MalaysianUpdates

Category: Business

  • How Payment Insights Drive SME Expansion

    How Payment Insights Drive SME Expansion

    Malaysia has made significant strides in digital payment adoption, with QR codes, online transfers and card payments now commonplace even among micro and small merchants. However, the next chapter of growth for the nation’s micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) will hinge not on how widely digital payments are accepted, but on how intelligently transaction data is harnessed. MSMEs account for 38 percent of Malaysia’s GDP and employ nearly half of the national workforce. As such, inefficiencies in cash flow management, financing access and operational decision-making have ripple effects that extend well beyond individual businesses into the broader economy.

    While digital acceptance has scaled rapidly, operational maturity has not progressed at the same pace. A significant proportion of MSMEs continue to manage reconciliation, forecasting and working capital through manual or fragmented systems, even as they collect payments digitally. This disconnect limits the true value of digitalisation. Without consolidated and structured transaction data, business owners often lack visibility into revenue cycles, demand fluctuations, margin performance and liquidity trends. Strategic decisions on hiring, procurement and expansion are therefore made conservatively, based more on instinct than insight — an approach that can constrain long-term growth and reduce resilience against economic volatility.

    The financing landscape highlights this gap even more starkly. Malaysian MSMEs face an estimated US$2.5 billion funding gap, largely due to insufficient credit histories or limited formal financial documentation. Yet many of these businesses generate consistent daily revenue through digital transactions. When properly analysed, structured payment data can provide lenders with a clearer, performance-based view of revenue stability and cash flow consistency. Transaction intelligence has the potential to shorten approval timelines, reduce reliance on collateral, and expand credit access to viable but previously underserved merchants. In this context, payment data is not merely an operational by-product — it is an underutilised financial asset.

    For businesses operating within or adjacent to informal systems, digital payments can also serve as a pathway into the formal economy. Each recorded transaction contributes to a verifiable financial footprint, strengthening compliance readiness for evolving requirements such as e-invoicing while enhancing eligibility for financing and other financial services. Without structured and activated data, enterprises may remain economically active yet financially invisible, limiting upward mobility and reinforcing structural exclusion.

    Malaysia now stands at a strategic inflection point. Having achieved scale in digital payment acceptance, the national focus must shift toward integration, analytics and data-driven decision-making. If digitalisation stops at the checkout counter, MSMEs risk remaining connected but constrained. If transaction intelligence is activated effectively, however, it can close financing gaps, strengthen resilience and support a more inclusive digital economy. The future of Malaysia’s SME ecosystem will not be defined by the number of QR codes displayed, but by how effectively payment data is transformed into actionable insight — turning transactions into transformation and access into empowerment.

  • Bridging the “Missing Middle”: How Fukuro Malaysia Is Redefining Everyday Kitchenware

    In Malaysia’s evolving home and living landscape, kitchenware rarely commands attention — until it disrupts daily routines. It is not a dramatic, viral purchase, but a quiet essential that shapes how households cook, store, and organise their lives. Yet within this everyday category lies what industry observers describe as the “missing middle”: a gap between low-cost, disposable options and premium, design-led brands that may feel financially out of reach. Bridging that divide is Fukuro Malaysia, a homegrown brand positioning itself deliberately between affordability and quality, offering international-grade, design-conscious kitchen essentials at accessible prices for everyday families.

    Rather than reinventing basic tools, Fukuro focuses on refining fundamentals — ensuring that products feel sturdy, modern, and thoughtfully designed without inflating them into luxury statements. The brand applies FMCG-style discipline to a category often treated as purely transactional. This means intentional assortment planning, consistent pricing structures, active retail visibility, and prioritised availability across departmental stores, premium grocers, supermarkets, and hypermarkets. The philosophy is straightforward: when consumers need reliable kitchenware, the brand should already be within reach — not buried in a niche shelf or limited to online-only discovery.

    This approach aligns closely with shifting household behaviour. As living costs fluctuate and food expenses outside the home rise, more Malaysians are returning to packed lunches, leftovers, and practical weekday cooking. At the same time, digital influence has reshaped purchase expectations. With high social media penetration nationwide, consumers increasingly value kitchenware that complements modern home aesthetics, balancing utility with visual appeal. Today’s kitchen tools are no longer just functional items; they are extensions of personal identity within compact urban living spaces.

