CALLING INNOVATORS, ENTREPRENEURS: REGISTRATION OPENS FOR 2025 FUJIAN GLOBAL COMPETITION

KUALA LUMPUR, May 14 (Bernama) -- The 2025 Fujian Global Innovation and Entrepreneurship Competition has opened for registration, with the aim of attracting top overseas talent to contribute to the growth of strategic emerging industries in China’s Fujian province.

Organised by the Fujian Provincial Party Committee's Talent Work Leadership Office, the competition began accepting applications on May 10 until July 10 through its official website, according to a statement.

Participants will compete in three key sectors called the digital economy, biotechnology, and advanced manufacturing, encompassing high-growth fields such as artificial intelligence, biomedicine, new energy, and new materials.

The competition offers cash prizes of up to 150,000 Chinese yuan for first-place winners, followed by 100,000 Chinese yuan for second place, 50,000 Chinese yuan for third place, and 20,000 Chinese yuan for excellence awards (all pre-tax). (100 Chinese yuan = RM59.72)

In total, three first prizes, six second prizes, 15 third prizes, and several excellence awards will be granted, with the event structured in four phases, namely registration, review process, preliminary round, and final round.

The preliminary selection will be conducted online in July, while finalists will present their projects in person during the China International Fair for Investment and Trade (CIFIT) in Xiamen in early September and will conclude with an awards ceremony, industry visits, and investor networking sessions.

To further incentivise participants to establish ventures in Fujian, organisers will offer policy and financial support. First-prize winners may qualify as Category B High-Level Talent, receiving a settlement subsidy of up to one million Chinese yuan, while second- and third-prize winners may be designated as Category C talent, with subsidies of up to 500,000 Chinese yuan.

In addition, winning projects may be included under the province’s Hundred Talents Program for Entrepreneurship, making them eligible for financial support of up to two million Chinese yuan.

-- BERNAMA

Registration Opens For First MEASA-hosted ICOM Dubai 2025

 

ICOM Dubai 2025: Global Museum Professionals Invited to Register for Landmark Event (Photo: AETOSWire) 

KUALA LUMPUR, May 6 (Bernama) -- The Organising Committee of ICOM Dubai 2025 has announced the opening of registration for the 27th General Conference of the International Council of Museums (ICOM), marking the first time the event will be hosted in the Middle East, North Africa, and South Asia (MEASA) region.

Scheduled from Nov 11 to 17 at the Dubai World Trade Centre, the conference will offer a global platform for innovative discussions on reshaping museums’ roles in rapidly evolving communities, according to a statement.

Attendees can register online through the event’s official website, with options for both on-site and virtual participation.

ICOM Dubai 2025 expects to welcome approximately 4,500 international museum professionals and cultural experts to foster dynamic exchanges and create sustainable strategies for the sector, emphasising regional and global collaboration to advance innovation.

Themed ‘The Future of Museums in Rapidly Changing Communities’, the event will deliver diverse and interactive sessions centred around youth empowerment, new technologies, and intangible cultural heritage.

Furthermore, curated tours and excursions will immerse participants in the cultural heritage of all seven emirates and engage in a dedicated Museum Fair designed to further enrich networking and collaboration opportunities, ensuring a memorable experience.

The selection of Dubai as host city was achieved in collaboration with Dubai Culture and Arts Authority, Dubai Municipality, and the Department of Economy and Tourism, acknowledging its exceptional efforts in cultural safeguarding and commitment to a creative economy.

Established in 1946, ICOM is a global organisation dedicated to the preservation, promotion, and development of museums and the museum profession, serving as a platform for the international museum community and fostering collaboration and knowledge-sharing across continents.

-- BERNAMA

Yayasan PETRONAS Contributes RM8 Million to Enhance Science Labs and Promote STEM learning

 

Datuk Haji Azman Haji Adnan, the Director-General of the Ministry of Education (center) and Shariah Nelly Francis, CEO Yayasan PETRONAS (2nd from right) at the Program Duta Guru Symbolic Handover of Contribution for the Science Laboratory Improvement Initiative in Putrajaya.

