HONG KONG TO BE GATEWAY FOR CMR SURGICAL IN APAC REGION

Hong Kong to be gateway for CMR Surgical in APAC region
 

• CMR Surgical to expand commercial roll out in world leading surgical robotic market
   
• Leading teaching hospitals in Hong Kong – CUHK Medical Centre and Gleneagles Hospital – have introduced Versius

Cambridge, United Kingdom, April 29 (Bernama-GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- 28 April 2022 00:01 (GMT). CMR Surgical – the global surgical robotics business – has today announced the introduction of the Versius^® Surgical Robotic System in Hong Kong at CUHK Medical Centre (CUHKMC) and Gleneagles Hospital Hong Kong (GHK). CUHKMC was the first hospital in Hong Kong to introduce Versius where it is being used as part of a multidisciplinary robotic programme, including general surgery and urology. At Gleneagles, Versius has been used first in gynaecologic surgery, with plans to expand into general surgery and others as part of a multispecialty programme.

With Versius, both CUHKMC and GHK are offering robotic assisted surgery directly to patients through state-of-the-art specialty centres, bringing accessible surgical care to more patients. With one of the longest life expectancies in the world, Hong Kong’s healthcare sector is a global leader in utilising high tech equipment and surgical solutions for patients, presenting a significant opportunity for Versius to be widely adopted in private and public hospitals. APAC will be a major growth engine for surgical robotics where rapid digitalisation, rising demand and access to healthcare innovation will drive further adoption of health technology and innovations like Versius.

Per Vegard Nerseth, Chief Executive Officer of CMR Surgical said: “We have eagerly awaited our launch in Hong Kong to offer the city’s world leading healthcare system access to pioneering new technology, I am thrilled that we have entered such a robust and innovative market. Hong Kong will be our springboard to the rest of APAC as we prepare for further developments in the region in due course and continue to set CMR Surgical on the global stage.”

Dr Patrick Lau, Deputy Executive Director of the Hong Kong Trade Development Council commented: “Hong Kong is a leader in embracing innovation and technology, including in Healthcare. A novel robotic system such as Versius that will positively impact patients fits perfectly into this mould. We are delighted that CMR has chosen Hong Kong as the launchpad for the Asia Pacific region as we believe that Hong Kong offers biotechnology companies an ideal springboard from which to expand into rapidly growing markets in Mainland China, Asia and around the world.”

While the benefits of keyhole surgery for patients such as shorter recovery time, less pain and a lower risk of surgical site infections are well recognised, traditional manual keyhole surgery can be difficult to perform, leading many complex procedures to be performed via open surgery.ⁱ Surgical robotic systems such as Versius provide increased accuracy, precision and dexterity for surgeons, allowing for more surgical procedures to be more easily performed through keyhole surgery. The size, portability and versatility of Versius has made it popular with hospitals and surgeons around the world and has made Versius a cornerstone in enabling more keyhole surgery.

Kin Cheung, Head of Far East of CMR Surgical said: “The impact of the pandemic has been felt across healthcare systems globally, and Hong Kong is no exception to this. With Hong Kong’s can-do spirit as their guide, hospitals are looking for innovative solutions that help to address this strain while providing accessible technology options to their patients. We are delighted to be partnering with leading hospitals, CUHK Medical Centre and Gleneagles Hospital Hong Kong, to expand the benefits of robotic keyhole surgery. It is great to see Versius standing out in Hong Kong and offering world leading surgeons a very different surgical robotic option. CMR will continue to expand our presence in Hong Kong in order to fulfil our customers’ growing demand.”

CMR has designed an agile commercial and pricing model to suit all global markets, increasing access for many people to minimal access (keyhole) surgery. The value of innovation Versius offers as a leading-edge robotic technology, fits well within an innovative and diverse healthcare ecosystem like Hong Kong’s and other markets in the APAC region.

