Hydrix Ltd (ASX: HYD) announced on 7 January 2026 that its wholly owned subsidiary Hydrix Services Pty Ltd (“Hydrix”) entered into a contract with SynCardia Systems LLC (“SynCardia”), a wholly owned subsidiary of Picard Medical, Inc. (NYSE American: PMI), to commence an initial development phase for SynCardia’s next-generation fully implantable Total Artificial Heart (TAH) technology, known as the Emperor.
Project Highlights
The contract of approximately A$2.5 million is anticipated to be completed in calendar year 2026 and represents an initial project phase within a broader, staged development program
Development of the Emperor is a multi-stage, multi-year program that will progress through defined engineering, verification, and regulatory milestones. Advancement between stages is subject to technical progress and performance, safety validation, regulatory considerations and alignment, and SynCardia’s funding availability
The collaboration encompasses a ground up systems architecture incorporating electromechanical actuation, embedded software, energy management, and safety critical redundancy
Patrick N.J. Schnegelsberg, CEO of SynCardia Systems commented:
“Hydrix’s expertise and demonstrated track record in advancing complex cardiovascular technologies will support our shared objective of developing transformative solutions for patients with advanced heart failure. We are ready to advance the program into its next phase of development.”
Gavin Coote, Executive Chairman of Hydrix commented:
“We are excited to commence this critical development with SynCardia, a highly regarded global leader in advanced heart replacement technology. It endorses Hydrix’s capability to deliver complex, safety-critical medical device development programs for leading international medical technology companies.”
Hydrix Services
Selection of Hydrix Services as a development partner reflects demonstrated expertise in complex, safety critical engineering disciplines. This achievement in a competitive global selection process underscores Hydrix’s experience in mechanical circulatory support systems and highly regulated medical device development.
This project win further strengthens Hydrix’s position as a leading global partner of choice for complex, safety-critical cardiovascular technologies, and supports the company’s strategy of growing long-term, high-value development programs with international medical device leaders.
Hydrix will develop the controller and various subsystem technologies applying highly specialised electronics, software, mechanical, usability, and safety-critical design engineering disciplines.
SynCardia and the Emperor TAH
The Emperor is SynCardia’s next generation fully implantable total artificial heart platform. SynCardia is advancing the Emperor as a fully implantable system designed to eliminate external pneumatic drivers and expand long term support options. The collaboration with Hydrix Services encompasses a ground up systems architecture incorporating electromechanical actuation, embedded software, energy management, and safety critical redundancy.
SynCardia Systems LLC, as a subsidiary of Picard Medical, Inc., retains overall system architecture responsibility, regulatory sponsorship, and clinical strategy leadership for the Emperor platform. Development partners provide specialised engineering and execution support within this framework.
This news release has been provided to Australia Fitness Today by Bourse Communications Pty Ltd.
I’m sure you’ve heard fitness trainers saying this – engage your core, engage your core! Your “core” refers to the muscles that surround your midsection, the part that runs from the top of our pelvic bone to the top of your stomach, wrapping around to your lower back. Basically it’s your trunk area.
Why does your “core” need to be strong? It needs to be not only strong, but also flexible and coordinated to help you in every action and movement. The core area helps us flex, extend, side-bend and rotate your trunk in all directions, as well as keep the trunk stable. Along with your hips and lower back, the abdominal muscles is crucial in keeping our centre strong so that we can use our arms and legs powerfully without hurting your spine.
Why is core engagement important?
A strong core is important in maintaining good physical health. Remember, your core is the building block for your entire body’s posture and overall movement. Once you have strong core muscles, you can improve your balance, coordination and stability, as well as reduce any risk of lower back pain and injury.
Besides athletes and sportsmen, elderly persons can also greatly benefit from having a strong core.
Building the exercise routine
Incorporate practicing core engagement exercises so you can also build endurance around your other muscles. A very simple tip, is to ensure holding a good posture at all times. This simple practice naturally engages your core! So when you’re standing, your spine is more or less in its natural curve. Once you’re used to it, it will become second nature and standing with a relaxed core will actually feel weird.
Six packs equal a strong core?
Let’s start with aspiring towards a lean physique…without a six pack. Most people with six packs are truly inspiring and disciplined; keeping an extremely strict exercise regime and maintaining a planned nutritional schedule and intake. Often pictures of athletes or models parading their six packs are taken during their peak conditions where they have activated both their transverse and rectus abdominus. They don’t usually look like that all year round. In truth, this kind of lifestyle is not realistic for ordinary people like us who do not have 6-8 hours to exercise every day. Abdominal definition is, in many cases, a side effect of being strong and healthy. In other words, strengthen your Transverse Abdominus.
What’s the Tranverse Abdominus?
