GSK Advocates Importance of Adult Immunisation amongst Malaysians

As we Malaysians slowly but surely shift towards the ageing demographic, the importance of adult immunisation becomes increasingly apparent. 

By ensuring that we receive the necessary vaccinations, we can then remain active, be healthy participants of society and the economy – prolonging productivity, maintaining contributions to local economies, and reducing healthcare costs, even as we enter our golden years.

The World Immunisation Week [24 April – 30 April] is a time to raise awareness of the health and socioeconomic impact of vaccination globally and to elevate the policy changes needed to create healthier, more resilient communities, especially in Malaysia.

According to the latest data from the Department of Statistics Malaysia (DOSM), the number of individuals aged 65 years and above is on the rise with approximately 2.5 million people falling into this category. DOSM also projects that Malaysia will have a nearly equal share of the young (18.6%) and older population (14.5%) in 2040. This means that in less than 2 decades, the old age group will surpass 6.0 million, transitioning Malaysia into an aged society.

GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) organised this timely discourse, bringing together local and global experts to share their perspectives on the changing vaccine landscape, the benefits of vaccines in older adults, and the socio-economic value of adult immunisation.

The event was further supplemented by a local panel discussion which featured insightful discussions, lively debates and generous knowledge-sharing about unlocking the power of prevention of vaccine preventable diseases (VPD) amongst Malaysian adults, key challenges faced by the healthcare industry, and opportunities to develop practical and impactful solutions in transitioning towards a healthier ageing society in the country.

Dr. Thanabalan Fonseka, Vaccines Medical Director of GSK Malaysia and Brunei said: “Childhood immunisation initiatives in schools and within communities are well-established with high coverage rates. Contrary to this, the primary challenge surrounding adult vaccination lies in the prevailing lack of awareness on VPD and their preventative options. Consequently, many adults remain unaware of the critical importance of maintaining up-to-date vaccinations or may inadvertently overlook recommendations for booster shots or newly available vaccines later in life.”

Moreover, logistical hurdles, such as limited access to healthcare services and financial constraints, further impede adult vaccination rates. Thus, there is an urgent need to elevate awareness, enhance accessibility, and underscore the significance of prioritising adult vaccinations to ensure comprehensive protection against preventable diseases throughout adulthood. 

We must move from “sick care” to true preventative healthcare to make adult immunisation the standard of care by building belief in the value of adult vaccinations amongst Malaysians,” added Fonseka.

So what is Adult Immunisation?

Adult vaccinations are vaccines specifically recommended for individuals in adulthood to protect oneself against various vaccine-preventable diseases (VPDs). Most common adult vaccinations include COVID-19, influenza, pneumococcal disease, herpes zoster, and respiratory syncytial virus amongst others.

Who is at Risk?

The age group at risk for various illnesses targeted by adult vaccinations varies depending on the disease. However, generally, adults over the age of 50 are at increased risk for certain infectious diseases due to factors such as declining immune systems due to ageing, underlying health conditions, and decreased vaccine immunity over time. It's important to note that while older adults are often at higher risk, certain diseases can affect adults of all ages. Additionally, individuals with weakened immune systems due to conditions such as HIV/AIDS, cancer, or immunosuppressive medications may be more vulnerable to infectious diseases regardless of age.

During World Immunisation Week, GSK is uniting globally to emphasise the importance of adult immunisation. Their goal is to raise awareness about the wide-ranging health, structural, and socioeconomic advantages that come with widespread adoption of adult vaccines for every individual worldwide. In partnership with cross-industry stakeholders, GSK aim to support 50 years of the World Health Organisation’s Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI) to do what is humanly possible – saving lives through immunisation.

GSK continues to emphasise the importance of prevention as the cornerstone of healthcare. With one of the most extensive vaccine portfolios globally, GSK is dedicated to protecting individuals of all ages, including older adults and reshape policy around adult immunisation to stay ahead of the curve and continue its momentum to play a part in the betterment of public health in Malaysia.

