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Han Ji-hyun of SBD Entertainment, Wholly-Owned By Spackman Entertainment Group’s Associated Company, Spackman Media Group, Awarded Best Rookie Female Actor In The 2021 Brand Customer Loyalty Awards In Korea

Han Ji-hyun of SBD Entertainment, who starred in popular K-drama PENTHOUSE, won the Best Rookie Female Actor in the 2021 Brand Customer Loyalty Awards in Korea

 

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach – 29 April 2021 Spackman Entertainment Group Limited (“Spackman Entertainment Group” or the “Company” and together with its subsidiaries, the “Group“), one of Korea’s leading entertainment production groups, wishes to announce that Han Ji-hyun of SBD Entertainment Inc. (“SBD Entertainment“), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Group’s associated company, Spackman Media Group Limited, was awarded the Best Rookie Female Actor in the 2021 Brand Customer Loyalty Awards in Korea.

The Brand Customer Loyalty Awards in Korea is held annually by the Korean Customers Council. The purpose of the event is to recognize brands that have the most influence on popular culture and society based on consumer research. U.S. consulting firm Brand Keys collaborated with the Korean Customers Council to identify and determine the winners. Brand Keys was involved in finalizing the winners for the past six years.

During this month, Han Ji-hyun of SBD Entertainment was featured alongside Lee Young-dae as twins from their roles in popular K-drama PENTHOUSE in the pictorial for Gucci in W Korea magazine.

Other than Han Ji-hyun, SBD Entertainment also represents Son Suk-ku who shall be starring in OTT media service Watcha’s original content, UNFRAMED PROJECT.

About Spackman Entertainment Group Limited

Spackman Entertainment Group Limited (“SEGL” or the “Company“), and together with its subsidiaries, (the “Group“), founded in 2011 by Charles Spackman, is one of Korea’s leading entertainment production groups. SEGL is primarily engaged in the independent development, production, presentation, and financing of theatrical motion pictures in Korea. According to Variety, Korea was the world’s fourth largest box office market in 2019, behind only North America, China and Japan.

The Group also invests into and produces Korean television dramas. In addition to our content business, we also own equity stakes in entertainment-related companies and film funds that can financially and strategically complement our existing core operations. SEGL is listed on the Catalist of the Singapore Exchange Securities Trading Limited under the ticker 40E.

Production Labels

SEGL’s wholly-owned Zip Cinema Co., Ltd. (“Zip Cinema“) is one of the most recognised film production labels in Korea and has originated and produced some of Korea’s most commercially successful theatrical films, consecutively producing 10 profitable movies since 2009 representing an industry leading track record. Recent theatrical releases of Zip Cinema’s motion pictures include some of Korea’s highest grossing and award-winning films such as CRAZY ROMANCE (2019), DEFAULT (2018), MASTER (2016), THE PRIESTS (2015), COLD EYES (2013), and ALL ABOUT MY WIFE (2012). For more information on Zip Cinema, do visit http://zipcine.com

SEGL also owns Novus Mediacorp Co., Ltd. (“Novus Mediacorp“), an investor, presenter, and/or post-theatrical distributor for a total of 79 films (58 Korean and 21 foreign) including ROSE OF BETRAYAL, THE OUTLAWS and SECRETLY, GREATLY, which was one of the biggest box office hits of 2013 starring Kim Soo-hyun of MY LOVE FROM THE STARS, as well as FRIEND 2: THE GREAT LEGACY. In 2012, Novus Mediacorp was also the post-theatrical rights distributor of ALL ABOUT MY WIFE, a top-grossing romantic comedy produced by Zip Cinema. In 2018, THE OUTLAWS, co-presented by Novus Mediacorp broke the all-time highest Video On Demand (“VOD“) sales records in Korea. For more information on Novus Mediacorp, do visit http://novusmediacorp.com.

The Company owns a 100% equity interest in Simplex Films Limited (“Simplex Films“) which is an early stage film production firm. The maiden film of Simplex Films, JESTERS: THE GAME CHANGERS (2019), was released in Korea on 21 August 2019. Simplex Films has several line-up of films including HURRICANE BROTHERS (working title).


The Company owns a 100% equity interest in Take Pictures Pte. Ltd. (“Take Pictures“) which produced STONE SKIPPING (2020) and THE BOX (2021), and shall release GUARDIAN (working title) in 2021 tentatively.


