CHINA’S GUAN GONG HOMETOWN SCENIC AREA SEEKS TOP 5A STATUS

 

The Haizhou Guandi Temple

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 10 (Bernama) -- The Yuncheng Guan Gong Hometown Cultural Tourism Scenic Area in northern China, home to a historic temple complex dedicated to the ancient general Guan Yu, is seeking designation as a National 5A-level Tourist Attraction, China’s highest tourism rating.

Currently rated a National 4A-level Tourist Attraction, the 3.03-square-kilometre scenic area is in Haizhou Town, Yanhu District, Yuncheng. It lies in the Yellow River Golden Triangle region, where Shanxi, Shaanxi and Henan provinces meet.

The site comprises the Guan Yu Cultural Experience Zone and ecological recreation areas around the Wulongyu River and Nüyanchi, or Female Salt Pond. Its Haizhou Guandi Temple is a national-level protected historical and cultural site.

The temple complex, whose origins date back to the Sui Dynasty, follows a symmetrical palace-style layout and includes Duanmen Gate, Chongning Hall and Chunqiu Tower. It is regarded as the earliest-established, largest and best-preserved architectural complex dedicated to Guan Yu in China.

According to a statement, the scenic area is also designated as a Cross-Strait Exchange Base and a China Overseas Chinese International Cultural Exchange Base.

Scenic area general manager, He Jinyang said it is committed to preserving and passing on its cultural heritage in innovative ways, while integrating historic architecture, folk customs and ecological tourism.

He said it aims to become a world-class destination for experiencing Guan Gong culture.

-- BERNAMA

Horizon Quantum and OQC Announce Successful Pulse-Level Integration of OQC’s Quantum Processing Unit and Triple Alpha Integrated Development Environment

Integration of OQC’s quantum processing unit (QPU) with Horizon Quantum’s Triple Alpha enables pulse-level program execution, qubit characterization, and gate calibration within a unified programming environment.


SINGAPORE & LONDON, Nov 10 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- Horizon Quantum Computing Pte. Ltd., the wholly-owned subsidiary of Horizon Quantum Holdings Ltd. (Nasdaq: HQ) (“Horizon Quantum”), a pioneer of software infrastructure for quantum applications, and OQC, a global leader in quantum computing, today announced the successful pulse-level integration of OQC’s QPU with Triple Alpha, Horizon Quantum’s integrated development environment, as part of an ongoing collaboration.

This integration provides access to the hardware control layer, enabling Triple Alpha users to perform pulse-level operations on the OQC’s 32-qubit device Toshiko, allowing them to build hardware characterization and gate calibration procedures within the same environment they use to develop and execute quantum applications.

Characterization is a key step in preparing quantum hardware for practical use. By measuring the physical properties of QPUs, characterization helps build an understanding of processor behavior and informs the calibration of quantum gates, ultimately improving computational fidelity. QPUs need a universal gate set to execute quantum programs, and each gate must be calibrated. This process involves sending pulses to the processor, measuring qubit responses, and adjusting the pulses to achieve the desired operations. Because quantum systems are highly sensitive, frequent recalibration is necessary.

The Horizon Quantum team used Triple Alpha’s pulse-level control capabilities to access OQC’s 32-qubit superconducting QPU and characterize parameters such as T1 and T2, which describe qubit relaxation and phase coherence, respectively. The team also used Triple Alpha to execute a high-level quantum program on Toshiko to perform gate calibration.

The results of the collaboration demonstrate how Triple Alpha’s pulse-level control can support hardware characterization and gate calibration directly on a QPU, with the potential to streamline workflows that might otherwise rely on separate tools.

Many quantum computing modalities, including superconducting systems, make use of precise electromagnetic pulses to control the QPU and drive logical operations. Programming at the pulse level requires specifying not only the precise schedule according to which pulses are transmitted to the QPU, but also specifying the physical properties of these pulses. Traditionally, this has required making use of distinct frameworks or programming languages designed specifically for pulse scheduling.

Triple Alpha allows developers to harness pulse-level control within the same programming languages that are used to develop quantum applications. This portable approach lets users write programs once and execute them across different control systems. As a result, pulse-level control enables users to create and deploy characterization and calibration routines and other programs which explore the physics of the QPU itself, and integrate them into their workflow via a simple web-based API.

The ongoing collaboration between Horizon Quantum and OQC reflects both companies’ commitment to unlocking broad quantum advantage and commercial applications for quantum computing.

