Mavenir, e& UAE To Deploy AI-Powered Voice Fraud Protection Solution

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 14 (Bernama) -- Mavenir, a cloud-native network software provider, has announced a collaboration with e& UAE, the telecom arm of global technology group e&, to deploy an artificial intelligence (AI)-powered, containerised spam, scam and fraud protection solution across e& UAE’s voice network.

According to a statement, containerised deployment lets e& UAE and Mavenir roll out updates fast, scale capacity on demand and keep services consistent across different environments, maintaining the highest level of security standards.

While e& UAE is advancing secure, intelligent and future-ready connectivity across the country, Mavenir, which is known for AI-by-design, cloud-native platforms, brings its award-winning CallShield solution to the partnership.

“We are pleased to collaborate with e& on launching Mavenir’s latest AI-enabled solution, CallShield, which unlocks a new unique business case that enhances customer security and satisfaction.

“This marks a significant milestone in our shared vision to bring AI-Everywhere in a clear and tangible way. We look forward to continuing this journey with e& through more advanced innovations that are AI-by-design, with Mavenir as a trusted advisor in a long-term strategic partnership,” said Mavenir vice president of Middle East and Africa, Victor Lindberg.

Meanwhile, e& UAE senior vice president of Core Networks and Platforms, Khaled Al Suwaidi said by bringing AI-driven voice security into the heart of its network, it can detect and stop scams in real time, reduce nuisance traffic for customers and protect businesses from the impact of nuisance communication and voice fraud.

CallShield is Mavenir’s advanced voice fraud prevention platform that uses AI-powered threat detection solutions, including call profiling, call sentiment analysis and call patterns validation, to detect anomalies and block threats in real time.

It applies real-time AI/machine learning to spot and block scams such as robocalls, which are automated unwanted calls; caller ID spoofing; and Wangiri or ‘one ring and cut’ missed-call scams that trick people into calling back premium-rate international numbers.

This deployment will enhance the security of e& UAE’s voice core network, help prevent fraud and protect subscribers, which aligns with its broader vision of AI Everything and AI Everywhere, embedding intelligent automation across its infrastructure.

-- BERNAMA

ECONOMIC EMPOWERMENT FOR ASNAF FISHERMEN: RHB ISLAMIC BANK & LZNK LAUNCH HOUSEBOAT PROJECT IN TASIK GUBIR

(From left) Ahmad Mukarrami Ab Mumin, Head Shariah Advisory, RHB Islamic Bank; Dato’ Adissadikin Ali, MD/CEO, RHB Islamic Bank; Dato’ Syeikh Zakaria Othman, CEO, Lembaga Zakat Negeri Kedah; and Tuan Faisal Rizal Mohammad, District Officer of Sik, Kedah at the Launch and Handover Ceremony of the Zakat Wakalah Distribution for the Economic Empowerment Project: Houseboat.

SIK, Kedah, Oct 14 (Bernama) -- RHB Islamic Bank Berhad, in strategic collaboration with Lembaga Zakat Negeri Kedah (LZNK), recently held the Launch and Handover Ceremony of the Zakat Wakalah Distribution for the Economic Empowerment Project: Houseboat, benefiting members of the Tasik Gubir Inland Fishermen’s Association.

The ceremony was officiated by Dato’ Adissadikin Ali, Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of RHB Islamic Bank Berhad, together with Dato’ Syeikh Zakaria Othman, Chief Executive Officer of LZNK.

In conjunction with the event, RHB Islamic Bank Berhad also presented its Corporate Zakat contribution of RM700,000.00 for the year ending 2024 to Lembaga Zakat Negeri Kedah. Over the past three years (2023–2025), RHB Islamic has contributed a total of RM1,850,000.00 Zakat payment to LZNK. From this amount, RM950,000.00 has been allocated as Zakat Wakalah for the implementation of the economic empowerment project in Kedah.

This year, as part of the ongoing commitment of both organisations to strengthen economic resilience, RHB Islamic Bank has contributed RM329,200 towards an economic empowerment initiative for the B40 asnaf community titled “Program Pemerkasaan Nelayan Darat Tasik Gubir” in Sik, Kedah. The project focuses on uplifting the freshwater fishing community, particularly the asnaf fishermen involved in inland fisheries. Through the provision of a houseboat, equipment and training, the initiative aims to enhance operational efficiency, safety and competitiveness among fishermen, thereby supporting them in achieving more sustainable livelihoods.

