MalaysianUpdates

Author: Farihin Azlan

  • Persembahan Muzikal Pentas “Paduka Cik Siti”

    Persembahan Muzikal Pentas “Paduka Cik Siti”

    Akademi Seni Budaya dan Warisan Kebangsaan (ASWARA), dengan kerjasama Persatuan Alumni ASWARA, mempersembahkan sebuah naskhah muzikal baharu bertajuk Teater Muzikal Paduka Cik Siti, yang bakal dipentaskan pada 19 hingga 21 Disember 2025 di Auditorium Tun Azizan Zainul Abidin, Putrajaya. Muzikal ini mengisahkan kepahlawanan dan ketokohan Cik Siti Wan Kembang, satu-satunya waris takhta Tanah Serendah Sekebun Bunga, yang mengambil alih pemerintahan selepas kemangkatan ayahanda saudaranya demi menunaikan amanah almarhum ayahandanya. Dalam menghadapi pelbagai cabaran — dari tekanan sosial dan politik, ancaman Siam, hingga konflik perasaan kerana cinta yang terpendam — Paduka Cik Siti menampilkan keberanian dan kebijaksanaan seorang wanita pemimpin yang sanggup mengutamakan tanggungjawab terhadap negeri di atas segala kepentingan diri.

    Dipersembahkan dengan gabungan lakonan, muzik, tarian, visual yang memukau dan naratif menyentuh jiwa, produksi ini menampilkan pelakon berpengalaman seperti Asmidar, Taqim Zaki, Dr. Norzizi Zulkifli, Shahrul Mizad, Nesa Idrus, Serra Kamal, Zizi Hazirah, dan ramai lagi. Arahan Che Kem, tulisan oleh Roziah Adama dan Khairunazwan Rodzy, serta lirik Dr. Hairul Anuar Harun, menjanjikan persembahan berskala besar dan berimpak tinggi. Muzikal ini bukan sahaja meraikan sejarah dan budaya Melayu, tetapi juga mengetengahkan pengorbanan dan kekuatan seorang wanita pemimpin. Tiket boleh diperoleh pada harga RM40 hingga RM150 melalui pautan https://www.cloudjoi.com/shows/4822-teater-muzikal-paduka-cik-siti, manakala maklumat terkini boleh diikuti melalui Instagram @aswara.official dan @Persatuan_alumni_aswara, TikTok aswara.official dan persatuanalumniaswara, serta Facebook https://www.facebook.com/@aswara.edu.

  • The Orchid Journey: Usaha Menyingkap Makna Keseimbangan Hidup Bagi Wanita Masa Kini

    The Orchid Journey: Usaha Menyingkap Makna Keseimbangan Hidup Bagi Wanita Masa Kini

    The Orchid Journey, terbitan Skyhill Clinic, hadir sebagai sebuah siri travelog inspirasi yang menghimpunkan tiga tokoh wanita berpengaruh Malaysia dalam satu misi yang cukup bermakna: mencari keseimbangan hidup wanita masa kini. Menampilkan gabungan kepakaran daripada tiga figura disegani — Dr. Linda Mat Hassin, doktor perubatan terlatih dalam perawatan hormon dan kesihatan wanita; Datuk Dr. Ustazah Norhafizah Musa, guru kerohanian dan personaliti dakwah yang dihormati; serta Datuk Dr. Faridah Hanim Haron, pakar kepimpinan dan pembangunan organisasi — siri ini membawa penonton menyelami pertembungan antara tuntutan dunia moden dan keperluan jiwa yang mendambakan ketenangan.

    Mengembara ke dua destinasi berbeza, Tokyo dan Bandung, siri ini bukan sekadar merakam perjalanan fizikal tetapi juga perjalanan batin yang penuh nilai dan refleksi. Di sepanjang episod, penonton dibawa mengikuti perbualan mendalam, perkongsian pengalaman sebenar serta renungan jujur mengenai isu-isu yang sering membelenggu wanita hari ini — tekanan kerjaya, tuntutan keluarga, keseimbangan hormon, kesihatan mental, hubungan spiritual, dan cabaran kepimpinan dalam konteks dunia yang bergerak pantas. Setiap langkah dan perhentian dalam travelog ini dijadikan metafora terhadap perjalanan hidup yang menuntut kebijaksanaan dalam menyusun keutamaan dan menjaga bahagian paling sensitif dalam diri seorang wanita: hati dan jiwa.

