HDC Strengthens Malaysia’s Halal Ecosystem by Facilitating Strategic Industry Linkages for International Market Entry

PETALING JAYA, Aug 17 (Bernama) -- The Halal Development Corporation Berhad (HDC), an agency under the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI), continues to reinforce its role as the central agency in driving Malaysia’s halal industry development by facilitating strategic industry linkages that enhance market access and strengthen the national halal ecosystem.

As part of its ongoing efforts to advance Malaysia’s position as a global halal hub, HDC has successfully coordinated a targeted business matching initiative connecting Malaysian halal-certified suppliers with an international food and beverage brand, Owh My Duck (OMD), which is set to commence operations at Ombak KLCC in August 2026.

This initiative shows HDC’s mandate to develop a robust, inclusive and globally competitive halal value chain, ensuring that foreign market entrants are seamlessly integrated into Malaysia’s well-regulated halal ecosystem while creating tangible opportunities for domestic industry players, as prescribed in the Halal Industry Master Plan 2030.

An expansion of a Jakarta-based restaurant brand, OMD is entering the Malaysian market with a commitment to obtain Malaysia Halal Certification within its initial phase of operations. In supporting this process, HDC worked closely with relevant stakeholders, including Hartaniaga Capital Berhad and UOB Malaysia to ensure that sourcing requirements are aligned with Malaysia’s halal standards and ecosystem capabilities.

Through HDC’s facilitation, local halal-certified companies have been successfully identified to meet OMD’s operational needs, enabling the sourcing of a comprehensive range of halal-certified products and services from Malaysian suppliers.

In line with its data-driven approach, HDC leveraged its Halal Integrated Platform (HIP), a centralised industry database, to identify qualified suppliers and coordinate participation in the sourcing programme held recently at UOB Plaza 1, Kuala Lumpur. The programme recorded strong participation, with 204 Malaysian companies demonstrating readiness and capability to support international supply chain requirements.

This structured engagement shows the depth and maturity of Malaysia’s halal industry, spanning key segments such as fresh produce, poultry, dry goods, and value-added food products, further supporting the country’s capacity to support global halal businesses.

HDC Interim Chief Executive Officer, Hanisofian Alias said, “HDC’s role is to ensure that Malaysia’s halal ecosystem remains integrated, competitive and responsive to global market needs. Through platforms such as HIP, we can systematically connect international demand with domestic capabilities, ensuring that Malaysian halal industry players are positioned to benefit from global market opportunities.”

"Facilitating cross-border expansion requires a reliable and compliant network, and Malaysia's halal ecosystem provided exactly that," stated Dr. Shahril Nizam, CEO of Hartaniaga Capital Berhad. "Our strategic collaboration with HDC and UOB Malaysia has significantly expedited and simplified the entire facilitation process, making it much easier and faster to achieve our objectives. By partnering with them to match OMD with local suppliers and central kitchens, we have ensured OMD's seamless entry into Malaysia while creating a win-win scenario that perfectly balances international expansion with local market empowerment."

To further strengthen industry readiness, HDC also collaborated with UOB Malaysia under its Go Halal program, launched in October 2025, to support participating SMEs through capacity-building initiatives, advisory support and access to tailored financial solutions, enabling them to scale and meet international business requirements. This collaborative approach is a whole-of-ecosystem effort to enhance the competitiveness and resilience of Malaysian halal enterprises.

The initiative demonstrates Malaysia’s continued leadership as a premier halal hub, where strong governance, established standards and coordinated industry development efforts create a conducive environment for both local and international stakeholders.

ABOUT HALAL DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION BERHAD (HDC)
HDC spearheads the development of Malaysia's integrated and comprehensive halal ecosystem and infrastructure to position Malaysia as the most competitive country leading the global halal industry. Established on 18 September 2006, HDC is also known as the central coordinator that promotes participation and facilitates the growth of industry players in the development of Malaysia’s Halal ecosystem and The Secretariat of Majlis Pembangunan Industri Halal Malaysia. An agency under the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI); it is the world’s first Government-backed halal industry development corporation. For more information, please visit HDC at - www.hdcglobal.com.

SOURCE: Halal Development Corporation Berhad (HDC)

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:
HDC PR & Media
Name: Norsida Ahmad
Tel: +6012 3249703
Email norsida.ahmad@hdcglobal.com

--BERNAMA

IHERB MARKS 30TH ANNIVERSARY WITH GLOBAL SALE, PLATFORM EXPANSION

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 13 (Bernama) -- iHerb, a global eCommerce retailer of vitamins, minerals, supplements and health and wellness products, is celebrating its 30th anniversary with its biggest sales event of the year and the addition of 10 newly supported languages to its shopping platform.

