DENODO NAMED GARTNER LEADER IN DATA INTEGRATION TOOLS FOR SEVENTH STRAIGHT YEAR

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 5 (Bernama) -- Data management company, Denodo has been named a Leader in research firm Gartner’s Magic Quadrant for Data Integration Tools for the seventh consecutive year.

The 2026 report, published on Nov 2, analysed 19 vendors. Denodo said it believes the recognition reflects the strength of its support for agentic artificial intelligence (AI) and the loyalty of its customers.

“We are extremely proud that Gartner has once again recognised Denodo as a Leader in the Magic Quadrant for Data Integration Tools, as Gartner has done for the previous six years,” said Denodo Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer Ravi Shankar.

In a statement, he said data integration was increasingly driven by the needs of AI agents, which require data that is integrated, governed and supported by business context.

Gartner said in the report that by 2028, 60 per cent of data integration tasks will be completed autonomously, freeing up 20 per cent of data engineers’ time.

Since last year’s report, Denodo has released two updates to its platform. Denodo Platform 9.4, released in March, enables AI systems and users to access live data within governance boundaries, while version 9.5, released in July, adds features to support AI agents.

The Denodo Platform has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 from 337 user ratings on the Gartner Peer Insights platform, as of November 2026.

-- BERNAMA

SME BANK ROLLS OUT ‘ZERO TO HERO 3.0’ IN COLLABORATION WITH GIATMARA AND ZURICH GENERAL TAKAFUL MALAYSIA UNDER BANK NEGARA MALAYSIA’S iTEKAD EMPLOYMENT INITIATIVE

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 4 (Bernama) -- Small Medium Enterprise Development Bank Malaysia Berhad (“SME Bank” or the “Bank”), a subsidiary of Bank Pembangunan Malaysia Berhad Group (“BPMB Group”), has rolled out Zero to Hero 3.0 in collaboration with GIATMARA Sdn. Bhd. (“GIATMARA”) and Zurich General Takaful Malaysia Berhad (“Zurich General Takaful).

Recognised by Bank Negara Malaysia (“BNM”) under iTEKAD Employment, an initiative introduced in 2026 to strengthen the employability and financial resilience of vulnerable communities, Zero to Hero 3.0 will equip 100 individuals from B40 households with industry-recognised Technical and Vocational Education and Training (“TVET”) skills in welding and metal fabrication. Participants will also receive financial education, industry exposure and employment support.

Expanding Opportunities Through Skills and Employment
Samad Majid Zain, Chief Executive Officer of SME Bank, said, “Zero to Hero 3.0 reflects our continued focus on creating opportunities for underserved communities through industry-relevant TVET programmes. By equipping participants with in-demand technical skills and connecting them with employers, the programme provides a practical pathway towards meaningful and sustainable employment.

“The first cohort supported 30 participants in 2022, followed by 60 participants in 2024. All 90 participants secured employment, achieving a 100% employment rate. Zero to Hero 3.0 will support a further 100 participants, with expected monthly salaries ranging from RM1,800 to RM6,000. The programme also advances the National TVET Policy 2030 and Financial Sector Blueprint 2027–2030, while reinforcing SME Bank’s focus on measurable developmental outcomes in line with Bank Negara Malaysia’s Performance Measurement Framework,” Samad Majid Zain elaborated.

Turning Training into Sustainable Careers
As the implementation partner, GIATMARA will lead participant selection, deliver competency-based TVET training, facilitate industry certification and coordinate job placements. It will also monitor participants’ progress throughout the programme.

Datuk Ts. Ahmad Hamdi bin Ibrahim, Chief Executive Officer of GIATMARA, said, “Zero to Hero 3.0 reflects GIATMARA’s commitment to developing a skilled workforce with competencies that meet industry requirements. Through recognised certification, hands-on industry exposure and direct access to employment opportunities, participants will be better positioned to build sustainable careers and contribute to Malaysia’s growing industrial talent pipeline.”

