INDONESIAN HEALTHCARE TRAVEL TO MALAYSIA HITS RECORD RM2.2 BILLION AS MHX RETURNS TO YOGYAKARTA

YOGYAKARTA, Aug 24 (Bernama) -- Malaysia Healthcare Travel Council (MHTC) once again strengthened Malaysia’s presence in Indonesia through MHX Yogyakarta 2026, held from 20 to 23 August 2026 at the Grand Atrium, Pakuwon Mall Jogja. The four-day event came on the back of a record year for the Indonesian market, which generated RM2.2 billion in healthcare travel revenue in 2025, marking a 24% year-on-year increase. The four-day healthcare consumer event underscores Malaysia Healthcare's commitment to bringing trusted, high-quality healthcare services closer to Indonesian communities while expanding its footprint in one of Indonesia's fastest-growing regional centres. Held under the Malaysia Year of Medical Tourism (MYMT) 2026 campaign themed Healing Meets Hospitality, MHX Yogyakarta 2026 reinforces Malaysia's position as the preferred destination for medical tourism by combining world-class medical expertise with compassionate patient care and seamless healthcare experiences.

Yogyakarta has emerged as a strategic market for Malaysia Healthcare, supported by a well-educated population, increasing demand for advanced specialty care, and convenient direct connectivity to Kuala Lumpur. These factors present strong opportunities to further strengthen healthcare collaboration between Malaysia and Indonesia and to provide greater access to specialised treatment options for Indonesian patients.

Speaking on the occasion, Rahmatullah Baragau, MHTC’s Head of Indonesia Market said: "Indonesia has always been Malaysia Healthcare's closest and most valued market, and Yogyakarta represents an exciting opportunity as healthcare awareness and demand for specialised treatments continue to grow. Through MHX Yogyakarta 2026, we aim to strengthen public confidence in Malaysia Healthcare while bringing our trusted healthcare ecosystem closer to local communities."

More than 15 member hospitals participated, showcasing Malaysia's strengths across various medical disciplines including cardiology, oncology, orthopaedics, fertility, health screening, gastroenterology, and other specialised services.

Participating list of hospitals:

1. Island Hospital Penang
2. Institut Jantung Negara
3. Mahkota Medical Centre
4. Subang Jaya Medical Centre
5. Alpha IVF & Women’s Specialists
6. Ampang Puteri Specialist Hospital
7. GenPrime Everlink Fertility Centre
8. Hospital Picaso
9. Damansara Specialist Hospital 2
10. KPJ Klang Specialist Hospital
11. MSU Medical Centre
12. Optimax Eye Specialist Centre
13. Pantai Hospital Kuala Lumpur
14. Pantai Hospital Penang
15. Penang Adventist Hospital
16. Sunway Medical Centre Damansara
17. Sunway Medical Centre Penang
18. Sunway Medical Centre Sunway City Kuala Lumpur
19. Thomson Hospital Kota Damansara

Indonesia continues to be Malaysia Healthcare's largest source market. Healthcare traveller arrivals from Indonesia reached 968,000 in 2025, a 16% increase from the previous year, reflecting sustained confidence among Indonesian patients in Malaysia's healthcare offerings. MHX Yogyakarta 2026 forms part of MHTC's broader strategy to strengthen long-term partnerships with communities, healthcare stakeholders, and local organisations across Indonesia, while supporting MYMT 2026’s goals to position Malaysia as the world's preferred medical tourism destination.

Photo can be found in this link:
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/10AzLpq9bue6XIhyX-d36lQsp4iuq-lw5?usp=sharing

SOURCE: Malaysia Healthcare Travel Council (MHTC)

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:
Name: Mohamad Shahizam Fauzi
Head, Communications
Tel: +603 8776 6168
Email: shahizam.f@mhtc.org.my

Name: Siti Hamidah Mohd Najib
Senior Executive, Communications
Tel: +603 8776 6168
Email: hamidah.m@mhtc.org.my

--BERNAMA

SHAPE MEMORY MEDICAL CLOSES US$10 MLN FINANCING FOR CLINICAL TRIALS

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 24 (Bernama) -- Shape Memory Medical Inc, a California-based global medical device company, has closed a US$10 million convertible note financing led by new investor August Global Partners (AGP), joined by fellow new investor Taiwania Capital. (US$1=RM4.03)

The financing provides capital to support continued clinical development of the company’s aortic portfolio, including patient follow-up and data collection in the AAA-SHAPE Pivotal Trial, and advancement of the False Lumen Treatment for Prevention of Aortic Growth Using Shape Memory Polymer (FLAGSHIP) feasibility trial.

