Events

KUALA LUMPUR: Gut health expert Nattome has staged its The Gut Show showcase which headlines experts’ sharing as well as the release of the first clinical study in Malaysia on the efficacy of fermented soybean for gut health – a research-backed collaborative effort with UCSI University. Modern-day living has led to the accelerated pace of life, stress, poor lifestyle habits and imbalanced eating habits – which could easily trigger gastrointestinal issues. The World Health Organisation showed that 1 in 3 persons is experiencing a digestive disorder at any one time. Media reports indicated that gut diseases, overall, rank 4th as the principal cause of private hospitalization in Malaysia’s hospitals in 2021. Given 70% of our immune system is in the gut, one cannot overlook the importance of a healthy gut. Common gut-related issues include bloating, indigestion, irritable bowel syndrome and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), with 1.03 billion (GERD) patients worldwide and an increase of 78% over the past 30 years. A survey posted by BMC Gastroenterology in 2023 indicated that the estimated number of individuals suffering from GERD is 13.98% of the adult population worldwide. In Malaysia, GERD is rising and currently affects an estimated 9.7% of the country’s population. At today’s media event, Head in Medicine and Health Sciences Assistant Professor Ts Dr Tan Chung Keat explained that GERD is becoming more rampant and is commonly treated by medication or in chronic cases, requires surgery. Prof Dr Tan offers insights into the role of natural functional foods in treating GERD naturally. “Functional foods are not just about nutrition; they are about natural foods or supplementation that optimise health and help prevent disease. One good functional food is fermented soybean (Glycine max) which is a primary plant-based protein source in East Asian countries. Soybean is a staple food and a crucial crop in many Asian countries with domestic and international demands causing an increase in acreage of the crop in countries in Asia (28 – 40% in the last 15 years), America and Europe. Fermented soybean offers more health benefits than its unfermented counterpart, is recognised for its therapeutic effects and has been proven to possess anti-diabetic, anti-oxidant, anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory properties,” explained Prof Dr Tan. Nattome recently collaborated with UCSI University to conduct independent research which led to the unveiling of the first clinical study ever in Malaysia on the efficacy of fermented soybean in treating gut health problems, especially for GERD relief today. Fermented soybean is the key ingredient present in Nattome’s food-based solutions, used in the research. The study spanned 12 weeks with 110 participants with complaints of heartburn, acid reflux, regurgitation and non-cardiac chest pain. The results revealed significant improvements in GERD symptoms, quality of life and a marked reduction in inflammatory levels among users of Nattome. Overall, the study group showed a 47.6% reduction in heartburn symptoms, 40.9% reduction in dyspepsia (indigestion) symptoms, 62.9% reduction in regurgitation symptoms, between 19.8% to 43.5% for various inflammation markers and 13.3% improvement in quality of life in Reflux & Dyspepsia (QOLRAD) QOLRAD is a disease-specific assessment tool which is a tell-tale of the psychometric conditions of the participants. The clinical study showed that the study group on Nattome supplements showed an improvement of 16%.7% in vitality, 15.1% in eat/drink problems, 13.3% in emotional distress, 12.3% in sleep disturbance and 10.8% in physical and social functioning. Nattome supplementation effectively improves GERD symptoms, reduces inflammation levels, and improves users’ quality of life. Moreover, 96% of the participants perceived improvements in their gut issues towards the end of the study. Mr Jon Lai, Founder and CEO of Nattome, shared his journey of suffering from serious gut health issues during his earlier working years. Not a fan of non-natural solutions nor medication, he was looking for more au natural treatments which led him to incept Nattome and innovate a scientifically-backed range of food-based products to help Malaysians alleviate and prevent stomach-related issues, to optimise their health and live life to the fullest. “Nattome’s key products Stomach Food and R&R (Repair and Relief) supplementation, crafted from entirely natural food ingredients and mainly fermented soybeans a patented component derived from Japanese fermentation technology. Nattome poses these six major benefits including optimizing gastric pH value, strengthening gastric lining and immune system, soothing heartburn, improving indigestion, relieving bloating and promoting gut health, said Jon. Ms Indra Balaratnam, a certified dietitian, said, “A healthy gut ensures proper digestion of the