THE HEALTH | AUGUST , 2021

HONG SENG Consolidated Bhd ’ s wholly owned subsidiary HS Bio Sdn Bhd has entered into a joint venture ( JV ) with LiGNO Holdings Sdn Bhd to market the latter ’ s nutritional supplement product in Malaysia .

Both parties will own an equal 50 per cent in the JV company , which aims to explore new markets and widen LiGNO ’ s consumer base , Hong Seng said in a recent announcement .

The product is a one-of-a-kind supplement that has been scientifically proven to aid in the development of resistance to lung-related and other health issues , including , but not limited to , the Covid-19 virus . HS Bio is a full-service integrator of pharmaceutical , medical , and healthcare supplies and products , as well as healthcare-related services and supply management for

DOCTORONCALL , Pfizer and UOB Malaysia recently jointly launched “ ASK4VACCINE ”, a financing programme that aims to improve children ’ s access to the pneumococcal vaccine in Malaysia .

The “ ASK4VACCINE ” programme enables Malaysian parents to give their children the protection against pneumococcal pneumonia via a 12-month interest-free instalment payment plan .

Globally , pneumonia kills more children than any other infectious disease , claiming the lives of over 800,000 children under five every year , or around 2,200 every day . In Malaysia , pneumonia is one of the top five causes of childhood deaths .

Streptococcus pneumoniae , also called pneumococcal bacteria , is one of the most common causes of bacterial pneumonia . The good news is pneumococcal disease can be prevented with vaccination .

“ At Pfizer , we believe no child should suffer from a vaccinepreventable disease . For over a century , our vaccines have helped to protect many people against lifethreatening infectious diseases such as pneumococcal pneumonia ,,” said the healthcare industry .

LiGNO , which is ISO22000 , HACCP , GMP , halal and organic certified , specialises in the cultivation of medicinal herbs and manufacturing of supplements . Its products include bird ’ s nest , cordyceps sinensis , as well as Tiger ’ s Milk mushrooms .

Hong Seng said the JV was in line with its initiatives to drive its healthcare business , as well as to increase the segment ’ s overall contribution to the group .

“ The board is of the view that the JV will complement its healthcare related business via leveraging on the capabilities of HS Bio and potentially develop more beneficial and efficacious health products for the people through scientifically proven biotechnology innovations .

“ It will in turn contribute

positively to the group ’ s future earnings via its healthcare segment and improve the group ’ s financial position ,” the company said .

Hong Seng Executive Director Christopher Chan ( pix ) said the group was excited to collaborate with LiGNO , adding that the latter ’ s products could leverage on Hong Seng ’ s partnership with Fosun Group , which has commercial reach in Greater China .

“ There is a lot of market potential for LiGNO ’ s functional mushrooms due to its high medicinal value and benefits for liver , aging , immune , lung and men ’ s health , and we believe that it can reach a much wider consumer base in view of the rising trend of healthcare spending as well as increase in number of respiratory diseases recently ,” he said .

Chiak Tang , Luksanawan Thangpaibool and Ronnie Lim .

Luksanawan Thangpaibool , Country Manager , Pfizer Malaysia & Brunei .

The Covid-19 pandemic has affected the livelihood of many Malaysians across the country . Recognising that some may face challenges during this time , the “ ASK4VACCINE ” programme , which is exclusive to UOB Malaysia credit card holders , aims to provide payment flexibility through its 12-month interest-free instalment payment plan .

“ At UOB Malaysia , we are committed to standing by our customers and offering assistance in times of need . We understand the importance of having access to affordable vaccines which is why we have collaborated with DoctorOnCall and Pfizer to offer the “ ASKFORVACCINE ” programme ,” said Mr Ronnie Lim , Managing Director and Country Head of Personal Financial Services , UOB Malaysia .

“ With the 12-month interest-free instalment payment plan offered , we enable our customers to safeguard their children ’ s health while protecting their finances at the same time . With this plan , our customers are able to manage their money with greater flexibility without having to compromise on their children ’ s well-being .”

To help members of the public understand more about vaccines and immunisations as well as dispelling some of the common misconceptions surrounding this topic , the information is available on DoctorOnCall ’ s website containing informational articles and videos as well as free doctor consult initiative .

“ Promoting public health literacy and improving healthcare affordability with a positive patient experience are the cornerstone towards building DoctorOnCall , a sustainable digital healthcare platform for Malaysians .

“ Together , we hope to welcome a future where all children are protected against vaccine-preventable diseases such as pneumococcal pneumonia ,” said Chiak Tang , Chief Operating Officer , DoctorOnCall .

SPRITZER Malaysia ( Spritzer ), which produces Malaysia ’ s best-selling natural mineral water , is urging Rakyat Malaysia to register themselves for the Covid-19 vaccination . This is to protect themselves and those around them from the spread of new variants that are more transmissible and deadlier given that only about half of the country ’ s population is registered .

Since the pandemic started in 2020 , the Company has been working closely with frontliners such as the medical team , police force , the military and enforcement agencies to ensure that there is clean water supply available , nationwide .

In view of the seriousness of the pandemic , Spritzer has continuously contributed mineral water to several Covid-19 vaccination centres as a support to frontliners , volunteers and those going for vaccination to ensure their most basic need is taken care of . Apart from these initiatives , Spritzer also supports Civil Defence Force teams who are assigned to bury Covid-19 victims in the Klang Valley .

Spritzer understands the sacrifices made by the frontliners and enforcement agencies in attending to their duties , especially in tough weather conditions , while the recent jump in infections have further stressed the healthcare system with shortages of ICU beds and tired medical teams .

As most of the Spritzer employees have not been able to secure their vaccination appointments , the Company has taken the initiative to acquire the vaccines as part of its response to prioritising their safety and health .

Spritzer hopes that everyone is doing their bit in fighting the pandemic by following the standard operating procedures as laid down by the National Security Council and also adhere to the guidelines provided by the Ministry of Health .