The Department of Information, Culture, and Tourism of Vientiane Capital is expediting its preparations to welcome a higher influx of foreign visitors during Laos’ ASEAN Chairmanship and as part of Visit Laos Year 2024.
Laos Attends ASEAN Air Chiefs Conference Hosted by Myanmar
Laos and five other ASEAN member states attended a high-level gathering of air force delegations hosted by Myanmar on 12 September.
Witnesses Say Victims of Hanoi High-Rise Fire Jumped From Upper Stories to Escape Blaze

HANOI, Vietnam (AP) — Ten children were among the 56 people killed in a blaze in a Hanoi high-rise, police said Thursday, which some residents desperately tried to escape by jumping out of upper stories, according to witnesses.
M&L Healthcare’s First MedTech Investment Receives FDA Approval Following Successful US Trials
Revolutionary limb saving procedure set to benefit patients with Chronic Limb-Threatening Ischemia, typically caused by Type 2 Diabetes
SINGAPORE – Media OutReach – 15 September 2023 – M&L Healthcare, in its first major MedTech investment, has announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted premarket approval (PMA) of the LimFlow System – a revolutionary therapy providing limb-saving treatment for patients with Chronic Limb-Threatening Ischemia (CLTI). The approval comes after successful outcomes in the PROMISE II Pivotal trial in the United States, recently published in the New England Journal of Medicine.
The LimFlow System for Transcatheter Arterialization of Deep Veins (TADV) is designed to re-establish blood flow in deep veins for “no-option” CLTI patients. It is the first and only FDA-approved device for TADV and provides no-option CLTI patients with access to a minimally invasive treatment.
Type 2 diabetes is a major cause of CLTI, a condition that affects millions of people globally. The United States alone witnesses approximately 150,000 ischemic amputations each year, resulting in healthcare costs of over US$95 billion. LimFlow’s therapy was developed to offer a limb-saving procedure to patients with incurable CLTI. The minimally invasive LimFlow is designed to bypass blocked arteries in the leg and deliver oxygenated blood back into the foot via the veins in CLTI patients who are facing major amputation and have exhausted all other therapeutic options. Given the high personal and social implications of amputation, as well as the alarming mortality rate of CLTI patients (approximately one in five amputees die within one year*), the availability of the LimFlow System marks a significant milestone.
Dr. Steven Kum, Chief Medical Officer for M&L Healthcare, and a Vascular Surgeon, shared his thoughts on this achievement:
“We are thrilled that the LimFlow System has received FDA approval for the LimFlow System this week. This breakthrough therapy has already achieved several significant milestones out of the work done in US, Europe and Singapore including the first-in-man procedure which was performed by the Vascular Team in Changi General Hospital Singapore. LimFlow has revolutionized the treatment of CLTI, aiding in wound healing and preventing debilitating amputations. It grants patients a second chance and potentially enhances their life span and quality of life. Considering Type 2 diabetes is the major cause of CLTI globally, the availability of LimFlow is crucial for improved patient outcomes.”
LimFlow overcame numerous hurdles, navigating the complexities of conducting clinical trials during the COVID-19 pandemic. Recognizing the significance of bringing this life-changing therapy to fruition, M&L Healthcare proactively provided the clinical support and necessary funds to mitigate the unexpected additional costs to ensure the clinical trial stayed on track.
Reflecting on the achievement, Ms. Jocelyn Kum, Executive Director of M&L Healthcare, expressed her confidence in M&L Healthcare’s capabilities as an investment partner, stating, “Our contribution to LimFlow’s success is a testament to the dedication and business acumen that M&L Healthcare brings to the table.”
