Berjaya Sompo Insurance Berhad Wins Big: Named Insurance Brand of the Year at the 2025 Global Banking & Finance Awards®

KUALA LUMPUR, May 6 (Bernama) -- Berjaya Sompo Insurance Berhad has been recognised for its excellence in the insurance industry, securing three prestigious accolades at the 2025 Global Banking & Finance Awards®:

· Insurance Brand of the Year Awards Malaysia 2025

· Best Auto Insurance Company Malaysia 2025

· Best Travel Insurance Company Malaysia 2025

These awards underscore Berjaya Sompo’s commitment to delivering superior insurance solutions and customer service, reinforcing its position as a trusted insurer in Malaysia.

“We are truly honoured to receive these recognitions. These awards serve as a testament to our team’s hard work, dedication, and unwavering commitment to continuous improvement. The insurance industry in Malaysia is highly competitive, with evolving customer needs and increasing digitalisation reshaping the landscape. Despite these challenges, we have remained steadfast in our mission to provide innovative, customer-centric solutions that truly make a difference. This achievement reaffirms our efforts and motivates us to continue setting new benchmarks in the industry,” said Mr Tan Sek Kee, Chief Executive Officer of Berjaya Sompo Insurance Berhad.

The full list of winners is available on the official Global Banking & Finance Awards® website: Award Winners List.

About Berjaya Sompo Insurance Berhad

Berjaya Sompo Insurance Berhad (“Berjaya Sompo”), is a Malaysian operating entity and part of Sompo Group. Bolstered by the Sompo Group’s 80 years of trusted presence in Asia, spreading across 13 markets in the region, Berjaya Sompo is a leading name in general insurance in Malaysia, with an ever-expanding network that presently comprises 15 offices and 2,614 agents nationwide. Berjaya Sompo provides a comprehensive range of general insurance solutions for individuals and corporations.

For more information, go to www.berjayasompo.com.my.

SOMPO Motor and SOMPO MotorSafe

Recognised under "The Good Drivers" initiative, have revolutionised the motor insurance landscape in Malaysia by introducing special perils coverage as a standard feature. This strategic move addresses climate-related risks, offering protection against floods and other natural disasters. Additionally, Berjaya Sompo’s green initiative, which supports windscreen chip repair instead of full replacement, aligns with its broader sustainability goals, reducing waste and repair costs.

SOMPO TravelSafe+

Catering to the evolving needs of post-pandemic travellers, SOMPO TravelSafe+ still offers the COVID-19 protection as a standard, ensuring peace of mind for both domestic and international travellers. SOMPO TravelSafe+ also offers unlimited Emergency Medical Evacuation and Repatriation. Besides that, SOMPO TravelSafe+ covers many other potential risks, such as baggage delay/loss, loss of money and personal documents, and disruptions in your transportation plans like delays, overbooking, misconnection, and rerouting.

SOURCE: Berjaya Sompo Insurance Berhad

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:
Name: Daniel Soon
PR and Communications
Berjaya Sompo Insurance Berhad
Tel: +6010 – 279 9775
Email: wjsoon@bsompo.com.my

--BERNAMA

NIKE REVAMPS LEADERSHIP TEAM, PROMOTES KEY EXECUTIVES AS O'NEILL RETIRES

KUALA LUMPUR, May 6 (Bernama) -- NIKE Inc (Nike) has unveiled a strategic reorganisation of its Senior Leadership Team (SLT) to fast-track progress on the company’s "Win Now" action plan and position it for long-term growth.

In a statement, the company said its President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Elliott Hill, along with outgoing President of Consumer, Product, and Brand, Heidi O’Neill, announced that leadership responsibilities will now be split into three distinct areas.

These areas are Consumer and Sport, Marketing, and Product Creation, which includes Innovation and Design. These divisions will report directly to Hill.

Following this reorganisation, O’Neill will retire after 26 years with the company, remaining in an advisory role until September.

Hill praised her lasting influence on Nike’s brand and innovation, crediting her for putting athletes at the core of the company’s vision.

He also expressed confidence in the revamped structure, stating that the appointments would enable Nike to fully leverage its competitive strengths and maintain its focus on sport and athletes.

In line with the leadership changes, Amy Montagne, formerly Vice President (VP)/General Manager of Global Women’s, has been appointed Nike President, tasked with driving growth and strengthening consumer engagement across all sports.

Phil McCartney, who previously held the role of VP, Footwear, has been promoted to Executive Vice President (EVP), Chief Innovation, Design & Product Officer, overseeing innovation and product creation for Nike, Jordan and Converse.

