News Point MsiaSing's
Friday, October 9, 2026
ARLA FOODS INGREDIENTS TO SHOWCASE PERSONALISED CLEAR PROTEIN SHAKES IN LAS VEGAS
In a statement, Arla Foods Ingredients said the concepts are designed to offer an alternative to traditional milk-based protein shakes, combining whey proteins with functional ingredients to support strength, endurance and mobility.
Arla Foods Ingredients Senior Director of Performance Nutrition, Peter Schouw Andersen said the concepts demonstrated the versatility of clear whey protein isolates in developing products tailored to different consumer needs and performance goals.
The BUILD resistance shake combines Lacprodan ISO.RefreshShake whey protein with creatine for strength-focused activities such as weightlifting and CrossFit.
The SUSTAIN endurance shake uses Lacprodan Pro2O with carbohydrates and electrolytes for activities including running and cycling, while the MOVE mobility shake combines Lacprodan ISO.WaterShake with collagen for activities such as yoga, Pilates, gymnastics and dance.
Visitors to the event can also sample other concepts at the company's booth, including an aerated milk protein bar, a high-protein water-based shot designed for consumers with reduced appetite, and a sparkling fruit-flavoured protein soda.
The protein bar uses Nutrilac PB-8420 to support aeration and texture stability, while the 100-millilitre protein shot contains 21 grammes of protein and is fat-free, sugar-free and low in lactose. The protein soda uses Lacprodan Pro2O to deliver a clear, low-viscosity beverage.
-- BERNAMA
TANAKA MEP Breaks Ground on RM70 Million High-Purity Precious Metal Refining Facility in Penang
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1. YB Goh Choon Aik - EXCO Penang, Trade and National Unity Committee
2. YB H'ng Mooi Lye - EXCO Penang, Local Government and Town & Country Planning
3. Mr. Tomoyuki Tada - Chief Operating Officer, TANAKA Precious Metal Technologies Co., Ltd.
4. YAB Tuan Chow Kon Yeow - Chief Minister of Penang
5. TYT Tun Dato’ Seri Utama Haji Ramli Bin Ngah Talib - Yang Di-Pertua Negeri of the State of Penang
6. Dato’ Ivan Ong - Director of MEP Enviro Technology Sdn. Bhd.
7. Mr. Wataru Wada - Senior General Manager, Manufacturing Department, TANAKA Precious Metal Technologies Co., Ltd.
8. Mr. Machida Shinya - Consul-General of Japan in Penang
9. Mr. Sean Ong - Director of MEP Enviro Technology Sdn. Bhd.
PENANG, MALAYSIA, Oct 9 (Bernama) -- TANAKA MEP Refinery Sdn. Bhd., a joint venture between Japan-based TANAKA Precious Metal Technologies Co., Ltd. and Malaysia-based MEP Enviro Technology Sdn. Bhd., yesterday inaugurated its groundbreaking facility at Batu Kawan Industrial Park, Penang. The RM70 million investment will establish Malaysia's first 4N precious metal refining factory, producing high-purity precious metals at 99.99% purity and positioning the country as a regional leader in advanced refining capabilities.
Developed on approximately three acres of land with a built-up area of 45,000 square feet, the facility will focus initially on producing 4N high-purity gold and potassium gold cyanide (PGC) for the electronics and semiconductor industries. Commercial operations are expected to commence in the first quarter of 2029.
The groundbreaking ceremony was officiated by TYT Tun Dato’ Seri Utama Haji Ramli bin Ngah Talib, Yang di-Pertua Negeri Pulau Pinang, together with YAB Chow Kon Yeow, Chief Minister of Penang, and attended by representatives from the state and federal government, industry, and relevant agencies.
YAB Chow Kon Yeow, Chief Minister of Penang, said, “Penang is proud to host Malaysia’s first 4N precious metal refining facility, adding another ecosystem partner to our established E&E and semiconductor ecosystem. With more than five decades of industrial excellence, Penang has developed an increasingly comprehensive ecosystem spanning design, manufacturing, testing, equipment and supporting companies. The presence of TANAKA MEP Refinery contributes to strengthening our industrial capabilities while supporting greater resource recovery and the development of a more sustainable and circular industrial ecosystem in Penang.”
