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

KLCCP Stapled Group closes strong with RM719 million Profit Before Tax in Quarter 4, 2025

KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 30 (Bernama) -- KLCCP Stapled Group (the Group) closed 2025 on a strong note, delivering its highest Profit Before Tax (PBT) and revenue since listing. PBT (including fair value adjustments) rose to RM718.7 million in quarter four, 2025 compared to RM476.4 million in quarter four, 2024, while revenue grew 7.4% to RM493.0 million for the quarter ended 31 December 2025, reflecting continued resilience across all business segments.

This growth was supported by a noteworthy fair value gain of RM460.1 million, recognised during the quarter, reflecting the market value uplift largely in Suria KLCC and PETRONAS Twin Towers. Building on this, the Group declared a dividend of 19.10 sen per stapled security for the quarter, bringing total dividends for the year to 47.00 sen, an increase of 5.6% compared to 2024.

Quarter 4, 2025 vs. Quarter 4, 2024 - Sustained Momentum Driving Strong Performance Gains

Representing the retail segment, Suria KLCC and the retail podium of Menara 3 PETRONAS sustained its positive momentum for the final quarter, delivering revenue of RM148.2 million, an increase of 6.1% from RM139.6 million. PBT for this segment stood at RM112.9 million, reflecting an increase of 4.9%. This was driven by sustained occupancy at 98%, supported by an expanded tenant-mix, featuring refreshed offerings and unique concepts, creating a vibrant retail environment.

The hotel segment, represented by Mandarin Oriental, Kuala Lumpur (MOKUL Hotel), reported lower revenue at RM66.5 million. Despite the softer revenue, PBT achieved a record high of RM11.4 million, an increase of RM5.9 million. This is attributed to higher room revenue and reduced financing costs. Room revenue remained the primary revenue contributor supported by group and leisure stays and high occupancy during the ASEAN summit.

The office segment comprising the PETRONAS Twin Towers, Menara 3 PETRONAS, Menara ExxonMobil, and Menara Dayabumi remained stable, backed by the Triple Net Lease (TNL) arrangement and long‑term leases. The segment recorded a revenue of RM145.9 million while PBT stood at RM121.7 million for the current quarter.

The management services segment recorded significant growth with increased revenue of 23.2% to RM154.5 million while PBT rose to RM28.1 million, driven by planned maintenance activities and higher car park income.

Year-To-Date: 2025 Performance

Year-to-date, the Group demonstrated its solid financial standing, ending the year with a record high revenue of RM1.7 billion. The fair value gains on investment properties further contributed to the increase in PBT of RM1.4 billion, reflecting its continued strength driven by asset quality and operational stability.

The year saw the retail segment achieve a PBT of RM450.9 million, up 2.8% while footfall grew by 9%. This growth reflects Suria KLCC’s continuous efforts in curating a dynamic mix of flagship and first-to-market brands, complemented by immersive and experiential activations designed to surprise and delight. Suria KLCC brought onboard 30 new tenants during the year, including 8 market firsts with the likes of Smith & Wollensky, Charles Tyrwhitt, Mardi Mercredi, Byredo, Flying Tiger Copenhagen, and Mon Chinese Roti. It’s high-impact experiential programmes including the Kuala Lumpur Fashion Week 2025, the signature Suria KLCC Picnic in the Park, and Malaysia’s first outdoor festive skating rink during the Christmas season has overall contributed to the growth, reinforcing Suria KLCC’s positioning as a leading lifestyle and experiential destination.

In the hospitality segment, MOKUL Hotel strengthened its event-led proposition through the refresh of its pillarless Grand Ballroom. Since the ballroom reopening, MOKUL Hotel has seen a healthy pickup in demand, especially from the Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE) bookings, supported by a stronger pipeline of premium corporate and social events. October recorded the strongest month with the highest monthly revenue, driven by ASEAN Summits and high profile events.

