KK GROUP EXPANDS RAPIDLY IN SOUTHEAST ASIA

KKV Malaysia Flagship Store at Bukit Bintang (Photo: Business Wire)

KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 6 (Bernama) -- KK Group, a China-based trend retailer has accelerated its expansion across Southeast Asia, entering four countries last year with its lifestyle brand, KKV and makeup brand, The Colorist.

Embarked on an ambitious expansion in 2024, the company in a statement said it operates more than 1,000 stores in over 200 cities across China.

Known for its “good to shop, good to play, and good-looking” brand concept, KKV led the charge in this international expansion in Southeast Asia at an unprecedented pace, entering one new country every month.

The brand established a strong presence in Malaysia early last year, followed by Thailand in October, Vietnam in November, and the Philippines in December, while The Colorist’s first overseas store was opened in Malaysia in December.

This rapid growth underscores KK Group’s strategic focus and capability to quickly penetrate new markets, and its presence in Southeast Asia has approached 30 stores, including KKV and The Colorist brands, as of December last year.

Looking ahead, the group has set ambitious goals with its pop culture brand, X11, estimated to make its debut in Southeast Asia in 2025, and it plans to enter the Singapore market in the first half of this year.

As the number of stores under its three flagship brands, namely KKV, The Colorist, and X11, continues to grow, KK Group’s ability to adapt its product structure to local consumer preferences, maintain stable store operations, and ensure the profitability of individual stores will depend on continuous research and strategic exploration by the international team.

Beyond Southeast Asia, the team is also conducting comprehensive research to explore opportunities and drive new breakthroughs in regional development.

KK Group is committed to enhancing consumer loyalty through respecting local cultures, understanding local markets, optimising product structure, and strengthening partnerships with local partners.

-- BERNAMA

Nikkiso CE&IG Group Strengthens Leadership Team With Jeff Mumford’s Promotion

KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 3 (Bernama) -- Nikkiso Clean Energy & Industrial Gases Group (CE&IG), part of Nikkiso Co Ltd’s Industrial Business segment, has appointed Jeff Mumford as its new Executive Vice President of Operations and Manufacturing, effective Jan 2.

In this role, Mumford will oversee global operations and manufacturing as well as managing corporate departments including information technology (IT), Facilities, Safety Health Environmental and Quality (SHEQ), and Project Management.

Nikkiso CE&IG Group President and Chief Executive Officer, Adrian Ridge in a statement said Mumford’s leadership and dedication to continuous improvement have been proven throughout his career, and is recognised for his ability to drive transformational change while maintaining focus on growing the business.

Mumford joined Nikkiso in 2016 as a project manager and has since been promoted several times into leadership roles, including Procurement Director, Project Management Director and General Manager at the group’s Las Vegas operations.

During his tenure at Nikkiso, Mumford has successfully implemented efficiencies and contributed to business growth.

He holds a bachelor’s degree in Literature and Linguistics from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, and is a certified Project Management Professional.

A provider of cryogenic equipment and solutions worldwide, the group is headed by Cryogenic Industries Inc in Southern California, United States, a wholly owned subsidiary of Nikkiso Co Ltd.

-- BERNAMA

AHF CALLS ON ASEAN TO TAKE LEADERSHIP IN COMBATTING HIV/AIDS IN APAC

KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 2 (Bernama) -- AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF), a global non-profit provider of HIV/AIDS medical care, has urged the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) to lead the fight in ending AIDS as a public health threat in the Asia Pacific (APAC) region.

Having served over 400,000 clients across 10 APAC countries, AHF in a statement said it is eager to contribute its expertise to support ASEAN’s ambitious goals.

AHF President, Michael Weinstein emphasised that ASEAN's efforts could significantly impact the global fight against HIV/AIDS.

“By building partnerships with governments, civil society, and international agencies—and focusing on community-based approaches—ASEAN can demonstrate that ending AIDS as a public health threat is within reach.

“This progress would save lives, reduce healthcare costs, boost workforce productivity, and strengthen communities, while setting an example for other regions to follow,” he said.

Meanwhile, AHF Asia Bureau Chief, Dr Chhim Sarath expressed pride in the organisation’s collaborations with the majority of ASEAN countries and their civil society organisations (CSOs).

“As we welcome the New Year, we urge ASEAN and its member states to enhance collaboration and establish robust mechanisms to develop a ‘Road Map to End AIDS in the ASEAN Region’, with active engagement from CSOs like AHF,” added Dr Sarath.

AHF proposes working through platforms such as the ASEAN GO-NGOs Forum to promote collaboration, address inequalities, eliminate stigma and discrimination, and ensure access to the prevention and treatment of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections.