    Dengan durasi antara 20 hingga 25 minit setiap episod, The Orchid Journey menggabungkan elemen sinematografi berkualiti tinggi, naratif yang kontemplatif serta dialog yang sarat nilai. Visual indah kota Tokyo yang moden dan tenang, serta kehangatan budaya Bandung yang penuh warna, menjadi latar sempurna yang mencerminkan pertembungan dua dimensi kehidupan wanita — kecemerlangan luar dan ketenangan dalam. Ia bukan sekadar dokumentasi pelancongan, tetapi sebuah naskhah yang mengajak wanita kembali menyentuh akar diri, memelihara kesihatan holistik, dan menimbang semula makna keseimbangan dalam kehidupan seharian.

    Menurut Dr. Linda Mat Hassin, penerbit eksekutif dan penggerak utama projek ini, “Wanita hari ini hidup di antara dua dunia — satu dunia yang menuntut produktiviti dan prestasi, dan satu lagi dunia jiwa dalaman yang mendambakan ketenangan dan makna. The Orchid Journey adalah jambatan antara keduanya.” Kenyataan ini merangkum dengan tepat visi siri tersebut — mencipta ruang baharu di mana wanita dapat meraih kekuatan, ilmu dan inspirasi, sambil memahami diri mereka dengan lebih mendalam.

    Penerbitan siri ini turut diperkukuh oleh sokongan padu daripada para penaja rasmi. Skyhill Clinic selaku Penaja Utama menjadi tulang belakang projek ini, disertai oleh Siti Khadijah sebagai Rakan Rasmi Busana Muslimah; AMPAC sebagai Rakan Latihan Rasmi; MedikGO sebagai Rakan Portal Kesihatan Rasmi; Linheal sebagai Rakan Suplemen Halal; Casalwa sebagai Rakan Butik Rasmi; serta Brainy Bunch sebagai Rakan Pendidikan Awal Kanak-Kanak. Kolaborasi menyeluruh ini mencerminkan kekuatan jaringan industri yang bersama-sama mengangkat misi memperkasakan wanita dari segi kesihatan, spiritual dan kepimpinan.

    Dalam sidang media pelancaran, turut diumumkan pelantikan Datuk Dr. Ustazah Norhafizah Musa sebagai Ikon Syariah Skyhill Clinic dan Datuk Dr. Faridah Hanim Haron sebagai Penasihat Korporat Skyhill Clinic. Pelantikan ini bukan sekadar simbolik, tetapi manifestasi komitmen Skyhill Clinic terhadap usaha merangkum nilai ilmu, spiritual dan profesionalisme dalam memacu kesejahteraan wanita secara holistik.

    The Orchid Journey bukan sekadar siri travelog — ia adalah sebuah seruan untuk wanita kembali memegang kendali hidup, memahami tubuh serta jiwa mereka, dan meraih kekuatan baharu dalam perjalanan menjadi wanita yang seimbang, berdaya dan bermakna.

  • Nestlé Marks 15th Anniversary of Healthier Kids Program, Benefiting 220,000 Children

    Nestlé Marks 15th Anniversary of Healthier Kids Program, Benefiting 220,000 Children

    Nestlé For Healthier Kids (N4HK) recently celebrated its 15th anniversary at Sekolah Kebangsaan Jalan Empat in Bandar Baru Bangi, marking a significant milestone for one of Malaysia’s longest-running school nutrition education programmes. The event brought together representatives from the Ministry of Education Malaysia (MOE), the Nutrition Society of Malaysia (NSM), teachers, parents, and students, highlighting the enduring partnerships that have strengthened the programme’s impact over the years. Since its inception in 2010, N4HK has reached over 220,000 students across 865 schools nationwide, educating children aged seven to twelve on balanced nutrition, physical activity, and hygiene through interactive sessions led by registered nutritionists. Looking ahead, the programme aims to extend its reach to 500,000 primary school students by 2030, furthering its mission to instill lifelong healthy habits among young Malaysians.

