Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/878567
maltatoday, SUNDAY, 24 SEPTEMBER 2017 Events 42 HSBC Malta Foundation supports cancer research with €84,000 donation to UoM A novel research into chemo- therapy currently underway at the University of Malta has received a fresh impetus thanks to a dona- tion of €84,000 by the HSBC Mal- ta Foundation via the Research, Innovation & Development Trust (RIDT). The study is being led by an ac- complished scientist in the field of micro-ribonucleic acid (miRNA), Dr Duncan Ayers, who is investi- gating ways to mitigate the often damaging side effects of chemo- therapy on cancer patients by ex- ploiting the potential of miRNAs. RNA is a vital molecule for living beings and it can in turn be con- trolled by miRNAs. Whilst at the University of Malta, Ayers is cred- ited with discovering a miRNA combination that affects specific cancer chemo-resistance. If successful, the collaborative research holds the potential to be- come a precursor to pharmaceu- tical trials. The project is being orchestrated between the Cen- tre for Molecular Medicine and Biobanking of the University of Malta and the Functional Cancer Genomics and Applied Bioinfor- matics Group at Ghent University, Belgium. Preliminary results have shown that the new treatment meth- odology would benefit patients, particularly whose cancers have spread, in two ways; increasing the effect of chemotherapy dose positively, and achieving the same level of treatment with reduced dosage, in turn, reducing side ef- fects in patients with poor toler- ance to conventional chemother- apy drugs. HSBC Malta CEO Andrew Beane said: "At HSBC, we want to support the passion of lead- ing Maltese scientists to write the next chapter of innovation in medical and academic research. Their dedication in ground- breaking research continues to make a significant positive impact in the lives of patients, their fami- lies, and all members of society." Thanking HSBC Malta Founda- tion on behalf of RIDT and the University, Rector Prof Alfred Vella said: "Despite the fact that we are a comparatively small uni- versity and we often work in larger networks and alliances, the Uni- versity of Malta researchers are often at the forefront of pioneering innovation and technology. This study is another example of how our collaboration with a world top-100 university – University of Ghent – is advancing the fields of cancer research and therapeutics." With this donation to the Uni- versity of Malta, HSBC Malta Foundation has initiated support for medical research in addition to its longstanding involvement with education, the environment and heritage. MAPFRE Middlesea launches client portal MAPFRE Middlesea has launched its client portal, MyIn- surance, allowing customers to view and manage their insurance policies online, through a user- friendly and highly personalised interactive service. The client portal will offer the ease of self-service to client with regards to various insurance products. The service will offer an overview of the client's poli- cies and the status while also al- lowing them to submit a claim, track the status of that claim and pay the excess. If a policy re- newal is pending, customers will get a notification and they will be allowed to renew the policy and pay online. Customers also have access to the report library and will be able to download the policy certifi- cate and schedule. MyInsurance also allows for personal details to be updated and for queries to be made online. The services are available for home, motor, travel, health and commercial insur- ance products. Upon their first access to the portal, clients will be requested to enter a unique code, which they would have received with their renewal notice. A 24/7 call centre will be able to assist cli- ents with the usage of the client portal. The portal can be ac- cessed on https://myinsurance. middlesea.com/ PKF Malta promotes business collaboration with China In its effort to promote Malta and showcase the services the island can offer to the Chinese business community, PKF in collaboration with its affiliate members in the Eu- ropean and North American com- munity, last week hosted a business meeting in Beijing . During this meeting the local audit firm showcased seven core pillars of investment opportunities in Malta which were warmly re- ceived by Asian executives. These sectors included luxury property development, aviation, Oil and Gas, Innovation, Actuarial & Financ- ing, UCITS funds, Captive Insur- ance and Blockchain technology amongst others. A lot of effort was put into a col- laborative synergy between Malta and China partners with the objec- tive of achieving new opportunities which are being piloted by China under its innovative 'one belt one road' policy. This ambitious policy launched in 2013, aims to expand China invest- ment in many sectors and includes major infrastructural projects along the proverbial Silk road- all the way from China to Europe. Speaking at the inaugural event PKF's managing partner, George Mangion said that this year Malta celebrated the 45th anniversary since initiation of diplomatic and trade relations between Malta and China. In view of this, there has never been a better time to reaffirm a joint commitment to bolster com- mercial ties and seek new avenues for expanding mutual business and cultural activities. Follow up visits are planned this year to host Chi- nese investors wishing to meet po- tential local business partners. Contact: mcamilleri@pkfmalta.com. Dr Ayers: "If successful, the collaborative research holds the potential to become a precursor to pharmaceutical trials." Register to win Meanwhile, customers who register and sign into the web portal enter the chance to win a weekend break. The launch of the client portal is in line with MAPFRE's global value of digital transforma- tion. For more information visit: www.middlesea.com Fanny Ye, Chen Qin, Kenneth Farrugia and Ivan Grech