“Statistics show that only 1% of MedTech devices cleared for the US market in 2021 were novel and required pre-market approval, with the rest cleared via the 510(k) pathway. M&L recognized the early clinical and investment value of LimFlow and established itself as a reliable partner, demonstrating the financial stability and determination required to support investments throughout the challenging journey to success.”[1]
The LimFlow journey to date
Established in Germany in September 2012, the LimFlow System was supported by Paris-based accelerator fund, MD Start I. By November 2012, LimFlow embarked on its first animal study under then-acting CEO, Mr. Tim Lenihan, a partner in MD Start I.
MD Start approached Dr Kum and together with CLTI expert Roberto Ferraresi, the team sought to develop a percutaneous procedure for Deep Venous Arterialization, leveraging their extensive clinical and engineering experience.
Dr. Kum played a critical role in the development of the LimFlow technology and procedure, performing one of many cadaver studies in Singapore. In July 2014, he performed the first-in-human trial in Singapore with the purpose built Crossing Catheters and Valvulotome and subsequently completed a seven-patient pilot study with a 100% technical success rate. The results of the pilot study were promising with all primary safety endpoints met. 6 of 7 patients had avoided major amputations at 6 months and their wounds healed by an average of 4 months.
In September 2014, LimFlow closed its Series A funding round, with M&L Healthcare as the lead investor. Now, a decade later, LimFlow stands apart as a game-changer in the field of medical technology. Having participated in all financing rounds since Series A, M&L Healthcare and Dr. Steven Kum have been integral to LimFlow’s successful journey, pioneering a life-changing solution for CLTI. Unlike many medical devices which optimize existing solutions, LimFlow has addressed a significant, unmet need in CLTI, an area historically considered as a graveyard for technological advancements.
What’s Next for LimFlow
In March 2023, a significant milestone was reached when LimFlow’s US pivotal trial results were published in the New England Journal of Medicine. The six-month outcomes exhibited a limb salvage rate of 76% where over three-quarters of participants kept their leg, avoided amputation, and experienced progressive wound healing LimFlow previously received Breakthrough Designation from the FDA and the results substantially surpassed the FDA’s performance target. This publication in the prestigious New England Journal of Medicine underscores the transformational potential of the LimFlow System for patients desperately in need.
LimFlow successfully obtained Conformitè Europëenne (CE) Mark in October 2016 and is currently available commercially in Europe. FDA pre-market approval on 11 September2023.
Building on these outstanding trial results and regulatory approvals in major markets, LimFlow is now gearing up for commercialisation in the US, the EU, and the UK, with plans for subsequent worldwide distribution.
For more information about LimFlow, visit www.limflow.com
Patient testimonies
Case study 1
Case study 2
Case study 3
Updated 13 Jan 2022
US FDA 510(k) Approvals 2021
Updated 4 Jan 2022
Hashtag: #M&LHealthcare #LimFlow #MedTech #Diabetes
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About M&L Healthcare
M&L Healthcare Investments is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Singapore-based Kum family, one of the pioneers in the Singapore shipping sector and a global investor in hospitality. Leveraging off over 40 years of business experience and entrepreneurial spirit spanning across several different sectors, M&L Healthcare aspires to be a leading life sciences company of the future.
Led by Executive Director, Ms Jocelyn Kum, and Chief Medical officer, Dr Steven Kum, M&L Healthcare made its first investment in LimFlow Medical Technology in 2014. M&L Healthcare Investments has since participated in various financing rounds with investments in Europe, United States and Asia Pacific valued in excess of US$150 million.
M&L Healthcare Investments is a subsidiary of the diversified M&L Group, which is valued at approximately US$2.5 billion. The group includes M&L Hospitality, M&L Shipping, and M&L Healthcare and Alternatives. With growing investments across various sectors, M&L Healthcare is poised to benefit from the group’s extensive international network and strong investment acumen. This positions M&L Healthcare for significant growth.
Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet Visits China on His First Official Trip Abroad

BEIJING (AP) — Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet arrived in Beijing on Thursday on his first official trip abroad since taking office last month. The visit demonstrates his country’s warm relations with China, Cambodia’s closest political and economic ally.
