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Month: June 2024

Indian businessman Vellayan Subbiah named EY World Entrepreneur of the Year 

by: Stephanie Horsman
14/06/2024

Vellayan Subbiah was named EY World Entrepreneur of the Year for his leadership skills and his commitment to social and environmental causes at a glittering awards ceremony held at the Salle des Étoiles in Monaco earlier this month.  

Ernst & Young (EY), the global consulting, insurance, tax and transaction service accounting giant, holds an annual World Entrepreneur of the Year event as a way of recognising visionary business leaders who are addressing modern-day challenges and transforming their industries.  

The 2024 edition saw Indian businessman Vellayan Subbiah, the Executive Vice-Chairman of Tube Investments of India and Chairman of Cholamandalam Investment and Finance Company, win the coveted award for his forward-thinking approach and his ambition to “change the trajectory of his country, his companies and his people”.  

“I am deeply honoured and grateful to be recognised as the EY World Entrepreneur of the Year,” said Subbiah of his win. “As part of a fourth-generation family business, the spirit of entrepreneurship runs deep within me, and I continue to be equally inspired by those who came before and those who follow. I’m steadfast in my belief that by approaching challenges as opportunities and committing ourselves to a path of self-improvement, there’s no limit to what we can achieve.” 

Subbiah spent 15 years working within his family business, Cholamandalam, before adding another string to his bow by joining Tube Investments of India. 

In addition to his business prowess, he has also contributed to numerous humanitarian and environmental projects through educational scholarships and eco-friendly stewardship. 

“Vellayan possesses all of the qualities one looks for in an entrepreneur,” said Carmine Di Sibio, EY Global Chairman and CEO. “The impressive growth of the businesses he’s led has been remarkable, but his story goes far beyond numbers. His humble and personable approach to leadership and his philosophy of enabling others to ‘enter a better life’ are the embodiment of what it means to be EY World Entrepreneur of The Year.” 

The 54-year-old was selected by a panel of judges from 5,000 possible candidates hailing from 47 nations. The jurists looked at four criteria – entrepreneurial spirit, purpose, growth and impact – when making their final decision.  

Subbiah is the fourth Indian winner in the event’s 24-year history.  

Read related:

Monaco announces new Minister of State: Didier Guillaume to succeed Pierre Dartout

 

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Photo source: Ernst & Young Global Ltd.

Photos: Princess Charlene joins Water Safety Day at lake in Landes

by: Elsa Carpenter
14/06/2024

In a continuation of her commitments to water safety and the promotion of the values of sport in education, Princess Charlene joined with members of her eponymous foundation to host a Water Safety Day initiative for local children at a lakeside in southwestern France earlier this month. 

On Tuesday 11th June, the Princess and her foundation conducted the first Water Safety Day for the schoolchildren of Léon in the department of Landes. 

Neither the clouds nor the blustery weather could temper the enthusiasm of Princess Charlene and the 140 children from local CM1 and CM2 classes who attended the event, which was held at the Lac de Léon.  

Watching on from the beach, the Princess provided encouragement to all who braved the waters for a series of life-saving and rescue workshops, which included a dramatic helicopter rescue.

On the beach, the children were taught the essentials of first aid by members of the Princess Charlene of Monaco Foundation, such as Stéphanie Barneix, freediver Pierre Frolla, gymnast Kevin Crovetto and handball player Jérôme Fernandez. They were supported in their efforts by Landes’ local lifeguards as well as representatives from the Réserve Naturelle du Courant d’Huchet.  

Throughout the day, the children were involved in theory and practical training sessions that covered topics like the importance of water and waste management, the local aquatic environment and its biodiversity, and the proper use of rescue equipment.  

Princess Charlene personally congratulated the children on their efforts, handing out certificates and admiring their artworks, much to the joy of the young students.

The day marked the first such endeavour in the Landes area by the Princess Charlene of Monaco Foundation, but follows a long line of similar initiatives held in Monaco, across France and around the world.  

