MalaysianUpdates

Author: Farihin Azlan

  • CHAGEE has become the first freshly brewed tea chain in Malaysia to receive recognition under the Healthier Dining Programme (HDP).

    CHAGEE has become the first freshly brewed tea chain in Malaysia to receive recognition under the Healthier Dining Programme (HDP).

    CHAGEE Malaysia has marked a significant milestone by officially earning the Healthier Dining Programme (HDP) logo for selected beverages, becoming the first freshly prepared beverage tea chain in the country to receive this prestigious recognition. This achievement underscores CHAGEE’s commitment to providing Malaysians with better beverage choices while preserving the brand’s hallmark quality, craftsmanship, and authentic tea culture.

    The HDP logo, introduced by the Ministry of Health Malaysia (MOH) under the broader Healthier Choice Logo (HCL) initiative, helps consumers easily identify freshly prepared beverages that meet strict nutrient criteria aligned with the nation’s dietary guidelines. As an extension of the HCL framework, the Healthier Dining Programme expands its focus to include both freshly prepared foods and beverages, setting nutrient-based benchmarks that encourage healthier dining habits across the country. Being awarded the HDP certification affirms CHAGEE’s efforts in crafting beverages that not only taste exceptional but also align with health-conscious standards.

    The certification covers CHAGEE’s full range of milk teas that meet HDP nutrient requirements, as well as most of its brewed teas that fall within the approved nutrient thresholds. These beverages were evaluated against criteria that include maintaining sugar content at 5 grams per 100 milliliters or less—an important guideline that supports healthier beverage consumption. In acknowledging the achievement, the HDP Secretariat commended CHAGEE’s successful efforts in meeting the required nutrient standards and contributing to the availability of healthier options for Malaysians.

    CHAGEE’s HDP-certified beverages reflect the brand’s dedication to responsible formulation and meticulous craftsmanship. Central to this approach is CHAGEE’s “Three Zeroes” philosophy—zero artificial flavoring in tea bases, zero artificial sweeteners, and zero trans-fat—which guides the brand’s product development across the region. Drinks that meet HDP criteria will now carry the HDP logo, while other beverages with richer profiles will continue to be offered, ensuring variety without compromising transparency. Clear labels in-store and across digital platforms will help customers easily identify which drinks are certified and make informed choices.

    To further support consumer awareness, CHAGEE recently introduced a Calorie Calculator feature on its mobile app, enabling customers to view estimated calorie information for their beverages before placing an order. This enhancement aligns with CHAGEE’s ongoing efforts to promote transparency and empower customers to make mindful decisions.

    Jonathan Ng, Director for Government and Public Affairs at CHAGEE APAC, described the certification as a meaningful achievement for the brand. “Earning the HDP logo is an important milestone for CHAGEE Malaysia. It reflects our belief that great tea can bring joy while also supporting well-being. We are grateful for the opportunity to work with MOH to provide healthier options of freshly prepared beverages in the market, and we hope this achievement encourages more brands to innovate and offer healthier, more transparent options,” he said.

    The attainment of the HDP logo strengthens CHAGEE’s role in contributing to Malaysia’s broader public health goals. Moving forward, the brand remains committed to responsible beverage innovation and will continue exploring ways to develop products that balance enjoyment with mindful choices. By offering high-quality beverages that cater to diverse preferences, CHAGEE aims to support healthier lifestyles for all Malaysians while continuing to elevate the nation’s modern tea culture.

  • Emirates concludes the Dubai Airshow with major strategic investments to drive future growth and unveil next-generation aviation innovations.

    Emirates concludes the Dubai Airshow with major strategic investments to drive future growth and unveil next-generation aviation innovations.

    Emirates capped off a highly successful week at the Dubai Airshow with major announcements, strategic partnerships, and technology showcases that reinforce its confidence in long-term growth and its role in advancing the UAE’s aerospace ambitions. Throughout the week, the airline unveiled significant commitments to expand its fleet, elevate the customer experience with new cabin innovations, strengthen industry partnerships, and enhance the UAE’s standing as an emerging global aerospace hub.

