KUALA LUMPUR, April 30 (Bernama) -- A cybersecurity solutions provider, DACTA and Heimdal have forged a strategic partnership, aimed at bringing Heimdal's advanced cybersecurity solutions to the Asia Pacific (APAC) region.
According to a statement, this collaboration represents a key initiative in DACTA's plans to expand its presence and offerings in APAC, while exploring potential business expansion opportunities for both companies.
“Our collaboration with Heimdal marks a strategic step towards enhancing cybersecurity resilience in the APAC region.
“We are excited to bring Heimdal's world-class solutions to our markets and look forward to exploring further avenues for innovation and growth together,” said DACTA Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Dr Benjamin Xie.
Meanwhile, Heimdal CEO, Morten Kjaersgaard said this partnership represents an important opportunity for the company to expand its global footprint and is confident that DACTA's expertise in the APAC market will be instrumental in bringing its advanced cybersecurity solutions to a wider audience.
This alliance will leverage DACTA's established network and market insights in the APAC region to introduce Heimdal's state-of-the-art cybersecurity solutions, with the primary goal to address the growing demand for robust digital protection in one of the fastest-growing markets for cybersecurity services.
By bringing Heimdal's solutions to APAC, DACTA aims to offer a new level of security effectiveness and operational efficiency to businesses and government agencies in the region, which aligns with the rising need for advanced cybersecurity measures in the face of evolving digital threats.
The partnership extends beyond the immediate distribution of solutions with both companies committed to exploring further business expansion opportunities, potentially leading to the development of new market strategies and collaborations in cybersecurity innovation.
Furthermore, this strategic alliance is set to make a significant impact in the APAC cybersecurity landscape, demonstrating both DACTA's and Heimdal's commitment to providing top-tier digital protection and exploring new frontiers in cybersecurity.
-- BERNAMA
Tuesday 30 April 2024
DACTA, HEIMDAL TEAM UP TO EXPAND APAC'S ADVANCED CYBERSECURITY SOLUTIONS
Friday 26 April 2024
NEW ZEALAND’S TOWER CREDIT RATINGS AFFIRMED EXCELLENT - AM BEST
KUALA LUMPUR, April 26 (Bernama) -- Global credit rating agency, AM Best has affirmed New Zealand’s Tower Limited (Tower) financial strength rating of A- (Excellent) and the long-term issuer credit rating of “a-” (Excellent).
In a statement, AM Best said these credit ratings (ratings) which have a stable outlook, reflected Tower’s balance sheet strength, was assessed as very strong, as well as its adequate operating performance, neutral business profile and appropriate enterprise risk management.
Tower’s balance sheet strength assessment is underpinned by its risk-adjusted capitalisation, which was at the very strong level at fiscal year ending September 2023, as measured by Best’s Capital Adequacy Ratio.
AM Best expects Tower’s risk-adjusted capitalisation to remain at least at the very strong level over the medium term. Despite a reduction in fiscal year (FY) 2023, the company’s regulatory solvency margin is expected to grow over the medium term under the Interim Solvency Standard, supported by internal retention of earnings.
Tower’s operating performance is assessed as adequate, demonstrated by a five-year weighted average return-on-equity (ROE) ratio of 4.2 per cent (FY 2019-2023), in which operating earnings were driven largely by technical performance coupled with modest investment income.
However, the company reported a 0.4 per cent decrease in ROE ratio and a net combined ratio of 103.2 per cent in FY2023, mainly due to two large weather events, the Auckland Anniversary Weekend floods and Cyclone Gabrielle.
The company’s expense ratio, which stood at approximately 29 per cent in FY2023, is expected to decrease over the medium term as the company grows its premium base and improves efficiency through information technology (IT) transformation.
AM Best expects Tower to report positive underwriting and operating results over the medium term, supported by appropriate risk selection, pricing and positive investment returns.
A medium-size non-life insurer that operates predominantly in New Zealand, with some operations in the Pacific Islands, Tower’s core product offerings are domestic home and motor insurance, typically distributed through direct channels and partnerships.
-- BERNAMA
In a statement, AM Best said these credit ratings (ratings) which have a stable outlook, reflected Tower’s balance sheet strength, was assessed as very strong, as well as its adequate operating performance, neutral business profile and appropriate enterprise risk management.
