Yayasan PETRONAS Announces Leadership Changes

Yayasan PETRONAS names Fifinaz Nareeman Faizal as CEO.

• Foundation CEO Hajah Shariah Nelly Francis concludes tenure on 31 Oct 2026
• PETRONAS Gas & Maritime Business, General Manager for Strategic Communications Fifinaz Nareeman Faizal to succeed Shariah Nelly as CEO

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 30 (Bernama) -- Yayasan PETRONAS today announced a planned leadership change, with its Chief Executive Officer Hajah Shariah Nelly Francis concluding her tenure on 31 Oct 2026, after leading the Foundation for the past six years.

During her tenure, Shariah Nelly strengthened Yayasan PETRONAS’ role as PETRONAS’ social impact arm, guiding the Foundation through a period of sharper strategic focus, stronger governance and more outcome-driven delivery. She led the development of the Foundation’s Theory of Change framework, which helped align programmes and partnerships around its three core pillars—Education, Community Wellbeing and Development, and Environment— while reinforcing the Foundation’s commitment to creating positive and sustainable outcomes for communities in Malaysia

Under Shariah Nelly’s leadership, Yayasan PETRONAS reached close to 787,000 community members across Malaysia through programmes that addressed learning needs, community resilience, environmental stewardship and disaster response. Her leadership also helped deepen collaboration with strategic partners, broaden the Foundation’s reach and strengthen its ability to deliver initiatives with clear purpose, accountability and measurable impact.

Fifinaz Nareeman Faizal, General Manager, Strategic Communications, Gas & Maritime Business, PETRONAS, will succeed Shariah Nelly as CEO effective 1 Nov 2026.

Tan Sri Mohd Bakke Salleh, Chairman of Yayasan PETRONAS’ Board of Trustees said "Shariah Nelly's leadership has been instrumental in strengthening Yayasan PETRONAS' ability to create meaningful and lasting impact for communities across Malaysia. Her commitment to outcomes-driven initiatives has helped shape the Foundation’s strategic direction and strengthened its efforts to deliver sustainable social impact. We wish her every success in the next chapter of her journey."

Fifinaz brings more than 25 years of experience across marketing, strategic communications, business development, people strategy and enterprise-level transformation within the PETRONAS Group, bringing a well-rounded perspective to support the Foundation’s strategic priorities and organisational development.

“I have the utmost confidence in Fifinaz’s ability to build on Yayasan PETRONAS’ strong foundations, deepen collaboration with our partners and communities, and steer its efforts towards meaningful, measurable and sustainable social impact across Malaysia,” he said.

In her current role, Fifinaz leads communications, brand and reputation positioning, and stakeholder engagement for a dynamic and globally connected business. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Marketing & International Business from Drexel University’s LeBow College of Business in the United States. She brings with her a leadership perspective grounded in purpose, collaboration, and disciplined delivery of impactful outcomes.

Issued by:
Yayasan PETRONAS

SOURCE: Yayasan PETRONAS

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:
Yayasan PETRONAS
Name: Lim Shie-Lynn
Email: shielynn.lim@petronas.com

Name: Yip Yoke Teng
Email: yoketeng.yip@petronas.com

--BERNAMA

OMODA X OFF-ROAD CROSSOVER DEBUTS WITH NIGHT VISION

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 29 (Bernama) -- OMODA, part of Chery’s OMODA & JAECOO division, has unveiled the OMODA X, which it describes as the world’s first “cross off-road vehicle”, at a global debut event on Oct 20.

The model combines the practicality of a sport utility vehicle (SUV) with the adventurous capability of an off-roader and the dynamic character of a sports car, according to the company in a statement.

It is built around the brand’s three core themes: mecha design, crossover versatility and smart technology.

The OMODA X has 200 millimetres (mm) of ground clearance, a wading capability of more than 700 mm, a towing capacity of up to 1,800 kilograms (kg), a roof load capacity of 75 kg and 39 storage spaces.

Its design draws on futuristic, robot-inspired mecha culture, with a wide-body stance, geometric surfaces inspired by mecha aircraft and lightning-shaped tail lights.

The vehicle features an artificial intelligence (AI)-based in-car system called Super Intelligent AI Space, an X-MODE setting that adjusts the car’s settings and performance to the driver’s preferences, and an infrared night vision system that can identify potential hazards up to 90 metres away.

At the launch, four users from Indonesia, Brazil, South Africa and Poland presented their own interpretations of the model as part of the brand’s OMODA X Co-Creation Project.

-- BERNAMA

YYFORCE TARGETS US$20 MLN MALAYSIAN REVENUE IN FY2027

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 29 (Bernama) -- YYForce Inc (YYForce) is targeting US$20 million in revenue from its Malaysian operations in its 2027 financial year (FY2027), after signing new hospitality contracts and expanding its service robot deployments in the country. (US$1 = RM4.07)

The target would double management’s expected Malaysian revenue of about US$10 million for FY2026, YYForce said in a statement.

