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KUALA LUMPUR, April 26 (Bernama) — In light of World Veterinary Day 2024 to celebrate the essential work of veterinarians, findings from a survey of veterinarians worldwide were released to showcase the perceived levels of appreciation for the veterinary profession.

Yet, only 49 per cent of veterinarians believe their profession is appreciated, according to Going Beyond 2024 survey by Kynetec on behalf of Boehringer Ingelheim.

According to a statement, the survey aimed to shine a light on the often-unseen care and effort veterinarians provide and to explore if veterinarians feel valued and understood by animal owners.

“Understanding the reasons why veterinarians feel their profession is underappreciated, raising awareness of often-unseen and complex aspects of veterinary work, and most importantly, showing veterinary professionals that we recognise their essential work, is an important first step.

“As a veterinarian myself, I know that there is so much to love about this job. Together, we can showcase the relentless dedication, the genuine compassion, and the scientific know-how it takes to work as a veterinarian. It truly is a vocation to aspire to,” said Boehringer Ingelheim Member of the Global Animal Health Executive Committee, Fabio Paganini.

The perceived levels of appreciation for the profession were relatively consistent across key types of veterinary teams, with only 48 per cent of pet-focused (cats and dogs), 55 per cent of livestock, and 42 per cent of equine veterinary professionals reporting their profession was appreciated. This is despite 75 per cent of survey respondents reporting feeling “personally” appreciated by their client base.

Additionally, the respondents believe their personal clients appreciate their “level of expertise” (66 per cent), the “ability to deal with ethical dilemmas (including euthanasia)” (61 per cent) and the fact “they provide a large variety of care” (57 per cent). However, the survey also revealed clients do not always have full awareness of how far veterinarians push themselves to provide care.

Of the participants, 49 per cent felt they were underappreciated by clients when it came to understanding the “resilience to stress and emotional exhaustion” required from the job, with 48 per cent reporting an underappreciation of the fact they “work despite feeling physically exhausted” and the way they “trade-off their work-life-balance to help animals”.

The survey was conducted in March across 1,056 companion animal, livestock, and equine veterinarians in the United States, Japan, the United Kingdom, France, Brazil, and Germany.

Furthermore, Boehringer Ingelheim, together with the Word Small Animal Vet Association and the World Association for Buiatrics, plus other leading organisations, are united to help veterinarians, starting with showcasing veterinary professionals’ compassion and dedication to animal welfare, while shedding light on the often-unseen complex and difficult aspects of care.

— BERNAMA

KUALA LUMPUR, April 24 (Bernama) — Hitachi Energy announced investments of over US$1.5 billion to ramp up its global transformer manufacturing capacity to keep pace with the growing demand and support the long-term plans and electrification efforts. (US$1=RM4.77)

The investments will gradually expand the company’s global transformer capacity by 2027 and are in addition to the US$3 billion already announced to progress on the electrification of the energy system driven by the energy transition.

“The demand for transformers and electrical equipment has grown at an unprecedented scale, and we are investing to address our customers’ mid- and long-term needs.

“We are developing our global footprint and capacity and progressing in digitalisation and technology to deliver even more sustainable and reliable solutions,” said Hitachi Energy Managing Director of the Transformers Business, Bruno Melles in a statement.

Concurrently, the company is also announcing an investment of around US$180 million in a new state-of-the-art transformer factory in the Vaasa region, Finland, whereby this top-notch 30,000-square-metre campus will be a testament to Hitachi Energy’s dedication to innovation, quality, and environmental stewardship.

The investments complement Hitachi Energy’s broader growth efforts, which include the recently announced larger than US$30 million expansion in Bad Honnef, Germany.

Leveraging the company’s global footprint, additional investments will follow in Europe, the Americas, and Asia to meet the growing demand for power and distribution transformers.

Hitachi Energy is the world’s largest transformer manufacturer in terms of installed base, portfolio range, manufacturing capacity, and market coverage, with over 60 transformer factories and service centres worldwide.

All the announced transformer investments include sustainable and innovative manufacturing technologies for operational efficiency while ensuring high standards for safety and quality.