To see more from the day, click on the images below:

Read related:

In pictures: Princess Charlene makes a splash at Water Safety Day in Monaco

 

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Photo credit: Eric Mathon / Palais Princier de Monaco 

Paediatric cancer: CSM reports encouraging results following clinical trials 

by: Elsa Carpenter
14/06/2024

The findings of a two-year clinical trial of a new type of treatment protocol for children and young adults suffering from brain cancer, which was developed by the Centre Scientifique de Monaco, have been described by its backers as both “positive” and “encouraging”. 

Between January 2022 and December 2023, three paediatric oncology units in France were involved in the clinical trials of a new form of treatment for children and young adults. In total, six patients who had relapsed or refractory brain tumours received the oral axitinib and metronomic etoposide developed in the laboratories of the Centre Scientifique de Monaco (CSM).  

See more: CSM set to revolutionise treatment of childhood cancer

The data and findings of these trials, referred to as the MEPENDAX clinical trial project, have now been published in the Pediatric & Blood Cancer journal, along with a dedicated communiqué from the CSM that confirms that this type of treatment can improve the care of children and young adults suffering from brain cancer. 

“Schematically, the administration of two anticancer molecules called axitinib and etoposide is done at lower doses, but more frequently,” explains Dr. Vincent Picco (pictured), the head of the Brain Stem Cells and Tumours team within the CSM’s Department of Medical Biology. “This new therapeutic combination and this particular mode of administration, which also has the advantage of being taken orally outside the hospital setting, is capable of more effectively controlling tumour growth while limiting side effects.” 

For the six individuals who received the treatment, described by Dr. Picco as a “response to a lack of appropriate therapeutic drug alternatives”, this MEPENDAX trials represented a “last-chance” form of therapy.  

All had reached a tragic impasse in their treatment, having already pursued at least four other lines of treatment before joining the trials.  

According to a communiqué issued by the CSM on 13th June, “The treatment results are very encouraging with, as hoped, relatively low toxicity accompanied in some cases by a favorable therapeutic response and an improvement in quality of life.” 

See more: CSM researchers publish game-changing study on cancer and stem cells

Over the next three years, the CSM has ambitions to expand the trials to a further 36 patients aged four to 18. This time, eight French hospitals will be involved in the project, “with the hope of confirming the initial clinical results”. 

“For the children and their families, this clinical trial offers an immense hope,” says Denis Maccario, the president of the Monaco-based Flavien Foundation. “Although funding is now assured, the administrative constraints to start this type of trial with a new therapy delay this hope for children and families facing the tragedy of therapeutic failure.” 

Maccario, who lost his young son to cancer in 2014, has since used the foundation founded in nine-year-old Flavien’s honour, to help raise the considerable funds that allowed the trials to become a reality. Other backers included the Monaco Government, Climbers Against Cancer, the Savchuk Foundation and the Syndicat des Jeux Européens de la Société des Bains de Mer.

The Pediatric & Blood Cancer Journal report on the trials can be read in full here.  

 

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Photo source: CSM, Facebook

Design brand RH celebrates first foray into the world of luxury yachting

by: Niki Borisova
13/06/2024
rh three

Among the many luxury superyachts moored in Monaco’s Port Hercule during the recent Grand Prix, there was one in particular that stood out from the crowd: the RH Three. 

At the end of May, top design brand RH, formerly known as Restoration Hardware, hosted a very special event honouring the Princess Grace Foundation aboard its new flagship vessel, the first-of-its-kind luxury expedition yacht, RH Three. 

Among the esteemed guests invited to join RH for the event was Prince Albert II of Monaco, the son of Princess Grace, and former F1 driver Mick Schumacher.  

Among the VIP guests invited aboard RH Three for its Princess Grace Foundation event were Prince Albert II of Monaco and former F1 driver Mick Schumacher. Photo supplied

The VIPs were invited to explore the beautifully appointed interiors of the 38.7m yacht, which boasts four guest cabins and a one-to-one guest-to-crew ratio, while sipping on Cipriani London’s signature bellinis, wines by Rumor Rosé and Ruinart champagne.  

All aboard the RH Three 

This elegant expedition yacht represents a new era for its parent brand.  

