KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia, March 12, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — As Malaysia commemorates National Rare Disease Day and marks the launch of the National Policy for Rare Diseases, long-term, sustainable care for individuals living with rare, complex genetic conditions is now gaining growing attention and interest from across public and private stakeholders.

Among the critical components of long-term care for certain rare genetic metabolic disorders is specialised nutrition, which is often a therapeutic necessity, rather than a dietary or lifestyle preference for many patients.

For individuals diagnosed with inborn errors of metabolism (IEM), strict dietary management forms part of lifelong treatment. These patients often require carefully calibrated specialised nutritional formulations to prevent metabolic complications, as these conditions could impair the body’s ability to process certain nutrients.

Therefore, securing stable, reliable access to specialised nutrition is vital for more resilient care management of rare disease patients.

When Nutrition Becomes Essential Support

Unlike conventional dietary support, specialised nutrition for rare metabolic diseases is designed to meet highly specific biochemical requirements. Even minor disruptions in availability can affect disease management, particularly for paediatric patients whose growth and neurological development depend on precise dietary control.

According to Dr Ngu Lock Hock, Clinical Genetics Consultant and Head of the Genetics Department of Hospital Kuala Lumpur, patients with genetic metabolic disorders in Malaysia have historically depended heavily on imported specialised nutrition products.

“Many metabolic formulas and specialised dietary substitutes were sourced from overseas manufacturers. While they provided clinically necessary support, dependence on imports meant exposure to both supply vulnerabilities and higher costs,” he said.

Imported formulations are often subject to currency fluctuations, transportation expenses, and international production constraints, and geopolitical tensions, all of which can contribute to an increased financial burden for families and healthcare institutions.

In addition, disruptions in global manufacturing or shipping logistics could further create uncertainty for caregivers managing lifelong conditions, complicating long-term care planning and continuity of support.

“In metabolic care, consistency is critical. Any interruption in access to specialised nutrition,  whether due to supply delays or affordability challenges, creates stress for caregivers and potential clinical risk for patients,” he added.

Addressing Supply Vulnerability and Building Local Production Capacity

Malaysia’s reliance on imported specialised metabolic nutrition has reflected global patterns, where specialised formulations are often concentrated among a small number of international producers.

However, recent global supply chain disruptions have highlighted the need for stronger domestic resilience in essential healthcare components. While pharmaceutical supply security is frequently discussed, specialised nutrition, particularly for rare genetic metabolic disorders, remains much less visible in healthcare ecosystem resilience conversations.

The recently launched National Policy for Rare Diseases in Malaysia now provides a structured roadmap for strengthening Malaysia’s rare disease healthcare ecosystem, including improving access to essential services and long-term support. Within this context, building local production capacity in specialised metabolic nutrition represents an essential area of system reinforcement.

In response to this, local production initiatives have begun to take shape among homegrown healthcare solutions providers to develop locally produced specialised nutrition solutions tailored for genetic metabolic disorders. Among them are protein-free specialised nutrition products manufactured in Malaysia under VALENS, a specialised nutrition brand by homegrown pharmaceutical and consumer health company Pharm-D Health Science.

Such local production initiatives aim to complement existing imported options by reducing dependence on singular foreign supply chains and improving domestic responsiveness to clinical needs, as local production can shorten supply timelines, enhance distribution stability, and allow closer collaboration between manufacturers and healthcare providers managing rare genetic metabolic conditions in Malaysia.

Industry observers note that strengthening domestic capability does not replace international innovation but rather creates a more balanced and resilient healthcare ecosystem for rare disease patients.

Supporting Long-Term Sustainability

For families living with rare genetic metabolic disorders, care management extends beyond hospital settings into daily life. Parents and caregivers meticulously monitor dietary intake, calculate nutrient allowances, and maintain strict adherence to prescribed nutritional regimens.

More stable access to specialised nutrition, therefore, plays a direct role in maintaining clinical stability and quality of life.

As Malaysia advances its rare disease agenda, reinforcing continuity of specialised nutrition supply aligns with broader goals of healthcare sustainability and system resilience.

Dr Ngu emphasised that multi-stakeholder collaboration remains central to this progress.

“Policy direction, clinical expertise, patient advocacy and responsible industry participation must work together to strengthen rare disease care. Building sustainable access to specialised nutrition is part of that collective responsibility,” he said.

Towards a More Resilient Rare Disease Ecosystem

As Malaysia advances its rare disease healthcare agenda, experts emphasise that healthcare resilience must extend beyond pharmaceuticals and include other essential care components, such as specialised nutrition.

Strengthening domestic production capability in specialised nutrition, therefore, represents a much-needed practical step toward reinforcing that commitment.