    Demonstrating strong public interest, Emirates’ largest-ever static display—featuring the Airbus A380, A350, and Boeing 777—drew over 82,000 visitors. More than 15,000 attendees also had the chance to test Emirates’ Starlink high-speed inflight Wi-Fi aboard a retrofitted Boeing 777, offering a glimpse into a more connected future of air travel.

    Emirates’ announcements throughout the airshow aligned closely with Dubai’s D33 economic agenda. The airline revealed a substantial fleet expansion with orders for 65 additional Boeing 777-9s and eight Airbus A350-900s, valued at US$41.4 billion. This brings Emirates’ total wide-body order book to 375 aircraft, ensuring capacity growth well into 2038.

    To further enhance the passenger experience, Emirates showcased its first aircraft equipped with Starlink, underscoring its plans to introduce high-speed connectivity on 232 aircraft within the next two years. The airline also confirmed that 111 existing aircraft will undergo a major cabin refresh featuring elevated interiors and next-generation entertainment systems.

    Emirates strengthened its global reach through expanded partnerships, including a reciprocal codeshare with South African Airways and an extended codeshare and loyalty partnership with Air Canada through 2032. The airline also highlighted the ongoing success of its close cooperation with flydubai, further supporting Dubai’s aviation ecosystem.

    Sustainability and efficiency were also central themes. Emirates signed an MoU with ENOC to explore sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) development in Dubai and entered into a research collaboration with dans and Thales aimed at reducing arrival holding patterns at DXB to improve airspace efficiency. In the technology space, Emirates announced a new partnership with OpenAI to deploy ChatGPT Enterprise across its organisation, supported by AI training programmes and strategic implementation frameworks.

    In logistics innovation, Emirates SkyCargo partnered with LODD Autonomous to pursue next-generation hybrid, unmanned heavy-lift cargo aircraft built in the UAE—signaling the airline’s intent to help shape the future of air freight.

    Further bolstering Dubai’s aerospace manufacturing and engineering capabilities, Emirates signed several landmark agreements. These include an MoU with Safran Seats to establish Dubai’s first aircraft seat manufacturing facility and another with the CCE Group to co-develop next-generation cabin and cargo products. Emirates also inked a long-term partnership with Rolls-Royce to enable Trent 900 engine MRO for its A380 fleet at a new purpose-built facility by 2027, extending their TotalCare support well into the 2040s. In a significant national milestone, Emirates Engineering achieved the UAE’s first Design Organisation Approval (DOA) from the GCAA, enabling the team to certify major aircraft modifications locally—an important step in building homegrown aerospace expertise.

    Crowning its achievements during the airshow, Emirates earned major industry accolades, including ‘Best Airline in the World’ for the eighth year in a row at the ULTRAs Travel Awards. The airline also took home Airline of the Year and Best First Class of the Year at the Aviation Business Middle East Awards 2025, reaffirming its leadership and excellence in global aviation.

  • Melalui “Kumpul Kasih: A Morning of Care & Colours”, senyuman kembali mekar pada wajah pesakit kanser kanak-kanak.

    Melalui “Kumpul Kasih: A Morning of Care & Colours”, senyuman kembali mekar pada wajah pesakit kanser kanak-kanak.

    Program Kumpul Kasih: A Morning of Care & Colours anjuran Ajwa Bakery dan Adina Charity Circle telah berlangsung dengan penuh meriah dan menyentuh hati di Malaya Grill, Sungai Buloh. Inisiatif ini dianjurkan khusus untuk menceriakan pesakit kanser kanak-kanak sambil memberikan sokongan moral kepada keluarga mereka. Kehadiran wakil Adina Charity Circle, Puan Dieana, dan wakil Ajwa Bakery, Puan Dahlia, menyerlahkan komitmen kedua-dua organisasi dalam membawa keceriaan kepada komuniti yang memerlukan.