The company said it is backed by a global syndicate of healthcare investors, including HBM Healthcare Investments (Cayman) Ltd, Earlybird Venture Capital and WexMed II LLC. The financing was also supported by HEAL Venture Lab.

“With enrolment recently completed in our AAA-SHAPE Pivotal Trial and continued progress in FLAGSHIP, we are focused on generating the clinical evidence needed to support the broader adoption of our shape memory polymer technology in aortic applications,” said Shape Memory Medical President and Chief Executive Officer, Ted Ruppel.

He said the company was pleased to welcome AGP and Taiwania Capital as investors and appreciated the continued support of its existing shareholders.

The AAA‑SHAPE Pivotal Trial is evaluating the safety and effectiveness of the IMPEDE‑FX RapidFill Device when used alongside endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) to proactively manage the abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) sac.

Shape Memory Medical in a statement said the randomised, multicentre study recently completed enrolment and will follow patients for five years.

FLAGSHIP is a first-in-human clinical study evaluating the company’s investigational False Lumen Embolisation (FLE) System for treatment of aortic dissection false lumen. The study is designed to evaluate safety and preliminary signs of efficacy and will follow patients for two years.

AGP is a Singapore-based independent fund management firm investing across healthcare and advanced manufacturing, while Taiwania Capital is a venture capital firm focused on early- to growth-stage companies.

-- BERNAMA

NORAINI CALLS FOR GREATER INNOVATION AND MARKET ACCESS TO STRENGTHEN MALAYSIA’S RUBBER PRODUCTS INDUSTRY

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 21 (Bernama) -- Malaysia’s rubber products industry must accelerate innovation, strengthen supply chain resilience and expand market access to remain competitive in a rapidly changing global economy, said Minister of Plantation and Commodities, YB Datuk Seri Dr. Noraini Ahmad.

Speaking at the inaugural Malaysian Rubber Council (MRC) Industry Leadership & Networking Dinner, she said the industry must build on its manufacturing strengths while responding to growing market expectations for sustainability, traceability and technology-driven solutions.

“We must build on our existing strengths and reinforce Malaysia’s position as a preferred global supplier of innovative, sustainable and high-quality rubber products. This is essential to securing the long-term growth and resilience of our industry,” she said.

Datuk Seri Dr. Noraini outlined three key priorities for the industry. These include accelerating innovation, automation and digital transformation, strengthening sustainable and resilient supply chains, and expanding market access for Malaysian rubber products.

She reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to providing a conducive policy and regulatory environment while continuing to engage closely with industry to understand operational challenges and develop practical solutions.

The Minister also welcomed MRC’s commitment to eliminating forced labour in the Malaysian rubber industry as part of its collaboration with the International Labour Organization. She called on industry players to support responsible labour practices and participate actively in MRC’s social compliance initiatives.

The event also saw MRC exchange five memoranda with its strategic partners to accelerate innovation, support the commercialisation of new technologies and develop higher-value rubber products.

Datuk Seri Dr. Noraini also presented the MRC Scholarship Awards and congratulated the recipients. She encouraged them to make full use of the opportunity and contribute their knowledge and leadership to Malaysia’s rubber industry.

The inaugural dinner brought together key industry stakeholders and reinforced the importance of close Government-industry collaboration, strategic partnerships and talent development in strengthening the future of Malaysia’s rubber products industry.

About MRC

The Malaysian Rubber Council (MRC), formerly known as the Malaysian Rubber Export Promotion Council, was incorporated on 14 April 2000 under the Companies Act 1965 as a company limited by guarantee under the Ministry of Plantation and Commodities (KPK). MRC is governed by a Board of Trustees appointed by KPK. MRC is tasked with undertaking market promotion of quality Malaysian rubber and rubber products in world markets. In getting more Malaysian rubber products to penetrate local and international markets successfully, MRC also provides various commercialisation supports to the industry. MRC has overseas offices in the US and India serving as hubs for information on Malaysian rubber and rubber products. These offices support Malaysian companies in expanding their business abroad, promote Malaysian rubber exports, monitor policy changes and regulations affecting rubber imports and usage, as well as facilitate joint ventures, and R&D collaborations.

