JDB Bank is in the spotlight as an increasing number of Lao residents reported attempts by scammers posing as bank officials on Facebook.
CK Life Sciences Presenting Preclinical Data for Its Investigational Dual-Antigen Cancer Vaccines, Co-targeting PRAME and PD-L1, at the 2023 Society for Immunotherapy of Cancer (SITC) Annual Meeting
The investigational cancer vaccines evaluated in the preclinical study contain antigenic sequences of PRAME and PD-L1 intended to induce anti-cancer immune responses. PRAME is a cancer antigen highly expressed in many different types of cancers and has been associated with different oncogenic processes. PD-L1 represents one of the most important immune checkpoint antigens highly expressed on cancer cells to limit T-cell activation in the tumour microenvironment.
“CK Life Sciences has a growing pipeline of cancer vaccines in various stages of development. The preclinical efficacy results of our dual-targeting PRAME/ PD-L1 cancer vaccines in liver cancer are promising and we hope to start clinical trials in the coming years,” said Melvin Toh, Vice President & Chief Scientific Officer at CK Life Sciences. “Liver cancer is the second most common cause of cancer death in Asia and remains a major unmet medical need. We plan to investigate the PRAME/ PD-L1 dual-targeting cancer vaccines further in liver cancer and other cancer types known to over-express PRAME and PD-L1.”
DETAILS ON POSTER PRESENTATION:
- Abstract 1336: Cancer vaccine co-targeting PRAME and PD-L1 exerts significant tumour growth inhibition in syngeneic mouse hepatocellular carcinoma models
- Authors: Kin-Tak Chan, Chen-Yi Chiang, Chai Ho, Melvin Toh, Hsin-Wei Chen
- Session Date and Time: Saturday, November 4th from 9:00 a.m. – 8:30 p.m. Pacific Standard Time
In this preclinical study, we investigated whether dual-antigen cancer vaccines co-targeting PRAME and PD-L1 could suppress tumour growth in both prophylactic and therapeutic syngeneic mouse hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) models.
Two recombinant fusion protein vaccines comprised of PD-L1 and PRAME with or without GM-CSF were synthesised and formulated with a Toll-like receptor 9 agonist CpG oligodeoxynucleotide and aluminum hydroxide for vaccination. In the prophylactic tumour model study, the vaccines were administrated subcutaneously twice at a two-week interval before implantation of mouse HCC cells expressing PRAME, followed by weekly vaccination. In the therapeutic model study, the vaccines were administrated weekly into the animals after tumour cell implantation. Body weight and tumour volume were measured three times a week.
All mice experienced a recoverable body weight loss without any abnormal behavior or reduction of activity after vaccination. In the prophylactic model (n=10 mice), both fusion protein vaccines significantly inhibited tumour growth, with 76.4% (P<0.01) and 59.5% (P<0.05) tumour growth inhibition (TGI) compared to control group, respectively. Importantly, there were some vaccinated mice without palpable tumour mass at the end of the study. These results were consistent with that found in the therapeutic model study (n = 10 mice), in which both vaccines significantly inhibited tumour growth, with 43.4% (P<0.01) and 40.7% (P<0.05) TGI, respectively, and prolonged animal survival compared to the control group (P<0.01).
The results of this preclinical study clearly highlight the potential of simultaneously targeting PRAME and PD-L1 by fusion protein vaccination in cancer immunotherapy.
DISCLAIMER
This press release may contain forward-looking statements regarding the Group’s research and development projects which may involve risks and uncertainties. Actual results may differ materially from expectations discussed in such forward-looking statements.
All information in this press release is for general reference only and is not intended as investment advice or medical advice. CK Life Sciences Int’l., (Holdings) Inc. does not warrant or represent, express or implied, as to the accuracy, completeness or updated status of such information. No liability will be accepted for any loss or damage howsoever arising from or in reliance upon such information.
REFERENCES
[1] Gradecki S, Slingluff C, Gru A. J Cutan Pathol. PRAME expression in 155 cases of metastatic melanoma.
Accessed at https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/cup.13876.
[2] Oyama K, Kanki K, Shimizu H, Kono Y, Azumi J, Toriguchi K, Hatano E, Shiota G. Gastrointest Tumors. Impact of preferentially expressed antigen of melanoma on the prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma.
Accessed at https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5465675/.
[3] Thongprasert S, Yang PC, Lee J, Soo R, Gruselle O, Myo A, Louahed J, Lehmann F, Brichard V, Coche T. Lung Cancer. The prevalence of expression of MAGE-A3 and PRAME tumor antigens in East and South East Asian non-small cell lung cancer patients.
Accessed at https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27794402/.
