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Laos Sees 62 Killed, 750 Injured in Road Accidents in September

Road accidents across Laos in September | Laos Security News Website

According to recent data from the Lao Ministry of Public Security, 62 persons were killed and 750 others were wounded in road accidents in Laos in September.

Hong Kong Baptist University research unveils association between plasma metabolites and COVID-19 antibody levels in recovered patients

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach – 10 October 2022 – A study led by Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU) has revealed the association between rapidly fading antibody levels in some recovered COVID-19 patients and a high plasma concentration of a metabolite called glycylproline (gly-pro) and its producing enzyme.

A research team led by Professor Cai Zongwei (left) and Dr Yang Zhu (right) has revealed the association between rapidly fading antibody levels in some recovered COVID-19 patients and a high plasma concentration of a metabolite called gly-pro and its producing enzyme.

A research team led by Professor Cai Zongwei (left) and Dr Yang Zhu (right) has revealed the association between rapidly fading antibody levels in some recovered COVID-19 patients and a high plasma concentration of a metabolite called gly-pro and its producing enzyme.

The researchers also found that the application of an inhibiting agent can counteract the activities of gly-pro and its producing enzyme, and this helped to maintain COVID-19 antibody levels in a mouse model. The findings offer important insights that could aid the development of novel therapeutic and vaccination strategies against the virus.

The research results have been published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS), a renowned international scientific journal.

Antibody levels drop in some recovered COVID-19 patients

The levels of COVID-19 antibodies among individuals in a community are crucial for herd immunity against the virus. In general, recovered COVID-19 patients have high antibody levels as a result of their natural immune reactions. However, antibody levels in some recovered COVID-19 patients have been seen to drop rapidly over the course of a few weeks, and the underlying mechanism of this phenomenon remains poorly understood.

Since the beginning of the pandemic, research studies have revealed changes in plasma cytokine and metabolite levels in COVID-19 patients. Based on these observations, a research team led by Professor Cai Zongwei, Chair Professor of the Department of Chemistry and Director of the State Key Laboratory of Environmental and Biological Analysis, and Dr Yang Zhu, the first author of this paper and a Research Assistant Professor of the Department of Chemistry at HKBU, investigated how plasma cytokines and metabolites are associated with antibody levels in recovered COVID-19 patients.

Metabolite gly-pro associated with antibody levels

The research team analysed the cytokine and metabolite profiles in the plasma samples of three subject groups. The first group included 17 recovered COVID-19 patients with steady COVID-19 antibody levels; the second group included 30 recovered COVID-19 patients with rapidly fading COVID-19 antibody levels; the third one was a control group comprising 35 individuals who had not been infected with COVID-19.

A series of quantitative computational analyses that involved the use of machine learning techniques were used to compare the levels of different plasma cytokines and metabolites in the three subject groups in relation to their COVID-19 antibody levels. The researchers then compared the two recovered patient groups with the control group, and any cytokines and metabolites with significantly different levels between the two groups and the control group were shortlisted. Among the shortlisted targets, the levels of seven cytokines and 20 metabolites were seen to differ significantly between the two groups of recovered COVID-19 patients.

The researchers then analysed the association between the selected cytokines and metabolites and COVID-19 antibody levels in recovered patients. From the collected data, they concluded that the plasma concentration of the metabolite gly-pro had increased the most in the two recovered patient groups compared with the control group.

Overall, the levels of gly-pro in the recovered patient group with rapidly fading antibody levels were four times higher than the control group, while the levels of gly-pro in the recovered patient group with steady COVID-19 antibody levels were two-and-a-half times higher than the control group. Based on these results, the researchers investigated the relationship between COVID-19 antibody levels in recovered patients and gly-pro, as well as the producing enzyme of gly-pro which is named dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP4).

Inhibiting gly-pro maintains steady antibody levels

The research team set up a four-week mouse model experiment to test the hypothesis that high gly-pro levels are associated with a rapid drop in COVID-19 antibody levels in recovered COVID-19 patients. Four groups of 12 mice were injected with the spike protein of the COVID-19 virus. The groups were then respectively treated with: (1) exogenous gly-pro; (2) an inhibitor that blocks the degradation of endogenous gly-pro; (3) exogenous gly-pro and a DPP4 inhibitor (Sitagliptin, which is also an anti-diabetic drug); and (4) saline.

