MalaysianUpdates

Author: Farihin Azlan

  • Tiga Legenda Rock Bersatu: Search, Wings & XPDC Gegarkan Konsert 3 Veto

    Tiga Legenda Rock Bersatu: Search, Wings & XPDC Gegarkan Konsert 3 Veto

    Selepas sekian lama dinantikan, peminat muzik rock tanah air bakal disajikan dengan sebuah konsert istimewa apabila kumpulan Search, Wings dan XPDC digandingkan buat pertama kalinya menerusi Konsert 3 Veto.

    Bakal berlangsung di Megastar Arena, Bukit Bintang pada 1 Ogos, konsert anjuran Bintang Batu Event dan Seri Simfoni Sdn Bhd ini mengangkat semangat muzik rock sebagai tanda penghargaan kepada para peminat yang setia menyokong perjalanan seni tiga kumpulan legenda yang telah mewarnai industri muzik tanah air lebih empat dekad.

    Konsert ini menjadi simbol legasi muzik rock yang tidak pernah pudar, malah terus mencetus fenomena sejak era 80-an dan 90-an. Ia juga membuktikan bahawa karya tiga kumpulan rock legenda ini masih kekal dekat di hati peminat dan relevan sehingga ke hari ini.

    Menurut penganjur, Ikhram Zainuddin atau lebih dikenali sebagai Atom, konsert ini bukan sekadar hiburan, sebaliknya sebuah pengalaman istimewa yang bakal dirasai oleh semua peminat. Gabungan tiga kumpulan ini dijangka memberikan kepuasan tersendiri kepada penonton, malah mungkin menjadi satu pengalaman yang sukar untuk diulang pada masa akan datang.

    Penonton bakal dihidangkan dengan susunan semula lagu-lagu popular seperti Sejati, Isabela, Titian Perjalanan dan banyak lagi yang diberi nafas baharu tanpa menghilangkan keaslian karya asal, termasuk persembahan yang menampilkan kolaborasi ketiga-tiga kumpulan secara serentak.

    Selain itu, penggunaan teknologi audio, visual dan pencahayaan termasuk projection mapping dijangka menjadi antara tarikan utama, sekali gus memberikan dimensi baharu kepada pengalaman persembahan pentas.

    “Konsert ini adalah tentang jiwa seni kami, menyatukan hati melalui muzik rock dan berkongsi rasa serta emosi dengan semua yang pernah menjadi sebahagian daripada perjalanan kami,” jelas Dato’ Awie.

    Kenyataan itu turut dipersetujui oleh Din Search dan IzO XPDC. Konsert 3 Veto dijangka menarik kehadiran ramai peminat yang membesar dengan muzik rock, selain generasi baharu yang ingin merasai keunikan genre ini dalam persembahan berskala besar oleh tiga kumpulan legenda ini.

    Tiket konsert telah mula dijual pada 8 Mei 2026 menerusi platform rasmi dalam talian 3veto.ubertickets.asia.

    Dengan gabungan elemen nostalgia, teknologi moden dan pengisian yang penuh jiwa, konsert ini dijangka menjadi antara acara muzik paling bermakna tahun ini.

  • myFirst Perkenal Camera Insta 20, Kamera Cetak Inovatif Mesra Kanak-Kanak

    myFirst Perkenal Camera Insta 20, Kamera Cetak Inovatif Mesra Kanak-Kanak

    myFirst Malaysia memperkenalkan antara produk paling inovatifnya setakat ini menerusi pelancaran myFirst Camera Insta 20, kamera cetak dwi-skrin pertama di dunia yang direka khas untuk kanak-kanak. Ditawarkan pada harga promosi khas RM299 berbanding harga asal RM459 sehingga 31 Mei 2026, produk ini memberi peluang kepada keluarga menikmati alternatif hiburan yang lebih kreatif dan interaktif berbanding hiburan berasaskan skrin tradisional, bertepatan dengan musim cuti sekolah yang bakal tiba.

    Seiring peningkatan penggunaan telefon pintar, tablet dan peranti permainan dalam kalangan kanak-kanak, semakin ramai ibu bapa kini mencari pendekatan yang lebih sihat untuk mengimbangi hiburan dan kreativiti. myFirst Camera Insta 20 dibangunkan untuk menghubungkan teknologi dengan aktiviti kreatif secara praktikal, membolehkan kanak-kanak merakam detik harian dan menukarkannya serta-merta kepada kenangan fizikal yang boleh disimpan, dihias dan dikongsi bersama keluarga dan rakan-rakan.

    “Teknologi seharusnya membantu kanak-kanak mencipta, meneroka dan berhubung dengan dunia di sekeliling mereka, bukan sekadar menggunakan kandungan secara pasif,” kata Ketua Pegawai Eksekutif dan Pengasas myFirst, G-Jay Yong. “Melalui Camera Insta 20, kami mahu menghasilkan produk yang menggabungkan inovasi, kreativiti dan hubungan kekeluargaan dalam satu pengalaman yang mudah serta menyeronokkan untuk kanak-kanak.”

