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HKBU unveils treatment potential of herbal extract compound isoliquiritigenin for pancreatic cancer

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach – 7 August 2023 – A research led by scientists of Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU) found that isoliquiritigenin (ISL), a flavonoid isolated from the Chinese herbal medicine licorice, can inhibit pancreatic cancer progression. It may also enhance the efficacy of conventional chemotherapeutic drugs in treating pancreatic cancer. It is the first time that a research group reported the anticancer potential of ISL in treating pancreatic cancer.

A research team led by Dr Joshua Ko Ka-shun, Associate Professor, Teaching and Research Division of the School of Chinese Medicine at HKBU, found that isoliquiritigenin, a herbal extract compound of the Chinese herbal medicine licorice, can inhibit pancreatic cancer progression.
A research team led by Dr Joshua Ko Ka-shun, Associate Professor, Teaching and Research Division of the School of Chinese Medicine at HKBU, found that isoliquiritigenin, a herbal extract compound of the Chinese herbal medicine licorice, can inhibit pancreatic cancer progression.

The research findings have been published in the international academic journal Phytomedicine and recently presented in the Annual Congress of the European Association for Cancer Research 2023 in Torino, Italy.

Pancreatic cancer as the “silent killer”

Pancreatic cancer is often called the “silent killer” as most patients experience little or no symptoms until it has advanced and spread. According to the Global Cancer Statistics 2020 released by the International Agency for Research on Cancer, the mortality-to-incidence ratio of pancreatic cancer is greater than 93%. It is the fourth leading cause of cancer deaths in Hong Kong.

Whipple (pancreaticoduodenectomy) operation is the only available curative treatment of pancreatic cancer. However, only 20% of patients are suitable for resection and the recurrence rate is high. In non-resectable cases and metastatic pancreatic cancer patients, the chemotherapeutic drug gemcitabine (GEM) remains the mainstream treatment. Nevertheless, GEM-based combination therapy exhibits profound chemoresistance with serious systemic toxicity.

Gancao extract identified as anticancer agent

In the search for alternative treatments for pancreatic cancer, a research team led by Dr Joshua Ko Ka-Shun, Associate Professor, Teaching and Research Division of the School of Chinese Medicine at HKBU, screened all the potential pancreatic cancer disease markers and the biological therapeutic activities of phytochemicals from the medicinal plant Glycyrrhiza glabra (licorice, or Gancao in Chinese) using network pharmacology.

Network pharmacology is an emerging discipline which systematically catalogue the molecular interactions of a drug molecule in a living cell using complex computations, and has become an important tool in botanical drug discovery. Using this approach, the team identified ISL as a potential anticancer agent for the treatment of pancreatic cancer.

With a series of cell experiments, the team demonstrated that ISL suppressed the growth and induced apoptosis (programmed cell death) of pancreatic cancer cells. In two human pancreatic cancer cell lines applied with 12.5 μM and 25 μM concentrations of ISL respectively, their cell survival rates were about 50% and 80% lower than the control cells with no ISL applied. The percentage of late stage apoptosis in the two cell lines was 11% and 13% respectively, compared to less than 5% in the control cells.

Inhibits cancer progression with fewer side effects

“ISL possesses a unique property of inhibiting pancreatic cancer progression through the blockade of autophagy, which is a natural process where the body’s cells clean out damaged or unnecessary components. The blockade of late-stage autophagy in our experiments results in cancer cell death,” said Dr Ko.

The research team further employed a mice tumor model to investigate the efficacy of ISL in inhibiting pancreatic cancer cell growth in vivo. The mice were divided into three groups with GEM (GEM group), ISL (ISL group) and no treatment agent (control group) applied. The ISL group was further divided into two sub-groups treated with 30mg/kg and 60mg/kg of ISL.

On the 21st day of the experiment, the tumor volumes of the control group and the GEM group were1000 mm3 and 400 mm3 respectively. The tumor volumes of the two ISL sub-groups treated with 30mg/kg and 60mg/kg of ISL were about 500 mm3 and 300 mm3 respectively. The results showed that ISL demonstrated treatment effects comparable to that of GEM. Meanwhile, compared with GEM, ISL showed fewer side effects in mice including neutropenia (drop in white blood cell count), anemia and body weight loss.

