January 28, 2022

MIC Global Receives ‘In-Principle’ Approval to Establish Syndicate 5183

LONDON, Jan. 28, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — MIC Global has received ‘in-principle’ approval from Lloyd’s for the creation of MIC Global Insurance Syndicate in a box (Syndicate) MIC 5183. MIC Global is a pioneering insurtech providing end-to-end digital micro insurance products.

The new syndicate will be managed by Asta, the leading third-party managing agent at Lloyd’s and is scheduled to underwrite business incepting on or after 1 April 2022.

Entry into the Lloyd’s market represents a significant step in MIC Global’s growth, furthering their ambition to build a global safety net and provide insurance to the millions of people and businesses who lack ready access to insurance. Through its Lloyd’s Syndicate, MIC Global further cements its position as an international leader in micro-insurance and embedded insurance solutions

MIC Global stands apart in the industry as a full-service insurance company with the global capability and technology to provide fully digital data-driven frictionless insurance.

Harry Croydon, CEO and president of MIC Global, said: “MIC is a spark for innovation and change in the industry. We envision a world where insurance is accessible to everyone, which means creating new ways of providing coverage by leveraging our technology and principles of straight-through processing. We have generated great momentum by providing embedded insurance solutions to like-minded platform businesses. Our Lloyd’s Syndicate will enable us to accelerate our plans to provide micro transactional insurance globally to as many businesses, platforms, and customers as possible.”

Jamie Crystal, executive chairman of MIC Global, said: “Insurance provides a critical safety net to support people and businesses in their time of need, yet insurance is too often inaccessible, inefficient, and cost prohibitive. We set out to build a full stack digital insurance company from the ground up to provide simple and relevant insurance for platform businesses, their customers, and their service providers. The need is global, and we are excited to leverage our technology in partnership with Lloyd’s, the preeminent global insurance platform, to provide embedded insurance solutions throughout the world.”

Julian Tighe, chief executive officer of Asta, added: “We are extremely pleased to partner with such an innovative business and are looking forward to supporting MIC Global. The SIAB model facilitates cost-effective and efficient entry to Lloyd’s and offers the flexibility required to adapt to changing business needs. Syndicate 5183’s business plan, which aims to deliver micro-insurance to a broad range of platform businesses and small and medium-sized enterprises that remain underserved by today’s market, is exactly the sort of initiative that benefits greatly from access to Lloyd’s via the SIAB framework.”

Issued on behalf of MIC Global by Rein4ce

Media contacts:

Mairi Mallon
Mairi.mallon@rein4ce.co.uk
+44 7843076533
Sarah Hills
sarah.hills@rein4ce.co.uk
+44 7718882011

About MIC Global

MIC Global is a full stack digital insurance platform that combines insurance capacity, in-country insurance licenses, world class distribution and scalable tech. MIC Global provides insurance to the millions of people and businesses that are unserved by the current insurance models.

For more information, please visit https://microinsurance.com/

About Asta:

Asta Managing Agency Ltd is the leading third-party managing agent at Lloyd’s and is responsible for twelve syndicates, one SPA and two Syndicates-in-a-Box with capacity under management in 2022 of more than £1.4bn.

Asta Underwriting Management Limited (AUML) brings the skills, experience and capabilities of the leading third-party managing agency at Lloyd’s to the MGA market. AUML currently manages four MGAs.

See https://www.asta-uk.com/our-clients/ for full details.

January 28, 2022

Philips and University Hospital Brandenburg an der Havel sign 10-year partnership to advance patient care

January 28, 2022

Major German University Hospital secures long-term access to the latest health technology through renewal of diagnostic and image-guided therapy solutions
Philips to deliver new and upgraded hybrid operating room and interventional suites
Agreement includes training and education for hospital’s clinicians and medical technologists

Amsterdam, the Netherlands – Royal Philips (NYSE: PHG, AEX: PHIA), a global leader in health technology, and the University Hospital Brandenburg an der Havel (Brandenburg, Germany) have signed a 10-year strategic partnership to renew and expand the hospital’s diagnostic and therapy options through the delivery of advanced technology solutions. The approximately EUR 18 million agreement includes the supply of diagnostic imaging solutions including ultrasound, MR and mobile X-ray, as well as image-guided therapy suites and patient monitoring solutions. The long-term cooperation will provide University Hospital Brandenburg an der Havel with optimum flexibility and a needs-based approach to technology selection and financing.

“We have decided to partner with Philips in order to ensure high-quality, economical medical care for the population of our region into the future,” said Gabriele Wolter, Managing Director of University Hospital Brandenburg an der Havel. “Our joint activities will go well beyond device procurement and financing. There will be a uniform operating philosophy across devices and departments for renewal of our equipment inventory. In this way, we can speed up processes, minimize operating errors, and make its use easier throughout the clinic.”

