Members and partners of the “Setitik Darah Beribu Harapan” blood donation campaign together with the President of Majlis Tindakan Pengguna Negara, Dato’ Paduka Dr Kevy KV Yeo (fifth from left), Dr. Tun Maizura Binti Mohd Fathullah, Deputy Director of Pusat Darah Negara, Danny Teh Thiam Fatt, Yayasan Masyarakat Lestari Malaysia and Adj. Prof. Dato’ Dr. Kingston Chang, President of IFCCI.
KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 15 (Bernama) — The International Financial Consultant Certified Institute (IFCCI) proudly announces the outstanding success of its Charity Financial Trading Competition, a groundbreaking event that has set a new benchmark by entering the Malaysia Book of Records. With an extraordinary turnout of 1,110 participants, the competition has established itself as the largest of its kind in the nation. This achievement underscores IFCCI’s dedication to promoting financial literacy and responsible investment practices, reflecting our deep commitment to fostering a well-informed financial community.
In its quest to make a significant impact on society, IFCCI has also taken a monumental step with the launch of the Fintopia Foundation. This pioneering initiative is driven by the ambition to create a ‘Financial Utopia’, where knowledge about finances is accessible to all, and ethical practices are the norm. The foundation focuses on three core areas: enhancing financial education, providing support to victims of financial fraud, and making strategic investments to build a balanced and ethical financial landscape. This initiative represents a significant milestone in our journey towards fostering a financially literate and responsible society.
Additionally, in a powerful demonstration of its commitment to social responsibility, IFCCI, in collaboration with Yayasan Masyarakat Lestari Malaysia (YMLM) and Majlis Tindakan Pengguna Negara (MTPN), has successfully conducted the “Setitik Darah Beribu Harapan” blood donation campaign. This initiative, which saw the collection of 111 bags of blood, is part of a larger national effort to raise awareness about the importance of blood donations. By facilitating this campaign, IFCCI has contributed significantly to the healthcare system, providing essential support to those in need and reinforcing the importance of community involvement in critical health matters.
Adj. Prof. Dato’ Dr. Kingston Chang, President of IFCCI, expressed his views on these remarkable achievements: “We are immensely proud of the significant strides we have made with these initiatives. The record-breaking Charity Financial Trading Competition not only symbolizes our commitment to financial education but also represents our dedication to engaging the community in meaningful ways. “
“The launch of the Fintopia Foundation is a testament to our unwavering commitment to creating a more equitable and informed financial world. Furthermore, our involvement in the blood donation campaign reflects our holistic approach to corporate social responsibility, emphasizing our belief in the power of community engagement to bring about positive change.”
About International Financial Consultant Certified Institute (IFCCI)
The International Financial Consultant Certified Institute (IFCCI) is a key player in financial consulting, emphasizing education, innovation, and ethical standards. It offers diverse educational programs, spearheads research in financial trends, and maintains rigorous certification for consultants. Collaborating with government agencies and universities, IFCCI enhances its curriculum and impact. Key events like the Investor Awareness Programme (IAP) and Trade2Midas promote professional growth and community engagement. Dedicated to shaping a future where financial consultancy is marked by integrity and excellence, IFCCI is committed to fostering a global community of skilled and ethical financial professionals.
SOURCE : International Financial Consultant Certified Institute (IFCCI)
The most eye-catching Chinese New Year celebration in town, the “Cathay International Chinese New Year Night Parade”, is making a grand comeback in Tsim Sha Tsui on the first day of the Year of Dragon (10 February). (Credit: Hong Kong Tourism Board)
HONG KONG, Jan 15 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) — The most eye-catching Chinese New Year celebration in town, the “Cathay International Chinese New Year Night Parade”, is making a grand comeback in Tsim Sha Tsui on the first day of the Year of Dragon (10 February) to heat up Hong Kong’s Chinese New Year ambience and kick off a series of Chinese New Year celebrations. The event is organised by the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) with Cathay being the title sponsor for the 22nd year. Themed “World Party Great Celebration”, the parade showcases the city’s pulsating energy with glamourous floats and a big line-up of international and local performances, echoing the energy and motivation of the Dragon. This magnificent celebration with a global touch is a not-to-be-missed party for both the local public and visitors!
