SINTX Technologies Signs Supply Agreement with EVONIK to Manufacture Silicon Nitride–PEEK Compound for AI-Assisted, 3D-Printed Patient-Specific Implants

Milestone enables immediate production of SiN/PEEK custom devices


SALT LAKE CITY, Utah, Dec 2 (Bernama-GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- SINTX Technologies, Inc. (NASDAQ: SINT) (“SINTX” or the “Company”), an advanced ceramics and biomaterials company, today announced that it has signed a supply agreement with Evonik Corporation (“EVONIK”), a global leader in high‑performance polymers, to manufacture the Company’s proprietary silicon nitride–PEEK compound (SiN/PEEK) (U.S. Patent No. 10,806,831) engineered for AI‑assisted additive manufacturing of patient‑specific implants that will be produced using equipment already in place at SINTX’s U.S.-based production facility.

Under the agreement, EVONIK will produce SiN/PEEK compound leveraging its commercial-scale capability to SINTX’s specifications, enabling the Company to immediately begin manufacturing AI‑designed, 3D‑printed, patient‑specific implants. SINTX has already received physician requests to provide humanitarian‑use vertebral body replacement (VBR) implants for orthopedic and neurosurgical oncology patients following tumor resections in the spine. In addition, the Company intends to use the SiN/PEEK compound to support regulatory clearances of patient matched and traditional subtractive manufactured implantable devices.

Eric K. Olson, Chairman, President & CEO of SINTX, said, “This agreement with EVONIK is another pivotal moment for SINTX and for the field of patient‑specific implants. By combining EVONIK’s industrial‑scale PEEK polymer manufacturing expertise with SINTX’s silicon nitride biomaterial manufacturing capabilities, we can deliver next‑generation implants that address critical needs in trauma, spine, oncology, and beyond. We believe SiN/PEEK offers compelling advantages over standard PEEK, including antipathogenic surface characteristics, osteogenic potential, and improved visualization—features that matter in complex, high‑risk procedures.”

Marc Knebel, head of EVONIK’s Medical Devices & Systems market segment, said, “We are excited to support SINTX in bringing a high‑performance SiN/PEEK composite filament to market for additive and subtractive manufacturing of regulated medical devices. This is another example of enabling innovation that EVONIK has delivered to improve medical outcomes. Our collaboration is designed to provide consistent quality, supply reliability, and scalability—foundational elements for our continued broader collaboration and data generation to support future medical device market work.”

Why SiN/PEEK for Patient-Specific Implants

SINTX’s silicon nitride has been studied for its antipathogenic behavior and osteogenic properties, while PEEK composites are valued for radiolucency and mechanical tunability. The SiN/PEEK combination aims to deliver:

• Antipathogenic surface behavior to help reduce microbial adherence on implant surfaces.
• Osteogenic support to promote bone on-growth and integration.
• Improved visualization vs. standard PEEK for intra-operative and post-operative imaging.
• Design freedom via AI-assisted, additive manufacturing for patient-specific geometries.
• Scalable, consistent filament to support high-mix, low-volume production typical of patient-specific workflows.
   

With today’s supply agreement, the parties envision making SiN/PEEK compound available to other qualified manufacturers for complex implant indications where silicon nitride’s attributes may add clinical and economic value.

SINTX’s near‑term humanitarian efforts are focused on trauma and oncology indications for post‑tumor resection cases, where surgeons face challenging anatomy and infection risk, and where patient‑specific designs may facilitate better fit, fixation and overall clinical outcomes, stated Dr. Ryan Bock, SINTX Chief Technology Officer. “We’re responding to real‑world surgeon requests in oncology‑related care. Our immediate focus is on humanitarian‑use cases while we build the quality systems, regulatory files, and production capacity to expand into additional indications through appropriate FDA pathways.”

For more information on SINTX Technologies or its materials platform, visit www.sintx.com.

About EVONIK

EVONIK Business High Performance Polymers, including its affiliate Evonik Operations GmbH, is one of the world leaders in specialty chemicals companies and active in over 100 countries. EVONIK has more than 30 major production sites in the U.S. and Canada, as well as numerous offices, labs, warehouses and distribution centers, employing about 5,000 people in North America. In 2024, the North America region generated 24% of global sales, amounting to €3.7 billion. EVONIK goes far beyond chemistry to create innovative, profitable, and sustainable solutions for customers.

About SINTX

Headquartered in Salt Lake City, Utah, SINTX Technologies, Inc. (NASDAQ: SINT) is an advanced ceramics company that develops, manufactures, and commercializes silicon nitride biomaterials, composites, devices, and related technologies for medical and other high-value applications. With thousands of medical devices implanted since 2008 and nearly two decades of peer-reviewed research, SINTX has established itself as a leader in high-performance biomaterials that enhance clinical outcomes and patient safety. Supported by a strong patent portfolio, U.S.-based manufacturing, and strategic industry partnerships, the company continues to expand its technology platform through innovation and market diversification, including the recently FDA-cleared SINAPTIC® Foot & Ankle Implant System for reconstructive surgery.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including, without limitation, statements regarding: the Company’s ability to manufacture SiN/PEEK composite materials and patient-specific implants; the timing, scope, and expected benefits of the Company’s supply agreement with Evonik; anticipated product performance attributes of the SiN/PEEK compound and related additive-manufacturing workflows; the Company’s plans to pursue regulatory clearances for patient-specific and traditionally manufactured implantable devices; expectations regarding humanitarian-use vertebral body replacement implants; the potential availability of SiN/PEEK materials to additional manufacturers; the projected clinical, operational, or economic advantages of SiN/PEEK compared with standard PEEK; and the Company’s expectations concerning quality-system development, production scale-up, broader market opportunities, and future indications. Forward-looking statements are based on current assumptions and are often identified by words such as “may,” “will,” “could,” “should,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “plan,” “believe,” “estimate,” “project,” “target,” “aim,” and similar expressions. These statements involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected, including risks related to manufacturing readiness, quality-system development, supply-chain reliability, EVONIK’s third-party performance, regulatory requirements and the timing or outcome of FDA submissions, clinical adoption of patient-specific implants, surgeon training and utilization, competitive technologies, intellectual-property protection, market acceptance, pricing and reimbursement dynamics, and macroeconomic or industry-specific conditions. Statements regarding potential antipathogenic or osteogenic attributes of silicon nitride refer to general material-level research and do not imply regulatory clearance or clinical benefit for any specific device or indication. Additional risks and uncertainties are described in SINTX’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including its most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, available at www.sec.gov. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this release, and SINTX undertakes no obligation to update them, except as required by law.

SINTX Contacts:

Jack Perkins or Maria Hocut
KCSA Strategic Communications
Sintx@kcsa.com

SINTX Technologies, Inc.
801.839.3502
IR@sintx.com 


SOURCE: SiNtx Technologies, Inc.

ATPI Singapore conferred prestigious Global Travel Management Company of the Year award

Ali Hussain, Regional Managing Director, ATPI - Asia Pacific (far right) and Kelly Jones, Managing Director, ATPI - Southeast Asia & China (far left), receiving the award for Global Travel Management Company of the Year at the TDM Travel Trade Excellence Awards in Singapore

Company recognised for commitment to excellence and innovative, industry-leading solutions and services

SINGAPORE, Dec 1 (Bernama) -- ATPI Singapore has been recognised as the Global Travel Management Company of the Year at the prestigious TDM Travel Trade Excellence Awards Asia 2025. The acknowledgment underlines the company’s commitment to travel management excellence and its industry-leading solutions and service levels that address industry-specific challenges and requirements.

ATPI Singapore took home top honours in a category that awards the travel management company offering seamless, scalable travel solutions for multinational corporations and global enterprises. The award winner provides integrated travel services across multiple regions and manages intricate travel needs while ensuring cost efficiency, security and an outstanding experience for business travellers worldwide.

The inaugural TDM Travel Trade Excellence Awards Asia 2025 programme acknowledges the pinnacle of excellence in the travel industry and spotlights key players that consistently redefine industry standards and elevate customer experiences. It honours industry leaders who push boundaries through groundbreaking technologies, sustainable practices and unparalleled service.

The win reinforces ATPI’s standing as a long-time global leader in corporate and specialist travel management. The company was acquired by Direct Travel in September 2025, creating a powerhouse that combines worldwide strength with personal service and bringing unmatched expertise and a client-first culture across 100 countries that drive over USD 6 billion in annual travel volume.

