KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 16 (Bernama) -- AACSB International (AACSB) and The Association of Arab Universities (AArU) have formalised a strategic partnership by signing a memorandum of understanding (MoU) during the AACSB’s Middle East and North Africa (MENA) conference in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE).
The agreement outlines a shared commitment to providing opportunities for schools within the AArU membership to experience the advantages of specified membership benefits in both parties, according to AACSB in a statement.
AArU members will be provided the opportunity to work towards advancing accreditation efforts and promote best practices in business education.
AACSB President and Chief Executive Officer, Lily Bi expressed pride in partnering with AArU to advance quality education in the Arab region.
“This partnership underscores our shared commitment to fostering excellence, innovation, and impact in education worldwide. With a century-old tradition of continuous improvement and impact, we are honoured to join AArU today and celebrate our mutual commitment to quality education,” said Bi.
Meanwhile, AArU Secretary General, Professor Dr Amr Ezzat Salama said: “This agreement with AACSB, one of the most important international accreditation institutions, is part of the association's vision to develop academic excellence, improve the efficiency of Arab educational institutions, and enhance their competitiveness.”
This partnership will support universities across the Arab world in achieving global standards of excellence while also addressing region-specific challenges in higher education and economic development.
The MoU is a testament to the shared vision of both organisations to nurture future-ready business leaders in higher education, as this partnership represents a significant step toward creating a more globally connected and impactful business education ecosystem in the Arab region.
AArU, established in 1964, connects 450 member universities across the Arab world, promoting sustainable development, while AACSB has been advancing business education for over a century, with a global network of more than 1,900 members.
-- BERNAMA
Thursday, 16 January 2025
Wednesday, 15 January 2025
BDX DATA CENTERS PARTNERS APJII TO BOOST INDONESIA'S DIGITAL INFRASTRUCTURE, AI CAPABILITIES
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| (L-R) Muhammad Arif, Chairman of APJII; Agus Wijaya, President Director and CEO of BDx Indonesia (Photo: Business Wire) |
KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 15 (Bernama) -- BDx Data Centers (BDx), Indonesia’s largest data centre operator and Asia-Pacific’s fastest-growing carrier-neutral data centre platform, has announced a landmark cooperation agreement with the Association of Indonesia Internet Service Providers (APJII) that will bolster the nation’s digital ecosystem.As part of this strategic partnership, APJII will enhance the Indonesia Internet Exchange (IIX) coverage in Greater Jakarta by launching a new IIX node at BDx Indonesia’s CGK 3A campus in Southern Jakarta.
BDx Data Centers Chief Operating Officer, Sujit Panda emphasised the importance of this partnership, stating that it is not only timely but imperative for bridging Indonesia’s digital divide.
“While BDx offers the most interconnected digital infrastructure mesh across the country with a portfolio of 59 colocation facilities and edge sites, APJII is a cornerstone of Indonesia’s Internet ecosystem,” he said in a statement.
Meanwhile, APJII Chairman, Muhammad Arif said the partnership would enhance internet traffic optimisation, routing efficiency, and the overall quality and security of the country’s digital infrastructure, paving the way for a resilient and sustainable digital future.
This initiative aims to establish the campus as the digital hub for internet traffic exchange, thereby boosting the resilience and efficiency of the region's digital infrastructure.
The presence of IIX at the CGK 3A campus will help establish a carrier-neutral interconnection ecosystem in Indonesia, meeting the growing demand for high bandwidth and low latency required by modern applications.
The CGK 3A campus, designed specifically for AI inferencing, is poised to accelerate AI capabilities within the country. By hosting IIX at this advanced data centre, the partnership will enable direct, high-speed connectivity between various networks, reducing latency and improving real-time data processing.
It will also create new opportunities for AI ecosystem collaboration, fostering faster data sharing and better integration across the sector.
Indonesia’s internet penetration has surged to 79.5 per cent, according to the 2024 APJII survey, driven by a young, tech-savvy population. E-commerce remains a key driver of the country’s digital economy, which continues to expand due to government initiatives like "Making Indonesia 4.0" and the rising adoption of cloud computing, Internet of Things (IoT), and AI technologies. To support this rapid digital transformation, reliable infrastructure is essential.
