PETRONAS AND MICROSOFT EXPAND COLLABORATION TO SUPPORT MALAYSIA’S AI ECOSYSTEM

Photo caption: Ir Ts Mohd Yusri Mohamed Yusof, PETRONAS’ Senior Vice President of Projects, Technology & Health, Safety, Security & Environment (PT&HSSE) delivering his opening remarks at the Memorandum of Understanding signing ceremony. 
He says, “Our collaboration with Microsoft is driven by a shared commitment to meaningful innovation and sustainable progress. By harnessing our joint expertise in innovation and sustainability, we are steadfast in advancing adoption of AI and Cloud capabilities in a manner that promotes sustainable energy practices, in support of Malaysia’s aspirations of building an AI economy with a robust ecosystem in which everyone thrives.” 

KUALA LUMPUR, 31 July (Bernama) -- PETRONAS and Microsoft signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), further extending their strategic collaboration in multiple areas across innovation and sustainability to support the development of an Artificial Intelligence (AI)-enabled economy and ecosystem in Malaysia, while advancing efforts toward energy transition in Asia.

At the signing ceremony held on the sidelines of Energy Asia 2025, PETRONAS was represented by its Senior Vice President of Projects, Technology & Health, Safety, Security & Environment (PT&HSSE), Ir Ts Mohd Yusri Mohamed Yusof and Vice President of Group Technology & Commercialisation, Izwan Ismail. Microsoft Malaysia was represented by its Managing Director, Laurence Si.
 
Ir Ts Mohd Yusri said, “At PETRONAS, innovation goes beyond technology – it is about shaping a future where energy is smarter, cleaner, and sustainable for not only the organisations involved, but also the nation and its people.
 
“Our collaboration with Microsoft is driven by a shared commitment to meaningful innovation and sustainable progress. By harnessing our joint expertise in innovation and sustainability, we are steadfast in advancing adoption of AI and Cloud capabilities in a manner that promotes sustainable energy practices, in support of Malaysia’s aspirations of building an AI economy with a robust ecosystem in which everyone thrives,” he added. 
 
Si said, “As a trusted technology partner to PETRONAS, we are thrilled to strengthen our collaboration to help advance their digital and AI transformation. With Microsoft’s new cloud region in Malaysia, we are committed to supporting PETRONAS with secure, scalable, and sustainable cloud solutions that will drive growth and innovation in Malaysia’s energy sector.”
 
The collaboration will focus on fostering an ecosystem in Malaysia that enables organisations to harness AI's potential for economic advancement and societal benefit. With nation building at heart, the companies will support Malaysia’s efforts to build regional leadership in AI capabilities and develop a strong local AI ecosystem through joint programmes.
 
Under the collaboration, PETRONAS and Microsoft will explore further initiatives to intensify AI and energy innovation leveraging Microsoft’s newly launched Malaysia West cloud region. They will look into entrenching Agentic AI, Microsoft Copilot, data analytics, cloud computing and cybersecurity among other technologies, to unlock new levels of operational efficiency and sustainability performance across its value chain. 
 
The parties will also explore a holistic collaboration across industries to promote sustainable energy and policy alignment. 

Issued by
Media Communications
Group Strategic Relations & Communications
PETRONAS

SOURCE: PETRONAS

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:
Name: Estee Aina Huslan
Tel: 012-2283377 
Email: esteeaina.huslan@petronas.com 

--BERNAMA

AmFIRST REIT Continues To Deliver Improved Performance Driven by Strong Growth in Occupancy

KUALA LUMPUR, July 31 (Bernama) -- AmREIT Managers Sdn Bhd (“AmREIT”), the Manager of AmFIRST Real Estate Investment Trust (“AmFIRST REIT” or the “Trust”) announced improved financial performance for the first quarter of the current financial year, underpinned by higher rental income from improved portfolio occupancy and higher carpark income. Additionally, a one-off compensation received for waiver of reinstatement liability has also contributed to the improved gross revenue.

 
Key Financial Highlights for 1Q FY2026:
 
· Gross Revenue: RM27.0 million, up 7.6% quarter-on-quarter.
· Net Property Income: RM16.2 million, an increase of 17.3% from the preceding quarter.
· Realised Earnings Per Unit: 0.75 sen per unit, up 47% quarter-on -quarter.
 
