MINTRED and MIDA Launch Sarawak Global Supply Chain and Sourcing Programme 2026 to Connect Local Businesses with Regional and Global Value Chains

YBhg. Datuk Sikh Shamsul Ibrahim Sikh Abdul Majid, Chief Executive Officer of MIDA

KUCHING, Sept 30 (Bernama) -- The Sarawak Government has launched the Sarawak Global Supply Chain and Sourcing Programme 2026 at the Pullman Hotel, Kuching, reaffirming its commitment to strengthening industrial linkages, developing local enterprises, and enhancing Sarawak’s participation in regional and global supply chains.

The inaugural programme, aimed at building a more resilient supply chain ecosystem in Sarawak, was officiated by The Honourable Datuk Amar Haji Awang Tengah bin Ali Hasan, Deputy Premier of Sarawak, Minister for International Trade, Industry and Investment, and Second Minister for Natural Resources and Urban Development Sarawak.

Led by the Ministry of International Trade, Industry and Investment (MINTRED) and the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA), in collaboration with the Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE), InvestSarawak, the Regional Corridor Development Authority (RECODA), and the Sarawak Digital Economy Corporation (SDEC), the programme brings together multinational corporations (MNCs), anchor companies, investors, government agencies, and local enterprises to explore sourcing, procurement, and partnership opportunities.

In his keynote address, the Deputy Premier emphasised that Sarawak has entered a new phase of industrial development, where the focus extends beyond attracting investments to ensuring that these investments generate meaningful economic value through stronger local participation, technology transfer, skills development, and integration into global supply chains.

Sarawak’s investment momentum remains strong, having secured RM116 billion in approved investments across the primary, manufacturing, and services sectors between 2021 and 2025, with domestic investments accounting for 61 per cent of the total. The State also recorded RM10.8 billion in approved investments in the first half of 2026, reflecting continued investor confidence in Sarawak’s economic direction, infrastructure, and green energy capabilities. MIDA continues to work closely with the Sarawak Government and relevant agencies to facilitate high-quality investments, strengthen local sourcing, and create greater opportunities for Sarawak-based companies to participate more meaningfully in regional and global supply chains.

The Honourable Datuk Amar Haji Awang Tengah bin Ali Hasan highlighted the importance of developing a comprehensive industrial ecosystem around major investments, particularly in strategic sectors such as advanced manufacturing and semiconductors, green energy, downstream oil and gas and petrochemicals, green metals, hydrogen and clean technologies, the digital economy and artificial intelligence, aerospace and precision engineering, as well as agriculture and food manufacturing.

He encouraged Sarawakian enterprises to seize the opportunities presented by the programme by enhancing competitiveness, embracing digital transformation, investing in technology, adopting international standards, and strengthening workforce capabilities to meet global market demands.

The programme also serves as a platform for multinational corporations and anchor companies to strengthen engagement with local suppliers and service providers, fostering long-term commercial partnerships and developing a more resilient and diversified supply chain ecosystem in Sarawak.

Datuk Sikh Shamsul Ibrahim Sikh Abdul Majid, Chief Executive Officer of MIDA, said, “Our focus is not only attracting anchor investments, but also on ensuring that these investments open up more opportunities for local companies. Through this programme, we are bringing anchor companies and Sarawak-based businesses together to better understand procurement requirements, identify capability gaps, and build stronger business linkages. We want to see more Sarawak companies become suppliers and partners to these investors, strengthen their capabilities, and ultimately position themselves to participate in regional and global supply chains. MIDA will continue to work closely with the Sarawak Government and our strategic partners to help make this happen.”

“This reflects the spirit of #InvestLokal – ensuring that investments translate into stronger local capabilities, deeper industry linkages and greater opportunities for Malaysian businesses,” he added.

According to the Deputy Premier, collaboration among industry players, government agencies, financial institutions, academia, and technology providers is essential to building a competitive industrial environment that supports sustainable economic growth.

