THE MALAYAN SUN BEAR: THE ICONIC FACE OF VISIT MALAYSIA 2026, EXPLORE THE NATURAL HABITAT OF WIRA AND MANJA ACROSS MALAYSIA’S PREMIER TOURISM DESTINATIONS

KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 20 (Bernama) -- In conjunction with the Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026) campaign, Malaysia is showcasing the nation’s rich biodiversity by promoting the Malayan Sun Bear as a key highlight of the country’s ecotourism offerings. This strategic focus aligns with the introduction of Wira and Manja, the official mascots of VM2026 inspired by this iconic and unique species.

The Malayan Sun Bear, an endangered wildlife species has been chosen as the campaign’s official icon to symbolise Malaysia’s steadfast commitment to wildlife conservation. Designed in a friendly and engaging animated form, Wira and Manja are crafted to appeal to visitors of all ages, evoking a sense of warmth and cheerfulness. This approach further enhances Malaysia’s global image as a welcoming, vibrant and inclusive tourism destination.

Visitors can explore the natural habitats of the Malayan Sun Bear and interact with the VM2026 mascots at a range of key locations across the country, including:

• Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre (BSBCC) Sandakan, Sabah;
• Lok Kawi Wildlife Park, Sabah;
• Matang Wildlife Centre, Sarawak;
• Zoo Taiping and Night Safari, Perak;
• Lost World of Tambun, Perak;
• Zoo Negara Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur;
• 99 Wonderland Park, Kuala Lumpur;
• Sunway Lagoon Wildlife Park, Selangor;
• Zoo Melaka, Melaka;
• A' Famosa Safari Wonderland, Melaka;
• Zoo Johor, Johor Bahru; and
• Kemaman Zoo and Recreation Park, Terengganu

Through this campaign, Malaysia invites travellers to experience its unique wildlife, support conservation efforts and enjoy nature-based encounters that showcase the country’s rich biodiversity and ecotourism offerings.

In line with the VM2026 theme, the initiative highlights Malaysia as a sustainable and culturally vibrant destination. Visitors are encouraged to discover the inspiration behind Wira and Manja, Malaysia’s beloved mascots, in safe and protected environments. These experiences offer memorable journeys that celebrate the nation’s natural and cultural heritage.

For more information on the Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026) campaign and Malaysia’s diverse tourism offerings, please visit the official Tourism Malaysia website at www.tourism.gov.my.

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.

SOURCE: Tourism Malaysia

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:
Name: Mohd Akbal Setia
Senior Director of Advertising and Digital Division
and Head of Visit Malaysia 2026 Secretariat
Tel: +603 8891 8700
Email: akbalsetia@tourism.gov.my

Name: Mohamad Tazrin Mohamad Taijo
Assistant Director
Visit Malaysia 2026 Secretariat
Tel: +603 8891 8762
Email: mohamadtazrin@tourism.gov.my

Name: Norshariza Mohd Saad
Deputy Director
Corporate Communications Division
Tel: +603 8891 8775
Emaill: norshariza@tourism.gov.my

--BERNAMA

Cape EMS Unveils ‘CEB 2.0’ Roadmap to Drive High-Value Tech and Infrastructure Growth

KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 19 (Bernama) -- Cape EMS Berhad (“Cape EMS” or “the Group”) has unveiled its strategic transformation roadmap, dubbed “CEB 2.0,” aimed at repositioning the Group from a traditional electronics manufacturing services (EMS) provider into a high-value technology and infrastructure partner.

The strategic pivot is designed to build long-term earnings resilience and restore market confidence by moving beyond conventional “box-build” assembly into engineering-led, infrastructure-linked, and solution-based offerings.

Managing Director and Group Chief Executive Officer, Christina Tee Kim Chin, stated that the shift represents a fundamental upgrade in the Group’s business model.

“Cape 1.0 was about scale. CEB 2.0 is about value,” she said. “We are transitioning from hardware-centric manufacturing towards engineering integration, intelligent manufacturing networks, and clean-energy infrastructure.”

Four Strategic Pillars The transformation is anchored on four key business pillars: EMS, Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS), Wireless IoT, and Intelligent Manufacturing Network (IMN).

Central to this strategy is the IMN, driven by the Group’s US-based subsidiary iConn Inc. The division operates a ‘virtual plant’ model that facilitates distributed, AI-optimised production across multiple geographies. This approach allows Cape EMS to mitigate tariff exposure, adapt to geopolitical shifts, and support multinational customers pursuing “China+1” supply-chain diversification strategies.

