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RIYADH, Saudi Arabia, Feb 16 (Bernama-GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Centre (KFSH&RC) has once again secured its position for the second consecutive year as a global leader in healthcare and number one in the Middle East and Africa, ranking 20^th globally among the leading healthcare institutions in the Brand Finance Global Top 250 Hospitals 2024 report. KFSH&RC continues to stand at the forefront both locally and regionally, underlining its commitment to delivering world-class patient-centric healthcare and medical innovation.

Leading the way, KFSH&RC is joined by King Saud Medical City, King Khalid University Hospital, National Guard Health Affairs, and King Fahd Medical City, all ranked among the top 100 globally. While King Fahd University Hospital and King Abdullah Medical City rank between 101 and 250. This assessment is based on insights from thousands of healthcare practitioners across over 30 countries.

The remarkable performance of KFSH&RC in this global ranking is a testament to the Kingdom’s healthcare transformation goals and the transformative impact of Vision 2030, reflected through the continuous improvement of healthcare services and the pursuit of technological advancements across the Kingdom for a healthier and thriving nation.

Brand Finance, founded in 1996, annually evaluates over 500 hospitals worldwide, utilizing more than 30 performance indicators encompassing healthcare, research centres, and education to support science-based strategic decision making.

King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Centre stands among the global leaders in providing specialized healthcare, driving innovation, and serving as an advanced hub for medical research and education. Through strategic partnerships with prominent local, regional, and international institutions, the hospital is dedicated to advancing medical technologies and elevating the standards of healthcare worldwide.

About King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Centre (KFSH&RC):

King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Centre (KFSH&RC) stands as a leading healthcare institution in the Middle East, envisioned to be the optimal choice for every patient seeking specialized healthcare. The hospital boasts a rich history in the treatment of cancers, cardiovascular diseases, organ transplantation, neurosciences, and genetics.

In 2024, “Brand Finance” ranked King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Centre as the top academic medical centre in the Middle East and Africa, and among the top 20 globally. Additionally, in 2022, it was recognized as one of the leading global healthcare providers by Newsweek magazine.

As part of Saudi Vision 2030, a royal decree was issued on December 21, 2021, to transform the hospital into an independent, non-profit, government-owned entity, paving the way for a comprehensive transformation program aimed at achieving global leadership in healthcare through excellence and innovation.

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at 
https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/1cab7add-5d3e-482c-bd5b-cc8856cf7875

CONTACT INFORMATION 

For more information please contact:

Mr. Essam Al-Zahrani, Acting Head of Media Affairs, 0555254429

Mr. Abdullah Al-Awn, Media Coordination Officer, 0556294232

Source: King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Centre

–BERNAMA

Singapore/Hong Kong, Feb 14 (Bernama-GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — VistaJet, the world’s first and only global business aviation company, is celebrating the Year of the Dragon by presenting three unforgettable journeys curated for the Lunar New Year.

The dragon in the Chinese zodiac symbolizes adventure, success and ambition, which reflect the entrepreneurial spirit that has propelled VistaJet’s continued expansion over the past 20 years.

Embark on new adventures in the Year of the Dragon

VistaJet works with hundreds of partners around the world to curate personalized itineraries for its Members. This Lunar New Year, VistaJet is collaborating with Entourage Collection, the private members’ concierge and travel company, to recommend three spectacular itineraries with VistaJet providing point-to-point travel.

“Traveling with VistaJet is not just about getting from one place to another. We discover what our clients are passionate about and integrate it before, during and after each flight. Journeys start when their silver and red aircraft takes off, and continue with a new adventure on the ground,” says Matteo Atti, Chief Marketing Officer at VistaJet.

Swiss Alps

Take to the slopes at Verbier, an exclusive Swiss Alps ski resort that features vistas of the Matterhorn and Mont Blanc mountains. This high-altitude escape is easily accessible for VistaJet Members via the town of Sion, just a short drive away. This experience blends seamless private travel with top-tier skiing, world-class dining and bespoke family festivities. The resort is home to luxury private chalets that offer an extraordinary family retreat.

Activities include heli-skiing, paragliding and a family horse-drawn sleigh ride. The New Year celebration will culminate with a lavish private meal against the perfect mountain backdrop, symbolizing the year’s achievements.

Kenya, Victoria Falls and South Africa

This unforgettable expedition begins in Nairobi, Kenya with breakfast at the Giraffe Manor where Members will be greeted by the resident Rothschild’s giraffes, loved by visitors of all ages. Embark on a safari in the legendary Masai Mara National Reserve, home to lions, elephants and buffalos, and admire the sunrise on board a hot-air balloon.

Continue south on a scenic flight over the awe-inspiring Victoria Falls, before staying near the mighty Zambezi River. The Cape of South Africa is the grand finale, where Members can explore Cape Town, nearby wineries and the majestic Table Mountain.