 

PUTRAJAYA, May 7 (Bernama) -- Yayasan PETRONAS recently contributed RM8 million towards the enhancement of science labs for 100 schools under its flagship education programme, Program Duta Guru (PDG).

The contribution aims to create a conducive learning environment to promote Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) including provision of essential laboratory equipment and trainings for laboratory assistants.

At a symbolic handover ceremony to the Ministry of Education (MoE), its Director-General Datuk Haji Azman Haji Adnan said, “This initiative will ensure that school science labs are well-equipped for STEM activities, with laboratory tools such as fume hoods, digital microscopes and ripple tanks provided.”

The handover ceremony was held in conjunction with the commencement of the PDG Cohort 6. Under PDG, the programme aims to equip teachers with the knowledge, skills and mindset to become highly effective in the STEM field. The enhancement of science labs is envisioned to support PDG in encouraging greater interest and enhancing students’ competency in the STEM field.

Yayasan PETRONAS CEO Shariah Nelly Francis shared, "We are hopeful that our contribution towards the enhancement of science labs will enable teacher to better deliver engaging lessons that can effectively promote students’ exploration in STEM. This fully supports our Program Duta Guru which aims to train and coach teachers to better integrate STEM into classroom.”

This year, PDG Cohort 6 recorded the highest enrolment of over 800 Duta Guru or teacher ambassadors. Upon completion of the two-year programme, Duta Guru will have the opportunity to apply for the Duta Guru Fund of up to RM20,000 to carry out STEM-related projects within their school or community.

To date, PDG has 901 Duta Guru graduates from 145 districts across the nation, including 27 who have received the Duta Guru funding.

Recruitment for Cohort 7 will open from July to September 2025 for STEM teachers nationwide, equipping them with the skills to deliver high-quality STEM education.

SOURCE: Yayasan PETRONAS

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:
Yayasan PETRONAS
Name: Lim Shie-Lynn
Tel: +60 12 304 3389
Email: shielynn.lim@petronas.com.my

Name: Low Jia Yin
Tel: +60 12 385 8631
Email: low.jiayin@petronas.com

--BERNAMA

Berjaya Sompo Insurance Berhad Wins Big: Named Insurance Brand of the Year at the 2025 Global Banking & Finance Awards®

KUALA LUMPUR, May 6 (Bernama) -- Berjaya Sompo Insurance Berhad has been recognised for its excellence in the insurance industry, securing three prestigious accolades at the 2025 Global Banking & Finance Awards®:

· Insurance Brand of the Year Awards Malaysia 2025

· Best Auto Insurance Company Malaysia 2025

· Best Travel Insurance Company Malaysia 2025

These awards underscore Berjaya Sompo’s commitment to delivering superior insurance solutions and customer service, reinforcing its position as a trusted insurer in Malaysia.

“We are truly honoured to receive these recognitions. These awards serve as a testament to our team’s hard work, dedication, and unwavering commitment to continuous improvement. The insurance industry in Malaysia is highly competitive, with evolving customer needs and increasing digitalisation reshaping the landscape. Despite these challenges, we have remained steadfast in our mission to provide innovative, customer-centric solutions that truly make a difference. This achievement reaffirms our efforts and motivates us to continue setting new benchmarks in the industry,” said Mr Tan Sek Kee, Chief Executive Officer of Berjaya Sompo Insurance Berhad.

The full list of winners is available on the official Global Banking & Finance Awards® website: Award Winners List.

About Berjaya Sompo Insurance Berhad

Berjaya Sompo Insurance Berhad (“Berjaya Sompo”), is a Malaysian operating entity and part of Sompo Group. Bolstered by the Sompo Group’s 80 years of trusted presence in Asia, spreading across 13 markets in the region, Berjaya Sompo is a leading name in general insurance in Malaysia, with an ever-expanding network that presently comprises 15 offices and 2,614 agents nationwide. Berjaya Sompo provides a comprehensive range of general insurance solutions for individuals and corporations.

