Latest news with #IPR


Arab Times
a day ago
- General
- Arab Times
Kuwait becomes an official member of the global drug regulators' network
KUWAIT CITY, June 4: The Ministry of Health announced on Wednesday that Kuwait, through its Drug and Medical Products Registration Department under the Drug Control Sector, has officially joined the International Pharmaceutical Regulators (IPR) Program — a significant move toward strengthening its global role in pharmaceutical regulation. In a press statement, the ministry described the IPR program as a global consortium of leading regulatory authorities dedicated to enhancing international collaboration in the regulation and evaluation of advanced pharmaceutical products, particularly innovative drugs and biological, genetic, and cellular therapies. Kuwait's membership was formally confirmed during a recent meeting of the program's administrative committee held in Madrid, Spain. The ministry noted that the accession marks an important milestone in improving the efficiency and effectiveness of the country's drug control systems, underscoring Kuwait's commitment to being an active and responsible partner in global health and pharmaceutical development. The statement further noted that participation in the IPR program allows Kuwait to join specialized international working groups focused on the evaluation of modern pharmaceutical preparations. It also provides access to advanced expertise from leading global regulatory agencies, helping to shape national policies and enhance the performance of Kuwait's regulatory framework in line with the latest scientific and technological advances in healthcare. Additionally, membership will support efforts to modernize the country's procedures for evaluating and registering innovative medicines, while promoting the exchange of technical data and regulatory information within internationally recognized frameworks.


GMA Network
2 days ago
- Business
- GMA Network
BOC lauded for making 85% of total fake goods seizures in 2024
The Bureau of Customs (BOC) on Tuesday said it has been cited by the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL) for its efforts in intellectual property rights (IPR) enforcement, accounting for 85% of total seizures of fake goods made in 2024. In a news release, the BOC said it was awarded by the IPOPHL the 'IP Citation for Attaining the Highest Number of Seizures' at the Gawad Yamang Isip Awards 2025. The citation was presented during the 191st National Committee on Intellectual Property Rights (NCIPR) Regular Meeting last May 26, 2025. The NCIPR is an inter-agency body that formulates and implements plans and policies, as well as strengthen the protection and enforcement of intellectual property rights in the country. The NCIPR is composed of 15 members with the Department of Trade and Industry as chairman and the IPOPHL as vice chairman and secretariat 'This award recognizes our firm resolve to crack down on counterfeit goods,' said Customs Commissioner Bienvenido Rubio. 'IPR protection is crucial to building a fair, secure, and investor-friendly trade environment,' said Rubio. In 2024, the BOC said its seizures of fake goods amounted to P34.698 billion out of the total P40.99 billion recorded by NCIPR. One of the agency's biggest hauls came from Binondo, Manila, where more than P11 billion worth of counterfeit luxury goods were seized in a single operation, according to the Customs. As of end-April 2025, the BOC said it has already confiscated P15.8 billion worth of fake goods, conducted in close coordination with global brand representatives and IPR enforcement partners. 'We are not letting up. We will continue to act decisively against counterfeit trade to protect consumers and legitimate businesses," said Rubio. — Ted Cordero/BM, GMA Integrated News


Time of India
6 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Arunachal govt to set up community radio stations in all dists
1 2 Itanagar: Arunachal Pradesh govt is pushing forward with a plan to establish community radio stations (CRSs) in all the districts, with a strong focus on enhancing grassroots communication, disseminating govt policies effectively and promoting local socio-economic and cultural development. The move aims to transform the way information reaches communities by adopting a two-way communication model that values both outreach and feedback. Information and public relations secretary Nyali Ete, through a video conference on Friday, addressed all the deputy commissioners to discuss the strategic rollout of the CRSs, an official statement said. Ete emphasised that these stations will not treat districts as homogenous units but will instead cater to the distinct needs of multiple communities within each district. He said CRSs will serve as vital conduits for both spreading information and gathering community input, which can, in turn, shape policy decisions. Senior officials including, IPR director Gijum Tali, deputy director Marbang Ezing, photographic officer Manoj Bhattacharjee and DGM of Broadcast Engineering Consultants India Ltd (BECIL) Khuswinder Singh Bhatia, attended the meeting. Key principles outlined by Ete include the requirement that CRSs be operated by non-profit entities to ensure credibility and public trust, and that at least 50 per cent of the broadcast content must be localised, featuring official information, community-driven discussions and participation through talk shows.