    Rokku Clip Lock Containers

    A recent example of Fukuro’s positioning is its Rokku Food Storage Series, launched in February 2026. The nine-SKU lineup — comprising six Clip Lock Containers and three Airlock Canisters — is designed for daily meal preparation and organised storage. Anchoring its “accessible but solid” promise, a 550 ml Clip Lock Container priced at RM9.90 illustrates how affordability and durability can coexist. However, the broader story is less about a single product range and more about disciplined brand-building. Since its establishment in 2020, Fukuro’s growth has been driven by retail penetration across multiple channels, repeat purchases, and consistent five-star consumer feedback rather than one-off viral campaigns.

    Co-founder Daryl Lai emphasises that building the “missing middle” in kitchenware is challenging precisely because it requires balance — resisting the race to the bottom on price while avoiding over-positioning as aspirational luxury. For Fukuro, availability itself is a pillar of trust, particularly for young households shopping within real-world routines. By prioritising route-to-market fundamentals over marketing noise, the brand demonstrates that longevity in retail often depends less on hype and more on consistent execution.

    As Malaysian consumers become more selective and value-conscious, brands that master the basics — quality, price discipline, retail visibility, and everyday usability — are likely to stand the test of time. In a crowded market of extremes, Fukuro Malaysia’s steady, methodical approach suggests that sometimes the strongest strategy is not disruption, but dependable presence in kitchens across the country.

  • Deel Unveils The Pitch: A $15M Global Tournament to Discover the Next Generation of Borderless Founders

    Deel, a leading global HR and payroll platform, has officially launched The Pitch, a landmark international startup competition aimed at discovering and funding the next generation of borderless founders. Designed to challenge traditional venture capital norms, the initiative focuses on identifying high-potential seed-stage startups based purely on merit, innovation, and execution—rather than geography, access, or networks. By leveraging Deel’s extensive global footprint, The Pitch seeks to democratize access to capital and visibility for founders worldwide.

    With ambitions on a truly global scale, The Pitch is expected to engage more than 20,000 startups across seven regions, culminating in a total investment pool of up to USD15 million. Through a highly selective process, up to 100 regional winners will each receive USD50,000 in investment, while as many as ten global champions will be awarded USD1 million each to accelerate their growth. With a final selection rate of just 0.05 percent, the competition positions itself as more selective than many of the world’s most established startup accelerators.

    Unlike conventional funding pathways that rely heavily on localized ecosystems, The Pitch introduces a new standard for global venture discovery. Startups are evaluated through expert-led assessments and data-driven insights designed to surface “high-signal” founders with scalable ideas. Applications are now open to seed-stage founders globally, with the journey leading to seven in-person regional finals hosted in major innovation hubs such as Singapore, New York, London, and Berlin, before culminating in a global finale scheduled for May 2026.

    The competition is presented by J.P. Morgan and supported by an impressive lineup of partners, including Andreessen Horowitz, dLocal, Google, Orrick, Prodware, Ribbit Ventures, and Stripe. Together, these partners reinforce the competition’s credibility and global reach.

    Through The Pitch, Deel underscores its commitment to empowering founders everywhere, regardless of borders. The initiative not only offers capital, but also global exposure, strategic validation, and access to an influential network—marking a bold step forward in shaping a more inclusive and borderless startup ecosystem.

  • CILI KAMPUNG SECURES 50% OWNERSHIP IN DOTTY’S PASTRIES & COFFEE TO ACCELERATE NATIONWIDE GROWTH

    CILI KAMPUNG SECURES 50% OWNERSHIP IN DOTTY’S PASTRIES & COFFEE TO ACCELERATE NATIONWIDE GROWTH

    Petaling Jaya, 11 February 2026 – In a landmark move for Malaysia’s F&B scene, Cili Kampung Malaysia, a leading name in authentic Malay dining, has officially acquired a 50% equity stake in Dotty’s Pastries & Coffee, the artisanal bakery and café celebrated for its high-quality offerings and contemporary lifestyle appeal. The signing ceremony took place at Ruang Rama Event Space, with Cili Kampung Director Encik Khairul Anwar Dato’ Sri Abdul Azeez and Dotty’s founder Puan Nadia Nasimuddin formalising the strategic partnership. Both brands were represented by their senior management teams, including Encik Kesavan (KC) Purusotman, CMO of Cili Kampung, and Cik Kaylee Low, Senior Commercial and Business Development Manager of Dotty’s.

