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Business Expansion Against Covid-Hit Hong Kong: Omusis Success through Localization of Music Learning

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach – 4 May 2022 – Music is an universal language, and everyone has the right to enjoy it. With such belief at heart, the Hong Kong online music space reservation platform Omusis Company has sized up to 7 studios and made partners with another 30 local music rooms, despite pandemic hardship. Other than piano room rental service, Omusis also focuses on promoting music education by creating a brand new piano learning approach specifically made for local beginners. The company was shortlisted by “Famous Brands Hong Kong” for its success, and interviewed by Metro Radio in April 2022.

Business Growth against Pandemic Recession

Since the coronavirus situation began in 2020, most businesses would consider themselves lucky to have survived the plunge, not to mention an expansion. Founded in August 2019, the Omusis Company built an online music room reservation system to make grand piano more accessible to people of the compact city, and had started to offer online piano courses. The Covid-19 outbreak happened 3 months after its music room rental business opening had disrupted all its previous plan. In the face of such unprecedented challenge, Omusis founder KK Ng had decided a change of plan. She anticipated the raising trend of indoor activities, and took the risk of expansion, catering for the increasing need of convenient music teaching and learning locations, while boosting music education at the same time. The prompt decision paid off – now owning 7 studios and made allies with over 2 dozens music room rental service providers, Omusis has doubled its business size at a tremendous speed.

Unique Music Courses for Hongkongers in town and aboard

The “All-in-One” piano lesson books series written by Omusis founder KK Ng has received numerous compliments from both local and emigrated Hong Kong families alike, for making learning easier through tailor-made materials and bite-size music theory knowledge. Most Hong Kong people are under the impression that piano learning has to be done in person once a week, and comprehensive music knowledge is only for young children. Most piano crash courses for adults in Hong Kong teach through shortcuts, skipping the musical theories and hand coordination training essential in piano learning, which caused many to give up over the frustration of not being able to play well, and thought it was “too late” for them to learn. As for teaching-learning materials, traditional piano books available for majority of local learners are consist of mostly unfamiliar foreign songs. In light of these obstacles, Ng spent a year to put together the “All-in-One” online piano course especially for Hong Kong people, by composing a series of music lesson books using their favourite songs as theories and techniques learning materials, completed with video explanations and demonstrations. The course has proved to be a success welcomed by local and emigrated Hong Kong piano learners since launched.

Bold Strategy Move from Co-learning Space to Recording Service

Just 3 months after its business opening, Omusis was hit by the pandemic. All school classes were suspended and in-person music lessons were discouraged. It was foreseeable that foreign examiners could not travel from the UK to Hong Kong, yet piano examinations would not be postponed indefinitely. When the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music converted the exam format into online video submission, “grand piano performance recording service” became a new business model in need. Omusis had seized the opportunity to invest in grand piano music studios with suitable environment, professional equipment, well-maintained grand pianos, and recording service to attract piano students and parents who have to do exam recordings. Such foremost insight had attracted not only customers but more music studios wanting to join as partners, leading to Omusis’ success in grabbing the market.

Making Allies through Music

“A lot of people thought we’re only doing piano rooms rental service, but our goal is to raise the professional standard of the entire music education industry in Hong Kong.” said Founder KK Ng, “Music teaching is a lonely path. Basically, there is nowhere to share our teaching experience outside the music courses in universities. Nobody is there to evaluate [music tutors’] teaching proficiency.” Ng hopes to enhance communication and ideas exchange between music centers in the coming years, to better promote music education and local music cultures. Business wise, she aims at expanding to 50 rentable music studios on the Omusis platform in the coming year.

About Omusis and its Founder KK Ng

The name “Omusis” is inspired by the concept of “Music Oasis”, a peaceful space for one to enjoy music away from all the hustle and bustle of the city. Omusis’ online music rooms reservation platform served as an easier way to bring together customers in need and service providers, whereas its unique piano teaching method of integrating online learning and in-person lessons largely enhanced learning experience. The company’s missions are to promote music learning and local music culture, provide solutions for scattered music space and inefficient traditional teaching method in Hong Kong, in order to develop a brand new way of growth in the city’s music education industry.

