Fortrea and Omico Collaboration to Advance Biomarker-led Oncology Drug Development

Collaboration aims to improve trial planning and expand patient access to biomarker-matched studies in Australia


Highlights

• Collaboration aims to accelerate precision oncology research in Australia
• Combines Fortrea’s experience in oncology clinical trials with Omico’s Precision Oncology Screening Platform Enabling Clinical Trials (PrOSPeCT) program
• Together, Fortrea and Omico offer more efficient investigator site selection and faster patient access by connecting patients with relevant biomarker-driven clinical trials
   

DURHAM, N.C. and SYDNEY, Oct 23 (Bernama-GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Fortrea (Nasdaq: FTRE) (the “Company”), a leading global contract research organization (“CRO”), and Omico, Australia’s leading precision oncology screening and trial matching organization, today announced a collaboration to accelerate precision oncology research by helping connect cancer patients to biomarker-matched clinical trials. By combining Omico's precision oncology network with Fortrea's scientific and clinical trial experience, the joint effort aims to improve study planning, site selection and patient recruitment to expand access to biomarker-driven oncology research globally.

Through this initiative, Omico will support Fortrea’s clients in their oncology drug development needs by providing access to patient population insights, including genomic profiling, trial-matching capabilities, real-world oncology data and patient referral pathways in Australia, a key country both for early and late phase Oncology clinical research activities. The collaboration will combine Fortrea’s oncology drug development experience with Omico’s flagship Precision Oncology Screening Platform Enabling Clinical Trials (PrOSPeCT) program, the largest cancer genomics initiative in Australia. PrOSPeCT is designed to provide molecular profiling and help match patients to biomarker-driven clinical trials and targeted therapies.

“Our collaboration with Omico is about seeking to reach the right patient for the right study as quickly as possible,” said Oren Cohen, M.D., Chief Medical Officer at Fortrea. “Modern oncology development demands ever-greater precision to match specific cancers with the therapies most likely to benefit patients, and to do so as quickly as possible. Our work with Omico accelerates our ability to identify the right patients for biomarker-driven studies in Australia and help advance precision medicine for people with cancer.”

Omico has built one of Australia's most extensive precision oncology ecosystems, combining molecular profiling, real-world evidence, cohort research programs and a nationwide network of investigators and clinical sites. Omico has reported more than 23,000 consented patients within its clinic-genomic databases and has received referrals from more than 1,600 clinicians across Australia.

“Australia is well positioned to support global biomarker-driven clinical trials, through Omico’s established national precision oncology research infrastructure, expertise and networks,” said Professor David Thomas, Chief Science and Strategy Officer at Omico. “By combining our national data and trial matching capabilities with Fortrea’s global clinical development expertise, we can help international sponsors identify relevant patient populations, plan trials more effectively and support targeted recruitment.”

Fortrea’s oncology expertise is underpinned by thousands of operational professionals and supported by more than 50 oncology physicians on staff. This collaboration comes at a time when modern oncology drug development has accelerated the focus on precision medicine, biomarker-driven development and targeted patient identification. Working together, Fortrea and Omico can offer more efficient site selection and the ability to match patients with appropriate studies tied to their unique genomic data, enabling more people to participate in studies tailored to their specific condition in Australia.

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

About Omico
Omico is an independent, national, not-for-profit research organisation changing the way we fight cancer. We work to improve outcomes for Australians with cancer by providing equitable access to precision oncology and translating scientific advances into clinical care and research, and generating the evidence needed to inform health policy and system reform. Working with Australia's leading cancer institutes, researchers, clinicians, industry partners, advocacy groups and government, we are accelerating molecular profiling, biomarker-led clinical trials, personalised cancer risk management and real-world evidence.

About PrOSPeCT
PrOSPeCT is Australia's largest precision oncology initiative. Delivered by Omico and a national network of healthcare, research and industry partners, it provides eligible Australians with access to molecular profiling and matching to biomarker-led clinical trials and therapies (at no cost to the patient), while generating clinical, genomic, treatment and outcomes data to advance research, improve cancer care and inform future health policy.

Fortrea Contacts:
Galen Wilson (Media) – 703-298-0802, media@fortrea.com
Kate Dillon (Media) – 646-818-9115, kdillon@prosek.com
Tracy Krumme (Investors) – 984-385-6707, Tracy.Krumme@fortrea.com

Omico Contact:
Kym Bramich (Communications) – +61 414 795 087, k.bramich@omico.org.au 

SOURCE: Fortrea Holdings Inc

SELANGOR INVESTMENT FORUM (SIF) 2026 CONNECTS INVESTORS WITH STRATEGIC PROJECTS AND INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITIES

Selangor Investment Forum (SIF) 2026 Connects Investors With Strategic Projects And Investment Opportunities

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 16 (Bernama) -- The Selangor Investment Forum (SIF) 2026 took place yesterday as part of the 10th Selangor International Business Summit (SIBS) 2026, held at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC). The forum brought together more than 300 participants including investors, industry leaders and key stakeholders, to explore strategic projects and investment opportunities in Selangor.

The forum opened with Welcome Remarks by YB Tuan Ng Sze Han, Selangor State Executive Councillor for Investment, Trade and Mobility, who highlighted Selangor’s strategic advantages amid the ongoing restructuring of global supply chains.

The programme continued with special remarks by YBhg. Datuk Sikh Shamsul Ibrahim Sikh Abdul Majid, Chief Executive Officer of the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA). The programme also featured a Malaysia Investment Spotlight: Where Capital is Moving session presented by Mr. Christophe Vicic, Chief Growth Officer of JLL Malaysia Real Estate, offering perspectives on investment trends and capital flows.

Another key session focused on the Rancangan Selangor Kedua (RS-2) presented by Pn. Siti Nadira Binti Mohd Nor Assistant Director, Macro and Privatization Section, State Economic Planning Unit (UPEN). The session outlined Selangor’s long-term economic development priorities and highlighted the importance of aligning investment strategies with the state’s development direction.

The forum also addressed the practical requirements of establishing and expanding business operations in Malaysia through a technical session titled “Navigating Investment Approvals in Malaysia: Regulatory Processes and Technical Requirements”. The session cover SPEED Selangor by UPEN Selangor, Free Industrial Zones (FIZ), Free Trade Zones (FTZ), Licensed Manufacturing Warehouses (LMW) by the Royal Malaysian Customs Department, Certificates of Origin by MITI and Investment Incentives in Malaysia: Opportunities for Investors by MIDA.

The afternoon programme featured the Investable Projects Presentation Session: Unlocking Investment Opportunities: Strategic Projects by Selangor GLCs. The session showcased potential investment and collaboration opportunities through by Menteri Besar Selangor (Incorporation), the Kita Selangor Rail Line by UPEN Selangor and the Selangor Agenda for Green Economy (SAGE) by Worldwide Holdings Berhad.

The International Chambers Fireside Chat, themed Investor Perspectives: Opportunities and Challenges for Investing in Selangor and Malaysia brought together representatives from international business chambers, Ms. Kati Ferry, Chief Executive Officer EU- Malaysia Chamber of Commerce and Industry (EUROCHAM Malaysia); YBhg. Dato’ Siobhan Das, Chief Executive Officer, American Malaysian Chamber of Commerce (AMCHAM Malaysia) and Mr. Hakeem Yang, Vice National President, Taiwan Chamber of Commerce & Industry in Malaysia (TWCHAM). Moderated by YBhg. Datin Christina Cheah, Country Head of Corporate & Investment Banking, Wholesale Banking, UOB Malaysia, the discussion explored investor perspectives on the business environment, supply chain integration, talent development, cross-border logistics and operational challenges faced by foreign companies establishing and expanding their presence in Malaysia.

The forum also scheduled to feature the Launch of the Malaysia Digital Location Recognition (MDLR) initiative by the Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC), marking a step towards strengthening Selangor’s digital investment ecosystem. The MDLR initiative provides a structured framework for recognising strategic digital locations under three categories: MD Hub, MD Nexus and MD Tech Zone. The framework aims to strengthen Malaysia’s digital ecosystem through quality infrastructure, innovation-driven environments and investment-ready locations.