Zurich General Takaful Malaysia will provide programme funding, one year of takaful protection and practical financial education to help participants manage their finances and enter the workforce with greater confidence.

Shamsul Azman, Chief Executive Officer of Zurich General Takaful Malaysia, said, “Creating lasting financial resilience requires more than technical skills, it demands strong partnerships and a shared commitment to empowering individuals for a more secure and brighter future. Guided by our brand promise to Care for What Matters, we are proud, through our ongoing collaboration with SME Bank and GIATMARA in Zero to Hero 3.0, to complement industry-recognised TVET training with takaful protection and practical financial education. This combination helps participants step into their workforce with greater confidence while laying a solid foundation for long-term financial wellbeing.”

Building on iTEKAD’s National Impact
The wider iTEKAD initiative was introduced by BNM in 2020 and has since benefited more than 14,000 low-income microentrepreneurs nationwide. More than RM94 million in social finance funds and around RM77 million in financing and investments have been channelled through the initiative. Programme graduates have also contributed to the creation of more than 2,400 employment opportunities.

SME Bank has contributed to these outcomes through SME Bank iTEKAD ISHRAF, which has supported nearly 1,000 asnaf entrepreneurs since 2020. Collectively, participants have generated approximately RM40 million in income and created more than 400 employment opportunities.

Building on this foundation, the Zero to Hero 3.0 programme will be carried out under the iTEKAD Employment initiative between 2026 and 2027.

As a Development Financial Institution (“DFI”), SME Bank continues to advance inclusive economic growth by connecting underserved communities with skills, employment and opportunities for upward socioeconomic mobility. Through Zero to Hero 3.0, the Bank and its partners aim to develop industry-ready talent, strengthen household resilience and contribute to Malaysia’s long-term development.

For contact details, please use the below: https://bit.ly/4iDlJv6

Issued by:
BPMB Group
Level 30, Menara Bank Pembangunan,
Plaza Conlay, Jalan Conlay,
50450 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

SOURCE: BPMB Group

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:
Name: Mohd Nasrulhanis Ruslan
Acting Head, Strategic Communication
BPMB Group
Email: communications@bpmb.com.my

--BERNAMA

UNIVAR SOLUTIONS BUYS LAVO BULK ASSETS TO EXPAND IN CANADA

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 4 (Bernama) -- Univar Solutions LLC (Univar Solutions), a speciality ingredients and chemicals distributor, has completed the acquisition of certain assets of KIK Consumer Products’ Lavo Bulk (Lavo Bulk) business in Canada, strengthening its presence in Eastern Canada.

The deal expands the complementary chemical solutions and capabilities Univar Solutions can offer customers in the region. Lavo Bulk’s leadership and dedicated sales team have joined the company.

“The addition of Lavo Bulk is a strong strategic fit with our business and our commitment to growing with key customers and critical suppliers in Canada.

“We look forward to building on their established expertise, relationships and capabilities while continuing to deliver the safe, reliable service our customers expect,” said Univar Solutions Chief Executive Officer of Chemical Distribution and Services, Bob Craycraft in a statement.

Meanwhile, Univar Solutions Senior Regional Vice President of Chemical Distribution and Services for Canada and EMEA, Chris Halberg said the company’s immediate focus was on a smooth transition and maintaining service levels for customers.

He said Univar Solutions saw opportunities to deepen its relationships with customers and suppliers across the region.

-- BERNAMA

CHERY’S LUXEED EYES OVER 60 MARKETS, UNVEILS TWO FLAGSHIPS

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 4 (Bernama) -- Chery Group’s LUXEED announced its plan to enter more than 60 markets within five years, at its global brand launch in Wuhu, where it unveiled the LLounge luxury multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) and the Stormax performance sport utility vehicle (SUV).

In a statement, the company said it would maintain consistent product standards worldwide and deliver a seamless customer experience across its markets.

