KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 29 (Bernama) -- Organisations can no longer rely on speed and scale alone to sustain performance in 2026, according to a new report by Top Employers Institute, a global certification, benchmarking, and advisory firm.
The study, World of Work Trends 2026: The Intentional Organisation, highlights that high-performing organisations will prioritise deliberate design in work, leadership, and management systems to drive sustainable success.
“2026 is where speed gives way to intentional design. Our data shows that performance under pressure now depends on how deliberately organisations structure work, decision-making and leadership focus,” said Top Employers Institute chief executive officer, Adrian Seligman.
Drawing on a dataset of 2,358 global organisations, the report identifies five critical trends human resources (HR) leaders must address to sustain performance under pressure, according to the firm in a statement.
Moving beyond statements, HR leaders must embed purpose into decision-making and implement measurement scorecards to provide tangible evidence of its impact on behaviours and outcomes.
As nearly half of AI projects are scrapped and productivity gains are reported by only 37 per cent of teams, intentional deployment is paramount. HR leaders must establish clear governance frameworks regarding use, accountability, and fairness.
While most organisations have remote work policies, future performance will be distinguished by how deliberately flexibility is structured. Designing flexibility with boundaries is necessary to protect fairness, performance, and employee wellbeing.
Organisations must accept that productivity cannot come from simply working people harder, especially amid shrinking HR budgets and rising burnout. The path forward involves directing energy to high-impact work, protecting focus, and building renewable workforce capability through redeployment and reskilling.
Competitive advantage depends on redesigning stability as a platform for continuous learning and internal mobility, not merely retention. Organisations that prioritise job security currently report nine per cent lower voluntary turnover than average.
The report’s findings are based on anonymised survey responses and regression analyses linking HR best practices with key success metrics, including employee engagement, profitability, and market share.
-- BERNAMA
Thursday, 29 January 2026
Hydrostor and Baker Hughes Deepen Strategic Collaboration to Advance Reliable, Resilient, and Sustainable Power Systems
Collaboration includes an equity investment and up to 1.4 GW of power generation and compression technology orders for Hydrostor flagship projects
DENVER & FLORENCE, Italy, Jan 29 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- Hydrostor, a leading global long duration energy storage (LDES) developer and operator, and Baker Hughes, an energy technology company, announced Wednesday a strategic technology solutions and equity agreement. Baker Hughes will deepen its relationship with Hydrostor, integrating Baker Hughes’ technology capabilities as part of Hydrostor’s core design offering for its advanced compressed air energy storage (A-CAES) solution. This includes up to 1.4 GW of Baker Hughes equipment orders for Hydrostor’s flagship projects. The announcement was made at the 2026 Baker Hughes Annual Meeting in Florence.
This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260128652898/en/
“Increasing pressure on electric grids is making long-duration energy storage an urgent priority. Hydrostor's innovative approach offers a low-carbon solution to ensure power reliability across a diverse mix of generation resources,” said Lorenzo Simonelli, chairman and CEO of Baker Hughes. “We are proud to support Hydrostor with critical technology to accelerate these projects, supporting greater global grid resilience, and enabling sustainable power systems at scale.”
“The agreement Hydrostor has signed with Baker Hughes underscores the momentum behind our A-CAES technology platform that is able to cost-effectively provide reliability and resiliency to grids around the world,” said Curtis VanWalleghem, Co-Founder and CEO. “We’re excited to build on our relationship with Baker Hughes as we near construction for our flagship projects and work to expand our project pipeline, as load grows and AI data center infrastructure is being built out globally.”
Baker Hughes has been an investor in Hydrostor since 2019. This latest strategic agreement marks an expansion of the relationship as Hydrostor nears construction on its flagship projects in the U.S. and Australia. In the initial phase of the expansion, Hydrostor will be deploying up to 1.4 GW of power generation and compression technology solutions from Baker Hughes’ extensive portfolio including compression, expander, motor and generator technology.
About Baker Hughes
Baker Hughes (NASDAQ: BKR) is an energy technology company that provides solutions to energy and industrial customers worldwide. Built on a century of experience and conducting business in over 120 countries, our innovative technologies and services are taking energy forward – making it safer, cleaner and more efficient for people and the planet. Visit us at bakerhughes.com.
About Hydrostor Inc.
Hydrostor is a leading developer and operator of long duration energy storage systems, leveraging a proven, patented technology solution for delivering long duration energy storage to power grids around the world, using compressed air and water to store energy.
Founded in 2010 and with headquarters in Toronto, Canada, and offices in Melbourne, Australia, and Denver, USA, Hydrostor is backed by Goldman Sachs Alternatives, CPP Investments, Canada Growth Fund, and other forward-thinking institutional investors, providing financial security to commit to top-tier energy projects. Hydrostor has an extensive pipeline of A-CAES projects in North America, Australia, and Europe, poised to meet evolving grid and reliability needs.
Follow us on LinkedIn.
To learn more, visit https://www.hydrostor.ca/.
Advisors
Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC, National Bank Capital Markets, and Rothschild & Co. acted as financial advisors to Hydrostor.