Through this strategic collaboration, Selangor becomes the first state to embark on the MDLR initiative at the state level under the distinctive brand of MDLR@Selangor. This initiative reflects Selangor’s commitment to building a more visible, connected and investment-ready digital ecosystem.

To date, 26 buildings across Selangor have achieved MD Nexus recognition, positioning the state among Malaysia’s leading states in terms of the concentration of MD Nexus-recognised premises. In addition, 2 co-working spaces in Selangor have received MD Hub recognition.

The initiative also creates opportunities for closer collaboration between Invest Selangor and MDEC to identify suitable locations, enhance their readiness and investment value propositions, and facilitate engagement among investors, property developers, ecosystem partners and relevant government agencies.

SIF 2026 ended with “In Conversation with YAB Dato’ Seri Amirudin Shari, Dato’ Menteri Besar Selangor (Chief Minister of Selangor) sponsored by OCBC. The session explored Selangor’s role as a gateway to ASEAN and the state’s strategic direction under the Second Selangor Plan (RS-2) 2026–2030, with a focus on investment and industrial development.

The session highlighted RS-2’s six missions and 98 initiatives, with a target of RM330 billion in investments, focusing on five key sectors: electrical and electronics, aerospace, automotive, digital, and creative industries. It also underscored Selangor’s investment performance, with RM70.0 billion in approved investments across 835 projects in the first half of 2026, representing a 101% increase compared with the corresponding period last year, with the digital sector as a key contributor. The discussion further touched on efforts to strengthen the state’s economic resilience, including the RM355.06 million Selangor Resilience Strengthening Package, supported by the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI).

Through SIF 2026, Invest Selangor continues to strengthen its role in facilitating investment by connecting businesses with relevant government agencies, strategic projects and industry stakeholders. By bringing together policy insights, regulatory guidance, project opportunities and international investor perspectives, the forum supports informed investment decisions and helps create pathways for business expansion and sustainable economic growth in Selangor.

For programme details and updates, visit www.selangorsummit.com or follow @selangorsummit on social media.

About Invest Selangor

Invest Selangor Berhad is the Selangor State Government’s investment promotion agency, facilitating business growth and investment opportunities in Malaysia’s most developed and competitive state. As a one-stop centre, it provides advisory services, market insights, and facilitation for local and international investors looking to establish or expand in Selangor—the gateway to ASEAN.

With a strategic location, world-class infrastructure, and a thriving business ecosystem, Selangor continues to attract high-value investments across diverse industries, reinforcing its position as Malaysia’s economic powerhouse. Since 1999, Invest Selangor has successfully facilitated over 7,069 manufacturing projects, contributing to the creation of 508,316 jobs and securing more than RM256.6 billion in investments.

Invest Selangor also drives the Selangor International Business Summit (SIBS) and the Selangor Aerospace Summit (SAS), key platforms connecting industry leaders, policymakers, and entrepreneurs across ASEAN and beyond. Through strategic initiatives, it remains committed to a resilient, sustainable, and innovative economy, reinforcing Selangor as the preferred destination for global investors.

For Selangor investment enquiries, please visit www.investselangor.my

SOURCE: Invest Selangor Berhad​

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:
Name: Nur Azyyana Abu Bakar
Email: azyyana@investselangor.my

Name: Maryani Binti Mat Saad
Email: maryani@investselangor.my

--BERNAMA

SELANGOR TARGETS HIGH-TECH WORKFORCE SURGE: SCOUT TALENT EXPO 2026 OPENS WITH 10,000 JOBS IN AEROSPACE, CHIPS, AND GREEN TECH

Selangor Targets High-Tech Workforce Surge: Scout Talent Expo 2026 Opens With 10,000 Jobs In Aerospace, Chips, And Green Tech

Anchored under the 10th Selangor International Business Summit (SIBS 2026), the three-day career showcase connects over 140 premier employers with Malaysian talent, featuring on-the-spot interviews and RM30,000 in incentives.

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 16 (Bernama) -- The Selangor Career Outreach (SCOUT) Talent Expo 2026 launched yesterday at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC), offering more than 140 participating companies, with over 2,000 positions available and 10,000 job vacancies specialised roles across high-growth industries.

Running from 15 to 17 October at Hall 7, Level 3, the three-day talent drive serves as a strategic cornerstone of the 10th Selangor International Business Summit (SIBS 2026). It aims to bridge the critical talent supply gap in high-value sectors, connecting fresh graduates, TVET candidates, and seasoned professionals directly with leading multinational and regional employers.

Participating industries reflect Selangor’s drive towards high-tech economic expansion, with opportunities spanning semiconductors, aerospace maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO), rail transit, life sciences and industrial automation.

Speaking at the launch, YBhg. Dato' Amirul Azizan bin Abd. Rahim, Deputy State Secretary (Management) said, “Selangor’s continued economic growth and investment inflows are creating new opportunities for job creation. From January to June 2026, approved investments reached RM70 billion, with 60% comprising foreign investments and the remaining 40% coming from domestic investments. These investments have generated more than 23,000 job opportunities across various sectors and occupational fields.”

The expo hosts 121 exhibition booths featuring more than 140 industry leaders, including:

· Semiconductors & Deep Tech: Weeroc Space Sdn Bhd, NXP Malaysia Sdn Bhd
· Aerospace & Aviation MRO: SIA Engineering Company, AIROD Aerospace Technology
· Public Transit & Infrastructure: Prasarana Malaysia Berhad
· Life Sciences & Healthcare: Duopharma Biotech Berhad
· Automation & Clean Energy: Schneider Electric

Highlighting the expo’s focus on actionable employment, YBhg. Dato’ Hasan Azhari bin Hj. Idris, Chief Executive Officer of Invest Selangor Berhad, noted, “This programme is open to everyone, particularly Selangor residents and those from nearby regions including students, graduates, job seekers looking for new career opportunities, as well as individuals who have been retrenched. I hope that SCOUT Talent Expo will serve as a platform to strengthen the relationship between industry and the talent community, while creating more career opportunities in the future.”

Beyond direct recruitment, the three-day programme features comprehensive workforce-readiness initiatives delivered in partnership with public and private bodies:

· Walk-in CV Clinics & Guidance: Dedicated PERKESO booths offering personalised career assessments and CV reviews.
· LinkedIn Optimisation Hub: Hands-on sessions to boost candidate visibility amongst regional headhunters and corporate talent acquisition teams.
· Executive Industry Briefings: Recruitment demand insights from firms such as Linergy Power Sdn Bhd and Randstad Malaysia.
· Start-Up Innovation Showcase: An ASEM-curated semiconductor pitch contest showcasing homegrown deep-tech ventures to angel investors.
· Social Protection & Enterprise Transition: Briefings on MYFutureJobs, the EIS Act 2017 (Act 800), alongside digital entrepreneurship workshops hosted by Platform Selangor (PLATS).

To drive public participation, the event includes appearances by career personalities Zarul Umbrella, Aunty HR, Ansari Ramli and Mdnor, alongside lucky draws worth up to RM30,000. Prizes include Montigo drink bottles, JisuLife portable fans an iPad and a MacBook Neo.

Additionally, the first 3,000 attendees will receive RM10 in e-wallet credits, whilst up to 500 eligible PERKESO Employment Insurance System (EIS) recipients can claim RM100 in e-wallet relief (subject to terms and conditions).

SCOUT Talent Expo 2026 runs daily from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm through Saturday, 17 October 2026, at Hall 7, Level 3, Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre, Kuala Lumpur. Admission is free.

For registration details and event schedules, visit www.selangorsummit.com or follow @selangorsummit on social media.

About Invest Selangor

Invest Selangor Berhad is the Selangor State Government’s investment promotion agency, facilitating business growth and investment opportunities in Malaysia’s most developed and competitive state. As a one-stop centre, it provides advisory services, market insights, and facilitation for local and international investors looking to establish or expand in Selangor—the gateway to ASEAN.

With a strategic location, world-class infrastructure, and a thriving business ecosystem, Selangor continues to attract high-value investments across diverse industries, reinforcing its position as Malaysia’s economic powerhouse. Since 1999, Invest Selangor has successfully facilitated over 7,069 manufacturing projects, contributing to the creation of 508,316 jobs and securing more than RM256.6 billion in investments.