“Exposing pulse-level control of OQC processors through Triple Alpha will enable users to interact with the physics of the quantum processors, rather than just the data they contain,” said Dr. Joe Fitzsimons, CEO of Horizon Quantum. “We expect this to enable the development and implementation of new techniques for characterization, noise mitigation and improved performance. We are grateful to OQC for working with us to make this integration possible.”

“Making quantum computing useful requires close integration between hardware and software,” said Simon Phillips, OQC’s Chief Product Officer. “By bringing OQC's device's pulse-level capabilities into Triple Alpha, we’re giving developers greater control to characterize qubits, calibrate gates, and build quantum programs within a single environment—a practical step towards simplifying quantum application development.”

About Horizon Quantum

Horizon Quantum [NASDAQ: HQ] is on a mission to unlock broad quantum advantage by building the software infrastructure that empowers developers to use quantum computing to solve the world’s toughest computational problems.

Founded in 2018 by Dr. Joe Fitzsimons, a leading researcher and former professor with more than two decades of experience in quantum computing, the company is bridging the gap between today’s quantum hardware and tomorrow’s applications through the creation of advanced software development tools. Its software infrastructure moves beyond the constraints of static circuit execution, making it possible for developers to express any conceivable quantum computation. Its integrated development environment, Triple Alpha, enables developers to write sophisticated, hardware-agnostic quantum programs at multiple levels of abstraction. Learn more at www.horizonquantum.com.

About OQC

OQC is the UK’s leading quantum computing company, building and deploying the world’s most accessible superconducting quantum computers. With its cloud-ready quantum systems, OQC enables customers across sectors, from finance to energy to national security, to explore quantum advantage today. OQC’s mission is to make quantum computing useful, accessible, and sovereign.

Note to Investors Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This press release includes forward-looking statements. The expectations, estimates, and projections of the businesses of Horizon Quantum may differ from its actual results and consequently, you should not rely on these forward-looking statements as predictions of future events. Words such as “expect,” “estimate,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “may,” “will,” “could,” “should,” “potential,” “plan,” “enable,” and similar expressions are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. Actual results may differ materially and adversely from those expressed or implied in any forward-looking statements and Horizon Quantum therefore cautions against placing undue reliance on any of these forward-looking statements. Many of these factors are outside of the control of Horizon Quantum and are difficult to predict. Factors that may cause such differences include, but are not limited to: (1) references with respect to the anticipated benefits and costs, if any, of the strategic collaborations with OQC, including our ability to integrate each company’s technologies, including calibration technologies, within our quantum computing testbed and Triple Alpha platform; (2) whether exposing pulse-level control of OQC processors through Triple Alpha will enable users to interact with the physics of the quantum processors to the extent currently expected or to a lesser degree; (3) whether the development and implementation of new techniques for characterization, noise mitigation and improved performance can be achieved; (4) changes in applicable laws and regulations or political and economic developments; (5) the possibility that Horizon Quantum may be adversely affected by other economic, business and/or competitive factors; (6) difficulties operating Horizon Quantum’s quantum processors and the possibility that the quantum processors do not provide the advantages that Horizon Quantum expects; and (7) other risks and uncertainties included in the “Risk Factors” section of the Annual Report on Form 20-F filed by Horizon Quantum on April 14, 2026 with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"), as well as other documents filed or to be filed with the SEC by Horizon Quantum. The foregoing list of factors is not exclusive. New risks emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for management to predict all risks, nor can management assess the impact of all factors on the business or the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statements. Except as required by law, Horizon Quantum undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements. You should not place undue reliance upon any forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date made. Horizon Quantum does not undertake or accept any obligation or undertaking to release publicly any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statements to reflect any change in their expectations or any change in events, conditions, or circumstances on which any such statement is based, except as required by law.

View source version on businesswire.com:
https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20261109741986/en/

Contact

Horizon Quantum investor contact
Katherine Bailon
investors@horizonquantum.com

Horizon Quantum media contact
Yanina Blaclard
media@horizonquantum.com

OQC Media Contact
press@oqc.tech

Source : Horizon Quantum Holdings Ltd.

QIANHAI TAPS APEC SUMMIT TO DEEPEN SHENZHEN-HONG KONG TIES

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 6 (Bernama) -- Qianhai, a Shenzhen-Hong Kong cooperation zone in southern China, is using the 33rd APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting in Shenzhen this month to deepen trade links and regulatory cooperation with Hong Kong and Asia-Pacific economies.