“This award reflects our continuous commitment to delivering leading-class travel management services with a deep emphasis on innovation, personalised services and an unerring adaptability to evolving industry trends,” said Ali Hussain, Regional Managing Director, ATPI Asia. “We focus on excellence at every touchpoint via award-winning account management that builds lasting partnerships, industry-leading solutions and service levels and unmatched content provisions that empower smarter decision-making.”

Accomplishments that redefine business travel
ATPI specialises in delivering innovative, highly bespoke solutions across various industries, including corporate, marine, energy, sports, group travel and event management. Its service philosophy of “big enough to matter, small enough to care” sets new benchmarks in consistency and service.

The company’s Net Promoter Score of 53.67, exceptional SLA response times within 90 minutes for email requests and a 14-second average phone pick-up outperform the industry standard. These components are supported by a high staff retention of 98%, which preserves long-standing expertise.

Innovation at ATPI is not an add-on but a strategic backbone, designed to reimagine how global enterprises manage travel at scale. These purpose-built solutions, utilising technology that is integrated, intuitive and aligned to how organisations operate, address the most persistent pain points in business travel - complexity, risk management, sustainability and user adoption.

These include Avenir: Travel Edition, the industry’s first truly open, all-in-one SaaS booking platform transforming global travel management from the ground up. The platform’s impact has been recognised across the industry, landing it on Business Travel Magazine’s 2025 Tech Hotlist, standing out among 15 recipients as a travel tech innovation genuinely shaking up the sector.

Other specialised proprietary platform ecosystems include ATPI TravelHub, a single global gateway to unify all aspects of travel management; CrewHub and CrewLink for seamless, end-to-end crew travel management; and ATPI Traveller Tracking System, which anticipates disruptions before they escalate by overlaying location data with geopolitical, weather and transport intelligence.

The industry’s most accurate travel carbon calculator, ATPI Halo, meanwhile, keeps sustainability front and centre by using actual flight data rather than carbon impact estimates at the point of booking to allow for more responsible choices before tickets are purchased.

ATPI’s philosophy towards innovation is proactive rather than reactive, where challenges are anticipated, disruptions prevented and strategic priorities embedded into everyday travel. This combination of technology, responsibility and traveller wellbeing is where the company sets industry milestones.

During regional unrest in Asia, for instance, their Traveller Tracking System proactively identified at-risk travellers, rerouted them and informed client teams before the crisis escalated, turning what could have been a major disruption into a minor itinerary adjustment.

The Global Travel Management Company of the Year award is a testament to ATPI Singapore’s ability to manage global programmes while emphasising the individuals behind every booking. This deep-seated commitment to operational excellence, customer experience and traveller wellbeing enables the company to provide global services with seamless consistency across borders and deliver the responsiveness and local knowledge that complex operations demand.

For image, please click here

About ATPI
ATPI is a global leader in travel and event management, renowned for delivering innovative and highly tailored solutions across various industries including corporate, marine, mining, energy, sports, and group travel as well as event management services. Founded in 2002 and headquartered in Manchester, UK, ATPI employs approximately 2,500 people and has an operations network that spans across 100+ locations on six continents. Their robust global footprint, combined with deep local expertise, allows them to meet the unique and complex needs of a diverse clientele.
In September 2025, ATPI was acquired by longstanding partner Direct Travel to create a global Travel Management powerhouse.

About Direct Travel, Inc.
Direct Travel is one of the world’s largest travel management companies, focused on delivering exceptional, groundbreaking solutions to every client and traveller. With a long history of proven market expertise, we blend advanced technology, superior service, and expert insights to drive tangible value and meaningful savings—offering solutions across Corporate Travel, Leisure Travel, and Meetings & Events.

Through Avenir, our next-generation platform developed with leading technology partners, we provide the industry’s broadest inventory and a modern, real-time shopping experience that empowers travellers and simplifies programme management. What truly sets us apart is the human care behind the technology: an experienced, passionate team dedicated to anticipating needs and delivering exceptional service at every step.
For more information, visit www.dt.com.

SOURCE: ATPI

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:
PR Agency: Ab & Artho
Name: Cindy Yoong
Email: cindy.yoong@abartho.com
Tel: +6016 207 9961

Name: Selena Oh
Email: selena@abartho.com
Tel: +65 9622 4890

--BERNAMA

TAKAFUL INDUSTRY ACTIVATES NATIONWIDE FLOOD SUPPORT

Coordinated Industry Response Activated to Support Flood-Affected Participants

KUALA LUMPUR, 28 Nov (Bernama) -- The Malaysian Takaful Association (MTA) expresses its deep concern and heartfelt empathy for families across several states who are facing hardship due to the worsening monsoon floods. The industry stands in solidarity with all individuals affected by disruptions, property damage, and the emotional stress brought by rising floodwaters.

Recognising the potential for conditions to worsen in the coming days, the Takaful industry has elevated its nationwide state of readiness to ensure participants receive timely assistance, clear guidance, and uninterrupted access to support channels when they need it most.

As part of this strengthened response, Takaful operators have activated a coordinated assistance framework that includes:

• Expedited claims guidance for flood-related losses;
• Dedicated 24/7 contact channels across all participating operators;
• Flexibility in selected documentation requirements to ease claims submission;
• Continuous public updates on safety reminders and protection benefits.
• Dedicated adjusters across the various regions to attend to flood claims

MTA has also activated the Takaful4All Cares Team as part of its industry-wide readiness initiatives. The team stands ready to be deployed in areas where conditions allow and where their support can add meaningful value to local recovery efforts.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with every family impacted by the floods. During these difficult moments, we want participants to know that the Takaful industry is ready to help, ready to guide, and ready to support recovery efforts,” said Mohd Radzuan Mohamed, Chief Executive Officer of the Malaysian Takaful Association.

In view of the increasingly unpredictable and severe monsoon patterns driven by changing climate conditions, MTA urges the public to stay alert and take proactive steps to safeguard their safety, property, and important documents. The recent shifts in weather patterns have resulted in heavier rainfall, higher flood risks, and more widespread impact, reinforcing the need for stronger community preparedness.

Given the heightened storm intensity in recent years, MTA reminds the public to observe the following essential safety measures:

• Prioritise personal safety; avoid walking or driving through floodwaters.
• Monitor official weather forecasts and heed district-level warnings.
• Protect important documents by keeping them in waterproof, accessible storage.
• Do not start flood damaged vehicles and document all damage before cleaning.
• Prepare a family emergency plan, including key contacts and safe evacuation routes.
• Review Takaful coverage to ensure awareness of protection benefits, especially for weather-related risks. Thus, call the respective Takaful operators for clarification.

These measures are vital to help families reduce risks and recover more effectively during and after the monsoon period.

Actions to Be Taken by Affected Participants
Affected individuals should prioritise safety and return home only when authorities confirm it is safe. They are encouraged to:
• Record and photograph all damage to homes, belongings, and vehicles.
• Keep essential documents ready for reference.
• Contact their respective Takaful operator promptly for claims assistance.

Key assistance contacts include:
• Takaful Ikhlas General Berhad – e-Claim Portal:
https://go.takafulikhlas.com.my/eclaim/general/
• Etiqa General Takaful Berhad – 03-2296 8600
• Zurich General Takaful Malaysia Berhad Roadside Assistance (24 hours) – 1-300-88- 5566
• Zurich General Takaful Malaysia Berhad Support – 1-300-888-622
• Takaful Malaysia Am Berhad (STMAB) – csu@takaful-malaysia.com.my
• Tele Bantuan (24 hours) – 1-800-888-788

Participants may also refer to the Flood Claims FAQ for process on next steps. For more update, visit social media page MTA:
Facebook :https://www.facebook.com/MalaysianTakafulAssociation
IG : https://www.instagram.com/malaysiantakafulassociation?igsh=NHF6eXIzZGd5aXds

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

SOURCE: Malaysian Takaful Association (MTA)

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:
Name: Puan Siti Nor Kamariah Ishak
Head, Corporate Communications
Tel: 01137475361
Email: mtasecretariat@malaysiantakaful.com.my

--BERNAMA

CIMB records PBT of RM8.12 billion with 11.3% ROE for 9M25

Declares special dividends of up to RM760.2 million as part of an up to RM2 billion capital return to shareholders over the next 2 years

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 28 (Bernama) -- CIMB Group Holdings Berhad (“CIMB” or “the Group”) delivered a resilient financial performance for the nine months ended 30 September 2025 (“9M25”) with profit before tax (“PBT”) of RM8.12 billion and an annualised return on average equity (“ROE”) of 11.3%, driven by disciplined execution of its Forward30 strategy, notwithstanding macroeconomic headwinds and persistent rate cuts. Earnings per share (“EPS”) was 55.3 sen.

