BANGKOK, THAILAND – Media OutReach Newswire – 23 June 2025 – Bangkok Heart Hospital is ushering in a new era of cardiac innovation with the introduction of two advanced surgical techniques: Minimally Invasive Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (MICS CABG) and Totally 3D Endoscopic Valve Surgery. This marks a strategic milestone as the hospital, Thailand’s first private heart center, celebrates its 20th anniversary with a renewed commitment to precision medicine and regional leadership in minimally invasive cardiac care.
MISC CABG Operation
Having treated over a million patients with complex heart conditions, the hospital now offers next-generation procedures that minimize trauma, recovery time, and post-operative risks while delivering outcomes comparable to traditional open-heart surgery.
“We’ve proudly pioneered off-pump CABG as our signature approach, and today, we take another leap forward,” said Dr. Kriengkrai Hengrussamee Hospital Director – Bangkok Heart Hospital. “By advancing into minimally invasive heart surgery, we are improving patients’ quality of life while highlighting Bangkok’s role as a destination for advanced cardiac care.
MICS CABG, led by cardiovascular surgeon Dr. Nuttapon Arayawudhikul, allows surgeons to perform bypass procedures through a 7–10 cm incision between the ribs, avoiding the need to open the chest or use a heart-lung machine. This approach is ideal for patients with isolated left coronary artery disease and offers faster recovery with fewer complications.
The Totally 3D Endoscopic Valve Surgery program, developed by Dr. Paradorn Jetwanna, repairs or replaces valves through a 4–5 cm incision using high-resolution 3D imaging. Suitable for mitral and aortic valve procedures and even congenital defects like atrial septal defect (ASD), the technique improves surgical precision and accelerates recovery.
“This technology lets us operate in tight spaces without disturbing major structures,” said Dr. Paradorn. “Patients recover faster with outcomes equivalent to traditional surgery.”
Bangkok Heart Hospital has invested in hybrid operating rooms (hybrid ORs), specialized surgical teams trained overseas, and fully integrated support systems for Thai, expat, and international patients. As part of BDMS, the hospital plans to expand MICS capabilities to other facilities in the network.
Aligned with Thailand’s strategy to become a global medical hub, this milestone positions Bangkok as a leading destination for advanced, minimally invasive heart treatment in Asia.
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 23 June 2025 – The Hong Kong Institute of Certified Public Accountants (HKICPA) is delighted to announce its renewal of Mutual Recognition Agreement (MRA) with CPA Australia (CPAA). Based on the new MRA, the HKICPA will continue to join hands with peer accounting professional body to cultivate top-tier talents for the accounting profession and foster its development.
The HKICPA and CPAA held an MRA extension signing ceremony. The MRA was signed by Margaret Chan, Chief Executive and Registrar of HKICPA (front left), and Rowena Buddee, Chief Member Experience Officer of CPAA (front right), under the witness of Edward Au, President of HKICPA (back left) and Karina Wong, Divisional President of Greater China of CPAA (back right).
The HKICPA has held MRA with CPAA since 2000, which widened the development opportunities for accounting professionals in Hong Kong. The new 5-year MRA between HKICPA and CPAA continues to enhance the professional development mobility of their members. HKICPA members completing the Qualification Programme (QP) of the HKICPA and having at least three years of relevant practical experience in accountancy, may apply for CPAA membership through the MRA. On the other hand, CPAA members completing CPAA’s CPA Program and having at least three years of relevant practical experience in accountancy, may apply for HKICPA membership after completing the Institute’s Aptitude Test in Hong Kong Taxation and the Capstone of the QP.
In addition, the new MRA has been enhanced in several aspects to ease the path for members of both professional bodies to gain professional qualifications offered by the HKICPA and CPAA. These enhancements include extending the eligibility for HKICPA membership by relaxing the geographical limitation on the origin of undergraduate degrees obtained by CPAA members, and removing the geographical restrictions on their completion of CPAA’s CPA Program. The HKICPA believes that the enhanced MRA would attract more overseas accounting talents to seek qualification as HKICPA members and work in Hong Kong. Meanwhile, the geographical restriction on the completion of the QP by HKICPA members seeking CPAA membership has also been removed.