Tower’s balance sheet strength assessment is underpinned by its risk-adjusted capitalisation, which was at the very strong level at fiscal year ending September 2023, as measured by Best’s Capital Adequacy Ratio.
AM Best expects Tower’s risk-adjusted capitalisation to remain at least at the very strong level over the medium term. Despite a reduction in fiscal year (FY) 2023, the company’s regulatory solvency margin is expected to grow over the medium term under the Interim Solvency Standard, supported by internal retention of earnings.
Tower’s operating performance is assessed as adequate, demonstrated by a five-year weighted average return-on-equity (ROE) ratio of 4.2 per cent (FY 2019-2023), in which operating earnings were driven largely by technical performance coupled with modest investment income.
However, the company reported a 0.4 per cent decrease in ROE ratio and a net combined ratio of 103.2 per cent in FY2023, mainly due to two large weather events, the Auckland Anniversary Weekend floods and Cyclone Gabrielle.
The company’s expense ratio, which stood at approximately 29 per cent in FY2023, is expected to decrease over the medium term as the company grows its premium base and improves efficiency through information technology (IT) transformation.
AM Best expects Tower to report positive underwriting and operating results over the medium term, supported by appropriate risk selection, pricing and positive investment returns.
A medium-size non-life insurer that operates predominantly in New Zealand, with some operations in the Pacific Islands, Tower’s core product offerings are domestic home and motor insurance, typically distributed through direct channels and partnerships.
-- BERNAMA
ACCACIA RAISES US$6.5 MLN PRE-A FUNDING TO EXPAND DECARBONISATION OPERATIONS
KUALA LUMPUR, April 26 (Bernama) -- Accacia has closed a US$6.5 million pre-Series A round led by Illuminate Financial, a specialist venture capital (VC) firm focused on enterprise fintech companies building solutions for the financial services industry. (US$1=RM4.77)
In a statement, Accacia said Southeast Asia based AC Ventures also participated in this round, alongside continued support from early backers Accel and B Capital.
“This funding comes at a crucial juncture as the Securities & Exchange Commission (SEC) and Singapore Exchange (SGX) have announced regulations on carbon emissions’ reporting, underscoring the urgent need for comprehensive and real-time climate risk data.
“We have already deployed our solution to over 25 metre square feet of real estate and are poised to leverage this opportunity and scale globally,” said Accacia Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Annu Talreja.
Meanwhile, Illuminate Financial Partner, Rezso Szabo said: “Measuring and managing climate risks has become imperative for large financial institutions especially on real estate which is one of the most significant and most affected asset classes in their portfolio.
“With Annu’s background and industry experience in real estate, we felt Acacia is the right fit to take on a leading position in the global real estate decarbonisation market and are pleased to partner with the Accacia team.”
Real estate and construction activity contribute to about 40 per cent of global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. The sector lacks robust tools to measure climate risks and define decarbonisation pathways.
Accacia’s tech platform integrates with existing Property Management, Energy Management and Procurement systems to automate real-time data capturing and tracking, making it the quickest and most affordable solution for real estate companies on their path to net zero.
Founded in 2022 by INSEAD alumni Talreja along co-founders Piyush Chitkara and Jagmohan Garg, Accacia offers an artificial intelligence (AI)-enabled Software as a Service (SaaS) platform that helps real estate asset managers, owners and developers track their emissions, and design their decarbonisation journey.
-- BERNAMA
In a statement, Accacia said Southeast Asia based AC Ventures also participated in this round, alongside continued support from early backers Accel and B Capital.
“This funding comes at a crucial juncture as the Securities & Exchange Commission (SEC) and Singapore Exchange (SGX) have announced regulations on carbon emissions’ reporting, underscoring the urgent need for comprehensive and real-time climate risk data.
“We have already deployed our solution to over 25 metre square feet of real estate and are poised to leverage this opportunity and scale globally,” said Accacia Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Annu Talreja.
Meanwhile, Illuminate Financial Partner, Rezso Szabo said: “Measuring and managing climate risks has become imperative for large financial institutions especially on real estate which is one of the most significant and most affected asset classes in their portfolio.
“With Annu’s background and industry experience in real estate, we felt Acacia is the right fit to take on a leading position in the global real estate decarbonisation market and are pleased to partner with the Accacia team.”
