Category: Uncategorized

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 2 (Bernama) — American Express Travel has published the 2023 Trending Destinations list, featuring the 10 most popular destinations for travel next year, identified by global American Express Card Member travel reservations.

The destinations are Copenhagen; Florida Keys; Istanbul; Lisbon; Mexico City; Montenegro; Paris, Sydney; Woodstock; and Fiji’s Yaukuve Island.

In a statement, it said American Express Travel Consultants also created three-day itineraries for each of these destinations, providing inspiration on the top places to stay, eat, shop and explore the local culture.

This includes how Platinum card members can spend the “bonus vacation day” they receive with a guaranteed 4pm check-out when they book a Fine Hotels + Resort property through American Express Travel.

“When card members book trips through American Express Travel, they are trusting us with their most valuable resource, their time.

“Our global footprint, over 100 years of travel expertise and deep understanding of our card members, give us a unique ability to inspire travellers with this year’s list of Trending Destinations, make the planning process easy, and confidently advise them on what to do when they get there,” said American Express Travel president, Audrey Hendley.

In addition to top destinations, American Express Travel has also identified key trends driving travel in 2023, including new adventures that are in demand, vacationing with holistic health in mind, and seeking out personalised experiences.

American Express Travel’s 2023 Trending Destinations are selected based on global American Express card member bookings through American Express Travel, looking at year-over-year travel growth between 2019 and 2022.

American Express is a globally integrated payments company, providing customers with access to products, insights and experiences that enrich lives and build business success.

— BERNAMA

New data from clinical trials of TT11 and TT11X to be featured in two oral podium presentations and a poster presentation

SINGAPORE, Nov 4 (Bernama-GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Tessa Therapeutics Ltd. (Tessa), a clinical-stage cell therapy company developing next-generation cancer treatments for hematological malignancies and solid tumors, today announced that three abstracts reporting data from clinical trials investigating the company’s autologous CD30.CAR-T therapy (TT11) and allogeneic CD30.CAR EBVST therapy (TT11X) have been accepted for presentation at the 64^th American Society of Hematology Annual Meeting (ASH 2022) taking place December 10-13, 2022, at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center in New Orleans.

TT11, Tessa’s lead clinical asset, is an autologous CD30.CAR-T therapy currently being investigated as a potential treatment for relapsed or refractory classical Hodgkin lymphoma (r/r cHL) as both a monotherapy (Phase 2 CHARIOT) and combination therapy (Phase 1b). Two abstracts involving updated data from the CHARIOT clinical trial will be presented at ASH 2022, including an oral podium presentation demonstrating that circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) analysis with Foresight Diagnostics PhasED-Seq technology provides a viable biomarker to monitor responses, rapidly stratify risk, and predict outcomes of r/r cHL patients treated with TT11.

TT11X, Tessa’s allogeneic “off-the-shelf” cell therapy, is based on Tessa’s proprietary CD30.CAR-modified Epstein-Barr virus-specific T-cell (EBVST) platform. An abstract highlighting updated data from the ongoing Phase 1/2 study of TT11X (BESTA) in CD30-positive lymphomas will be featured in an oral podium presentation at ASH 2022. The research demonstrates CD30.CAR EBVSTs (TT11X) to be a well-tolerated and preliminary efficacious treatment for CD30+ lymphomas.

“We are honored that ASH has accepted three abstracts involving Tessa’s autologous and allogeneic CD30.CAR-T therapies, including two oral podium presentations, at its prestigious annual meeting,” stated Thomas Willemsen, President and CEO of Tessa Therapeutics. “The data being presented at ASH 2022 from the ongoing clinical trials of TT11 and TT11X demonstrate the potential of these therapies to safely and effectively treat CD30 positive lymphomas, including relapsed or refractory classical Hodgkin lymphoma. ASH is an ideal venue for highlighting this important research, and we are grateful to the investigators at the Baylor College of Medicine, Stanford University and MD Anderson Cancer Center for leading their respective presentations.”