Japan

In this fascinating journey, VistaJet Members will be immersed in the vibrancy of the bustling metropolis of Tokyo. Explore the city’s dynamic energy before venturing to Hakone, situated at the foothills of Mount Fuji, to enjoy a soak at the rejuvenating hot springs and take in Japan’s stunning natural scenery.

The journey continues to Kyoto, a city that beautifully showcases Japan’s rich cultural heritage. Savor a traditional Japanese Lunar New Year feast with family and friends, creating enduring memories. Further embrace the culture with a private tea ceremony guided by a tea master, or experience the art of kenbu sword dancing dressed in traditional samurai attire.

Family feast at 45,000 feet

These Lunar New Year adventures would not be complete without a family feast, and VistaJet creates the best festive fine-dining experiences in aviation. The secret to maintaining the same impeccable taste in the air as on the ground is to rely on fresh, high-quality ingredients. These must be naturally high in flavor and retain their texture when reheated, to overcome the desensitization of taste buds that occurs in the air — at 45,000 feet, the perception of salt and sweetness is reduced by around 30%.

The VistaJet team works with world-renowned Michelin-starred chefs and restaurants to design a customized menu before each flight. Taste the difference when festive Chinese delights such as sticky rice dish Nian Gao are expertly paired with traditional Chinese teas, or when VistaJet’s signature Caviar Service is perfectly matched with specialty drinks.

The Lunar New Year recommendations are part of VistaJet’s Private World portfolio, which includes exclusive experiences made available for VistaJet Members all year round. With guaranteed access to a fleet of over 300 aircraft including the ultra-long-haul Global 7500, that can fly 17 hours non-stop, VistaJet Members can take off anytime, to fly anywhere across the world.

Information

VistaJet | press@vistajet.com

About VistaJet  

VistaJet is the first and only global business aviation company, leading the industry by setting higher standards of service and safety for 20 years. On its fleet of silver and red business jets, VistaJet has flown corporations, governments and private clients to 187 countries, covering 96% of the world.  

Founded in 2004, the company pioneered an innovative business model where customers have access to an entire fleet whilst paying only for the hours they fly, free of the responsibilities and asset risks linked to aircraft ownership. VistaJet’s signature Program membership offers clients a bespoke subscription of flight hours with guaranteed access to the Vista Members’ fleet of over 300 aircraft around the world, to fly them anytime, anywhere.

VistaJet is part of Vista — the world’s first private aviation ecosystem, integrating a unique portfolio of companies offering asset free solutions to cover all key aspects of business aviation.

More VistaJet information and news at vistajet.com

About Entourage Collection

Entourage Collection is a private member’s concierge and travel company providing bespoke services, tailor-made for individuals and global brands alike. 

Born from the desire to enhance, enrich, and curate the greatest experiences and opportunities available in the world, Entourage strives to help our clients navigate and achieve the best life has to offer, to assist with life’s everyday demands whilst harnessing its incredible opportunities. From an initial dream or concept through to the final result, we are there as knowledgeable guides through the process, delivering inspiring results. 

As the zeitgeist changes, Entourage Collection is there, leading the way through experiences, access, and expert knowledge.

No request is too small and no dream is out of reach. With an expert team and an innate understanding of what true luxury means, our philosophy will forever remain “The Sky is No Longer the Limit.”

To learn more about Entourage Collection, please click here.

Attachments

• Alps
• Kenya
• Japan
• Lunar New Year celebration on board VistaJet 7500
• VistaJet
• VistaJet Lunar New Year Press Release

SOURCE : VistaJet International Ltd

^{(Photo: Business Wire)}

BANGKOK, Feb 13 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) — TAGTHAi, Thailand’s Official Travel Platform, joins forces with Ratchaprasong Square Trade Association (RSTA) to welcome Thai and foreign tourists during Chinese New Year Festival 2024, who come to worship “8 Shrines Landmark” to enhance luck for the Year of Dragon to stimulate tourism in Ratchaprasong area. Enjoy many benefits from TAGTHAi partners in the activity A RALLY TO PROSPERITY @RATCHAPRASONG DISTRICT. The event will be held from February 12 to April 30, 2024.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240211673652/en/

Ratchaprasong Square Trade Association (RSTA) by Mr. Chai Srivikorn, RSTA President, estimated the foreign tourist market’s growth in 2024 to be continuously good. From the overview of 2023, Ratchaprasong District had tourist arrivals throughout the year, service users on Ratchaprasong Walk (R Walk) by 90,000-100,000 persons per day and obviously average hotel occupancy of 90-100% at the end of last year considered a Preferred Destination of tourists from around the world. This joining of forces with TAGTHAi as Thailand’s Official Travel Platform is another way to help stimulate tourism, support tourism business operators in Ratchaprasong District to have the opportunity to welcome more tourists. “Ratchaprasong District” is considered a destination for tourists, which meets all the needs, including Eat-Pray-Stay-Shop.