The two-day programme features networking sessions, knowledge-sharing forums, business matching engagements, and business clinics designed to facilitate collaboration between local enterprises and global industry players. With attendance of more than 300 participants, the programme aims to turn business connections into tangible commercial outcomes, including supplier development, investment opportunities, technology transfer, and job creation.

In concluding his address, The Honourable Datuk Amar Haji Awang Tengah bin Ali Hasan called on all stakeholders to work to strengthen Sarawak’s industrial ecosystem and enhance the State’s position as a strategic and reliable hub within regional and global supply chains. He then officially launched the Sarawak Global Supply Chain and Sourcing Programme 2026.

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 MINTRED
The Ministry of International Trade, Industry and Investment Sarawak (MINTRED) is the Sarawak Government ministry responsible for driving industrial development, facilitating investment, promoting international trade and supporting the growth of SMEs and entrepreneurs. The Ministry plays a key role in positioning Sarawak as a preferred investment destination and trading partner by facilitating business and investment opportunities, strengthening industry capabilities and supporting the State’ s overall economic development.

SOURCE: Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA)

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT ​
MIDA
Puan Rozita Ibrahim
Director, Domestic Investment Division
Tel: (603) 2267 3498
Email: rozita@mida.gov.my

MINTRED
Ms. Lo Sheau Sia
Deputy Permanent Secretary
Tel: 082-495748
Email: loss@sarawak.gov.my

--BERNAMA

HONG KONG PROMOTES YACHT TOURISM AT MONACO SHOW

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 29 (Bernama) -- The Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) and Informa Markets showcased Hong Kong's tourism, marine and luxury business offerings at the Monaco Yacht Show from Sept 23 to 26, as part of their three-year Strategic City Partnership.

The Monaco event was the first stop of a global promotional roadshow under the partnership, which aims to raise Hong Kong's profile among the international luxury, marine and lifestyle sectors and promote the inaugural Festival of Connoisseurs (TFOC), scheduled for Nov 4 to 6 at AsiaWorld-Expo.

In a statement, HKTB said the Monaco Yacht Show provided an opportunity to engage yacht owners, marine industry leaders, luxury brands, investors and high-net-worth travellers, while highlighting Hong Kong's connectivity with the Greater Bay Area, the Chinese Mainland and wider Asia.

Under the partnership, HKTB will participate in several international luxury and lifestyle events, including the Palm Beach International Boat Show, Basilia Jewellery & Watch Fair, Top Marques Monaco and the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show.

At Monaco, HKTB joined the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office, Brussels, Airport Authority Hong Kong and AsiaWorld-Expo to showcase the city's tourism, aviation, business events and international trade capabilities.

HKTB Executive Director Anthony Lau said the Monaco Yacht Show provided a platform to present Hong Kong to influential players in the global yachting industry and highlight its marine ecosystem, infrastructure and connectivity.

Informa Markets said Hong Kong offered access to growing wealth markets in the Greater Bay Area and Asia, supported by its natural harbour and international air connectivity.

The city also hosts international marine and sailing events, including SailGP and the Dragon World Championship, further enhancing its appeal for marine tourism, business networking and premium lifestyle experiences.

TFOC will debut in Hong Kong under a "city-as-your-showroom" concept, with nine themes covering areas including yachting, mobility, art, travel, wellness and gastronomy. The event is planned to develop into a citywide flagship festival from 2027.

-- BERNAMA

UNIVAR SOLUTIONS EXPANDS CABB GROUP GLYCOLIC ACID DISTRIBUTION

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 29 (Bernama) -- Univar Solutions USA LLC (Univar Solutions), through its Ingredients + Specialties (I+S) from Univar Solutions division, has entered into an exclusive distribution partnership with the CABB Group to expand distribution of glycolic acid across the United States (US) and Canada.