    Beyond school-based education, N4HK engages parents and caregivers through its PARENPRO initiative, ensuring that nutrition knowledge is reinforced at home. By combining classroom learning with parental involvement, the programme translates nutrition education into practical, everyday practices, such as meal planning, portion control, and enjoyable activities that foster healthier eating habits. YM Raja Nurmaria Murni, Executive Director of Group Corporate Affairs at Nestlé Malaysia, emphasized that the 15-year milestone reflects the programme’s success in benefiting children, parents, and educators alike, while reaffirming Nestlé’s commitment to expanding its reach and strengthening parent-focused initiatives under PARENPRO.

    Highlighting the ongoing nutritional challenges in Malaysia, Ms Wong Mei Ching, Group Corporate Nutrition Manager at Nestlé Malaysia, pointed out the triple burden of malnutrition—undernutrition, overnutrition, and micronutrient deficiencies—that continues to affect the population. National studies reveal that over 90 percent of adults and children fail to consume adequate fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, while deficiencies in calcium, vitamin D, and dietary fibre remain prevalent. N4HK addresses these gaps by equipping parents with practical guidance and resources to promote healthier diets and lifestyle habits from an early age.

    Professor Dr. Mahenderan Appukutty, President of the Nutrition Society of Malaysia, underscored the value of the 15-year collaboration between NSM, Nestlé, and the Ministry of Education, highlighting how combining scientific knowledge with hands-on learning empowers children to adopt balanced eating and active living practices. The anniversary celebration featured a variety of engaging activities for both parents and children, including nutrition talks, interactive workshops such as “Build Your Healthy Plate” and “Smart Swaps for Healthier Choices,” as well as fun sessions like aerobics, games, and burger-making activities, reflecting N4HK’s focus on making health education both enjoyable and practical.

    Aligned with Nestlé’s global ambition to help 50 million primary school children lead healthier lives by 2030, N4HK continues to deliver meaningful, long-term impact. By promoting better nutrition, physical activity, and health awareness, the programme contributes to the development of healthier families and communities across Malaysia, ensuring that the next generation grows up with the knowledge and habits needed for lifelong wellbeing.

  • “MAJLIS TERTINGGI ROCKQUEEN”: KONSERT TERBARU YANG DIUMUMKAN ELLA

    “MAJLIS TERTINGGI ROCKQUEEN”: KONSERT TERBARU YANG DIUMUMKAN ELLA

    Malaysia bakal menyaksikan detik bersejarah apabila Ratu Rock negara, Ella, kembali menggegarkan pentas dengan pengumuman konsert terbarunya bertajuk “Majlis Tertinggi Rockqueen”, yang dijadualkan berlangsung pada 14 Februari 2026 di Stadium Nasional Bukit Jalil — lokasi ikonik yang pernah menjadi saksi pelbagai detik monumental dalam kerjaya seni beliau. Konsert mega ini dianjurkan oleh penganjur acara terkenal, Hitman Solutions dan Rockqueen, dan dijangka menjadi salah satu projek terbesar mereka sebagai penghargaan terhadap legasi cemerlang Ella, selain berperanan sebagai simbol penyatuan peminat, penggiat seni, dan masyarakat Malaysia secara keseluruhan.

    Mengangkat tema “Peace, Love & Rindu”, konsert ini bukan sekadar sebuah persembahan muzik, tetapi juga gerakan yang ingin disebarkan kepada masyarakat. Ella menjelaskan bahawa nama konsert Majlis Tertinggi Rockqueen bukan hanya merujuk kepada gelaran ikoniknya sebagai ratu rock, tetapi lebih sebagai wadah untuk memberi impak bermakna dalam aspek kemanusiaan. Menjelang ulang tahunnya yang ke-60 pada 2026, Ella menyatakan keinginannya untuk mewujudkan legasi berkekalan melalui konsert ini. Tema Peace mewakili solidariti terhadap perjuangan rakyat Gaza, Love menekankan isu buli yang berlaku di institusi pendidikan tempatan, manakala Rindu didedikasikan kepada penggiat seni tanah air yang sentiasa berkarya demi industri kreatif Malaysia.

