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  • Afgan Janjikan Malam Sarat Emosi Dalam Retrospektif Showcase Malaysia

    Afgan Janjikan Malam Sarat Emosi Dalam Retrospektif Showcase Malaysia

    Penyanyi tersohor Indonesia, Afgan, bakal kembali menghiburkan peminat di Malaysia menerusi sebuah persembahan istimewa berjudul Afgan Retrospektif Showcase yang dijadualkan berlangsung pada 5 Disember 2025 di Zepp Kuala Lumpur. Showcase ini diadakan bersempena dengan pelancaran album terbaharunya yang turut diberi judul Retrospektif.

    Menurut Afgan, pemilihan tajuk Retrospektif mencerminkan perjalanan hidup dan kerjayanya sepanjang beberapa tahun kebelakangan ini. Baginya, makna retrospektif adalah momen untuk melihat kembali apa yang telah berlaku di masa lalu dan menjadikannya pelajaran untuk terus berkembang menjadi insan yang lebih baik. Album ini menjadi refleksi kepada proses pembelajaran dan pertumbuhan yang telah dilaluinya beberapa bulan terakhir, sehingga akhirnya melahirkan karya yang begitu peribadi dan bermakna.

    Album Retrospektif turut mempunyai nilai sentimental tersendiri kerana ia merupakan album penuh berbahasa Indonesia pertama yang dilancarkan oleh Afgan selepas tujuh tahun. Penyanyi berusia 36 tahun itu menyifatkan karya ini sebagai titik balik dalam perjalanan seninya, sekali gus kembali kepada genre Indonesian Pop yang telah membesarkan namanya. Beliau mengakui sudah lama tidak menghasilkan karya dalam genre tersebut, menjadikan album ini terasa sangat tepat untuk menggambarkan kembalinya dirinya kepada akar muzik asal.

    Menjelaskan mengenai pemilihan Malaysia sebagai lokasi persembahan, Afgan menyatakan bahawa Kuala Lumpur sudah dianggap sebagai rumah keduanya. Bagi dirinya, sokongan luar biasa daripada peminat Malaysia menjadi antara sebab utama showcase ini diadakan di sini. Afgan turut menyuarakan keterujaannya untuk mempersembahkan lagu-lagu baharu secara langsung buat pertama kali di Malaysia agar peminat dapat merasai perjalanan muzik terbaharunya dengan lebih dekat.

    Afgan juga memilih Zepp Kuala Lumpur sebagai lokasi persembahan kerana suasananya yang lebih kasual dan intim, sesuai dengan konsep muzik dalam album Retrospektif yang bersifat lebih organik dan “raw”. Beliau berharap suasana tersebut dapat menghadirkan pengalaman muzik yang jujur dan penuh emosi buat para peminat.

    Dalam Retrospektif Showcase nanti, Afgan akan mempersembahkan lagu-lagu baharu daripada album tersebut dengan susunan muzik asal, selain rangkaian lagu popularnya yang telah lama digemari peminat. Beliau berjanji akan memberikan persembahan terbaik agar setiap lagu dapat meninggalkan makna dan kenangan tersendiri kepada para penonton. Bagi Afgan, penghargaan terbesar ialah apabila lagu-lagunya mampu memberi kekuatan dan semangat kepada peminat untuk menghadapi kehidupan dengan lebih positif.

    Pihak penganjur, Renjana Idea, turut meluahkan rasa bangga kerana dapat membawa Afgan kembali ke pentas Malaysia. Mereka menyifatkan Afgan Retrospektif Showcase sebagai satu persembahan yang bukan sekadar hiburan, tetapi juga sebuah refleksi perjalanan seni penyanyi berbakat besar itu yang begitu dekat di hati peminatnya. Showcase ini dijangka menjadi pengalaman yang penuh emosi dan bermakna, khususnya buat peminat setia Afgan di Malaysia.

    Tiket bagi Afgan Retrospektif Showcase telah mula dijual sejak 1 Oktober lalu melalui laman web www.golive-asia.com. Harga tiket bermula daripada RM358 bagi kategori General Standing, RM398 untuk VIP Standing, RM698 bagi Normal Seat, RM798 untuk Premium Seat dan RM1,398 bagi VIP Box. Untuk maklumat lanjut, peminat boleh mengikuti perkembangan terkini melalui laman sosial rasmi Renjana Idea serta platform media sosial rasmi penganjur.

  • Midea Strengthens APAC Presence with “Power of One” Initiative in Malaysia

    Midea Strengthens APAC Presence with “Power of One” Initiative in Malaysia

    Midea, a leading global technology company and one of the world’s largest home appliance manufacturers, recently hosted its first-ever Asia-Pacific Dealer Conference in Bali. The event brought together 450 of its partners from across the region to celebrate innovation, collaboration, and growth under the theme “Power of One.” This landmark gathering showcased 150 products across five experiential innovation zones, underscoring Midea’s commitment to shaping a smarter, more sustainable way of living while reinforcing its local presence in markets such as Malaysia.

