Tag: technology

Healthcare Partners Protocol & Solutions Committee (HPPSC) Launches and Spearheading Key Initiatives to Enhance Communication, Operational Efficiency and Customer Experience in Malaysia’s Healthcare Ecosystem

by jezzabellemente, posted in Uncategorized
Mark O’Dell, LIAM CEO

Joint Press Statement by MMA, APHM, LIAM, MTA, AND PIAM 

KUALA LUMPUR, June 19 (Bernama) — The Healthcare Partners Protocol & Solutions Committee (HPPSC) implemented two initiatives* and continues to drive a series of strategic initiatives aimed at enhancing a seamless communication and improving operational efficiency among doctors, hospitals, insurers and takaful operators (ITOs), enhancing the overall customer experience across the healthcare ecosystem.

Key Initiatives by HPPSC 

1. Improving Communication Between Medical Practitioners and ITOs
To facilitate more efficient and timely medical and health insurance and takaful (MHIT) claims for patients, the HPPSC has recommended for the establishment of a dedicated “doctor-to-doctor” hotline by ITOs. In response to this recommendation, the hotline was implemented and has been operational since 30 April 2026 to support and address claims enquiries, as well as enable direct discussions between medical practitioners and the medical advisory team at ITOs. Such discussions are often necessary to understand case-specific matters such as treatment pathways and the use of new technologies or drugs.
*https://www.liam.org.my/news/press_details.aspx?ps=11166&ct=3,
Healthcare Budget Planner 

This initiative is expected to strengthen communication, improve mutual understanding and support better coordination between medical practitioners and ITOs. This is intended to result in faster resolution of claims queries that will lead to better patient care and treatment decisions.

2. Enhancing Transparency in Panelling and Review Processes for Cashless Facility
The HPPSC has established a transparent and streamlined governance framework to support the panelling review and appeal processes relating to healthcare providers participating in cashless facility arrangements under MHIT products. The framework establishes a structured panelling review and appeal processes with clear guiding principles to promote fair and impartial assessment, continuous engagement, consistent decision-making and ongoing oversight. This initiative aims to strengthen confidence while improving governance and stakeholder engagement to promote prudent healthcare spending, strengthen governance, and enhance the overall integrity and sustainability of the MHIT ecosystem.  

3. Improving MHIT Claims Management Operational Efficiency
As part of ongoing efforts to improve operational efficiency and consistency in claims management, the HPPSC is undertaking several initiatives relating to clinical protocols and policy coverage.

These initiatives include: 

(a) Claims Management Processes
Developing processes to guide ITOs in managing clinical queries involving treatments recommended by medical practitioners that may not be directly aligned with or covered under existing Clinical Practice Guidelines (CPGs) issued by MOH through Malaysian Health Technology Assessment Section (MaHTAS). 

(b) Best Practices for Emerging Medical Technologies and Treatments
Developing best practices recommendations to support ITOs in assessing and determining MHIT coverage for new procedures, diagnostics, treatments and medicines, including emerging medical technologies such as robotic surgery, genetic testing and new cancer therapies. 

(c) Cancer Drug List Alignment and Awareness
Endorsing a cancer drug list developed in alignment with the MOH’s prescribed formulary prior to publication by MOH (NPRA). This initiative is intended to ensure healthcare providers remain updated on the MOH’s current prescribed cancer drug formulary.

The above initiatives will also include:
• Collaboration with the MOH, hospitals, treating specialists and relevant medical associations to facilitate alignment and resolution; and
• The implementation of mechanisms to disseminate outcomes, protocols and solutions arising from such engagements to all ITOs to promote greater consistency in application. 

4. Streamlining the Guarantee Letter (GL) Issuance Process
HPPSC will work towards simplifying and improving the Guarantee Letter (GL) issuance process to support timely issuance and more effective communication between ITOs, TPAs, medical practitioners and hospitals. 

This initiative aims to reduce administrative inefficiencies, improve coordination among stakeholders and enhance patients’ overall experience during hospital admissions and treatment. 

The initiatives undertaken by HPPSC reflect the Committee’s ongoing commitment to fostering greater collaboration, transparency and operational efficiency across the healthcare ecosystem. 