As of September 2026, 20 of Shenzhen’s top-rated 5A-level logistics companies, or 47.6 per cent of the city’s total, had set up headquarters in Qianhai, the Authority of Qianhai Shenzhen-Hong Kong Modern Service Industry Cooperation Zone said in a statement.

The authority added that Qianhai has worked with Shenzhen Customs and Hong Kong’s Electrical and Mechanical Services Department on mutual recognition of technical standards for home appliances.

Under a first list of 50 Chinese national standards recognised as equivalent to International Electrotechnical Commission standards, mainland appliances that meet them need only a Hong Kong-compatible plug to enter the Hong Kong market, without further testing.

“Now that our high-speed hair dryers have passed the national standard tests, they can be exported to Hong Kong without additional testing. This has significantly slashed our time-to-market and costs, leading to smoother order growth,” said Shenzhen Shuye Innovation Technology Co Ltd Head of Asia-Pacific Sales, Yan Fang.

The Shenzhen · Qianhai International Business e-Station has also partnered with Alibaba.com Hong Kong to offer companies a one-stop digital trade service, and has established partnerships with 53 overseas industrial parks in 32 countries.

-- BERNAMA

FERROTEC OPENS SECOND KULIM PLANT, CREATING OVER 1,000 HIGHVALUE JOBS FOR MALAYSIANS

Datuk Sikh Shamsul Ibrahim Sikh Abdul Majid, MIDA CEO

New facility strengthens Malaysia’s semiconductor and advanced manufacturing ecosystem and deepens local supply chain ecosystem

KULIM, Kedah, Nov 5 (Bernama) -- Ferrotec Group has further strengthened its manufacturing footprint in Malaysia with the official opening of Ferrotec Manufacturing Malaysia’s Plant 2 in Padang Meha, Kulim, on 28 October 2026. This marks another significant milestone in the Group’s expansion in Southeast Asia and its continued commitment to Malaysia’s semiconductor and advanced manufacturing ecosystem. Malaysia remains an important part of Ferrotec’s Southeast Asian growth strategy, supported by growing semiconductor demand, Malaysia’s established semiconductor ecosystem and the performance of the Group’s existing operations in the country.

The grand opening ceremony was officiated by YAB Dato’ Seri Haji Muhammad Sanusi bin Md Nor, Menteri Besar of Kedah. He was joined by Mr. He Xian Han, President and Group CEO of Ferrotec Corporation, and Mr. Anzhi He, Managing Director of Ferrotec Manufacturing Malaysia, together with members of the Kedah State Executive Council, state and local government officials, and senior representatives of Lam Research Corporation and Applied Materials, Inc.

Ferrotec’s first manufacturing facility in Kulim involved an initial investment of more than RM900 million and commenced operations in January 2024. The company subsequently committed a further RM1 billion to its expansion in Kulim, bringing the cumulative investment for the two Kulim plants to approximately RM1.9 billion. This latest expansion will generate over 1,000 new high-value jobs for skilled Malaysian professionals—including engineers, technicians, and production specialists, further building on the workforce established by the first facility.

YAB Dato’ Seri Haji Muhammad Sanusi bin Md Nor, Menteri Besar of Kedah, said, “Our ambition is not simply to bring more factories into Kedah. Our ambition is to build a stronger industrial ecosystem where leading global companies can grow, local businesses can develop alongside them, and our people can benefit from better employment and career opportunities. Ferrotec’s continued expansion is an excellent example of the kind of long-term partnership we hope to build.”

The opening of Plant 2 significantly expands Ferrotec’s Kulim footprint, adding nearly one million square feet of highly automated manufacturing space equipped for over 700 high-precision CNC machines, IoT sensors, and autonomous guided vehicles. Together with the existing facility's established capabilities in quartz, advanced ceramics, precision metal fabrication, and electromechanical assembly for the semiconductor industry, Ferrotec's Kulim operations now employ over 2,200 people with continued capacity for growth.

Datuk Sikh Shamsul Ibrahim Sikh Abdul Majid, Chief Executive Officer of the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA), said, “Ferrotec’s decision to open a second plant in Kulim, in less than three years after its first plant began operations, reflects the Group’s confidence in Malaysia as a base for semiconductor equipment manufacturing. The project brings advanced capabilities in quartz, ceramics and precision metal components into the country and, with more than 1,000 additional high-value jobs, creates valuable opportunities for Malaysian engineers, technicians and local suppliers. This is in line with the New Industrial Master Plan 2030 and the National Semiconductor Strategy, which aims to move Malaysia further up the semiconductor value chain. MIDA will continue to work closely with Ferrotec as it ramps up Plant 2 and deepens its links with Malaysian companies.”