    According to Mr. Zeal Jiang, President of Midea Asia Pacific Region, the “Power of One” philosophy reflects three key pillars—technology leadership, local-for-local capabilities, and strong partnerships. Through continued investment in research and development, smart technologies, and regional production and service networks, Midea aims to build unstoppable momentum toward its ambition of becoming the world’s No.1 smart home appliance company. The company is targeting USD 1.5 billion in sales revenue across the Asia-Pacific region by 2028.

    During the conference, Midea showcased its latest innovations through five themed zones, each representing the brand’s vision for a connected and sustainable lifestyle. The Smart Master zone highlighted AI-powered home technologies, including smart cooling and real-time air purification systems that can be managed via the Midea SmartHome App. The AI Ecomaster zone demonstrated energy-saving solutions powered by artificial intelligence, capable of reducing energy consumption by up to 30 percent. The Space Master zone featured space-efficient home appliances such as refrigerators, dishwashers, and washer-dryers designed to maximize capacity without increasing footprint. Midea also presented its advanced residential air conditioners built with Prime Guard™ corrosion resistance for superior durability in humid climates, and its Midea Building Technologies (MBT) solutions, including the VC MAX VRF and Magboost Apex chiller systems designed for large-scale, energy-efficient applications.

    Midea’s innovation-driven growth is powered by a decade-long commitment to technological advancement. Over the past five years, the company has invested USD 10 billion in research and development, supported by a team of more than 23,000 professionals worldwide. With over 100,000 patents, 470 major technology awards, and contributions to 1,900 global technology standards, Midea continues to push the boundaries of smart home and industrial innovation. In the coming three years, the company plans to invest more than CNY 50 billion (USD 6.96 billion) into artificial intelligence, new energy, advanced robotics, and embodied intelligence. Among its recent milestones are the unveiling of the household humanoid robot MIRA at the 2025 World AI Conference and the establishment of a CNY 1.5 billion (USD 208.1 million) intelligence technology platform in Shanghai’s Qingpu district.

    Midea’s Asia-Pacific strategy focuses on local integration through manufacturing and service excellence. Operating 63 global production bases, including nine across Thailand, Vietnam, and Indonesia, Midea emphasizes regional self-reliance and sustainability. Its Thailand factory was recognized as a World Economic Forum Lighthouse Factory for Supply Chain Resilience—the first in Southeast Asia’s air-conditioning industry—achieving 40 percent energy savings per unit and a 68.3 percent reduction in carbon emissions. To enhance customer satisfaction, Midea has launched the Midea Club Application across APAC, streamlining product delivery, installation, training, and warranty management for service engineers. The company also hosts more than 200 training and service events annually, aiming to train 30,000 engineers in the next three years.

    In Malaysia, Midea continues to reinforce its commitment through quarterly technical training sessions to strengthen local expertise and uphold service excellence. These initiatives align with the company’s broader goal of combining global innovation with local relevance, ensuring that its technologies deliver tangible benefits to Malaysian homes and communities.

    Midea’s leadership also extends to environmental and social impact. Recognized by S&P Global’s Sustainability Yearbook (China Edition) 2025, Midea’s ESG initiatives span from coral restoration projects in Bali—where over 1,000 corals were planted in collaboration with the Mangrove Indonesia Lestari Foundation—to flood relief, youth development, and elderly care programs in Malaysia. In partnership with the Persatuan Badminton Negeri Kelantan, Midea actively supports youth empowerment through sports and community engagement.

    “Our ambition at Midea is to achieve world-leading innovation with local relevance. That means ensuring our appliances not only set new standards globally, but also deliver benefits to Malaysian families and communities,” said Mr. Mark Tam, Managing Director of Midea Malaysia.

    Strengthening its brand presence globally, Midea continues to engage audiences through major sports partnerships, including its upcoming role as Main Partner Sleeve Sponsor of FC Barcelona, alongside ongoing collaborations with the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) and Manchester City Football Club. Through its “Power of One” vision, Midea is uniting the Asia-Pacific region under a shared goal of innovation, sustainability, and growth—empowering both its partners and communities to build a smarter and more connected future together.

  • Budget 2026: Strengthening Housing Affordability and Resilience in Malaysia

    Budget 2026: Strengthening Housing Affordability and Resilience in Malaysia

    As Malaysians anticipate Budget 2026, the property market stands at an important crossroads. The 13th Malaysia Plan has outlined ambitious housing reform targets, including the delivery of one million affordable homes by 2035. However, the true challenge lies in ensuring that these goals are not only aspirational but translated into measures that respond directly to current market realities.

    Recent data paints a picture of both challenges and opportunities. The National Property Information Centre reported that in the first half of 2025, Malaysia’s property transaction volume declined by 1.3 percent to 196,232 transactions, while transaction value rose by 1.9 percent to RM107.68 billion. This suggests a mixed environment in which fewer homes are changing hands, yet values remain resilient, reflecting cautious sentiment from buyers but also stable pricing trends. Such conditions highlight the need for policies that restore clarity and confidence in the market.

