MALAYSIA HEALTHCARE STRENGTHENS BILATERAL RELATIONS WITH CAMBODIA THROUGH DIPLOMATIC ENGAGEMENT

Credit by Malaysia Healthcare Travel Council (MHTC)

PHNOM PENH, Cambodia, Feb 6 (Bernama) -- Malaysia Healthcare Travel Council (MHTC) strengthened bilateral relations with Cambodia by hosting a Diplomatic Dinner Reception in collaboration with the Embassy of Malaysia in Cambodia, held in conjunction with Malaysia Healthcare Week Phnom Penh 2026. This inaugural diplomatic engagement in Cambodia for 2026 forms part of the Malaysia Year of Medical Tourism (MYMT) 2026, themed “Healing Meets Hospitality”. The evening brought together 200 guests, including diplomats from embassies residing in Cambodia, government ministries, corporate representatives, healthcare stakeholders, and local media, providing a platform to deepen dialogue on regional healthcare collaboration. The reception highlighted healthcare as a meaningful bridge between nations, supporting patient mobility, professional exchange, mutual trust, and sustainable partnerships beyond traditional economic cooperation. The engagement also reflected Malaysia’s readiness to support Cambodia’s growing demand for outbound medical travel. As healthcare awareness increases and the need for specialised treatments rises, Malaysia offers Cambodian patients a trusted option that combines clinical quality, cost-effectiveness, and ease of access. The Malaysian Embassy’s involvement underscored Malaysia’s commitment to healthcare diplomacy as a key pillar of bilateral relations.

More than a single event, the reception signalled Malaysia Healthcare’s long-term approach to engagement in Cambodia. It demonstrated a commitment to building enduring relationships with government and industry stakeholders, aligned with broader regional integration and people-to-people connectivity.

This inaugural engagement in Cambodia under MYMT 2026 also reflects Malaysia Healthcare’s wider strategy of strengthening its presence in key regional markets through sustained collaboration rather than one-off promotional activities. The evening encouraged open conversations on evolving patient needs, healthcare trends, and opportunities for future cooperation between healthcare ecosystems in both countries.

As Malaysia leads the Malaysia Year of Medical Tourism 2026, initiatives such as this bring to life the spirit of “Healing Meets Hospitality”, combining high-quality medical care with warmth, empathy, and cultural understanding. Through these efforts, MHTC continues to foster long-term partnerships that enhance healthcare standards and improve patient outcomes across the region.

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: Muhammad Rasydan Ma’at
Asst. Manager, Communications
Tel: +603 8776 6168
Email: rasydan.m@mhtc.org.my

--BERNAMA

Asian Banking School and Strategic Intelligence-World Economic Forum Partner to Advance Leadership Foresight for Asia’s Financial Sector

Marking a strategic milestone for leadership development in the financial services sector, the Asian Banking School signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Strategic Intelligence – World Economic Forum.
(From left: Mr. Rohn Rajen, Managing Director, Asia & Africa, Strategic Intelligence - World Economic Forum; Dato' Ong Eng Bin, ABS Board Member, Professor Henrik von Scheel, Strategic Intelligence - World Economic Forum, Professor Dr. Manivanan Saman, Chief Executive Officer, ABS, Mr. Donald Joshua Jaganathan, ABS Board Member and Dr. Paramsothy Vijayan, Director, Digital Banking & Leadership, ABS.

 
KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia, Feb 6 (Bernama) -- As global economic power continues to shift from West to East, the Asian Banking School (ABS) convened senior leaders from Malaysia’s banking and financial services industry for an Exclusive Strategic Intelligence Briefing titled “Unlocking the Future of Finance in Asia”.

The closed-door engagement was led by Professor Henrik von Scheel, world-renowned futurist, originator of the Fourth Industrial Revolution concept, and Co-Founder of Strategic Intelligence–World Economic Forum. Fresh from closed-door engagements with global leaders at the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting in Davos last month, Professor von Scheel shared insights on megatrends, geopolitical realignments, and structural shifts shaping the future of finance in Asia.

The briefing underscored that competitiveness in today’s environment is no longer driven by scale or balance sheets alone, but by the ability to anticipate change early, manage systemic risks, and make informed strategic decisions ahead of disruption.

Speaking at the event, Professor Dr. Manivanan Saman, Chief Executive Officer of the Asian Banking School, emphasised the importance of foresight as a core leadership capability.

“For a smaller, open economy like Malaysia, the cost of delayed understanding is often higher than the cost of early engagement,” said Professor Manivanan. “Strategic intelligence is no longer a nice-to-have. It is a leadership discipline that enables institutions to navigate uncertainty with clarity rather than react under pressure.”

