News Point MsiaSing's
Thursday, April 9, 2026
Allianz Malaysia continues to champion grassroots badminton with AJBC 2026
KUALA LUMPUR, April 9 (Bernama) -- The Allianz Junior Badminton Championship (AJBC) is gearing up for its fifth edition in 2026, marking its return to inspire, develop and celebrate young badminton talents across Malaysia.
Organised by Allianz Malaysia Berhad (Allianz Malaysia), the AJBC has grown to become a highly- anticipated grassroots badminton tournament, fostering the development of future badminton champions.
“We are committed to supporting the dreams of young athletes and contributing to the growth of badminton in Malaysia. The AJBC is more than just a tournament; it is a stepping stone for young players to achieve their aspirations and reach new heights in the sport,” said Allianz Malaysia Chief Executive Officer, Sean Wang.
A highlight of the AJBC in 2025 was the selection of 10 players from the Qualifying Rounds to participate in the prestigious Talent Identification Programme organised by Akademi Badminton Malaysia (ABM), under the purview of the Badminton Association of Malaysia. This programme serves as a gateway for players to potentially enter ABM as well as gain access to other opportunities to advance their badminton careers.
Over 3,000 players took part in the AJBC last year, showcasing the depth of talent and passion for the sport among Malaysian youth. The championship is expected to attract a similar level of enthusiasm in 2026, with 10 Qualifying Rounds set to take place nationwide.
This year, on top of the cash prizes, 12 winners will also be chosen to participate in an exclusive international training camp, where they will have the opportunity to train with world-class coaches and experience a competitive global environment.
The aim of the AJBC is to provide a platform for young badminton talents to pursue their passion, develop their skills and gain exposure to competitive play. By investing in grassroots development, Allianz Malaysia hopes to inspire the next generation of badminton champions and contribute to Malaysia’s legacy in the sport.
The first Qualifying Round will take place in Ipoh, Perak from 24 to 26 April 2026, with further rounds to follow in various locations across the country including Putrajaya, Johor, Terengganu, Pahang, Sabah, Sarawak, Melaka, Kedah and Penang.
The AJBC Grand Finals, featuring U-13 and U-15 finalists from all the Qualifying Rounds, will be held in Kuala Lumpur from 2 to 7 December 2026. Each round will see 24 players qualifying for the finals. The U-11 players will not advance to the Grand Finals.
Like previous years, players participating in the AJBC Qualifying Rounds do not have to pay any entrance fees. The top three winners of the Qualifying Rounds for all age categories will take home RM500, RM300 and RM150 (singles) and RM600, RM400 and RM200 (doubles).
Players finishing in the top three at the Grand Finals will pocket RM1,000, RM600 and RM300 (singles) and RM1,200, RM800 and RM400 (doubles). And as mentioned, 12 winners will also have the chance to join an exclusive international training camp.
The AJBC is supported by the Sports, Co-curricular and Arts Division, Ministry of Education Malaysia and the Badminton Association of Malaysia.
Registration for Qualifying Round 1 in Ipoh opens on 6 April 2026. For more information and for those who are keen to participate in the AJBC, please visit www.allianz.com.my/ajbc.
SOURCE: Allianz Malaysia Berhad
FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:
Name: Shamala Gopalan
Group Head
Corporate Communications Department
Allianz Malaysia Berhad
Tel: 016.285.0685
Email: shamala.gopalan@allianz.com.my
Name: Gary Mark Nagan
Manager
Corporate Communications Department
Allianz Malaysia Berhad
Tel: 012.367.1450
Email: gary.nagan@allianz.com.my
--BERNAMA
Wednesday, April 8, 2026
MEIJI PHARMA ASIA BEGINS OPERATIONS IN SINGAPORE TO STRENGTHEN ASEAN PRESENCE
In a statement, the company said the Singapore-based subsidiary will support the commercialisation, marketing and distribution of pharmaceuticals, including vaccines, across the region.
Meiji Seika Pharma aims to become “a leading company in Asia in the field of infectious diseases” under its “Meiji Group 2026 Vision”, leveraging nearly half a century of experience in manufacturing and marketing pharmaceuticals in Thailand and Indonesia.