Chief Executive Officer, Datuk Sr. Mohd. Salem Kailany commented, “The Group’s strong results in 2025 reflects the strength of our diversified portfolio, stable cash flows and disciplined capital management. The Group delivered another record-breaking performance with revenue, profit and dividends, which reached new highs. During the year, we undertook targeted asset enhancements to maintain competitiveness and to future-proof our asset portfolio and improve long-term efficiency. These upgrades, together with system improvements across facilities, strengthened our asset performance, enhanced operational reliability and customer experience. Collectively, these efforts contributed to increase in property valuations and reinforced the long-term value and resilience of our assets.”

Datuk Salem further added, “As we step into 2026, we remain focused on advancing our strategic priorities, strengthening our core businesses, and driving long‑term value for our shareholders. With Visit Malaysia Year ahead of us, we look forward to the opportunities with optimism and confidence.”

Prospects

Malaysia enters 2026 with steady economic momentum. At the same time, the operating environment is becoming increasingly competitive with new malls and hotels entering the market. The Group remains attentive to these dynamics as it navigates the evolving retail, hospitality and office sectors, and strives to consistently maintain and elevate service excellence and customer experience within the KLCC Precinct.

The retail and hospitality segments are expected to benefit from tourist arrivals in conjunction with Visit Malaysia Year 2026. Suria KLCC’s strong brand presence, well-curated tenant mix and continued focus on enhancing experiential shopper engagement will continue to boost footfall and tenant sales. MOKUL Hotel continues to strengthen its market positioning by enhancing offerings and delivering elevated guest experience through high quality, personalised services for both leisure and corporate guests, supported by the completion of the grand ballroom refurbishment and the upcoming apartments renovation.

The office segment maintains a strong footing anchored by the Triple Net Lease arrangement and long-term leases with quality tenants. The Group will also continue to amplify placemaking across the integrated KLCC ecosystem through strategic collaborations, events and activations that enhance connectivity, vibrancy and cross traffic, reinforcing KLCC The Place as a premier destination for business, leisure and MICE.

About KLCCP Stapled Group

KLCC Property Holdings Berhad (KLCCP) and KLCC Real Estate Investment Trust (KLCC REIT), collectively known as KLCCP Stapled Group, is Malaysia’s largest self-managed stapled security that invests, develops, owns, and manages a stable of iconic and quality assets. KLCCP Stapled Group became the first ever Shariah compliant stapled structure in Malaysia upon the listing of KLCC Stapled Securities (KLCCSS) on 9 May 2013 and trades under the REIT sector of the index as a single price quotation.

KLCCP Stapled Group’s core business is in property investment and development, and provision of management services. The Group owns iconic prime assets, namely the PETRONAS Twin Towers, Menara ExxonMobil, and Menara 3 PETRONAS under KLCC REIT and Suria KLCC, the premier shopping mall, Mandarin Oriental, Kuala Lumpur hotel and a vacant land (Lot D1) under KLCCP. KLCCP also has a 33% stake in Menara Maxis.

KLCCP Stapled Group redefines excellence in real estate. With decades of experience building the nation’s iconic landmarks, it has elevated industry standards and expectations, reinforcing its commitment to enriching lives and building a more sustainable future.

Issued by:

Group Strategic Communications and Investor Relations

29 January 2026

SOURCE: KLCC (Holdings) Sdn Bhd

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:
Name: Yasmin Abdullah
Manager, Corporate Communications
Group Strategic Communications and Investor Relations
KLCC (Holdings) Sdn Bhd
Tel: +603-27837584
Email: yasmina@klcc.com.my

--BERNAMA

MIDA STANDS READY TO IMPLEMENT NEW OUTCOME-BASED INCENTIVE FRAMEWORK FROM 1 MARCH

KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 30 (Bernama) -- Pursuant to the announcement made by the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI) on 29 January 2026, the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA) stands ready to operationalise the New Incentive Framework (NIF) from 1 March 2026, marking a shift towards an outcome-based, value-driven investment approach in Malaysia.
The framework will be applied to the manufacturing sector first, followed by the services sector in the second quarter of 2026. The NIF essentially ties tax incentives directly to measurable economic outcomes. Companies will be assessed using the National Investment Aspirations (NIA) Scorecard*, which quantifies contributions to job quality, technology transfer, supply chain resilience and sustainability.

Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz, MIDA Chairman, said the framework is premised on the fundamental principle of returns on (incentive) investment by the Government. "The NIF is designed to ensure that every ringgit of foregone revenue delivers meaningful, multiplied returns to the nation’s economy. Our priority is not merely to attract investments, but to secure greater value, deeper industrial linkages, and better benefits for the Malaysian economy, SMEs and our people."

In terms of implementation, incentive applications for manufacturing sector under the Promotion of Investments Act 1986 will still be accepted by MIDA no later than 3.00pm on 28 February 2026. All new manufacturing sector incentive applications submitted from 1 March 2026 onwards will be assessed under the NIF. Manufacturing companies with existing approvals will not be affected, and their incentives will continue under the approved terms and conditions.

Datuk Sikh Shamsul Ibrahim Sikh Abdul Majid, MIDA Chief Executive Officer, said, "MIDA fully supports the implementation of the NIF as it represents a major step forward in ensuring that Malaysia attracts the right type of investments—those that are high-value, innovation-driven and sustainable. By linking incentives to clear performance outcomes, the NIF strengthens investor confidence while delivering spillover benefits to the domestic economy, especially for local SMEs and Malaysian talents."

The framework offers two mutually exclusive incentive options: a special tax rate or an investment tax allowance. Companies may choose the option that best suits their project profile and business model.

MIDA will actively guide investors through the transition from the previous incentive regime to the NIF. The application process will be integrated into MIDA's digital platforms, providing end-to-end processing for investors. Implementation guidelines, frequently asked questions (FAQs), covering eligibility criteria, scorecard assessment parameters and evaluation processes, are now available on MIDA's official website and MITI’s NIF microsite.

Datuk Sikh Shamsul Ibrahim added, "We look forward to working closely with investors throughout this transition. MIDA remains committed to facilitating and supporting both new and existing investors, to ensure the projects approved under the NIF deliver strong national outcomes in line with the NIA."

MIDA will also intensify engagement and outreach sessions to ensure awareness and readiness among domestic and foreign investors, particularly within the manufacturing and services sectors. This rollout will be supported through close collaboration with MITI and the Ministry of Finance.

The NIF represents Malaysia's most significant shift in investment policy in decades. For further information and application guidance, investors may refer to the NIF Implementation Guidelines on MIDA’s official website at www.mida.gov.my.

About MIDA
MIDA is the government’s principal investment promotion and development agency under the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI) to oversee and drive investments into the manufacturing and services sectors in Malaysia. Headquartered in Kuala Lumpur Sentral, MIDA has 12 regional and 20 overseas offices. MIDA partners with investors at every stage of their journey, supporting sustainable growth and long-term value creation for Malaysia. For more information, please visit www.mida.gov.my and follow MIDA on X, Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, TikTok and YouTube.

*Note: The NIF will be assessed in alignment with six (6) pillars of the National Investment Aspirations (NIA), namely:
• Increasing economic complexity
• Creating high-value job opportunities
• Strengthening domestic linkages
• Developing new and existing clusters
• Improving inclusivity
• Enhancing sustainability practices

APPENDIX: INDUSTRY RESPONSE

Federation of Malaysian Manufacturers (FMM)
Mr. Jacob Lee, President:

"The introduction of the NIF is timely as manufacturers are navigating technological transformation, supply chain reconfiguration and sustainability requirements. The outcome-based model provides greater clarity and encourages companies to upgrade, move up the value chain and invest in higher-productivity activities. FMM looks forward to continued engagement with the Government to ensure smooth implementation and practical facilitation for our members."

Malaysian International Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MICCI) Ms. Christina Tee, National President:

"As the voice of the international business community in Malaysia, MICCI welcomes the NIF as announced in the National Budget 2026. The new framework is a bold step toward global competitiveness. Our members, who represent a significant portion of Malaysia's Foreign Investment (FI), value the framework’s transparency and its shift toward capability-driven growth, and we believe this performance-linked approach will provide the long-term predictability that global investors require to commit to Malaysia’s structural transformation."