The agreement expands an existing partnership between the companies in Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA) to North America, including distribution of CABB Group's GLYCOS Clear 70 glycolic acid for personal care and other speciality applications, according to a statement.

Univar Solutions chief executive officer (CEO) of I+S, Nick Powell said the expanded collaboration would bring CABB Group's glycolic acid technologies and technical expertise to customers across North America, particularly in beauty and personal care applications.

Meanwhile, CABB Group CEO, Tobias Schalow said Univar Solutions' distribution reach and speciality ingredients expertise would help broaden access to the company's glycolic acid technologies in the US and Canada.

Schalow said the glycolic acid is produced using renewable electricity, supporting the company's sustainability objectives while providing supply for personal care and other speciality applications.

Glycolic acid is used in cosmetic and skincare formulations for its exfoliating properties and applications related to skin appearance and texture. Its addition to Univar Solutions' portfolio supports the company's strategy of expanding its speciality ingredient offering in growth markets.

Through its I+S division, Univar Solutions provides speciality ingredients, formulation expertise and technical support for applications including beauty and personal care.

The expanded partnership gives customers in the US and Canada access to CABB Group's glycolic acid portfolio through Univar Solutions' distribution network.

-- BERNAMA

MIDA and OCBC Malaysia Sign Strategic Partnership to Attract Quality Investments and Strengthen Local Business Ecosystems

(From left to right): Mr. Tan Chor Sen, Chief Executive Officer of OCBC Bank (Malaysia) Berhad; Datuk Sikh Shamsul Ibrahim Sikh Abdul Majid, Chief Executive Officer of MIDA and Tuan Syed Abdull Aziz Syed Kechik, Chief Executive Officer of OCBC Al-Amin Bank Berhad

• Strengthening collaboration to promote Malaysia as a premier investment destination across ASEAN, China, Korea and Taiwan through OCBC’s network.
• Supporting the development of local business ecosystems and connecting Malaysian companies to regional and global supply chains to reinforce Malaysia’s position as a preferred investment hub in ASEAN.

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 28 (Bernama) -- OCBC Bank (Malaysia) Berhad and its Islamic banking subsidiary OCBC Al-Amin Bank Berhad (collectively, OCBC Malaysia) and the Malaysian Investment Development Authority ("MIDA") today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to attract sustainable, highvalue investments from ASEAN, China, Korea and Taiwan and support the development of local business ecosystems.

The partnership combines MIDA's expertise in investment promotion and facilitation with OCBC Malaysia's banking and financing capabilities, and extensive regional network, to advance the objectives of the MOU.

The MOU was signed by Datuk Sikh Shamsul Ibrahim Sikh Abdul Majid, Chief Executive Officer of MIDA; Mr. Tan Chor Sen, Chief Executive Officer of OCBC Bank (Malaysia) Berhad; and Tuan Syed Abdull Aziz Syed Kechik, Chief Executive Officer of OCBC Al-Amin Bank Berhad.

Activities Under the MOU

Under the MOU, both parties will collaborate on market outreach, investment missions and industry engagements, share investor leads and market insights, and undertake knowledge-sharing and capacity-building initiatives, alongside joint promotional activities to showcase Malaysia’s value proposition to prospective investors.

As part of efforts to strengthen the local business ecosystem, OCBC Malaysia and MIDA will facilitate strategic partnerships and business-matching opportunities between anchor investors and local enterprises, including SMEs. OCBC Malaysia will also provide tailored financing solutions, tapping on the broader OCBC Group ecosystem, to support investments, capacity building and business growth. The partnership builds on a longstanding relationship between the two organisations.

Datuk Sikh Shamsul Ibrahim Sikh Abdul Majid, Chief Executive Officer of MIDA, said, "Attracting quality investment is only part of the equation. The real measure of success is the lasting value these investments create for Malaysian businesses and talent. Through this partnership with OCBC Malaysia, we can reach investors earlier, connect them with the right local partners, and draw on OCBC's regional network to showcase Malaysia's strengths to key growth markets. Together, we aim to attract investments that advance the high-value sectors under NIMP 2030, including advanced manufacturing and renewable energy, while helping local companies build the financial, technical and ESG capabilities they need to grow and integrate into regional and global supply chains."

