ABEJA-SMRT partnership steering for safer transportation, accident prevention

KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 27 (Bernama) -- ABEJA Singapore Pte. Ltd. (ABEJA Singapore) and Singapore-based major public transport company, SMRT Momentum Ventures Pte Ltd have jointly begun research and development in the safety management area of the transportation industry.

ABEJA Singapore is a local subsidiary company of ABEJA, Inc. (ABEJA), a provider of artificial intelligence solutions leveraging machine learning (ML). SMRT Momentum Ventures Pte. Ltd. is a subsidiary of SMRT Corporation Ltd. (SMRT).

Through the collaboration, ABEJA and SMRT aim to provide safer transportation and prevent accidents by utilising Deep Learning technology.

ABEJA’s core service is the ABEJA Platform, delivered as platform as a service. It leverages ML technology in data gathering, annotation, learning, deployment, inference and re-learning in a variety of fields.

ABEJA Singapore Managing Director, Naoki Tonogi said its technology could contribute infrastructure industry development, in which securing safety weighs heavily on people’s lives.

“Together with SMRT, ABEJA Singapore would like to create an advanced example that contributes to the reinforcement of social infrastructure foundation, which is an issue for overall ASEAN, and will keep working on promoting industrial structure reform.”

ABEJA is a start-up company that promotes business innovation in various industries and scenes utilising their ‘Deep Learning’ technology, which automatically extracts feature values that express the data appropriately without human involvement.

-- BERNAMA

AM Best: BNZ Life has stable credit ratings outlook

KUALA LUMPUR, March 4 (Bernama) -- AM Best has affirmed the Financial Strength Rating of A (excellent) and Long-Term Issuer Credit Rating of ‘a’ of BNZ Life Insurance Limited (BNZ Life) New Zealand, stressing that the outlook of these ratings is stable.

The ratings reflect BNZ Life’s balance sheet strength, which has been categorised as very strong, as well as its strong operating performance, neutral business profile and appropriate enterprise risk management.

In addition, the ratings factor is a neutral impact from the company’s ultimate ownership by National Australia Bank Limited (NAB).

According to a statement by the global insurance rating agency, BNZ Life’s balance sheet strength is underpinned by its risk-adjusted capitalisation, as measured by Best’s Capital Adequacy Ratio, which is at the strongest level.

AM Best also viewed BNZ Life’s operating performance as strong, with the company having generated a five-year average return on equity ratio of 30 per cent (fiscal years 2014-2018).

The company also has a track record of favourable earnings driven by the strong underwriting performance of its in-force life business, coupled with stable investment returns.

BNZ Life also benefits from a level of risk management oversight and governance from the NAB group.

Prospectively, AM Best expects a robust pricing strategy and steady revenue growth to support the maintenance of the strong operating performance.

The company is a small to medium-sized insurer in New Zealand’s life insurance industry, with a market share of approximately five per cent based on 2018 gross written premiums. More details at www.ambest.com

-- BERNAMA

PANTHERYX PRESENTS POSITIVE RESULTS FROM TWO NEW DIARESQ STUDIES AT ITS 2019 INTERNATIONAL SCIENTIFIC SYMPOSIUM

New clinical data and case studies highlight the use of DiaResQ in a range of real world settings, from hospitals to disaster relief, in its first annual scientific meeting

BANGKOK, March 4 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- PanTheryx, a biotechnology company committed to realizing the potential of novel interventions to address a wide range of serious GI microbiome related health conditions, announced today the results of two new studies of its flagship product DiaResQ^® at its first annual scientific symposium for clinicians. The symposium titled “DiaResQ: A Scientific Update” presented the findings along with case studies from around the globe. The meeting was held at the Shangri La Hotel in Bangkok over two days, March 1-2.

According to the World Health Organization, diarrhea is the second leading cause of death for children under five, with an estimated 1.7 billion cases of childhood diarrhea occurring each year. More than 80% of the cases occur in developing countries, including those in Africa and South Asia. Standard of care is limited, and primarily focused on symptom relief and preventing dehydration.

DiaResQ is a nutritional intervention that contains immune factors, micronutrients, and macronutrients that work with the body to address the underlying cause of diarrhea. In clinical trials, DiaResQ resolved a majority of cases of pediatric diarrhea after one day of use. No serious adverse events attributable to DiaResQ have been reported in its clinical trials that have collectively enrolled over 1,000 children and adults.

