Tag: Travel

Invisalign® Palatal Expander System by Align Technology Now Available in Malaysia for Skeletal and Dental Expansion in Growing Patients

by jezzabellemente, posted in Uncategorized
Photo: Patient independently inserting Invisalign® Palatal Expander.

· Invisalign® Palatal Expanders offer doctors an effective and easily removeable alternative to traditional palatal expanders, without the need for metal and screws.
· Combined with Invisalign First™ aligners, Invisalign Palatal Expanders provide doctors with a full early intervention treatment solution, including both skeletal (orthopedic) and dental (orthodontic) arch expansion.

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia, July 23 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) — Align Technology, Inc. (“Align”) (Nasdaq: ALGN) a leading global medical device company that designs, manufactures, and sells the Invisalign® System of clear aligners, iTero™ intraoral scanners, and exocad™ CAD/CAM software for digital orthodontics and restorative dentistry, today announced that Align’s Invisalign Palatal Expander System* has been notified as Class B medical device by Malaysia Medical Device Authority and is now commercially available in Malaysia for broad patient applicability, including growing children, teens and adults (with surgery or other techniques).

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: 
https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250722815570/en/

The Invisalign Palatal Expander System* is a modern and innovative direct 3D printed device based on proprietary and patented technology. Invisalign Palatal Expanders are intended for use in rapid expansion and subsequent holding of skeletal and/or dental narrow maxilla (upper jaw) with primary, mixed, or permanent dentition during treatment of patients.

“The Invisalign Palatal Expander System* exemplifies our commitment to advancing digital orthodontics with innovative solutions that enhance patient treatment experiences,” said David Carr, Align Technology executive vice president and managing director, Asia Pacific. “We are excited to extend the availability of the transformative Invisalign Palatal Expander system, Align’s first direct 3D printed orthodontic appliance, to even more doctors and their patients markets across the Asia Pacific region.”

The Invisalign Palatal Expander System* consists of a series of removable devices staged in small increments of movement to expand a patient’s narrow maxilla to a position determined by their treating doctor. Each direct 3D printed device is customized to the patient’s unique anatomy based on an iTero™ intraoral digital scan. A palatal expansion treatment plan and device design are then developed using Align’s proprietary AI-driven orthodontic software.

Combined with Invisalign First™ aligners, Invisalign Palatal Expanders provide doctors with a full early intervention treatment solution for Phase 1 treatment, an early interceptive orthodontic treatment for young patients. Phase 1 treatment is traditionally done through arch expanders or partial metal braces, before all permanent teeth have erupted – typically at ages 6 through 10. Invisalign First clear aligners are designed specifically to address a broad range of younger patients’ malocclusions, including shorter clinical crowns, management of erupting dentition, and predictable dental arch expansion.

“Phase 1 or early interceptive treatment accounts for 20 percent of orthodontic case starts each year and is growing,” said Dr. Mitra Derakhshan, Align Technology executive vice president, chief clinical officer, global treatment planning and clinical services. “Together with Invisalign First aligners, Invisalign Palatal Expanders provide doctors with a solution set to treat the most common skeletal and dental malocclusions in growing children. The addition of mandibular advancement features to Invisalign aligners also provides doctors with more options for treating skeletal and dental jaw imbalances and bite correction for their growing patients during their teenage years.”

The Invisalign Palatal Expander System* is available in Australia, New Zealand, Hong Kong, Singapore, Vietnam, Japan, Thailand, India and Malaysia.

* Children shall not use device without supervision.

About Align Technology, Inc.

Align Technology designs and manufactures the Invisalign® System, iTero™ intraoral scanners and services, and exocad™ CAD/CAM software. These technology building blocks enable enhanced digital orthodontic and restorative workflows to improve patient outcomes and practice efficiencies for over 281.4 thousand doctor customers and is key to accessing Align’s 600 million consumer market opportunity worldwide. Over the past 28 years, Align has helped doctors treat approximately 20.1 million patients with the Invisalign System and is driving the evolution in digital dentistry through the Align Digital Platform™, our integrated suite of unique, proprietary technologies and services delivered as a seamless, end-to-end solution for patients and consumers, orthodontists and GP dentists, and lab/partners. Visit www.aligntech.com for more information.