Its Malaysian subsidiary has signed service agreements with international hotel operators, supporting YYForce’s strategy of combining workforce services with facility automation.

YYForce said the FY2027 figure is a management target rather than revenue already secured under signed contracts, and that achieving it will depend on factors including contract implementation, customer retention and the availability of staff, equipment and working capital. The FY2026 figure is based on current expectations rather than completed full-year results.

“We are targeting US$20 million in Malaysian revenue for FY2027, with close attention to delivery costs, working capital and contract profitability.

“Alongside our operations in other markets, we believe this expansion can support the group’s progress toward sustainable profitability and long-term shareholder value,” said YYForce Chief Executive Officer, Mike Fu.

In Malaysia, the company combines flexible staffing with service robots for cleaning, internal logistics and guest-service support at hotels and other facilities, and plans to expand maintenance and operational support services.

Malaysia is part of YYForce’s wider expansion across Singapore, Hong Kong, Thailand, Dubai and Egypt. The company said it aims to achieve sustainable group-wide profitability but has not set a date for reaching consolidated net profit.

-- BERNAMA

Ahmad Syahazan Yaacob Elected as MIA President and Datuk Muhamad Umar Swift as Vice President

Ahmad Syahazan Yaacob, President of MIA (left), and Datuk Muhamad Umar Swift, Vice President of MIA (right).

KUALA LUMPUR, 29 Oct (Bernama) -- The Malaysian Institute of Accountants (MIA) is pleased to announce the election of Encik Ahmad Syahazan Yaacob as the new MIA President and Datuk Muhamad Umar Swift as Vice President at its Council Meeting held today. Both appointments take effect from 29 October 2026.

Encik Ahmad Syahazan Yaacob was appointed to the MIA Council on 23 September 2023 and elected as MIA Vice President on 8 December 2025. He succeeds Dato’ Saniza Said, whose tenure as President ended on 26 September 2026.

He is the Managing Partner of Al Jafree Salihin Kuzaimi PLT, with extensive audit and assurance experience involving listed and non-listed companies across industries including technology, plantation, oil and gas, education, retail, construction and manufacturing.

Prior to this, he gained 10 years of experience in audit and assurance with Big Four accounting firms. He is a Fellow of CPA Australia and holds a Bachelor of Commerce in Accounting and Corporate Finance from the University of Adelaide, Australia.

Datuk Muhamad Umar Swift was appointed to the MIA Council on 15 September 2026. He is the Group Chief Executive Officer of Qualitas Health Group, with over 25 years of experience in banking and financial services, including senior leadership roles at Bursa Malaysia Berhad and other organisations.

He also serves as Vice President of the Malaysian Institute of Certified Public Accountants (MICPA), the Asia Regional Councillor of Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand (CA ANZ) and member of the CA ANZ Malaysia Regional Council. Datuk Muhamad Umar Swift is a Fellow of CA ANZ and CPA Australia.

MIA congratulates Encik Ahmad Syahazan Yaacob and Datuk Muhamad Umar Swift on their election as President and Vice President respectively. MIA looks forward to their leadership in advancing a future-ready, value-driven and trust-centred accountancy profession, upholding ethics, good governance and integrity, safeguarding public interest and supporting sustainable nation building.

SOURCE: Malaysian Institute of Accountants (MIA)

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:
MIA STRATEGIC COMMUNICATIONS & BRANDING
E-mail: communications@mia.org.my

Name: THANE MEYYAPPAN
Tel: +6012248 9534

Name: MOHD FAIZ OTHMAN
Tel: +6012622 5027

--BERNAMA

Northern Trust Celebrates 30 Years in Singapore

 

Milestone reflects three decades of serving clients across Asia Pacific and continued investment in local capabilities


SINGAPORE, Oct 29 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- Northern Trust (Nasdaq: NTRS) today announced the 30th anniversary of its Singapore branch, marking three decades of serving clients across the Asia Pacific region. Since establishing its presence in Singapore in 1996, Northern Trust has continued to expand its support for asset owners, asset managers and family offices as they navigate an increasingly complex investment landscape.

Northern Trust Asset Servicing provides capabilities including global custody, fund administration, investment operations outsourcing, foreign exchange, securities lending, brokerage and other value-added services.

Northern Trust Asset Management serves institutional investors through a broad range of investment capabilities including Quantitative and Index Equity and Fixed Income solutions integrating sustainable investing as well as liquidity and cash solutions.

Northern Trust’s Global Family Office business established its Asia Pacific presence in Singapore in 2022. It serves single family offices and private investment companies with increasingly global and sophisticated needs, connecting them with capabilities spanning asset servicing, technology and reporting, lending and investments.

"For 30 years, Singapore has been a cornerstone of our Asia Pacific strategy and an important center for serving clients across the region," said Yen Leng Ong, country head of Singapore at Northern Trust. "We are proud of the relationships we have built and remain committed to investing in the people, capabilities, and technology needed to support our clients' evolving requirements."