[4] Epping M, Hart A, Glas A, Krijgsman O, Bernards R. Br J Cancer. PRAME expression and clinical outcome of breast cancer.
Accessed at https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2527791/.
[5] Ahmad S, Borch T, Hansen M, Andersen M. Cancer Immunol Immunother. PD-L1-specific T cells.
Accessed at https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26724936/.
Hashtag: #CKLifeSciences #CancerVaccines #R&D
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
CK Life Sciences Int’l., (Holdings) Inc.
CK Life Sciences Int’l., (Holdings) Inc. (stock code: 0775) is listed on the Stock Exchange of Hong Kong. Bearing the mission of improving the quality of life, CK Life Sciences is engaged in the business of research and development, manufacturing, commercialisation, marketing, sale of, and investment in, products and assets which fall into three core categories – nutraceuticals, pharmaceuticals and agriculture-related. CK Life Sciences is a member of the CK Hutchison Group. For additional information, please visit www.ck-lifesciences.com.
About PRAME
PRAME is a protein commonly expressed by cancer cells, including melanoma (1), liver cancer (2), lung cancer (3) and breast cancer (4). PRAME contributes to the development and spread of cancer cells, and studies have shown that high levels of PRAME are associated with poor outcomes in cancer patients (2,4). In recent years, researchers have been exploring ways to target PRAME using immunotherapy, such as T-cell therapy and cancer vaccines, as a potential treatment for cancer.
About PD-L1
PD-L1 is a protein expressed by certain immune cells and cancer cells. It plays a role in suppressing anti-cancer immune responses by binding to a receptor called programmed death-1 (PD-1) on T-cells, limiting the activation of T-cells, thereby helping cancer cells evade the immune system. Antibodies that can block the interaction of PD-L1 and PD-1 have been approved for the treatment of certain types of cancer. Recent studies have shown the presence of PD-L1-specific T-cells in both healthy individuals and cancer patients, which suggests that targeting PD-L1 with T-cell therapy or cancer vaccines could be a promising approach for cancer treatment (5).
NoonTalk Media Signs Three Thai Artistes to Tap Growth in Thailand’s Media and Entertainment Market
- Thailand’s entertainment industry is forecast to achieve revenues of USD16.5 billion by 2025, with a CAGR of 4.5% from 2021 to 2025
SINGAPORE – Media OutReach – 1 November 2023 – NoonTalk Media Limited, a Singapore-based media entertainment company specialising in artiste and talent management, multimedia, film and drama production, as well as event conceptualisation and management, is pleased to announce that it has signed on three Thai artistes – Jet, Pentor and Lissa – to capitalise on the buoyant growth of Thailand’s media and entertainment industry.
About the Artistes
Jet (文豪), or Somjet Saejang, is a Chinese actor, model and singer born in Thailand. In 2018, Jet garnered media and public attention during the Tham Luang cave rescue expedition, where he volunteered as an interpreter for the Chinese rescuer teams. He made his acting debut in the 2022 television drama series “Why You… Y Me?”.
Pentor (杨斯维), or Jeerapat Pimarnprom, 24, is a Thai singer, dancer and actor born in Phuket and he speaks fluent Mandarin. He graduated from the Shanghai International Studies University and is a member of the boy group LAZ1 as well as an ambassador for Lazada. Pentor made his solo debut in March 2023 with the digital single “Buzzkill“.
Lissa(李丽莎), or Melissa Ann Wonson, is a 22-year-old Thai-Australian singer and former member of the three-member girl group Hi-U. She graduated from Thailand’s Thammasat University where she studied journalism and mass communication. Lissa made her solo debut in July 2020 with the digital single “Waiting for You“. She was cast in the Thai drama “Destiny Seeker” which debuted in February this year.
Lissa has recently participated in “I Can See Your Voice Thailand“, a variety game show broadcast on Workpoint TV based on the highly popular South Korean programme of the same name.
Mr Dasmond Koh, Chief Executive Officer of NoonTalk Media says, “NoonTalk Media is actively pursuing opportunities within the region and have identified Thailand as one of our key markets. We see immense potential in Thailand, underscored by the increasing popularity of Thai dramas and films in Singapore. Streaming services and social media platforms have played a crucial role in promoting and connecting artistes to a broader audience, resulting in increased recognition of talents on the international stage.”