Cetaphil® Strengthens Ties with the Malaysian Community through Collaborative Partnership with Mira Filzah as the New Face of the Brand in 2024

Cetaphil®, the No.1 dermatological skincare brand in Malaysia, announced the newest face of Cetaphil® for 2024, the versatile Malaysian actress and entrepreneur, Mira Filzah, appointed as the esteemed Brand Ambassador.

More than just a renowned actress, Mira Filzah personifies the spirit of a modern working urban mom, representing the diverse and dynamic women of today. Her role as a multi-talented professional and dedicated mother embodies the essence of contemporary women who, despite their busy lifestyles, prioritises skin health. 

Cetaphil® proudly acknowledges Mira as a beacon of inspiration, showcasing how one can balance a demanding schedule while still embracing the importance of skin health. Her representation of Cetaphil’s brand essence reflects an approachable, down-to-earth demeanor and sensible approach to skincare. Mira’s alignment with the brands’ ethos of “We Do Skin, You Do You” accentuates the very nature that defines Cetaphil®.

Mira’s alignment with Cetaphil® goes beyond the surface, resonating with the brand’s mission of promoting holistic skincare as an integral component of a healthy lifestyle. As the Brand Ambassador, she will not only represent the brand but also serve as an inspirational figure, encouraging women of all ages to embrace a skincare routine that reflects Cetaphil’s commitment to addressing skin concerns and achieving healthy skin.

Mira Filzah, Brand Ambassador of Cetaphil Malaysia expresses her excitement, stating, “Joining forces with Cetaphil® is more than just a partnership – it’s a celebration of self-love. As a working mom, I understand the juggle, but skincare is an essential daily ritual to maintain skin health. I’m honored to be part of Cetaphil®, inspiring others to do the same.”

The brand anticipates a series of engaging initiatives, exclusive events, social media campaigns, and promotions, all geared towards enhancing the skincare experience for Malaysians.

Ms Cindy Tiu, Country Manager of Galderma Malaysia shared, “We are delighted to welcome Mira Filzah to the Cetaphil® family as our Brand Ambassador for this year. With Cetaphil’s rich history rooted in dermatological expertise, we see Mira as an ideal embodiment of our brand’s purposes.”

Cetaphil’s “30 Hari Kulit Sihat Raya Berseri” campaign aims to reach out to as many Malaysians as possible to champion skin health throughout the 30-Day Raya period. Besides partnering with Mira Filzah, the campaign extends its reach from the digital sphere to on-ground activations, including a specially designed kombi van that will tour various locations.

The heart of the campaign lies in encouraging Malaysians to adopt a simple yet effective 3-step routine using its Cetaphil® CORE range – Cleanse with Cetaphil® Gentle Skin Cleanser or Cetaphil® Hydrating Foaming Cream Cleanser, Moisturise with Cetaphil® Moisturising Cream or Cetaphil® Moisturising Lotion, and Protect with Cetaphil® Sun SPF 50+ Light Gel. This skincare routine aims to empower individuals to achieve Raya-ready radiant skin, emphasizing the importance of consistent, yet simple skincare practices during the holy month.

Adding to the festive excitement, Cetaphil® unveils its nationwide Buy & Win campaign, offering shoppers the chance to win prizes worth up to RM48,000. Prizes include an IKEA makeover, a 2D1N staycation at the hotel of their choice, and petrol vouchers.  

Moreover, from 1 March – 30 April 2024, shoppers can stand a chance to win an exclusive Mira Filzah shawl when spending a minimum of RM100 on Cetaphil® Bright Healthy Radiance products in a single receipt.

For further details on 30 Hari Kulit Sihat Raya Berseri, please visit www.cetaphil.com.my 

Nestlé GOODNES tempting Malaysian's Tastebuds!!!!

