MalaysianUpdates

Category: Business

  • Gold Li Targets Regional Diversification via ACE Listing

    Southern region property player Gold Li Holdings Berhad (“Gold Li” or the “Group”) has officially initiated an aggressive cross-sector growth strategy following its successful listing debut on the ACE Market of Bursa Malaysia Securities Berhad (“Bursa Securities”) today. Opening at a stable price of RM0.12 per share, the public float successfully unlocked approximately RM15.21 million in gross proceeds through the issuance of 117.0 million new ordinary shares. This fresh capital injection is meticulously structured to fuel immediate regional scaling, with RM11.21 million directly assigned to corporate working capital to fund ongoing and future building works, while RM4.00 million will absorb accompanying listing expenses.

    Operating from a position of strength since 1999, Gold Li has built an impenetrable market presence within the Muar, Tangkak, and Batu Pahat districts of Johor. Unlike traditional developers that rely heavily on third-party building firms, Gold Li maintains a highly integrated business model with a wholly-owned, in-house construction division acting as the principal contractor for all its developments. This self-sustaining structural blueprint grants management absolute control over raw material procurement, localized labor dynamics, strict quality benchmarks, and exact structural delivery timelines—an operational edge that has already yielded 110 successfully completed projects to date.

    From Left to Right: Mr. Ngiam Mia Teck, Mr. Lim Seok Kim, Pn Fatimah Zahrah Binti Baharim, Mr. Kee Tong Kiak, Dato’ Lee Tiau Huat, Datin Lau Siew Su, Dr. Kong Yee Foon, Mr Lee Teoh Keng, Datuk Bill Tan, and Mr. Gary Ting

    The strategic choice to go public lands at a time when Johor’s real estate market is experiencing a massive macroeconomic surge. According to Independent Market Research findings by Smith Zander, total residential asset transaction values across Gold Li’s core sub-markets of Muar, Tangkak, and Batu Pahat comfortably breached the RM1.96 billion threshold in 2025 alone. To capture a larger share of this highly lucrative southern growth corridor, the Group is moving aggressively to monetize its existing pipeline, which currently features 13 active site developments, 28 future projects, and 29 distinct parcels of land primed for forward layout designs.

    Crucially, the ACE Market listing serves as the ultimate launchpad for Gold Li’s boldest corporate pivot yet: diversifying away from low-density landed properties and breaking into high-density architecture. The Group has finalized blueprints for its maiden high-rise residential complex in Muar, scheduled to break ground in the first half of 2027 with a projected Gross Development Value (“GDV”) of approximately RM322.7 million. BACKED by an aggregate pipeline GDV of RM854.9 million across its active landbook, this high-rise expansion represents a highly calculated move to maximize land-use efficiency and boost corporate margins.

    Dato’ Lee Tiau Huat, Managing Director of Gold Li Holdings Berhad, stated that today’s capital market entry marks the definitive pinnacle of a 27-year evolution rooted in Johor. He emphasized that the freshly secured public equity platform provides the necessary balance-sheet strength to unlock the latent value of their 47.3-acre land reserve and fund the upcoming 2027 high-rise asset diversification, ensuring a sustainable trajectory that delivers institutional-grade value to its new public shareholder base.

  • Sime Motors Charges Up Northern Region with All-New BYD Mansion Macalister

    BYD Malaysia, in partnership with Sime Motors, the official distributor of BYD vehicles in the country, has officially expanded its commercial footprint in the northern region with the grand opening of BYD Mansion Macalister in George Town, Penang. Operating as the brand’s new northern flagship showroom, the facility is situated within a meticulously restored heritage property, strategically capturing the intersection of localized cultural preservation and premium electric vehicle (EV) innovation.

    The corporate launch was officiated by the Chief Minister of Penang, YAB Tuan Chow Kon Yeow, alongside YB H’ng Mooi Lye, Penang State Executive Councillor for Local Government and Town & Country Planning. The event also marked a key volume milestone for the brand, celebrating the delivery of the 5,000th BYD unit within the northern regional market.

    The establishment of this flagship showroom is a core component of BYD and Sime Motors’ aggressive infrastructure expansion strategy. The companies currently manage a nationwide network comprising more than 43 showrooms and over 25 dedicated aftersales centres.

    Engineered to optimize the customer touchpoint matrix, BYD Mansion Macalister integrates premium consultation lounges, digital interactive spaces, a dedicated charging infrastructure, and an advanced service center under a single operational framework. This centralized model is designed to maximize transactional efficiency and elevate customer relationship management in the northern territory.