RH is a well-established name in the world of luxury design thanks to its wide range of high-end home furnishings. Over the years, the company has expanded its reach, with this latest foray into the world of yachting following RH Contemporary, RH Interiors and two jet ventures, RH One Gulfstream 650ER and RH Gulfstream 550, as well as other lifestyle experiences linked to the international arts and gastronomy scenes.  

The elegant traditions and art de vivre heritage of the brand are clearly visible in aesthetics of the expedition yacht, which boasts a striking metallic grey exterior and warm caramel and champagne-hued interior.  

RH Three is available for charter in the Mediterranean during summer and the Bahamas in winter. For more information, click here. 

The glamourous style of RH is played out in the interior of the vessel. Photo supplied

Style meets philanthropy

While the spotlight was certainly on the yacht during the recent event, the brand also made sure to highlight the efforts of the Princess Grace Foundation, which supports emerging theatre, dance and film talent through grants and scholarships. As such, a portion of the proceeds raised on the night were donated to the Foundation.  

 

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Photos supplied

Oval chainrings used by Wiggins and Froome among innovations to be showcased at Le Sport & La Tech

by: Niki Borisova
13/06/2024

Six French companies with innovative ideas for the world of sport will be presenting their concepts at the upcoming Le Sport & La Tech event in Monaco later this month. Here’s what to expect.  

On 25th June, La Maison de France on Rue Grimaldi will host Le Sport & La Tech, an event that is part showcase and part conference. It is being organised by the French Foreign Trade Advisors (CCE) organisation with the support of Jean d’Haussonville, France’s official Ambassador to the Principality of Monaco, and will see six companies from across the border present their innovative ideas and concepts to an audience of entrepreneurs and investors. 

Among those who will feature at the event is a Nice-based cycling company called Osymetric that has developed an oval chainring. The device received worldwide attention when two top stars of the sports, Bradley Wiggins and Chris Froome, used the signature Osymetric rings during their victorious Tour de France campaigns.

Fit Immersion, another company set to appear at the event, combines physical activity with virtual reality, allowing users to travel virtually while using a stationary exercise bike. Neurathletics, meanwhile, develops real-time neurofeedback software for brain training in athletes, a practice said to enhance focus and efficiency, while the Jooks team will be promoting their interactive app.  

Wattsgood will be demonstrating how physical activity can be converted into renewable energy; its cardio equipment generates electricity during workouts.

Finally, Second Relais, which sells second-hand sports equipment, will be introducing guests at the event to its take on the circular economy, one that could help make quality gear more affordable and accessible.  

For more information about the event, click here.  

Read related:

Ocean Space Forum to explore the tech intersection of these two frontiers

 

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Ocean Space Forum to explore the tech intersection of these two frontiers

by: Stephanie Horsman
13/06/2024
ocean space forum

The innovative Ocean Space Forum will be returning to Monaco’s Oceanographic Museum next month on a quest to explore how technologies developed for space exploration could be used to advance ocean conservation efforts.  

On 2nd July, between 9am and 6.30pm, the Musée Océanographique de Monaco will host the second edition of the Ocean Space Forum.

The event is set to unite experts and top figures from the worlds of scientific research, politics and economics for a series of roundtable discussions and conferences centred on the contributions that new space technologies could make towards the enhanced preservation and sustainable management of our seas.  

On the agenda will be topics such as the Blue Economy, marine resource conservation, the safeguarding of marine ecosystems, and the fight against climate change and its negative impacts on the oceans. 

See more: Monaco to host Blue Economy and Finance Forum as part of 2025 UN Ocean Conference

Jointly organised by Prométée Earth Intelligence, France’s National Centre for Space Studies (CNES) and the Monaco Space Affairs Office, this year’s forum is being presented as an important precursor to the United Nations Ocean Conference, which will be held in Nice in June next year.  

For more information on the event or to find out how to register as a participant, click here. 

Read related:

Interview: Robert Calcagno, CEO Oceanographic Institute – Prince Albert I Foundation

 

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Photo credit: M. Dagnino