Portfolio occupancy continued to strengthen during the current quarter, with notable improvements in occupancy rates at Menara AmBank, Wisma AmFIRST, Prima 9 and Jaya 99 attributed to multiple new tenancies secured during the current financial quarter. These new tenancies secured during this quarter have lifted the overall committed portfolio occupancy by 4.1% from 84.7% as at 31 March 2025 to 88.8% as at 30 June 2025, providing sustained rental income growth in the coming years.
 
Property expenses were slightly higher mainly due to higher repair and maintenance costs, as well as increase in assessment charges. However, this increase was partially mitigated by lower electricity expenses.
 
Finance costs saw a marginal decline of 0.5% compared to the corresponding period of last financial year, supported by lower average cost of borrowings. The recent 25 basis points cut in the Overnight Policy Rate by Bank Negara Malaysia is expected to further reduce interest expenses. With 67% of the Trust’s borrowings are subject to floating rates, it is estimating the interest saving of approximately RM1.3 million per annum from every 25 basis points reduction in the cost of debt. This favorable rate environment expects to enhance the Trust’s earning resilience.

Overall, the realised net income from operations rose significantly by 45.4% to RM5.1 million, compared to RM3.5 million in the same quarter of the previous financial year.

Looking ahead, the Manager aims to further enhance the performance of the Trust’s asset portfolio by driving revenue growth and optimising operational costs, to increase the asset portfolio’s yield for higher income distribution to the Unitholders. Barring any unforeseen circumstances, the Manager remains cautiously optimistic that the Trust will deliver improved performance for the remainder of the financial year, supported by higher occupancy rates and ongoing operational efficiencies.

About AmFIRST REIT 

Listed on 21 December 2006, AmFIRST REIT currently owns eight (8) properties valued at RM1.57 billion. These include Bangunan AmBank Group, Menara AmBank, Wisma AmFIRST, The Summit Subang USJ, Prima 9, Prima 10, Jaya 99 and Mydin Hypermall, Bukit Mertajam. The Trust focuses on investing in incomeproducing real estate which are primarily for commercial use. AmFIRST REIT is managed by AmREIT Managers Sdn Bhd. 

​For more information, please visit AmFIRST REIT’s website at https://www.amfirstreit.com.my.

SOURCE: AmBank Group

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:
Name: Mr Chong Hong Chuon
Chief Executive Officer
Tel: 03-7955 8780

--BERNAMA

KIOXIA LAUNCHES ADVANCED UFS 4.1 MEMORY TO POWER SMARTER, FASTER AUTOMOTIVE SYSTEMS

UFS Ver. 4.1 Embedded Flash Memory Devices for Automotive Applications

KUALA LUMPUR, July 31 (Bernama) -- Kioxia Corporation, a global leader in memory solutions, has commenced sampling of its latest Universal Flash Storage (UFS) Version 4.1 embedded memory devices, developed specifically for automotive applications.

The memory devices are made with Kioxia’s eighth-generation BiCS FLASH 3D flash memory and its in-house controller, delivering faster performance, better flexibility, and improved diagnostics for data-intensive vehicle systems.

Available in 128 gigabytes (GB), 256GB, 512GB, and one terabyte (TB) capacities, the UFS 4.1 chips are built to support a range of in-vehicle technologies including infotainment, Advanced Driving Assistant System (ADAS), telematics, domain controllers, and vehicle computers. They meet AEC-Q100/104 Grade 2 automotive standards and can operate in high temperatures environments of up to 115 degrees Celsius (°C).

In a statement, Kioxia said the 512GB UFS 4.1 device delivers a major performance leap over its previous UFS 3.1 generation, offering up 2.1 times faster sequential read, 2.5 times faster sequential write, and significant gains in random read and write speeds.

These improvements help create faster, more responsive experiences in next-generation vehicles.

The UFS 4.1 standard introduces advanced features such as WriteBooster Buffer Resizing and Pinned Partial Flush Mode, which enhance write performance and system flexibility. The devices are also backward compatible with UFS 4.0 and UFS 3.1, simplifying integration across existing platforms.

Enhanced diagnostic capabilities include a new vendor-specific device health descriptor, enabling predictive maintenance and more efficient monitoring—an essential feature for long-term automotive reliability.

These performance gains are made possible through CMOS directly Bonded to Array (CBA) technology, an architectural innovation that connects the CMOS circuitry directly to the memory array. This approach significantly boosts power efficiency, storage density, and data throughput—critical advantages for modern vehicles that depend on high-speed data processing.