    Menurut Puan Nurdieana dari Adina Charity Circle, program ini bukan sekadar ruang untuk berhibur, tetapi juga satu penghargaan terhadap semangat luar biasa pejuang kecil tersebut. Manakala Puan Dahlia, Pengarah Urusan Ajwa Bakery, menekankan bahawa aktiviti menghias kek bukan sahaja menyeronokkan tetapi turut membantu anak-anak mengekspresikan kreativiti mereka. Program turut diserikan dengan sesi motivasi oleh Coach Azie, diikuti aktiviti menghias kek yang menjadi kemuncak acara, dipenuhi tawa, warna dan keberanian. Kumpul Kasih membawa mesej besar bahawa setiap senyuman kecil mampu menyalakan harapan, membuka ruang untuk lebih banyak program sokongan emosi pada masa hadapan.

  • Lokarya Membawa Nafas Baharu kepada “Deruan”

    Lokarya Membawa Nafas Baharu kepada “Deruan”

    Selepas dua tahun menjauh dari pentas demi membina asas artistik yang lebih matang, band indie Malaysia, Lokarya, kembali ke arus perdana dengan memperkenalkan semula single mereka “Deruan”. Lagu yang telah dirakam hampir tiga tahun lalu ini kini diberikan ruang baharu untuk berkembang, mewakili identiti sebenar kumpulan tersebut setelah melalui proses pendewasaan kreatif. Dengan barisan lima pemuzik — Shaheth Nair (vokal/gitar), Khairi Hamidi (gitar), Rafael Ahmad (bass), Taka (keyboard) dan Amirul Zailan (dram) — Lokarya membentuk bunyi tersendiri yang memadukan elemen city pop moden, jiwa soul dan sentuhan alternatif yang segar.

    Ditubuhkan pada 2019, nama Lokarya berasal daripada perkataan “lokakarya”, menggambarkan ruang kolaborasi dan diskusi untuk mengasah idea. Bagi kumpulan ini, setiap lagu bermula sebagai perbualan — tentang kehidupan, hubungan atau kekeliruan — sebelum diolah secara kolektif di studio. “Lokarya adalah ruang eksperimen kami,” ujar vokalis Shaheth, menekankan bahawa muzik mereka terhasil daripada perjalanan bersama, bukan kerja seorang individu. Nilai itu membentuk identiti muzik mereka yang bersifat reflektif dan beremosi.

    Lokarya terus memperkukuh identiti sonik mereka melalui gabungan city pop kontemporari yang membawa nostalgia Jepun era 80-an dengan nuansa moden. Visual mereka yang konsisten dan lirik yang dekat dengan perasaan menjadi elemen penting dalam mewujudkan pengalaman muzik yang menggambarkan kehidupan di kota — penuh cahaya, kesibukan dan ruang sunyi yang tersembunyi. “Kami mahu pendengar rasa seperti lagu-lagu kami bercakap terus dengan mereka,” kata gitaris Khairi.

    Pengenalan semula “Deruan” menjadi penanda aras penting bagi Lokarya. Lagu ini, yang dahulu tidak mendapat momentum yang tepat, kini kembali sebagai karya yang lebih matang dan sejajar dengan hala tuju muzik mereka. Rafael berkongsi bahawa “Deruan” merupakan lagu yang amat dekat di hati mereka, namun mereka memilih untuk menunggu masa yang sesuai untuk diketengahkan. Kini, ia tampil sebagai gambaran paling jelas tentang DNA kreatif Lokarya.

    Rentetan persembahan mereka di RIUH x ASEAN baru-baru ini turut meniup keyakinan baharu apabila mereka menerima maklum balas positif daripada penonton. Sokongan itu membuka mata mereka bahawa Lokarya mempunyai ruang yang signifikan dalam arus perdana. Taka menyifatkan pengalaman tersebut sebagai titik permulaan untuk mereka tampil lebih berani dan konsisten dalam dunia muzik tempatan.

    Kini berada di fasa akhir pembikinan album penuh pertama mereka, Lokarya merangkum perjalanan enam tahun mereka dari 2019 hingga 2025. Album itu turut menampilkan kolaborasi istimewa bersama penyanyi dan komposer ternama, Noh Salleh, yang menulis salah satu lagu penting dalam projek tersebut. Bagi Amirul, kolaborasi ini merupakan penghormatan besar kerana mereka membesar dengan menghargai karya-karya Noh.