    Demand for affordable housing remains especially strong, particularly for properties priced below RM300,000. PropertyGuru listings show that as of September 2025, there were more than 20,500 properties nationwide under this threshold, including about 2,500 in Kuala Lumpur. Yet many of these homes are older units located far from public transportation networks or in need of significant renovation, underscoring that affordability is not determined by price alone but also by accessibility and quality.

    The challenge becomes clearer when affordability is measured against household income. NAPIC data reveals that the average house price in Malaysia stood at RM486,070 in the first quarter of 2025, well above what many B40 and lower M40 families can reasonably afford. While homes below RM300,000 are widely considered affordable, their availability in desirable locations remains limited. Encouragingly, however, buyer interest in this segment has shown resilience. Between April and June 2025, enquiries for homes under RM300,000 surged by 27.3 percent and remained steady through July. Although there was an 8.7 percent decline in such enquiries between December 2024 and September 2025 due to economic uncertainty, the recent rebound suggests that Malaysians are quick to re-engage when they sense greater stability and opportunity.

    Location continues to be a decisive factor. Demand is strongest in Kuala Lumpur, Selangor, Johor, and Penang, where job opportunities, infrastructure, and amenities are concentrated. Budget 2026 could therefore have a significant impact by encouraging the development of mid-priced, transit-linked homes in these key corridors. In the meantime, rent-to-own schemes remain a practical solution for many households, particularly those in the lowest B40 income group where rental affordability averages around RM1,500. Well-designed rent-to-own programmes can offer a realistic path to eventual ownership while meeting immediate housing needs.

    Another critical issue is aligning supply with actual demand. In recent years, developers have often focused on projects at higher price points, leaving a gap in the mid-market segment where most aspiring buyers are concentrated. NAPIC reported that new residential launches fell sharply in the first half of 2025, dropping by 46 percent to 23,380 units compared to 43,167 in the same period the year before. Meanwhile, the number of unsold completed homes rose by 16.3 percent to 26,911 units valued at RM18.6 billion. These figures reveal a clear mismatch between the types of housing being delivered and the needs of Malaysian households. Budget 2026 presents an opportunity to bridge this gap by supporting mid-market projects in urban centres, encouraging the redevelopment of underutilised land, and streamlining approval processes through digitalisation and more transparent timelines.

    Affordability, however, is only one part of building a future-proof housing market. Increasingly, Malaysians are seeking homes that are not just affordable but also sustainable, energy efficient, and socially inclusive. Developers are beginning to respond to this demand by incorporating environmentally friendly features into their projects, from preserving large green spaces within townships to embedding low-carbon, smart-city technologies. Many new buildings are also attaining higher levels of green certification, demonstrating improvements in energy, water, and resource efficiency. These advances prove that sustainability is not merely an abstract ideal but a practical standard that can be scaled across the sector.

    Budget 2026 could accelerate this shift by incentivising the use of green building technologies such as rooftop solar panels, water-efficient systems, and industrialised building systems that reduce waste and shorten construction time. At the same time, policies to encourage retrofitting older housing stock with energy-saving upgrades would help lower household costs while extending the value of existing properties. Equally important is social sustainability, which involves fostering mixed-income communities supported by public transportation, education, and healthcare access. Transparent disclosure of building performance standards, such as energy ratings and maintenance fund health, would also increase buyer confidence and encourage better asset management.

    By integrating sustainability with affordability, Malaysia can move towards a housing market that is not only larger but also stronger, more resilient, and aligned with long-term national goals. Budget 2026 should therefore be seen as more than a fiscal policy exercise. It is an opportunity to reflect the realities of the current market while shaping the aspirations of future generations. By focusing on affordability, ensuring supply meets real demand, and embedding sustainability at the heart of housing policy, the government can ensure that the vision of the 13th Malaysia Plan translates into tangible outcomes for Malaysians.

    PropertyGuru and iProperty remain committed to supporting this journey by working with policymakers, developers, and financial institutions to provide the insights and digital tools that empower Malaysians to make confident, informed decisions. With the right balance of policies, Budget 2026 can lay the foundation for a transparent, inclusive, and future-proof housing ecosystem, where every Malaysian has both the opportunity and the means to achieve homeownership.

  • TVS 2026: Dari Borneo ke Nusantara – Transformasi Kandungan & Peluang Penajaan

    TVS 2026: Dari Borneo ke Nusantara – Transformasi Kandungan & Peluang Penajaan

    TV Sarawak (TVS), stesen televisyen pertama dari Bumi Kenyalang yang kini berkembang pesat di peringkat nasional, terus menegaskan kedudukannya sebagai platform media dinamik melalui penganjuran sidang media eksklusif “TVS Spotlight 25/26”. Acara ini menjadi landasan penting bagi TVS untuk menyingkap visi dan hala tuju bagi tahun 2026, termasuk memperkenalkan rangkaian program baharu yang merangkumi drama, hiburan, dokumentari serta liputan acara sukan ikonik. Dalam masa yang sama, TVS turut mempersembahkan pakej penajaan menyeluruh yang dirangka khas untuk klien dan rakan strategik.