With around 500 beds, University Hospital Brandenburg an der Havel provides specialist care both locally and nationally for around 26,000 inpatients and 48,000 ambulatory patients in 15 specialized clinics. With medical excellence, innovative therapies and interdisciplinary teams, more than 2,000 employees work toward a common goal: ensuring first-class treatment quality by linking teaching, research and patient care.

Advanced diagnostic and therapy options, together with a modern standardized equipment inventory, are an important part of the hospital’s development for the future. A significant strategic element of the agreement with Philips is enhancement of the hospital’s vascular and cardiology specialist services. This includes the upgrading of two existing interventional suites for cardiac and vascular procedures and installation of a new hybrid operating room equipped with Philips’ Image-Guided Therapy System – Azurion – for minimally-invasive interventions. Minimally invasive techniques offer significant benefits for healthcare systems and patients, including reduced patient trauma (less patient risk), shorter recovery times and hospital stays (faster patient throughput), and lower health care costs.

“The aim of our cooperation is to take a holistic approach to the design and organization of healthcare along the full treatment pathways in the hospital, with our top priorities being improving outcomes, enhancing the patient and staff experience, and reducing the cost of care,” said Heiko Borwieck, Health Systems Sales Leader, Philips Germany.

Well-trained medical and nursing staff are an important part of comprehensive patient care. Philips’ ICARUS learning academy for medical and technical staff will be integrated into the hospital’s existing training and education program as part of the cooperation. Combining digital and face-to-face teaching methods, the platform will allow the hospital’s radiology team to be trained individually or in groups, independent of their location. The aim is to meet the daily challenges of the radiology workplace through the training of all employees so that the hospital can deliver a high-quality standard of care.

For further information, please contact:

Mark Groves
Philips Global Press Office
Tel: +31 631 639 916
Email: mark.groves@philips.com

Annette Halstrick
PR Manager Health Systems
Philips GmbH DACH
Phone: +49 152 2280 0529
Email: annette.halstrick@philips.com

About Royal Philips

Royal Philips (NYSE: PHG, AEX: PHIA) is a leading health technology company focused on improving people’s health and well-being, and enabling better outcomes across the health continuum – from healthy living and prevention, to diagnosis, treatment and home care. Philips leverages advanced technology and deep clinical and consumer insights to deliver integrated solutions. Headquartered in the Netherlands, the company is a leader in diagnostic imaging, image-guided therapy, patient monitoring and health informatics, as well as in consumer health and home care. Philips generated 2021 sales of EUR 17.2 billion and employs approximately 78,000 employees with sales and services in more than 100 countries. News about Philips can be found at www.philips.com/newscenter.

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University Hospital Brandenburg an der Havel

January 28, 2022January 29, 2022

‘Minilateral’ diplomacy in vogue amid rifts in ASEAN

As the Southeast Asian bloc struggles to forge a consensus on divisive issues like the South China Sea and Myanmar, analysts see a possible shift in how the region’s diplomats and officials go about their business.

Consensus-driven diplomacy, epitomized by the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), is in danger of being sidelined in favor of more flexible and nimble arrangements to address issues of regional concern.

International relations wonks have got a name for it: “minilateralism.”

Just this week, top leaders of Singapore and Indonesia signed a number of key documents paving the way for stronger bilateral cooperation including in the South China Sea.

Meanwhile, the defense ministers of Malaysia, Indonesia and the Philippines were also due this week to meet and discuss trilateral security cooperation, although those talks were postponed until March, reportedly because of Covid-19.

And Indonesia is planning talks with a small group of nations next month on maritime security.

Observers say the trend may signal a rethinking of ASEAN’s principle of consensus, when all the member states should agree and find a common stance on any subject.

Instead, they may look to form smaller, more informal and flexible groupings within the bloc in order to deal with pressing issues more effectively.

“Sadly minilateralism is probably the only way forward,” said Shahriman Lockman, a senior analyst at the Malaysian Institute of Strategic and International Studies (ISIS).

‘Foster brotherhood’
Differences with ASEAN have been on display in recent weeks over Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen maverick attempt to resolve the crisis in Myanmar. Last week he lashed out against his Malaysian counterpart for criticizing his dealings with the junta.

But probably the most enduring, divisive issue within ASEAN is the South China Sea, which has left nations without a stake in those disputed waters at odds with those that do.

In December, Indonesia invited officials in charge of maritime security from five other ASEAN members to meet to “share experiences and foster brotherhood” among the countries facing similar challenges posed by China there.

Head of the Maritime Security Agency (Bakamla) Vice Adm. Aan Kurnia said he’d invited counterparts from Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore and Vietnam to a meeting in February to discuss how to establish a coordinated approach in matters related to the South China Sea, and “how to respond in the field when we face the same ‘disturbance’.”

Huynh Tam Sang, a lecturer at Ho Chi Minh City University of Social Sciences and Humanities (USSH) in Vietnam, said: “ASEAN has tried its best to maintain a neutral stance when coming to the South China Sea issue.”