Singapore will serve as a regional hub for the company’s business and commercial strategies, aimed at enhancing its influence and accelerating growth across ASEAN markets.
Established on Dec 10, 2025, Meiji Pharma Asia will focus on pharmaceuticals for infectious diseases, haematologic cancers and lifestyle-related diseases, with the aim of ensuring reliable supply and contributing to public health in the region.
-- BERNAMA
MIA AFT 2026 REFRAMES ACCOUNTANTS AS “FINANCIAL ARCHITECTS”, LAUNCHES SECOND MIA DIGITAL TECH AWARD
KUALA LUMPUR, April 8 (Bernama) -- Now in its third edition, the MIA Accounting & Financial Technology Showcase (MIA AFT) 2026, organised by the Malaysian Institute of Accountants (MIA), advocates the adoption of digital technologies by the accountancy profession, supporting the profession’s evolution as financial architects of impact in the digital economy.
“Our goal is to enhance productivity, strengthen resilience, and future-proof the profession in an era of rapid technological change. Guided by the MIA Digital Technology Blueprint, MIA AFT serves as a one-stop platform for professionals and organisations to discover cutting-edge digital solutions that address evolving business and regulatory needs,” said MIA President Puan Saniza Said.
Themed “Financial Architects of Impact: Humanising Digital Intelligence,” MIA AFT 2026 showcases how accountants are evolving from adopting technology to adapting with it for optimised performance and value creation. As organisations increasingly rely on Artificial Intelligence (AI), automation and advanced analytics, accountants play a critical role in translating vast amounts of complex data into actionable insights that drive better decisions and organisational resilience.
To encourage greater adoption and highlight the profession’s role models for transformation, MIA also launched the second edition of the MIA Digital Tech Award at the MIA AFT 2026. First introduced in 2023 as the Digital Technology Adoption Award (DTAA), the award has since been rebranded as the MIA Digital Tech Award to better reflect its broader focus on digital transformation. The award recognises outstanding digital transformation initiatives across public practice, commerce and industry, and the public sector. Applications are open until 9 July 2026, with a new category introduced for Institutions of Higher Learning to support the development of future-ready talent.
Supporting the theme of humanising digital intelligence, MIA AFT delegates explored emerging technologies and solutions encompassing AI, automation, data analytics, blockchain and cloud computing across three content theatres and a curated exhibition featuring live demonstrations. Participants gained practical insights into how these innovations are reshaping finance functions and enabling value creation.
In line with the theme “Financial Architects of Impact: Humanising Digital Intelligence,” MIA AFT 2026 also highlighted responsible innovation premised on the profession’s core pillars of ethics, professional judgement and accountability to deliver trusted and sustainable outcomes. True to MIA’s strategic collaborative leadership approach, MIA AFT gathered close to 2,000 delegates from finance and industry and 30 technology providers at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC).
“MIA AFT continues to play a vital role in supporting accountancy professionals as they navigate the evolving digital economy. Through platforms like this, we aim to ensure our members remain futureready, relevant and resilient,” said MIA Chief Executive Officer Mr G Shanmugam.
“Amid challenging times, our profession must look ahead while safeguarding trust, integrity and professionalism as our tools, technologies and business models continue to evolve. As accountants, we are architects of impact, helping to shape sustainable and resilient futures for our businesses, our communities and our nation,” he added.
About the Malaysian Institute of Accountants (MIA)
Established under the Accountants Act 1967, MIA is the national accountancy body that regulates, develops, supports and enhances the integrity, reputation and interests of the profession in Malaysia, for the public interest. MIA accords the Chartered Accountant Malaysia or “C.A. (M)” designation. Powered by collaborative leadership, MIA connects its membership to a wide range of information resources, strategic platforms, professional development and networking opportunities. Presently, there are more than 41,000 members making an impact in organisations locally, regionally and globally.
