“Watching our final creations on the big screen was a thrilling experience and brought us immense pride and joy. This experience allowed me to forge new friendships, learn new techniques, and explore a genre of filmmaking very different from what I’m used to. I’m incredibly grateful for everything I gained from this event.” – Xinti L. (Grade 10)

The International School of Kuala Lumpur (ISKL) hosted the 2024 IASAS Cultural Convention (CulCon) for Art and Film from November 7-9, bringing together creative talent from six international schools. Over three days, ISKL’s campus became a hub for artistic expression, featuring visual art exhibitions, student film screenings, and collaborative workshops led by professionals and alumni.

The convention highlighted storytelling, cultural exchange, and Malaysia’s artistic heritage. A red carpet event opened the festivities, showcasing student films at the Robert B. Gaw Theatre and an inspiring visual arts gallery. Art delegates explored renowned galleries like Rimbun Dahan and Ilham Gallery, participated in critiques, and joined workshops on techniques like mixed media and digital design. A standout project, Gelli plate printing, incorporated Malaysian cultural motifs, allowing delegates to celebrate unity and diversity through artwork.


Film delegates honed skills in cinematography and storytelling through hands-on workshops, including one led by alumnus Moe Izwan Kamal, who shared his journey and expertise in crafting compelling short films. Delegates also collaborated to produce short films at Rex KL and engaged in Q&A sessions with Malaysian filmmakers, gaining beneficial insights into the industry.

KUALA LUMPUR, June 14, 2024 – Amidst Kuala Lumpur’s ever-changing landscape, the highly anticipated Park Hyatt Kuala Lumpur will be the new focal point on the striking skyline of Malaysia’s capital city. Situated in the tallest building in Southeast Asia – the iconic Merdeka 118 – Park Hyatt Kuala Lumpur lies within a culturally and historically significant address, where modernity meets tradition.

Park Hyatt Kuala Lumpur is pleased to announce the appointment of Herman Kemp as the General Manager of the hotel. Having served the industry for more than 20 years, Kemp’s journey as the General Manager of Park Hyatt Kuala Lumpur exemplifies his unwavering dedication to achieving excellence. Motivated by his parents’ passion in hospitality, Kemp was inspired to pursue a career within the hotel industry. “I was drawn to the energy, the diversity, and the opportunity to curate personalized experiences for people,” Kemp recalls.

Kemp’s formal education at the Hotelschool The Hague equipped him for a successful career. Yet, it was his innate ability to connect with people, coupled with his unwavering dedication, that set him apart. His tenure with Hyatt Hotels Corporation began almost a decade ago, during which he held key positions in some of the group’s most prestigious properties. “Hospitality is about people,” Kemp asserts. “It is about understanding their needs, anticipating their desires, and exceeding their expectations. This philosophy drives everything we do at Park Hyatt Kuala Lumpur.”

Outside of the hotel, Kemp is an avid runner and frequently participates in international marathons. Drawing parallels between his favourite pastime and his professional journey, he identifies shared values such as dedication, consistency and determination. He also enjoys immersing in local culture and discovering local cuisines with his family.

Park Hyatt Kuala Lumpur is a sanctuary in the sky and each guestroom is thoughtfully designed to offer a refined home away from home experience. The hotel will introduce innovative dining concepts, world-class wellness facilities, and curated cultural experiences that reflect the vibrant spirit of the city. “Having been a global traveler for many years, Malaysia now feels like home, and I am excited for my journey with Park Hyatt Kuala Lumpur. The hotel epitomizes luxury with an impeccable blend of sophisticated elegance and personalized services along with breathtaking views. From the moment of arrival, every detail is thoughtfully curated to provide an unparalleled level of comfort and indulgence, making each stay a truly memorable experience.”

 

Singapore, November 12, 2024 — Federal Express Corporation (FedEx), one of the world’s largest express transportation companies, has expanded its state-of-the-art Life Science Center in Gimpo, Gyeonggi-do, Korea. This strategic enhancement, along with FedEx Life Science Centers in Singapore and Japan, is addressing the rising demand for a robust logistics network with advanced capabilities to support the rapidly growing healthcare industry across the Asia Pacific region.

The advanced FedEx Korea Life Science Center spans 2,288 square meters – almost triple the size of the previous facility. The new operation includes five temperature-controlled areas for temperatures ranging from -150°C to +25°C, which are monitored 24/7 to ensure continuous compliance with pharmaceutical cold chain requirements.  The facility is also Korea Good Supply Practice (KGSP)-certified, in accordance with market-specific quality and regulatory requirements for the healthcare industry. Along with temperature-controlled Inventory management capabilities, the Korea Life Science Center is equipped to support both domestic and international transportation needs.

By expanding its capacity, FedEx is strengthening its life sciences logistics expertise, ensuring seamless and reliable transportation of critical healthcare shipments including investigational medicinal products (IMP), biological samples, and biopharmaceutical product lines while enabling pharmaceutical and clinical trials customers to prioritize patient care.