    Direka khusus untuk pengguna muda, myFirst Camera Insta 20 menampilkan reka bentuk dwi-skrin pertama di dunia yang membolehkan kanak-kanak bertukar dengan mudah antara mengambil swafoto dan merakam suasana di sekeliling mereka dengan lebih bebas. Paparan hadapan PixTure OLED turut menambah elemen interaktif menerusi emoji, pemasa kira detik dan animasi piksel yang menjadikan pengalaman fotografi lebih menyeronokkan. Sama ada ketika percutian keluarga, sambutan hari jadi, aktiviti sekolah atau percutian hujung minggu, kanak-kanak boleh mencetak gambar kegemaran mereka dalam tempoh seawal tujuh saat menggunakan teknologi cetakan terma tanpa dakwat tanpa memerlukan kartrij dakwat atau kos isi semula tambahan.

    Selain fungsi cetakan segera, myFirst Camera Insta 20 turut dilengkapi pelbagai ciri tambahan yang direka untuk menjadikan pengalaman kreatif lebih mudah dan menyeronokkan. Lensa yang dipertingkatkan membolehkan pengguna mengambil gambar beresolusi tinggi 16MP serta merakam video 1080p bagi menghasilkan rakaman yang lebih jelas dan berkualiti. Kamera ini juga hadir dengan bingkai gambar dan penapis terbina dalam yang membolehkan kanak-kanak menghias serta menyesuaikan gambar mereka secara terus tanpa memerlukan aplikasi tambahan.

    Peranti ini turut dilengkapi teknologi Smart Idle yang membantu menjimatkan penggunaan bateri apabila tidak digunakan, sekali gus membolehkan tempoh penggunaan lebih lama ketika bercuti atau melakukan aktiviti bersama keluarga. Dari segi reka bentuk, Camera Insta 20 mempunyai penutup pelindung boleh tanggal yang memudahkan penggantian kertas cetakan terma sambil membantu melindungi peranti daripada habuk dan percikan air. Diperbuat daripada bahan bebas BPA dan direka sesuai untuk tangan kecil kanak-kanak, setiap kotak turut dilengkapi tiga gulung kertas cetakan terma, tali leher dan pelekat aksesori supaya keluarga boleh mula mencipta kenangan sebaik sahaja membuka kotak produk.

    Bagi menjadikan teknologi mesra keluarga ini lebih mampu dimiliki, myFirst Malaysia menawarkan myFirst Camera Insta 20 pada harga promosi khas RM299 untuk tempoh terhad sahaja. Dengan cuti sekolah yang semakin hampir, jenama itu berharap dapat menggalakkan lebih banyak masa berkualiti tanpa skrin bersama keluarga sambil memberi peluang kepada kanak-kanak meneroka dunia fotografi dan penceritaan secara lebih kreatif. myFirst Camera Insta 20 kini boleh didapati menerusi laman web rasmi myFirst Malaysia serta platform dalam talian terpilih.

  • Muslim Travel Forecast to Hit 245 Million by 2030, Driven by Strong Growth and Women Travelers

    Mastercard, in collaboration with CrescentRating, has released two new reports titled Halal Travel Trends 2026 and Muslim Women in Travel 2026, which explore how Muslim travel continues to evolve amid rising demand for more inclusive, trusted and purpose-driven travel experiences. The reports highlight Muslim travel as an increasingly significant global growth opportunity, with Halal Travel Trends 2026 estimating international Muslim visitor arrivals at 186 million in 2025 and projecting this figure to rise to 245 million by 2030. Meanwhile, Muslim Women in Travel 2026 reports that Muslim women accounted for 90 million international arrivals in 2025, representing 48% of global Muslim visitor arrivals, up from 63 million and 45% in 2019.

    The findings also show that foundational Muslim-friendly tourism services, particularly halal food and prayer facilities, have become more widely available in recent years, while traveller expectations have expanded to include safety, digital confidence and faith-aligned assurance as part of a new industry standard. At the centre of both reports is CrescentRating’s RIDA framework (Responsible, Immersive, Digital and Assured), which provides a practical roadmap for destinations, tourism boards and businesses to better serve Muslim travellers.

    Asia continues to play a central role in the global Muslim travel ecosystem. Halal Travel Trends 2026 finds that the region attracted nearly 120 million Muslim visitors in 2024, accounting for 65% of the world’s 176 million Muslim travellers. This strong position is driven by robust connectivity, cultural depth, established halal infrastructure and close proximity between key source and destination markets. Within ASEAN, Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore and Brunei are identified among preferred destinations for Muslim women travellers, while Southeast Asia itself accounts for 5.8 million Muslim women travellers as a source region. The region’s established halal ecosystems, family-friendly offerings, strong regional connectivity and increasing investment in inclusive tourism provide a solid foundation to serve this rapidly evolving market.

    Beyond Muslim-majority destinations, the reports also highlight growing opportunities for destinations that improve the visibility and reliability of Muslim-friendly offerings, enabling stronger conversion from interest to confirmed travel while enhancing traveller confidence.