Abstract Number: 167 (Podium)
Abstract Title: CD30.CAR-modified Epstein-Barr Virus-specific T-cells (CD30.CAR EBVST’s) Provide a Safe and Effective Off-The-Shelf Therapy for Patients with CD30-Positive Lymphoma (BESTA)
Presenting Author: David H. Quach, PhD, Center for Cell and Gene Therapy, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX
Session Date: Saturday, Dec. 10, 2022, at 1:00 PM CT; Ballroom AB
Abstract Summary:
Off-the-shelf allogeneic T-cell therapies face a major challenge of graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) and graft rejection mediated by host and recipient alloreactive T-cells, respectively. Epstein-Barr-specific T cells (EBVSTs), which are virus-specific rather than allo-specific, offer the potential to mitigate GVHD, and data thus far from more than 300 allogeneic recipients have not produced GVHD. An analysis from an ongoing Phase 1/2 clinical trial of CD30.CAR EBVSTs in patients with CD30-positive lymphoma has demonstrated the therapy to be a well-tolerated and preliminary efficacious treatment for CD30+ lymphomas and may avert GVHD and immediate rejection even after multiple infusions.

Abstract Number: 3338 (Poster)
Abstract Title:  Updated Results and Correlative Analysis of CHARIOT Trial: Autologous CD30.CAR-T-Cell Therapy in Patients with Relapsed or Refractory Classical Hodgkin Lymphoma
Presenting Author: Sairah Ahmed, MD., Department of Lymphoma/Myeloma and Stem Cell Transplantation, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
Session Date: Sunday, Dec. 11, 6:00 PM-8:00 PM CT; Hall D
Abstract Summary:
Early results from the pilot segment of a Phase 2 trial of autologous CD30.CAR-T in patients with relapsed/refractory (r/r) classic Hodgkin Lymphoma (cHL) demonstrated a favorable safety profile and excellent anti-tumor responses of CD30.CAR-T. In an updated clinical and exploratory biomarker analysis, the therapy is shown to be well tolerated with no unexpected safety signal. Additionally, data suggest strong anti-tumor efficacy with an overall response rate of 73.3% in heavily pretreated r/r cHL patients, as well as good expansion and persistence after infusion.

Abstract Number: 984 (Podium)
Abstract Title: Ultrasensitive Circulating Tumor DNA (ctDNA) Dynamics after Autologous CD30.CAR-T-Cell Therapy for Relapsed or Refractory (r/r) Classical Hodgkin Lymphoma (CHARIOT Trial)
Presenting Author: David M. Kurtz, MD, Ph.D., Stanford University, Stanford, CA.
Session Date: Monday, Dec. 12, 2022, 5:45 PM CT; Hall E
Abstract Summary:
CHARIOT, a Phase 2 single-arm, multicenter study, is designed to investigate the safety and efficacy of CD30.CAR-T cells in cHL patients experiencing progression after at least 3 lines of therapy. In the pilot part of the study, ctDNA was analyzed as an exploratory biomarker using Foresight Diagnostics PhasED-Seq MRD assay at multiple time points, including at baseline (pre-treatment), Day 42 post-CD30.CAR-T infusion (D42), and upon progressive disease (PD). Based on ctDNA successfully genotyped directly from pre-treatment plasma in 12 patients, it was determined that ctDNA responses largely mirrored radiographic responses, suggesting that pre-treatment ctDNA levels could have predictive value on patient response to CAR-T therapy. From this, the researchers concluded that PhasED-Seq ctDNA analysis is a viable biomarker to monitor responses, rapidly risk stratify, and predict outcomes of patients with r/r cHL treated with CD30.CAR-T therapy.

About Tessa Therapeutics 
Tessa Therapeutics is a clinical-stage biotechnology company developing next-generation cell therapies for the treatment of hematological cancers and solid tumors. Tessa’s lead clinical asset, TT11, is an autologous CD30-CAR-T therapy currently being investigated as a potential treatment for relapsed or refractory classical Hodgkin lymphoma as both a monotherapy (Phase 2) and combination therapy (Phase 1b). TT11 has been granted RMAT designation by the FDA and access to the PRIME scheme by European Medicine Agency. Tessa is also advancing an allogeneic “off-the-shelf” cell therapy platform targeting a broad range of cancers in which Epstein Barr Virus Specific T Cells (EBVSTs) are augmented with CD30-CAR. A therapy using this platform is currently the subject of a Phase 1 clinical trial in CD30-positive lymphomas. Tessa has its global headquarters in Singapore, where the company has built a state-of-the-art, commercial cell therapy manufacturing facility. For more information on Tessa, visit www.tessacell.com. 

