Australia’s Therapeutic Goods Administration and the Indonesian Food and Drug Authority now join the WLA network, which includes 41 authorities from 39 countries. WHO Assistant Director-General for Health Systems, Access and Data Yukiko Nakatani said the expanded network supports a more inclusive and globally connected regulatory system that improves access to safe, effective and quality health products worldwide.

Also Read: Less imports, more local – Indonesia’s pharma game plan 

The WLA framework supports regulatory reliance by allowing regulators, international agencies and procurement bodies to use the decisions of listed authorities. This approach reduces duplicated reviews, helps ease supply constraints and speeds access to medicines and vaccines, including during health emergencies.

WHO grants WLA status through a voluntary and science-based assessment using internationally agreed standards. Regulatory authorities undergo detailed technical evaluations to show reliable oversight across specific areas of medical product regulation.

Also Read: Floods disrupt lives of children in Indonesia – Report 

Indonesia’s Food and Drug Authority is the first standalone regulator from a middle-income country to achieve WLA status. WHO said the designation demonstrates that advanced regulatory capacity can be achieved across different resource settings and may encourage other low- and middle-income countries to pursue similar recognition.

With Australia’s inclusion, all authorities previously classified as stringent regulatory authorities have completed the transition into the WLA framework. WHO said other national regulators have already expressed interest in entering the process, indicating growing uptake of the system.

Source: WHO

Health minister Dzulkefly Ahmad said this was an annual increase of RM120 million from the RM287 million previously earmarked every year for the on-call allowances.

This comes after the government raised the allowances by about 40% in October, after not being reviewed since 2011.

“The allowances for medical and dental specialists were raised to between RM135 and RM350 per shift, while medical and dental officers are now getting between RM110 and RM300 a shift.

“All health ministry facilities have been ordered to implement this new on-call allowance rate since Oct 1. This also applies to medical and dental officers serving in government health facilities under the army and public universities,” he said in a written parliamentary reply to Andi Suryady Bandy (BN-Kalabakan).

Leveling up TB screening with AI

Recently, Japan has signed an agreement with the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) to provide 370 million yen in grant aid for a tuberculosis (TB) screening project in the Philippines. [1]

The initiative, titled “Project for Strengthening Screening System for Tuberculosis in the Remote Areas,” was formalized on October 16 in Manila through the exchange of notes between Japanese Ambassador Endo Kazuya and UNOPS Geneva Director Andrew Kirkwood, according to Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The project will supply portable X-ray machines and AI–based diagnostic systems to improve TB detection in underserved regions. The technology is expected to expand access to screening and reinforce the country’s infectious disease response.

The Philippines recorded 739,000 new TB cases in 2023, with an incidence rate of 643 per 100,000 people, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). The Philippine government aims to lower TB deaths from 18 to 5 per 100,000 and cut the incidence rate to 300 per 100,000 by 2030.

Officials said the cooperation will support the country’s goal of achieving universal health coverage by strengthening medical infrastructure and diagnostic capacity in remote communities.

In a related development, an AI initiative between Siemens Healthineers Philippines and the Philippine Business for Social Progress was launched to equip public hospitals and health centers in Luzon with AI software capable of detecting early signs of TB. [2]

The software will be installed in 28 hospitals and health centers across Metro Manila, Central Luzon and Calabarzon, which includes Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal and Quezon.

Philippine Business for Social Progress executive director Elvin Ivan Uy said the three regions account for more than 60% of the country’s TB cases. He added that the new technology is expected to help health workers screen about 126,000 people each month more efficiently.

Developed by Qure.ai, the software automatically interprets digital chest X-rays and generates results within seconds, allowing faster diagnosis and treatment.

Siemens Healthineers Executive Vice President Tisha Boatman said early diagnosis is crucial to controlling the disease and preventing further transmission. She said TB patients need consistent medication for several months and that missed follow-ups can lead to infections spreading to others.

Boatman added that many hospitals and health centers face manpower shortages that delay chest X-ray results. She said AI enables immediate diagnoses through the “screen and treat” approach, in which presumptive cases are confirmed with sputum tests and treatment begins right away.