The serum COVID-19 antibody levels in all groups were similar in the first week of the experiment. The antibody levels of the mice in the first group declined after the second week, suggesting that increased gly-pro levels are associated with a decline in COVID-19 antibody levels. The antibody levels of the mice in the second group, who had relatively steady gly-pro levels, also began to decline in the third week. The slower decline in antibody levels in the second group of mice compared to the first group shows that varying amounts of gly-pro are associated with the amount of time a steady antibody level can be maintained.

Meanwhile, the antibody levels of the mice in the third group remained stable throughout the experiment. This shows that when the activities of DPP4 are inhibited, the negative effects of gly-pro can be neutralised, and a steady level of COVID-19 antibodies can be maintained.

New insights for therapeutic and disease control strategies

Professor Cai said: “Effective shield immunity for a community against the spread of COVID-19 is highly dependent on the maintenance of steady antibody levels in individuals. Our experimental results suggest that DPP4 inhibitors can effectively maintain steady antibody levels in COVID-19-infected mice. As a result, our study offers important insights into how we can develop a similar medical approach to maintain COVID-19 antibody levels in humans, which will contribute to the global fight against the pandemic.”

Dr Yang said: “Further studies based on our research findings are warranted to explore the potential in other areas of therapeutic and disease control, especially in terms of other applications. For example, novel strategies may be developed to enhance the efficiency of vaccination in boosting antibody levels in humans, particularly in diabetic patients, a well-known high-risk population for COVID-19.”

Hashtag: #HongKongBaptistUniversity

Lao Police Starts New Team to Investigate Woman’s Murder

Woman found stuffed in a suitcase in Mekong River in Thailand

The Lao police have formed a specialized unit to investigate the kidnapping and murder of a woman whose body was found in the Mekong river in Thailand two weeks ago. 

ECOVACS ROBOTICS Launches AI-enabled Intelligent Robotic Floor Cleaner DEEBOT T10 OMNI with 8-in-1 OMNI Station, providing One-for-All Cleaning Solution

ECOVACS brings the OMNI station from the flagship series to DEEBOT T10 OMNI, allowing the new DEEBOT to automate floor cleaning without human intervention.

HANOI, VIETNAM – Media OutReach – 10 October 2022 – ECOVACS ROBOTICS (“ECOVACS”), the world’s leading service robotics brand, launched DEEBOT T10 OMNI, a new member of its AI-powered robotic vacuum cleaner series, the DEEBOT T10 Family. DEEBOT T10 OMNI comes with the industry’s first all-in-one base station, OMNI Station, which combines function and design and delivers unprecedented convenience to users. The addition of OZMO™ Turbo 2.0 Mopping System’s unparalleled cleaning capability further enhances the robotic vacuum cleaner’s already advanced features like AIVI 3.0 Upgraded AI-based Object Recognition and Avoidance technology. DEEBOT T10 OMNI’s cutting-edge features and capabilities provides modern households several unique advantages. In addition, the human-bot interaction with YIKO Voice Assistant makes the DEEBOT T10 OMNI everyone’s intelligent butler.

Unique “8-in-1” OMNI station and more powerful cleaning functions bring unparalleled convenience and benefits to users.

The DEEBOT T10 OMNI can independently manage the entire floor cleaning process. Beyond sweeping, vacuuming, and mopping, the latest model can wash and dry the mopping pads and collect more dust using the new base station. These functionalities make the DEEBOT T10 OMNI an all-in-one robotic vacuum cleaner that frees users from housekeeping chores.

The OMNI Station is also the world’s first to integrate automated dust collection, mop cleaning, water refilling, and hot air drying. In addition, the OMNI Station has a 4L water tank that separates clean and wastewater. It automatically collects the wastewater after cleaning the mopping pad and refilling the water tanks of the DEEBOT T10 OMNI model with clean water.