“We’re excited to bring together our international partners and key opinion leaders to share the latest scientific substantiation of the safety and efficacy of DiaResQ,” said Scott Hyman, senior vice president at PanTheryx. “It’s vital that we continue to make progress in addressing diarrhea, one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide. We are working closely with clinicians and our partners to educate the medical community about the benefits of DiaResQ and ensure it’s available to everyone, especially children who are most at risk.”

About “DiaResQ: A Scientific Update” symposium

Attended by clinicians and KOLs from the international community, the symposium was moderated by Dr. Alan Greene, MD. A renowned pediatrician, author and international TEDx speaker, Dr. Greene is a leading authority on child health and wellness and a leading voice in health innovation.

The latest clinical insights into DiaResQ were shared in the following study presentations and case studies:

Clinical studies

“An Open Label Study to Evaluate the Efficacy and Acceptability of DiaResQ in Children with Acute Childhood Diarrheal Disease” Presented by Iqbal Memon, MD, Professor of Pediatrics and Department Head, Sir Syed Hospital, Pakistan

• Study was a prospective, multicenter, randomized, open label study to assess the impact of DiaResQ on acute diarrhea in children age 6 months to 4 years.
• 528 patients were enrolled, and randomized to receive standard of care or standard of care plus DiaResQ.
• Primary outcome measures included improvement in the frequency of diarrhea and vomiting, and improvement in stool consistency.
• Patients given the standard of care plus DiaResQ showed a statistically significant improvement in the stool frequency, stool consistency, and hydration status compared to standard of care alone. The product was well tolerated and no serious adverse events were reported.

 
“A Comparative Study on the Efficacy of Colostrum and Whole Egg Blend Dietary Supplementation with Standard Therapy versus Standard Therapy Alone In the Management of Acute Watery Non-bloody Diarrhea In Children Aged 1 to 5 Years Old” Presented by Jennie Ang Wong, MD, Fe del Mundo Medical Center Philippines, Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila-Ospital ng Maynila Medical Center Philippines

• Study was a prospective, randomized, open label study to evaluate the efficacy of DiaResQ with standard therapy vs standard therapy alone in the management of acute watery non-bloody diarrhea.
• 128 patients age 1-5 were enrolled, and half (n=64) were systematically assigned to the control group and the other half to receive standard of care plus DiaResQ.
• Primary outcomes measures included stool frequency, stool consistency, duration of illness, and doctor reported improved well-being.
• Patients given the standard of care plus DiaResQ showed a significant improvement in the frequency of diarrhea, improvement in stool consistency, shortened duration of illness, and improved doctor reported well-being. No serious adverse events were reported.

Case studies

Case studies were presented by:

• John Oliveros, MD, Assistant Professor, Pediatrics Department, Jose P. Rizal College of Medicine, Xavier University, Cagayan de Oro City, Philippines. This case study shared Dr. Oliveros’s experience using DiaResQ in a clinical setting.
• Dr. Ameleen Bangayan, MD, Pediatric Gastroenterologist, Davao Doctors Hospital and Davao Medical Center. Dr. Bangayan shared her experience using DiaResQ at her medical center in the Philippines.
• Dr. Rifa Atuzzaqiyah, Pediatrician, RSUD Dr. Soedjono, Selong, Lombok Timur, NTB, Indonesia. This case study explored the use of DiaResQ to support disaster relief efforts in Indonesia after the 2018 Lombok earthquake.

To learn more about these clinical trials and case studies or request more information, contact info@pantheryx.com.

About DiaResQ

DiaResQ® is a nutritional intervention that contains immune factors, micronutrients, and macronutrients that work with the body to address the underlying cause of diarrhea — not just the symptoms. In clinical trials, DiaResQ resolved a majority of cases of pediatric diarrhea after one day of use. No serious adverse events attributable to DiaResQ have been reported in its clinical trials that have collectively enrolled over 1,000 children and adults.

DiaResQ was recognized as one of thirty leading healthcare innovations with great promise to transform global health by 2030 and to help accelerate progress toward the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals health targets.