Invest Selangor also drives the Selangor International Business Summit (SIBS) and the Selangor Aerospace Summit (SAS), key platforms connecting industry leaders, policymakers, and entrepreneurs across ASEAN and beyond. Through strategic initiatives, it remains committed to a resilient, sustainable, and innovative economy, reinforcing Selangor as the preferred destination for global investors.

For Selangor investment enquiries, please visit www.investselangor.my

SOURCE: Invest Selangor Berhad​

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:
Name: Nur Azyyana Abu Bakar
Email: azyyana@investselangor.my

Name: Maryani Binti Mat Saad
Email: maryani@investselangor.my

--BERNAMA

A.P. MOLLER CAPITAL TO BUY SINGAPORE PORT OPERATOR PORTEK

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 16 (Bernama) -- A.P. Moller Capital, a global institutional fund manager, has agreed to acquire 100 per cent of Singapore-based ports operator Portek International Pte Ltd (Portek) from Japan’s Mitsui & Co Ltd (Mitsui) through its Emerging Markets Infrastructure Fund II (EMIF II).

“Portek is a strong fit with our investment strategy and active owner philosophy. It is an established business with a diversified portfolio of port operations serving important trade flows across three continents, supported by experienced local operating teams,” said A.P. Moller Capital Partner, Semih Gökmen.

A.P. Moller Capital in a statement said the acquisition is aligned with its focus on transport and logistics infrastructure and that it plans to focus on operational performance, governance, safety, capital discipline and environmental performance at Portek after completion.

The deal adds to A.P. Moller Capital’s investments in Philippines-based AC Logistics and Bergé Logistics, which operates in Spain and Latin America, as well as recently signed agreements to acquire majority stakes in Globex Investissement and Euroports.

Portek, founded in 1988, has interests in seven port terminals in Algeria, Gabon, Indonesia, Latvia, Malta and Vietnam, and provides port engineering and operations and maintenance services, mainly from Singapore and Indonesia.

It employs about 1,400 people, and its terminals handle around seven million tonnes of bulk cargo, 700,000 containers and 90,000 vehicles each year.

Financial terms were not disclosed. Completion is subject to customary conditions, including regulatory and third-party approvals.

-- BERNAMA

MHTC AND MAYBANK PARTNER TO BRING MALAYSIA HEALTHCARE CLOSER TO ASEAN CUSTOMERS

Multi-year collaboration combines Malaysia Healthcare ecosystem with Maybank’s regional reach to support a more connected healthcare and wellness journey across ASEAN

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 15 (Bernama) -- Malaysia Healthcare Travel Council (MHTC) and Malayan Banking Berhad (Maybank) today formalised a multi-year strategic collaboration to bring the Malaysia Healthcare ecosystem closer to Maybank customers across ASEAN.

The collaboration brings together MHTC’s medical tourism ecosystem and Maybank’s regional network and customer reach, creating additional ways for customers and families to access healthcare and wellness information, relevant ecosystem opportunities, and supporting services. It also supports MHTC’s broader efforts under its “Healing Meets Hospitality” proposition.

Through this collaboration, MHTC brings together the country’s healthcare expertise, member hospital network, and industry ecosystem, while Maybank supports customer engagement through its regional presence and customer touchpoints. Together, the organisations aim to create a more connected pathway between customers across ASEAN and Malaysia’s healthcare ecosystem.

“Malaysia has built a strong healthcare ecosystem, and the opportunity now is to make that strength more accessible to people across the region,” said Dato’ Suriaghandi Suppiah, Chief Executive Officer, Malaysia Healthcare Travel Council. “MHTC brings the national healthcare mandate, the healthcare ecosystem and the connections across our member hospitals, while Maybank brings an established regional network and trusted customer relationships. This collaboration allows us to extend the reach of Malaysia Healthcare and create a more practical, customer-ready proposition across ASEAN. In simple terms, MHTC opens the destination. Maybank opens the door,” he added.

At the centre of the collaboration is Maybank’s regional healthcare and wellness initiative, a customer proposition that will be progressively developed with MHTC and rolled out across participating markets.

“Across ASEAN, our customers lead increasingly mobile lives, with needs and priorities that extend across markets. With a banking network spanning ten ASEAN countries, Maybank is well-positioned to meet these evolving needs in ways that go beyond traditional banking. This collaboration with MHTC is one example, connecting our customers and their families across the region with Malaysia’s healthcare travel ecosystem. By building partnerships around real customer needs, we continue to bring our purpose of humanising financial services to life,” said Syed Ahmad Taufik Albar, Group Chief Executive Officer, Community Financial Services, Maybank.

The collaboration will be progressively activated across selected ASEAN markets, building on initial engagement in Cambodia, with Indonesia, Philippines and Singapore also identified as priority markets. While Maybank’s regional healthcare and wellness initiative is retained as the common platform, activations will be tailored to local customer needs and applicable requirements.

In Cambodia, the collaboration supports Maybank Cambodia’s “Cross-Border Wealth to Cross-Border Wellbeing” direction, expanding its Premier wealth proposition beyond financial wellbeing and supporting customers as their needs evolve across different life stages. Premier clients can access relevant healthcare and wellness information and opportunities through MHTC’s ecosystem.

In Indonesia, the collaboration complements Maybank Indonesia’s Premier Banking proposition by extending the customer experience beyond traditional financial services. Through MHTC’s healthcare travel ecosystem, Premier clients and their families can access privileges and relevant support for themselves and their families’ wellbeing needs.

Across these markets, Maybank will facilitate access to relevant opportunities through its regional customer network, while MHTC provides the connection to Malaysia Healthcare ecosystem.

Please refer here for photo:
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1uozEQ9KxW5m_gX48Ucuj1-FZ6urYu-IS

SOURCE: Malaysia Healthcare Travel Council (MHTC)

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:
Name: Muhammad Rasydan Bin Ma’at
Head of Unit, PR and Media Unit
Communications
Tel: +603 8776 6168
Email: rasydan.m@mhtc.org.my

Name: Mohamad Shahizam Fauzi
Head, Communications
Tel: +603 8776 6168
Email: shahizam.f@mhtc.org.my

Name: Pang Tun Yau
Head, PR, Content & Creative
Group Community Financial Services
Maybank
Email: tunyau.pang@maybank.com

--BERNAMA

AirAsia MOVE wins Asia’s Best Travel Booking App for the fourth consecutive year

Fourth consecutive traveller-voted win, reflecting MOVE’s expanded travel offerings, enhanced app experience and growing engagement, with monthly active users up 22%, and app journey searches up 14% year-on-year.

GREEN ISLAND, JAMAICA, Oct 15 (Bernama) -- AirAsia MOVE (MOVE) has been named Asia’s Best Travel Booking App for the fourth consecutive year at the World Travel Tech Awards 2026, reflecting its continued evolution and resilience as it adapts to shifting traveller expectations and challenges in the travel industry.

MOVE has evolved from a platform centered on flights and hotels to a broader travel and lifestyle app built around the full journey. Travellers can book across 700 airlines, over a million hotels, bundled flights and hotels with SNAP!, discover global attractions and experiences through GetYourGuide, and access live entertainment options through MOVETIX. Beyond expanding what travellers can book, MOVE continues to make the journey simpler through ongoing improvements to its booking flows and payment experience, alongside AskBo, its AI-powered chatbot.

This evolution is reflected in growing platform engagement, with monthly active users rising 22% year-on-year to nearly 17 million and app journey searches increasing 14% to 33 million.

Chan Kok Ding, Head of Commercial of AirAsia MOVE said, “Winning Asia’s Best Travel Booking App for the fourth consecutive year is a proud milestone for us at MOVE, especially as we continue to evolve alongside the ever- changing travel landscape.

“Our real measure of success, however, is what we make possible beyond the booking. By bringing travellers, our airline and hotel partners, tourism boards, and destinations together, we aim to turn more travel possibilities into real experiences, creating more opportunities for the wider travel industry and making it easier for people to explore the world.”

