Category: Uncategorized

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 6 (Bernama) — More than 1.5 million visitors have visited the Auckland Museum, New Zealand to see Barbara and Peter, the world’s first display of an adult male and female Tyrannosaurus rex (T. rex) pairing, which has run for a year, will draw to a close on Dec 10.

Given that New Zealand itself has a population of just 5.1 million inhabitants, the visitors who came to see the two T.rex dinosaurs are unprecedented, with numbers equivalent to a third of the population of the country.

Auckland Museum Chief Executive Officer, David Reeves said Barbara and Peter have provided a once-in-a-lifetime, educational experience for many, many thousands of school children.

“It has been a joy to see people’s reactions as they encounter these magnificent specimens for the first time,” he said in a statement.

T. rex fossils are extremely rare, with only about 20 of them on display in museums worldwide, and these were the first T. rex exhibits in the Southern Hemisphere, while there is no T. rex on permanent exhibit in the Middle East, the whole of Asia, Africa or Latin America, with only four T. rex on display in Europe.

Female T. rex specimens are rarer still, with Barbara representing only the third ever pregnant T. rex dinosaur skeleton to be discovered. Barbara is 44.7 per cent complete, making her the eighth most complete T. rex in the world, measuring an impressive 11.7 metres (m) long and 3.4m high.

Close viewing of the T.rex reveals some of the incredible anatomical features of one of the largest land predators of all time and offers the ability to inspect injuries that pathological findings revealed, specifically an injury to Barbara’s leg, likely to have been caused by another T. rex.

Alongside the exhibiting of Barbara and Peter, Auckland Museum has made public the preliminary scientific research on the specimens, undertaken by expert academics.

These preliminary reports have been prepared by two of the world’s top theropod palaeontologists from University of Kansas Biodiversity Institute and Natural History Museum, Dr David Burnham; and Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Manchester, Dr John Nudds, who studied both Barbara and Peter in their university laboratories for many months.

This unique display, together with published research, has afforded the public to gain a deeper understanding of the history and mysteries of the T. rex, providing insights into their origins, lives, and the remarkable process of finding and mounting fossil specimens.

— BERNAMA

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 30 (Bernama) — Wella Company, an innovative global leader in the beauty industry marked its third year as an independent company, demonstrating broad-based growth balanced across brands, categories and geographies.

Wella Company achieved high single-digit growth in constant currency in fiscal year 2023 (FY23), which closed at the end of June, cementing its foothold as one of the fastest-growing companies in the sector.

“Looking at 2023, we are beginning to realise the benefits of the successful brand transformations across our portfolio and breakthrough innovations. We are also seeing our business mature and expand across channels and markets.

“In fiscal year 23, we grew our top line and profitability and expanded our market share, and we expect fiscal year 2024 will continue that growth trajectory,” said its Chief Executive Officer, Annie Young-Scrivner in a statement.

Continuing on the success of its leading professional hair colour brand, Koleston Perfect (KP), which sold 1.5 tubes per second globally in FY23, the company has established its professional colour credential as the No. 1 Salon Color Brand in the World, and continues to invest behind elevating its core through expansion into hair care, as well as across the nail and beauty tech portfolio.

The company has also grown its eCommerce sales at a rate of more than twice the market growth by increasing partnerships with top eComm retailers, investing in digital-first brand building, and consistently improving user experience on its owned eComm platform WellaStore to meet the needs of salon professionals.

Since its inception in 2020, Wella Company has reported year-over-year growth in both developed and emerging markets with portfolio of iconic professional and retail hair, nail, and beauty tech brands including Wella Professionals, O·P·I, ghd, Briogeo and Nioxin.

The company’s innovations touted patented technology in several areas, while continuing to elevate the look and experience of its brand portfolio, which include launching a revolutionary hair product innovations combining both speed and performance results, in addition to refreshed its packaging across its haircare line, including shampoos and conditioners, contributing to driving double-digit revenue growth globally.

Meanwhile, addressing the growing trend in scalp care, the company introduced two top-performing entrants into the space including Nioxin Ultimate Power Serum, a highly effective leave-on scalp treatment designed to strengthen hair from the root and increase hair anchorage.