KK Ng, founder of Omusis Company, is a music teacher who believes everyone has the right to enjoy music. She created a brand new method of piano teaching by combining the strength of both online learning and in-person classes. In merely 2 years, she has taught over 300 students from around the world, helping them to pick up their interest in music learning, and truly enjoy music playing. Ng had obtained the ABRSM Teaching Diploma, and has profound interest and knowledge in music education. In April 2022, her company Omusis was shortlisted by “Famous Brands Hong Kong” and she was interviewed by Metro Radio. Almost the same time, another milestone was laid as she was invited aboard to perform in Poland, as a recognition of her solo performance achievement in the Chopin Avenue International Piano Competition 2022.

Omusis Company:
KK Piano:

#Omusis

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

Three Children in Indonesia Die from Mysterious Liver Disease

Ambulance in Indonesia where three children have died of liver disease.

Three children in Indonesia have died from a mysterious liver disease that has been reported in countries around the world.

Chiropractic Doctors Association of Hong Kong: Conservative Rehabilitation for Ankylosing Spondylosis

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach – 3 May 2022 – World AS (ankylosing spondylosis) Day is on the May 7th. Chiropractic care is a musculoskeletal specialists in primary care that focuses on diagnosing and treating disorders of the ankylosing spondylosis, particularly the spine (1-3).”People with low back pain often first go to a chiropractor, chiropractors can play a role in getting people with ankylosing spondylitis into medical treatment and manage conservatively.” described by Dr Eric Chun-Pu Chu, Chairman of Chiropractic Doctors Association of Hong Kong (CDAHK).

AS causes rampant inflammation in the spine, sacrum, pelvis, hips, and joints—leading to chronic pain, spinal fusion, and mobility issues. Chiropractors perform non-invasive treatment — to the spine or other parts of the body to correct spinal alignment (2-8), reduce pain (9-14), and improve mobility. They play a key role as a conservative management and improve quality of life (15).

AS patients often have back stiffness and pain, chiropractor could help their symptoms (16-20). Because the patients’ spine can fuse with AS, chiropractic rehabilitation and exercise therapy are excellent conservative management to keep the spine mobile (21-25).

AS affects millions of people around the world. The CDAHK supports the World AS Day to raise the profile of this disease and increase awareness of the impact it has on chiropractic patients physically, mentally and emotionally health.

References:

1. Chu E. The Opportunity to Unlock the Architecture of Healthcare Model: Chiropractic Care-at-Home. Journal of Contemporary Chiropractic. 2022 March; 5(1):44-49
2. Chu EC, Yau K, Ho V, Yun S. The scalable approach to the Chiropractic patient journey. Asia Pacific Chiropractic Journal. 2022 February; 2(5):2-8
3. Chu E. Smart Rehabilitation Clinic. Journal of Contemporary Chiropractic. 2022; 5(1):7-12
4. Chu ECP, Wong AYL. Change in Pelvic Incidence Associated With Sacroiliac Joint Dysfunction: A Case Report. J Med Cases. 2022 Jan;13(1):31-35
5. Chu C, Wong RS. Chiropractic pain control in myelofibrosis: A case report. New Horizons in Clinical Case Reports. 2017 August; 2:7-9
6. Chu ECP, Lee LYK. Adjacent segment pathology of the cervical spine: A case report. J Family Med Prim Care. 2022 Feb;11(2):787-789
7. Chu EC. Remission of Headache and Neck Pain Following Chiropractic Manipulative Treatment in a Patient with Neurofibromatosis. Chiropractic Journal of Australia. 2022 February; 49(1):8-18
8. Chu EC, Leung K, Ng LL, Lam A. Vascular Thoracic Outlet Syndrome: A Case Report. J Contemp Chiropr. 2021 December; 4(1):142–145
9. Chu ECP, Wong AYL, Sim P, Krüger F. Exploring scraping therapy: Contemporary views on an ancient healing – A review. J Family Med Prim Care. 2021 Aug;10(8):2757-2762
10. Chu EC, Lo FS, Bhaumik A. Secondary atlantoaxial subluxation in isolated cervical dystonia-a case report. AME Case Rep. 2020;4:9
11. Chu EC, Butler KR. Resolution of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease Following Correction for Upper Cross Syndrome-A Case Study and Brief Review. Clin Pract. 2021 May 21;11(2):322-326
12. Chu ECP, Wong AYL. Chronic Orchialgia Stemming From Lumbar Disc Herniation: A Case Report and Brief Review. Am J Mens Health. 2021 May-Jun;15(3):15579883211018431
13. Chu EC, Wong AY, Lee LY. Craniocervical instability associated with rheumatoid arthritis: a case report and brief review. AME Case Rep. 2021;5:12.
14. Chu E. Thoracolumbar disc herniation: a hidden cause of monosymptomatic nocturnal enuresis. European Journal of Molecular and Clinical Medicine. 2021 April; 8(3):2834-2840
15. Chu EC. Improvement of quality of life by conservative management of thoracic scoliosis at 172°: a case report. J Med Life. 2022 Jan;15(1):144-148
16. Chu ECP, Chakkaravarthy DM, Lo FS, Bhaumik A. Atlantoaxial Rotatory Subluxation in a 10-Year-Old Boy. Clin Med Insights Arthritis Musculoskelet Disord. 2020;13:1179544120939069
17. Chu ECP, Lo FS, Bhaumik A. Plausible impact of forward head posture on upper cervical spine stability. J Family Med Prim Care. 2020 May;9(5):2517-2520
18. Chu ECP, Shum JSF, Lin AFC. Unusual Cause of Dysphagia in a Patient With Cervical Spondylosis. Clin Med Insights Case Rep. 2019;12:1179547619882707. doi: 10.1177/1179547619882707
19. Chu ECP, Lo FS, Bhaumik A. Remission of recalcitrant dermatomyositis following a chiropractic adjustment. J Family Med Prim Care. 2019 Nov;8(11):3742-3744
20. Chu ECP, Chan AKC, Lin AFC. Pitting oedema in a polio survivor with lumbar radiculopathy complicated disc herniation. J Family Med Prim Care. 2019 May;8(5):1765-1768
21. Chu ECP, Lam KKW. Post-poliomyelitis syndrome. Int Med Case Rep J. 2019;12:261-264
22. Chu ECP, Bellin D. Remission of myasthenia gravis following cervical adjustment. AME Case Rep. 2019;3:9
23. Chu ECP. Mitigating Gait Decline in a Woman With Parkinson’s Disease: A Case Report. J of Med Cases 13 (3), 140
24. Chu EC. Regression of Lumbar Disc Herniation Following Non-surgical Treatment. European Journal of Molecular & Clinical Medicine. 2020 July; 7(1):27-79
25. Chu EC, Wong AY, Lin AF. Isolated Neck Extensor Myopathy Associated With Cervical Spondylosis: A Case Report and Brief Review. Clin Med Insights Arthritis Musculoskelet Disord. 2020;13:1179544120977844.

Electricite Du Laos Reports LAK 19 Billion Lost to Theft

Officials temper a meter (photo: Vientiane Times).

Electricite Du Laos (EDL) has reported losses of more than LAK 19 billion due to electricity theft and meter tampering.

Laos Confirms 153 New Cases of Covid-19

Attapeu Covid-19 Update

Laos has recorded 153 cases of Covid-19 across the country today.

AXA launches “SmartProtect Plus” Market-first accident insurance covering 3 generations with shared coverage in a single policy

One-stop solution with extensive protection at a daily premium as low as HKD2.4

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach – 3 May 2022 – AXA Hong Kong and Macau (AXA) today announced the launch of “SmartProtect Plus” as the first in Hong Kong[1] accident insurance plan providing collective protection for a family across generations with a single policy. Insured persons can enjoy extensive and customised protection under the pioneering shared coverage that caters to the distinct needs of all family members, with a premium as low as HKD2.4 per day. Moreover, to ease the burden of customers who have a big family, once the premium for one child is paid, all the children within the same household will be entitled to equal care under shared coverage for free.