    Marking Dotty’s 10th anniversary, the acquisition is aimed at scaling the bakery’s presence nationwide while retaining its artisanal identity. Cili Kampung’s operational expertise, supply chain efficiency, and expansion strategy will support Dotty’s in moving beyond its boutique status to capture a wider market segment. “Our 50% stake in Dotty’s is a deliberate strategy to institutionalize a brand that has defined the all-day dining experience for a decade,” Anwar Azeez commented. He emphasised the synergy of combining Dotty’s artisanal quality with Cili Kampung’s operational scale to create a formidable presence in Malaysia’s hospitality sector.

    Puan Nadia Nasimuddin echoed this optimism, highlighting that the partnership allows Dotty’s to evolve from a local icon into a scalable national brand while preserving the warmth and artisanal quality beloved by its customers. With a JAKIM Halal-certified central kitchen and premium IP from Dotty’s, combined with Cili Kampung’s rapid growth model, the alliance aims to dominate the “Modern Malay” lifestyle segment, appealing to traditional diners as well as the premium café-hopping demographic. The collaboration underscores a shared commitment to excellence, authenticity, and long-term sustainable growth for both brands.

  • Nippon Paint projects that Malaysia’s construction sector will transition into a high-value phase beginning in 2026

    Malaysia’s construction industry is poised to enter a new phase of high-value growth in 2026, driven by the completion of major infrastructure projects, expanding industrial activity, and rising life-cycle demands from an ageing building stock, according to Nippon Paint Malaysia. Recent data from the Department of Statistics Malaysia shows that the value of construction work done rose by 12.9% year-on-year in the second quarter of 2025, reflecting strong momentum across infrastructure, commercial, and residential segments. Looking ahead, the sector is projected to sustain growth of approximately 6.1% in 2026, supported by continued capital expenditure and strategic direction under the 13th Malaysia Plan (2026–2030), signalling a clear shift toward more specialized and high-value construction activities.

    Nippon Paint Malaysia General Manager Tay Sze Tuck said the company expects steady industry growth next year as large-scale infrastructure projects reach critical milestones and industrial expansion gains pace. Mega developments such as the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) and the Rapid Transit System (RTS) Link are progressing into advanced structural, finishing, and systems stages, where demand extends beyond basic civil works to specialized materials and integrated solutions. With Budget 2026 allocating RM81 billion for public development, there is increasing emphasis on materials that enhance durability, reduce long-term maintenance costs, and support Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) objectives, positioning infrastructure finishing as a key growth engine for the sector.

    Industrial expansion is also emerging as a major driver, particularly in manufacturing, warehousing, and cold-chain logistics, as Malaysia strengthens its role in regional supply chains and advanced manufacturing. Nippon Paint highlighted growing demand for high-performance, compliant building materials, especially in industrial flooring systems where hygiene, safety, and operational continuity are critical. As industrial standards rise, developers and operators are prioritizing certified, durable, and compatible systems that can withstand heavy usage, chemical exposure, and stringent cleanliness requirements.

    At the same time, refurbishment is set to become an increasingly important segment in 2026, as more than half of Malaysia’s commercial and residential buildings are now over 20 years old. Age-related issues such as water leakage, surface deterioration, corrosion, and structural defects are driving building owners to seek long-term, cost-effective solutions rather than short-term repairs. Nippon Paint’s Total Coating & Construction Solutions (TCCS) approach addresses this need by offering integrated refurbishment services, from diagnostics and surface preparation to compatible material systems and professional application, all supported by certified applicators and warranties.

    Looking ahead, Nippon Paint Malaysia expects 2026 to be a year of balanced and sustainable progress for the construction industry, underpinned by infrastructure completion, industrial growth, and refurbishment demand. The company reaffirmed its commitment to supporting developers, contractors, and property owners with end-to-end, high-performance solutions that enhance safety, durability, sustainability, and long-term performance, while contributing to the development of more resilient, energy-efficient, and future-ready buildings and infrastructure across Malaysia.