Latest innovations and application in health research

Along the same vein, the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), through the Philippine Council for Health Research and Development, has promoted AI and digital tools designed to improve healthcare access and research in the country. [3]

During the Talakayang HeaRT Beat press conference on May 27, DOST presented the i-SULAT system developed by the University of Santo Tomas. The software analyzes handwriting strokes to assess early childhood development and assist in diagnosing neurological conditions and stroke recovery.

DOST Secretary Renato Solidum said adopting digital technologies is part of building a more inclusive and resilient health system through science and innovation.

Also featured was the Immersive Gamification Technology Systems project, which uses interactive digital environments to support rehabilitation for children with cerebral palsy and patients with Alzheimer’s disease. Both systems are undergoing clinical trials led by the University of the Philippines Manila.

The HealthPH Project of the National University of Manila was also presented. It tracks respiratory disease trends through social media using machine learning and natural language processing to help local governments monitor outbreaks.

DOST said these projects support its goal of promoting science-based, inclusive, and sustainable healthcare solutions under its OneDOST4U program.

Meanwhile, health researchers from the Western Visayas region also promoted the use of AI in health research and development. DOST Secretary Renato Solidum reiterated during a recently held three-day conference in Iloilo City, with the theme “AI for Health Research in Western Visayas,” that the goal is to create a region where researchers work together and health research outcomes are translated into practical policies and programs that improve lives. [4]

Dr. Aimee Marie Gayomali of the Department of Health Western Visayas Center for Health Development said AI can strengthen health service delivery in remote areas by speeding up patient diagnosis. She said the technology allows them to direct services to those who need them most and that any AI innovation improving public service delivery is welcome.

UP Manila Chancellor Dr. Michael Tee said AI and data can be used to predict suitable interventions and improve workflow.
DOST Regional Director Rowen Gelonga said the region is preparing for AI adoption and has already developed an action plan in coordination with various stakeholders. He added that both the government and the private sector are contributing to this effort.

1. https://www.mofa.go.jp/press/release/pressite_000001_01785.html
2. https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/2045833/luzon-hospitals-centers-get-help-from-tb-detecting-ai
3. https://www.dost.gov.ph/knowledge-resources/news/86-2025-news/4015-ai-immersive-tech-smart-tools-dost-drives-digital-health-innovation-in-ph.html
4. https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1262041

They described the directive as a profit-driven intrusion into medical decision-making, saying it represented “an unethical attempt to dictate patient care”.

“Medical treatment must be guided by professional judgment, patient needs, and evidence-based practice, not financial imperatives imposed by insurers or TPAs,” they said in a joint statement.

The two anaesthesiologists’ groups said anaesthesia was a complex specialty requiring careful, individualised decisions as every patient presents unique challenges.

While local anaesthesia was appropriate for many procedures, it could not be applied as a blanket rule, they said.

“Generalising its use without proper medical assessment risks compromising patient safety, surgical outcomes, and ethical standards of care,” they said.

The groups also cautioned that undermining surgeons’ clinical judgment could erode professional autonomy and place undue pressure on doctors to prioritise cost over care, potentially endangering patient safety and leading to unnecessary litigation.

They said decisions on whether surgeries should be performed as daycare or in-patient procedures, and on which anaesthetic method to use, should remain with the treating surgeon and anaesthesiologist in consultation with patients.

They noted instances where insurers had declined approvals despite proper justification, forcing patients to make out-of-pocket payments before seeking claims. Such denials imposed unnecessary administrative hurdles.

They also said patients had the right to decide, together with their doctors, on the type of procedure and anaesthesia relevant to their condition. Factors such as the nature of surgery, comorbidities, and risk of complications must guide these decisions.

The groups urged insurers, TPAs, and managed care organisations to respect medical autonomy and work collaboratively with healthcare professionals to improve outcomes rather than impose prescriptive directives.

“Every patient deserves safe, evidence-based, and individualised anaesthetic care. Our commitment to patient safety is at the core of our opposition to any directive that threatens clinical autonomy,” they said.

Resource person: Dr Ben Yap Beng Khiong, Consultant Clinical Oncologist at OncoCare Cancer Centre Malaysia

Cancer’s impact to identity, dignity

For patients, a diagnosis of head and neck cancer goes beyond medical treatment. It affects daily activities many take for granted, such as speaking, eating, swallowing, and breathing. Losing the ability to enjoy meals, converse with loved ones, or participate socially can lead to withdrawal, isolation, and difficulty continuing to work.