On last Friday (20 June), the HKICPA and CPAA held an MRA extension signing ceremony. The MRA was signed by Margaret Chan, Chief Executive and Registrar of HKICPA, and Rowena Buddee, Chief Member Experience Officer of CPAA, under the witness of Edward Au, President of HKICPA and Karina Wong, Divisional President of Greater China of CPAA.
HKICPA President Edward Au said, “We are delighted to continue our collaboration with CPAA, which reflects our commitment to nurturing high-quality professional talent for Hong Kong’s accounting industry and advancing the development of the profession. This mutual recognition agreement provides our members with greater professional mobility and further supports them in achieving their professional goals. The HKICPA will continue to work hand in hand with professional accounting organizations to contribute to solidifying Hong Kong’s position as an international financial center.”
CPAA’s Divisional President of Greater China Karina Wong said, “The MRA provides members of both professional bodies a streamlined pathway to take up each other’s designation and further improve their career opportunities. Renewing this agreement for a fifth time also allows both organisations to continue delivering high-quality education programs that strengthen the technical capabilities of accounting, business and finance professionals all around the world. Forming and strengthening positive, collaborative relationships with professional accounting bodies is a priority for CPA Australia and we thank the Hong Kong Institute of Certified Public Accountants for many years of mutually beneficial commitment.”
As one of the founding members of the Global Accounting Alliance (GAA), HKICPA has consistently engaged in exchanges with international accounting professions, and remains committed to upholding the international recognition of its membership. Including CPAA, the HKICPA holds mutual membership recognition agreements or mutual examination papers exemption agreements with 11 accounting bodies in the Mainland and overseas. In the future, the HKICPA will continue to expand its global network, explore potential collaborations with more overseas accounting bodies to facilitate exchanges and opportunities for new mutual recognition agreements for members.Hashtag: #HKICPA
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
Hong Kong Institute of Certified Public Accountants
The Hong Kong Institute of Certified Public Accountants (“HKICPA”) is the statutory body established by the Professional Accountants Ordinance responsible for the professional training and development of certified public accountants in Hong Kong. The Institute is also a standard setter of the local accounting industry. The Institute has over 47,000 members and about 12,000 registered students.
Our Qualification Programme assures the quality of entry into the profession, and we promulgate financial reporting, auditing, ethical and sustainability disclosure standards that safeguard Hong Kong’s leadership as an international financial centre.
The CPA designation is a top qualification recognised globally. The Institute is a member of and actively contributes to the work of the Global Accounting Alliance and International Federation of Accountants.
The new Rhenus Airport Gateway in Singapore will strengthen the company’s global network, offering multi-modal connectivity via air, ocean and cross-border trucking. It will provide a more comprehensive suite of services to meet customer demands.
SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 23 June 2025 – Leading global logistics service provider the Rhenus Group announced its latest investment in the Southeast Asian market with the opening of a new airport gateway in Singapore, one of the region’s most significant trade hubs.
The new facility, located at Changi Airport, offers a full range of cargo-handling services to support multi-modal shipments globally, including strong trans-pacific linkages from Asia onward to US & LATAM markets and cross-border connection with the Intra-Asia markets with immediate proximity to seaport as well.
With close to 500 sqm of warehousing space currently and plans to grow based on demand, the facility offers full door-to-door service with a fleet, in-house customs, a consolidation service for import and export handling, for guaranteed capacity and schedule reliability.