    Sejak ditubuhkan pada tahun 2020, TVS kekal komited mengangkat identiti Borneo ke pentas nasional menerusi kandungan yang meraikan budaya serta warisan tempatan. Pendekatan ini diperkukuh dengan gabungan kekuatan penyiaran tradisional dan digital, membolehkan TVS menjangkau penonton bukan sahaja di seluruh Malaysia tetapi juga ke peringkat serantau.

    Menurut Dato’ Norhyati Ismail, Pengerusi dan Presiden TVS / Sarawak Media Group (SMG), matlamat utama TVS kini adalah untuk meningkatkan lagi visibiliti jenama di pasaran nasional. Dengan pengenalan kandungan segar serta peluang penajaan baharu, TVS berharap dapat menarik lebih ramai rakan kongsi strategik bagi memperkukuh pengaruhnya di peringkat serantau dan nasional.

    Tahun 2026 dijangka menjadi fasa penting buat TVS dengan pelancaran pelbagai kandungan menarik. Antaranya termasuk Gerak Khas 2.0, drama tempatan, rancangan realiti, dokumentari dan liputan langsung acara sukan antarabangsa seperti Sukan SEA, perlawanan Harimau Malaya dan Piala Carabao. Semua inisiatif ini dirangka bagi memastikan TVS kekal relevan dan berkesan sebagai media yang memahami dinamika Borneo sambil menghubungkan penonton ke seluruh Malaysia.

    Dalam mengekalkan identiti asalnya, TVS terus meraikan budaya dan warisan Borneo melalui penceritaan tradisi serta acara tempatan. Program seperti Sarawak Regatta dan Sambutan Perayaan Gawai dijadikan wadah untuk memperkenalkan keunikan budaya kepada penonton di seluruh Malaysia serta rantau ASEAN.

    Bagi memenuhi keperluan pengiklan yang semakin pelbagai, TVS memperkenalkan pakej penajaan 360 darjah yang melibatkan televisyen, digital, platform media sosial dan papan iklan LED berimpak tinggi. Kerjasama dengan rakan media seperti Suara Sarawak, Sarawak Tribune dan Cats FM menjadikan TVS sebagai platform pengiklanan bersepadu yang mampu memberi nilai tambah kepada jenama.

    Dalam usaha menyokong pembangunan industri kreatif tempatan, TVS juga memberi peluang luas kepada produksi tempatan dan bakat baharu. Sehingga kini, lebih 300 vendor tempatan telah bekerjasama dengan TVS, mewujudkan lebih 3,000 peluang pekerjaan untuk anak seni serta karyawan kreatif. Komitmen ini menegaskan peranan TVS dalam memperkukuh ekosistem kreatif dan pengiklanan negara.

    Dengan sasaran penonton yang meliputi seluruh Malaysia dari Perlis hingga ke Sabah, TVS yakin mampu memperluaskan pengaruhnya ke pasaran serantau. Melalui “TVS Spotlight 25/26”, TVS membuka lembaran baharu dalam usaha membina kerjasama strategik bersama klien, penaja dan media untuk memperkukuh kedudukannya sebagai salah satu pemain utama dalam industri penyiaran Malaysia.

  • TMT Launches Malaysia’s First Starlink Experience Store at PJ Highstreet

    TMT Launches Malaysia’s First Starlink Experience Store at PJ Highstreet

    Thunder Match Technology Sdn. Bhd. (TMT), Malaysia’s largest technology retail chain, has announced the arrival of Starlink Mini, the latest portable satellite internet device developed by SpaceX. As an authorised partner of Starlink, TMT is committed to making revolutionary satellite internet services more accessible to Malaysians, particularly those living in rural and underserved areas. This announcement further strengthens TMT’s role as Starlink’s official retail partner in Malaysia and highlights its mission to bridge the digital divide while empowering communities through smarter technology solutions.

    The Starlink Mini is designed to deliver high-speed, low-latency internet in a compact and portable form. With its easy setup and mobility, it offers reliable connectivity for users on the move, whether for remote work, travel, outdoor activities, or in locations where traditional broadband access is unavailable. Customers can now explore, test, and experience the Starlink Mini first-hand at TMT’s newly launched Starlink Experience Store located in PJ Damansara Uptown, Kuala Lumpur. The store showcases live demonstrations of Starlink technology, giving visitors a clearer understanding of its capabilities before making a purchase.

    Starlink is powered by an advanced constellation of low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites that deliver high-speed broadband services with minimal latency, even in remote and hard-to-reach regions. This breakthrough innovation has the potential to transform digital connectivity across Malaysia by providing reliable internet access for households, businesses, and communities.

    The management of TMT expressed that this partnership represents a significant milestone for the company. According to its statement, Starlink’s innovative satellite network offers a groundbreaking solution to address Malaysia’s longstanding connectivity challenges, particularly in rural areas. TMT’s goal is to empower individuals and businesses with greater access to education, new opportunities, and improved quality of life. The collaboration with Starlink also reflects TMT’s commitment to supporting Malaysia’s ongoing digital transformation and ensuring that no community is left behind in the digital age.