    From a global corporate perspective, this investment underscores a long-term commitment to capitalizing on Malaysia’s transition toward sustainable mobility through human capital development and localized research. Liu Xueliang, Vice President of BYD Co., Ltd and General Manager of BYD Asia Pacific Auto Sales Division, stated that the company is consistently channeling its technological innovations and research capabilities into the Malaysian market.

    He emphasized that continuous corporate investment in upskilling local talent in proprietary EV technologies remains a foundational promise to the nation, with BYD Mansion Macalister serving as the physical embodiment of world-class innovation operating in harmony with regional heritage.

    Sime Motors is supporting this product rollout by strengthening its downstream operational capabilities and service-level agreements (SLAs). Jeffrey Gan, Managing Director, Southeast Asia, Sime Motors, noted that consumer trust is measured through the deployment of an elite, certified team of local technicians and service advisors engineered to elevate regional automotive care standards.

    To validate product performance, highway refinement, and long-range battery efficiency to corporate stakeholders and media partners, BYD Sime Motors executed a 360-kilometre fleet road trip from its corporate hub in Ara Damansara to the new Penang facility, demonstrating the operational reliability that has driven their regional market penetration.

    As EV adoption rates scale across Malaysia, the joint venture remains focused on supply chain optimization and service readiness. Supported by a 95% aftersales parts fill rate, the brand mitigates operational downtime, ensuring rapid vehicle turnaround times and high-quality lifecycle support for owners. Through systematic professional training programs and proactive infrastructure placement, BYD and Sime Motors continue to fortify their corporate ecosystem, ensuring a stable, premium ownership experience as sustainable mobility demand expands nationwide.

  • From Roadside Help to “Safe Zones”: How Bateriku is Redefining the Visitor Experience in Selangor

    From Roadside Help to “Safe Zones”: How Bateriku is Redefining the Visitor Experience in Selangor

    Selangor is setting a new standard for traveler convenience through a strategic partnership between Bateriku (M) Sdn Bhd and Tourism Selangor, formalized on 14 May 2026. This collaboration moves beyond traditional tourism promotion by focusing on the practical logistics of travel, ensuring that roadside assistance is a core component of the visitor experience.

    By introducing a comprehensive mobility support network, the state aims to eliminate the anxiety of vehicle breakdowns for both local and international tourists. This initiative redefines what it means to be a traveler-friendly destination, shifting the focus toward a holistic “Safe Tourism” ecosystem that protects visitors from the moment they hit the road.

    A key highlight of this partnership is the exploration of Bateriku “Safe Zones” located at major tourism hubs and popular attractions across the state. These designated areas will serve as reliable support points where travelers can access emergency services or roadside aid quickly. Furthermore, hotels and hospitality providers in Selangor will have the opportunity to integrate Bateriku’s services as a value-added amenity. This means guests can enjoy their stay with the added confidence that professional help is available directly through their accommodation provider, creating a seamless safety net that covers every mile of their journey.

    The partnership also leverages Bateriku’s extensive fleet as a mobile branding platform, with “Visit Selangor” imagery integrated across their nationwide service vehicles. This constant visibility reinforces Selangor’s reputation as a well-connected and secure destination. On the digital front, Tourism Selangor and its affiliates will join Bateriku’s digital partner ecosystem, making emergency support more accessible through streamlined referral platforms. Whether attending a major state event, where Bateriku will act as the Official Roadside Assistance Partner, or exploring remote heritage sites, visitors are never far from professional assistance.

    Finally, the collaboration looks toward long-term improvements in state infrastructure through the sharing of data-driven insights. By analyzing anonymized breakdown hotspots, Bateriku and Tourism Selangor can identify high-risk travel zones and advocate for better road signage and safety measures in tourism-heavy areas. This proactive strategy ensures that the visitor experience is not only supported during emergencies but is also continuously improved through smarter, data-backed planning. Through this alliance, Selangor is proving that a truly world-class tourism destination is one that cares for its visitors long before—and long after—they reach their destination.

  • Paydibs Becomes Direct PayNet Participant for DuitNow QR Acceptance

    Paydibs Becomes Direct PayNet Participant for DuitNow QR Acceptance

    Paydibs Sdn Bhd (“Paydibs”), Malaysia’s merchant-first payment gateway, has successfully become a direct participant with Payments Network Malaysia (PayNet) for DuitNow QR (DNQR) acceptance.

    This direct integration represents a significant upgrade to Paydibs’ payment infrastructure. While the company has already been offering seamless DNQR acceptance to merchants nationwide through established third-party arrangements with strategic partners, this move to direct participation with PayNet further strengthens its position as a robust merchant acquirer within Malaysia’s digital payments ecosystem.