About PanTheryx

PanTheryx is a biotechnology company committed to realizing the potential of novel interventions to address a wide range of serious GI microbiome related health conditions. The company is also the premier supplier of bovine colostrum, and leverages its vertical integration to develop and commercialize first-in-class therapeutics, with products developed from its patented technology platform spanning the range of nutritional interventions to biologics. Founded in 2007, PanTheryx is headquartered in Boulder, Colorado, and has production facilities in Phoenix, AZ, and Ripon, CA.

For more information, please visit PanTheryx.com.

NSF International can certify foreign suppliers under US food safety regulations

KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 26 (Bernama) -- NSF Certification, LLC can now certify foreign supplier compliance with United States (US) food safety regulations in line with the FDA’s Accredited Third-Party Certification programme.

This follows accreditation given by the American National Standards Institute to the wholly-owned subsidiary of global public health organisation, NSF International.

“Since this FDA-recognised certification serves multiple purposes, it can potentially reduce individual customer audits and ultimately, improve confidence in the safety of food imports consumed in the United States,” said NSF International, Associate Managing Director of Supply Chain Food Safety Operations, Carey Allen.

“Third-party certification bodies serve an essential role in assuring the safety of the global food supply chain.”

The certification under NSF’s programme will enhance market access for imports by confirming suppliers have implemented effective food safety control procedures.

Certification to an FDA-recognised accredited third-party certification programme is required for products imported under the FDA Voluntary Qualified Importer Program, which is used to expedite entry into the US.

This certification is also accepted by the FDA as an option for supplier verification to satisfy the FSMA Supply-Chain Program and Foreign Supplier Verification Program requirements.

According to a statement, food and animal feed producers, processors and produce growers are eligible for certification.

The audit evaluates compliance with FSMA preventive controls and produce safety rules, Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point principles and other applicable FDA regulations, depending on the certification of the product and process.

Customer requirements can also be included in the audit.

-- BERNAMA

Toshiba Memory achieves certification for PM5 Series flash storage

KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 27 (Bernama) -- Toshiba Memory Corporation has achieved VMware vSAN 6.7 certification for PM5 Series of 12Gbit/s enterprise SAS SSD as storage solution conforming to the virtual infrastructure solutions provided by VMware, Inc.

VMware vSAN is a hypervisor-converged storage platform that realises high-speed and high-reliability servers & storage, data centres and software defined storage in a VMware vSphere environment.

According to a statement, the PM5 Series of enterprise SAS SSDs is a high-performance flash storage for storage and cache uses.

It has been certified as a storage product with functions suitable for building VMware virtual infrastructure solutions by conforming to certification items including performance, reliability, endurance, functionality and compatibility specified by VMware vSAN.

The PM5 Series SSDs deliver superior performance in both hybrid and all-flash storage configurations supported by VMware vSAN and meets requirements of both enterprise and data centre customers.

For more information, contact https://business.toshiba-memory.com.

-- BERNAMA

MERCER'S 2019 GLOBAL TALENT TRENDS

Mercer’s 2019 Global Talent Trends study identifies four top trends shaping the future of work
 
KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia, Feb 27 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- According to Mercer’s 2019 Global Talent Trends study, nearly three-quarters (73%) of executives predict significant disruption in the next three years, compared to 26% in 2018. As executives focus on making their organizations “future-fit”, significant human capital risks – including the ability to close the skills gap and overcome employee change fatigue – can impede transformation progress. Addressing these concerns is paramount, given that only one in three executives rate their company’s ability to mitigate human capital risks as very effective.
 
“Over the last few years, organizations have moved from anticipation to action in preparing for the future of work. But they risk bewildering people with too much change, ignoring the values individuals admire, and inundating them with endless process,” said Ilya Bonic, President of Mercer’s Career business.
 
In today’s climate of uncertainty, employees seek stability. Mercer’s study finds that job security is one of the top three reasons employees joined their company, and the main reason they stay. Yet, one in three employees are concerned that AI and automation will replace their job. The way to help employees feel secure is to foster the human connections. Thriving employees (those prospering in the areas of health, wealth, and career) are twice as likely to describe their role as “relationship focused” and their work environment as “collaborative.”
 
“The future of work is about connectivity, creating a work environment that appeals to today’s workforce by building a coherent sense of identity, sparking connections, and using data to personalize the experience,” said Kate Bravery, Career Global Solutions Leader at Mercer.
 