-- BERNAMA
Tuesday, 14 January 2025
AMBANK'S BACK-TO-SCHOOL CSR PROGRAMME INSPIRES YOUNG MINDS WITH VISIT TO MAB ACADEMY
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| AmBank with 100 students from SK Bukit Tampoi (Asli) and SJK (T) Dengkil for an educational trip to Malaysia Airlines Berhad Academy (MAB) |
KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 14 (Bernama) -- AmBank held an educational trip to Malaysia Airlines Berhad Academy (MAB) with 100 students from SK Bukit Tampoi (Asli) and SJK (T) Dengkil. This year’s Back-to-School CSR Programme combines the contribution of school supplies with an inspiring introduction to the aviation industry.
Beyond equipping students with essential school supplies for the upcoming academic year, the programme aims to spark curiosity and ambition among the 100 students from the B40 community. The students enjoyed an exclusive educational visit to MAB Academy, where they had hands-on learning with aviation professionals while exploring the various career possibilities within the industry.
Other activities that took place were a tour of the mock cabin set up & service demonstration, fire drill demonstration, safety briefing and exit demonstration.
Shazman Shahid, Head of Group Corporate Communications and Marketing, AmBank Group said “This initiative embodies our dedication to uplift the youth by creating memorable experience and meaningful community engagement. We hope by giving them a glimpse into the exciting world of aviation, it encourages them to explore their interests and realize that opportunities are within their reach.”
This is part of AmBank’s adopted schools programme which aligns with the Groups’s Sustainability Framework under positive societal impact, that aims to contribute to the positive impact and empowerment of the community.
About AmBank Group
AmBank Group is a leading financial services group with over 40 years of expertise in supporting the economic development of Malaysia. We have over three million customers and employ over 8,000 people.
The Group was listed on the Main Market of Bursa Malaysia in 1988. It is the sixth-largest banking group by assets in Malaysia, with a market capitalisation of more than RM13 billion as at 31 March 2024.
AmBank Group serves over three million individual and corporate customers. It provides services in wholesale banking, retail banking, business banking, investment banking and related financial services which include Islamic banking, underwriting of general insurance, life insurance, family takaful, stock and share broking, futures broking, investment advisory and asset management services in unit trusts and real estate investment trusts.
For more information, please visit www.ambankgroup.com
SOURCE : AmBank Group
FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:
Name: Ridzuan Zulkifli
Senior Vice President
Group Corporate Communications and Marketing
AmBank Group
Email: ridzuan.zulkifli@ambankgroup.com
Media Relations team
Email: media.relations@ambankgroup.com
--BERNAMA
Friday, 10 January 2025
CATHAY INTERNATIONAL CHINESE NEW YEAR NIGHT PARADE: A FESTIVE EXTRAVAGANZA ON THE FIRST DAY OF LUNAR NEW YEAR
Featuring Diverse International Performances and Hong Kong Charm with Stunning Floats as Online Travel Guide is Launched to Showcase City’s Exciting Festivities
HONG KONG, Jan 9 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- The most spectacular Lunar New Year celebration in town – the Cathay International Chinese New Year Night Parade – is ready to roar back in exuberant style in Tsim Sha Tsui to welcome the first day of the Year of the Snake (29 January), kicking off a host of seasonal events across Hong Kong. The annual event is organised by the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) with Cathay as the title sponsor for the 23rd year. With the theme Unfold a Year of Good Fortune, the parade combines performers from around the world with distinctive Hong Kong flavours presented by the floats to reflect the city’s status as an events capital for festivities with unique glamour.
This press release features multimedia. View the full release here:
https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250107966877/en/
Dr Pang Yiu-kai, HKTB Chairman, said, “Hong Kong is one of the most popular destinations in the world for Lunar New Year celebrations, and the Cathay International Chinese New Year Night Parade is definitely a highlight of the festivities. The parade will be broadcast live by satellite and webcast around the world and will be a global attraction to remember. This year’s event trumps last year’s as HKTB hopes to kick off the Year of the Snake by showcasing an international carnival featuring performances from all over the world.”