As local capability continues to develop alongside global partnerships, Malaysia’s rare disease healthcare ecosystem stands to benefit from greater stability, responsiveness, and preparedness, which in turn supports Malaysian patients and families of the rare disease community.

About Pharm-D Health Science (PDHS)  

Founded in 2001, Pharm-D Health Science (PDHS) is a pharmaceutical and consumer health company specialising in specialised medicines, pharmaceuticals, healthcare and consumer health products. With a steadfast commitment to pioneering research, development, and manufacturing, PDHS offers a comprehensive array of solutions, including medications, over-the-counter medications, specialised nutrition, health supplements, and medical devices. Notably, PDHS is also a pioneer in postbiotics research and supply in Malaysia.

Beyond pharmaceuticals, the company provides healthcare and consumer health solutions under trusted house brands such as VALENS, ELDON, Lang Bragman, MedSkin, Reflux-G, Retane, and more. Ultimately, Pharm-D Health Science’s dedication to scientific excellence and holistic healthcare is driven by the mission to make health and wellbeing accessible for all with science.

For more information about Pharm-D Health Science, please visit https://www.pharmdhs.com/

Built distinctly for the way Australians work, live, and explore, the new ute is now being handed over to the nation for its final touch – its name

SYDNEY, March 12, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Following the unveiling of its upcoming world-first plug-in hybrid diesel ute, Chery Australia is handing the naming rights of the new model to the nation, inviting the Australian public to help name the vehicle through a nationwide competition, with the winner taking home bragging rights and the first Chery ute in Australia.

Designed with Australian lifestyles in mind, the new model is set to arrive in Q4 2026 and is poised to become the world’s first plug-in hybrid diesel ute, combining traditional diesel capability with electrified efficiency, with a 1000kg payload and 3.5 tonne towing capacity.

Utes are an iconic and deeply ingrained part of Australian culture, with over 235,000 new utes sold in 2025 alone, accounting for roughly 20% of all new vehicle sales (source: RACV).

Against this backdrop of national enthusiasm, Chery is giving Australians the unique opportunity to play a role in shaping the vehicle’s global identity by submitting their suggested name via the Chery Australia website.

“Utes aren’t just a vehicle in Australia, they’re a vital part of how we work and play. By introducing the world’s first plug-in hybrid diesel ute, we’re redefining what capability looks like for the segment. We’re excited to give Australians the opportunity to be part of this journey, and help us name the vehicle before it arrives later this year.” said Lucas Harris, Chief Operating Officer, Chery Australia.

Participants will be asked to submit a proposed name along with a short explanation outlining why it is the right fit for the vehicle. Entries will be reviewed by Chery, with shortlisted names progressing to a public vote before the final name is selected.

The individual who submits the winning name will walk away with a new Chery ute when the vehicle arrives in Australia later this year.

The Great Australian Chery Ute Naming Competition opens at 12:00pm AEDT Thursday 12 March 2026 and closes 11:50pm AEDT Thursday 26 March 2026.

More details and entry information are available on the Chery Australia website at https://cherymotor.com.au/ute-name-comp

ENDS

About Chery Motor Australia:

Chery Australia is a leading automotive brand recognized globally for its commitment to innovation, style, and performance. With a rich history spanning over two decades, Chery has established itself as a pioneer in the industry. Known for producing technologically advanced and visually striking vehicles, Chery offers a diverse range of models that cater to different lifestyles and preferences. Each Chery vehicle embodies the brand’s passion for pushing boundaries and redefining the driving experience.   

For more details on Chery visit www.cherymotor.com.au or Instagram @cheryaustralia

Insights from Agoda’s latest report show deeper, integrated localization is linked to stronger commercial outcomes as hotels in India adapt to rising intra-Asia demand

SINGAPORE, March 12, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Digital travel platform Agoda in its latest report “Tailored to Win: Capturing the High-Value Asian Traveler for Hotels in India” spotlights India as a robust travel market, revealing that nearly 98% of Indian hotels employing advanced localization strategies reported a positive impact on revenue. By comparison, 91% of hotels with basic localization strategies also report positive revenue impact, underscoring that while localization efforts are paying off, a more holistic approach maximises the likelihood of commercial success.

As India looks to increasingly compete in the global travel landscape, localization is becoming even more important. The Ministry of Tourism reported nearly 10 million foreign tourists in 2024^[1], with spending projected to reach INR 3.2 trillion in 2025^[2], driven by both long-haul interest and a growing demand from key Asian markets.

