KUALA LUMPUR, July 6 (Bernama) -- Japan Corporate Advisory Institute Ltd (JCAI), a Tokyo-headquartered cross-border mergers and acquisitions (M&A) advisory firm, has advised on the acquisition of WKS Group by Messer.
Messer, the world’s largest privately held specialist for industrial, medical, electronic and speciality gases, has acquired Singapore-based WKS Group, which operates across Singapore and southern Malaysia. Messer reported consolidated sales of approximately 4.5 billion euros for its 2025 financial year. (1 Euro = RM4.65)
According to JCAI in a statement, the acquisition expands Messer’s operating footprint in Southeast Asia and strengthens access to key industrial clusters across the region, with transaction terms undisclosed.
“As global investors increasingly seek opportunities across Asia, access to reliable market intelligence and the right counterparties has become a key driver of successful M&A outcomes.
“JCAI works to improve transparency in APAC’s private markets by connecting business owners with strategic investors through a structured cross-border M&A process,” said JCAI Managing Partner, Olimjon Sadinov.
Meanwhile, WKS Group shareholder, Wong Koh Hoi said the company appreciates JCAI’s professionalism and dedication throughout the transaction, noting that its expertise was instrumental in achieving a successful outcome.
Founded in Singapore in 1977, WKS Group comprises six companies and employs about 195 people across Singapore and southern Malaysia.
Headquartered in Tokyo, JCAI advises business owners, corporates and investors on strategic M&A transactions across APAC.
-- BERNAMA
Monday, July 6, 2026
Friday, July 3, 2026
Allianz General makes home protection smarter with multi-year coverage and exclusive rewards
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| Sean Wang, Chief Executive Officer of Allianz General |
KUALA LUMPUR, July 3 (Bernama) -- Allianz General Insurance Company (Malaysia) Berhad (Allianz General) continues its 25th anniversary celebration by making home protection smarter and more rewarding with the Smart Home Cover Multi-Year Plan, offering three years of uninterrupted coverage and a complimentary 2-in-1 Hotpot & Barbecue Grill Cooker for eligible policies starting 1 July 2026.
Allianz General’s Smart Home Cover is a comprehensive home insurance solution designed to provide customers with smarter, more flexible home coverage tailored to their needs, ensuring peace of mind for homeowners, tenants and landlords.
With the Multi-Year Plan, customers can enjoy three years of uninterrupted protection with a single premium payment, eliminating the hassle of annual renewals while benefitting from lower premiums.
“Allianz General is committed to delivering value and convenience to our customers. With this campaign, the Smart Home Cover Multi-Year Plan not only ensures long-term protection for your home but also rewards our customers with an exclusive gift,” said Sean Wang, Chief Executive Officer of Allianz General.
With the increasing risks of natural disasters and unforeseen events, safeguarding one’s home is no longer optional, but a high priority. Allianz General’s Smart Home Cover goes beyond basic home insurance, offering a comprehensive, all-in-one solution that includes protection for home structure, contents and even additional benefits such as Mortgage Loan Installment Protection, HomeFix and Landlord Insurance.
Customers who opt for the Multi-Year Plan will not only enjoy lower premiums and uninterrupted three-year protection, but also free reinstatement for the first two valid losses paid under the HouseOwner or HouseHolder components.
To redeem the complimentary exclusive gift, customers can follow the steps below:
1. Contact an authorised Allianz General agent to purchase a Smart Home Cover Multi-Year policy with minimum gross premium of RM1,000. Only new policies are eligible; customers who previously held an annual Smart Home Cover policy and subsequently converted to the Multi-Year option during renewal will also be eligible for the complimentary gift.
2. Provide a valid mobile number and email address to the servicing agent during policy issuance.
3. Receive one (1) complimentary 2-in-1 Hotpot & Barbeque Grill Cooker within 30 working days from the policy issuance date, upon confirmation of delivery address via email.
The campaign will run from 1 July 2026 until the total number of cookers given away reaches 1,000 units. The giveaway is on a first-come first-served basis.