To further invest into the market, CMR has partnered with leading training centre, the CUHK Jockey Club Minimally Invasive Surgical Skills Centre (Jockey Club MISSC), located within the Prince of Wales Hospital, to deliver training and professional education to surgical teams. The introduction of Versius in Hong Kong follows CMR Surgical’s expansion into a number of markets across Europe, Middle East, India and Australia where the system is being used to perform surgical procedures across a range of surgical specialities including gynaecology, colorectal surgery, thoracic, general surgery and urology.

— ENDS —

Media Contacts:

If you wish to see more, please contact CMR Surgical at:

Press Office, CMR Surgical
T +44(0) 1223 755801
E pressoffice@cmrsurgical.com

Notes to editors:

The Versius^® Surgical Robotic System

Versius^® resets expectations of robotic surgery. Versius fits into virtually any operating room set-up and integrates seamlessly into existing workflows, increasing the likelihood of robotic minimal access surgery (MAS). The small, portable and modular design of Versius allows the surgeon to only use the number of arms needed for a given procedure.

Biomimicking the human arm, Versius gives surgeons the choice of optimised port placement alongside the dexterity and accuracy of small fully-wristed instruments. With 3D HD vision, easy-to adopt instrument control and a choice of ergonomic working positions, the open surgeon console has the potential to reduce stress and fatigue and allows for clear communication with the surgical team. By thinking laparoscopically and operating robotically with Versius, patients, surgeons and healthcare professionals can all benefit from the value that robotic MAS brings.

But it’s more than just a robot. Versius captures meaningful data with its wider digital ecosystem to support a surgeon’s continuous learning. Through the Versius Connect app, Versius Trainer and CMR clinical registry, Versius unleashes a wealth of insights to ultimately improve surgical care.

About CMR Surgical Limited

CMR Surgical (CMR) is a global medical devices company dedicated to transforming surgery with Versius^®, a next-generation surgical robot.

Headquartered in Cambridge, United Kingdom, CMR is committed to working with surgeons, surgical teams and hospital partners, to provide an optimal tool to make robotic minimal access surgery universally accessible and affordable. With Versius, we are on a mission to redefine the surgical robotics market with practical, innovative technology and data that can improve surgical care.

Founded in 2014, CMR Surgical is a private limited company backed by an international shareholder base. 

ⁱ EUR Urol, Journal of Endourology, BMJ 

SOURCE : CMR Surgical

AMREWARDS HARI RAYA CAMPAIGN RETURNS WITH DOUBLE ENTRIES

^{AmRewards Hari Raya Campaign returns with double entries}


KUALA LUMPUR, April 29 (Bernama) -- In the spirit of Hari Raya, AmBank Islamic is pleased to offer double entries for every RM100 incremental in the Monthly Average Balance (MAB) for customers of the AmWafeeq Savings Account-i. The Hari Raya booster is applicable from 1 May 2022 to 30 May 2022.
 
This initiative is part of the bank’s efforts to encourage its customers to adopt prudent financial planning through fostering savings, and be in the running to win attractive prizes.
 
The AmRewards Hari Raya Campaign is part of AmBank Islamic AmRewards 2.0 campaign which runs until 28 February 2023, offering total prizes worth up to RM1.6 million. The prizes include a Porsche Macan, a BMW 3 series and Swiss luxury watches. The contest is open to all AmBank Islamic’s existing and new customers who have AmWafeeq Savings Account-i at the bank.
 
For more information on the AmRewards Campaign, kindly visit www.ambankislamic.com.
 
About AmBank Group
AmBank Group is a leading financial services group with over 40 years of expertise in supporting the economic development of Malaysia. We have over three million customers and employ over 9,000 people.
 
The Group was listed on the Main Market of Bursa Malaysia in 1988. It is the sixth-largest banking group by assets in Malaysia, with a market capitalisation of around RM9 billion and assets of RM170.2 billion as at 31 March 2021.
 
AmBank Group serves over three million individual and corporate customers. It provides services in wholesale banking, business banking, retail banking, investment banking and related financial services which include Islamic banking, general insurance, life insurance, family takaful, stock and share broking, futures broking, investment advisory and management services in assets, real estate investment trust and unit trusts.