For more information, go to www.berjayasompo.com.my.

SOMPO Motor and SOMPO MotorSafe

Recognised under "The Good Drivers" initiative, have revolutionised the motor insurance landscape in Malaysia by introducing special perils coverage as a standard feature. This strategic move addresses climate-related risks, offering protection against floods and other natural disasters. Additionally, Berjaya Sompo’s green initiative, which supports windscreen chip repair instead of full replacement, aligns with its broader sustainability goals, reducing waste and repair costs.

SOMPO TravelSafe+

Catering to the evolving needs of post-pandemic travellers, SOMPO TravelSafe+ still offers the COVID-19 protection as a standard, ensuring peace of mind for both domestic and international travellers. SOMPO TravelSafe+ also offers unlimited Emergency Medical Evacuation and Repatriation. Besides that, SOMPO TravelSafe+ covers many other potential risks, such as baggage delay/loss, loss of money and personal documents, and disruptions in your transportation plans like delays, overbooking, misconnection, and rerouting.

SOURCE: Berjaya Sompo Insurance Berhad

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:
Name: Daniel Soon
PR and Communications
Berjaya Sompo Insurance Berhad
Tel: +6010 – 279 9775
Email: wjsoon@bsompo.com.my

--BERNAMA

Bitget Becomes Gold Sponsor at Token2049 Dubai: CEO Gracy Chen to Share Vision for Crypto’s Next Chapter

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, April 30 (Bernama-GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Bitget, the leading cryptocurrency exchange and Web3 company, is set to make a major impact at TOKEN2049 Dubai as a Gold Sponsor of this year’s landmark event. Taking place from 30 April to 1 May 2025, at Madinat Jumeirah Conference Centre, TOKEN2049 Dubai brings together the brightest minds and boldest innovators from across the global crypto and blockchain ecosystem. As the crypto community gathers in one of the most dynamic hubs for innovation, Bitget stands ready to spotlight its strategies that continue to shape the digital asset landscape.

Day One of the conference will see Bitget CEO Gracy Chen deliver a keynote speech on the io.net Stage, from 3:00 to 3:15 PM GST. Titled,“Two Strategies Bitget Adopted to Thrive in a Volatile Market”, the sharing will explore how Bitget navigates and thrives amid global volatility, tapping into emerging opportunities while staying at the forefront of innovation. Gracy’s insights will highlight the strategies that enabled Bitget to deliver real-world impact in an unpredictable market landscape, setting a blueprint for sustainable success in the evolving crypto ecosystem.

Further amplifying its presence, Bitget is setting the stage for an unforgettable evening with Cryptoverse Dream Night on May 30. In collaboration with 1inch and backed by Morph, this invite-only after-hours event will gather Web3 pioneers, blockchain leaders, and crypto giants for an immersive night of electrifying energy, premium experiences, and next-gen networking. From surprise performances to curated social moments, the event captures the bold spirit driving the future of the cryptoverse. Attendees stand a chance to be rewarded with Bitget Exclusives when they capture and share the most electrifying moments at the event.

As discussions around decentralization, market access, and innovation take center stage, Bitget is expanding its role beyond that of a traditional exchange. Through its contributions both during the conference and at side events, Bitget aims to help shape new standards for how value is built in this digital economy. “Our goal is to help lay the groundwork for a more connected and resilient Web3 ecosystem,” said Gracy Chen, CEO of Bitget. “Success in this space requires more than technology — it demands collaboration and a shared vision for what the future should look like and there is no greater platform to have these conversations than at an event like TOKEN2049. With a powerful presence both on and off the main stage, Bitget’s participation at Token2049 Dubai reflects its broader strategy to support the ongoing evolution of Web3.”

About Bitget

Established in 2018, Bitget is the world's leading cryptocurrency exchange and Web3 company. Serving over 100 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 world-class multi-chain crypto wallet that offers an array of comprehensive Web3 solutions and features including wallet functionality, token swap, NFT Marketplace, DApp browser, and more.

