With Skin Cancer Notifier Python-Based Program
10.Kamila Rotger-Costas and Miranda Sanz-Alvarez (Guaynabo and Caguas, Puerto Rico) EcoReishiFlex: An Innovative Sustainable Biodegradable Plastic Alternative Made From Ganoderma lucidum (Reishi Fungi) Polysaccharides
*Carolina de Araujo Pereira da Silva is a two-time Mary Kay Young Women in STEM grant recipient for her outstanding contributions to the cancer research field. Her 2024 prize money was utilized toward furthering her presented project – Rock the Metals! Investigating Manganese as a Trigger of Malignancy and Metal Transporters as Targets in Cancer Treatment which elevated her 2025 award-winning submission.
About Mary Kay
One of the original glass ceiling breakers, Mary Kay Ash founded her dream beauty brand in Texas in 1963 with one goal: to enrich women’s lives. That dream has blossomed into a global company with millions of independent sales force members in more than 40 markets. For over 60 years, the Mary Kay opportunity has empowered women to define their own futures through education, mentorship, advocacy, and innovation. Mary Kay is dedicated to investing in the science behind beauty and manufacturing cutting-edge skincare, color cosmetics, nutritional supplements, and fragrances. Mary Kay believes in preserving our planet for future generations, protecting women impacted by cancer and domestic abuse, and encouraging youth to follow their dreams. Learn more at marykayglobal.com. Find us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn, or follow us on X.
Amidst a vibrant sea of peonies in Sofia’s South Park, Bulgaria, the “Peony Blossom Celebration: A Springtime Cultural Gathering” kicked off on May 17, drawing hundreds from across the country eager to witness Bulgaria in full bloom. The event, graced by representatives from the Chinese Embassy in Bulgaria, the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Sofia Municipality, Chelopech Municipality, the Sofia municipal company “Parks and Urban Gardens,” and the China Cultural Center in Sofia, showcased a delightful fusion of cultural heritage and floral elegance.
Co-hosted by the Chinese Embassy in Bulgaria and the Publicity Department of the CPC Heze Municipal Committee, the event transformed into a vivid tapestry of Chinese culture, featuring immersive peony-themed photo exhibitions and interactive cultural experiences. A charitable aspect, supported by the “For Our Children” Foundation, saw enthusiastic public response to embassy-donated books and peony-themed cultural and creative products from Heze.
The vibrant display of peony-themed photography harmonized beautifully with South Park’s blooming flowers, allowing visitors to witness the peony’s rich varieties and the profound heritage of Chinese culture. Guests savored peony-infused tea and delicacies, donned intricately embroidered Hanfu adorned with peony motifs, and explored artisanal creations such as peony porcelain, wheat-straw art, wood carvings, and woven rope peonies. Engaging hands-on activities, including peony painting workshops and trivia sessions, further enhanced the joyous atmosphere.
“Peonies symbolize nobility, prosperity, and happiness, embodying values of harmony and shared beauty that resonate deeply with the Bulgarian people,” said Sofia Deputy Mayor Nikola Barbutov, who conveyed a message from Mayor Vasil Terziev. The mayor praised the gathering as a reflection of the richness of Chinese culture and a celebration of dialogue, mutual understanding, and friendship, emphasizing the cultural and spiritual bond between the two peoples.
As part of a commemorative project marking the 75th anniversary of China-Bulgaria diplomatic relations, 700 peony plants from Heze were transplanted to Sofia’s South Park, Plovdiv Cultural Park, and the Botanical Garden of the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences in 2024. These peonies now bloom in Bulgaria, each blossom narrating a story of friendship and peace.
Wang Min, Chargé d’Affaires of the Chinese Embassy in Bulgaria, referred to the event as a celebration of friendship and beauty. She expressed hope that Heze’s peonies would flourish in Bulgaria, serving as enduring symbols of friendship, cultural exchange, and emotional connection between the two nations.
Milena Vaseva, Director of Sofia’s “Parks and Urban Gardens,” reflected on her recent visit to Heze, commending the city’s comprehensive peony industry, which integrates cultivation, trade, and full-plant utilization. She highlighted the city’s peony gardens, which blend horticulture, cultural festivities, and leisure, expressing hopes for continued collaboration to ensure Sofia’s peonies flourish.
Source: Publicity Department of the CPC Heze Municipal Committee
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