The effects can be profound. Many patients feel they have lost part of their identity, especially if they can no longer speak clearly or enjoy food as before. This often results in embarrassment, social withdrawal, depression, and strained family relationships, though many families rally to provide vital support.

These emotional burdens show the importance of holistic care beyond tumor removal. Cancer treatment is not only about survival but also about supporting patients through their journey, helping them rediscover their sense of self and reclaim the simple joys that give life meaning.

A multidisciplinary approach is essential, involving oncologists, speech therapists, dietitians, physiotherapists, and psychologists. Small milestones—such as sharing a meal with family or speaking clearly again—play a major role in restoring confidence, self-worth, and well-being.

Emotional and social support are equally critical. Families, peer groups, and survivor communities offer encouragement that can greatly influence recovery. From experience, patients with strong support networks recover more positively, as they feel less alone.

In Malaysia, head and neck cancers make up around 6% of all newly diagnosed cases and 8% of cancer-related deaths. Among men, nasopharyngeal cancer, which develops behind the nose and above the soft palate, is the fifth [1] most common, with over 1,600 cases reported in 2022. Although less common in women (1.5% of all female cancers), the impact of these cancers extends far beyond statistics.

Cancer care goes far beyond removing or controlling the tumor. The real goal, apart from curing the disease, is restoring the patient’s dignity and improving quality of life, ensuring they can communicate effectively, consume food, and regain confidence in themselves.

Nasopharyngeal cancer most common in Malaysia

Head and neck cancer refers to cancers that begin in the mouth, throat, voice box, nose, sinuses, or salivary glands. In Malaysia, nasopharyngeal cancer is the most common, followed by cancers of the oral cavity, larynx, and oropharynx (back of the throat, tonsils, and base of the tongue).

Nasopharyngeal cancer occurs far more often in Malaysia and neighboring countries than in the West, where it is relatively rare. Risk factors include Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection, family history, diets high in preserved foods such as salted fish, and lifestyle habits such as smoking, alcohol use, and betel quid chewing. Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is also linked to cancers of the oral cavity and oropharynx.

HPV-related head and neck cancers are increasingly recognized, especially among younger, non-smoking individuals. Symptoms may include a persistent sore throat, ear pain, difficulty swallowing, hoarseness, or a neck lump (swollen lymph node).

Overcoming stigma and misconceptions

Despite medical advances, stigma surrounding head and neck cancers remains a major challenge. Some patients delay seeking treatment out of fear of being judged or because they believe their diagnosis offers little hope. Others worry that treatment will inevitably lead to severe disfigurement or permanent loss of vital functions such as speaking and swallowing.

In reality, modern therapies—including precision radiotherapy, chemo-immunotherapy, and organ-preserving surgical techniques—have advanced significantly, allowing many patients to maintain their appearance, voice, and ability to eat close to normal. Still, these fears often hold people back from seeking help, and when treatment is delayed, its effectiveness may be reduced.

Humanizing cancer helps break stigma and encourages more people to seek screening and treatment. Early detection saves lives and preserves dignity.

New treatments from precision radiotherapy to immunotherapy

In recent years, significant technological advances have improved treatment for head and neck cancers.

Techniques such as intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) allow tumors to be targeted with precision while sparing healthy tissues such as the salivary glands and hearing structures, reducing side effects like dry mouth and hearing loss. In advanced cases, newer systemic therapies, including targeted drugs and immunotherapy, have enhanced both survival rates and quality of life.

These advances not only give patients hope but also help preserve vital functions—such as speaking and eating—allowing them to live more comfortably, which is essential for recovery and dignity.

HPV-associated head and neck cancers generally have a better prognosis and respond well to treatment; therefore, aggressive and disfiguring surgery should be avoided whenever possible.

From fear to advocacy

One patient with advanced tongue cancer under Dr Ben Yap’s care overcame initial fear and hopelessness through strong family support and a combination of therapies, ultimately achieving a remarkable recovery. The patient underwent chemo-immunotherapy prior to surgery and radiotherapy. Only a small portion of the tongue was resected, allowing most of its function to be preserved. “Not only did he recover, but he eventually returned to work,” Dr Ben Yap recounts. “His story will inspire many others to come forward earlier for screening and treatment, ” Dr Yap recounted.