George, Marco and Phoebus from P1X3L (from left to right), a young local boy band, are the embassadors for SmartProtect Plus and become the first customers of the innovative personal accidental insurance product. They got the protection from Kenneth Lai, Chief General Insurance Officer, AXA Hong Kong and Macau to enjoy collective protection for their families with a single policy.

George, Marco and Phoebus from P1X3L (from left to right), a young local boy band, are the embassadors for SmartProtect Plus and become the first customers of the innovative personal accidental insurance product. They got the protection from Kenneth Lai, Chief General Insurance Officer, AXA Hong Kong and Macau to enjoy collective protection for their families with a single policy.

The 3 notable features of “SmartProtect Plus” are as follows:

1) Market-first1 shared coverage for family members to receive tailored protection with flexible financing

“SmartProtect Plus” offers an innovative shared coverage option which allows a family of up to 10 members across 3 generations to share one limit by all insured persons, with claims paid as they arise until the limit is reached. The maximum coverage for accidental death and permanent disablement (“ADPD”) is up to HKD2 million[2].

Customers opted for shared coverage can enjoy a premium reduction compared with that of traditional individual coverage. For instance, customers with a family of four can enjoy a premium reduction as much as 32%. On the other hand, individual coverage is available to those who prefer personalised protection with standalone limit to each person insured. Customers apply online now can enjoy up to 25% premium discount[3]!

2) Covering all children by paying the premium for 1 child with extra care for the juniors and the seniors

AXA understands that big families with children face large financial burdens in their daily lives. Therefore, “SmartProtect Plus” provides an exclusive offer for families with more than one child. Under the unique shared coverage plan, once the policyholder pays the premium for one child, all children of the family under the same single policy will be covered for free. Children’s age is extended to 23 years old for unmarried full-time students.

A double allowance for daily hospital cash and home nursing3 is also provided for both children as well as the elderly. A maximum of HKD40,000 reimbursement is available for the elderly who suffers a broken bone.

3) Lifetime protection from infant to elderly with 24/7 coverage worldwide

“SmartProtect Plus” allows first enrolment age as young as 6 months old and up to 80 years old. To guarantee a lifetime protection[4] for the insured, there is no age limit for policy renewal.

With the rise of global citizenship, “SmartProtect Plus” provides 24-hour global emergency assistance services and a global hospital admission deposit guarantee of up to HKD40,000 for the expenses incurred from accidents outside Hong Kong, as immediate relief to the financial constraints or tensions.

To alleviate the impact on the livelihood of the whole family if the breadwinner suffers from serious injury, “SmartProtect Plus” offers “Income or Payment Protection” as an extra yet vital coverage option for the policyholders to receive timely financial assistance if their main source of income is affected.

We also take a further step to enhance protection for sports and outdoor activities lovers. With an optional cover of “Sports Protection”, customers can enhance the coverage for themselves, their sports equipment or sportswear.

Kenneth Lai, Chief General Insurance Officer, AXA Hong Kong and Macau, said, “We understand the importance for our customers to provide extensive care for their children and their aging parents as well as the financial burden that comes along. The market-first shared coverage feature in “SmartProtect Plus” can help ease the burden and mental stress in an unfortunate and unexpected event. As Hong Kong’s largest general insurer, we hope to help our customers and their loved ones overcome challenges in life with essential and comprehensive protection for their safety and good health.”

“SmartProtect Plus” also provides various benefits such as recovery aids, job-changing subsidy, abuse support, etc. For more information, please visit: https://www.axa.com.hk/en/smart-protect-plus

The above information is for reference only. For details on product features, content, terms and exclusions, please refer to the product brochure and policy provision.


[1] Reference based on AXA’s internal investigation and comparison against similar personal accident insurance products in the existing General Insurance market, and is valid until up to March, 2022.

[2] The maximum coverage for elderly under accidental death and permanent disablement is up to HKD1 million.

