biz in brief
CK Life Sciences unit to merge with Nasdaq-listed biotech company
CK Life Sciences’ wholly-owned subsidiary, Vancouver-based WEX Pharmaceuticals, has merged with Nasdaq-listed Virios Therapeutics. The new company is called Dogwood Therapeutics (NASDAQ: DWTX). The merger enables WEX to tap into the US capital markets and to benefit from a strong management team to accelerate the development of its lead product, Halneuron®, for treatment of moderate-to-severe pain conditions caused by cancer and chemotherapy. CKLS now owns 15.9% of the common shares of the combined venture, plus a series of convertible preferred shares, which upon conversion will make CKLS the majority shareholder.
Hutchison Ports Sokhna breaks new ground at Sokhna Port
Hutchison Ports Sokhna celebrated a significant milestone in July with a ground-breaking ceremony at Sokhna Port. This ceremony heralds the start of a major development for Hutchison Ports Sokhna, aimed at enhancing container handling capacity and boosting the region’s role in global trade. The project reflects the strong collaboration between Hutchison Ports and its partners and signals a new chapter of growth and innovation.
impact
Li Ka Shing Foundation donation revolutionises liver cancer treatment in Asia
Thanks to a generous donation from the Li Ka Shing Foundation, the HKU Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine (HKUMed) has become the first institution in Asia to introduce the world-class histotripsy system. This state-of-the-art technology will offer liver cancer patients in Hong Kong access to non-invasive and highly effective treatment using high-intensity ultrasound waves to destroy tumours. The second histotripsy system donated to the Chinese University of Hong Kong’s Faculty of Medicine is expected to arrive by the end of the year.
Additionally, the Foundation has sponsored 20 patients to receive this innovative treatment at both universities. The donation also enables six doctors and radiologists to receive specialised training at the US manufacturer, HistoSonics, ensuring the best possible care for patients.
Trainees and Interns ... Assemble!
CKHH takes future talent seriously. In August 2024, it gathered that talent together in a “Graduation Ceremony” that saw trainees and interns come together to share their experience with CKHH companies. The trainees and interns worked at the Group’s Head Office, Hutchison Ports Holdings, Hongkong International Terminals, AS Watson, Hutchison Telecommunications, ESDlife, Hutchgo, Metro Broadcast and Hutchison E-Commerce. The interns were mostly from Hong Kong, but there were also students from the USA, Canada, the UK and Saudi Arabia.
The experience sharing was followed by networking games that enabled people to forge new connections. CKHH is keen to open eyes, open hearts and open doors for students and recent graduates to have the best possible start as they consider the exciting – if a little daunting – world of work ahead of them.
Keeping young athletes inspired on “the journey of dreams”
AS Watson has celebrated Hong Kong’s elite young athletes with the nineteenth edition of its Hong Kong Student Sports Awards (HKSSA). The ceremony recognised 991 student athletes – its highest number of participants to date. Nearly 90% of local schools took part, underscoring the programme’s significance in Hong Kong’s youth sports community. Since its inception in 2005, HKSSA has honoured over 16,400 young athletes.
As a reward, 30 outstanding awardees embarked on a five-day sports exchange tour in South Korea. They visited prestigious institutions such as the Korea National Sports University, where they learnt from local athletes, inspiring them to pursue their lifelong dreams.
Digital discovery at the UK’s fingertips
3 UK has become the first mobile network operator to offer Continuing Professional Development (CPD) qualifications to provide education for digital skills nationwide. Through its Three Discovery programme, the company has launched free CPD-certified workshops to help bridge the digital divide across communities.
With 4.4 million UK adults lacking basic digital skills (and 1.5 million with none at all), Three Discovery’s workshops aim to change that by covering essentials such as online safety, communication tools and problem-solving. Led by industry pros, these sessions are designed to be accessible and practical. As well as this, participants walk away with certification that will boost their employability.
Enviro NZ focuses on circular sustainability
Enviro NZ has released its 2023 Sustainability Report, highlighting its role in helping New Zealand’s transition to a low-carbon, low-waste future. The report highlights how Enviro NZ is focusing on helping Kiwis live sustainably despite cost-of-living challenges. Key achievements include a 26% reduction in Scope 1 emissions since 2021, an 18% increase in renewable electricity from landfill and a 52% rise in low-carbon vehicles in their fleet. Enviro NZ’s initiatives include reaching 10,000+ households with a new organic recycling service.
The company is committed to achieving waste minimisation and resource recovery targets, driven by strategies that focus on people and the environment. Enviro NZ continues to be a leader in sustainability and the development of a circular economy.
HIT and CLP drive decarbonisation through electrification and renewable energy
Hongkong International Terminals (HIT) and CLP Power Hong Kong have partnered on a series of decarbonisation initiatives aimed at reducing emissions and promoting sustainability. These efforts include electrifying cranes and vehicles, as well as adopting renewable energy sources, leading to a reduction of over 15,000 tonnes of carbon emissions in 2023. This achievement is equivalent to the annual CO2 emissions produced by approximately 9,000 average-sized Hong Kong households. The partnership underscores HIT and CLP’s drive to improve local decarbonisation and reduce the environmental impact of port operations, positioning both companies as industry leaders in sustainable practices.