Graham E. Cooke, President and Founder of World Travel Awards, said: “Congratulations to AirAsia MOVE on this outstanding achievement at World Travel Tech Awards 2026. This fourth consecutive win as 'Asia’s Best Travel Booking App' recognises MOVE’s continued innovation, evolving travel offerings and commitment to creating a seamless experience for travellers. It is a testament to the dedication of the MOVE team and its role in shaping how travellers discover, plan and book their journeys.”

At the same award ceremony, MOVE, as the official booking platform for AirAsia, also secured this year’s awards for World’s Best Low-Cost Airline App and World’s Best Low-Cost Airline Website.

For the latest updates, follow @airasiamove on Instagram and TikTok. Download the app from the Apple App Store, Google Play Store, and Huawei App Gallery for a smooth and enhanced booking experience.

SOURCE: AirAsia MOVE (MOVE)

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:
Name: Ryan Chan
Email: loionchanl@movetravel.com​

--BERNAMA

A Bittersweet Farewell to Bayview: Ascott Malaysia Unveils Transformation of Three Beloved Hotels into Distinct New Hospitality Experiences in Penang and Langkawi

A bittersweet farewell to Bayview Beach Resort Penang as it embarks on a new chapter as Ascott Batu Ferringhi Penang Resort

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 15 (Bernama) -- Ascott Malaysia is embarking on transforming and rebranding three long-established Bayview properties in Penang and Langkawi into three distinct hospitality offerings, supported by an estimated reinvestment of approximately RM210 million and a phased reopening planned from early 2028.
The strategy sees Bayview Beach Resort Penang rebranded as Ascott Batu Ferringhi Penang Resort, Bayview Hotel Georgetown become Oakwood Georgetown Penang and Bayview Hotel Langkawi become Fox Hotel Langkawi. Together, the three properties represent 989 rooms across Penang and Langkawi and reflect a focused strategy of matching the three brands to suit their destinations and respective guest needs.

Ascott Batu Ferringhi Penang Resort will be Malaysia’s first beachfront resort under Ascott’s flagship brand. Set along the golden beach of Batu Ferringhi, Penang’s best-loved beach destination, the resort will be positioned for leisure and MICE travellers. Refurbishment works will cover the lobby, guest rooms, restaurants, swimming pool, wellness and spa outlet, and kids’ club. The banquet facilities, including the 1,000-seat grand ballroom, will also be upgraded, bringing a new level of experience to holidays, dining, meetings and events on Penang’s northern coastline.

In George Town, Oakwood Georgetown Penang will introduce the Oakwood brand’s “Home + Beyond” concept, offering a base designed for modern travellers looking to work and leisurely explore the city’s heritage attractions and food culture.

Fox Hotel Langkawi is the brand’s first property in Langkawi and one aimed at leisure holidaymakers and “bizcation” travellers seeking reliable service and strong local connections. Located in Kuah, the hotel is expected to appeal to style-conscious travellers exploring the island.

Bayview Hotel Georgetown, which operated for four decades, Bayview Hotel Langkawi and Bayview Beach Resort Penang have all ceased operations ahead of refurbishment works. Reopening of the transformed properties is expected from 2028 onwards.

“Bayview has been part of Penang and Langkawi’s hospitality landscape for many years, and we recognise the place these properties hold in the memories of guests and local communities,” said Adrian Chua, Area General Manager, Ascott Malaysia. “This transformation allows us to build on that legacy while introducing experiences that reflect how people travel today. By matching each destination with a distinct brand, we are creating offerings that serve both individual and group traveller requirements.”

The planned RM210 million reinvestment transformation of the three properties, owned by Oriental Holdings Berhad and operated by The Ascott Limited, comes at a time when Malaysia’s tourism sector continues to grow. According to the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture in August, the country recorded 21.1 million international visitor arrivals in the first half of 2026, an increase of 2.5% over the same period last year.

For travellers, business event organisers and industry partners, the transformation will introduce new accommodation options across leisure, extended stays, business travel and events. More information on bookings, facilities and reopening timelines will be announced progressively as redevelopment works advance.

The three refurbished properties will join Ascott Malaysia’s active portfolio of 29 hotels and serviced residences across major cities and urban centres in Malaysia, with additional developments in the pipeline. The new properties support a broader growth strategy of bringing new multi-typology offerings, strategic property conversions and footprint extensions into emerging leisure and business destinations to create the greatest relevance for travellers and local communities.

For more information on Ascott Malaysia, please visit https://www.discoverasr.com/en/malaysia

Images:
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1nFFy4BC1XOZQcLKF8DvvJrEzsj8aLCjd?usp=drive_link

About The Ascott Limited
 
The Ascott Limited (Ascott) is driven by a vision to be the preferred hospitality company, enriching global living with heartfelt experiences. With a portfolio of more than 1,000 properties spanning over 230 cities across more than 40 countries, Ascott’s presence spans Asia Pacific, Central Asia, Europe, the Middle East, Africa and the USA. Its diverse collection of award-winning brands includes Ascott, Citadines, lyf, Oakwood Premier, Oakwood, Somerset, The Crest Collection, The Unlimited Collection, Adoor Apartment, Adoor Suites, Fox, Harris, POP!, Preference, Quest, Vertu and Yello.

Ascott specialises in managing and franchising a wide range of lodging options, including serviced residences, hotels, resorts, social living properties and branded residences, catering to the varying needs and preferences of global travellers. Through the Ascott Star Rewards (ASR) loyalty programme, members enjoy exclusive privileges and curated experiences, enhancing every aspect of their travel journey.
 
As a wholly owned business unit of CapitaLand Investment Limited, Ascott generates fee-related revenue by leveraging its expertise in both lodging management and investment management. It also drives the expansion of funds under management by growing its sponsored CapitaLand Ascott Trust and private funds.
 
For more information on Ascott and its sustainability programme, please visit www.discoverasr.com/the-ascott-limited. Alternatively, connect with Ascott on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and LinkedIn.
 
About CapitaLand Investment Limited (SGX: 9CI)

CapitaLand Investment is a leading global real asset manager with a strong foothold in Asia. Headquartered and listed in Singapore, CLI connects institutional capital to real asset opportunities through its globally integrated fund management platforms. Operating in over 40 countries, CLI is focused on growing recurring fee earnings, recycling capital efficiently and delivering sustainable long-term value for shareholders through disciplined capital management and responsible investing. For more information, please visit: www.capitalandinvest.com. (Co. Regn.: 200308451M)

SOURCE: Ascott Malaysia

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

Ascott Malaysia
Name: Ng Bee Fong, Country Director - Brand & Mktg
Tel: +6016 221 9878
Email: beefong.ng@the-ascott.com

--BERNAMA

​JA Worldwide and HP Launch Global Collaboration to Prepare Young People for a Technology-Driven Future

BOSTON, Oct 13 (Bernama-GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Junior Achievement (JA) Worldwide and HP today announced a global partnership that unites years of successful collaboration around the world. Spanning 37 countries, the expanded collaboration aims to advance digital skills, AI education, workforce readiness, entrepreneurship, and intergenerational learning for young people and educators.

The partnership combines HP’s technology, skills training and expertise of its employees with JA’s global reach, deep local relationships, and more than a century of experience in experiential education. JA locations, embedded in communities worldwide, can adapt each learning experience to the language, culture, education system, and local economic priorities, while a global framework establishes shared standards for educational quality, volunteer engagement, impact measurement, and storytelling.

“JA and HP have built extraordinary programs in communities around the world, each responding to local opportunities and grounded in a shared belief in young people’s potential,” said Leo Martellotto, JA Worldwide’s Chief Development Officer. “A global framework now unites those efforts, allowing effective ideas to travel, opening more pathways for HP employees to share their expertise, and extending high-quality learning to young people at remarkable scale. Together, we’re helping young people develop the skillset and mindset to build thriving communities.” 

During the first year of the collaboration, JA and HP expect to engage more than 850,000 young people and educators through locally tailored hands-on learning experiences that HP employees strengthen by contributing their expertise as mentors, speakers, subject-matter experts, and judges.

