Spectacular advances in the diagnosis and treatment of male infertility are offering new hope to the one in six couples globally who seek assisted reproduction to achieve their dreams of parenthood.
A major conference on human reproduction in the Philippines this week addressed emerging frontiers of understanding about male infertility and sexual dysfunction that is responsible for about half of all causes of couples failing to conceive.
Eminent Indian andrologist and microsurgeon, Dr Rupin Shah, a keynote speaker at the 2024 Congress of the Asia Pacific Initiative on Reproduction (ASPIRE), said the treatment of male infertility was on the cusp of a scientific and medical revolution.
“In the past, semen analysis was the main test to label a man infertile,” he explained. “However, we now recognise that measurement of sperm count and motility tells only part of the story.
“The World Health Organisation has taken the bold step of declaring that there is no definite reference value that can label one man infertile and another fertile.
“Therefore, future research is expected to quantify semen parameters on a continuum that gives the probability of fertility rather than a definite label of fertile or infertile.”
Dr Shah said the future of male infertility treatment would be driven by automatic semen analysis powered by artificial intelligence along with compact computing power allowing home semen testing that will be convenient and private resulting in earlier detection and corrective procedures.
He said there would be a dynamic new focus on sperm DNA integrity and testing of genetic variants and defects analysed by AI programs that will lead to more personalised medicine and treatments tailored to specific individual profiles.
There will also be a growing need to address spermatotoxic agents impacting on male infertility.
“The radio waves that bombard us, the chemicals we inhale, the endocrine disruptors that permeate our food cycle, and the microplastics that we have unleashed into the environment all play havoc with our fertility, and it is no surprise that sperm counts have been plummeting globally,” Dr Shah added.
“To safeguard our species, future tests of an infertile male will have to include an assessment of accumulated toxic products with subsequent treatments to neutralise these impacts.
“Fascinating evidence is also emerging that the paternal influence on the offspring is much more pervasive, and the father’s health at the time of conception can impact the future health of the offspring through epigenetic modifications that alter the expression of the genes.
“In future, we can expect that male evaluation will include profiling of various mRNA markers in the semen to better understand the testicular function and sperm quality.”
Dr Shah said the development of artificial sperm would represent a “final frontier” in the treatment of male infertility.
“In the body, can we introduce stem cells into a non-functioning testis and induce it to start making sperm?
“In the laboratory, can we take immature cells from which sperm develop and mature them into viable sperm, or can we take an early development stem cell (pluripotent) and coax it into growing and transforming into a sperm cell?
“Can we take a genetically defective cell, repair the genetic defect and then replace it in the testis where it will produce normal sperm?
“This all sounds far-fetched, but these things have already been achieved in animal studies. Only the final frontier remains – human application.
“Of course, there are many barriers to overcome. For example, how do we make the process efficient enough for routine use? Is it safe for the offspring? And what are the tricky ethical consequences of such treatments?
“However, the development of these revolutionary treatments in the future is very much a possibility.”
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Boursa Kuwait hosted investor relations workshops in collaboration with Instinctif Partners, a strategic reputation advisory firm based in Europe, the Middle East and Africa, at the bourse’s premises on Monday, May 27, 2024, targeting companies listed in the Kuwaiti capital market.
The workshops aimed at enriching the awareness and understanding of the latest, best-in-class standards and practices in IR, an important aspect of communicating with investors and ensuring the timely and accurate dispersion of information, which in turn helps create trust and transparency in capital markets and allows investors to fully analyze listed companies and their performance and make astute investment decisions.
The workshops were run by Matthew Smallwood, Managing Partner, Samah Ragab, Associate Partner and Duaa Kannin, Consultant at Instinctif Partners, who shared their perspectives and expertise with over 30 IR practitioners.
The workshops explored the latest trends and challenges shaping the IR industry, including the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) and Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) metrics and reporting. The experts from Instinctif also highlighted how to build an effective IR program, utilizing efficient communications and building tools to support those activities, including developing the company website and mastering the art of presentations. The workshops also shed light on how to cultivate strong investor relationships by building successful long-term partnerships based on trust and capitalizing on data-driven insights. In addition, the workshops offered a deep dive into crafting award-winning annual reports that showcase a company’s value proposition, strategic direction, and operating landscape.
Senior Director of Marketing and Corporate Communications Mr. Naser Meshari Al-Sanousi commented on the workshops, saying, “Boursa Kuwait is dedicated to fostering a culture of sustainable excellence and enhancing the overall awareness and knowledge of the best standards, practices and trends adopted worldwide and encouraging them to be implemented across the Kuwaiti capital market. These workshops are a key initiative in our strategy to maintain a sound capital market infrastructure, one that can attract new investors and cultivate long-lasting relationships with the international investment community. I would like to thank the listed companies for their contribution to the success of this event and extend deep gratitude to Instinctif Partners for organizing this initiative and look forward to more collaborations in the future.”