Like other members of the DEEBOT T10 Family, DEEBOT T10 OMNI has many advanced technologies and features that bring an advanced cleaning experience to users. These include:

  • Enhanced AI with AIVI 3.0: The DEEBOT T10 OMNI comes with AIVI 3.0. This enhanced AI capability improves object single-frame recognition accuracy by 20% and the object single-frame recognition speed by 20 times. With a 960P astrophotography camera that widens the Field of View (FOV) to 148.3°, DEEBOT T10 OMNI identifies common ground obstacles faster and avoids them more efficiently. The robotic vacuum cleaner not only recognizes different types of floor obstacles, furniture, and floor materials, also it now equips with Granular Particle Recognition for an even smarter cleaning. In addition, it comes with a TÜV Rheinland privacy and safety certificate for software and hardware. DEEBOT T10 OMNI can clean different types of surfaces and carpets. The AIVI 3.0 technology and ultrasonic sensors help the robotic vacuum cleaner recognize different carpet types. When cleaning carpets (only available in standard mode), the DEEBOT T10 OMNI automatically changes pressure and avoids carpets when mopping. The anti-drop sensors keep the cleaner from falling over stairs and thresholds. The real-time video and communication feature enables users to monitor their homes and also communicate with other family members.
  • Intelligent YIKO Voice Assistant: DEEBOT T10 OMNI features YIKO Voice Assistant, the industry’s first built-in natural language interactive assistant for home service robots. It combines several AI-based voice interaction technologies, including voice semantics from Google, to improve the accuracy and response times. Users can use their voices to engage, command, and interact with the DEEBOT T10. Three well-placed mics allow users to activate the DEEBOT by saying, “OK, YIKO.” In addition, “OK YIKO, quick map building” enables users to build a complete cleaning map. YIKO AI voice assistant transforms the user experience, turning the DEEBOT T10 from a brilliant cleaning tool to a holistic home service robot.
  • Excellent TrueMapping 2.0 with ECOVACS HOME App Experience: DEEBOT T10 OMNI’s TrueMapping 2.0 uses onboard dToF sensors for more accurate positioning. It also allows users to save 2D and 3D maps in the intuitive ECOVACS HOME App on their mobile devices. Users can switch from 2D to 3D maps for a more detailed view of their home. By learning and understanding the home environment, the maps can accurately identify home structure, furniture, and ground materials. Users can also improve cleaning efficiency around and under the furniture using the 3D map.
  • Powerful 4-Stage Cleaning System Delivering 95% Cleaning Efficiency: The Dual Side Brushes cover every inch of the house and quickly collect the ground dust with a strong 5,000 pa suction power. The floating main brush keeps the unit closer to the floor without damaging the floor. The overall design allows the robotic vacuum cleaner to adapt to different floor types during deep cleaning. In addition, The OZMO™ TURBO 2.0 Oscillating Mopping System rotates 180 rpm to remove all kinds of stubborn floor stains. It is ideal for dusty environments, removing pet hair, or those allergic to dust. With these powerful cleaning technologies, DEEBOT T10 delivers 95% cleaning efficiency, passing the gold standard of industry testing parameters.

Pricing and Availability

DEEBOT T10 OMNI is available today at the ECOVACS Official Store exclusively on https://gigadigital.vn/.The suggested retail price of DEEBOT T10 OMNI is 18.900.000. Please visit ecovacs.com for more information or connect with us on Facebook or Instagram.

Hashtag: #ECOVACSROBOTICS

About ECOVACS ROBOTICS

Innovating Since Day One – Creating the Intelligent Home.

With a new vision of “Advancing robotic technologies to serve the world to create a holistic ecosystem between human and robotics in lifestyle and production”, ECOVACS ROBOTICS cares about innovating solutions to enhance your lifestyle. We aim to design and launch “Robotics for All”: using our deep understanding of use cases and consumer experiences.

With over 24 years of design and industry-leading research, we have led the market as homes become more intelligent and responsive. We are building a world where your home asks less of your attention, becomes more seamless and powerful, and frees you to spend more time doing what you love.