Malaysia's manufacturing sector continues to attract significant quality investments. In the first half of 2026 (1H2026) alone, the sector recorded RM51.3 billion in approved investments across 973 projects, expected to create 64,555 new jobs, underscoring the country's competitive position in high-value manufacturing. Penang, among top investment recipients, recorded RM17.3 billion in approved manufacturing investments in H12026, up 38.1% from the corresponding period last year.
YBhg. Datuk Sikh Shamsul Ibrahim Sikh Abdul Majid, Chief Executive Officer of the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA), said, “The establishment of this facility strengthens Malaysia’s capabilities in higher-value precious metal recovery and refining, while supporting important downstream industries including electrical and electronics and semiconductors. More importantly, the partnership demonstrates how investment can contribute to a more integrated and circular manufacturing ecosystem by recovering valuable materials and returning them to the industrial supply chain.”
“MIDA welcomes investments that deepen Malaysia’s industrial capabilities, introduce higher-value activities and create stronger linkages across the domestic supply chain. We will continue to work closely with TANAKA MEP Refinery and our partners in Penang to facilitate the implementation of this project and support its long-term growth in Malaysia,” he added.
MIDA has collaborated closely with TANAKA MEP Refinery and stakeholders throughout the project development phase and will remain engaged as implementation progresses. The Agency will facilitate connections with Malaysia's broader manufacturing ecosystem and identify opportunities for local industry participation in the supply chain.
Mr. Ong, Director of MEP Enviro Technology, said the project Phase 1 will spend RM35 million focus on the production of 4N (99.99%) high-purity gold and potassium gold cyanide (PGC), which are widely used in the electronics and semiconductor industries.
“Through this partnership, we aim to establish a more complete precious metal recycling value chain, from recovery and high-purity refining to returning valuable materials back into the manufacturing supply chain,” said Mr. Ong.
Mr. Tomoyuki Tada, Chief Operating Officer of TANAKA Precious Metal Technologies Co., Ltd., said that upon completion, the facility is expected to become Malaysia’s first 4N precious metal refining factory, strengthening Penang’s capabilities in high-value precious metal recovery and refining while supporting the region’s electrical and electronics (E&E) and semiconductor industries.
The establishment of the facility is expected to further strengthen Penang’s manufacturing ecosystem by adding high-purity precious metal refining capabilities that support the requirements of the E&E and semiconductor industries, while contributing to a more circular industrial value chain.
About MIDA
MIDA is the government’s principal investment promotion and development agency under the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI) to oversee and drive investments into the manufacturing and services sectors in Malaysia. Headquartered in Kuala Lumpur Sentral, MIDA has 12 regional and 20 overseas offices. MIDA continues to be the strategic partner to businesses in seizing the opportunities arising from the technology revolution of this era. For more information, please visit http://www.mida.gov.my and follow us on X, Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, TikTok and YouTube channels.
About Invest Penang
InvestPenang is the Penang State Government’s principal agency for the promotion of investment. Its objectives are to develop and sustain Penang’s economy by enhancing and continuously supporting business activities in the State through foreign and local investments, including spawning viable new growth centers. To realise its objectives, InvestPenang also runs initiatives like the SMART Penang Center (providing assistance to SMEs), Penang CAT Center (for talent attraction and retention), Global Business Services (GBS) Focus Group (promoting and developing digital economy), Penang Silicon Design @5km+ (establishing a unique and interconnected ecosystem for IC design and technology enterprises) and Malaysia ATE Campus in Penang (accelerating the co‑development, qualification, and scaling of Malaysian ATE solutions by enabling first-customer deployment). For more information, please visit https://investpenang.gov.my/ and follow InvestPenang’s social media channels: Facebook; LinkedIn; WhatsApp Channel and TikTok.