Packaged in a JEDEC-standard format, the new UFS 4.1 devices are ready to be adopted by automakers looking to advance the performance, safety, and reliability of connected and autonomous vehicle systems.

-- BERNAMA

 

NO COMPROMISE AS ENCORP 2025 INTEGRITY DAY SPARKS HONEST CONVERSATIONS ON ETHICS AND ACCOUNTABILITY

Photo 1: Chairman of ENCORP, Mohd Yusmadi Bin Mohd Yusoff, with PPj Tan Li Chu from the MACC during ENCORP Integrity Day 2025.  

KOTA DAMANSARA, July 30 (Bernama) -- Encorp Berhad (ENCORP) recently reaffirmed its commitment to ethical leadership and good governance through ENCORP Integrity Day 2025, signalling a clear message of zero tolerance towards misconduct and a renewed push for stronger governance.

The event was officiated by PPj Tan Li Chu, Head of GLC Section, Private Sector Branch, Community Education Division of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) and attended by Mohd Yusmadi Bin Mohd Yusoff, Chairman of ENCORP; Ahmad Harzimi bin Mohd Taib, Group Chief Executive Officer of ENCORP, along with newly appointed Independent Non-Executive Director of Encorp Berhad, Dr Wan Ahmad Rudirman Bin Wan Razak. Also present were representatives from FELDA Investment Corporation, as well as project consultants and contractors, reflecting a strong and collective commitment to upholding integrity across all levels of the industry.
 
ENCORP Integrity Day 2025 went beyond symbolic gesture. It serves as a platform to strengthen internal culture, reinforce ethical standards and engage employees in open, values-driven conversations. A key segment of the programme was the Anti-Bribery Management System briefing delivered by Encik Arman Idzmy Omar, Assistant General Manager of the Risk, Governance and Integrity Unit. The session highlighted ENCORP’s proactive stance in institutionalising anti-bribery controls and compliance mechanisms across its operations as well as reflecting the company’s serious, system-wide approach to integrity.
 
In his welcoming remarks, Mohd Yusmadi Mohd Yusoff stated, “Integrity is not negotiable. It must live in every decision, every process and every person. We are setting a clear tone at ENCORP. One that reflects responsibility, vigilance and leadership by example.”
 
He added, “Integrity is not a standalone principle, it thrives when embraced collectively, through muafakat. A values-driven culture cannot be for show. It takes real commitment and the courage to do what’s right, even when no one is watching. At ENCORP, we are not just talking about ethics, we are living it.”
 
PPj Tan Li Chu, in her keynote speech, commended ENCORP’s commitment to enhancing governance culture and encouraged the private sector to continue playing a leading role in advancing the nation’s anti-corruption goals. She added, “ENCORP’S retail shopping mall, Strand Mall, is the first mall in Malaysia to collaborate with MACC in holding the Corruption- Free Pledge (Ikrar Bebas Rasuah) ceremony, marking a key milestone in the retail and property development sector’s integrity journey.”

 
The event concluded with the Corruption-Free Pledge recited by all ENCORP employees symbolising a clear and united affirmation that the organisation is moving forward with stronger principles, cleaner practices and a zero-tolerance approach to misconduct. Prior to the event, ENCORP hosted a two-day Integrity Workshop, where employees from all levels participated in hands-on sessions, further demonstrating ENCORP’s commitment to embedding integrity not just in policy, but in daily practice. 

About Encorp Berhad
Listed on the Main Market of Bursa Malaysia (Ticker: ENCORP/6076), ENCORP is principally an investment-holding company. The Group is currently involved in three core businesses – property development, property investment and construction. For more information, visit www.encorp.com.my or follow us on facebook: @encorpbhd

SOURCE: Encorp Berhad

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:
Name: Saidah Umairah
Tel: 03 6286 7777 
Email: umairah@encorp.com.my 

--BERNAMA

OMS Energy Technologies Delivers Breakout FY2025 Results Following May Nasdaq Debut

KUALA LUMPUR, July 29 (Bernama) -- OMS Energy Technologies Inc (OMS) has posted a blockbuster fiscal year 2025 (FY2025), marking its first full-year earnings since going public with US$203.6 million in revenue and US$47 million in net profit. (US$1=RM4.21)

The manufacturer of surface wellhead systems and oil country tubular goods reported a 33.9 per cent gross margin, up from 29.9 per cent in prior period, driven largely by strong demand for its specialty connectors and pipes business.