Recognised as the voice of the profession, MIA’s international outlook and connections are reflected in its membership of regional and international professional organisations such as the International Federation of Accountants (IFAC) and the ASEAN Federation of Accountants (AFA). For more information on MIA, visit www.mia.org.my
SOURCE: Malaysian Institute of Accountants (MIA)
FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:
MIA STRATEGY COMMUNICATIONS & BRANDING
Email: communications@mia.org.my
Name: THANE MEYYAPPAN
Tel: +60122489534
Name: MOHD FAIZ OTHMAN
Tel: +60126225027
--BERNAMA
APO Report Highlights Role Of Energy Efficiency In Boosting Productivity
KUALA LUMPUR, April 8 (Bernama) -- The Asian Productivity Organization (APO) has released the APO Productivity Outlook 2026, examining the relationship between energy efficiency and productivity performance, as well as its implications for sustainable development across its 21 member economies in the Asia-Pacific region.
In a statement, APO Secretary-General, Dr Indra Pradana Singawinata said energy efficiency must be viewed as a core component of productivity strategy.
“As highlighted in the APO Productivity Outlook 2026, improving how energy is used allows economies to achieve more with less while advancing both economic performance and environmental sustainability. This is essential for building resilient and future-ready productivity systems across the region,” he said.
The report highlights that improving energy efficiency enables economies to produce more output with less energy input, positioning it as a key driver of both economic performance and environmental sustainability.
As energy demand rises and climate challenges intensify, strengthening energy efficiency has become increasingly important to maintain competitiveness and resilience.
Based on cross-economy analysis, the report finds that the impact of energy efficiency on productivity varies across income levels and sectors, highlighting the need for tailored policy approaches that reflect each economy’s structural conditions and stage of development.
In addition, it also highlights institutional practices from the Republic of Korea and Japan, demonstrating how strong energy data systems and indicator frameworks can support reliable measurement and benchmarking, evidence-based policymaking, and regional comparisons.
The report also outlines key policy directions to support productivity-enhancing energy transitions, including promoting technological innovation, strengthening institutional coordination, advancing digitalisation, and expanding green finance and incentive mechanisms.
APO also recommends that member economies integrate energy efficiency into productivity strategies under the Green Productivity framework.
-- BERNAMA
SAUDI FUND FOR DEVELOPMENT INKS US$15 MLN LOAN AGREEMENT WITH PALAU
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| Saudi Fund for Development Signs USD 15 Million Agreement with the Republic of Palau to Drive Local Economic Growth (Photo: AETOSWire) |
KUALA LUMPUR, April 8 (Bernama) -- The Saudi Fund for Development (SFD) has signed a US$15 million development loan agreement with the Republic of Palau, marking its inaugural development partnership in the Pacific island nation. (US$1=RM3.99)
The agreement was signed by SFD Chief Executive Officer, Sultan Abdulrahman Al-Marshad and Republic of Palau President, Surangel S. Whipps Jr during a ceremony in Palau’s capital, Ngerulmud.
The loan will be channelled through the National Development Bank of Palau to support local economic development, including projects led by businesses and entrepreneurs.
“We are proud to launch our first collaboration with the Republic of Palau. By expanding access to vital funding, we aim to uplift local entrepreneurs and help secure a resilient future for the Palauan people.
“This agreement embodies our broader mission to foster prosperity across island nations,” said Sultan Abdulrahman.
Meanwhile, Whipps Jr said the agreement will help strengthen the Palauan economy by enabling local players to drive projects that create jobs and attract investment.
He added that prioritising affordable, climate-resilient housing would help build stronger communities and support long-term economic resilience.
According to SFD in a statement, the financing aligns with Palau’s national priorities and is expected to support high-impact initiatives and sustainable grassroots economic growth.
The agreement reflects SFD’s continued commitment to Small Island Developing States, having supported development projects in 18 island nations across the Caribbean and Pacific regions, contributing to economic resilience, improved access to essential services and sustainable development.
-- BERNAMA
Digital Realty Opens First Asia Pacific Innovation Lab in Japan to Help Accelerate AI and Hybrid Cloud Deployment
TOKYO, April 8 (Bernama-GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Digital Realty (NYSE: DLR), the world’s largest cloud- and carrier-neutral data center platform, today announced the opening of the first Digital Realty Innovation Lab (DRIL) in Asia Pacific, located at the NRT12 data center in Tokyo, Japan.