Real estate and construction activity contribute to about 40 per cent of global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. The sector lacks robust tools to measure climate risks and define decarbonisation pathways.
Accacia’s tech platform integrates with existing Property Management, Energy Management and Procurement systems to automate real-time data capturing and tracking, making it the quickest and most affordable solution for real estate companies on their path to net zero.
Founded in 2022 by INSEAD alumni Talreja along co-founders Piyush Chitkara and Jagmohan Garg, Accacia offers an artificial intelligence (AI)-enabled Software as a Service (SaaS) platform that helps real estate asset managers, owners and developers track their emissions, and design their decarbonisation journey.
-- BERNAMA
Thursday 25 April 2024
EIG'S MIDOCEAN ENERGY COMPLETES STAKE PURCHASE IN PERU LNG
KUALA LUMPUR, April 24 (Bernama) -- MidOcean Energy (MidOcean), a liquefied natural gas (LNG) company formed and managed by EIG, announced the completion of its previously announced agreement to acquire SK earthon’s (SK) 20 per cent interest in Peru LNG (PLNG), owner and operator of the first LNG export facility in South America.
MidOcean Energy Chief Executive Officer, De la Rey Venter in a statement said: “The completion of this investment is an important milestone in our efforts to create a global, diversified and resilient portfolio of LNG assets. As the only LNG export facility in South America, PLNG is uniquely positioned in the global marketplace.
“PLNG also plays an important role in providing gas and LNG to customers in Peru. We look forward to a strong partnership with the PLNG co-venturers and our work towards sustaining PLNG’s positive impact for many years to come.”
PLNG, operated by Hunt Oil Company, is one of only two LNG production facilities in Latin America, located in Pampa Melchorita, 170 kilometre south of Lima.
The completion of this transaction follows MidOcean’s recent announcement of a strategic investment by Mitsubishi Corporation and the completion of its acquisition of Tokyo Gas Co Ltd’s interests in a portfolio of Australian integrated LNG projects.
Morgan Stanley acted as exclusive financial advisor to MidOcean on the transaction while Latham & Watkins acted as legal advisor.
Headquartered in Washington, D.C., EIG is a leading institutional investor in the global energy and infrastructure sectors, specialises in private investments in energy and energy-related infrastructure on a global basis.
-- BERNAMA
Fusion Of Arts & Cultures: Discover China's Changjiang Via Fashion Show
KUALA LUMPUR, April 23 (Bernama) -- A fashion show, "Rendezvous with Changjiang" produced by Changjiang Li Autonomous County of Hainan Province and esteemed designers, showcased the beauty of Changjiang, Hainan and China to the world, recently.
Held at the closing ceremony of the Fashion Week of the 2024 China International Consumer Products Expo, the show featured a runway decorated with elements such as Changjiang red silk-cotton tree and bamboo rafts; Li brocade and pottery, immersing the audience in the unique natural beauty and cultural richness of Changjiang.
Fashion designers also creatively incorporated Changjiang's cultural elements into their designs, blending traditional aesthetics with modern design art to produce a series of national specialty fashions, offering a vivid illustration of its cultural excellence.
As the largest high-quality consumer products exhibition in the Asia Pacific region, the expo provided a platform for more than 4,000 brands from 71 countries and regions this year, which has deepened exchanges and cooperation in economics, trade, and culture.
According to officials from the Convergence Media Center of Changjiang in a statement, the county has been collaborating with Expo's Fashion Week for the third consecutive year, demonstrating its commitment to showcasing Changjiang's culture globally.
Moreover, in March this year, "cowhide stool", Changjiang's provincial-level intangible cultural heritage, was exhibited at the "Bonjour Chine, Soleil Hainan" International Image Exhibition and Hainan Tourism and Cultural Promotion Event in Paris, France, and has attracted significant attention from French audiences and international media.