    Muslim Women in Travel 2026 further underscores the growing influence of Muslim women as a key segment shaping the future of inclusive tourism. Muslim women are increasingly influencing where, how and why travel is planned, whether for family holidays, solo journeys, religious travel, business trips or women-led group experiences. Safety and trust remain top priorities, with 60% of respondents identifying general safety and comfort as the most important destination factors, followed by Muslim-friendliness at 30%. Travellers also expect confidence in accessing halal food, locating prayer spaces, maintaining modesty, moving safely across destinations and practising their faith without discrimination or judgement.

    Digital platforms are also playing an increasingly important role in travel decision-making, with 68% of respondents stating that social media influences their travel choices. Instagram is identified as the most widely used platform, followed by YouTube and TikTok, while artificial intelligence tools are emerging as an additional layer of travel assurance, helping travellers research destinations, compare options, plan itineraries, identify halal dining and assess safety considerations.

    “Muslim travel is entering a more sophisticated phase, where confidence, inclusion and purpose are becoming as important as access and convenience,” said Aisha Islam, Senior Vice President, Customer Solutions Center, Southeast Asia at Mastercard. “Through the RIDA framework, destinations and businesses have a practical way to view the full traveller journey, from trusted digital information and secure payments to meaningful experiences that respect faith, culture, safety and personal values.”

    Both reports point to a clear industry shift from availability to assurance, where destinations that make Muslim-friendly services more visible, verifiable and consistent are better positioned to convert demand into actual visits and build long-term loyalty. The RIDA framework supports this transition through four pillars: Responsible, which promotes community-led tourism, environmental stewardship and regenerative practices; Immersive, which focuses on deeper cultural, heritage and local experiences beyond sightseeing; Digital, which leverages technology, AI and secure payments to reduce friction and enhance confidence; and Assured, which builds trust through verified halal services, safety standards, inclusive infrastructure and consistent quality across all touchpoints.

    “For destinations, the opportunity is to move from availability to assurance,” said Raudha Zaini, Director of Operations, CrescentRating. “Muslim travellers are looking for experiences that are meaningful, inclusive and easy to trust. Destinations that clearly communicate their readiness and consistently deliver across the journey will be best positioned to build long-term loyalty.”

    As Muslim travel continues to expand across regions and traveller segments, the reports highlight the importance of a more integrated approach to tourism development. By embedding responsible practices, authentic experiences, digital confidence and trusted faith-aligned services into destination planning, the industry can unlock stronger participation, deeper loyalty and more resilient long-term growth.

  • Malaysian Lawyer Makes History as Global Chair of LAWorld

    Malaysian Lawyer Makes History as Global Chair of LAWorld

    Dato’ Mohamed Ridza Abdulla, Managing Partner of Malaysian law firm Mohamed Ridza & Co, has been appointed as the Global Chair of LAWorld, an international network of independent law firms with representation across major commercial centres worldwide. This elected appointment marks the first time a Malaysian has been chosen to lead the global network since its establishment 30 years ago.

    LAWorld is a non-exclusive international legal network comprising close to 70 independent mid-sized law firms, with more than 1,500 lawyers practising across over 100 cities globally. The network was established to provide clients with direct and immediate access to high-quality local legal advice across jurisdictions, while preserving the independence and partner-led service culture of each member firm.

    Dato’ Mohamed Ridza’s appointment follows nearly two decades of involvement with LAWorld. Mohamed Ridza & Co joined the network in 2007 as the Malaysian member firm and later hosted the LAWorld Annual General Meeting in Kuala Lumpur in 2019, bringing together member firms from Asia, Europe, the Americas and other regions. Within the organisation’s leadership structure, he has previously served as Treasurer and subsequently as Chair of the Asia Pacific region, a role he held until his elevation to Global Chair. His appointment was formally approved on 8 May 2026 following a unanimous vote by members at the LAWorld Annual General Meeting held in Lisbon, Portugal.

    In a related development, Muhammad Akhlil, a senior associate of Mohamed Ridza & Co, has been appointed Director of LAWorld’s NextGen Programme for the Asia Pacific region. The NextGen Programme is the organisation’s dedicated initiative to develop the next generation of lawyers within member firms, with a focus on leadership development, cross-border exposure and nurturing emerging legal talent across jurisdictions.

    As Global Chair, Dato’ Mohamed Ridza has outlined plans to further strengthen LAWorld’s position as a global legal network. His priorities include expanding membership in underrepresented jurisdictions, particularly in Africa and the Gulf, enhancing regional collaboration, and scaling up the NextGen Programme through structured training, leadership tracks and international secondments. He has also highlighted the importance of raising global visibility and quality benchmarks for member firms, strengthening digital governance and connectivity across the network, and building a broader professional ecosystem to better support clients’ cross-border needs.

    LAWorld’s relationship-driven structure enables member firms to collaborate closely across borders through established personal connections, facilitating efficient coordination on cross-border transactions, disputes and international investments. Through this network, Malaysian clients gain structured access to overseas legal expertise, while international clients and law firms are able to engage Malaysian counsel through a recognised local gateway.