Enhances effects of chemotherapies

Current first-line chemotherapeutic drugs for pancreatic cancer, such as GEM and 5-fluorouracil (5-FU), are frequently associated with chemoresistance. It is because these drugs induce autophagy which favours the growth of cancer cells, and thus jeopardises their treatment effects.

To explore ISL’s potential in counteracting the chemoresistance of GEM and 5-FU, the research team set up experiments with pancreatic cancer cells treated with GEM or 5-FU alone, and GEM or 5-FU together with ISL. The growth inhibition rate of pancreatic cancer cells applied with GEM and ISL together is 18% higher than using GEM only, while the growth inhibition rate using 5-FU and ISL together is 30% higher than 5-FU only. The results showed that ISL can enhance the treatment effects of chemotherapeutic drugs by blocking autophagy, which is conducive to the death of cancer cells.

“The findings in this study open a new avenue for developing ISL as a novel autophagy inhibitor in the treatment of pancreatic cancer. We hope to collaborate with other research partners to further evaluate the effectiveness and potential clinical application of ISL in treating pancreatic cancer,” said Dr Ko.

Hashtag: #pancreaticcancer #isoliquiritigenin

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

Amfuture Expands into Singapore with the launch of SMEs User-Friendly and Affordable Sales & Marketing Solutions

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach – 7 August 2023 – Amfuture is a company focusing on using private traffic to provide sales and marketing solutions for Small Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Singapore. It has a combination of both software and hardware solutions to help companies acquire and manage their customers to achieve business growth.

Recognising the importance of customer satisfaction for local SMEs, Amfuture unveils its expansion plans in Singapore. Backed by prominent investor Parmway, led by Zhang Tao, founder and CEO of Dianping.com, and Eminence Ventures, a strategic partner of Emergence Capital who is known for its investments in renowned technology companies such as Zoom and Salesforce, adds further credibility to Amfuture’s offerings.

“Amfuture’s entry into the Singapore market will be a game-changer for SMEs,” says Judy Huang – Owner of Monkey Shoulder F&B Pte Ltd. “Their user-friendly and affordable solutions address the pressing needs of businesses. Their preinstalled marketing support enables us to acquire customers easily, build strong relationships and drive sustainable growth via Whatsapp. We welcome Amfuture’s commitment to supporting SMEs and look forward to the positive impact it will have on our business community.”

Amfuture’s suite of solutions is designed to aid businesses common problems. They have developed Robotic Process Automation (RPA) technology to assist SMEs across three key areas: Sales & Marketing, Operations and Business Analytics.

Amfuture enables SMEs to leverage a straightforward customer contact generation process through QR code scanning and the Power of Online Marketing Links.

This approach will help to improve businesses’ ads performance and it allows SME’s to experience growth while reducing costs. Ads performance also improved as compared to traditional advertising.

Furthermore, Amfuture integrates ChatGPT, which is powered by Business Intelligence Capability, allowing businesses to craft personalised marketing messages for each customer during the same marketing event, to enhance personal touch.

“Amfuture’s one-stop sales and marketing solutions have transformed our business,” says Alwin Siew – COO of The Quotation Malay Cuisine and Yu Li Canteen Pte Ltd. “With their system, we have significantly improved customer acquisition and engagement. The ability to generate personalised marketing messages has strengthened our relationships and boosted sales. It’s an invaluable tool for SMEs like us.”

In addition, Amfuture helps businesses to analyse customer purchasing preferences and label them individually, thus enabling the personalisation of marketing campaigns and forecasting future business projections. This data-driven approach is utilised to improve upselling and cross-selling through targeted marketing campaigns.

Amfuture is not just a software company, the tools offered include access to their POS system. This onboarding process creates an integrated offline-online system, streamlining business operations and helps to improve productivity.

With Amfuture’s solutions, SMEs can gain access to a cost-effective platform that eliminates the steep learning curve associated with software adoption. Organisations can grasp the skills required in half an hour and carry on their business.