For more information on Allianz General’s Smart Home Cover Multi-Year Plan and this campaign, please visit: https://www.allianz.com.my/personal/home-motor-and-travel/home/smart-home-cover.html
SOURCE: Allianz Malaysia Berhad
FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:
Name: Shamala Gopalan
Group Head
Corporate Communications Department
Allianz Malaysia Berhad
Tel: 016.285.0685
Email: shamala.gopalan@allianz.com.my
Name: Gary Mark Nagan
Manager
Corporate Communications Department
Allianz Malaysia Berhad
Tel: 012.367.1450
Email: gary.nagan@allianz.com.my
--BERNAMA
HEILONGJIANG TOURISM CONFERENCE TO OPEN IN JIXI CITY ON JULY 8 – 9
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| The autumn landscape of the Xingkai Lake embankment in Mishan, Jixi City, Heilongjiang Province (drone photo) |
KUALA LUMPUR, July 3 (Bernama) -- The eighth Tourism Industry Development Conference in Heilongjiang Province will open in Jixi City from July 8 to 9, under the theme "Integration, Innovation, and Opportunity".Centred on the theme and guided by principles of simplicity, safety and excellence, the conference aims to build platforms for cultural-tourism exchange and cooperation, innovative applications, and consumption upgrading.
It will showcase Heilongjiang’s ecological beauty, industrial heritage, culinary offerings, and openness, further unlocking the potential of cultural and tourism consumption, according to a statement.
During the conference, Jixi City will roll out a series of curated travel itineraries built around three themes, namely "Ignite the Games, Rock the Lakes", "Drive the Border, Embrace Wellness", and "Explore the Countryside, Learn Through Play".
A range of visitor-friendly incentives will also be introduced, including dining discounts, guaranteed accommodation packages, free admission to scenic spots, and shopping promotions, aimed at enhancing the overall travel experience.
The Department of Culture and Tourism of Heilongjiang Province Deputy Director, Jiang Xingcheng said this year's conference features three highlights.
First, driven by integration, it seeks to build a new landscape for all-for-one tourism by promoting deeper links between culture and tourism with industry, agriculture, commerce and sports, including the development of a signature travel IP linked to sporting events.
Second, driven by innovation, the event will leverage digital and intelligent technologies. A dedicated smart culture and tourism exhibition zone will feature applications such as AI-powered tourism services, metaverse immersive experiences, and digital intangible cultural heritage displays.
Third, as a platform for cooperation, the conference will strengthen international engagement through the Belt and Road Initiative, bringing together government and business representatives from 13 countries and regions and expanding Heilongjiang’s global cultural and tourism partnerships.
-- BERNAMA
AZALEA VISION SECURES EIC ACCELERATOR FUNDING TO ADVANCE SMART CONTACT LENS PLATFORM
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| Azalea Vision Co-founder and CTO Andrés Vásquez Quintero undergoing an on-eye evaluation of the ALMA smart contact lens. |
KUALA LUMPUR, July 3 (Bernama) -- Azalea Vision, a Belgian healthtech company, announced it has been selected for the European Innovation Council (EIC) Accelerator, the European Union’s (EU) flagship programme for breakthrough, market-creating deep tech.
As the only Belgian company selected in this round, Azalea Vision will receive up to 7.5 million euros, including a non-dilutive 2.5 million euros grant and a planned five million euros equity investment from the EIC Fund, to advance its medical-grade smart contact lens platform into clinical development. (1 Euro = RM4.64)
“This is one of the toughest funding programmes in the world to win, and it validates everything we have been building, our technology, our vision, and the size of the market in front of us.
“Our technical validation is nearly complete, and the core platform works. This award gives us the resources to prove it clinically and to do it from Europe. We intend to move fast,” said Azalea Vision co-founder and chief technology officer, Andrés Vasquez Quintero in a statement.
The EIC Accelerator, part of the EU’s Horizon Europe programme, supports the start-ups judged most likely to create or disrupt global markets, and fewer than five per cent of applicants make it through its expert and jury reviews.