foods and drinks you consume every day. When the foods are digested well, your body’s cells can absorb the nutrients from the foods so that it become the foundation of your overall good health, strengthening your immunity and reducing your risk for chronic diseases. Daily good habits for maintaining a healthy gut are eating a balanced diet of a variety of whole grains, lean proteins, vegetables, fruit, nuts and seeds to support the good functioning of the digestive organs; regular exercise, keeping stress levels low and getting sufficient sleep. One’s eating and lifestyle habits are important in managing GERD and minimizing the discomforts. To do this, practise mindful eating to avoid food and drinks that trigger heartburn and acid reflux; eat small, frequent meals; include probiotic-rich foods daily, eat no later than 3 to 4 hours before bedtime and avoid doing vigorous activity soon after a meal are strategies that effectively help to tame GERD discomforts,” advised Indra. Nattome also kicked off a key partnership with CARiNG Pharmacy Group. This collaboration aims to enhance the accessibility of Nattome’s products through CARiNG Pharmacy’s extensive network of 250 retail outlets. With this, Nattome products would be available in a total of 500 outlets to date,” Jon elaborated. For more information about Nattome and its products, please visit https://nattome.com

KUALA LUMPUR: The 17-18 July National Bioeconomy Showcase (NBiOSHOWCASE) 2024 saw 15 memoranda of understanding (MoUs) signed with an estimated value of RM1.55 billion. Malaysian Bioeconomy Development Sdn Bhd (Bioeconomy Corporation) Chief Executive Officer Mohd Khairul Fidzal Abdul Razak said the company targeted 11 MoUs but the number rose to 15. “These 2 days saw several collaborations between various companies involving product sales, research and development with universities, the market and fund services for companies,” he said. He added that Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim had several MoUs being signed yesterday followed by Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Chang Lih Kang. 4 MoUs involve foreign companies from Singapore, Kazakhstan, Japan and Indonesia. The MoUs were between ALPS Global Holding Bhd and PT Biotis Pharmaceuticals Indonesia; Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) and Mirxes Pte Ltd; Bioeconomy Corp and the Malaysian Cooperative Commission; Bioeconomy Corp and the People’s Trust Council (MARA); Bioeconomy Corp and Invest Selangor; Bioeconomy Corp and ALPS Global Holding Bhd; IBG Manufacturing Sdn Bhd and Xiamen University Malaysia, ATL Cosmetics Sdn Bhd and UM Pharmauji Sdn Bhd and Bioloop Sdn Bhd and 99 Speed Mart Sdn Bhd. In addition, MoUs were also signed between Bioeconomy Corp and Medkad Sdn Bhd; Bioeconomy Corp and Malaysian Industrial Development Finance Bhd (MIDF); YHL Foods Sdn Bhd and Wermtech Asia Pte Ltd; Bio Tree Pharmaceutical (int) Sdn Bhd and Nomatech Sdn Bhd; Dunita Sdn Bhd and Kz International Pte Ltd; and ALPS Global Holding and Saraya Co Ltd from Japan. Khairul said NBioSHOWCASE 2024 also saw ALPS Global Holding Bhd, an integrated biotechnology company facilitated by Bioeconomy Corp become the first Malaysian biotechnology company to achieve unicorn status. The achievement fulfils one of the main goals of the National Biotechnology Policy 2.0 which aims to create three bio-innovation companies with unicorn status by 2030. ALPS Global is a biotechnology company that develops precision medicine through genomic DNA technology, mRNA and cellular therapy is expected to be listed on the Nasdaq in the fourth quarter of 2024 with an enterprise value of about US$1.6 billion. NBiOSHOWCASE 2024 is organised by the Science, Technology and Innovation Ministry (MOSTI) and Bioeconomy Corp as the main organiser. MOSTI is targeting a sales value of almost RM400 million from the launch of 5 biotechnology products by BioNexus and Bio-Based Accelerator (BBA) status companies in the next 3 years. “There are also many programmes provided at NBiOSHOWCASE 2024 involving primary schools up to university. We also had a walk-in interview for 100 positions for students to apply for while the portal had 500. “The positions are diverse, starting from economists, scientific researchers and marketing executives. The positions call for students with a biotech background,” Khairul said. Themed ‘Bioeconomy for All’, the NBiOSHOWCASE 2024 conference and exhibition involved more than 100 exhibitors and attracted about 4,000 visitors. — BERNAMA