About TANAKA MEP Refinery
TANAKA MEP Refinery Sdn. Bhd. is a joint venture between Malaysia-based MEP Enviro Technology Sdn. Bhd. and Japan-based TANAKA Precious Metal Technologies Co., Ltd., with a planned total investment of approximately RM70 million. The new facility will bring advanced precious metal refining capabilities to Malaysia, with the capability to produce 4N gold to internationally recognised quality standards.
SOURCE: Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA)
FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:
MIDA
Name: Puan Zakiah Sajidan
Director, Machinery & Metal Technology Division
Tel: +603-2267 6769
Email: zakiah@mida.gov.my
InvestPenang
Name: Elaine Cheah / Ong Yih Hwa
Communications & Business Intelligence
Tel: +604 646 8833
Email: elaine@investpenang.gov.my / yihhwa@investpenang.gov.my
TANAKA MEP Refinery Sdn. Bhd
Name: Ms. Milkie Chua
PA to Director
Tel: +60 12 507 5551
Email: mt.chua@mepsb.com.my
--BERNAMA
Wednesday, October 7, 2026
EBC Financial Group at iFX EXPO Asia 2026 covering Markets, Technology, and Industry Dialogue
HONG KONG, Oct 7 (Bernama-GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Asia's trading landscape is evolving rapidly. Technology is accelerating access to market information and trading tools, while regulators across the region continue to adapt to a changing financial environment. That push and pull between growth, and oversight will shape many of the conversations at iFX EXPO Asia 2026, running from 7 to 9 October at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre.
More than 5,000 professionals from over 130 countries are expected to attend, and EBC Financial Group (EBC) will be among them at Booth 4, presenting its latest developments and joining three sessions on the conference programme.
Why Asia, Why Now
For EBC, the event comes at an important moment for the region. Asia remains one of the world's most active and diverse trading markets, with individual countries taking different approaches to regulation, product access and financial technology.
"Trading is changing fast. Technology, shifting trader and investor behaviour, and ongoing global volatility are reshaping how markets work," said Andria Phiniefs, Marketing Director at EBC Financial Group. "That makes this the right time to connect with traders and partners in Asia as we unveil our newest innovations."
"iFX brings the forex and brokerage industry together in one place making it the ideal place to connect with our traders as well as announce our latest innovations," Phiniefs added. "Join our speakers on Thursday and Friday as they explore the issues shaping the next phase of trading, regulation, and technology. Then visit us at Booth 4 to continue the conversation and see what EBC is working on."
Three Sessions, One Thread
EBC's sessions follow a clear line of questions. Where is the next opportunity in trading and investment? How can trading firms grow without breaking the rules? And once traders have the data, how do they make better decisions with it?
The first question opens the programme. On Thursday 8 October, from 13:20 to 13:50 in the Speaker Hall, Christopher Stiegeler, Chief Operating Officer of EBC Financial Group (UK) Limited, moderates a panel on Asia's next major trading opportunity and its growing regulatory challenges. Panellists will discuss regulatory uncertainty, product innovation and the different approaches to trading across the region.
The second follows on Friday 9 October. From 11:00 to 11:40, Charles Lagares, General Counsel of EBC Financial Group (UK) Limited, moderates "The Compliance Tightrope: How Fast Can Finance Grow Without Breaking the Rules?" The panel looks at how financial firms can expand while keeping pace with changing regulation, emerging technology and more complex compliance demands.
The third brings the two together. From 14:40 to 15:10 at the Mastery Hub, Dr Parker Tian, Head of EBC AI Lab, joins Stiegeler and Lagares for "The Data Isn't Enough: Contextual Intelligence for Trading Decisions". The session starts from a simple idea. Raw data alone rarely tells the full story. Trader behaviour, market conditions and individual trading patterns add the context that turns information into more relevant decisions. This thinking underpins EBC's approach to AI-driven trading.
Delegates can add all three sessions to their agenda through the iFX EXPO app.
Find EBC at the Show
iFX EXPO Asia 2026 runs from 7 to 9 October in Hall 3FG of the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, Wan Chai. EBC is at Booth 4 and speaks in the Speaker Hall and Mastery Hub on Thursday 8 October and Friday 9 October. Online registration closes at 09:00 (UTC+8) on Wednesday 7 October.