The Company owns a 100% equity interest in Greenlight Content Limited (“Greenlight Content“) which is mainly involved in the business of investing into dramas and movies, as well as providing consulting services for the production of Korean content. Through the acquisition of Greenlight Content, the Group’s first co-produced drama, MY SECRET TERRIUS, starring top Korean star, So Ji Sub, achieved #1 in drama viewership ratings for its time slot and recorded double digits for its highest viewership ratings. Greenlight Content was one of the main investors of MY SECRET TERRIUS.


The Company owns a 20% equity interest in The Makers Studio Co. Ltd., which plans to produce and release four upcoming films, the first of which will be THE ISLAND OF THE GHOST’S WAIL, a comedy horror film.

Our films are theatrically distributed and released in Korea and overseas markets, as well as for subsequent post-theatrical worldwide release in other forms of media, including online streaming, cable TV, broadcast TV, IPTV, video-on-demand, and home video/DVD, etc. We release all of our motion pictures into wide-theatrical exhibition initially in Korea, and then in overseas and ancillary markets.

Talent Representation

The Company holds an effective shareholding interest of 43.88% in Spackman Media Group Limited (“SMGL“). SMGL, a company incorporated in Hong Kong, together with its subsidiaries, is collectively one of the largest entertainment talent agencies in Korea in terms of the number of artists under management, including some of the top names in the Korean entertainment industry. SMGL operates its talent management business through renowned agencies such as MSteam Entertainment Co., Ltd. (Son Ye-jin, Lee Min-jung, Ko Sung-hee), UAA&CO Inc. (Song Hye-kyo, Yoo Ah-in, Park Hyung-sik), Fiftyone K Inc. (So Ji Sub, Ok Taec-yeon), SBD Entertainment Inc. (Son Suk-ku), and Kook Entertainment Co., Ltd. Through these full-service talent agencies in Korea, SMGL represents and guides the professional careers of a leading roster of award-winning actors/actresses in the practice areas of motion pictures, television, commercial endorsements, and branded entertainment. SMGL leverages its unparalleled portfolio of artists as a platform to develop, produce, finance and own the highest quality of entertainment content projects, including theatrical motion pictures, variety shows and TV dramas. This platform also creates and derives opportunities for SMGL to make strategic investments in development stage businesses that can collaborate with SMGL artists. SMGL is an associated company of the Company.

The Company owns a 100% equity interest in Constellation Agency Pte. Ltd. (“Constellation Agency“). Constellation Agency, which owns The P Factory Co., Ltd. (“The P Factory“) and Platform Media Group Co., Ltd. (“PMG“), is primarily involved in the business of overseas agency for Korean artists venturing into the overseas market. The P Factory is an innovative marketing solutions provider specializing in event and branded content production. PMG is a talent management agency which represents and manages the careers of major artists in film, television, commercial endorsements and branded entertainment.

Strategic Businesses

The Company owns a 100% equity interest in Frame Pictures Co., Ltd. (“Frame Pictures“). Frame Pictures is a leader in the movie/drama equipment leasing business in Korea. Established in 2014, Frame Pictures has worked with over 25 top

directors and provided the camera and lighting equipment some of Korea’s most notable drama and movie projects including ITAEWON CLASS (2020), HOW TO BUY A FRIEND (2020), KIM JI-YOUNG, BORN 1982 (2019), FOUR MEN (2019) and ASADAL CHRONICLES (2019).

We also operate a café-lounge called Upper West, in the Gangnam district of Seoul and own a professional photography studio, noon pictures Co., Ltd.

For more details, do visit http://www.spackmanentertainmentgroup.com/

#SpackmanEntertainmentGroup

Asian Development Bank Predicts Positive Economic Growth for Laos

Laos Economic Growth

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) projects positive growth for the economy of Laos despite the effects of the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic.

Callsign survey reveals over half of consumers do not act on standard fraud warnings

Despite consumers’ complacency, 94% still expect proactivity from the online companies or services they use when there is a risk of fraud

 

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach – 29 April 2021 – New research by digital identity pioneer, Callsign, has found that the majority of efforts organizations make to educate customers about potential fraud risks are not working. While most respondents said they read fraud warning messages (86%); of those who did claim they had seen warnings, 58% said they had not done anything different as a result.

13% stated that they do not look at them at all and just closed the window. Of those who read them, 28% said they are unable to recall what they say. Further, 17% of consumers remember what the messages say but haven’t subsequently changed their online behaviour.

