Category: Business

  • S2 Heights Aman Introduces Vibrant Lakeside Lifestyle Destination

    S2 Heights Aman Introduces Vibrant Lakeside Lifestyle Destination

    Over the years, Seremban 2 has evolved into one of Negeri Sembilan’s most established and vibrant townships, where thoughtfully planned neighbourhoods, commercial centres and green landscapes have created a balanced environment for families to live, work and grow. Building upon this strong foundation, IJM Land continues to shape the township’s next chapter through S2 Heights Aman by introducing a vibrant collection of recreational spaces designed to bring people closer to nature and to one another. Anchored by the scenic 12-acre S2 Lake Park, the new recreational precinct also features the adventurous 3-acre Kidz Venture Park, a dedicated Pet Zone, an interactive light zone, and a striking public art installation titled Family Bonding (Where Unity Forms). Together, these attractions create a lively lakeside destination where families can stroll along breezy pathways, children can explore engaging outdoor play spaces, and pet owners can spend meaningful time with their companions in a thoughtfully designed environment. This recreational ecosystem represents an investment of approximately RM6.8 million, covering concept planning, landscape design, public art commissioning and community facilities, reflecting IJM Land’s ongoing commitment to creating townships where nature, recreation and community life come together seamlessly.

    S2 Heights Aman, inspired by nature and designed for peaceful living, spans 400 acres with an estimated gross development value of RM1.585 billion, marking a significant milestone in the continuing evolution of Seremban 2. The name “Aman,” which conveys peace, comfort and tranquillity, reflects the essence of the precinct’s vision, offering residents a calmer pace of life surrounded by nature. Set within an elevated landscape and framed by the Banjaran Titiwangsa mountain range, the development enjoys refreshing breezes, sweeping green vistas and a calming natural environment. Within this setting, the newly completed parks introduce vibrant spaces where everyday moments unfold naturally, from morning jogs by the lake to children’s laughter across playgrounds and quiet family gatherings beneath the shade of trees.

    At the centre of this lifestyle ecosystem is the 12-acre S2 Lake Park, a picturesque lakeside retreat surrounded by landscaped greenery and open lawns. Designed to support community well-being, the park features shaded pathways for leisurely walks, viewing decks with calming water vistas, pavilions for rest and social interaction, as well as exercise areas and scenic lookout points that encourage residents to stay active while enjoying the natural surroundings. Nearby, the 3-acre Kidz Venture Park offers an energetic playground environment that sparks imagination and movement through adventurous play structures, cycling paths and interactive spaces, encouraging children to explore, climb and build confidence through outdoor play.

    Adding a playful digital dimension, IJM Land has also introduced Negeri Sembilan’s first large-scale motion-responsive interactive projection installation at S2 Heights Aman. Transforming a 50-metre walkway into a vibrant interactive light zone, the installation responds to movement and touch, allowing visitors to step, run and play as colourful projections shift beneath their feet. Featuring more than 80 types of interactive 3D visual scenes that refresh automatically every few minutes, it turns an evening stroll into a lively digital playground where families can experience a blend of technology, creativity and outdoor fun. Recognising the growing role of pets in modern family life, a dedicated Pet Zone has also been introduced, providing a welcoming outdoor space for pet owners to spend quality time with their companions while connecting with like-minded neighbours. Following encouraging community response, IJM Land plans to further enhance the area by expanding the Pet Zone to create additional open spaces for pets and residents to enjoy together.

    At the heart of S2 Lake Park stands the striking Family Bonding (Where Unity Forms) sculpture by renowned Malaysian sculptor Nizam Abdullah. Constructed from metal and steel, the sculpture rises approximately 6.6 metres high and spans 7.5 metres wide. At first glance, its bold red panels appear fragmented and abstract, but when viewed from the right perspective, the pieces align to reveal the silhouette of a family—a father, mother and two children walking together. The artwork invites visitors to move around it, gradually discovering how separate fragments can come together to form a meaningful whole. According to Nizam Abdullah, the sculpture reflects how families grow and remain connected through different stages of life, with fragmented forms symbolising moments of challenge, distance and change that ultimately align through patience and understanding. The use of steel and metal represents strength, endurance and protection, capturing the quiet resilience and enduring support that define family relationships.