The anniversary comes during a period of continued development for Northern Trust’s Singapore operations. Recent milestones include the launch of its Singapore unit trust offering, and the expansion of Northern Trust Asset Management’s liquidity capabilities.

"Singapore remains one of the most important investment centers in Asia Pacific, and we continue to see opportunities to support clients as their operating models, distribution ambitions and regulatory requirements evolve," said Angelo Calvitto, head of Asia Pacific at Northern Trust. "Our focus remains on helping clients achieve their objectives through innovative solutions, local expertise and the strength of our global network."

About Northern Trust

Northern Trust Corporation (Nasdaq: NTRS) is a leading provider of wealth management, asset servicing, asset management and banking services to corporations, institutions, affluent families and individuals. Founded in Chicago in 1889, Northern Trust has a global presence with offices in 24 U.S. states and Washington, D.C., and across 22 locations in Canada, Europe, the Middle East and the Asia-Pacific region. As of September 30, 2026, Northern Trust had assets under custody/administration of US$19.9 trillion, and assets under management of US$2.0 trillion. For more than 135 years, Northern Trust has earned distinction as an industry leader for exceptional service, financial expertise, integrity and innovation. Visit us on northerntrust.com. Follow us on Instagram @northerntrustcompany or Northern Trust on LinkedIn.

Northern Trust Corporation, Head Office: 50 South La Salle Street, Chicago, Illinois 60603 U.S.A., incorporated with limited liability in the U.S. Global legal and regulatory information can be found at https://www.northerntrust.com/terms-and-conditions.

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Contact

Media Contacts
Europe, Middle East, Africa & Asia-Pacific:
Camilla Greene
+44 (0) 20 7982 2176
Camilla_Greene@ntrs.com

Simon Ansell
+ 44 (0) 20 7982 1016
Simon_Ansell@ntrs.com

US & Canada:
John O’Connell
+1 312 444 2388
John_O’Connell@ntrs.com

Source : Northern Trust

UAE’S SPACE42 SIGNS SATELLITE MOU WITH VIASAT, CANADA’S TERRESTAR

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 29 (Bernama) -- Space42, the United Arab Emirates (UAE)-based artificial intelligence (AI)-powered SpaceTech company, United States satellite firm Viasat Inc and Canada’s Terrestar Solutions Inc have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to develop an open, standards-based framework linking their planned satellite networks for direct-to-device (D2D) mobile services.

The MoU was signed during Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan’s official visit to Canada, where he held talks with Prime Minister Mark Carney.

The framework would link Terrestar’s planned Canadian low-Earth orbit constellation, CaStar, with Equatys, a planned global shared platform for D2D and other mobile-satellite services (MSS). Space42 and Viasat signed a binding agreement in September to co-found Equatys, backed by up to US$1 billion in combined equity commitments. (US$1 = RM4.07)

Each operator would keep ownership and control of its satellites, ground infrastructure and customers, with CaStar operating as a sovereign Canadian system that keeps domestic data within Canadian jurisdiction, Space42 said in a statement.

“This MoU demonstrates how sovereign satellite systems and shared global infrastructure can work together to deliver D2D services globally. Terrestar maintains its position as Canada’s independent MSS operator while exploring how to participate in a broader ecosystem,” said Space42 Managing Director, Karim Michel Sabbagh.

The company said the arrangement is the first example of Equatys’s “sovereign shell” approach, combining a global system with national or regional constellations run by trusted local operators, and is expected to reduce costs and improve coordination between systems.

UAE Minister of Foreign Trade, Dr Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi said the MoU reflected the UAE’s deepening trade and investment links with Canada, including the newly signed Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement.

Space42 said the framework is designed to accommodate additional satellite systems, mobile network operators and service providers over time.

-- BERNAMA

PACIFICA HOTELS TO OPEN COURTYARD BY MARRIOTT IN JAPAN’S TAKAYAMA

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 28 (Bernama) -- Japanese hotel operator, Pacifica Hotels G.K. has signed a franchise agreement with Marriott International to open a Courtyard by Marriott hotel in Takayama, Gifu prefecture, in autumn 2028.

The hotel operator in a statement said the 207-room Courtyard by Marriott Hida Takayama will be a short walk from Takayama Station and close proximity to the city’s main street, historical attractions and restaurants.

Takayama is known for its Edo-period architecture and traditions, listed by UNESCO as intangible cultural heritage, and is near the UNESCO World Heritage-listed village of Shirakawa-go.

“Takayama is one of my personal favourite tourist destinations in Japan. It has the best collection of Edo period structures anywhere I have seen in Japan, wonderful food and is a great base for numerous day trips such as Shirakawa-go and Kamikochi,” said Pacifica Hotels G.K. chief executive officer, Seth Sulkin.

The hotel will include flexible spaces for work and relaxation, and an all-day dining restaurant with semi-open kitchens serving Japanese and international cuisine.

Pacifica, which operates hotels under Marriott International and IHG brands, will also open Courtyard by Marriott Hiroshima in autumn 2027 and Westin Hokkaido Furano Resort in spring 2029.

-- BERNAMA