MalaysianUpdates

Category: Sustainability

  • Emirates Group Strengthens Global Position with Historic Profit and Revenue

    Emirates Group Strengthens Global Position with Historic Profit and Revenue

    Emirates Group recorded its highest-ever profit for the 2025-26 financial year, posting a pre-tax profit of AED24.4 billion (US$6.6 billion), an increase of seven per cent compared to the previous year. The Group also achieved record revenue of AED150.5 billion (US$41 billion) despite facing operational disruptions across the Gulf region during the reporting period.

    Emirates maintained its position as the world’s most profitable airline, reporting a pre-tax profit of AED22.8 billion (US$6.2 billion), up seven per cent year-on-year. The strong performance was driven by network expansion and the addition of new Airbus A350 aircraft equipped with the airline’s latest products and technologies.

    Meanwhile, dnata also delivered an impressive performance, recording its highest-ever revenue of AED23.6 billion (US$6.4 billion) alongside steady profit growth, supported by increased airport operations, catering and travel services activities.

    For the financial year ended 31 March 2026, Emirates Group also reported record cash assets of AED59.6 billion (US$16.2 billion), reflecting a 12 per cent increase compared to the previous year. The Group’s EBITDA reached AED41.1 billion (US$11.2 billion), highlighting strong operating profitability.

    The Group declared a dividend of AED3.5 billion (US$1 billion) to its owner, the Investment Corporation of Dubai (ICD). Following the increase in the UAE corporate tax rate from nine to 15 per cent due to the implementation of Pillar Two tax regulations, Emirates Group posted a profit after tax of AED21 billion (US$5.7 billion), up three per cent from the 2024-25 financial year.

    Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Airline and Group, Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, said the outstanding results demonstrated the resilience of Emirates Group’s business model, which is built on safety, innovation, service excellence, strong talent and strategic partnerships.

    He noted that during the first 11 months of the 2025-26 financial year, demand for Emirates and dnata products and services remained robust, contributing to higher revenue and healthy profit margins driven by continuous investments in products, technology, branding and people development.

    However, military activities in the Gulf region on 28 February significantly disrupted global commercial aviation operations, including in the UAE. Emirates and dnata responded swiftly by implementing measures to support affected customers and employees while ensuring operational continuity.

    Sheikh Ahmed said Dubai’s position as a global aviation hub, supported by modern infrastructure and a strong aviation ecosystem, enabled UAE authorities to act quickly in securing safe commercial flight corridors. Operations at Dubai International Airport (DXB) have since gradually recovered, although passenger capacity has yet to fully return to pre-disruption levels.

    He also highlighted the important role played by Emirates Group employees in ensuring the organisation remained agile and operationally efficient during challenging times. Sheikh Ahmed further expressed appreciation for Dubai’s leadership and its continued support for the aviation sector as a key driver of the emirate’s economy.

    Throughout the 2025-26 financial year, Emirates Group invested AED17.9 billion (US$4.9 billion) in new aircraft, facilities, equipment and advanced technologies to support future growth. The Group’s workforce also expanded by eight per cent to 130,919 employees, including a growing UAE national workforce which now exceeds 4,000 employees.

    Commenting on the outlook for 2026-27, Sheikh Ahmed said Emirates Group is entering the new financial year with a very strong cash position and solid business fundamentals. He added that the Group would continue its aircraft delivery and cabin retrofit programmes while maintaining investments in new facilities and world-class customer experiences.

    During the year, Emirates expanded its network with four new destinations: Da Nang, Hangzhou, Siem Reap and Shenzhen. As of 31 March 2026, Emirates’ global network covered 152 cities across 80 countries. The airline also strengthened its strategic partnerships with 32 codeshare partners and 117 interline partners, providing customers access to more than 1,700 cities worldwide.

    Emirates received 15 new Airbus A350 aircraft during the financial year, enabling the airline to offer more premium products, including Premium Economy Class and next-generation inflight entertainment systems. By the end of March 2026, Emirates operated a fleet of 277 aircraft with an average fleet age of 10.8 years.

    Emirates’ revenue increased by two per cent to AED130.9 billion (US$35.7 billion), while profit after tax reached a record AED19.7 billion (US$5.4 billion). The airline carried 53.2 million passengers during the financial year, recording a passenger seat factor of 78.4 per cent.

    As part of efforts to enhance customer experience, Emirates introduced high-speed Starlink internet connectivity across its aircraft and continued its US$5 billion cabin retrofit programme. To date, 91 aircraft have completed the full refurbishment process.

    Emirates SkyCargo also delivered strong performance, handling 2.4 million tonnes of cargo, up three per cent from the previous year. The cargo division generated AED16.2 billion (US$4.4 billion) in revenue, contributing 12 per cent to Emirates’ total revenue.