In a statement, the company said the milestone comes as it serves well over 16 million customers across approximately 180 countries, reflecting growing consumer interest in proactive health and wellness.

The anniversary promotions will begin on Aug 19 ahead of the company's September anniversary, offering discounts of up to 30 per cent across more than 600 brands, alongside daily flash deals and other customer rewards.

iHerb Chief Executive Officer, Emun Zabihi said the company's 30-year milestone reflects the growth of its customers and team members, adding that it remains focused on improving the customer experience and investing in trust, access and convenience.

The platform's newly supported languages include European Spanish, European Portuguese, Georgian, Bosnian, Azerbaijani, Kazakh, Armenian, Farsi, Hindi and Cantonese, bringing its total language offerings to 46.

iHerb said each language experience is localised to enable customers across the Americas, Europe, the Middle East and Asia to browse products and complete purchases in their preferred language.

Founded in 1996, iHerb has grown from selling its first supplement online from an apartment in Pasadena, California, into a global direct-to-consumer wellness platform, supported by a logistics network of climate-controlled and GMP and/or ISO-compliant facilities.

-- BERNAMA

MAVENIR APPOINTS JITIN BHANDARI AS EVP TO LEAD NEOCLOUD EXPANSION

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 11 (Bernama) -- Mavenir has appointed Jitin Bhandari as Executive Vice President (EVP), NeoCloud Platform and Forward Deployment Engineering.

Mavenir in a statement said Bhandari will lead the company’s expansion into the growing NeoCloud market and establish a Forward Deployment Engineering practice serving its communications service provider and NeoCloud customer base.

He will report to the company’s President and Chief Executive Officer, Pardeep Kohli.

The appointment follows Mavenir’s recently announced AI-Integrated Platform and AI Service Assurance framework for communications service providers as the company extends its artificial intelligence (AI) platform, tools and cloud-native expertise to NeoCloud providers.

Kohli said Bhandari brings deep technical expertise, experience in scaling software portfolios and a vision for AI that will help the company expand its AI platform and capabilities into new markets and use cases.

Meanwhile, Bhandari said Mavenir is well positioned to lead the transition towards AI-by-design and agentic operations, adding that he looks forward to expanding the company’s AI platform, tools and Forward Deployment Engineering capabilities for communications service providers, NeoCloud providers and enterprises worldwide.

Bhandari joins Mavenir from Nokia, where he most recently served as Chief Technology Officer for Cloud and Network Services, overseeing technology strategy and innovation in cloud-native and AI-powered networking solutions.

He previously held executive positions at Nokia, including Chief Product Officer for Core Network Applications and Vice President and General Manager of Digital Networks. Earlier in his career, he held leadership roles at Oracle, Acme Packet and Alcatel-Lucent.

-- BERNAMA

SPACE42, AUTONOMOUS A2Z SIGN US$7 MLN AGREEMENT FOR UAE LEVEL-4 MOBILITY

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 11 (Bernama) -- Space42, a United Arab Emirates (UAE)-based artificial intelligence (AI)-powered SpaceTech company, and South Korea’s Autonomous A2Z (A2Z) have signed a US$7 million commercial agreement to deploy Level-4 autonomous mobility solutions in the UAE. (US$1=RM4.09)

In a statement, the company said this is the first commercial agreement under the two companies’ broader partnership and is a direct supply contract separate from the joint venture announced in 2025 to support the long-term commercialisation of intelligent mobility solutions in the UAE.

The agreement combines A2Z’s Level-4 autonomous driving technology with Space42’s AI, geospatial and connectivity capabilities. For A2Z, the agreement marks a step in its international expansion, while Space42 said it advances its efforts to enable safe and reliable driverless vehicle operations at scale.

Space42 chief executive officer (CEO) of Smart Solutions, Hasan Al Hosani said autonomous mobility is critical infrastructure for smart city development and that the UAE has created conditions for its integration into everyday transport.

Meanwhile, A2Z CEO, Han Ji-hyung said the agreement demonstrates that autonomous driving technology developed and validated in South Korea is ready for international deployment.

Pilot robo-shuttle services using A2Z’s ‘ROii’, along with other modified and retrofitted autonomous vehicles, will undergo operational testing and demand assessment. The companies expect the rollout to expand into demand-responsive transport (DRT) and tourism shuttle operations.