For more analysis from EBC, visit: www.ebc.com.
Disclaimer: This material is for information only and does not constitute a recommendation or advice from EBC Financial Group and all its entities ("EBC"). Trading Forex and Contracts for Difference (CFDs) on margin carries a high level of risk and may not be suitable for all investors. Losses can exceed your deposits. Before trading, you should carefully consider your trading objectives, level of experience, and risk appetite, and consult an independent financial advisor if necessary. Statistics or past investment performance are not a guarantee of future performance. EBC is not liable for any damages arising from reliance on this information.
About EBC Financial Group
EBC Financial Group, headquartered in London, UK, is a comprehensive financial services group licensed and operating in multiple key jurisdictions worldwide. The group offers over 200 Contracts for Difference (CFDs) products, including foreign exchange, precious metals, energy, stock indices, US stocks, ETFs, and cryptocurrencies. With branches in major global financial centres such as Tokyo, Sydney, Singapore, and Hong Kong, its service network covers over 100 countries and regions.
Regulation is the cornerstone of trust in the financial industry. EBC 's various operating entities hold financial regulatory licenses issued by the UK's Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), Australia's Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC), the Cayman Islands Monetary Authority (CIMA), and South Africa's Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA), strictly adhering to local regulatory rules in their operations.
Leveraging its FCA-regulated liquidity access, EBC has established long-term and stable partnerships with over 50 leading banks and non-bank liquidity providers globally. By integrating clearing-grade liquidity quotes, EBC provides clients with direct access to the primary liquidity market, delivering highly competitive institutional-grade liquidity depth and bank-level spreads, allowing clients to easily enjoy extremely low transaction costs. All clients within the group can enjoy top-tier liquidity access through its FCA license; even for offshore accounts, quotes and orders are ultimately processed by a UK company. Combining big data and AI algorithms to optimize order matching mechanisms, EBC achieves over 87.6% of its orders executed at more favourable prices. For high-frequency and high-volume traders, EBC offers the customized EBC Private Room, a dedicated segregated trading channel that conceals trading orders and avoids market order manipulation. EBC is also one of the few licensed brokers in the industry capable of providing qualified professional investors with FCA liquidity clearing accounts with leverage up to 100x.
The Group’s core management team has over 30 years of experience working in large global financial institutions, having gone through multiple complete financial cycles. They have held core management positions in institutions regulated by the FCA, SEC, and CFTC, and their expertise covers key areas such as brokerage business, operations management, compliance and governance, and corporate risk management.
EBC has been named World Finance's "Best Broker in the World" for four consecutive years, earning the trust of over 5 million registered users worldwide. Upholding a long-term perspective, the Group actively fulfils its social responsibilities: as an official partner of FC Barcelona, it collaborates with the University of Oxford’s Department of Economics to promote financial education, supports the UN Foundation's "United to Beat Malaria" project, and partners with the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts (WAGGGS) to advance women's empowerment and social equity.
EBC firmly believes that everyone who trades seriously deserves to be treated seriously.
https://www.ebc.com/
Media Contact:
Faiz Alavi Sulaiman
Global Public Relations Senior Executive
faiz.sulaiman@ebc.com
Aldric Tinker
Global Public Relations Lead
aldric.tinker@ebc.com
SOURCE: EBC Tech Limited
DISCLAIMER: BERNAMA MREM are not accountable for any causes of website defacement, misuse, or illegal activities connected to cryptocurrency, blockchain, tokenisation, or bitcoin. This material should not be considered as guidance or an opinion, as it does not constitute financial or investment advice. Use this information at your own risk; we are not liable for any losses or damages caused by the republication of this article.
Saturday, October 3, 2026
Long Hours, Changing Postures: Sihoo to Showcase Next-Generation Ergonomic Office Chairs at ORGATEC 2026
COLOGNE, Germany, Sept 30 (Bernama-GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Sihoo will exhibit at ORGATEC 2026 from October 27–30 at Koelnmesse, showcasing the Sihoo H300 Pro and Sihoo Doro C300 Pro V2 at Hall 8.1, Booths A-060 and B-061. Both models highlight the brand's latest approach to adaptive support across changing work postures.