Dr Pang Yiu-kai, HKTB Chairman, said, “Every year during Chinese New Year, Hong Kong is filled with intense festivities with a wide range of exciting extravaganzas, attracting visitors to come and feel the blessings of the festival in person. As a signature Chinese New Year celebration in Hong Kong, the Night Parade this year will recreate the classic float carnival with the largest number of international performing groups ever. We have brought together some of the world’s hottest performers to the party to spice up the celebration and transform this traditional festival into an international mega event. The HKTB parade will be the first event to kick off a series of Chinese New Year celebratory activities in town. After the parade, we will continue to promote in global markets the waves of Chinese New Year events to come in various themes, including the Lunar New Year fireworks display and Chinese New Year Race Meeting 2024 on the second and third day of Chinese New Year, respectively. We will also work closely with our travel trade partners in various source markets to introduce tourism products with the Chinese New Year theme to enrich the visitor experience with activities, inviting them to enjoy the festival and immerse themselves in the city’s charm as an East-meets-West cosmopolitan city.”
Mr Ronald Lam, Cathay Group Chief Executive Officer, said, “As the home carrier, rooted in Hong Kong for 77 years, Cathay has been committed to developing Hong Kong as an international aviation hub and promoting the city as a vibrant and diverse global metropolis. We are delighted to be the title sponsor of the Cathay International Chinese New Year Night Parade for the 22nd year. We look forward to these highly anticipated Chinese New Year festivities to attract more visitors to our home city and join the people of Hong Kong in experiencing its colourful and diverse festival culture, celebrating Chinese New Year together.”
The “Cathay International Chinese New Year Night Parade” commences at 8pm in Tsim Sha Tsui on the first day of the Year of the Dragon
Majestic floats showcase the eclectic draconic auspiciousness
This year’s “Cathay International Chinese New Year Night Parade” will feature nine floats, and 13 local and 16 international performing groups. Dragons will appear on most of the floats to portray the auspicious dragon hovering over Hong Kong, bringing fortune and joy to the city in the New Year. Together with other popular Chinese New Year elements, such as blooming flowers, felicitous couplets, lucky windmills and firecrackers, the colourfully adorned floats bring to the parade diverse interpretations of the New Year with various themes*. For instance, Cathay will lead the procession with its float, which showcases the convergence of tradition and progress, followed by floats presented by famous attractions, which embody the versatile charisma of Hong Kong. Among the floats, popular cartoon characters loved by both adults and children will surprise the crowd. Say hello to the lively Mr. Men Little Miss characters as they pass by!
The strongest-ever line-up of international performers and local performing groups gather for a magnificent festive extravaganza
A total of 16 international performing groups from 12 countries or regions will greet the public in this year’s parade, the most ever in Hong Kong’s Night Parade. Get ready to be entertained by the diversity and uniqueness as the parade showcases globally famous and award-winning acts. For instance, the Japanese all-female pop dance group Avantgardey, who recently performed in the NHK New Year’s Eve music battle, will show off their best moves in the parade. Other performers include the Light Dancers, from Spain, and the Universe of Lights, from Germany, exciting groups who leverage lighting to create an entrancing atmosphere; the Guangxi Arts Troupe and the Tibet Chamdo Troupe, with performances that showcase the fascinating culture; professional cheerleaders from the US; and the Bacolod City MassKara Festival, from the Philippines, which has won several championships in the Bacolod Mask Festival Dance Competition. The performers will jointly bring the best of carnival and international multi-cultural performances to the public and visitors, transforming the streets of Tsim Sha Tsui into a large-scale global party to further hype up the joyous ambience of this traditional festival.
Local performers will also stage a fascinating show, with teams that have won international awards, ranging from marching bands and rhythmic gymnastics to Chinese dances and Bollywood performances. Don’t miss the world-class showcase of skills in professional rope skipping and rhythmic gymnastics by Hong Kong representatives. As a signature of the festival, one of the local performing groups will bring back the classic lion and dragon dances, showering the audience with this festive tradition.