 

For more information, please visit www.ambankgroup.com 


SOURCE : AmBank Group

THE REPUBLIC OF THE MARSHALL ISLANDS WILL BECOME FIRST PACIFIC ISLAND NATION TO PUBLISH FISHING ACTIVITY TO GLOBAL FISHING WATCH MAP

 

Global Fishing Watch commends the Republic of Marshall Islands’ leadership toward fisheries transparency


KOROR, THE REPUBLIC OF PALAU, April 28 (Bernama-GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- KOROR, THE REPUBLIC OF PALAU - The Republic of the Marshall Islands has committed to sharing its vessel monitoring data on Global Fishing Watch’s public map, bolstering ocean governance and promoting compliance throughout some of the world’s richest fishing grounds. This momentous decision was announced on April 14, 2022 at the seventh Our Oceans Conference by the Honorable John M. Silk, Minister of Natural Resources and Commerce for the Republic of the Marshall Islands. The declaration marks the first Pacific island nation to make its fishing activity visible to the world.

The partnership agreement was signed between the Marshall Islands Marine Resources Authority (MIMRA) and Global Fishing Watch, symbolizing the two organizations’ dedication to advancing transparency of fishing activities in the Pacific Islands region, home to the world’s most productive tuna fisheries.

All vessels flying the Marshall Islands’ flag and foreign vessels fishing in its fishery waters will appear on Global Fishing Watch’s map through the integration of the government's vessel monitoring system (VMS) data. These vessels primarily target tropical tuna species of the Western and Central Pacific ocean, which hold environmental, economic and cultural significance across the region’s island nations—around half of the world’s tuna catch comes from these waters. 

“There is real value in open data when it comes to monitoring the ocean,” said Glen Joseph, Director of the Marshall Islands Marine Resources Authority. “By making its fishing activity visible on the Global Fishing Watch map, the Republic of the Marshall Islands is helping demonstrate compliance. We hope the data-led insights complement already existing monitoring, control and surveillance tools to validate what is being reported by flag States and strengthen the way fisheries are managed.”

“Global Fishing Watch is honored to be partnering with the Marshall Islands to build greater transparency of fishing activity in the Pacific,” said Tony Long, chief executive officer of Global Fishing Watch. “This progressive decision will help facilitate accountability and good behavior in the region and support a more sustainable future by strengthening fisheries monitoring.” 

“Our partnership with Global Fishing Watch is an important element of our regional commitment to combat IUU fishing," said the Honorable John Silk, Minister for Natural Resources and Commerce, Republic of the Marshall Islands. "In 2018, Marshall Islands' President Hilda Heine set out a bold vision of an IUU-free Pacific by 2023. Other Micronesian presidents signed onto that challenge the following year. To achieve this ambitious goal, we must harness innovative technologies to protect our marine resources and the livelihoods of Pacific people." 

Global Fishing Watch uses publicly broadcast automatic identification system data to track close to 70,000 commercial fishing vessels operating globally. Adding VMS data, which is required by many governments, provides an even clearer view of global fishing activity. The data can assist fishers abiding by the rules through faster, more efficient port entry and provide opportunities to implement regulatory and market incentives to reward them.  

A country of coral islands and atolls spread out over 750,000 square miles (1.94 million square kilometers) of ocean between Hawaii and the Philippines, the Marshall Islands relies heavily on revenue from the tuna industry–well over one-third of the government’s domestic revenue comes from the tuna sector. 

As a member of the Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA) and one of eight Parties to the Nauru Agreement, this independent small island developing State recognizes the importance of collaboration to secure sustainable fisheries. Enhanced monitoring and regional solidarity across FFA’s 17 Members has led to a decrease in illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing throughout the Pacific, according to a recent quantification study which, in part, used Global Fishing Watch data to examine vessel activity throughout the region’s waters.
 