Dr Pang continued, “HKTB will also provide visitors with a handy New Year travel guide by launching a one-stop Chinese New Year celebration webpage. The page brings together details about celebrations across the city in addition to the Cathay International Chinese New Year Night Parade, including the fabulous fireworks display, the Chinese New Year Raceday, and the Chinese New Year Cup on the second, third and fourth days of Lunar New Year respectively, as well as Lunar New Year fairs. Complemented by other festive activities and popular attractions, Hong Kong offers a feast of seasonal entertainment to entice visitors to stay for a few more days and return home filled with joy.”
Mr Ronald Lam, Cathay Group Chief Executive Officer, said, “As Hong Kong’s home carrier with deep roots in the city for 78 years, Cathay is committed to developing Hong Kong as an international aviation hub while supporting various mega events held in the city to promote the local economy. Meanwhile, we have been adding more flights and expanding our network to connect our customers with their friends and families from around the world. We are delighted to be the title sponsor of the Cathay International Chinese New Year Night Parade for the 23rd consecutive year. We hope this world-renowned Lunar New Year spectacle will give everyone a warm start to the Year of the Snake, surrounded by loved ones and filled with the joy, happiness and blessings brought by Cathay.”
Performances from More Countries and Regions than Last Year, All Brought Together in Tsim Sha Tsui
The floats and local, global and pre-parade performances in this year’s parade will total 55 – more than last year – bringing a bigger and more spectacular Lunar New Year experience to excited crowds of spectators.
A total of 14 countries and regions will be represented, including Hong Kong, with France, Argentina, Austria, India, Indonesia, and Thailand as the newcomers. There will be a total of 16 performing groups from Mainland and overseas, with some groups packing star power, like the winner of 2020 America's Got Talent: The Champions, V.UNBEATABLE DANCE GROUP, Austrian acrobatic show group and the runner-up of 2018 America's Got Talent Zurcaroh, and the dance crew, the first Golden Buzzer winner of the 2023 Indonesia’s Got Talent contest BRAVERY DANCERS. Groups from Mainland are also ready to impress, including the Shaanxi Performing Arts Troupe, who featured in the opening and closing ceremonies of the 14th National Games of China. Spectators can also enjoy the festive fan with Thai boyband LYKN and K-pop girl group Kep1er.
Presenting Local Performers of an International Standard for a Magnificent Festive Extravaganza
Representing the talents of Hong Kong are 12 performing groups with skills ranging from dancing, cheerleading, and gymnastics to rope skipping – many of them champions in international competitions. Marvel at the moves of Chestroll Dance Crew, winner of the 2019 and 2023 World of Dance Hong Kong competition, and the SDM Jazz & Ballet Academie and Hong Kong Rope Skipping Association, China, both winners of numerous international accolades. The show by the Hong Kong Rope Skipping Association China, which has participated in the parade for many years, will include top performers from the United States, France, Australia, and Japan, exchanging skills and adding a touch of international flair and vitality to the traditional festivities.
The parade will begin at the Hong Kong Cultural Centre Piazza and will work its way through Canton Road, Haiphong Road, and Nathan Road before arriving at Sheraton Hong Kong Hotel & Towers. The parade will officially begin at 8:00pm, and at 6:00pm before the parade starts, a total of 18 local performing groups will ring in the festivities with juggling, magic shows, dance and music to get you into the carnival mood.
Floats Transform into Hong Kong Tourism Ambassadors to Showcase City’s Charm
The parade this year will feature nine floats, many of which assume roles as Hong Kong Tourism Ambassadors by showcasing the city’s splendour and charm. These floats will feature famous Hong Kong icons, including the city’s popular giant pandas who will appear on a float with Hong Kong-style milk tea. Don’t miss out on floats based on the city’s stunning skyline that take inspiration from the snake motif. Also not to be missed are floats with elements of Hong Kong festivities to promote the city’s distinctive Lunar New Year culture, as well as ones carrying joyful Lunar New Year messages and greetings including windmills, lyrical couplets, blooming flowers and much more.