Robust Third Quarter
Underpinned by a strong 3Q25 with solid growth across key metrics, PBT grew by 7.3% to RM2.84 billion, while net profit rose 10% to RM2.08 billion, lifting the Group’s nine- month net profit to RM5.94 billion.

Operating income grew by 6.2% QoQ, underpinned by strong non-interest income (“NOII”) of RM2.13 billion, up 20.3% QoQ. Net interest income (“NII”) remained stable at RM3.82 billion despite a series of rate cuts in Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore and Thailand. Group net interest margin (“NIM”) was resilient at 2.08% driven by strategic repricing and proactive capital management from previous quarters which mitigated the impact of persistent rate cuts.

Capital Strength
Capital remained healthy with Common Equity Tier 1 (“CET1”) ratio improving about 10bps QoQ to 14.8% as at end Sep-25, well within the Group’s FY25 target. Given CIMB’s strengthened capital position, the Group has announced an intention of returning up to RM2 billion of capital to shareholders by end-2027, which will be executed via special dividends and/or share buybacks subject to market conditions and regulatory approvals. As part of the capital return, the Group is announcing special dividends of up to RM760.2 million, or 7.0 sen per share which will be disbursed to shareholders on 24 December 2025. This will be on top of the regular dividends paid by the Group.

Strong CASA and Asset Growth
On a constant currency basis, total deposits and current account saving account (“CASA”) balances grew by 9.1% to RM518.1 billion and 15.3% YoY respectively increasing the Group’s CASA ratio to 44.1% as at Sep-25. This is attributable to the Group’s Forward30 cash strategy which successfully cushioned NIM compression this year as a result of the persistent rate cuts. Gross loans expanded 3.3% YoY to RM448.2 billion and assets grew 5.1% YoY to RM778.5 billion.

Operational Discipline
For 9M25, operating expenses grew at a disciplined 1.6% YoY which led to a cost-to- income ratio (“CIR”) of 46.5% but not at the expense of investments in technology and operational resilience. Pre-provisioning operating profit (“PPOP”) remained stable YoY at RM9.13 billion.

Stable Asset Quality
Asset quality remained stable, supported by continued corporate recoveries in 3Q25 as total provisions declined to RM330 million, reflecting stable credit performance across key portfolios. Loan loss charge (“LLC”) normalised to 33bps, within the Group’s full-year guidance. Gross impaired loans (“GIL”) ratio improved to 1.9% and allowance coverage improved to 102.8% as at Sep-25.

Advancing Forward30 Strategic Plan
The resilient financial performance reflects the Group’s continued commitment to execute its Forward30 strategy, focused on the 4Cs of Capital, Cash, Cross-sell and Capabilities. In 3Q25, the Group accelerated several bold digital-first initiatives, including CIMB OCTO Biz to empower SMEs to accelerate business expansion, and the management of the BUDI95 system through TNG Digital Sdn Bhd, reinforcing the Group’s role as a responsible financial intermediary that expands economic participation and impact.

CIMB also entered the Panda Bond market with a landmark RMB3 billion 3-year issuance, making it the largest single tranche issuance by a Malaysian institution and the second largest from an ASEAN issuer. This milestone further strengthens the Group’s role as a bridge between China and ASEAN, adding momentum to its effort in accelerating financial integration and promote cross-border investment and trade.

Improved MSCI ESG Rating
On the sustainability front, the Group’s MSCI ESG Rating was upgraded from AA to AAA, contributed by stronger disclosure in consumer protection and workforce management practices. The Group has also improved its S&P Corporate Sustainability Assessment 2025 score from 78 to 82. CIMB is ranked number 1 out of 400 financial institutions globally in the World Benchmarking Alliance 2025 Financial System Benchmark and number 2 globally in Inclusive Finance.

Outlook
Novan Amirudin, Group Chief Executive Officer of CIMB Group said, “This capital return forms part of our Forward30 strategy to always be disciplined with capital and reflects the Group’s confidence in the long-term performance trajectory. With this, we are able to return capital to shareholders in a measured and responsible manner; while ensuring we remain well-positioned for future growth.”

“We continue to serve all customer segments from the individuals to MSMEs, to large corporates and governments across ASEAN. Our resilient performance this quarter underscores the strength of our diversified franchise, the trust of our customers, and the impact of our digital and operational enhancements driven under our Forward30 strategy. The momentum will carry through to anchor our ability to navigate a challenging macroeconomic landscape.”

“As we head into the final quarter of 2025, we remain optimistic in closing the year on a strong footing and meeting all our targets. Our diversified portfolio and disciplined execution will continue to ensure we remain resilient despite the macroeconomic headwinds and challenges. While it may take some time for the dust to settle with the new world order, we expect NIMs to stabilise and we will continue investing for long-term growth,” Novan concluded.

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 RM79.0 billion as at 30 September 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 571 branches and over 33,000 employees as at 30 September 2025. CIMB’s investment banking arm is one of the largest Asia Pacific-based investment banks, which together with its award- winning treasury & markets and corporate banking units comprise the Group’s leading wholesale banking franchise. CIMB is also the 92.5% shareholder of Bank CIMB Niaga in Indonesia, and 94.8% shareholder of CIMB Thai in Thailand.

SOURCE : ​CIMB Group Holdings Berhad

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:
Name: Anis Azharuddin / Kelvin Jude MuthuGroup Corporate Communications
CIMB Group Holdings Berhad
Email: anis.azharuddin@cimb.com / kelvinjude.muthu@cimb.com

--BERNAMA

HKTDC LAUNCHES ASIAIPEX CREATIVE HUB FOR GLOBAL IP

​Visit AsiaIPEX Creative Hub to explore and connect with creative IPs from characters and design, filming and television, and publishing industries.

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 28 (Bernama) -- The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) has developed the Asia IP Exchange (AsiaIPEX), a free online platform and database showcasing intellectual properties (IPs) around the world.

The platform, designed to facilitate international IP trade and connections for global IP players, consists of Creative Hub and Tech Hub sections, highlighting creative IPs from the publishing, film, as well as character and design licensing industries.

Sponsored by the Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency (CCIDA), the Creative Hub allows IP providers to connect with potential users and service providers while offering information on IP regulations, market news, knowledge resources, and success stories to support business development.

To showcase how Hong Kong brands leverage creative IP for business transformation, a Display Area will be set up at the 15th Business of IP Asia Forum (BIP Asia) from Dec 4 to 5 at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, according to HKTDC in a statement.

The forum will feature over 100 speakers exploring IP’s role in corporate development and financing under the theme "Leverage IP to Finance Business Growth".

In the breakout session "IP-driven Transformation of Hong Kong Brands", speakers will examine how local brands use IP to transform business models, strengthen brand identity, improve market penetration, and diversify into new business streams.

The "IP Economy" session will feature Libertas Brands Chief Executive Officer and Co-founder, Mark Kingston, and Ocean Park Executive Director of Strategic Development and Commercial Operations, Perry Chung, sharing strategies on using online-to-offline IP closed loops to boost revenue and expand customer reach.

On the forum’s second day, the session "Cross-border Transactions in Digital Culture and Protection of Intellectual Property" will feature Zhejiang Cultural Industry Investment Group discussing how mainland Chinese policies and regulations support the protection and operation of digital cultural IP.

-- BERNAMA

FALCON EXECUTIVE AVIATION UNVEILS DUBAI’S FIRST INTEGRATED PRIVATE JET, HELICOPTER AND EVTOL TERMINAL

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 24 (Bernama) -- Falcon Executive Aviation, part of Alex Group Investment, announced at the Dubai Airshow the development of a fully private, multi-modal Fixed-Base Operator (FBO) terminal designed to become Dubai’s primary hub for helicopter services and future electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing (eVTOL) operations.

The project positions Falcon as the United Arab Emirates’ (UAE) first operator to fully integrate private jet, helicopter, and eVTOL services within a single private aviation gateway, ushering in a new era of urban air mobility for Dubai.

“This terminal marks a decisive shift in Dubai’s aviation future. Private jet operations, helicopter services, and next-generation eVTOL mobility will operate under one fully private gateway.

“We are building the largest helipad facility in the UAE as a foundation for the region’s future air mobility network,” said Alex Group Investment Founder & Chairman, Sultan Rashit Abdulla Rashit Al Shene in a statement.

Constructed on a 6,380-square-metre plot, the terminal is engineered as an ultra-private facility with direct helipad and vertiport access, enabling immediate helicopter and eVTOL arrivals, departures, and inter-emirate transfers.