    With this enhancement, Paydibs now connects directly to Malaysia’s national payments network for DuitNow QR, building on its earlier direct integration with FPX (Financial Process Exchange). This allows merchants to enjoy unified access to real-time payment rails, covering both online banking via FPX and QR payments via DNQR, all through a single streamlined platform.

    The development comes amid the rapid expansion of QR-based payments in Malaysia. Today, more than 3 million merchants nationwide accept QR payments, following the addition of over 680,000 new DuitNow QR touchpoints in 2025 alone. At the same time, digital payment usage has become deeply embedded in everyday life, with 8.44 billion transactions processed in 2025. Malaysia is now recognised among the world’s leading adopters of QR payments, reflecting the country’s continued progress towards a digital economy.

    As digital payment adoption continues to grow, secure and reliable transactions remain essential. Paydibs addresses this through its dynamic QR functionality, which enhances transaction security while delivering a smooth and efficient checkout experience for both merchants and customers.

    Direct participation with PayNet also enables faster settlement cycles, improved cost efficiencies and greater control over transaction processing. For merchants, this results in improved cash flow visibility and quicker access to funds, supporting better financial management.

    In addition, Paydibs streamlines merchant onboarding and support processes while maintaining stronger oversight across the payment flow. Businesses benefit from a more unified payment experience, with simplified operations, improved visibility and faster access to funds.

    Chief Executive Officer of Paydibs, Tee Kean Kang, said the integration reflects the company’s continued commitment to strengthening its role within Malaysia’s payments ecosystem.

    He said that by going directly with PayNet for DuitNow QR, Paydibs is enhancing its position as a merchant acquirer, enabling faster settlements, greater control and more efficient payment operations for businesses. At the same time, merchants benefit from simplified payment acceptance through a single platform with access to DuitNow QR across banks and eWallets.

    This development builds on Paydibs’ broader infrastructure advancements, including the launch of Paydibs NEO, Malaysia’s first all-in-one smart terminal that integrates QR, card and Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL) functionality into a single device. Together, these initiatives reflect Paydibs’ strategy of strengthening national payment rail connectivity while delivering practical, merchant-first solutions.

    Aligned with Bank Negara Malaysia and PayNet’s objectives to accelerate digital adoption among MSMEs, Paydibs continues to identify meaningful merchant use cases and actively participate in ecosystem initiatives that support the wider adoption of national payment solutions.

    With strengthened multi-rail capabilities and direct connectivity to PayNet, Paydibs is well positioned to support the continued expansion of digital payments in Malaysia while preparing merchants for future enhancements and pilot programmes within the national payment ecosystem.

    For more information, visit Paydibs official website

  • CelcomDigi Pelawa Graduan dan Profesional Muda Sertai Young Talent Programme

    CelcomDigi Pelawa Graduan dan Profesional Muda Sertai Young Talent Programme

    CelcomDigi Berhad (“CelcomDigi”) membuka permohonan bagi pengambilan kedua Young Talent Programme (YTP), sebuah program pecutan kerjaya berstruktur selama dua tahun yang dirangka untuk melahirkan bakat muda Malaysia berpotensi tinggi sebagai pemimpin digital generasi akan datang. Program ini merupakan sebahagian daripada komitmen CelcomDigi dalam memperkasa aspirasi digital negara menerusi pembangunan bakat yang memiliki kemahiran teknikal kukuh, pemahaman perniagaan yang mendalam serta keupayaan kepimpinan yang tinggi.

    YTP disasarkan kepada individu yang bersedia berkembang dalam persekitaran kerja yang dinamik, dipacu data dan berteraskan pelanggan, sambil menyumbang kepada pembangunan penyelesaian serta hasil perniagaan yang memberi impak bermakna. Program ini turut memberi peluang kepada peserta untuk memperkukuh kepakaran profesional dan membina pengalaman dalam landskap digital yang sentiasa berkembang.

    Ketua Pegawai Sumber Manusia CelcomDigi, Azmi Ujang berkata, kepesatan transformasi digital ketika ini memerlukan generasi bakat yang mempunyai asas teknikal kukuh, memahami keperluan perniagaan, mampu menyesuaikan diri serta sentiasa bersedia untuk belajar dan berkembang dalam persekitaran yang pantas berubah. Menurut beliau, menerusi CelcomDigi YTP, syarikat itu membina barisan bakat digital yang mampu memainkan peranan penting dalam membentuk bagaimana teknologi dapat memberi impak bermakna kepada pelanggan, perniagaan dan negara. Beliau berkata, berbeza daripada program graduan konvensional, YTP direka sebagai platform pecutan kerjaya yang membolehkan bakat muda membina kepakaran mendalam, memperoleh pendedahan kepada cabaran sebenar perniagaan serta berkembang bersama pasukan yang menerajui agenda transformasi utama CelcomDigi.