Addressing the Changing Needs of Modern Work
According to the 2025 DKV Report, a survey of over 2,800 adults in Germany found that people spend an average of 613 minutes, or more than 10 hours, sitting on weekdays.
In hybrid workplaces, employees shift between focused typing, device use, and short breaks. However, traditional chairs often rely on static support that struggles to accommodate these movements. As users change positions, they may lose consistent lumbar support, potentially contributing to lower back discomfort and muscle tension.
Against this backdrop, Sihoo is bringing its adaptive seating solutions to ORGATEC 2026. As a major platform for workplace innovation, the exhibition enables Sihoo to connect with global partners, exchange ideas on healthier workplaces, and explore new business opportunities.
A Preview of Sihoo's Latest Ergonomic Innovations
At ORGATEC 2026, Sihoo will spotlight two new office chairs:
The Sihoo H300 Pro addresses the loss of lumbar contact during forward-leaning tasks. Its 2D four-way adjustable lumbar support works with DynaCore full-body adaptive support to maintain a fit across postures. Its 7D coordinated armrests and integrated footrest provide comfort from focused work to relaxation.
The Sihoo Doro C300 Pro V2, the brand's first full-body adaptive ergonomic chair, minimizes gaps in head, back, and lumbar support during posture shifts. Powered by the DynaCore System with Four-Zone Linkage, it coordinates these areas and arms in real time. Its SyncroFlex System allows for smooth backrest gliding, while Self-Adaptive Dynamic Lumbar Support 2.0 maintains lumbar contact and 8D bionic armrests provide flexible arm positioning.
Built on Ergonomic Expertise
With 15 years of ergonomic furniture experience, Sihoo combines research and development with a 1,000-square-meter testing laboratory. Its products reach over 122 countries and regions and more than 10 million households worldwide.
Experience Sihoo at ORGATEC 2026
Sihoo invites media, designers, distributors, corporate buyers, and partners to explore its ergonomic solutions and discuss partnerships.
Date: October 27–30, 2026
Venue: Koelnmesse, Cologne, Germany
Hall: 8.1
Booth: A-060, B-061
Media Contact
Shenzhen Sihoo Intelligent Home Co., Ltd
Email: marketing@sihoo.com
Website: https://de.sihoo.com/
Photo accompanying this announcement are available at:
https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/eecbc7dd-efa5-41f4-8844-839ed0240c33
https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/2097a7a2-5094-4e90-8932-ab34c65e0c02
SOURCE: Sihoo
--BERNAMA
Friday, October 2, 2026
MIDOCEAN SECURES OVER US$4 BLN IN 2026 CAPITAL RAISE
In a statement, the company said the raise included commitments from new strategic and institutional investors, as well as significant re-ups from existing investors, with the capital committed significantly exceeding MidOcean’s original target of US$2 billion.
MidOcean Chairman and EIG Chief Executive Officer (CEO), R. Blair Thomas said the progress achieved in this capital raise represents a major milestone for MidOcean and supports its strategy of building a scaled, diversified and resilient global LNG platform.
“We believe LNG will continue to play an essential role in supporting energy security and global economic growth, and that MidOcean is well positioned to benefit from these long-term market fundamentals,” said Thomas, who also welcomed the new investors and thanked existing shareholders for their continued support and confidence.
Meanwhile, MidOcean CEO, De la Rey Venter said the company has built a high-quality LNG portfolio with strong cash flow characteristics and meaningful growth optionality, positioning it to advance its pipeline of opportunities.
The raise includes commitments from strategic investors, sovereign-linked institutions and financial investors, including the Private Department of Sheikh Mohammed bin Khalid Al Nahyan, NYK Line (through Diamond Gas MidOcean), The Arab Energy Fund, Shizuoka Gas and several Korean institutional investors.
The proceeds are expected to enhance MidOcean’s balance sheet flexibility and position the company to pursue a pipeline of LNG growth opportunities encompassing both cash-generating and development assets.
MidOcean has assembled an LNG portfolio spanning Canada, Australia, the United States and Latin America, while continuing to evaluate accretive opportunities consistent with its disciplined investment approach.