Local performers to warm up the crowd
The parade will start at the Hong Kong Cultural Centre Piazza, proceed along Canton Road, Haiphong Road and Nathan Road, and finish outside the Sheraton Hong Kong Hotel & Towers.
Before the parade starts, 13 performing teams will warm up the crowd along the parade route from 6:00 pm with dance, magic tricks, music, freestyle football, and much more.
Waves of Chinese New Year celebrations to spread the festive ambience
After the parade, the floats will be stationed at The Urban Council Centenary Garden, in Tsim Sha Tsui, for public exhibition from 11 to 25 February. International teams will also perform there on 11 and 12 February (the second and third day of Chinese New Year).
Chinese New Year Celebratory Event Schedule*
*The performances and float display details will be announced later on the HKTB website.
Information of Satellite Live Feed of “Cathay International Chinese New Year Night Parade”
Asia Sat 5, 100.5 degrees East (covering Asia markets including mainland China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, South Asia & Southeast Asia, Middle East, Eastern Europe & CIS, New Zealand and Australia)
· Satellite path: Asia Sat 5, 100.5 degrees East · Programme name: International Chinese New Year Parade · On-air date & time: 10/2/2024(1200-1345GMT) · Transponder: AS5 TXP C9V9AV, C Band · Uplink Frequency: 6209.5 MHz (Horizontal) · Downlink Frequency: 3984.5 MHz (Vertical) · Symbol Rate: 7.2 MSps · FEC: 3/4 · Video Format: HD 1080i 50, · Aspect Radio: 16:9 · Audio Assignment: A1 : A2 Stereo · Modulation: DVB-S2/8PSK · Pilot: ON · Roll Off: 0.2 · Encoding Bit Rate: 14.0 Mbps (MPEG4 H.264 4:2:0) · Encryption: NIL –Free to Air
Eutelsat E7B, 7 degrees East (covering Europe)
· Satellite path: Eutelsat E7B, 7 degrees East · Programme name: International Chinese New Year Parade · On-air date & time: 10/2/2024(1200-1345 GMT) · Transponder: E7B TXP F06D9, Ku Band · Uplink Frequency: 14203.83 MHz (Horizontal) · Downlink Frequency: 12703.83 MHz (Vertical) · Symbol Rate: 7.2 MSps · FEC: 3/4 · Video Format: HD 1080i 50 · Aspect Radio: 16:9 · Audio Assignment: A1 : A2 Stereo · Modulation: DVB-S2/8PSK · Pilot: ON · Roll Off: 0.2 · Encoding Bit Rate: 14.0 Mbps (MPEG4 H.264 4:2:0) · Encryption: NIL –Free to Air
Intelsat IS-19, 166.0 degrees East (covering Asia region and the Western United States)
· Satellite path: IS19, 166.0 degrees East · Programme name: International Chinese New Year Parade · On-air date & time: 10/2/2024 (1200-1345 GMT) · Transponder: IS-19 (12C Slot C), C Band · Uplink Frequency: 6169.5 MHz (Vertical) · Downlink Frequency: 3944.5 MHz (Horizontal) · Symbol Rate: 7.2 MSps · FEC: 3/4 · Video Format: HD 1080i 50 · Aspect Radio: 16:9 · Audio Assignment: A1 : A2 Stereo · Modulation: DVB-S2/8PSK · Pilot: ON · Roll Off: 0.2 · Encoding Bit Rate: 14.0 Mbps (MPEG4 H.264 4:2:0) · Encryption: NIL –Free to Air
Intelsat IS-34, 55.5 degrees West (covering the Americas, North America & South America)
· Satellite path: IS34, 55.5degrees West · Programme name: International Chinese New Year Parade · On-air date & time: 10/2/2024 (1200-1345 GMT) · Transponder: IS-34 (15C Slot A), C Band · Uplink Frequency: 6266.505 MHz (Horizontal) · Downlink Frequency: 4041.505 MHz (Vertical) · Symbol Rate: 7.2 MSps · FEC: 3/4 · Video Format: HD 1080i 59.94 · Aspect Radio: 16:9 · Audio Assignment: A1 : A2 Stereo · Modulation: DVB-S2/8PSK · Pilot: ON · Roll Off: 0.2 · Encoding Bit Rate: 14.0 Mbps (MPEG4 H.264 4:2:0) · Encryption: NIL –Free to Air
KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 11 (Bernama) — Professor Jerry Mendell was announced this year’s laureate in King Faisal Prize for Medicine for his groundbreaking contributions to screening, early diagnosis, and treatment of neuromuscular disorders.