Established through MC Digital Realty, a joint venture between Digital Realty and Mitsubishi Corporation, the DRIL in Japan is the second globally, following the inaugural facility in Northern Virginia in September 2025, and before the launch of DRIL in Singapore in the second half of 2026.
Strengthening Japan’s AI Ecosystem
Japan is accelerating investments in semiconductor and AI technologies, with plans to invest 10 trillion yen* or more in these sectors by 2030. As AI adoption expands across industries, enterprises require infrastructure capable of supporting high-density, performance-intensive workloads while maintaining operational efficiency and resilience.
The DRIL in Japan will provide Digital Realty’s local partners and customers with a production-grade environment to test and optimize AI and hybrid cloud architectures under real-world conditions. By enabling hands-on evaluation of infrastructure configurations – including both air-cooled and direct liquid-cooled environments – customers can validate performance, power density and cooling strategies before full-scale deployment.
Designed to support advanced AI and high-performance computing use cases, the facility features racks equipped with direct liquid cooling capabilities that enable high-power-density workloads. As of launch, over 20 partner companies are using the DRIL to explore integrated infrastructure to enable faster AI and hybrid cloud implementation.
“We’re seeing strong global demand for infrastructure that can support complex, high-density AI workloads. Japan is uniquely positioned as a growth engine for AI innovation, combining advanced technology infrastructure with access to the broader Asia Pacific market, home to nearly 60 percent of the global population. Expanding DRIL into Japan reflects the market’s digital maturity and gives customers hands-on access to test AI-ready infrastructure, reduce deployment risk, and scale with confidence,” said Chris Sharp, Chief Technology Officer, Digital Realty.
Chris Han, Chief Operating Officer of MC Digital Realty, added, “In Japan, accelerating AI adoption is driving demand for infrastructure capable of supporting increasingly high‑density workloads. This facility enables enterprises to evaluate both air‑cooled and direct liquid‑cooled environments and identify the optimal configuration for their requirements before full‑scale deployment. Leveraging Digital Realty’s world‑class operational expertise and design capabilities, we will continue to deliver solutions tailored to Japan’s evolving digital landscape.”
Connecting Japan’s AI Workloads to the Global Platform
Tokyo’s DRIL will enable businesses in Japan to test performance, optimize configurations, and seamlessly connect to cloud and network providers via ServiceFabric®, Digital Realty’s global interconnection and orchestration platform.
By leveraging Digital Realty’s global operational experience and its Pervasive Datacenter Architecture (PDx®) methodology, customers can evaluate AI deployments, while maintaining flexibility to scale regionally and globally across PlatformDIGITAL®.
Consistent with the global network of DRILs, key features of the Tokyo DRIL include:
- High-density AI and HPC testing – Support for AI and high-performance computing workloads with high-density colocation, accommodating deployments of up to 150kW per cabinet.
- Energy and cooling-aware testing – Enables enterprises to evaluate AI performance, power density, and efficiency trade-offs before full-scale deployment.
- AI infrastructure optimization – Enables businesses to explore AI-specific power, cooling, and GPU resource requirements in an environment optimized for AI workloads.
- Hybrid cloud validation – Direct cloud connectivity allows enterprises to refine hybrid strategies and seamlessly onboard through ServiceFabric®, Digital Realty’s interconnection and orchestration platform.
- AI workload orchestration – Customers can orchestrate AI workloads across Digital Realty’s Private AI Exchange (AIPx) to enable secure, low-latency integration across distributed environments.
- Latency testing across locations – Enterprises can test latency scenarios, ensuring seamless performance across multiple locations as well as cloud destinations.
About Digital Realty
Digital Realty brings companies and data together by delivering the full spectrum of data center, colocation, and interconnection solutions. PlatformDIGITAL®, the company’s global data center platform, provides customers with a secure data meeting place and a proven Pervasive Datacenter Architecture (PDx®) solution methodology for powering innovation, from cloud and digital transformation to emerging technologies like artificial intelligence (AI), and efficiently managing Data Gravity challenges. Digital Realty gives its customers access to the connected data communities that matter to them with a global data center footprint of 300+ facilities in 55+ metros across 30+ countries on six continents. To learn more about Digital Realty, please visit digitalrealty.com or follow us on LinkedIn and X.