“Indian hotels have built strong domestic businesses, but many are still learning how to reel in the international guest,” shared Gaurav Malik, Country Director, Indian Subcontinent & Indian Ocean Islands at Agoda. “To win them over, localization can’t be treated as a marketing exercise. It has to show up in payments, communication, amenities and service so that it’s apparent at every touchpoint starting from discovery to check out. The data is unequivocal: hotels that go deeper see results with up to 98% reporting a positive revenue impact. The question isn’t whether to localize; it’s how quickly you can move from basics to best-in-class.”

Agoda’s report emphasizes that effective localization goes beyond translation. It involves holistically adapting marketing, booking processes, payment options and on-site services to match the cultural and practical expectations of travelers from different source markets. A more integrated approach allows hotels to better meet traveler expectations at every touchpoint and unlock greater value for inbound demand.  

Despite the potential, Indian hotels face a dual challenge in driving tailor-made strategies: a strategy gap in knowing whom to target and an execution gap in knowing how to deliver. These challenges are reflected in the top barriers cited by hoteliers: A majority (56%) of hoteliers surveyed cite both a limited awareness of cultural norms and uncertainty around which tailoring efforts will have the most impact. This is compounded by 44% who report a lack of both guest data insights and dedicated personnel to drive the initiatives.

As India’s robust tourism looks to define itself by its ability to capture the high-value Asian traveler, the need to deliver culturally attuned and localized guest experiences has become critical. To help hoteliers navigate this, Agoda’s report includes an “Origins Playbook” that dissects traveler motivations across key source markets:

• Malaysian travelers tend to blend family needs with an eye for deals
• Singaporeans are independent planners, booking accommodation separately from flights
• Japanese are a fast-growing market defined by short trips and increasing search interest
• Thai travelers are tech-forward, frequently utilizing AI for travel planning

Agoda’s digital suite for localization includes over 6 million accommodations, support for 39 languages, multi-currency payment options and 24/7 customer support. Dedicated programs such as the Agoda Growth Program for visibility in priority markets, country-specific promotions and Agoda Media Solutions for native-language campaigns are just some of the ways Agoda helps partners localize effectively. Through Agoda’s platform and expertise, hotels can overcome barriers, reach new segments and optimize their returns from international demand.

To explore how practical localization tips and actionable insights can help hotels capture more value from Asia’s diverse traveler base, download the full report at https://ago-da.co/4rgJZpf.

HO CHI MINH CITY, Vietnam, March 12, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The Brand Promise Group, a global branding firm headquartered in Ho Chi Minh City, announced its next phase of strategic evolution at the Partners’ Briefing, Spring 2026, held on the evening of 06 March 2026. Now in its third consecutive year, the annual series has become a company tradition, bringing together partners to align on strategic perspectives and shape upcoming initiatives.

This year’s edition marked a defining moment in The Brand Promise’s journey, as it evolves from a boutique branding firm into a broader platform for partnerships and cross-industry collaboration. The Group’s expanding ecosystem now connects global and local partners across core pillars in branding, education and training, and lifestyle, with initiatives designed to link industries and communities in Vietnam, the wider Asian region, and globally.

New horizons for global key accounts

Heading into 2026, The Brand Promise deepens its collaboration with long-standing global partners across hospitality, travel and business advisory:

Club Med, a pioneer of the all-inclusive vacation concept with more than 70 resorts across 40 countries, continues to position Vietnam as one of its key outbound markets while expanding its regional footprint with the opening of Club Med Borneo, Kota Kinabalu in late 2026. 

STONE Accounting Group, an Australian-based accounting and advisory firm, has laid the foundation for its North American expansion with the first head office in Canada following earlier developments in Australia and Japan, while The Brand Promise supports the firm’s strategic communications as it strengthens its global network.

SODÅ, which is evolving from a hotel management platform into its new identity as SODÅ | Hospitality Partners, is entering a renewed phase of growth, expanding its role across the full hotel lifecycle. From development and pre-opening to operations and market positioning, SODÅ | Hospitality Partners is opening up broader opportunities for integrated, long-term collaborations with its hotel partners.

Preparing Vietnam’s next generations of leaders

Investing in human capital forms a core part of The Brand Promise Group’s direction for 2026, as it expands its education and training pillar.

Through Self-Leadership Lab, an empirical leadership development programme created by professors from the University of Geneva, The Brand Promise will introduce a series of tailored and professional training initiatives that cultivate self-awareness for modern leadership across different career stages.

Now part of The Brand Promise Group, Beyoutiful Vietnam, Vietnam’s first lifestyle concierge and educational service brand dedicated to women, continues to work with selected partners to develop curated programmes and services across lifestyle experiences, hospitality and travel, wellness, fashion, and education in support of personal development and purpose-driven living.