While many people simply ignore fraud warnings, the study also found that 94% of consumers still expect proactivity from online companies or services they use when there is a risk of fraud. In addition, consumers want to be warned about fraud when they are online: this includes when shopping (66%), online banking (64%) or using an online service (60%).

However, only 18% of those surveyed strongly agree when asked if the companies and services they use online do a good job protecting them against fraud. So, whilst consumers expressed a desire for organizations to keep them safe, trust to do so is low.

It is therefore unsurprising that 76% of respondents said they would like the choice to opt in or out of being sent fraud warning messages if they had the choice.

“At first glance, our research suggests consumers want to make their own decisions around the risks they take, choosing to opt in or out of receiving fraud alerts, even ignoring them when they are delivered. However, there is a disconnect between the safety these warnings are supposed to bring and the poor user experience they cause – hence they are perceived as a nuisance,” explained Amir Nooriala, chief commercial officer, Callsign.

Callsign solutions make digital lives easier and secure by using deep learning techniques to combine event, threat, and behavioural analytics with multi-factor authentication. By providing real time risk intelligence, Callsign enables banks and online retailers to intelligently adjust authentication journeys and improve the customer experience while simultaneously catching fraudulent activity. A white paper explaining this can be downloaded from here.

Of the 94% of respondents who expected online companies and services to be proactive when they are at risk of fraud; 41% wanted organizations to send a warning message and ask additional security questions before they could do anything else, to check that they fully understood the situation.

However, respondents are very specific when it comes to the different scenarios in which they would like to receive those warnings, such as if a website is insecure (52%), making an online payment or money transfer (42%), setting up a new account (38%) and logging onto an app or online (38%).

“A blanket messaging approach is not an effective way to educate and elicit the right behaviour or response from consumers. Banks and online services must consider the psychology around how and when individuals consume fraud messages. Timeliness is key, you must get the alert in front of people at the exact moment they are at risk of fraud. Without this, banks will continue to spend huge amounts of money on fraud prevention messaging that will never have an impact,” added Richard Shotton, co-author of the Callsign ‘Wild, wild web – Preventing online scams’ report and author of The Choice Factory.

“The research demonstrates that when organizations attempt to protect their customers through education during the user journey, if it’s not delivered in a timely manner, people circumvent it to achieve the most frictionless experience. This presents an opportunity for organizations who do this well to win the digital trust of their customers. Passive behavioural authentication solutions and well-timed, effective messaging must go hand in hand to create the most trusted, secure and frictionless customer journey possible,” said Namrata Jolly, General Manager Asia Pacific, Callsign.

Editor’s notes

All figures, unless otherwise stated, are from Vitreous World Limited. The total sample size was 1,500 adults, of which 500 were in the UK, 500 were in the US, 250 were in Hong Kong and 250 were in Singapore. Fieldwork was completed on 12th January 2021. The survey was carried out online.

About Callsign

Callsign is pioneering the global network for identification. We solve challenges that organizations face in getting their users on to and interacting with their digital platforms easily and securely. We provide solutions to some of the world’s largest banks and offer “bank-grade” identification to public and private sector clients of all sizes. Callsign’s Intelligence Driven Authentication recognizes users by combining deep learning insights with personalized and contextual customer journeys. As a result, users can get on with their digital lives whilst businesses improve customer engagement, increase productivity and reduce the risk of fraud.

To learn more about Callsign and how it is helping provide a replicable blueprint for businesses around the globe to intelligently protect against threats in real-time in any region where fraud occurs, visit: https://www.callsign.com/

#Callsign

Stephen Chew acquires NextLifeBook – A Company Offering Free Digital Memories, Will Generator, to Further Strengthen His Group of Business.

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach – 29 April 2021 – Stephen Chew, founder of Summit Planners has acquired a startup, NextLifeBook to further strengthen his group of businesses.

Inspired by an extraordinary vision, Stephen and his team provides a one-stop integrated financial service that works in conjunction with professionals and institutions to provide clients with business and financial solutions.

Mr Stephen Chew, founder of Summit Planners, says: “The deal will support the vision to assist our clients to achieve their financial goals during their lifetime and after death – having worked closely with the NextLifeBook team at their inception, we are delighted to have brought them into the Summit Planners family, which will further enhance the digital services offered to our existing clients and new clients regionally, in estate planning and beyond.”