Amfuture’s also provides a customer success team to assist SMEs in fully utilising the platform, help them increase sales and achieve their business goals. From forming standard operating procedures for data collection to improving efficiency and conversion rates, the customer success team guides SMEs step by step to ensure their success.

“We are thrilled to support Singapore SMEs in their customer acquisition journey,” says Lester Raphael Ong, Co-Founder of Amfuture. “Our goal is to empower businesses with user-centric and cost-effective solutions that drive growth and foster exceptional customer experiences. By embracing Amfuture, SMEs can unlock their growth potential and overcome operational challenges while delivering exceptional customer experiences. In the near future, we will be introducing exciting functions such as eCommerce, a delivery platform, and a reservations system, providing even more value to our clients.”

Hashtag: #Amfuture

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

About Amfuture

Amfuture Pte Ltd is a company, focusing on private data to provide sales and marketing solutions to Small Medium Enterprises (SMEs) to drive sales and business growth.

For further information or media queries, visit our website:

74% of executives believe the benefits of generative AI will outweigh the associated concerns

Generative AI tools for chatbots, product and service design, and customer experience seen as most relevant for organizations

TOKYO, JAPAN – Media OutReach – 7 August 2023 70% of executives believe that generative AI will enable organizations to widen the scope of the roles of knowledge workers.[1] Nearly all executives (96%) recognize that generative AI is a key topic in the boardroom, with the majority confirming that their leadership are strong advocates. This is according to Capgemini Research Institute’s latest report, ‘Harnessing the value of generative AI: Top use cases across industries’, which examines the transformative force of generative AI for innovation across enterprises.

Organizations see generative AI as an opportunity to drive revenues

Despite apparent risks, such as copyright infringement or cybersecurity, 74% of executives believe that the benefits posed by generative AI outweigh the associated concerns. While 21% anticipate a disruption in their industries, 40% of organizations across industries have already established teams and budget for the technology, with a further 49% contemplating doing so within 12 months.

The research also found:

  • Organizations believe that the most relevant generative AI based platforms or tools for their industries are chatbots for automating customer service and improving knowledge management (83%) and designing, collecting, or summarizing data (75%)
  • Most executives believe that generative AI will make product and service design more efficient (78%) and accessible (76%)
  • They also said it will make customer experiences more interactive and engaging (71%) or improve customer service with automated and personalized support (67%).

A range of further benefits within three years

Within three years’ time, and following the successful implementation of generative AI, executives foresee a range of benefits. They believe that its integration will lead to an 8% increase in sales and a 7% decrease in costs. Alongside this, those surveyed indicated that they could expect to see a 9% improvement in both customer engagement and satisfaction, and operational efficiency.

“Generative AI is a transformational force for innovation in organizations, accelerating industry specific use cases to create value, and it’s no surprise that it’s already at the top of the agenda of virtually every large organization,” comments Franck Greverie, Chief Portfolio Officer and Group Executive Board Member at Capgemini. “While generative AI can enable numerous benefits for businesses and employees alike, adopting a human-centric approach while scaling the technology and implementing necessary guidelines will be key to fostering trust in the workplace. As businesses accelerate their generative AI journeys, they must prioritize implementing it sustainably across the organization.”

The high-tech industry is leading the way in generative AI integration

Executives in the high-tech industry are the ones most convinced (84%) that the overall impact of generative AI will be positive. Nearly 70% of executives in that industry said their organizations have generative AI pilots underway, and 18% state that they have already implemented generative AI across some locations or business functions. The top two use cases are 3D modelling for detailed shapes and predictive maintenance.

The majority (67%) of executives across sectors see the most potential for generative AI in the IT function – this is particularly true within the high-tech sector which holds the largest percentage of executives (86%) saying their organization is using or plans to use generative AI in IT. Other areas where executives see generative AI driving value are sales (54%), and marketing and communications (48%).