    Commenting on his appointment, Dato’ Mohamed Ridza expressed appreciation to LAWorld members for their trust and emphasised his commitment to advancing the network’s standards of legal excellence. He highlighted his intention to work closely with the Executive Committee across various jurisdictions and noted the alignment between LAWorld’s global role and Malaysia’s long-standing trading heritage. He further emphasised that the network enables seamless access to global markets for Malaysian and international clients, while also supporting member firms worldwide in advising on Malaysian investments. He added that LAWorld’s personal membership structure facilitates faster access to legal advice across jurisdictions compared to many traditional global networks.

  • DRUM TAO Returns to Singapore with a Brand-New Production

    DRUM TAO Returns to Singapore with a Brand-New Production

    With just five weeks to go, Singapore is entering the final countdown to one of the most anticipated performance events of 2026. DRUM TAO, Japan’s most electrifying performing arts ensemble, will return to the Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay for four exclusive performances from 12 to 14 June 2026. This highly anticipated return also marks the group’s comeback to Singapore after two years, as well as their 33rd anniversary as a performing arts institution.

    Presented under their most ambitious production to date, Beyond THE BEST, this limited four-show engagement at the Esplanade Theatre offers audiences in Southeast Asia the only opportunity to experience DRUM TAO’s latest masterwork. Tickets are now on sale, and given the scale of the production and the limited number of performances, demand is expected to exceed availability well before show dates.

  • Sejauh Mana Kita Perlu ‘Membasmi 99.9% Kuman’ Setiap Hari?

    Sejauh Mana Kita Perlu ‘Membasmi 99.9% Kuman’ Setiap Hari?

    “Berkesan membasmi 99.9% kuman” merupakan dakwaan yang sering digunakan oleh pelbagai produk kebersihan di pasaran dan diterima secara meluas tanpa banyak persoalan. Malah, ia turut mempengaruhi cara pengguna melakukan rutin pembersihan harian, daripada mencuci tangan hinggalah membersihkan rumah, dengan tanggapan bahawa semakin kuat sesuatu produk, semakin tinggi tahap perlindungan yang diberikan. Namun, frasa tersebut lazimnya merujuk kepada keputusan ujian dalam keadaan terkawal di makmal dan tidak semestinya menggambarkan situasi penggunaan harian sebenar. Oleh itu, persepsi bahawa produk yang lebih kuat adalah lebih selamat wajar dinilai semula.

    Produk kebersihan harian sememangnya direka untuk keberkesanan maksimum dan sesuai digunakan dalam persekitaran berisiko tinggi seperti hospital, ketika sakit, atau dalam situasi kawalan jangkitan yang kritikal. Namun, dalam kehidupan seharian, kebanyakan situasi tidak berada dalam kategori risiko tinggi. Walaupun begitu, ramai pengguna cenderung menggunakan produk berkekuatan sama dalam semua keadaan, termasuk untuk rutin harian, sehingga amalan berjaga-jaga ini menjadi tabiat tanpa disedari.

    Penggunaan berulang dan berlebihan ini boleh memberi kesan jangka panjang yang tidak serta-merta kelihatan. Kulit yang sebelum ini sihat boleh menjadi lebih kering dan sensitif, sehingga memerlukan penjagaan tambahan untuk mengekalkan keselesaan. Kajian dermatologi juga menunjukkan bahawa kekerapan mencuci tangan, khususnya melebihi 8 hingga 10 kali sehari, meningkatkan risiko kerengsaan kulit dan ekzema. Isu ini bukan berpunca daripada amalan kebersihan itu sendiri, tetapi daripada kekerapan dan tahap intensiti penggunaannya.

    Salah satu salah tanggapan utama mengenai kebersihan ialah semakin banyak kuman dihapuskan, semakin tinggi tahap perlindungan yang diperoleh. Hakikatnya, tidak semua mikroorganisma berbahaya, malah sebahagiannya memainkan peranan penting dalam mengekalkan keseimbangan mikrobiom semula jadi kulit, termasuk bakteria baik yang menyokong pertahanan semula jadi tubuh. Tidak semua situasi memerlukan tahap intervensi yang sama, dan penggunaan produk berkekuatan maksimum dalam keadaan berisiko rendah tidak semestinya memberikan manfaat tambahan. Dalam sesetengah keadaan, ia boleh memberi tekanan berlebihan kepada kulit dalam jangka panjang. Justeru, persoalan yang lebih relevan bukanlah “berapa kuat produk ini”, tetapi “adakah tahap kekuatan ini benar-benar diperlukan pada masa ini”.

    Perkara ini amat relevan bagi bahagian tubuh yang kerap dibersihkan. Dalam penjagaan mulut, contohnya, kajian menunjukkan bahawa penggunaan ubat kumur antiseptik yang kuat secara berulang boleh mengganggu keseimbangan mikrobiom oral semula jadi. Begitu juga dalam penjagaan kebersihan bahagian intim, di mana kawasan tersebut secara semula jadi berada dalam keadaan seimbang, namun penggunaan agen antibakteria yang terlalu kuat berpotensi mengganggu keseimbangan tersebut.