Awareness, early detection save lives

The lessons from survivors carry a vital message: cancer is not the end of the story. With timely diagnosis, advanced treatment, and holistic care, patients can reclaim their lives.

Younger adults are urged to receive the HPV vaccine, which greatly reduces the risk of HPV-associated head and neck cancers. Quitting smoking also remains crucial, as it is a major risk factor for non-HPV-related cancers.

As Malaysia fights cancer, open dialogue and community education encourage earlier treatment and foster a society that supports patients with dignity and understanding.

Reference:
[1] https://gco.iarc.who.int/media/globocan/factsheets/populations/458-malaysia-fact-sheet.pdf

Editor’s note:The opinions expressed in contributed articles are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of HCA

Patients in Asia want minimal disruption to their daily lives when seeking medical care, according to the study Patient Voices: Experiences of Healthcare Access in Asia. The report looks at how people in Hong Kong, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Singapore access and experience healthcare services.

The study conducted between April-May 2025 draws on a survey of more than 4,200 patients and interviews with leading experts. The report stated that thousands of people in Hong Kong, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Singapore believe getting medical care is a hassle, with more than eight in ten people admitting they delay seeking care.

Pain points highlighted by Asian patients

Getting medical help is confusing: 55% of respondents say they do not know where to access care when they have health concerns. They report difficulties with booking appointments, long wait times, and complex payment processes.

Costs are high and unclear: One-third say the cost of healthcare is often higher than they expected. Nearly five in tenturn to social safety nets such as family, charities, loans, or crowdfunding. For the 80% of respondents who report they have delayed getting care, the fear of becoming a financial or care burden on loved ones was the most frequently cited reason for the delay, mentioned by 22%.

Patients are not getting the information they need: 55% of patients say they do not have the right information to make decisions about their medical treatment, with almost 40% saying they use digital tools including artificial intelligence (AI) for treatment guidance after initial diagnosis.

Arjan Toor, CEO of Health at Prudential, said patients across Asia want healthcare systems that are simple, accessible, and able to deliver timely care. He added that Prudential aims to support customers throughout diagnosis, treatment, and recovery by working with healthcare partners, making costs clearer, and reducing the stress of accessing care so patients can focus on getting better.

Inconvenient GP visits: Patients need clearer help to find the right care

Patients in the study said, the top factor that brings them peace of mind when seeking care is minimal disruption to daily life. Yet nearly 60% find visiting a general practitioner (GP) inconvenient. They reported that it is hard to get an appointment, and they find billing and insurance confusing.

Hidden charges: Delaying care due to unexpected costs, financial risk

Asia’s patients say the second most important factor for peace of mind is knowing they can afford their care. Yet many are caught off guard by hidden or unexpected charges, such as specialist consultations, administrative fees, or medication. The survey found these unexpected costs to be among the top five barriers to accessing care.

Formal payment mechanisms, such as government-subsidised care or public health insurance, are commonly used in Hong Kong and Singapore, while in Malaysia and Indonesia, many patients resort to alternative sources, such as loans and crowdfunding, to cover their bills. Others may delay care because they are worried about losing earnings or becoming a financial burden on their families. In Indonesia, for example, 93 per cent of patients reported delaying care.

Trustworthy info platforms

The study found that patients increasingly trust digital sources to guide treatment decisions after diagnosis. Following a diagnosis, almost 40% of patients turn to digital sources, such as AI, when making decisions about their care. This shows patients’ desire to fill gaps in their knowledge and highlights a crucial need for trustworthy online resources.

Shaping healthcare around what patients need

Improving access to healthcare will require providers, insurers, governments, technology innovators and public sectors to work together. The report outlines that creating more transparent pricing, clearer processes, and increased digital access to information will make accessing care easier and more personal so that patients feel supported every step of the way.

The groups criticised the comparison of medicines to regular grocery items, saying its dispensation should come with the professional opinions of doctors to ensure safe consumption.

“Patients deserve professional medical care, proper diagnosis and safe prescriptions, not a shallow price-tag hunt that risks encouraging dangerous self-medication,” they said in a statement today.