MIMRA’s fisheries MCS systems are state-of-the-art, and are backed by the resources of the FFA’s Regional Fisheries Surveillance Centre. Their monitoring systems build on an innovative management approach used by the Parties to the Nauru Agreement that caps regional fishing activity to support conservation and economic goals. With Global Fishing Watch now available to support and complement existing efforts, the Marshall Islands is taking the next step toward embracing fisheries transparency.   

“Transparency can help vessel operators publicly demonstrate compliance and show their commitment to implementing relevant conservation measures,” added Tony Long. “We believe the Marshall Islands’ pioneering leadership will encourage other Pacific nations, as well as industry stakeholders, to embrace transparency in support of enhanced ocean governance.” 
 
The Marshall Islands joins a growing group of countries that are already publicly sharing their VMS data through Global Fishing Watch, including Belize, Brazil, Chile, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Panama and Peru. Transparency of its fishing activity demonstrates the Marshall Islands’ steadfast commitment towards compliance and will help amplify management and coordination efforts undertaken by the FFA. Global Fishing Watch's international program to advance ocean governance through greater transparency is made possible with the generous support of Bloomberg Philanthropies.

###

Global Fishing Watch is an international nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing ocean governance through increased transparency of human activity at sea. By creating and publicly sharing map visualizations, data and analysis tools, we aim to enable scientific research and transform the way our ocean is managed. We believe human activity at sea should be public knowledge in order to safeguard the global ocean for the common good of all.

globalfishingwatch.org

Attachments

• Our Ocean Conference 2022
• The Republic of the Marshall Islands

Kimberly Vosburgh
Global Fishing Watch
KIMBERLY@GLOBALFISHINGWATCH.ORG 

SOURCE : Global Fishing Watch

EXHIBITORS RUSH TO JOIN THE INAUGURAL MALAYSIA DIGITAL TRAVEL FAIR AS BORDERS REOPEN

SINGAPORE, April 26 (Bernama) -- Since marking the end of travelling restrictions into Malaysia on 1 April 2022, tourism stakeholders from Malaysia rushed to take part in the inaugural Malaysia Digital Travel Fair (MDTF) in anticipation of the travel surge for the upcoming Singapore’s mid-year school vacation.
 
MDTF is an online travel fair portal, in partnership with Tourism Malaysia Singapore Office, to showcase tourism products and services to promote Malaysia as a top-of-mind destination to Singapore holiday makers from 22^nd to 28^th April 2022. With over 70 exhibitors offering a wide range of holiday packages to Malaysia, Singapore consumers are spoilt for choice.
 
“This online portal elevates tourism to Malaysia. This will benefit the Malaysian tourism industry stakeholders with an aim to create business opportunities for travel industry partners, transport operators, and tour agents in Singapore,” said His Excellency Dato’ Dr. Azfar. Mohamad Mustafar, High Commissioner of Malaysia to Singapore, who graced the digital launch. 
 
Among the holiday packages available for the Singaporean market include Genting SkyWorlds + Skytropolis Theme Park twin tickets at SGD$62 (RM186), Berjaya Langkawi Resort from SGD$125 (RM375), and Perkasa Hotel Tenom from SGD$40 (RM120). Attendees also stand a chance to participate in a lucky draw to win attractive prizes including an IBN Highlands City Condo worth RM1.5 million.
 
Since the reopening of its international borders, Singapore has been the main contributor for arrivals and revenue for tourism to Malaysia. After more than two years of hiatus, Tourism Malaysia Singapore office has commenced promotional programmes to excite Singapore travellers and showcase what Malaysia has to offer.
 
To visit Malaysia Digital Travel Fair, visit digitaltravelfair.com.   
                 
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. For more information, visit Tourism Malaysia’s social media accounts on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, and TikTok. 


SOURCE : Tourism Malaysia

MTC PRODUCES A VIDEO ON BEST PRACTICES IN COMPLIANCE WITH ACT 446, TO SAFEGUARD WORKERS' WELFARE

 KUALA LUMPUR, April 26 (Bernama) -- The Employees’ Minimum Standards of Housing, Accommodations and Amenities Act 1990 (Act 446) requires, among others, employers to provide a minimum space for workers’ accommodation and basic facilities. Although the COVID-19 pandemic is now under control in Malaysia, the workers’ housing has been thrust into the limelight being the centerpiece in the raft of measures mediated to break the infection chains as well as in safeguarding workers’ welfare.
 