Concurrently, this year’s laureate in King Faisal Prize for Science in the field of Biology went to Professor Howard Chang for his pioneering work in uncovering the significance of long non-coding RNAs in gene regulation and function and his collaborative efforts in advancing genome-wide methodologies to identify DNA regulatory regions.
Professor Mendell’s work lies in the screening, early diagnosis, and treatment of patients with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), and limb girdle muscular dystrophies (LGMD). The Prize’s Medicine topic for 2024 was “Management of Peripheral Disabilities”.
A Director of Gene Therapy Center at Nationwide Children’s Hospital and Curran Peters Chair in Pediatric Research, Professor Mendell used gene-therapy to deliver a healthy gene survival motor neuron gene 1 (SMN1) to patients’ cells and to correct the genetic mutations for patients suffering from the most common form of muscular dystrophy; DMD, a progressive neuromuscular disease.
In addition, he has been involved in clinical trials for gene therapy for LGMD which is an umbrella term that represents several rare types of muscular dystrophy that cause muscle weakness in shoulders, upper arms, hips, and upper legs.
Meanwhile, Professor Chang has made significant contributions to the field of RNA medicines, in which his lab’s work has focused on understanding the roles of long noncoding RNAs (a genetic material found in cells) in biological regulation and their potential therapeutic applications.
A physician-scientist, Professor of Dermatology and Genetics, and Virginia and D.K. Ludwig Professor of Cancer Research at Stanford University, Professor Chang’s work unravelled mechanisms and targets in various human diseases, notably cancer, immunity, and development as well as his recent investigations into extrachromosomal DNA in cancer revealed key findings.
In addition to Medicine and Science, King Faisal Prize also recognised this year the achievements of an outstanding thinker and scholar in the field of Islamic Studies and exemplary leaders who played a pivotal role in serving Islam, Muslims, and humanity at large, according to a statement.
Columbia University Avalon Foundation Professor in the Humanities, Professor Wael Hallaq was selected to receive the “Islamic Studies” prize in “Islamic Legislations and their Contemporary Applications” for 2024, while the Service to Islam Prize went to the Japan Muslim Association and Dr Mohammad Sammak, which were announced as co-laureates for this year’s prize.
King Faisal Prize for Arabic Language & Literature for 2024 on the topic of “Non-Arab Institutions and their Endeavours to Promote Arabic” was withheld due to nominated works not elevating to the criteria of the prize.
Each prize laureate is endowed with US$200,000; a 24-carat gold medal weighing 200 grammes, and a Certificate inscribed with the Laureate’s name and a summary of their work which qualified them for the prize. (US$1=RM4.63)
L-R: CRM’s CEO Dr Akhmal Yusof, Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad, Director General of Health Datuk Dr Radzi Abu Hassan & PhAMA President Ms Kam Ai Teng
PUTRAJAYA, Jan 8 (Bernama) — Clinical Research Malaysia (CRM) and the Pharmaceutical Association of Malaysia (PhAMA) have entered a strategic partnership to propel the development of clinical research talents and skills in Malaysia. The MoU was formalized earlier today during CRM’s Clinical Research Excellence in Early Phase and People Development event in Ministry of Health office.
The MOU was signed by Dr Akhmal Yusof, Chief Executive Officer of CRM, and Ms Kam Ai Teng, President of PhAMA and was witnessed by the Minister of Health, Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad. Under the MoU, PhAMA will support CRM through the provision of proteges on an annual basis for the next three years, effective this year.