More and more Malaysians today are discovering they have options when it comes to nourishing beverages that go beyond dairy. In a move to cater to evolving dietary preferences, Nestlé GOODNES is showing how its plant-protein beverages are hitting just the right spot with its delicious offerings.

Introduced recently by Nestlé Malaysia as part of its commitment to make more affordable plant-based food and beverages readily available to all Malaysians, the Halal-certified and vegan- friendly Nestlé GOODNES range ticks all the boxes for a delicious tasting plant-protein beverage.

Harnessing the health benefits of almonds and oats, the Nestlé GOODNES beverages are lactose free, making them ideal for the increasingly flexitarian diets of consumers.

Mr. Juan Aranols, Chief Executive Officer of Nestlé (Malaysia) Berhad, said, "Plant-protein based beverages are giving health-conscious consumers and those with dietary constraints a wonderful alternative to dairy milk, particularly when they are also appealing to the palate. We have been steadily expanding our offerings with the needs of Malaysians in mind, and with Nestlé GOODNES, people have more choices at their fingertips. What's more, proper nutrition is vital for all of us, and these plant protein-based beverages and food provides variety and balance in meals."

The range comes in two velvety smooth flavours - Dairy-Free Oat and Dairy-Free Almond & Oat, made in Malaysia with oats and almonds. At the heart of Nestlé GOODNES is its natural sweetness derived from hydrolysed oats, without any added sugars (sucrose). This unique formulation is packed with the wholesome goodness of micronutrients like calcium and vitamin D which aids in the development of strong bones, and vitamins B2 and B3, to help with energy release from the food we eat.

Versatile and modestly-priced, Nestlé GOODNES can be easily incorporated into our daily lives to meet different needs. One can enjoy its delicious taste on its own, added to hot or cold beverages and cereals, and even used in cooking and baking.

Nestlé's selection of Halal dairy-free offerings also include MILO Dairy-Free and NESCAFE Dairy-Free versions for those who enjoy the original beverages but prefer plant-protein based options.

"With Nestlé GOODNES and our other plant-protein based beverages, Malaysians can get the best of both worlds sip by sip, as we help consumers make mindful decisions that reflect their lifestyles and environmental consciousness," added Mr Aranols.

For more information about Nestlé GOODNES, please visit https://www.dearnestle.com.my/brand-story/nestle-goodnes

Trying the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra....

Since I manage to break the backscreen of my iPhone 13 Pro, I was grateful for the chance to use the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra for a couple of weeks.. while I got the other mobile device off to be repaired/ replaced….. this smart phone is definitely an impressive device to handle but with a Titanium frame, it doesn’t quite strain my hand especially since I use my phone for work a lot

I like that, the phone design is not slippery, and it does not leave too many fingerprints around like some of the glass phones…. 

The S-Pen, speaker grille, Type-C port and SIM tray are placed together at the bottom. The right side has power and volume keys. The weight distribution is pretty well balanced at the weight of 239 grams…

This screen of the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra seems brighter than before and well, being a flagship phone, the performance of this phone is of course nothing short of impressive…. 

The Dynamic AMOLED panel produces vivid, accurate colours in both standard and Vivid modes. It also gets incredibly bright, hitting a peak of 2,600 nits in direct sunlig

It  makes it easy to view the screen even on a sunny day outdoors. And when you turn down the level of brightness, it maintains great colour and visibility so you can use it discreetly in very dim light.

The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra comes with several innovative AI-powered features that aim to enhance the phone’s capabilities and user experience.  This includes Live Translation for real-time translation during calls, Interpreter mode for face-to-face text transcription between two languages, Circle to Search to easily initiate searches by circling objects, Chat Assist to refine the tone of written messages, Generative Edit to seamlessly remove objects from photos, and Note Assist to generate summaries and translations of notes and more. 

With this robust set of AI tools spanning across areas like visuals, language, communication and productivity, the S24 Ultra clearly establishes itself as one of the most advanced AI-driven smartphones yet.