The rise of generative AI will create new roles and will require investment in upskilling

According to 69% of businesses, generative AI will begin to provide concepts and initial designs for projects and, as such, employees’ roles will shift away from ideation and creation, to review and refinement. This sentiment was also echoed by consumers, with 70% saying that they believe generative AI will make them more efficient at work, free them from routine tasks and enable them to explore more strategic aspects of their job.[2]

The research reveals that 69% of executives believe generative AI will lead to the emergence of new roles such as AI auditors and AI ethicists. With the introduction of new generative AI-based roles, 68% of executives believe that integration of the technology into the workforce will require significant investment in upskilling and cross-skilling of talent.

Most organizations understand the need for sustainable generative AI

Nearly 80% of organizations understand the criticality of implementing and scaling generative AI sustainably. Alongside this, 78% of enterprises understand that generative AI can have a larger carbon footprint than traditional IT programs. However, out of the organizations that plan to train their own models (8%), roughly half have taken steps to mitigate their environmental impact, highlighting the need for more concrete efforts towards sustainability.

Methodology

For this report, the Capgemini Research Institute surveyed 1,000 organizations interested in exploring generative AI across 13 countries across the US, Europe, and Asia Pacific: UK, US, Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Netherlands, Norway, Singapore, Spain, and Sweden. Alongside this survey, they conducted in-depth interviews with 10 industry executives. The vast majority (99%) of organizations surveyed had annual revenue of over $1 billion, and over half (55%) had revenue over $5 billion.


[1] Knowledge workers are defined as professionals who use their intellectual abilities and expertise to contribute value within their fields. They rely on cognitive skills, problem-solving, and specialized knowledge.

[2] According to Capgemini Research Institute report ‘Why Consumers Love Generative AI’, June 2023

Hashtag: #Capgemini

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

About Capgemini

Capgemini is a global leader in partnering with companies to transform and manage their business by harnessing the power of technology. The Group is guided everyday by its purpose of unleashing human energy through technology for an inclusive and sustainable future. It is a responsible and diverse organization of nearly 360,000 team members in more than 50 countries. With its strong 55-year heritage and deep industry expertise, Capgemini is trusted by its clients to address the entire breadth of their business needs, from strategy and design to operations, fueled by the fast evolving and innovative world of cloud, data, AI, connectivity, software, digital engineering and platforms. The Group reported in 2022 global revenues of €22 billion.

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About the Capgemini Research Institute

The Capgemini Research Institute is Capgemini’s in-house think-tank on all things digital. The Institute publishes research on the impact of digital technologies on large traditional businesses. The team draws on the worldwide network of Capgemini experts and works closely with academic and technology partners. The Institute has dedicated research centers in India, Singapore, the United Kingdom and the United States. It was recently ranked #1 in the world for the quality of its research by independent analysts.

Visit us at

Mid-Year Economic Update highlights Dubai’s accelerated growth

DUBAI, UAE – Media OutReach – 7 August 2023 – A consolidated Mid-Year Economic update released provides key updates and significant progress made in delivering against the goals laid out in the Emirate’s D33 Economic Agenda.

Key report findings

  • 8.5+ million – Dubai recorded more than 8.5 million international visitors during the first half of 2023[1]
  • The Region’s Wealthiest City – Dubai leads as the wealthiest city in the Middle East and North Africa, with regards to the number of billionaires currently residing in Dubai[2]
  • Best Performing Financial Market Regionally – The Dubai Financial Market (DFM) crossed the 3,986 level on July 13, the highest since August 2015, and is up nearly 20% so far this year, ahead of the MSCI World Index[3]
  • Busiest International Airport – Dubai International (DXB) retained its title as the busiest airport for international flights in July 2023[4]
  • $75 billion – The value of Sukuk listed on Nasdaq Dubai totalled $75 billion, making it one of the world’s leading hubs for Sukuk listings[5]
  • $178 billion – The market value of DFM-listed companies increased by $19 billion to reach $178 billion[6]
  • $12.5 billion – Trading volume in DFM exceeded $12.5 billion since the beginning of 2023[7]
  • 57% – Institutional investors accounted for 57% of trading value in DFM in the first half of the year, with net purchases of $172 million[8]
  • 48% – Foreign investors accounted for 48% of the trading value in DFM during the first half of the year, with net purchases amounting to $890.2 billion[9]
  • $77.5 – Total real estate transactions amounted to $77.5 billion during the first half of 2023[10]
  • 3.6 million – Dubai’s population increased by 50,000 in H1 in 2023, surpassing 3.6 million[11]

Figures from the report demonstrate the significant strides Dubai has already made towards achieving the objectives of the D33 Economic Agenda. Launched early this year, the ‘D33’ economic transformation plan aims to double the size of Dubai’s economy over the next decade and consolidate its position among the top three global cities.