Dato’ Adissadikin Ali, Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of RHB Islamic Bank Berhad, said, “This project reflects RHB Islamic Bank’s commitment to driving impactful change in the communities we strive to uplift together. In collaboration with Lembaga Zakat Negeri Kedah, we are investing in the long-term socioeconomic wellbeing of the asnaf fishermen of Tasik Gubir. By equipping them with the houseboat, right tools and training, we aim to enhance their productivity and support them in building more secure and sustainable sources of income, ultimately safeguarding the stability of their families and society as a whole. Furthermore, this initiative supports RHB’s PROGRESS27 strategy in driving inclusive growth and fostering meaningful social outreach.”

The ceremony was attended by invited guests including the Sik District Officer, representatives from the Kedah Tengah District Forestry Office, Sik District Fisheries Office, and the Department of Irrigation and Drainage from Kuala Muda, Sik, and Baling districts.

This initiative demonstrates the shared commitment of RHB Islamic Bank Berhad and LZNK to fostering economic empowerment within the ummah. It also highlights the importance of collective efforts of multiple stakeholders in advancing rural community development.

Targeted support of this nature has the potential to uplift asnaf fishermen by improving their quality of life and enabling them to generate sustainable income. Such initiatives are encouraged to be continued and expanded to ensure wider and long-lasting impact across vulnerable communities.

SOURCE: RHB Islamic Bank Berhad

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:
Name: Nishanthi Palani
Vice President, Group Corporate Communications
Tel: 012-420 0812
Email: nishanthi.palani@rhbgroup.com

--BERNAMA

NMB and APM Automotive Holdings Berhad sign MoU to Drive Sustainable Mobility Solutions in Malaysia

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 14 (Bernama) -- NMB (NanoMalaysia Berhad) and Auto Parts Holdings Sdn Bhd (APH), a subsidiary of APM Automotive Holdings Berhad (APM), today officially signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to foster collaboration aimed at accelerating the adoption of battery and hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles for the commercial and public transportation sector in Malaysia. This marks the beginning of a strategic partnership aimed at revolutionising Malaysia’s public and private transportation sectors while positioning the country as a leader in sustainable mobility solutions powered by homegrown technologies.

The collaboration will focus on several key areas, including electric vehicle (EV) bus conversions from diesel-powered engines, hydrogen fuel cell systems, battery thermal management, autonomous driving technologies, wireless charging systems, and battery swapping solutions. At the initial stage, the two companies aim to work towards retrofitting existing internal combustion engine (ICE) buses with electric drivetrains on a large-scale basis. This is followed by the integration of hydrogen fuel cell technology into the system as a prime mover or range extender. This partnership aims to promote greener public transportation and support the transition towards zero-emission mobility, with APM serving as the primary supplier of key parts, components, and related services. One of the technological emphases will be on improving the efficiency, safety, and performance of EV batteries through advanced cooling technologies using nanomaterials. The collaboration could also be extended to cover the research and development of AI-powered autonomous driving systems for EV buses to enhance safety, optimise operations, and elevate the overall passenger experience.

NMB Group’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Dr Rezal Khairi Ahmad, said: “Through this partnership, we aim to provide cutting-edge local technologies that will not only reduce the carbon footprint of Malaysia's transportation system but also create valuable new opportunities for domestic industries through the emergence of relevant value and supply chains in the country. With NMB’s extensive technology and product development capabilities in clean energy solutions, for example, locally developed and produced battery cells and APM’s leadership in automotive components and solutions, we can and will focus on the development of prototypes, validation of new technologies, and ultimately the commercialisation of these solutions for industrial deployment in key markets with strategic investments and participants from the private sector.”

APM Automotive Holdings Berhad’s Chief Executive Officer, Dato Tan Eng Hwa, added: “Today’s signing of the MoU marks a significant milestone for APM. By combining our expertise in automotive parts and components design and manufacturing with NMB’s pioneering technologies, we are poised to drive meaningful change in Malaysia's mass transportation landscape. Together, we can create innovative, sustainable transportation solutions that will benefit both the environment and the economy, particularly the automotive sector.”

The signing of this MoU comes at a pivotal time in Malaysia’s pursuit of sustainable transportation solutions. It is expected to positively impact driving economic growth in green technologies, improving air quality, and supporting the nation’s aspiration for a cleaner, more sustainable future in line with the values of Malaysia MADANI.

SOURCE: NanoMalaysia Berhad

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:
Email: corporateaffairs@nanomalaysia.com.my

--BERNAMA

EARLYHEALTH BUYS INTO CYBER POWERHOUSE CYB3R IN CROSS-INDUSTRY EXPANSION

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 14 (Bernama) -- EarlyHealth Group, a global pharmaceutical services and life sciences solutions company, has acquired a 50 per cent equity stake in CYB3R Limited, one of the Gulf’s fastest-growing cybersecurity firms.