Mr. Tan Chor Sen, Chief Executive Officer of OCBC Bank (Malaysia) Berhad, said “Through our OCBC One Connect platform, we will leverage our extensive regional network and will work closely with MIDA to showcase Malaysia's strengths and opportunities to a broader pool of investors spanning ASEAN, China, Korea and Taiwan. Equally important, we want to ensure these investments deliver meaningful and lasting economic benefits by enabling Malaysian companies to participate more actively in the opportunities they create, whether through strategic business partnerships, or integration into global and regional supply chains. Through this collaboration, we aim to support a more vibrant and resilient business ecosystem that contributes to Malaysia's long-term economic development."

Beyond investment promotion and ecosystem development, both organisations will collaborate on professional development and knowledge exchange in areas such as financial analysis, risk management, and environmental, social and governance (ESG) practices.

SOURCE: Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA)

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:
MIDA
Name: Ms. Lim Ming Yee
Director, Foreign Investment Division, MIDA
Tel: +60322673762
Email: maylim@mida.gov.my

OCBC
Name: Ann Lim
Head
Brand and Communications
OCBC
Tel: 012- 629 0977
Email: annlim@ocbc.com

Name: Sharie Elina Ibrahim
Executive Director
Brand and Communications
OCBC
Tel: 012 – 6826 300
Email: sharieelina@ocbc.com

--BERNAMA

GTCFX Marks a Successful Presence at Forex Expo Dubai 2026

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, Sept 28 (Bernama-GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- GTCFX successfully concluded its participation in Forex Expo Dubai 2026, held on September 22 and 23 at the Dubai World Trade Centre.

Throughout the two-day event, visitors met the GTCFX team at Hall 2, Booth 54 to learn more about the company’s multi-regulated trading solutions, mobile trading capabilities and commitment to client education.

Alt: GTCFX at Forex Expo Dubai 2026

A highlight of the event was GTCFX receiving the Best Forex Mobile Application award. The achievement complemented the company’s presentation of the GTC Go App at the exhibition and reflected its continued focus on providing traders with convenient access to global financial markets.

GTCFX also contributed to the expo’s educational programme through public presentations delivered by Jameel Ahmed, Chief Analyst at GTCFX. During the session titled “Trading Themes to Watch Out for: Q4 2026,” Ahmed examined several developments influencing global markets. The presentation covered geopolitical risk, inflation expectations and the changing interest-rate outlook, together with their potential implications for oil, the US dollar, gold and USD/JPY.

A further presentation introduced the GTC brand and highlighted the importance of investor education in a market environment increasingly shaped by political developments and fast-moving news. It also presented GTCFX’s growing presence in Dubai, including the development of GTC Tower as the company’s global headquarters.

Forex Expo Dubai 2026 gave GTCFX an opportunity to connect face-to-face with traders, partners and industry professionals while sharing its latest market perspectives and digital trading solutions.

Following a successful two days in Dubai, GTCFX looks forward to building on the relationships established at the expo and continuing to support its global community through market education, technology and accessible trading solutions.

About GTCFX:

GTCFX is a global financial services provider offering access to a wide range of financial markets through advanced trading technology and client-focused solutions. Since 2012, GTCFX has served clients across more than 100 countries and regions, with a continued focus on transparency, innovation, and responsible trading.

Media Contact

Email: marketing@gtcfx.com

Website: https://www.gtcfx.com/

Photos accompanying this announcement are available at:

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/d0227dad-9245-4a1b-9aa8-252e9c4d1c34

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/a7985ff7-eba5-43f8-99b8-ef478d8e5e2d

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/1301a426-6841-4364-8c92-1bcd29d500c0

SOURCE: GTC Global Trade Capital Co. 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.