Forex investments take over popular sentiment as a worthy global trend, OctaFX claims

Quite the confusion is afoot in the financial markets. Tighter regulation, rising inflation, energy sector disruptions, social unrest and wars have taken a toll on the world’s economies. How come Forex, as a means of investment, has come up on top as a global trend in 2022? Against the backdrop of current events, the international broker’s expert team at OctaFX has gathered some answers.

KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA – Media OutReach – 10 October 2022 – The financial world is enduring some important shifts and shocks right now. This has been going on for at least two and a half years—since the start of the global coronavirus pandemic. Now—because of the monetary policies implemented by most national economies—inflation is spreading and raging on every continent like a virus. It leaves no country untouched. Ordinary people lose their savings, funds, and the purchasing power of their national currencies. Governments regulate as much as they can. But current circumstances, many of which are quite unprecedented in recent memory, led to policies restricting some financial markets. Among them—the Forex market. But the thing is that it is Forex investments that have gained traction recently, having become an international trend by now.

Caption

Now that we know where we are at, we can take a look back into the history of financial investments—specifically, how it pertains to the Foreign Exchange market.

The plain history of making investments

Making investments goes way back. Thousands of years ago, people of different tribes, villages, and regions found routes and means to exchange goods of all kinds: farm animals, precious metals and rocks, or domesticated wheat, to just name a few. Each of these ancient transactions and trades were investments—as capital, as trust in future trade relations, or often as a means of survival.

The Foreign Exchange market as a hub of making investments is almost as old—since at least the invention of the coin as an exchange currency, so at least around 600 B.C. It can be considered as a dynamic basket of foreign currencies and a network of exchanges. To put it even more bluntly, Forex represents the process of changing one currency into another. The Foreign Exchange market is decentralised by nature. Today, it exists completely online and utilises a vast variety of different countries, currencies, and commodities.

Making a huge leap into the present day, Forex experiences a significant global revival as a way of making investments. The age of quarantine, home office and lockdowns, mass lay-offs, and blunt economic uncertainty fueled by inflation forced many people into researching alternative approaches to generating additional or passive income online. Forex came out on top.

Why did this trend emerge now?

Many factors contributed to a heightened interest in Foreign Exchange. As we alluded to in the beginning, developments in geopolitics, the world economy, and the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic created a bundled sense of uncertainty in the financial markets. Due to the war in Ukraine, the E.U.’s compounded economy and its euro have significantly weakened. This ongoing process made it possible for the U.S. dollar to catch up to full equivalence, which has not been done since 2002, twenty years ago. This strong performance of the American currency made even retail raise their attention, looking for strong opportunities to engage. Where Forex has gained traction, other assets like stocks and real estate have weakened. The reason is, again, rising instability and insecurity in the respective markets. Less people choose to enter these for fear of miscalculation.

Commodities can be traded and invested in via Forex, as well. Whereas crucial ones like natural gas and crude oil have constantly risen in price. One of the aspects for crude oil to explode in value being the OPEC countries not yielding to the U.S.’ demands in significantly upping monthly production. Whereas natural gas was priced at 43.99 USD in June 2020 and went up to 483.23 USD in June 2022—an increase by 998.49 per cent. Only through Forex could one have taken advantage of a ten-fold, dramatic price movement like this.

Forex—among the best types of investment

Since investments can be legitimate sources of passive income, let us have a rundown of the most solid and relevant assets that can serve as investments—especially, as they relate to Foreign Exchange.

Gold is a historically proven type of investment—a magnificent long-term hedge against inflation, it has a strong track record. The downside is probably its physicality: unlike with Forex, gold needs to be stored somewhere safe and robust. The more one has, the more storage and safety becomes an issue.

Much like gold, real estate is a heavy-duty path to making an investment. The advantage is security and relatively low price volatility. Also, the owner can rent their real estate, by which they generate passive income in a straightforward way. Forex does not cover these options but does have a significant advantage elsewhere, though. The initial investment doesn’t have to be as high as it usually needs to be, acting on the real estate market. With Forex, sums between 20 and 100 USD are usually sufficient to start participating in the Foreign Exchange market.