Operating profit climbed to US$59.9 million, more than doubling from US$40.2 million in the previous reporting period.

In a statement, OMS Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, How Meng Hock called the results a “proud moment,” highlighting post-initial public offering (IPO) customer wins and a strategy focused on long-term innovation and growth.

Meanwhile, Its Chief Financial Officer, Kevin Yeo credited cost discipline and economies of scale for the improved financial performance.

Yeo added that although net profit declined from last year’s US$82.1 million, the prior figure included a one-time US$49.4 million gain related to a management buyout. Excluding that, OMS showed strong underlying profit growth.

Net cash from operations totalled US$40.5 million, while total cash and equivalents rose to US$75.8 million, up from US$45.4 million a year earlier.

OMS enters fiscal 2026 with solid fundamentals, expanded market reach, and momentum to scale its engineering and high-margin services in key global energy markets.

-- BERNAMA

VIETNAM’S NON-LIFE INSURANCE INDUSTRY HOLDS STEADY, SAYS AM BEST

KUALA LUMPUR, July 30 (Bernama) -- Global credit rating agency, AM Best is maintaining its stable outlook on Vietnam’s non-life insurance segment, supported by structural economic advantages and strong demand across core insurance lines.

In its latest market segment report titled “Market Segment Outlook: Vietnam Non-Life Insurance”, AM Best in a statement said the country’s non-life insurance sector recorded significant growth in gross written premiums in 2024.

The growth is driven largely by health and personal accident insurance amid rising healthcare costs, increasing consumer awareness, and broader use of digital distribution platforms. Growth in property and engineering insurance, the second-largest non-life segment, also contributed to the market’s expansion, the report added.

Vietnam’s economic and regulatory environment continues to support insurance sector development. The country’s real gross domestic product grew by 7.1 per cent in 2024, although AM Best cautioned that global trade uncertainties and economic slowdowns among key trading partners may impact export-driven commercial insurance demand.

“Despite expectations of moderating growth due to softening external demand, structural advantages such as Vietnam’s competitive labour costs and broad participation in global trade agreements continue to support insurance market prospects,” said AM Best senior financial analyst, Ken Lau.

Regulatory improvements are also playing a role in shaping the sector, with a new decree on compulsory fire and explosion insurance expected to enhance premium adequacy. 

The ongoing transition to a risk-based capital regime, supported by quantitative impact studies and mandatory in-house actuary appointments, is further strengthening insurers’ risk management frameworks.

However, AM Best flagged several moderating factors, including subdued investment returns amid a prolonged low-interest rate environment and higher reinsurance costs following 2024’s Typhoon Yagi.

AM Best associate director, analytics, Chris Lim said Tropical Storm Wipha, which struck Northern Vietnam in July 2025, may further influence reinsurers’ appetite for catastrophe risk in future renewals.

Lau is scheduled to present AM Best’s outlook at the Vietnam Insurance Summit on Aug 1 in Quy Nhon. The event, hosted at the Hotel Anya Premier, will also discuss regulatory changes, insurance demand trends, and competitive dynamics. AM Best is a diamond sponsor of the summit.

-- BERNAMA 

Bitget Launchpool Features GAIA with over 4.7M Tokens in Rewards

 

VICTORIA, Seychelles, July 29 (Bernama-GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Bitget, the leading cryptocurrency exchange and Web3 company, has announced the feature of Gaia (GAIA) on its launchpool as well as a listing for spot trading. Gaia is a decentralized computing infrastructure that enables everyone to create, deploy, scale, and monetize their own AI agents. Trading for the GAIA/USDT pair will begin on 30 July 2025, 09:00 (UTC).

Bitget’s GAIA Launchpool campaign is offering 4,741,300 GAIA in total rewards. Eligible users can participate by locking BGB during the event, which runs from 30 July 2025, 09:00 to 1 August 2025, 09:00 (UTC). In the BGB locking pool, users can lock between 5 and 50,000 BGB, with maximum limits determined by their VIP tier, for a chance to earn a share of 3,858,300 GAIA.

Alongside the listing, Bitget will launch a CandyBomb campaign with 633,000 GAIA available in rewards. Of this, 211,000 GAIA will be allocated to the GAIA, BTC and BGB trading pool for new users, while 422,000 GAIA will be up for grabs in the GAIA trading pool for existing users. The campaign will run from 30 July 2025, 9:00 till 6 Aug 2025, 9:00 (UTC).