    Dalam sebuah industri muzik yang sentiasa berubah, Lokarya memilih untuk tidak mengejar trend. Sebaliknya, mereka mahu membina ruang unik yang mencerminkan identiti mereka sendiri. Shaheth menegaskan harapan mereka: “Jika satu hari nanti orang mengimbas kembali hidup mereka dan lagu kami menjadi sebahagian daripada memori itu, itu sudah cukup bermakna bagi kami.”

    Dengan “Deruan” sebagai langkah pertama menuju era baharu, Lokarya kini bersedia mengetengahkan bukan sekadar muzik, tetapi dunia sonik dan visual yang telah mereka bangunkan selama bertahun-tahun — satu pengalaman yang mencerminkan evolusi dan jiwa sebenar Lokarya.

  • Kuala Lumpur Tower Introduces a Fresh Storytelling Mascot Line-Up and Recognises the Winners of the Befriend Kay Elle Design Competition

    Kuala Lumpur Tower Introduces a Fresh Storytelling Mascot Line-Up and Recognises the Winners of the Befriend Kay Elle Design Competition

    Kuala Lumpur Tower, one of Malaysia’s most recognisable and enduring landmarks, marked a new chapter in creativity and visitor engagement with the unveiling of its first-ever storytelling mascot family. Introduced at the HEMISFERA Luxury Sky Hall, the new characters — Kay Elle, Tawa, Hornbelle, Cik Mak and Puteri Raya — reflect the tower’s evolution as it looks toward the next decade of experiential tourism, cultural programming and community connection. The event also celebrated the winners of the nationwide Befriend Kay Elle Design Competition, which drew nearly 200 imaginative submissions from Malaysians across the country.

    For almost 30 years, Kuala Lumpur Tower has stood not only as a beacon on the city’s skyline but as a silent witness to national milestones and a symbol of home for millions. Now, through the mascot family, the tower brings its identity to life in a new, engaging form. Each character embodies a unique element of the tower’s heritage — light, nature, culture, warmth and national pride — offering visitors a fresh lens through which to experience the landmark.

    Officiating the ceremony, Mr. Khairil Faizal Hj Othman, Chief Executive Officer of LSH Service Master Sdn. Bhd., shared that the mascots represent more than creative figures; they give voice to the stories the tower has carried for generations. “Kuala Lumpur Tower carries stories that belong to every Malaysian. These mascots bring those stories to life — not as fiction, but as reflections of the tower’s very soul. They honour our past, celebrate our present and help us imagine our future in a way that is meaningful, joyful and uniquely Malaysian,” he said.

    Leading the mascot family is Kay Elle, the Spark of the Skyline, inspired by Kuala Lumpur Tower’s iconic night-time glow. Cheerful and full of wonder, she captures the sense of magic that Malaysians feel each time they look up to see the tower illuminated against the cityscape. Accompanying her is Tawa, the Guardian of the Ancient Forest, who represents the 130-million-year-old Bukit Nanas Forest Reserve that surrounds the tower. As a spirited guardian, Tawa symbolises biodiversity, environmental stewardship and the tower’s extraordinary connection to nature.

    The Befriend Kay Elle Design Competition added three more characters to the family, selected for their cultural storytelling, strong identity and alignment with Kuala Lumpur Tower’s values. Hornbelle, inspired by the majestic Rhinoceros Hornbill of Sarawak, symbolises unity, strength and the rich heritage of Eastern Malaysia. Cik Mak reflects the warmth and comfort of home, taking creative inspiration from the cultural significance of nasi lemak without portraying it as a food mascot. Completing the lineup is Puteri Raya, the Hibiscus Princess, whose design pays tribute to Malaysia’s national flower through vibrant petals that mirror the tower’s colourful illuminations during national celebrations.

    The winning designers — Christelle Siow Zhi Shien (Hornbelle), Nur Aliahsafiyah Atikah Binti Mat Noor (Cik Mak) and Lay Heng Soon (Puteri Raya) — each received RM2,000 in cash, year-long Kuala Lumpur Tower passes, official merchandise sets and the honour of seeing their creations become permanent members of the tower’s identity.