In view of this, the Malaysian Timber Council (MTC) working in collaboration with the various timber associations, has taken the initiative to produce a video on the best practices of workers’ accommodations in compliance with Act 446 to ensure the industry players provide proper accommodations and amenities for its workers. Compliance with the Act would also aid the government’s efforts to curb the spread of the COVID-19 virus.
 
The over 5-minutes video adopts an educational approach and narrates the compliance requirements of Act 446 which is now more comprehensive and prioritises the welfare of workers. The enforcement of Act 446, effective from 1 September 2020, stipulates the need for employers to obtain a certificate of accommodation from the Labour Department of Peninsular Malaysia (JTKSM).
 
The video highlights some of the guidelines and provisions of the minimum standards requirement in aspects of accommodations and basic amenities that must be provided for workers.
 
“Many timber companies and employers are receptive and are more than happy to comply with Act 446. In order to help the timber industry to comply and fully implement the necessary changes as required under Act 446, MTC produced an educational video to reinforce awareness about the importance of ensuring a liveable condition and comfortable accommodations for its workers” MTC CEO Mr. Muhtar Suhaili said on why the Council came up with the video.
 
“This is one of the initiatives made by MTC to ensure the timber industry always adheres to the minimum standards of housing and amenities stipulated under Act 446. Act 446 is a step in the right direction as it ensures businesses and employers maintain proper and decent housing standards and amenities for their workers. This is also in line with international requirements in respecting workers’ rights,” he added.
 
The timber industry is the third-largest export earner in the Agri-commodity sector after palm oil and rubber with a total export of RM22.74 billion in 2021 which contributes about 10.85% to the Agri-commodity sector in national earnings.
 
The timber industry including the furniture sector by and large has been rather successful in tackling the COVID-19 pandemic in the absence of extensive resources. They were among the few industries that were allowed to operate during the Movement Control Order (MCO), since March 2020. Factory operators were proactive in adopting the strict SOPs spelled out by the Malaysian National Security Council (MKN) to prevent any untoward incidences.
 
In 2021, MTC has also produced a SOP video for all the timber and furniture companies to use as a reference to guide and remind their workers and staff to adhere to the SOP at all times.
 
Please watch the full video on MTC YouTube Channel: https://youtu.be/1041fqmpLkk 

About the Malaysian Timber Council
The Malaysian Timber Council (MTC) was established in January 1992 to promote the development and growth of the Malaysian timber industry globally. MTC's main objectives are to promote the Malaysian timber trade and develop the market for timber products globally, to promote the development of the industry by upgrading the industry's manufacturing technology base, to augment the supply of raw materials, to provide information services and to protect and improve the Malaysian timber industry's global image. Further information on the Council’s activities can be obtained from www.mtc.com.my.
 
Issued by the Malaysian Timber Council


SOURCE : Malaysian Timber Council (MTC)

CIMB UPLIFTS FESTIVE SPIRIT VIA ITS HARAPAN RAMADAN PROGRAMME

 The programme is driven by both CIMB Islamic and CIMB Foundation’s community outreach initiatives which aim to deliver positive impact and spread cheer this festive period

KUALA LUMPUR, April 25 (Bernama) --  CIMB Group Holdings Berhad (“CIMB Group” or “the Group”) has launched Harapan Ramadan, a series of community outreach programmes through CIMB Islamic Bank Berhad (“CIMB Islamic”) and CIMB Foundation, which saw a distribution of over RM750,000 worth of essential items and Baju Raya to the underserved communities. Done in conjunction with Ramadan and the upcoming Hari Raya Aidilfitri, the programme is a collaboration with four non-governmental organisation (“NGO”) namely Adab Youth Garage, Islamic Relief Malaysia, Yayasan Belia Malaysia and Yayasan Al-Khalifah.
 