  • The PayNet Fintech Hub Fuels the Next Phase of Malaysia’s Ecosystem Growth

    The PayNet Fintech Hub Fuels the Next Phase of Malaysia’s Ecosystem Growth

    Payments Network Malaysia Sdn Bhd (PayNet) is accelerating the growth of Malaysia’s fintech ecosystem through the PayNet Fintech Hub, a structured, impact-driven initiative designed to help local fintech startups build, test and scale innovative solutions. Launched in May 2025, the Hub has strengthened the visibility of Malaysian fintechs both locally and internationally by providing direct access to industry partners, capital support and hands-on mentorship, positioning it as a key enabler of sustainable fintech growth in the country.

    In less than a year, the PayNet Fintech Hub has delivered measurable impact to 50 fintech startups, supported by an extensive network of 50 ecosystem partners spanning banking, technology, investment and shared services. Collectively, participating fintechs have received more than RM5 million in value-added support, including RM3 million in cloud credits and over 450 hours of mentorship. These startups have also raised more than US$1 million in funding, with solutions that have the potential to benefit over eight million underserved Malaysians and approximately 800,000 micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs).

    According to PayNet Chief Marketing Officer Gary Yeoh, the Hub is designed to translate innovation into real-world outcomes. Through proof-of-concepts developed alongside industry partners, fintech solutions are already addressing everyday financial challenges, from smart contracts that improve trust and operational efficiency, to cashback programmes on essential items and buy now, pay later services tailored for convenience stores. These initiatives reflect the Hub’s focus on advancing financial inclusion for MSMEs while enhancing access to practical, consumer-centric financial services.

    The Hub has facilitated 11 collaboration opportunities involving 26 fintechs, including seven fintech-corporate pilots and four fintech-to-fintech partnerships. Among the initiatives supported through the RM1 million PayNet Credit Fund are Buzz’s optical character recognition-powered cashback engine developed with Touch ’n Go, as well as Fluid’s payment digitalization project in collaboration with a global fast-moving consumer goods brand. These pilots underscore the Hub’s role as a bridge between innovation and industry adoption.

    Community engagement remains a cornerstone of the Hub’s strategy. Its flagship TGI Friday (TGIF) event held in October 2025 attracted more than 200 founders, investors, financial institutions and ecosystem partners, highlighting the growing momentum and collaborative spirit within Malaysia’s fintech landscape. Such platforms have reinforced the Hub’s position as a convenor for meaningful dialogue, partnership-building and ecosystem development.

    Operating across three core tracks—Community, Catalyst and Collaboration—the PayNet Fintech Hub supports startups at different stages of growth, from scaling and global exposure to real-world deployment. A major milestone in its evolution is the launch of the Catalyst phase on 1 December 2025 through a bespoke immersive programme at Imperial College London. Under the PayNet x Imperial Catalyst Programme, 10 Malaysian fintechs are currently participating in a first-of-its-kind, 10-week curriculum tailored specifically for Hub founders.

    The programme offers hands-on exposure to global best practices, market insights and mentorship, while ensuring relevance to Malaysia’s fintech, regulatory and banking environment. Participants completed a week-long series of curated lectures and mentorship sessions at Imperial’s London campus, followed by nine weeks of virtual sessions focused on translating global learnings into Malaysian use cases. The programme will culminate in a Demo Day in March 2026, marking a significant step in preparing Malaysian fintechs to scale and compete on the global stage.

    As a not-for-profit initiative under PayNet, which serves as the backbone of Malaysia’s national payments infrastructure, the Fintech Hub reflects PayNet’s broader mission to enable secure, efficient and inclusive financial services for the rakyat. By applying this purpose to the fintech ecosystem, the Hub aims to strengthen the national fintech pipeline while supporting Malaysia’s long-term goals in digital finance and financial inclusion.

    For more information on the PayNet Fintech Hub, please visit: https://fintechhub.paynet.my/ 

  • JÄÄDE Signals Strong Optimism for the Growth of Malaysia’s Premium Bottled Water Market

    JÄÄDE Signals Strong Optimism for the Growth of Malaysia’s Premium Bottled Water Market

    JÄÄDE, the premium natural mineral water brand from Finland, is strengthening its presence in Southeast Asia with a strategic expansion into Malaysia—an increasingly attractive market driven by rising demand for high-quality, health-focused consumer products. The company has announced the establishment of its local office, marking a significant step toward long-term growth and positioning Malaysia as a key hub for its regional ambitions. Through targeted investments in brand-building, partnerships, and distribution, JÄÄDE aims to connect with consumers who prioritise purity, quality, and sustainability in their everyday choices.