-- BERNAMA
Tuesday 23 April 2024
REVOLUTIONARY SCIENTISTS HONORED FOR ADVANCEMENTS IN GENE THERAPY FOR NEUROMUSCULAR DISEASES AND RNA DISCOVERIES: KING FAISAL PRIZE LAUREATES IN MEDICINE, PROFESSOR JERRY MENDELL, AND IN SCIENCE, PROFESSOR HOWARD CHANG, AWARDED
During its 46th session, King Faisal Prize Recognized Other Outstanding Figures in the Fields of Islamic Studies, and Service to Islam
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, April 23 (Bernama-GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- During the 46th session of King Faisal Prize on April 22, exceptional accomplishments in the fields of gene therapy for neuromuscular diseases and groundbreaking RNA discoveries were acknowledged. Professor Jerry Mendell was awarded the Medicine Prize for his groundbreaking contributions to the screening, early diagnosis, and treatment of neuromuscular disorders, notably spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) and Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). Professor Howard Chang received the Science Prize for unveiling the intrinsic role of long non-coding RNAs in gene regulation and function, a previously overlooked area of study.
Through innovative gene therapy approaches, Professor Mendell, the Director of Gene Therapy Center at Nationwide Children’s Hospital and Curran Peters Chair in Pediatric Research, has revolutionized treatment strategies, offering hope to countless patients worldwide.
Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), once considered a leading genetic cause of infant mortality, has seen a paradigm shift in treatment due to Professor Mendell's pioneering efforts. By utilizing gene therapy to deliver crucial genes to affected cells, he has significantly improved outcomes for patients, leading in 2019 to the first-ever FDA-approved gene therapy treatment for pediatric SMA patients (Zolgensma®).
In addition to his work in SMA, Professor Mendell's research has extended to Duchenne muscular dystrophy and limb-girdle muscular dystrophy, showcasing the versatility and efficacy of gene therapy in addressing a spectrum of neuromuscular conditions. Genetic mutations in Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) patients hinder the production of dystrophin, a crucial protein for muscle health. While initial symptoms primarily affect skeletal muscles, DMD progresses to impact cardiac and respiratory functions. Gene therapy offers a solution by addressing this genetic anomaly, allowing the body to produce dystrophin and halt muscle degeneration. In June 2023, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved the first treatment for pediatric DMD patients aged 4-5, utilizing a pioneering gene therapy co-developed by Professor Mendell and Professor Louise Rodino-Klapac, a former post-doctoral researcher in Mendell's lab. This therapy involves a single injection, delivering a micro-dystrophin gene within an adeno-associated virus serotype (AAVrh74), facilitating the transfer of missing or corrected genes to cells.
He has played a significant role in clinical trials targeting different forms of Limb-Girdle Muscular Dystrophy (LGMD), characterized by muscle weakness affecting the shoulders, upper arms, hips, and upper legs. One study particularly concentrated on LGMD2B, demonstrating that a single injection of a gene therapy vector effectively restored damaged muscle fibers, mitigating degeneration, and improving muscle function.
Professor Mendell boasts a portfolio of more than 400 published papers, a testament to his prolific contributions to the field. In acknowledgment of his achievements, he was honored with election to the National Academy of Medicine in 2021. The American Society of Gene and Cell Therapy bestowed upon him the prestigious Translational Science Award named in his honor. Furthermore, in 2017, Science Magazine recognized his groundbreaking work in SMA Gene Therapy with the esteemed Breakthrough Achievement Award. His accolades also include numerous other awards and invitations to deliver honorary lectures at esteemed institutions.
In his acceptance speech during the ceremony, Professor Mendell said, “The principles of the award that reflect King Faisal’s intent to relieve human suffering are consistent with my own views and lifetime achievements. I have done everything I could do to improve the quality and prolong life for patients afflicted with neuromuscular diseases.”
On the frontier of molecular biology, Professor Howard Chang, a physician-scientist and Professor of Dermatology and Genetics, and Virginia and D.K. Ludwig Professor of Cancer Research at Stanford University, has been awarded King Faisal Prize for Science in Biology. Professor Chang's elucidation of the role of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in gene regulation has revolutionized our understanding of cellular processes and disease mechanisms.
Through innovative genome-wide methodologies, Professor Chang has uncovered the intricate interplay between lncRNAs and gene expression, shedding light on fundamental biological processes underlying development, cancer, and aging. Despite not encoding proteins, lncRNAs are crucial for controlling the timing and amount of protein production, impacting the overall function and behavior of cells.