Commenting on the progress and significance of these initiatives, the Co-Chairs of HPPSC shared the following:

Chief Executive Officer of LIAM, Mark O’Dell said “HPPSC reflects what can be achieved when all stakeholders across the healthcare ecosystem come together with a shared purpose. These initiatives are designed to strengthen communication, improve operational efficiency and enhance transparency, ultimately benefiting patients and policyholders. As healthcare needs continue to evolve, it is important that insurers, takaful operators, healthcare providers and regulators work collaboratively to develop practical and sustainable solutions that support timely access to care while ensuring the long-term affordability and sustainability of medical and health insurance and takaful coverage for Malaysians.”

Dr Gunalan Palari @ Arumugam Palari of Malaysia Medical Association added “Effective patient care depends on strong collaboration and mutual understanding among all parties involved in the healthcare journey. Through HPPSC, we have established a constructive platform that enables healthcare providers and healthcare financiers to address operational challenges, improve communication and develop solutions that support better clinical and patient outcomes. The implementation of initiatives such as the “doctor-to-doctor” hotline demonstrates our collective commitment to ensuring patients receive timely, appropriate and coordinated care.”

Commitment to Continued Collaboration
The Malaysian Medical Association (MMA), Association of Private Hospitals of Malaysia (APHM), Life Insurance Association (LIAM), Malaysian Takaful Association (MTA), and General Insurance Association of Malaysia (PIAM) reaffirm their commitment to constructive collaboration and continuous engagement in strengthening the sustainability, transparency and efficiency of Malaysia’s healthcare financing ecosystem. 

The HPPSC will continue to serve as a platform for practical problem-solving, constructive engagement and industry collaboration in support of better healthcare access and patient outcomes for all Malaysians. 

The Committee brings together representatives from healthcare providers and healthcare financing stakeholders, including MMA, APHM, insurers and takaful operators (ITOs), as well as third-party administrators (TPAs), with observers from the Ministry of Health (MOH) and Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM). It is co-chaired by MMA and LIAM, with the support of PIAM and MTA, reflecting a shared commitment to collaborative solutions.

Issued jointly by:
• Malaysian Medical Association (MMA)
• Association of Private Hospitals Malaysia (APHM)
• Life Insurance Association of Malaysia (LIAM)
• Malaysian Takaful Association (MTA)
• Persatuan Insurans Am Malaysia (PIAM) 

SOURCE: Life Insurance Association of Malaysia (LIAM)

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:
MMA:
Name: Mr Darren Atkinson
Press Officer
Malaysian Medical Association
Level 4, MMA House
124 Jalan Pahang
53000 Kuala Lumpur
Tel: 03 4041 1375 / +60 12-295 5042
Fax: 03 4041 8187
Email: secretary@mma.org.my
Website: mma.org.my

APHM:
Name: Muhammad Badri Hussin
CEO
Associations of Private Hospitals of Malaysia
A-17-01 Menara UOA Bangsar
5, Jalan Bangsar Utama 1
59000 Kuala Lumpur
Tel : 603 22841701
Email : badri@aphm.org.my / aphm@aphm.org.my
Website : https://aphm.org.my

LIAM:
Puan Norizan Hassan
Head of Corporate Communications
Life Insurance Association of Malaysia
Level 6, AICB Building
No. 10, Jalan Dato’ Onn
50480 Kuala Lumpur
Tel: 603-2691 6168 / 6628 / 8068
Email: liaminfo@liam.org.my
Website: http://www.liam.org.my
Facebook: LIAM – Life Insurance Association of Malaysia
Instagram: @liamalaysia 

MTA:
Name: Puan Siti Nor Kamariah Ishak
Head, Corporate Communications
18th Floor, Main Block
Menara Takaful Malaysia
Jalan Sultan Sulaiman
50000 Kuala Lumpur
Tel: 018-355 1427
Fax: +603-2031 8170
Email: mtasecretariat@malaysiantakaful.com.my