Boursa Kuwait’s organization of this and other similar initiatives stems from the company’s strategy to ensure that Kuwaiti capital markets participants are informed and knowledgeable of the latest trends globally, specifically in the IR industry, which is fast becoming a vibrant industry and a key tenet of a company’s strategy, as the IR function provides an essential communications point between listed companies and their investors, whether current or prospective.
Investor relations in the Kuwaiti capital market is quickly gaining traction, as companies wishing to list on the “Premier” Market are obligated to allocate a unit or department dedicated to investor relations. That department is responsible for educating shareholders about the company’s activities, financial performance and strategic directions. It is also responsible for answering shareholder inquiries and questions, communicating with shareholders to exercise their rights to attend and vote in general assemblies as well as building links between the Board of Directors, Executive Management, current and potential investors and all interested parties.
It is worth noting that companies listed in the “Premier” Market segment accounted for 72% of the traded value in the first quarter of 2024, while “Premier” Market companies’ share of traded volume came in at 53% for the same period. Additionally, the “Premier” Market’s market capitalization during the first quarter of 2024 was over KD 36 billion, representing 83.5% of the total market capitalization of KD 43.11 billion.
This is due to the reclassification of the Kuwaiti capital market into an “Emerging Market” in some of the world’s leading index providers and the inclusion of Kuwaiti listed companies, many of whom are “Premier” Market companies, into these indexes. Additionally, companies listed in the “Premier” Market regularly participate in Boursa Kuwait’s Corporate Days, organized in collaboration with world-renowned financial institutions and showcasing the investment opportunities that reside in the Kuwaiti capital market. Putting these companies in touch with some of the world’s leading investment firms and financial institutions, the events aim to highlight these companies’ financial health and business strategies and outlooks helping investors gain an in-depth understanding of the benefits and opportunities of investing in Kuwaiti companies.
Commenting on the collaboration with Boursa Kuwait, Matthew Smallwood, Managing Partner at Instinctif Partners, said: “It was a pleasure presenting to a responsive and knowledgeable audience at Boursa Kuwait. Attendees were excited and showed great ambition to adopt the best-in-class standards and practices to become high-quality practitioners in the field of Investor Relations. A critical pillar of a company’s reputation, IR can contribute to better investor interactions and conversations, making it easier to attract new investors and retain old ones, which in turn helps deliver a valuation that companies deserve, thanks to the higher levels of transparency and trust. I would like to thank Boursa Kuwait for this opportunity and look forward to more collaborations in the future.”
Boursa Kuwait’s collaboration with Instinctif Partners highlights its commitment to enhancing its corporate communications and investor relations and ensuring their alignment with global best practices. It underscores the bourse’s proactive approach and its dedication to fostering an efficient and transparent capital market, one that can become a vital contributor to the State of Kuwait’s vision to transform into a leading cultural, financial and investment hub in the Middle East.
The initiative forms part of Boursa Kuwait’s efforts to create a lasting meaningful impact on the communities where it operates as part of its Corporate Sustainability strategy and ongoing efforts to equip all market participants with an in-depth understanding of the functioning of capital markets and various tools and techniques required to make informed investment decisions and effectively meet investors’ needs. It is also in line with Goal 4 – Quality Education – and Goal 17 – Partnership for the Goals – of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Brief Overview of Boursa Kuwait:
The establishment of Boursa Kuwait in 2014 marked the first step in the privatization project of the Kuwait Stock Exchange, which was founded in 1977 as the first exchange in the Gulf Cooperation Council region and was reorganized in 1983 as an independent financial institution. The transitional phase began in 2016, with Boursa Kuwait officially assuming the responsibilities and operations of the Kuwait Stock Exchange, replacing it with an official license in the same year after the successful completion of the transitional phase. This ensured that Boursa Kuwait developed the infrastructure and operated according to best practices and international standards. It commenced the creation of an advanced, reliable trading platform built on efficiency, credibility, and transparency to serve all asset classes with a focus on the interests of traders and the national economy.
Boursa Kuwait has undertaken various market reforms as part of its comprehensive plans to enhance it in several stages. It succeeded in introducing innovative investment tools, enhancing transparency, and restructuring the market to increase its liquidity and competitiveness, based on its mission-focused strategy, which emphasizes developing the market to meet international standards. The company’s developmental and improvement efforts have also contributed to the reclassification of the Kuwait market as an «emerging market» among key global index providers, enhancing Kuwait’s position as a leading regional financial center.