    In alignment with Malaysia’s regulatory standards, JÄÄDE is currently securing all necessary approvals from the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (JAKIM) and the Ministry of Health (MOH). These steps ensure full compliance and reinforce the brand’s commitment to transparency, integrity, and market readiness. According to Allan Poh, Director of Aqua Matters Pte Ltd—the principal company behind JÄÄDE—Malaysia represents a “natural next step” for the brand’s Asian footprint. He noted that the country’s vibrant food and beverage landscape, growing affluence, and increasing interest in wellness present a prime opportunity to introduce the pure, naturally sourced water of Finland to discerning consumers.

    Poh also referenced insights from the Malaysia Bottled Water Industry Report 2023 by Research and Markets, which projects the local market to reach US$522 million by 2032, supported by a CAGR of approximately 5.7% from 2023 to 2032. This promising outlook underscores the strong potential for JÄÄDE’s integration into the premium bottled water category, offering a favourable environment for long-term brand positioning.

    Produced in accordance with stringent European regulations, JÄÄDE is sourced from protected groundwater reserves in Finland and naturally filtered through ancient glacial rock formed during the last Ice Age. This process delivers exceptionally clean, refreshing water reflective of Finland’s pristine landscapes and deep-rooted commitment to sustainability. As it enters Malaysia, JÄÄDE will introduce a versatile range of SKUs tailored to diverse consumer and hospitality needs, from daily hydration to upscale dining experiences.

    To support its expansion, JÄÄDE is actively seeking strategic partnerships with select distributors, premium retailers, and hospitality groups that align with its values of quality, purity, and authenticity. These collaborations will play a critical role in extending the brand’s reach nationwide, placing JÄÄDE in trusted spaces that echo its refined, Scandinavian-inspired identity.

    More information about JÄÄDE’s journey, product offerings, and regional ambitions can be found at its official website, www.jaadewater.com

    About Aqua Matters Pte Ltd
    Aqua Matters Pte Ltd is the holding company of a Finnish water bottling plant specializing in the production and distribution of high-quality bottled water brand JÄÄDE. With a focus on quality, innovation, and sustainability, the company plans to develop a portfolio of premium beverage brands to meet evolving marketing demand and support long-term regional growth. Aqua Matters builds value through strong distribution networks, strategic partnerships, and a clear vision for expansion in Asia’s fast-growing markets.


    About JÄÄDE
    JÄÄDE is a premium bottled water brand from Finland. Sourced from the country’s pristine natural reserves and filtered through ancient glacial rock, JÄÄDE offers one of the purest drinking experiences in the world. Pronounced yah-day, the name combines the Finnish words for ‘ice’ (jää) with ‘spring’ (lähde) —a reflection of both origin and energy. Naturally protected and untouched by
    industrial influence, JÄÄDE embodies the clarity and calm of the Nordic wilderness. Created for retail, hospitality, and refined lifestyle settings, JÄÄDE brings Finnish purity to a global audience— designed for those who seek simplicity, quality and wellbeing in every detail.

  • Korea and Curtin Malaysia collaborate on IJBEL during the ICCA Congress.

    Korea and Curtin Malaysia collaborate on IJBEL during the ICCA Congress.

    The Goyang Convention Bureau (Goyang CVB) of the Goyang International Expo Foundation has announced a landmark collaboration with Curtin University Malaysia, owner of the International Journal of Business Events and Legacies (IJBEL), at the 64th ICCA Congress 2025, to publish the 2026 IJBEL Korea Special Edition. The journal is globally recognised for shaping leadership and advancing knowledge in business events legacy development. This collaboration marks a significant step in fostering knowledge exchange between Korean institutions and the international academic community, strengthening global cooperation in research, policy, and practice on business events and their lasting impact.

    The initiative is further supported through partnerships with the Korea MICE Tourism Society, led by Professor Han Jin-young of Gwandong University, and the Institute of Convention and Exhibition Management (ICEM), led by Professor Yoon Eun-joo of Hallym University, both of which are key academic bodies driving MICE-related research and publications in Korea. Under this partnership, Goyang CVB will work closely with Curtin University Malaysia to publish the special edition and host a legacy forum during Goyang Destination Week, highlighting Korea’s achievements in MICE excellence and promoting global best practices.