PIAM:
Name: Ms. Susanna G. Simon
Manager, Communications
Persatuan Insurans Am Malaysia (PIAM)
Wisma PIAM
150, Jalan Tun Sambanthan
50470 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan
Tel: 03-2274 7399
Fax: 03-2274 5910
Email: susanna.simon@piam.org.my
Website: http://www.piam.org.my

–BERNAMA

Vocalbeats.AI Joins SuperAI 2026 as Gold Sponsor

by jezzabellemente, posted in Uncategorized

SINGAPORE, June 9 (Bernama-GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Vocalbeats.AI, a Singapore-based AI-powered audio company, today announces its Gold Sponsorship of SuperAI 2026, taking place on 10–11 June 2026 at Marina Bay Sands, Singapore.

As part of its Gold Sponsorship, Vocalbeats.AI will sponsor continental breakfast, lunch and afternoon tea sessions on Day 1, with branded signage in the Food & Beverage (F&B) area and the corporate logo displayed across the venue, event stages and website.

SuperAI convenes more than 10,000 founders, investors, and enterprise leaders to explore the frontiers of AI — spanning large language models (LLMs), agentic systems, voice AI, and AI infrastructure.

Vocalbeats.AI’s focus on voice AI, real-time multimodal interaction, and practical consumer AI applications places it squarely within these themes. Its flagship applications, Owll, a voice-first productivity app, and Owll Translator, a real-time multilingual translation app, reflect that focus in everyday use across global markets. As AI development moves increasingly from capability to usability — how AI becomes integrated into communication, productivity, and daily life at scale, the company sees SuperAI as a timely platform to engage with the broader industry on that shift.

The sponsorship also reflects Vocalbeats.AI’s deepening presence in Singapore’s AI ecosystem. Earlier this year, the company established two university scholarship programmes — the Vocalbeats.AI–Turing AI Scholarship with Nanyang Technological University, Singapore (NTU Singapore) and the Vocalbeats.AI Scholarship at the National University of Singapore (NUS). Both initiatives provide recipients with access to career pathways at Vocalbeats.AI, reflecting the company’s commitment to nurturing Singapore’s next generation of AI talent.

About Vocalbeats.AI

Vocalbeats.AI is a Singapore-based AI-powered audio company dedicated to innovating intelligent, user-friendly products and services designed to improve everyday life with more lifelike, intuitive, and accessible voice AI. Its expanding portfolio of AI-powered applications—spanning productivity, wellness, and beyond—is increasingly being embraced by a diverse global user base.

Beyond developing applications, Vocalbeats.AI is redefining how people interact with AI. Powered by an international team of engineers, designers and researchers, the Company pushes the boundaries of voice and AI technology to empower people everywhere to work smarter, connect more meaningfully, and live better.

For more information, please visit www.vocalbeats.ai.

Media contact: media@vocalbeats.com

SOURCE: Vocalbeats

JBL Celebrates 80 Years of Powering Voices

by jezzabellemente, posted in Uncategorized

JBL Brand Ambassador Benson Boone reflects the brand’s continued commitment to the artists shaping today’s music and culture while honoring 80 years of audio innovation. 

LOS ANGELES, April 24 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) — JBL, the iconic audio brand from HARMAN, is celebrating its 80th anniversary, marking eight decades of delivering sound that moves generations.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260423455760/en/

A legacy of leadership

Since its founding by visionary engineer James B. Lansing in 1946, JBL has set the standard for audio innovation. From professional recording studios and home entertainment to powering legendary cultural moments like Woodstock and Tomorrowland, JBL has always been committed to delivering authentic, unfiltered sound.

Today, JBL’s influence is unparalleled. It stands as a global leader in personal audio, with hundreds of millions listening to the music they love through JBL portable speakers and headphones. And JBL Professional continues to power over 40% of the world’s cinemas, while serving stadiums, recording studios, music venues and more, ensuring high-quality sound is accessible to listeners everywhere…even in your car.

“For 80 years, JBL’s engineering legacy has been the benchmark for high-fidelity audio, and that standard lives in every JBL product made today. As we celebrate this milestone, JBL remains committed to carrying this standard forward in the technologies that will power the next generation of sound and culture,” said Dave Rogers, President, HARMAN Lifestyle Division.