They also said the app would only promote bureaucracy with general practitioners (GPs) and pharmacies forced to update their drug prices annually.

They also questioned the need for such an app and how much of public funds had been spent on its development.

“Why is the health ministry obsessed with pushing apps and regulations but silent on fixing overcrowded hospitals, endless waiting times, staff shortages and stagnant GP fees, frozen for 30 years?

“If the ministry truly wants to champion the rakyat’s health, it must first address systemic failures in its own domain — overcrowded hospitals, endless waiting times, staff shortages and chronic underfunding.

“Overregulating private doctors is not the solution; it is merely scapegoating,” they said in a joint statement.

The statement was signed by the Federation of Private Medical Practitioners’ Associations Malaysia, Private Medical Practitioners Association of Selangor and Kuala Lumpur, Medical Practitioners Coalition Association of Malaysia and the Organisation of Malaysian Muslim Doctors.

On Aug 20, CodeBlue reported that the health ministry had unveiled the “MyPriMeCatcher”, which would allow users to compare retail medicine prices at private clinics, hospitals and community pharmacies.

The pilot project for the app was kickstarted following the implementation of the drug price display mandate under the Price Control and Anti-Profiteering Act 2011 on May 1.

The PPCC is envisioned as a place where children can still play, laugh and experience childhood despite serious illness. Parents will be offered respite, while siblings will receive emotional support. The focus will remain on comfort, dignity and quality of life, guided by the belief that every child matters.

Dr. Lee explained that families often lose sight of simple joys such as a child’s laughter or a moment of rest. She said that for parents burdened by endless hospital visits, medical procedures and fatigue, the centre will offer space to breathe and live well even in the midst of illness.

The PPCC will extend the work of the Paediatric Pain and Palliative Care Unit at University Malaya Medical Centre, which has cared for more than 400 children since 2018. Around 60 percent of those patients have passed away, with some receiving support for up to four years, underscoring the ongoing need for psychological and emotional care. Nursing staff from the hospital will be assigned to the centre, and secure access to medical records will ensure continuity of treatment.

With the support of Majlis Bandaraya Petaling Jaya, a house has been secured at a subsidised rent to house the facility. At least RM1 million is still required to set up and equip the centre, of which RM280,000 has already been raised. Dr. Farah noted that the initiative has the potential to reshape the experience of families living with childhood illness and called on Malaysians to help ensure that sickness does not take away the essence of childhood. (Press Release)

Comfort and fit in ostomy care

Living with an ostomy bag often means managing daily discomfort, staying alert to leaks or skin irritation, and being constantly aware of the bag’s presence, especially in social or active situations. In other words, it is not easy. These are the kinds of challenges that manufacturers must consider, starting with the choice of materials. TPEs are valued for their softness, biocompatibility, and ability to form secure seals. Their versatility in both function and form makes them especially well-suited to improving the day-to-day experience of users without compromising performance.

Secure bonding for leak resistance -Kraiburg TPE’s material solutions exhibit exceptional adhesion to polypropylene (PP) and polyethylene (PE). This good bonding capability makes them ideal for products that require leak-resistant seals, flexibility, and long-term durability. At the same time, they help simplify assembly by eliminating the need for additional adhesives.

Durable seals for frequent use – The TPE compounds offer high elasticity, and a low compression set. These properties make them suitable for ostomy bag seals, which need to maintain their shape under pressure to prevent leaks. The material’s flexibility allows it to move with the body, helping to provide a secure and comfortable fit for daily use.

Material safety compliant for medical use – These TPE compounds are sterilisable using autoclaving at 121°C or ethylene oxide, meeting the stringent hygiene protocols required for medical devices. They comply with ISO 10993-5, GB/T 16886.5 (cytotoxicity), Regulation (EU) No 10/2011, US FDA CFR 21, and GB 4806.7-2023, and contain no animal-derived ingredients.

Thermolast H, skin-safe TPE for high-performance dermatoscopes

Tanned skin is everywhere—on beaches, billboards, and all social media! Whether it is from frolicking under the sun or hitting indoor salons, everyone is chasing that bronzed look. As influencer culture keeps pushing it as the beauty ideal, skin experts are raising the alarm: repeated tanning, especially without protection, can lead to sunspots, early aging, and even skin cancer. Truth be told, that sun-kissed glow might come at a serious cost.