-- BERNAMA
Thursday, October 1, 2026
Cargill Invests Over US$130 Mln To Expand Asia Poultry Operations
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Cargill Philippine’s Plant Groundbreaking |
KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 29 (Bernama) -- Cargill has announced an investment of more than US$130 million over the next two years to expand its poultry operations across Asia, driven by growing global protein demand and consumer appetite for high-quality cooked poultry products. (US$1 = RM4.08)
The investment encompasses capacity and efficiency enhancements across Cargill’s poultry network in Thailand and the Philippines to strengthen supply chain resilience and enhance food safety, quality and innovation for its foodservice and retail customers globally.
Cargill Vice President and Managing Director, Poultry APAC, Watcharapon Prasopkiatpoka said the investment would strengthen the company’s ability to deliver poultry products with the quality and consistency required by customers.
“By investing in infrastructure, technology and people, we are serving the growing demand from customers for high-quality protein while creating long-term economic value for farmers, businesses, suppliers and local communities,” he said in a statement.
A key component of the investment is the deployment of advanced technologies to optimise production processes and costs, alongside expanded production capacity in Thailand. The initiative includes a new automated cooked chicken production line at Cargill’s poultry processing plant in Saraburi, expected to be completed in 2028.
Over the next two years, the company will also make significant technological upgrades, incorporating state-of-the-art machinery and artificial intelligence (AI) into data processing to enable faster and more accurate decision-making.
Cargill currently exports cooked poultry products from Thailand to Japan, Europe, Asia and North America. With the expansion, its total cooked volume is expected to increase to approximately 160,000 metric tonnes, while creating more than 300 jobs for local communities.
The company is also constructing a new 30,000 metric tonnes grain silo in Thailand to enhance raw material storage and provide greater flexibility in grain procurement throughout the year, while creating additional income opportunities for local farmers beyond the traditional harvest season.
Meanwhile, in the Philippines, Cargill is constructing a new feed mill with an annual production capacity of 190,000 metric tonnes, expected to be completed by late 2027. The facility will generate more than 100 jobs and help strengthen the poultry supply chain while improving feed availability, efficiency and reliability across its Philippines operations.
-- BERNAMA
UMIOS, WAH KONG COMPLETE MALAYSIA PET FOOD JV
Under the transaction, Umios invested approximately 11.4 billion Japanese yen to acquire a 51 per cent stake in PWI through a newly established holding company, strengthening its presence in Malaysia’s growing pet food market. (100 Japanese yen = RM2.58)
“We have built PWI over many years into one of Malaysia’s leading pet food businesses, and our priority was to find a partner that could help take the company into its next stage of growth while sharing our long-term vision for the business,” said PWI chief executive officer and shareholder, Choy Peng Yew.
Choy said Umios’s capabilities in pet food, product development and international markets complement PWI’s strengths and will support the company’s expansion beyond Malaysia into Asia and other markets.
According to a statement, the partnership combines Umios’s expertise in wet pet food with PWI’s dry-food capabilities, providing coverage across both wet and dry products for dogs and cats.
The partners plan to integrate their sales networks, product portfolios, manufacturing capabilities and research and development (R&D) expertise to accelerate growth across Asia. Umios is targeting pet food operating profit of approximately 10 billion Japanese yen and a return on invested capital (ROIC) of approximately 18 per cent for the year ending March 2028.
PWI holds the No. 2 position in Malaysia’s pet food market and ranks No. 1 among local companies, according to NielsenIQ. It operates the country’s only BRC-certified pet food plant and employs about 350 people, with products sold through more than 10,000 physical stores and its own e-commerce channels.
The company recorded consolidated sales of approximately 12.4 billion Japanese yen for the year ended September 2025.
Japan Corporate Advisory Institute Ltd (JCAI), a Tokyo-headquartered cross-border mergers and acquisitions (M&A) advisory firm focused on Japan, Southeast Asia and India, acted as financial advisor, advising on transaction strategy, valuation, negotiations and documentation through closing.
-- BERNAMA