The cash deal will see Lee Yong Ceih assuming the role of Director for NextLifeBook, and as a strategic part of the acquisition, users of NextLifeBook will get access to the resources in the Summit Planners network.

“We are grateful to our users and partners on board for their support as we grew the business during the Covid-19 pandemic,” said Lee Yong Ceih, Director of NextLifeBook. “We are looking to bring our unique and sustainable business models and deliver cashflow via positive unit economics into Summit Planners existing lines of businesses, and deliver phenomenal client growth and value for the Summit Planners team,” he added.

About NextLifeBook

Conceptualized over the years, and after a chance meeting with a prominent Wills & Trusts company & insurance broker in Singapore later, Next Life Book Pte Ltd was founded in 2019.

NextLifeBook is a patent-pending Freemium service that provides a Will Generator and platform for users to deliver lasting memories — text, pictures, voice, videos, flowers, gifts — to their loved ones in the event that after passing on.

#NextLifeBook

About Stephen Chew

In 1987, Stephen Chew completed his ACCA at the age of 21! In the same year he started lecturing in the Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Singapore (ICPAS) majoring in management accounting, advanced accounting and Singapore taxation. Till date, Stephen has trained more than 30,000 people on financial services related topics. As a tax practitioner, Stephen has worked as a tax consultant in both international auditing firms and MNCs.

As an author, Stephen has written five books which two were mainly marketed to students preparing for the professional accountancy examinations. The other three books “Taxation Relevant to Insurance Practitioner”, “Estate Planning Relevant to Financial Advisors” and “Planning for Business Owners and Professional” were well received by the financial services industry.

Stephen specializes in Corporate Risk Management and Estate Planning. On the area of Corporate Risk Management, Stephen has been involved in designing solution for business owners to minimize risk, with particular emphasis on risk avoidance, risk prevention and risk transfer.

In the area of Estate Planning, Stephen assists many individuals (both Muslim and non-Muslim) to plan for their estate, and in particular the provision of immediate expenses upon death, the preservation of estate, the enhancement of estate and most importantly the distribution of estate.

This Ramadan, UNHCR calls for solidarity with those hit hardest by the global pandemic

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach – 29 April 2021 – As the Islamic world enters the holy month of Ramadan, UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, urges greater support for millions of refugees and internally displaced people hit hardest by the COVID-19 pandemic.

People forced to flee their homes must be included on an equal footing in global vaccination programmes and economic recovery plans. Greater efforts are also needed to address their educational needs, mental health and psychosocial welfare, child protection risks, and in preventing and responding to gender-based violence.

“At this time of deep reflection and generosity, our solidarity with the world’s forcibly displaced is needed more than ever,” said Filippo Grandi, the UN High Commissioner for Refugees. “In the spirit of solidarity during the Holy Month, I’m appealing for greater support for vulnerable people.”

Around 85 per cent of the world’s refugees are hosted in low- and middle- income countries that are facing financial challenges and often have fragile health systems. As a result of the pandemic, refugees and the displaced have lost livelihoods and been thrust into extreme poverty, with disastrous and far-reaching consequences.

UNHCR estimates that three in four refugees worldwide can only meet half or less of their basic needs. Families have cut spending on food, are no longer able to pay rent, have fallen deeper into debt, or have been forced to stop children from attending lessons, even where schools have remained open.

Coinciding with the holy month of Ramadan, UNHCR has launched the “Every Second Counts” global fundraising campaign. Donations received as Zakat, Sadaqah, or general giving can ease the burden for forcibly displaced families that are away from home and their loved ones.

“Together we can help refugees and the internally displaced have a roof over their heads, a warm meal for iftar, clean water, and hope for a better and safer future,” said Grandi.

Financial support is urgently needed for UNHCR to continue providing life-saving assistance and support to vulnerable families, orphans, single mothers, and older people.

The campaign will also provide funds for UNHCR’s regular programming and help meet the mounting needs caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Campaign video: https://youtu.be/xOd5kcObpqo

About UNHCR

UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, leads international action to protect people forced to flee their homes because of conflict and persecution. We deliver life-saving assistance like shelter, food and water, help safeguard fundamental human rights, and develop solutions that ensure people have a safe place to call home where they can build a better future. We also work to ensure that stateless people are granted a nationality.