    Established in 1997, Thunder Match Technology Sdn. Bhd. operates more than 50 outlets nationwide and across various e-commerce platforms. Headquartered in Kuala Lumpur, TMT provides a comprehensive range of products and services, including mobile devices, personal computers, laptops, printers, software, accessories, and IT servicing. The company has established strong partnerships with many leading global technology brands. In July 2023, TMT was acquired by Nojima APAC Limited, strengthening its retail presence, enhancing consumer experience, and boosting operational capabilities.

    More information about TMT can be found at www.tmt.my.

  • Joe Flizzow Terima Pengiktirafan Ikon Belia Johor di Anugerah Sukan Johor ke-31

    Joe Flizzow Terima Pengiktirafan Ikon Belia Johor di Anugerah Sukan Johor ke-31

    Nama besar dalam industri muzik tanah air, Joe Flizzow, sekali lagi mencatat sejarah apabila beliau menerima pengiktirafan sebagai Ikon Belia Johor (Penggiat Seni) sempena Anugerah Sukan Johor ke-31 (ASJ31). Anugerah berprestij ini disampaikan bersempena majlis pelantikan ikon belia negeri Johor sebagai tanda penghormatan kepada sumbangan beliau terhadap dunia seni, budaya dan pembangunan anak muda.

    Sebagai penyanyi, penulis lagu, penerbit muzik dan usahawan, Joe Flizzow telah menjadi figura penting yang bukan sahaja mengangkat martabat muzik hip-hop Malaysia, malah turut memberi inspirasi kepada generasi muda untuk terus berkarya dan berani menembusi batasan. Perjalanan kariernya sarat dengan kejayaan yang membanggakan negara. Pada tahun 2018, beliau menjadi artis Malaysia pertama yang memenangi MTV Europe Music Awards bagi kategori Best Southeast Asia Act. Dalam industri tempatan pula, Joe Flizzow telah meraih 11 trofi Anugerah Industri Muzik sejak tahun 2002 hingga 2022, menjadikannya antara penerima terbanyak dalam sejarah AIM.

    Kejayaan beliau di pentas Anugerah Juara Lagu turut meninggalkan jejak penting apabila lagu Apa Khabar bersama SonaOne dinobatkan sebagai Juara Lagu ke-29, menjadikan karya hip-hop pertama yang berjaya mencatat kemenangan tersebut. Tidak terhenti di situ, beliau kembali menyerlah di AJL37 pada tahun 2023 apabila lagu Satu Malam di Temasek bergelar Naib Juara.

    Selain pencapaian di pentas muzik, Joe Flizzow turut dikenali sebagai ikon hip-hop Malaysia yang membawa kebanggaan Johor ke persada seni antarabangsa. Beliau menjadi inspirasi anak muda bukan sahaja dalam bidang muzik, malah turut mendorong mereka untuk menceburi dunia fesyen dan perniagaan. Sebagai pengasas label Kartel Records dan platform 16 Baris, beliau telah membuka ruang kepada ramai bakat baharu untuk berkembang dalam industri seni.

    Dalam bidang keusahawanan, Joe Flizzow berjaya membina jenama Joe’s Barbershop yang kini mempunyai lebih 20 cawangan di seluruh negara. Kepimpinan beliau dalam industri muzik juga terserlah apabila dilantik sebagai Pengarah Urusan Def Jam Recordings Southeast Asia, sebuah label hip-hop yang berprestij dan berpengaruh di dunia.

    Terbaru, Joe Flizzow melancarkan single berjudul “Berlian”, sebuah lagu yang membawa mesej motivasi dan inspirasi buat generasi muda. Karya ini membuktikan konsistensi beliau dalam menghasilkan muzik segar yang relevan dengan perkembangan semasa, selari dengan kedudukannya sebagai salah seorang ikon hip-hop paling berpengaruh di rantau Asia Tenggara.

    Pengiktirafan sebagai Ikon Belia Johor bukan sahaja mengangkat nama Joe Flizzow sebagai artis, malah mengukuhkan kedudukannya sebagai pemimpin industri dan usahawan berjaya. Beliau membuktikan bahawa seni mampu menjadi wahana untuk perubahan positif dalam masyarakat, khususnya dalam melahirkan generasi muda yang berdaya saing.

    “Pengiktirafan ini bukan sahaja penghormatan kepada saya secara peribadi, tetapi juga kepada seluruh anak muda Johor yang berani bermimpi dan berusaha mencapai kejayaan dalam apa jua bidang,” ujar Joe Flizzow ketika menerima anugerah tersebut.

    Dengan pencapaian ini, kedudukan Joe Flizzow sebagai figura berpengaruh dalam dunia seni dan belia terus kukuh, bukan sahaja di Johor, tetapi juga di peringkat antarabangsa.