SME Association of Malaysia
Dr. Chin Chee Seong, National President:

"The SME Association of Malaysia views the NIF as a vital mechanism for integrating our MSMEs into the global value chain. The focus on 'Domestic Linkages' within the NIA Scorecard is particularly encouraging, as it incentivises large foreign and local investors to deepen their collaborations with local vendors. This is a golden opportunity for Malaysian SMEs to level up their technology and ESG standards. We are committed to working with MIDA to ensure our members are 'NIF-ready' and can effectively support the high-impact projects that this framework aims to attract."

SOURCE: Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA)

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:
MIDA
Name: Ms. Yusni Md. Yusop
Director, Strategic Planning & Policy Advocacy (Manufacturing) Division
Tel.: +603- 2267 3681
Email: yusni@mida.gov.my

--BERNAMA

QNA MARCOM & EVENTS EXPANDS APAC FOOTPRINT WITH MUMBAI HEADQUARTERS

KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 29 (Bernama) -- QNA Marcom & Events has announced the launch of its Asia-Pacific (APAC) headquarters in Mumbai, marking a significant milestone in the company’s expansion across the region.

The launch coincides with QNA’s 10th anniversary, marking a decade of building industry platforms, shaping business dialogue and enabling engagement across global markets.

“Over the last decade, we have grown across more than 20 countries through strong partnerships and purpose-led initiatives. The Mumbai office is not just a geographic expansion; it reinforces our long-term commitment to India as a core growth market and innovation hub,” said its Managing Director, Ankit Shukla.

In a statement, QNA said the establishment of its APAC headquarters will support plans to scale its footprint across India and the wider Asia-Pacific region, with a focus on curating high-impact platforms aligned with evolving market needs across multiple industry verticals.

The Mumbai office will function as a regional innovation hub, enabling the company to explore new markets, adopt emerging technologies and deliver immersive, outcome-driven events for governments, enterprises and industry ecosystems.

The office was inaugurated by businessman, philanthropist and strategic advisor Bharat Mehra, whose presence as a chief guest underscored the strategic importance of QNA’s expansion in India and its focus on purpose-driven leadership and community impact.

Over the past decade, QNA has delivered more than 150 business-to-business (B2B) conferences and summits, along with thousands of curated roadshows across over 20 countries, spanning India, APAC, the Middle East, Africa and Europe.

The company has partnered with governments, regulators, global enterprises and industry associations, establishing itself as a platform builder for national and regional initiatives.

Known for its content-driven events, QNA brings together business leaders, policymakers, entrepreneurs and technology experts to foster collaboration and drive meaningful outcomes.

-- BERNAMA

Insurance and Takaful Industry Supports Government’s Base MHIT Plan Under the RESET Strategy

KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 29 (Bernama) -- The Malaysian insurance and takaful industry, represented by the Life Insurance Association of Malaysia (LIAM), Malaysian Takaful Association (MTA) and the Persatuan Insurans Am Malaysia (PIAM) welcomes and fully supports the Joint Ministerial Committee on Private Healthcare Costs (JBMKKS) introduction of the base Medical and Health Insurance/Takaful (MHIT) plan under the RESET Strategy. This is an important initiative which will expand financial protection for essential healthcare needs, channel private spending more efficiently and strengthen conditions for broader health system reforms in line with value-based care that improves health outcomes with disciplined cost management.

The insurance and takaful industry stands ready to play its part in delivering the base MHIT plan to Malaysians across the country. As outlined in BNM’s published White Paper on Base MHIT Plan, it is intended to expand coverage among the uninsured, while also offering more cost-effective alternatives for existing policyholders/certificate holders, particularly retirees and middle-income families seeking long-term affordability. To ensure premiums/contribution remain stable while delivering meaningful protection, the base MHIT plan design incorporates features such as deductibles, co-payments and defined annual limits. These mechanisms are applied with fairness and transparency, supporting responsible utilisation of healthcare services while safeguarding the sustainability of coverage over time. The insurance and takaful industry will work closely with BNM to finalise implementation details and operations which will be launch in early 2027.

Our members are committed to ensuring timely claims payouts, clear communication with hospitals, and efficient claims processing, so Malaysians can access care without delay. The base MHIT plan is designed to complement existing medical plans, which will continue to be available. The industry supports offering the base MHIT plan at scale, as standardisation provides a strong foundation for broader participation, consistent understanding of coverage, and greater public confidence.