I like that Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra phone switches easily between open programs, or even when I am scrolling web pages and my social media feeds, and that would be because sometimes I like to be playing my Monopoly Go or Pokemon Go to relieve stress while doing my blogging or photo editing etc

The Galaxy S24 series comes with One UI 6.1 based on Android 14 out of the box, promising seven years of software and OS support from Samsung

As a content creator, depending on my smartphone , I need a smartphone with a good camera… naturally, the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra does not disappear and comes with a quad camera system, headlined by a high-resolution 200MP wide sensor for capturing intricate details and bright, vivid images. 

It includes a 12MP ultra-wide lens with a 120-degree field of view suited landscapes and buildings or design photography. 

The phone also comes with a 5x optical zoom telephoto camera with a 50MP sensor, replacing the S23 Ultra’s 10x periscope lens. This 5x telephoto range proves more versatile for everyday shooting scenarios. Rounding out the rear setup is a 10MP telephoto camera with 3x optical zoom.

When in use, the S24 Ultra seriously impresses me with its optical zoom capabilities up to 10x magnification, beyond which digital zoom leads to some pixellation. It’s low light photo capability is pretty impressive too as it can actually minimize noise in nightscapes and preserve highlights. 

I used it when I was with my dear friend Mary Jane at the Petroleum Club and manage to take some impressive photos

And I am pretty much excited by the Samsung S24 Ultra’s AI-enhanced editing such as object removal and background changes if need be….

For selfie fans, the Galaxy S24 Ultra sports the same 12MP selfie camera carried over from the S23 Ultra. It does captures good details and accurate skin tones in bright outdoor lighting. At night too, the camera shines as the selfies captured maintain the detailing and the crisp essence

And oh…my favorite part of the phone… this baby packs a 5,000mAh battery and the battery can get me through a full day of heavy use!!!!! But if you are a more conservative user, I am pretty sure the S24 Ultra can even last up to 1.5-2 days on a single charge….

The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra is pretty impressive and I love it and wish I can keep it… but well, I am not quite able to afford this yet but one more thing i have to say is that I am also happy  the phone doesn’t  heat up like the previous Galaxy models I owned before… thanks to a larger vapor chamber that Samsung has equipped internally… 

For those who want a smart looking working phone with amazing AI features and camera, should give this a shot…..

HADA LABO’S ‘WE CARE FOR SOCIETY’ BRINGS JOY TO MARGINALISED COMMUNITIES

Hada Labo, the renowned Japanese skincare brand under Rohto-Mentholatum, continues to make a positive impact in the lives of marginalised communities through its 'We Care for Society' campaign. Now in its fifth year, the campaign has expanded its reach to support a broader community while continuing to empower low- income women entrepreneurs.

In collaboration with Women Of Will (WOW) and Kechara Soup Kitchen Society, and supported by Watsons Malaysia, 'We Care for Society' ran throughout the month of Ramadan. 

Hada Labo partnered with WOW to engage a group of low-income women entrepreneurs in baking 1,000 jars of healthy cookies, supported by a RM20,000 donation.

Additionally, a donation of RM30,000 was provided to the Kechara Soup Kitchen Society to prepare 2,040 meal packs for marginalised and homeless individuals and 44 bags of groceries for marginalised families. The cookies were distributed alongside the packed meals and groceries to those in need.

Lim Mei Yuen, General Manager of Rohto-Mentholatum (M) Sdn Bhd, shared that the campaign initiated 5 years ago, aimed to equip low-income women entrepreneurs with essential skills and knowledge, enabling them to achieve financial independence and support their families. Recognising the growing prevalence of poverty, Hada Labo extended its support to impoverished communities struggling to fulfill their basic necessities, particularly food.