The project aligns with the UAE’s broader efforts to advance AI-enabled transportation and intelligent mobility under its National Smart Mobility Strategy.

Space42 said its mobility portfolio includes TXAI, an autonomous taxi service that has travelled more than 600,000 kilometres (km) across 20,000 trips with zero recorded accidents since operations began in 2021.

A2Z has conducted autonomous driving trials across 13 cities and provinces in South Korea and operates 91 permitted autonomous vehicles with over 1.02 million km of cumulative driving experience. Commercial execution of the agreement was led by Autonomous to Global (A2G), A2Z’s Singapore-based joint venture with Kilsa Global.

-- BERNAMA

Tony Lin Appointed as CEO of Generali Life Insurance Malaysia Berhad

Generali Malaysia today announced the appointment of Tony Lin as Chief Executive Officer of Generali Life Insurance Malaysia Berhad.

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 10 (Bernama) -- Generali Malaysia today announced the appointment of Tony Lin as Chief Executive Officer of Generali Life Insurance Malaysia Berhad.

The appointment follows a period in which Tony served as Officer-in-Charge of the life insurance business, having stepped into the interim role after the departure of former CEO Soo Wai Har. During his tenure as the Officer-in-Charge, he provided steady leadership and continuity for the life insurance business, ensuring the company remained focused on its strategic priorities and commitments to policyholders.

In his new role, Tony will report to Fabrice Benard, CEO of Generali Insurance Malaysia Berhad and Country Head of Generali Entities in Malaysia and will be responsible for driving the life insurance business’s growth agenda, operational excellence, customer-centric innovation.

“Congratulations to Tony on his appointment as the Chief Executive Officer of Generali Life Insurance Malaysia Berhad. Tony has demonstrated strong financial acumen and steady leadership during his time as Officer-in-Charge, and his deep understanding of our business gives us great confidence in this transition. I look forward to working closely with him as we continue to accelerate growth and deliver on our promise to be a Lifetime Partner to our customers,” said Fabrice Benard, CEO of Generali Insurance Malaysia Berhad and Country Head of Generali Entities in Malaysia.

Tony joined Generali Life Insurance Malaysia Berhad in February 2024 as Chief Financial Officer, bringing with him over 25 years of experience in the financial services industry across insurance and takaful. Prior to that, he served as Chief Financial Officer of Hong Leong MSIG Takaful from October 2018 to February 2024. He has also held senior finance and audit roles in various domestic and multinational life insurance companies in Malaysia.

Tony's appointment reflects Generali Malaysia's commitment to strong internal leadership succession and continued focus on delivering sustainable growth for its life insurance business.

SOURCE: Generali Insurance Malaysia Berhad

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:
Media Relations
Name: Sheena Ho
Email: sheena.ho@generali.com.my

Name: Samantha David
Email: samantha.david@generali.com.my

--BERNAMA

BASF PETRONAS Chemicals Welcomes More Than 1,500 Visitors at Open Day & Global Safety Days 2026

The official launch of Open Day & Global Safety Days 2026 was commemorated with a tree-planting ceremony, symbolising the growth of a strong safety culture and sustainable future.

KUANTAN, Malaysia, Aug 10 (Bernama) -- BASF PETRONAS Chemicals (BPC) successfully hosted its Open Day & Global Safety Days 2026 at the Kuantan Verbund Site, bringing together more than 1,500 visitors comprising employees and their families, government representatives, local authorities, industry partners, community members, and other key stakeholders.

Held under the theme "Jejak Kimia Di Desa Halaman: Think Safe, Act Safe, Win Together", the event underscored BPC's commitment to strengthening its safety culture, fostering transparency, and building meaningful relationships with stakeholders and the local community.

The event was officially inaugurated by YBrs. Tuan Ahmad Fauzi bin Awang, Pengarah Jabatan Keselamatan dan Kesihatan Pekerjaan (JKKP) Pahang, demonstrating the strong partnership between industry and regulators in advancing workplace safety excellence.

Among the key invitees were representatives from Majlis Bandaraya Kuantan (MBK), government agencies, industry partners, community leaders, educational institutions, and neighbouring communities, reflecting the broad stakeholder ecosystem that contributes to the company's long-term success.

Combining BPC's annual Global Safety Days celebration with its Open Day programme, the event provided visitors with a unique opportunity to gain deeper insights into the company's operations, safety standards, sustainability initiatives, and contributions to the economic and social development of the region.