The non-profit organisation provides cutting-edge medicine and advocacy to over two million people in 48 countries worldwide, including the United States, Africa, Latin America/Caribbean, the Asia/Pacific Region, and Europe.

-- BERNAMA

Wisson Robotics To Make Waves At CES 2025, Debuting Pliabot Technology

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 27 (Bernama) -- Wisson Robotics, a leader in general-purpose soft robotics, will debut its Pliabot technology, a revolutionary commercial and universal soft robotics with human-like muscles and embodied artificial intelligence (AI), at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2025.

At the same event, the company said in a statement it will also introduce its innovative Pliabot robots for aerial operations and electric vehicle (EV) automatic charging, which aims to demonstrate Pliabot’s potential and seek industry partners to explore new applications.

Committed to freeing humans from harsh environments or repetitive tasks through disruptive innovation in robot core technology, Wisson leverages a decade of expertise in soft robotics to make Pliabot technology commercially available and universally applicable to provide safe, dexterous, lightweight, resilient, and affordable robots and solutions for various industries.

These cost-effective robots are designed to thrive in complex and dynamic environments, enabling more sectors beyond manufacturing to benefit from enhanced productivity and improved user experiences.

Wisson's Pliabot stands out in the world of soft robotics, mimicking human muscles through its "soft muscles + neuronic intelligence" dual-propeller approach, bringing high adaptability, a superior load-to-weight ratio, safe interaction, strong environmental resistance, and significant cost savings compared to rigid robots.

Additionally, designed as a modular platform, Pliabot bionic joints, arms, and "neuronic-cerebellar-cerebral-cloud" AI systems could easily integrate with mobile chassis, lifts, assembly lines, wearable devices, unmanned aerial vehicles, robotic dogs, and humanoid robots, making it ideal for diverse applications across industries.

Powered by Pliabot's technological and commercial advantages, Wisson has been a pioneer in bringing general-purpose soft robotics to market, being the first to achieve mass production and delivery of soft robots worldwide.

Furthermore, versatile Pliabot robots have been developed and deployed to over 100 countries, regions and cities, serving industries such as facade cleaning, autonomous driving, new energy, logistics, urban management, marine services and power grid, generating substantial commercial and social value for its clients and the community.

At CES 2025, Wisson will demonstrate the capabilities of its popular AP3-P3 facade cleaning, the versatile AP30-N1 aerial manipulator featuring the signature Pliabot arm, and the one-of-a-kind Pliabot EV charging robot.

-- BERNAMA

PETRONAS PREMIERES 'WITH OPEN HEARTS,' A STORY OF ACCEPTANCE AND LOVE

Su Lin expresses the emotions she has been holding onto all this while.

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 24 (Bernama) -- To celebrate the year-end festivities, PETRONAS presents ‘With Open Hearts', a film directed by Subashnaveen Balakrishnan that explores the power of embracing all possibilities to progress together as one.

Set against the rich, vibrant backdrop of Peranakan culture, the film follows Su Lin, a young girl whose life has always been shaped by her deep connection with her mother. Her mother was her only source of comfort, guidance, and love - until the day her mother decides to marry a new man.

As her mother welcomes a new chapter in her life, Su Lin is overwhelmed by emotions she cannot easily express. Two against the world no more, she is torn between the love she has for her mother and the uncertainty of accepting a new person into their small, familiar world.

Su Lin's journey is one of shifting perspectives, from seeing things from her mother’s lens to realising the importance of embracing change with an open heart. The film reflects upon the core value of Malaysia’s rich cultural diversity, and how its shared progress thus far is the result of such acceptance and complementing values.

“Through this film, PETRONAS aims to inspire viewers to reflect on how we can all contribute to building a stronger, more harmonious society by embracing new beginnings with open hearts, one that must come from a place of love, tolerance and mutual respect for each other,” said PETRONAS Senior General Manager of Strategic Communications, Group Strategic Relations and Communications, Siti Azlina Abdul Latif.

'With Open Hearts' premieres on 24 December 2024 on PETRONAS' official YouTube and Facebook pages. Join us as we begin 2025 with an open heart, ready to embrace the possibilities that lie ahead.

Issued by
Media Communications
Group Strategic Relations & Communications
PETRONAS

SOURCE : PETRONAS

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:
PETRONAS
Name: Estee Aina Huslan
Tel: 012-2283377
Email: esteeaina.huslan@petronas.com

--BERNAMA

 

Lancang-Mekong International Film Week Celebrates Cultural Exchange, Cinematic Diversity

 

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 23 (Bernama) -- The Sixth Lancang-Mekong International Film Week kicked off on Dec 17 in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, offering a five-day cinematic journey for local audiences.

