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RNZ News
16 hours ago
- Health
- RNZ News
Dr Shane Reti: No quotas for Pacific students at new medical school
By 'Alakihihifo Vailala , PMN Photo: Supplied / Google Maps The newly-established medical school at Waikato University, the New Zealand Graduate School of Medicine, will not implement specific quotas for Pacific students, according to the Minister for Pacific Peoples Dr Shane Reti. But he says that the academic institution, which will begin in 2028, will prioritise under-represented communities. In an interview on Pacific Mornings , Reti says, "What they have indicated is that as part of the selection process, even though they may not have targeted pathways or quotas per se, that the selection process will take into account those areas where we are under-represented, underweighted, where we have vulnerable populations as part of that selection process. Dr Shane Reti says the academic institution, which will begin in 2028, will prioritise under-represented communities. Photo: RNZ / Nick Monro "But they have indicated in this first instance that there won't be quotas per se." His comments follow the government's announcement of the new medical school at the University of Waikato. The third medical school in the country will receive $82.85 million in government funding and over $150m from the university, most of which comes from philanthropic donations. "What I would like to see are the graduates focused and directed as much as possible towards where we have need, and those areas where we have need are general practice, rural environments," Reti says. "And then within those areas, of course, we have needs for Pasifika, we have needs for Māori, we have a range of other needs." According to the Ministry of Health, Pacific people make up 2.6 per cent, or 522, of all doctors in New Zealand. This represents a threefold increase since 2005, when there were around 131 Pacific doctors. In a related initiative, Reti announced a $4m contribution to assist Fiji in addressing a severe HIV outbreak. He says the funding will mainly support educational initiatives and boost diagnostic capabilities. "Our contribution will help them with what some would say is the most important component to HIV, that is, the education component, which will have a close association with drug use through the Pacific." Reti's comments followed discussions after the recent Pacific Islands Forum Economic Ministers' meeting in Suva, which he described as action-oriented, with clear objectives aimed at tackling regional challenges. The meeting also focused on preparations for the upcoming Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) leaders' summit in Honiara later this year. Reflecting on cultural milestones, Reti celebrated New Zealand's first-ever Bislama Language Week in Papamoa, coinciding with Vanuatu's 45th independence celebrations. He praised the significance of cultural recognition and community engagement, sharing his experiences during a diplomatic mission to Vanuatu with Foreign Minister Vaovasamanaia Winston Peters. "I've had the privilege of standing on the new wharf at Vanuatu on a diplomatic mission that I've had with Minister Peters," Reti says. "I've had the privilege of standing underneath the roof of the women's market and had the privilege of standing in the talking circle beside the Parliament, and so they were able to get a further sense of, oh, he's actually been in our home. "He's been in our place. He gets us. So it was just a wonderful event, and very excited for them." -This article was first published by PMN .
Business Insider
22-07-2025
- Business
- Business Insider
Why Is ProMIS Neurosciences Stock (PMN) Up 180% Today?
ProMIS Neurosciences (PMN) stock surged on Monday after the precision medicine solutions company was granted Fast Track designation for PMN310 by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This is a therapeutic candidate in development at the company to treat Alzheimer's disease. Elevate Your Investing Strategy: Take advantage of TipRanks Premium at 50% off! Unlock powerful investing tools, advanced data, and expert analyst insights to help you invest with confidence. Make smarter investment decisions with TipRanks' Smart Investor Picks, delivered to your inbox every week. ProMIS Neurosciences noted that PMN310 is currently undergoing a Phase 1b trial evaluating its safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics, and disease-relevant biomarkers in patients with early Alzheimer's disease. The company expects interim results from this trial in Q2 2026 and final results in Q4 2026. PMN stock was up 177.21% in pre-market trading on Monday, following a 6.38% drop on Friday. The stock has also decreased 53.67% year-to-date and 77.2% over the past 12 months. With today's rally came heavy trading, with more than 79 million shares traded, compared to a three-month daily average of about 3.5 million shares. Is ProMIS Neurosciences Stock a Buy, Sell, or Hold? Turning to Wall Street, the analysts' consensus rating for ProMIS Neurosciences is Moderate Buy, based on two Buy ratings over the past three months. With that comes an average PMN stock price target of $3.50, representing a potential 695.27% upside for the shares.