This strategic diversification and cross-industry investment positions CYB3R to have a global footprint while expanding its delivery of turnkey solutions to the life sciences industry and government organisations.

According to EarlyHealth in a statement, CYB3R’s leadership team will remain in place post-acquisition, ensuring continuity in managing the current customer base while expanding its capabilities to serve new global markets.

CYB3R Chief Executive Officer, Alex Halsall said the partnership with EarlyHealth marked the next step in scaling CYB3R’s capabilities globally and delivering tailored cybersecurity solutions to its core sectors.

Headquartered in Dubai, CYB3R, owned by tech entrepreneurs Alex Halsall and Jack Tupper, has rapidly gained prominence by securing critical infrastructure and sensitive data in regulated industries across the Middle East and Europe.

By embedding CYB3R’s capabilities on EarlyHealth’s global platform, the partnership will scale operations internationally and deliver turnkey solutions that safeguard clinical studies, institutional programmes, and government initiatives.

EarlyHealth’s third acquisition this year underlines its drive to build a global conglomerate at the intersection of healthcare and digital transformation, delivering innovative solutions that expand access for patients, empower industry, and strengthen government capabilities worldwide.

-- BERNAMA

MALAYSIA SHARES 12TH SPOT WITH US AS AMERICAN PASSPORT EXITS TOP 10

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 14 (Bernama) -- Malaysia has tied with the United States (US) at 12th place on the Henley Passport Index 2025, with both countries offering visa-free access to 180 destinations out of 227 worldwide.

Leading the index is Singapore (193 destinations), followed by South Korea (190) and Japan (189), reflecting the Asia-Pacific region’s growing dominance in global mobility.

Based on exclusive data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA), this marks the first time the US has fallen out of the Top 10 since the index was established 20 years ago. The US dropped from 10th to 12th position, primarily due to a series of access restrictions imposed by other countries.

The slide began with the loss of visa-free access to Brazil in April due to reciprocity issues. This was followed by the US being excluded from China’s expanding visa-free list and further changes by Papua New Guinea and Myanmar, which negatively impacted the US ranking.

Most recently, Somalia’s launch of an eVisa system and Vietnam’s decision to exclude the US from its latest visa-free additions pushed the American passport out of the Top 10, according to a statement.

Henley & Partners Chairman, Dr Christian H. Kaelin said the weakening of the US passport reflects a shift in global mobility and soft power. Countries pursuing greater openness and reciprocity are gaining influence.

Similarly, the United Kingdom passport has fallen to its lowest position ever, slipping two positions from sixth to eighth, despite having once held the top spot in 2015.

While the US passport still provides access to 180 countries, the country itself only grants visa-free entry to 46 nationalities, ranking it 77th on the Henley Openness Index. In comparison, China has significantly improved both its access and openness rankings, granting visa-free access to 76 countries and climbing from 94th to 64th over the last decade.

This shift reflects China’s expanding mobility strategy, underpinned by bilateral agreements with Russia, Gulf states, South America, and parts of Europe. In 2024 alone, China introduced 30 new visa waivers, reinforcing its push for greater regional and global connectivity through strategic diplomacy and economic engagement.

The declining power of the US passport is also driving a notable uptick in alternative citizenship demand. Henley & Partners reports that US nationals now represent the largest cohort of applicants for investment migration programmes globally. As of the third quarter of 2025, applications from Americans have surged by 67 per cent year-on-year.

-- BERNAMA

BPMB Group Spearheads Over RM9 Billion in Strategic Mandates Under Budget 2026 to Accelerate Malaysia’s Economic Transformation

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 13 (Bernama) -- Bank Pembangunan Malaysia Berhad (“BPMB”) Group, together with its subsidiaries, Small Medium Enterprise Development Bank Malaysia Berhad (“SME Bank”) and Export-Import Bank of Malaysia Berhad (“EXIM Bank”), has been entrusted by the Government to spearhead over RM9 billion strategic initiatives under Budget 2026. These initiatives reflect the Group’s pivotal role as Malaysia’s integrated development finance institution, driving the Ekonomi MADANI vision through impact-driven financing, export facilitation, and SME ecosystem development.