Designed for speed and convenience, travellers can land by private jet, clear customs privately, and continue their journey via helicopter or transition directly to future eVTOL services for fast point-to-point travel across Dubai.

The development will also include luxury amenities such as high-end retail, private banking, commercial spaces, and VIP lounges, supporting a premium vertical-mobility ecosystem.

The terminal is designed to serve as a central hub for Dubai’s urban air mobility, offering seamless connections across the city and beyond, while supporting the growth of next-generation aviation technologies.

Falcon Executive Aviation’s development reflects Dubai’s ambitions to lead in innovative, integrated private and urban air travel solutions.

-- BERNAMA

DigitalBridge Closes US$11.7 Bln Digital Infrastructure Fund

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 20 (Bernama) -- DigitalBridge Group Inc (DigitalBridge) announced the successful close of DigitalBridge Partners III (DBP III), its third value-added digital infrastructure fund, securing US$11.7 billion in total capital commitments. (US$1=RM4.14)

The close includes over US$7.2 billion in fund commitments and US$4.5 billion in limited partner (LP) co-investment commitments, highlighting strong investor confidence in the firm’s digital infrastructure strategy and differentiated operating model.

More than 65 per cent of the fund commitments came from existing investors in the DigitalBridge Partners fund series, alongside new LPs from the Asia-Pacific region, Europe, and North America. The robust co-investment participation underscores DigitalBridge’s ability to partner closely with investors to scale capital into high-quality opportunities, particularly in artificial intelligence (AI) and hyperscale data centres.

DigitalBridge Chief Executive Officer, Marc Ganzi in a statement said the fund represents the next stage in the company’s evolution as a leading digital infrastructure investment platform.

“With strong fund commitments and meaningful co-investment from our LPs, this capital formation milestone positions us to scale into the opportunities we have been building toward—in hyperscale data centres, AI-enabling infrastructure, and the power and connectivity assets that underpin them,” he said.

Meanwhile, DigitalBridge Chief Commercial and Strategy Officer, Kevin Smithen added: “The fund is already deploying capital into next-generation platforms where we identified growth potential ahead of the market, including hyperscale data centres, fibre, and tower infrastructure.

“DigitalBridge is continuing to focus on what we do best: delivering value for our investors through proprietary sourcing, operator-driven value creation, and disciplined execution at scale.”

DBP III has already built a well-diversified portfolio that includes Vantage Data Centers North America, Yondr Group, Orange Barrel Media, FiberNow, and JTOWER.

These initial investments reflect the firm’s disciplined execution and alignment with the fund’s high-conviction strategy—investing at scale in proprietary opportunities where DigitalBridge has deep domain expertise and the ability to unlock value through active ownership and strategic growth.

-- BERNAMA

All About AI Tech4Good Awards To Celebrate Purpose-Driven Innovation In Mumbai

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 20 (Bernama) -- The second edition of the All About AI Tech4Good Awards is set to take place in Mumbai, India, on Nov 28, curated by Mint and Salesforce.

This annual initiative recognises artificial intelligence (AI) innovations that drive measurable social and business impact across sectors such as health, education, sustainability, financial inclusion, and accessibility.

Building on the inaugural edition’s success, Singapore has emerged as one of the most engaged regions, with 44 per cent participation from Southeast Asia overall and outstanding submissions from startups, academia, and enterprises, highlighting the city-state’s growing leadership in responsible and human-centric AI.

HT Digital Streams Limited Chief Content Officer, Binoy Prabhakar said technology’s true story lies not just in disruption but in its ability to create meaningful impact.

“Expanding this platform to Singapore, Malaysia, and the Philippines allows us to capture a wider, regional narrative of purpose-driven innovation. As Southeast Asia embraces AI at scale, it is important that we also celebrate ideas that combine intelligence with empathy — the true promise of technology.”

Meanwhile, Salesforce South Asia President & Chief Executive Officer, Arundhati Bhattacharya said: "At Salesforce, we believe business is the greatest platform for change. The All About AI Tech4Good Awards & Summit reflects our commitment to advancing the use of technology to drive social impact.”

According to Mint in a statement, the 2025 edition received 293 entries in total across Asia, including strong participation from Singapore, Malaysia, and the Philippines, showcasing how AI is being applied to address real-world challenges.

The 2025 edition features categories that honour transformative impact across sectors, including Best Use of AI for Empowering People with Disabilities, Sustainability, Financial Inclusion, Agriculture & Food Security, Health & Sanitation, and Education & Livelihoods.

Two special categories, namely the Young Innovators Award and Women Innovators Award, celebrate emerging talent and promote diversity in technology. Each will have Gold and Silver winners, selected by a jury of leaders from various industries, government, academia, and media.

-- BERNAMA

MAVENIR TO UNVEIL AI-NATIVE NETWORK STRATEGY AT ANALYST EVENT

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 19 (Bernama) -- Software company Mavenir announced it will hold its annual analyst event to outline updated market positioning and roadmap for two days beginning Nov 19.

The event will highlight how Mavenir’s telco-first, cloud-native, artificial intelligence (AI)-by-design solutions enable operators to accelerate their journey toward autonomous networks, driving operational efficiency and unlocking new monetisation opportunities.

Mavenir President & Chief Executive Officer, Pardeep Kohli said: “Operators today are focused on improving operational efficiency and accelerating the move toward autonomous network operations. Our strategy reflects where the industry is headed – toward networks that are intelligent, automated and adaptive.

“Mavenir combines unrivalled telco domain expertise with open, scalable, cloud-native software to enhance mobile networks with solutions that are AI-by-design.​ This event is an opportunity to share our direction and engage directly with the global telco analyst community.”

The company’s vision is to enable the industry’s shift from AI-integrated to AI-native networks. As operators evolve toward more software-driven, service-orientated TechCo models, the ability to automate operations and intelligently manage network resources becomes critical, according to a statement.

At the event, Mavenir will outline its updated strategic priorities to support this transition by focusing on advancing AI-driven autonomous networks to enhance operational efficiency and enable next-level network automation.

It also leverages AI for monetisation by rapidly developing and delivering new AI-powered services across its extensive core deployment footprint and optimising the AI-radio access network (RAN) to improve energy efficiency, maximise spectrum use, and support both non-terrestrial and macro network deployments with location-aware edge intelligence.

The event will include presentations from leading mobile operator customers, comprehensive portfolio updates, and the updated company strategy and vision, with a clear focus on the company’s progression toward AI-native networks.

-- BERNAMA

DUBAI WRAPS HISTORIC ICOM 2025 WITH NEW LEADERSHIP

ICOM Dubai 2025 Concludes with Historic Success (Photo: AETOSWire)

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 19 (Bernama) -- The ICOM Dubai 2025 has concluded its historic edition, marking the first time the event was hosted in the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia, underscoring Dubai's role as a global hub for culture, creativity, and innovation.

Themed ‘The Future of Museums in Rapidly Changing Communities’, the event saw participation of over 4,500 museum professionals, cultural leaders, and decision-makers worldwide, with more than 100 sessions taking place throughout the event, according to a statement.

The final day featured key discussions, including the session ‘Cultural Diplomacy from an Emirati Perspective: Bridges of Connection and Dialogue’, led by Dubai Culture Chairperson, Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, highlighting the United Arab Emirates’ (UAE) cultural unity.

The conference also included the session ‘The Power of Narrative, Heritage, and Youth’, featuring Minister of State for International Cooperation, Reem bint Ibrahim Al Hashimy, who discussed the role of museums as vital platforms for dialogue and mutual understanding.

In addition, Cultural Advisor to the UAE President, Zaki Anwar Nusseibeh in his keynote stated about the challenges museums face in preserving the essence of creativity while adapting to change, stressing that museums are not just observers but active participants in societal transformation.

The closing ceremony also witnessed ICOM’s new leadership, with Antonio Rodriguez elected as president, while Nasir Al Darmaki was appointed as vice president. The conference also marked the official handover of ICOM’s flag to the City of Rotterdam, which will host ICOM 2028.

ICOM Dubai 2025 also celebrated the inaugural ICOM Sustainability Award, presented to Kaye Hall of the Barbados Museum & Historical Society and Jamie Brown from the University of St Andrews for their project "Shared Island Stories Between Scotland and the Caribbean".

-- BERNAMA

DUBAI AIR CHIEFS CONFERENCE OPENS UNDER UAE LEADER'S PATRONAGE

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 19 (Bernama) -- The 12th Dubai International Air Chiefs Conference has opened under the patronage of United Arab Emirates (UAE) Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.