Transverse Abdominus, or TVA, is the deepest layer of abdominal muscles. It covers our whole torso from ribs to pelvis and from front to back. The TVA muscles are set horizontally like a weight belt or corset and it does not move your pelvis or spine. It helps with your breathing and also helps stabilise your spine, in addition to forceful exhaling of air from the lungs and compress the internal organs.
Why is the TVA so important as a core muscle?
The TVA helps stabilise your spine and is one of the main muscles that helps stabilise the lumbar spine, which is the bottom part of the spine. You can tell you have a weak TVA when you have lower back pain.
When you strengthen your TVA, you not only strengthen your back, which is important for many other activities such as lifting stuff, sitting, walking and many more activities that involve limb movements.
When your TVA is weak your abdominal wall will bulge outwards and your pelvis may rotate and your may increase the risk of a curvature of the spine. In other words, strengthen your core to decrease the risk to your spine. It also helps you to trim your stomach area.
How do you build on the TVA as a core muscle then?
There’s no one magical exercise routine, but a combination of movements that engage the core in a way that works so much better than crunches and sit-ups.
Planks are well known for “working” the core, but some other exercises include pull-ups, jumping, spinning, and rolling.
These movements have one thing in common – and that is, none of them are “isolation” exercises. Basically, in order to do those movements, you need to use your abdominals to maintain your posture and stability throughout the motion.
Core engagement exercise tips
Engage your core while seated
A lot of us sit for long periods of time either at the office or while driving. For this very reason, practising and engaging your core is especially important as you sit down or get up from your chair or car seat.
Step 1: Sit up straight in your chair, with your shoulders over your hips, then let your back relax back against the backrest.
Step 2: Sit up into your original position again and feel that light sense of tension in your abs needed to hold yourself up. It should not be much. Just a light, but deep, engagement. This is the level of engagement you want to have while you walk, run or do any movement throughout your day.
Abdominal Vacuum
Step 1: Sit up tall on a chair. Straighten your spine and place your feet flat on the floor.
Step 2: Draw your bellybutton in toward your spine, engaging your core muscles. Do not hold your breath; instead breathe deeply and evenly.
Step 3: Contract your abdominals or pulse the muscles in and out until your muscles fatigue.
You can practice the abdominal vacuum exercise throughout the day while you are sitting on a chair.
Engage your core – AsiaFitnessToday.com
Abdominal Hold
Step 1: Sit on the edge of a chair with a straight spine and your feet flat on the floor.
Step 2: Place your palms flat on the seat of the chair, curling your fingers around the edge of the seat.
Step 3: Engage your core muscles by drawing your bellybutton in toward your spine. Press down with your hands and draw your knees toward your chest, lifting your feet two to four inches off the floor.
Repeat this exercise as many times as you can during a one-minute interval.
How about other times when we are not sitting or exercising?
Keep your core engaged lightly and gently during any and all movement: when you first get out of bed (with a gentle stretch), while walking, getting into and out of your car, at the office at your desk, and most definitely while you run or walk or do any kind of fitness activity, standing in line, cooking dinner, even while brushing your teeth.
When you focus your mind on your core several times a day, you are in touch with a deeper part of yourself, in the present moment.
Reminding ourselves to keep our core engaged
Make it a game…how many muscles can you engage in any movement if your core is engaged. Feel the difference in how you move when your core is or is not consciously employed. How about setting an alarm on your phone, with a ring tone that is unique to remind yourself to engage your core?
Revisiting the benefits of breathing right
You might not think about something that happens so automatically as breathing, but it can make all the difference in your workout – especially when doing stomach exercises. Breathing out at the right time tightens your ab muscles and engages your core, so you get more out of your workout. Proper breathing technique can also give you more stamina while on the exercise mat. When exerting yourself, it can seem like a natural reaction to hold your breath. Don’t do this! Keep breathing otherwise you could get dizzy and faint.
Proper Technique
Improper breathing techniques could interfere or delay your ability to get the most out of your ab workout. To get the most oxygen from your lungs to your muscles, it’s important that you draw air deep into your lungs. This is accomplished using a technique known as abdominal breathing.
Abdominal breathing helps you fill your belly with air to get the optimal amount of oxygen into your body. If you’re only pulling air into your chest, you may not get the oxygen you need during a workout.
Ok, some people will say that they breathe with their lungs. This is okay as long as you can feel your abdominal muscles move.
The problem arises when you use your upper chest to breath as this more often than not causes or makes chest pain worse.
Chest breathing are shallow and rapid or fast breaths. This is a stress response and can lead to hyperventilation, which is bad for those with stress and anxiety. You can use abdominal breathing to control your nervous system and encourage your body to relax. When your body is relaxed, it brings a range of health benefits.