The EIC Fund's equity investment alongside the grant signals confidence in a company's technology, vision and market while reducing risk for private co-investors. Azalea Vision ranked among the highest-scoring applicants in its cohort and has begun the funded programme.
The funding will support clinical development alongside the final engineering work needed to bring the platform to patients.
With core platform functionality established and technical validation nearing completion, the EIC award accelerates the transition from proven technology to a certified medical product.
Following the EIC endorsement, Azalea Vision has begun discussions with strategic and financial investors across Europe and the United States to co-invest alongside the EIC Fund in its upcoming financing round.
-- BERNAMA
Thursday, July 2, 2026
Bitget Launches TradFi 101 to Prepare Users for the Universal Exchange Era
VICTORIA, Seychelles, July 2 (Bernama-GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Bitget, the world's largest Universal Exchange (UEX), has launched TradFi 101, a long-term educational initiative designed to help crypto users understand traditional financial markets and navigate the growing intersection between digital assets and global finance. The program introduces structured learning resources covering financial foundations, asset classes, market mechanics, macroeconomics, risk management, and the evolution of multi-asset investing.
As tokenized assets become more accessible and investors increasingly participate across crypto, equities, commodities, ETFs, and real-world assets, financial literacy is becoming an essential skill for market participants. TradFi 101 is designed for a market environment where crypto-native investors can learn the drivers behind stocks, commodities, currencies, and capital flows.
Built with an education-first approach, TradFi 101 is designed as an open industry initiative that brings together exchanges, media platforms, researchers, educators, and creator communities to make financial education more accessible. Current participating and invited ecosystem contributors include Coin Bureau, CoinGecko, and TradingView among others.
“Financial markets are becoming increasingly connected, and traders are already navigating more than a single asset class,” said Gracy Chen, CEO of Bitget. “Crypto investors today pay attention to interest rates, inflation, equities, commodities, and global liquidity alongside digital assets. As tokenization expands access to financial markets, understanding how these systems work together becomes increasingly important. TradFi 101 was created to make that knowledge more accessible and help users prepare for a future where traditional and digital assets exist within the same investment landscape.”
TradFi 101 consists of six learning modules released through a structured curriculum and supported by weekly educational content, community participation, and assessments. The program will answer 100 essential financial questions through simplified lessons designed for crypto audiences. Modules include Financial Foundations: Rediscover TradFi, Asset Encyclopedia: Your Global Wealth Checklist, Market Mechanics: How Trading Happens, Macroeconomics: The Invisible Hand, Risk & Human Nature: The Trader's Mindset, and Universal Exchange: The Final Form of Finance.
The final module explores the convergence of traditional and digital assets within a unified trading environment. As the world's largest Universal Exchange, Bitget already provides access to more than 2 million crypto tokens alongside over 10,000 US stocks, 500+ tokenized stocks, ETFs, commodities, foreign exchange products, and precious metals. TradFi 101 examines how tokenization is expanding access to global markets and why a broader understanding of finance will become increasingly valuable in the years ahead.
TradFi 101 is designed as a long-term initiative that contributes to the industry's broader effort to improve financial literacy for the multi-asset era. By bringing together educational contributors from across the ecosystem, the program aims to help the next generation of traders build the knowledge needed to participate more confidently in an increasingly connected financial system.
For more information, visit: https://www.bitget.com/activity-hub/tradfi-101
About Bitget
Bitget is the world's largest Universal Exchange (UEX), serving over 125 million users and offering access to over 2M crypto tokens, 500+ tokenized stocks, ETFs, commodities, FX, and precious metals such as gold. The ecosystem is committed to helping users trade smarter with its AI agent, which co-pilots trade execution. Bitget is driving crypto adoption through strategic partnerships with LALIGA and MotoGP™. Aligned with its global impact strategy, Bitget has joined hands with UNICEF to support blockchain education for 1.1 million people by 2027. Bitget currently leads in the tokenized TradFi market, providing the industry's lowest fees and highest liquidity across 150 regions worldwide.