SOURCE: Malaysian Rubber Council (MRC)

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:
Corporate Communications Division
Malaysian Rubber Council (MRC)
Tel: +603 2782 2100
Email: comms@myrubbercouncil.com
Visit our website: www.myrubbercouncil.com

Media Contacts
Name: Angela Chan
Tel: +60 16 280 7703
Name: Thania Ammanena
Tel: +60 19 218 3564
Name: 'Aisyah 'Izzati
Tel: +60 17 739 1219

--BERNAMA

RESULTICKS STRENGTHENS CHANNEL PARTNERSHIPS WITH PALLASENA V VISWANATH APPOINTMENT

 

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 20 (Bernama) -- Resulticks has appointed Pallasena V Viswanath as Global Advisor, Channel Partnerships, to strengthen its global partner ecosystem and drive growth through strategic alliances.

Based in Singapore, Viswanath will focus on expanding Resulticks' partner network and accelerating channel partnerships across key markets, particularly in Asia Pacific and the Middle East and Africa (MEA), according to the company in a statement.

Resulticks Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Redickaa Subrammanian said Viswanath brings strategic vision, industry relationships and execution expertise that will help deepen partner engagement and create new opportunities for customers and partners.

Meanwhile, Viswanath said he looks forward to working with the leadership team to strengthen partner collaborations, expand strategic alliances and support the company's next phase of growth.

Viswanath brings more than 40 years of experience across the solutions and distribution ecosystem, including senior roles with HP and Redington. He will work with Resulticks' leadership team to strengthen relationships with technology providers, system integrators, consulting firms and strategic partners.

RESULTICKS is a connected customer engagement platform that helps brands unify customer data, manage communications across channels and drive data-informed decisions through artificial intelligence (AI)-powered intelligence and analytics.

Headquartered in New York, the company serves enterprises across North America, Asia and the Middle East, with offices in India, Singapore and Dubai.

-- BERNAMA

HONG KONG CYCLOTHON OPENS REGISTRATION WITH NEW 56 KM ROUTE, UCI ROAD RACE

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 20 (Bernama) -- The Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) has announced the opening of public registration for the Sun Hung Kai Properties Hong Kong Cyclothon, which will take place on Oct 11.

This year’s event continues to promote the spirit of sports for charity and features several new elements, including a 56-kilometre (km) non-competitive ride on a “Five Tunnels, Three Bridges” route, while the popular 32 km ride will continue on the “Two Tunnels, Two Bridges” route. More than 6,500 places are available for the two non-competitive rides.

The Cyclothon will also feature the return of the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) Class 1.1 Road Race, with a new 100 km racecourse that will draw elite teams from around the world for competition in Hong Kong.

“Starting in mid-September, HKTB will roll out a series of mega events, with the Hong Kong Cyclothon standing out as one of the most energetic and dynamic international sporting spectacles on our calendar,” said HKTB Chairman, Dr Peter Lam in a statement.

HKTB said the popular non-competitive ride has been upgraded this year, with the previous 50 km route extended to 56 km and spanning six districts — Yau Tsim Mong, Sham Shui Po, Kwai Tsing, Tsuen Wan, Sha Tin and Kowloon City.

The 56 km route will take participants along the newly opened Central Kowloon Bypass for the first time, while the 32 km ride will maintain its “Two Tunnels, Two Bridges” route, incorporating Cheung Tsing Tunnel, Nam Wan Tunnel, Stonecutters Bridge and Ting Kau Bridge.

The starting and finishing lines will be relocated to Museum Drive in the West Kowloon Cultural District, with a dedicated viewing zone allowing locals and visitors to watch cyclists up close as they make their final dash to the finishing line. The new UCI route will also pass iconic landmarks, including the Hong Kong Palace Museum and the International Commerce Centre.

A new non-competitive World University Trophy will be introduced as part of the 56 km ride, bringing together university cyclists from Hong Kong, the Chinese Mainland and overseas institutions ranked among the world’s top 100 universities.

In addition, HKTB will stage a dedicated cycling-themed carnival at the Great Lawn of Art Park in the West Kowloon Cultural District, featuring sports, entertainment, family-friendly activities and culinary offerings.