    Placed at the centre of the lake park, the sculpture symbolises the importance of family within community life, mirroring how the park itself brings families and neighbours together through shared experiences. According to Datuk Chai Kian Soon, Chief Operating Officer of IJM Land, the parks and recreational spaces reflect the developer’s vision of creating townships where nature, community and everyday living are thoughtfully connected. He noted that a township becomes meaningful when it offers spaces for people to gather, relax and spend time with those who matter most, adding that S2 Heights Aman was envisioned as an environment where families can enjoy nature, children can play freely and neighbours can connect through shared spaces. He further emphasised that such investments contribute to long-term value by enhancing quality of life, supporting healthier lifestyles and strengthening the township’s identity.

    Building on the momentum of its first phase, Sutera Phase 2 at S2 Heights Aman has now been launched with a gross development value of RM93 million. This new phase introduces 104 units of 22’ x 65’ two-storey link homes with built-ups starting from 1,949 square feet, offering buyers the opportunity to be part of a neighbourhood supported by completed infrastructure, maturing landscapes and newly unveiled recreational parks. As Seremban 2 continues to grow, destinations such as S2 Lake Park further strengthen its identity as a township where nature, art and everyday life come together in harmony. Whether enjoying a peaceful lakeside walk, watching children discover new adventures at the playground or pausing beside the Family Bonding sculpture, visitors are invited to experience the tranquil landscape and welcoming community that define S2 Heights Aman. For more information, the public may visit the official channels or call 1800 222 456.

  • 15 Years of Innovation: Auto Bavaria Kuala Lumpur Enhances the BMW Journey

    Auto Bavaria Kuala Lumpur, one of Malaysia’s leading BMW Authorised Dealers, is celebrating its 15th anniversary — a meaningful milestone that reflects its journey of growth, innovation and dedication to customer service. Since opening its doors in 2010, the dealership has grown from a traditional showroom into a modern premium mobility hub, now offering BMW, MINI and BMW Premium Selection to provide a smooth and complete ownership experience.

    Over the past 15 years, the dealership has expanded significantly, increasing its customer base from around 300 in its early days to more than 8,000 active customers today. This growth highlights its consistent performance and strong focus on customer satisfaction, supported by 14 consecutive years of awards across sales, aftersales services and overall customer experience.

    Sharing his thoughts on the milestone, Managing Director Vi Thim Juan said the company’s journey has been driven by the trust of its customers, the commitment of its team and a shared goal of delivering high-quality experiences, while continuing to look ahead to future opportunities.

    Auto Bavaria Kuala Lumpur has also achieved an important milestone in the industry by becoming the first BMW dealer in Malaysia to receive EV Certification, showcasing its role in supporting the shift towards electric mobility. At the same time, it continues to improve customer convenience through services like mobile i-Service, which brings aftersales support directly to customers, as well as a Courtesy Shuttle Service for easier travel within Kuala Lumpur city centre.

    To celebrate this achievement, Auto Bavaria Kuala Lumpur will be hosting its 15th Anniversary Celebration from 17 to 19 April 2026, between 9:00am and 6:00pm. The event is open to both customers and the public, with one of the main highlights being the unveiling of a special BMW X3 M Performance Parts Limited Edition, created to mark the occasion. As it moves forward, the dealership remains focused on delivering quality experiences and shaping the future of premium mobility, guided by strong customer trust and the values of the BMW Group.

  • BYD Accelerates Nationwide Expansion with New EV Showrooms and Service Hubs

    BYD Accelerates Nationwide Expansion with New EV Showrooms and Service Hubs

    PETALING JAYA, 6 March 2026 – BYD Sime Motors continues to solidify its leadership in Malaysia’s electric vehicle market through rapid infrastructure expansion and strong sales momentum. The company has established over 40 showrooms nationwide and is on track to operate 34 aftersales touchpoints by 2026, reflecting a strategic push to strengthen both retail and service capabilities.

    This growth comes on the back of impressive performance figures, with 14,407 vehicles delivered in 2025, marking a 68% year-on-year increase. The brand’s customer base has grown rapidly, achieving its first 10,000 customers in 20 months and doubling that figure in just 13 months. BYD has also climbed the rankings to become Malaysia’s sixth best-selling car brand and the fourth among non-national marques.