"We are deeply appreciative of the unwavering support from the public and our partners, which has sustained this campaign for 5 years. We aim to bring comfort and joy to the underprivileged, particularly during Ramadan, when nutritional needs are heightened," said Lim.

 Lakshwin Muruga, Executive Director of WOW, stressed the importance of timely assistance provided to low-income women entrepreneurs, who are striving to be self- sufficient and financially independent, relying on their skills and knowledge to support themselves and their families. He emphasised that Hada Labo’s support is a significant boost for these women.

Justin Cheah, Marketing Director from Kechara Soup Kitchen Society, highlighted the escalating demand for aid in the face of economic decline. Kechara Soup Kitchen Society heavily depends on food donations to aid the needy. Therefore, the team expresses gratitude for Hada Labo’s generous sponsorship and hopes for continued corporate support in their mission.

During the 'We Care for Society' campaign, with every purchase of Hada Labo Hydrating Water Gel moisturizer from Watsons RM1 will be donated to the above cause.

As part of the ‘We Care for Society’ campaign, Hada Labo introduced the Hydrating Water Gel, an essential addition to its hydrating range.

The newly launched Hydrating Water Gel upgraded with 2 Prebiotics, 4 types of Hyaluronic Acid and Cactus Extract to strengthen the skin barrier, improve hydration and soothe and protect skin against environmental stressors. 

Key features include:

- Soothe & Antioxidant – infused with Cactus Extract which is rich in anti-oxidants to soothe skin irritation and protect skin from free-radical damage.

- Repairs Skin Barrier – with 2 Prebiotics to help strengthen skin barrier and repair dry, damaged skin for healthier and stronger skin.

- Protects against Blue Light – with Carnosine to protect skin against blue light.

- Hydrates and nourishes – combines 4 types of Hyaluronic Acid (3D HA, Medium Size HA, Super HA & Nano HA) and Ceramide to lock, replenish and restore

moisture deeply into the skin for perfectly moisturized skin.

- Ultra-lightweight water gel texture absorbs instantly into skin and leaves skin

feeling fresh and hydrated.

 Hada Labo Hydrating Water Gel gentle formula is free from alcohol, paraben, colourant, mineral oil, MIT & Diglycol is suitable for all skin types. 

It is recommended for use after cleansing and hydrating lotion to seal in moisture. The product is available at all major pharmacies and supermarkets, as well as e-commerce platforms.

For more information or to support future campaigns, visit www.hadalabo.com.my

Kinohimitsu Collagen Day: A Celebration of Self-Love and Empowerment

Kinohimitsu, the leading brand of collagen drink in South East Asia which was awarded the No.1 Best Selling Collagen Drink in Singapore and Malaysia (accredited by Nielsen IQ 2022 report) celebrated their Kinohimitsu Collagen Day recently.

The Kinohimitsu Collagen Day is a movement organized by Kinohimitsu since 2017 to raise awareness about the importance of collagen to help everyone feel happier, healthier & more confident in their own skin, fostering self-love and empowerment. 

Kinohimitsu Collagen Day is not just a month for enjoying special discounts on collagen products, but also a powerful initiative aimed at inspiring individuals to embrace their unique beauty and celebrate self-care.

Since its inception in 2017, Kinohimitsu Collagen Day has been a beacon of empowerment, reminding us all to embrace self-love. Self-care means not just nourishing our skins but also our souls, radiating confidence and happiness. 

With this year's theme, 'Beyond Beauty, Begin Within,' Kinohimitsu  invites us to embark on a journey of self-discovery and empowerment through the movie YOLO.

In mainland Chinese movie YOLO (You only live once), the actress Jia Ling transformed herself completely to a healthy person. In her song, she tells everyone, it is not too late to be yourself and love yourself.

Join in this annual celebration, and ignite the flame of self-love together for the future you!

Kinohimitsu arranged a special screening of the inspiring movie "YOLO," at Dadi cinema Pavillion Kuala Lumpur with more than 200 guests attending for the special screening….