The event also marked the formalisation of a strategic collaboration between ABS and Strategic Intelligence–World Economic Forum, including the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding. The collaboration will enable ABS to embed global foresight methodologies and frameworks into leadership development and advanced executive education for the financial services sector in Malaysia and the region.

A key highlight was the launch of the ABS Centre of Excellence for Leadership (CoEL), established to strengthen leadership judgement and foresight across the banking and financial services industry. The Centre will focus on equipping both emerging and premier leaders with capabilities required to navigate long-term transitions, interconnected risks, and evolving stakeholder expectations.

Professor Henrik von Scheel noted the importance of the collaboration for Malaysia’s leadership landscape.

“Malaysia sits at a critical intersection of global economic, technological, and regulatory change,” said Professor von Scheel. “This collaboration moves beyond discussion to capability-building, ensuring leaders are equipped not only to respond to change, but to shape outcomes in an increasingly uncertain world.”

In addition to the Strategic Intelligence Briefing, ABS outlined leadership engagements planned for 2026, including closed-door Strategic Intelligence sessions for senior leadership teams, a FutureFit Forum, thematic Masterclasses, and an Advanced Executive Education programme in Davos, Switzerland, in collaboration with Strategic Intelligence and the World Economic Forum.

These initiatives reflect ABS’ role as a strategic enabler for the banking and financial services sector, supporting leadership capability aligned with industry competitiveness and long-term economic resilience.

About the Asian Banking School (ABS)

The Asian Banking School (ABS) is the largest specialised provider of quality banking training programmes in the ASEAN region. As the industry’s preferred learning and development partner, ABS delivers customised and open-enrolment programmes across key banking areas, in collaboration with leading global business schools and strategic learning partners.

SOURCE: Asian Banking School (ABS)

FOR MORE INFORMATION & RSVP, PLEASE CONTACT:
Corporate Communications department
Tel: +603 2701 7822
Email: enquiries@asianbankingschool.com

--BERNAMA

MENICON ADVANCES HIGH-VALUE OPHTHALMIC MANUFACTURING IN MALAYSIA WITH SMART FACTORY LAUNCH

KULIM, Kedah, Feb 6 (Bernama) – Menicon Malaysia Sdn. Bhd., a wholly owned subsidiary of Japan-based Menicon Co., Ltd., and a global provider of comprehensive ophthalmic solutions spanning lens materials, design and lens care products, officially launched its new manufacturing plant at the Kulim Hi-Tech Park on 5 February 2026, reinforcing Malaysia’s position as a high-value medical device manufacturing.

With a total approved investment of RM1 billion, the new facility represents Menicon’s most advanced and future-ready manufacturing site globally. Designed around a fully integrated smart factory concept, the plant combines automated production, logistics, warehousing and quality control within a digitally connected ecosystem, enabling stable, high-volume production of silicone hydrogel contact lenses.

Datuk Sikh Shamsul Sikh Abdul Majid, Chief Executive Officer of the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA), said Menicon’s expansion reflects strong investor confidence in Malaysia’s industrial capabilities and talent base.

“Menicon’s smart factory investment underscores Malaysia’s growing strength in advanced, high value-added manufacturing. Beyond export growth, this project drives meaningful technology transfer, accelerates the development of high-skilled local talent, including engineers, technicians and TVET graduates, and supports Malaysia’s shift towards innovation-driven manufacturing under the New Industrial Master Plan 2030. These are precisely the investments that generate long-term economic impact and resilience for Malaysian”, he said.

Mr. Koji Kawaura, President & CEO of Menicon Co., Ltd., commented, “With the start of operations at the Malaysia Plant, we will significantly strengthen our supply capabilities to meet the rapidly growing global demand for 1-day lenses. I am confident that this will not only accelerate Menicon’s further growth in global markets but also help us fulfil our mission of protecting eye health for people around the world.” His remarks underscored the vital role the new plant will play in Menicon’s future global expansion.

The facility supports large-scale, high-efficiency production of daily disposable contact lenses and related components, leveraging Menicon’s proprietary manufacturing technologies. The Malaysia facility’s output is export-oriented, supplying key international markets including Japan, Germany and the United States, and contributing directly to Malaysia’s export earnings while strengthening its position within the global ophthalmic value chain.

Menicon Malaysia currently employs 150 personnel, with approximately 93 per cent Malaysians, and places strong emphasis on structured talent development through internship, technical training and hands-on exposure to smart manufacturing and advanced automation system. These initiatives support Malaysia’s broader human capital and TVET enhancement agenda, particularly in high-precision medical device manufacturing.