The Sun
28-05-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Rafizi's tenure defined by bold moves to improve people's livelihoods
KUALA LUMPUR: Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli, who became the economy minister in December 2022, part of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's Cabinet, is known for a myriad of initiatives to improve people's livelihoods. Foremost among his initiatives was the proposal to set up the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ). He proposed the ambitious idea in May 2023 during a meeting with the Johor state government. Rafizi emphasised that a special economic zone could further boost business ecosystems and provide greater opportunities by tapping into the strengths of both regions. This is already paying dividends; in just two years, the JS-SEZ has emerged as an investment destination, attracting international companies and facilitating the establishment of data centres. In addition, he launched the People's Income Initiative, better known as Inisiatif Pendapatan Rakyat (IPR), in February 2023, aimed at increasing the income of the poorest households and the B40 group. Rafizi, who hails from Besut, Terengganu, also advocated for the classification of the T15 income group, which is set to replace the previous B40, M40 and T20 categories. The initiative was part of national planning and budgeting, especially under development and economic plans such as the 11th Malaysia Plan and the Shared Prosperity Vision 2030. The minister also heavily invested his time and effort in the development and implementation of the Central Database Hub (Padu). This was a data repository for all individuals and households comprising citizens and permanent residents in Malaysia, aimed at improving policy planning and data-driven programme implementation. However, the project came under criticism amid concerns that the public was compelled to register and disclose their financial and personal details. Rafizi was also involved in the implementation of the Bumiputera Economic Transformation Plan 2035 (PuTERA35), as part of the government's strategy to advance Bumiputera development towards making Malaysia a leading regional economy. Before becoming a minister, the former chartered accountant served at Petronas from 2005 to 2009 as a Senior Manager in Business Planning, Operations and Petrochemical Transaction Technology, and later in Accounting, Budgeting and Taxation. He also held the position of General Manager at Pharmaniaga. Rafizi also led the Selangor Economic Advisory Office as chief executive. A former student of Malay College Kuala Kangsar, he also founded INVOKE Malaysia in 2016 — a non-profit organisation focused on political, economic, and social issues — which later evolved into a commercial tech venture. Rafizi has submitted his resignation letter to the prime minister and will be using up the remainder of his annual leave until June 16, 2025. The resignation will take effect the next day. 'As is the practice in countries that uphold democratic principles, leaders who lose in party elections should make way for those who have won to take their place in government,' said Rafizi in a statement on Wednesday. Recently, Rafizi, who held the position of PKR deputy president, lost the party election to Anwar's daughter, Nurul Izzah Anwar.


The Sun
28-05-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Rafizi Ramli resigns as Economy Minister
KUALA LUMPUR: Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli, who became the economy minister in December 2022, part of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's Cabinet, is known for a myriad of initiatives to improve people's livelihoods. Foremost among his initiatives was the proposal to set up the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ). He proposed the ambitious idea in May 2023 during a meeting with the Johor state government. Rafizi emphasised that a special economic zone could further boost business ecosystems and provide greater opportunities by tapping into the strengths of both regions. This is already paying dividends; in just two years, the JS-SEZ has emerged as an investment destination, attracting international companies and facilitating the establishment of data centres. In addition, he launched the People's Income Initiative, better known as Inisiatif Pendapatan Rakyat (IPR), in February 2023, aimed at increasing the income of the poorest households and the B40 group. Rafizi, who hails from Besut, Terengganu, also advocated for the classification of the T15 income group, which is set to replace the previous B40, M40 and T20 categories. The initiative was part of national planning and budgeting, especially under development and economic plans such as the 11th Malaysia Plan and the Shared Prosperity Vision 2030. The minister also heavily invested his time and effort in the development and implementation of the Central Database Hub (Padu). This was a data repository for all individuals and households comprising citizens and permanent residents in Malaysia, aimed at improving policy planning and data-driven programme implementation. However, the project came under criticism amid concerns that the public was compelled to register and disclose their financial and personal details. Rafizi was also involved in the implementation of the Bumiputera Economic Transformation Plan 2035 (PuTERA35), as part of the government's strategy to advance Bumiputera development towards making Malaysia a leading regional economy. Before becoming a minister, the former chartered accountant served at Petronas from 2005 to 2009 as a Senior Manager in Business Planning, Operations and Petrochemical Transaction Technology, and later in Accounting, Budgeting and Taxation. He also held the position of General Manager at Pharmaniaga. Rafizi also led the Selangor Economic Advisory Office as chief executive. A former student of Malay College Kuala Kangsar, he also founded INVOKE Malaysia in 2016 — a non-profit organisation focused on political, economic, and social issues — which later evolved into a commercial tech venture. Rafizi has submitted his resignation letter to the prime minister and will be using up the remainder of his annual leave until June 16, 2025. The resignation will take effect the next day. 'As is the practice in countries that uphold democratic principles, leaders who lose in party elections should make way for those who have won to take their place in government,' said Rafizi in a statement on Wednesday. Recently, Rafizi, who held the position of PKR deputy president, lost the party election to Anwar's daughter, Nurul Izzah Anwar. Following this, questions were raised regarding Rafizi's position in the Cabinet.