View source version on businesswire.com:
https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260128652898/en/
Contact
Emily Smith, Director of External Affairs, Hydrostor, emily.smith@hydrostor.ca
Source : Hydrostor and Baker Hughes
DENVER & FLORENCE, Italy, Jan 29 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- Hydrostor, a leading global long duration energy storage (LDES) developer and operator, and Baker Hughes, an energy technology company, announced Wednesday a strategic technology solutions and equity agreement. Baker Hughes will deepen its relationship with Hydrostor, integrating Baker Hughes’ technology capabilities as part of Hydrostor’s core design offering for its advanced compressed air energy storage (A-CAES) solution. This includes up to 1.4 GW of Baker Hughes equipment orders for Hydrostor’s flagship projects. The announcement was made at the 2026 Baker Hughes Annual Meeting in Florence.
This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260128652898/en/
“Increasing pressure on electric grids is making long-duration energy storage an urgent priority. Hydrostor's innovative approach offers a low-carbon solution to ensure power reliability across a diverse mix of generation resources,” said Lorenzo Simonelli, chairman and CEO of Baker Hughes. “We are proud to support Hydrostor with critical technology to accelerate these projects, supporting greater global grid resilience, and enabling sustainable power systems at scale.”
“The agreement Hydrostor has signed with Baker Hughes underscores the momentum behind our A-CAES technology platform that is able to cost-effectively provide reliability and resiliency to grids around the world,” said Curtis VanWalleghem, Co-Founder and CEO. “We’re excited to build on our relationship with Baker Hughes as we near construction for our flagship projects and work to expand our project pipeline, as load grows and AI data center infrastructure is being built out globally.”
Baker Hughes has been an investor in Hydrostor since 2019. This latest strategic agreement marks an expansion of the relationship as Hydrostor nears construction on its flagship projects in the U.S. and Australia. In the initial phase of the expansion, Hydrostor will be deploying up to 1.4 GW of power generation and compression technology solutions from Baker Hughes’ extensive portfolio including compression, expander, motor and generator technology.
About Baker Hughes
Baker Hughes (NASDAQ: BKR) is an energy technology company that provides solutions to energy and industrial customers worldwide. Built on a century of experience and conducting business in over 120 countries, our innovative technologies and services are taking energy forward – making it safer, cleaner and more efficient for people and the planet. Visit us at bakerhughes.com.
About Hydrostor Inc.
Hydrostor is a leading developer and operator of long duration energy storage systems, leveraging a proven, patented technology solution for delivering long duration energy storage to power grids around the world, using compressed air and water to store energy.
Founded in 2010 and with headquarters in Toronto, Canada, and offices in Melbourne, Australia, and Denver, USA, Hydrostor is backed by Goldman Sachs Alternatives, CPP Investments, Canada Growth Fund, and other forward-thinking institutional investors, providing financial security to commit to top-tier energy projects. Hydrostor has an extensive pipeline of A-CAES projects in North America, Australia, and Europe, poised to meet evolving grid and reliability needs.
Follow us on LinkedIn.
To learn more, visit https://www.hydrostor.ca/.
Advisors
Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC, National Bank Capital Markets, and Rothschild & Co. acted as financial advisors to Hydrostor.
View source version on businesswire.com:
https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260128652898/en/
Contact
Emily Smith, Director of External Affairs, Hydrostor, emily.smith@hydrostor.ca
Source : Hydrostor and Baker Hughes
Polyplastics Develops Mechanically Recycled DURAFIDE PPS Grades
KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 28 (Bernama) -- Polyplastics Co Ltd, a global leader in engineering thermoplastics, has developed two new DURAFIDE polyphenylene sulphide (PPS) grades made of mechanically recycled content.
The 40 per cent glass fibre-reinforced grades, DURAFIDE rG-PPS 1140A1R00 and 1140A1R30, contain 100 per cent and 30 per cent recycled glass fibre-reinforced PPS, respectively, and are set for launch in the coming months.
According to a statement, the new offering is part of Polyplastics’ DURACIRCLE initiative, which strives to achieve 100 per cent circularity for engineering plastics.
These new grades are offered through the company’s re-compounding service, which utilises process scrap collected from customers as raw material under its "Open PIR Mechanical Recycling Scheme".
The company collects glass fibre-reinforced PPS process scrap from partner firms meeting strict quality standards. After inspection, sorting, and reformulation, the materials are compounded under optimal conditions and undergo the same quality assurance as virgin materials.
Polyplastics plans to distribute the materials through its global sales network, with current collection targets limited to specific glass-filled DURAFIDE PPS grades. The company is also exploring new applications and collection routes, aiming to collaborate with both existing customers and firms in waste-to-value industries.
Looking ahead, Polyplastics intends to expand its lineup of mechanically recycled PPS grades and establish self-contained "local production for local consumption" recycling chains in each country and region.
-- BERNAMA
Wednesday, 28 January 2026
Multi-Color Corporation Announces Recapitalization to Reset Balance Sheet and Position Company for Long-Term Growth and Investment
MCC Enters into Restructuring Support Agreement to Eliminate Approximately $3.9 Billion of Outstanding Funded Debt, Reduce More than $330 Million of Cash Interest Expense in 2026 and Extend Long-Term Debt Maturities to 2033
Restructuring Supported by CD&R and More Than Supermajority of Senior Secured Lenders Who Have Agreed to Backstop a Nearly $890 Million Investment; Provides More Than $500 Million of New Liquidity to Support Long-Term Growth and Investment Upon Emergence
Launches Consent Solicitation and Expects to Implement Restructuring Through “Prepackaged” Chapter 11 Process; Restructuring Support Agreement Provides for CD&R to Be Controlling Shareholder
All Trade Vendors Expected to be Paid in Full; All Global Operations and Service to Customers Expected to Continue Without Interruption
ATLANTA, Jan 28 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- Multi-Color Corporation (“MCC” or the “Company”), a global leader in prime label solutions, today announced strategic actions to further position the Company for long-term growth and investment to best serve its customers.
