ALTY Orthopaedic Hospital’s CEO, Dr Savitha Dharan and Café Mesra Sdn Bhd’s CEO, Ian Malcolm Cruddas official launch the first Café Mesra outlet in a hospital setting to further enhance patient experience.
KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 12 (Bernama) — ALTY Orthopaedic Hospital, one of Malaysia’s first single-specialty comprehensive orthopaedic hospital today announced a collaboration with PETRONAS Dagangan Berhad’s café venture, Café Mesra, to further enhance patient experience and stay in the hospital.
Rapidly expanding to 61 outlets, Café Mesra is reaching more Malaysians through its presence in PETRONAS stations, standalone cafes, and kiosks. Designed with a twist that blends delectable food and artisanal coffee, Mesra Retail & Cafe perfectly aligns with ALTY Orthopaedic Hospital’s core values.
With the opening of the first hospital location for Café Mesra, patients can enjoy the delights of crafted coffee and indulge in delightful pastries, snacks, and meals in ALTY’s warm and welcoming environment.
ALTY Orthopaedic Hospital’s Chief Executive Officer, Dr Savitha Dharan said, “As ALTY continuously looks at enhancing our services with patient experience as a priority, we realise that this includes engagement beyond just the care they seek.”
“Café Mesra embodies similar core values emphasising quality which are aligned with our values and commitment at ALTY. We are pleased to be the first single-specialty hospital location for Café Mesra and look forward to welcoming our patients to enjoy this new service offering with this partnership” Dr Savitha added.
Mesra Retail & Café Sdn Bhd, Chief Executive Officer, Ian Malcolm Cruddas said, “We are thrilled to partner with ALTY Hospital to open our 55th outlet that supports our aspiration to deliver quality yet affordable food and beverage experience to customers. Not only does Café Mesra serve as a welcoming space for individuals to unwind at ALTY, but they can also enjoy handcrafted coffee brewed with Embun which is our signature blend of 100% arabica beans, an array of hot pastries, snacks and meals. This collaboration is a testament to our pursuit of making our customers’ everyday lives simpler and better as we believe quality food and beverages should be accessible to everyone.”
About ALTY Orthopaedic Hospital
ALTY (‘Adding Life to Years’) Orthopaedic Hospital, formerly known as HSC Medical Center is your one-stop specialist centre providing you and your loved ones comprehensive modern care on all orthopaedic and musculoskeletal conditions.
As a holistic, premier orthopaedic hospital, we specialise in surgical and non-surgical treatments, offering cutting edge solutions through our Spine and Joint Clinics. With contemporary facilities and state-of-the-art equipment, patient well-being and recovery is at the heart of what we do.
Our dedicated team of renowned orthopaedic specialists with decades of experience in practice as well as other highly trained healthcare professionals including physicians, nurses and other support staff aim to provide an exceptional standard of personal and professional care to patients.
#ALTYortho #feelitinyourbones #AddingLifeToYears
ABOUT PETRONAS DAGANGAN BERHAD PETRONAS Dagangan Berhad is the principal domestic marketing arm of Petroliam Nasional Berhad (PETRONAS), the national oil company, which holds 63.94% of its equity. Incorporated in Malaysia under the Companies Act 1965 on 5 August 1982 and listed on the Main Board of Bursa Malaysia on 8 March 1994, PDB has since established itself as Malaysia’s leading retailer and marketer of downstream oil and gas products.
The Company markets a wide range of high-quality petroleum products including motor gasoline, aviation fuel, kerosene, diesel, fuel oil, bunker fuel, lubricants, liquefied natural gas (LNG) liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and bitumen in Malaysia.
As part of its strategy to grow its non-fuel offerings, the Company has incorporated Mesra Retail & Café Sdn Bhd in 2021, which focuses on food and beverage (F&B) business.
Since 2015, PDB has been certified as a constituent company member of FTSE4Good Index Series – a testament to the Company’s demonstration of strong environmental, social and governance practices measured against globally recognised standards.