Bitget is at the forefront of 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.

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/dca116ce-6d79-4bfa-8ef8-9b1e72215f89 

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.

--BERNAMA

STUDENTS FEEL PREPARED TO ACE INTERVIEWS AND PLAN THEIR POST-SPM JOURNEY AFTER PARTICIPATING IN FINCO’S ACE CAMP

Malayan Banking Berhad (Maybank) CEO, Dato’ Khairussaleh Ramli (left) and FINCO CEO, Clare Walker (right), speaking to ACE Camp students about their career goals.

KUALA LUMPUR, May 2 (Bernama) -- “The mock interview session with our mentors have helped me build my confidence, improve my communication skills, and prepare for real-life situations in a fun and supportive way,” said Nur Izzah Zulfah from SMK Sultan Ibrahim (1), Kelantan, at the annual Aspire Career and Education (ACE) Camp organised by the Financial Industry Collective Outreach (FINCO).

Nur Syazwina Syazni from SMK Dato' Mahmud Paduka Raja 1 in Kelantan agreed, adding, “As someone who lacks confidence, I find the mock interview session incredibly helpful in helping me improve my communication skills. My mentors helped me fix my mistakes and shared useful tips and feedback which I can use for my future applications.”

Meanwhile, Muhammad Aziz Akhtar Bin Alwi, who travelled all the way from SMK Kota Samarahan, Sarawak to KL for the camp, said that he walked away with some valuable skills and insights. “The camp gave us the chance to speak up and suggest ideas. It also taught us how to grab opportunities in the real world,” he said.

Following the success of last year’s ACE Camp, which saw alumni students applying skills they learned to successfully achieve their university and industry placements, FINCO expanded the camp in 2025, welcoming 77 post-Form 5 students from across Malaysia.

The three-day event, held from 15 - 17 April 2025 at International Youth Centre (IYC), Kuala Lumpur, aimed to help students grow their professional network, set short-and-long-term goals for their post-secondary life, and gain essential knowledge and skills required to achieve their desired education and career goals.

At the end of the camp, 96% of the students were able to state at least two next steps to take to achieve their post-SPM ambitions, while 95% of them could state at least one skill needed to achieve their post-SPM ambitions.

FINCO Chief Executive Officer, Clare Walker, emphasised the importance of practical skill-building opportunities for students transitioning from school to university or the workplace. “While identifying relevant skills is crucial, the chance to practice them builds confidence for real-world challenges. This camp is designed to provide that essential hands-on experience," she stated.

Walker added that students who understand how their short-term goals connect to their long-term career goals, and who have the knowledge to make informed decisions about their future, will be better equipped to navigate the rapidly changing job market.

Aside from participating in mock interviews and job shadowing sessions, the students were also able to glean more insight into their careers of choice as they networked with 75 volunteers comprising professionals from architectural, aviation, financial, medical, technology, and other industries.

There was also a panel discussion with guest speakers Dato’ Khairussaleh Ramli, Malayan Banking Berhad (Maybank) CEO, Lee Jo Wen, Generali Life Insurance Malaysia Berhad Chief of People & Organisation, and Marilyn Wang Manulife Insurance Berhad CMO, which gave the students a clearer idea of soft skills that employers want and what a hiring team would look out in an interview.

Dato’ Khairussaleh Ramli, Maybank President & Group CEO said, “It was an honour to be speaking at the event, where I had the opportunity to interact, share thoughts on career aspirations, experiences of my professional journey, which hopefully inspired them to pursue their paths with courage and clarity. I’m grateful to have been able to pass on these lessons to the students, who positively seek to carve out their own future.”

Financial industry volunteers who signed up as mentors will journey with the students for the rest of this year, providing ongoing advice and guidance as the students pursue their education or career pathways.