It also issued Environmental and Social Impact Report 2022, the first measured analysis of its efforts to positively impact People, Planet and through its Products with key highlights include a broad-based employee ownership programme, and committed to reducing carbon footprint as well as water use and waste.

— BERNAMA

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 1 (Bernama) — Malaysia has now over 2,200 sponsored clinical research conducted since 2012, with over 25,000 trial participants in these studies across different therapeutic areas, according to recent data inferred by Clinical Research Malaysia (CRM). Clinical Research Malaysia is a Global Trusted Research Management Organisation by the Ministry of Health that was given the mandate to catalyze sponsored research in the nation through building a robust clinical research ecosystem.

Clinical research has always been at the forefront of drug development and emerging innovative therapies. The Government of Malaysia recognized the value of clinical trials and has since built clinical research as an agenda within its 2010 National Economic Plan, lending to the establishment of CRM. The aim is to enable a facilitative ecosystem for global institutions (eg: pharmaceuticals, medical device companies and biotechnology companies) as well as the local industry to conduct clinical research in Malaysia.

The expansion of clinical research since CRM’s formation has been especially impactful to patients enrolled in these studies. Close to 30% of the studies that were conducted in Malaysia are in cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and diabetes, which coincidentally are also the top three non-communicable diseases in Malaysia. Most importantly, these studies help address the unmet needs of the trial participants, especially in having early access to innovative investigative therapies when all other treatment options have been exhausted.

The scope of patients that have access to these trials has been cast wide with many of the tertiary public hospitals, university hospitals and several private centers having clinical research conducted by respective institutions’ clinicians. “As all medical procedures and clinical care of trial participants within sponsored clinical research are funded by the study sponsor, sponsored clinical research is also viewed as means that could help alleviate healthcare burden of the institution,” added Dr Ros Suzanna Ahmad Bustamam (Head of Oncology & Radiotherapy Department in Hospital Kuala Lumpur and Head of Oncology & Radiotherapy Service in Ministry of Health) when asked about the added value of clinical research.

The growth of global clinical research in Malaysia have been consistent since the establishment of CRM, especially with the last 4 years showing surplus growth annually. Just last month, CRM announced the highest record of new trials in Malaysia, breaking prior years’ achievements with 245 clinical research approved by ethics committees in year 2023 alone. Championing humanity as its principle, CRM has been in the forefront in improving access of clinical trials into Malaysia through global engagements. Activities in the past months saw CRM’s engagements during ESMO (European Society for Medical Oncology) Congress that was held at Madrid, Global Partners Consultation program by Princess Margaret Cancer Centre in Canada, Regional Asian Clinical Trial Annual (REACTA) Forum in Chiba, Japan and Clinical Research Governance World Conference in Hong Kong, all aimed towards bringing impactful trials to Malaysia in addition to exploring collaborations that would further enhance Malaysia’s clinical research capabilities, especially in early phase clinical research.

Besides the intangible benefit of addressing unmet needs of Malaysian patients, clinical research has also significantly contributed over RM 1 billion in Gross National Income since 2012 and created over 2600 new skilled jobs in clinical research within the country. These coupled with Malaysia’s track record for having delivered consistent performance in global clinical research through speed, quality & reliability has positioned the country as a strategic clinical research hub within the region.  

About Clinical Research Malaysia (CRM)
Clinical Research Malaysia (CRM) is a Global Trusted Research Management Organisation established by the Ministry of Health Malaysia in 2012. The organisation is guided by the principles of Humanity, Stability and Sustainability in providing global clinical trial solutions and enabling a thriving clinical research ecosystem in the country. At its very core, CRM aims to bring clinical research that addresses the unmet needs of patients and transforms health outcomes in Malaysia.

CRM delivers sponsored clinical trials with Speed, Reliability and Quality through operational excellence and working with stakeholders by providing end-to-end clinical research support services. Certified with both ISO 9001:2015 (Quality Management System) and ISO 37001:2016 (Anti-Bribery Management System), and being aligned to international regulations, our core values and code of conduct are ingrained throughout CRM. The strength of this organisation lies in the people of CRM as we strive in our vision to make Malaysia the preferred clinical research hub in Asia.