    With continued investments in facilities, talent development through the BYD Academy, and a centralised parts distribution system, the company is addressing key barriers to EV adoption such as maintenance concerns and service accessibility. As competition intensifies, BYD’s integrated ecosystem positions it strongly to lead the next phase of Malaysia’s EV transition.

    Appendix:
    To date BYD Sales & Marketing Points in Malaysia

    No.Dealer GroupBYD Outlet NameLocationRegionType
    1SDBABYD MacalisterPenangNorthern3S
    2Goh BrothersBYD Ipoh – Goh BrothersIpohNorthern3S
    3Goh BrothersBYD Ipoh – Goh BrothersIpohNorthern1S
    4Goh BrothersBYD Taiping – Goh BrothersTaipingNorthern3S
    5Denver AutoBYD Perai – Denver AutoPraiNorthern3S
    6Hong ThaiBYD Alor Setar – Hong ThaiAlor SetarNorthern3S
    7IROLL EVBYD Juru – iROLL EVJuruNorthern3S
    8Lee MotorsBYD Sungai Petani – Lee MotorsSungai PetaniNorthern3S
    9SDBABYD Ara DamansaraAra DamansaraKlang Valley3S
    10SDBABYD Kuala Lumpur @TRECKL (TREC)Klang Valley1S + 2S
    11MillenniumBYD Bandar UtamaBandar UtamaKlang Valley3S
    12MillenniumBYD CherasCherasKlang Valley3S
    13MillenniumBYD IOI City Mall, PutrajayaPutrajayaKlang Valley1S
    14MillenniumBYD KL NorthJalan KuchingKlang Valley3S
    15SismaBYD GlenmarieGlenmarieKlang Valley3S
    16SismaBYD Mutiara DamansaraMutiara DamansaraKlang Valley1S
    17SismaBYD PJ33PJ33Klang Valley1S
    18HarmonyBYD HartamasHartamasKlang Valley3S
    19HarmonyBYD Plaza ArkadiaPlaza ArkadiaKlang Valley1S
    20Wing HinBYD BalakongBalakongKlang Valley3S
    21Wing HinBYD IOI Mall PuchongPuchongKlang Valley1S
    22BE DriveBYD Setia AlamSetia AlamKlang Valley3S
    23BE DriveBYD Kota KemuningKota KemuningKlang Valley1S
    24Lian HongBYD KlangKlangKlang Valley1S
    25Kah ProgressionBYD SetapakSetapakKlang Valley3S
    26SDBABYD Mid Valley Southkey JBJohor BahruSouthern1S
    27SDBABYD TebrauTebrauSouthern3S
    28MillenniumBYD SerembanSerembanSouthern3S
    29HarmonyBYD SkudaiSkudaiSouthern3S
    30HarmonyBYD Iskandar PuteriIskandar PuteriSouthern1S
    31EV SupremeBYD Batu PahatBatu PahatSouthern3S
    32EV SupremeBYD KluangKluangSouthern3S
    33Sing KwungBYD MelakaMelakaSouthern3S
    34Sing KwungBYD MuarMuarSouthern1S
    35Macinda EVBYD KuantanKuantanEast Coast3S
    36Raza E-AutoBYD Kota BharuKota BharuEast Coast1S
    37Prima MotorBYD Kuala TerengganuKuala TerengganuEast Coast3S
    38Regas EVBYD Kota KinabaluKota KinabaluEast Malaysia3S
    39Regas EV AutoBYD Kuching, CityOne MegamallKuchingEast Malaysia1S + 2S
    40Regas EV AutoBYD SibuSibuEast Malaysia3S
  • MATTA Fair April 2026 sees the return of Macao as its beloved international favourite destination.

    MATTA Fair April 2026 sees the return of Macao as its beloved international favourite destination.

    KUALA LUMPUR, 26 MARCH 2026 – The Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents continues to strengthen its role in the tourism ecosystem with the announcement of Macao as the International Favourite Destination at MATTA Fair April 2026. Taking place at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC), the fair remains a key platform connecting stakeholders across the travel industry.