[3] Not applicable to Lite Plan

[4] Lifetime renewal is subject to AXA’s underwriting decision and other conditions set forth in General Conditions Clause 11(d) and (e) of the Policy Wording. The renewal premium and terms and conditions may not be the same as the expiring policy.

About AXA Hong Kong and Macau

AXA Hong Kong and Macau is a member of the AXA Group, a leading global insurer with presence in 50 markets and serving 95 million customers worldwide. Our purpose is to act for human progress by protecting what matters.

As one of the most diversified insurers offering integrated solutions across Life, Health and General Insurance, our goal is to be the insurance and holistic wellness partner to the individuals, businesses and community we serve.

At the core of our service commitment is continuous product innovation and customer experience enrichment, which is achieved through actively listening to our customers and leveraging technology and digital transformation.

We embrace our responsibility to be a force for good to create shared value for our community. We are proud to be the first insurer in Hong Kong and Macau to address the importance of mental health through different products and services such as offering free mindfulness practice resources through Mind Charger which is fully accessible to our customers and the public via our holistic wellness platform AXA BetterMe.

AXA also takes part in a wide range of ESG initiatives and programmes both globally and locally. AXA Group established AXA Climate School and Net-Zero Insurance Alliance in 2021 and set out various global green targets such as reaching €26 billion in green investments by 2023 and achieving carbon neutrality by 2025. In Hong Kong, AXA pledges to reduce paper usage via digitisation and is the first insurer to join the ‘Green Monday ESG Coalition’. As of Feb 2022, AXA Hong Kong’s green investments have exceeded HKD4 billion. We strive to contribute to a sustainable future as an investor, insurer and an exemplary company.

THIS PRESS RELEASE IS AVAILABLE ON AXA’S WEBSITE:

#AXA

IMPORTANT LEGAL INFORMATION AND CAUTIONARY STATEMENTS CONCERNING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

Certain statements contained herein may be forward-looking statements including, but not limited to, statements that are predictions of or indicate future events, trends, plans or objectives. Undue reliance should not be placed on such statements because, by their nature, they are subject to known and unknown risks and uncertainties and can be affected by other factors that could cause AXA’s actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements. Please refer to Part 4 – “Risk factors and risk management” of AXA’s Universal Registration Document for the year ended December 31, 2019, for a description of certain important factors, risks and uncertainties that may affect AXA’s business, and/or results of operations. AXA undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any of these forward-looking statements, whether to reflect new information, future events or circumstances or otherwise, except as part of applicable regulatory or legal obligations.

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

Hong Kong Baptist University joint research reveals that gut microbial enzymes reactivate triclosan which induces colitis

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach – 3 May 2022 – A Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU) collaborative research study has revealed that certain gut microbial enzymes mediate the reactivation of triclosan (TCS) from its inactive glucuronide metabolite. TCS is an antimicrobial agent commonly used in a wide range of consumer products, and it is associated with the development of colitis.

Professor Cai Zongwei, Chair Professor of the Department of Chemistry and Director of the State Key Laboratory of Environmental and Biological Analysis at HKBU, points out that according to the research results specific gut microbial enzymes drive the conversion of TCS metabolites to TCS which increases the chance of developing colitis.
Professor Cai Zongwei, Chair Professor of the Department of Chemistry and Director of the State Key Laboratory of Environmental and Biological Analysis at HKBU, points out that according to the research results specific gut microbial enzymes drive the conversion of TCS metabolites to TCS which increases the chance of developing colitis.

The research results have been published in Nature Communications, an international scientific journal.

Mechanism of TCS exposure leading to colitis previously unclear

TCS is widely used as an antimicrobial agent in consumer products such as toothpaste, mouthwash, hand sanitisers, cosmetics and toys. It is a major environmental contaminant, and it has been shown that TCS exposure increases the risk of colitis.

Once TCS enters the human body, it is rapidly metabolised to form the biologically inactive metabolite TCS-glucuronide (TCS-G), which is easily eliminated from the body. Due to this characteristic, the mechanism of how environmental exposure to TCS leads to gut toxicity in the human body has previously remained unclear.