SOURCE : Clinical Research Malaysia (CRM)

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:
Name: Asha Thanabalan
Tel: +6012- 364 8043 | +603-7931 5566 (ext. 122)   
Email: asha@clinicalresearch.my  

–BERNAMA

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 30 (Bernama) — CTBC Bank Co Ltd has staged an exhibition titled “Home Away From Home-Taking an adventure with the Leap to Embrace Cultural Differences!” at the Songshan Cultural and Creative Park on Nov 25.

According to a statement, the exhibition aims to encourage Taiwanese professionals to chase their dreams of pursuing careers abroad.

Having attracted approximately 2,000 visitors, the event invited speakers to share their observations on Southeast Asian culture, as well as talks on intercultural marriage and stories of Taiwanese expatriates.

The exhibition includes three main events, namely, a Southeast Asian cultural and creative market, cultural talks, and a concert.

The talks focused on the topics of Thai culture, the stories of intercultural marriage, and advice for professionals who are looking to go overseas, offering insight into how different cultures interact and integrate.

In one of the talks, CTBC Bank Head of the Human Resources Group, Peter Wei introduced the CTBC International Relationship Manager (IRM) programme and encouraged young professionals to step out of their comfort zone to explore their career opportunities abroad.

To introduce Southeast Asian culture to visitors, CTBC invited the Taipei Tourism Authority of Thailand, the Manila Economic and Cultural Office, the Indonesian Economic and Trade Office to Taipei, and the Vietnam Economic and Cultural Office in Taipei to display their cultural exports in the exhibition.

CTBC also made a brand promotional film titled “Home Away From Home,” portraying the courage and hard work of its expatriate colleagues in Thailand, tells the story of how Taiwanese colleagues overcame the cultural barrier with Thai colleagues and formed a familial bond.

— BERNAMA

RIYADH, Saudi Arabia, Nov 30 (Bernama-GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center takes great pride in recognizing the exceptional dedication of its diverse workforce, with each member contributing two decades to the noble mission of patient care. His Excellency, CEO Dr. Majid Al-Fayad, personally paid tribute to these trailblazing individuals at the forty-fourth edition of the Pioneers Honoring Ceremony, held in both Jeddah and Riyadh on November 20th and 22nd, respectively.

In conveying appreciation for the unwavering commitment to healthcare, the hospital commemorated the meaningful moments dedicated to enhancing the overall patient experience. The culmination of these efforts has woven a rich tapestry of experience and skills, forming the foundation for the esteemed status King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center holds today.

Central to this success is the unwavering commitment to employee development and the cultivation of a robust organizational culture. The hospital places special emphasis on its human capital, acknowledging their pivotal role in achieving its global prominence. This commitment is evident through the implementation of quality programs and services aimed at enhancing the work environment and employee productivity.

The success of these initiatives is reflected in an internal survey, where 78% of participants recommend the work environment, and 81% express satisfaction with the services provided by the hospital. King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center’s dedication to its staff is further exemplified by the establishment of a social club for employees several years ago. This initiative fosters a positive work environment, promoting social interaction, personal growth, and community participation, ensuring that individuals feel valued, connected, and supported.

Highlighting the hospital’s commitment to continuous personal and professional development, KFSH&RC regularly organizes workshops, seminars, and dialogue sessions covering various topics such as leadership, time management, stress management, financial well-being, and career advancement. These educational opportunities aim to contribute to the potential growth of employees within the organization.

Through these initiatives, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center aspires to create an enticing work environment that attracts top-tier healthcare professionals worldwide. This commitment aligns with its strategic goals, supporting its nearly five-decade journey to be a global leader in providing specialized healthcare through research and innovation.

Contact information:
kfshrc@mcsaatchi.com

Photos accompanying this announcement are available at

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/9653cc92-53bc-4f7c-931c-ae2f0dee72bb

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/d0c5a150-18e9-4c19-903b-b58b1f6b1842

Source: King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Centre

–BERNAMA