    Amelia Roziman, IJBEL Advisor and CEO of Business Events Sarawak, noted that IJBEL is “shaping conversations and directing change worldwide,” allowing Korea to showcase its expertise and strengthen its position in the international business events and legacy community. Dr Peter Lee, Executive Director of Goyang CVB, emphasized that the partnership represents a “powerful alignment of shared values and shared ambitions,” aiming to create a greater global impact. Associate Professor Goi Chai Lee, Editor-in-Chief of IJBEL, added that the Korea Special Edition is a pivotal milestone for the journal, which is the world’s first academic publication integrating business events and legacy impact, and encouraged legacy-driven destinations, associations, and academic communities to contribute to this growing body of knowledge.

    For more information on IJBEL, visit https://ijbelegacy.com.

  • Sarawak Minister Marks Historic Milestone at ICCA Government-Industry Session

    Sarawak Minister Marks Historic Milestone at ICCA Government-Industry Session

    Sarawak mengukuhkan kedudukan sebagai peneraju global dalam industri acara perniagaan apabila menghantar delegasi terbesar dalam sejarah penyertaannya ke Kongres ICCA (International Congress and Convention Association) ke-64 pada tahun 2025. Delegasi ini diketuai oleh Yang Berhormat Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, Menteri Pelancongan, Industri Kreatif dan Seni Persembahan Sarawak, yang membawa misi jelas untuk memperkukuh strategi “whole-of-government” dan “whole-of-industry” sebagai pemacu utama pembangunan acara perniagaan berimpak tinggi. Kejayaan ini sekali lagi membuktikan komitmen Sarawak dalam menjadikan acara perniagaan sebagai pendorong kemajuan ekonomi, sosial dan komuniti secara mampan.

    Kongres ICCA 2025, bertemakan “Uniting the Global Business Events Community,” menekankan bagaimana kerjasama antara kerajaan dan industri menjadi pemangkin kepada inovasi, daya tahan serta pertumbuhan berterusan industri. Sarawak mencuri perhatian antarabangsa apabila Dato Sri Abdul Karim mencipta sejarah sebagai menteri pertama dari Asia dijemput untuk berucap dalam sesi berprestij “Dialogue between Ministers and Industry Leaders: How to Really Work Together.” Dalam sesi tersebut, beliau menekankan pentingnya pemikiran strategik jangka panjang dan menyatakan bahawa Sarawak bakal memeterai 12 Memorandum Persefahaman (MoU) antara kementerian pada Disember 2025. Inisiatif besar ini akan menjadi kerjasama kerajaan-industri terbesar pernah direkodkan dalam industri acara perniagaan Malaysia, sekali gus menandakan satu lonjakan baharu dalam usaha menjadikan Sarawak sebagai model kolaborasi yang efektif.

    Sarawak Minister speaks at 64th ICCA Congress on government-industry collaboration.

    Sementara itu, kepakaran Sarawak turut terserlah dalam sesi ICCA Asia Pacific Chapter melalui penyertaan Datu Hii Chang Kee dan Amelia Roziman sebagai penceramah. Ketika ditanya mengenai kejayaan Sarawak mengekalkan kemenangan bidaan 100% sejak 2021, Datu Hii menegaskan bahawa kekuatan ini datang daripada sokongan kukuh kerajaan. Beliau menambah bahawa setiap bidaan disokong oleh semangat kerjasama menyeluruh antara kementerian, agensi dan pemain industri, selari dengan visi legasi Sarawak yang memberi manfaat jangka panjang kepada masyarakat, bukan sekadar penganjuran acara.

    Pada majlis sama, Business Events Sarawak (BESarawak) menerima ICCA Award of Appreciation atas sumbangan luar biasa dalam memperkukuh pertumbuhan industri acara perniagaan di rantau Asia Pasifik. Ketua Pegawai Eksekutif BESarawak, Amelia Roziman, yang menerima anugerah bagi pihak negeri, menyatakan bahawa pengiktirafan itu membuktikan perubahan besar Sarawak daripada sekadar peserta pasif ke arah menjadi pemacu inovasi global. Beliau menekankan bahawa Sarawak kini memanfaatkan aset lokal seperti ilmu, budaya dan industri untuk mencipta kelebihan kompetitif di peringkat antarabangsa.

    Sarawak sends its largest delegation to date to ICCA Congress, marking the state’s commitment to positioning Sarawak as the legacy capital of Malaysia and Borneo.