— BERNAMA

During its 46th session, King Faisal Prize Recognized Other Outstanding Figures in the Fields of Islamic Studies, and Service to Islam

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, April 23 (Bernama-GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — During the 46th session of King Faisal Prize on April 22, exceptional accomplishments in the fields of gene therapy for neuromuscular diseases and groundbreaking RNA discoveries were acknowledged. Professor Jerry Mendell was awarded the Medicine Prize for his groundbreaking contributions to the screening, early diagnosis, and treatment of neuromuscular disorders, notably spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) and Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). Professor Howard Chang received the Science Prize for unveiling the intrinsic role of long non-coding RNAs in gene regulation and function, a previously overlooked area of study.

Through innovative gene therapy approaches, Professor Mendell, the Director of Gene Therapy Center at Nationwide Children’s Hospital and Curran Peters Chair in Pediatric Research, has revolutionized treatment strategies, offering hope to countless patients worldwide.

Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), once considered a leading genetic cause of infant mortality, has seen a paradigm shift in treatment due to Professor Mendell’s pioneering efforts. By utilizing gene therapy to deliver crucial genes to affected cells, he has significantly improved outcomes for patients, leading in 2019 to the first-ever FDA-approved gene therapy treatment for pediatric SMA patients (Zolgensma®).

In addition to his work in SMA, Professor Mendell’s research has extended to Duchenne muscular dystrophy and limb-girdle muscular dystrophy, showcasing the versatility and efficacy of gene therapy in addressing a spectrum of neuromuscular conditions. Genetic mutations in Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) patients hinder the production of dystrophin, a crucial protein for muscle health. While initial symptoms primarily affect skeletal muscles, DMD progresses to impact cardiac and respiratory functions. Gene therapy offers a solution by addressing this genetic anomaly, allowing the body to produce dystrophin and halt muscle degeneration. In June 2023, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved the first treatment for pediatric DMD patients aged 4-5, utilizing a pioneering gene therapy co-developed by Professor Mendell and Professor Louise Rodino-Klapac, a former post-doctoral researcher in Mendell’s lab. This therapy involves a single injection, delivering a micro-dystrophin gene within an adeno-associated virus serotype (AAVrh74), facilitating the transfer of missing or corrected genes to cells.

He has played a significant role in clinical trials targeting different forms of Limb-Girdle Muscular Dystrophy (LGMD), characterized by muscle weakness affecting the shoulders, upper arms, hips, and upper legs. One study particularly concentrated on LGMD2B, demonstrating that a single injection of a gene therapy vector effectively restored damaged muscle fibers, mitigating degeneration, and improving muscle function.

Professor Mendell boasts a portfolio of more than 400 published papers, a testament to his prolific contributions to the field. In acknowledgment of his achievements, he was honored with election to the National Academy of Medicine in 2021. The American Society of Gene and Cell Therapy bestowed upon him the prestigious Translational Science Award named in his honor. Furthermore, in 2017, Science Magazine recognized his groundbreaking work in SMA Gene Therapy with the esteemed Breakthrough Achievement Award. His accolades also include numerous other awards and invitations to deliver honorary lectures at esteemed institutions.

In his acceptance speech during the ceremony, Professor Mendell said, “The principles of the award that reflect King Faisal’s intent to relieve human suffering are consistent with my own views and lifetime achievements. I have done everything I could do toimprove the quality and prolong life for patients afflicted with neuromuscular diseases.”

On the frontier of molecular biology, Professor Howard Chang, a physician-scientist and Professor of Dermatology and Genetics, and Virginia and D.K. Ludwig Professor of Cancer Research at Stanford University, has been awarded King Faisal Prize for Science in Biology. Professor Chang’s elucidation of the role of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in gene regulation has revolutionized our understanding of cellular processes and disease mechanisms.

Through innovative genome-wide methodologies, Professor Chang has uncovered the intricate interplay between lncRNAs and gene expression, shedding light on fundamental biological processes underlying development, cancer, and aging. Despite not encoding proteins, lncRNAs are crucial for controlling the timing and amount of protein production, impacting the overall function and behavior of cells.