#UNHCR

About the Ramadan Campaign

Every year, UNHCR appeals to the public during the month of giving and generosity to help raise awareness and funds for refugees and internally displaced people in need. ‘Every Second Counts’ is UNHCR’s third global Ramadan campaign, and focuses on the incredible impact individuals can create within seconds, in the lives of refugee and displaced families whose lives turned upside down within moments and who have been forced to flee their homes in search of safety. The campaign aims to raise US$10 million globally, through donations including Zakat and Sadaqah, to help provide lifesaving support such as shelter, food, clean water and monthly cash assistance, to the most vulnerable refugee and internally displaced families from Syria, Iraq, Yemen, Afghanistan, Nigeria, countries in the Sahel region, and Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh.

Maruhan Launches Fund for Medical Frontliners

In light of the second wave of Covid-19 in Laos, MARUHAN Japan Bank today announced its initiative to support medical frontliners and volunteers in battling the scourge of this pandemic.

HDBank keeps raising its performance bar

HO CHI MINH CITY, VIETNAM – Media OutReach – 28 April 2021 – This is the first year of a five-year plan for HDBank and a busy one for its whole eco-system as it plans to undertake many more activities to enable it to reach new heights in all aspects, Nguyen Thi Phuong Thao, HDBank’s deputy chairwoman, has said.

Speaking at the AGM which was held on April 23, Thao also said that the Bank also plans some major programmes and projects for reforming business strategy, HR development, digital transformation, and enhancing co-operation with partners.

“We will also constantly connect with strategic partners, large corporate customers, foreign-invested firms, and small and medium-sized enterprises at home and abroad to expand our business network in the domestic and international markets.

“New strategic investors will join HDBank to jointly expand trade finance programmes, develop investment banking and other advanced financial services.”

HDBank is committed to continuing to bring shareholders and investors the highest possible value and benefits, and would maintain its large and regular dividends of past years, she promised.

With its solid foundations, outstanding performance and transparency meeting the highest international standards, the Bank is willing to walk hand in hand with shareholders and investors towards new successes and benefits, she said.

Thao said HDBank has achieved terrific growth in the 30-odd years since its establishment with total assets, equity and financial indicators basically growing by around 10 times, and return on equity ratio always being above 20 per cent.

It is one of the eight largest commercial banks in Vietnam and among the leading companies in the VN30 basket on the stock market, she said.

“In 2020 HDBank went through the pandemic bravely, attesting to the capacity of a large and strong bank with flexible responses in all circumstances, and achieved its highest profit so far. It can be safely said that HDBank has never before had such a solid financial foundation, strength, great position, and resilience as it has today.”

The bank has all the conditions required to realise new and bigger goals and visions in its new development strategy during the next five years (2021-2025).

In 2020 the bank paid dividends of up to 65 per cent, raised funds through convertible bonds, fulfilled a plan to add US$160 million to tier 2 capital, and was ready for M&A for 2021.

CERTAINTY Sheds Light on Parkinson’s Disease And Its Impact On Activities Of Daily Living

KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA – Media OutReach – 28 April 2021 – As we age, the possibility of Parkinson’s Disease becomes real. It is common that people affected by this disease are not aware of its impact and how to manage its symptoms effectively and confidently. In conjunction with World Parkinson’s Day this April, CERTAINTY would like us to take some time to understand how this neurological disease can significantly impact the lives of the people it affects, especially when it comes to Activities of Daily Living (ADL).

Today, there are more than 20,000 Malaysians diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease and this number is only expected to rise as we move towards becoming an ageing nation.

Due to this decrease in dopamine, a Parkinson’s patient’s movements are affected, resulting in common symptoms like tremors or trembling in the hands, arms, legs, jaw or head; stiffness or rigidity in the limbs and body; unusually slow movement; and impaired balance and coordination.

Those affected find it difficult to start or stop moving, and control fine movements like gripping a pen and writing, as well as being prone to falling, making it challenging for them to carry out ADL. Their facial expressions can also become stiff, affecting their ability to communicate non-verbally. All these symptoms initially manifest subtly, e.g. the person might find it just a bit more difficult to get out of a chair or their bed, but will eventually progress if left untreated.

In addition, those living with Parkinson’s disease might experience symptoms like difficulty in chewing, swallowing and speaking; mood changes like depression and apathy; sleep problems; skin problems; cognitive issues; constipation; and urinary problems like incontinence.

All of these symptoms can have a profound impact on the patient’s quality of life.