The Government’s trust in the Group’s capacity to deliver coordinated and high-impact financing solutions that contribute meaningfully to national priorities is reaffirmed through these initiatives. As Budget 2026 marks the start of the Thirteenth Malaysia Plan (“RMK13”), BPMB Group is focused on balancing fiscal consolidation with accelerated economic development – advancing economic complexity, promoting innovation, and enhancing the well-being of the Rakyat. Budget 2026 lays the foundation for the next chapter of Ekonomi MADANI, balancing fiscal consolidation with accelerated economic development, while advancing economic complexity and improving the well-being of the Rakyat.

Aligned with national blueprints including NIMP 2030, the National Semiconductor Strategy, and the Energy Transition Roadmap, the Group is building an integrated development finance ecosystem that supports Malaysia’s transition towards a more innovative, resilient, and sustainable future.

Catalysing High-Impact Sectors to Advance National Priorities
BPMB will spearhead new financing programmes aimed at driving growth in high-impact sectors and supporting national priorities, including:
· Semiconductor Financing Programme (RM500 million): Supporting Malaysia’s participation in the global semiconductor value chain under the National Semiconductor Strategy.
· MADANI Development Programme (RM3 billion): Financing public infrastructure, utilities, social infrastructure and national security / assets in support of RMK13.
· Urban Renewal and Tourism Programme (RM1 billion): Revitalising urban sites and tourism-related industries.

These new mandates complement and strengthen BPMB’s existing programmes with continued total allocation of over RM2 billion in the following sectors - Transportation & Logistics, Renewable Energy & Transition, Sustainable Development & Transition, Bumiputera Economic Development, Digital Infrastructure & High-Impact Sectors, and Capital Access.

Fuelling SME Transformation for a Stronger Economy
SME Bank will continue to strengthen the MSME ecosystem through targeted financing and capacity-building programmes designed to enhance competitiveness, resilience, and innovation, including:

New Programmes
· Skim Pemacu Koperasi (RM100 million): Providing asset and working capital financing for registered cooperatives under the Malaysia Cooperative Commission.
· Dana Induk Payung (RM200 million): Supporting high-potential SMEs to scale as Anchors, Franchisors or Licensors, fostering new entrepreneurial ecosystems.
· Technology Adoption Fund (RM300 million): Accelerating smart technology adoption and digital transformation across manufacturing and services sectors.
· Dana Pemangkin Ekosistem IBS 3.0 (RM200 million): Promoting Industrial Building System (IBS) adoption among SMEs to promote sustainable construction.
· Maju Usahawan MADANI 2.0 (RM2 million grant): Equipping micro, youth, women and rural entrepreneurs with training on financial management, digitalisation, ESG practices and marketing
· Business Exports Programme (RM6 million grant): A structured intervention programme in collaboration with MATRADE and other strategic partners to accelerate SME internationalisation and export readiness.

SME Bank continues to support the entire MSME ecosystem through its existing programmes that support growth across key sectors including tourism, export-oriented, technology and Industry 4.0, Halal industry ecosystem, sustainability and low-carbon transition, women entrepreneurship, franchise ecosystem development and social enterprise empowerment.

Powering Malaysia’s Presence in the Global Markets
EXIM Bank will continue to reinforce Malaysia’s global trade position through:

New Programmes
· Skim Eksport Lonjakan (RM500 million): Supporting exporters through financing solutions in mitigating cost pressures, scale internationally and enhancing competitiveness and resilience amid evolving global trade dynamics.
· Malaysia Global Connect (MGC Go Export Cover) (RM5 million): Supporting takaful protection contributions that safeguards Malaysian exporters due to commercial and political risks, while easing financial burdens and ensuring safe and sustainable export momentum into strategic non-traditional markets such as Africa, Central Asia, ASEAN and OIC member countries, strengthened via a strategic partnership with the Islamic Corporation for the Insurance of Investment and Export Credit (ICEIC) under the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB).

In aligning with the MADANI economic framework, BPMB Group lauds the Government’s commitment to balanced, reform-driven growth under Budget 2026, which allocates RM419.2 billion to strengthen fiscal discipline, advance economic reforms, and drive sustainable development. BPMB Group remains steadfast in supporting these national priorities through its role as the country’s unified development finance institution, driving impact capital and empowering strategic sectors across the nation.

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

About BPMB Group

BPMB Group is a group of companies consisting of Bank Pembangunan Malaysia Berhad (BPMB), Pembangunan Leasing Corporation Sdn Bhd, BPMB Dana Sdn Bhd, with the addition of the newly acquired entities EXIM Bank and SME Bank on 1 May 2025. The Group is committed to delivering impact capital for national development, actively supports nation-building efforts and fosters sustainable and inclusive growth. This will drive national impact across key themes: infrastructure development, sustainability, inclusive growth, SME support, and digital innovation.