Mrs. Thiratida Kuvantharai, Chief Executive Officer of Thai Digital Platform Social Enterprise Co., Ltd., said as follows, “This year, Thai tourism has continuously recovered positively. Tourists love to travel individually and look for the solution that makes their travelling easier, comfortable and worthwhile. TAGTHAi City Pass meets all the needs. As a result, the total number of TAGTHAi downloads has now grown to more than 1 million. TAGTHAi clearly aims to be “Super Aggregator Platform for travelers.” When thinking about traveling to Thailand, they will think of TAGTHAi and use TAGTHAi as an aid throughout the trip.”

For this joining of forces, TAGTHAi and Ratchaprasong Area Enterprise Association also have key partners, namely AIS, led by Mrs. Benjaporn Kamphet, Head of Special Segment & Prepaid Unit and TRUE, led by Ms. Chatchanun Wiwattanavarang, Vice President – Head of Migrant & Tourist Department to jointly offer benefits to tourists for joining in the fun with the activity A RALLY TO PROSPERITY by simply scanning the QR “8 Shrines of RATCHAPRASONG” following the auspicious route, paying homage to all 8 shrines, posting messages with photos or video clips on social media, typing the hashtag #TAGTHAi, checking in at Ratchaprasong and setting to be public, showing the posts to staff at Concierge Counter at Gaysorn Centre, 2^nd floor and Gaysorn Amarin, 2^nd floor to get TAGTHAi Goodie bag, along with gifts from partners such as Thai herbal inhalers from RSTA, elephant patterned, woven Thai cloth bags from AIS, foldable portable bags from TRUE, totaling the value of over 300 baht. Click the link to see activity details https://www.tagthai.com/content/p/8-shrines-of-ratchaprasong

In addition to 8 Shrines Landmark in Ratchaprasong Area and A RALLY TO PROSPERITY activity to join in the fun, many benefits from shops, restaurants, spas in Ratchaprasong District are also included in TAGTHAi BANGKOK PASS and TAGTHAi BANGKOK PREMIUM PASS. Download TAGTHAi Application. Click here https://tagthai-pass.onelink.me/NlKu/8vkq5vl5

View source version on businesswire.com: 
https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240211673652/en/

Contact

marketing@tagthai.com
(+66)66-114-1955

Source : TAGTHAi

RIYADH, Saudi Arabia, Feb 6 (Bernama-GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — In a major scientific breakthrough, a research team from King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre (KFSH&RC), in collaboration with King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), working alongside researchers from the UK, the US, and India, discovered a vital gene instrumental in combating malaria. This gene, termed PfAP2-MRP, is essential in the replication process of Plasmodium falciparum, the parasite that causes the most lethal strain of malaria.

Advanced laboratory techniques enabled the researchers to inhibit the PfAP2-MRP gene, revealing its critical role in the malaria parasite’s life cycle within red blood cells. This inhibition significantly disrupts the parasite’s ability to reproduce, reducing the severity of the disease’s symptoms and curbing its spread. This discovery is particularly impactful as it addresses Plasmodium falciparum malaria, which claims over half a million lives annually.

Dr. Ashraf Dada, Chairman of the Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine at King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre in Jeddah and the lead researcher, stated: “This discovery paves the way for the development of more effective treatments for the deadliest malaria strain, Plasmodium falciparum.” Also, this study enhances the scientific community’s understanding of the disease’s progression and its interaction with the human immune system, thereby strengthening efforts to combat this widespread malaria parasite prevalent in Africa.

Furthermore, the research demonstrated that the PfAP2-MRP gene regulates the production of genetically diverse protein receptors, allowing the parasite to evade the host’s immune system. This mechanism plays a significant role in the global spread of malaria and underscores the gene’s importance in developing future therapeutic strategies.

Published in the prestigious journal “Nature” this noteworthy study is part of a close collaboration between KFSH&RC and KAUST to engage in innovative research activities aimed at not only improving the diagnosis of microbes, bacteria, and parasites, but also underscores a global effort to combat pathogens and improve human health.

King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre stands among the global leaders in providing specialized healthcare, driving innovation, and serving as an advanced medical research and education hub. Through strategic partnerships with prominent local, regional, and international institutions, the hospital is dedicated to advancing medical technologies and elevating the standards of healthcare worldwide.

About King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Centre (KFSH&RC):

King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Centre (KFSH&RC) stands as a leading healthcare institution in the Middle East, envisioned to be the optimal choice for every patient seeking specialized healthcare. The hospital boasts a rich history in the treatment of cancers, cardiovascular diseases, organ transplantation, neurosciences, and genetics.