He Xian Han, President and Group CEO of Ferrotec Corporation, said, “Malaysia has a mature, well-established and dynamic semiconductor ecosystem. Its strong industrial foundation, comprehensive infrastructure and efficient government services provide favourable conditions for foreign investors to establish, operate and expand their manufacturing operations. These strengths reinforce our confidence in continuing to invest in Malaysia.”

Anzhi He, Managing Director of Ferrotec Manufacturing Malaysia, said, “When we first evaluated locations in Southeast Asia, we looked at many factors. Today, I can confidently say that choosing Malaysia and Kulim was one of the best decisions we made. MIDA has been with us since our first conversations about Malaysia and continued to support us following our investment decision, connecting us with the relevant stakeholders and helping us address administrative matters when timing was critical.”

Plant 2 is targeting a capacity ramp-up in the first quarter of 2027 and full production by the second quarter. The facility reinforces Malaysia’s standing in the global semiconductor industry.

SOURCE: Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA)

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:
MIDA
Name: Puan Zakiah Sajidan
Director, Machinery and Metal Technology Division, MIDA
Tel: 0322676769
Email: zakiah@mida.gov.my

Ferrotec
Name: Tan Ai Leng
HR Associate Director of Ferrotec Manufacturing Malaysia Sdn Bhd
Tel: 04-2024000
Email: ftmm.corporate@ferrotec.my

--BERNAMA

 

Compliance and risk teams are handling regulatory change faster, but fewer believe their approach is effective, CUBE survey finds

61% of firms now embed regulatory change within a year, up from 26% in 2025, yet confidence in compliance outcomes has fallen from 59% to 45%


LONDON, Nov 5 (Bernama-GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Firms are embedding regulatory change faster than a year ago, but fewer believe their processes are delivering results, according to CUBE’s Cost of Compliance Report 2026, From adoption to assurance: the cost of compliance in an AI-enabled world.

Now in its sixteenth year, the report draws on a survey of more than 2,000 senior practitioners across 11 countries, revealing a growing gap between the pace of compliance activity and firms' ability to demonstrate its effectiveness.

Key findings:

• Regulatory change is being embedded faster: 61% of firms now embed regulatory change within a year, up from 26% in 2025.
• Impact assessments accelerating: 46% complete an initial assessment within two weeks, compared with 20% last year.
• Confidence falling: 45% rate their approach as generally or highly effective, down from 59%.
• AI adoption outpacing assurance: 59% say AI is embedded or advanced in their core processes, but only 34% are confident they could demonstrate their AI governance to a regulator today.
• Costs rising: 64% report higher costs over the past year, driven mainly by technology investment and AI governance.
   

The scale of the challenge is also increasing. 17% of firms now track more than 100 regulatory developments a month, compared with just 2% in 2025. Yet faster processing has not translated into greater confidence that regulatory obligations are being effectively implemented.

AI is adding another layer of complexity for compliance and risk teams. Implementing AI is now the challenge most frequently cited by respondents, replacing data governance, AI and automation, and ESG, which topped the list in 2025.

While 59% say AI is embedded or advanced in their core processes and 10% let it act autonomously in compliance and risk workflows, 57% do not yet trust AI outputs for critical decisions. 58% expect regulatory scrutiny of their AI use to rise over the next year, but only 34% are confident they could demonstrate AI governance to a regulator today. A further 57% expect AI to add to their governance and oversight burden.

With regulators in the US, Europe, Asia-Pacific and the UK taking different approaches, demonstrating robust AI governance is becoming increasingly complex.

Ben Richmond, Founder and CEO of CUBE, said: “I read these findings closely every year, and this year what stands out to me is the gap between what firms have deployed at pace with AI and what they can subsequently evidence. The foundations are still being built: just 40% rate their data governance as completely effective, and data quality is the most-cited barrier to scaling AI.”

“Speed appears to be outpacing assurance: firms are deploying AI faster than they can govern it, and processing regulatory change faster than they can embed it with confidence,” he added.

The growing demands on compliance and risk teams are also driving up costs and sharpening questions of senior accountability.

Almost two-thirds (64%) of respondents report higher costs over the past year, against the 60% who anticipated an increase when surveyed in 2025, driven mainly by technology investment and AI governance.