About MC Digital Realty
MC Digital Realty, Inc., established in September 2017, is a 50/50 joint venture between Mitsubishi Corporation and Digital Realty. The company provides the full spectrum of data center services in Japan, including colocation and interconnection solutions, by leveraging MC’s real estate and infrastructure investment expertise and customer network, as well as Digital Realty’s leading global data center platform, PlatformDIGITAL®, with 5,000+ customers across 300+ data centers on six continents. For more information about MC Digital Realty, please visit https://www.mc-digitalrealty.com/ or follow us on LinkedIn.
Safe Harbor Statement
This press release contains forward-looking statements which are based on current expectations, forecasts and assumptions that involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual outcomes and results to differ materially, including statements related to the company’s partnerships and expected benefits, expected completion dates, emerging technologies including artificial intelligence, ServiceFabric®, the APAC market, customer demand and the company’s strategy. For a list and description of risks and uncertainties, see the reports and other filings by the company with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. The company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
A photo accompanying this announcement is available at:
https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/806daefd-c19b-4ed9-a50c-dc7d4e9de622

For Additional Information
Media Contacts
Joyce Ng Digital Realty
jong@digitalrealty.com
Investor Relations
Jordan Sadler / Jim Huseby
Digital Realty
+1 (214) 231-1350
InvestorRelations@digitalrealty.com
SOURCE: Digital Realty Trust, L.P.
Tuesday, April 7, 2026
CIMB to double down on ASEAN’s growing affluent wealth segment in line with Forward30 strategy
KUALA LUMPUR, April 7 (Bernama) -- CIMB Group Holdings Berhad (“CIMB” or “the Group”) is committed to expand its presence in ASEAN’s fast-growing affluent and wealth segment, as part of its Forward30 strategy, to strengthen its cash and deposit franchise and deepen cross-sell opportunities across the Group.
ASEAN’s affluent segment is expected to grow by 5%-6% per annum to 65%-70% of its total population by 2030. CIMB sees a significant opportunity to tap into this segment with holistic wealth, advisory and banking solutions while building deeper primary banking relationships.
The Group’s wealth proposition is anchored on an advisory-led, insight-driven approach designed to safeguard and grow client’s wealth through a comprehensive, digitally enabled, and personalised experience. Today, affluent customers expect their banking partners to journey with them through financial lifecycles, including navigating market complexities, adjusting investment strategies as priorities shift, and aligning portfolios to their unique risk profiles and long-term objectives.
To deliver these, CIMB has invested significantly in deeper, insight-driven portfolio reviews, curated wealth events and market intelligence that is supported by a dedicated Chief Investment Office (“CIO”) and personalised Relationship Manager advisory, equipped with a product suite of wealth management across Conventional and Islamic banking. At the same time, CIMB has strengthened its digital capabilities to equip frontliners with better AI enabled tools and proprietary insights, provided customers with access to track their portfolios in real-time, access to CIO content, asset allocation and product recommendations. Beyond advisory and digital enhancements, CIMB is further expanding its value proposition through strategic partnerships that extend its suite of wealth, protection and legacy solutions ensuring customers gain access to a broader, more specialised set of offerings aligned to their ambitions.
The Group’s strong presence in Singapore serves as a key ASEAN wealth hub for affluent customers’ growing demands for cross border and global investment propositions particularly around health, retirement and education. CIMB Singapore also provides a treasury base for multinational and regional firms seeking seamless cross-border financing or looking to scale in the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (“JS-SEZ”).
Haniz Nazlan, Chief Executive Officer, Group Consumer Banking at CIMB said, “Across ASEAN, the affluent population is growing at a robust pace, driven by rising incomes, entrepreneurship and intergenerational wealth creation, and their financial needs are becoming increasingly sophisticated. CIMB aims to deepen relationships with high-value clients through an integrated offering spanning wealth management, deposits, financing and investment advisory. With its strong presence and retail franchise across key ASEAN markets, CIMB comes from a position of strength and is well-positioned to capture the growth in the affluent wealth segment. Our ambition is to grow our Wealth Asset Under Management (“AUM”) two-fold and deliver stronger wealth and cross-sell revenue by 2030, enabling us to sustain a Non-Interest Income (“NOII”) contribution between 33%-34%.”