In 2023, “Brand Finance” ranked King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Centre as the top academic medical centre in the Middle East and Africa, and among the top 20 globally. Additionally, in 2022, it was recognized as one of the leading global healthcare providers by Newsweek magazine.

As part of Saudi Vision 2030, a royal decree was issued on December 21, 2021, to transform the hospital into an independent, non-profit, government-owned entity, paving the way for a comprehensive transformation program aimed at achieving global leadership in healthcare through excellence and innovation.

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at 
https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/38b3fbef-fece-4a76-b326-2d57ab1b16ba

CONTACT INFORMATION

For more information please contact:

Mr. Essam Al-Zahrani, Media Affairs Head, 0555254429

Mr. Abdullah Al-Awn, Media Coordination Officer, 0556294232

Source: King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Centre

–BERNAMA

VIENTIANE, Jan 26 (Bernama) — Aiming to lure a greater number of tourists from Laos, Indochina, ASEAN and the rest of the world, Tourism Malaysia hosted the “Malaysia Night” Gala Dinner here at Landmark Hotel, Vientiane, Laos in conjunction with ASEAN TOURISM FORUM 2024.

The dinner with the theme “The Beautiful Tastes of Malaysia” showcased the Cultural Potpourri of Malaysia through the form of dances and performances of the different ethnic groups in Malaysia, specially choreographed by Istana Budaya. The guests were also served Malaysian culinary delights specially prepared by Chef Farid from IBIS Hotel Kuala Lumpur City Centre (KLCC) and Chef Irwan from ADABI.

Led by Dato Sri Tiong King Sing, Minister of Tourism, Arts & Culture Malaysia; accompanied by Dato’ Roslan Tan Sri Abdul Rahman, Secretary General of the Ministry of Tourism, Arts & Culture Malaysia; and Dato’ Dr. Ammar Bin Abd. Ghapar, Director General of Tourism Malaysia; the delegation to ATF 2024 comprises 5 organisations, including the states of Perak, Melaka, and Johor, as well as KARYANEKA, ADABI, and several other industry players and product owners.

Highlighted also through the event are the Visit Melaka Year 2024, Visit Perak Year 2024 and the state of Johor whereby the following Malaysian states were given the stage to feature their unique cultures and experiences. These promotional efforts are aimed at paving the way and creating momentum as Malaysia will be the next host of ATF 2025 and Chairman of ASEAN 2025, as well as the much-awaited Visit Malaysia Year 2026.

“Malaysia is honoured to continue the spirit and tradition of the ASEAN Tourism Forum, which embraces the role of catalyst for change in tourism policy and development, subsequently improving the economic and social standing among the ASEAN Member States. As a united ASEAN, the strength of our collective efforts is greater than the sum of its parts. We look forward to further strengthening our strategic collaboration to fully harness the tourism growth potential of ASEAN,” said Dato Sri Tiong King Sing.

He added “We are honoured to have you with us as we celebrate the beauty of Malaysia through its diverse tastes, aromas and traditions. Tonight’s showcase of colours of Malaysia is only a glimpse of what you will see and what Malaysia can offer for the upcoming ASEAN Tourism Forum 2025, World Tourism Day and World Tourism Conference 2025, as well as, Visit Malaysia Year (VM) 2026. For VM 2026, we are aiming to position Malaysia as a top 10 tourist destination in arrivals and tourism receipts based on 3 main principles which are competitiveness, sustainability and inclusion.”

Up until September 2023, a total of 12,524 tourists from Laos visited Malaysia and Tourism Malaysia aims to continuously increase this number in 2024 through ATF 2024, marketing and promotion activities, tourism expos, seminars, as well as, media and travel agent familiarisation trips to Malaysia throughout this year. There are currently 295 flights per week from Vientienne to Malaysia via Malaysia Airlines, Thai AirAsia, Thai Airways International and Lao Airlines.

About Tourism Malaysia

Malaysia Tourism Promotion Board, also known as Tourism Malaysia, is an agency under the Ministry of Tourism, Arts & Culture Malaysia. It focuses on the specific task of promoting Malaysia as a preferred tourism destination. Since its inception, it has emerged as a major player in the international tourism scene.

The next Visit Malaysia Year, set to take place in 2026, will commemorate the sustainability of the nation’s tourism industry, which is also in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDG).

Furthermore, Tourism Malaysia actively endorses the Indonesia-Malaysia-Thailand Growth Triangle (IMT-GT), working towards the realisation of the IMT-GT Visiting Year 2023-2025, with the shared aim of promoting the region as a unified tourism destination. For more information, visit Tourism Malaysia’s social media accounts on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, and TikTok.

SOURCE: Tourism Malaysia

–BERNAMA