For additional information about the Invisalign System or to find an Invisalign doctor in your area, please visit www.invisalign.com.my For additional information about the iTero digital scanning system, please visit www.itero.com/en-APAC. For additional information about exocad dental CAD/CAM offerings and a list of exocad reseller partners, please visit www.exocad.com.

Invisalign, iTero, exocad, Align, and Align Digital Platform are trademarks of Align Technology, Inc.

About the Invisalign Palatal Expander System

The Invisalign Palatal Expander System is a modern, innovative direct 3D printed orthodontic appliance designed based on proprietary and patented technology. The Invisalign Palatal Expander System is intended for the orthodontic treatment of malocclusion. The system is used for the rapid expansion and subsequent holding of skeletal and/or dental narrow maxilla (upper jaw, dental arch and teeth, palate) with primary, mixed, or permanent dentition during orthopedic treatment in children or adolescents. In adults, it is to be used in conjunction with surgery or other interventions when necessary. Devices are 3D printed and are manufactured based on digital scan data from commercially available iTero™ intraoral scanners offered by Align Technology, Ltd. The devices are removable for proper oral hygiene; manufactured to custom fit each patient’s anatomy for optimal comfort and aesthetics, expanders fit comfortably in the patient’s mouth and are changed daily (no screw required).

The System is comprised of Invisalign Palatal Expanders (active expansion, each stage comes with a programmed expansion of up to 0.25mm/stage, changed daily or as per doctor’s discretion) and Invisalign Palatal Holders (copies of the last stage ​of the expansion phase designed to hold the maxilla post-active expansion and changed every 2-4 weeks as directed by the treating doctor), Invisalign Attachment Templates and proprietary 3D shape generation software. These products are not available for purchase by the general public. However, the products are available for purchase from Invisalign® trained dentists and orthodontists.

View source version on businesswire.com: 
https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250722815570/en/

Contact

Align Technology
Madelyn Valente
(909) 833-5839
mvalente@aligntech.com

Zeno Group
Sarah Johnson
(828) 551-4201
sarah.johnson@zenogroup.com

Source : Align Technology, Inc.

–BERNAMA

BUNS, BEATS & BEYOND: HONG KONG SPRINGS TO LIFE WITH FESTIVAL FEVER

by jezzabellemente, posted in Uncategorized

KUALA LUMPUR, April 30 (Bernama) — The annual Cheung Chau Bun Festival, one of Hong Kong’s most iconic cultural celebrations, is set to return on May 5 to 6, marking the beginning of a packed spring of traditional festivals, arts showcases, and international sporting events across the city.

Held on the island of Cheung Chau, the festival is steeped in history and folklore, honouring Pak Tai, a sea deity believed to have saved the island from a plague in the 18th century.

According to the Hong Kong Tourism Board in a statement, since 2011, it has been recognised on China’s national list of intangible cultural heritage.

Among the highlights of this year’s programme are the Climbing Carnival on April 27, featuring games and performances; the vibrant Piu Sik Parade on May 5, where children dressed as deities and public figures appear to float above the crowd; and the adrenaline-pumping Bun-Scrambling Competition, which takes place at midnight on May 5 to 6, where climbers race up a 14-metre tower to collect the most lucky buns.

In conjunction with Labour Day Golden Week (May 1 to 5), the city will also host a 12-minute drone light show set to music along the Wan Chai Temporary Promenade on May 1, offering a dazzling display framed by Hong Kong’s iconic skyline.