Within each human cell, a remarkable feat of organization unfolds: 2 meters of DNA are tightly packed into a nucleus merely 10 microns in size. This dense packaging renders most of the DNA inaccessible, except for the active DNA elements crucial to the cell’s functioning and reading. Identifying these accessible elements unveils invaluable insights into the cellular "software." His groundbreaking techniques lie in mapping chromatin—the substance constituting chromosomes, comprised of DNA and associated proteins governing genome structure and gene expression. This has provided unprecedented insights into the regulatory mechanisms governing gene expression, paving the way for novel therapeutic interventions and precision medicine approaches. One technique is the Assay of Transposase Accessible Chromatin, employing the Tn5 transposase enzyme to efficiently copy and paste DNA. This revolutionary technique has yielded a million-fold enhancement in sensitivity and a hundred-fold improvement in mapping speed for regulatory DNA—the epigenome—in human cells.
As the founder of the RNA Medicine Program at Stanford University, Professor Chang continues to spearhead efforts to translate RNA science into tangible clinical applications, furthering the promise of RNA-based therapeutics in treating a wide range of diseases. Prof. Chang’s honors include the NAS Award for Molecular Biology, Outstanding Investigator Award of the National Cancer Institute, Paul Marks Prize for Cancer Research, Judson Daland Prize of the American Philosophical Society, and the Vilcek Prize for Creative Promise. His work was honored by the journal Cell as a Landmark paper over the last 40 years and by Science as “Insight of the decade”.
In his acceptance speech during the ceremony, Professor Chang said, “Our research asked a basic question: how do cells decide when and where to switch different genes on? How do these decisions get passed over time? Our studies led us to a new class of RNAs, called long noncoding RNAs, that help cells remember their cell fates. Our understanding of the gene switches led to an understanding of how inherited genetic differences cause disease, especially immune diseases. This understanding also helped to tackle mutations that arise in cancer.”
In addition to honoring advancements in medicine and science, King Faisal Prize also recognized exemplary contributions in Islamic Studies and Service to Islam. Professor Wael Hallaq, among the top 500 scholars in Islamic Studies globally, was awarded the Islamic Studies prize for his groundbreaking contributions in guiding the development of Islamic legislation and challenging the narrative of closing of the gate of ijtihad - interpreting Islamic texts - gained prominence, reshaping accepted paradigms in the field.
The Japan Muslim Association and Mr. Mohammad El Sammak were honored for their exemplary leadership in serving Islam and humanity. The Japan Muslim Association is a pioneering Islamic organization for Japanese Muslims, renowned for its historic translation of the Holy Quran into Japanese, and its defense of Muslims’ affairs in Japan. And, Mr. Mohammad El Sammak, a pioneer in dialogue and bridge-building between different faiths, has made a lasting impact in interfaith dialogue over five decades. He was awarded for his effective contributions to conferences exploring Islam's relationship with other beliefs and his leadership in institutions dedicated to tolerance and peace.
King Faisal Prize for Arabic Language & Literature for 2024 on the topic of “Non-Arab Institutions and their Endeavors to Promote Arabic” was withheld due to nominated works not elevating to the criteria of the prize.
Since 1979, King Faisal Prize in its 5 different categories has awarded 295 laureates who have made distinguished contributions to different sciences and causes. Each prize laureate is endowed with USD 200 thousand; a 24-carat gold medal weighing 200 grams, and a Certificate inscribed with the Laureate’s name and a summary of their work which qualified them for the prize.
Attachments
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, April 23 (Bernama-GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- During the 46th session of King Faisal Prize on April 22, exceptional accomplishments in the fields of gene therapy for neuromuscular diseases and groundbreaking RNA discoveries were acknowledged. Professor Jerry Mendell was awarded the Medicine Prize for his groundbreaking contributions to the screening, early diagnosis, and treatment of neuromuscular disorders, notably spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) and Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). Professor Howard Chang received the Science Prize for unveiling the intrinsic role of long non-coding RNAs in gene regulation and function, a previously overlooked area of study.
Through innovative gene therapy approaches, Professor Mendell, the Director of Gene Therapy Center at Nationwide Children’s Hospital and Curran Peters Chair in Pediatric Research, has revolutionized treatment strategies, offering hope to countless patients worldwide.
Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), once considered a leading genetic cause of infant mortality, has seen a paradigm shift in treatment due to Professor Mendell's pioneering efforts. By utilizing gene therapy to deliver crucial genes to affected cells, he has significantly improved outcomes for patients, leading in 2019 to the first-ever FDA-approved gene therapy treatment for pediatric SMA patients (Zolgensma®).
In addition to his work in SMA, Professor Mendell's research has extended to Duchenne muscular dystrophy and limb-girdle muscular dystrophy, showcasing the versatility and efficacy of gene therapy in addressing a spectrum of neuromuscular conditions. Genetic mutations in Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) patients hinder the production of dystrophin, a crucial protein for muscle health. While initial symptoms primarily affect skeletal muscles, DMD progresses to impact cardiac and respiratory functions. Gene therapy offers a solution by addressing this genetic anomaly, allowing the body to produce dystrophin and halt muscle degeneration. In June 2023, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved the first treatment for pediatric DMD patients aged 4-5, utilizing a pioneering gene therapy co-developed by Professor Mendell and Professor Louise Rodino-Klapac, a former post-doctoral researcher in Mendell's lab. This therapy involves a single injection, delivering a micro-dystrophin gene within an adeno-associated virus serotype (AAVrh74), facilitating the transfer of missing or corrected genes to cells.
He has played a significant role in clinical trials targeting different forms of Limb-Girdle Muscular Dystrophy (LGMD), characterized by muscle weakness affecting the shoulders, upper arms, hips, and upper legs. One study particularly concentrated on LGMD2B, demonstrating that a single injection of a gene therapy vector effectively restored damaged muscle fibers, mitigating degeneration, and improving muscle function.
Professor Mendell boasts a portfolio of more than 400 published papers, a testament to his prolific contributions to the field. In acknowledgment of his achievements, he was honored with election to the National Academy of Medicine in 2021. The American Society of Gene and Cell Therapy bestowed upon him the prestigious Translational Science Award named in his honor. Furthermore, in 2017, Science Magazine recognized his groundbreaking work in SMA Gene Therapy with the esteemed Breakthrough Achievement Award. His accolades also include numerous other awards and invitations to deliver honorary lectures at esteemed institutions.
In his acceptance speech during the ceremony, Professor Mendell said, “The principles of the award that reflect King Faisal’s intent to relieve human suffering are consistent with my own views and lifetime achievements. I have done everything I could do to improve the quality and prolong life for patients afflicted with neuromuscular diseases.”
On the frontier of molecular biology, Professor Howard Chang, a physician-scientist and Professor of Dermatology and Genetics, and Virginia and D.K. Ludwig Professor of Cancer Research at Stanford University, has been awarded King Faisal Prize for Science in Biology. Professor Chang's elucidation of the role of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in gene regulation has revolutionized our understanding of cellular processes and disease mechanisms.
Through innovative genome-wide methodologies, Professor Chang has uncovered the intricate interplay between lncRNAs and gene expression, shedding light on fundamental biological processes underlying development, cancer, and aging. Despite not encoding proteins, lncRNAs are crucial for controlling the timing and amount of protein production, impacting the overall function and behavior of cells.
Within each human cell, a remarkable feat of organization unfolds: 2 meters of DNA are tightly packed into a nucleus merely 10 microns in size. This dense packaging renders most of the DNA inaccessible, except for the active DNA elements crucial to the cell’s functioning and reading. Identifying these accessible elements unveils invaluable insights into the cellular "software." His groundbreaking techniques lie in mapping chromatin—the substance constituting chromosomes, comprised of DNA and associated proteins governing genome structure and gene expression. This has provided unprecedented insights into the regulatory mechanisms governing gene expression, paving the way for novel therapeutic interventions and precision medicine approaches. One technique is the Assay of Transposase Accessible Chromatin, employing the Tn5 transposase enzyme to efficiently copy and paste DNA. This revolutionary technique has yielded a million-fold enhancement in sensitivity and a hundred-fold improvement in mapping speed for regulatory DNA—the epigenome—in human cells.