Early detection of skin cancer improves treatment outcomes and can preempt its progression. Dermatoscopes are indispensable tools for identifying skin issues at the onset, both in healthcare and professional in-home care settings. Kraiburg TPE’s  medical-grade Thermolast H series meets these requirements, making it ideal for dermatoscopes and other equipment designed for frequent use and consistent performance.

Optimised properties for critical medical applications – Thermolast H provides superior adhesion to polar substrates like PP and PE, making it well-suited for use in multi-component medical devices such as dermatoscopes. This enhances manufacturing efficiency and supports long-term part integrity, even under frequent handling in clinical settings. Its optimised compression set helps sealing components retain their shape and function through repeated sterilisation and use, maintaining both hygiene and performance. The material is also colourable, enabling customisation for branding, component coding, or design appeal. With a soft-touch surface, it provides a premium tactile experience and improved grip comfort during extended use by healthcare professionals.

Compliance with medical standards – Thermolast H TPE compounds are free from animal ingredients, supporting ethical sourcing and meeting the growing demand for animal-free medical products. They comply with key international standards—including EU Regulation No 10/2011, US FDA CFR 21 (raw material conformity), ISO 10993-5, and GB/T 16886.5, thus ensuring material safety in healthcare applications. This regulatory compliance gives manufacturers and end-users confidence in both the quality and biocompatibility of the product.

Top choice for soft-touch and enhanced visual impact – This TPE series is colourable, allowing customisation for branding, component coding, or product aesthetics. Its soft-touch surface enhances grip comfort and provides a premium tactile experience during prolonged use by healthcare professionals. In terms of functionality, the material offers excellent versatility, supporting features like tactile switches, soft-touch grips, and comfort mats. It is also suitable for components such as seals, valves, flexible connectors, closures, and mouthpieces, combining safety and performance to meet the industry benchmark for advanced medical devices.

Snooze the snore with next-generation TPE solutions 

Kraiburg TPE’s compounds offer a soft surface, flexibility, high elasticity, and low friction, ensuring excellent comfort and durability even with extended use of anti-snore devices.

Snoring, that noisy, rumbling breathing while you sleep, can signal underlying issues like partial airway obstruction, especially if it’s loud or frequent. Fortunately, there are effective ways to manage snoring—from lifestyle changes to innovative medical devices. Mouthguards, nasal dilators, and other oral appliances can help reduce disruptive snoring.

Kraiburg TPE’s high-quality, custom-engineered TPE materials possess properties such as durability, chemical resistance, biocompatibility, and more that make them well-suited for anti-snore devices and other medical products.

Safe, medical-grade materials – KRAIBURG TPE’s TPE grades meet strict global safety standards for medical technology, including US FDA CFR 21 raw material compliance, EU food-contact regulation No. 10/2011, in vitro cytotoxicity requirements for medical devices as specified in DIN ISO 10993-5 and GB/T 16886.5 (China), as well as RoHS and REACH regulations. These TPEs are free from animal ingredients, PVC, silicone, and latex, making them suitable for a wide range of medical devices.

Designed for durability, comfort and style – Kraiburg TPE’s compounds offer a soft surface, flexibility, high elasticity, and low friction, ensuring excellent comfort and durability even with extended use of anti-snore devices. Available in translucent and transparent options, these materials can be coloured to enhance aesthetics and allow customisation to fit specific product requirements.

Sterilisable for hygienic use – Kraiburg TPE’s medical material solutions are sterilisable by autoclave at 121°C and ethylene oxide (EtO), which maintain the hygiene and safety of anti-snore devices during regular use. These sterilisation methods also maintain material integrity while adhering to high medical standards.

Medical-grade solutions for versatile health applications – Kraiburg TPE’s compounds provide excellent adhesion to polyolefins such as PP and PE and can be processed via injection moulding or extrusion, thus rendering a cost-effective solution for manufacturers. Aside from anti-snoring devices, these medical-grade TPEs are also well-suited for a broad range of health and hygiene applications. Typical uses include functional and design components, seals, flexible connectors, mouthpieces, and closures—where comfort, safety, and reliable performance matter most.