Creating Synergy with the Hong Kong Well-wishing Festival to Extend the Excitement of the Night Parade
HKTB is teaming up with the Hong Kong Well-wishing Festival this year to extend the excitement of the night parade. The dazzling floats and performance stage will be relocated to Lam Tsuen in Tai Po where, from 30 January to 13 February, locals and visitors can see multiple floats at the Lam Tsuen Wishing Square. On the second and third days of the Lunar New Year, locals and visitors can enjoy selected performances presented by Mainland and international performing groups who took part in the Cathay International Chinese New Year Night Parade. Some groups will also perform at different locations around the city on these two days, making it an event not to be missed.
Launch of New Year Travel Guide to Attract Visitors to Celebrate Lunar New Year in Hong Kong
The HKTB is providing a handy New Year travel guide for locals and visitors by launching a one-stop Chinese New Year celebration webpage. The page brings together details about celebrations across the city, including the Cathay International Chinese New Year Night Parade, the fabulous fireworks display, the Chinese New Year Raceday, and the Chinese New Year Cup on the first, second, third and fourth days of Lunar New Year respectively, as well as Lunar New Year fairs. Together with temple visits for blessings and other festive activities at popular attractions, the guide will give visitors spending the Lunar New Year in Hong Kong the opportunity to fully immerse themselves in the city’s festive culture.
Dr Pang continued, “HKTB will also provide visitors with a handy New Year travel guide by launching a one-stop Chinese New Year celebration webpage. The page brings together details about celebrations across the city in addition to the Cathay International Chinese New Year Night Parade, including the fabulous fireworks display, the Chinese New Year Raceday, and the Chinese New Year Cup on the second, third and fourth days of Lunar New Year respectively, as well as Lunar New Year fairs. Complemented by other festive activities and popular attractions, Hong Kong offers a feast of seasonal entertainment to entice visitors to stay for a few more days and return home filled with joy.”
Mr Ronald Lam, Cathay Group Chief Executive Officer, said, “As Hong Kong’s home carrier with deep roots in the city for 78 years, Cathay is committed to developing Hong Kong as an international aviation hub while supporting various mega events held in the city to promote the local economy. Meanwhile, we have been adding more flights and expanding our network to connect our customers with their friends and families from around the world. We are delighted to be the title sponsor of the Cathay International Chinese New Year Night Parade for the 23rd consecutive year. We hope this world-renowned Lunar New Year spectacle will give everyone a warm start to the Year of the Snake, surrounded by loved ones and filled with the joy, happiness and blessings brought by Cathay.”
Performances from More Countries and Regions than Last Year, All Brought Together in Tsim Sha Tsui
The floats and local, global and pre-parade performances in this year’s parade will total 55 – more than last year – bringing a bigger and more spectacular Lunar New Year experience to excited crowds of spectators.
A total of 14 countries and regions will be represented, including Hong Kong, with France, Argentina, Austria, India, Indonesia, and Thailand as the newcomers. There will be a total of 16 performing groups from Mainland and overseas, with some groups packing star power, like the winner of 2020 America's Got Talent: The Champions, V.UNBEATABLE DANCE GROUP, Austrian acrobatic show group and the runner-up of 2018 America's Got Talent Zurcaroh, and the dance crew, the first Golden Buzzer winner of the 2023 Indonesia’s Got Talent contest BRAVERY DANCERS. Groups from Mainland are also ready to impress, including the Shaanxi Performing Arts Troupe, who featured in the opening and closing ceremonies of the 14th National Games of China. Spectators can also enjoy the festive fan with Thai boyband LYKN and K-pop girl group Kep1er.
Presenting Local Performers of an International Standard for a Magnificent Festive Extravaganza
Representing the talents of Hong Kong are 12 performing groups with skills ranging from dancing, cheerleading, and gymnastics to rope skipping – many of them champions in international competitions. Marvel at the moves of Chestroll Dance Crew, winner of the 2019 and 2023 World of Dance Hong Kong competition, and the SDM Jazz & Ballet Academie and Hong Kong Rope Skipping Association, China, both winners of numerous international accolades. The show by the Hong Kong Rope Skipping Association China, which has participated in the parade for many years, will include top performers from the United States, France, Australia, and Japan, exchanging skills and adding a touch of international flair and vitality to the traditional festivities.