The kampung-inspired "Desa Halaman" concept created a welcoming and inclusive environment that resonated with visitors of all ages. Throughout the day, participants enjoyed a variety of educational, interactive, and family-oriented activities designed to promote safety awareness while strengthening community connections.

Event Highlights

• Guided plant bus tours offering firsthand insights into BPC's operations and safety practices.

• Process and technology exhibitions showcasing BPC's manufacturing capabilities, products, and innovations.

• Hands-on STEM and Kids Lab activities aimed at inspiring young minds through science and engineering.

• ESG and sustainability showcases demonstrating BPC's commitment to responsible business practices.

• Global Safety Days exhibitions promoting safety awareness through showcases by government agencies and industry partners.

• Emergency response and safety demonstrations highlighting preparedness and operational excellence.

• Traditional games, cultural activities, food stalls, and family-friendly attractions that encouraged employee engagement and community bonding.

Speaking at the event, Tan Aik Meam, Managing Director of BASF PETRONAS Chemicals, said: "Events like Open Day and Global Safety Days allow us to engage openly with our stakeholders, reinforce our unwavering commitment to safety through interactive learning and meaningful experiences, and showcase how Chemistry Drives Sustainability through the work we do every day."

The event highlighted how Chemistry Drives Sustainability at BASF PETRONAS Chemicals through innovation, responsible operations, and community engagement. It also reaffirmed the company's commitment to safety, transparency, and meaningful stakeholder partnerships. As BPC looks to the future, it will continue fostering collaboration with employees, regulators, industry partners, and local communities to create lasting value through safe, sustainable, and responsible growth.

About BASF PETRONAS Chemicals Sdn. Bhd.
BASF PETRONAS Chemicals Sdn. Bhd. is a Malaysia-based joint venture between BASF and PETRONAS Chemicals Group Berhad (PCG) a subsidiary of Petroliam Nasional Berhad (PETRONAS), Malaysia’s fully integrated oil and gas multinational. Incorporated in 1997, the company operates an integrated Verbund site situated in the Gebeng Industrial Zone, Kuantan, Pahang. The company’s share capital is 60% held by BASF and 40% held by PCG. Key products include acrylic monomers, oxo products, 2-ethylhexanoic acid, highly reactive polyisobutene and aroma ingredients.

For more information, visit our website www.basf-petronas.com.my.

SOURCE: BASF PETRONAS Chemicals Sdn. Bhd. ​

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:
Name: Sow Kheng Lee
Tel: +60 9585 5035 / +60 12 983 0250
Email: sowkheng.lee@basf-petronas.com.my

--BERNAMA

AM BEST: RECORD REINSURANCE CAPITAL TESTS UNDERWRITING DISCIPLINE

 

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 10 (Bernama) -- Global reinsurers are facing increased pressure on pricing as strong earnings since 2023 have driven capital to record levels, raising questions over whether underwriting discipline can be maintained amid growing competition, according to a new report by AM Best.

The Best’s Market Segment Report, titled “Global Reinsurance at an Inflection Point: Can Discipline Survive the Temptation of Record Capital?”, stated that the global non-life reinsurance segment continues to benefit from strong capitalisation, favourable earnings generation and supportive market conditions.

However, growing competition is putting pressure on reinsurance pricing, particularly in property lines. Unlike previous hard markets, capital has largely accumulated within existing organisations rather than through a wave of new entrants, giving reinsurers multiple opportunities to deploy capital.

According to the report, casualty reinsurance is also emerging as an important strategic concern, with some reinsurers pursuing growth opportunities supported by enhanced rates, while others remain cautious amid uncertainty surrounding social inflation, litigation funding, larger jury awards and adverse legal environments.

“Casualty exposures often develop over many years, meaning that decisions being made today may not be fully understood until well into the next decade,” said AM Best director, Dan Hofmeister in a statement.

AM Best expects the non-life reinsurance market to maintain favourable earnings profiles barring an outsized catastrophe event, but says the ability to preserve underwriting discipline and pricing integrity amid record capital will be critical to sustaining recent profitability.

The report also noted that reinsurance renewal trends intensified during the April and midyear renewals, with United States (US) property catastrophe placements, led by Florida, recording widely estimated reductions of 15 per cent to 20 per cent.

Meanwhile, US and Bermuda reinsurers have improved their combined ratios to the mid-80s to low-90s range under US generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) from an underwriting loss position in 2020.

Artificial intelligence (AI) is also increasingly expected to become a differentiating factor for reinsurers that successfully integrate the technology, although limited and inconsistent data can constrain model effectiveness while increasing exposure to cyber and systemic risks.

-- BERNAMA