Capitalising on Johor’s Data Centre Boom Concurrently, the Group is expanding into the BESS and renewable energy infrastructure space through its subsidiary, Cape Renewables, in partnership with Shanghai Sermatec Energy Technology Co. Ltd.

The initiative involves the localisation of BESS assembly and lifecycle support in Johor, aligning with Malaysia’s National Energy Transition Roadmap (NETR). This positions Cape EMS to serve the rising demand from data centres and industrial operators seeking energy reliability.

Tee noted that Johor’s emergence as the nation’s primary data centre hub, coupled with the momentum of the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ), provides significant strategic tailwinds.

“Cape EMS is positioning itself as a critical infrastructure partner supporting energy resilience, smart mobility, and digital infrastructure operations within this high-growth corridor,” she added.

To support this ecosystem, the Group has entered into a strategic collaboration with Engytech Engineering Services to build digital infrastructure operation and maintenance capabilities. Plans are also underway to establish a Data Centre Academy in Johor to address talent shortages in mission-critical facilities, supporting the New Industrial Master Plan (NIMP) 2030 goals.

Focus on Quality Growth From a capital markets perspective, the Board has outlined a priority over the next 12 to 24 months to demonstrate consistent profitability and disciplined execution. The Group views its return to profitability in the first quarter of FY2026 as a baseline for sustainable performance.

“We are focused on sustainable margin improvement, prudent capital deployment, and transparent engagement with investors. We are not chasing growth for growth’s sake — we are pursuing quality growth,” Tee emphasised.

By operating at the intersection of advanced manufacturing, clean energy, and digital infrastructure, Cape EMS aims to build a more resilient, infrastructure-linked earnings profile moving forward.

SOURCE : Aegis Communication

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:
Name: Jason Fong
Tel: +6012-8631134
Email: jason@aegiscomm.com.my

--BERNAMA

Fortrea Expands Executive Team, Appointing Oren Cohen as Chief Medical Officer and Scott Dove as President of Clinical Pharmacology Services

Adds to executive focus on early clinical development and deepens medical and scientific partnership with clients


DURHAM, N.C., Feb 19 (Bernama-GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Fortrea (Nasdaq: FTRE) (the “Company”), a leading global contract research organization (CRO), today announced it has expanded its executive team. Oren Cohen, MD who previously served as both Fortrea’s chief medical officer (CMO) and president of Clinical Pharmacology Services (CPS) is now dedicated to his CMO responsibilities, namely medical strategy, scientific leadership, ethics and governance oversight across Fortrea’s portfolio. Scott Dove, PhD joins Fortrea as its new president of CPS, responsible for Fortrea’s early clinical development solutions across its global network of clinical research units. Cohen and Dove both serve on Fortrea’s Executive Committee.

“The addition of Scott to the Fortrea team while Oren becomes fully dedicated to the medical and scientific aspects of development is a win for clients,” said Anshul Thakral, CEO. “Working closely with our business leaders across all phases of clinical development, Oren will deepen his relationships with clients. He’s engaging earlier in scientific dialogue and collaborating closely with our physicians and therapeutic leaders to help address complex development challenges, all while upholding the highest standards of scientific integrity and patient safety. Scott is making a fast start with our Clinical Pharmacology team and is getting a first-hand view of our world-class clinics. He combines a strong technical background in clinical development and operations with a successful track record of leadership in building and leading global organizations, and I’m looking forward to his insights on how we further strengthen our offering.”

Oren Cohen, MD Chief Medical Officer

Oren Cohen, MD is a veteran of drug development, bringing more than 20 years of experience in various medical and scientific executive leadership roles in the pharmaceutical industry. Prior to Fortrea, Dr. Cohen served as CMO and head of Clinical Pharmacology Services at Labcorp Drug Development. Previously, he was CMO at Viamet Pharmaceuticals and served in several senior medical and operational leadership positions at Quintiles, now part of IQVIA.

Dr. Cohen received his MD from Duke University and served his internship and residency at The New York Hospital, Cornell Medical Center in New York City. He completed his fellowship in Infectious Diseases at the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, where he stayed as a Principal Investigator and served as the institute's assistant director for medical affairs. He is a Consulting Professor of Medicine at Duke University Medical Center, a member of the Board of Visitors for Duke University School of Medicine and a Fellow of the Infectious Diseases Society of America.