    In addition, dnata continued to strengthen its global operations as revenue increased by 12 per cent to AED23.6 billion (US$6.4 billion). The growth was driven by increased aviation and travel activities across key markets including Australia, Europe, the UAE, the United Kingdom and the United States.

    dnata also invested AED858 million (US$234 million) to expand catering facilities, cargo operations and environmentally friendly ground support equipment. The company continued implementing sustainability initiatives, including the use of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), food waste reduction programmes and the adoption of electric and hybrid vehicles in its operations.

    On the social responsibility front, Emirates Group continued supporting community programmes through the Emirates Airline Foundation and the dnata4good platform, including initiatives focused on education, healthcare and welfare assistance for underprivileged communities worldwide.

  • AEON Bank dan SURI Perkenal Program iTEKAD S.R.I. untuk Perkasa Wanita dan Belia B40

    AEON Bank dan SURI Perkenal Program iTEKAD S.R.I. untuk Perkasa Wanita dan Belia B40

    Berteraskan matlamat untuk meningkatkan keterangkuman kewangan, khususnya dalam kalangan ibu, wanita dan belia daripada komuniti berpendapatan rendah, AEON Bank, bank digital Islamik pertama di Malaysia, telah menjalinkan kerjasama strategik dengan SURI Inspirasi Sdn Bhd (SURI) untuk memperkenalkan Program Sustainable. Reliable. Income (S.R.I.). Inisiatif ini selaras dengan program iTEKAD, iaitu inisiatif kewangan sosial oleh Bank Negara Malaysia yang bertujuan memperkasa komuniti melalui peluang penjanaan pendapatan mampan.

    SURI merupakan sebuah perusahaan sosial yang komited memperkasakan wanita daripada komuniti berpendapatan rendah, khususnya golongan ibu dan belia yang berusaha memperbaiki kehidupan demi masa depan keluarga. Melalui pembelajaran kemahiran praktikal seperti menjahit, mereka diberi peluang menjana pendapatan secara berterusan. Program AEON Bank x SURI iTEKAD S.R.I. telah dilancarkan pada Mac 2026 dengan sasaran 60 peserta menerusi tiga kohort, di mana setiap kohort berlangsung selama enam bulan. Program ini ditaja sepenuhnya oleh AEON Bank dan dibangunkan bersama SURI bagi melengkapkan peserta berusia antara 18 hingga 60 tahun dengan kemahiran, sokongan, peralatan serta akses kewangan untuk membina kehidupan yang lebih stabil. Ia menyasarkan individu daripada latar belakang berpendapatan rendah yang berdepan cabaran kewangan seperti isi rumah berpendapatan tunggal, penganggur dan mereka yang mempunyai pendapatan tidak menentu.

    Bagi memperluaskan impak sosial, peserta turut digalakkan menyertai inisiatif MySURi Seragam, di mana mereka akan menjahit sebanyak 1,000 pasang pakaian seragam sekolah untuk pelajar daripada keluarga berpendapatan rendah, rumah anak yatim dan rumah kebajikan. Usaha ini bukan sahaja membuka peluang pendapatan tambahan, malah memberi ruang kepada peserta untuk menyumbang kepada masyarakat melalui inisiatif yang memberi manfaat kepada golongan memerlukan.

    Dengan kepakaran SURI dalam membimbing golongan ibu dan belia yang perlu mengimbangi tanggungjawab keluarga, peserta akan mengikuti bengkel latihan menjahit dan pembangunan produk, termasuk teknik ikat celup Indigo Shibori dengan menggunakan bahan kitar tinggi seperti fabrik denim dan cadar hotel terpakai. Selepas menamatkan latihan, mereka akan berupaya menghasilkan cenderahati premium yang lestari, yang boleh dipasarkan melalui platform SURI Lifestyle atau menerusi pesanan konsainan untuk tujuan perolehan sosial. Hasil jualan akan disalurkan terus kepada peserta, sekali gus menyokong model ekonomi kitaran yang menggabungkan pertumbuhan ekonomi dan impak sosial.

    SURI diasaskan oleh gandingan ibu dan anak, Sally @ Salena Ahmad dan Amer Asyraf, yang sejak tahun 2016 telah melatih lebih 400 wanita di seluruh negara. Mereka juga membangunkan jenama SURI Lifestyle yang menawarkan produk berasaskan fabrik lebihan yang dikitar tinggi seperti denim dan linen, yang sebaliknya akan dibuang. Fabrik ini diolah menjadi produk berkualiti tinggi oleh ibu-ibu SURI, sekali gus menggalakkan penggunaan produk yang lebih lestari dalam kalangan pengguna.

    Bagi memperkukuh kebolehpasaran produk peserta, AEON Bank dan SURI turut bekerjasama dengan Zucchini & Co. untuk menyediakan modul pemasaran digital, termasuk kemahiran media sosial dan fotografi mudah alih. Inisiatif ini membantu peserta memperluaskan capaian pelanggan serta meningkatkan keupayaan mereka bersaing dalam pasaran digital.