UAE Minister of State for Defence Affairs, Mohamed bin Mubarak bin Fadhel Al Mazrouei officiated the event, which gathered more than 100 official delegations at Atlantis – The Palm, Dubai, according to a statement.

Senior officers from the Ministry of Defence, air force commanders, chiefs of staff from allied nations, as well as decision-makers and executives from leading defence, aviation, advanced technology, space and artificial intelligence (AI) companies were also present.

Organised by the UAE Ministry of Defence in partnership with ADNEC Group, the conference was held under the theme “Hypersonic Edge: Re-Envisioning Airpower Across Asymmetric Spaces”.

The three-day conference featured in-depth sessions addressing the future of air and space capabilities, AI, and next-generation warfighter standards. The first session, “Hypersonics, UAVs, and Artificial Intelligence: Adapting Airpower to Asymmetric Battlespaces”, brought together commanders from the UAE, United States, France, and Canada to discuss coalition agility and emerging operational challenges.

The second session, “Beyond the Atmosphere: Integrating Air and Space Capabilities for Strategic Superiority”, explored the integration of air and space operations, with insights from senior leaders from France, the UAE, Australia, and India.

The final session, “The Warfighter of Tomorrow: Standards, Artificial Intelligence, and Accountability in Next-Generation Airpower”, focused on future force development, recruitment, and maintaining operational excellence in automated and AI-driven environments. Speakers included chiefs of the Swedish, Italian, and Republic of Korea air forces, alongside academics and defence technology experts.

The conference concluded with an official recognition ceremony and a group photo, reaffirming the UAE’s commitment to fostering international collaboration, advanced airpower capabilities, and technological innovation in defence and aerospace sectors.

-- BERNAMA

AI-MEDIA APPOINTS AVE AS EXCLUSIVE RENTAL PARTNER IN AUSTRALIA

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 19 (Bernama) -- AI-Media, a global provider of artificial intelligence (AI)-powered live captioning and accessibility solutions, has named Audio Visual Events (AVE) as its exclusive rental partner for the live events market in Australia.

The partnership integrates AI-Media’s LEXI platform, a suite of professional-grade hardware and cloud-based solutions for real-time captioning and translation with AVE’s dry-hire audiovisual equipment and technical production services.

In a statement, the company said the collaboration aimed to enhance accessibility, audience engagement and compliance across live and hybrid events in Australia.

“By teaming with AVE as our exclusive rental partner in Australia, we are making it significantly easier for event professionals to deliver accessible, multilingual, and high-engagement experiences,” said AI-Media Chief Executive Officer, Tony Abrahams.

Meanwhile, AVE Head of Sales and Marketing, Paul Keating said AI-Media’s LEXI platform represents the global benchmark for live captioning and translation, and with AVE’s proven dry-hire expertise, AVE is giving event producers an easier, smarter way to integrate accessibility into their productions.

Under the arrangement, event planners and production teams can rent AVE’s audiovisual systems pre-configured to support AI-Media’s LEXI ecosystem, including the LEXI Viewer. The unit is a purpose-built caption display device that delivers synchronised captions and multilingual translations on LED walls, projection screens and digital displays.

The model allows event organisers to access advanced captioning and translation capabilities on a per-event basis, particularly in situations where purchasing dedicated equipment is not cost-effective. It complements AI-Media’s direct sales offering for customers requiring long-term integration.

Key strengths of the partnership include AVE’s extensive experience in event delivery nationwide, combined with AI-Media’s enterprise-grade captioning technology. Together, the companies expect to support a wide range of events, from corporate meetings to large-scale festivals.

The collaboration comes as Australia’s event management industry records strong recovery. According to IMARC Group, the sector was valued at about AUD$25 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach AUD$70 billion by 2033 at a compound annual growth rate of 11.2 per cent. (AUD$1 = RM 2.69)

With accessibility and multilingual communication becoming increasingly important for audience engagement and compliance standards, the partnership positions both companies to meet growing demand within the Australian live events market.

-- BERNAMA

GERMANY'S TUM WINS HISTORIC A2RL GRAND FINAL AS AI RACING BREAKS BOUNDARIES

World First: Autonomous Racing Leaps Forward in Abu Dhabi as A2RL Season 2 Showcases Record Speed, Bold Overtakes and Real-Time AI Decision-Making (Photo: AETOSWire)

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 19 (Bernama) -- The Abu Dhabi Autonomous Racing League (A2RL) delivered a major milestone for autonomous mobility after six driverless racecars competed in a world-first Grand Final at Yas Marina Circuit, where Germany’s TUM retained its championship title.

TUM finished ahead of TII Racing of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Italy’s PoliMOVE in a 20-lap race marked by record speeds, high-precision overtakes and rapid artificial intelligence (AI) decision-making. Eleven international teams competed for a US$2.25 million prize pool, alongside a Human vs AI showdown featuring former Formula 1 driver Daniil Kvyat. (US$1 = RM4.15)

In a statement, A2RL said the race opened with a close battle between TUM and Italy’s Unimore, which briefly captured the lead before a collision with Germany’s Constructor’s car forced both vehicles off track, handing the advantage back to TUM. Unimore secured the Fastest Lap Award despite the incident.

Winners were presented their trophies by senior UAE officials, including members of the Abu Dhabi royal family and representatives of the Advanced Technology Research Council (ATRC). The league was established to accelerate breakthroughs in autonomous systems by placing AI-driven vehicles under competitive pressure.

Now in its second season, A2RL has reported significant progress, with autonomous cars closing the performance gap with human drivers. Recent qualifying rounds saw AI vehicles match and surpass human benchmark lap times, a marked improvement from Season 1.

The Grand Final brought together six teams — TUM, Unimore, Kinetiz (UAE), TII Racing, PoliMOVE and Constructor — making it the largest autonomous race ever staged. The event also included a Human vs Machine showcase where Kvyat set a best lap of 57.57 seconds, narrowly ahead of TUM’s AI system HAILEY by 1.58 seconds, reflecting rapid advances in AI racecraft.

A2RL also hosted a parallel STEM Competition involving more than 140 students from across the UAE. Using 1/18th-scale autonomous cars, the programme aimed to build youth skills in autonomy and AI. UAE University won the University League category, while SABIS – Ras Al Khaimah claimed the High Schools title.

The Grand Final formed the highlight of the inaugural Abu Dhabi Autonomous Week (ADAW), a six-day gathering featuring summits, exhibitions and robotics showcases. The event attracted over 8,000 spectators at the North Grandstand.

A2RL Season 2 was supported by SteerAI and major partners including du infra, AD Ports Group, AWS and Abu Dhabi Mobility, along with industry supporters and technology collaborators from across the region.

-- BERNAMA

CIMB partners Nicol David Organisation to champion youth resilience with +Play Finance Programme

(From left) Ahmad Shahriman Mohd Shariff, Chief Executive Officer of CIMB Foundation, Datuk Nicol David, founder of Nicol David Organisation (NDO), and Gurdip Singh Sidhu, Chief Executive Officer of CIMB Malaysia and CIMB Bank Berhad, at the launch of +Play Finance – a programme designed to equip young Malaysians with essential life skills through the integration of physical activity, mental wellness and financial literacy.

Over 750 students from 30 schools to gain holistic development through financial literacy, mental wellbeing and sport

BAYAN LEPAS, Nov 18 (Bernama) -- CIMB Bank Berhad (“CIMB” or “the Bank”) has deepened its commitment to empowering Malaysia’s youth and advancing the well-being of customers and society with the launch of the +Play Finance Programme (“the Programme”), a specially curated initiative developed in partnership with the Nicol David Organisation (“NDO”). Introduced at Karnival Celik Kewangan in Penang, a nationwide financial literacy initiative led by Bank Negara Malaysia (“BNM”), this programme aims to equip young Malaysians, with essential life skills by integrating physical movements, mental wellness, and financial literacy. By fostering physical discipline, emotional resilience and financial capability, it nurtures confident young individuals who are ready to contribute positively to their communities and thrive in a dynamic world.

The +Play Finance Programme aims to benefit over 750 students from 30 schools in Klang Valley. Focusing on holistic youth development through engaging workshops and interactive movement sessions, the Programme’s experiential approach blends physical activities with foundational financial education, encouraging students to stay active while learning essential life skills.