-- BERNAMA

MIDF SUPPORTS GAPIMA’S EXPANSION WITH RM13.4 MILLION ISLAMIC FINANCING FOR NEW LOGISTICS FACILITY

Azizi Mustafa, Chief Executive Officer of MIDF

PETALING JAYA, Aug 20 (Bernama) -- Malaysian Industrial Development Finance Berhad (“MIDF”) has provided RM13.4 million in Islamic financing to GAPIMA Sdn Bhd (“GAPIMA”) under the Soft Financing Scheme for Automation and Modernisation (SFSAMi) to part-finance the acquisition of a new industrial property in Klang, Selangor.

The financing will support GAPIMA’s purchase of a semi-detached industrial building and factory located at 2A, Jalan Anding 3/KU5, with a total purchase price of RM14.896 million. The new facility forms part of GAPIMA’s ongoing upgrading and expansion programme, aimed at enhancing logistics efficiency, strengthening its warehousing capabilities and providing additional capacity to support the company’s continued growth.

Established in 1974, GAPIMA has evolved from its beginnings in forwarding and stevedoring at Penang Port into an integrated logistics provider offering project logistics, freight forwarding, multimodal transportation and warehousing solutions. Today, the company operates a network of 10 offices and warehouses nationwide, with its headquarters owned by the company and its other locations leased from third parties.

The acquisition represents an important step in GAPIMA’s efforts to strengthen its physical infrastructure alongside the continued development of its business. With operations spanning key locations across Peninsular and East Malaysia, the company continues to expand its operational capabilities while investing in its people and digital skills to support greater efficiency.

Azizi Mustafa, Chief Executive Officer of MIDF, said “GAPIMA’s investment in a new logistics facility is a good example of how strategic financing can help Malaysian businesses build the capacity required for sustainable growth. At MIDF, we remain committed to supporting businesses as they modernise their operations, strengthen their competitiveness and invest in the infrastructure and capabilities needed to capture future opportunities. We are pleased to support GAPIMA as it continues to expand its logistics capabilities and strengthen its presence across Malaysia.”

The RM13.4 million financing is provided under MIDF’s SFSAM-i, which supports eligible companies in modernising and upgrading their operations and capabilities, including the acquisition of commercial property.

Muhammad Taufiq bin Johari, Chief Executive Officer of GAPIMA Sdn Bhd, said “The acquisition of this new facility marks an important milestone in GAPIMA’s continued growth journey. As our operations and service capabilities expand, having the right infrastructure in place is increasingly important to support our customers and our people. This investment will strengthen our warehousing and logistics capabilities, improve operational efficiency and provide us with additional capacity as we continue to grow. We are incredibly grateful to MIDF for believing in our vision and helping us to take this next big step”

The new facility will complement GAPIMA’s nationwide network while strengthening its warehousing and operational capabilities. The investment supports the company’s continued growth as an end-to-end logistics provider, with expertise spanning oil and gas, infrastructure cargo, freight forwarding, warehousing and multimodal transportation.

About MBSB Berhad

MBSB Berhad (MBSB) is a dynamic financial services group with a longstanding role in supporting the nation’s financial system and economic development. MBSB is the holding company of MBSB Bank Berhad, MBSB Investment Bank Berhad, and Malaysian Industrial Development Finance Berhad (MIDF). MBSB Bank Berhad is a progressive Islamic bank offering comprehensive Shariah-compliant banking solutions to retail, SME, and corporate customers, with a strong emphasis on innovation and sustainable financing. MBSB Investment Bank Berhad serves as the Group’s investment banking and capital markets arm, providing advisory, research, equity brokerage, and capital markets services. MIDF plays a pivotal role in supporting business and industrial development through development finance, nurturing a resilient and thriving SME ecosystem.

SOURCE: MBSB Berhad (MBSB)

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:
Name: Norsiah Juriani Johari
Group Head
Group Communications & Marketing Department
Group Corporate Strategy
Tel: +6012 900 1907
Email: norsiah.johari@mbsb.com

Name: Arna Farisa Binti Mohamad Isa
Senior Manager
Group Communications & Marketing Department
Group Corporate Strategy
Tel: +6013 394 2590
Email: arna.farisa@mbsb.com

--BERNAMA

Infineon Melaka entrusts CIMB with payroll banking for more than 10,000 employees

(From left) Florian Franz Herrmann, Vice President & Chief Financial Officer, Infineon Technologies (M) Sdn. Bhd., Eng Seng Meng, Senior Vice President & Managing Director, Infineon Technologies (M) Sdn. Bhd., Gurdip Singh Sidhu, Chief Executive Officer of CIMB Malaysia and CIMB Bank Berhad and Daniel Cheong, Head of Consumer Banking Malaysia, CIMB at the signing ceremony of the Payroll Collaboration between Infineon Technologies (M) Sdn. Bhd. and CIMB.