Hashtag: #NoonTalkMedia
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
TJI Opens New Chapter with Potential Franchises in Australia and the Philippines
Venture into Australia through JV and Potential Franchise
A joint venture company (“JV Company”), which is 49% owned by TJI and 51% owned by ST Group, has been established and the JV Company will be granted the master franchise rights to operate restaurants and associated delivery services under one of the Group’s brands in Australia and New Zealand. In addition, the JV Company will be able to enter into further sub-franchise agreements with other partners to facilitate the Group’s expansion. TJI also retains the right to open and operate self-operated restaurants in the two countries under the TamJai Yunnan Mixian (譚仔雲南米線) and TamJai SamGor Mixian (譚仔三哥米線) brands.
Listed on the Singapore Exchange in 2019, ST Group is an established food and beverage (“F&B”) group headquartered in Australia. It holds the exclusive franchise and licence rights to a diversified portfolio of nine internationally popular brands, including “IPPUDO”, “Gong Cha”, “PappaRich”, “NeNe Chicken”, “Hokkaido Baked Cheese Tart”, etc, with a network of 173 outlets across Australia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom.
ST Group has a proven track record in the F&B markets in Australia, New Zealand and the United Kingdom. By leveraging its solid infrastructure and local know-how, TJI will be able to enter the Australian market at lower initial investment and set up costs, along with reduced risks. ST Group’s expertise in supply chain management, central kitchen and logistics support, identification of restaurant premises and locations, local government liaison and licensing, regulatory compliances, as well as people management, will be instrumental in TJI’s successful entry. The adoption of JV and franchising arrangements will also enable the Group to promote a more scalable business model for rapid expansion and market penetration through ST Group’s established franchise network.
Potential Franchise in the Philippines
In August 2023, the Group entered into a memorandum of understanding and heads of terms with BVCUISINE Inc. (“BVCUISINE”), a subsidiary of the Philippine conglomerate, Suyen Corporation, in relation to the proposed entry into the Philippine market by way of a franchise arrangement. The Group will grant an exclusive license to BVCUISINE to set up and operate restaurants under the Group’s brands in the Philippines.
Suyen Corporation is a Philippine conglomerate that has a strong presence in the fashion and retail sector. It also operates business in the F&B industry, managing the Philippine operations of the Japanese chains “Marugame Udon”, “Maisen” and “St. Marc Cafe”, as well as other brands such as “Patchi” and “Paul Boulangerie”.
Mr. Daren Lau, Chairman, Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of Tam Jai International, said, “Building upon our investment and the development of a strengthened management team over the past year, we are thrilled to embark on an exciting new chapter for TJI with the introduction of a franchising model as we enter the inaugural Western market, Australia, and the Philippines. In particular, our JV partnership with ST Group, an experienced franchised F&B operator in Australia, not only paves the way for a successful and expedited expansion in Australia, but also establishes a strong foundation for future ventures into other Western markets, propelling our mission to bring ‘Tam Jai Taste’ to the world.”
Hashtag: #TamJaiInternational
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About Tam Jai International Co. Limited (HKEX: 2217)
As one of the leading restaurant groups in Hong Kong, TJI has rapidly expanded its network to over 200 stores in markets such as Mainland China, Singapore and Japan, with plans to enter the Australian and the Philippine markets through franchise partnerships. The Group’s portfolio of distinguished brands includes TamJai Yunnan Mixian (譚仔雲南米線) and TamJai SamGor Mixian (譚仔三哥米線). With highly standardised operations, an innovative spirit and an efficient management model, the Group is committed to providing customers with a quality yet affordable dining experience while aiming to bring “Tam Jai Taste” and its distinctive food culture worldwide.
The Group has been listed on The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited (stock code: 02217.HK) since October 2021.
HKBU studies show over half of COVID-19 patients have post-disease syndrome

The study also revealed that patients who took Chinese medicine after COVID-19 infection took a shorter time to test negative in rapid tests, and experienced significant symptom relief compared to patients who did not take Chinese medicine.
The research findings have been published in a number of papers in international academic journals including the Journal of Medical Virology and The American Journal of Chinese Medicine.
HKBU established the “HKBU Chinese Medicine Telemedicine Centre Against COVID-19” in 2021 during the fifth wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in Hong Kong to provide free telemedical services for COVID-19 patients. Making reference to the treatment protocols and clinical experiences in Mainland China, the expert team of HKBU’s School of Chinese Medicine formulated the “Chinese Medicine Clinical Guidelines for COVID-19 in Hong Kong” as the University’s clinical diagnosis and treatment standards for COVID-19. The Telemedicine Centre follows the guidelines to provide diagnosis, treatment, and prevention services to COVID-19 patients, close contacts, and caregivers.
Coughing is the most common early symptom of infection
The HKBU research team led by Professor Bian Zhaoxiang, Director of the Clinical Division at the School of Chinese Medicine, conducted a retrospective study using patient statistics collected by the Telemedicine Centre during the fifth wave of the pandemic. The team analysed the symptoms in the first four weeks of about 13,000 patients who were infected with COVID-19 from mid-March to early May in 2022 and underwent home isolation.