The impact is also being felt by individuals: 35% say senior leaders are declining or leaving roles with direct compliance accountability, rising to 47% in India. Meanwhile, 45% report growing demand from senior managers for real-time data.

CUBE’s RegInsight content and Enforcement AI Agent recorded 96 enforcement actions against individuals in the first nine months of 2026, across regulators including the SEC, FCA, CFTC, SFC and ASIC, with combined financial penalties of approximately $59 million.

Despite these pressures, expectations for AI remain positive. 75% of respondents expect AI to free their teams for higher-value work, and 73% expect it to improve effectiveness.

Richmond concludes: “Firms that close the distance between what they have deployed and what they can evidence will get the most from AI over the next 12 months.”

The report sets out priorities for the next six to 24 months, alongside board-level metrics for quarterly review, helping compliance and risk teams benchmark progress against peers and demonstrate the effectiveness of their work.

The Cost of Compliance Report 2026 is available now at: https://www.cube.global/company/resource-hub/the-cost-of-compliance-report-2026.

CUBE will explore the report’s findings in a webinar, The Evidence Gap: What the Cost of Compliance 2026 Reveals About AI Governance. Register here.

About the Cost of Compliance Report

Now in its sixteenth year, the Cost of Compliance Report examines how compliance and risk professionals are responding to regulatory change, technology and cost pressures. The 2026 edition draws on a third-party survey, conducted in June and July 2026, among more than 2,000 manager-level and above professionals with responsibility for, or influence over, compliance and risk decisions across finance and banking, insurance and professional services. Respondents were based in the United States, Canada, the UK, France, Germany, Spain, Italy, India, Japan, China and Australia.

About CUBE

CUBE is an AI-native regulatory intelligence company helping compliance and risk teams track, interpret and act on regulatory change. Built on 15 years of regulatory expertise and more than ten million datapoints processed annually, CUBE combines AI-native technology, global regulatory data and proprietary network data to enable customers to gather deep intelligence and automate compliance and risk processes.

CUBE delivers regulatory intelligence through four products: RegPlatform™, an enterprise compliance and risk platform enabled by agentic AI and peer-validated network intelligence; Oden, expert-curated regulatory intelligence and automated notice generation for U.S. state-by-state insurance compliance; Intel, combining AI and expert insight for regulated industries; and PoweredBy, which embeds CUBE’s proprietary regulatory content, data and technology into partner platforms.

With operations across Europe, the United States, Canada, Asia and Australia, CUBE serves a global customer base, including many of the world’s largest financial institutions, supported by 250 regulatory and legal experts. Find out more at cube.global.

Media contact: Rosie Guest, rosie.guest@cube.global

SOURCE: CUBE

NINTH SILK ROAD EXPO IN DUNHUANG PROMOTES CULTURAL EXCHANGE

The 9th Silk Road (Dunhuang) International Cultural Expo

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 5 (Bernama) -- The ninth Silk Road (Dunhuang) International Cultural Expo opened in Dunhuang, in China’s Gansu province, on Nov 3, drawing more than 1,000 participants from over 50 countries, international organisations and China’s Hong Kong and Macao special administrative regions.

Held under the theme "Boosting Cultural Exchanges and Promoting Mutual Learning Among Civilizations", this year’s expo features 18 events across seven categories, including exhibitions, performances and cultural experiences.

The parallel 2026 Dunhuang Forum comprises eight sub-forums covering Dunhuang studies, heritage conservation, and China’s cooperation with Central and South Asia under the Belt and Road Initiative.

Dunhuang, a historic hub on the ancient Silk Road where Eastern and Western civilisations met, hosts the expo as a platform for cultural exchange among Belt and Road countries.

Since its launch in 2016, the expo has welcomed nearly 10,000 delegates from more than 120 countries, according to a statement.

Participants said Dunhuang’s cultural heritage offers lessons for countries seeking common ground, mutual learning and peaceful coexistence. They expressed hope that the expo would continue to bring people closer and support mutually beneficial cooperation.

-- BERNAMA

SME BANK ROLLS OUT ‘ZERO TO HERO 3.0’ IN COLLABORATION WITH GIATMARA AND ZURICH GENERAL TAKAFUL MALAYSIA UNDER BANK NEGARA MALAYSIA’S iTEKAD EMPLOYMENT INITIATIVE

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 4 (Bernama) -- Small Medium Enterprise Development Bank Malaysia Berhad (“SME Bank” or the “Bank”), a subsidiary of Bank Pembangunan Malaysia Berhad Group (“BPMB Group”), has rolled out Zero to Hero 3.0 in collaboration with GIATMARA Sdn. Bhd. (“GIATMARA”) and Zurich General Takaful Malaysia Berhad (“Zurich General Takaful).