Managing Parkinson’s

Although the cause of Parkinson’s disease is still unknown and there is no cure for the condition, there are a number of treatments that can help patients control their symptoms for a better quality of life. These include medication, surgery and supportive therapy[1].

There are a variety of medicines available to treat Parkinson’s disease. Some are used during the early stages of the disease, while some are prescribed for the more advanced stages. The drugs can be quite effective in controlling the symptoms of the disease, but will eventually lose their effect over time.

The surgical option available for advanced Parkinson’s patients who do not respond well, or have stopped responding, to medication is deep brain stimulation. This is where electrodes are placed in certain parts of the brain and linked to a neurostimulator (also known as a brain pacemaker) in the chest, which generates electrical impulses to help control the symptoms of the disease.

Supportive therapies like physiotherapy, occupational therapy and speech therapy, plus lifestyle modifications like exercise and dietary changes, can also help to ease the symptoms of this condition.

Physiotherapy can help a Parkinson’s patient maintain their independence by providing them with techniques to deal with movement issues, e.g. when getting in and out of bed, a chair or a car, as well as strength and balance training to help with movement difficulties and preventing falls. A physiotherapist will also be able to tailor an exercise and fitness programme for the patient.[2]

Meanwhile, occupational therapy provides practical advice and methods for patients to carry out their ADL, while coping with symptoms like tremors, anxiety, fatigue and difficulty in communicating. Among the ways an occupational therapist can help those with Parkinson’s are demonstrating different methods of accomplishing daily tasks, like buttoning up a shirt or putting on make-up; recommending practical changes to the house or furniture arrangement to take into account their symptoms; and helping the patient develop strategies to cope with ADL that might become more difficult as their disease progresses in the future.[3]

For patients in the early stages of Parkinson’s, a speech therapist will help them maintain their ability to communicate for as long as possible. In the more advanced stages of the disease, the therapist will be able to suggest techniques and tools to help ease communication. In addition, speech therapy also helps the patient with eating problems like difficulty chewing and swallowing, or drooling. This form of therapy also provides tips to caregivers and family members of the patient on how best to communicate with the patient, as well as warning signs of when the patient may be experiencing eating difficulties.[4]

While exercise is an important part of a healthy lifestyle, it is of particular importance to those with Parkinson’s disease, as it helps them maintain their balance, mobility and ability to perform ADL.[5] The earlier a Parkinson’s patient starts a regular exercise routine, the longer they will be able to maintain a better quality of life and delay progression of their symptoms. While there is no one “right” workout regime for Parkinson’s patients, each person should ensure that they cover the fitness elements of strength training, aerobic activity, flexibility, agility and balance for the best results. Tai chi and yoga in particular have been shown to help with balance, flexibility and mobility in patients with Parkinson’s.[6]

When it comes to diet, there is no one food or combination of foods that have been proven to help with Parkinson’s disease. However, simple modifications to what a patient eats can help to alleviate some of the symptoms they are experiencing. For example, constipation can be ameliorated by increasing the amount of fibre in one’s diet and by drinking lots of water, while low blood pressure and its accompanying symptoms like dizziness upon standing up, can be managed by increasing the amount of salt in one’s diet and eating small, regular meals. For patients with difficulty eating, their foods might have to be softer in texture, while also nutrient-rich to ensure that they are getting sufficient nutrition.

There are also various aids available that can help to make life a little easier for Parkinson’s patients. For example, walking sticks, walking frames, grab rails and handrails can help with moving around outside or inside the house, including while using the toilet or shower. Satin or silk sheets or pyjamas can help patients slide onto and out of bed more easily. There are also all kinds of modified eating and kitchen utensils, like spoons, forks, cups, plates, bowls and non-slip table mats, that can help make eating easier for a Parkinson’s patient. Other simple modifications include putting rubber bands around items to provide a better grip and using magnets or Velcro instead of buttons on clothes.

Urinary incontinence

One other symptom of Parkinson’s disease that can have a major impact on quality of life is urinary incontinence, where the patient is unable to fully control the passing out of their urine. This is due to the disruption in communication between the brain and the bladder due to low dopamine levels.

The types of urinary incontinence Parkinson’s patients might experience are urge incontinence and nocturia.[7] Urge incontinence occurs when a person gets that urgent need to urinate, but is unable to control themselves from urinating before they get to the toilet. Meanwhile, nocturia is the abnormally frequent need to get up and pass urine during the night while you are asleep.