    From left: Rocky Kho, Honorary Treasurer of Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents; Mohd Hizzat Mohd Shah, Vice President of Research and Technology, MATTA; and Cheng Wai Tong, Deputy Director of the Macao Government Tourism Office.

    With over 330 participating organisations and more than 2,000 booths, the event highlights strong collaboration between travel agencies, tourism boards, and hospitality players. Macao’s participation comes amid a steady recovery in global tourism, supported by rising visitor numbers and increasing demand from Malaysian travellers.

    As Malaysia gears towards achieving its Visit Malaysia 2026 targets, MATTA Fair plays a strategic role in promoting outbound tourism while fostering international partnerships. The continued focus on destinations like Macao demonstrates the growing importance of regional travel markets and diversified tourism offerings.

  • Workplace Happiness in Malaysia at 70%, but Stress and Burnout Persist

    Workplace Happiness in Malaysia at 70%, but Stress and Burnout Persist

    Most workers in Malaysia report feeling happy at work, but that optimism comes with important caveats employers should not overlook. According to Jobstreet by SEEK’s latest Workplace Happiness Index, 70% of Malaysian workers say they feel somewhat or extremely happy in their jobs, yet far fewer are comfortable with the pressures that come with their roles. While a similar majority feel valued and 68% find their work fulfilling, underlying stress and burnout continue to shape the overall employee experience.

    The Workplace Happiness Index is based on responses from around 1,000 individuals aged 18 to 64 who are currently part of the workforce in Malaysia. The study offers a comprehensive snapshot of how employees feel about their jobs today, providing valuable insights for employers, HR leaders, and policymakers looking to build more positive and productive workplaces. These findings come against the backdrop of a relatively strong labour market, with steady job opportunities and low unemployment. However, beneath the surface, three in ten workers feel either unhappy or neutral about their work, highlighting clear room for improvement.

    For many Malaysians, workplace happiness is rooted in the fundamentals of daily work. Employees report being happiest with where they work (69%), who they work with (65%), and what they do on a day-to-day basis (65%). Predictable routines, supportive colleagues, and meaningful responsibilities contribute to a sense of control and ownership, which consistently underpin positive workplace experiences.

    Despite generally positive sentiment, stress and burnout have emerged as significant concerns. Only 36% of workers are satisfied with their stress levels, while 41% say they feel burnt out or exhausted by their jobs. Burnout is closely linked to workplace dissatisfaction, with unhappy workers being twice as likely to report feeling burnt out compared to those who are happy. Among those who are unhappy, 71% say that improving work-life balance would increase their happiness, second only to higher pay. This underscores a pressing reality: unmanaged stress and burnout can negatively affect wellbeing, absenteeism, and long-term productivity.

    According to Nicholas Lam, Managing Director at Jobstreet by SEEK Malaysia, while it is encouraging that 70% of workers feel happy, a significant proportion still feel disengaged, burnt out, or unsupported. He emphasised that although salary remains important, a sense of purpose is what truly sustains workplace happiness. The research shows that 64% of Malaysian workers are satisfied with the sense of purpose they derive from their work, reinforcing the strong link between meaningful work and overall job satisfaction. While competitive pay plays a key role in attracting and retaining talent, workplace happiness is more likely to thrive when employees feel their contributions are meaningful and connected to a larger purpose.

    Lam added that workplace happiness in Malaysia is a shared responsibility. When employers invest in purpose-driven roles, supportive cultures, and actively listen to the diverse needs of their workforce, the impact is tangible in the form of higher engagement, productivity, and retention. Ultimately, building happier workplaces is not only beneficial for employees but is also critical for long-term business success.

    Workplace happiness also varies across generations. Gen Z employees tend to report lower levels of happiness and higher stress as they navigate early career pressures, skill development, and the need to prove themselves. They are more likely to say that reducing stress would significantly improve their happiness (40%), compared to 35% of Millennials and 27% of Gen X workers. Industry differences further shape workplace experiences, with Professional Services and Construction sectors reporting the highest levels of happiness at 78%, while the Public Sector (62%), Industrial (61%), and Retail, Hospitality and Sports (55%) sectors rank lower, reflecting ongoing challenges related to workload, recognition, and flexibility.