Clear Link to Forward30
Expansion into affluent wealth forms a key pillar of CIMB’s Forward30 ambition to grow its cash and deposits franchise, which provides a stable funding base while enabling the Group to deliver higher-value cross-selling across investment products, lending and advisory services. As at Dec25, the Group’s cash strategy continues to demonstrate positive results. Total deposits and current account saving account (“CASA”) balances grew by 5.4% YoY to RM524.4 billion and 1.6% YoY to RM224.1 billion respectively on a constant currency basis, bringing the Group’s CASA ratio to 42.7%.
Strengthening CIMB’s Regional Wealth Platform
In January 2026, the Group launched CIMB Private Wealth in Indonesia, and this will be followed by Malaysia in mid-2026 and other markets during the year - further strengthening the Group’s regional wealth management ambition. Islamic wealth markets like Indonesia and Malaysia continue to outpace the conventional segment. Indonesia remains one of ASEAN’s most attractive long-term wealth markets, supported by strong economic fundamentals, a rapidly expanding middle and upper-income segment, and rising demand for professional wealth advisory. By enhancing its wealth capabilities in Indonesia, CIMB aims to capture this structural growth while strengthening customer engagement and expanding fee-based income streams.
Lani Darmawan, President Director and Chief Executive Officer, PT Bank CIMB Niaga Tbk said, “Indonesia remains a structurally attractive market over the medium to long-term, particularly in the affluent segment where wealth creation continues to outpace regional averages. Our strategy is to scale selectively, prioritising profitability, capital discipline and client quality over volume growth. The launch of CIMB Private Wealth is a strategic initiative for CIMB Niaga to support customers in building sustainable wealth.”
“CIMB Private Wealth is designed to meet the needs of high net-worth customers with a total combined balance starting from IDR 5 billion (RM1.2 million), in managing and growing their wealth optimally, not only to achieve growth but also to create meaningful legacies for future generations. This aligns with our purpose of Advancing Customers and Society, which reflects our commitment to helping customers and the Indonesian community realise their dreams and aspirations, including in wealth management.”
Building a Stronger Deposit and Fee Income Engine
The Group expects its expanded wealth proposition to support multiple strategic objectives under Forward30, including deepening primary banking relationships with affluent and high-net-worth clients, strengthening deposit growth thus supporting a resilient funding base, increasing feebased income through investment and advisory products and enhancing cross-sell across financing, investments, legacy and protection solutions. CIMB believes ASEAN’s wealth landscape remains structurally underpenetrated, creating a significant opportunity for regional banks with strong local networks and advisory capabilities. With its presence across key ASEAN markets, CIMB is well-positioned to capture this growth while strengthening its customer franchise and delivering sustainable long-term value.
About CIMB
CIMB is one of ASEAN’s leading banking groups and Malaysia’s second largest financial services provider, by assets. Listed on Bursa Malaysia via CIMB Group Holdings Berhad, it had a market capitalisation of approximately RM89.0 billion as at 31 December 2025. It offers consumer banking, commercial banking, wholesale banking, transaction banking, Islamic banking and asset management products and services. Headquartered in Kuala Lumpur, the Group is present across ASEAN in Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam and the Philippines.
Beyond ASEAN, the Group has market presence in China, Hong Kong and UK. CIMB has one of the most extensive retail branch networks in ASEAN with 576 branches and over 33,000 employees as at 31 December 2025. CIMB’s investment banking arm is one of the largest Asia Pacific-based investment banks, which together with its awardwinning treasury & markets and corporate banking units comprise the Group’s leading wholesale banking franchise. CIMB is also the 91.45% shareholder of Bank CIMB Niaga in Indonesia, and 94.83% shareholder of CIMB Thai in Thailand.
SOURCE: CIMB Group Holdings Berhad
FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT:
Name: Tammy Toh/Kelvin Jude Muthu
Group Corporate Communications
CIMB Group Holdings Berhad
Email: tammy.toh@cimb.com / kelvinjude.muthu@cimb.com
--BERNAMA