Some of the key highlights of the new facility are:
Guaranteed capacity with allotments and schedule reliability
Accessibility for 45 feet container unloading on ground floor
Free Trade Zone warehouse storage facility
Additional services including palletizing, re-label/packing and sorting
“Our new Singapore gateway reinforces our long-term vision to grow our presence in Southeast Asia, by offering a smarter, scalable platform that integrates seamlessly into our global air freight network. Coupled with our Intra-Asia experience, this move will enable us to respond faster to evolving customer needs, while unlocking greater value through service flexibility, enhanced transit options and synergies with other regional hubs,” said Serdar Onur, Head of Air Freight, Southeast Asia and Oceania, Rhenus Air & Ocean.
“The inclusion of the new gateway in Singapore signifies Rhenus’ commitment to our customers in Singapore, as well as Southeast Asia. The Singapore gateway will complement our existing network in Malaysia, to bring the best of our comprehensive logistics solutions to support varied industries’ evolving needs and navigate trade shifts with speed and resilience,” said Dominique De Smet, Managing Director of Rhenus Singapore and Malaysia, Air & Ocean.
Rhenus had also further extended its investment in Malaysia, its existing gateway in Kuala Lumpur focuses on serving West bound shipments from Europe to Oceania. A new 180 feet barge service and a private jetty at Lukut, Negeri Sembilan were also recently added, to enhance cargo shipping reliability and speed between Peninsular and East Malaysia. The jetty, a customs-approved facility, will offer seamless loading and unloading of cargo, and ensure faster clearance and smoother operations.
New facility details are as follows:
Rhenus Logistics Pte Ltd – Changi Office
#01-04 Cargo Agent Building D
9 Airlines Road
Singapore 819827
Contact: Dominique.DeSmet@rhenus.com
More information on Rhenus in Singapore and Malaysia are available at:
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About Rhenus
The Rhenus Group is one of the leading logistics specialists with global business operations and annual turnover amounting to EUR 8.2 billion. 41,000 employees work at 1,330 business sites in more than 70 countries and develop innovative solutions along the complete supply chain. Whether providing transport, warehousing, customs clearance or value-added services, the family-owned business pools its operations in various business units where the needs of customers are the major focus at all times.
Oil prices surged in early trade Monday on concerns of disruption to energy markets after US air strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities. (photo credit: KKN India)
AFP – Oil prices surged in early trade Monday on concerns of disruption to energy markets after US air strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities.
Asian stocks were lower as traders digested the weekend’s events, with Iran threatening US bases in the Middle East as fears grow of an escalating conflict in the volatile region.
Iran is the world’s ninth-biggest oil-producing country, with output of about 3.3 million barrels per day.
It exports just under half of that amount and keeps the rest for domestic consumption.
And if Tehran decides to retaliate, observers say one of its options would be to seek to close the strategic Strait of Hormuz, which carries one-fifth of global oil output.
As trading opened on Monday, Brent and the main US crude contract West Texas Intermediate (WTI) both jumped more than four percent to hit their highest price since January.
They pared these gains, however and at around 0030 GMT Brent was up 2.2 percent at USD 79.20 per barrel and WTI was 2.1 percent higher at USD 75.98.
Economists at Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group (MUFG) warned of “high uncertainty of the outcomes and duration of this war”, giving a “scenario analysis” of an oil price increase of USD 10 per barrel.
“An oil price shock would create a real negative impact on most Asian economies” as many are big net energy importers, they wrote, reflecting the market’s downbeat mood.
Tokyo’s key Nikkei index was down 0.6 percent while Seoul fell 1.4 percent and Sydney was 0.7 percent lower.
US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said Sunday that the strikes had “devastated the Iranian nuclear programme”, though some officials cautioned that the extent of the damage was unclear.
It comes after Israel launched a bombing campaign against Iran earlier this month.
Chris Weston at Pepperstone said Iran was able to inflict economic damage on the world without taking the “extreme route” of trying to close the Strait of Hormuz.
“By planting enough belief that they could disrupt this key logistical channel, maritime costs could rise to the point that it would have a significant impact on the supply of crude and gas,” he wrote in a note published Monday.