Cautionary Note on Forward Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements (within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, to the fullest extent applicable) including, without limitation, with respect to various regulatory filings or clinical study developments of the Company. You can identify these statements by the fact that they use words such as “anticipate,” “estimate”, “expect”, “project”, “intend”, “plan”, “believe”, “target”, “may”, “assume” or similar expressions. Any forward-looking statements in this press release are based on management’s current expectations and beliefs and are subject to a number of risks, uncertainties, and important factors that may cause actual events or results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by any forward-looking statements contained in this press release, including, without limitation, those related to the Company’s financial results, the ability to raise capital, dependence on strategic partnerships and licensees, the applicability of patents and proprietary technology, the timing for completion of the clinical trials of its product candidates, whether and when, if at all, the Company’s product candidates will receive marketing approval, and competition from other biopharmaceutical companies. The Company cautions you not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date they are made, and disclaims any obligation to publicly update or revise any such statements to reflect any change in expectations or in events, conditions or circumstances on which any such statements may be based, or that may affect the likelihood that actual results will differ from those set forth in the forward-looking statements. Any forward-looking statements contained in this press release represent the Company’s views only as of the date hereof and should not be relied upon as representing its views as of any subsequent date. The Company’s products are expressly for investigational use pursuant to a relevant investigational device exemption granted by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration, or equivalent competent body. 

Tessa Therapeutics Investor Contact

Wilson W. Cheung
Chief Financial Officer 
wcheung@tessacell.com

Tessa Therapeutics Media Contact

Tiberend Strategic Advisors, Inc.
Bill Borden
+1-732-910-1620 
bborden@tiberend.com

Dave Schemelia
+1-609-468-9325 
dschemelia@tiberend.com

SOURCE : Tessa Therapeutics Ltd

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 31 (Bernama) — PETRONAS, through its Sahabat Maritim programme, conducted a series of outreach initiatives in Sarawak, Sabah and Terengganu, benefiting more than 3,500 villagers between August and September.

Each initiative was tailored to the needs of the respective community such as safety awareness, educational activities as well as essential supplies contribution.

In Sarawak, PETRONAS collaborated with the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA), Fisheries Development Authority Malaysia and the Department of Marine Fisheries, Sarawak, to improve the safety and quality of life of the fishing community at Kampung Piasau Utara in Miri. The villagers now have a newly renovated community hall, furnished with new furniture and a portable broadcasting system. New signages near the shoreline were built to cultivate the culture of safe maritime practices for the long term.

Similarly, PETRONAS also built safety signages for the people of Kampung Kuala Nyalau in Bintulu. The village’s ageing community facility was also refurbished during the three-day programme together with community programme partners, MMEA Bintulu and Press Metal Bintulu. Representatives from the organisations and the villagers also participated in various activities such as beach cleaning, colouring contest for children as well as cultural activities. The programme ended with the annual Makan Tahun programme, a much-awaited thanksgiving occasion, with participation from about 2,000 people from Kampung Kuala Nyalau and two surrounding villages.

In Sabah, PETRONAS in collaboration with its partner, SEA Hibiscus Sdn Bhd (SEAH) handed over life jackets and bags of food ration to 200 fishermen at Pulau Mantanani. This effort complemented Sahabat Maritim’s initiative in Pulau Gaya earlier this year where PETRONAS donated over 20 fish aggregating devices worth over RM5,000 and food rations worth over RM6,500.

Meanwhile, 70 primary school students from Sekolah Kebangsaan Mantanani, had their interest in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) evoked via a half-day programme with Petrosains. Participating students revealed that activities such as the design thinking innovation, cultivate problem-solving and critical thinking skills. They were also given the opportunity to try their hands at innovation through prototypes creation and digitalisation exercises. Petrosains also introduced to the students the importance of reducing carbon footprint and awareness on safety fishing.

In Terengganu, PETRONAS together with MMEA held an open dialogue with the local maritime community at Pulau Duyong. The session, known as ‘Sembang Teh Tarik’ provided a conducive avenue for the marine community to highlight their concerns and challenges in sustaining their fishing livelihood, as well as, for PETRONAS to better understand and subsequently address the community’s plight. PETRONAS also distributed food essentials to the beneficiaries to help ease their burden.

PETRONAS is currently looking at an additional contribution of fishing equipment to further spur the island’s economy and assessing the feasibility of installing artificial reefs from sunk boats in the area. PETRONAS had already installed three such reefs in Pulau Kapas earlier this year in collaboration with MMEA to provide fish breeding grounds and alternative fishing areas for the fishing communities.