    To strengthen workplace happiness in the year ahead, Jobstreet by SEEK encourages employers to focus on fostering a stronger sense of purpose by clearly linking employees’ daily responsibilities to broader organisational goals and values, building positive and supportive workplace cultures that help reduce stress and burnout, and recognising the differing needs across generations by tailoring approaches to suit various life and career stages. The full Workplace Happiness Index: Malaysia report is available for download.

  • The AI-Powered ExpertBook is Here: Get Yours Today.

    The AI-Powered ExpertBook is Here: Get Yours Today.

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

    ASUS Malaysia Unveils First AI-Powered Business Laptop, the ExpertBook P1, Available Now for RM2,799

    KUALA LUMPUR (April 10, 2026) — ASUS Malaysia today announced the official retail availability of the ASUS ExpertBook P1 (P1403CVA / P1503CVA), its first business laptop lineup featuring dedicated AI-powered tools. Powered by the Intel® Core™ 5 processor 210H, this new series is engineered to empower modern professionals with a blend of intelligent performance, enterprise-grade security, and world-class durability.

    Smarter Collaboration with On-Device AI The ExpertBook P1 introduces ASUS AI ExpertMeet, an exclusive platform that leverages on-device AI to enhance virtual meetings while maintaining strict data privacy. Key features include AI Meeting Minutes for automated transcription and summarization, AI Translated Subtitles for real-time multilingual support, and AI Noise Cancellation to ensure crystal-clear communication in any environment.

    Engineered for Peak Productivity Equipped with the Intel® Core™ 5 processor 210H (up to 4.8 GHz), 16GB DDR5 RAM, and a 512GB PCIe® 4.0 SSD, the ExpertBook P1 handles demanding multitasking with ease. Despite its power, the device remains highly portable, starting at just 1.4kg with a battery life of up to 10 hours. The 14-inch and 15-inch models both feature Full HD anti-glare displays with an 87% screen-to-body ratio, providing an immersive and comfortable viewing experience for long work hours.

    Military-Grade Reliability and Security Built to survive the rigors of daily commutes and business travel, the ExpertBook P1 meets U.S. MIL-STD 810H military-grade standards. It has undergone extreme testing, including 120cm drops onto concrete and pressure tests of up to 50kg. Security is integrated at every level, featuring a fingerprint sensor, TPM 2.0, and a spill-resistant keyboard designed to withstand workplace accidents.

    Pricing and Comprehensive Support The ASUS ExpertBook P1 is now available in Malaysia for RM2,799. To ensure maximum value and peace of mind, each purchase comes with a comprehensive support package valued at RM1,917, which includes:

    • 2-Year International On-Site Warranty (including battery and adapter).
    • 1-Year Local Accidental Damage Protection (LADP).
    • 3-Year McAfee Subscription for advanced cybersecurity.
    • Complimentary ASUS Backpack.

    Customers can also participate in the “Your Voice Matters” campaign to receive RM40 Touch ‘n Go eWallet credit by sharing their product review.

    For more information, please visit your nearest ASUS Business Authorized Retail Store or contact an official ASUS representative.

  • Power Meets Couture: The vivo V70 FE arrives with 200MP Precision.

    Power Meets Couture: The vivo V70 FE arrives with 200MP Precision.

    vivo Malaysia has officially redefined the “Fashion Edition” smartphone with the debut of the vivo V70 FE. Seamlessly blending a high-fashion aesthetic with flagship-tier performance, the V70 FE introduces a revolutionary 200MP Ultra-Clear Imaging system and the series’ largest-ever 7000mAh BlueVolt Battery, catering to style-conscious creators who demand uncompromised power.

    Elegance Without Compromise

    The vivo V70 FE showcases the brand’s “fashion-forward” design language through the Radiant Flow Process, creating a shimmering gradient finish in its hero color, Muse Purple. Despite its massive battery capacity, the device maintains a slim, lightweight profile of just 7.59mm and 200g, ensuring a premium and comfortable in-hand experience.

    Designed to handle the unpredictability of travel, the V70 FE is rated IP68 and IP69, providing the highest level of dust and water resistance. This allows users to confidently capture content in diverse environments, from rain-slicked city streets to underwater pool shots.