The festival forms part of Cultural Beat, a citywide initiative celebrating Hong Kong’s unique cultural heritage. Other major events include the Buddha Bathing Ceremony at Po Lin Monastery (April 29 to May 5), the Tam Kung Festival in Eastern District (April 29 to May 7), and the Hong Kong International Dragon Boat Races (June 7 to 8).

Art and culture enthusiasts can also look forward to the Affordable Art Fair Hong Kong (May 22 to 25), the French May Arts Festival (ongoing until July 13), and the Chinese Culture Festival (June to September).

New highlights this year include Cirque du Soleil’s KOOZA (from May 21) and the Picasso for Asia—A Conversation exhibition at M+, featuring over 60 works by the legendary artist.

Sports fans will not be left out, with the Volleyball Nations League Hong Kong 2025 taking place from June 18 to 22, bringing together six top international teams in a high-energy tournament.

With a diverse lineup of celebrations throughout the season, Hong Kong invites residents and visitors alike to experience its rich blend of tradition and modernity.

— BERNAMA

Aggregating World Heritage Resources to Drive High-Quality Development of Fujian’s Cultural Tourism

by jezzabellemente, posted in Uncategorized

NANPING, China, Apr. 14, 2025 /Xinhua-AsiaNet/–

Wuyi National Park

With the theme of “Cultivating Cultural Tourism as the Pillar Industry”, the 2025 Fujian Provincial Conference on the Development of Cultural and Tourism Economy will be held in Nanping City, Fujian Province, from April 17th to 19th.

Shortly before the conference opens, under the guidance of the Fujian Provincial Department of Culture and Tourism, six major 5A-level scenic areas — Mt. Wuyi Scenic Area, Kulangsu Tourist Area, Fujian Tulou (Yongding) Scenic Area, Fujian Tulou (Nanjing) Scenic Area, Taining Scenic Tourist Area, and Quanzhou Mt. Qingyuan Scenic Area — jointly initiated the establishment of the Fujian’s World Heritage 5A Scenic Area Alliance. This initiative lays a solid foundation for Fujian to integrate its world heritage resources, further promoting the province’s goal of becoming a world-renowned tourist destination. It also marks a significant step forward in the province’s pursuit of coordinated and high-quality cultural tourism development.

Mt. Wuyi, as the only World Cultural and Natural Heritage Site and National Park in Fujian Province, is also the distinguished symbol of Nanping, the host of this conference. In recent years, Nanping City has leveraged the strategic value of Mt. Wuyi National Park to enhance its “Greater Wuyi Cultural and Tourism Circle” brand and promote the development of the “Mt. Wuyi Protection and Development Belt”. The city has pioneered the construction of China’s first national park scenic road system and developed a range of themed tourism products, including biodiversity education tours and Danxia landscape photography experiences. These efforts have contributed to the creation of a “Nanping Model” that harmonizes ecological preservation with cultural and tourism development.

In addition, utilizing the resources of Mt. Wuyi National Park, Fujian Province has actively engaged in international cooperation in areas such as cultural tourism, environmental conservation, and biodiversity research with countries along the Belt and Road Initiative, harvesting significant outcomes.

World Heritage Sites are treasures shared by all humanity. Fujian continues to make exemplary use of these resources to create a “go phenomenal” effect for its cultural tourism, and generate higher appeal to an international audience. From Quanzhou, the “World Heritage City” known for its Maritime Silk Road heritage, to Kulangsu, the “Island of Music” decorated with diverse global architecture; from the Fujian Tulou, which embodies the wisdom and ingenuity of the local people, to the spectacular natural landscapes of Taining Danxia and the dual heritage status of Mt. Wuyi.

Source: Organizing Committee of the 2025 Fujian Provincial Conference on the Development of Cultural and Tourism Economy

–BERNAMA

HKTB VIDEO SERIES SHOWCASES HONG KONG’S OUTDOOR WONDERS

by jezzabellemente, posted in Uncategorized

KUALA LUMPUR, March 19 (Bernama) — The Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) has launched a new video series, titled “Four Corners of Hong Kong”, featuring four captivating short films that take viewers on a journey to the city’s four corners, namely north, south, east and west, showcasing the city’s breathtaking landscapes and rich ecotourism experiences.