Bitget will also run an X Giveaway, where 750 qualified users will have the chance to win a share of 125,000 GAIA. The campaign runs from 30 July 2025, 9:00 to 1 August 2025, 9:00 (UTC). To participate, users must follow Bitget and Gaia on X, quote the giveaway post with the hashtag #GAIAxBitgetLaunchpool, tag a friend, sign up, deposit or trade GAIA on Bitget, and complete the form linked in the post.

In addition, a community campaign will run from 30 July 2025, 9:00 to 6 Aug 2025, 9:00 (UTC), offering another 125,000 GAIA to be shared among 750 qualified users. To join, users need to become members of both the Bitget Discord and BGB Holders Group, sign up, make a net deposit of over 100 USDT, and complete any GAIA/USDT spot trade.

Gaia is a decentralized AI network that enables users to host, own, and interact with autonomous AI agents in a secure and transparent environment. Built on blockchain technology, Gaia ensures each AI node operates independently while contributing to a broader, interconnected ecosystem. Users can deploy advanced models such as Qwen2 0.5B Instruct and customize them using personal or business data to create tailored AI services.

By prioritizing data sovereignty and privacy, Gaia introduces a new model for decentralized AI development and monetization. Its user-friendly infrastructure allows individuals to easily install node software, configure models, and participate in domain-based AI collaboration, unlocking new possibilities for innovation in the Web3 space.

Bitget continues to expand its offerings, positioning itself as a leading platform for cryptocurrency trading. The exchange has established a reputation for innovative solutions that empower users to explore crypto within a secure CeDeFi ecosystem.

With an extensive selection of over 800 cryptocurrency pairs and a commitment to broaden its offerings to more than 900 trading pairs, Bitget connects users to various ecosystems, including Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, Base, and TON. The addition of Gaia into Bitget’s portfolio marks a significant step toward expanding its ecosystem by embracing decentralized AI innovation, empowering users with greater control over data privacy, and supporting the next generation of AI-driven Web3 applications.

For more details on Gaia, visit here.

About Bitget

Established in 2018, Bitget is the world's leading cryptocurrency exchange and Web3 company. Serving over 120 million users in 150+ countries and regions, the Bitget exchange is committed to helping users trade smarter with its pioneering copy trading feature and other trading solutions, while offering real-time access to Bitcoin price, Ethereum price, and other cryptocurrency prices. Formerly known as BitKeep, Bitget Wallet is a leading non-custodial crypto wallet supporting 130+ blockchains and millions of tokens. It offers multi-chain trading, staking, payments, and direct access to 20,000+ DApps, with advanced swaps and market insights built into a single platform.

Bitget is driving crypto adoption through strategic partnerships, such as its role as the Official Crypto Partner of the World's Top Football League, LALIGA, in EASTERN, SEA and LATAM markets, as well as a global partner of Turkish National athletes Buse Tosun Çavuşoğlu (Wrestling world champion), Samet Gümüş (Boxing gold medalist) and İlkin Aydın (Volleyball national team), to inspire the global community to embrace the future of cryptocurrency.

Aligned with its global impact strategy, Bitget has joined hands with UNICEF to support blockchain education for 1.1 million people by 2027. In the world of motorsports, Bitget is the exclusive cryptocurrency exchange partner of MotoGP™, one of the world’s most thrilling championships.

For more information, visit: Website | Twitter | Telegram | LinkedIn | Discord | Bitget Wallet

For media inquiries, please contact: media@bitget.com

Risk Warning: Digital asset prices are subject to fluctuation and may experience significant volatility. Investors are advised to only allocate funds they can afford to lose. The value of any investment may be impacted, and there is a possibility that financial objectives may not be met, nor the principal investment recovered. Independent financial advice should always be sought, and personal financial experience and standing carefully considered. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future results. Bitget accepts no liability for any potential losses incurred. Nothing contained herein should be construed as financial advice. For further information, please refer to our Terms of Use.

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/7730d634-b088-4a1c-b437-c1051b2dd570 

SOURCE: Bitget Limited

DISCLAIMER: BERNAMA MREM are not accountable for any causes of website defacement, misuse, or illegal activities connected to cryptocurrency, blockchain, tokenisation, or bitcoin. This material should not be considered as guidance or an opinion, as it does not constitute financial or investment advice. Use this information at your own risk; we are not liable for any losses or damages caused by the republication of this article.