Through the Sahabat Maritim initiatives, PETRONAS is committed in ensuring the highest safety and health standards in safeguarding the local communities, their families as well as the environment.

Photo: Click to download

Photo 1: PETRONAS employees and the womenfolk of Kampung Kuala Nyalau preparing the annual Makan Tahun together.
Photo 2: A new signage to inculcate the safety-first mindset in the community.

Issued by:

Media Communications Department
Group Strategic Communications
PETRONAS

SOURCE: PETRONAS

http://mrem.bernama.com/viewsm.php?idm=44586

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 28 (Bernama) — Malaysian and Singaporean enterprises are adapting their workplaces to meet new employee expectations and advances in technology after the COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the adoption of remote work and virtual meetings, Information Services Group (ISG) said.

In a statement today, the global technology research and advisory firm said its 2022 ISG Provider Lens Future of Work — Services and Solutions research report found that recent global events and new consumer technologies have led many employees in the region to expect the freedom to work remotely at least part of the time.

As a result, it said many enterprises continued to offer some form of work-from-home or hybrid work policy.

“As the circumstances of work in Singapore and Malaysia change over time, companies will need the flexibility to modify where and how employees do their jobs and collaborate.

“Service providers are helping clients focus on employee experience more than just on making technology easier to use,” ISG Asia director Deepraj Emmanuel said.

ISG said the rapid change in work modes in the region has affected some industries more than others but enterprises still preferred that employees do certain tasks, such as negotiating and brainstorming, in person.

“However, the pandemic allowed companies and employees to recognise that some roles can be carried out just as well, or better, remotely as they can in the office,” it said.

It said some enterprises are even shifting training and events online, reducing travel time and freeing up resources for creating better work-from-home environments.

ISG said the report also explored other workplace trends in the region and around the world, including the growing availability of workplace support from service providers in Singapore and Malaysia and the importance of strategically assessing all employee tasks to create an automation roadmap.

ISG has over 800 clients, including more than 75 of the world’s top 100 enterprises.

— BERNAMA

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 26 (Bernama) — On September 23, the 19^th Asian Games Hangzhou 2022 will be held in Zhejiang, China. Zhejiang Provincial Department of Culture and Tourism and the 19^th Asian Games Hangzhou 2022 Organising Committee are now accepting contributions for Global Design Collection of “Picturesque Zhejiang Travel Package” for the 19th Asian Games Hangzhou 2022 from today. We sincerely invite the artists and creators to explore the beauty of Zhejiang with the cross-cultural perspective, as well as the passion and love for sports.
 
Requirements for Design Proposals

Theme of design:

The design proposals should highlight the charm of “Picturesque Zhejiang” and the Olympic spirit, and conform to the positioning, goals and concept of the 19^th Hangzhou Asian Games and Asian Paralympic Games.

Design function: loading brochures, hand gifts and other items.

Requirements of design:

Bag size: No more than 400*200*315mm (length*width*height)

Bag material: Environment-friendly, lightweight and commemorative materials

Appearance: With elements of the Asian Games should be fully integrated to highlight the theme of “Inspiration for Asia”.

Related links:
Official website of the 19th Asian Games Hangzhou 2022:
https://www.hangzhou2022.cn/
(Please click“Competition Zones”and select “Picturesque Zhejiang”to check more details）

How to Apply

Registration: Click on：http://www.ezhejiang.gov.cn/2022-10/09/c_818064.htm and download the application form for Global Design Collection of “Picturesque Zhejiang Travel Package” for the 19th Asian Games Hangzhou 2022.

Submission deadline: 24:00 on November 28, 2022 (subject to the time of online submission)

Way of submission:

E-mail address for applicants in China 【meilizhejiang@qq.com】
E-mail address for applicants from overseas 【design@europe-asia.org】

Selection and Awards

Design experts from around the world will be invited to review and select the works.

Preliminary selection: November 29 to 31, 2022
Secondary selection: December 1 to 3, 2022
Final selection:  December 4 to 6, 2022

Awards:

Best works: Award certificate / a prize of USD 2,000 or two tickets for the opening ceremony of the Asian Games (excluding airfare and accommodation) / Asian Games souvenirs

Outstanding works: Award certificate / a prize of USD 300 / Asian Games souvenirs

Photo Link : https://ibb.co/Btp8T4X

SOURCE: Picturesque Zhejiang Culture and Tourism Promotion Center in Southeast Asia


http://mrem.bernama.com/viewsm.php?idm=44548