Take a quick at the last issue of Running Malaysia where we touched on Breathing. Proper breathing helps you to lose weight as well. So when you’re strengthening your core, don’t forget to breathe.
Photo: All rights reserved, Copyright, 2016, Go International Group Dotcom Sdn Bhd. Article compiled by Nikki Yeo – Co-founder AsiaFitnessToday.com and ACE-certified Fitness Trainer.
The University of Western Australia (UWA) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Avid Sports, the sporting division of AvidSys Group, in a move that strengthens India–Australia ties and expands global opportunities for students.
Avid Sports is a subsidiary of AvidSys Group, an investment house with business interests spanning mining, mining services, manufacturing, technology, healthcare, construction & infrastructure development, media and international sports.
Through its sporting arm, Avid Sports, the Group has rapidly established itself in the Indian sports landscape by acquiring and developing the Chennai Bulls Rugby Sevens franchise. They are the only foreign-owned team in the league.
Under the leadership of celebrated coach Ben Gollings, the Bulls claimed the inaugural Rugby Premier Leaguechampionship in 2025, signalling ambitions to professionalise and grow rugby across India and transform the region’s sporting landscape – via world-class infrastructure, training, youth development, and community engagement
The signing ceremony at UWA’s Crawley campus marks the beginning of a strategic partnership that will give UWA students in disciplines such as sport science, business, marketing and high-performance access to internships, practicums, and immersive industry experiences in India and Australia.
The collaboration will also support UWA’s historic expansion into India, with the University recently receiving approval to establish International Branch Campuses in Mumbai and Chennai – making it the first Group of Eight (Go8) university to do so.Commenting on the MoU, UWA Professor Silvana Gaudieri, Head of the School of Human Sciences, said the partnership represented a significant milestone in building bilateral cooperation.
“This collaboration provides an exciting opportunity to combine our academic expertise in sport science and human performance with Avid Sports’ global networks. Together, we will create new avenues for student-athlete development, research collaborations and cultural exchange that will benefit both nations.”
UWA Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Education and Student Experience) Professor Guy Littlefair also highlighted that the partnership aligns with UWA’s 2030 Vision, reinforcing the University’s commitment to global leadership in education and research.
“This partnership demonstrates UWA’s commitment to meaningful international collaboration and the creation of innovative opportunities for students, researchers and industry to work together in advancing global knowledge, skills and impact.”
Sruti Simon, Director of Avid Sports, said the organisation was proud to formalise its partnership with UWA.
“We are delighted to partner with UWA to create pathways that connect education, research, and industry. By combining UWA’s academic expertise with our vision for sport and innovation in India, we can deliver meaningful opportunities for students and strengthen the ties between our two nations.”
With its International Branch Campuses set to launch in India within the next 18 months, UWA’s partnership with Avid Sports represents a cornerstone initiative linking education with real-world industry outcomes, while advancing India–Australia collaboration in sport, business and beyond.
A first of its kind trial is aiming to recruit children aged between 7 and 12 with a pre-existing formal Autism diagnosis, living in Victoria, Australia.
The recruitment drive will help researchers assess whether participation in the community-based dance program, AllPlay Dance, results in significant improvements in motor functioning among autistic children, compared to a treatment-as-usual waitlist control condition, from pre- to post-intervention.
Bringing together industry partners and philanthropists, AllPlay Dance – the Monash University-led initiative – is community-based, and focused on enabling children with developmental conditions to experience dance.
AllPlay Dance was co-created by Professor Nicole Rinehart, a clinical psychologist from the School of Psychological Sciences, and an international leader in neurodevelopmental disorders, and Dr Olivia Millard, senior lecturer in Dance from the School of Communication and Creative Arts at Deakin University.
The unique trial will be conducted at Monash’s state-of-the-art Brain Park facility and Deakin University dance studios.
Professor Rinehart said this new approach to improving developmental outcomes for autistic children aims to break the expensive and time-consuming clinical model and create a radically new model of community-based intervention where children can go to an innovative dance program to improve developmental outcomes, make friends, and be part of a community.
“Autistic children have social and communication challenges, but few know that up to 80 per cent of children will also have significant movement problems. Simple things like catching and throwing a ball and balancing that children don’t need to think about are barriers to participation for a child with autism,” said Professor Rinehart.
“The idea that we can not only improve motor outcomes, but in a context that is relational with friends, has a net benefit of developing a skill and also having the confidence to use it in everyday life.”
The trial’s secondary aim is to determine whether participation in AllPlay Dance leads to statistically significant changes in cognitive, social, emotional/behavioural, and parental stress outcomes.
Additionally, the research team will assess the acceptability and feasibility of the AllPlay Dance program post-intervention for families and buddies (dance teachers), as well as whether families continue participating in community-based dance programs and how they describe their experiences at follow-up.