MCC has entered into a restructuring support agreement (the “RSA”) with holders of approximately 70% in amount of MCC’s secured first lien debt and its equity sponsor, CD&R, on the terms of a comprehensive financial restructuring. The transactions contemplated by the RSA will significantly deleverage MCC’s balance sheet, reducing its net debt load from approximately $5.9 billion to approximately $2.0 billion. The Company’s annualized cash interest will also be reduced from approximately $475 million to $140 million in 2026, a reduction of over $330 million, with long-term debt maturities extended to 2033 following consummation of the restructuring transactions.
To implement the transactions contemplated by the RSA, MCC has launched a solicitation for votes in support of a prepackaged plan of reorganization (the “Plan”), which is currently supported by holders of approximately 70% in amount of MCC’s secured first lien debt and CD&R. The RSA provides for an $889 million new common and preferred equity investment that will support long-term growth and investment. Upon emergence, MCC will have more than $500 million of liquidity.
“Over the past two years, we have taken decisive actions commercially and operationally, while onboarding top-notch leadership talent, to best position MCC for sustainable, profitable growth,” said Hassan Rmaile, President & Chief Executive Officer of MCC. “Our operational initiatives are showing momentum, and optimizing our capital structure is an essential step to advance our growth strategy. This agreement, which reflects a strong vote of confidence by MCC’s sponsor and lenders, will create a stronger financial foundation, enabling us to enhance the innovative and high-quality label solutions that help brands connect with consumers, enhance product integrity, and drive sustainable impact. We are grateful for CD&R’s and our lenders’ support as well as the ongoing dedication of our employees, customers, and suppliers.”
BUSINESS AS USUAL
The RSA also provides for $250 million of new money debtor-in-possession (“DIP”) financing to capitalize the business throughout the Chapter 11 process. This additional financing, when approved, is expected to allow MCC to continue operating in the ordinary course during the restructuring without impacting trade creditors, customers, employees, vendors, or suppliers, and will allow the Company to honor its commitments to strategic partners.
Upon commencement of the prepackaged Chapter 11 proceedings, MCC will file a series of first day motions that, subject to court approval, will allow the Company to continue to operate in the ordinary course of business while it works to deleverage its capital structure. In addition to seeking approvals related to the DIP financing, MCC will seek authority to allow the Company to continue to maintain wages and benefits without interruption, satisfy employee-related claims, pay vendors in the ordinary course, and perform other critical functions and processes necessary for the Company to continue uninterrupted operations.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
Additional information is currently available at MCCForward.com. Upon the Chapter 11 filing, MCC will also provide details on various legal aspects of MCC’s restructuring process, including access to Court documents.
ADVISORS
Kirkland & Ellis LLP and Cole Schotz P.C. are serving as legal counsel, Evercore is serving as investment banker, AlixPartners is serving as financial advisor, Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan, LLP is serving as special counsel to the Special Committee of LABL, Inc.’s Board of Directors, and FGS Global is serving as strategic communications advisor to the Company. Debevoise & Plimpton LLP and Latham & Watkins LLP are serving as legal counsel to CD&R and Moelis & Company LLC is serving as financial advisor. Milbank LLP and PJT Partners serve as legal counsel and financial advisor, respectively, to the ad hoc group of secured creditors.
ABOUT MCC
Multi-Color Corporation (MCC) is a global leader in prime label solutions, providing innovative and sustainable solutions to some of the world’s most recognizable brands across a broad range of consumer-oriented end categories. MCC is committed to delivering the world’s best label solutions for their customers to build their brands and add value to the communities in which they operate.
Forward Looking Statements
This press release contains certain forward-looking statements with respect to the financial condition, results of operations and business of MCC and its subsidiaries and certain plans and objectives with respect thereto. These forward-looking statements can be identified by the fact that they do not relate only to historical or current facts. Forward-looking statements often use words such as "anticipate", "target", "expect", “enable”, "estimate", "intend", "plan", "goal", "believe", "hope", "aims", "continue", "will", "may", "should", "would", "could", or other words of similar meaning. These statements are based on assumptions and assessments made by the Company and its perception of historical trends, current conditions, future developments and other factors. By their nature, forward-looking statements involve risk and uncertainty, because they relate to events and depend on circumstances that will occur in the future and the factors described in the context of such forward-looking statements in this document could cause actual results and developments to differ materially from those expressed in or implied by such forward looking statements. Although it is believed that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are reasonable, no assurance can be given that such expectations will prove to have been correct and you are therefore cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements which speak only as at the date of this document. The Company does not assume any obligation to update or correct the information contained in this document (whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise), except as may be required by applicable law. There are several factors which could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in forward-looking statements.