COHERENT CORP. LAUNCHES COHERENT MALAYSIA’S FIRST DATACOM R&D CENTER IN PENANG, ADVANCING OPTICAL TRANSCEIVER TECHNOLOGY FOR AI AND CLOUD COMPUTING

Datuk Sikh Shamsul Ibrahim Sikh Abdul Majid, MIDA Chief Executive Officer

PENANG- SAXONBURG, Pa., July 29 (Bernama) -- Coherent Corp. (NYSE: COHR), a global leader in photonics, today announced the opening of its new Datacom Research and Development Center in Penang. This expansion underscores the company’s strategic commitment to serving its rapidly growing global markets.

The launching ceremony was attended by Government Officials such as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA), Datuk Sikh Shamsul Ibrahim Sikh Abdul Majid; CEO of Invest Penang, Dato’ Loo Lee Lian; Chief People Officer, Coherent Corporation, Ms. Grace Lee and as well as other Coherent personnel. 

Situated at Menara IJM Land, the Penang R&D Center joins the company’s expanding network in Malaysia, complementing its larger manufacturing sites in Ipoh, Perak and Perai, Penang, further maximising transceiver supply from Malaysian factories. 

MIDA CEO Datuk Shamsul Ibrahim highlighted the strategic alignment between Coherent's expansion and Malaysia's semiconductor ambitions, “The National Semiconductor Strategy (NSS), introduced in 2024, lays out Malaysia’s plan to strengthen its position in the global semiconductor supply chain. One of the NSS’s core priorities is supporting high-value R&D and advanced technologies — exactly the kind of work Coherent is doing here in Penang. The strategy also aims to deepen Malaysia’s local capabilities in areas like chip packaging, photonics, and silicon technologies, creating the kind of ecosystem that benefits global innovators. As Coherent develops next-generation optical transceiver technologies at this new facility, it stands to gain from the strong pipeline of talent being built through the NSS. MIDA is committed to supporting Coherent’s journey not only in the past and present, but well into the future.” 

“Coherent Malaysia takes pride in how strategically we are positioned to support the company’s overall growth. Our successful establishment over nearly 25 years has played a critical role in strengthening our global value chain through ongoing expansion plans, and we are confident that our footprint in Penang will spearhead innovation in advanced photonics technology,” said Jimmy Ling, Vice President and Managing Director of Coherent Malaysia. 

Meanwhile, Jimmy Wu, Vice President of Engineering, Asia R&D expressed, “Penang is an ideal location, thanks to its well-established high-tech industry and a strong pool of technical talent capable of supporting our R&D growth plans.”  

The new center comes equipped with impressive capabilities that put it at the forefront of optical technology:
• Next-generation silicon photonics solutions for optical transceivers
• Advanced development facilities for 400G, 800G, and 1.6T optical transceiver modules
• Specialised testing environments for AI and cloud computing applications 

This expansion strengthens Coherent's ability to serve its global markets while creating valuable connections between its manufacturing sites in Ipoh, Perak and Perai, Penang and its R&D operations in Shanghai.

For media enquiries, please refer to this LINK: https://shorturl.at/sioIh  

SOURCE: Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA)

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:
MIDA
Name: Mr. Mohd Mazlan Mokhtar,
Director, Electrical and Electronics Division, MIDA
Tel: 0322676655
Email: mazlan@mida.gov.my 

Coherent Corp.
Name: Amy Wilson
Manager, Corporate Communications
Email: corporate.communications@coherent.com
 
Coherent Malaysia
Name: Jimmy Ling
Vice President and Managing Director
Tel: +60 16-553 3212
Email: Jimmy.Ling@Coherent.com 
 
Name: Maggie Shi
Engineering Director, Penang R&D
Tel: +60 11-127 05920
Email: Maggie.Shi@Coherent.com 

Name: Zaiem Meah
HR Director
Tel: +60 16-400 9755
Email: Zaiem.Meah@coherent.com 

 

--BERNAMA

AKWEL Sees Modest Turnover Dip Amid Market Headwinds

KUALA LUMPUR, July 25 (Bernama) -- AKWEL, a key player in the manufacturing of parts and systems for the automotive and heavy-vehicle sectors, has reported a first-half 2025 turnover of 510.6 million euros, marking a 3.4 per cent decline compared to the same period in 2024. (1 Euro = RM4.94)

The downturn reflects ongoing macroeconomic pressures and unfavourable exchange rates, according to AKWEL in a statement.