Leading the waves of change in Vietnam’s experience economy

Beyond branding and leadership, the Group brought together partners across gastronomy, wellness, hospitality, culture, and technology to illustrate Vietnam’s evolving experience economy.

Wiking Group hosted the Spring 2026 gathering across two distinctive venues: Wiking Golf, an urban golf experience inspired by a “backyard golf course,” and Wiking Salon, a contemporary art space for cultural and creative gatherings. Rheinland-Pfalz.Gold, in connection with the Business Representation of the German Federal State of Rhineland-Palatinate (RLP) inVietnam, introduced guests to Germany’s heritage of more than 2,000 years of winemaking tradition. Global Café delivered thoughtful catering services, drawing on over 25 years of experience serving international standards.

Hospitality and wellness partners also played a central role in the experience. voco Scenia Bay Nha Trang by IHG, set to open in 2026, will bring the brand’s distinctive lifestyle approach to Vietnam’s central coast with a 250-room bay front hotel; Garrya Mu Cang Chai offers a serene mountain retreat amid northern Vietnam’s terraced rice fields; Namia River Retreat is a sanctuary of “living well” located on a peaceful islet along the Thu Bon River in Hoi An;” whereas Fusion Resort & Villas Da Nang presents a contemporary beachfront retreat emphasising wellness-inspired experiences and privacy.

Among the partners are lifestyle brands that completed the experience: Bittersweet Chocolatier, Phu Quoc-based artisan chocolatier producing from Vietnamese cacao; Got It, a platform backed by investment from VNG Corporation and one of Vietnam’s leading digital gifting solutions; alongside ETU Handkraft, La Gougah, Eastern Journeys, and AIMWell.

With its expanding network of partners and in-house brands, The Brand Promise Group continues to foster an ecosystem where cross-industry collaboration contributes to tailored, high-value experiences and hospitality initiatives.

The Brand Promise 

A global branding firm with headquarter in Ho Chi Minh City, dedicated to authentic storytelling, strategic growth, and impactful partnerships across industries. Our commitment to evolving quality standards and nurturing communities of hand-picked, like-minded and long-lasting partners ensures that every promise made is honored through our dedication to excellence and shared dedication to turn potential into reality.

Lightweight Poured PU Technology Reclaims its Place in Elite Running and Court Sports

PORTLAND, Ore., March 12, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — For years, industry-standard poured polyurethane (PU) insoles were prized for comfort and durability—however, its weight and density profile have limited its use in premium performance categories. Since DREAMCELL^® VELO’s launch, DSC^® has changed the industry narrative with its breakthrough lightweight poured PU insole technology, engineered to meet the rigorous demands of performance sports, including running, basketball, and tennis. Today, DSC^® released new technical data that supports DREAMCELL^® VELO as a clear leader in the performance category for a poured PU insole.

“Never before was poured PU a solution in the performance conversation, but now, DREAMCELL^® VELO defines it for the elite athlete,” said Mei-Fen Wei, Chief Operating Officer of DSC^®. “DREAMCELL^® VELO is industry-changing and not only delivers a premium lightweight experience with newfound speed-focused advantages, but our direct-pour process creates almost zero material waste.”

In running especially—where every gram counts—traditional poured PU couldn’t compete with lighter foam platforms. DSC^® teams set out to challenge that assumption, creating a breakthrough in the performance category. The DREAMCELL^® VELO innovation stems from applying cross-industry material learnings to meet the footwear performance standards for the elite athlete today.

The new formulation is 60% lighter than traditional poured PU, and delivers excellent resiliency with a low compression set, helping preserve energy transfer over repeated runs, cuts, and jumps. The result is one of the lightest poured PU insole technologies DSC^® has ever created, delivering energy return and long-term performance without the weight. DREAMCELL^® VELO is tuned for performance with its optimized polymer network and cell structure that delivers a faster rebound at a lower density. The lower density mass with high rebound supports faster turnover and reduced fatigue that particularly supports runners, while the resiliency plus low compression set supports a consistent feel through cuts and jumps, and added durability over repeated impacts fine-tuned for sports like basketball and tennis.

DREAMCELL^® VELO vs traditional poured PU*

• Low density profile is .23g/cm³ less (.12 g/cm³ vs. .35g/cm³)
• Approximately 50% rebound performance (vs. 30%)
• Up to 60% lighter material weight for enhanced comfort and efficiency
• Precision molding of intricate design details
• Near zero waste|
  *Performance based on internal ASTM D3574 testing

Performance and lifestyle footwear development teams have responded strongly to DREAMCELL^® VELO’s combination of low weight and robust physical properties. From basketball to running to tennis, brands are recognizing DREAMCELL^® VELO as a versatile solution that bridges comfort and elite performance—while also meeting attractive cost targets.