The results showed that 93% of patients experienced at least one symptom. The most common symptoms during the first week of infection were cough (91%), sputum (75%), dry throat (50%) and sore throat (44%). 17% of patients still had these symptoms four weeks after infection. Although the symptoms gradually subsided over time, the prevalence of fatigue increased.
Chinese medicine accelerates viral clearance
Among this batch of patients, the research team selected 311 patients who had taken Chinese medicine for five days within 10 days after diagnosis, and another 311 patients who had not taken any Chine medicine during the same period to evaluate the efficacy of Chinese medicine.
The results showed that patients who took Chinese medicine within 10 days after COVID-19 infection needed an average of seven days to test negative in rapid tests, and experienced an average of four symptoms, which were significantly milder compared to patients who didn’t take Chinese medicine. The average time to test negative for patients who did not take Chinese medicine was eight days, and they experienced an average of 11 symptoms. The results show that Chinese medicine is an effective treatment for COVID-19 infection.
Over half of the patients experience long COVID after six months
The research team conducted a follow-up telephone survey from November 2022 to January 2023 with 6,242 COVID-19 patients who sought medical consultation at the Telemedicine Centre between December 2021 and May 2022 to understand their symptoms and risk factors after six months to a year of infection.
The study found that 55% of patients still experienced at least one long-term symptom, i.e. “long COVID” or “post-COVID syndrome”. The most common symptoms were fatigue (36%), brain fog (34%) and cough (31%). Furthermore, females, middle-aged persons, obese people, those with comorbidities such as ophthalmology or otorhinolaryngology diseases, digestive system diseases, respiratory diseases, hyperlipidemia and cardiovascular diseases, and patients with more initial symptoms were more likely to develop long COVID. However, there was no significant correlation between taking three or more doses of vaccine and the occurrence of long COVID.
Professor Bian said: “HKBU established the Telemedicine Centre during the COVID-19 outbreak to provide free treatments for COVID-19 patients. We analysed the Centre’s data to deepen the medical community’s understanding of the symptoms during the early and middle stages of COVID-19 infection as well as the post-COVID syndrome. It allows the public to understand the effectiveness of Chinese medicine in treating COVID-19. The study also shows that the tele-services of Chinese medicine can be an important component of Hong Kong’s healthcare and disease prevention system.”
To address the issues of long COVID, Professor Bian’s team has initiated a series of clinical and basic research, including a survey of COVID-19 patients with diabetes and a clinical trial conducted in collaboration with other partners to investigate the efficacy, safety and action mechanism of senlingcao oral liquid in treating long COVID fatigue. These projects aim to further explore the impact of COVID-19 and its treatment options.
Hashtag: #COVID #LongCOVID #postCOVIDsyndrome
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
Thai Government Offers Monetary Incentive for Workers to Return from Israel, Citing Safety Concerns
The bodies of 11 Thai citizens landed in Thailand on 1 November, shortly after midnight. They were killed in the Hamas-Israel conflict.
Greater Bay Airlines launches Manila – Hong Kong scheduled service in November 2023

A major commercial and business centre in the Asia Pacific region, Hong Kong is a vibrant city for travellers from all over the world. Hong Kong is a very popular destination for shopping and dining, attending large-scale events ranging from arts and culture to sports and entertainment, as well as visiting various fascinating tourist attractions. Many people will travel to other Mainland China cities via Hong Kong for business and leisure purposes. Hong Kong is also one of the busiest destinations for the people of the Philippines as many of them are working and living in the city.
To mark the launch of the Manila – Hong Kong service, a number of promotion offers will be rolled out to different customer groups such as staff of trade organisations, group travellers and Filipinos working in Hong Kong. Prices of roundtrip tickets for flights departing Manila start from USD50 (applicable taxes and fuel surcharges are not inclusive). For booking and enquiries, please contact GBA Manila Office (email: mnlservice@greaterbay-airlines.com; tel: +632 7753 5823).
The flight schedule of GBA’s Manila – Hong Kong service is as follows:
Flight No. | From | To | Departure/ Arrival |
Days of Week |
HB232 | Manila | Hong Kong | 0300/0510 | Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday |
HB231 | Hong Kong | Manila | 2350/0200+1 | Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday |
The new route is operated by Boeing 737-800 aircraft with an all-economy configuration.
To book a trip, customers may visit the GBA website (www.greaterbay-airlines.com), GBA mobile app or contact GBA Manila Office.