--BERNAMA

Biotech Veteran Peter Olagunju Joins ImmunoScape As CEO

 

Peter Olagunju, a biotech industry veteran with two decades of clinical development, manufacturing, and technical operations leadership has been appointed CEO to guide ImmunoScape's "Seed and Boost" platform toward the clinic.

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 24 (Bernama) -- ImmunoScape Pte Ltd, an A*STAR spin-out developing T-cell receptor (TCR)-based cancer immunotherapies, has appointed biotechnology industry veteran Peter Olagunju as chief executive officer (CEO) to guide its "Seed and Boost" platform towards clinical development.

ImmunoScape in a statement said co-founder Michael Fehlings will continue to lead the company's scientific and technical strategy as chief technology officer.

Bringing over 20 years of experience in clinical development, manufacturing, and technical operations, Olagunju has contributed to seven approved products, including PROVENGE, ZYNTEGLO, ABECMA, ADSTILADRIN, SKYSONA, and LYFGENIA.

He most recently served as CEO of a Catalio Capital-backed oncology company, which he led from formation through a US$14 million seed financing to a successful corporate transaction. (US$1 = RM4.08)

ImmunoScape board member, Adrian Bot said Olagunju brings experience spanning manufacturing platforms, regulatory approvals and company building, which would support the company as it advances its platform towards clinical development.

“Solid tumours have been the hardest problem in cell therapy, and the limiting factor has consistently been persistence — getting engineered T cells to survive and keep working inside the tumour,” said Olagunju.

He said ImmunoScape’s Seed-and-Boost approach addresses the challenge through a platform applicable across autologous, allogeneic and in vivo delivery, adding that his immediate priority is working with the company’s partners to move its platform into the clinic.

Olagunju previously held chief operating officer and chief technology officer roles at TCR² Therapeutics, where he served as the operations lead on the company's acquisition by Adaptimmune, and held senior executive positions at FerGene and bluebird bio.

He is Chairman of the Board of March Biosciences and holds a Master of Business Administration from the University of Washington's Foster School of Business and a Bachelor of Science in Biology from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

-- BERNAMA

QUANTEXA RISES IN CHARTIS RESEARCH’S AML TRANSACTION MONITORING QUADRANT

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 25 (Bernama) -- Quantexa, a global data, analytics and artificial intelligence (AI) software company, has been named a Category Leader in Chartis Research’s RiskTech Quadrant for AML Transaction Monitoring Solutions 2026, moving into the upper reaches of the quadrant from its 2025 position.

Chartis said Quantexa recorded strong scores for data and system integrations and risk typology modelling, reflecting its combination of market potential and completeness of offering.

The research firm said the AML transaction monitoring market is shifting from traditional rules-based detection towards behavioural and graph analytics, data interoperability, convergence across financial crime functions and targeted use of AI.

In a statement, Quantexa Global Head of Financial Crime Risk, Financial Services and Government, Matthew Long said the company’s approach focuses on identifying relationships, facilitators and shared infrastructure within financial crime networks rather than analysing individual transactions in isolation.

Meanwhile, Research Director for Financial Crime and Control at Chartis Research, Sean O’Malley said Quantexa’s data integration and contextualisation capabilities underpin its analytical approach, which includes supervised and unsupervised machine learning and natural language processing.

Quantexa also rose to 18th in Chartis’ RiskTech100 2027, entering the ranking’s top 20. The company received the RiskTech100 Industry Category award for Trade Finance and the Compliance and Controls award for Trade Finance Compliance.

Quantexa’s Decision Intelligence Platform combines entity resolution, knowledge graph and analytics capabilities to connect internal and external data, helping organisations identify networks, relationships and potential risks while supporting transparency and model governance.

-- BERNAMA