The partnership will be driven through the CRM’s Centre of Excellence (CoE), which aims to enhance the nation’s clinical research capabilities in building skilled study coordinators profession. This initiative will pave the way for fresh graduates to begin their career in clinical research, aligning with the Pharmaceutical Sector’s Research and Development (R&D) objectives outlined in the New Industrial Master Plan (NIMP) 2030.
“The establishment of the CRM’s Centre of Excellence further solidifies the organizations’ dedication to shaping the future of clinical research in Malaysia. Through collaborative efforts, CRM and PhAMA are poised to contribute significantly to the advancement of healthcare and the pharmaceutical sector in the country,” said Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly during his speech.
Ms. Kam Ai Teng, President of PhAMA, echoed this sentiment, highlighting the crucial role of innovation and research in the pharmaceutical industry. “PhAMA is enthusiastic about contributing to the clinical research landscape in Malaysia. The fact that the top five sponsors of new sponsored research in the last five years are all PhAMA members attests to our steadfast commitment to advancing healthcare through research and development,” Ms. Kam added.
About Pharmaceutical Association of Malaysia (PhAMA) Pharmaceutical Association of Malaysia (PhAMA) is a non-governmental organisation and premier trade association established in 1972 to facilitate the activities of members consisting of innovative pharmaceuticals and biopharmaceutical multinational companies in Malaysia. Currently, the organization has 40 members who share the mission of driving healthcare reforms towards increased access to innovative medicines in Malaysia. Our members are possess widespread experience and networks with global markets and healthcare systems, including the management of Public Health Emergencies of International Concern (PHEIC) such as the COVID-19 pandemic. PhAMA members invest significantly in Malaysia’s economy in the form of foreign direct investments (FDI), clinical trials, Continuous Medical Education for healthcare professionals and regulatory officers, and employment of over 12,000 workers in STEM positions, moving Malaysia towards a knowledge-based economy.
KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 5 (Bernama) — The Chinese New Year (CNY) is one of the most popularly celebrated holidays in Asia, especially in Hong Kong as the city is abuzz with preparations for the festivity and a vibrant array of exciting celebrations.
The CNY period is the liveliest and most vibrant time in Hong Kong, with bustling flower markets, exciting city-wide events and beautiful festive displays galore staging throughout the entire festive period from day to night, according to the Hong Kong Tourism Board in a statement.
Tourists looking to experience a celebration like no other should definitely pay a visit during CNY to celebrate just like the locals do, such as partaking in a traditional poon choi feast which is also known as a “basin meal”, joining extraordinary local tours to one of Hong Kong’s rural walled villages like those in Yuen Long or Sha Tau Kok.
In addition, one of the most popular dishes to serve during the celebration are CNY puddings that symbolises prosperity and attaining new heights in the new year, are perfect for cooking lovers, who can take home the recipe through participation in the hands-on festive workshops run by traditional bakeries like Kee Wah.
Meanwhile, tourists can kick off a prosperous CNY with dried seafood shopping at the section of Sheung Wan’s Des Voeux Road West between Queen Street and Centre Street which is well-known as “Dried Seafood Street”.
Many dried seafood products symbolise blessings and lucky words, whereby fish maw symbolises prosperity, while dried abalone looks similar to gold ingots and thus represents wealth.
During the CNY, locals visit each other’s homes to share new year blessings and spread happiness, engaging in one of the favourite activities among locals which is playing mahjong to activate good luck.
Other than family and friends’ gatherings, the festive atmosphere is also filling up every corner of the city with exciting array of celebratory events including the city’s biggest CNY event, the Cathay International Chinese New Year Night Parade.
The parade is returning with a bang to kick off the Year of the Dragon on Feb 10 (Chor 1) after a five-year hiatus and festive ambience continues to shine on Feb 11 (Chor 2) as the world famous Victoria Harbour lights up with the spectacular 2024 Lunar New Year Fireworks Display.
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