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 20 (Bernama) -- CIMB Bank Berhad (“CIMB” or “the Bank”) has successfully onboarded Infineon Technologies (M) Sdn. Bhd. Melaka (“Infineon Melaka”) employees onto the CIMB@Work payroll banking solution. This milestone marks one of CIMB@Work’s largest payroll onboarding initiatives and underscores the strong collaboration between both organisations in delivering a seamless payroll transition and employee onboarding experience.

Through the collaboration, Infineon Melaka employees now have access to the broader CIMB@Work proposition, which offers a convenient salary banking experience alongside selected preferential privileges, lower entry requirements for selected CIMB credit cards and preferential rates on selected financing products.

Gurdip Singh Sidhu, Chief Executive Officer of CIMB Malaysia and CIMB Bank Berhad said, “This collaboration reflects our capability to deliver innovative large-scale payroll banking services that help organisations foster inclusivity within their workforce, in line with CIMB’s brand promise of Moving You Forward. Through the seamless, structured and scalable CIMB@Work solution, employees are able to access a broad ecosystem of banking, financing, protection and wealth management that holistically support their financial well-being at every stage of life.”

Eng Seng Meng, Senior Vice President & Managing Director of Infineon Melaka said, “Entrusting CIMB with the payroll banking transition for more than 10,000 employees marks an important milestone in our partnership. We are pleased to collaborate with a trusted banking partner that has delivered a seamless implementation while ensuring our employees have access to a comprehensive suite of financial solutions and value-added banking benefits. This collaboration reflects our shared commitment to enhancing the employee experience through greater convenience and we look forward to strengthening our partnership in the years ahead.”

Payroll banking has become an increasingly important enabler of financial inclusion, and CIMB aspires to be a leading financial institution in this space, supporting employers and employees across the country. CIMB@Work delivers an integrated payroll banking proposition that combines convenience, protections as well as other relevant financial solutions, helping employees manage their financial needs with greater confidence. This reflects CIMB’s purpose of advancing customers and society by delivering practical, customer-centric banking solutions that create meaningful and lasting value.

Additional benefits for employees enrolled into the CIMB@Work include 20% cashback on tolls and transits, as well as 20% cashback on overseas spend with the CIMB Visa Debit Card. Other benefits include lower income requirement for applications to selected CIMB credit cards while there is also no income document requirement for selected CIMB credit cards and the Cash Plus Personal Loan (“CPL”). Preferential financing rates for CPL, and Term-Financing-i secured by Amanah Saham Berhad (“ASB”) are also available for CIMB@Work customers. Outward Foreign Telegraphic Transfers performed at CIMB branches will enjoy preferential foreign exchange rates, and employees can manage their salary, savings and bills anytime through the CIMB OCTO app.

About CIMB

CIMB is one of ASEAN’s leading banking groups and Malaysia’s second largest financial services provider, by assets. Listed on Bursa Malaysia via CIMB Group Holdings Berhad, it had a market capitalisation of approximately RM81.6 billion as at 31 March 2026. It offers consumer banking, commercial banking, wholesale banking, transaction banking, Islamic banking and asset management products and services. Headquartered in Kuala Lumpur, the Group is present across ASEAN in Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam and the Philippines.

Beyond ASEAN, the Group has market presence in China, Hong Kong and UK. CIMB has one of the most extensive retail branch networks in ASEAN with 545 branches and over 33,000 employees as at 31 March 2026. CIMB’s investment banking arm is one of the largest Asia Pacific-based investment banks, which together with its award-winning treasury & markets and corporate banking units comprise the Group’s leading wholesale banking franchise. CIMB is also the 91.45% shareholder of Bank CIMB Niaga in Indonesia, and 94.83% shareholder of CIMB Thai in Thailand.

SOURCE: CIMB Bank Berhad

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:
Name: Anis Azharuddin / Kelvin Jude Muthu
Group Corporate Communications
CIMB Group Holdings Berhad
Email: anis.azharuddin@cimb.com / kelvinjude.muthu@cimb.com

--BERNAMA