    Professional Photography in Every Pocket

    Equipped with a 200MP High Resolution sensor, the V70 FE turns every user into a professional storyteller.

    • Precision Zoom: With CIPA 4.0-rated OIS and 30x telephoto enhancement, distant details are captured with startling clarity.
    • Infinite Re-framing: The Ultra-Clear Photo Crop feature allows for extreme zooming (up to 900%) while maintaining enough detail for large-format prints.
    • AI Creativity: Users can effortlessly fix travel photos with AI Magic Weather and AI Erase, ensuring the perfect shot even in crowded or cloudy conditions.

    Power for the Long Haul

    The V70 FE breaks records with its 7000mAh BlueVolt Battery, supported by 90W FlashCharge.

    • Endless Entertainment: A full charge supports nearly 44 hours of YouTube playback, perfect for long flights or road trips.
    • Smart Survival: The Super Battery Saver ensures you stay connected, offering over 150 minutes of talk time even when the battery drops to 5%.
    • Sustained Reliability: With a 5-Year Battery Health guarantee and the MediaTek Dimensity 7360-Turbo, the V70 FE is built to perform for years to come.

    Intelligent Efficiency with OriginOS 6

    The V70 FE is powered by the all-new OriginOS 6, which integrates Google Gemini and a suite of AI productivity tools. Features like Origin Island and One-Tap Transfer streamline everything from social media management to professional cross-device workflows, making the smartphone a true productivity hub.

    Pricing, Variants, and Exclusive Offers

    The vivo V70 FE is available in Muse Purple, Ocean Blue, and Urban Silver at the following prices:

    • 16GB (8+8) + 256GB: RM1,599
    • 24GB (12+12) + 256GB: RM1,799
    • 16GB (8+8) + 512GB: RM1,999 (Online Exclusive)

    Pre-Order Campaign: Customers who pre-order before 17 April 2026 will receive exclusive free gifts worth up to RM1,256, including vivo Buds Air3, a V Selection Watch V3, and vivo Care comprehensive protection. Additionally, an instant RM100 rebate is available for pre-order customers during this period.

    For more information, please visit www.vivo.com/my or follow vivo Malaysia on social media.

  • MATTA Fair April 2026 – Embrace Green Travel, Preserve the Earth, Live Cleanly

    KUALA LUMPUR, 2 APRIL 2026 – MATTA Fair April 2026 is set to return from 3 to 5 April at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC), Kuala Lumpur, marking its 58th edition with record-breaking participation. Organised by the Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (MATTA), the event will feature 2,051 booths across 10 halls, making it the largest consumer travel fair in the country. A total of 332 organisations will participate, including travel agencies, tourism boards, hotels, and service providers, offering a wide range of travel products and services.

    This year’s edition highlights both domestic and international tourism, with Johor named Malaysia’s Favourite Destination and Macao as the International Favourite Destination. The fair also receives continued support from key partners such as Malaysia Aviation Group and RHB Bank, enhancing travel accessibility and providing additional benefits for visitors. According to MATTA President Nigel Wong, Malaysia’s tourism industry remains resilient despite global uncertainties, with strong demand driven by the country’s diverse attractions and well-connected infrastructure.

    Sustainability remains a key focus at MATTA Fair 2026 through the MESTI Pavilion, which features eco-conscious initiatives and organisations promoting responsible tourism. Visitors can also participate in various campaigns, including contests and interactive activities designed to enhance engagement. With free admission and extended operating hours, the fair aims to provide a comprehensive and accessible platform for travellers to plan their journeys while supporting sustainable tourism practices.

  • iQOO Powers MY HOK MKL Spring 2026 Playoffs as Official Device

    iQOO Powers MY HOK MKL Spring 2026 Playoffs as Official Device

    Kuala Lumpur, 2 April 2026 — iQOO Malaysia is strategically leveraging esports to strengthen its brand positioning, taking on the role of official gaming smartphone partner for the MY Honor of Kings League (HOK) MKL Spring 2026 Playoffs. By anchoring its presence at Sunway Velocity Mall Main Atrium, the brand transformed the tournament into a powerful experiential marketing platform that highlights both product performance and community engagement.

