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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

New Cases of Covid-19 Confirmed as Second Wave Continues

Covid Cases 28 April

Laos has confirmed another 93 cases of Covid-19 today across the nation as the second wave continues.

Champasack Considers Converting Detention Facility to Field Hospital

A dention facility in Champasack may be used as a field hospital

Authorities in Champasack may convert a prison into a field hospital to accommodate people infected with Covid-19 as cases in the province rise.

Advanced Energy Introduces Ultra-Small, High Power Density DC-DC Converter for Telecommunications and Data Communications Applications

New AVD200-48S12 delivers superior power density in a small form factor, shrinking power conversion footprint to significantly increase available PCB space for critical functions

 

DENVER, COLORADO – Media OutReach – 28 April 2021 – Advanced Energy (Nasdaq: AEIS) – a global leader in highly engineered, precision power conversion, measurement, and control solutions – today expanded its market-leading family of 48 V input DC-DC power converters with a new ultra-small design. Featuring almost twice the power delivery in an industry standard footprint, the AVD200-48S12 is ideally suited for 5G digital communications modules, power-over-ethernet, and optical network applications in telecommunications and data communications.

Delivering superior power density in a small form factor, the AVD200-48S12 increases operational efficiency by cutting power-conversion losses while reducing overall system costs. By shrinking the footprint required for power conversion, available printed circuit board (PCB) space is significantly increased for other critical application functions needed in telecom and datacom equipment.

“Printed circuit board real estate has always been in high demand and short supply, even more so today with power-hungry 5G network applications,” said Joe Voyles, vice president and general manager, industrial and power conversion products at Advanced Energy. “Our new AVD200-48S12 power converter helps customers solve their most complex power conversion challenges and packs premium power with up to 200 W output in a 1/16th brick.”

The newly launched Artesyn AVD200-48S12 is a telecom-grade isolated sixteenth (1/16th) brick DC-DC converter with a power rating of 200 W with power-over-ethernet isolation. With an input voltage range of 36 to 75 VDC (Voltage Direct Current), this standard footprint converter packs nearly double the power in the same form factor as Artesyn’s AVD120 120 W, 1/16th brick converter, and delivers equivalent power to Artesyn’s AVO200 200 W, 1/8th brick, but in half the size.

The AVD200-48S12 features a high efficiency rating of over 94.2 percent and provides 48 V input to regulated, 12 V output power conversion, ideal for use as the input to down-stream, non-isolated conversion stages. With built-in open-frame and baseplate construction, with the option of through-hole or surface mount options, the unit provides customers with the option of either forced-air fan cooling or contact-cooling of an application or heatsink.

For detailed product information and technical specifications, visit the AVD200-48S12 product web page and the product data sheet.

About Advanced Energy

Advanced Energy (Nasdaq: AEIS) is a global leader in the design and manufacturing of highly engineered, precision power conversion, measurement and control solutions for mission-critical applications and processes. AE’s power solutions enable customer innovation in complex applications for a wide range of industries including semiconductor equipment, industrial, manufacturing, telecommunications, data center computing and healthcare. With engineering know-how and responsive service and support around the globe, the company builds collaborative partnerships to meet technology advances, propel growth for its customers and innovate the future of power. Advanced Energy has devoted more than three decades to perfecting power for its global customers and is headquartered in Denver, Colorado, USA. For more information, visit www.advancedenergy.com.

Advanced Energy | Precision. Power. Performance.

#AdvancedEnergy