Gurdip Singh Sidhu, CEO of CIMB Bank Berhad and CIMB Malaysia said, “CIMB recognises that meaningful progress happens when communities are equipped with the tools and opportunities to thrive. Financial literacy, when nurtured early, becomes a powerful tool for lifelong success, enabling young people to make informed decisions, plan and contribute positively to their communities. The +Play Finance Programme, developed together with the Nicol David Organisation, represents our commitment to delivering learning in a way that is both engaging and impactful. By integrating physical activities, mental wellness and financial education, we aim to instil the mindset and discipline needed for young Malaysians to navigate challenges and pursue sustainable success, while building a more informed, resilient and economically empowered generation, in line with our purpose of advancing customers and society.”

Datuk Nicol David, founder of NDO and former world squash champion said, “Malaysia’s future will be shaped by young people who are confident in their abilities, committed to growth and equipped with the knowledge to make sound decisions. +Play Finance brings together the values forged through sport, resilience, discipline and respect, with the financial awareness needed to navigate life responsibly. Through this collaboration with CIMB, we aspire to inspire a generation of Malaysians who are ready to lead with purpose and contribute meaningfully to their communities and the nation.”

Through interactive lessons and hands-on exercises, students are introduced to fundamental money management concepts such as saving, budgeting, and responsible spending, as well as the importance of setting financial goals and making informed financial decisions from a young age. Recognising that financial literacy is not often openly discussed among younger students, this initiative seeks to break that barrier by embedding financial education within the familiar and enjoyable context of physical movements over four weekly sessions.

Aligned to CIMB’s ‘Kita Bagi Jadi Komuniti’ initiative, this Programme reflects the Bank’s focus on strengthening financial and economic inclusion through meaningful community partnerships, ensuring Malaysians of all backgrounds are empowered with the support and knowledge to build secure and sustainable livelihoods.

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 RM73.0 billion as at 30 June 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 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 571 branches and over 33,000 employees as at 30 June 2025. CIMB’s investment banking arm is one of the largest Asia Pacific-based investment banks, which together with its award-winning treasury & markets and corporate banking units comprise the Group’s leading wholesale banking franchise. CIMB is also the 92.5% shareholder of Bank CIMB Niaga in Indonesia, and 94.8% shareholder of CIMB Thai in Thailand.

SOURCE: CIMB Group Holdings Berhad

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:
Anis Azharuddin / Kelvin Jude Muthu
Group Corporate Communications
CIMB Group Holdings Berhad
Email: anis.azharuddin@cimb.com / kelvinjude.muthu@cimb.com

--BERNAMA

MALAYSIA'S RM285.2 BILLION APPROVED INVESTMENTS IN 9M 2025 UP 13.2% Y-O-Y, DEFIES GLOBAL HEADWINDS, CREATES OVER 150,000 JOBS

Datuk Sikh Shamsul Ibrahim, MIDA CEO

● Malaysia attracted RM285.2 billion in approved investments for the first nine months of 2025 (9M 2025), marking a 13.2% year-on-year (y-o-y) increase compared to the same period in 2024. The services sector dominated with RM187.9 billion (65.9%), followed by manufacturing at RM93.8 billion (32.9%), and the primary sector at RM3.5 billion (1.2%).
● Foreign Investments (FI) accounted for 52.9% or RM150.8 billion of total approved investments, while Domestic Investments (DI) contributed 47.1% or RM134.4 billion.
● The services sector’s share recorded RM187.9 billion in approved investments, showing a significant 19.8% y-o-y increase from RM156.8 billion in 9M 2024.
● Manufacturing sector’s approvals reached RM93.8 billion, representing strong 5.6% y-o-y growth. This was contributed by a 9.2% increase in FI and a 25.2% increase in new jobs.
● Singapore emerged as the leading source of FI with RM52.7 billion, followed by People’s Republic of China (RM35.8 billion), the United States of America (RM11.3 billion), the British Virgin Islands (RM6.6 billion), and Japan (RM4.8 billion).
● Johor led all states with RM91.1 billion in approved investments, followed by Selangor (RM51.9 billion), W.P. Kuala Lumpur (RM45.9 billion), Penang (RM23.7 billion), and Kedah (RM17.5 billion).
● Between 2021 to September 2025, 85.0% of manufacturing projects have been implemented, which includes full-scale production, factory construction, and machinery installation.


KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 18 (Bernama) -- Malaysia's investment performance has proved remarkably resilient in a turbulent global environment. The country attracted RM285.2 billion in approved investments during the first nine months of 2025 (9M 2025), a 13.2% increase from the previous year. This strong showing comes at a time when geopolitical and trade tensions, supply chain disruptions, and tighter monetary conditions have dampened investment flows in many other markets, underscoring Malaysia's enduring appeal as an investment destination.

The 4,874 approved projects span manufacturing, services, and primary sectors. The approvals cover a projected employment creation of 152,766 new jobs, reflecting the scale and sectoral breadth of investors’ interests in Malaysia's economy.

Foreign Investment Accelerates

Foreign Investments (FI) surged 47.5% year-on-year, with gains across all three (3) sectors: services climbed 122.0%, manufacturing advanced 9.2% and primary industries grew 56.6%. The strong performance reflects Malaysia’s competitive fundamentals and the industrial clusters being developed under the New Industrial Master Plan 2030. It also demonstrates the government's success in fostering public-private collaboration and positioning the country as a regional hub for advanced manufacturing and sustainable industries.

For approved investments based on foreign sources¹, Singapore accounted for the largest share of FI at RM52.7 billion, followed by the People's Republic of China (RM35.8 billion), the United States of America (RM11.3 billion), the British Virgin Islands² (RM6.6 billion), and Japan (RM4.8 billion). The composition reflects Malaysia's strategic position between major economies, its role in supply-chain diversification efforts, and deepening market integration within ASEAN.

¹ Compilation of foreign investments is based on the ultimate source. The ultimate source refers to the home country of the foreign investor that holds control over the decision-making process and investment management, even if the investment flows through several intermediary sources.
² Based on declaration by the applicant company in its submission to MIDA and relevant Ministries/Agencies.

Johor Leads the Pack

Johor recorded the highest value of approved investments (RM91.1 billion), followed by Selangor (RM51.9 billion), W.P. Kuala Lumpur (RM45.9 billion), Pulau Pinang (RM23.7 billion) and Kedah (RM17.5 billion).

Johor's dominance is largely attributed to the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ) and its proximity to one of Asia's most advanced economies. Two states under the Central Corridor region, Selangor and Kuala Lumpur, continue to benefit from established infrastructure and their role as Malaysia's commercial and financial nerve centre. Penang's strength lies in its mature electronics ecosystem, while Kedah is emerging as a beneficiary of northern corridor development initiatives.

National Investment Aspirations (NIA) - Driving Malaysia’s Long-Term Growth

Focus sectors under the National Investment Aspirations (NIA) framework attracted RM137.9 billion, representing 48.4% of total approved investments. These 676 projects are expected to generate 49,488 jobs, demonstrating alignment between investment strategy and national development objectives.

Projects under the purview of the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI) and MIDA accounted for RM159.1 billion, or 55.8%. This includes 1,838 projects projected to create 75,068 jobs.

Senator Tengku Datuk Seri Utama Zafrul Aziz, Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry, described the performance as proof that Malaysia's economic strategy is working. "RM285.2 billion in nine months is exceptional by any measure. While global capital flows are contracting elsewhere, Malaysia continues to attract quality investments at scale. This reflects the confidence investors have in our political stability and economic vision. When global investors look at Southeast Asia, they are increasingly choosing Malaysia. We are not just competing within ASEAN—we are setting the benchmark. Our focused execution of key missions under the New Industrial Master Plan 2030 is attracting investments, while delivering jobs and upskilling opportunities to power up our transition towards a high-value, knowledge-based economy."

Services Sector Powers Ahead

The services sector secured RM187.9 billion in approved investments, representing 65.9% of the total across 3,969 projects. This marked an increase of 19.8% y-o-y, with an estimated 80,066 jobs to be created. The sector's dominance reflects Malaysia's growing importance as a regional hub for data centres, digital infrastructure, and corporate headquarters, as well as the continuing expansion of its financial services and logistics capabilities.

DI contributed RM111.8 billion (59.5%) while FI contributed RM76.1 billion (40.5%). This healthy balance reflects foreign and domestic investors’ continued confidence and the sector’s broad-based appeal.

Leading sub-sectors included:

● Information and Communications: RM99.8 billion
● Real Estate: RM56.6 billion
● Utilities: RM9.7 billion
● Distributive Trade: RM7.2 billion
● Support Services: RM7.0 billion

An example of a notable project elevating Malaysia’s services sector is MF Solar Tronoh Sdn. Bhd. which is investing RM123 million in a renewable energy generation facility in Tronoh, Perak. The project will generate clean electricity through solar power technology, contributing to Malaysia's green energy transition.