Second-quarter turnover held steady at 255 million euros quarter-over-quarter but fell 3.9 per cent year-on-year, or 2.7 per cent at constant scope and exchange rates.

By product line, the company saw growth in Decontamination (15.1 per cent), Fuel (3.6 per cent), and Cooling (1.9 per cent), while Air (-22.6 per cent) and Mechanisms (-3.9 per cent) dragged overall results.

AKWEL’s net cash stood strong at 149.3 million euros, even after 17.5 million euros in first-half investments.

Despite the dip, AKWEL remains confident, expecting a smaller annual decline than in 2024, underscoring strength in fluid management and e-powertrain systems.

The Annual General Meeting and 2024 dividend payment have been postponed, pending completion of statutory audits. A new date will be announced by Sept 30.

-- BERNAMA

Bitget KCGI 2025 Heats Up as Team Battle Kicks Off: Communities Unite, Rivalries Ignite

 VICTORIA, Seychelles, July 25 (Bernama-GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Bitget, the world’s leading cryptocurrency exchange and Web3 company, has kickstarted the next phase of its King’s Cup Global Invitational (KCGI) 2025 with today marking the official start of Team Battle. With a massive 6,000,000 USDT promotion pool and exclusive prizes ranging from LALIGA VIP tickets to MotoGP passes, Team Battle marks the beginning of an electrifying community showdown. Team Battle will run from July 24 till August 12.

From July 14 to July 23, traders across the globe formed alliances, uniting regional communities and rallying behind captains in preparation for the most competitive season of KCGI yet. Whether you’re a seasoned trader, a strategy-driven team leader, or a rising star in the crypto world, KCGI 2025 is the ultimate platform to showcase your trading skills and team synergy.

“The Team Battle brings KCGI’s spirit of global collaboration to life,” said Gracy Chen, CEO of Bitget. “As traders rally behind captains and compete across borders, the trading tournament unites celebrating community power, strategic thinking, and Web3's long-term growth.”

Over 1,300 teams have already joined the tournament, and registration remains open until August 9 for teams still working to meet the minimum requirement of 10 members. Bitget continues to encourage users to form diverse, dynamic squads. To qualify for a share of the 3,000,000 USDT team battle prize pool, teams must have at least 10 members and achieve a combined trading volume of 30,000 USDT. The prize pool includes:

• 1.2M USDT for top-performing teams by PnL
• 1.2M USDT for top regional teams by ROI
• 300K USDT each for individual PnL and ROI rankings

Team captains also enjoy exclusive perks, including ROI reset cards, dedicated recognition, and up to 10% of team rewards if they lead their squads to victory.  To further energize team captains, Bitget has introduced a Team Leader Award, allocating a total of 100,000 USDT worth of BGB to reward the first 200 captains whose teams meet the eligibility criteria. This early mover incentive recognizes the leadership and initiative of captains who mobilize their communities swiftly and effectively.

This year’s tournament emphasizes collaboration, strategic planning, and region-based unity, making it an ideal playground for traders to leverage each other’s strengths. Diverse teams can combine different styles—from high-frequency specialists to long-term visionaries—creating an environment where collective intelligence wins.

With live leaderboards soon to go live, every trade counts. As communities compete across APAC, LATAM, MENA, Europe, and beyond, friendly rivalries are forming, and social channels are lighting up with battle cries. The leaderboard momentum is designed to inspire competitive spirit and keep audiences engaged with every twist and turn.

To fuel the buzz, Bitget will spotlight milestone achievements and standout teams across its global marketing channels, bringing well-earned attention to breakout performers.

Join the action and follow the tournament live via Bitget’s official KCGI page.

About Bitget

Established in 2018, Bitget is the world's leading cryptocurrency exchange and Web3 company. Serving over 120 million users in 150+ countries and regions, the Bitget exchange is committed to helping users trade smarter with its pioneering copy trading feature and other trading solutions, while offering real-time access to Bitcoin price, Ethereum price, and other cryptocurrency prices. Formerly known as BitKeep, Bitget Wallet is a leading non-custodial crypto wallet supporting 130+ blockchains and millions of tokens. It offers multi-chain trading, staking, payments, and direct access to 20,000+ DApps, with advanced swaps and market insights built into a single platform.