Nicole Graham has been elevated to EVP, Chief Marketing Officer (CMO), from her previous position as CMO, where she will lead brand storytelling and global marketing efforts for all three brands.

Meanwhile, Dr Thomas Clarke, who has been serving as strategic advisor to the CEO, takes on the new position of Chief Growth Initiatives Officer, focusing on Nike's long-term expansion strategies.

-- BERNAMA

NS BLUESCOPE HOSTS ASEAN AWARD WINNERS ON AUSTRALIAN KNOWLEDGE TOUR

 

ASEAN winners with Daniel Bourke of fjcstudio at the Warships Pavilion, Australian National Maritime Museum

KUALA LUMPUR, May 5 (Bernama) -- Leading architects from the five winning firms in the inaugural BlueScope Steel Architectural Awards ASEAN visited Australia last month to celebrate design excellence and foster professional exchange.

NS BlueScope in a statement said delegates on the trip included representatives from Malaysia’s Arkiskape Sdn Bhd, MJ Kanny Architect, and Razin Architects Sdn Bhd, and Ar Naksit Wisetmora and Studio Sifah from Thailand.

Malaysian architect Ar Melvyn J Kanny was among those on the visit and highlighted the tour’s impact on building cross-border networks.

“This tour was the perfect opportunity to learn from the Australian and global architectural communities and to share information on some of the great work happening in ASEAN," he said.

The delegation toured some of Australia’s most striking modern steelwork developments in Sydney and Brisbane, including the Darling Quarter precinct and Australian National Maritime Museum, Kangaroo Point Bridge, Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre and UQ Sustainability Walk at the University of Queensland.

Many of these projects use BlueScope steel products such as COLORBOND and XLERPLATE steels that deliver on durability, versatility and aesthetic appeal, helping great architectural designs come to life. Renowned firms fjcstudio and Cox Architecture led the tours, offering insights into their design processes.

In addition to site visits and dialogues with leading practices, the delegation also attended the Australian Architecture Conference 2025 at the Sydney Opera House, engaging in global dialogues from artificial intelligence and decarbonising design to tall buildings and the future of urban centres.

The awards were run by NS BlueScope in partnership with industry bodies across Southeast Asia, including the Association of Siamese Architects under Royal Patronage (Thailand), Ikatan Arsitek Indonesia (Indonesia), the University of Architecture Ho Chi Minh City (Vietnam), ACG Media Group (Malaysia), and AustCham Singapore.

-- BERNAMA

ICE SPICE, CHARLI D’AMELIO FRONT KATE SPADE’S BOLD SS25 FRIENDSHIP CAMPAIGN

 
Ice Spice and Charli D'Amelio star in kate spade new york's SS25 campaign

KUALA LUMPUR, May 5 (Bernama) -- kate spade new york has unveiled its Spring/Summer 2025 global brand campaign, "To The Ones Who Carry Us", featuring Grammy-nominated artist Ice Spice and dancer and influencer Charli D’Amelio.

Aimed at connecting with younger audiences, the campaign highlights the importance of friendship through energetic and relatable storytelling, set against a lively urban backdrop, said the fashion company in a statement.

Its Chief Executive Officer and Brand President, Eva Erdmann, describes the campaign as a tribute to the influential role friends play in women’s lives. She emphasises that in today’s digitally driven world, authentic friendships remain essential, likening them to the perfect handbag—supportive, stylish, and always present.

“We celebrate the many facets of friendship, honouring the unique qualities that make every friend group special. Like the friends who carry us, the Deco handbag from kate spade new york takes centre stage—symbolising simplicity, functionality, and versatility as the perfect companion to your life,” she said.

Ice Spice, who grew up in New York, expressed excitement about being part of the campaign, noting how much her friends and family keep her grounded.

Meanwhile, D’Amelio, known for her connection with fans and personal expression through fashion, also shared her appreciation for the enduring friendships in her life.

At the heart of the campaign is the Deco Chain Shoulder Bag, showcased in fresh seasonal shades—Blue Multi Denim, Jungle Vine, Pistachio, Sweet Cream and Apricot Cream. The bag symbolises versatility and everyday elegance, aligning with the brand’s timeless yet modern aesthetic.

The Spring/Summer 2025 collection is now available in stores and online, with the campaign officially launching across kate spade new york's channels beginning April 30.