Dr Millard said this AllPlay Dance research project will comprise a series of classes for children with autism, supported by their dance ‘buddies’ who will undertake an internship on the project.
“We will address interlinked aims of measuring the benefits of dance for children with autism; creating capacity in the community for dance teachers to conduct inclusive classes; and continuing to adapt and develop our approach to teaching dance for children with disability. Our research is centred around our commitment to learning from our engagement with the community we serve,” Dr Millard said.
Community-based dance programs may offer multiple benefits for Autistic children, including improvements in motor, social and cognitive functioning. Professor Rinehart said rigorous empirical research, particularly randomised controlled trials, is required to evaluate these.
“AllPlay is built on a 10-year funding model involving industry, government and philanthropic partners. We are committed to a sustainable program wrapped in research, that we can move from the clinic to the community,” Professor Rinehart said. “The program has been in lock step with the NDIS roll out over the last 10 years to ensure that children with disabilities can ‘live an ordinary’ life in our community.
“From an economics perspective this is a huge win for everyone – parents don’t have to leave work to take their children to appointments, so we are increasing productivity in society, children don’t have to leave school, they get to do what every other child does, go to a dance class after school, it is a win win from every angle.”
lyf one-north Singapore joins Citadines Balestier Singapore, Citadines Raffles Place Singapore, and Oakwood Studios Singapore as the latest pet-friendly accommodation, offering exciting activities for pets.
lyf one-north Singapore by The Ascott Limited (Ascott), a lodging business unit wholly owned by CapitaLand Investment (CLI), welcomes guests travelling with their furry companions. The property introduces a range of pet-friendly activities in addition to pet-friendly accommodation. lyf one-north Singapore will host a variety of engaging activities for pet lovers including pet adoption drives, yoga sessions for dogs and cats, pet treat workshops, and pet obedience training sessions. These initiatives underscore Ascott’s dedication to creating a holistic environment where both guests and their pets feel comfortable and at home.
“We know that for many of our guests, pets aren’t just animals; they are beloved members of the family,” said Ms. Judy Wong, Country General Manager, Singapore Operations, Ascott.
“At our pet-friendly properties, we warmly welcome you into a space where both you and your fur-kids can find comfort and care together. With our pet-friendly properties strategically located in or near the city centre, the introduction of lyf one-north Singapore in the west offers another wonderful home away from home that perfectly suits your family’s lifestyle. Here, both you and your cherished pets can create lasting memories together.”
lyf one-north Singapore: A Vibrant Social Living Hub
Nestled in Nepal Hill, lyf one-north Singapore embodies experience-led co-living with 324 apartment units catering to mid- and long-term stays. The property is situated within the dynamic one-north district, home to major corporations, start-ups, and creative communities. With its prime location opposite one-north MRT station and just a 30-minute ride from the Central Business District, it is tailored for digital nomads, technopreneurs, creatives, and self-starters.
The property’s seamless integration into one-north’s thriving ecosystem provides guests with convenient access to an array of recreational, retail, and dining options, including pet-friendly establishments. With pedestrian pathways, cycling tracks, and Personal Mobility Device (PMD) access paths, exploring the area is easy and enjoyable for both guests and their pets.
Explore Ascott’s Pet-Friendly Portfolio
Ascott continues to strengthen its pet-friendly hospitality offerings, with properties such as Citadines Balestier Singapore, Citadines Raffles Place Singapore, and Oakwood Studios Singapore. Each property provides tailored experiences for pet owners and their furry companions, ensuring an enjoyable and memorable stay.
Ascott Star Rewards: Exclusive Perks for Members
Ascott Star Rewards (ASR) members staying with pets will receive a special welcome kit, making their experience even more delightful. Guests can sign up for a complimentary ASR membership to enjoy exclusive year-round benefits. For more information, visit: https://www.discoverasr.com/en/singapore
Entrepôt: A Pet-Friendly Culinary Experience
For guests looking to dine with their pets, Entrepôt at The Robertson House by The Crest Collection offers an inviting pet-friendly experience. Whether enjoying a weekday set lunch, Social Hour evenings, or the weekend Steak Buffet, guests can bring their pets to the alfresco dining area for a relaxed meal together.
“At Entrepôt, we believe dining should be an inclusive experience for both our guests and their pets,” said Nixon Low, Director of Culinary & Beverage Operations at The Robertson House by The Crest Collection. “We are excited to extend our warm hospitality to our guests and their four-legged companions.”
For more information and reservations, please visit: www.entrepot.sg.
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Ascott expands pet-friendly offerings with lyf one-north Singapore is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International license. Quote Source: https://www.australiafitnesstoday.com/2025/04/01/ascott-expands-pet-friendly-offerings-with-lyf-one-north-singapore/
AUSactive has marked Chinese New Year celebrations by announcing the launch of a dedicated Tai Chi professional membership registration to provide tailored membership benefits and support for instructors of the ancient martial art.