In addition to driving export, the localisation of contact lens and component manufacturing supports Malaysia’s import substitution agenda, reducing reliance overseas supply while enhancing supply chain resilience for critical medical consumables.

Refer this link for contact details and enquiries: https://tinyurl.com/5dujf5sr

SOURCE: Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA)

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:
MIDA
Name: Ms. Azlina Hamdan
Director, Life Sciences & Medical Technology Division
Tel: +603-2267 3791
Email: azlina@mida.gov.my

--BERNAMA

INTERSYSTEMS WINS FOUR GLOBAL 2026 BEST IN KLAS AWARDS

 

InterSystems earns four Best in KLAS awards for 2026

KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 5 (Bernama) -- InterSystems, a creative data technology provider, has received four Global 2026 Best in KLAS awards, including top rankings for Acute Care EHR in Asia, Oceania and France, and for Shared Care Records in Europe.


The Global Best in KLAS awards, presented by KLAS Research, form part of its annual assessment of healthcare software and services and are based on independent feedback from healthcare organisations across multiple international markets.


The awards recognise top-performing healthcare technology solutions solely on feedback from healthcare provider organisations outside the United States, using a standardised KLAS Research evaluation methodology.


"At InterSystems, our mission has always been to build solutions as a joint effort with real end users on their real problems and opportunities in their world," said InterSystems President, Don Woodlock in a statement.


He said the four awards reflected direct feedback from clinicians and healthcare leaders using the company’s technology.


Meanwhile, KLAS Research Chief Executive Officer, Adam Gale said the Best in KLAS awards recognise vendors that consistently deliver value through strong partnerships with healthcare organisations and help providers improve patient care, outcomes and return on investment.


InterSystems TrakCare was ranked number one for Acute Care EHR in France, Asia and Oceania, reflecting feedback from healthcare organisations in each market.


InterSystems HealthShare was recognised as the leading solution for Shared Care Records in Europe, marking its third consecutive Best in KLAS award in this category, following wins in 2024 and 2025.


-- BERNAMA

MEX Launches MEX v16 in Australia, Advancing Its Maintenance Platform for Modern Operations

BRISBANE, Australia, Feb 4 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- MEX Maintenance Software, Australia’s leading maintenance management software provider, today announced the release of MEX v16, a major evolution of its flagship CMMS platform. MEX v16 builds on the proven functionality customers rely on, while introducing a refreshed user experience, improved workflows and stronger mobile capability, marking a significant platform advancement for organisations managing complex assets across the region.

For more than 30 years, MEX has supported asset-intensive organisations across manufacturing, energy, utilities, facilities management and service environments throughout APAC. Founded in Australia, MEX has grown a strong local footprint with more than 50 employees in market and a rapidly expanding team, reflecting continued investment in its customers and long-term commitment to the region. The latest iteration of the MEX platform builds on that client-centric foundation, focusing on clearer, more efficient day-to-day use of the system.

“Our focus was on the people using the system every day,” said Matt Ward, Managing Director of MEX Australia. “Teams are under more pressure, managing more complexity and working with fewer resources. MEX v16 is designed to meet that reality, giving them a more practical, usable platform that supports the way their work is actually done.”

MEX v16 introduces a simpler, more intuitive interface that helps teams quickly understand priorities and move through tasks with greater ease. Enhancements to mobile usability and reporting improve how technicians and planners complete work in the field and stay aligned across teams. Built-in AI features support more effective planning and scheduling, while platform upgrades enhance reliability and performance across multi-site environments.

MEX v16 also integrates with ProCalX, a cloud-based calibration management solution used by organisations managing both maintenance and field calibration activities. ProCalX connects calibration data from leading calibration tools, including Fluke instrumentation, into maintenance workflows, helping teams keep asset maintenance and calibration activities aligned across equipment-intensive environments.

To learn more about the evolution of MEX v16, visit www.mex.com.au.

About MEX Maintenance Software

For three decades, MEX Maintenance Software has delivered trusted maintenance management solutions to asset-intensive organisations across Australia and the APAC region. MEX provides practical CMMS platforms that help teams improve reliability, reduce downtime, and manage complex operations with confidence.

About ProCalX

ProCalX is a modern calibration management platform designed for organisations that rely on accurate, field-based calibration across critical assets and equipment. With integrations across leading calibration tools, including Fluke instrumentation, ProCalX connects calibration data to CMMS workflows supporting compliance, asset performance and operational reliability across complex environments.