For more information, please contact:
gcc@bpmb.com.my
communications@smebank.com.my
communications@exim.com.my

Please click here for more:
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1haDoHUx3nxHlKSofGh6ObisZ1W7FRmA4?usp=sharing

SOURCE: Small Medium Enterprise Development Bank Malaysia Berhad (SME Bank)

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:
Name: Izzat Ratna
Head, Public Relations & Corporate Social Responsibility
Strategic Communication, Corporate Strategy
Tel: +603 2615 2113 | +6012 642 1889

--BERNAMA

Tek Securities Limited Hails Inclusion of Climate Sukuk and Carbon Tax in Malaysia Budget 2026

Tek Securities Limited Hails Inclusion of Climate Sukuk and Carbon Tax in Malaysia Budget 2026

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 13 (Bernama) -- Tek Securities Limited (TEK), a licensed securities firm from Labuan Financial Services Authority (LFSA), a leading innovator in sustainable and Islamic finance, has issued a statement in strong support of the anticipated inclusion of the Climate Sukuk framework and a Carbon Tax mechanism in the upcoming Malaysia Budget 2026. This expected policy alignment in the first budget under the Thirteenth Malaysia Plan (13MP) is seen as a pivotal moment for the nation’s climate finance agenda and its commitment to the net-zero carbon target.

TEK, which recently pioneered the world’s first Climate Sukuk featuring carbon credits as a profit payout, views the government’s move as essential to mobilize the vast capital required for Malaysia’s green transition and to establish the country as a global leader in sustainable Islamic finance.

The inclusion of the Climate Sukuk framework in the national budget is a significant validation of innovative financial instruments designed to address climate challenges.

TEK’s pioneering model, which links investor returns directly to verifiable environmental outcomes via carbon credits, offers a powerful mechanism to attract private and institutional capital. The focus on climate resilience ensures that funding is channeled towards projects that not only reduce emissions but also help communities and infrastructure adapt to the inevitable impacts of climate change, such as sustainable infrastructure, flood mitigation, and renewable energy adoption.

“Integrating our innovative Climate Sukuk model, where the payout is secured by tangible, verifiable carbon credits, into the national financial blueprint will unleash new sources of capital for high-impact projects,” stated a TEK spokesperson. “This approach directly supports the development of Malaysia’s voluntary carbon market and provides a Shariah-compliant path for ESG-focused investors globally.”

The expected introduction of a Carbon Tax in Budget 2026 for selected sectors is a critical market-based policy that will complement the Climate Sukuk initiatives.

The tax will provide a clear price signal for carbon emissions, incentivizing businesses to invest in low-carbon technologies and green projects.

The revenue generated from the carbon tax can be strategically recycled by the government to fund green transition initiatives, including the issuance of more sovereign or quasi-sovereign Climate Sukuk, creating a self-sustaining ecosystem for climate finance.

It also prepares Malaysian exporters for international mechanisms like the European Union’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), ensuring the nation’s products remain competitive in a carbon-constrained global economy.

Climate Sukuk, particularly those tied to tangible environmental assets like carbon credits, are more than just a financing tool; they are a strategic asset for the nation’s future.

Malaysia uses its position as a global Islamic Finance hub to leverage Sukuk structure, pioneering new standards in sustainable Islamic finance. This strategy bolsters the country’s international standing and attracts Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) into high- value green sectors, thereby diversifying its financial services industry. The funds raised are channeled into essential climate-resilient infrastructure (such as green urban development and smart grids), underpinning national stability and growth while simultaneously creating high-skilled jobs in the green economy, particularly in renewable energy and environmental technology.

TEK calls upon all stakeholders to embrace these forthcoming policies in Budget 2026, which are critical for transforming Malaysia’s financial architecture to be future-ready and climate-aligned.

About Tek Securities Limited (TEK):

Tek Securities Limited is a licensed securities firm focused on innovating within the nexus of Islamic finance, technology, and environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles. Operating out of the Labuan International Business and Financial Centre (Labuan IBFC), TEK is committed to developing groundbreaking financial solutions, such as the world’s first Climate Sukuk with carbon credit payout, to accelerate the global green transition.

SOURCE: ​Tek Securities Limited (LL18315)

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:
Tek Securities Limited
Communications Department
Tel: +6011-1886 6887
Email: marketing@tekfinancialgroup.com
Website: www.tekfinancialgroup.com

--BERNAMA