    Dalam usaha menjadikan konsert ini sebuah pengalaman inklusif, penganjur menawarkan tiket dengan harga mampu milik supaya peminat dari semua lapisan masyarakat dapat menyertainya. Setiap tiket turut membolehkan pembeli mengundi dan memilih tabung sumbangan amal mereka: Peace (Persatuan Cinta Gaza Malaysia), Love (Yayasan Kebajikan Negara), atau Rindu (Yayasan Kebajikan Artis Tanahair). Setiap undian akan menyumbang RM2 kepada organisasi pilihan melalui pembelian tiket, sekali gus memastikan konsert ini memberi impak sosial yang nyata, kata Rohit Rampal, Ketua Pegawai Eksekutif dan Pengasas Hitman Group.

    Bagi Ella, cabaran untuk kembali ke pentas berskala besar seperti Stadium Nasional Bukit Jalil merupakan suntikan semangat yang membara. Beliau berkongsi bahawa ketekunan dan kecintaan terhadap seni selama hampir 40 tahun membantunya mengekalkan momentum dan relevansi dalam industri, menonjolkan ketabahan yang hanya dimiliki oleh seorang ratu rock sejati yang mencintai seni dan penggemarnya.

    Ella berharap konsert ini bukan sahaja mampu memberi sumbangan bermakna kepada pertubuhan amal yang terlibat, tetapi juga memberi inspirasi kepada generasi muda untuk cemerlang dalam hidup dan menyokong penggiat seni agar terus berkarya. Beliau menyeru peminat untuk tidak lupa mengundi pilihan mereka antara Peace, Love, atau Rindu, sambil menantikan pengalaman luar biasa di Majlis Tertinggi Rockqueen. Konsert ini turut disokong oleh Perbadanan Stadium Malaysia sebagai lokasi rasmi, radio rasmi seperti Era FM, Sinar FM, Mix FM, Lite FM dan Gegar FM, serta media rasmi Astro Gempak, Meletop dan Hlive!, manakala rakan media outdoor termasuk Ad Box, Wow Media dan Warisan Outdoor turut sama-sama menjayakan acara bersejarah ini.

    Untuk maklumat lanjut mengenai konsert ini, peminat boleh menghubungi pihak penganjur di talian +6012-2655783 atau melalui emel di concerts@hitman.group, memastikan setiap peminat mempunyai akses kepada berita terkini dan peluang untuk menjadi sebahagian daripada salah satu momen paling dinanti dalam sejarah muzik Malaysia.

  • BOMBA Certification Awarded to EPG, Enhancing Malaysia’s Credentials as a Data Center Manufacturing Hub

    BOMBA Certification Awarded to EPG, Enhancing Malaysia’s Credentials as a Data Center Manufacturing Hub

    EPG, a Singapore-based leader in modular data center solutions with advanced manufacturing facilities in Johor Bahru, has achieved a significant milestone by securing BOMBA certification from Malaysia’s Fire and Rescue Department for its containerized modular products. This achievement positions EPG as one of the first modular data center manufacturers to comply with Malaysia’s mandatory fire-safety standards, enabling the company to deploy its modular systems more efficiently across the country while reinforcing Malaysia’s reputation as a regional hub for high-growth data center technologies.

    BOMBA certification is a critical requirement for any data center or infrastructure equipment entering the Malaysian market, ensuring compliance with local fire-safety regulations, Malaysian Standards (MS), and internationally recognized ISO benchmarks. As Malaysia continues to emerge as a preferred destination for AI, cloud, and hyperscale infrastructure, the approval facilitates the rapid and safe deployment of prefabricated modular data center capacity, which is increasingly in demand in key regions such as Johor, Klang Valley, and Penang.