This year, the Group shared its Ramadan blessings through the distribution of essential items and Baju Raya to 4,000 households, which includes single mothers and those from the Asnaf and B40 community in the states of Johor, Kuala Lumpur, Negeri Sembilan, Perak, Sabah, Sarawak and Selangor. The intention is to alleviate their burden and reduce the cost of daily expenses, so they are able to observe Ramadan with fewer worries. The programme also saw volunteers from CIMB assisting in the delivery of Bakul Ramadan boxes containing rice, canned food, cooking oil, and other essential food supplies.
 
Datuk Mohd Nasir Ahmad, Chairman of CIMB Group and CIMB Foundation said, “The holy month of Ramadan represents a key opportunity for us to serve and bring about meaningful impact to the communities we serve across Malaysia. We sincerely hope our distributions under Harapan Ramadan will bring some cheer to our beneficiaries this Ramadan as well as for the upcoming Hari Raya Aidilfitri. We are happy to work closely with our partners in achieving this objective as we strive to practice the concept of Fastabiqul Khairat, or the act of pursuing every opportunity to serve and perform good deeds. The programme, which is jointly led by CIMB Islamic and CIMB Foundation captures the values of CIMB Group as a whole, realising our efforts to create sustainable impact and long-term value through our initiatives that prioritise the wellbeing of underserved and underprivileged communities.” 
 
The Group also provided over 2,500 portions of Bubur Lambuk to families residing at various Projek Perumahan Rakyat (“PPR”) flats across Selangor to make a positive impact and strengthen their communal bond within the communities in need.
 
As a responsible corporate citizen, CIMB has always strived to elevate the lives of the communities they operate in. Through CIMB Islamic, the Group has spearheaded numerous initiatives for the Asnaf and the underprivileged and supports the development of underserved groups such as the B40 through programmes including the Program Keusahawanan Taylor’s – CIMB Islamic, the CIMB Islamic Rider Entrepreneur Programme and CIMB MicroBizReady. These initiatives aim to empower B40 entrepreneurs by providing them with training and mentorship to support their growth.
 
Meanwhile, CIMB Foundation implements CIMB Group’s corporate social responsibility and philanthropic initiatives, focusing on four impact areas that include education; health and community wellbeing; economic empowerment as well as climate and environment. These contribute towards sustainable impact in the communities around us, in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
 

About CIMB

CIMB is one of ASEAN’s leading banking groups and Malaysia’s second largest financial services provider, by assets. Listed on Bursa Malaysia via CIMB Group Holdings Berhad, it had a market capitalisation of approximately RM55.3 billion as at 31 December 2021. It offers consumer banking, commercial banking, wholesale banking, transaction banking, Islamic banking and asset management products and services. Headquartered in Kuala Lumpur, the Group is present in all 10 ASEAN nations (Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, Thailand, Cambodia, Brunei, Vietnam, Myanmar, Laos and Philippines). Beyond ASEAN, the Group has market presence in China, Hong Kong, India, South Korea, the US and UK.
 
CIMB has one of the most extensive retail branch networks in ASEAN with 630 branches and around 33,000 employees as at 31 December 2021. CIMB’s investment banking arm is one of the largest Asia Pacific-based investment banks, which together with its award-winning treasury & markets and corporate banking units comprise the Group’s leading wholesale banking franchise. CIMB is also the 92.5% shareholder of Bank CIMB Niaga in Indonesia, and 94.8% shareholder of CIMB Thai in Thailand.

Kindly download the photo via this link.
 
Photo Caption

Distribution of essential items to the underserved communities in need under the Harapan Ramadan Programme.
PIC 1 – Residents of PPR Kampung Baru HICOM, Shah Alam receiving the contributions from Rafe Haneef, CEO of CIMB Foundation accompanied by programme partners.

PIC 2 – Ahmad Shahriman Mohd Shariff, CEO of CIMB Islamic distributing the essential items to residents of Pangsapuri Rimba Jaya, Shah Alam.

SOURCE: CIMB Bank Berhad