Transparency remains a priority in our work, and under the RESET strategy we have recently published Reference Price Ranges for Common Private Healthcare Services on the websites of LIAM, MTA and PIAM using actual claims data:

• https://www.liam.org.my/about/healthcare/index.html

• https://takaful4all.org/ms/inforesources/mhit/

• https://piam.org.my/news-media/explore-connect/knowledge-zone/
publicationof-common-healthcare-services/

This publicly available guide empowers Malaysians with better cost visibility, helps them plan for potential out-of-pocket expenses, and supports more informed discussions with healthcare providers. It is one of several initiatives the industry has undertaken to promote awareness, manage healthcare costs responsibly, and protect the sustainability of insurance and takaful protection for the long term.

LIAM, MTA and PIAM — together representing the insurance and takaful community — remain steadfast in our commitment to supporting the smooth rollout of the base MHIT plan and delivering on its promise of affordable, transparent and sustainable healthcare protection. By balancing access with affordability, embedding transparency into product design and cost structures, and leveraging our decades of experience in protecting Malaysian families, the industry is ready to drive meaningful reform and maintain the public’s trust in medical and health insurance as a cornerstone of financial security.

ABOUT LIFE INSURANCE ASSOCIATION MALAYSIA (LIAM)
Formed in 1974, the Life Insurance Association of Malaysia (LIAM) is a trade association registered under the Societies Act 1966. LIAM has a total of 16 members, of which 14 are life insurance companies and 2 life reinsurance companies. LIAM’s objectives are to promote a progressive life insurance industry; to enhance public understanding and appreciation for life insurance; to upgrade the image and professionalism of the life insurance industry and to support the regulatory authorities in developing a strong industry. Visit www.liam.org.my for details.

ABOUT MALAYSIAN TAKAFUL ASSOCIATION (MTA)
Malaysian Takaful Association (MTA) was established on November 2002 under the Societies Act 1966. It is a trade association representing all 19 licensed Takaful and Retakaful operators in the country. The objectives and the powers of MTA are to promote the interests of its members and to inculcate the implementation of self-regulation within the Takaful industry. More information on MTA can be obtained from its website: www.takaful4all.org

Facebook: facebook.com/MalaysianTakafulAssociation/
Instagram: instagram.com/malaysiantakafulassociation

ABOUT PERSATUAN INSURANS AM MALAYSIA (PIAM)
The history of PIAM originated from the establishment of various insurance and tariff associations set up in 1885 that played a role as a collective voice of the insurance industry in Malaya and Singapore shortly after the Independence of Malaya in 1957. In June 1961, the Insurance Association of Federation of Malaya was formed to maintain tariff insurance legislations and promote sound insurance practices. For the first time, an Association was established in Kuala Lumpur to safeguard the country's general insurance interest. Subsequently, PIAM was established in May 1979 as a statutory trade association recognised by the Government of Malaysia for all registered insurance business. Currently, PIAM has 23 member companies comprising direct general insurance and reinsurance companies operating in Malaysia.

To learn more about PIAM, visit www.piam.org.my

Facebook: facebook.com/PersatuanInsuransAmMalaysia
Instagram: instagram.com/piam_malaysia/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@piam_malaysia

SOURCE: Life Insurance Association of Malaysia (LIAM)

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:
LIAM:
Puan Norizan Hassan
Head of Corporate Communications
Life Insurance Association of Malaysia
Tel: 603-2691 6168 / 6628 / 8068
Email: liaminfo@liam.org.my
Website: www.liam.org.my
Facebook: LIAM – Life Insurance Association of Malaysia
Instagram: @liamalaysia

MTA:
Puan Siti Nor Kamariah Ishak
Head, Corporate Communications
Tel: 01137475361
Fax: +603-2031 8170
Email: mtasecretariat@malaysiantakaful.com.my

PIAM:
Name: Ms. Susanna G. Simon
Head of Corporate Communications
Persatuan Insurans Am Malaysia (PIAM)
Tel: 03-2274 7399
Fax: 03-2274 5910
Email: susanna.simon@piam.org.my
Website: www.piam.org.my