    The certification comes at a pivotal time for EPG, which is expanding its manufacturing footprint in Johor Bahru. The company currently operates two production plants and is in the process of developing a next-generation smart factory, an RM380 million (US$80 million) facility slated to begin operations in Q3 2026. The new factory will provide 40,000 m² of advanced production space, employ over 800 skilled workers, produce more than 2,000 modular units annually, and support up to 550 MW of data center project capacity. With BOMBA certification, Malaysia-manufactured units can be deployed domestically and exported to neighboring ASEAN markets including Thailand, Vietnam, and Indonesia, further solidifying the country’s role in the regional data center supply chain.

    An EPG spokesperson emphasized that the certification validates the company’s compliance with stringent fire-safety requirements and enhances customer confidence in the reliability and safety of its modular solutions for mission-critical environments. The BOMBA approval is also part of EPG’s broader global compliance strategy, supporting accelerated certification efforts in highly regulated regions across Europe and the Middle East, with its Malaysian hub serving as a central base for future market expansion. This milestone underscores Malaysia’s growing prominence as a manufacturing and export hub for advanced modular data center solutions in the region.

  • SEREMBAN 2 CELEBRATES A LIFESTYLE LIFT WITH THE OPENING OF VILLAGE GRACER BY IJM LAND

    SEREMBAN 2 CELEBRATES A LIFESTYLE LIFT WITH THE OPENING OF VILLAGE GRACER BY IJM LAND

    IJM Land has officially announced the upcoming arrival of Village Grocer in Seremban 2, marking a major lifestyle enhancement for the thriving township. Set to open in the fourth quarter of 2027, the RM25 million premium neighborhood grocer is poised to elevate everyday living for more than 62,000 residents by bringing an exceptional blend of freshness, quality, and modern convenience. The groundbreaking ceremony, held earlier this month, signified the start of construction on the 1.9-acre site, which will feature a 26,240-square-foot built-up area and 100 dedicated parking bays designed for seamless accessibility and shopper comfort. This marks yet another milestone in Seremban 2’s evolution into a vibrant, self-sustaining township.

    Village Grocer’s presence in Seremban 2 promises a premium shopping experience anchored in quality and variety. Known for its carefully curated selection of fresh produce, gourmet ingredients, organic essentials, and international favourites, the new store will bring its signature standards to the heart of the township. Shoppers can look forward to fresh daily produce, top-grade meat and seafood, artisanal cheeses, gluten-free selections, and thoughtfully crafted store layouts featuring wider aisles, family-friendly amenities, and child-friendly trolleys. Throughout the year, seasonal showcases and festive campaigns will add vibrancy, celebrating Malaysia’s culinary heritage while making each visit more engaging. According to Mr Ivan Tan, Group Executive Director of TFP Retail Sdn Bhd, the expansion reflects Village Grocer’s commitment to quality, discovery, and supporting local producers, while enriching the daily lives of families in Seremban 2.

    Beyond elevating the shopping experience, the arrival of Village Grocer is expected to stimulate economic activity and create meaningful employment opportunities for the community. The new outlet is set to generate between 90 and 150 direct jobs across operations, specialty counters, and management roles. Additionally, collaborations with farmers, suppliers, and SMEs are anticipated to spur another 150 to 300 indirect jobs in agriculture, logistics, and supporting services. These partnerships will further strengthen supply chains, encourage innovation, and drive higher product standards, contributing to the growth of the local economy and Malaysia’s retail sector. Surrounding businesses—including eateries, retail shops, and service providers—are also expected to benefit from increased foot traffic, enhanced customer engagement, and renewed commercial dynamism.

    IJM Land highlights Village Grocer’s entry as a significant milestone in the township’s continuing transformation. Datuk Chai Kian Soon, Chief Operating Officer of IJM Land, emphasized that the new premium grocer aligns with the developer’s long-term vision of creating a township where families thrive, businesses flourish, and communities connect. Seremban 2, which has grown from a greenfield site into a 3,800-acre master-planned community with homes, schools, healthcare facilities, green spaces, and commercial hubs, continues to set benchmarks for modern urban living. The addition of Village Grocer will enrich the township’s rhythm—supporting morning produce runs, evening top-ups, and weekend family shopping trips—each adding activity and vibrancy to daily life.