At the same time, “while Trump’s primary focus will be on the Middle East, headlines on trade negotiations could soon start to roll in and market anxieties could feasibly build”, he added.
SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 23 June 2025 – In response to the growing convergence of gaming and daily digital lifestyles, Evnia today unveiled it’s the world first Circular Polarizing Esports Monitor – 27M2N3500UK. Designed to deliver unparalleled gaming precision while prioritizing long-term visual health for users of all ages, this monitor combines near-natural light technology, hardware low blue light innovations, and a 300Hz refresh rate to provide triple protection for eye care, setting a new benchmark for hybrid performance in gaming, entertainment, and family environments.
Evnia 27M2N3500UK
Revolutionary Circular Polarizing Technology: Clarity Meets Comfort At the core of the 27M2N3500UK lies Evnia’s proprietary Circular Polarizing Light Panel, a groundbreaking innovation in display engineering. This technology significantly reduces glare and ambient light interference while enhancing color accuracy and contrast ratios, rendering vivid, lifelike visuals. Unlike conventional panels, the circular polarizing layer minimizes eye strain by diffusing harmful light spectra, allowing extended gaming or productivity sessions without compromising visual comfort.
Unmatched Esports Agility: 300Hz Refresh Rate Tailored for competitive gamers, the 27M2N3500UK features an ultra-high 300Hz refresh rate, ensuring flawlessly fluid gameplay even in the most dynamic scenarios. By refreshing frames 300 times per second, the monitor eliminates motion blur and input lag, enabling players to react instantaneously to in-game actions. Whether engaging in precision targeting in first-person shooters or executing split-second maneuvers in racing simulations, users gain a tactical advantage, transforming every frame into a decisive opportunity for victory.
Comprehensive Eye Protection: Safeguarding Family Wellness Recognizing the critical need for eye health in today’s screen-dependent world, Evnia integrates a suite of certified eye-care solutions:
TÜV Rheinland Low Blue Light Certification: Filters high-energy blue light emissions to mitigate digital eye fatigue and support circadian rhythm regulation.
Flicker-Free Backlighting: Eliminates screen flicker across all brightness levels, reducing the risk of headaches and prolonged visual discomfort.
These features make the monitor ideal for households, enabling children to engage in online learning, entertainment, or casual gaming with reduced risk of eye strain and myopia progression.
A New Standard for Hybrid Excellence The Evnia 27M2N3500UK transcends traditional gaming monitors by harmonizing esports-grade performance with family-oriented wellness. Its 27-inch display, ergonomic design, and versatile connectivity options cater to diverse needs—from high-stakes tournaments to remote work and educational applications.
Executive Commentary “The 27M2N3500UK embodies Philips Evnia’s commitment to innovation that serves both passion and responsibility,” said Lidong Yan, the APAC General Manager. “We’re redefining what a monitor can achieve by merging competitive edge with technologies that protect users’ most valuable asset: their vision.”
Availability and Pricing The Evnia 27M2N3500UK Circular Polarizing Esports Monitor will be available in APAC in June 2025. For product specifications and retail details, visit [Philips monitor website].
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About Philips Evnia
Philips Evnia is revolutionizing the gaming and entertainment experience with its cutting-edge monitor series. Combining sleek aesthetics with innovative technology such as QD OLED and Dynamic Lighting, Evnia delivers unmatched performance with ultra-fast refresh rates, exceptional color accuracy, and breathtaking visuals. Engineered for both professional gamers and creative professionals, Philips Evnia offers a visual experience like no other. Whether you’re seeking precision for competitive play or vivid clarity for content creation, the Evnia monitor series elevates your gaming journey to new heights.
Cambodia's Prime Minister Hun Manet gestures as he arrives to attend a joint congress between the Senate and the National Assembly in Phnom Penh on June 2, 2025. (Photo by TANG CHHIN Sothy / AFP)
AFP – Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet said on 22 June that the country would halt all fuel imports from its neighbor, Thailand, as tensions escalate over an ongoing border dispute.