Bitget is driving crypto adoption through strategic partnerships, such as its role as the Official Crypto Partner of the World's Top Football League, LALIGA, in EASTERN, SEA and LATAM markets, as well as a global partner of Turkish National athletes Buse Tosun Çavuşoğlu (Wrestling world champion), Samet Gümüş (Boxing gold medalist) and İlkin Aydın (Volleyball national team), to inspire the global community to embrace the future of cryptocurrency.

Aligned with its global impact strategy, Bitget has joined hands with UNICEF to support blockchain education for 1.1 million people by 2027. In the world of motorsports, Bitget is the exclusive cryptocurrency exchange partner of MotoGP™, one of the world’s most thrilling championships.

For more information, visit: Website | Twitter | Telegram | LinkedIn | Discord | Bitget Wallet

For media inquiries, please contact: media@bitget.com 

Risk Warning: Digital asset prices are subject to fluctuation and may experience significant volatility. Investors are advised to only allocate funds they can afford to lose. The value of any investment may be impacted, and there is a possibility that financial objectives may not be met, nor the principal investment recovered. Independent financial advice should always be sought, and personal financial experience and standing carefully considered. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future results. Bitget accepts no liability for any potential losses incurred. Nothing contained herein should be construed as financial advice. For further information, please refer to our Terms of Use.

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SOURCE: Bitget Limited

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--BERNAMA

EXPERIENCED REGULATOR AND STRATEGIST DR WAN AHMAD RUDIRMAN APPOINTED AS INDEPENDENT NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR AT ENCORP BERHAD

KOTA DAMANSARA, July 24 (Bernama) -- Encorp Berhad (ENCORP) has announced the appointment of Dr Wan Ahmad Rudirman Bin Wan Razak as its new Independent Non-Executive Director, effective 23 July 2025. 

Dr Wan Ahmad Rudirman brings over 25 years of experience in corporate advisory, regulatory oversight and strategic investment across both public and private sectors. He served as Chief Executive Officer of the Malaysian Institute of Accountants from 2022 to 2025 where he led the national accounting body and provided strategic leadership in regulating and advancing the profession under the Accountants Act 1967. 

Prior to that, he held the position of President and Group Chief Executive Officer of Terengganu Incorporated Sdn Bhd, the strategic investment arm of the Terengganu state government. During his time there, he oversaw group-wide restructuring and led investments across various sectors including natural resources, real estate, oil & gas support services and healthcare. 

His earlier roles include senior positions in KUB Malaysia Berhad, Selia Ekuiti Sdn Bhd, Boardroom Graduates Sdn Bhd and Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhad. He began his career in corporate advisory with CIMB Group.

Dr Wan Ahmad Rudirman has also served on the boards of Golden Pharos Berhad, A&W Malaysia, Summit Petroleum and Rangkaian Hotel Seri Malaysia. At the international level, he has represented Malaysia as a council member of the International Federation of Accountants and the ASEAN Federation of Accountants. 

He holds a Doctor of Business Administration from the University of South Australia, a Master of Business Administration from the University of North London, a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting from the University of Portsmouth and a Diploma in Accounting from Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin. Dr Wan is also a Fellow of CPA Australia, a member of the Malaysian Institute of Certified Public Accountant, a Chartered Accountant with the Malaysian Institute of Accountants and an ASEAN Chartered Professional Accountant.

His appointment reflects ENCORP’s continued effort to strengthen its board with experienced leadership in finance, governance and public sector strategy as the Group sharpens its corporate direction. His deep understanding of regulatory frameworks and strategic investments is expected to bring added rigour to ENCORP’s board deliberations. 

On the same date, ENCORP also announced the resignation of YBhg Dato’ Dr. Suzana Idayu Wati Binti Osman as Non-Independent Non-Executive Director. Having served since 2022, she brought with her over 30 years of experience across financial services, agriculture, food and institutional investment. Her strategic insight and governance acumen have been instrumental in enhancing the Group’s board oversight and direction. ENCORP extends its deepest appreciation for her exemplary contributions and wishes her continued success in her professional journey. 

About Encorp Berhad
Listed on the Main Market of Bursa Malaysia (Ticker: ENCORP/6076), ENCORP is principally an investment-holding company. The Group is currently involved in three core businesses – property development, property investment and construction. For more information, visit www.encorp.com.my.

SOURCE: Encorp Berhad

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT: 
Name: Saidah Umairah Binti Zul Azki
Tel: 03 6286 7777
Email: umairah@encorp.com.my

--BERNAMA