    As Seremban 2 celebrates its 30th anniversary, the launch of Village Grocer carries symbolic significance, representing both its remarkable progress and its readiness to step confidently into the next phase of growth as a leading lifestyle and retail hub in Negeri Sembilan. This momentum is further fueled by the launch of IKON Residences, set to become the tallest residential tower in the township with modern, thoughtfully designed spaces and sweeping views. Village Grocer will serve as a lifestyle anchor within this expanding ecosystem, reinforcing IJM Land’s mission to develop a complete, thriving, and self-sustaining township where daily life is enriched, communities grow stronger, and the future promises endless possibilities.

  • Jentayu Shareholder Requests EGM Delay as Court Case Looms

    A shareholder of Jentayu Sustainables Berhad has taken legal action to halt the company’s upcoming Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM), scheduled for 4 December 2025. In a lawsuit filed on 28 November 2025, the shareholder, Andy Lai Wee Young, is seeking to postpone the meeting on grounds that its legality — along with several proposed corporate exercises — is in question. According to a press statement from his solicitors, Mak LK & Co, Lai, who owns 1,361,000 shares in the company, filed an Originating Summons (OS) and an injunction application to restrain Jentayu from convening the “postponed” EGM or acting on any resolutions that may arise from it. The High Court has fixed the hearing for the injunction on 5 December 2025.

    Central to Lai’s legal challenge is the company’s decision to delay the EGM from its original date of 22 October 2025 to 4 December 2025. Court filings reveal that Lai disputes the board’s authority to postpone the meeting, arguing that Jentayu’s Constitution — specifically Articles 70 and 71 — does not empower directors to change the date once the notice has been issued. He contends that an adjournment can only occur after the meeting has convened and with shareholders’ consent. Since no meeting took place on 22 October, Lai maintains that the company’s decision to set a new date is invalid.

    The lawsuit also raises questions about inconsistencies involving the proxy documents and the record of depositors (ROD) date. The proxy form issued with the original notice dated 3 September 2025 referred to an ROD date of 16 October 2025. However, the rescheduled meeting uses a different ROD date — 27 November 2025 — which Lai argues could place Jentayu in breach of Bursa Malaysia’s Listing Requirements. He further highlights the company’s failure to clarify whether mandatory inspection documents, as outlined in the shareholder circular, remain accessible to shareholders until the new meeting date, potentially representing another compliance issue.

    Lai additionally criticizes Jentayu for not announcing the litigation to Bursa Malaysia despite its material impact, pointing to Paragraph 9.03 of the Listing Requirements, which mandates prompt disclosure of significant legal proceedings. He argues that shareholders and the market deserved timely notification once the suit was filed and case management began.

    Beyond the meeting date itself, Lai’s legal action challenges the validity of key resolutions to be tabled at the 4 December EGM, should it proceed. These include a proposed private placement of up to 20% of the company’s issued shares, an acquisition of equity in Jentayu Solar Sdn Bhd, and a variation in the utilization of proceeds from the company’s 2022 rights issue. Lai asserts that the disputed EGM cannot serve as a legitimate platform for decisions involving major corporate exercises, especially when he believes critical information has not been adequately disclosed.

    In view of these concerns, Lai is calling for the EGM to be deferred until the High Court reaches a decision. He argues that proceeding with the meeting amid ongoing litigation and alleged procedural irregularities would undermine corporate governance standards, compromise shareholder rights, and expose the company to additional legal complications. His legal action, he says, reflects a commitment to promoting transparency, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements, and safeguarding the interests of all Jentayu shareholders.