    The iQOO Activation Booth served as a key touchpoint, allowing consumers to directly experience the capabilities of its smartphones in a competitive gaming environment. Rather than relying solely on traditional advertising, the brand adopted a hands-on approach, enabling users to test gameplay performance under real tournament conditions. This strategy not only reinforces product credibility but also builds trust among gaming enthusiasts who prioritise performance and reliability.

    In addition, the integration of social-driven campaigns such as “Snap, Post & Win” reflects iQOO’s understanding of modern consumer behaviour, where digital sharing and peer influence play a significant role in brand visibility. The inclusion of interactive challenges and a substantial prize pool further enhances engagement, ensuring that visitors remain actively involved throughout the event.

    By merging esports, technology, and experiential marketing, iQOO Malaysia demonstrates a forward-thinking approach to brand building — one that resonates strongly with the fast-growing mobile gaming community in Malaysia.

  • Mastercard Unveils AI Centre of Excellence to Transform Payments in Southeast Asia

    Mastercard has announced a significant advancement in its ASEAN AI strategy with the successful rollout of authenticated agentic transactions across multiple markets in the region, alongside plans to establish a regional AI Centre of Excellence in Singapore. These developments underscore Mastercard’s commitment to promoting secure and transparent agentic commerce while preparing the region for AI-driven payments at scale.

    The initial wave of authenticated agentic transactions in Singapore and Malaysia, with additional markets expected to follow, demonstrates the readiness of ASEAN for interoperable AI agents capable of enabling safe, transparent transactions. For the first region-wide testing, Mastercard collaborated with UOB, leveraging the bank’s extensive network to ensure that future deployments could scale across diverse markets. In parallel, Mastercard worked with local banks in each country to support localized implementations, laying the groundwork for broader regional expansion as more stakeholders participate.

    Safdar Khan, Division President for Southeast Asia at Mastercard, said, “The first wave of authenticated agentic transactions across ASEAN shows how quickly the region is embracing secure, AI-enabled commerce. With early pilots now live, Mastercard is demonstrating that AI agents can operate responsibly and transparently, giving consumers confidence that every transaction is authenticated and anchored in verifiable intent.” Jacquelyn Tan, Head of Group Personal Financial Services at UOB, added, “Our multi-market collaboration with Mastercard shows how trusted, AI-driven payments can enhance everyday banking and commerce, tailored to diverse lifestyle needs across the region. As adoption grows, we continue to combine innovation and strong governance to scale these capabilities across borders, unlocking greater value for consumers and businesses across ASEAN.”

    Mastercard Agent Pay represents the next phase of AI-powered commerce by providing the framework and safeguards needed for secure AI-initiated transactions. By combining tokenized credentials, verifiable intent, and end-to-end auditability through Mastercard Agentic Tokens and Payment Passkeys, the platform ensures that every AI-driven transaction aligns with consumer authorization and trust expectations. As commerce becomes increasingly autonomous, Mastercard is introducing Verifiable Intent, a standards-based trust paradigm co-developed with Google, which creates a tamper-resistant record of user authorization and serves as a shared source of truth for consumers, merchants, and issuers.

    Later this year, Mastercard will launch its regional AI Centre of Excellence in Singapore, combining its innovation hub, advanced cybersecurity capabilities, and AI expertise to form its largest innovation space in Asia Pacific. The centre reflects Mastercard’s broader commitment to advancing AI in the region, building on more than a decade of AI applications across its network, including fraud detection, cybersecurity, and real-time risk management. Supported by deep data assets, established governance frameworks, and over 2,000 global data scientists, engineers, and consultants, the CoE is designed to accelerate AI readiness.

    “Trust is the currency of the AI economy. As connected commerce expands across ASEAN, data is key to transforming payments into seamless and intuitive experiences. Mastercard’s AI Centre of Excellence, together with regional collaborations, will strengthen the frameworks necessary for AI-powered commerce to scale responsibly. By pairing innovation with strong governance, we are laying the foundation for AI-initiated payments that are secure, interoperable across borders, and inclusive for consumers and businesses throughout Southeast Asia,” concluded Khan.