  • Selangor Perkenal Pelan Ekonomi Kreatif 2025, Kreativiti Jadi Pemacu Pertumbuhan

    Selangor Perkenal Pelan Ekonomi Kreatif 2025, Kreativiti Jadi Pemacu Pertumbuhan

    Kerajaan Negeri Selangor hari ini merasmikan Ekspo Ekonomi Kreatif Selangor 2025 (SCEE25) dengan tema “Re:Imagine Selangor – Creativity is the New Economy.” Majlis gilang-gemilang ini telah disempurnakan oleh DYMM Tengku Permaisuri Selangor, Tengku Permaisuri Hajah Norashikin, bersama EXCO Belia, Sukan dan Keusahawanan Selangor merangkap Pengerusi Jawatankuasa Tetap Ekonomi Kreatif Negeri Selangor, YB Tuan Mohd Najwan bin Halimi. Pelancaran ini menandakan bermulanya era baharu bagi pembangunan industri kreatif negeri yang dilihat mampu menjadi pemacu utama pertumbuhan ekonomi.

    Pelan Tindakan Ekonomi Kreatif yang diperkenalkan hari ini merangka hala tuju 10 tahun untuk mengangkat Selangor sebagai hab kreatif serantau dengan sasaran sumbangan Keluaran Dalam Negara Kasar sebanyak RM20 bilion menjelang tahun 2035. Pelan ini memberi tumpuan kepada inovasi dan keusahawanan, pengukuhan bakat tempatan, pemeliharaan warisan budaya, serta peluasan akses pasaran global. Ia juga didukung oleh enam pemangkin utama iaitu pembangunan bakat, pemerkasaan digital, kemudahan pembiayaan, kesiapsiagaan infrastruktur, akses pasaran yang lebih luas dan sistem tadbir urus yang mantap.

    Ekspo Ekonomi Kreatif Selangor 2025 yang berlangsung pada 23 hingga 24 September di Pusat Konvensyen MBSA, Shah Alam berfungsi sebagai platform penting untuk menggerakkan inisiatif pelan tindakan ini. Penganjurannya menampilkan pelbagai sesi termasuk perbincangan dasar, forum, bengkel, pameran dan persembahan interaktif. Selain itu, ia turut membuka ruang jaringan perniagaan melalui CRE8Biz Xchange yang mempertemukan usahawan dengan jenama besar, pelabur serta agensi kerajaan. CRE8Fund pula dilancarkan sebagai Dana Mikro Kreatif Selangor untuk membantu syarikat pemula dan pencipta tempatan mendapatkan pembiayaan, manakala CRE8Stage mengetengahkan persembahan seni, pameran serta pengalaman kreatif daripada bakat tempatan. Ekspo ini juga menjadi pentas pemeteraian memorandum persefahaman yang menonjolkan kerjasama strategik merentas industri.

    Menurut YB Najwan, ekonomi kreatif tidak lagi boleh dilihat hanya dalam konteks seni dan budaya semata-mata, sebaliknya ia kini merupakan bidang yang mampu mencipta pekerjaan bernilai tinggi, merangsang inovasi, mengukuhkan sektor pelancongan dan membina identiti global bagi Selangor. Industri kreatif negeri ini telah menyumbang antara RM8 hingga RM10 bilion kepada KDNK pada tahun 2022. Dengan pelaksanaan pelan tindakan baharu ini, Selangor menyasarkan pertumbuhan berganda menjelang 2035 dengan mewujudkan ekosistem yang inklusif, berdaya saing serta bersedia menghadapi cabaran masa depan.

    Ekspo ini dianjurkan oleh Kerajaan Negeri Selangor dengan kerjasama Selangor Youth Community (SAY) dan mendapat sokongan daripada pelbagai rakan strategik sektor awam dan swasta. Langkah ini membuktikan komitmen Selangor untuk terus memartabatkan industri kreatif sebagai tunjang ekonomi baharu dan mengukuhkan kedudukan negeri sebagai pusat kreativiti serantau.

  • Herbalife and UiTM Join Forces to Promote Nutrition and Wellness in Malaysia

    Herbalife and UiTM Join Forces to Promote Nutrition and Wellness in Malaysia

    Herbalife has renewed its partnership with Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM), continuing a collaboration that first began in 2022. The renewed Memorandum of Understanding, signed at UiTM Shah Alam, highlights the shared commitment of both organisations to advance nutrition education, support research in sports science, and promote healthier lifestyles throughout Malaysia.

    The MoU was formally exchanged by Steven Chin, Senior Director and General Manager of Herbalife Malaysia and Singapore, and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Raja Mohammed Firhad Raja Azidin, Dean of the Faculty of Sports Science and Recreation, in the presence of faculty members, students, and senior officials. Steven Chin expressed the company’s pride in maintaining the partnership with UiTM, noting that over the past three years, the collaboration has provided students with direct access to international nutrition experts, created learning opportunities for coaches and athletes, and opened avenues for young entrepreneurs to pursue careers in health and wellness. He emphasized that the renewed MoU aims to further embed wellness, nutrition, and sports science into the daily lives of Malaysians, ensuring the next generation is healthier, stronger, and well-prepared to lead.