Within each human cell, a remarkable feat of organization unfolds: 2 meters of DNA are tightly packed into a nucleus merely 10 microns in size. This dense packaging renders most of the DNA inaccessible, except for the active DNA elements crucial to the cell’s functioning and reading. Identifying these accessible elements unveils invaluable insights into the cellular “software.” His groundbreaking techniques lie in mapping chromatin—the substance constituting chromosomes, comprised of DNA and associated proteins governing genome structure and gene expression. This has provided unprecedented insights into the regulatory mechanisms governing gene expression, paving the way for novel therapeutic interventions and precision medicine approaches. One technique is the Assay of Transposase Accessible Chromatin, employing the Tn5 transposase enzyme to efficiently copy and paste DNA. This revolutionary technique has yielded a million-fold enhancement in sensitivity and a hundred-fold improvement in mapping speed for regulatory DNA—the epigenome—in human cells.

As the founder of the RNA Medicine Program at Stanford University, Professor Chang continues to spearhead efforts to translate RNA science into tangible clinical applications, furthering the promise of RNA-based therapeutics in treating a wide range of diseases. Prof. Chang’s honors include the NAS Award for Molecular Biology, Outstanding Investigator Award of the National Cancer Institute, Paul Marks Prize for Cancer Research, Judson Daland Prize of the American Philosophical Society, and the Vilcek Prize for Creative Promise. His work was honored by the journal Cell as a Landmark paper over the last 40 years and by Science as “Insight of the decade”.

In his acceptance speech during the ceremony, Professor Chang said, “Our research asked a basic question: how do cells decide when and where to switch different genes on? How do these decisions get passed over time? Our studies led us to a new class of RNAs, called long noncoding RNAs, that help cells remember their cell fates. Our understanding of the gene switches led to an understanding of how inherited genetic differences cause disease, especially immune diseases. This understanding also helped to tackle mutations that arise in cancer.”
In addition to honoring advancements in medicine and science, King Faisal Prize also recognized exemplary contributions in Islamic Studies and Service to Islam.  Professor Wael Hallaq, among the top 500 scholars in Islamic Studies globally, was awarded the Islamic Studies prize for his groundbreaking contributions in guiding the development of Islamic legislation and challenging the narrative of closing of the gate of ijtihad – interpreting Islamic texts – gained prominence, reshaping accepted paradigms in the field.

The Japan Muslim Association and Mr. Mohammad El Sammak were honored for their exemplary leadership in serving Islam and humanity. The Japan Muslim Association is a pioneering Islamic organization for Japanese Muslims, renowned for its historic translation of the Holy Quran into Japanese, and its defense of Muslims’ affairs in Japan. And, Mr. Mohammad El Sammak, a pioneer in dialogue and bridge-building between different faiths, has made a lasting impact in interfaith dialogue over five decades. He was awarded for his effective contributions to conferences exploring Islam’s relationship with other beliefs and his leadership in institutions dedicated to tolerance and peace.

King Faisal Prize for Arabic Language & Literature for 2024 on the topic of “Non-Arab Institutions and their Endeavors to Promote Arabic” was withheld due to nominated works not elevating to the criteria of the prize.

Since 1979, King Faisal Prize in its 5 different categories has awarded 295 laureates who have made distinguished contributions to different sciences and causes. Each prize laureate is endowed with USD 200 thousand; a 24-carat gold medal weighing 200 grams, and a Certificate inscribed with the Laureate’s name and a summary of their work which qualified them for the prize.

Attachments

• Professor Howard Chang, King Faisal Prize Laureate in Science 2024
• Professor Jerry Mendell, King Faisal Prize Laureate in Medicine 2024

Maysa Shawwa
King Faisal Foundation
Maysa.Shawwa@kff.com 

SOURCE : King Faisal Foundation

The festival offers expanded screenings, special exhibitions, and shows from May 1st to 10th.

JEONJU, South Korea, April 19 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) — This May, the 25th Jeonju International Film Festival takes place in Jeonju, the most Korean city. The festival will screen 232 independent, short, and alternative films from 43 countries.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240418220307/en/

JEONJU CITY (Mayor Woo Beom-ki) announced that the Jeonju International Film Festival, a beloved annual tradition in Jeonju, a major Asian tourist destination celebrated for its rich history and gastronomy, will present an enhanced program this year to mark its 25th anniversary.