Lao Kip Drops to Record Low, Breaches 20,000 to US Dollar
The Lao kip has continued to depreciate against foreign currencies, reaching a historic low today in international markets.
Successful Wolbachia Bacteria Project in Laos Shows Promise for Mosquito Population Control
The Wolbachia bacteria project under the Ministry of Health concluded its five-month experiment earlier this month and will now carry on to its next phase of result evaluation until 2025.
The “Asian Games Letterbox” Singapore Stop Concludes with Success
Less than two weeks before the opening of the 19th Asian Games Hangzhou 2022, a young participant in the “Asian Games Letterbox” Singapore stop wrote down her heartfelt wishes for the Games and the athletes, “I wish the Asian Games Hangzhou 2022 will be successfully organized, and every athlete will achieve triumph on the field.”
As the first Asian stop beyond China, back on July 22nd, H.E. Ms. Sun Haiyan, Chinese Ambassador to Singapore, attended the prelude sports meeting of the “Asian Games Letterbox” Singapore stop, lending her support to this vibrant celebration of the Asian Games Hangzhou 2022.
At present, the “Asian Games Letterboxes” strategically positioned at prominent locales in Singapore, such as Merlion Park, Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay, Clarke Quay, and Gardens by the Bay, have been officially unveiled, swiftly capturing the enthusiastic participation of local residents, overseas compatriots, and Chinese in Singapore.
Every individual who joins this event is adorned with smiles, as they inscribe their heartfelt aspirations and sincere sentiments for the upcoming Asian Games Hangzhou 2022 in both Chinese and English upon postcards. These well-wishes are then placed within the letterboxes, destined to be conveyed back to China.
Amidst the exquisitely designed letterheads adorned with heartfelt blessings, the “Global Insights” microphones were handed to passersby on the streets of Singapore. A local student from Hangzhou, presently enrolled at Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, expressed, “I am delighted to witness my hometown hosting the Asian Games Hangzhou 2022. I hope that through this Asian Games, more friends from different countries will get to know China and Hangzhou.”
Singapore is also brimming with anticipation for this Asian Games. It is reported that Singapore will dispatch its largest-ever delegation, consisting of a remarkable 431 athletes, to participate in the Asian Games Hangzhou 2022 across 32 different sporting disciplines. Of the 431 athletes, 336 athletes will be making their debut at the Asian Games, with the youngest being the 14-year-old synchronized swimmer, Li Jiaxuan, and the most senior participant being the 60-year-old Go player, Kang Zhanbin. This shows Singapore’s profound regard for the Asian Games Hangzhou 2022, and the local residents have conveyed their hopes for the event during interviews.
“The Asian Games Hangzhou 2022 will be an unparalleled celebration, and I hope Singaporean athletes will collaborate with their Chinese counterparts to staging wonderful games for the spectators on the field. While I may not have the opportunity to personally attend and cheer for the athletes at the event, I have already learned on the Internet what a beautiful city Hangzhou is. I hope that one day I can sit by the West Lake, taste the West Lake Fish in Vinegar Gravy, and drink Longjing tea.”
Just as the blessings and aspirations conveyed through the “Asian Games Letterbox”, athletes from various countries, traveling from afar, arrive in Hangzhou not only with a resolute determination to excel but also with a mission of fostering friendly exchanges. Likewise, the spectators from different places worldwide will shower these sportsmen and women with the most heartfelt applause.
The Asian Games Hangzhou 2022 is not just a mere sporting competition; it serves as a bridge that connects China with other nations through the medium of sports. People of different nationalities, ethnicities, and beliefs will be closely connected and united through this event, marching hand in hand towards a brighter future. Through the Asian Games Hangzhou 2022, the world will undoubtedly gain deeper insights into China’s future trajectory, and China, in turn, will contribute its strength to the future of Asia and the globe.
Hashtag: #AsianGamesLetterbox
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.