BANGKOK: Businesses and stakeholders in Thailand are encouraged to participate in the Malaysia-China Summit (MCS) 2024 in December to leverage not only the presence of Malaysian businesses but also the large presence of China’s industries. MCS 2024 Commissioner-General Datuk Tan Yew Chong said the summit aims to shape the future trajectory of the regional partnership, tackling significant issues that will drive economic growth, cooperation and development across ASEAN. “Understanding the landscapes of Malaysia and China can help Thai businesses navigate and thrive in these markets,” he said after the MCS 2024 Networking Engagement Series. He said MCS 2024 covers five strategic pillars, namely future tech, mobility and connectivity, opportunity, growth, knowledge and experience. “We have set a sight achieving RM2 billion in potential trade and investment opportunities during the 3 days of MCS 2024,” he said. Organised by the Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation and Qube Integrated Malaysia Sdn Bhd, the 3-day summit begins on 17 December at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC). Marking the 50th anniversary of Malaysia-China bilateral relations, the event aims to deepen economic integration and cooperation among ASEAN nations and China. Meanwhile, the Malaysian Ambassador to Thailand, Datuk Jojie Samuel, said the MCS 2024 is an essential platform for deepening ASEAN integration. “It provides an urnparalleled opportunity for Thai businesses to engage, collaborate and explore new growth with counterparts from Malaysia, China and other ASEAN nations,” he said. Jojie said Thai businesses can connect with over 500 exhibitors and 10,000 trade visitors by participating in the summit. “MCS 2024 will facilitate numerous opportunities for Thai businesses to expand their market reach, forge strategic partnerships and gain valuable insights into emerging trends and technologies,” he added. — BERNAMA

SHAH ALAM: The Malaysian Association for Advancement of Functional and Interdisciplinary Medicine (MAAFIM) is proud to announce the 4th International MAAFIM Conference 2024, themed “Beyond Borders: Global Perspectives in Interdisciplinary Healthcare,” to be held from 18th to 21st July 2024 at the Glenmarie Hotel & Golf Resort. The conference aims to facilitate the advancement of science, research, education, and further training in interdisciplinary medicine, fostering a community of practitioners who integrate conventional and complementary approaches based on evidence-based results. Dr. Paramjit Kaur, President and Organizing Chairperson of MAAFIM, highlighted the event’s significance: “This conference is crucial for promoting best practices in interdisciplinary medicine. It is a platform for knowledge exchange, professional development, and collaboration among healthcare practitioners worldwide.” Patron of MAAFIM, Tan Sri Lee Kim Yew, who will officiate the conference, emphasized the importance of such gatherings: “The 4th International MAAFIM Conference is an opportunity to advance holistic healthcare by integrating various medical disciplines. The discussions and innovations presented here will contribute significantly to the global healthcare landscape and it is a pivotal step in our journey to position Malaysia as a leader in healthcare and wellness in Asia. The healthcare and wellness industry in Malaysia is a significant contributor to the economy, with the healthcare market projected to reach USD 13.1 billion in 2024. As Malaysia continues to evolve as a healthcare hub, events like the MAAFIM Conference are essential in driving forward innovative practices and policies that benefit both practitioners and the public. By integrating various medical disciplines, we can introduce more innovative and accessible healthcare services to our people. This conference is not just an event; it is a testament to our commitment to advancing holistic healthcare and enhancing the quality of life for everyone,” concluded Tan Sri Lee Kim Yew. One of the key highlights of the conference will be the presence of Dr. Paul Marik, a renowned expert in critical care and co-founder of the Front Line COVID-19 Critical Care Alliance. Dr. Marik will deliver a keynote address on innovative approaches in critical care and integrative medicine. His participation underscores the conference’s dedication to exploring groundbreaking advancements in healthcare. The conference will feature 12 renowned speakers presenting on key subjects such as Integrative Oncology, Functional Nutrition, Traditional and Complementary Medicine Integration, and Advances in Medical Technology. These sessions aim to provide attendees with a comprehensive understanding of the latest developments and practical applications in interdisciplinary medicine. MAAFIM’s mission is to build and support a vibrant community of interdisciplinary medicine practitioners, encourage the next generation of doctors, develop standards and guidelines, and advocate for the benefits of an interdisciplinary approach to healthcare. This year’s conference will provide a dynamic environment for healthcare professionals to share insights and explore new frontiers in medical practice. For more information on the conference and registration details, please visit the MAAFIM official website at MAAFIM Conference 2024.