RNZ News
17-07-2025
- Health
- RNZ News
NZ travellers urged to prioritise insurance as dengue outbreaks surge across the Pacific
By Elenoa Turagaiviu , PMN Kiwi travellers are strongly advised to secure comprehensive health insurance prior to travel to pacific islands. , given the escalating incidence of dengue fever across the Pacific region. Photo: 123RF Travellers from New Zealand planning a getaway to tropical destinations are being urged to grab comprehensive travel insurance, as dengue fever cases continue to climb in certain Pacific countries. Fiji has been particularly hit hard, reporting the highest number of dengue cases and related deaths. Health officials are advising anyone venturing to areas where mosquitoes can spread diseases to take extra precautions. This includes using insect repellent, wearing protective clothing, and staying in places with screens on windows and doors to keep mosquitoes out. Travellers are also reminded that medical services in these locations can be limited, so it is important to continue taking steps to avoid mosquito bites throughout the day. Should anyone feel unwell during their trip or within three weeks after returning home, they should seek medical attention right away and inform their doctor about their recent travels. As of 16 July, several Pacific island nations, including Fiji, Sāmoa, and Tonga, have reported a surge in confirmed dengue cases. Sāmoa's Ministry of Health has reported a total of 945 confirmed dengue fever cases this year alone. Newsline Samoa reports that the latest data indicates that 237 new cases have been recorded in one week. A concerning trend is that a large percentage of those affected are under 20 years old. The country has also confirmed two dengue-related deaths, with about 10 per cent of patients needing hospitalisation. Nine dengue fever deaths have been recorded in Fiji, Samoa and Tonga. Photo: Ministry of Health & Medical Services - Fiji The Cook Islands declared a dengue fever outbreak in Rarotonga in May, with 50 cases reported since February. Most patients have recovered, but some required hospital care. Kiribati followed suit in late April, identifying a dengue outbreak with a total of 96 confirmed cases and 383 more suspected cases as early as June. The age range of affected individuals spans from infants to seniors, but children aged three to nine have been most affected. Tonga has also seen a rise in dengue cases, reporting five new cases as of 4 July, which brings its total to 889 since declaring an outbreak in February. Three dengue-related deaths have been noted, but no patients are currently hospitalised. Tonga's Ministry of Health is carrying out mosquito spraying in areas mostly affected. Photo: Tonga Ministry of Health Fiji's health officials reported a major outbreak earlier in the year, with 8708 confirmed cases and four deaths recorded from January to early May. The Western Division was hardest-hit, accounting for most of the cases. Despite these alarming statistics, Fiji's Minister for Tourism, Viliame Gavoka, has reassured travellers that Fiji remains a safe destination. Gavoka says key tourist spots haven't been directly affected and encouraged visitors to follow standard health precautions. "It is important to note that dengue fever is not uncommon in tropical regions and is a year-round risk in many such destinations," he says. "Fiji has successfully managed dengue outbreaks in the past through swift and coordinated public health responses. "The United States Centres for Disease Control and Prevention currently maintains a Level 1 travel notice for Fiji, advising travellers to follow routine precautions to prevent mosquito bites." Travel advisories from various countries, including Australia, New Zealand, and Canada, which are advising their citizens to take typical precautions to avoid mosquito bites while visiting Fiji and other affected areas. To reduce the risk of infection, Fiji's health officials recommend visitors use insect repellant, wear long-sleeved clothing to cover their skin, and choose accommodations that are equipped to keep mosquitoes out. -This article was first published by PMN .
The Star
03-06-2025
- Politics
- The Star
AG leads King's birthday honours
KUALA LUMPUR: Attorney General Tan Sri Mohd Dusuki Mokhtar headed the list of 104 recipients of the 2025 federal awards, medals, and honours held at Istana Negara in conjunction with the official birthday of His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia. His Majesty bestowed the Darjah Panglima Mangku Negara (PMN) award upon Mohd Dusuki, 58. The award carries the Tan Sri title. Also conferred the PMN was Chief of Defence Force General Tan Sri Mohd Nizam Jaffar. Darjah Panglima Setia Mahkota (PSM), which also carries the Tan Sri title, was conferred upon Chief Judge of Malaya Tan Sri Hasnah Mohammed Hashim, Navy Commander Tan Sri Zulhelmy Ithnain, and Deputy Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Ayob Khan Mydin Pitchay, reported Bernama. Prime Minister's Department senior deputy secretary-general Datuk Abd Shukor Mahmood and the Attorney General's Chambers legal division head Datuk Donald Joseph Franklin were among five individuals awarded the Panglima Jasa Negara (PJN), which carries the Datuk title. Other recipients were Public Service deputy director-general (Development) Datuk Dr Mohd Bakhari Ismail, Treasury deputy secretary-general (Management) Datuk Ramzi Mansor, and cardiothoracic surgeon at Sultanah Aminah Hospital, Datuk Dr Simon Jerome Vendargon. The Johan Mangku Negara (JMN) award was conferred upon the Education Service Commission secretary Md Radzi Hashim, the National Population and Family Development Board (LPPKN) director-general Abdul Shukur Abdullah, and the Digital Ministry's deputy secretary-general (Digital Development), Ma. Sivanesan Marimuthu @ Muthiah. Other recipients were deputy chief executive officer (Export Acceleration) of the Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (Matrade) Abu Bakar Yusof, deputy vice-chancellor (Student Affairs) at Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) Prof Dr Mohd Sazili Shahibi, and head of the equity department, Investment Division at the Employees Provident Fund (EPF), Lim Tze Seong. Four individuals received the Johan Setia Mahkota (JSM) award, namely deputy director-general (Development) of the Public-Private Partnership Unit (Ukas) Chek Zainuddin Chek Jusoh, secretary of the technology transfer and commercialisation (R&D) division at the Science, Technology and Innovation Ministry Boniface Edwin Manung, deputy director-general (Business) of the Malaysian Highway Authority (LLM) Mohd Hadzmir Yusoff, and secretary of the strategic planning division at the Higher Education Ministry Fazidah Mustafa. Meanwhile, Malaysia's Ambassador to China, Datuk Norman Muhamad, Malaysia's Ambassador to Indonesia, Datuk Syed Md Hasrin Tengku Hussin and Dewan Rakyat Secretary Dr Nizam Mydin Bacha Mydin received the Darjah Johan Setia Diraja (JSD) honours. National paralympic badminton athlete and Malaysia's first gold medallist at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, Cheah Liek Hou, was among 14 recipients accorded the Kesatria Mangku Negara (KMN) award. The Bintang Kesatria Setia Diraja (KSD) was awarded to the principal assistant secretary of the management unit, ceremonial and international conference secretariat division, Syed Zaqwanariff Zainudin, and chief security officer of the security division at Istana Negara, ASP Mohd Fairouz Hamdi Mohd Yamin. Sixteen individuals were conferred the Bintang Ahli Mangku Negara (AMN) medal, including Tan Lee Bee, the sign language interpreter at the Federal Court of Malaysia. Additionally, 45 individuals received the Pingat Pangkuan Negara (PPN) medal, and the Pingat Bentara Setia Diraja (BSD) was awarded to three people. The sole recipient of Bintang Jasa Perkasa Persekutuan (JPP) was Royal Malaysian Navy (TLDM) personnel Lieutenant Commander Mohd Firdaus Arbaain, who rescued four victims, including two children, from drowning in an incident involving a tourist boat at Teluk Batik, Perak, in August 2023. In conjunction with Sultan Ibrahim's official birthday, 116 individuals were conferred the 2025 federal awards, medals and honours this year.
New Straits Times
02-06-2025
- Entertainment
- New Straits Times
Silent service: Royal recognition for a lifetime of dedication
KUALA LUMPUR: With more than four decades of dedication as a sign language interpreter, Tan Lee Bee was amply recognised when she received the Bintang Ahli Mangku Negara (AMN) from His Majesty, Sultan Ibrahim, the King of Malaysia today. Often gracing the corner of the television screen of news programmes with expressive facial expressions, Tan, 64, described the award as a great recognition for her in the 'silent' struggle to convey the voices of the 'voiceless'. "I feel happy, moved, I feel like crying too... I feel very grateful," the veteran sign language interpreter conveyed to Bernama after the Investiture Ceremony in conjunction with the King's official birthday celebration, at Istana Negara today. Although the award was celebrated in a ceremonial atmosphere at the palace, for Tan, it came with long memories and the twists and turns of life in a career that received little public attention. "This recognition is not just for me but a symbolic tribute to every interpreter who works silently for a fairer inclusivity in Malaysia," she said with a tearful tone. Tan was among 16 individuals who received the AMN award at the ceremony, which also saw Attorney General Tan Sri Mohd Dusuki Mokhtar and Armed Forces chief Gen Tan Sri Mohd Nizam Jaffar being bestowed with the Darjah Panglima Mangku Negara (PMN), which carries the title of Tan Sri. Tan's journey as a sign interpreter began not because of ambition, but because of love and empathy for the person closest to her heart, her younger sister, who is deaf. "I have a deaf sister… I learned sign language because of my sister. Then I started working as a teacher for the deaf. "I was a teacher for 17 years. While I was a teacher, I also served as an interpreter with the Federal Court of Malaysia," she said, who was also the first court sign interpreter in Malaysia in 1994. The contribution of the native of Segamat, Johor to the world of broadcasting began earlier than many expected, around 1985 when she appeared on television through the show Selamat Pagi Malaysia. Her face and sign language actions became important visuals in news broadcasts on RTM as well as in official communication videos, advertisements and various broadcasting mediums that played an important role in conveying information to special groups. Apart from RTM, Tan also provided her services to corporate companies with employees with disabilities, offering information, meetings, and briefings. Meanwhile, Deputy Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Ayob Khan Mydin Pitchay, who was bestowed with the Darjah Panglima Setia Mahkota (PSM), which carries the title of Tan Sri, said the award was a great recognition for him as well as an honour for the Royal Malaysian Police (PDRM). "Thanking His Majesty for this gift, I will continue to carry out the duties and responsibilities entrusted to me as DIG with full commitment, to ensure that the country's security is always maintained," he said. He also called on all enforcement officers at various levels to uphold the spirit of Sultan Ibrahim's decree, which requires them to carry out their duties with trust and integrity. Present at the ceremony was Her Majesty, Raja Zarith Sofiah, the Queen of Malaysia. Also present were the Prime Minister's wife Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, Speaker of Dewan Rakyat Tan Sri Johari Abdul, Speaker of Dewan Negara Datuk Awang Bemee Awang Ali Basah, Minister of Communications Datuk Fahmi Fadzil and other members of the cabinet.– BERNAMA