“Access to technology is important, but its real value emerges when people have the confidence and skills to use it in meaningful ways,” said Michele Malejki, Global Head of Social Impact at HP Inc. and Executive Director of the HP Foundation. “At HP, we bring technology, learning experiences and the expertise of our people to help young people explore new ideas, solve real-world challenges and prepare for a changing world of work. Through JA’s deep local relationships, those opportunities can reach more young people in ways that are relevant to their communities.”

Opening a Global Conversation at UNGA
During the recent United Nations General Assembly in New York City, a JA Worldwide, JA of New York and HP–hosted discussion introduced young people entering the workforce to senior corporate leaders. The session, “Beyond Mentorship: Learning Across Generations,” examined how changing expectations around technology, leadership, learning, purpose, and flexibility are reshaping the workplace, approaching intergenerational exchange as a source of mutual learning. Their exchange reflected a central principle of the JA-HP partnership: Every generation possesses knowledge the others need. When young people and experienced leaders engage one another as thoughtful peers, they challenge assumptions, expand possibilities, and shape stronger workplaces together.

From UNGA to NAUFest
From the global stage in New York, the partnership now advances across the Americas through NAUFest, JA Americas’ regional educational experience connecting young people through online and in-person events in more than 30 cities.

At the center of NAUFest, the HP-supported #AIForImpact Challenge invites young people to identify a challenge in their communities and develop an AI-powered solution, moving participants from understanding to application. Participants follow a structured learning journey available in English, Spanish, and Portuguese, combining short educational videos, guided activities, a live masterclass, mentorship, and a showcase in which to present their ideas.

Young people examine how AI is transforming entrepreneurship, use AI tools to conduct market research and develop prototypes, consider the ethical dimensions of AI-assisted decision-making, and apply their learning to a challenge that matters where they live. HP employees contribute throughout the experience as content experts, mentors, speakers, and regional judges.

Global Reach; Local Relevance
Over the coming year, the partnership will take shape across the following regions and countries:

• Africa: Nigeria and South Africa
• Americas: Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, México, Paraguay, Peru, Puerto Rico, Uruguay, and Venezuela
• Asia Pacific: China, India, Indonesia, and Malaysia
• Europe: Czech Republic, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Latvia, the Netherlands, Poland, Romania, Spain, Sweden, Türkiye, Ukraine, and the United Kingdom
• Middle East and North Africa: Egypt, Morocco, and Saudi Arabia
   

Across these regions, the portfolio includes AI and digital-literacy education; entrepreneurship experiences through which students create and manage companies; career exploration and work-readiness learning; digital safety and citizenship; professional development for educators; and direct engagement with HP employees.

A coordinated global approach also strengthens impact measurement, peer learning, communications, and the collection of stories that reveal how young people apply their burgeoning skills. Through the JA Institute—JA Worldwide’s center for research, insights, and thought leadership—HP and JA will draw broader lessons from the partnership and contribute fresh perspectives to global conversations about education, technology, youth agency, and the future of work.

“What excites me most about this partnership is its multiplier effect,” said Asheesh Advani, JA Worldwide’s CEO. “Young people across 37 countries gain the digital fluency, entrepreneurial thinking, and workforce readiness to pursue opportunity and grow into capable, fulfilled leaders, while educators develop new skills and teaching practices they can carry forward to many more learners. Together, JA and HP are cultivating future-ready talent at global scale and strengthening an education ecosystem that can expand opportunity for years to come.”

About JA Worldwide
As one of the world’s largest and most impactful youth-serving NGOs, JA provides hands-on, immersive learning in entrepreneurship, work readiness, and financial capability.

Delivering more than 23 million learning experiences each year through 750,000+ teachers and business volunteers, JA Worldwide is one of few organizations with the scale, experience, and passion to build a brighter future for the next generation of innovators, entrepreneurs, and leaders. Operating in 120+ countries, JA equips young people with the skillset and mindset to build thriving communities. Learn more at jaworldwide.org.

About HP Inc.
HP Inc. (NYSE: HPQ) is a global technology leader redefining the Future of Work. Operating in more than 180 countries, HP delivers innovative and AI-powered devices, software, services, and subscriptions that drive business growth and professional fulfillment. For more information, visit HP.com.

Contact
Tere Stouffer
Chief Marketing Officer
JA Worldwide
+1-212-641-0747
tere.stouffer@jaworldwide.org 

SOURCE: JA Worldwide, Inc.

NETBOX LABS SIGNS NVIDIA, GRAFANA LABS PARTNERSHIPS

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 14 (Bernama) -- NetBox Labs, which develops the network and data centre management software NetBox, has announced partnerships with NVIDIA and Grafana Labs, along with new platform capabilities, at its first NetBox Evolve conference.

“Today NetBox is used by companies like Arm, CoreWeave, Kaiser Permanente and JPMorgan Chase to build, run and grow their networks and infrastructure.

“We are seeing tremendous growth, with more than 90 per cent of the top neoclouds using NetBox to design and scale their AI data centres, and we expect NetBox to power more than 100 GW of AI data centre capacity by 2030,” said NetBox Labs chief executive officer and co-founder, Kris Beevers in a statement.

Under the NVIDIA partnership, NetBox is now a native source of truth for NVIDIA Configuration Manager (NVCM), the network orchestration component of NVIDIA DSX OS. It provides the data that drives automated configuration across NVIDIA-native cluster fabrics.

NetBox Labs and Grafana Labs have also released a free, open-source NetBox plugin in the Grafana catalogue. The plugin brings live infrastructure details, such as site, role, tenant, rack, owner and lifecycle, into Grafana dashboards and alerts. According to the companies, it requires no pipeline changes, avoids stale labels and adds no metric cost.

Separately, NetBox Labs’ open-source Orb platform now supplies network flow and packet telemetry to Grafana Cloud users.

NetBox Labs has also expanded its Infrastructure Intelligence Platform. NetBox Designs, now in public preview, provides reusable templates for designing sites, racks and IP plans for large-scale deployments.

NetBox Agents adds pre-built AI agents for tasks including change request review, compliance and data quality management, also in public preview. A fully managed NetBox Platform MCP Server, now generally available, lets customers’ own AI agents query and change infrastructure in plain language.

NetBox Analytics, which has added new ready-made dashboards, and NetBox Visual Explorer will become generally available in November.

-- BERNAMA

HOLAFLY UNVEILS ULTRA PLAN BUNDLING ESIM DATA WITH HEALTHCARE

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 14 (Bernama) -- Holafly, the global leader in eSIMs for travellers, has launched its Ultra Plan, a new subscription tier combining unlimited mobile data, health and wellbeing services, and help with travel disruptions.

Part of Holafly Plans, Ultra is aimed at travellers on the go, such as digital nomads, students abroad and frequent travellers, and is intended to help them look after their health while abroad, the company said.

Ultra was developed after Holafly’s own research found that 47.5 per cent of frequent and long-stay travellers surveyed had delayed or avoided medical care abroad despite feeling they needed it. Separate research by MBO Partners found that 23 per cent of American digital nomads cited travel burnout as a challenge, while 19 per cent pointed to loneliness.

“Being able to work from anywhere does not mean everyday worries disappear. Getting sick, feeling overwhelmed or dealing with a cancelled flight can be harder when you are far from familiar support.

“With Ultra, we are extending our promise of peace of mind, helping travellers stay online and giving them someone to turn to when they need support,” said Holafly Chief Operating Officer, Metin Kastro in a statement.

At 84.9 euros per month, Ultra includes round-the-clock doctor chat, unlimited mental wellbeing sessions, nutrition and personal training support, and online vet advice. (1 Euro = RM4.57)

The subscription also offers unlimited data in more than 160 destinations, unlimited hotspot use and a local phone number for receiving texts, including two-factor authentication codes.

It further provides help with eligible flight compensation claims, luggage protection covering lost, delayed or damaged baggage, and 24-hour human customer support. Ultra joins the Light and Unlimited tiers within Holafly Plans.

-- BERNAMA

CHERY’S ROBOTICS BRAND AIMOGA TO UNVEIL HOME ROBOT AT SUMMIT

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 14 (Bernama) -- Chery Group’s robotics brand AiMOGA will unveil a new home robot at the 2026 Chery International User Summit in Wuhu, China.