The pharmaceutical market in Asia Pacific is projected to reach USD 290 billion by 2028[1]. Additionally, the region accounts for approximately 50% of global clinical trials[2], highlighting its increasing role in global pharmaceutical research and development. Customers in the healthcare and pharmaceutical sector need precise, temperature-controlled services to preserve product efficacy. With decades of experience, FedEx provides expertise in specialized healthcare and clinical trial solutions, enabled by its international Express network, customized Time Critical Special Services (SpS), and a global network of Life Science Centers with locations in Korea, Singapore, Tokyo (Japan), Mumbai (India), Memphis (United States), and Veldhoven (the Netherlands). The company’s extensive healthcare infrastructure also includes 130+ cold-chain facilities worldwide, ensuring continuous temperature integrity for shipments moving through our domestic and international networks.

“Asia Pacific’s healthcare sector is evolving at an unprecedented pace, driven by demographic shifts, infrastructure investments, and rapid tech advancements,” said Kawal Preet, president, Asia Pacific at FedEx. “At FedEx, we are leveraging our decades of healthcare expertise, extensive global network and differentiated solutions to propel this growth. Through strategic investments in cutting-edge facilities and AI-driven smart logistics, we are reshaping healthcare supply chains and enabling the future of life sciences research and business innovation across the region.”

FedEx Clinical Care, part of the company’s portfolio of dedicated healthcare transportation solutions, provides end-to-end delivery capabilities for time and temperature-sensitive healthcare shipments. This service ensures expedited delivery within 24 to 48 hours, leveraging specialized features including temperature-controlled packaging, priority handling and clearance, and 24/7 monitoring and intervention using sensor based real-time tracking.

Recently, FedEx was recognized for ‘Innovation in Clinical Supply Chain Logistics’ at the Korea Biopharma Excellence Awards 2024 for exceptional contribution to clinical supply chains in Korea.  In August, the company introduced FedEx Surround®, an innovative monitoring and intervention solution for enhanced control and visibility for healthcare and other critical shipments.

[1] Pharmaceuticals – APAC | Statista Market Forecast

[2] APAC Attracts 50% of Global Clinical Trials According to New GlobalData Report | Novotech CRO (novotech-cro.com)

Introduction

Anemia remains a significant health challenge for dialysis patients, often leading to severe fatigue and diminished quality of life. As part of its unwavering commitment to improving patient outcomes, DaVita Malaysia has launched the CSR Iron Initiative, a focused effort aimed at reducing anemia-related health risks through intravenous (IV) iron therapy. This initiative is not only a step toward better health outcomes but also reflects DaVita’s broader mission to ensure that all dialysis patients receive equitable, life-enhancing care.

Background: Anemia in Dialysis Patients

Iron deficiency is one of the most common complications in dialysis patients. It occurs when the body cannot produce enough red blood cells due to low iron levels, causing hemoglobin (Hb) levels to drop. This often leads to physical weakness and severe fatigue, impacting the patient’s daily life. Key markers, such as Transferrin Saturation (TSAT), help monitor iron levels, with TSAT below 20% indicating a critical need for IV iron therapy.

In September 2024, DaVita reported that 38% of its patients had Hb levels below 10g/dL, with 23.75% experiencing severe iron deficiency (TSAT < 20%). Despite reaching a 50% target achievement for optimal Hb levels (10-12g/dL), there is still a pressing need to address iron deficiency in dialysis patients. DaVita’s CSR Iron Initiative is part of a continued effort to close this gap and improve outcomes.

CSR Efforts & Partnership with Duopharma

DaVita Malaysia has partnered with Duopharma to scale up the CSR Iron Initiative, extending through the final quarter of 2024. This collaboration aims to supply 9,400 vials of IV iron to patients who are not eligible for government assistance (non-JPA patients) and those with TSAT levels below 20%.

Through this partnership, DaVita is focusing on providing equitable access to IV iron therapy, a critical intervention for anemia management, for patients who otherwise might not afford it. This distribution effort will play a pivotal role in preventing further declines in hemoglobin levels, restoring energy, and ultimately enhancing the overall well-being of these patients.

A Step Toward Health Equity

DaVita’s CSR Iron Initiative is not only about treating iron deficiency; it is a reflection of the company’s broader mission to drive health equity. By making vital treatments accessible to patients from all walks of life, DaVita ensures that even the most vulnerable receive the care they need. This initiative is a testament to DaVita’s commitment to patient-centered care, which spans its 40+ dialysis centers across Malaysia, serving over 2,000 patients.

Through targeted interventions such as this, DaVita strives to empower dialysis patients to regain strength and vitality, enabling them to lead fuller lives. The initiative also sets the stage for broader conversations about equitable healthcare access in Malaysia and how strategic partnerships, like the one with Duopharma, can make a tangible difference.

Looking Forward: Partnership Opportunities

As DaVita continues its mission to improve the lives of dialysis patients, there are ample opportunities for other organizations to join this meaningful cause. Stakeholders interested in collaborating with DaVita to further advance health equity and improve patient outcomes are encouraged to explore partnership opportunities through DaVita Malaysia’s website.

Together, we can continue to make strides toward a future where healthcare is accessible, equitable, and life-changing for everyone.

For more information on DaVita Malaysia’s CSR Iron Initiative and how it is transforming lives, please visit davita.com.my.