Patients Demonstrate Significant Knowledge Gaps in Treatment Options, Leading to Lost Hope and Treatment Discontinuation
Over 70% of Vitiligo Patients Desire Skin Repigmentation; New Topical Therapy Introduced in Hong Kong Shows Encouraging Results
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 22 June 2025 – In observance of World Vitiligo Day (June 25), Hong Kong Vitiligo Support Group has released findings from its latest “Hong Kong Vitiligo Patients and Caregivers Survey.” The study reveals critical gaps in treatment knowledge, with over 80% of respondents demonstrating limited understanding of available therapies and their efficacy. More than 70% of patients hoped therapy could partially or fully restore their original skin pigmentation, yet many reported disappointing outcomes with existing treatments, leading to loss of confidence and treatment discontinuation.
(From left) Mr. Chan (pseudonym), a patient with vitiligo; Dr. Chan Yung, a specialist in dermatology; and Ms. Amy Wong, a registered social worker from the Hong Kong Vitiligo Support Group, urge individuals with vitiligo to seek professional medical consultation for personalized treatment plan promptly and to avoid unproven remedies
Dr. Chan Yung, a specialist in dermatology, noted that with advancing insights into vitiligo pathogenesis, novel therapy has recently been introduced in Hong Kong. Clinical studies confirm its repigmentation potential, encouraging patients to consult specialists for personalized treatment plans.
In Hong Kong, vitiligo affects approximately 1% of the population, with an estimated 70,000 individuals living with the condition. In May 2025, Hong Kong Vitiligo Support Group successfully surveyed 61 patients or their primary caregivers to identify key challenges in disease management. Key findings as follows:
1. Critical Knowledge Deficits in Treatment Understanding
80% lack understanding of treatment options
78% unfamiliar with medication efficacy
84% uncertain about which specialist to consult
2. Disparity Between Treatment Expectations and Outcomes
74% of respondents expressed a desire for full or partial skin repigmentation, yet among the 48 treated patients, none achieved complete repigmentation, and only 8% reported partial improvement
67% perceived treatments as completely ineffective
3. Treatment Discontinuation Due to Lost Confidence
43% are not receiving any active treatment at present
Barriers included: high private healthcare costs and long public-sector wait times (95%), and perceived futility of therapy (75%)
Vitiligo is classified as segmental (SV) or non-segmental (NSV), with 90% of cases being NSV—a subtype with higher progression risk and greater therapeutic difficulty. Traditional options (e.g., topical corticosteroids, topical calcineurin inhibitors, phototherapy) often yield variable results, with limitations such as:
Corticosteroids: Risk of skin atrophy, telangiectasia; unsuitable for long-term use
Phototherapy: Requires 3–6 months (or longer) of 2–3 weekly sessions, with potential sunburn and skin cancer risks
Non-steroidal topicals: Often only slow progression rather than induce repigmentation
Over 70% of Vitiligo Patients Seek Skin Repigmentation – New Topical Treatment Introduced in Hong Kong Offers Hope
Dr. Chan Yung stated that targeted therapies like topical JAK inhibitors represent a breakthrough in vitiligo treatment. “Topical JAK inhibitors are non-steroidal medications with demonstrated efficacy and safety profiles, making them a viable long-term treatment option for patients,” he explained.
While the exact etiology of vitiligo remains unclear, current evidence suggests autoimmune-mediated attack on melanocytes plays a key pathogenic role, resulting in depigmented lesions. Non-steroidal Topical JAK inhibitors work by modulating the aberrant immune signaling responsible for melanocyte attack, enabling gradual repigmentation of affected areas.