Celebrating its 25th anniversary, the Jeonju International Film Festival embraces the theme “Beyond the Frame.” This slogan captures the festival’s commitment to pushing boundaries and exploring new avenues. Curating diverse programs, venues, and events, the festival fosters a network between independent filmmakers and the local film industry. It also upholds its unique spirit of exploration and innovation.

Running from May 1st to 10th, the Jeonju International Film Festival opens with “All the Long Nights” (2024) by Miyake Sho and concludes with “Matt and Mara” (2024) by Kazik Radwanski. During the festival, a total of 232 films will be screened, including 162 feature films and 70 short films, all chosen through competitive processes. This selection boasts 10 films each in the international competition, Korean competition, and a special category for barrier-free films.

A special exhibition titled “See Again: 25+50” co-hosted with the Korean Film Archive, celebrating its 50th anniversary, is a highlight this year. The exhibition showcases the early works of renowned Korean directors like Ryu Seung-wan, Bong Joon-ho, Jeong Ji-woo, and Hong Sang-soo, alongside the latest digital restorations of classic Korean films, including “The Widow” (1955) by Korea’s pioneering female director Park Nam-ok, and “Mist” (1967) by Kim Su-yong. 

http://mrem.bernama.com/viewsm.php?idm=48422

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia, April 19 (Bernama-GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — BioNexus Gene Lab Corporation (NASDAQ: BGLC), a global leader in genomic diagnostics and healthcare technology, announces a strategic investment by its wholly owned subsidiary, MRNA Scientific Sdn Bhd, in Ascension Innovation Sdn Bhd (AISB), a privately held Malaysian company. This investment underscores BGLC’s commitment to advancing healthcare solutions through cutting-edge AI and predictive analytics.

Background:

· MRNA Scientific Sdn Bhd:
o A wholly-owned subsidiary of BGLC, MRNA Scientific specializes in blood-based genomic screening and dynamic genome profiling.
MRNA’s innovative techniques enable early disease detection, personalized health management, and AI-driven insights.
· Ascension Innovation Sdn Bhd (AISB):
o AISB is a trailblazer in healthcare technology, committed to enhancing patient experiences and outcomes.
o Their flagship platform, aiCMS, empowers clinics, physicians, and patients to have better control over healthcare delivery through personalized patient health management.

Strategic Investment and Handover Ceremony:

· MRNA Scientific’s investment of RM 1.2 million (approx. USD $250k) will occur in two tranches. The Company has made an initial payment of approx. RM 100k, to be followed by a final payment of RM 1.1million, subject to a formal agreement. Our investment in AISB signifies a strategic move to accelerate healthcare innovation. The investment, funded internally, is expected to constitute an indicative equity of approximately 10% of the ordinary shares in AISB upon completion.
· The infusion of capital will further AISB’s development and accelerate its AI rollout, including:
o AI Assistance in the Clinic and on-App: The AI features include the integration of predictive and generative AI note taking/analysis and diagnosis aids via Large Language Model (LLM), voice transcription, and natural language assistance for service selection and bookings.
o Predictive Analytics and Personalized Solutions: aiCMS will enhance early disease detection and personalized health recommendations in clinic and on-app, with the integration of in-app predictive health and wellness recommendations, medical translation services, and AI medical image analysis.

Ceremony Participants:

· MRNA Scientific Directors:
o Mr. Kenny Lai
o Mr. CC Wong
· AISB Directors:
o Mr. Andrew Teng (Chief Executive Officer, CEO)
o Mrs. Penny Attenbrough (Chief Strategy Officer, CSO)

Expanding Market Reach:

· MRNA Scientific and BGLC believe that this strategic investment will allow BGLC’s Blood-based Genomic Screening (BGS) liquid biopsies and other diagnostic services to be better marketed and accessible to a wider range of customers and healthcare providers, through integration into AISB’s aiCMS and the aiCARE app, enabling direct booking via healthcare providers and patients.
· By combining MRNA’s expertise in genomics and AISB’s innovative platform, patients and healthcare professionals will benefit from advanced diagnostics and personalized care.