DSC is committed to creating sustainable solutions for a greener future, including creating eco-innovations like DREAMCELL^® VELO that achieves nearly zero waste. DSC’s direct-pour production reduces trimming and scrap typical of traditional PU methods. DREAMCELL^® VELO is a step in the right direction toward Run the Relay, DSC’s ambitious plan to achieve a zero-carbon, zero-waste future.

DREAMCELL^® VELO will be available to view at The Materials Show in Boston and Portland (March 11-12, 2026).

Since 1945, Dahsheng Company (DSC^®) has been a leader in foam innovation in the sports industry. Known for its premium comfort and performance foam DREAMCELL^® and DURAPONTEX^®, DSC^® partners with top brands and footwear manufacturers worldwide. By advancing innovation and pushing the limits of foam manufacturing, DSC^® is dedicated to creating eco-friendly and advanced foam solutions that set new standards in the industry.

Visit www.dahsheng.com to learn more about DSC^® and its commitment to sustainability and eco-innovation.

Media Contact:
Erin Patterson
t: +1-323-422-0274
e: erin.patterson@writetheskycomms.com

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Guy Duncan from Tide and Parvinder Bhatia from bunq bring deep expertise to accelerate Thunes’ AI-driven innovation and global financial scaling.

SINGAPORE, March 12, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Thunes, the Smart Superhighway to move money around the world, today announces two strategic appointments to its executive leadership team: Guy Duncan joins as Chief Technology and Product Officer (CTPO), and Parvinder Bhatia joins as Chief Financial Officer (CFO).

Guy Duncan

These high-profile appointments signal a new chapter of growth for Thunes as it continues to scale its proprietary Direct Global Network and sharpen its technological edge through innovation and robust financial strategy.

Guy Duncan brings world-class experience in digital transformation and rapid scaling to Thunes. Previously serving as CTO at fintech unicorn Tide and OVO Energy, he specialises in turning technical complexity into a competitive advantage. Guy’s extensive global experience includes spearheading BMW’s digital transformation across 64 markets and successfully scaling Tide’s platform from 50,000 to over 1 million members.

In his role as CTPO, Guy will lead Thunes’ technology and product functions, focusing on building high-velocity teams and deploying AI across its Direct Global Network to solve real-world friction in global money movement for Thunes’ Members.

Parvinder Bhatia joins from bunq, Europe’s first AI-powered bank, where he served as CFO and played a key role in strengthening the bank’s financial strategy, supporting its rapid international expansion.

With over 24 years of experience across fintech, private equity and venture-backed businesses, Parvinder brings a strong track record of scaling finance organisations, driving operational transformation and supporting high-growth companies through periods of significant expansion. At Thunes, he will lead the company’s global finance organisation and partner with the leadership team as the company continues to scale its global payments infrastructure.

Peter De Caluwe, Co-Founder and CEO of Thunes, said: “As we accelerate Thunes’ growth, I am delighted to welcome Guy and Parvinder to our leadership team. Both bring an incredible wealth of experience in scaling global platforms. Guy’s expertise in AI and high-scale engineering will be pivotal in honing our competitive edge, while Parvinder’s storied track record in financial transformation and international expansion makes him the ideal partner to underpin our commercial strategy. Together, they bring the ambition and expertise required to further solidify Thunes’ position as the world’s leading global payments infrastructure network.”

Guy Duncan, CTPO of Thunes, commented: “Thunes is at a fascinating juncture where technology and innovation acts as the ultimate strategic enabler. I am thrilled to join a team that shares my ‘Think Big’ philosophy and entrepreneurial mindset. My focus will be on ensuring our solutions solve customer friction both for now and for the future, through innovative, production-ready AI and scalable architecture.”

Parvinder Bhatia, CFO of Thunes, added: “Thunes has built a remarkable foundation for global cross-border payments and I am joining at a time of significant momentum. I look forward to working with the Board and the executive team to navigate our next phase of international growth, ensuring our financial strategy remains as innovative and robust as our technology.”

About Thunes:

Thunes is the Smart Superhighway to move money around the world. Thunes’ proprietary Direct Global Network allows Members to make payments in real-time in over 140 countries and more than 90 currencies. Thunes’ Network connects directly to over 12 billion mobile wallets, stablecoin wallets and bank accounts worldwide, as well as 15 billion cards via more than 220 different payment methods. For more information, visit: https://www.thunes.com/

Parvinder Bhatia