  • Sunway Medical Centre, Sunway City, Recognized with 2025 Technology and Innovation Excellence Award for Advancing Smart Healthcare in Malaysia

    Sunway Medical Centre, Sunway City, Recognized with 2025 Technology and Innovation Excellence Award for Advancing Smart Healthcare in Malaysia

    Sunway Medical Centre, Sunway City (SMC), Malaysia’s largest private quaternary hospital, has been honored with the Technology and Innovation Excellence Award at the British Malaysian Chamber of Commerce (BMCC) Business Excellence Awards 2025, recognizing its outstanding contributions to smart healthcare. The award celebrates organizations that have embraced digital, innovative, or disruptive technologies over the past three years to enhance their operations and service delivery. This accolade highlights SMC’s continued commitment to pioneering technological advancements that improve clinical outcomes, operational efficiency, and patient experience while supporting Malaysia’s broader transition towards digital healthcare.

    According to Dr Seow Vei Ken, CEO of Sunway Medical Centre, the recognition reflects the hospital’s ongoing efforts to implement cutting-edge technologies, digitalize healthcare services, and provide a seamless, patient-centric experience. Over the years, SMC has introduced an array of innovative solutions, including robotics, precision medicine, automation, and AI integration. Key advancements include Malaysia’s first automated microbiology laboratory specimen processing system (WASP), cloud-based Hospital Information Systems and Electronic Medical Records (HIS/EMR) with Computerized Physician Order Entry (CPOE), the Outpatient Pharmacy Automation System (OPAS), and Annalise AI for radiology imaging.

    SMC has also deployed advanced robotic systems across various clinical services, such as the Mako SmartRobotics, ROSA® Knee System, VELYS™ Robotic Assisted Solution, Southeast Asia’s first commercial AiBLE™ Spine Surgical System, and Malaysia’s first da Vinci Xi Robotic Surgical System for minimally invasive procedures across multiple specialties. These innovations not only elevate surgical precision but also enhance patient safety and recovery outcomes.

    The hospital’s achievements are further validated by its ranking in Newsweek’s World’s Best Smart Hospitals 2026, where SMC emerged as one of the world’s top 350 hospitals and the leading hospital in Malaysia. As of 2025, SMC houses over 300 medical consultants across 80 specialties, supported by 28 Centres of Excellence, and holds three major hospital-wide accreditations: Joint Commission International (JCI) Gold Seal of Approval, Australian Council on Healthcare Standards (ACHS) International, and the Malaysian Society of Quality in Health (MSQH).

    The BMCC Business Excellence Awards, launched in 2018, honor the strongest commercial ties between the United Kingdom and Malaysia, recognizing businesses that demonstrate innovation, excellence, and impact. SMC’s Technology and Innovation Excellence Award underscores its role as a leader in smart healthcare, setting new standards in digitalized, technology-driven patient care in Malaysia.

  • Flowing Hope: ParagonCorp Wardah and Komodo Water Deliver Clean Water to East Nusa Tenggara Residents Providing Safe Water to More Than 1,200 Community Members

    Flowing Hope: ParagonCorp Wardah and Komodo Water Deliver Clean Water to East Nusa Tenggara Residents Providing Safe Water to More Than 1,200 Community Members

    ParagonCorp Wardah, in collaboration with Komodo Water, has launched the “Langkah Alirkan Harapan” (Flowing Hope) program under its Clean Water Initiative, aiming to provide sustainable access to clean water for communities in East Nusa Tenggara. The initiative targets two villages, Poco Dedeng in Lempe Hamlet and Wae Tulu in Manggarai Barat Regency, and was officially inaugurated on 28 November 2025. The program addresses a long-standing challenge in the region, where residents previously spent four to six hours daily navigating treacherous terrain just to collect water, a burden that disproportionately affected women and children, disrupted schooling, and increased health risks such as stunting.

    To solve this, ParagonCorp Wardah and Komodo Water implemented a gravity-fed water supply system equipped with storage tanks, solar-powered pumps, and a piped network that is both energy-efficient and environmentally friendly. Multiple access points were installed in residential areas and public facilities, including schools, prayer rooms, churches, and health posts, providing reliable water to over 1,200 residents across the two villages. This infrastructure not only fulfills basic needs but also supports local economic activities; in Lempe, for example, improved water access facilitates the processing of candlenut production, enhancing quality and market value, while in Wae Tulu, it supports increased cashew nut output.