    Looking ahead, the mascot family will serve as the cornerstone of Kuala Lumpur Tower’s next phase of engagement initiatives. They will appear in interactive guest activities, school outreach programmes, cultural festivals, national tourism promotions, creative merchandise and digital storytelling efforts. Their introduction also aligns with Malaysia’s broader plans to elevate cultural tourism experiences ahead of Visit Malaysia 2026, reinforcing Kuala Lumpur Tower’s role as a meaningful, dynamic attraction for both local and international travellers.

    The event concluded with a lively photo session featuring the mascots, their creators, invited guests and media representatives. Standing together for the first time, the characters symbolised a new era for the landmark — one where architecture meets imagination. With Kay Elle, Tawa, Hornbelle, Cik Mak and Puteri Raya now representing its spirit, Kuala Lumpur Tower steps boldly into the future as a living landmark whose stories are as tall, colourful and enduring as the tower itself.

  • Fun(d) for Life Inspires Students to Lead Peer-Driven Financial Literacy Activities in Support of Financial Literacy Month

    Fun(d) for Life Inspires Students to Lead Peer-Driven Financial Literacy Activities in Support of Financial Literacy Month

    The Fun(d) for Life (FFL) programme continues to strengthen financial resilience among young Malaysians through engaging, student-driven learning experiences that make financial literacy practical, relevant, and enjoyable. Now entering its seventh edition, the programme has transformed the way financial education is delivered in schools through gamification, hands-on activities, and youth empowerment. Since its inception, FFL has reached more than 123,011 students nationwide, establishing itself as one of Malaysia’s most impactful financial literacy initiatives for school-aged learners.

    In conjunction with Financial Literacy Month this October, students across the country took part in school-level projects powered by RM500 micro-grants, allowing them to design and implement creative finance-themed initiatives within their communities. These projects ranged from budgeting carnivals in Sabah and peer-to-peer savings challenges in Kedah to awareness campaigns in schools and the creation of simple expense-tracking tools for classmates in Terengganu. From these efforts, 100 outstanding students were selected to form the inaugural FFL Student Council, representing schools nationwide and marking a significant milestone in student-led financial education.

    During the four-day FFL 2025 Summit, held at UTM Hotel & Residences in Kuala Lumpur, Student Council members underwent facilitator training, conducted simulation workshops, and led interactive, gamified sessions focusing on budgeting, saving, smart spending, and financial protection. They also directly engaged with 100 students from the Klang Valley, modelling what it means to be peer advocates for financial literacy. This shift—from teacher-led lessons to youth-led advocacy—signals a meaningful evolution in the programme, empowering students to champion financial education within their schools and wider communities.

    Over the years, Fun(d) for Life has demonstrated that when financial learning is dynamic and participatory, students not only absorb knowledge—they take ownership of it. The establishment of the Student Council represents the next phase of this mission, fostering a generation of confident, capable, and financially savvy youth who can positively influence their peers over the long term. “Fun(d) for Life was designed to make finance feel relevant, practical, and doable,” said Alina Amir, Programme Lead. “This year’s Student Council shows what happens when we hand the mic to students: they model positive money habits, teach their peers through interactive sessions, and turn financial literacy into a culture in schools.”

    FFL’s efforts align with Malaysia’s national financial literacy agenda under Bank Negara Malaysia, the Ministry of Education, and the Financial Education Network (FEN). The programme contributes to the upward trend in the Malaysian Financial Literacy and Capability Index, which has risen from 57.1 in 2018 to 59.1 in 2024, reflecting growing financial awareness nationwide. By embedding money management skills early, Fun(d) for Life plays a pivotal role in nurturing financially resilient future generations.

    Supported by FWD Takaful and Arus Academy since 2019, Fun(d) for Life continues its mission to build empowered young leaders and expand financial literacy across Malaysia. To follow the journey and stay updated on next year’s programme highlights, visit @fundfor.life on Instagram.