Cryptocurrencies have been the most recent addition to the financial markets. All thanks to bitcoin, which, despite the ongoing downtrend, did manage to convince many financial legacy institutions—and even governments—to become investors in the past two years. Since crypto is prominently present in the Forex domain, many of the advantages of both worlds merge. Crypto trading has benefited from Forex-inspired security measures like stop-loss orders and negative balance protection.

But there are high risks involved with cryptocurrencies in terms of investing. Individual crypto projects can say one thing but do another. As the Celsius network and its CEO, Alex Mashinsky, have painfully demonstrated this summer. Most clients of their financial service have most probably lost all their funds.

Things are a little bit different with the algorithmic stablecoin project Terra Luna, which allegedly imploded because of a grave, but unintended technical miscalculation of the development team. Instances like these are extremely rare in Forex, since the currencies and commodities traded there are historically reliable assets that are well-equipped against sudden defaults.

Saving accounts and cash savings have their merit in times of economic stability and thrive. But in the age of inflation, these options can become a bottomless pit in no time. Forex is much more mobile and flexible in that assets can be swiftly exchanged, whereas the other two more pragmatic options are more static in nature. Saving accounts, in particular, since the contract signed with the bank can have many sorts of disadvantageous clauses in case of wanting to close it prematurely.

Stocks have their upsides in a bull market, as well. Especially if you nailed an investment like, say, buying stocks in Amazon pre-2016. Stocks actually give an individual proportional ownership over a company—the more stocks in their possession, the more of the company belongs to them. As for now, though, the stock market is in a steep decline. It is hard to ascertain the midterm outlooks or how long the downtrend will continue. The dynamic nature of Forex, on the other hand, gives the investor many short-term options to modify their investment portfolio on the run.

The pressure of certain governments on the whole domain of private investment cannot be overlooked. Constant restrictions—like the Forex industry is experiencing at the moment—while at the same time government policies are lacking to adequately meet grave dangers like inflation, may all lead to people losing their income and savings.

It doesn’t have to be this way

How can someone break free from this vicious circle, take responsibility, and engage in a meaningful, productive and potentially very lucrative investment decision? Let us take Forex as an example again.

A trustworthy and reliable broker is the first and foremost step. Any broker with at least a decade of experience in the financial markets (such as OctaFX, XM, eToro) is a solid pick. Attention has to be paid to the broker’s reviews and awards. All of that should be available to research online.

In terms of achieving financial goals, there could not be a time filled with more urgency than now. Taking the dire economic crises raging worldwide into consideration, the investment decisions one makes now could dramatically influence their future—for the better.

Hashtag: #OctaFX

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

Prudential study: 1 in 2 say that digital technology is most important in getting ready for 100

  • Majority of Singapore residents are proficient in using digital wealth and health tools
  • However, 49 per cent of respondents say that modern digital technologies are becoming increasingly complex to use


SINGAPORE – Media OutReach – 10 October 2022 – Digital technology plays a significant role in helping Singapore residents live well for longer, according to a study commissioned by Prudential Singapore (“Prudential”). More than half (54 per cent) of the 800 Singapore residents aged 25 to 65 surveyed say that mobile devices and apps are critical tools in preparing for rising longevity.

Of those who are using technology to manage their well-being, 36 per cent say that digital tools have had the greatest positive impact on their financial situation, and 27 per cent indicated personal health.

Mr Dennis Tan, CEO, Prudential Singapore, said that the findings are not surprising given that Singapore is a widely-connected nation with a high number of mobile phone users. Based on the Infocomm Media Development Authority’s (IMDA) data, the mobile penetration rate in 2021 was 158.8 per cent, which means that each resident has about 1.6 mobile subscriptions.[1]

“Since the pandemic, more people have gone digital, and technology has become a core part of our lives. We need to build on this momentum by ensuring that digital technologies are simple by design so that everyone can use them easily. This will encourage individuals to continue using technology to take charge of their health and wealth as they get ready for a longer life.” said
Mr Tan.

Majority of Singapore residents are proficient in using digital wealth and health tools

In the research report titled “Digital for 100: Harnessing technology for longer lifespans”, respondents had expressed high levels of proficiency in using digital tools to improve or to monitor their personal and financial health.