“But as ASEAN countries are all small- and middle-sized states, it is not easy [for them] to come up with a solid stance and effective strategy to navigate the South China Sea issue,” he said.

Shahriman from the Malaysian ISIS was more forthright:

“I think there is a growing frustration with the fact that ASEAN is unable to be more cohesive,” he said. “Minilateralism is inevitably seen as an option.”

“I don’t believe that minilateralism will be as damaging to ASEAN as some may think. For years, countries around the Mekong [river] have been working in their own mechanisms without raising existential questions about ASEAN,” Shahriman explained.

“So why should it be any different for the South China Sea?”

There have been precedents, including the Malacca Strait Patrol which involves several littoral states, and the Trilateral Cooperation Arrangement for the Sulu Sea, according to the Malaysian analyst.

“Unlike multilateral settings, minilateral ones tend to focus on narrower and more specific themes with exclusive membership, thereby proving more effective in solving issues that matter to those directly involved,” agreed Sang from Ho Chi Minh City USSH.

Experts say a grouping of like-minded countries focused on maritime security cooperation would work best to promote stability and prevent conflicts in the disputed waters.

Role of Bakamla

Beijing has been accused of harassing other countries when they are exploring resources in the South China Sea.

Indonesia, for example, has been repeatedly told by China to stop drilling for oil and gas near the Natuna islands as the block lies within the so-called “nine-dash line” that China uses to demarcate its expansive claims.

Sang said the situation in North Natuna Sea, as well as Beijing’s constant objections to Jakarta’s development projects, has challenged Indonesia’s stance that it’s a non-claimant in the South China Sea.

“Jakarta could no longer stay aloof from the South China Sea disputes,” he said, proposing that Indonesia, via its maritime security agency Bakamla, should take the lead in “navigating South China Sea challenges.”

Dedi Dinarto, a senior analyst at S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies in Singapore, concurred.

“I believe that this is a feasible arrangement for Bakamla to interact with the neighboring coast guards as Indonesia prefers to maintain a cooperative security approach when dealing with threats and instability in the region,” he said.

“Bakamla can initiate the minilateral white hulls forum as an initial step,” said Dedi, who specializes in Indonesia’s politics and maritime security.

But there are many hurdles to overcome before the neighbors can come up with a well-oiled working mechanism. Beijing, known for putting economic pressure on smaller regional states, will not let those actions go unnoticed, analysts said.

Domestic obstacles should also not be discounted, said Dedi.

“To sustain or even expand its role in the regional setting depends on its reputation at home and the willingness of the central government to place more resources for Bakamla and to set it as the key player compared to other maritime security agencies including the Navy,” he said.

Bakamla still has very modest operational assets, including just 10 coastguard vessels and minimal weaponry. Its “unclear institutional identity”, said Dedi, led to a limited acknowledgement at home and up to date, the agency remains dependent on the Navy for backup support.

“With these issues, it remains to be seen whether Bakamla can thrive and play a more significant role.”

January 28, 2022January 29, 2022

Cambodia Anticipates 9 Gold Medals for Vovinam from SEA Games 2023

Cambodia is determined to earn nine gold medals for Vovinam from the SEA Games 2023 it will host.
The commitment was made by H.E. Ou Ratana, President of Cambodia Vovinam Federation (CVF) at the closing ceremony of the National Vovinam Championship 2021 here in Phnom Penh on Jan. 26.
The aim is in line with the medal index set by Cambodia SEA Games Organising Committee (CAMSOC), continued H.E. Ou Ratana.
Training and competitions are crucial to develop the capacity of not only the Cambodian athletes but also the judges and arbitrators, he underlined.
The federation is working hard in development of the sport, especially in mobilising support for more competitions so as to achieve the ambition.
H.E. Vath Chamroeun, Secretary General of CAMSOC, spoke highly of the federation’s effort, particularly to mobilise supports from private sector to further develop the sport.
The committee will identifying good coaches for the federation to train and develop capacity of Cambodian Vovinam athletes, he added.

Source: Agency Kampuchea Press

January 28, 2022January 29, 2022

Cambodia, Czech Committed to Continue Mines and Energy Cooperation

Cambodia and Czech Republic have expressed their commitment for both bilateral and multilateral cooperation, especially on mines and energy.
The commitment was stressed during a meeting here at the Ministry of Mines and Energy’s office between H.E. Suy Sem, Minister of Mines and Energy, and H.E. Martin Vavra, Ambassador of the Czech Republic to Cambodia on Wednesday.
The meeting was aimed to learn more about the vision of the ministry and priority projects related to the development of energy efficiency, as well as more opportunities and new initiatives to continue and promote cooperation in the energy sector.
The two sides pledged to further strengthen the implementation of the memorandum of understanding between Cambodian Ministry of Mines and Energy and the Czech Ministry of Industry and Commerce.
H.E. Suy Sem also briefed his guests about the government’s key priorities in the energy sector, including preparation of New Energy Development Master Plan 2022-2040.

Source: Agency Kampuchea Press