The strategy is designed to augment Dubai’s economic competitiveness, implement growth plans, foster the diversification and sustainability of the economy, attract global talent and foreign investment in vital sectors, and reinforce Dubai’s position as a global destination for digital economy investments and entrepreneurial ventures. The initiative prioritizes advancing innovation, artificial intelligence, and technology projects while making the emirate a leading hub for green economy and tourism.


Hashtag: #Dubai #DubaisDepartmentofEconomyandTourism #DET

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

Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism (DET)

With the ultimate vision of making Dubai, the world’s leading commercial centre, investment hub and tourism destination, Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) is mandated to support the Government in positioning the emirate as a major hub for global economy and tourism, and in boosting the city’s economic and tourism competitiveness indicators. Under this remit, DET is driving efforts to further enhance Dubai’s diversified, innovative service-based economy to attract top global talent, deliver a world-class business environment and accelerate productivity growth. Additionally, DET is supporting Dubai’s vision to become the world’s best city to live and work in by promoting its diverse destination proposition, unique lifestyle and outstanding quality of life, overall.

JustCo partners Changi Airport Group to launch Asia’s first pay-per-minute co-working centre in an airport equipped with traveller-friendly amenities

New co-working centre features 24/7 access to on-demand workspaces, nap zone and food vending machines for individuals looking for a conducive and well-equipped facility to “work anytime, anywhere.”

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach – 7 August 2023 – JustCo, Asia’s leading flexible workspace provider, today announced its new partnership with Changi Airport Group (CAG) to launch and manage Asia’s first pay-per-minute co-working centre in an airport at Changi Airport Terminal 3 (T3). With the resumption of travel and in-person conferences in the post-pandemic era, JustCo is thrilled to redefine the “work anytime, anywhere” experience by offering 24/7 on-demand access to co-working spaces, nap zone, and a variety of convenient food options to business travelers and modern workers at one of the world’s busiest airports.

JustCo Changi Airport T3 will feature an extensive range of purpose-built workspaces, including collaboration areas and hot desk cocoons to support different work modalities such as focus work and discussions. (Photo credit: JustCo)
JustCo Changi Airport T3 will feature an extensive range of purpose-built workspaces, including collaboration areas and hot desk cocoons to support different work modalities such as focus work and discussions. (Photo credit: JustCo)

JustCo Changi Airport T3, the first JustCo centre to offer round-the-clock co-working access, is scheduled to open in the fourth quarter of 2023.The centre will house one of JustCo’s largest hot-desking facility to-date, offering close to 50 hot-desk workstations. JustCo Changi Airport T3’s pay-per-minute pricing model is designed to be flexible and convenient for travellers or individuals who need a place to work for a few hours or even just a few minutes. Aside from the hot-desk workstations, the centre will also be well-equipped with private office suites, work lounge, meeting rooms with video conferencing tools, quiet nooks, and collaboration areas to support the different work modalities of modern workers.

JustCo Changi Airport T3 will feature one of JustCo’s largest hot-desking zones to date, providing travellers a conducive environment to work on the go. (Photo credit: JustCo)
JustCo Changi Airport T3 will feature one of JustCo’s largest hot-desking zones to date, providing travellers a conducive environment to work on the go. (Photo credit: JustCo)

In addition to its 24/7 access, large hot-desking facility, and purpose-built workspaces, JustCo Changi Airport T3 will also feature a nap zone fitted with partitions and a pantry with food vending machines. The nap zone will provide individuals with a comfortable and quiet space to rest in between long working hours or flight transits. Food vending machines will also be available for individuals who need a quick bite. The provision of lifestyle and wellness facilities will have a positive impact on the overall work experience and productivity of modern workers who are always on the go.