    Since the inception of their partnership, Herbalife and UiTM have launched a variety of initiatives bridging academia, industry, and the community. Knowledge-sharing sessions with Herbalife’s global experts have given UiTM students exposure to international practices in nutrition and sports science. The MASM Football Science Workshop Series has equipped coaches and athletes with practical tools in training, injury prevention, and player development, incorporating performance assessment techniques and fuelling strategies used by international teams. These programmes have raised the standard for football science in Malaysia and empowered coaches to better support athletes. The Herbalife–UiTM Entrepreneurship Programme has also encouraged students from diverse backgrounds to view health and wellness not just as a lifestyle but as a viable career path, providing mentorship and confidence to pursue opportunities in the industry.

    Assoc. Prof. Dr. Raja Mohammed Firhad highlighted the importance of industry collaboration in bridging the gap between theory and practice. He stated that combining UiTM’s academic strengths with Herbalife’s real-world expertise has enabled the creation of programmes that prepare students to enter the workforce confidently while equipping athletes with knowledge to perform at their best.

    The MoU was signed during the National Association of Physical Education and Sports Science International Conference 2025, themed “Optimizing Performance and Wellness: Innovation in Health, Exercise, and Sports Sciences.” During the conference, Herbalife hosted an industry engagement session, and Dr. Simon Sum, Herbalife’s Director of Scientific Affairs, presented on the role of carbohydrates in optimizing endurance performance. His presentation emphasized the importance of carbohydrates as the primary energy source for the body and brain and their role in moderate to high-intensity activities, while also addressing current debates around low-carbohydrate and ketogenic diets from a balanced perspective.

    This renewed partnership reaffirms Herbalife and UiTM’s dedication to advancing nutrition, wellness, and entrepreneurship, aiming to create lasting positive impacts for students, athletes, and the wider Malaysian community.

  • KAO Malaysia & Universiti Malaya Unite for Breakthroughs in Skin Health

    KAO Malaysia & Universiti Malaya Unite for Breakthroughs in Skin Health

    KAO Malaysia and Universiti Malaya (UM) have announced the successful completion of the “Skin Protection, Life Perfection” campaign with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), formalising their joint commitment to advancing public health through skincare education and research.

    As part of this collaboration, KAO Malaysia, through its leading skincare brand Bioré, is contributing RM50,000 in funding across two flagship initiatives led by Universiti Malaya. The first initiative is a community engagement programme titled “Beautiful Change Begins with Us,” managed by the Universiti Malaya Community Engagement Centre (UMCares). This programme focuses on hygiene awareness, environmental sustainability, and positive mental wellness for teenagers, adults, and children. The second initiative is a research collaboration titled “Innovative Clean Skincare Formulations for Skin Protection and Healthy Living,” which will be conducted by the Faculty of Science at Universiti Malaya. Both projects are part of KAO Malaysia’s 1% pledge of Bioré product sales to support local skin health research.

    Mr. Yamazaki Hirobumi, President of KAO Malaysia, highlighted the significance of the collaboration, stating that the partnership reflects KAO’s commitment to going beyond product innovation to create meaningful, science-driven impact in the communities it serves. He emphasised that skin protection is not just a personal care choice but a public health responsibility, and expressed pride in working with Universiti Malaya to advance this vision for the benefit of all Malaysians.

    This MoU marks KAO Malaysia’s first academic partnership with an educational institution in the country. Through this collaboration, KAO and UM aim to bridge science and public awareness to position skincare as a fundamental pillar of community health. Guided by the shared vision of “Skin Protection, Life Perfection,” the campaign initially began as a community awareness initiative and has now been extended through KAO’s funding support. This will enable Universiti Malaya to strengthen its community engagement programmes and enhance its research efforts with new resources and equipment for long-term impact in skin health and wellness education.

    Associate Professor ChM. Dr. Noraini Ahmad, Director of UMCares, expressed her gratitude for the collaboration, noting that the MoU opens new opportunities to translate academic research into practical solutions. She added that the partnership will drive advancements in clean formulation development while fostering greater community engagement.

    The MoU was officially signed between Mr. Yamazaki Hirobumi, President of KAO Malaysia, and Professor Dato’ Seri Ir. Dr. Noor Azuan Abu Osman, Vice-Chancellor of Universiti Malaya. The signing ceremony was witnessed by Watsons Malaysia and included a symbolic donation handover to mark the shared commitment of all parties toward meaningful collaboration.

    The “Skin Protection, Life Perfection” campaign was originally launched in May 2025 in partnership with Watsons, championing skin protection as the key to confidence. Powered by Bioré’s “Cleanse. Protect.” philosophy, the initiative combined expert education, engaging consumer experiences, and a pledge of one percent of product sales to support local research. With Universiti Malaya and skincare professionals lending their expertise, Watsons helped bring the campaign to life nationwide with exclusive rewards and member perks.

    With the signing of the MoU, the partnership now moves forward with a long-term commitment to advancing skin health, ensuring that the collaboration between KAO Malaysia, Universiti Malaya, and Watsons will continue to benefit communities across Malaysia for years to come.