View source version on businesswire.com: 
https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260203531009/en/ 

Contact

Media Relations Contact
Sarah Esteverena
Chief Marketing Officer
marketing@tmasystems.com 

Source : MEX Maintenance Software

EF OPENS TITLE PARTNERSHIP OPPORTUNITY FOR PRO CYCLING TEAM

KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 3 (Bernama) -- Education First (EF) has opened a unique opportunity for a new title partner to join EF Pro Cycling while remaining the team’s long-term owner and anchor investor.

According to a statement, the move aims to strengthen the team’s resources and help it compete with the largest budgets in professional cycling.

The team’s goals include winning the Tour de France Femmes within three years, building a leading development pathway in professional cycling, and securing both men’s and women’s Tours de France within the next decade using riders developed through the EF Pro Cycling system.

“This is a unique opportunity for an organisation to partner with a global team and organisation such as EF. Together, we can build a team that extends far beyond traditional sponsorship, creating lasting value and impact for years to come,” said EF Education First Global Chief of Staff and EF Pro Cycling President, Maria Norrman.

The team will continue building around key riders such as Ben Healy, Magdeleine Vallieres, Kristen Faulkner, Richard Carapaz, and Neilson Powless, who have all signed long-term extensions.

EF Pro Cycling has consistently ranked among the top teams for social media engagement since 2017 and offers one of the strongest returns on investment for title partners in professional sports, according to Nielsen Analytics.

The team is backed by long-standing partners including EasyPost, Cannondale, Wahoo, and POC, reflecting shared values and a commitment to the sport’s long-term growth.

-- BERNAMA

VM2026 STRENGTHENS VISIBILITY AT THAIPUSAM FESTIVAL, BATU CAVES

BATU CAVES, Selangor, Feb 3 (Bernama) -- Tourism Malaysia, is taking part in this year’s Thaipusam celebrations at Batu Caves by establishing a dedicated presence within the exhibition area coordinated by the Thaipusam Taskforce. This initiative forms part of ongoing efforts to strengthen public engagement while enhancing early visibility for the VM2026 campaign during one of Malaysia’s most significant cultural and religious celebrations.

Members of the public are invited to stop by Tourism Malaysia’s VM2026 booth located opposite the Jalan Ulu Yam signboard to find out more about upcoming activities, attractions and promotional initiatives under the VM2026 campaign.

As a gesture of hospitality, Tourism Malaysia is distributing 10,000 complimentary beverages, sponsored by Spritzer Malaysia, to visitors. The refreshments were distributed to festival-goers, providing comfort and convenience to the large crowds in attendance throughout the festival.

To further enliven the atmosphere, the booth will feature cultural stage performances coordinated by the Thaipusam Taskforce team. These performances showcase Malaysia’s artistic vibrancy and form an important element of the VM2026 campaign, which positions cultural heritage as a core tourism asset.

Tourism Malaysia's participation in Thaipusam forms part of a broader series of community outreach initiatives under the ongoing VM2026 campaign. These efforts aim to position Malaysia as a premier global destination anchored in diversity, culture and authentic local experiences, in line with the aspiration to welcome 47 million visitors in 2026.

Throughout 2025, Malaysia’s tourism industry continued to demonstrate strong momentum, with international visitor arrivals reaching 42.2 million, an increase of 11.2 per cent compared to 2024. Cultural celebrations such as Thaipusam exemplify Malaysia's rich multicultural diversity and provide a strong foundation for the success of the VM2026 campaign.

About Tourism Malaysia

Malaysia Tourism Promotion Board, also known as Tourism Malaysia, is an agency under the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture Malaysia (MOTAC). It focuses on promoting Malaysia as a preferred tourism destination and has, since its establishment, played a significant role in strengthening the country’s presence and competitiveness in the global tourism landscape.

Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026) underscores Malaysia’s commitment to sustainable tourism development, in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs). The campaign aims to showcase the nation’s diverse natural attractions, rich cultural heritage, and vibrant tourism offerings, while driving inclusive growth and long-term value for local communities and industry stakeholders.

For more information, visit Tourism Malaysia’s website www.tourism.gov.my and social media accounts on Facebook, Instagram, X, YouTube, and TikTok.

Photo Link : https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/15A0whgISkIUiDXsmvDyZCZhsSv3FEqai

Source: Tourism Malaysia

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:
Name: Manishaa Devi a/p Kunalan
Assistant Director
VM2026 Secretariat
Tel: +603 8891 8780
Email: manishaadevi@tourism.gov.my

Name: Norshariza binti Mohd Saad
Deputy Director
Corporate CommunicationDivision
Tel: +603 8891 8775
Email: norshariza@tourism.gov.my

--BERNAMA