More than 4 in 5 (85 per cent) respondents say that they are skilled at using mobile banking apps, and 70 per cent in financial management apps. On the health front, 73 per cent say they are well versed in using technologies such as apps for keeping tabs on their physical health, wearable fitness trackers (76 per cent) and wearable health monitors (72 per cent).

Respondents say that digital tools have helped them to better manage their bank accounts, pension (CPF), investments, and insurance needs. They also use technology for monitoring physical fitness, blood pressure, sleep, diet and for managing chronic diseases such as diabetes.

Despite the high level of digital proficiency in the country, just over two thirds (67 per cent) are good at using mental health tools, such as apps that measure stress and anxiety levels, or those that monitor moods.

“Digital technologies provide ready and easy access to mental health tools and resources which can help people take proactive steps in managing their mental wellbeing. This is crucial in helping to address growing mental health concerns,” said Mr Tan.

Increasing complexity of digital technologies

While technology adoption is on the rise, nearly half (49 per cent) of all respondents say that modern digital tools are getting more complex. This figure was more than half for those aged between 35 and 44 (55 per cent) and between 55 to 65 (52 per cent).

Whether it’s finance or other apps, complexity hinders wider adoption among Singaporeans, according to Mr Sopnendu Mohanty, Chief Fintech Officer at the Monetary Authority of Singapore. “It is incumbent on technology companies and service providers to construct their solutions in the simplest possible design,” he says.[2]

Growing confidence in ability to live to 100

Overall, the survey conducted in June and July 2022 by Economist Impact showed that Singapore residents are becoming increasingly confident about their ability to live to 100 even amid a global health crisis and economic headwinds.

Forty-two per cent of respondents say they are prepared for rising longevity from a health and wellness perspective, up from 31 per cent in 2021, the highest figure in any of the surveys in this research series. Fifty-four per cent responded in the affirmative from a financial health perspective, up from 29 per cent in 2021. ​​

Prudential is doing its part to support people in living well for longer by leveraging technology to make health and financial resources more accessible to everyone. Key to this is Pulse by Prudential (“Pulse”)[3], Prudential’s digital health and wellness app. Users can access healthcare services such as the AI-powered healthcheck and symptom checker to assess their health or make use of wealth tools such as an AI-powered assistant to set and track financial goals. They can also purchase bite-sized insurance plans through the app.

Notes to the editor:

About the study:
Digital for 100: Harnessing technology for longer lifespans” is the sixth research study from Prudential’s Ready for 100 series. It is the first of two reports that explores the role that digital tools currently play and will play in how Singapore residents manage their lives in the face of an increasing lifespan.​​ A total of 800 Singapore residents aged 25-65 were surveyed in June and July 2022 for this study, and a panel of subject-matter experts was interviewed for this study. The research was commissioned by Prudential and conducted by Economist Impact.


[2] This quote can be found in the “Digital for 100: Harnessing technology for longer lifespans” report. For more information, please refer to https://impact.economist.com/projects/ready-for-100/

[3] For more information, please refer to the media release “Prudential launches digital health app, Pulse by Prudential, to make healthcare more accessible and affordable to everyone amid COVID-19 spread” https://www.prudential.com.sg/about/newsroom/press-release/2020/prudential-launches-digital-health-app

Hashtag: #Prudential

About Prudential Assurance Company Singapore (Pte) Ltd (Prudential Singapore)

Prudential Assurance Company Singapore (Pte) Ltd is one of the top life insurance companies in Singapore, serving the financial and protection needs of the country’s citizens for 91 years. The company has an AA- Financial Strength Rating from leading credit rating agency Standard & Poor’s, with S$53.3 billion funds under management as at 31 December 2021. It delivers a suite of well-rounded product offerings in Protection, Savings and Investment through multiple distribution channels including a network of more than 5,000 financial consultants.

130 Indian Workers Rescued from Job Scams in Southeast Asia

Indian Workers arrive at Chennai Airport, India from Thailand after being rescued from job scams.

The Government of India has recently rescued 130 professionals from Laos, Myanmar, and Cambodia after they were tricked by job scammers to pursue fake job opportunities in Thailand’s IT sector.