Tai Chi has been practiced for thousands of years and today many take part in Tai Chi as a sport and form of exercise for its health benefits – both physical and for the mind.
In fact, a recent Harvard Medical School study on Tai Chi and cognition found Tai Chi appeared to improve a person’s ability to multitask, manage time and make decisions.
AUSactive CEO Barrie Elvish said expanding membership categories to reflect the variety of modalities in the industry was part of the association’s commitment to supporting growth and expansion.
“We know exercise takes on many different forms for people who like to keep active, and Tai Chi continues to grow in popularity due to its mind and body benefits for all age groups, especially older Australians.
“As this demand increases, we have more instructors who are keen to be part of AUSactive so the category is a welcome addition to our suite of membership options now available,” Mr Elvish said.
“Like our dedicated Yoga and Pilates membership, we constantly look for ways to improve our membership offerings and ensure they suit the various modalities.
“It’s not a one size fits all, and we are proud to be able to tailor our memberships to suit the needs of our industry.”
Rising Moon Tai Chi School owner Jenny Harrison said the new Tai Chi professional membership category would give instructors more confidence and credibility to deliver Tai Chi classes.
“The AUSactive Tai Chi registration provides instructors with a clear framework for professional standards. It encourages ongoing education, giving instructors the skills and confidence to take effective and enjoyable Tai Chi classes,” Ms Harrison said.
“We’ve seen some exciting growth in the demand for Tai Chi classes in recent years. For many people, it’s a form of exercise that can clear the mind and help us be present while also improving strength, flexibility, aerobic conditioning and balance.”
Founder and Instructor at Jade Lady Tai Chi & Qigong Suzette Hosken said the dedicated membership category and support of Tai Chi would help increase its popularity.
“I love the idea of registering as a Tai Chi professional as it shows you are trained to a high standard and committed to ongoing education. With AUSactive behind the Tai Chi industry, the popularity of tai chi will only increase.” Ms Hosken said.
Presented by Tourism Malaysia and supported by PNB Merdeka Ventures Sdn. Berhad and Think City.
Participants of all ages and abilities are invited to explore the historical and cultural landmarks surrounding the iconic Menara Merdeka 118 precinct in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Get ready for an unprecedented event that blends arts, culture, fitness, and technology: The MOVE8 Walk-A-Hunt @ Merdeka 118 Precinct is set to launch in-person on 18 January 2025 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, with a VR360 film to launch later in the year.
Caption: Menara Merdeka 118 Precinct Kuala Lumpur, world’s second tallest building stands at 678.9 metres. Photo credit: PNB Merdeka Ventures Sdn. Berhad.
Key Facts
The MOVE8 Walk-A-Hunt @ Merdeka 118 Precinct is supported by the Merdeka 118 Community Grants Programme, a collaboration between PNB Merdeka Ventures Sdn. Berhad and Think City. Additionally, it is endorsed by Tourism Malaysia, welcoming both domestic and international tourists. This initiative aims to activate and revitalise public spaces around the Merdeka 118 precinct, making it a vibrant hub for cultural activities.
Key Highlights
Cultural Collaboration: This event is a significant co-production between Australia and Malaysia, showcasing a shared dedication to cultural enrichment and international collaboration.
Innovative Technology: Participants can enjoy a unique experience blending physical exploration with a Virtual Reality (VR) film that will be released later in the year, immersing themselves in a cutting-edge fusion of fitness and media.
Global Landmark: The walk will take participants around Kuala Lumpur’s Menara Merdeka 118, the world’s second-tallest tower standing at 678.9 metres.
Community Engagement: The event promotes community engagement and highlights sports equity, ensuring people from all layers of society can access sports, healthy living, and an appreciation of the rich heritage of the area. It offers a chance to connect with the local community and Malaysian culture.
Scavenger Hunt Style: Participants will engage in a scavenger hunt-style exploration of the Merdeka 118 precinct, adding an element of adventure and discovery.
Event Details
Date: Saturday 18 January 2025
Time: 7.30am – 12.30pm MYT
Location: Merdeka 118 Precinct, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia (starting from Stadium Merdeka Main Gate)
Cost: Free for individuals to walk at their own pace (flights and accommodation at travellers’ own cost)
A$2,500 for up to 20 pax including lunch at a local establishment and an exclusive goodie bag (flights and accommodation at travellers’ own cost). Corporate groups will be paired to walk with communities from the Malaysian Blind Sports Association, Malaysian Federation of the Deaf, YWCA etc.