China’s Yunnan Provincial Film Bureau Director, Zhai Yulong, expressed hope that this event would strengthen film exchanges and communication, further developing the film industry across the Lancang-Mekong countries.

Meanwhile, Cambodian Minister of Culture and Fine Arts, Phoeung Sakona, emphasised that this event serves as a platform to promote cultural dialogue and close cooperation among the countries in the Lancang-Mekong subregion.

According to a statement, the film week features 20 films from Lancang-Mekong countries, showcasing a rich variety of themes and genres, such as comedy, action, romance, and science fiction.

Notable screenings include Rooftop Soccer, which won the Best Children's Film award at the 37th Golden Rooster Awards in China. The film presents audiences with the unique charm of ancient villages and ethnic customs in Yunnan.

The event's sole animated film, I Am What I Am, introduces audiences to the traditional Chinese lion dance culture and Lingnan customs through its exquisite visuals and inspiring storyline.

The Cambodian film, When Mom Gets Old, focuses on the lives of elderly women and highlights intergenerational conflicts, provoking thoughtful reflections, while Thailand’s Grandma’s Grandchild offers a heartfelt portrayal of family dynamics, having broken box office records upon its release.

These films offer audiences a chance to explore diverse landscapes, cultures, and emotional stories from the six Lancang-Mekong countries. In addition to screenings, the event includes cultural tours, discussions, and project promotions, amplifying its cultural impact and brand influence.

The Sixth Lancang-Mekong International Film Week continues to be a vibrant celebration of cultural integration, demonstrating how civilisations thrive through exchange and learning.

-- BERNAMA

KAB MAKES HEADLINES IN TIME MAGAZINE, CEMENTING ITS ROLE IN MALAYSIA'S ENERGY REVOLUTION

· Kinergy Advancement Berhad (KAB): Energising the Present, Transforming the Future.

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 23 (Bernama) -- APAC 2024 Top Energy Sustainability Solutions Provider Kinergy Advancement Berhad (“KAB” or “Group”, “敬业”, Bloomberg: KASB MK), Kinergy Advancement Berhad (KAB), Malaysia’s leading Sustainable Energy Solutions Specialist, has garnered international recognition with a feature in the renowned TIME magazine. This milestone highlights KAB’s increasing role in shaping Malaysia’s sustainable energy sector and its contribution to international sustainability efforts.

TIME magazine’s article highlights KAB’s bold journey, tracing its evolution from an electrical engineering company founded in 1997 to a trailblazer in sustainable energy solutions. In the feature titled “We Invest in Our Present, Tomorrow, and Future: Energizing Tomorrow’s Sustainable Energy Solutions Today,” KAB’s transformation into a sustainable energy leader takes centre stage, offering insights into its innovative solutions and strategic growth.

KAB’s foray into sustainability began in 2018, long before it became a global priority. Initially specialising in the electrical construction of shopping malls, office buildings, and factories, the company identified a gap in post-construction energy management. This insight led to the establishment of its Sustainable Energy Solutions (SES) division in 2023, a move that also prompted a rebranding to reflect its ambitious vision.

The article highlights KAB’s focus on efficiency, renewable energy, and clean energy technologies, including co-generation, waste heat recovery, solar PV systems, and biogas projects. Notably, KAB is Malaysia’s pioneer in introducing ORC-type waste heat recovery systems, converting industrial heat waste into usable energy without additional feedstock.

KAB’s business model flexibility is a key driver of its success. The company offers three engagement models: traditional project commissioning, a ‘zero capex’ model where KAB builds and owns power plants while selling energy to clients, and joint-venture arrangements. These models allow clients to access energy solutions tailored to their needs.

Additionally, KAB’s strategic partnership with PETRONAS as its only local technical partner reflects its capability in clean energy transition projects. Its innovative district cooling system, designed for Malaysia’s growing network of data centres, also highlights KAB’s foresight in addressing the energy-intensive demands of the digital age.

As TIME underscores, KAB is central to Malaysia’s push toward carbon neutrality by 2050. The company’s solutions prioritise reducing energy consumption for large commercial and industrial complexes, leveraging smart technologies for real-time efficiency monitoring. With strategic acquisitions and a rapidly diversifying portfolio, KAB is poised to meet the nation’s growing energy demands while leading the charge toward a greener future.

KAB's inclusion in TIME magazine showcases its innovative approach and strong commitment to sustainability. By featuring its achievements on such a prestigious platform, KAB enhances its reputation as a key player in the energy sector and reinforces Malaysia's leadership in the global clean energy movement.

SOURCE : Aegis Communication on behalf of Kinergy Advancement Berhad

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:
Name: Jason Fong
Tel: +6012-8631134
Email: jason@aegiscomm.com.my

--BERNAMA