KUALA LUMPUR: The much-anticipated ARCHIDEX, Asia’s leading architecture business event, took place from July 3 to 6 at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre. This event, part of the Kuala Lumpur Architecture Festival, brought together the brightest minds and leading companies in architecture, construction, and design under one roof. Groundbreaking Collaboration: ACMROCH and ARCHIDEX 2024 Concurrently held was the prestigious ASEAN-China Ministerial Roundtable on Construction and Housing (ACMROCH) 2024, hosted by the Ministry of Local Government Development (KPKT). Themed ‘Building Sustainable Futures: Deepening ASEAN-China Co-operation in Housing and Urban Development for Shared Prosperity’, ACMROCH welcomed Ministers from ASEAN Member States and China to discuss key regional growth issues and explore opportunities to jointly reinvigorate the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). Coinciding with the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Malaysia and China, this event celebrated a legacy of diplomatic relations that underscored its intrinsic link to immediate and future national growth and diplomacy. It also served as a strategic tool for stimulating urban economic and cultural renewal, particularly in housing and construction, to foster shared prosperity and development. Spearheading National and Regional Growth The co-location of ACMROCH and ARCHIDEX opened avenues towards trade agreements and industry advancements. ACMROCH aspired to drive economic growth, job creation, and revitalisation of local economies in the region by bringing together key stakeholders to foster the growth of both ASEAN and China. This multilateral meeting and roundtable discussion hosted amidst the largest gathering of the industry’s key market players aimed to leave an indelible mark by leveraging governmental and diplomatic ties to connect policymakers with industries, driving collaboration and innovation. Industry-Government Bridge For the first time, a corporate event hosted a national summit together, leveraging governmental and diplomatic ties to connect nations with businesses and industries. As Ministers from ASEAN countries and China visited the exhibition and met leading exhibitors, converging in the region’s most influential industrial marketplace, the stage was set to catalyse strategic regional change. Centralised International Trade Potential In its 23rd instalment, ARCHIDEX gathered industry professionals and trade experts, creating a vibrant platform for innovation, collaboration, and knowledge-sharing. It played a critical role as a hub for trade and sourcing new technology, advancing regional adoption of advanced technology, and hastening ASEAN’s pace in the Industrial Revolution 4.0. ARCHIDEX 2024: A Landmark Edition ARCHIDEX 2024 hosted 700 exhibitors from 15 countries and regions, anticipated 40,000 visitors from over 100 countries, and projected more than RM1 billion in business transactions. Featuring six international pavilions from Austria, China, Germany, Singapore, South Korea, and Taiwan, ARCHIDEX positioned Malaysia as a central hub for sourcing advanced and specialised technologies and materials, setting the industry’s pace in the design and construction of sustainable, climate-resilient infrastructure and built environments. Highlight on Exhibitions and Conferences C.I.S President and Joint Organiser for ARCHIDEX, Dato’ Vincent Lim, highlighted the significance of exhibitions in driving innovation and trade opportunities, uniting industry players, and creating platforms for a prosperous future. The concurrent hosting of ACMROCH with ARCHIDEX underscored the growing significance and recognition of the event within the regional architecture community. DATUM Conferences The DATUM Conferences, one of the region’s largest, held concurrently with ARCHIDEX as part of the Kuala Lumpur Architecture Festival, convened architects from local and international spheres for rich discourse on learning and professional development. This