In a pioneering step in Kuwait’s privatization field, the privatization of Boursa Kuwait was successful, conducted in two stages. The first stage was in February 2019 when a consortium of Kuwaiti investment companies and a global exchange operator won the privatization bid, acquiring a 44% stake in the company.
In December 2019, the privatization process was completed through the public offering of a 50% stake owned by the Capital Markets Authority to Kuwaiti citizens, with the offering oversubscribed by more than 850%. Boursa Kuwait is listed on the «Premier Market» under the name «Boursa».
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Sigenergy, in partnership with Amber Light, successfully hosted Sigenergy Day Myanmar 2024 in Mandalay on May 28th. The event attracted over 600 participants, including distributors, installers, homeowners, business owners, and media representatives. Additionally, representatives from various chambers of commerce, organizations, and corporations in Mandalay attended, further promoting commercial, cultural, and economic cooperation.
During the event, Sigenergy and Amber Light signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), designating Amber Light as the distributor for SigenStor, Sigenergy’s energy storage product, in Myanmar.
Tony Xu, Founder and CEO of Sigenergy, highlighted the company’s growth in Myanmar, attributing it to strong local partnerships. He emphasized Sigenergy’s focus on safety, intelligence, high integration, and excellent user experience as central to its competitiveness. Committed to upholding global standards for product uniformity and quality, Sigenergy delivers top-tier energy solutions to users in Myanmar. The company also offers a standard five-year warranty in the region. Looking ahead, Sigenergy plans to expand its service network to ensure every user receives professional and attentive after-sales service.
Thu Ya Kyaw, Founder of Amber Light, addressed the growing electricity demand in Myanmar driven by economic development and the challenges posed by frequent power outages. He emphasized Amber Light’s commitment to providing comprehensive energy solutions in Myanmar. In partnership with Sigenergy, they aim to promote the widespread adoption of SigenStor in the Myanmar market, ensuring a long-term stable power supply.
Dr. Li Zuqing, Principal of the Confucius Classroom at Fuqing Language and Computer School and Chief Editor at paukphaw.net, underscored the significance of solar energy, hailing it as a precious and limitless natural resource. He extended appreciation for Sigenergy’s contribution, acknowledging their advanced technology’s role in mitigating Myanmar’s energy deficits and facilitating access to cutting-edge advancements.
SigenStor is the world’s first 5-in-1 energy storage system. Its innovative design allows it to adapt to a wide range of applications, from residential to commercial, on-grid to micro-grid, and restricted environments to anywhere, achieving a true “one for all” solution. At the event, several partners shared their experiences with the installation and use of SigenStor.
Thant Zaw, General Manager of Amber Light, shared a commercial and industrial (C&I) case study of the Dagon Centre mall in Yangon. The mall had been plagued by frequent power outages, affecting key facilities like lighting, air conditioning, and elevators. In response to tenant demands for reliable power solutions, the mall owner chose SigenStor, providing 1MWh EES of backup power. SigenStor’s seamless switch to battery power during outages ensures stable electricity supply and uninterrupted business operations.
Aike Phat, Managing Director of Helios, discussed a poultry farm project where power outages had caused ventilation failures and economic losses. The farm had relied on diesel generators for years. Last year, they installed two SigenStor units, significantly reducing their dependence on diesel. Pleased with the results, they added four more units this year, increasing storage capacity and enabling the farm to rely solely on SigenStor during the day, saving an estimated $95,600 annually in electricity costs.
Gao Mingzuo, Managing Director of A+, shared residential installation cases, noting that SigenStor’s easy installation process has facilitated the company’s transition from a construction firm to a solar storage system installer. They have installed SigenStor units in various apartments, villas, and clubs across Myanmar, receiving unanimous praise from users. He highlighted SigenStor’s powerful three-phase inverter and rapid 0.5C charge rate, allowing the battery to fully charge in two hours compared to five to six hours for other systems, meeting whole-home backup needs.
Pyae Sone, Managing Director of Pro Engineering, highlighted SigenStor’s intelligent features, including the mySigen App for real-time system data and remote parameter settings. He also mentioned that all SigenStor products come with a five-year warranty and are insured by PICC, a renowned insurance company in China. SigenStor includes integrated DC fast-charging capability for electric vehicles, addressing user range anxiety with efficient charging solutions. With DC fast-charging modules and a 25kW charging pole, it offers 130 kilometers of range in just one hour.
At the event, Sigenergy presented Amber Light with a distributor certificate and awarded authorization certificates to several resellers.
Moving forward, Sigenergy will strengthen its position as a foremost energy innovator in Myanmar, with heightened investments in R&D and marketing. Through close collaboration with partners, Sigenergy is dedicated to customizing energy storage solutions to meet Myanmar’s unique needs and ensure universal access to green energy.
SOURCE Sigenergy Technology Co., Ltd.
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