Watch live sports online
The MOVE8 Walk-A-Hunt @ Merdeka 118 Precinct is supported by the Merdeka 118 Community Grants Programme, a collaboration between PNB Merdeka Ventures Sdn. Berhad and Think City. Additionally, it is endorsed by Tourism Malaysia, welcoming both domestic and international tourists. This initiative aims to activate and revitalise public spaces around the Merdeka 118 precinct, making it a vibrant hub for cultural activities.
“We are truly delighted to welcome everyone to Stadium Merdeka, a heritage site that holds a special place in Malaysia’s history as the birthplace of our journey to independence. Whether you are joining us physically or virtually, this iconic venue continues to inspire as we honour its rich legacy through meaningful and vibrant community events like this one. We look forward to hosting more initiatives that bring people together and celebrate the spirit of community and togetherness,”
Dato’ Tengku Ab. Aziz, CEO of PNB Merdeka Ventures Sdn. Berhad.
Impact producer, Nikki Yeo adds,
“Only a small population of people can run but more people can walk. Walking is inclusive of more people and walking even short distances with somebody can make a difference in mental health. We included the VR-element to include those who are unable to walk long distances so that they can still participate virtually using the VR film,”.
Nikki Yeo, certified fitness trainer with American Council on Exercise (ACE), founding board member of Exercise is Medicine Malaysia and cofounder of Go International Group Dotcom (Malaysia).
Emerging film director, Jasmine Low says,
“I am thrilled to be a part of this groundbreaking project, as it marks a first Australian Malaysian VR360 film co-production. Merging creative VR technology, adaptive screenwriting and cinematic lens, we aim to bring cities like Port Macquarie, Sydney’s Chinatown and Kuala Lumpur into the living rooms of more people, bringing them along with us as we map more cities around the region. We seek to enhance access to sports, fitness and wellness via futuristic film and VR technology,”.
Jasmine Low is a recent graduate from NIDA’s Directors Studio. She is completing a Master of Arts Screen Business at the Australian Film Television and Radio School and is cofounder of the newly established EQn Activation Studios c/o Go International Group Dotcom Pty Ltd. in Sydney.
Move8 Walk-a-Hunt is a significant part of the AFT International Sports Fitness Festival, a sports equity and community social inclusion project initiated by Go International Group Dotcom in 2023 in Port Macquarie and in Sydney Haymarket in 2023 and 2024 in conjunction with the City of Sydney’s Sydney Streets Haymarket, supported by Community Bank Darling Square. This event is a step forward in creating a memorable experience that brings people together from all backgrounds, celebrating cultural exchange and healthy living.
Participants at a recent Move8 Walk-a-Hunt @ Sydney Haymarket in Chinatown supported by Community Bank Darling Square.
Ends.
Fact sheet
About Go International Group Dotcom Pty Ltd.:
Go International Group Dotcom Pty Ltd. via its newly formed unit, EQn Activation Film Studios is a production company dedicated to creating innovative and engaging films that promote community, culture and health. With a track record of successful projects in the multimedia space, the group continues to push the boundaries of creative experiential projects, focusing on inclusivity and innovation. Visit www.gointernationalgroup.com to connect with us.
About Tourism Malaysia
Malaysia Tourism Promotion Board, also known as Tourism Malaysia, is an agency under the Ministry of Tourism, Arts & Culture Malaysia. It focuses on the specific task of promoting Malaysia as a preferred tourism destination. Since its inception, it has emerged as a major player in the international tourism scene. The next Visit Malaysia Year, set to take place in 2026, will commemorate the sustainability of the nation’s tourism industry, which is also in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDG). For more information, visit Tourism Malaysia’s social media accounts on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, and TikTok.
About PNB Merdeka Ventures Sdn. Berhad
PNB Merdeka Ventures Sdn. Berhad was incorporated in June 2000 and is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Permodalan Nasional Berhad (PNB). PNBMV is the landowner and sole custodian of both Stadium Merdeka and Stadium Negara. Both stadiums have been listed as “National Heritage” sites in October 2005 under the National Heritage Act 2005. Thereafter PNB Merdeka Ventures carried out meticulous conservation efforts, earning Stadium Merdeka the UNESCO Award of Excellence for Culture Heritage Conservation Programme (Asia Pacific) in 2008.
The Merdeka 118 precinct is a mixed-use development comprising premium Grade A office spaces, The View at 118 Observation deck, Park Hyatt Kuala Lumpur, a seven-storey retail mall called 118 Mall and three premium residential towers known as ‘Merdeka Residences’. The Merdeka 118 development sits within a new 4-acre linear park known as ‘Merdeka Boulevard at 118’.
The Merdeka 118 tower was recognised as the second tallest building in the world by the Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat (CTBUH) in October 2023. Subsequently, the tower was officially inaugurated on 10th January 2024 by Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah. Visit www.merdeka118.com.