    Walaupun produk berintensiti tinggi mempunyai peranan dalam keperluan klinikal tertentu, penggunaannya secara berterusan dalam rutin harian tidak semestinya diperlukan. Dalam konteks penjagaan mulut dan kebersihan bahagian intim, matlamat utama bukanlah untuk menghapuskan semua bakteria, tetapi untuk mengekalkan keseimbangan yang sihat termasuk bakteria baik. Prinsip yang sama juga boleh diaplikasikan secara lebih meluas, apabila pencuci berintensiti tinggi digunakan secara berlebihan, ia berpotensi memberi kesan yang tidak diingini dalam jangka panjang.

    Pendekatan penjagaan kebersihan yang lebih praktikal tidak hanya bergantung kepada kekuatan maksimum sesuatu produk, tetapi kepada kesesuaian penggunaannya mengikut situasi. Produk berkekuatan tinggi lebih sesuai digunakan dalam keadaan berisiko tinggi yang memerlukan perlindungan segera, manakala untuk kegunaan harian yang kerap dan berulang, formulasi yang lebih lembut adalah lebih sesuai dari segi keselesaan dan kesihatan kulit jangka panjang. Perubahan ini bukan bertujuan mengurangkan amalan kebersihan, tetapi untuk memastikan pemilihan produk yang lebih tepat dan seimbang.

    Perubahan ini dapat dilihat melalui kemunculan produk-produk baharu di pasaran yang menampilkan formulasi dan teknologi lebih seimbang, termasuk SATEERA®, yang beralih daripada pendekatan “kekuatan maksimum” kepada penggunaan harian yang lebih kerap dengan fokus terhadap sokongan keseimbangan mikrobiom, bukan sekadar pembasmian kuman secara agresif.

    Kesimpulannya, penjagaan kebersihan kekal menjadi keutamaan, namun pendekatannya perlu disesuaikan mengikut keadaan. Dalam kehidupan harian, penggunaan produk paling kuat tidak semestinya paling sesuai atau paling selamat. Kebersihan yang lebih bijak bukanlah dilakukan secara berlebihan, tetapi dengan memahami keperluan sebenar dan memilih penyelesaian yang paling sesuai.

  • TP-Link Malaysia, USIM Bekerjasama Perkasa Pembangunan Bakat Rangkaian Perusahaan

    TP-Link Malaysia, USIM Bekerjasama Perkasa Pembangunan Bakat Rangkaian Perusahaan

    TP-Link Distribution Malaysia Sdn. Bhd. (“TP-Link Malaysia”) terus memperkukuh strategi pembangunan bakat menerusi kerjasama baharu bersama Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia (USIM) sebagai sebahagian daripada usaha berterusan syarikat dalam membangunkan saluran profesional rangkaian perusahaan yang lebih tersusun di Malaysia.

    Kerjasama ini melangkaui pendekatan akademik konvensional dengan menampilkan strategi lebih menyeluruh yang menghubungkan institusi pengajian tinggi dengan keperluan industri semasa. Melalui inisiatif tersebut, pelajar bukan sahaja akan menerima latihan dan pensijilan profesional, malah turut dipersiapkan untuk memasuki industri dengan kemahiran yang relevan dan mendapat permintaan tinggi.

    Menerusi Memorandum Persefahaman (MoU) yang dimeterai, kedua-dua pihak akan bekerjasama selama tiga tahun dengan memberi tumpuan kepada integrasi keupayaan rangkaian perusahaan secara langsung dalam persekitaran akademik USIM. Sebagai sebahagian daripada kerjasama itu, TP-Link Malaysia akan melaksanakan penyelesaian rangkaian perusahaan Omada di makmal kampus berkenaan bagi membolehkan pelajar mengendalikan infrastruktur yang menyerupai sistem perusahaan sebenar.

    Program berkenaan dirangka untuk melangkaui pembelajaran teori semata-mata dengan menggabungkan latihan teknikal secara praktikal, bengkel berstruktur serta akses kepada laluan pensijilan Omada Certified Network Administrator (OCNA). Pendekatan ini bertujuan memastikan pelajar bukan sahaja memperoleh pengetahuan teknikal, malah turut memiliki kompetensi yang diiktiraf industri.

    Selain itu, kerjasama tersebut turut memberi penekanan kepada hubungan langsung dengan industri apabila para pelajar akan ditawarkan peluang latihan industri dan penempatan latihan bersama TP-Link. Inisiatif ini diharap dapat memberikan pendedahan praktikal yang lebih menyeluruh serta membuka laluan lebih jelas kepada pelajar untuk memasuki alam pekerjaan dalam ekonomi digital Malaysia.