Manufacturing Attracts Quality Investments

The manufacturing sector attracted RM93.8 billion or 32.9% of total approved investments across 885 projects expected to generate 72,672 jobs. FI dominated at 77.9% (RM73.1 billion), with DI contributing RM20.7 billion (or 22.1%).

The share of higher-skilled roles continues to rise: the managerial, professionals/technical and supervisory (MTS) index reached 45.0%. This suggests a steady progress in moving up the value chain, a shift that will hinge on the continued upskilling of local talent and accelerating technology adoption.

Top Performing Industries

● Electrical and Electronics (E&E): RM22.0 billion
● Chemical and Chemical Products: RM17.5 billion
● Transport Equipment: RM12.7 billion
● Basic Metal Products: RM9.9 billion
● Non-metallic Mineral Products: RM7.5 billion

Notable Projects in the Manufacturing Sector

● A RM3.51 billion advanced semiconductor facility is being developed at Kulim High Tech Industrial Park in Kedah. The plant will produce system-in-package (SIP) systems or modules, microelectromechanical systems (MEMS), and sensors, positioning Malaysia at the forefront of advanced semiconductor packaging and sensor technology manufacturing.

● JXR Manufacturing Sdn. Bhd.: JXR is investing RM5.76 billion in an advanced mineral processing facility in Kemaman, Terengganu. The plant will produce alumina, positioning Malaysia as a key player in critical minerals processing for advanced manufacturing and green technology applications.

● Perusahaan Otomobil Nasional Sdn Bhd & PROTON Tanjung Malim Sdn Bhd (PROTON): The national carmaker is investing RM1.29 billion to expand its manufacturing complex in Tanjong Malim, Perak. The investment will establish production capabilities for new energy vehicles and their components, transmission and its components, alongside expanded capacity for passenger cars, multi-purpose vehicles, casting components, and metal stamping parts. The project positions Malaysia's automotive sector for the transition to electric mobility while strengthening the country's manufacturing ecosystem.

● Ferrotec Silicon Materials Malaysia Sdn. Bhd.: Ferrotec is investing RM256 million to expand its facility in Pasir Gudang, Johor. The plant will produce silicon products and components for semiconductor chips fabrication, supporting the precision manufacturing ecosystem that underpins Malaysia's semiconductor industry.

● Vitrox Technologies Sdn. Bhd.: The Malaysian technology firm is investing RM250 million in an advanced manufacturing facility in Penang. The investment reinforces the state's position as a critical node in global technology supply chains and strengthens Malaysia's homegrown capabilities in semiconductor inspection and testing equipment.

● T Hasegawa is investing RM185 million in a food technology facility at Techpark@Enstek in Negeri Sembilan. The plant will produce liquid flavors, flavor powders and mixed seasoning powders for the food and beverage industry.

● URC Snack Foods (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd. is undertaking a RM100 million expansion in Pasir Gudang, Johor, to increase its production capacity for chocolate and confectionery products, strengthening Malaysia’s role as a regional hub for snack food.

Primary Sector Maintains Stability

The primary sector secured RM3.5 billion in approved investments across 20 projects, mainly in mining activities. The approved investments are dominated by domestic sources with RM1.9 billion (53.1%), while foreign sources contributed RM1.6 billion (46.9%).

Strong Project Pipelines and Leads Ahead

From January to September 2025, MITI and MIDA undertook nine (9) missions, including five (5) Trade and Investment Missions (TIMs) and four (4) official visits led by Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim. These engagements covered the United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, Switzerland, India, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, the United States of America (USA), Italy, France, China, and the Netherlands.

The missions secured investment commitments, deepened bilateral economic ties, and gave Malaysian officials direct access to decision-makers at major multinationals.

Malaysia’s pipeline of projects remains robust. As at 9 November 2025, MIDA is facilitating 192 potential projects valued at RM39.0 billion. The services sector leads with 119 projects worth RM24.4 billion, while manufacturing accounts for 73 projects valued at RM14.6 billion.

MIDA is also in discussions regarding an additional RM39.4 billion in high-impact investment leads—signaling sustained investor interest and confidence in Malaysia’s pro-business policies and long-term economic direction.

Datuk Sikh Shamsul Ibrahim Sikh Abdul Majid, Chief Executive Officer of MIDA, said the strong pipeline projects and investment leads reflect a shift in how investors view Malaysia. "We are no longer just an option in investors' diversification strategies—we are increasingly the preferred choice. What distinguishes this momentum is the quality of investments we are securing: technology-driven projects in digital infrastructure and advanced manufacturing that position Malaysia deeper into regional supply chains. Through the Invest Malaysia Facilitation Centre (IMFC), we have compressed decision-making timelines and removed bureaucratic friction. The RM39.0 billion pipeline we are actively facilitating, plus another RM39.4 billion in advanced discussions, demonstrates that investors' confidence remains robust despite external challenges. Notably, reinvestments by global multinationals signal sustained conviction in Malaysia's long-term fundamentals. What sets us apart is our ability to move swiftly from interest to implementation, ensuring that every commitment translates into real economic activity."

From Approvals to Implementation

Between 2021 to September 2025, the National Committee on Investment approved 4,378 manufacturing projects. Of these:

● 85.0% of projects (3,724) have been implemented, which includes full-scale production, factory construction, and machinery installation.
● 12.0% remain in the planning phase, focusing on critical activities such as site selection and developer consultations.
● 3.0% of projects were not implemented due to a change of commercial direction by the investor(s).

Implementation rates for specific periods reinforce this credibility:
● Over 90% of manufacturing projects approved in 2021 until 2024 have been implemented.
● 87.2% of 2024’s and 58.7% of January – September 2025’s projects are already progressing, a commendable rate given that the manufacturing project was just recently approved and the average lead time of 18 to 24 months typical for such developments.

Examples of implemented projects are provided in Appendix I.

The consistently high implementation rates reflect investor confidence, policy stability, efficient investor support services, and effective inter-agency coordination. The MADANI Government’s strategic reforms, crystal-clear focus on high-impact sectors, and streamlined investor facilitation are ensuring that each project creates quality employment, builds capacity, and contributes to a sustainable, high-value economy. This whole-of-government approach positions Malaysia as a preferred destination for quality investment for generations to come.

APPENDIX 1
INFOGRAPHIC [ENG]
INFOGRAPHIC [BM]

About MIDA
The Malaysian Investment Development Authority (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 21 overseas offices. MIDA continues to be the strategic partner to businesses in seizing the opportunities arising from the technology revolution of this era. For more information, please visit www.mida.gov.my and follow us on X, Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, TikTok and YouTube channel.

Explainer: DOSM’s FDI and MIDA’s approved Foreign Investment (FI)

There has been some confusion on the term Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) as reported by the Department of Statistics Malaysia (DOSM), and the approved Foreign Investment (FI) data as captured by MIDA. To clarify, the Government has determined the use of these terms since December 2023, as follows:

● MIDA reports on approved Foreign Investments (FI) – These represent proposed investment projects with foreign equity participation that have been granted licenses, incentives, permits, grants, soft loans, etc., by relevant Ministries and Agencies. They are measured based on CAPEX and OPEX, such as land, building, and resources. Approved FI reflects potential investments into the country which will be realised into actual inflows over a specified period, usually across multiple years. On average, 18-24 months is the typical duration to complete the required regulatory steps between approval and implementation, before projects get off the ground. The release of approved FI data serves as a forward-looking indicator of investor’s confidence, the strength of Malaysia’s investment prospects, and the key sectors attracting foreign investors.

● DOSM reports on Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) – This figure refers to investments by non- residents via transactions of financial instruments, including equity, reinvestment of earnings and debt instruments (such as inter-company loans and advances, trade credits, etc.). For instance, if a foreign investor buys shares in a Malaysian company, this would be captured by DOSM’s FDI data. FDI statistics for Malaysia are compiled as part of the balance of payments, which is compiled based on the IMF’s BPM6 guidelines.

