First Ambulance and YTL Communications bring first 5G Smart Ambulance services to Malaysia

WITH the glove business outlook not as rosy as before , it is not surprising that listed Rubberex Corporation ( M ) Berhad ( Rubberex ), announced a diversification on May 31 .

It has proposed to acquire Reszon Diagnostics International Sdn Bhd ( Reszon ), for up to RM180.0 million from EL Law and Revongen Corporation Sdn Bhd . It will pay up to RM54.0 million cash and the balance RM126.0 million by issuing 177,690,030 new Rubberex shares at RM0.7091 each .

Reszon develops and manufactures a strong portfolio of innovative in-vitro diagnostics ( IVD ) rapid tests and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay ( ELISA ) kits for medical professionals , including clinical diagnostic markets worldwide

Subsequent to the acquisition ,

Rubberex intends to diversify into the healthcare sector and related businesses and proposes to change its name to Hextar Healthcare Berhad .

Rubberex ’ s Executive Director Goh Hsu-Ming said : “ The Group ’ s progression into the healthcare sector , specifically in the manufacture of medical devices such as test kits , is complementary to our existing glove business .

“ We are able to offer a wider range of products to the market and provide an alternative income-generating source besides personal protective equipment .”

Rubberex ’ s sole largest shareholder , Dato ’ Eddie Ong Choo Meng , also supports this venture and believes that the latest investment would contribute positively to the

future growth of Rubberex . “ Our proposed acquisition is in line with the Group ’ s strategic aim of enhancing shareholders ’ value in the long term by providing quality healthcare products and services for the global population .

Director and founder of Reszon , EL Law is also enthusiastic on the prospects for the healthcare industry . He shared : “ The technology for the manufacture of medical devices has come a long way . Previously , tests for diseases were only performed in laboratories , health clinics and hospitals .

“ The trend for disease diagnoses has shifted to home-based testing and medical test kits are now considered mainstream to curb the spread of viruses swiftly and control future dangerous outbreaks .”

ON Apr 15 , 2022 , First Ambulance Services Sdn Bhd ( FAS ) and YTL Communications Sdn Bhd ( YTLC ) announced a strategic partnership to improve emergency healthcare for Malaysians .

The two companies ’ collaboration aims to improve emergency care through the YES 5G Smart Ambulance service , enabling new use cases such as remote telemetry of diagnostics and imaging and a telemedicine service powered by Extended Reality ( XR ).

FAS has been using YTL Communications ’ YES Fleet to provide 4G-powered telematics solutions since April 2020 and has seen a significant reduction in vehicle maintenance and increased driver and dispatch efficiency . Thanks to YES Fleet ’ s invehicle Wi-Fi , FAS can send patient information and diagnostics to the hospital from the ambulance .

Steven Penafort , Managing Director of FAS , said : “ As a data-driven company , we are excited to utilise the high bandwidth and low latency 5G connectivity to transit patient health data such as EKG telemetry and ultrasound images to the emergency care doctors while the ambulance is en route to the hospital , to dramatically improve triage time and hospital readiness to care for the patient upon arrival .”

This collaboration is in line with the vision of the Ministry of Health to improve the overall efficiency and quality of emergency medical services in Malaysia .

THE MALAYSIA Healthcare Travel Council ( MHTC ) applauds the government ’ s decision to reopen Malaysia ’ s borders to all travellers from Apr 1 , 2022 ,. It sees it as a positive sign for the recovery of Malaysia ’ s healthcare travel industry in step with revitalising the nation ’ s economy .

Marching towards endemicity , MHTC stands guided by the well-detailed plan and guidance announced by the Minister of Health Khairy Jamaluddin .

This timely announcement allows the Council to step up its efforts in the industry ’ s recovery phase , furthering its goal of providing the best Malaysia healthcare travel experience by 2025 .

The full reopening of the borders will allow international patients to have seamless continuity of care and access to world-class quality , accessible , and affordable healthcare services .

Khairy also endorsed the MHTC ’ s 2022 strategies and

Mohd Daud Mohd Arif

plans . The strategies and initiatives are anchored upon the Malaysia Healthcare Travel Industry Blueprint 2021-2025 , launched on Nov 1 , 2021 , by him , will be implemented in two main phases : i . Recovery Phase ( 2021-2022 ) - to reinforce awareness on Malaysia Healthcare ’ s world-class quality offerings and enhance the patient experience through digitalisation of key touchpoints , creation of more strategic partnerships , unified branding efforts , and raising Malaysian global icons for healthcare .

ii . Rebuild Phase ( 2023-2025 ) - industry players collectively work together to amplify awareness of Malaysia Healthcare ’ s niche offerings , such as the Fertility Hub of Asia , Cardiology Hub of Asia and the Cancer Care Centre of Excellence . “ We look forward to welcoming international travellers back to Malaysia , a safe and trusted destination , strengthened by our nation ’ s commitment to embracing endemicity ,” Mohd Daud Mohd Arif , CEO of MHTC commented .

MHTC will continue to intensify its effort to showcase Malaysia Healthcare ’ s capabilities and strengths by solidifying its position as the Fertility and Cardiology Hub of Asia , Cancer Care Centre of Excellence , as well as the Hepatitis C Treatment Hub of Asia , among others via synergistic Public-Private Partnerships and pave the way for more innovative industry service offerings .

Alpro Pharmacy wins awards at SOBA 2021

MALAYSIA ’ S largest prescription pharmacy chain , Alpro Pharmacy , bagged the Malaysian Business of the Year awards and platinum awards for the Best in CSR and Best in Customer Service during the SOBA 2021 Gala Night held recently .

The pinnacle award for SOBA , the Malaysian Business of the Year Award , is bestowed on local enterprises contributing to Malaysia ’ s economic growth and the sector ’ s vital role in nation-building .

The Best in Customer Service Award is for local enterprises that excel in providing exemplary service to their customers with the overall best customer service practices and customer service program while the Best in CSR Award is given to local enterprises that are not only strong in corporate social responsibility but apportion part of their profits and other resources to serve the needs of the community .

Lee Yin Chen , Branding , Promotion and Trade Marketing Director & E-Commerce Lead , said : “ We are delighted to have been recognised for these awards .”

Alpro Foundation CEO Ostwin Paw said : “ The past two years have been a challenging one for those of us in the retail business ; while we managed to pivot online through our e-pharmacy , we always have the welfare of the communities in our hearts .” — The Healthj