Among the factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements are changes in the global, political, economic, business, competitive, market, supply chain and regulatory forces, future exchange and interest rates, changes in tax rates and any future business combinations or dispositions, uncertainties and costs related to the RSA and the chapter 11 process, including, among others, potential adverse effects of the chapter 11 process on the Company’s liquidity and results of operations, including with respect to its relationships with its customers, distribution partners, suppliers and other third parties; employees attrition and the Company’s ability to retain senior management and other key personnel due to the distractions and uncertainties inherent in the Chapter 11 process; the impact of any cost reduction initiatives; any other legal or regulatory proceedings; the Company’s ability to obtain operating capital, including complying with the restrictions imposed by the terms and conditions of any debtor-in-possession financing, such as the financing mentioned herein; the length of time that the Company will operate under Chapter 11 protection; the timing of any emergence from the Chapter 11 process; and the risk that any plan of reorganization resulting therefrom may not be confirmed or implemented at all. Please see the plan of reorganization and related disclosure statement (as may be amended, modified or supplemented) that will be filed with the Court for additional considerations and risk factors associated with the company’s Chapter 11 process. Nothing in this press release is intended as a profit forecast or estimate for any period and no statement in this press release should be interpreted to mean that the financial performance for the Company for the current or future financial years would necessarily match or exceed its historical results. Further, this press release is not intended to and does not constitute and should not be construed as, considered a part of, or relied on in connection with any information or offering memorandum, security purchase agreement, or offer, invitation or recommendation to underwrite, buy, subscribe for, otherwise acquire, or sell any securities or other financial instruments or interests or any other transaction.
View source version on businesswire.com:
https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260126244067/en/
Contact
FGS Global for MCC
mcclabel@fgsglobal.com
Source : Multi-Color Corporation
Restructuring Supported by CD&R and More Than Supermajority of Senior Secured Lenders Who Have Agreed to Backstop a Nearly $890 Million Investment; Provides More Than $500 Million of New Liquidity to Support Long-Term Growth and Investment Upon Emergence
Launches Consent Solicitation and Expects to Implement Restructuring Through “Prepackaged” Chapter 11 Process; Restructuring Support Agreement Provides for CD&R to Be Controlling Shareholder
All Trade Vendors Expected to be Paid in Full; All Global Operations and Service to Customers Expected to Continue Without Interruption
ATLANTA, Jan 28 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- Multi-Color Corporation (“MCC” or the “Company”), a global leader in prime label solutions, today announced strategic actions to further position the Company for long-term growth and investment to best serve its customers.
MCC has entered into a restructuring support agreement (the “RSA”) with holders of approximately 70% in amount of MCC’s secured first lien debt and its equity sponsor, CD&R, on the terms of a comprehensive financial restructuring. The transactions contemplated by the RSA will significantly deleverage MCC’s balance sheet, reducing its net debt load from approximately $5.9 billion to approximately $2.0 billion. The Company’s annualized cash interest will also be reduced from approximately $475 million to $140 million in 2026, a reduction of over $330 million, with long-term debt maturities extended to 2033 following consummation of the restructuring transactions.
To implement the transactions contemplated by the RSA, MCC has launched a solicitation for votes in support of a prepackaged plan of reorganization (the “Plan”), which is currently supported by holders of approximately 70% in amount of MCC’s secured first lien debt and CD&R. The RSA provides for an $889 million new common and preferred equity investment that will support long-term growth and investment. Upon emergence, MCC will have more than $500 million of liquidity.
“Over the past two years, we have taken decisive actions commercially and operationally, while onboarding top-notch leadership talent, to best position MCC for sustainable, profitable growth,” said Hassan Rmaile, President & Chief Executive Officer of MCC. “Our operational initiatives are showing momentum, and optimizing our capital structure is an essential step to advance our growth strategy. This agreement, which reflects a strong vote of confidence by MCC’s sponsor and lenders, will create a stronger financial foundation, enabling us to enhance the innovative and high-quality label solutions that help brands connect with consumers, enhance product integrity, and drive sustainable impact. We are grateful for CD&R’s and our lenders’ support as well as the ongoing dedication of our employees, customers, and suppliers.”
BUSINESS AS USUAL
The RSA also provides for $250 million of new money debtor-in-possession (“DIP”) financing to capitalize the business throughout the Chapter 11 process. This additional financing, when approved, is expected to allow MCC to continue operating in the ordinary course during the restructuring without impacting trade creditors, customers, employees, vendors, or suppliers, and will allow the Company to honor its commitments to strategic partners.
Upon commencement of the prepackaged Chapter 11 proceedings, MCC will file a series of first day motions that, subject to court approval, will allow the Company to continue to operate in the ordinary course of business while it works to deleverage its capital structure. In addition to seeking approvals related to the DIP financing, MCC will seek authority to allow the Company to continue to maintain wages and benefits without interruption, satisfy employee-related claims, pay vendors in the ordinary course, and perform other critical functions and processes necessary for the Company to continue uninterrupted operations.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
Additional information is currently available at MCCForward.com. Upon the Chapter 11 filing, MCC will also provide details on various legal aspects of MCC’s restructuring process, including access to Court documents.
ADVISORS
Kirkland & Ellis LLP and Cole Schotz P.C. are serving as legal counsel, Evercore is serving as investment banker, AlixPartners is serving as financial advisor, Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan, LLP is serving as special counsel to the Special Committee of LABL, Inc.’s Board of Directors, and FGS Global is serving as strategic communications advisor to the Company. Debevoise & Plimpton LLP and Latham & Watkins LLP are serving as legal counsel to CD&R and Moelis & Company LLC is serving as financial advisor. Milbank LLP and PJT Partners serve as legal counsel and financial advisor, respectively, to the ad hoc group of secured creditors.