-- BERNAMA

AKWEL Q1 REVENUE SLIPS 4.0 PCT ON WEAK AUTO OUTPUT, 2025 OUTLOOK UNCHANGED

KUALA LUMPUR, May 2 (Bernama) -- AKWEL, a French automotive parts supplier specialising in fluid management and components for electric vehicles, posted first-quarter (QI) 2025 revenue of 255.6 million euros, down 4.0 per cent on a like-for-like basis as global auto production weakened in most key markets outside China and Japan. (1 Euro = RM4.87)

According to AKWEL in a statement, revenue declined across core regions, with Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA) down 3.8 per cent to 170.7 million euros and the Americas down 1.9 per cent to 76.4 million euros.

However, the Asian region registered a modest increase of 2.8 per cent to 8.5 million euros.

Meanwhile, Products and Functions turnover dropped 3.3 per cent to 247.8 million euros, though demand in the Decontamination (10.4 per cent) and Cooling (4.5 per cent) segments remained resilient.

However, other segments such as Air, Mechanisms and Fuel saw declines of 27.1 per cent, 8.7 per cent and 2.7 per cent, respectively. The Tools division remained relatively stable, with a turnover of 5.6 million euros.

AKWEL reported consolidated net cash, excluding lease liabilities, of 149.6 million euros at the end of March, an increase of 4.6 million euros compared to Dec 31, 2024, despite reduced investments of 8.6 million euros, down from 20.2 million euros a year earlier.

Citing continued market uncertainty and muted production trends, AKWEL maintained its outlook, anticipating a decrease in 2025 revenue similar to that recorded in 2024.

-- BERNAMA

Kioxia Portable SSD Bags Red Dot Design Award 2025

KUALA LUMPUR, April 28 (Bernama) -- Kioxia Corporation, a world leader in memory solutions, announced its EXCERIA PLUS G2 Portable solid-state drive (SSD) Series has won the Red Dot Design Award in the “Product Design 2025” category.

According to Kioxia in a statement, the EXCERIA PLUS G2 Portable SSD Series has also previously been awarded the Good Design Award 2024 in Japan.

The Red Dot jury, composed of internationally recognised design experts, selected the EXCERIA PLUS G2 portable SSD Series for its sleek design, user-centric functionality and durable build.

In addition, the award recognised the smooth, rounded aluminium housing, lack of visible screws for a seamless feel, and heat dissipation and impact resistance solutions through design.

The Red Dot Design Award is one of the world’s most prestigious design awards, honouring the very best in design annually. Winners will be honoured at the Red Dot Design Award ceremony on July 8, in Essen, Germany.

Dedicated to the development, production and sale of flash memory and SSDs, Kioxia is committed to uplifting the world with “memory” by offering products, services and systems that create choice for customers and memory-based value for society.

-- BERNAMA

DUCK CREEK TECHNOLOGIES TAPS SEKOU ANDREWS TO HEADLINE FORMATION '25

KUALA LUMPUR, April 28 (Bernama) -- Duck Creek Technologies, a global intelligent solutions provider for the property and casualty (P&C) and general insurance industry, has announced renowned spoken word poet and entrepreneur Sekou Andrews as the keynote speaker for its upcoming Formation ’25 conference.

SekouWorld Inc Founder and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Andrews is a thought leader and award-winning entrepreneur known for pioneering the “Poetic Voice”.

He is widely recognised as one of the world’s leading spoken word poets, bringing a unique blend of performance and inspiration to global audiences, according to Duck Creek Technologies in a statement.

“Sekou Andrews is an influential speaker and poet that has inspired many organisations and individuals with his powerful poetry to embrace change, spark innovation, and think boldly.

“We are thrilled to have him share his inspirational words and style at Formation ’25 as we continue to lead and innovate across the insurance landscape,” said Duck Creek Technologies CEO, Mike Jackowski.

Formation ’25, Duck Creek’s annual user conference, will be held from May 19 to 21 in Orlando, Florida. The event brings together prominent figures from the insurance and technology sectors to explore industry challenges and emerging opportunities.

This year’s conference will offer a platform for professionals in the P&C and general insurance sectors to discuss key issues such as climate change, cybersecurity risks, evolving technology and regulatory trends. Participants will gain access to insights, tools and innovations aimed at shaping the future of the insurance industry.

The agenda includes general and breakout sessions led by Duck Creek executives, customers, partners, and industry analysts, all of whom will share their expertise and vision for driving transformation and delivering enhanced customer experiences.

Andrews’ keynote address, titled “The Audacity of What If?”, will explore the role of bold questions and unconventional thinking in fuelling innovation. His message will encourage leaders to embrace change, challenge the status quo and drive progress through creativity and audacity.

-- BERNAMA