Ruxolitinib cream, the first FDA-approved non-steroidal topical JAK inhibitor for localized treatment of non-segmental vitiligo in patients aged 12 years and above, has recently become available in Hong Kong. Clinical trials show:
Approximately 30% of patients achieved ≥75% improvement in Facial Vitiligo Area Scoring Index (F-VASI) after 24 weeks of treatment;
50% of patients showed ≥50% improvement;
Extension to 52 weeks of treatment resulted in >50% of patients attaining ≥75% improvement7
Ms. Amy Wong, a Registered Social Worker at Hong Kong Vitiligo Support Group noted that many vitiligo patients and caregivers seeking assistance express confusion about treatment options and medication efficacy. “Many patients spend over a year just obtaining a definitive diagnosis,” she explained. “In their search for solutions, patients often invest substantial resources in various cosmetic packages and alternative therapies, only to experience significant discrepancies between desired and actual outcomes. This frequently leads to disillusionment, loss of hope for effective treatment, and even emotional distress.”
“However,” Ms. Wong emphasized, “with medical advancements, vitiligo is no longer considered untreatable. Repigmentation is now achievable, and we strongly encourage patients to seek professional medical consultation at the earliest opportunity.”
Conclusion and Recommendations
The survey reveals significant gaps in patients’ understanding of vitiligo treatments and their mechanisms, leaving many uncertain about where to begin treatment. Over 80% of respondents expressed desire for patient support in medication access and resource referrals. Accordingly, Dr. Chan Yung and Ms. Amy Wong, propose the following recommendations:
1. Public Education Seminars Conduct lectures and workshops to help patients and caregivers understand that vitiligo requires long-term management, with visible results often taking extended periods to manifest. These initiatives should also educate participants about various treatment modalities, particularly newly available options like non-steroidal topical JAK inhibitors, enabling informed discussions with healthcare providers about appropriate treatment plans.
2. Medication Support and Resource Referral Services Given that vitiligo necessitates prolonged treatment, and considering that many patients find private care cost-prohibitive while public service wait times are excessively long, we recommend establishing medication support and resource referral services to facilitate timely access to proper treatment. Hong Kong Vitiligo Support Group is currently implementing a “Vitiligo Patient Support Program,” offering free psychological counseling, medication assistance, and resource referral services. Interested individuals may contact Hong Kong Vitiligo Support Group for details.
Case Study
Mr. Chan (pseudonym), 58, first developed symptoms thirty years ago with a small depigmented spot on his neck that subsequently spread to his neck, waist, wrists, and thighs. At diagnosis, his physician prescribed topical corticosteroids but stated vitiligo was essentially “incurable.” Mr. Chan subsequently pursued numerous alternative treatments including UV light therapy, traditional Chinese medicine, electroacupuncture, topical shampoo applications, and cosmetic packages – exhausting savings and liquidating his stocks – all without achieving satisfactory repigmentation.
After years of unsuccessful treatment attempts, he discontinued treatment until being referred to the Hong Kong Vitiligo Support Group. Through their seminars and “Vitiligo Patient Support Program”, he learned about modern treatment advances and, with medication assistance, has begun new therapy with renewed hope for repigmentation.
“My greatest wish is to wear crew-neck shirts again,” Mr. Chan shared. “Since developing vitiligo, I’ve only worn high-collared shirts to conceal neck patches and haven’t gone swimming in thirty years.” He looks forward to regaining sartorial freedom following successful repigmentation. Hashtag: #Vitiligo #WorldVitiligoDay #TopicalJAKinhibitors #Non-steroidalTopicalJAKinhibitors #Ruxolitinibcream #SkinRepigmentation #Dr.ChanYung #Dermatology #Skincare#HongKongVitiligoSupportGroup
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About Hong Kong Vitiligo Support Group
Initiated by social enterprise Hong Kong Health Care Alliance, Hong Kong Vitiligo Support Group is a non-profit patient organization dedicated to individuals affected by vitiligo and their caregivers. Our mission is to enhance societal understanding of vitiligo through comprehensive disease education and support services, empowering patients to better understand and confront their condition while fostering public awareness. We strive to ensure no patient faces this journey alone.