“It is encouraging to see the increase in financial industry volunteer numbers during this year’s ACE Camp. It shows recognition of its role in developing future leaders and its ability to effectively address the skills gap between school and the workforce,” said FINCO Chairman Tan Sri Azman Hashim

This year, the camp welcomed financial industry volunteers from AmBank (M) Berhad, BNP Paribas Malaysia Berhad, CIMB Bank Berhad, Deutsche Bank Malaysia Berhad, Generali Life Insurance Malaysia Berhad, Hannover Rueck SE, Manulife Insurance Berhad, Malayan Banking Berhad (Maybank), and Public Investment Bank Berhad.

ACE Camp is a programme under FINCO’s Life Aspiration pillar. Under this pillar, FINCO has engaged over 27,000 upper secondary school students across Malaysia since its inception in 2017. ACE Camp participants are post-SPM students who applied for the opportunity after participating in FINCO’s Post-SPM pathway workshop and other skills workshops. These workshops are primarily delivered in schools with a high intake of B40 students as part of the not-for-profit organisation’s mission to offer young people inclusive access to high quality educational initiatives.

About the Financial Industry Collective Outreach
The Financial Industry Collective Outreach (FINCO) is a collaborative initiative pioneered by financial institutions in Malaysia with the guidance of Bank Negara Malaysia to provide underprivileged children and youth with the guidance and educational tools they need to achieve their life goals. FINCO seeks to achieve these objectives through inclusive educational initiatives under four strategic pillars - English Proficiency and Life Aspiration, Financial Literacy and Disaster Relief.

FINCO Website: www.finco.my
Instagram: finco_my
Facebook: fincomalaysia
LinkedIn: company/fincomy

SOURCE: Financial Industry Collective Outreach (FINCO)

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:
Name: Ms. Hannah Jonas
Communications and Events Manager, FINCO
Tel: 014 649 4295
Email: hannah.jonas@finco.my

--BERNAMA

EBC Financial Group Deepens Global Push To End Malaria

KUALA LUMPUR, April 29 (Bernama) -- EBC Financial Group (EBC) has announced the renewal of its global partnership with the United Nations Foundation’s United to Beat Malaria campaign as the world observes World Malaria Day 2025 under the theme “Malaria Ends With Us: Reinvest, Reimagine, Reignite”.

Now in its second year of collaboration, EBC is stepping up with increased corporate sponsorship, cross-border employee mobilisation to raise awareness, and direct investment in life-saving health tools.

To mark this renewed partnership, EBC Financial Group (UK) Ltd Chief Executive Officer, David Barrett sat down with United to Beat Malaria Executive Director, Margaret McDonnell for a candid 40-minute fireside chat.

Their conversation explored the urgent need for global solidarity, the personal and professional impact of the campaign, and why EBC has chosen to walk alongside this cause, according to a statement.

“This campaign is now embedded into our leadership strategy and employee culture. This is not a moment, it is a movement. The first year for me was a complete revelation in terms of how advocacy for this mission worked, not only in America but globally,” commented Barrett.

Meanwhile, McDonnell echoed the importance of having private sector allies like EBC on board, praising the company’s commitment to both the summit and the broader mission.

In March this year, Barrett and EBC APAC Director of Operations, Samuel Hertz, joined over 120 passionate advocates at the United to Beat Malaria Annual Leadership Summit in Washington, D.C., meeting with United States (US) lawmakers to advocate for continued investment in key global health programmes.

Building on a shared belief that no child should die from a mosquito bite, EBC has shifted from passive support to active advocacy, becoming a first-time corporate sponsor of the Move Against Malaria 5K 2025. Over 200 EBC employees across the United Kingdom, Asia, Africa, and Latin America have pledged to participate, mobilising awareness and fundraising efforts worldwide.

EBC’s involvement goes beyond awareness. The firm is channelling funds toward life-saving malaria interventions, including insecticide-treated bed nets, rapid diagnostic tests, and antimalarial treatments which will be directed toward frontline health programmes in Sub-Saharan Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean regions.

These efforts align with EBC’s broader corporate social responsibility (CSR) and environmental, social, and governance (ESG) strategies, reinforcing its view that sustainable business growth must include global health equity.

-- BERNAMA