Digital Health & AI Market:

· The global digital health market size was estimated at USD 240.9 billion in 2023 and is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 21.9% from 2024 to 2030¹.
· The global market size for AI in Healthcare is expected to reach USD 187.7 billion by 2030 with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 38.5% from 2024 to 2030^².
· Given the market size and opportunities in Digital Health and AI in Healthcare, MRNA and BGLC will closely consider opportunities to increase our participation in this market, including the potential to increase our investment in AISB and other technology platforms.

AISB’s Projections:

· Projected Revenue in Malaysia:
o As stated in its investment documents, AISB anticipates substantial revenue growth driven by increased adoption of aiCMS, with projections reaching RM 75million collectively for 2024-2028.
o The platform’s comprehensive suite of services positions it as a game-changer in the Malaysian healthcare landscape.
o These revenue projections were part of the approved prospectus on the Securities Commission of Malaysia approved pitchIN Funding platform.
· Clinics and Service Providers:
o AISB aims to onboard a significant number of healthcare and wellness providers, and corporations.
o Since its recent launch, aiCMS has already proven market traction with over 30 healthcare providers and corporations in its initial segue into this broad market.
· User Base and Health Records:
o With 145,000+ registered users and 340,000+ individual health records in its database, the aiCMS platform is already making an impact in the market.
o The platform’s scalability has the potential for exponential growth.

Quotes:

· Mr. Sam Tan, CEO, BioNexus Gene Lab Corporation: “Our investment in AISB reflects our belief in their transformative healthcare solutions. Together, we aim to revolutionize patient care through predictive and generative AI.”
· Mr. Andrew Teng, CEO, Ascension Innovation Sdn Bhd: “We welcome MRNA Scientific’s support and look forward to leveraging their expertise. The future of healthcare lies in predictive analytics and personalized solutions.”

The handover ceremony took place at the Apollo Men’s Wellness Centre in Starhill, Kuala Lumpur on April 18^th, 2024, witnessed by Mr. Sam Tan, Chief Executive Officer of BioNexus Gene Lab Corp (BGLC).

About BioNexus Gene Lab Corporation:

BioNexus Gene Lab Corporation (NASDAQ: BGLC) is a global leader in RNA-based genomic diagnostics, committed to advancing personalized medicine and improving global health outcomes.

For more information, visit BioNexus Gene Lab Corp.’s website: www.bionexusgenelab.com

About Ascension Innovation Sdn Bhd:

Ascension Innovation Sdn Bhd (AISB) is at the forefront of healthcare technology, driving innovation through its flagship platform, aiCMS.

For more information, visit Ascension Innovation Sdn Bhd’s website: www.aisb.io

^¹https://www.grandviewresearch.com/industry-analysis/digital-health-market
^²https://www.grandviewresearch.com/industry-analysis/artificial-intelligence-ai-healthcare-market

For media inquiries, please contact:

Investor Relations
BioNexus Gene Lab Corporation
Email: ir@bionexusgenelab.com

Disclaimer:
This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements are based on current expectations, forecasts, and assumptions involving risks and uncertainties that could cause actual outcomes and results to differ materially from those anticipated or projected. Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements regarding:

· Projected revenue growth
· Market trends and adoption rates
· The potential impact of aiCMS on patient care

These forward-looking statements are subject to risks, uncertainties, and other factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from the statements made. Such risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to:

1. Market and Industry Risks:

 – Rapidly evolving healthcare technology landscape

 – Regulatory changes and compliance challenges

 – Competitive pressures and market dynamics

2. Operational and Financial Risks:

 – Execution of strategic initiatives

 – Financial performance and liquidity

 – Intellectual property protection

3. External Factors:

 – Global economic conditions

 – Public health crises (e.g., pandemics)

 – Political and geopolitical uncertainties

Investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. BGLC undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise. The safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 protect forward-looking statements from litigation risks.

Investors are encouraged to review BGLC’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) for a comprehensive understanding of the company’s business, financial performance, and risk factors. 

BioNexus Gene Lab Corporation
Tower B, Vertical Business Suite 10-2
No. 8, Jalan Kerinchi, Bangsar South,
59200, Kuala Lumpur 

Note to Editors: High-resolution images and additional information are available upon request.

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at 
https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/3c3545c8-1c0f-47c1-aabc-7a3e4d1de620

Source: BioNexus Gene Lab Corp.

–BERNAMA