About Think City
Think City is an impact organisation established in 2009 to create more sustainable and equitable places for the benefit of all. Our knowledge, skills and strategies focus on urban solutions, the environment, social communities, and the cultural economy. Think City is a wholly owned subsidiary of Khazanah Nasional Berhad (the sovereign wealth fund of the Government of Malaysia). For more information, log on to www.thinkcity.com.my.
Organized by TalentCorp Malaysia and LeadWomen Malaysia Sdn Bhd in partnership with Gender Action Lab, Australian Aid and UN Women, the UN Women 2022 Asia-Pacific WEPs Awards commemorates those who have committed themselves to advancing gender equality and women’s economic empowerment. These gender champions from different countries, sectors, and fields are acknowledged respectively for their outstanding Leadership Commitment, Youth Leadership, Gender-inclusive Workplace, Gender-responsive Marketplace, Community Engagement & Partnerships, and Transparency & Reporting.
*The UN Women Asia-Pacific WEPs Awards represents recognition of exemplary company efforts for gender equality and is limited to a designated category and a specific location and time period. Awarded organizations, alongside their products and services, receiving awards are not endorsed or affiliated with UN Women or WeEmpowerAsia and being recognized as an Awardee does not constitute a partnership. Claims, statements, or endorsements made by awardees are solely those of the individual or organization and do not represent official policies or positions of UN Women. – Source: Asia Pacific WEPs Awards
The Women’s Empowerment Principles are a set of 7 Principles, for business offering guidance on how to empower women in the workplace, marketplace and community.
Source: https://www.asiapacificwepsawards.org/.
They are grounded in the recognition that businesses have a stake in, and a responsibility for, gender equality and women’s empowerment. Gender equality is more than just a moral responsibility. It is also great for business.
Jointly promulgated by UN Women and the UN Global Compact, there are now nearly 9,500 CEO-level signatories from across the globe.
The Women’s Empowerment Principles (WEPs) are a primary vehicle for corporate delivery on gender equality dimensions of the 2030 agenda and the United Nations Sustainable
Development Goals. WEPs signatories therefore stand in solidarity with the United Nations to end gender inequality in the workplace, marketplace and community.
The UNWEPs Awards – Malaysia 2024 presentation ceremony is a Special Event that takes place right after the Gender Action Lab (GAL) Summit held in the Asia School of Business in Kuala Lumpur, 15 October 2024, supported by Australian Aid and UN Women. The GAL Summit and UNWEPs Awards form the presummit to the two-day LeadWomen Asia Pacific Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Summit: Rebalancing Humanity on 16 & 17 October 2024.
LeadWomen, a leading organisation championing diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in the workplace, is proud to announce its inaugural Asia Pacific DEI Summit: “Humanity Rebalanced”, taking place on 16 and 17 October 2024 at the Asia School of Business in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Building a More Equitable Future
Fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace is a necessity for business success and LeadWomen’s APAC DEI Summit aims to bring together 300 key thought leaders from governments, businesses, and civil society to address DEI challenges and develop practical solutions.
Focus on People-Centric Strategies
Over two days, the summit will feature insightful keynote addresses, interactive panel discussions, and workshops centred around the theme of “Humanity Rebalanced.” Key areas of focus will include:
Building inclusive workplaces that empower all employees.
Identifying and addressing unconscious bias in hiring and promotion practices.
Fostering people-focused leadership that prioritises diversity and equity.
Addressing Regional Challenges
The summit will feature the unique challenges and opportunities presented by a multicultural landscape in the Asia Pacific region. Discussions will explore how to address economic inequality, bridge wage gaps, and ensure equal access to education and advancement opportunities for all.
“While much of the good corporate practices have been shaped by DEI initiatives in North America and Europe, there is significant growing interest in what DEI means in Asia Pacific. Asia is highly populous and made up of diverse cultures, languages, and histories, which surfaces a unique set of DEI challenges for this region.
“Global diversity efforts over the last three to four years have been largely cosmetic, performative, and perfunctory. We are at a point in time where we need to stop and think about rebalancing humanity – bringing back the emphasis of being human, in the way we manage and lead organisations.
Robust DEI policies are critical to driving truly inclusive human and social capital development for businesses and in the context of nation building. We want to push organisations and leaders to go beyond superficial diversity metrics or token measures of inclusion.”