The parade will begin at the Hong Kong Cultural Centre Piazza and will work its way through Canton Road, Haiphong Road, and Nathan Road before arriving at Sheraton Hong Kong Hotel & Towers. The parade will officially begin at 8:00pm, and at 6:00pm before the parade starts, a total of 18 local performing groups will ring in the festivities with juggling, magic shows, dance and music to get you into the carnival mood.
Floats Transform into Hong Kong Tourism Ambassadors to Showcase City’s Charm
The parade this year will feature nine floats, many of which assume roles as Hong Kong Tourism Ambassadors by showcasing the city’s splendour and charm. These floats will feature famous Hong Kong icons, including the city’s popular giant pandas who will appear on a float with Hong Kong-style milk tea. Don’t miss out on floats based on the city’s stunning skyline that take inspiration from the snake motif. Also not to be missed are floats with elements of Hong Kong festivities to promote the city’s distinctive Lunar New Year culture, as well as ones carrying joyful Lunar New Year messages and greetings including windmills, lyrical couplets, blooming flowers and much more.
Creating Synergy with the Hong Kong Well-wishing Festival to Extend the Excitement of the Night Parade
HKTB is teaming up with the Hong Kong Well-wishing Festival this year to extend the excitement of the night parade. The dazzling floats and performance stage will be relocated to Lam Tsuen in Tai Po where, from 30 January to 13 February, locals and visitors can see multiple floats at the Lam Tsuen Wishing Square. On the second and third days of the Lunar New Year, locals and visitors can enjoy selected performances presented by Mainland and international performing groups who took part in the Cathay International Chinese New Year Night Parade. Some groups will also perform at different locations around the city on these two days, making it an event not to be missed.
Launch of New Year Travel Guide to Attract Visitors to Celebrate Lunar New Year in Hong Kong
The HKTB is providing a handy New Year travel guide for locals and visitors by launching a one-stop Chinese New Year celebration webpage. The page brings together details about celebrations across the city, including the Cathay International Chinese New Year Night Parade, the fabulous fireworks display, the Chinese New Year Raceday, and the Chinese New Year Cup on the first, second, third and fourth days of Lunar New Year respectively, as well as Lunar New Year fairs. Together with temple visits for blessings and other festive activities at popular attractions, the guide will give visitors spending the Lunar New Year in Hong Kong the opportunity to fully immerse themselves in the city’s festive culture.
http://mrem.bernama.com/viewsm.php?idm=50122
Thursday, 9 January 2025
SYNCHRONOSS TECHNOLOGIES TO PRESENT AT INVESTOR CONFERENCES THIS MONTH
KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 8 (Bernama) -- Synchronoss Technologies Inc (Synchronoss) has announced its President and Chief Executive Officer, Jeff Miller, alongside Chief Financial Officer, Louis Ferraro, will be speaking at two upcoming investor conferences.
According to a statement, the first presentation will take place at the ICR Conference on Jan 13, and the webcast link will be available on the Synchronoss Investor Relations website.
The second event is the Needham Growth Conference, scheduled for Jan 16, where investors can register for one-on-one meetings with the company's management by contacting a Needham sales representative.
A global leader in personal Cloud solutions, Synchronoss empowers service providers to establish secure and meaningful connections with their subscribers.
Its software as a service (SaaS) Cloud platform streamlines onboarding processes and promotes subscriber engagement, leading to increased revenue, cost savings, and quicker market deployment.
-- BERNAMA
MFPC'S PITA TEH TARIK SESSION WITH THE INSURANCE AND TAKAFUL INDUSTRY 2025
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| MFPC's PITA Teh Tarik Session 2025 brings together CEOs of LIAM, Aii, MTA, and 23 ITOs for meaningful discussions and networking. |
For an introduction, the Professionalism of Insurance and Takaful Agents (PITA) programme, led by MFPC and aligned with Bank Negara Malaysia’s (BNM) regulatory requirements, aims to enhance the professionalism and advisory capabilities of insurance and takaful agents in Malaysia. Through MFPC's certifications, such as RFP Module 2 and Shariah RFP Module 2, PITA equips agents with essential risk management and financial planning competencies, with a strong focus on insurance and takaful practices.