To answer this question, a research team co-led by Professor Cai Zongwei, Chair Professor of the Department of Chemistry and Director of the State Key Laboratory of Environmental and Biological Analysis at HKBU; Professor Matthew R Redinbo from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill; and Professor Zhang Guodong from the University of Massachusetts Amherst conducted a research study based on the hypothesis that certain gut microbial enzymes act on TCS-G in the gut, leading to the reactivation of TCS and the subsequent development of colitis.

TCS concentration uniquely high in the gut

To begin with, the research team sought to determine whether the gut has a different TCS metabolic profile compared to other body tissues. A group of mice were fed food that contained TCS. After four weeks, it was found that the biologically inactive TCS-G was dominant in their liver, bile, heart and small intestine, while the colitis-inducing TCS was dominant in the gut (cecum and colon). The results showed that the gut has a uniquely high concentration of TCS compared to other body tissues.

The research team then analysed the relationship between TCS-containing products and the concentration of TCS in the human body. In a group of human subjects who used TCS-containing personal care products for four months, both TCS and TCS-G were detected in their stool and urine samples, with TCS being dominant in stool and TCS-G being dominant in urine. However, TCS and TCS-G were not detected in the control group who used TCS-free personal care products. The results showed that the use of TCS-containing products leads to a high level of TCS, specifically in the human gut.

Gut microbiota significant in TCS-G conversion

The question remains why the human gut has a uniquely high TCS concentration. To answer this, the research team put forth the hypothesis that gut microbiota participate in the conversion of TCS-G to TCS, leading to the accumulation of TCS in the gut.

To test this hypothesis, the researchers observed that in an in vitro setting, cultured gut bacteria from both mice and humans were able to catalyse the conversion of TCS-G to TCS. To investigate whether the same phenomenon appears in an in vivo setting, the research team found that the inhibition of gut bacteria from mice by applying an antibiotic treatment almost reduced the concentration of TCS in their guts by half, and it increased the concentration of TCS-G by six-fold. The results affirmed that gut microbiota play a significant role in the conversion of TCS-G to TCS in the gut.

Specific enzymes catalyse TCS-G conversion

To investigate the mechanism by which gut microbiota catalyse TCS-G conversion, the research team focused on the intestinal β-glucuronidase (GUS) enzymes produced by gut bacteria in both mice and humans, because they have been shown to catalyse a wide range of metabolite conversions. Using a series of screening techniques, two types of GUS, namely “Loop 1” and “flavin mononucleotide (FMN)-binding” GUSs, were found to be most effective at converting TCS-G to TCS in vitro.

The research team then applied a GUS inhibitor, a drug that inhibits the function of Loop 1 and FMN-binding GUSs, to TCS-exposed and TCS-free mice. It was found that the GUS inhibitor could curb the conversion of TCS-G to TCS by the GUS enzymes. Colitis in TCS-exposed mice was also relieved after the application of the GUS inhibitor. The results support the notion that specific microbial GUS enzymes drive the conversion of TCS-G to TCS, and as a result, the chance of developing colitis is increased.

More stringent TCS controls needed

Professor Cai said: “Our research results clearly defined the mechanism by which gut microbiota are involved in the metabolism and toxicology of TCS, and the study offers a way to prevent the development of colitis following environmental exposure to chemicals.

“Regulatory bodies should consider imposing more stringent controls on the use of TCS. Although the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) banned the marketing of TCS in over-the-counter antiseptic products in 2016, the chemical remains approved for use in a wide range of products. Transparency on TCS ingredients in product labelling and illustrations should also be improved so that consumers can be aware of the potential risks and make informed choices.”

#HongKongBaptistUniversity #HKBU

Top US Diplomat for Asia Postpones Visit to Laos Due to Covid

Daniel J Kritenbrink was US Ambassador to Vietnam from 2017 to 2021.
Daniel J Kritenbrink served as US Ambassador to Vietnam from 2017 to 2021.

US Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs Daniel J Kritenbrink will postpone his visit to Laos after testing positive for Covid-19.