For more information, visit: Website | Twitter | Telegram | LinkedIn | Discord
For media inquiries, please contact: media@bitget.com
Risk Warning: Digital asset prices are subject to fluctuation and may experience significant volatility. Investors are advised to only allocate funds they can afford to lose. The value of any investment may be impacted, and there is a possibility that financial objectives may not be met, nor the principal investment recovered. Independent financial advice should always be sought, and personal financial experience and standing carefully considered. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future results. Bitget accepts no liability for any potential losses incurred. Nothing contained herein should be construed as financial advice. For further information, please refer to our Terms of Use.
A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/5afb1423-31e8-4fb9-a213-97c66c378241
SOURCE: Bitget 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.
As tokenized assets become more accessible and investors increasingly participate across crypto, equities, commodities, ETFs, and real-world assets, financial literacy is becoming an essential skill for market participants. TradFi 101 is designed for a market environment where crypto-native investors can learn the drivers behind stocks, commodities, currencies, and capital flows.
Built with an education-first approach, TradFi 101 is designed as an open industry initiative that brings together exchanges, media platforms, researchers, educators, and creator communities to make financial education more accessible. Current participating and invited ecosystem contributors include Coin Bureau, CoinGecko, and TradingView among others.
“Financial markets are becoming increasingly connected, and traders are already navigating more than a single asset class,” said Gracy Chen, CEO of Bitget. “Crypto investors today pay attention to interest rates, inflation, equities, commodities, and global liquidity alongside digital assets. As tokenization expands access to financial markets, understanding how these systems work together becomes increasingly important. TradFi 101 was created to make that knowledge more accessible and help users prepare for a future where traditional and digital assets exist within the same investment landscape.”
TradFi 101 consists of six learning modules released through a structured curriculum and supported by weekly educational content, community participation, and assessments. The program will answer 100 essential financial questions through simplified lessons designed for crypto audiences. Modules include Financial Foundations: Rediscover TradFi, Asset Encyclopedia: Your Global Wealth Checklist, Market Mechanics: How Trading Happens, Macroeconomics: The Invisible Hand, Risk & Human Nature: The Trader's Mindset, and Universal Exchange: The Final Form of Finance.
The final module explores the convergence of traditional and digital assets within a unified trading environment. As the world's largest Universal Exchange, Bitget already provides access to more than 2 million crypto tokens alongside over 10,000 US stocks, 500+ tokenized stocks, ETFs, commodities, foreign exchange products, and precious metals. TradFi 101 examines how tokenization is expanding access to global markets and why a broader understanding of finance will become increasingly valuable in the years ahead.
TradFi 101 is designed as a long-term initiative that contributes to the industry's broader effort to improve financial literacy for the multi-asset era. By bringing together educational contributors from across the ecosystem, the program aims to help the next generation of traders build the knowledge needed to participate more confidently in an increasingly connected financial system.
For more information, visit: https://www.bitget.com/activity-hub/tradfi-101
About Bitget
Bitget is the world's largest Universal Exchange (UEX), serving over 125 million users and offering access to over 2M crypto tokens, 500+ tokenized stocks, ETFs, commodities, FX, and precious metals such as gold. The ecosystem is committed to helping users trade smarter with its AI agent, which co-pilots trade execution. Bitget is driving crypto adoption through strategic partnerships with LALIGA and MotoGP™. Aligned with its global impact strategy, Bitget has joined hands with UNICEF to support blockchain education for 1.1 million people by 2027. Bitget currently leads in the tokenized TradFi market, providing the industry's lowest fees and highest liquidity across 150 regions worldwide.
For more information, visit: Website | Twitter | Telegram | LinkedIn | Discord
For media inquiries, please contact: media@bitget.com
Risk Warning: Digital asset prices are subject to fluctuation and may experience significant volatility. Investors are advised to only allocate funds they can afford to lose. The value of any investment may be impacted, and there is a possibility that financial objectives may not be met, nor the principal investment recovered. Independent financial advice should always be sought, and personal financial experience and standing carefully considered. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future results. Bitget accepts no liability for any potential losses incurred. Nothing contained herein should be construed as financial advice. For further information, please refer to our Terms of Use.