    Susulan sambutan memberangsangkan bagi pengambilan sulung yang menerima hampir 3,600 permohonan untuk 20 tempat yang ditawarkan, CelcomDigi sekali lagi mencari bakat muda Malaysia yang cemerlang dan bersedia berkembang dalam persekitaran kerja pantas serta menyumbang kepada impak sebenar perniagaan. Permohonan dibuka mulai 13 Mei hingga 3 Julai 2026 kepada graduan Malaysia dan profesional muda yang mempunyai pengalaman kerja kurang daripada dua tahun.

    Calon yang berjaya akan mengikuti penempatan berstruktur dalam salah satu daripada lima bidang kepakaran utama iaitu Cloud Engineering, Cybersecurity, Data & Business Analytics, Digital Product Development serta AI & Automation. Sepanjang tempoh dua tahun program, peserta akan bekerjasama dengan pasukan dan pemimpin berpengalaman dalam menangani cabaran sebenar perniagaan selain membangunkan penyelesaian teknologi yang menyokong transformasi berterusan CelcomDigi sebagai syarikat yang dipacu teknologi 5G dan AI.

    CelcomDigi YTP merupakan sebahagian daripada inisiatif pembangunan bakat syarikat di bawah CD:NXT, iaitu strategi jangka panjang CelcomDigi dalam membangunkan tenaga kerja digital masa hadapan Malaysia. Melalui pelaburan berterusan dalam memperkasa bakat muda berpotensi tinggi, CelcomDigi komited memperkukuh keupayaan negara dalam bidang utama seperti AI, teknologi, data dan analitik, di samping menyokong pertumbuhan digital serta daya saing negara untuk jangka panjang.

    Maklumat lanjut dan permohonan boleh dibuat menerusi laman rasmi Young Talent Programme CelcomDigi

  • 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.

  • Herbalife Entrepreneurship Drive: Equipping UiTM Youth with the Tools for Commercial Success

    Herbalife Entrepreneurship Drive: Equipping UiTM Youth with the Tools for Commercial Success

    In a dynamic push to foster the next generation of Malaysian business owners, Herbalife has brought its expertise in wellness and commerce directly to the heart of Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM). The recent Entrepreneurship Talk, held at the Faculty of Sports Science and Recreation (FSR), served as a high-octane masterclass for students looking to turn their passion for health into a viable career. By moving beyond theoretical lectures, the session provided a practical toolkit for navigating the modern economy, focusing on the low-barrier entry points and high-growth potential of the wellness sector.

    The keynote address, delivered by Steven Chin, Senior Director and General Manager of Herbalife Malaysia and Singapore, aimed to dismantle the “graduation-first” mindset. Chin revealed that 31% of Malaysian Gen Z already harbor entrepreneurial ambitions, driven by a desire for personal independence and family security.

    He emphasized that the beauty of the direct-selling model lies in its accessibility; it allows students to experiment with business ownership in a low-risk environment while benefiting from a global support network that has empowered millions since 1980.

    A critical component of this drive was the focus on industry integrity. In an era of complex digital schemes, the session equipped students with the knowledge to identify ethical, legitimate business models. Associate Professor Dr. Hosni Hasan, Deputy Dean of UiTM’s FSR, highlighted that this collaboration is vital for aligning academic knowledge with industry expectations. By teaching students to recognize opportunities within challenges, the initiative ensures that UiTM graduates are not only job-ready but “business-ready.”

    Adding a personal dimension to the drive, the event featured successful Herbalife Distributors who are also UiTM alumni. These mentors shared their 14-year journeys, proving that the skills learned in a lecture hall—discipline, consistency, and problem-solving—are the same tools needed to build a flourishing enterprise.

    Their message to the youth was clear: start early, seek mentorship, and don’t wait for a “perfect time” to take the first step.

    The Herbalife-UiTM partnership, which has impacted over 5,000 students and athletes over the years, continues to evolve as a cornerstone of student development. As the program prepares to host international nutrition experts in its upcoming sessions, it remains dedicated to its core mission: empowering young Malaysians to take charge of their financial and physical health simultaneously.

    By providing these essential tools for commercial success, Herbalife is helping to ensure that the students of today become the resilient industry leaders of tomorrow.

  • 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.