    Setelah menamatkan program, peserta akan menerima mesin jahit mudah alih bagi membolehkan mereka memanfaatkan kemahiran yang diperoleh untuk menjana pendapatan secara berdikari dan menyara keluarga. Selain kemahiran teknikal, AEON Bank turut menyediakan modul literasi kewangan yang merangkumi pendedahan kepada perbankan digital, kesedaran keselamatan siber dan pencegahan penipuan. Peserta juga diperkenalkan kepada ciri-ciri dalam aplikasi AEON Bank seperti Savings Pot, Neko Sensei sebagai pembimbing kewangan peribadi, serta ciri tambahan lain termasuk Takaful, Neko Missions dan mata ganjaran AEON.

    Program AEON Bank x SURI iTEKAD S.R.I. merupakan edisi kedua inisiatif iTEKAD oleh AEON Bank, susulan program AEON Bank x MADCash iTEKAD GrowthStart yang berlangsung dari Februari 2025 hingga Februari 2027 dan melibatkan 65 usahawan mikro wanita daripada golongan B40 di Kedah, Johor dan Negeri Sembilan. Melalui inisiatif seperti S.R.I. dan GrowthStart, AEON Bank terus komited menyediakan penyelesaian kewangan yang mudah diakses, sambil memperkasa komuniti untuk mencapai aspirasi kewangan dan meningkatkan daya tahan ekonomi.

    Secara keseluruhan, AEON Bank akan terus memainkan peranan dalam memupuk masa hadapan kewangan yang lebih inklusif di Malaysia, di samping menyokong pembangunan perbankan Islamik dan merangsang pertumbuhan ekonomi digital negara. Untuk maklumat lanjut, orang ramai boleh melayari laman web AEON Bank dan SURI serta memuat turun aplikasi AEON Bank bagi menerokai pengalaman perbankan digital yang lebih dinamik.

  • BYD Sime Motors Marks Major Achievement, Exceeding 25,000 BYD Customers in Three Years as Malaysia’s Top EV Brand

    BYD Sime Motors Marks Major Achievement, Exceeding 25,000 BYD Customers in Three Years as Malaysia’s Top EV Brand

    BYD Sime Motors, the official distributor of BYD cars in Malaysia, proudly marks its third anniversary as the nation’s leading EV brand, celebrating over 25,000 BYD vehicles on Malaysian roads. These cars not only provide mobility but also represent more than 25,000 Malaysian families actively contributing to a greener, more sustainable society. Collectively, BYD owners help reduce over 62,000 tonnes of CO₂ emissions annually, equivalent to planting nearly 2.5 million trees each year, enough to circle Malaysia’s coastline more than six times. This remarkable achievement highlights the significant environmental impact of BYD’s electric vehicles nationwide.

    Boasting the largest fully electric portfolio in Malaysia, BYD Sime Motors has launched seven models to date, led by the popular BYD ATTO 3, the volume leader in the C-segment SUV category. In 2025, the lineup expanded further with the introduction of BYD ATTO 2 and BYD SEAL 6, alongside a refreshed BYD SEAL. From entry-level sedans to premium SUVs and MPVs, BYD continues to meet the evolving demands of Malaysian drivers, offering vehicles that blend advanced technology, safety, and affordability.

    (Left to Right) Adeline Lew, Managing Director of BYD Sime Motors; Jeffrey Gan, Managing Director of Southeast Asia, Sime Motors; Andrew Basham, Managing Director of Sime Motors; Eagle Zhao, Managing Director of BYD Malaysia; Jacob Ma Wei, Deputy General Manager of BYD Malaysia, and Kent Wong, Head of Sales Planning of BYD Malaysia.

    Eagle Zhao, Managing Director of BYD Malaysia, commented, “This milestone is a true reflection of the rapid growth of the EV movement in Malaysia. Having over 25,000 Malaysians in the BYD family demonstrates the trust and enthusiasm for sustainable mobility. We remain committed to delivering a greener, smarter, and safer driving experience for all.” Jeffrey Gan, Managing Director of Southeast Asia, Sime Motors, added, “BYD has become a cornerstone of Sime Motors’ portfolio in just three years. Our extensive sales and aftersales network ensures an exemplary ownership experience, making EVs accessible and practical for Malaysian drivers.”

    Supporting this growth is BYD Sime Motors’ nationwide infrastructure, which includes 39 sales outlets, 24 aftersales centres, 12 authorised body and paint centres, and a centralised parts warehouse maintaining a 94% fill rate. More than 1,000 employees are trained at BYD’s dedicated Training Centre, upholding high technical and service standards. Looking ahead, BYD Sime Motors plans to expand its network, integrate advanced technologies, and establish local CKD assembly operations in 2026 to create sustainable value and employment opportunities.

    With the year-end deadline for full tax exemptions on fully imported EVs approaching, BYD Sime Motors is inviting customers to take advantage of exclusive promotions, offering up to RM20,000 in savings on selected models. This makes now the perfect opportunity for Malaysians to switch to electric and join the country’s leading EV brand.

  • 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.

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

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

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

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

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

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