    Dalam ucapan penutup, CEO ICCA, Dr. Senthil Gopinath, memuji kekuatan model kerjasama Sarawak sebagai contoh global bagaimana gabungan kepimpinan kerajaan dan keupayaan industri mampu menghasilkan impak transformasi yang nyata. Beliau menegaskan bahawa pencapaian Sarawak menjadi bukti bahawa visi bersama mampu membawa kepada keputusan yang terukur dan manfaat yang mendalam.

    Delegasi Sarawak ke Porto disertai oleh wakil-wakil penting dari Kementerian Pelancongan, Industri Kreatif dan Seni Persembahan (MTCP), Business Events Sarawak (BESarawak), Sarawak Tourism Board (STB), Sarawak Arts Council, Jabatan Muzium Sarawak, Sarawak Craft Council, selain kehadiran Yang Berhormat Mayor Adam Yii selaku Pengerusi Jawatankuasa Acara Perniagaan Miri dan Dr. Renco Yong, Pengerusi Jawatankuasa Acara Perniagaan Sibu. Kehadiran menyeluruh ini menggambarkan kesungguhan Sarawak dalam memposisikan dirinya sebagai kuasa utama acara perniagaan bertaraf dunia — sebuah negeri yang bukan sahaja hadir sebagai peserta, tetapi sebagai peneraju masa depan industri.

  • Quanzhou–Kuala Lumpur Air Link Launched, Opening Doors for Tourism and Business Growth

    Quanzhou–Kuala Lumpur Air Link Launched, Opening Doors for Tourism and Business Growth

    Tourism Malaysia has extended its heartfelt congratulations to Xiamen Airlines on the successful launch of its inaugural direct flight connecting Quanzhou and Kuala Lumpur, marking a significant milestone in strengthening tourism and trade relations between Malaysia and China.

    The maiden flight, MF8661, arrived at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) Terminal 1 at approximately 2:45 p.m., signifying the beginning of a new air route from Quanzhou, a historic city known as the starting point of the ancient Maritime Silk Road. Operated with a Boeing 738 aircraft, the service will run four times weekly between Quanzhou Jinjiang International Airport (JJN) and KLIA Terminal 1 (KUL), offering 169 seats comprising eight in business class and 161 in economy class. This direct connection is expected to enhance air accessibility, foster bilateral collaboration, and encourage greater cultural and economic exchange between both nations.

    The inaugural ceremony was graced by several distinguished guests, including Mr. Samuel Lee, Deputy Director General (Promotion II) of Tourism Malaysia; Mr. Mohamad Libra Lee Haniff, Director of International Promotions (Asia/Africa) Division of Tourism Malaysia; Mr. Sarjanisham Darus, Senior Manager of Aviation Marketing and Development, Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhad; and Ms. Gao Ya Shuang, General Manager of Xiamen Airlines. Their presence underscored the strong partnership between Malaysia’s tourism and aviation sectors in advancing regional connectivity and growth.

    In his address, Mr. Samuel Lee highlighted the importance of this new air route, stating that it represents a major step forward in strengthening the already flourishing tourism relations between Malaysia and China. He expressed confidence that the new connection would not only provide easier travel access for visitors from Quanzhou and surrounding regions but also reinforce Malaysia’s position as a premier destination in Southeast Asia. Mr. Lee further added that Malaysia eagerly looks forward to welcoming more Chinese visitors to explore its diverse attractions, ranging from rich cultural heritage and natural landscapes to modern urban experiences.

    Between January and August 2025, Malaysia recorded an impressive 3.3 million visitor arrivals from China, a 27.5% increase compared to the same period in 2024. This upward trend reflects Malaysia’s continued appeal among Chinese travellers, drawn by its variety of destinations, unique cuisine, and vibrant cultural tapestry. The addition of the Quanzhou–Kuala Lumpur route by Xiamen Airlines is expected to further support this growth, providing a seamless and convenient travel experience for Chinese tourists.

    Tourism Malaysia remains committed to collaborating with international airlines, airport authorities, and industry partners to strengthen global air connectivity and expand Malaysia’s tourism footprint. The timing of this new route aligns with the upcoming Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026) campaign, offering an excellent opportunity to elevate Malaysia’s standing as one of the world’s leading travel destinations. For more information or to book flights, visit www.xiamenair.com/en-my/.