Scott Dove, PhD President Clinical Pharmacology Services

Scott Dove, PhD brings more than 25 years of drug development experience to Fortrea, serving in roles of increasing responsibility at pharma, biotech and CRO companies. Most recently, he has served as an advisor to a variety of companies, including Fortrea. Previously, Dr. Dove was chief operating officer at Aravive, leading R&D operations for a clinical stage, oncology-focused biotech. He also served in leadership roles at PPD for more than a decade, where he led early development services. Dr. Dove also held leadership roles at Allergan and Furiex Pharmaceuticals.

Dr. Dove received his PhD from Texas A&M Health Science Center and earned his bachelor of science in biochemistry at Texas A&M University.

About Fortrea

Fortrea (Nasdaq: FTRE) is a leading global provider of clinical development solutions to the life sciences industry. We partner with emerging and large biopharmaceutical, biotechnology, medical device and diagnostic companies to drive healthcare innovation that accelerates life changing therapies to patients. Fortrea provides phase I-IV clinical trial management, clinical pharmacology and consulting services. Fortrea’s solutions leverage three decades of experience spanning more than 20 therapeutic areas, a passion for scientific rigor, exceptional insights and a strong investigator site network. Our talented and diverse team working in about 100 countries is scaled to deliver focused and agile solutions to customers globally. Learn more about how Fortrea is becoming a transformative force from pipeline to patient at Fortrea.com and follow us on LinkedIn and X (formerly Twitter).                    

Fortrea Contacts:
Tracy Krumme (Investors) – 984-385-6707, Tracy.Krumme@fortrea.com
Sue Zaranek (Media) – 919-943-5422, media@fortrea.com
Kate Dillon (Media) – 646-818-9115, kdillon@prosek.com
          
SOURCE: Fortrea Holdings Inc

BODOR LASER LAUNCHES DREAM PARK, SETS 2026 TARGET

KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 19 (Bernama) -- Bodor Laser has held its Annual Awards Ceremony and Year Kickoff event at Dream Park, the company’s newly completed global headquarters campus, marking a review of its 2025 performance and the formal start of its next development phase.

Held under the theme “Park & Dreams”, the event also outlined the company’s long-term strategy. In his keynote address, company President, Kong Jie presented the vision behind Dream Park and reaffirmed Bodor Laser’s commitment to innovation and sustainable growth.

Bodor Laser in a statement said the completion of Dream Park follows 18 years of expansion, reflecting sustained investment in advanced manufacturing capabilities and global operations.

Designed as a modern industrial campus, Dream Park integrates production, research and development, office facilities, intelligent management systems and employee amenities within a single layout to enhance operational efficiency while supporting a collaborative and people-centred working environment.

Despite a challenging global market environment, the company reported solid performance in 2025, exceeding its annual objectives. More than 10,000 machines were delivered during the year from its DreamSpace Super Factory, further strengthening production capacity and operational efficiency.

The company also maintained its global leadership position in the fibre laser cutting machine segment, ranking first worldwide in sales volume of machines rated at 1,000 watts and above for the sixth consecutive year from 2019 to 2024, according to the Qianzhan Industry Research Institute.

Other milestones in 2025 included the establishment of a South China headquarters in Shenzhen, expansion of its sheet and tube laser cutting product portfolios together with a full welding solution lineup, the receipient of three Red Dot Design Awards, and the rollout of large-scale artificial intelligence initiatives to support intelligent manufacturing.

During the event, 19 award categories recognised nearly 300 employees for outstanding contributions, while 27 employees were honoured for 10 years of service.

Looking ahead, Bodor Laser said 2026 will be a pivotal year, with a revenue target of 4.6 billion Chinese yuan. The company plans to further consolidate its global sales leadership, upgrade its product portfolio, strengthen channel capabilities and enhance innovation systems to support long-term strategic growth. (100 Chinese yuan = RM56.65)

-- BERNAMA

PETRONAS Secures Oman’s Block 18, Advancing Global Exploration Portfolio

From left: Mohd Redhani Abdul Rahman, CEO PETRONAS Carigali International Ventures & VP International Assets, PETRONAS; His Excellency Eng. Salim bin Nasser Al Aufi, the Minister of Energy and Minerals, Sultanate of Oman; and Mahmoud Al Hashmi, Chief Executive Officer, OQEP

MUSCAT, Feb 13 (Bernama) -- PETRONAS is pleased to announce that its whollyowned subsidiary, PC Oman Ventures Ltd (PCOVL) has signed a Concession Agreement with the Government of the Sultanate of Oman and OQ Exploration and Production Batinah Offshore LLC (OQEP) as its partner for the exploration of oil and gas in Block 18.