SOURCE: HSC Medical Centre (KL) Sdn Bhd
FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT: ALTY Orthopaedic Hospital Name: Poovenraj Kanagaraj Senior Executive, Marketing Communication Tel: 016-5317292 Email: poovenraj.kanagaraj@altyortho.com PETRONAS DAGANGAN BERHAD Name: Myra Liyana Razali Tel: 03 – 2392 7252 | 012 – 689 0188 Email: myraliyana.razali@petronas.com.my
KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 11 (Bernama) — Altuz Academy, a leading educational institution dedicated to providing evidence-based solutions for students with learning differences, is thrilled to announce the official launch of its Orton-Gillingham BM (Bahasa Malaysia) program. This exciting initiative coincides with International Dyslexia Awareness Month, celebrated annually in October.
Dyslexia, a neurobiological condition that affects reading and language processing, presents unique challenges to individuals, especially when their primary language is Bahasa Malaysia. To address this crucial issue, Altuz Academy has developed the Orton-Gillingham BM program, an evidence-based, multisensory approach to reading instruction designed to empower dyslexic students to excel in their native language.
The Orton-Gillingham BM program is rooted in a rich tradition of language instruction, leveraging structured literacy methodologies to provide students with tailored strategies for reading and writing. Through a unique blend of visual, auditory, and kinesthetic techniques, this program aims to break down barriers and unlock the full potential of dyslexic learners.
“Altuz Academy is committed to transforming the lives of individuals with dyslexia by providing them with the tools and support they need to thrive academically and beyond,” said Dr Choy Su-Ling, the co-founder of Altuz Academy. “With the launch of our Orton-Gillingham BM program, we are extending our reach and making a significant impact on students with dyslexia in Malaysia.”
“We have been teaching the Orton-Gillingham English module for over five years. As the gold standard for literacy intervention, we have seen how much it has helped students make significant progress,” she added. “Adding on the BM module is a natural progression of our teaching solutions.”
Throughout Dyslexia Awareness Month, Altuz Academy will also conduct awareness campaigns and workshops aimed at educating the public about dyslexia and the importance of early intervention. These initiatives are part of Altuz Academy’s ongoing commitment to raising awareness and advocating for individuals with dyslexia in Malaysia.
Altuz Academy invites educators, parents, ESG professionals, and the general public to join them in celebrating the launch of the Orton-Gillingham BM program and Dyslexia Awareness Month. Together, we can create a more inclusive and supportive educational environment for all students.
Altuz Academy is the premier Orton-Gillingham centre in Malaysia dedicated to supporting students with learning differences. With a mission to empower dyslexic individuals, Altuz Academy offers a range of evidence-based programs and services to help students reach their full potential academically and in life. For more information, please visit www.altuzacademy.com.
KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 10 (Bernama) — There are currently 28,420 centi-millionaires in the world, more than double the number 20 years ago, according to the 2023 Centi-Millionaire Report released by wealth and investment migration advisors Henley & Partners.
The report featured exclusive data from global wealth intelligence firm New World Wealth indicating that the amount represents an increase of 12 per cent compared to this time last year.
According to Henley & Partners in a statement, this fast-growing global elite of highly influential super-wealthy movers and shakers boast investable assets of US$100 million or more. (US$1=RM4.72)
As outlined in the inaugural report last year, at a country level, most centi-millionaires (or ‘centis’) are concentrated in the United States (US) with 38 per cent, followed by the large emerging markets of China and India.
One third of the world’s centi-millionaire community live in 50 key cities across the globe, with New York City (NYC) wearing the crown with 775 resident centi-millionaires.
Hot on the heels of NYC in first place comes the Bay Area with 692 resident centi-millionaires, followed by Los Angeles with 504 centis. This super-rich cohort has grown by just over five per cent in the Big Apple over the past 12 months, compared to 11 per cent in the Bay Area.