--BERNAMA

MIDA AND BEYOND4 CONVENE 2026 STRATEGIC ENGAGEMENT TO STRENGTHEN MALAYSIA’S START-UP ECOSYSTEM

Datuk Sikh Shamsul Ibrahim Sikh Abdul Majid, MIDA CEO

Strategic Partnership Aims to Foster Business Growth, Innovation, and High- Value Job Creation while Strengthening Malaysia's Digital Economy

KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 29 (Bernama) -- The Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA), in collaboration with BEYOND4, successfully hosted the Strategic Engagement Session 2026 on Malaysia’s Start-Up Ecosystem today at MIDA, Kuala Lumpur. The session brought together key stakeholders, industry leaders, and relevant Malaysian start-up ecosystem partners to explore strategies for positioning Malaysia as a leading regional hub for high-growth start-ups and innovation.

The half-day programme aimed to foster collaboration, explore investment opportunities, and identify strategic interventions that can accelerate the development of a world-class start-up ecosystem in the country.

The session started with an Opening Address by Datuk Sikh Shamsul Ibrahim bin Sikh Abdul Majid, Chief Executive Officer of MIDA, who highlighted the nation’s commitment to strengthening its innovation landscape and supporting high- potential technology companies. He emphasised that while MIDA has traditionally focused on investment promotion, the agency is now expanding its role as an ecosystem connector, linking start-ups, corporates, investors, research institutions, and Government agencies.

“Start-ups are key drivers of innovation, industrial growth, and economic transformation,” said Datuk Sikh Shamsul Ibrahim. “Through initiatives such as this Strategic Engagement Session, MIDA aims to enhance start-up visibility, facilitate industry linkages, and provide structured support to help these ventures scale and access both domestic and regional markets.”

Mr. S.T. Rubaneswaran, Chief Executive Officer of BEYOND4, who also spoke at the event, highlighted the importance of integrated talent development, innovation frameworks, and partnerships in catalysing start-up growth across Malaysia.

Knowledge Sharing and High-Impact Discussions

The session also featured a Start-Up Sharing Session, where founders shared real- world experiences, highlighted the challenges and opportunities faced by early-stage ventures.

A panel discussion on Strategies to Create a World-Class Start-Up Ecosystem in Malaysia brought together leaders from:

a) Cradle Fund Sdn. Bhd.;
b) Iskandar Investment Berhad (IIB);
c) Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM); and
d) Qarbotech Sdn. Bhd.

The discussions focused on enhancing Malaysia’s attractiveness to global innovators, strengthening ecosystem connectivity, nurturing investable start- ups, and creating sustainable pathways for commercialisation and regional expansion.

Participants also explored cross-agency collaborations to support talent pipelines, technology adoption, and scaling opportunities across key sectors, reflecting MIDA’s commitment to facilitate start-up growth, foster partnerships, and integrate innovative solutions into Malaysia’s broader industrial and investment ecosystem.

In conjunction with the event, Yayasan Pahang launched the Pahang Startup Blueprint 2030, a strategic framework to strengthen the state’s start-up ecosystem, developed with contributions from MIDA and Beyond4. The initiative reflects MIDA’s collaboration with the state government and the shared commitment of key stakeholders to support innovation and sustainable ecosystem development.

The Strategic Engagement Session 2026 underscores MIDA’s role not just as the government’s principal investment promotion agency, but a proactive enabler of innovation and entrepreneurship, ensuring that Malaysia remains a competitive and attractive destination for start-ups, investors, and industry partners alike.

Refer this link for contact details and enquiries: https://tinyurl.com/3u8kvfbb

SOURCE: Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA)

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:
MIDA
Name: Mr. Awangku Fiarulnazri Awang Tajudin
Head of Corporate Strategy and Revenue Management Section
Tel: +603-2267 6682
Email: awangku@mida.gov.my

BEYOND4
Name: Ms. Syarifah Syaidatul Izzati
Tel: +60179339787
Email: izzati@beyond4.tech

--BERNAMA