Eight decades of innovation
For more than eight decades, JBL engineers have pioneered technologies that have transformed how sound is created and experienced, from groundbreaking loudspeaker designs to award-winning smart audio solutions for professional, luxury, portable, and car audio. This relentless pursuit of excellence has earned JBL some of the industry’s highest honours, including Academy Awards for achievements in sound engineering, and a Grammy Award for its “continual mastery and innovation in concert, studio, cinema and broadcast sound and monitors to ensure exacting standards for the most accurate sonic experience.”

Looking ahead, JBL is shaping the future of sound with investments in breakthrough technologies such as spatial audio, adaptive soundscapes, and immersive listening experiences that seamlessly integrate audio into everyday life. Sustainability is also a critical frontier for JBL, guiding product design and production toward a more responsible future for audio innovation.

Amplifying the future
JBL’s commitment to innovation extends beyond breakthrough products. Through community-driven initiatives like the JBL Music Academy, the JBL Campus Program, and partnerships with organizations such as Girls Make Beats, JBL is bringing together emerging artists and the broader industry to break down barriers and amplify the diverse voices that will define the future of audio.

“Authenticity in music is everything. JBL has always been, and will always be, about ensuring artists’ voices are heard, and audiences experience their vision unfiltered, whether on the move, at home, or at a live event. JBL brings the world together through the power of sound.” – Martin Garrix, JBL Global Ambassador.

Anniversary highlights
JBL will mark its 80th anniversary with a series of global initiatives, including the JBL Playback Gallery— showcasing eight decades of iconic JBL products with expert commentary and technical demonstrations. The tour will visit landmark cities throughout 2026, including Amsterdam, Los Angeles, Munich, New York, Tokyo, and Vienna.

Other projects include a special digital magazine available for a limited time here, and a full-season takeover of HARMAN’s Audio Talks podcast series. This podcast includes conversations with engineers, designers, and musicians who have influenced JBL’s sound. The celebrations also come to life through a commemorative anniversary video.

With 80 years of audio excellence behind it and a bold vision for the future, JBL stays committed to powering voices that move, connect, and inspire people across the globe.

Learn more about JBL’s 80th anniversary here: https://www.jbl.com/our-story.html

About JBL
For 80 years, JBL has shaped life’s most memorable moments at the intersection of music, lifestyle, gaming and sports. JBL elevates listening experiences with superior audio quality and product designs that encourage individuality and self-expression. With unmatched professional credentials and industry-leading innovation, JBL is a trailblazer in the audio industry because of passionate and talented engineers and designers around the globe. JBL Pro Sound is the foremost technology pushing culture forward through major pop culture events and partnerships with the world’s top talent across music, sports and esports.

About HARMAN
HARMAN is a global leader in Lifestyle Audio and Automotive technology. We create intelligent experiences that enrich people’s lives on the road, in their homes, on the stage, and everywhere in between. Our iconic audio brands — including JBL®, Harman Kardon®, AKG®, Bowers & Wilkins®, Denon®, and Marantz® — bring premium sound to consumers and audio/visual professionals worldwide. More than 50 million vehicles globally rely on HARMAN’s technologies to deliver safer, smarter, and more intuitive in-cabin experiences. HARMAN is a wholly owned subsidiary of Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. and has approximately 26,000 employees around the world.

View source version on businesswire.com: 
https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260423455760/en/

Contact

HARMAN Lifestyle Communications
Lifestyle.communications@harman.com

Source : HARMAN

KWM Signs Exclusive Global Distribution Agreement with HYBE Covering BTS, SEVENTEEN, LE SSERAFIM, and More — Targeting Annual Revenue in Excess of $100 Million

by jezzabellemente, posted in Uncategorized

Through Play Company, KWM secures worldwide distribution rights for concert DVDs and digital codes. Substantial revenue generation expected as BTS launches its first world tour since members’ return from mandatory military service

NEW YORK and SEOUL, South Korea, April 13 (Bernama-GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — K Wave Media Ltd. (“KWM” or the “Company”) (NASDAQ: KWM), a global K-content, intellectual property (IP), and artificial intelligence (AI) technology platform, today announced via Form 6-K filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission that it has entered, through its wholly owned subsidiary Play Company Co., Ltd. (“Play Company”), into a global distribution agreement with HYBE for video and print merchandise related to 2026 concert activities. The agreement became effective on April 3, 2026, carries an initial term of one year, and may be extended upon mutual consent. The agreement encompasses not only BTS but also SEVENTEEN, LE SSERAFIM, and additional HYBE artists.