The LLounge, designed for business and family travel, features 123-degree zero-gravity seats and second-row seats that rotate to 45, 90 and 180 degrees. It also has a 33-speaker audio system and an all-aluminium suspension with air springs and continuous damping control, designed to balance comfort and handling on long journeys.

The Stormax is built on an all-aluminium high-performance chassis and focuses on responsive power and controllable handling. Its intelligent driving assistance system combines multiple sensors with eight layers of safety redundancy for use on city streets, highways and country roads.

Both models feature an artificial intelligence (AI) cockpit that can recognise gestures, gaze and occupant status, and respond to users’ needs through an onboard AI model.

LUXEED said it would continue to develop its vehicles based on real-world user needs.

-- BERNAMA

GUOCOLAND NAMED BEST DEVELOPER, UOL TOPS PROPERTYGURU SINGAPORE AWARDS

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 3 (Bernama) -- GuocoLand was named Best Developer at the 16th PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards (Singapore), while UOL Group Limited was the most awarded company of the night.

It was the fifth time GuocoLand has won the top honour in the awards’ history, with its Springleaf Residence, developed with Hong Leong Holdings, and River Modern projects also winning across design, development and sales categories. More than 40 awards were presented at a gala dinner at The St Regis Singapore.

“Singapore is unique. With limited land and fierce competition, this market demands precision, innovation, and foresight like nowhere else,” said PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards and Events general manager, Jules Kay in a statement.

UOL Group was named Best Residential Developer, Best Sustainable Developer and Best Hospitality Developer, and also won design and development awards for NoMad Hilton Singapore. Its joint ventures behind Skye at Holland and Thomson Reserve also won multiple awards.

Frasers Property Singapore won Best Luxury Developer, and Jean Yip Developments was named Best Landed Developer, while SingHaiyi Group won both Best Lifestyle Developer and Best Condo Developer. Soon Hock Enterprise Holding was named Best Industrial Developer, and The Assembly Place won Best Co Living Operator.

Wee Hur Holdings executive chairman and managing director, Goh Yeow Lian was named Real Estate Personality of the Year, while SingHaiyi Group and Tang Organization Group chief executive officer (CEO), Gallant Tang received the Rising Star award.

The new Best Selling Awards, based on sales data, went to City Developments Limited for Newport Residences, GuocoLand for River Modern and Sim Lian JV (Tampines 7) for Rivelle of Tampines, as well as the developers of Tengah Garden Residences and the Skye at Holland joint venture. Pinery Residences by Hoi Hup Sunway Tampines Residential won Best Selling Mixed Use Development.

The competitively judged categories were decided by an independent panel chaired by FollowTrade CEO, Roy Ling, with HLB supervising the judging. Top Singapore winners in eligible categories may advance to the Grand Final in Bangkok on Dec 11 to compete for the Best in Asia titles.

-- BERNAMA

From Kuala Lumpur to Paris: Malaysian Coach Takes Emotional First Aid Model to Mental Health and Psychiatric Summit in Paris

 

Dr. Shanthi Ramaiah, PhD, ICF-PCC, EMCC Senior Practitioner and mental health advocate, with her new book, The Emotional First Aid Framework™ Using the SHANTHI Model: A Practical, Evidence-Informed Guide to Everyday Emotional Resilience. She will present the framework at the Mental Health and Psychiatric Summit 2026 in Paris on 26–27 November 2026.

Dr. Shanthi Ramaiah will present her seven-step SHANTHI Model as a featured speaker at the Mental Health and Psychiatric Summit 2026 in Paris. Her new book on the framework is available in six languages, including Malay, Tamil and Mandarin.

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 2 (Bernama) -- Malaysian-born coach, author and mental health advocate Dr. Shanthi Ramaiah, PhD, has been announced as a featured speaker at the Mental Health and Psychiatric Summit 2026 in Paris, France, where she will present her Emotional First Aid Framework™, a structured approach to the everyday emotional hurts most people are never taught how to handle. The summit takes place on 26–27 November 2026 under the theme “Making Mental Health a Global Priority.”