    Pengarah Serantau TP-Link Malaysia, Hugo Cai berkata industri masa kini memerlukan bakat yang bukan sahaja memahami infrastruktur digital, tetapi juga mampu mengendalikannya secara efektif. Menurut beliau, pembangunan saluran bakat yang menghubungkan latihan, pensijilan dan pendedahan industri mampu mewujudkan laluan yang lebih lancar daripada universiti ke alam pekerjaan, sekali gus memastikan bakat dapat beralih secara efektif ke dalam industri.

    Sementara itu, Timbalan Naib Canselor (Penyelidikan dan Inovasi) USIM, Prof. Ts. Dr. Mohd Ikmar Nizam Hj. Mohamad Isa berkata kerjasama berkenaan membolehkan universiti melangkaui penyampaian akademik tradisional dengan menerapkan elemen praktikal industri dalam pengalaman pembelajaran pelajar. Beliau berkata pendekatan tersebut penting bagi memastikan graduan lebih bersedia memenuhi keperluan dan jangkaan ekonomi digital yang sentiasa berkembang, selain memperkukuh usaha universiti dalam mempersiapkan pelajar menghadapi cabaran dunia sebenar.

    Kerjasama bersama USIM ini turut memperluaskan usaha terdahulu TP-Link Malaysia bersama Universiti Malaya dan Universiti Teknologi MARA dalam membentuk rangkaian institusi yang berkongsi matlamat untuk melahirkan bakat dalam bidang rangkaian perusahaan. Pada tahun 2025, kira-kira 500 pelajar telah menyertai laluan pensijilan OCNA, sekali gus mencerminkan sambutan positif terhadap program yang selari dengan keperluan industri semasa.

    Selain pembangunan bakat, kedua-dua organisasi juga akan meneroka peluang kerjasama dalam bidang penyelidikan, penglibatan fakulti dan perkongsian pengetahuan bagi memperkukuh hubungan antara institusi akademik dengan amalan industri.

    Dalam usaha Malaysia memperkukuh pelaburan dalam infrastruktur digital, keupayaan untuk membangunkan dan menempatkan tenaga kerja mahir secara konsisten dilihat menjadi faktor penting dalam memastikan pertumbuhan negara terus mampan. Justeru, inisiatif yang menghubungkan pendidikan secara langsung dengan keperluan industri dijangka memainkan peranan yang semakin signifikan dalam membentuk tenaga kerja digital negara.

    Untuk maklumat lanjut mengenai penyelesaian rangkaian perusahaan Omada oleh TP-Link, sila layari Omada by TP-Link

  • IJN Strengthens Regional Standing with Multiple Wins at NHAM Congress 2026

    IJN Strengthens Regional Standing with Multiple Wins at NHAM Congress 2026

    Institut Jantung Negara (IJN) continues to strengthen its position as Malaysia’s leading cardiovascular centre and an emerging regional authority in cardiovascular medicine following multiple recognitions received by its specialists and researchers at the National Heart Association of Malaysia (NHAM) Congress 2026. The recognitions, which span categories including Heart Failure, Interventional Cardiology, Clinical Case Presentation, and the Young Investigator Award, reflect IJN’s depth of expertise across complex cardiovascular subspecialties, as well as its strong culture of clinical research, innovation, and academic excellence.

    Among the key achievements, Dr Fa’iz bin Mashood, Clinical Fellow from the Department of Cardiology, was named Winner of the Free Paper Interventional Cardiology category for his study titled “Structural Tricuspid Intervention and Clinical Outcomes in Severe Tricuspid Regurgitation: Real World Evidence.” In the Free Paper Heart Failure category, Dr Daniel Eng Theng Sheng received the Winner award for his work entitled “Beyond Tricuspid Regurgitation Reduction: Early Dissociation Between Clinical Recovery and Right Ventricular Reverse Remodelling After Bicaval Valve Implantation.” The Heart Failure Research Award was presented to Dr Noor Muhammad Azlan Shah for his study “Pacing-Induced Cardiomyopathy: Prevalence, Time Course, Predictors, and Device-Specific Risk in Leadless Versus Transvenous Pacemakers — A 10-year Real-World Experience from a Southeast Asian National Heart Centre.” Meanwhile, the Clinical Case Presentation category was won by Dr Iskandar Mirza Amran for his case titled “From Rescue to Crushing,” and a Consolation Prize in the Young Investigator Award category was awarded to Dr Soh Si Ling for her study “Mid and Long-Term Outcomes After Mitral Valve Repair for Severe Primary Mitral Regurgitation: A 10-Year Analysis with Echocardiographic and Strain Phenotyping.”

    IJN Group Chief Executive Officer, Prof. Dato’ Sri Dr. Mohamed Ezani Md Taib, said the recognitions reflect IJN’s ongoing commitment to advancing cardiovascular medicine through research, innovation, and multidisciplinary collaboration. He said the achievements are significant not only for the awards themselves, but also for the meaningful scientific contributions that have the potential to improve patient outcomes, treatment strategies, and long-term cardiovascular care. He also noted that many of the studies are based on real-world Southeast Asian data and long-term clinical outcomes derived from IJN’s own patient population, further strengthening Malaysia’s contribution to global cardiovascular science and highlighting the relevance of Asian data in shaping future treatment approaches.