    Deputy CEO ParagonCorp, dr. Sari Chairunnisa, Sp.KK, FINSD

    The inauguration ceremony was attended by key stakeholders including Retno Marsudi, UN Secretary-General Special Envoy on Water; Dr. Sari Chairunnisa, Deputy CEO of ParagonCorp Wardah; Shana Fatina, CEO of Komodo Water; representatives from the West Manggarai Regency Government; and village leaders and community members. Retno Marsudi highlighted the importance of cross-sector collaboration, emphasizing that water access is not only a matter of infrastructure but also a fundamental enabler for health, education, and sustainable development.

    For ParagonCorp Wardah, the Flowing Hope program exemplifies its 40-year commitment to impactful initiatives that improve well-being while empowering communities. Dr. Sari Chairunnisa emphasized that providing clean water is the first step toward enhancing quality of life and that the company aims to continue supporting these communities through programs focused on education, agriculture, and local economic potential. Community dialogues held during the launch allowed residents to share how the initiative has transformed daily life, freeing up time previously spent collecting water for more productive activities and creating new opportunities for growth.

    The Langkah Alirkan Harapan program reinforces ParagonCorp Wardah’s commitment to sustainable development, aligning with its focus on people and the planet, while embodying the spirit of Wardah Beauty Moves You. By bringing clean water closer to the residents of Lempe and Wae Tulu, the initiative not only meets immediate needs but also inspires a brighter, healthier, and more empowered future for the communities involved.

  • OpenSys Technologies Launches Pilot Program for PalmWav™

    OpenSys Technologies Launches Pilot Program for PalmWav™

    OpenSys Technologies Sdn Bhd, a subsidiary of OpenSys (M) Bhd, has unveiled PalmWav™, a pioneering prototype that leverages palm-recognition technology to enable seamless, device-free payments in Malaysia. Designed to integrate with the country’s existing payment ecosystem, including PayNet’s MyDebit network, PalmWav™ allows users to complete transactions simply by waving their hand over a reader, complementing traditional payment methods such as smartphones, physical cards, and wallets.

    The prototype was first showcased internally to OpenSys employees and key partners, with Kom.Fi Café in Kuala Lumpur and Bread Maison in Petaling Jaya serving as the initial pilot locations for live demonstrations. Powered by Tencent Cloud’s AI technology, PalmWav™ creates a unique, encrypted “palm signature” for each user, enabling secure authentication within seconds while maintaining the highest standards of privacy. Enrollment is straightforward, with users registering through the PalmWav™ mobile app or performing a one-time setup at participating merchants. Once registered, payments are completed simply by scanning the palm above the PalmWav™ reader.

    PalmWav™ operates in a controlled production environment to demonstrate interoperability with Malaysia’s payment systems. For consumers, the technology offers fast, frictionless transactions, eliminates the need for devices, and ensures privacy through encrypted palm templates. Merchants benefit from shorter queues, hands-free transactions, integration with loyalty programs, and a scalable solution that can support millions of users across multiple payment schemes.

    Security remains a top priority, with PalmWav™ employing enterprise-grade cybersecurity measures including end-to-end encryption, payment tokenization, and real-time fraud monitoring. “PalmWav™ reflects our commitment to innovation and our drive to explore new technologies that could redefine how Malaysians experience digital payments,” said Denis Koay, Group Chief Commercial Officer of OpenSys Group. Co-CEO of OpenSys Technologies, Wong Siew Pooi, added that the collaboration with Tencent Cloud demonstrates a new, safer, and more intuitive way to make payments in Malaysia.

    Through this pilot, OpenSys Technologies aims to study the potential of palm-based payments across multiple sectors, reinforcing its commitment to research and innovation while supporting Malaysia’s evolving digital economy. The PalmWav™ initiative highlights how biometric technology can create a simpler, faster, and more seamless payment experience, marking a significant step toward the future of digital transactions in the country.