Most of us know what to do when someone cuts their hand: clean the wound, stop the bleeding, and get help if it is serious. Far fewer people know what to do in the first moments after rejection, humiliation, a painful conflict at work, a disappointment or a wave of emotional overwhelm. These everyday emotional injuries are common, yet they are often ignored until distress becomes harder to manage.

WHY IT MATTERS FOR MALAYSIA

The need is growing in Malaysia. According to the Ministry of Health’s National Health and Morbidity Survey (NHMS) 2023, about one million Malaysian adults, or 4.6 per cent, are living with depression, double the rate recorded in 2019, with young people aged 16 to 29 the most affected. Mental health problems among children aged five to 15 have also doubled, from 7.9 per cent to 16.5 per cent, affecting about one in six children.

Suicide is also rising. The Department of Statistics Malaysia recorded 1,119 deaths by intentional self-harm in 2024, or 3.3 per 100,000 people, and police figures show cases increasing from 981 in 2022 to 1,114 in 2024, with rising numbers among young working adults, children and older people. More Malaysians are reaching out for help: calls to the Health Ministry’s HEAL 15555 helpline more than doubled, from 42,990 in 2024 to 90,981 in 2025.

Yet support remains stretched. As of November 2024, Malaysia had 623 registered psychiatrists, or about 1.8 for every 100,000 people, according to a 2026 peer-reviewed study, which notes that services remain largely hospital-based and concentrated in cities. The study calls for practical self-help tools that people can use in their own communities.

Depression and other mental health conditions need professional care. Dr. Shanthi believes that, alongside that care, Malaysians also need simple, everyday tools for the emotional hurts that often come before a crisis, at home, in school and at work.

Dr. Shanthi’s SHANTHI Model is designed to fill that gap. Developed from more than two decades of experience across healthcare, healthcare education, psychology and professional coaching, it offers seven practical steps, grouped into three simple stages: Settle, Decide and Recover.

“You wouldn’t ignore a bleeding wound, so why leave emotional injuries untreated? My hope is that emotional first aid becomes as familiar as physical first aid, in our homes, our schools and our workplaces.” – Dr. Shanthi Ramaiah

PRESENTING IN PARIS

At the summit, Dr. Shanthi will present her accepted abstract, “The SHANTHI Model: A Seven-Step Emotional First Aid Framework for Everyday Emotional Injuries: Conceptual Development, Theoretical Rationale, and a Proposed Evaluation Agenda.” Her presentation will introduce the framework’s conceptual development and theoretical foundations, and set out a proposed approach to evaluating it through future research.

The framework emphasises emotional awareness, self-regulation, reflection, constructive action and seeking appropriate support. It works alongside professional mental health care, giving individuals, families and organisations a shared language for responding early and constructively to emotional distress.

THE SHANTHI MODEL: SEVEN STEPS IN THREE STAGES

SETTLE (S – Sense · H – Hold · A – Anchor)
Pause, breathe and notice what you are feeling, before reacting.

DECIDE (N – Navigate · T – Take one step)
Choose one kind, constructive next step.

RECOVER (H – Heal and reflect · I – Invite support)
Reach out for support. Asking for help is a strength, not a weakness.

HOW THE SHANTHI MODEL CAN HELP

Emotional first aid is for everyone: children, teenagers, parents, working adults and older Malaysians. It may be especially valuable for groups facing a growing risk, including young working adults and men, who may find it harder to ask for help. The SHANTHI Model can help by:

• Offering support early, before a crisis. The Settle stage helps people notice what they, and those around them, are feeling, so emotional hurts can be recognised and eased while they are still easier to manage.
• Starting the conversation and reducing stigma. By framing emotional care as everyday first aid, just like caring for a cut or a burn, the model gives people a simple, shared language that makes it normal to talk about feelings.
• Encouraging people to seek help. The Recover stage stresses that reaching out is a strength, guiding people towards helplines, counsellors, psychologists and psychiatrists when they need them.
• Reaching people in their own language. With the book available in Malay, Tamil and Mandarin, families across Malaysia, including in rural areas with fewer services, can learn emotional first aid at home.
• Being easy to teach and share. Its three stages are simple enough for parents, teachers, managers and community leaders to learn and pass on.
• Supporting healthier workplaces. Drawing on her experience as an Employee Assistance Programme coach, the framework can help employers support staff, including young working adults, through stress, conflict and burnout.