  • Persembahan Warisan Budaya Orang Asli dan Orang Asal Diserikan di IRAMA ASLI DAN ASAL 2025

    Persembahan Warisan Budaya Orang Asli dan Orang Asal Diserikan di IRAMA ASLI DAN ASAL 2025

    Festival Irama Asli dan Asal 2025 kembali mewarnai Kuala Lumpur dengan keindahan budaya, seni, dan identiti masyarakat Orang Asli dan Orang Asal Malaysia. Memasuki tahun kedua penganjurannya, acara yang dianjurkan oleh Yayasan Kesenian Orang Asli & Asal (YKOA) dengan sokongan Kementerian Pelancongan, Kebudayaan dan Kesenian Malaysia (MOTAC) ini akan berlangsung dari 12 hingga 14 Disember 2025 di Berjaya Times Square, menawarkan pengalaman budaya yang lebih besar, lebih meriah dan lebih inklusif untuk seluruh lapisan masyarakat.

    Festival ini menghimpunkan pelbagai kelompok etnik termasuk masyarakat Orang Asli dari Semenanjung Malaysia serta Orang Asal dari Sabah dan Sarawak, menjadikannya platform penting untuk mengetengahkan kepelbagaian budaya Malaysia. Sepanjang tiga hari penganjuran, pengunjung dapat menikmati pelbagai persembahan tradisional, muzik asli secara langsung, pameran kraftangan, bengkel interaktif, serta bazar etnik yang memaparkan hasil seni, makanan tradisional dan produk komuniti. Kehadiran ruang interaksi budaya ini bukan sahaja memberi peluang kepada masyarakat umum untuk mengenali dengan lebih dekat warisan setiap kaum, malah menyemarakkan usaha memelihara khazanah negara yang kian berharga.

    Anyaman Tempok Kepala 
    Suku Kaum Semai

    Menurut Dr Andre Ratos, Pengerusi YKOA, Irama Asli dan Asal membawa misi memperkukuh jati diri negara melalui kesenian dan tradisi. “Jiwa sesebuah negara berakar daripada adat dan budaya, dan warisan kaum Orang Asli dan Asal Malaysia kekal menjadi tunjang dalam keharmonian identiti kita. Irama Asli dan Asal bukan sekadar festival, tetapi ruang penghargaan kepada legasi generasi terdahulu,” katanya sambil menekankan kepentingan festival sebagai jambatan penghubung antara masyarakat moden dan tradisi lama.

    Dalam usaha memperkasa komuniti Orang Asli dan Orang Asal, YKOA turut mengalu-alukan penyertaan masyarakat umum untuk tampil sebagai pempamer, sekaligus membuka ruang lebih luas kepada kolaborasi antara komuniti seni, penggiat budaya dan usahawan tempatan. Tahun ini, festival bakal menampilkan lebih banyak penyertaan, jemputan khas serta kolaborasi baharu yang mengukuhkan komitmen terhadap kelestarian budaya secara menyeluruh.

    Tarian Suku Kaum Kadazan dari Sabah
    Suku Kaum Kelabit dari Sarawak

    Festival ini akan dibuka kepada orang ramai dari 10.00 pagi hingga 10.00 malam setiap hari, dan menariknya, tiada sebarang bayaran tiket dikenakan, menjadikan acara ini lebih mudah diakses oleh semua lapisan masyarakat termasuk pelajar, keluarga dan pelancong.

    Untuk pertanyaan berkaitan penajaan, jadual pengisian festival dan maklumat terkini, orang ramai boleh mengikuti Facebook dan Instagram rasmi @ykoa.malaysia. Irama Asli dan Asal 2025 bukan hanya sebuah festival, tetapi sebuah perjalanan menyelami identiti, warisan dan kebanggaan bangsa Malaysia yang wajar diraikan bersama.