A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/5afb1423-31e8-4fb9-a213-97c66c378241
SOURCE: Bitget 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.
Guest Supply Signs Asia-Pacific Licensing Agreement with HAAN
HONG KONG, July 2 (Bernama-GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Guest
Supply Asia today announced a licensing agreement with HAAN to
manufacture and distribute HAAN-branded personal care products for
hotels across Asia Pacific.
The agreement combines HAAN’s design-led, refillable approach to personal care with Guest Supply’s product development, manufacturing, distribution and service capabilities for hotel operators. It will give hospitality customers easier access to premium, operationally ready products.
HAAN is a travel-centric personal care brand known for practical, portable products designed for life on the go. Its formulas emphasize clean, natural and vegan ingredients, while its refillable systems are intended to help reduce single-use plastic waste. The brand also supports clean-water initiatives by directing a share of profits toward underground water wells in developing communities.
“This partnership is a strong fit for the hospitality market in Asia Pacific,” said Gustaf Lantz, senior vice president, EMEA and APAC regions, Guest Supply. “It combines HAAN’s modern, refillable design and clean formulations with Gilchrist & Soames’ expertise in developing and manufacturing high-quality amenities and Guest Supply’s ability to distribute at scale across the region.”
Under the agreement, Guest Supply will work with HAAN to localize product formats and operational requirements for the Asia-Pacific hospitality market, supporting consistent brand execution, dependable supply and streamlined ordering for hotel partners.
HAAN products are already available in more than 50 countries through thousands of points of sale, including concept and department stores, beauty chains and select travel retail locations. The new APAC licensing partnership is intended to accelerate availability and service levels for hospitality customers across the region.
About Guest Supply
With more than 40 years of experience, Guest Supply is a leader in hospitality supplies, serving major hotel chains and independent properties. As part of Sysco Corporation, it provides product development, manufacturing, distribution and service support.
About HAAN
HAAN is a Barcelona-born personal care brand dedicated to enriching everyday journeys with design-led, travel-ready products built around clean, vegan formulas and refillable systems.
Media Contact: Ramit Plushnick-Masti
media@sysco.com
Website: www.guestsupply.com.hk
SYY-NEWS
SOURCE: Sysco Corporation
The agreement combines HAAN’s design-led, refillable approach to personal care with Guest Supply’s product development, manufacturing, distribution and service capabilities for hotel operators. It will give hospitality customers easier access to premium, operationally ready products.
HAAN is a travel-centric personal care brand known for practical, portable products designed for life on the go. Its formulas emphasize clean, natural and vegan ingredients, while its refillable systems are intended to help reduce single-use plastic waste. The brand also supports clean-water initiatives by directing a share of profits toward underground water wells in developing communities.
“This partnership is a strong fit for the hospitality market in Asia Pacific,” said Gustaf Lantz, senior vice president, EMEA and APAC regions, Guest Supply. “It combines HAAN’s modern, refillable design and clean formulations with Gilchrist & Soames’ expertise in developing and manufacturing high-quality amenities and Guest Supply’s ability to distribute at scale across the region.”
Under the agreement, Guest Supply will work with HAAN to localize product formats and operational requirements for the Asia-Pacific hospitality market, supporting consistent brand execution, dependable supply and streamlined ordering for hotel partners.
HAAN products are already available in more than 50 countries through thousands of points of sale, including concept and department stores, beauty chains and select travel retail locations. The new APAC licensing partnership is intended to accelerate availability and service levels for hospitality customers across the region.
About Guest Supply
With more than 40 years of experience, Guest Supply is a leader in hospitality supplies, serving major hotel chains and independent properties. As part of Sysco Corporation, it provides product development, manufacturing, distribution and service support.
About HAAN
HAAN is a Barcelona-born personal care brand dedicated to enriching everyday journeys with design-led, travel-ready products built around clean, vegan formulas and refillable systems.