significant event provided unparalleled opportunities for knowledge exchange and networking within the architectural community. Greener Together @ ARCHIDEX 2024 With the theme “Greener Together” @ ARCHIDEX 2024, Taiwan Excellence promoted Taiwan’s smart living applications driving green trends in everyday life while defining the brand promise of “the Best Made in Taiwan” for adoption. Featuring 11 award-winning brands, it showcased leading green innovations, ranging from environmentally and health-friendly coatings to innovative electrophoretic display solutions and smart ventilation systems. PMB Aluminium Sdn. Bhd. (PMBA) – Shaping Excellence Since 1986 From its inception under Press Metal Aluminium Holdings Berhad (PMAH), PMBA has been a pillar of leadership in the aluminium industry. Committed to excellence, PMBA integrates sustainability, performance, and aesthetics into its aluminium solutions. Leveraging aluminium’s infinite recyclability, PMBA delivers sustainable materials to partners, continuously setting new benchmarks and shaping the industry’s future.

The Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE) is spearheading the participation of Malaysian semiconductor companies at SEMICON West 2024, taking place from July 9-11 at the Moscone Center in San Francisco. This strategic initiative aims to bolster Malaysian firms’ presence in the global electronics and electrical (E&E) supply chain and support their international expansion efforts. MATRADE is organising the Malaysian Pavilion, which will feature 10 exhibitors showcasing a diverse range of electronics manufacturing capabilities. The participating companies include CG Global Profastex Manufacturing, Cortex Robotics, ECA Advanced Solutions, Engrich Solutions, Interface Solution, JKS Engineering (M), Mplex Technology, SCP Automation, TSG Automation, and Weng Seng Engineering Corporation. These firms will present advanced technologies and products in areas such as automated testing equipment (ATE), automated optical inspection (AOI) equipment, contract electronic manufacturing (CEM) services, printed circuit board assemblies (PCBA), box build assemblies, industrial systems, and precision parts fabrication. MATRADE Los Angeles is coordinating high-impact activities at the Malaysia Pavilion, including pre-arranged business-to-business (B2B) matching and networking sessions with key industry players. This presence at SEMICON West aligns with MATRADE’s ongoing efforts to position Malaysia as a significant global player in the semiconductor value chain, offering local companies opportunities to connect with international partners and stay updated on industry trends and technological advancements. Datuk Mohd Mustafa Abdul Aziz, CEO of MATRADE, emphasised the importance of Malaysia’s participation: “Being continuously present at SEMICON West is a strategic move to position Malaysia as a major global player in the semiconductor value chain. It also allows local companies to engage with global partners, particularly in the North American market, and to stay abreast of new industry trends and technological advancements.” This initiative supports the New Industrial Master Plan (NIMP) 2030 and the National Trade Blueprint (NTBp), aiming to enhance Malaysia’s E&E exports. In 2023, Malaysia ranked as the 10th largest exporter of E&E products and the 6th largest exporter of semiconductors. The country’s efforts are in line with the National Semiconductor Strategy (NSS) and the government’s commitment to positioning Malaysia as a neutral ground for technology collaboration, contributing to a more secure and resilient global semiconductor supply chain under the theme ‘Malaysia: Bridging Technology for Our Shared Tomorrow.’ From January to May 2024, Malaysia’s E&E exports continued to grow, reaching RM228.38 billion. Semiconductor exports alone totaled RM146.95 billion. Notably, semiconductor exports surged 11% month-on-month in May 2024, amounting to RM31.86 billion compared to RM28.71 billion in April 2024.