As the founder of the RNA Medicine Program at Stanford University, Professor Chang continues to spearhead efforts to translate RNA science into tangible clinical applications, furthering the promise of RNA-based therapeutics in treating a wide range of diseases. Prof. Chang’s honors include the NAS Award for Molecular Biology, Outstanding Investigator Award of the National Cancer Institute, Paul Marks Prize for Cancer Research, Judson Daland Prize of the American Philosophical Society, and the Vilcek Prize for Creative Promise. His work was honored by the journal Cell as a Landmark paper over the last 40 years and by Science as “Insight of the decade”.
In his acceptance speech during the ceremony, Professor Chang said, “Our research asked a basic question: how do cells decide when and where to switch different genes on? How do these decisions get passed over time? Our studies led us to a new class of RNAs, called long noncoding RNAs, that help cells remember their cell fates. Our understanding of the gene switches led to an understanding of how inherited genetic differences cause disease, especially immune diseases. This understanding also helped to tackle mutations that arise in cancer.”
In addition to honoring advancements in medicine and science, King Faisal Prize also recognized exemplary contributions in Islamic Studies and Service to Islam. Professor Wael Hallaq, among the top 500 scholars in Islamic Studies globally, was awarded the Islamic Studies prize for his groundbreaking contributions in guiding the development of Islamic legislation and challenging the narrative of closing of the gate of ijtihad - interpreting Islamic texts - gained prominence, reshaping accepted paradigms in the field.
The Japan Muslim Association and Mr. Mohammad El Sammak were honored for their exemplary leadership in serving Islam and humanity. The Japan Muslim Association is a pioneering Islamic organization for Japanese Muslims, renowned for its historic translation of the Holy Quran into Japanese, and its defense of Muslims’ affairs in Japan. And, Mr. Mohammad El Sammak, a pioneer in dialogue and bridge-building between different faiths, has made a lasting impact in interfaith dialogue over five decades. He was awarded for his effective contributions to conferences exploring Islam's relationship with other beliefs and his leadership in institutions dedicated to tolerance and peace.
King Faisal Prize for Arabic Language & Literature for 2024 on the topic of “Non-Arab Institutions and their Endeavors to Promote Arabic” was withheld due to nominated works not elevating to the criteria of the prize.
Since 1979, King Faisal Prize in its 5 different categories has awarded 295 laureates who have made distinguished contributions to different sciences and causes. Each prize laureate is endowed with USD 200 thousand; a 24-carat gold medal weighing 200 grams, and a Certificate inscribed with the Laureate’s name and a summary of their work which qualified them for the prize.
Attachments
- Professor Howard Chang, King Faisal Prize Laureate in Science 2024
- Professor Jerry Mendell, King Faisal Prize Laureate in Medicine 2024
Maysa Shawwa
King Faisal Foundation
Maysa.Shawwa@kff.com
SOURCE : King Faisal Foundation
Monday 22 April 2024
Anaqua’s Advanced Foreign Filing Empowers IP Professionals Worldwide
KUALA LUMPUR, April 19 (Bernama) -- Anaqua, the provider of innovation and intellectual property (IP) management technology, has announced advancements in its Foreign Filing offering, enhancing the capabilities of its IP management platform, AQX.
Anaqua has shifted the paradigm of foreign filing for IP professionals from a burdensome set of manual administrative tasks to a strategic and automated differentiator, powering rapid decision-making for global IP protection.
Its chief executive officer, Bob Romeo in a statement said global businesses faced increasing challenges in safeguarding their intellectual assets amidst rising innovation costs and intensifying competition.
“At Anaqua, we have taken foreign filing far beyond any traditional provider. Our fully integrated solution drives clients’ efficiency and effectiveness, empowering IP professionals to navigate the complexities of global IP protection with confidence,” he said.
In today’s competitive landscape, global IP practitioners understand the critical importance of protecting their innovation and inventions across borders.
Anaqua’s advanced Foreign Filing within AQX offers a centralised ecosystem that addresses every aspect of the foreign filing lifecycle.
On the AQX platform, customers can now utilise a decision workspace supported by competitive dashboards, foreign filing-specific reports, and online quoting to develop, execute, track, and manage their foreign filings.
IP professionals can access a network of expert jurisdictional associates and translation providers to further improve the filing processes with transparent pricing and visibility into the process.
Through Anaqua’s enhanced Foreign Filing, IP professionals now have access to an end-to-end solution that not only streamlines the filing process, but also ensures transparency, cost-effectiveness, and peace of mind.
-- BERNAMA
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