Wednesday, 1 July 2026

Chery Malaysia Marks Three Years of Driving Investment, Growth and Nation-Building for Malaysia

(fifth from left) His Highness Tengku Amir Shah, The Raja Muda of Selangor was present together with (first from left) Chen Chun Qing, Vice President of Chery International, Zhang Guibing President of Chery International and Yin Tongyue, Chairman of Chery Automobile Co. Ltd during the groundbreaking ceremony of Chery Smart Auto Industrial Park held early in 2025.



KUALA LUMPUR, July 1 (Bernama) -- Chery Malaysia continues to deepen its roots in the country through investments that create jobs, partnerships that strengthen local industries, and initiatives that deliver value to communities nationwide. Over the past three years, the automotive company has focused on creating long-term value for Malaysia by contributing to economic development, talent cultivation and community well-being.

A key milestone in Chery Malaysia's long-term commitment in Malaysia is the development of the Chery Smart Auto Industrial Park manufacturing facility in Lembah Beringin, Selangor.

Chery recently celebrated the topping-out of phase one, marking the completion of the main structure of the assembly plant, following a groundbreaking ceremony held last year in the presence of His Highness Tengku Amir Shah, The Raja Muda of Selangor.

The 200 acre facility is expected to become a catalyst for economic growth in the area, driving industrial development while creating new employment and local business opportunities. Upon completion of the first phase, the plant is expected to generate approximately 2,000 jobs, with total direct employment projected to grow to 5,000 positions through subsequent development phases planned for 2028 and 2029.

Chery's commitment to Malaysia extends beyond mobility. Through strategic industry collaborations, supplier development initiatives and talent-building programmes, while creating job opportunities for Malaysians.

Efforts such as the Chery’s Supply Chain Programme have fostered partnerships between local and international industry players, encouraging technology exchange, skills development and supply chain growth. At the same time, Chery continues to nurture future talent through knowledge transfer initiatives, technical training and collaborations with local TVET institutions, helping equip the next generation of Malaysians with the skills needed to thrive in an evolving automotive industry.

Beyond business growth, Chery believes in making a positive difference in the communities where it operates from community welfare, environmental conservation to sports and youth development.

Among these efforts was Chery's swift response during the Putra Heights fire incident whereby 50 Chery vehicles were loaned to affected residents helping them ease their mobility needs as well as monetary support to a local mosque providing shelter to the victims.

Chery has also contributed to environmental conservation programmes, including partnerships focused on biodiversity protection and turtle conservation programmes.

The company has backed youth and sporting excellence initiatives such as the Olympic Games 2023, Asian Youth Para Games 2025 and most recently the inaugural Chery x Lee Chong Wei Cup which will be held next month, helping provide opportunities for young local athletes to pursue their aspirations and realise their potential.

"Our journey in Malaysia goes beyond mobility. By investing in people, creating opportunities and supporting communities, we are committed to advancing with Malaysia and delivering value beyond the automotive industry and create a lasting impact for generations to come,” said Men Lin Bo, Chery Corporate Malaysia Executive Vice President.

Chery Malaysia also believes in fair and healthy competition within the automotive industry as it drives innovation and ultimately benefits Malaysian consumers.

About Chery Malaysia
Chery Malaysia is part of Chery Automobile Co., Ltd., a subsidiary of Chery Group, a leading Chinese automobile manufacturer headquartered in Wuhu, China. Established in 1997, Chery has been a key player in the automotive industry, renowned for its diverse lineup of passenger cars, SUVs, and electric vehicles. Chery has earned a prominent position in both domestic and international markets, exporting vehicles to over 80 countries worldwide, including Malaysia. For 22 consecutive years, Chery has been the No.1 brand in China for vehicle exports.