The session started with Mr. Andy Ng, MFPC President, welcoming all participants and expressing gratitude for their attendance. He highlighted MFPC’s commitment to upholding BNM’s regulatory standards and reaffirmed the council’s dedication to collaboration, professionalism, and achieving a brighter future for the industry and Malaysian public.
The session continued with a comprehensive PITA update by our Executive Director, Ms. Chung Kar Yin, which highlighted the Council’s approval of unlimited free resits for the PITA examination. This initiative, effective from 9 January to 31 December 2025, aims to alleviate test anxiety, promote equitable access, and encourage continuous learning among practiced agents.
Mr. Anthony Ang, Chairman of MFPC Certification and CPD Board, then moderated an interactive Q&A discussion to address challenges in programme implementation by ITOs. The event concluded with a delightful lunch, providing ample opportunities for meaningful networking.
MFPC would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to our esteemed guests—Mr. Paul Low, CEO of Aii; Mr. Mark O'Dell, CEO of LIAM; and Mr. Mohd Radzuan Mohamed, CEO of MTA—for honouring us with their presence and support. Our sincere appreciation also goes to all the ITOs representatives whose participation and valuable contributions were instrumental in making the session a success.
About Malaysian Financial Planning Council (MFPC)
Established in 2004, MFPC is dedicated to advancing the financial planning profession in Malaysia. Providing recognized financial planning qualifications, including Registered Financial Planner (RFP) and Shariah RFP, MFPC ensures adherence to high professionalism standards through Best Practice Standards and a Code of Ethics. The council actively addresses financial literacy issues with initiatives like "My Money and Me" workshops, contributing to the nation's progress through financial empowerment. Recognized with prestigious awards, MFPC reflects a commitment to excellence and innovation
Our website: www.mfpc.org.my
SOURCE: Malaysian Financial Planning Council (MFPC)
FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:
Name: Mohd Farhan Azizan
External Relations, Research and Publication
Malaysian Financial Planning Council
Tel: +6 019 2773521
Email: farhan@mfpc.org.my
--BERNAMA
Ambiq Team Up With ThinkAR To Launch Ultra-Lightweight Smart Glasses
KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 8 (Bernama) -- Ambiq, a developer of ultra-low-power semiconductors and solutions enabling Edge artificial intelligence (AI), has partnered with ThinkAR, to unveil AiLens, the most lightweight smart glasses designed for everyday wear.
Weighing just 37 grammes, AiLens redefines lightweight smart glasses with an extraordinary over 10 hours of battery life, more than three times the industry average, ensuring all-day usability without the need for frequent recharging.
Powered by Ambiq’s ultra-efficient Apollo4 System-on-Chip (SoC), which is built on its proprietary Subthreshold Power Optimization Technology (SPOT) platform, and ThinkAR’s advanced voice-activated augmented reality (AR) capabilities, AiLens provides a seamless, intuitive hands-free experience with personalised insights driven by Edge AI processing.
“Our collaboration with ThinkAR marks the start of a new era for smart AR glasses. The leap in energy efficiency, performance, functionality, and practicality offers a major shift in wearable Edge AI technology for consumers,” said Ambiq Chief Executive Officer, Fumihide Esaka in a statement.
Meanwhile, ThinkAR Founder, Joe Ye said the partnership with Ambiq for AiLens underscored the company’s commitment to innovation.
Key features and innovations of the smart glasses include advanced processing power that delivers up to 192 megahertz (MHz) for graphics, audio, and AI processing; AI-powered personal assistant that adapts to user preferences and delivers tailored responses; and exceptional display technology that ensures smooth performance while conserving energy.
With support from SoftBank, AiLens targets industries such as healthcare, workplace productivity, retail, education, and travel, offering key functions like real-time language translation, notes and reminders, healthcare solutions, and workflow optimisation.
With its lightweight design and advanced processing capabilities, AiLens ensures user comfort for extended use while minimising external components, whereby this innovation creates an unparalleled experience in the AR glasses market.
ThinkAR AiLens will be available simultaneously in North America, Asia Pacific (APAC), and Europe, with initial availability in the United States beginning this month, followed by APAC and Europe in April.
-- BERNAMA
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