As can be imagined, urinary incontinence can have a negative impact on a person’s mental and social health. It is not unusual for such persons to experience feelings of shame, embarrassment, social isolation, loneliness and loss of control, as well as body image issues. The lack of ability to control their urination will cause them to limit their social activities outside the house for fear of wetting themselves unintentionally, resulting in social isolation and loneliness. They also tend to reduce or stop working out as high-impact exercises can lead to involuntary leakage of urine. These issues are further compounded when the person is also struggling with other symptoms of Parkinson’s disease, and can lead to mental health issues like depression and anxiety.

Urinary incontinence can also be difficult to deal with for caregivers. The financial burden of continence care, the relationship changes that happen and the social isolation enforced upon them can affect the caregiver negatively.[8]

Fortunately, urinary incontinence is a manageable condition.

For a start, the patient can “train” their bladder by establishing a regular routine of going to the toilet, e.g. after every meal. They should avoid drinking any beverages starting two hours before bedtime, as well as minimise their intake of caffeine, gassy drinks and alcohol as these can stimulate urine production. Wearing clothes that have less buttons or zips, and can be easily removed quickly, can also help Parkinson’s patients who struggle with both difficulty in movement and urinary incontinence.

In addition, there are various products available for those with urinary incontinence to help manage their condition. These include bed pads, mattress protectors, male incontinence sheaths, and incontinence pads and pants.

Products like CERTAINTY’s adult diapers, in particular, are specially designed based on the level of mobility and level of urinary incontinence a person has, which is especially relevant for those with both Parkinson’s disease and urinary incontinence.

Based on their ADL care concept, which has six levels (ADL 0-5), CERTAINTY helps users to choose the right type of adult diaper based on their level of mobility. Currently, there are four different types of CERTAINTY adult diapers. The CERTAINTY DryPants and CERTAINTY SuperPants cater to those who can walk or move around independently or with minimal walking aids respectively. Meanwhile, the CERTAINTY MaxPants are for those who require assistance moving around, while the CERTAINTY Tape is specially designed for bedridden patients.

Through understanding their customers and the general needs of Malaysians, CERTAINTY strives to provide viable solutions to incontinence and eliminate the social stigma of using adult diapers. Families and caretakers are now able to take care of incontinence needs, while feeling secure and confident about living a healthy life again.

With its tagline “For Everyday Confidence“, CERTAINTY believes its range of adult diapers created based on the ADL care concept will allow both caretakers and people with incontinence issues to live independently and confidently. For more information on the ADL care concept, please visit www.certainty.com.my or the CERTAINTY Facebook page at www.facebook.com/certaintymalaysia.

The reviews and opinions expressed here are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Disposable Soft Goods Sdn Bhd.


[1] Treatment: Parkinson’s disease (UK National Health Service)

[2] Physiotherapy (Parkinson’s UK)

[3] Occupational therapy (Parkinson’s UK)

[4] Speech and language therapy (Parkinson’s UK)

[5] Exercise (Parkinson’s Foundation)

[6] 6 Medication-Free Ways to Feel Better with Parkinson’s Disease (Johns Hopkins Medicine)

[7] Parkinson’s and Bladder Problems (Bladder and Bowel Community)

[8] The Impact of Urinary Incontinence on Older Adults and Their Caregivers (Journal of Aging Life Care)

About Disposable Soft Goods

Disposable Soft Goods (DSG) started its operations in Malaysia with the setting up of Disposable Soft Goods (M) Sdn Bhd in October 1995, a company involved in the distribution of disposable baby and adult diapers. In July 1999, DSG set up its manufacturing plant, DSG (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd, in Glenmarie, Shah Alam, Selangor. In 2013, DSG shifted to a fully integrated warehouse and manufacturing facilities located at Teluk Panglima Garang, Kuala Langat, Selangor.

On 26 September 2018, Unicharm Corporation, a leading Japanese international company that manufactures disposable hygiene products, specialising in baby diapers, adult incontinence care, feminine hygiene, pet care and clean & fresh, acquired DSGT and its subsidiaries, including DSG Malaysia. The management team of Unicharm and DSG has since been working collaboratively to accelerate the growth of DSG’s business.

From a start-up with a total workforce of only 57 employees, the company has grown and expanded its business operations to a workforce of more than 350 employees in 2020. DSG’s key brands are CERTAINTY for adult diapers, PetPet and Fitti for baby diapers.

#CERTAINTY