For further information, please refer to
https://www.mida.gov.my/why-malaysia/investment-statistics/

SOURCE: Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA)

FOR MORE INFORMATION,PLEASE CONTACT:
Name: Ms. Fatmah Ahmad
Director, Corporate Communications Division
Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA)
Tel: +603-2267 2428
Email: fatmah@mida.gov.my

--BERNAMA

Global Bridge Alliance Launches To Drive Inclusive Growth In Media, Creative Economy

 

World leaders and industry icons unite under BRIDGE Alliance to empower the future of media, entertainment and content (Photo: AETOSWire)

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 14 (Bernama) -- A new international coalition of policymakers, industry leaders and innovators has launched the BRIDGE Alliance, a United Arab Emirates (UAE)-based global body aimed at strengthening inclusivity, investment and sustainable development across the media, entertainment and content sectors.

Chaired by Abdulla bin Mohammed bin Butti Al Hamed, the alliance brings together a high-profile founding board that includes former heads of state, policymakers, chief executive officers (CEOs) and leaders from the media, technology, finance and creative industries.

In a statement, Abdulla described the alliance as “a humanitarian and economic project born in the UAE to redefine the relationship between media, society and the economy—building bridges of understanding, impact and growth among nations.”

Founding members include Rotana Media Group CEO, Lamia bint Majed Al Saud; Senegal’s fourth president, Macky Sall; TIME CEO, Jessica Sibley; Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences former president, Janet Yang; and Africa Leadership and Dialogue Institute CEO, Dr Julie Gichuru.

Other members include Yango Group CEO, Daniil Shuleyko; Entertainment Media Ventures founder, Sanford Climan; strategist Richard Attias; and BRIDGE Alliance managing director, Maryam bin Fahad.

BRIDGE Alliance operates as an independent, mission-driven organisation that reinvests operational surpluses into research, capacity building and innovation, aiming to enhance cooperation and enable the effective flow of ideas, capital and talent across key sectors.

The alliance’s first major initiative, BRIDGE Summit 2025, is scheduled for Dec 8 to 10 at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Center (ADNEC). Billed as the world’s largest debut media event, it is expected to draw 60,000 participants, 400 speakers and 300 exhibitors across seven tracks covering media, creator economy, music, gaming, technology, marketing, and picture.

Positioning itself as a global hub for innovation and responsible media development, BRIDGE Alliance aims to reinforce the UAE’s role as a crossroads for creativity, collaboration and international dialogue.

-- BERNAMA

EARLYHEALTH GROUP TO LEAD US$200 MLN LIFE SCIENCES HUB IN BARBADOS

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 17 (Bernama) -- EarlyHealth Group (EHG), headquartered in Dubai, has signed a Letter of Intent (LOI) with Export Barbados (BIDC) to jointly establish EarlyHealth City Barbados, a US$200 million pharmaceutical and life sciences cluster to be developed in Newton, Christ Church. (US$1=RM4.12)

In a statement, EHG said the project aimed to attract global pharmaceutical partners, strengthen industrialisation through sustainable contract manufacturing, and expand laboratory and clinical research capabilities for Barbados and the wider Caribbean.

Barbados Prime Minister, Mia Amor Mottley described the project as “transformative”, highlighting its potential to drive job creation, develop local scientific and technical talent, and embed pharmaceutical innovation into Barbados’ industrial base.

EHG Chief Executive Officer, Dr Dan A. Renout said EarlyHealth City Barbados will serve as a platform for supply resilience, skilled employment and regional integration into the global pharmaceutical industry.

Spanning 45 acres, EarlyHealth City will feature three manufacturing domes totalling more than 250,000 square feet dedicated to producing oral solids, semi-solids, liquids and advanced biologics.

The facilities will include capabilities for cell cultivation, upstream and downstream bioprocessing and full commercial-scale production under United States and European Union Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) standards.

EHG, which supports pharmaceutical manufacturing, clinical studies and market access across 60 countries, has secured memoranda of understanding with several companies, including Acarpia Farmaceutici Srl, Bioeq AG, Formycon AG, Swedish Orphan Biovitrum (SOBI) and multiple manufacturers across Asia, Europe and South America.

A fourth dome will house a Security Operations Centre (SOC) designed and managed by EHG partner Cyb3r Limited, Dubai’s fastest-growing cybersecurity and data protection company. The SOC will deploy artificial intelligence-driven cybersecurity and data analytics systems to safeguard digital assets and regulatory data for the cluster.

The same dome will include a 30,000-square-foot high-performance cricket training facility operated by DriveFITT, integrating biomechanics and sports recovery technology to support the development of future West Indies fast bowlers.

Upon completion, the project is expected to host more than 1,000 professionals in a modern, sustainable community offering wellness amenities, restaurants and collaborative spaces, positioning the development as the Caribbean’s leading life sciences hub.

-- BERNAMA

Tastefully Food Expo Sets ASEAN Record with 1.5 Million Visitors Across 16 Events

Eldrick Koh (second from left) and Gillian Ooi (far left) presenting the award to Esther Fong (second from right) and Lee Jing Yee (far right).

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 17 (Bernama) -- The Tastefully Food Expo, organized by Malaysia’s Tastefully, was recently held in grand fashion at the Mid Valley Exhibition Centre (MVEC), marking another milestone for the event. The expo has officially been recognized by the ASEAN Records for achieving the “Highest Total Number of Visitors in the ASEAN Food Expo Series”, with 1.5 million visitors across 16 events since 2024.

This prestigious recognition was presented by Mr. Eldrick Koh and Ms. Gillian Ooi, Executive Directors of ASEAN Records, to Ms. Esther Fong , Founder and Managing Director of Tastefully Malaysia, and Ms. Lee Jing Yee, Co-Founder and Business Development Director. The award acknowledges their outstanding contributions in promoting culinary exchange and celebrating food culture across Malaysia and the ASEAN region.

In her speech, Esther Fong expressed heartfelt gratitude to all partners, exhibitors, and visitors for their continuous support throughout Tastefully’s journey. She reaffirmed the expo’s mission to keep improving and to use food as a bridge that connects people through Malaysia’s rich and diverse culinary traditions.

The recent Tastefully Food Expo at MVEC once again demonstrated its remarkable pulling power, drawing massive crowds and generating a vibrant atmosphere throughout the event. From authentic local delicacies to innovative food experiences and engaging activities, the expo offered visitors an unforgettable gastronomic journey — further strengthening Tastefully’s position as a leading food exhibition brand in both Malaysia and the ASEAN region.

SOURCE: Tastefully Malaysia Sdn Bhd

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:
Name: Reymus
Tel: 0 12-663 1587

--BERNAMA

MIZUHO BANK DEPLOYS BOOMI PLATFORM TO ACCELERATE ISO 20022 COMPLIANCE ACROSS APAC

Mizuho Bank Accelerates ISO 20022 Compliance and Streamlines Payments With Boomi

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 17 (Bernama) -- Boomi, the leader in artificial intelligence (AI)-driven automation, announced that Mizuho Bank has deployed the Boomi Enterprise Platform to accelerate ISO 20022 compliance and streamline payments infrastructure across Asia Pacific (APAC).

According to Boomi in a statement, the project enables seamless customer onboarding, simplified payment instruction, and future-ready scalability, all while shielding clients from the complexity of regulatory change.

Boomi Chief Technology Officer, Asia Pacific and Japan, David Irecki said payments modernisation does not happen in a vacuum; it requires orchestrating old and new systems in a way that does not disrupt mission-critical services.

“Mizuho Bank’s approach blends compliance with client-centricity. By embedding ISO 20022 into a flexible integration strategy, they have future-proofed their operations and unlocked new ways to innovate at scale,” he said.

Meanwhile, Mizuho Bank Regional Chief Information Officer, Andy Nam said: “We knew the ISO 20022 transition had the potential to disrupt our clients’ day-to-day operations. Instead of pushing that complexity onto them, we decided to own it.

“This project allows our clients to continue using their familiar file formats while we handle the conversion invisibly in the background. That kind of simplicity requires serious backend sophistication.”

As the financial services industry transitions from legacy SWIFT MT messaging to ISO 20022, the bank recognised an opportunity to go beyond compliance and use the change as a springboard to enrich client outcomes.

Instead of requiring clients to modernise their own systems to keep pace, Mizuho chose to abstract away the technical burden entirely, investing in a self-service portal that could accommodate any format, old or new, and handle translation and validation automatically.

Through this web-based portal, clients can now upload or manually enter payment instructions using both legacy and ISO 20022 formats, with Boomi’s low-code platform managing the conversion, validation, and secure delivery of each instruction, dramatically simplifying onboarding and minimising operational overhead.

The new platform has enabled Mizuho to significantly reduce client onboarding time from months to weeks, while also supporting more efficient client acquisition and reduced cost-to-serve. The bank is now set out to explore further enhancements to its digital capabilities to serve a wider range of corporate client needs across the region.

-- BERNAMA