The summit’s line up of distinguished speakers will include:
Varshaa Kutik, Advisor for Diversity and Inclusion, Bank For International Settlements (Switzerland)
Sri Nair, Asia Pacific Vice Chairman of Markets, PwC (Malaysia)
Siti Hurrairah, Country Chair, Shell (Malaysia)
Kathy Matsui, Womenomics advocate and Co-Founder and General Partner of MPower Partners (Japan)
Michael Walmsley, Chief Experience Officer, Diversity Atlas (Australia)
Tracy Ann Curtis, Founder, TAC Global LLC (USA)
Tanya Sinha, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Leader, Amazon Web Services (Singapore)
Kamales Lardi, Author of the best-selling book ‘The Human Side Of Digital Business Transformation (Switzerland)
Michele Sagan; Director of Workforce Transformation, PwC (Malaysia)
Nen Lin Soo, Head of Strategic Communications and Sustainability, Forest Interactive (Malaysia)
Sarah Guerra, Head of Culture, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, Bank of England (United Kingdom)
Shishir Kumar, Manager of Training and Development Division, Reserve Bank of India (India)
Nurul Diana Intan Zafirah, Head, Risk and Sustainability, Cyberview (Malaysia)
Delegates travelling to Kuala Lumpur for the LeadWomen APAC Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) Summit 2024 will receive a 15% discount on Malaysia Airlines flights booked with the promo code MHDEI24 (valid until 16 October 2024, terms and conditions apply).
LeadWomen: Promoting Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) for Sustainable Development.
LeadWomen is a thought leader in the gender and diversity space and has been instrumental in stimulating interest and commitment towards Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) through courageous conversation, immersive experiences and high impact content/delivery.
To achieve social impact goals under the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) – specifically Goals 5, 8, 10, 16 and 17 – LeadWomen aims to break down DEI concepts and establish sustainable action plans for teams, organisations, and nation-building. We strive to embed DEI into the organisation’s DNA and culture, where all live by the values and demonstrate the attributes in their work and life.
At LeadWomen, we believe that creating diverse, equitable and inclusive spaces is crucial to achieving equality for all. We understand that DEI is more than just a “nice-to-have” and is a key element in human and social capital development.
A large study of older Australians has found more would exercise – and exercise better – if classes were subsidised.
The Monash University research studied exercise classes all over the country, which had been commissioned and run by national exercise industry group, Exercise and Sports Science Australia (ESSA). The classes involved 7,000 people over the age of 65 living in the community.
The research found subsidised 12-week exercise classes of low-to-moderate intensity, and run by accredited exercise professionals, led to “significant improvements in physical function” and less time sitting. The findings are outlined in three new studies published in the Journal of Aging and Physical Activity, BMC Geriatrics and Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport.
The primary aim was to determine factors associated with participation in community-based exercise classes of older Australians. A secondary aim was to investigate the association between participation and changes in physical activity levels. The study also measured the cost utility of the program.
Dr Ekegren said the research project was important for understanding the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of subsidised classes for older adults, and which types of exercise older adults are most likely to enjoy.
“Despite some of the barriers that older adults face in engaging with exercise programs, there is still significant potential for improvements in strength, mobility and physical activity participation,” Dr Ekegren said. “So far, few studies of this scale have been completed in Australia so this research will help cement what we know about the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of exercise for older adults.”
The ‘Exercise Right for Active Ageing’ program reached older Australians from every state and territory, including those from regional and remote parts of Australia, and including some aged over 85 years. Many had high levels of comorbidity.
ESSA received Australian Government funding via the Australian Sports Commission to initiate and run the classes, which were taught by accredited exercise scientists (AESs) and physiologists (AEPs) within community-based facilities such as fitness centres and community health centres, in metropolitan, regional, and remote areas.
The classes studied included aerobics, aqua aerobics, pilates, balance, yoga, circuits and gym. Each participant paid an average $8 per class.
According to the WHO Global Action Plan, older adults worldwide are not physically active enough, with up to 60 per cent failing to meet current global physical activity guidelines. WHO’s key recommendation is better access to exercise programmes.
Cost has also been reported as a major barrier to participating in exercise programs for older adults. Research has also suggested that older adults would benefit from receiving financial subsidies, from governments for example, for group exercise classes.
ESSA president Dr Brendan Joss said staying physically active was incredibly important for good physical and mental health and to reduce the risk of multiple health conditions.
“We need to strengthen physical activity programs for older adults with scalable, affordable and effective programs that address the health concerns of our ageing population,” Dr Joss said. “Subsidised exercise classes delivered by an accredited professional that accommodate for physical limitations and reduce stigma is essential to get more older Australians moving.”
Funding subsidies, Dr Joss said, would be an “effective low-cost strategy for improving the health outcomes and quality of life for older Australians that governments can introduce now.”
Physical improvements were measured by the accredited exercise physiologists running the classes. Improvements were shown in sit-to-stand exercises, timed up-and-go tests, right and left reach and waist measurement.
“The sheer numbers of older people who signed up for this program show the need for subsidised classes,” Dr Ekegren said. “The classes ESSA provided were popular and valued and had a real impact on quality of life, especially in rural and regional areas.”