    He added that the achievements also underscore IJN’s role in developing the next generation of clinician-scientists and cardiovascular leaders. At IJN, he said, research and innovation are deeply embedded within the clinical ecosystem, where the focus extends beyond patient treatment to knowledge generation, medical advancement, specialist training, and continuous improvement in care quality and safety.

    IJN Chief Clinical Officer, Datuk Dr. Shaiful Azmi Yahaya, said research at IJN has evolved beyond an academic requirement and is now an integral part of its clinical culture. He explained that IJN clinicians are actively engaged in scientific advancement through real-world data analysis, innovation, and long-term outcome studies, enabling daily clinical experiences to be translated into knowledge that benefits patients in Malaysia and across the region. He added that IJN’s multidisciplinary environment, high patient volumes, and exposure to complex cases provide a strong foundation for impactful cardiovascular research and innovation.

    He also welcomed the growing involvement of younger clinicians and investigators in research activities, describing it as an important development in ensuring Malaysia’s continued contribution to the advancement of cardiovascular medicine.

    The NHAM Congress is one of Malaysia’s premier cardiovascular scientific meetings, bringing together cardiologists, cardiothoracic surgeons, researchers, allied health professionals, and healthcare industry leaders from across the region. The latest recognitions further reinforce IJN’s position as Malaysia’s National Heart Specialist Centre and a leading regional referral hub for advanced cardiovascular care, innovation, education, and research.

  • Spaces Republik TTDI launched as International Workplace Group expands premium flexible workspace footprint in Malaysia

    Spaces Republik TTDI launched as International Workplace Group expands premium flexible workspace footprint in Malaysia

    Spaces Republik TTDI, spanning 24,700 square feet, offers a dynamic mix of co-working spaces, private offices, meeting rooms, and creative zones designed to support modern and flexible working styles. This expansion reflects the rising demand across Malaysia for flexible, platform-based work models that enable businesses to adapt more effectively to changing workplace needs.

    The new workspace is the result of a collaboration with Kuala Sentral Point Sdn. Bhd., leveraging the International Workplace Group platform to introduce Spaces, its flexible workspace brand, into the property. The launch follows International Workplace Group’s record global expansion in 2025, which saw the addition of 1,132 new centres and 782 openings, alongside its highest-ever revenue performance in history.

    International Workplace Group, the world’s largest flexible workspace platform and parent company of brands including Regus, HQ, Signature and Spaces, continues to strengthen its presence in Malaysia with the opening of Spaces Republik TTDI in Taman Tun Dr Ismail, Kuala Lumpur.

    This latest centre reflects a strategic partnership with Kuala Sentral Point Sdn. Bhd., marking an innovative shift in the local real estate landscape by transforming traditional commercial property into a hub for flexibility, creativity, and collaboration.

    With a total area of 24,700 square feet, Spaces Republik TTDI provides a comprehensive range of facilities, including private offices, collaborative co-working areas, professional meeting rooms, and dedicated creative zones. Designed to cater to diverse industries—from professional services to creative arts and technology—the centre offers tailored workspace solutions that enable businesses of all sizes and sectors to adapt their working environments according to operational needs.

    Strategically located in the heart of TTDI, the centre offers convenient access to the Damansara–Puchong Expressway (LDP) and is within walking distance of the TTDI MRT station. Its proximity to key commercial hubs across the Klang Valley further strengthens its position as a preferred business destination for a wide range of companies.

    The opening follows International Workplace Group’s strong global momentum in 2025, a year marked by record revenue performance and significant network expansion. In Malaysia, IWG now operates 48 centres across its four brands—Signature, HQ, Regus, and Spaces—including 35 locations in Kuala Lumpur and Selangor.

    Mark Dixon, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of International Workplace Group PLC, said the latest opening reinforces the group’s expansion strategy in response to strong market demand. He noted that TTDI remains a key business hub and a strategic location for accelerating growth plans, while also expressing appreciation for the partnership with Kuala Sentral Point Sdn. Bhd. in bringing Spaces into the development under a management agreement.

    He added that more organisations are recognising the benefits of flexible, platform-based working models, which improve work-life balance and employee satisfaction while delivering operational efficiencies. According to him, IWG’s model enables businesses to scale up or down at lower cost while providing access to a global network of workspaces.

    Vijayakumar Tangarasan, Country Head for Malaysia, Singapore and Brunei at IWG, said demand for high-quality flexible workspace solutions remains strong, particularly in strategic locations such as TTDI. He noted that Republik TTDI’s strong connectivity and established business ecosystem make it an ideal environment for companies seeking a balance between convenience and dynamic working styles.

    As hybrid working becomes the norm in the corporate landscape, multiple studies have highlighted its advantages. Research conducted by IWG in collaboration with workplace consultancy Arup found that hybrid models can increase productivity by up to 11% while significantly optimising operational costs. Industry forecasts also suggest that up to 30% of total office space could become flexible by 2030.