The robot, designed for everyday household needs, will debut at a launch event themed "Car–Robot Synergy, Real-World Impact", where AiMOGA will also outline its strategy for embodied intelligence, or robots that interact with the physical world.

AiMOGA in a statement said its cumulative global deliveries had surpassed 3,000 units, with its products and services reaching more than 60 countries and regions.

Its portfolio spans humanoid robots, robotic dogs and other robotic forms, which are already used in automotive retail, public information and guidance, smart policing, healthcare navigation and reception services.

AiMOGA products have obtained international certifications and approvals, including CE marking in the European Union and Federal Communications Commission compliance in the United States.

The brand shares a common technology base with its sister brand LUXEED as part of Chery’s wider intelligence strategy and plans to integrate its robots with LUXEED’s smart cockpit to link vehicles with the home.

-- BERNAMA

NOVAAIR DEEPENS LONG-TERM INVESTMENT FOOTPRINT IN MALAYSIA WITH INAUGURATION OF KUL AIR SEPARATION UNIT

From left to right: Ms. Samantha Wong Sze Wing, Chief Financial Officer, Yingde Gases; Ms. Surayu Susah, Executive Director, Manufacturing Development (Resource), MIDA; Ms. Charlene Quek Chah Lim, Managing Director, NovaAir Industrial Gases Sdn. Bhd.

KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA, Oct 13 (Bernama) -- NovaAir Industrial Gases Sdn. Bhd. (hereinafter referred as to NovaAir), the Malaysian subsidiary of Yingde Gases, has inaugurated its 300-tonnes-per-day Kuala Lumpur (KUL) liquid air separation unit (ASU) at UMW High-Value Manufacturing Park in Greater Kuala Lumpur, strengthening Malaysia’s domestic supply of essential industrial gases for high-value manufacturing and reinforcing the group’s longterm investment commitment to Malaysia.
Commissioned in August 2026, the facility supports growing demand for industrial gases across Malaysia’s manufacturing ecosystem and strengthens Yingde Gases’ presence in Southeast Asia.

Datuk Sikh Shamsul Ibrahim Sikh Abdul Majid, Chief Executive Officer of Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA), said, “Industrial gases may be unseen, but they are essential to the industries powering Malaysia’s next phase of growth. NovaAir’s investment strengthens this critical foundation, advancing the ambitions of NIMP 2030 and the Chemical Industry Roadmap 2030 while enabling stronger domestic supply chains, higher-value industrial activities and skilled employment opportunities for Malaysians.”

Charlene Quek, General Manager of NovaAir, stated: “Malaysia hosts Yingde Gases’ very first regional headquarters outside China. NovaAir aims to forge deep, long-term partnerships with Malaysian local businesses and contribute to Malaysia’s national industrial ambition. The KUL liquid ASU and Alliance Steel project together demonstrate our confidence and sustained investment in this market.”

The KUL liquid ASU produces oxygen, nitrogen, argon and high-purity oxygen for downstream industries including chemicals, electrical and electronics, oil and gas, food processing, steelmaking and new-energy lithium battery production. Its proprietary air separation technology was developed and manufactured in-house by Yingde Engineering, the group’s engineering subsidiary, while artificial intelligence-driven control systems help improve energy efficiency and reduce the plant’s carbon footprint.

By meeting growing demand for high-quality industrial gases, the facility will support technological upgrading across downstream industries and strengthen Malaysia’s position as a high-tech manufacturing hub in Southeast Asia.

The investment complement NovaAir’s existing operations at the Malaysia-China Kuantan Industrial Park (MCKIP), where it operates three large-scale 20,000 Nm³/h on-site air separation units for Alliance Steel (Malaysia). Yingde Gases’ largest overseas on-site ASU complex to date, the project supplies high-purity oxygen, nitrogen and argon to support Alliance Steel’s steel-making operations and expansion plans. The Alliance Steel facility holds ISO 9001 quality management, ISO 14001 environmental management and Halal certifications.

The inauguration was attended by senior representatives from MIDA and Invest Selangor, alongside key customers, industry partners, contractors, and the management teams of Yingde Gases and NovaAir.

Looking ahead, NovaAir aims to raise the KUL plant’s capacity utilisation to above 90 % within two years. Over the next three to five years, Yingde Gases plans to expands its investment in Malaysia, with the ambition of positioning NovaAir among the country’s top three industrial gas suppliers. From its Malaysian regional headquarters, NovaAir also plan to pursue opportunities in Thailand, Vietnam and Indonesia, while continuing to focus operational efficiency, sustainability and local talent development.

About MIDA

MIDA is the government’s principal investment promotion and development agency under the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI) to oversee and drive investments into the manufacturing and services sectors in Malaysia. Headquartered in Kuala Lumpur Sentral, MIDA has 12 regional and 20 overseas offices. MIDA 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 channels.

About NovaAir

NovaAir, as the overseas subsidiary of YingDe Gases, has operated air separation plants in Malaysia, Thailand, etc. Its business covers the entire process of industrial gas production and operation, providing the regional customers with premium quality gas applications and solutions. For more information, please visit: www.novaair.co

About Yingde Gases

Yingde Gases is a large-scale professional gas company committed to industrial development, with over 150 gas production facilities in China and abroad, covering various industries such as metallurgy, chemical, electronics, semiconductor, photovoltaic, food, medical and healthcare, new materials, energy and environmental protection. Its market reach extends across China and Southeast Asia. Yingde Gases focuses on on-site gas supply, bulk liquid, MiniBulk, packaged gases, rare and specialty gases, and Yingde Engineering (design and manufacturing of cryogenic equipment including air separation unit). We supply high quality on-site pipeline gases, liquid gases in tanks and cylinder gases such as oxygen, nitrogen, and argon. For more information, please visit: www.yingde.com.

SOURCE: Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA)

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:
MIDA
Name: Puan Siti Halimaton Mohd. Rejab
Director, Chemical and Advanced Material Division
Tel: +603-2267 6701
Email: shalimaton@mida.gov.my

NovaAir
Name: Ms. Amanda Chu
Senior Legal Counsel
Tel: +603 2774 6200
Email: amanda.chu@novaair.co

--BERNAMA

TOSHIBA LAUNCHES FOUR EFUSE ICS FOR LOW-VOLTAGE POWER PROTECTION

 

Toshiba: TCKE5 Series of small-package eFuse ICs supporting 1.7V low-voltage operation.

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 13 (Bernama) -- Toshiba Electronic Devices & Storage Corporation (Toshiba), a supplier of advanced semiconductor and storage solutions, has launched four electronic fuses (eFuse ICs) under its TCKE5 Series, integrating multiple functions to protect power supply lines.

The new products operate over an input voltage range of 1.7 volts (V) to 5.5V and are housed in the compact SOT-353F (UFV) package. The lineup comprises four models: “TCKE501UA”, “TCKE501UL”, “TCKE502UA” and “TCKE502UL.” Shipments began on Oct 12.

According to Toshiba in a statement, the TCKE5 Series is the first in its eFuse IC lineup to support 1.8V power lines, making it suitable for low-voltage applications, including Secure Digital (SD) memory cards.

As electronic devices become smaller, more functional, and less power-intensive, demand for low-voltage power supplies has increased. Protection against overcurrent and short-circuit conditions is also essential to improve the reliability of low-voltage power lines.

The series comes in a compact, low-profile package that reduces printed circuit board (PCB) mounting area, supporting space-saving, high-density designs for wearable and Internet of Things (IoT) devices.

Alongside the short-circuit protection offered by physical fuses, such as glass tube and chip current fuses, the TCKE5 Series features overcurrent protection that shuts off output when excessive current is detected.

The overcurrent protection function also includes a mask time to help prevent unnecessary shutdowns caused by transient peak currents, thus protecting downstream circuits and improving system safety and reliability.

The lineup includes auto-retry models, which automatically restore circuit operation, and latch-type models, which require an external signal to recover. Different slew-rate settings are also available to meet power sequencing requirements.

Toshiba said it would continue expanding its eFuse IC lineup to support a wider range of equipment.