The Malaysia Healthcare Travel Council: Malaysia Transforms Heart Care With Emerging Technologies & Treatments

Malaysian cardiac institutes are raising the bar with their latest innovative breakthroughs, opening doors for more promising outcomes.

KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA – Media OutReach – 10 October 2022 – In conjunction with World Heart Day, Malaysia is strengthening its reputation as the Cardiology Hub of Asia. The country is currently home to 52 centres of cardiac excellence, many of which have made great strides with the introduction of new diagnostic and therapeutic technologies, as well as notching numerous achievements, such as being the first outside of the US to implant a Micra AV pacemaker and the only transmission site in South-East Asia for complex percutaneous coronary intervention at the CTO Live Aid.

MHTC-PR.jpg

Taking the reins is the renowned National Heart Institute (Institut Jantung Negara or IJN), which is regarded as one of the best in Asia.

“We are the first in ASEAN to debut the POLARx Cryoablation System, which improves treatment outcomes of atrial fibrillation and reduces procedure time, as well as treating 100 patients with Micra AV, among others. At our helm is a dedicated team working together to improve the quality of cardiovascular health for all our patients,” said Datuk Dr. Aizai Azan bin Abdul Rahim, Group CEO of IJN.

The rapid evolution of cardiac imaging techniques, including 3D echocardiography and cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), has been central in the diagnosis of many cardiovascular diseases.

“Cardiac MRI gives us detailed information that can’t be obtained from an echocardiogram or angiogram. It helps to detect blockages in the coronary arteries, and looks at what’s happening in the muscle, blood vessels and blood clots to determine the risk of heart attacks,” said Dr. Muhammad Imran bin Abdul Hafidz, Consultant Cardiologist at Pantai Hospital Kuala Lumpur.

The advent of more minimally invasive procedures has also helped improve outcomes while optimising patient recovery.

“Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) is the most common type of open-heart surgery, and it comes with a set of risks. However, with minimally invasive bypass surgery, the risk is much lower. This will definitely benefit higher risk patients, especially those with severely damaged hearts, diabetes or kidney failure,” said Dr. Eng Ji Bah, Consultant Cardiothoracic Surgeon at Island Hospital.

With a focus on patients with Coronary Artery Disease (CAD), Cardiac Vascular Sentral Kuala Lumpur (CVSKL) utilises Intravascular Ultrasound (IVUS) technology, which generates a detailed image of the heart blood vessels and gives cross-sectional views of the artery using sound waves, providing invaluable information on the nature of blockages or compositions within the heart.

“With IVUS, doctors can see the final stent expansions clearly, lowering the risk of post-procedure problems and improving long-term outcomes,” said Datuk Dr. Rosli Mohd Ali, Consultant Cardiologist at CVSKL.

Today, as the country continues to boost its expertise to enhance patient experience, Malaysia Healthcare is committed to providing a safe and trusted healthcare experience to all healthcare travellers right from the start. A dedicated Call Centre and Concierge & Lounge service for healthcare travellers is available at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA), Kuala Lumpur International Airport 2 (KLIA2), and Penang International Airport (PIA). Among others, healthcare travellers will be greeted upon arrival at the airport and escorted through fast-track immigration clearance (upon early notification).

“With the myriad of world-class hospitals that are renowned for their cardiac care excellence, Malaysia is strongly positioned to ensure that healthcare travellers are assured of easy access to top-notch heart care at competitive rates,” said Mohd Daud Mohd Arif, Chief Executive Officer of the Malaysia Healthcare Travel Council (MHTC).

For more information on Malaysia Healthcare and its services, please visit https://malaysiahealthcare.org/.

Hashtag: #TheMalaysiaHealthcareTravelCouncil

About The Malaysia Healthcare Travel Council

The Malaysia Healthcare Travel Council (MHTC) is a government agency that has been entrusted with the responsibility of curating the country’s healthcare travel scene. Founded in 2009, MHTC works to streamline industry players and service providers in facilitating and growing Malaysia’s healthcare travel industry under the brand “Malaysia Healthcare” with the intended goal of making Malaysia the leading global healthcare destination.