Overall, the US has 12 cities in the Top 50, with a combined total of 3,311 centis, representing 11.7 per cent of the world’s centi-millionaire population as of June this year.
By contrast, the United Kingdom (UK) has only one city in the Top 50, in which London comes in fourth place with 388 centi-millionaires, representing 1.4 per cent of the world’s centi population.
The report further unveiled an impressive representation from Asia in the upper rankings, with four Asian cities and territories among the world’s Top 10 centi-millionaire hotspots, in which Mainland China has two Top 10 cities with Beijing ranked fifth and Shanghai took the sixth spot, while Singapore follows in seventh place, and Hong Kong (SAR China) in eighth place.
Of the Top 50 cities, the e-commerce hub of Hangzhou in China is expected to see the highest growth in its centi-millionaire population in the next decade with a projected 95 per cent increase, closely followed by the prominent tech hub, Shenzhen (88 per cent).
· 83% of Asian travelers have reported they feel proud about the rising popularity of their country of origin as a travel destination. · 77% of Asian travelers are seeking to better understand their own heritage through travel. · Asian travelers unequivocally rank exploring local and traditional food and beverage as the most important consideration when it comes to planning travel for 2024, highlighting the intrinsic connection between culture and cuisine. · This research comes as Hilton releases its global 2024 Trends Report, which uncovers four themes expected to be the catalysts of change and innovation for travel in 2024 and beyond.
SINGAPORE, Oct 10 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) — As Hilton releases its 2024 Trends Report, the leading global hospitality company has discovered an emerging generation of Asian travelers who are pursuing travel that will enable them to better understand their identity. Dubbed as the ‘GenerAsian traveler’ are Asians who are inspired by self-discovery and have a desire for a deeper understanding of their own cultural and ancestral heritage through travel.
In a global survey conducted in collaboration with Ipsos, a resounding chorus of travelers across the Asia Pacific region have expressed a growing confidence for self-exploration. In fact, a staggering 83% of respondents reported they feel proud about the rising popularity of their country of origin as a coveted travel destination, with 84% feeling honored about the international popularity and appreciation of Asian food, design, and culture.
This shift in global taste can be attributed to globalization¹, where international audiences now have better accessibility and insight into Asia through pop culture and social media. Alongside this, the region has seen much greater representation in entertainment, food and beverage, and other industries – from top-grossing Hollywood films, to restaurants around the region receiving internationally renowned recognition.
“We’re constantly monitoring the travel preferences of different generations to create tailored experiences that cater to their unique needs and desires. Fueled by a sense of pride that Asian food, design, and culture are gaining popularity globally, we know this will hold even greater significance and interest for travelers in the upcoming year,” Ben George, senior vice president and commercial director, Asia Pacific, Hilton commented.
“In fact, our research found that 77% of APAC travelers are seeking to better understand their own heritage through travel, with 75% looking to learn more about other Asian cultures. We believe that the heart of a great trip is a great stay, and so we remain committed to delivering innovative solutions to ensure our guests can fully immerse themselves in both our hotels and their communities,” he added.
Access to Local, Gastronomic Experiences are a Priority for Asians
Priorities differ among travelers when it comes to selecting their accommodation. For some, convenience might be key, but for others, price point remains at top of mind. In line with their travel motivations, Asian consumers are more likely than travelers from other countries surveyed to book their accommodations based on access to unique local experiences. A substantially higher proportion of respondents from China (81%), India (77%) and Singapore (70%) indicated that they always or often do so, compared to the 65% average across all countries surveyed in Hilton’s global study².
When it comes to the types of experiences Asian travelers seek during their trips, 88% of respondents unequivocally ranked exploring local and traditional food and beverage as the most important to them. A strong majority (84%) also indicated a desire to deepen their understanding of the local history and heritage of the destination they travel to, and connect with the local community when they travel (78%) – suggesting a reassuring desire for more authentic travel experiences³.