-- BERNAMA

MIMOS: BUDGET 2027 SHOULD ACCELERATE THE JOURNEY FROM R&D TO MALAYSIAN TECHNOLOGY, INDUSTRY ADOPTION AND HIGH-VALUE ECONOMIC IMPACT

(L to R) Abdul Rashdee Abdul Kadir, Deputy Group Chief Executive Officer and Group Chief Operating Officer; Nurezmy A. Majid, Deputy Group Chief Executive Officer and Group Chief of Staff; Dr Saat Shukri Embong, President and Group Chief Executive Officer; Dr Zulaikha Kadim, Group Chief Technology Officer, and Ir. Dr. Hazian Mamat, Group Chief of Corporate Planning & Strategy, MIMOS Berhad, shared their views following the Budget 2027 announcement, emphasising the need to accelerate R&D commercialisation, industry adoption and the development of Malaysian technologies to drive economic impact.

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 13 (Bernama) -- MIMOS Berhad welcomes the Government’s continued emphasis on strengthening Malaysia’s technology and innovation ecosystem and views Budget 2027 as an important opportunity to accelerate the transition from research and development (R&D) to commercialisation, industry adoption, and tangible national economic value.

MIMOS also acknowledges the Government’s commitment to advancing Malaysia’s technology and innovation agenda, particularly through the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MOSTI). These priorities provide an important foundation for strengthening Malaysia’s R&D capabilities, developing home-grown technologies and translating innovation into meaningful economic and societal outcomes.

The Budget’s RM6 billion allocation for research, development and commercialisation activities across ministries provides an important national framework for strengthening the journey from research to market. Separately, Khazanah and KWAP will invest RM1.2 billion to help local semiconductor companies move into higher-value segments. These measures present an opportunity to connect research capabilities more directly with national industrial priorities and market demand, including the development of higher-value technology capabilities and stronger local companies. The Budget also includes an RM30 million MDEC fund to help 4,000 MSMEs adopt AI and automate their operations, alongside measures to support technology startups. Together, these initiatives underscore the importance of translating local R&D into industry-ready solutions.

As Malaysia advances its technology agenda, MIMOS believes that the next phase of growth must go beyond investment in research infrastructure and technology development. Greater emphasis should be placed on ensuring that home-grown technologies are translated into Malaysian intellectual property (IP), commercially viable products and solutions, higher productivity, high-value employment and stronger Malaysian companies.

Dr Saat Shukri Embong, the President and Group Chief Executive Officer (PGCEO) of MIMOS Berhad, said the success of Malaysia’s technology agenda should ultimately be measured by the value created for the nation.

“Malaysia has built significant capabilities in R&D, technology and innovation. The next step is to ensure that these capabilities translate into commercial outcomes, stronger Malaysian IP, industry adoption and economic value. Budget 2027 can play an important role in strengthening this pathway, from research to technology development, to commercialisation and ultimately to impact.

The RM6 billion commitment to R&D and commercialisation, together with the focus on moving local semiconductor companies into higher-value activities, presents an opportunity to connect research capabilities more directly with national industrial priorities and market demand. This is also important in strengthening Malaysia's technological sovereignty by building our own capabilities, developing home-grown technologies and creating greater value from Malaysian innovation.”

Dr Shukri added that Malaysia’s applied R&D institutions have an important role to play in bridging the gap between technological capability and market adoption.

“Our objective should not simply be to develop more technologies, but to develop technologies that industry can adopt, scale and use to become more productive and competitive. This is how R&D investment ultimately creates value for the Malaysian economy.”

From an operational and industry adoption perspective, Abdul Rashdee Abdul Kadir, MIMOS Berhad’s Deputy Group Chief Executive Officer and Group Chief Operating Officer, said greater attention should be given to helping businesses translate technology investment into measurable productivity gains.

“Technology adoption must ultimately solve real business and industry challenges. Whether through AI, automation, smart manufacturing or other advanced technologies, the focus should be on enabling companies, particularly businesses that are ready to scale, to improve productivity, efficiency and competitiveness. The RM30 million MDEC fund announced under Budget 2027 will help 4,000 micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) adopt AI and automate their operations. The programme will also train and certify 5,000 AI professionals. This is one example of the opportunity to connect technology developers with businesses that can benefit from practical, measurable solutions.”

Abdul Rashdee said stronger mechanisms to connect technology developers with industry would help accelerate the movement from technology readiness to real-world deployment.

“The measure of success is not simply how much technology we develop, but how effectively that technology is adopted, deployed and scaled. A stronger 3 R&D-to-industry pathway will allow Malaysian companies to capture greater value from technology investment.”

Meanwhile, Nurezmy A. Majid, MIMOS Berhad’s Deputy Group Chief Executive Officer and Group Chief of Staff, said sustained technology development requires a coordinated ecosystem involving Government, industry, academia and R&D institutions.

“Technology development cannot happen in isolation. Malaysia needs a strong, connected ecosystem where policy, R&D, industry demand, talent development, and commercialisation work together. Budget 2027 is an opportunity to strengthen these linkages and ensure that national investments in technology capabilities are aligned with Malaysia’s broader economic priorities.

This includes connecting R&D institutions with industry, investment and talentdevelopment pathways so that promising technologies can progress from validation to adoption and scale.”

Nurezmy added that strengthening the national technology ecosystem would also help Malaysia develop and retain the capabilities needed for future industries.

“We need to build not only technologies, but also the people, institutions, partnerships and pathways that allow those technologies to create sustained national value. This includes stronger collaboration between Government, industry, academia and R&D institutions.”

From a technology perspective, Dr Zulaikha Kadim, Group Chief Technology Officer of MIMOS Berhad, said Malaysia should continue strengthening strategic technology capabilities, particularly in areas such as artificial intelligence (AI), semiconductors, and digital technologies.

“AI and semiconductor technologies are increasingly central to economic competitiveness. Malaysia must continue building indigenous technological capabilities while ensuring that our R&D efforts generate intellectual property and solutions that can be developed, protected and commercialised locally. Budget 2027 identifies quantum technology as a future skills area. It also states that NACSA and the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) will develop local post-quantum cryptography technologies to protect data against threats from quantum computers. These priorities reinforce the need to build expertise across strategic technologies while ensuring that research is directed towards relevant national and industry needs.”

Dr Zulaikha said strengthening local technology capabilities would enable Malaysia to participate more meaningfully in higher-value segments of the global technology ecosystem.

“The opportunity is not simply to adopt technologies developed elsewhere. We should also strengthen our ability to develop, validate and commercialise technologies that carry Malaysian IP and can compete regionally and globally.”

Ir Dr Hazian Mamat, Group Chief of Corporate Planning & Strategy, MIMOS Berhad, said Budget 2027 should continue to encourage technology investments that are linked to clear and measurable economic outcomes.

“Strategic investment in technology should ultimately translate into measurable outcomes: stronger productivity, greater commercialisation, higher-value jobs, stronger Malaysian companies and greater economic value. This outcome-based approach will be important in ensuring that every investment in innovation contributes meaningfully to Malaysia’s long-term competitiveness.

As Budget 2027 places emphasis on R&D commercialisation and the advancement of high-value sectors, these outcomes should be tracked through clear indicators such as industry adoption, technology readiness, Malaysian IP development, private-sector participation and commercial returns.”

Dr Hazian added that Malaysia’s technology strategy should be viewed through a longer-term lens.

“We need to look beyond individual projects and consider how today’s investments build tomorrow’s capabilities. This means strengthening the pipeline from R&D to commercialisation, supporting technology adoption and developing the talent required to sustain Malaysia’s competitiveness in strategic technology sectors.”

Collectively, MIMOS views Budget 2027 as an opportunity to strengthen the country’s R&D-to-commercialisation pipeline, accelerate the adoption of home-grown technologies, develop Malaysian IP and build the capabilities required to create higher-value economic opportunities. The Budget’s cross-ministerial R&D and commercialisation commitment, semiconductor investment measures, AI adoption initiatives and support for technology startups provide relevant avenues for collaboration, subject to programme eligibility and implementation arrangements.