Block 18 is a large offshore exploration area located in Northeast Oman, spanning more than 21,000 km² and offering significant frontier exploration potential across diverse geological settings, from shallow to ultra-deep water.

PCOVL has been active in the Sultanate of Oman since 2018 and currently holds a participating interest in Block 61. Upon signing this Concession Agreement, PCOVL assumes operatorship of Block 18 in partnership with OQEP. This collaboration builds on the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between PETRONAS and OQEP in October 2025, marking an important milestone in strengthening the strategic partnership between both companies and reinforcing PETRONAS’ long‑term presence in the Sultanate of Oman.

The partnership supports PETRONAS’ aspiration to enhance its competitive upstream portfolio by aligning its offshore exploration capability with OQEP’s regional expertise, laying the foundation for a mutually beneficial venture.

“Building on our technical strengths and successes, PETRONAS continues to expand its exploration activities into new frontiers. Through our innovative exploration approaches and OQEP’s basin expertise, we aim to jointly unlock the potential of Block 18, contributing to Oman’s long-term energy security. The addition of Block 18 aligns with our commitment to disciplined portfolio expansion, providing strategic optionality across our international portfolio,” said Mohd Redhani Abdul Rahman, Vice President of International Assets, PETRONAS, during the signing ceremony.

In 2025, PETRONAS achieved a series of notable discoveries across key basins, reaffirming its position as one of the leading global explorers. From unlocking new hydrocarbon potential in Malaysia’s Lebah Emas producing well to delivering highimpact discoveries in Suriname Block 52, these successes underscore the strength of PETRONAS’ clustered exploration strategy.

As a global energy and solutions partner, PETRONAS remains committed to pursuing global opportunities while deepening collaboration with strategic partners.

Issued by
Media Management, Channels & Media Relations
Group Strategic Relations & Communications
PETRONAS

SOURCE: PETRONAS

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:
PETRONAS
Name: Hana Nazsulaeeqa Harun
Tel: +6010 455 3378
Email: hananazsulaeeqa.haru@petronas.com

--BERNAMA

PETRONAS AND SABAH STATE GOVERNMENT HONOUR LOCAL VENDORS, STRENGTHENING OGSE GROWTH

Rashidah Alias, PETRONAS Vice President of Group Procurement (third from left) presenting the Sabah Vendor Development Programme Award to one of the recipients, witnessed by Datuk Sr. Mohd Ishak Datuk Ayub, Assistant Sabah Finance Minister II (second from right) and Datuk Ir Bacho Pilong, PETRONAS Senior Vice President of Malaysia Petroleum Management (right)

 
KOTA KINABALU, Feb 13 (Bernama) -- PETRONAS and the Sabah State Government yesterday accorded recognition to Sabah-based oil and gas services and equipment (OGSE) vendors for their achievements in fostering a sustainable and competitive local ecosystem.

To date, a total of 98 Sabah-based OGSE vendors have been recognised for their capabilities and track record in securing contracts. This reflects a steady increase since the signing of the Sabah Commercial Collaboration Agreement (CCA) in 2021, with 47 vendors receiving recognition for the first time in 2025, signalling the growing depth and maturity of local industry capabilities. This progress is further reflected in the growth of contracts secured by Sabah vendors, which rose from 133 in 2021 to 499 in 2025.

Held at the Sabah International Convention Centre, the recognition ceremony was witnessed by Assistant Sabah Finance Minister II Datuk Sr Mohd Ishak Datuk Ayub, representing Deputy Chief Minister II and Sabah Finance Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Masidi Manjun, and presented by PETRONAS Vice President of Group Procurement, Rashidah Alias. Also present was PETRONAS Senior Vice President of Malaysia Petroleum Management, Datuk Ir Bacho Pilong.