The inclusion of a nap zone within JustCo Changi Airport T3 will offer busy travellers a comfortable space for a quick respite between their hectic schedules. (Photo Credit: JustCo)
The inclusion of a nap zone within JustCo Changi Airport T3 will offer busy travellers a comfortable space for a quick respite between their hectic schedules. (Photo Credit: JustCo)

JustCo’s timely introduction of its newest airport co-working space is a strategic move that spearheads the adoption of co-working solutions among business travellers in a world-class airport. As Singapore continues to play a vital role in facilitating the recovery of international business travel, JustCo Changi Airport T3 is well-positioned to become a popular destination for travellers on the go. The launch of this multifunctional and traveller-friendly co-working space will be a perfect complement to the existing lifestyle amenities at Changi Airport. Travellers can now look forward to the ultimate experience of “live, work, play” under one roof, and leverage JustCo as a platform to connect with other like-minded professionals.

“JustCo’s new partnership with CAG will reinvent the work-life harmony experience for frequent business travellers and digital nomads. We are offering a convenient and cost-effective workspace solution to travellers and patrons of Changi Airport, regardless of their length of stay. Round-the-clock access, as well as amenities such as nap zone, food vending machines, and meeting rooms with video conferencing tools, will reshape the work experience for business travellers who need a conducive space to work in between flight transits, or for digital nomads looking for a relaxing work environment,” said Kong Wan Long, Co-founder and Chief Commercial Officer, JustCo.

Ms Lim Peck Hoon, Executive Vice President for Commercial in CAG said: “In the past year, in-person meetings and MICE events have picked up significantly across the globe. To support the diverse needs of business travelers, modern workers, and digital nomads, Changi Airport Group has been working closely with JustCo to provide a world-class ‘pay-per-minute’ workspace option in Changi Airport. The introduction of the JustCo centre within Terminal 3 is part of our ongoing efforts to refresh and enhance our offerings for our customers to further enrich their airport experience.”

For more information about JustCo Changi Airport T3, please visit www.justcoglobal.com/sg/centre/changi-airport-t3/.
Hashtag: #newlocation #coworkingspace #workspaces #changiairport #new




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

JustCo Global

JustCo is Asia Pacific’s leading provider of flexible workspace for businesses of all sizes seeking flexible solutions to nimbly scale their operations. JustCo’s value proposition lies in its focus on high-quality fitouts, attractive locations, and a seamless experience via technology to work from any of its spaces. Founded in 2011 and headquartered in Singapore, JustCo has close to 50 co-working spaces across nine major cities in Asia Pacific.

We make work better by revolutionising how people work, empowering our ever-growing community with exceptional flexibility, opportunities and experiences.

Slowly Moving Forward, Laos Ranks 140th in Global Broadband Internet Speed

Slowly Moving Forward, Laos Ranks 140th in Global Broadband Internet Speed
Person playing on a computer.

Laos has ranked 140th in the world for internet speed according to a study conducted this year by researchers who analyzed broadband speeds across 220 countries.

Ousted Thai PM Thaksin Shinawatra Seen in Video at Cambodian Leader’s Birthday Party

In this photo provided by Cambodia's Prime Minister Telegram, Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen, left, walks together with former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, right, during a meeting at Hun Sen's residents in Takhmua, Kandal province southeast Phnom Penh Phnom Penh, Cambodia, Suaturday, 5 August 2023. Thaksin attended a birthday party for outgoing Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen in Phnom Penh, according to video posted online Sunday, 10 August, a day after Thaksin said he would delay.

PHNOM PENH, Cambodia (AP) — Former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra attended a birthday party for outgoing Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen in Phnom Penh, according to a video posted online Sunday, a day after Thaksin said he would delay plans to return to Thailand following years of self-imposed exile.

Zero Waste Laos Gets Govt Approval as First Youth-led Environmental NGO in Laos

Zero Waste Laos to Become Local Non Profit Organization
The Founder of Zero Waste Laos, Ms. Souksaveuy Keotiamchanh at the meeting officiating its status as a local non-profit organization.

Zero Waste Laos has recently been recognized by the Lao government as a non-profit organization, making it the first youth-led environmental group in the country to receive this honor.