The framework works hand in hand with professional care and crisis services. Anyone in crisis is encouraged to contact a helpline or seek emergency care immediately.

IF YOU OR SOMEONE YOU KNOW IS STRUGGLING
Talian HEAL 15555 – Health Ministry mental health helpline, daily 8am to midnight
Befrienders KL: 03-7627 2929 – 24-hour emotional support
Talian Kasih: 15999 – 24-hour support line
Emergency: 999

A BOOK FOR EVERY MALAYSIAN HOME

The framework is also the subject of Dr. Shanthi’s new book, The Emotional First Aid Framework™ Using the SHANTHI Model: A Practical, Evidence-Informed Guide to Everyday Emotional Resilience. Originally written in English, the book has been translated into five languages, Malay, Tamil, Mandarin, Arabic and Spanish, and is now available in six languages. With editions in Malay, Tamil and Mandarin, it is designed so that Malaysian families of every background can learn and use emotional first aid in their own language.

“Emotional well-being is not a luxury; it is an essential part of being human. I wanted this book to be accessible to everyone, whatever language they speak at home.” – Dr. Shanthi Ramaiah

FROM MALAYSIA TO THE MIDDLE EAST

Originally from Malaysia, Dr. Shanthi has built her career across Malaysia and the Middle East, a journey shaped by her commitment to turning personal adversity into purpose.

At King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Centre in Saudi Arabia, she serves as Resuscitation Training Faculty at the Immersive Learning Center and as an Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) coach, supporting staff wellbeing and emotional resilience. She remains closely connected to Malaysia as an adjunct lecturer for MAHSA University’s open and distance learning programme in social and counselling psychology.

Her work is reaching readers across the region. Her earlier book, Bliss Access Within You, published by Austin Macauley Publishers in the UAE, is available at Jarir Bookstore and has been placed in a mental health institution in Abu Dhabi.

KEY FACTS
Event Mental Health and Psychiatric Summit 2026 – “Making Mental Health a Global Priority”
Date 26–27 November 2026
Location Paris, France
Speaker Dr. Shanthi Ramaiah, PhD, ICF-PCC, EMCC Senior Practitioner, Mental Health Advocate
Topic The SHANTHI Model: a seven-step Emotional First Aid Framework
New book The Emotional First Aid Framework™ Using the SHANTHI Model: A Practical, Evidence-Informed Guide to Everyday Emotional Resilience, available in six languages
Earlier book Bliss Access Within You – available at Jarir Bookstore and placed in a mental health institution in Abu Dhabi


ABOUT DR. SHANTHI RAMAIAH

Dr. Shanthi Ramaiah, PhD, ICF-PCC, EMCC Senior Practitioner, is an internationally renowned life and corporate coach, author, mental health advocate and creator of the Emotional First Aid Framework™. She is the founder of Shifts & Rise – Emotional First Aid Hub, and holds the International Coaching Federation’s Professional Certified Coach (ICF-PCC) credential and EMCC Senior Practitioner recognition, alongside academic qualifications in healthcare ethics and law and postgraduate education in psychology. As an academic, she has been appointed a Founding Editorial Board Member of the Journal of Advanced Research for Scholars (JARS) for 2026–2028, and serves as an adjunct lecturer for MAHSA University. For 17 years, she has also volunteered with children who have experienced sexual abuse and with survivors of domestic violence, work that has deeply shaped her understanding of emotional injury and recovery. Her vision is to help make emotional well-being a global priority. Her other books include:

• Bliss Access Within You (Austin Macauley Publishers, UAE, 2024), available at Jarir Bookstore and placed in a mental health institution in Abu Dhabi
• The Quiet Bloom: Refuse to Live Behind Excuses (2025)
• The Epic Book of Fails: How to Mess Up, Get Back Up and Get Stuff Done (2025)
• Mind Meets Machine: How to Stay Human When the World Runs on Code (2025)

RECOGNITION AND MEDIA FEATURES

• Gulf Prime Magazine: featured in “How Dr. Shanthi Ramaiah Turned Adversity Into Inner Leadership” (October 2026)
• Leaders of Middle East: featured in the Women of Influence series
• British Pedia: featured in Successful People, 9th edition, with an accompanying video profile
• The Book Stage: invited for an upcoming interview on The Writers Corner about The Emotional First Aid Framework™

SOURCE: Shifts & Rise Global

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:
MEDIA CONTACT
Name: Sharvin Shanker
Admin Executive
Shifts & Rise – Emotional First Aid Hub
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Tel / WhatsApp: +60 17-306 8038
Email: admin@shiftsandrise.com

For interviews
Name: Dr. Shanthi Ramaiah, PhD
Tel / WhatsApp: +966 50 162 6445
Email: drshanthi@shiftsandrise.com
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/drshanthiramaiah

--BERNAMA

CCI France Malaysia Celebrates 35 Years of Strengthening Malaysia–France Business Ties at its 2026 Gala Night

Over 400 business leaders and distinguished guests gathered in Kuala Lumpur to celebrate the Chamber’s 35th Anniversary, honour business excellence and reaffirm the strength of Malaysia–France economic relations

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 2 (Bernama) -- The Malaysian French Chamber of Commerce & Industry (CCI France Malaysia - CCIFM) celebrated its 35th Anniversary during the Malaysia–France Gala Night 2026, held on 30 October at the Four Seasons Hotel Kuala Lumpur.

The landmark celebration brought together over 400 business leaders, senior executives, government representatives and members of the Malaysian–French business community, reflecting 35 years of the Chamber’s commitment to fostering bilateral trade, investment and business cooperation.

The evening was hosted by Datuk Zainal Amanshah, Honorary Chairman of CCIFM, and Mr Richard Fostier, President of CCIFM, alongside H.E. Marc Abensour, Ambassador of France to Malaysia. The celebration was further honoured by the presence of YB Tuan Sim Tze Tzin, Deputy Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI), representing YB Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani, Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry.

35 Years of Connecting French and Malaysian Businesses

Established in 1991, CCI France Malaysia has evolved into a key business platform connecting French and Malaysian companies, supporting market entry, facilitating investment and strengthening economic cooperation between the two countries.

Today, more than 600 French companies operate in Malaysia, supporting over 30,000 jobs and contributing to the country's industrial, technological and economic development.

From aerospace, energy and advanced manufacturing to digital technologies, healthcare and professional services, French companies continue to play an important role in Malaysia's economic transformation.

As Malaysia strengthens its position as a regional business and investment hub, CCIFM remains committed to helping French companies establish and expand their operations in the country while leveraging Malaysia as a strategic gateway to Southeast Asia.

The Gala Night provided an opportunity to celebrate these achievements, recognise the contributions of French businesses to Malaysia's development and reaffirm the Chamber's role in supporting the next chapter of bilateral economic cooperation.

Celebrating Business Excellence: CCIFM Excellence Awards 2026

A major highlight of the evening was the CCIFM Excellence Awards 2026, recognising outstanding achievements, innovation, entrepreneurship and contributions to Malaysia–France business relations.