Soft-touch, durable & sustainable TPE for electric shavers 

For today’s consumers, “less is more” captures a growing preference for simplicity and purpose. The minimalist mindset also influences grooming, where appearance expresses personal values. A neat haircut, clean shave, or well-tapered beard signals readiness to engage with the world. Yet personal values are about more than looks, especially when sustainability matters in choosing products.

This mindset drives current trends in personalized, holistic self-care, with personal care tools such as electric shavers designed to match consumers’ expectations for sustainability, ease of use, visual appeal, and dependable performance.

Material advantage for product reliability – Kraiburg TPE’s ThermolastR series TPE is suitable for multi-component injection molding, offering good flowability, superior mechanical properties, and excellent adhesion to PP, all ensuring durable component bonding and enhanced performance in electric shavers. With a broad hardness range (30 to 90 Shore A) and temperature stability up to 80 °C, the TPE series provides outstanding wear resistance and long-lasting reliability, even with frequent use.

User-focused benefits in ergonomics and style – The Thermolast R sustainable TPE series is suitable for producing both soft, comfortable grips and more rigid, durable parts for electric shavers. It is an effective design solution for ergonomic grips and anti-slip surfaces that enhance user comfort and allow for greater precision. Featuring a flexible, non-sticky surface with excellent haptics, the TPE series provides a smooth, pleasant tactile feel that improves grip, delivering the precision and control valued by electric shaver users.

The TPE compounds also enable a wide range of design possibilities for electric shavers, offering in-house color options for aesthetic diversity through customizable colors, finishes, and textures.

Compliance to high standards of safety and sustainability – The Thermolast R series rigorously complies with FDA CFR 21 standards, as well as REACH SVHC and RoHS regulations. Selected compounds from the series have been certified by the Global Recycled Standard (GRS). This strict adherence to global product standards highlights Kraiburg TPE’s commitment to providing high-quality advanced materials, sustainable sourcing, and responsible manufacturing practices.

Sustainability from the get-go

At Kraiburg TPE, sustainability drives its innovation. Its portfolio includes bio-based TPEs and compounds with post-consumer (PCR) and post-industrial (PIR) recycled content. Selected TPEs are certified under GRS and ISCC PLUS. We also provide Product Carbon Footprint (PCF) data upon request to support sustainability decisions. It earned the EcoVadis Gold Medal in 2025 and are committed to the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi), aligning our goals with global climate action. From reducing emissions to increasing circularity, Kraiburg TPE’s sustainable TPEs deliver reliable performance and are available worldwide to support customer applications while advancing their sustainability goals. (Press Release)

Health minister Dzulkefly Ahmad said 10 of these officers will serve at the Duchess of Kent Hospital in Sandakan, which is the main referral hospital for the east coast of Sabah, covering not just Sandakan but also Kinabatangan, Beluran, Telupid and Tongod, Bernama reported.

“This hospital offers 19 in-house specialties and is the heart of health services in these five districts. With 414 beds, it faces a high workload covering outpatient treatment, surgery, emergency cases and maternity services.

“The arrival of the new staff will help improve the quality of service for the public,” he said in a Facebook post about his three-day working visit to Sabah today.

He said the ministry had approved an allocation of RM1.05 million to carry out minor works and improvements at the hospital. The funds will meet the needs of the surgical ward and help in the purchase of more chairs for patients in waiting areas, mattresses and pillows.

He took note of the need for further facility upgrades, such as the construction of a new block, the temporary relocation of old, at-risk wards, and the addition of a large-capacity water tank.

The minister later reviewed the operations at Kinabatangan Hospital, including the maternal and child health clinic as well as the dental clinic.

He inaugurated the new building of the Ulu Dusun health clinic (KK) in Sandakan and reviewed the progress of the reconstruction of KK Bukit Garam in Kinabatangan under the 12th Malaysia Plan’s dilapidated clinic project.

The upgrading work for KK Ulu Dusun, valued at RM600,000, has been completed and the clinic is operational while reconstruction of KK Bukit Garam, valued at RM1 million, is ongoing and includes the construction of a new building, complete with basic and support facilities.

Dzulkefly is expected to visit 22 health facilities across six districts in Sabah.

He wants the services at health clinics to be strengthened to reduce overcrowding at major hospitals. This will be done by moving minor surgeries to health clinics with the involvement of specialists.