In his address, Datuk Ir Bacho highlighted the evolving dynamics of the global energy landscape and the continued importance of the OGSE sector to Malaysia’s economy. He said, “As we navigate rapid change in the global energy landscape, the OGSE sector remains a vital pillar of Malaysia’s economy. With the support and ongoing collaboration, with the Sabah State, we can build a resilient OGSE supply chain, and position Sabah as the preferred investment destination.”

Among the recognised vendors are those awarded medium-to-complex scope contracts, including Gas Turbine Maintenance, Production Support Vessel (PSV) services for deepwater drilling, Wellhead Maintenance, Terminal Turnaround, Maintenance and Modification (TTAMM) and Marine Operations. The vendors have also strengthened industry collaboration through Joint Venture (JV) contracts for Offshore Maintenance, Construction, and Modification (MCM) and Hook-Up (HUC) scopes, reflecting continued progress in technical capability and service expansion within Sabah’s oil and gas sector.

Meanwhile, two Sabah-based companies were introduced under the Vendor Development Programme (VDP): Seascape Synergy Services Sdn Bhd for Life Raft and Lifeboat Maintenance, and GMB Dynamic Sdn Bhd for Fire Truck Maintenance Services. These new entrants reflect the strengthening capabilities of Sabah’s OGSE sector, as more local companies meet higher standards of safety, quality, and operational excellence.

PETRONAS and the Sabah State Government extend their appreciation to all partners, associations and vendors whose continued commitment contributes to the strengthening of Sabah’s OGSE ecosystem. Both parties remain committed to fostering a sustainable, inclusive and competitive industry for the future.

Issued by:

Channels and Media Relations
Group Strategic Relations & Communications
PETRONAS

SOURCE: PETRONAS

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:
Name: Neil Brian Joseph
Email: neilbrian.joseph@petronas.com.my
Executive (Media Communications - Sabah & Labuan)
Media Management

--BERNAMA

Bitget Introduces Gracy AI, a New Way to Talk Markets, Leadership, and Long-Term Thinking

VICTORIA, Seychelles, Feb 13 (Bernama-GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Bitget, the world’s largest Universal Exchange (UEX), has launched Gracy AI, the first animated digital human in crypto designed to bring real leadership thinking into one-on-one conversations with users.
Built around the experience and decision-making approach of Bitget CEO Gracy Chen, Gracy AI moves beyond charts and short-term signals. Instead, it gives users a space to talk through market cycles, strategy, career questions, and mindset with an AI that reflects how a real industry leader thinks about growth, risk, and long-term direction.

The launch marks a shift in how exchanges use AI. Rather than acting as another data layer, Gracy AI focuses on interpretation and context. Users can ask about where the industry is heading, how to think through uncertainty, or how to approach decision-making when markets are noisy. The goal is not to predict prices, but to help users think more clearly about them.

“Honestly, I still find it a little funny to see an AI avatar of me on screen,” said Gracy Chen, CEO at Bitget. “But a big part of my job is listening to user concerns, getting close to the details, and helping people understand what’s really happening in the market. The team built Gracy AI around that same approach so more users can connect, learn and grow feeling supported by me and the team,” she added.

Gracy AI is part of Bitget’s broader AI roadmap as part of its UEX transformation. After GetAgent established Bitget’s AI capability in analytics and decision support, Gracy AI represents the more human-facing side of that strategy, where technology supports understanding rather than just execution.

To mark the launch, Bitget is rolling out themed Gracy AI conversations tied to moments of reflection and renewal. Valentine’s Day introduces self-care-focused chats, while Chinese New Year features guided conversations around goals, perspective, and new beginnings. These campaigns are designed to make AI interaction feel personal, timely, and useful, rather than transactional.

The Gracy AI launch builds on Bitget’s broader push to make AI genuinely useful for everyday traders. From AI-powered market insights and smart trading tools to products like GetAgent, which helps users navigate volatility with clearer signals and context, Bitget has steadily integrated AI to reduce friction and improve decision-making. Gracy AI extends that approach by putting experience, perspective, and real-time intelligence into a more accessible, conversational layer for users. As Bitget continues to evolve into a Universal Exchange, Gracy AI reflects a simple idea: better tools matter, but better thinking matters more.

Experience Gracy AI here.

About Bitget

Bitget is the world's largest Universal Exchange (UEX), serving over 125 million users and offering access to over 2M crypto tokens, 100+ 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

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A photo accompanying this announcement is available at
https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/c2037966-1793-47cf-974b-217cf041b753

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.

--BERNAMA