Kinohimitsu is also thrilled to announce collaborations with like-minded partners who share the same commitment to promoting self-love and holistic wellness:

Aloft | Kinohimitsu Brew-tiful Sips & Glow Getter Collagen

A delightful blend of sophistication and health, these beverages merge the elegance of a special occasion drink with the benefits of Kinohimitsu Collagen Diamond.

"Brew-tiful Sips" and "The Glow Getter Collagen" not only cater to the palate with their unique and refreshing flavors but also enrich your skin's health and glow. Each sip brings you closer to a radiant complexion, thanks to the collagen boost, while the meticulously chosen garnishes add a touch of finesse. Experience this luxurious fusion at the Aloft W xyz Bar, where each glass is a testament to the harmony of taste and well-being. 

Now available for RM28 per glass, these collagen-infused beverages offer an exquisite way to elevate your self-care regimen.

Beauty In The Pot | Kinohimitsu Beauty Diamond Collagen Mocktail

Raise a glass to self-love with a specially crafted Beauty Diamond Collagen Mocktail to enhance your skin's natural radiance and vitality, each sip delivers a potent dose of 5300mg of Marine Collagen Peptide from Kinohimitsu Collagen Diamond for a rejuvenated complexion. 

Elevate your beauty routine with this refreshing mocktail, designed to nourish your skin from within and leave you feeling refreshed and revitalized. 

Exclusively available at Beauty In The Pot new opening store which is located at The Exchange TRX with 50% off at the price of RM9.40 per glass.

RT Pastry | Kinohimitsu Love Yourself Collagen Cake

Indulge in a delectable culinary experience with a specially crafted collagen-infused cake, this delicacy features layers of airy sponge cake, harmonizing lychee, and fragrant rose flavours. 

Each cake is infused with a bottle of Kinohimitsu Collagen Diamond which contains 5300mg of Marine Collagen Peptide for nourishing your inner glow. Treat yourself or loved ones to this masterpiece to celebrate self-love and empowerment. 

The RT Pastry Kinohimitsu Love Yourself Collagen Cake will start selling on 6th April 2024 at all RT Pastry outlets, priced at RM118.00. As a Watsons or RT member, simply flash your member card to enjoy special price at RM98.00 when purchasing the RT Pastry | Kinohimitsu Love Yourself Collagen Cake, enhancing your beauty routine with delightful savings.

WonderBrew | Kinohimitsu Collagen Kombucha

A refreshing fusion of wellness and indulgence. Infused with premium Kinohimitsu Collagen Diamond, this kombucha offers a nourishing boost for your skin's radiance and vitality and with the vibrant flavours of acai berry and black goji, it tantalizes the taste buds while delivering a burst of antioxidants and nutrients. 

Elevate your wellness routine with each sip of this invigorating kombucha, and embrace the beauty of holistic self-care. Available now at WonderBrew online store: https://wonderbrew.co/ with the price of RM15.90 per bottle and a bundle of 6 at RM88.00.

In recognition of the importance of collagen during this month-long campaign, its also time to grab your favorite collagen products which are on discounts of up to 40% from 1st April to 30th April 2024. Experience the allure of the top-selling Kinohimitsu Collagen Diamond 16's and Kinohimitsu Collagen Men 16's, now available at the irresistible price of RM99.00 only! 

Other Kinohimitsu collagen products include Kinohimitsu Collagen Beauty, Kinohimitsu Collagen Green Caviar, Kinohimitsu Collagen Nite, Kinohimitsu Stem Gold+ 180g, Kinohimitsu Marine Gem 180g, Kinohimitsu Stem Cell Snow Lotus 10’s, Kinohimitsu Collagen Activ 15’s and Kinohimitsu Beauty Activ 15’s.

Online shoppers can also enjoy these deals on Kinohimitsu e-store at my.kinohimitsu.com or e-marketplaces such as Lazada and Shopee.