ABOUT MCC
Multi-Color Corporation (MCC) is a global leader in prime label solutions, providing innovative and sustainable solutions to some of the world’s most recognizable brands across a broad range of consumer-oriented end categories. MCC is committed to delivering the world’s best label solutions for their customers to build their brands and add value to the communities in which they operate.
Forward Looking Statements
This press release contains certain forward-looking statements with respect to the financial condition, results of operations and business of MCC and its subsidiaries and certain plans and objectives with respect thereto. These forward-looking statements can be identified by the fact that they do not relate only to historical or current facts. Forward-looking statements often use words such as "anticipate", "target", "expect", “enable”, "estimate", "intend", "plan", "goal", "believe", "hope", "aims", "continue", "will", "may", "should", "would", "could", or other words of similar meaning. These statements are based on assumptions and assessments made by the Company and its perception of historical trends, current conditions, future developments and other factors. By their nature, forward-looking statements involve risk and uncertainty, because they relate to events and depend on circumstances that will occur in the future and the factors described in the context of such forward-looking statements in this document could cause actual results and developments to differ materially from those expressed in or implied by such forward looking statements. Although it is believed that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are reasonable, no assurance can be given that such expectations will prove to have been correct and you are therefore cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements which speak only as at the date of this document. The Company does not assume any obligation to update or correct the information contained in this document (whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise), except as may be required by applicable law. There are several factors which could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in forward-looking statements.
Among the factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements are changes in the global, political, economic, business, competitive, market, supply chain and regulatory forces, future exchange and interest rates, changes in tax rates and any future business combinations or dispositions, uncertainties and costs related to the RSA and the chapter 11 process, including, among others, potential adverse effects of the chapter 11 process on the Company’s liquidity and results of operations, including with respect to its relationships with its customers, distribution partners, suppliers and other third parties; employees attrition and the Company’s ability to retain senior management and other key personnel due to the distractions and uncertainties inherent in the Chapter 11 process; the impact of any cost reduction initiatives; any other legal or regulatory proceedings; the Company’s ability to obtain operating capital, including complying with the restrictions imposed by the terms and conditions of any debtor-in-possession financing, such as the financing mentioned herein; the length of time that the Company will operate under Chapter 11 protection; the timing of any emergence from the Chapter 11 process; and the risk that any plan of reorganization resulting therefrom may not be confirmed or implemented at all. Please see the plan of reorganization and related disclosure statement (as may be amended, modified or supplemented) that will be filed with the Court for additional considerations and risk factors associated with the company’s Chapter 11 process. Nothing in this press release is intended as a profit forecast or estimate for any period and no statement in this press release should be interpreted to mean that the financial performance for the Company for the current or future financial years would necessarily match or exceed its historical results. Further, this press release is not intended to and does not constitute and should not be construed as, considered a part of, or relied on in connection with any information or offering memorandum, security purchase agreement, or offer, invitation or recommendation to underwrite, buy, subscribe for, otherwise acquire, or sell any securities or other financial instruments or interests or any other transaction.
View source version on businesswire.com:
https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260126244067/en/
Contact
FGS Global for MCC
mcclabel@fgsglobal.com
Source : Multi-Color Corporation
Monday, 26 January 2026
CIMB Islamic commits RM20 million to advance environmental conservation nationwide
Champions nature and biodiversity conservation, environmental education and community empowerment initiatives nationwide through EcoSave-i
KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 26 (Bernama) -- CIMB Islamic Bank Berhad (“CIMB Islamic” or “the Bank”) recently committed RM20 million to drive environmental conservation and restoration initiatives across Malaysia from 2026 to 2030. The renewed pledge, channelled through the Bank’s flagship EcoSave-i savings account (“EcoSave-i), underscores CIMB Islamic’s long-term dedication to responsible finance, community empowerment, environmental education and conservation, aligned with CIMB Group’s purpose in advancing customers and society.
The commitment was formalised at the CIMB Islamic Green Showcase, together with nature conservation partners including Amanah Warisan Negara (“AWAN”), The Habitat Foundation, Reef Check Malaysia, Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (“UPSI”), Malaysia Nature Society, WWF- Malaysia, Malaysia Forest Fund, Forest House, Leap Spiral, Your Idea Maker, Free Tree Society and Penang Institute. The Bank also renewed its agreement with AWAN, the primary custodian of Taman Tugu, for the continuation of the Taman Tugu Adoption and Nature Education Programme for another two years.
The investment scales up CIMB Islamic’s growing portfolio of nature conservation, biodiversity protection and community-led environmental programmes across eight states including Kuala Lumpur, Selangor, Kedah, Penang, Perak, Johor, Terengganu and Sabah. Through strategic partnerships with nature conservation partners, academic institutions and community groups, CIMB Islamic effectively channels funds into meaningful programmes that strengthen long term ecosystem resilience and sustain the livelihoods of the local communities.
Ahmad Shahriman Mohd Shariff, Chief Executive Officer of CIMB Islamic said, “Our mission to advance customers and society is built on environmental stewardship and community resilience. Through EcoSave‑i, we operationalise the Shariah principles by integrating sustainability into everyday banking practices. The RM20 million investment reaffirms our belief that sustainability is the fundamental lens through which we allocate capital. By embedding these principles into our core financial offerings, we are supporting development that is inclusive, responsible and ecologically resilient for generations to come.”