Mercer’s study identifies four top trends that leading companies are pursuing in 2019: Aligning Work to Future Value, Building Brand Resonance, Curating the Work Experience, and Delivering Talent-led Change.
 
Aligning Work to Future Value. AI and automation continue to transform the competitive landscape – 60% of companies plan to automate more work in the next 12 months. At the same time, the C-suite names job redesign as the area of talent investment with the highest potential for return on investment, and 65% of employees are asking for more clearly defined responsibilities. The challenge for HR is to build an integrated people strategy (an approach deployed four times more frequently by high-growth companies) and leverage the right talent analytics to inform decisions on the future size and shape of the organization – yet only one-third of companies have good insights into the business impact of their buy, build, borrow, and automate strategies. “The key is aligning jobs and people to where value is being created, and enabling a mechanism to reward future-fit skills and behaviors,” said Ms. Bravery.
 
Building Brand Resonance. What matters to employees and job seekers is the way a company conducts business and upholds the values of its brand. In a social, transparent world, the lines are blurring between a company’s consumer brand and its talent value proposition (TVP). Successful companies ensure that their brand resonates with all workforce segments – 68% of high-growth organizations differentiate their TVP to different groups (such as contingent workers), compared to 47% of modest-growth companies. An organization’s total rewards philosophy is one area where brand values can shine: Thriving employees are four times more likely to work for a company that ensures equity in pay and promotion decisions (78% vs. 18%).
 
Curating the Work Experience. An effective and relevant day-to-day work experience is essential for retaining top talent. According to Mercer’s study, thriving employees are three times more likely to work for an organization that enables quick decision-making (81% vs. 26%) and that provides tools and resources for them to do their job efficiently (82% vs. 30%). Personalized and simplified professional development plans are an ask from employees – more than half (56%) of employees want curated learning to help them evolve their skills and prepare for future jobs. Technology plays a critical role – high-growth firms are twice as likely as moderate-growth firms to provide a fully digital experience for employees.
 
Delivering Talent-led Change. To ensure talent is at the center of change, HR should have a voice in business transformation. This year’s study found 61% of HR leaders involved in planning the rollout of major change projects and 54% involved in executing those plans. But, only two in five HR leaders participated in the idea generation stage of transformation initiatives. HR sees employee morale as a significant barrier to making changes stick: “Employee attrition” and a “decline in employee trust” are two of the top challenges in the year ahead. “These findings point to the need for transformation efforts to focus on people-centered design and better talent metrics to understand how people are experiencing and embracing change,” said Mr. Bonic.
 
Mercer’s 2019 Global Talent Trends study shares insights from over 7,300 senior business executives, HR leaders, and employees from nine key industries and 16 geographies around the world. To download the report, visit https://www.mercer.com/global-talent-trends.

http://mrem.bernama.com/viewsm.php?idm=33881

DIRECT FLIGHT LINKS HAIKOU, OSAKA

HAIKOU, China, Mar. 1, 2019 /Xinhua-AsiaNet/--
 
A direct air route was launched on Thursday morning between Haikou, capital of south China's Hainan Province, and Osaka, Japan's second-largest city.
   
It is this year's first international air flight from Haikou launched by Hainan Airlines, which has so far opened a number of international routes linking Haikou with cities including Rome, Singapore, Sydney and Melbourne.
  
According to the Department of Tourism, Culture, Radio, Television and Sports of Hainan Province, the route will use a Boeing 737-800 aircraft and operate three flights per week on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday.
  
The maiden flight took off at 8:40 a.m. BJT before arriving in Osaka at 1:40 p.m. JPT. It is scheduled to return to Haikou at 7:15 p.m. BJT after departing from Osaka at 2:40 p.m. JPT on the same day.
  
Hainan Province had 74 international air routes in total by December last year and aims to increase the figure to 100 by 2020.
 
China plans to build Hainan into an international tourism and consumption center by 2025 and a globally influential tourism and consumption destination by 2035.
 
The province aims to attract 2 million overseas tourists by 2020, with an average annual growth rate of 25 percent between 2018 and 2020, according to a three-year action plan released last June. 
  
Source: The Department of Tourism, Culture, Radio, Television and Sports of Hainan Province
  
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--BERNAMA