Under the agreement, KWM will distribute and monetize digital video products derived from BTS live concert performances to global audiences, including in the United States and key Asian markets. BTS is widely regarded as one of the most influential global music acts, with a substantial international fan base and strong consumer engagement.

The most significant component of this agreement centers on BTS. Prior to the group’s activity hiatus, BTS generated approximately $80 million in revenue in 2022 solely through video merchandising via Play Company. With all members having completed their mandatory military service and the 2026 world tour confirmed, market observers and analysts anticipate significant demand.

BTS’s fifth studio album, ARIRANG, has already surpassed four million pre-orders. The accompanying world tour, launching in Korea on April 9th, encompasses 79 confirmed performances over an 11-month run through March 2027, with additional dates anticipated in Japan, the Middle East, and other markets that could bring the total to between 90 and 100 shows. In January, tickets for 41 stadium performances across North America and Europe sold out immediately upon release, with venues in Madrid, Brussels, London, Munich, and Paris selling out within 60 minutes.

Industry analysts project the tour could generate approximately $1.45 billion (approximately KRW 2.14 trillion) in revenue, placing it alongside Taylor Swift and Coldplay among the world’s highest-grossing concert tours. The Guardian reported that “BTS’s world tour as a reunited group has the potential to generate an economic impact that surpasses Taylor Swift’s records.”

The Company expects the renewed collaboration to reestablish a scalable, fandom-driven revenue stream as BTS resumes global activities. KWM intends to leverage its existing production, localization, and distribution capabilities to expand monetization across multiple formats, including digital content, fan-focused commerce, and related offerings.

Play Company has an established track record of working with leading Korean entertainment companies to develop and distribute official K-pop content globally. The Company believes this agreement represents a meaningful step in strengthening its position within the global fandom economy and expanding its portfolio of high-value entertainment IP.

In addition, KWM recently completed the acquisitions of Rabbit Walk and a controlling interest in Inticube Co., Ltd., further expanding the Company’s content production and AI-driven engagement capabilities. These acquisitions are projected to increase KWM’s pro forma annual revenue by approximately 50–70%.

When combined with the recently completed acquisitions, KWM expects total incremental revenue contributions to exceed $50–$75 million on a pro forma basis, representing an estimated 50–70% increase relative to the Company’s prior revenue base. This growth is expected to propel the Company’s total revenue beyond $100 million over the next 12 months and enable the Company to turn profitable for the current fiscal year.

Ted Kim, Chief Executive Officer of KWM, stated: “We will continue to pursue strategic partnerships, investments, and acquisitions to expand our IP portfolio and develop an integrated platform that combines content, commerce, and technology.”

The Company expects to explore potential synergies between its global content IP and Inticube’s technology capabilities, with a focus on enhancing fan engagement, personalization, and digital commerce initiatives. KWM intends to continue developing new revenue streams beyond traditional content distribution, including data-driven services, digital goods, and platform-based monetization strategies.

About K Wave Media

K Wave Media (KWM) is a publicly listed entertainment and Bitcoin treasury company dedicated to creating, distributing, and monetizing high-quality content across multiple platforms. Since going public in 2025, KWM has focused on strategic growth initiatives, including acquisitions, digital platforms, and digital asset treasury management.

Through its subsidiaries, KWM currently works with major K-pop entertainment companies, including HYBE, SM Entertainment, JYP Entertainment, and KQ Entertainment.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Forward-looking statements generally are accompanied by words such as “believe,” “may,” “will,” “estimate,” “continue,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “expect,” “should,” “would,” “plan,” “future,” “outlook,” and similar expressions that predict or indicate future events or trends or that are not statements of historical matters, but the absence of these words does not mean that a statement is not forward-looking.

These forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements regarding estimates and forecasts of other performance metrics and projections of market opportunity. These statements are based on various assumptions, whether or not identified in this communication, and on the current expectations of K Wave Media’s management and are not predictions of actual performance. These forward-looking statements are provided for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to serve as, and must not be relied on by any investor as, a guarantee, an assurance, a prediction, or a definitive statement of fact or probability. Actual events and circumstances are difficult or impossible to predict and will differ from assumptions. Many actual events and circumstances are beyond the control of K Wave Media. Some important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in any forward-looking statements could include changes in domestic and foreign business, market, financial, political, and legal conditions.

If any of these risks materialize or K Wave Media’s assumptions prove incorrect, actual results could differ materially from the results implied by these forward-looking statements. There may be additional risks that K Wave Media does not presently know, or that K Wave Media currently believes are immaterial, that could also cause actual results to differ from those contained in the forward-looking statements. In addition, forward-looking statements reflect K Wave Media’s current expectations, plans, and forecasts of future events and views as of the date hereof. Nothing in this communication should be regarded as a representation by any person that the forward-looking statements set forth herein will be achieved or that any of the contemplated results of such forward-looking statements will be achieved.

You should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements in this communication, which speak only as of the date they are made and are qualified in their entirety by reference to the cautionary statements herein and the risk factors of K Wave Media described in K Wave Media’s Form 20-F initially filed with the SEC on May 14, 2025, as amended, including those under “Risk Factors” therein. K Wave Media anticipates that subsequent events and developments will cause its assessments to change. However, while K Wave Media may elect to update these forward-looking statements at some point in the future, K Wave Media specifically disclaims any obligation to do so, except as required by law. These forward-looking statements should not be relied upon as representing K Wave Media’s assessments as of any date subsequent to the date of this communication. Accordingly, undue reliance should not be placed upon the forward-looking statements.

Media Contact
Investor Relations: info@kwavemedia.com
Public Relations: info@redroosterpr.com 

SOURCE: K Wave Media 

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XIONG’AN AI FORUM SHOWCASES BEIJING COLLABORATION PUSH

by jezzabellemente, posted in Uncategorized

KUALA LUMPUR, April 2 (Bernama) — The Xiong’an “Artificial Intelligence+” Industry Ecosystem Integration Development Forum, a parallel event of the 2026 ZGC Forum, brought together more than 400 global artificial intelligence (AI) experts, industry leaders and investors in Xiong’an New Area to explore the next phase of AI-driven growth and Beijing-Xiong’an collaboration.

Held under the theme of “Beijing-Xiong’an Intelligent Innovation and Ecosystem Integration”, the forum outlined Xiong’an’s evolving AI industry landscape and introduced a suite of policy measures aimed at supporting enterprises across the full innovation cycle—from research and development to real-world application deployment.

Key outcomes included the release of collaborative innovation achievements between Beijing and Xiong’an, major application scenarios, and an “Open Competition Mechanism to Select the Best Candidates” list, according to a statement.

Together, these initiatives are designed to accelerate industrial coordination through technology breakthroughs, scenario-based applications and demonstrable results.

Several major projects were also launched, including joint Beijing-Xiong’an science and technology initiatives, investment projects backed by the Xiong’an Fund, new enterprise entries into Xiong’an Zhongguancun Park, and the rollout of key innovation platforms.

In addition, authorities officially introduced the “Hundred Models Competition”, aimed at attracting high-quality AI models and solutions while fostering innovation through competitive selection and talent aggregation.

During keynote sessions, leading academics and researchers highlighted global AI trends, theoretical advancements and China’s research progress, underscoring Xiong’an’s growing role as a hub for intelligent integration and innovation.

As the only host city outside Beijing for a 2026 ZGC Forum parallel event, Xiong’an is accelerating the development of a full AI innovation chain spanning research and development, incubation and industrial clustering.

Looking ahead, the continued integration of Beijing and Xiong’an is expected to strengthen the broader Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei innovation corridor and drive regional economic growth through AI-led transformation.

— BERNAMA