“We are also pleased to extend our support with 12 nature conservation partners, including AWAN, to support a range of impactful environmental initiatives nationwide. As part of this, CIMB Islamic will continue its support for the Taman Tugu Adoption and Nature Education Programme for another two years, reaffirming our commitment to Taman Tugu and expanding the programme’s impact through enhanced outreach to schools and B40 communities. Over the years, Taman Tugu has transformed into a vital sanctuary for nature-based learning and recreation, located in the heart of Kuala Lumpur and easily accessible to the public, offering Malaysians a unique space to reconnect with our natural heritage and fostering a strong sense of shared responsibility toward nature conservation.”
The commitment was formalised at the CIMB Islamic Green Showcase, together with nature conservation partners including Amanah Warisan Negara (“AWAN”), The Habitat Foundation, Reef Check Malaysia, Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (“UPSI”), Malaysia Nature Society, WWF- Malaysia, Malaysia Forest Fund, Forest House, Leap Spiral, Your Idea Maker, Free Tree Society and Penang Institute. The Bank also renewed its agreement with AWAN, the primary custodian of Taman Tugu, for the continuation of the Taman Tugu Adoption and Nature Education Programme for another two years.
The investment scales up CIMB Islamic’s growing portfolio of nature conservation, biodiversity protection and community-led environmental programmes across eight states including Kuala Lumpur, Selangor, Kedah, Penang, Perak, Johor, Terengganu and Sabah. Through strategic partnerships with nature conservation partners, academic institutions and community groups, CIMB Islamic effectively channels funds into meaningful programmes that strengthen long term ecosystem resilience and sustain the livelihoods of the local communities.
Ahmad Shahriman Mohd Shariff, Chief Executive Officer of CIMB Islamic said, “Our mission to advance customers and society is built on environmental stewardship and community resilience. Through EcoSave‑i, we operationalise the Shariah principles by integrating sustainability into everyday banking practices. The RM20 million investment reaffirms our belief that sustainability is the fundamental lens through which we allocate capital. By embedding these principles into our core financial offerings, we are supporting development that is inclusive, responsible and ecologically resilient for generations to come.”
“We are also pleased to extend our support with 12 nature conservation partners, including AWAN, to support a range of impactful environmental initiatives nationwide. As part of this, CIMB Islamic will continue its support for the Taman Tugu Adoption and Nature Education Programme for another two years, reaffirming our commitment to Taman Tugu and expanding the programme’s impact through enhanced outreach to schools and B40 communities. Over the years, Taman Tugu has transformed into a vital sanctuary for nature-based learning and recreation, located in the heart of Kuala Lumpur and easily accessible to the public, offering Malaysians a unique space to reconnect with our natural heritage and fostering a strong sense of shared responsibility toward nature conservation.”
The refreshed commitment through EcoSave-i enables CIMB Islamic to expand its support from the Peninsula to East Malaysia. In the northern corridors, the Bank continues to strengthen biodiversity efforts within the Penang Hill Biosphere Reserve and Royal Belum State Park, while extending forest restoration and human-elephant conflict mitigation in Ulu Muda, Kedah. Central to its agenda is the protection of the Central Forest Spine. This includes initiatives within the Klang Valley such as the UPSI Edu-Forest initiative, the Rantaian Urban Green Space project, and the Penjaga Gunung Project, which empowers Orang Asli youth as the next generation of forest stewards.
In Terengganu, the Bank is deepening its footprint in Setiu, alongside coastal and coral rehabilitation efforts in Redang, Tioman and the Mersing islands. In Sabah, the Bank continues to support initiatives such as the Babagon Water Catchment and the Ulu Kalumpang Rehabilitation Programme, which focus on long-term watershed protection and restoration of wetland habitats, while empowering indigenous communities with sustainable livelihood opportunities.
Through these diverse initiatives, EcoSave-i serves as a meaningful example of how Islamic finance is able to mobilise capital for environmental sustainability. Anchored in principles of social and ecological value creation, CIMB continues to deliver lasting positive impact for the environment while ensuring underserved groups are included in the transition towards a greener economy.
EcoSave-i is Malaysia’s first environmentally focused Islamic savings account, designed to support conservation initiatives and forms a key component of CIMB Group’s broader Green, Social, Sustainable Impact Products and Services (“GSSIPS”) framework, which aims to mobilise RM300 billion in sustainable financing by 2030. Through EcoSave-i, CIMB Islamic contributes 0.2% of the total average portfolio balance per annum from the Bank’s own funds* towards environmental projects, enabling the public to contribute and support these conservation initiatives by opening an account online or at any CIMB branch nationwide. Customers who maintain a monthly average balance of RM5,000 without over-the-counter transactions are eligible to receive a RM5 monthly cash incentive.
For more information on EcoSave-i, please visit http://www.cimb.com.my/ecosave.
* Subject to maximum amount (if any) as stated in the product T&C
About CIMB
CIMB is one of ASEAN’s leading banking groups and Malaysia’s second largest financial services provider, by assets. Listed on Bursa Malaysia via CIMB Group Holdings Berhad, it had a market capitalisation of approximately RM79.0 billion as at 30 September 2025. It offers consumer banking, commercial banking, wholesale banking, transaction banking, Islamic banking and asset management products and services. Headquartered in Kuala Lumpur, the Group is present across ASEAN in Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam and the Philippines.