  • Syria Care Perkenal Humam Relief, Kukuhkan Peranan Malaysia di Pentas Kemanusiaan Antarabangsa

    Syria Care Perkenal Humam Relief, Kukuhkan Peranan Malaysia di Pentas Kemanusiaan Antarabangsa

    Syria Care hari ini mencatatkan sejarah penting apabila melancarkan Pertubuhan Amal HUMAM atau HUMAM Relief, sebuah organisasi baharu yang membawa misi kemanusiaan Malaysia ke peringkat global termasuk tanah air sendiri.

    Menurut Pengerusi merangkap Ketua Pegawai Eksekutif Syria Care, Siti Sakinah Meor Omar Baki, HUMAM Relief ditubuhkan pada tahun 2024 hasil daripada pengalaman, pengorbanan dan kejayaan Syria Care yang telah berkhidmat lebih sedekad di bumi Syam. Beliau menegaskan bahawa organisasi ini hadir dengan visi lebih luas, bukan sahaja memberikan bantuan kecemasan, tetapi juga membina masa depan yang mampan dan bermaruah untuk masyarakat rentan di seluruh dunia.

    “HUMAM Relief lahir sebagai ‘adik’, tetapi dengan mandat yang lebih luas, ia akan berperanan sebagai ‘abang’ kepada Syria Care. Syria Care akan terus fokus kepada bumi Syam, manakala HUMAM Relief membawa pengalaman itu ke peringkat global. HUMAM Relief percaya bahawa setiap bantuan mesti menghormati identiti, budaya dan maruah komuniti yang dibantu, supaya mereka bukan sekadar hidup tetapi hidup dengan martabat,” ujar beliau.

    Walaupun masih baharu, HUMAM Relief telah mula bergerak ke beberapa negara dengan melaksanakan projek awal seperti pembinaan telaga air bersih di Uganda dan Indonesia, pemulihan rumah yang rosak akibat konflik di Syria serta projek W.A.S.H (Air, Sanitasi dan Kebersihan) di Malaysia. Projek ini memberi tumpuan kepada inisiatif kebersihan wanita dan kesihatan haid melalui kerjasama dengan agensi kerajaan serta badan-badan korporat.

    Siti Sakinah menambah bahawa HUMAM Relief berhasrat untuk berkembang menjadi peneraju dalam misi kemanusiaan dengan memberi tumpuan kepada projek-projek mampan di Malaysia dan juga peringkat antarabangsa. Melalui inovasi, pemerkasaan serta penyelesaian yang lestari, HUMAM Relief mahu melihat komuniti rentan membina semula kehidupan dan memperbaiki taraf hidup.

    Majlis pelancaran turut menyaksikan pengenalan logo baharu Syria Care yang melambangkan aspirasi segar dan kematangan organisasi. Syria Care yang ditubuhkan pada 2012 bermula dari sebuah bilik kecil hasil inisiatif sukarelawan serta bekas pelajar Syria di Malaysia. Diterajui pengasasnya Sheikh Samir Sakka, Syria Care berkembang daripada usaha kecil menjadi sebuah NGO berimpak besar.

    Misi pertamanya pada tahun 2013 diuji dengan tragedi apabila seorang petugas ditembak ketika menjalankan tugas. Namun, peristiwa itu tidak melemahkan semangat, sebaliknya menguatkan tekad mereka untuk terus berjuang. Syria Care didaftarkan secara rasmi pada tahun 2014, menjadi NGO pertama di Malaysia yang khusus membantu krisis kemanusiaan di Syria.

    Sepanjang lebih sedekad, Syria Care telah melaksanakan pelbagai projek termasuk Kampung Malaysia di Idlib yang menempatkan 274 keluarga daripada khemah ke rumah selamat, penajaan hampir 6,000 anak yatim, pembinaan 19 sekolah termasuk sekolah khas anak yatim di Aqrabat, rumah anak yatim dan warga emas Dar As Sakinah di Jisr Al Shughur serta bantuan yang memberi manfaat kepada hampir 6 juta penerima di Malaysia, Syria, Türkiye, Lubnan, Afghanistan, Uganda, Yaman, Nepal dan selatan Thailand. Syria Care juga menjadi NGO Malaysia pertama yang berdaftar secara rasmi di Syria, membolehkan bantuan disalurkan dengan lebih sistematik.

    Dengan kehadiran HUMAM Relief, Syria Care kini lebih fokus kepada bumi Syam termasuk Syria, Palestin dan Lubnan, manakala HUMAM Relief berfungsi sebagai sayap global untuk memperluaskan capaian bantuan. Kedua-dua organisasi ini digerakkan oleh pasukan yang sama dengan semangat yang tidak pernah berubah iaitu semangat kemanusiaan.

    Siti Sakinah turut menegaskan bahawa perjalanan ini tidak akan berhasil tanpa sokongan rakyat Malaysia. Beliau menyatakan bahawa lebih sedekad pengalaman Syria Care membuktikan sumbangan dan doa rakyat Malaysia mampu mengubah kehidupan insan lain. HUMAM Relief adalah kesinambungan daripada kekuatan ini, dan misi ini bukan hanya milik Syria Care atau HUMAM Relief semata-mata tetapi milik semua manusia yang diamanahkan untuk membela sesama insan.