Five awards were presented to companies and entrepreneurs demonstrating excellence in their respective fields:

· Outstanding Achievements – Large Company: Technip Energies
· Outstanding Achievements – SME: Iraya Energies
· Corporate Social Responsibility: TotalEnergies
· France–Malaysia Smart Partnership: Schneider Electric & Air Selangor
· Image of France: Chanel

These awards celebrated the diversity and dynamism of the French business community in Malaysia, from multinational corporations and innovative SMEs to entrepreneurs and strategic partnerships contributing to the development of both economies.

An Exceptional Evening Celebrating the Malaysia–France Business Community

The anniversary celebration featured a memorable programme of entertainment and networking, hosted by Malaysian comedian and entertainer Gajen Nad. Guests enjoyed a special musical performance by legendary Malaysian singer Dato’ Sheila Majid, alongside energetic entertainment by Zeppo Youngsterz.

The evening was complemented by an exciting lucky draw featuring prizes generously sponsored by Air France–KLM, Club Med and Ayvens. Highlights included an Economy Class return ticket and a Business Class return ticket to Paris, courtesy of Air France–KLM.

The Gala Night was made possible through the support of the Chamber's corporate partners:

Platinum Partner: BNP Paribas

Gold and other Corporate Partners: Airbus, Arkema, Ayvens, Chanel, JLL, L’Oréal, Michelin, Rotortrade, Safran, Schneider Electric, STMicroelectronics, Technip Energies, TotalEnergies, Air Liquide, Cegos, CMA CGM, Iraya Energies and Stellantis.

Their support reflects the strong engagement of the French business community and its commitment to strengthening economic ties between France and Malaysia.

A Lasting Commitment to Sustainability: 600 Trees Planted in Sabah

Beyond business development, CCIFM continues to advance its environmental and corporate social responsibility initiatives. Launched in 2024, the Chamber's reforestation programme in Sabah's Lower Kinabatangan Wildlife Sanctuary has reached 600 trees planted in 2026, progressing towards its target of 1,000 trees by 2029.

Supported by the Malaysian–French business community, the initiative contributes to habitat restoration and biodiversity conservation, with the planted trees estimated to offset approximately 15 tonnes of CO₂ emissions annually.

This long-term commitment reflects the Chamber's ambition to generate positive environmental and social impact alongside its mission of supporting sustainable business growth.

Looking Ahead: Strengthening Malaysia–France Economic Cooperation

The continued growth of Malaysia–France business relations is supported by close collaboration between public institutions, investment promotion agencies and the private sector.

CCIFM works alongside the Embassy of France in Malaysia and its Economic Department, Business France, the French Foreign Trade Advisors (CCE), La French Tech, MIDA, MATRADE, state investment promotion agencies, TalentCorp and MDEC, among other stakeholders.

As the Chamber enters its 36th year, it remains focused on expanding business opportunities, facilitating market access and supporting French and Malaysian companies in developing long-term partnerships.

With more than three decades of experience and a network of over 320 member companies, CCIFM will continue to serve as a catalyst for bilateral trade and investment, reinforcing Malaysia's position as a strategic regional hub for French businesses in Southeast Asia.

View the Gala Night 2026 Photo Album

ABOUT CCI FRANCE MALAYSIA

Established in 1991, the Malaysian French Chamber of Commerce & Industry (CCI France Malaysia – CCIFM) is an independent, non-profit and self-funded organisation dedicated to strengthening bilateral trade and investment between France and Malaysia.

With over 320 member companies and a French business community of more than 660 companies in Malaysia, CCIFM is part of the global CCI France International network spanning 95 countries.

The Chamber provides comprehensive business support services, including market research, partner identification, company incorporation, immigration, accounting, payroll, recruitment and HRDC-certified training. Headquartered in Kuala Lumpur, CCIFM also operates fully equipped business centres supporting companies establishing or expanding their presence in Malaysia and Southeast Asia.

SOURCE: CCI France Malaysia – CCIFM

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:
Name: Alban Simonte
Head of Bilateral Trade & Business Support (France Desk)
CCI France Malaysia
Tel: +603 2714 6151
Email: alban@mfcci.com
Website: www.mfcci.com

--BERNAMA