CIMB is one of ASEAN’s leading banking groups and Malaysia’s second largest financial services provider, by assets. Listed on Bursa Malaysia via CIMB Group Holdings Berhad, it had a market capitalisation of approximately RM79.0 billion as at 30 September 2025. It offers consumer banking, commercial banking, wholesale banking, transaction banking, Islamic banking and asset management products and services. Headquartered in Kuala Lumpur, the Group is present across ASEAN in Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam and the Philippines.
Beyond ASEAN, the Group has market presence in China, Hong Kong and UK. CIMB has one of the most extensive retail branch networks in ASEAN with 571 branches and over 33,000 employees as at 30 September 2025. CIMB’s investment banking arm is one of the largest Asia Pacific-based investment banks, which together with its award- winning treasury & markets and corporate banking units comprise the Group’s leading wholesale banking franchise. CIMB is also the 91.45% shareholder of Bank CIMB Niaga in Indonesia, and 94.83% shareholder of CIMB Thai in Thailand.
Link to photos:
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/10uI0LguJ3dv2i1MhXE1WuKcx589Slnap
Photo Caption:
Photo 1: CIMB Islamic commits RM20 million, channeled through 12 partners to drive environmental conservation and restoration initiatives across Malaysia, at the CIMB Islamic Green Showcase powered by EcoSave-i.
Photo 2: (From left) Fizulin Mohamed Zin, Senior Vice President, Corporate & Support Services, Khazanah Nasional Berhad, Datin Azlina Mahmad, Chairperson of CIMB Islamic, and Ahmad Shahriman Mohd Shariff, Chief Executive Officer of CIMB Islamic, planted trees at Taman Tugu, Kuala Lumpur in conjunction with the CIMB Islamic Green Showcase powered by EcoSave-i event.
SOURCE: CIMB Group
FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:
Name: Anis Azharuddin / Kelvin Jude Muthu
Group Corporate Communications
CIMB Group Holdings Berhad
Email: anis.azharuddin@cimb.com / kelvinjude.muthu@cimb.com
--BERNAMA
MALAYSIA’S HEALTH-CONSCIOUS INNOVATION AND PREMIUM CONVENIENCE TO TAKE CENTER STAGE AT GULFOOD 2026
KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 26 (Bernama) -- The Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE) is leading a delegation of over 120 Malaysian exhibitors in the world’s largest annual food and beverage (F&B) trade exhibition, Gulfood 2026. Taking place from 26 to 30 January 2026 at the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) and Dubai Exhibition Centre (DEC), the Malaysia Pavilion will showcase a new era of F&B excellence centered on the twin pillars of health- conscious innovation and premium convenience.
Abu Bakar Yusof, Chief Executive Officer of MATRADE, said “ Malaysia’s presence at Gulfood 2026 for the 22nd edition marks a strategic milestone in the nation's trade relations with the Middle East, aligning with MATRADE’s own market diversification initiatives. Beyond showcasing products, the mission aims to demonstrate Malaysia’s capability as a 'Total Solution Provider' in the global F&B supply chain.”
“By merging gold-standard Halal integrity with cutting-edge food technology and a focus on sustainability, Malaysian brands are ensuring they remain the preferred choice for sourcing partners who value quality, innovation, and reliability.” Abu Bakar continued.
As the global Halal market is projected to reach USD5 trillion by 2030, Malaysia is leveraging its position as a global Halal leader to offer innovative products that meet the evolving demands of the modern, urban Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) consumers. This year’s participation highlights a strategic pivot from commodity exports to high-value downstream, processed food solutions. Malaysian brands are also proving that convenience and health can coexist under the gold standard of Halal integrity.
A dominant trend within the 2026 MATRADE contingent is the rise of “Gourmet Convenience.” With over 70 companies specialising in premium sauces and pastes and nearly 50 focusing on Ready-to-Eat (RTE) meals, Malaysia is positioning itself as a primary solution for the GCC’s busy professional demographic. These products utilise advanced retort and freezing technologies to deliver authentic, de-skilled culinary experiences that bring the complex flavours of Asia to Middle Eastern homes in minutes.
Responding to the GCC’s national health agendas, the Malaysia Pavilion will also feature a significant “Better-for-You” (BFY) segment. More than 40 exhibitors will showcase organic, non-GMO, gluten-free and plant-based products. From functional beverages and herbal-infused health drinks to low-glycemic snacks, Malaysia is redefining Halal as a standard that encompasses not only religious compliance but also holistic wellness and food safety.
In 2025, Malaysia’s processed food trade to the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region continued an upward trajectory, reaching a record high of RM2.52 billion, increased by 4.2 per cent. Exports in the same year were at RM2.42 billion and imports were registered at RM0.1 billion. With the UAE serving as a strategic gateway, MATRADE expects Gulfood 2026 to generate significant export sales and forge long-term strategic partnerships between Malaysian SMEs and global distributors.
If you are interested to visit the Malaysia Pavilion at Gulfood 2026 or set a meeting with the Malaysian exhibitors, email dubai@matrade.gov.my.
About MATRADE
The Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE) was established on 1 March 1993 as the national trade promotional arm under Malaysia's Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI). MATRADE's primary role is to assist Malaysian exporters in developing and expanding their export markets. Aligned with Malaysia's commercial diplomacy efforts, MATRADE is the nation's trade facilitator and champion of Malaysian-made products and services on the global stage.