Recognised by Bank Negara Malaysia (“BNM”) under iTEKAD Employment, an initiative introduced in 2026 to strengthen the employability and financial resilience of vulnerable communities, Zero to Hero 3.0 will equip 100 individuals from B40 households with industry-recognised Technical and Vocational Education and Training (“TVET”) skills in welding and metal fabrication. Participants will also receive financial education, industry exposure and employment support.

Expanding Opportunities Through Skills and Employment
Samad Majid Zain, Chief Executive Officer of SME Bank, said, “Zero to Hero 3.0 reflects our continued focus on creating opportunities for underserved communities through industry-relevant TVET programmes. By equipping participants with in-demand technical skills and connecting them with employers, the programme provides a practical pathway towards meaningful and sustainable employment.

“The first cohort supported 30 participants in 2022, followed by 60 participants in 2024. All 90 participants secured employment, achieving a 100% employment rate. Zero to Hero 3.0 will support a further 100 participants, with expected monthly salaries ranging from RM1,800 to RM6,000. The programme also advances the National TVET Policy 2030 and Financial Sector Blueprint 2027–2030, while reinforcing SME Bank’s focus on measurable developmental outcomes in line with Bank Negara Malaysia’s Performance Measurement Framework,” Samad Majid Zain elaborated.

Turning Training into Sustainable Careers
As the implementation partner, GIATMARA will lead participant selection, deliver competency-based TVET training, facilitate industry certification and coordinate job placements. It will also monitor participants’ progress throughout the programme.

Datuk Ts. Ahmad Hamdi bin Ibrahim, Chief Executive Officer of GIATMARA, said, “Zero to Hero 3.0 reflects GIATMARA’s commitment to developing a skilled workforce with competencies that meet industry requirements. Through recognised certification, hands-on industry exposure and direct access to employment opportunities, participants will be better positioned to build sustainable careers and contribute to Malaysia’s growing industrial talent pipeline.”

Zurich General Takaful Malaysia will provide programme funding, one year of takaful protection and practical financial education to help participants manage their finances and enter the workforce with greater confidence.

Shamsul Azman, Chief Executive Officer of Zurich General Takaful Malaysia, said, “Creating lasting financial resilience requires more than technical skills, it demands strong partnerships and a shared commitment to empowering individuals for a more secure and brighter future. Guided by our brand promise to Care for What Matters, we are proud, through our ongoing collaboration with SME Bank and GIATMARA in Zero to Hero 3.0, to complement industry-recognised TVET training with takaful protection and practical financial education. This combination helps participants step into their workforce with greater confidence while laying a solid foundation for long-term financial wellbeing.”

Building on iTEKAD’s National Impact
The wider iTEKAD initiative was introduced by BNM in 2020 and has since benefited more than 14,000 low-income microentrepreneurs nationwide. More than RM94 million in social finance funds and around RM77 million in financing and investments have been channelled through the initiative. Programme graduates have also contributed to the creation of more than 2,400 employment opportunities.

SME Bank has contributed to these outcomes through SME Bank iTEKAD ISHRAF, which has supported nearly 1,000 asnaf entrepreneurs since 2020. Collectively, participants have generated approximately RM40 million in income and created more than 400 employment opportunities.

Building on this foundation, the Zero to Hero 3.0 programme will be carried out under the iTEKAD Employment initiative between 2026 and 2027.

As a Development Financial Institution (“DFI”), SME Bank continues to advance inclusive economic growth by connecting underserved communities with skills, employment and opportunities for upward socioeconomic mobility. Through Zero to Hero 3.0, the Bank and its partners aim to develop industry-ready talent, strengthen household resilience and contribute to Malaysia’s long-term development.

For contact details, please use the below: https://bit.ly/4iDlJv6

Issued by:
BPMB Group
Level 30, Menara Bank Pembangunan,
Plaza Conlay, Jalan Conlay,
50450 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

SOURCE: BPMB Group

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:
Name: Mohd Nasrulhanis Ruslan
Acting Head, Strategic Communication
BPMB Group
Email: communications@bpmb.com.my

--BERNAMA