Food and beverage also showed as a unifying passion point across Asian respondents in Hilton’s 2024 Trends Report survey, with respondents across China, India, Japan, and Singapore all ranking culinary experiences as the top budget priority for their travel plans next year. In contrast, exploring and adventure experiences as well as indulgence or pampering emerged as the top budget priority in the majority of the other markets surveyed⁴.
To ensure they are able to prioritize travel in the coming year, a higher percentage of consumers in Asian countries are reducing spending on other areas of their life compared to other markets surveyed (82% India, 74% China, and 74% Singapore versus 64% global). Considerably more travelers from China (85%), India (81%) and Singapore (73%) are also inclined to spend more on travel in 2024 than they did in 2023, compared to the global average of 65%⁵.
“At Hilton, we’ve noticed a rising interest in self-discovery and the desire for an even deeper understanding of one’s heritage, and this will be an even more important consideration for travelers in 2024. Interestingly, 71% of all Asia Pacific respondents reported they will prioritize traveling in the next 12 months, supporting this notion of the GenerAsian traveler and their passion to explore,” said Alexandra Jaritz, senior vice president, Brand Management, Asia Pacific, Hilton.
“From our ongoing brand innovation and dining experiences to our world-renowned hospitality, Hilton will enable guests to completely connect and immerse themselves in the destinations they chose to travel,” she added.
Understanding Generational Differences in Global Travelers’ Expectations
These insights were commissioned as part of research for Hilton’s 2024 Trends Report, which sought to uncover the profile of the 2024 traveler, while also zooming in to understand what the desires and preferences will be for the different generations. Following a global survey of more than 10,000 travelers from nine countries, and in-depth interviews with dozens of Hilton travel experts, the report uncovers four themes expected to be the catalysts of change and innovation for travel in 2024 and beyond:
1. Travelers Will Invest in Their Sleep: Gen Zs are the most intentional about winding down, with 21% regulating their workout routine, and 25% avoiding alcohol before bedtime. In Asia Pacific, respondents ranked listening to music or podcasts (33%) and choosing a trusted hotel brand with consistent mattress quality (27%) as their top sleep considerations. 2. Travelers Will Value Connectivity and Personalization: 80% of global travelers and 83% in Asia Pacific surveyed said it’s important to be able to book their trip entirely online, with 86% of Millennials and 83% of Gen Zs leading the charge. 3. Culture and Experiences Will Drive Leisure Travel Decisions: Across generations globally and in the Asia Pacific region, travelers’ top focus is on culinary (49%) as well as exploration and adventure experiences (47%). Gen Xs (48%) and Baby Boomers (45%) are the most passionate about their dining budget plans, while Gen Zs and Millennials (52% for both) are carving out more budget for exploration and adventure experiences than other generations. 4. Business Travel Trends Will Redefine Expectations: More than a third of Gen Z and Millennial business travelers say they plan to extend a business trip to enjoy leisure time before or after their work obligations, and 24% of global business travelers plan to take a friend or family member with them on a business trip next year.
Both qualitative and quantitative methods were used to determine the emerging trends detailed in this report. Hilton conducted stakeholder interviews across the organization to gain perspectives on what travel looks like today and determine what is top of mind going into 2024, with business divisions including: Business Travel/Events, Food & Beverage, Wellness, Sustainability, Design, Digital Innovation and Workplace Culture. Hilton commissioned two phases of research with Ipsos, one of the largest market research and polling companies globally. First, Ipsos conducted 60 qualitative online video diaries in the U.S. between April and May 2023. Then Ipsos fielded a quantitative online survey in July 2023 among a nationally representative sample in Germany, Great Britain, Japan and the U.S. of adults under age 75. The samples in China, India, Mexico, Singapore and U.A.E. are more urban, more educated and/or more affluent than the general population. The survey results for these markets should be viewed as reflecting the views of the more “connected” segment of their population. Each country included an oversample of n=200 Gen Z to increase analytic capability for this age group. The age breakdown used is Gen Z: 18-26, Millennial: 27-44, Gen X: 45-58 and Baby Boomers: 59-77.