“By merging gold-standard Halal integrity with cutting-edge food technology and a focus on sustainability, Malaysian brands are ensuring they remain the preferred choice for sourcing partners who value quality, innovation, and reliability.” Abu Bakar continued.
As the global Halal market is projected to reach USD5 trillion by 2030, Malaysia is leveraging its position as a global Halal leader to offer innovative products that meet the evolving demands of the modern, urban Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) consumers. This year’s participation highlights a strategic pivot from commodity exports to high-value downstream, processed food solutions. Malaysian brands are also proving that convenience and health can coexist under the gold standard of Halal integrity.
A dominant trend within the 2026 MATRADE contingent is the rise of “Gourmet Convenience.” With over 70 companies specialising in premium sauces and pastes and nearly 50 focusing on Ready-to-Eat (RTE) meals, Malaysia is positioning itself as a primary solution for the GCC’s busy professional demographic. These products utilise advanced retort and freezing technologies to deliver authentic, de-skilled culinary experiences that bring the complex flavours of Asia to Middle Eastern homes in minutes.
Responding to the GCC’s national health agendas, the Malaysia Pavilion will also feature a significant “Better-for-You” (BFY) segment. More than 40 exhibitors will showcase organic, non-GMO, gluten-free and plant-based products. From functional beverages and herbal-infused health drinks to low-glycemic snacks, Malaysia is redefining Halal as a standard that encompasses not only religious compliance but also holistic wellness and food safety.
In 2025, Malaysia’s processed food trade to the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region continued an upward trajectory, reaching a record high of RM2.52 billion, increased by 4.2 per cent. Exports in the same year were at RM2.42 billion and imports were registered at RM0.1 billion. With the UAE serving as a strategic gateway, MATRADE expects Gulfood 2026 to generate significant export sales and forge long-term strategic partnerships between Malaysian SMEs and global distributors.
If you are interested to visit the Malaysia Pavilion at Gulfood 2026 or set a meeting with the Malaysian exhibitors, email dubai@matrade.gov.my.
About MATRADE
The Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE) was established on 1 March 1993 as the national trade promotional arm under Malaysia's Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI). MATRADE's primary role is to assist Malaysian exporters in developing and expanding their export markets. Aligned with Malaysia's commercial diplomacy efforts, MATRADE is the nation's trade facilitator and champion of Malaysian-made products and services on the global stage.
SOURCE: Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE)
FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:
Name: Ms. Aninawati Saleh
Head of Corporate Communication
Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE)
Tel (Direct): 03 – 6207 7077 (7826)
Email: communication@matrade.gov.my
--BERNAMA
Head of Corporate Communication
Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE)
Tel (Direct): 03 – 6207 7077 (7826)
Email: communication@matrade.gov.my
--BERNAMA
TOURISE CEMENTS TOURISM'S ROLE AS STRATEGIC ECONOMIC SYSTEM AT DAVOS
 |
| His Excellency Ahmed Al‑Khateeb, Minister of Tourism of Saudi Arabia and Chairman of TOURISE, convenes executives from Trip.com, Visa, TikTok, PayPal, Salesforce, Forbes, Avolta, ByteDance, and more at Davos 2026 |
KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 26 (Bernama) -- TOURISE, the global platform shaping a new horizon for tourism, successfully advanced the sector’s strategic importance at the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting in Davos, advocating for its recognition as a vital economic system connecting industries, economies, and regions.
Often overlooked as a siloed industry, TOURISE pressed the importance of tourism being recognised as a strategic sector, contributing one in every US$10 to global gross domestic product and uplifting every industry it touches. (US$1=RM3.98)
Minister of Tourism of Saudi Arabia and Chairman of TOURISE, Ahmed Al Khateeb said these partnerships will shape the next decade of tourism, creating trust and shared purpose to move the world forward.
“Tourism is more than a lifestyle sector; it functions as a strategic economic system. TOURISE serves as a platform where leaders form alliances to build shared solutions where technology aligns with community development, finance with sustainability, and education with mobility,” he said in a statement.
The Davos programme was anchored by two strategic workshops: ‘Can Tourism Save the World?’ and ‘Agentic Tourism: From Insight to Action’. The latter advanced the development of an Agentic Tourism Protocol, a shared framework designed to enable safe, connected, and interoperable artificial intelligence systems across the sector.
The workshops drew high-level participation from global executives and technologists, including leaders from Trip.com, Visa, TikTok, PayPal, Salesforce, Forbes, Avolta, and ByteDance, underscoring tourism’s growing role as a platform for growth and innovation across diverse industries.
TOURISE also sponsored the annual Women Leaders Reception, where Advisory Board Member and Saudi Arabia Ministry of Tourism Deputy Minister of International Affairs, Hawazen Nassief, emphasised the necessity of advancing women into leadership roles within a sector where they represent nearly half of the global workforce.
Davos marked the start of TOURISE’s 2026 global calendar, which will feature cross-sector workshops and new partnerships, propelling the platform’s momentum toward its second summit scheduled for March 2027.
TOURISE is the world’s premier platform shaping a new horizon for global tourism, operating under the umbrella of the Saudi Ministry of Tourism. Its inaugural summit took place in November 2025 in Riyadh.
-- BERNAMA
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