    Nik Ashman, Executive Director of Kuala Sentral Point Sdn. Bhd., said the introduction of Spaces by IWG at Republik TTDI reflects the company’s vision of building a dynamic and well-connected business community. He added that the collaboration introduces a new way of working in the area, combining flexibility, creativity, and convenience to support business growth and collaboration.

    With a global network of more than 5,000 locations across over 120 countries, International Workplace Group continues to lead the transition towards a more scalable and adaptive workspace ecosystem. For more information, please visit International Workplace Group.

  • Lestari Cooling Energy Begins Operating Phase with RM23 Million Initial Investment

    Lestari Cooling Energy Begins Operating Phase with RM23 Million Initial Investment

    Lestari Cooling Energy Sdn. Bhd. (“Lestari” or “the Company”), a joint venture platform between Stonepeak, a leading alternative investment firm specialising in infrastructure and real assets, Kumpulan Wang Persaraan (Diperbadankan) [KWAP], Malaysia’s public sector pension fund, and KJ Technical Services Sdn. Bhd. (“KJTS SB”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of KJTS Group Berhad (“KJTS”) (KLSE: KJTS), has announced the activation of its operating platform through its first investment in operating assets owned by KIP Real Estate Investment Trust (“KIP REIT”). This marks the commencement of a 20-year cooling services agreement covering eight KIPMall sites, with total capital deployment of approximately RM23 million.

    Under a novation arrangement between Pacific Trustees Berhad (acting solely in its capacity as trustee for KIP REIT), KJTS SB and Lestari, the latter will assume the role of asset owner and capital investor for the project. KJTS SB will continue to provide operation and maintenance (O&M) services as well as chilled water supply across the portfolio, while KJ Engineering Sdn. Bhd. (“KJE”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of KJTS, will undertake engineering, procurement, construction and commissioning (EPCC) works.

    The cooling services agreement, originally entered into between KJTS SB and the trustee of KIP REIT in March 2025 and subsequently supplemented in October 2025, covers retrofit works, O&M services and chilled water supply across eight KIPMall properties for a 20-year term ending in July 2046. Seven of the eight sites are already operational, with O&M services and chilled water supply having commenced between January and May 2026 at KIPMall Bangi, KIPMall Tampoi, KIPMall Masai, KIPMall Kota Tinggi, KIPMall Kota Warisan, KIPMall Senawang and KIPMall Melaka. KIPMall Desa Coalfields is expected to commence operations between May and July 2026.

    This investment directly supports Malaysia’s National Energy Transition Roadmap (NETR) by enabling large-scale energy efficiency improvements across the commercial real estate sector. It also marks the formal activation of Lestari as an operating platform, strengthening its position in delivering sustainable and scalable cooling infrastructure solutions.

    As previously announced, Lestari is expected to be capitalised at up to MYR 1.5 billion (approximately USD 380 million) through aggregate commitments and debt funding, with an addressable market exceeding MYR 2 billion (approximately USD 500 million) in annual project deployment opportunities. KWAP’s investment in Lestari aligns with the Ministry of Finance’s GEAR-uP programme, which aims to catalyse growth in high-value, high-impact sectors and support the scaling of Malaysian companies. The investment is also channelled through KWAP’s Dana Iklim+, which focuses on climate solutions and investments aligned with Malaysia’s transition towards a low-carbon economy. This platform represents a key milestone in mobilising institutional capital towards energy transition and sustainable infrastructure development.

    According to Azura Binti Azman, Director at Lestari Cooling Energy, this marks a significant inflection point as the platform transitions into full operational scale. With an initial base of revenue-generating assets and additional capacity coming online, she noted that Lestari now has meaningful scale and visibility. The focus will remain on disciplined investment in high-quality cooling infrastructure, building a portfolio that delivers stable, recurring cash flows while supporting energy efficiency and broader sustainability outcomes.

    Valerie Ong, Chief Executive Officer of KIP REIT, said the appointment of Lestari Cooling Energy as the new asset owner under the long-term cooling services arrangement strengthens the operational resilience and sustainability of KIP REIT’s retail assets. She added that the partnership ensures continuity of service, operational efficiency and consistent experience for tenants and shoppers across all KIPMall sites.

    Stonepeak Managing Director, Zach Ennis, stated that the activation of Lestari through its first asset injection represents a key milestone in the platform’s development and reflects Stonepeak’s disciplined approach to platform and asset creation across Asia. With seven operating sites already in service, he described Lestari as an income-generating infrastructure platform and expressed support for its continued expansion alongside KWAP and KJTS.

    Group Managing Director of KJTS Group Berhad, KC Lee, said that across the eight KIPMall sites, a total of 3,910RT of cooling capacity is being installed, with the retrofitted systems expected to avoid approximately 3,408 tonnes of CO₂ emissions per annum, or around 68,157 tonnes over the 20-year contract period. He added that the novation structure enables KJTS to focus on its core strengths in the engineering, construction and operation of energy-efficient cooling systems, while Lestari assumes the asset ownership and capital deployment role. This structure, he said, allows both parties to scale more efficiently while ensuring service continuity backed by reputable long-term institutional investors.