About Hilton
Hilton (NYSE: HLT) is a leading global hospitality company with a portfolio of 22 world-class brands comprising nearly 7,300 properties and more than 1.1 million rooms, in 123 countries and territories. Dedicated to fulfilling its founding vision to fill the earth with the light and warmth of hospitality, Hilton has welcomed more than 3 billion guests in its more than 100-year history, earned a top spot on Fortune’s 100 Best Companies to Work For list and been recognized as a global leader on the Dow Jones Sustainability Indices for six consecutive years. Hilton has introduced several industry-leading technology enhancements to improve the guest experience, including Digital Key Share, automated complimentary room upgrades and the ability to book confirmed connecting rooms. Through the award-winning guest loyalty program Hilton Honors, the more than 165 million members who book directly with Hilton can earn Points for hotel stays and experiences money can’t buy. With the free Hilton Honors app, guests can book their stay, select their room, check in, unlock their door with a Digital Key and check out, all from their smartphone. Visit stories.hilton.com for more information, and connect with Hilton on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram and YouTube.
The global place branding advisor today announced the world’s 100 top-performing cities in their ninth annual 2024 World’s’s Best Cities Report.
NEW YORK, Oct 4 (Bernama-GLOBE NEWSWIRE) —Resonance is a leading advisor in tourism, real estate and economic development, and its World’s Best Cities rankings quantify and benchmark the relative quality of place, reputation and competitive identity for the planet’s urban centers.
The Best Cities data is lauded as the world’s most thorough annual city ranking, based on original methodology that analyzes key statistics, user-generated reviews, social media and online activity.
The ninth annual World’s Best Cities ranking is an important, timely analysis of the urban centers that are leading the planet in post-pandemic economic recovery and a resilient future.
Access the 2024 World’s Best Cities Report and all 100 city profiles at WorldsBestCities.com.
Learn more about how Resonance Consultancy can help your city and community at ResonanceCo.com.
”The 2024 World’s Best Cities rankings benchmark the overall performance of more than 270 principal cities in metropolitan areas with populations of more than one million, based on a wide variety of measures, in order to identify the Top 100 places to live, visit and invest on the planet,” says Resonance President & CEO Chris Fair.
The overall Best Cities rankings are determined by analyzing the performance of each city for a wide range of factors that have historically shown positive correlations with attracting employment, investment and/or visitors to cities. Resonance groups these 24 metrics into a ranking of each city’s Livability, Lovability and Prosperity.
Based on each city’s performance across our methodology, these are the World’s Top 10 Best Cities for 2024:
1. London, United Kingdom 2. Paris, France 3. New York, United States 4. Tokyo, Japan 5. Singapore 6. Dubai, United Arab Emirates 7. San Francisco, United States 8. Barcelona, Spain 9. Amsterdam, Netherlands 10. Seoul, South Korea
The full ranking and extensive profiles of all 100 World’s Best Cities are available at WorldsBestCities.com.
About Resonance Consultancy
Resonance creates transformative strategies, brands and campaigns that empower destinations, cities and communities to realize their full potential. As leading advisors in real estate, tourism and economic development, Resonance combines expertise in research, strategy, branding and communications to make destinations, cities and developments more valuable and more vibrant. ResonanceCo.com
About World’s Best Cities
Best Cities is the home of Resonance’s exclusive ranking of the world’s top urban destinations. The data is used by leading news outlets, trusted by city leaders, and is widely considered to be the world’s most comprehensive annual city ranking. Bloomberg calls it, ”The most comprehensive study of its kind; it identifies cities that are most desirable for locals, visitors, and businesspeople alike, rather than simply looking at livability or tourism appeal.” WorldsBestCities.com | #BestCities