Based in Hong Kong, GBA commenced scheduled service in July 2022 and is currently operating flights to Bangkok, Taipei, Seoul, Tokyo, Osaka and Ho Chi Minh City. For more information, please visit www.greaterbay-airlines.com.
Hashtag: #GreaterBayAirlines
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Tanoto Foundation Collaborates with INSEAD to Support Renovation of Learning Facilities at Asia and Europe Campuses
- Foundation supports redevelopment of Tanoto Research and Learning Hub at INSEAD Asia Campus in Singapore and Euro-Asia Centre at INSEAD Europe Campus with donation of €3.5 million (S$5.1 million)
- Gift underscores Tanoto Foundation’s support to develop next generation of leaders in Asia
SINGAPORE – Media OutReach – 1 November 2023 – Tanoto Foundation today announced the inauguration of the Tanoto Research and Learning Hub (TLRH) at the Asia Campus of leading global business school INSEAD. The Foundation’s support for the new state of the art learning facility in Singapore is part of its efforts to help develop the next generation of leaders working across both East and West.
This follows the recent opening last month of the newly renovated Euro-Asia Centre (EAC) at the INSEAD Europe Campus in Fontainebleau, France. The redevelopment of the learning facilities at the two campuses was supported by a donation of €3.5 million (S$5.1 million) from Tanoto Foundation to INSEAD.
INSEAD is one of the world’s leading business schools with campuses in France, Singapore, the Middle East and the U.S. The school offers Master in Management (MIM), MBA, Global Executive MBA, Executive Master of Finance, Executive Master in Change, as well as executive education programmes, which are consistently ranked among the best in the world. INSEAD has 66,641 alumni, of whom about 20% are from countries in Asia, including Singapore.
The redevelopment of the Tanoto Research and Learning Hub in Singapore and the Euro-Asia Centre in Fontainebleau is designed to provide students with effective platforms and the resources to spur further innovation and research. The donation is the latest milestone in a partnership between INSEAD and Tanoto Foundation that goes back more than 40 years.
Anderson Tanoto, Member of the Board of Trustees, Tanoto Foundation, said: “We have chosen to support these initiatives because of our belief and confidence in INSEAD and its leadership, and because of the alignment in values between our two institutions, particularly our belief in the importance of lifelong learning. Both INSEAD and Tanoto Foundation strongly believe in the transformative power of education and in the importance of building closer ties between Asia and Europe”.
Professor Francisco Veloso, Dean of INSEAD, said: “On behalf of the INSEAD community, I would like to express my thanks to the Tanoto Foundation for their unwavering support and trust in INSEAD. This generous contribution will transform the learning ecosystems at our campuses into models of innovation and learning, fostering the growth of future business leaders and inspiring our dedicated faculty and staff.”
The Tanoto Research and Learning Hub (TRLH) has been revamped to provide a flexible design, using sustainable resources, to enable students to focus on shared learning and access to data. Specific improvements include integrated smart library technology, access to powerful financial databases and a new staircase inspired by the Centre Pompidou in Paris.
The Euro-Asia Centre (EAC) was established by INSEAD as a teaching facility in 1982, with the support of industrial partners including Tanoto Foundation, to strengthen ties between the school and Asia. The EAC has been renovated with enhanced sustainability and future-readiness. The renovation is in line with the wider renewal of INSEAD’s Europe Campus and will adhere to strict French sustainability standards.
The main hall at the new EAC – the biggest and most frequented space in the Centre at close to 500m in size – has been named ‘The Tanoto Foyer’. Also, in recognition of Tanoto Foundation’s commitment to INSEAD, the Amphi 1 lecture hall in the Plessis Mornay Building, another major learning centre on campus, has been renamed the ‘Tanoto Foundation Amphitheatre’.
For over 40 years, the Tanoto family has been a patron and partner of INSEAD. The family’s support for the EAC was among the first joint initiatives between the family and INSEAD, when the school was just beginning its expansion to Asia. The Tanoto family continued to play a significant role in INSEAD’s growth in Asia, providing generous funding for the school’s Asia campus from 2003.
Hashtag: #TanotoFoundation
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About Tanoto Foundation:
Tanoto Foundation is an independent philanthropic organisation founded in 1981 by Sukanto Tanoto and Tinah Bingei Tanoto based on the belief that every person should have the opportunity to realise his or her full potential. Tanoto Foundation programmes stem from the belief that quality education accelerates equal opportunity. We harness the transformative strength of education to realise people’s full potential and improve lives. Tanoto Foundation focuses on making an impact in three main areas: improving learning environments, future leader’s development, as well as medical research and sciences.
More information is available at www.tanotofoundation.org/en/.