MIMOS believes that the ultimate measure of technology investment should be its ability to generate real-world impact through commercialisation, productivity, industry competitiveness, high-value jobs and sustainable national economic value.

About MIMOS Berhad

MIMOS Berhad, a strategic agency under the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MOSTI), is Malaysia’s national applied R&D centre and innovation catalyst. MIMOS drives technology development and adoption by connecting research, industry, and policy to address national priorities and create socio-economic impact.

Its role spans applied research, technology commercialisation, ecosystem and standards development, policy and roadmap advisory, and talent capacity building. Through strategic collaborations across the public and private sectors, MIMOS enables the translation of innovation into scalable solutions that strengthen Malaysia’s technological capabilities, economic resilience, and global competitiveness. Its applied R&D capabilities support national priorities in areas including semiconductors, advanced electronics, digital technologies and emerging technology domains.

For more information, please visit www.mimos.my.

SOURCE: MIMOS Berhad

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:
Corporate Communication team
Name: Patricia Liew
Email: patricia.liew@mimos.my

Name: Nurazuin Wahab
Email: nurazuin.wahab@mimos.my

Name: Nuramalina Husna
Email: Nuramalina.nurdin@mimos.my

--BERNAMA

BPMB GROUP ENTRUSTED WITH OVER RM7 BILLION IN STRATEGIC INITIATIVES ACROSS SEVEN PRIORITY SECTORS UNDER NATIONAL BUDGET 2027

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 12 (Bernama) -- Bank Pembangunan Malaysia Berhad Group (“BPMB Group” or “the Group”) has been entrusted by the Government with more than RM7 billion in strategic initiatives across seven priority sectors under National Budget 2027. The seven priority sectors comprise export empowerment, sustainability, transportation and logistics, entrepreneur development, high-growth and high-value industries, tourism and infrastructure.

Reflecting the National Budget 2027 theme, Malaysia MADANI: Reaching for the Skies, While Anchored on Our Values, these initiatives support the Government’s focus on key sectors that support productivity, investment, competitiveness and sustainable economic growth. The integration of SME Bank Malaysia Berhad (“SME Bank”) and EXIM Bank Malaysia Berhad (“EXIM Bank”) further strengthens BPMB Group’s mandate as Malaysia’s unified development finance group, bringing together greater capital strength and broader capabilities to expand access to development financing, accelerate strategic investment and deliver measurable development impact in line with Bank Negara Malaysia’s Performance Measurement Framework (“PMF”).

Advancing Malaysia’s Export Competitiveness
Under Export Empowerment, RM1 billion will help Malaysian exporters navigate global market uncertainties and expand their presence in new and non-traditional markets.

Financing initiatives include:

• Local Acceleration and Growth Programme (RM500 million): Affordable financing for manufacturers, service providers, and local vendors to boost capacity, productivity, and competitiveness to support domestic business growth and strengthen participation in the value and supply chains of multinational corporations (MNCs), leading local corporates as well as strategic sectors identified under the New Industrial Master Plan (“NIMP”) 2030. This programme aims to deepen their integration into regional and global value and supply chains.
• Export Leap Scheme (RM500 million): Supporting and strengthening the capabilities and skills of Malaysian entrepreneurs / exporters to enter or further expand their footprint in international markets, including frontiers and non-traditional markets, as well as supporting exporters in navigating heightened competition and increasing costs from the current global and geopolitical uncertainties.
• Malaysia Global Connect (MGC) GoExport Cover (RM5 million grant): Providing a safety net against trade risks to aspiring and existing exporters entering new and non-traditional markets, thus reducing their vulnerability to commercial risk whilst facilitating and encouraging their market expansion. Business Export Programme (RM3 million grant):
• Building the export readiness and market access capabilities of Bumiputera Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (“MSMEs”) in the services and manufacturing sectors.

Scaling Sustainable Growth
Under the RM2 billion Sustainability mandate, the Group will facilitate the transition of Malaysian businesses towards lower-carbon and more sustainable operations, aligned with the National Energy Transition Roadmap (“NETR”) and evolving global sustainability requirements.

Initiatives include:

• Dana Kelestarian Alam 2.0 (RM2 billion): Financing Malaysian companies undertaking low-carbon initiatives and transitioning towards more sustainable business operations.
• National Energy Transition Facility (“NETF”) (RM50 million): Supporting high-potential energy transition projects that require targeted assistance to progress towards commercial viability.

Building a More Resilient Transport and Logistics Ecosystem
A dedicated RM1 billion will support a more resilient transportation and logistics ecosystem, enhance supply chain efficiency and strengthen Malaysia’s aerospace capabilities under the Malaysian Aerospace Industry Blueprint (“MAIB”) 2030.

Initiatives include:

• Transportation & Logistics Programme (RM800 million): Financing companies and projects across logistics and transportation, maritime and oil and gas (“O&G”) industries.
• Aerospace Programme (RM200 million): Financing companies across the aerospace ecosystem, including maintenance, repair and overhaul (“MRO”) activities.

Catalysing Entrepreneurial Growth.
A total of RM858 million will advance Entrepreneur Development in alignment with the National Entrepreneurship Policy 2030, targeting Bumiputera entrepreneurs, the Halal industry ecosystem, women and youth entrepreneurs, rural communities, social enterprises and franchise industry players.

Initiatives include:

• Bumiputera Economic Development Programme (RM600 million): Expanding access to financing for Bumiputera entrepreneurs, including businesses within the Halal industry ecosystem.
• MySMELady 3.0 (RM100 million): Expanding financing access for women-owned MSMEs to support business growth.
• Umbrella Ecosystem (RM150 million): Supporting the growth of franchise and licensing ecosystems, including franchisors, franchisees, licensors and licensees.
• Maju Usahawan Madani 3.0 (RM8 million grant): Strengthening the capabilities of entrepreneurs from underserved segments, including social enterprises, youth, women and rural communities.

Accelerating High-Growth and High-Value Industries
For high-growth and high-value industries, RM750 million will accelerate technology adoption and innovation in support of Malaysia’s transition towards a higher-value economy under NIMP 2030, the Industry4WRD: National Policy on Industry 4.0 and the National Semiconductor Strategy.

Initiatives include:Technology Adoption Fund (RM500 million): Financing technology adoption, digitalisation and Industry 4.0 initiatives, including among contractors, manufacturers and installers of Industrialised Building System (“IBS”) components.
Semiconductor Financing Programme (RM250 million): Financing semiconductor companies with the potential to scale capabilities and strengthen Malaysia’s semiconductor ecosystem under the National Semiconductor Strategy.

Elevating Malaysia’s Tourism Sector
A further RM700 million will support the continued growth of Malaysia’s tourism ecosystem and tourism-related businesses.

Initiatives include:

• Special Fund for Tourism (RM200 million): Expanding financing access for SMEs operating in tourism and tourism-related sectors.
• Tourism Programme (RM500 million): Financing companies across the tourism and tourism-related sectors to support sector growth.

Building Future-Ready Infrastructure
For infrastructure, RM700 million will support high-impact projects and essential facilities aligned with Malaysia’s economic and social development needs.
This will be delivered through:

• MADANI Infrastructure Programme (RM700 million): Financing Malaysian companies involved in major public infrastructure, utilities, social infrastructure, food security and national assets and security-related projects.

Collectively, these initiatives reinforce BPMB Group’s mandate, translating the National Budget 2027 priorities into targeted financing and measurable development outcomes. With an allocation of approximately RM510 billion, the National Budget 2027 advances stronger growth, productivity, sustainability and economic reform under the MADANI economic framework and the Thirteenth Malaysia Plan (“RMK13”), while enabling the Group to address financing gaps, advance strategic sectors and support Malaysian businesses from domestic growth through to international expansion.

For more information on BPMB Group’s initiatives and development programmes, please visit www.bpmb.com.my.

Please click here: https://bit.ly/4hU6v4r

Issued by:
BPMB Group

SOURCE: Bank Pembangunan Malaysia Berhad Group
FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:
Name: Mohd Nasrulhanis Ruslan
Acting Head, Strategic Communication
BPMB Group
Email: nasrulhanis@smebank.com.my

--BERNAMA