    Antara Pakaian Tradisi Kaum Mah Meri
    Tarian Suku Kaum Bidayuh dari Sarawak
  • Strengthening the Human Element in Malaysia’s E-Commerce Sector

    Strengthening the Human Element in Malaysia’s E-Commerce Sector

    Malaysia’s e-commerce sector has experienced unprecedented growth, transforming the way people shop and how businesses operate. Consumers can now purchase everything from everyday essentials to luxury goods with just a few taps, often without leaving social media platforms. This convenience, however, brings new challenges, as artificial intelligence (AI) increasingly blurs the line between real and automated activity. While AI has revolutionised online commerce—powering personalised recommendations, automating inventory, and optimising logistics—it has also enabled bots to manipulate demand, scrape listings, generate fake reviews, and even create purchases that never occurred. What started as a tool for efficiency has quietly introduced risks that threaten the trust between businesses and consumers.

    According to the Department of Statistics Malaysia, e-commerce revenue reached RM1.184 trillion in 2023, marking a 5.1 percent increase from the previous year. While Business-to-Business transactions accounted for the bulk at 69 percent, Business-to-Consumer activity surged by 7.7 percent, surpassing B2B and signalling a shift toward a consumer-driven digital marketplace. Yet with Malaysia’s increasingly connected digital landscape comes vulnerability. In the first half of 2025 alone, Malaysians lost RM1.12 billion to online scams, including RM63 million in e-commerce fraud, highlighting the urgent need for stronger digital protection alongside digital progress.

    The challenges are particularly acute for small and medium enterprises (SMEs), which comprise 96.1 percent of Malaysian businesses. Many SMEs have embraced digitalisation but lack the technical resources to detect or counter automated threats, leading to hidden costs in operations, security, and customer trust. As social commerce becomes Malaysia’s new digital high street—with over 70 percent of establishments using social media and 56.2 percent maintaining websites—the stakes grow higher. Fraudsters exploit one-tap checkouts, stored payment details, and AI-generated personas, making it harder than ever to distinguish human activity from automation.

    To address these risks, Malaysia needs a method of confirming the authenticity of digital interactions. Innovations like World provide a privacy-preserving solution to verify that online users are real, unique people without revealing personal information. By leveraging cryptographic technology, World allows each individual to complete a one-time verification that confirms their humanness, enabling businesses to prevent bot-driven transactions, ensure limited-edition items reach real fans, and restore trust in online reviews. This approach emphasises a simple but powerful principle: one person, one verification.

    Adopting human-centric verification aligns closely with Malaysia’s broader digital ambitions, which prioritise innovation, security, and privacy. For policymakers, it strengthens consumer protection frameworks. For businesses, it restores fairness and authenticity to an environment increasingly dominated by algorithms. As Malaysia’s digital economy approaches the trillion-ringgit milestone, its next phase of growth will depend on trust. AI will continue to fuel innovation, but the true strength of e-commerce lies in keeping people—not machines—at the centre of every click, review, and transaction. By putting humans first, Malaysia can ensure a sustainable, secure, and trustworthy digital marketplace for years to come.

  • YTL Cement Group Expands Sustainability Credentials with Portfolio-Wide EPD Achievements

    YTL Cement Group Expands Sustainability Credentials with Portfolio-Wide EPD Achievements

    YTL Cement Group (YTL Cement) has solidified its position as a sustainability leader in Malaysia by becoming the first cement and precast producer in the country to obtain Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) across its ECOCem®, ECOConcrete™ and precast product ranges. This landmark achievement underscores the Group’s dedication to delivering sustainable, high-performance building solutions and accelerating the nation’s journey towards low-carbon construction. Widely recognized in global green building practices, an EPD is a third-party verified document that discloses a product’s environmental impact throughout its life cycle based on international standards such as ISO 14025 and the ISO 14040 series. These declarations play a crucial role in helping architects, contractors, and developers make informed choices that support sustainability goals and certification requirements.

    Among the newly certified products is Castle Cement, a Singapore Green Label certified cement formulated for bricklaying, screeding, and concreting. The certification also includes ECOConcrete™ Grade 40 and Grade 35, engineered to significantly reduce embodied carbon while maintaining strength, durability and performance. YTL Cement’s precast subsidiary, Eastern Pretech, has made history as well, becoming the first in Malaysia to obtain EPDs for precast concrete solutions including hollow core slabs, beams, planks, and double tee slabs. These certifications represent a major step forward for the Malaysian construction sector, setting new benchmarks for transparency, accountability, and environmental stewardship.