The series also showcases Hong Kong’s diverse scenery that offers an irresistible invitation for visitors to experience the city’s extraordinary natural beauty, with the first full video of the four-part series having been released on the Discover Hong Kong YouTube channel.

The first video takes viewers into the splendour of Hong Kong UNESCO Global Geopark and features awe-inspiring geological wonders such as the rhyolitic hexagonal rock columns, which were crafted over millions of years by nature’s hand.

HKTB in a statement said the remaining three episodes will come one after another throughout the coming fortnight, and the video will also be released on the HKTB’s Xiaohongshu, Douyin and Weibo platforms.

The videos transport viewers on an epic, fun-filled adventure in four spectacular corners of Hong Kong, climbing mountains and diving into the sea, travelling east to Sai Kung, south to Po Toi Island, Stanley, and Ap Lei Chau, west to Lantau Island, and north to Robin’s Nest Country Park.

Each location has its own special charm and offers a distinct outdoor experience, demonstrating the diverse appeal and boundless potential of ecotourism in Hong Kong.

HKTB has also teamed up with celebrities from Thailand and Taiwan who bring a sprinkle of stardust to carry the video campaign to a wider audience. The videos, imbued with the unique charisma of the celebrities, are tailored to captivate worldwide audiences via compelling storytelling and mesmerising landscapes.

In addition, HKTB is also ramping up its efforts to promote outdoor activities and trail-running events to overseas visitors following the runaway success of the TransLantau by UTMB and Hong Kong 100 Ultra Marathon races last year.

Looking ahead, with initiatives targeting key markets, including Mainland China, Southeast Asia, the United Kingdom, and India, HKTB aims to position Hong Kong as a premier destination for adventure and green tourism.

— BERNAMA

ANTOM, AIRASIA MOVE JOIN FORCES FOR SEAMLESS PAYMENT SOLUTIONS

by jezzabellemente, posted in Uncategorized

KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 8 (Bernama) — Singapore-headquartered Ant International announced its payment and digitisation services provider, Antom, with AirAsia MOVE, has signed a partnership agreement to transform travel, including seamless payment experiences on the app.

Under the agreement, AirAsia MOVE will work closely with Antom and 2C2P, a full-suite global payments platform and a subsidiary of Antom.

According to a statement, this collaboration is set to integrate Antom and 2C2P’s advanced payment solutions, including payment orchestration and acquiring for both cards and local payment methods (LPMs), into AirAsia MOVE’s platform.

These cutting-edge technologies will empower AirAsia MOVE to streamline payment methods, reduce cross-border transaction costs and operational expenses, and broaden its consumer base while providing customers with a wider range of preferred payment options.

“Our advanced solutions, including payment orchestration and acquiring for both cards and LPMs, enable AirAsia MOVE to expand its reach to more consumers across the Asia-Pacific region and beyond.

“By combining our expertise and AI-driven payment technologies, we are committed to improving operational efficiency, enhancing customer satisfaction, and unlocking long-term value together,” said General Manager of Antom, Ant International, Gary Liu.

Meanwhile, AirAsia MOVE Chief Executive Officer, Nadia Omer said: “By integrating Antom and 2C2P’s advanced solutions, we are enhancing efficiency, improving customer satisfaction, and delivering significant cost savings.”

This partnership agreement between AirAsia MOVE, Antom, and 2C2P is part of a strategic partnership announced last March between Capital A and Ant International that covers various areas.

This includes exploring ways to integrate more payment methods and providing acquiring services to Capital A’s platforms, working on digital marketing and sponsorship opportunities to drive business growth, and cooperating in enhancing access to sustainable finance while transitioning to a low-carbon economy for the micro, small and medium enterprise community.

— BERNAMA