Media Contact: Ramit Plushnick-Masti
media@sysco.com
Website: www.guestsupply.com.hk
SYY-NEWS
SOURCE: Sysco Corporation
Wednesday, July 1, 2026
Chery Malaysia Marks Three Years of Driving Investment, Growth and Nation-Building for Malaysia
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| (fifth from left) His Highness Tengku Amir Shah, The Raja Muda of Selangor was present together with (first from left) Chen Chun Qing, Vice President of Chery International, Zhang Guibing President of Chery International and Yin Tongyue, Chairman of Chery Automobile Co. Ltd during the groundbreaking ceremony of Chery Smart Auto Industrial Park held early in 2025. |
KUALA LUMPUR, July 1 (Bernama) -- Chery Malaysia continues to deepen its roots in the country through investments that create jobs, partnerships that strengthen local industries, and initiatives that deliver value to communities nationwide. Over the past three years, the automotive company has focused on creating long-term value for Malaysia by contributing to economic development, talent cultivation and community well-being.
A key milestone in Chery Malaysia's long-term commitment in Malaysia is the development of the Chery Smart Auto Industrial Park manufacturing facility in Lembah Beringin, Selangor.
Chery recently celebrated the topping-out of phase one, marking the completion of the main structure of the assembly plant, following a groundbreaking ceremony held last year in the presence of His Highness Tengku Amir Shah, The Raja Muda of Selangor.
The 200 acre facility is expected to become a catalyst for economic growth in the area, driving industrial development while creating new employment and local business opportunities. Upon completion of the first phase, the plant is expected to generate approximately 2,000 jobs, with total direct employment projected to grow to 5,000 positions through subsequent development phases planned for 2028 and 2029.
Chery's commitment to Malaysia extends beyond mobility. Through strategic industry collaborations, supplier development initiatives and talent-building programmes, while creating job opportunities for Malaysians.
Efforts such as the Chery’s Supply Chain Programme have fostered partnerships between local and international industry players, encouraging technology exchange, skills development and supply chain growth. At the same time, Chery continues to nurture future talent through knowledge transfer initiatives, technical training and collaborations with local TVET institutions, helping equip the next generation of Malaysians with the skills needed to thrive in an evolving automotive industry.
Beyond business growth, Chery believes in making a positive difference in the communities where it operates from community welfare, environmental conservation to sports and youth development.
Among these efforts was Chery's swift response during the Putra Heights fire incident whereby 50 Chery vehicles were loaned to affected residents helping them ease their mobility needs as well as monetary support to a local mosque providing shelter to the victims.
Chery has also contributed to environmental conservation programmes, including partnerships focused on biodiversity protection and turtle conservation programmes.
The company has backed youth and sporting excellence initiatives such as the Olympic Games 2023, Asian Youth Para Games 2025 and most recently the inaugural Chery x Lee Chong Wei Cup which will be held next month, helping provide opportunities for young local athletes to pursue their aspirations and realise their potential.
"Our journey in Malaysia goes beyond mobility. By investing in people, creating opportunities and supporting communities, we are committed to advancing with Malaysia and delivering value beyond the automotive industry and create a lasting impact for generations to come,” said Men Lin Bo, Chery Corporate Malaysia Executive Vice President.
Chery Malaysia also believes in fair and healthy competition within the automotive industry as it drives innovation and ultimately benefits Malaysian consumers.
About Chery Malaysia
Chery Malaysia is part of Chery Automobile Co., Ltd., a subsidiary of Chery Group, a leading Chinese automobile manufacturer headquartered in Wuhu, China. Established in 1997, Chery has been a key player in the automotive industry, renowned for its diverse lineup of passenger cars, SUVs, and electric vehicles. Chery has earned a prominent position in both domestic and international markets, exporting vehicles to over 80 countries worldwide, including Malaysia. For 22 consecutive years, Chery has been the No.1 brand in China for vehicle exports.
For more information, visit www.chery.my
Follow Chery Malaysia Facebook www.facebook.com/cherymalaysiaofficial
SOURCE: Chery Auto Malaysia Sdn Bhd
FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:
PR and Communications
Name: Christina Low
Email: christinalow@chery.my
--BERNAMA
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