    This milestone builds on YTL Cement’s longstanding efforts to decarbonise the construction value chain. The Group pioneered Malaysia’s ECO range—which includes ECOCem®, ECOConcrete™, ECOSand™ and ECODrymix™—and continues to collaborate closely with CREAM, the research arm of CIDB Malaysia, to advance sustainable construction methodologies. Through its Construction Development Laboratory (CDL), YTL Cement drives innovation in low-carbon building materials, while its CDL Academy facilitates industry training and awareness. Together, these initiatives have already equipped more than 10,000 professionals and students with knowledge and skills in sustainability and construction innovation.

    Rachel Yeoh, Executive Director of YTL Cement, emphasised the significance of this achievement, stating that the EPD certifications mark a crucial step in the Group’s mission to deliver environmentally responsible construction solutions. “It underscores our commitment to innovation and efforts to provide low-carbon building materials and solutions that empower our customers to build more sustainably,” she said. By offering EPD-certified products, YTL Cement enhances transparency for customers and reinforces its long-term commitment to environmental responsibility. As Malaysia continues to pursue its carbon-neutral aspirations, the Group aims to further strengthen collaboration with regulators, industry bodies, and research partners to drive sustainable construction practices nationwide.

  • Amelia Roziman Makes History as the First Asian to Be Appointed as a Trustee of The Iceberg

    Amelia Roziman Makes History as the First Asian to Be Appointed as a Trustee of The Iceberg

    Amelia Roziman, Chief Executive Officer of Business Events Sarawak (BESarawak), has achieved a historic milestone by becoming the first Asian and the only Malaysian appointed as a Trustee of The Iceberg, a leading global authority dedicated to championing the legacy impact of business and professional events. Her appointment not only strengthens Asia’s representation in the global conversation on legacy-driven business events but also reinforces the region’s growing influence in shaping sustainable impacts for communities, economies, and the environment. This honour follows closely after Amelia received The Iceberg Excellence Award on 2 October 2025, further cementing her as one of the most influential voices in the international business events arena.

    In expressing her gratitude, Amelia described the role as both a personal achievement and a collective milestone for Asia’s business events community. She emphasised that The Iceberg’s mission aligns seamlessly with Sarawak’s long-term vision and her own dedication to creating meaningful, measurable legacies through business events. With nearly two decades of leadership experience, she has consistently advocated for the transformative potential of business events, highlighting their ability to generate real social, economic, and environmental impact. Amelia noted that she intends to continue championing Asia’s growth by drawing from Sarawak’s success and the values cultivated within its business events ecosystem.

    Founder of The Iceberg, James Latham, praised Amelia’s appointment, describing her as an exceptional addition to the Board. He underscored that The Iceberg is built upon inclusivity and global representation—qualities Amelia embodies through her leadership in advancing legacy-driven business events. Latham also noted her strong government-backed efforts in elevating the industry beyond its traditional role as a visitor economy driver, positioning her contributions as invaluable not only to Sarawak and Malaysia but to the global community.

    Amelia’s influence in the industry is well-established. Since 2006, she has played a pivotal role in shaping Malaysia’s business events landscape, leading Sarawak to win 29 destination marketing awards and earning 10 professional accolades. Among her most notable achievements is becoming the first Asian woman inducted into the prestigious Events Industry Council (EIC) Hall of Leaders in 2023. As she steps into her new role, she joins a distinguished Board of Trustees—including Caroline MacKenzie, James Latham, Martin Sirk, Sarah Fleming, Ben Hainsworth, Geneviève Leclerc, Oscar Cerezales, and Gregg Talley—who collectively guide The Iceberg’s development as a charitable trust and oversee its governance and strategic direction.

    Amelia’s appointment marks a significant moment for Asia’s business events community, underscoring the region’s growing leadership on the global stage and reaffirming Sarawak’s position as a progressive, legacy-driven destination.