For more information, visit www.chery.my
Follow Chery Malaysia Facebook www.facebook.com/cherymalaysiaofficial

SOURCE: Chery Auto Malaysia Sdn Bhd

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:
PR and Communications
Name: Christina Low
Email: christinalow@chery.my

--BERNAMA

Tuesday, 30 June 2026

Autheo Introduces the Internet Operating System: A Decentralized Coordination Layer for the Web, Blockchain, and AI

Five years in the making, Autheo is launching its decentralized operating system on Mainnet — after public testnet adoption surpassed 1.8 million wallets, nearly 1 million smart contracts, and 8.8 million transactions

SHERIDAN, Wyo., June 30 (Bernama-GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Autheo today launched the Mainnet of its decentralized operating system — a coordination layer enabling the Web, Web3, AI agents, and crypto applications to interoperate natively, with post-quantum security for digital identity, tokens, smart contracts, and agentic AI.

THE COORDINATION LAYER THE INTERNET NEVER HAD

Today’s blockchain landscape is fragmented — Web2, Web3, AI agents, and crypto applications cannot interoperate natively, and cross-chain bridges operate at the bridging layer. Autheo provides a coordination and execution layer where Web services, blockchain networks, and AI agents coordinate natively on a common identity, messaging, and execution surface, anchored by an on-chain, quantum-resistant trust and identity layer for agentic AI.

“We didn’t set out to build just another network,” said Scott Bayless, Managing Director and co-founder of Autheo. “We set out to find the right relation between the ones we already have. A body has many parts. A city is many trades. The Internet today is many systems — each doing its work, none of them moving as one. With Mainnet now live, Autheo is the layer where the web, the chain, and the agent can finally work together.”

FOUNDED BY LONG-TIME COLLABORATORS

Founded in July 2021 by Todd Mortenson and Scott Bayless, Autheo was built around four architectural foundations: TheoID (W3C-compliant DID for users, services, and AI agents); PQCNet (post-quantum framework on NIST standards: ML-KEM, ML-DSA, and SLH-DSA); a sovereign Cosmos SDK Layer 0 with native IBC interoperability; and an integrated EVM-compatible Layer 1 execution environment, operating as a Proof-of-Stake with delegated staking and licensed validators, secured by block finality through CometBFT consensus (“Proof of Autheo”). Engineering is led by CEngO Kenneth Harper, with contributors across MIT, Harvard, Stanford, and Caltech. Audits: Halborn (testnet) and CertiK (Mainnet). Partners include Zeeve, InfStones, Hydrex, Halborn, CertiK, TrustSwap, Team.Finance, and Utila.

TESTNET ADOPTION HAS COMPOUNDED

Autheo’s public testnet went live in 2025 and attracted 350,000 wallets and 60,000 smart contracts over its first twelve months. Following the May 12, 2026 Mainnet Phase 1 announcement, adoption accelerated: wallet addresses grew more than 5x and smart contracts more than 15x in the 45 days since. Cumulative totals:
1,812,088 wallet addresses
968,502 smart contracts

(Figures per Autheo network data, June 24, 2026. Independently verifiable on the public testnet explorer: testnet-explorer.autheo.com · verified contracts.)


“Mainnet is live,” said Todd Mortenson, Managing Director and co-founder of Autheo. “The industry will be racing to retrofit post-quantum security ahead of NIST’s timeline — our developers won’t have to. We built PQC in from the ground up. One interface for Web services, on-chain protocols, and AI agents. One million human developers on-chain within three years. And the AI agents building alongside them? Orders of magnitude more. The coordination layer for that future is live today.”


WHAT’S NEXT

Developer access (Mainnet, live today):Docs: docs.autheo.com
Mainnet block explorer: evm-explorer.autheo.com
Chain ID: 2127 (0x84f)
Public RPC endpoints: rpc1.autheo.com · rpc2.autheo.com · rpc3.autheo.com
Testnet explorer (with verified-contract source): testnet-explorer.autheo.com

The THEO token is anticipated to list on Hydrex.fi in early July 2026. Core Node, Prime Node, and Sovereign Validator (399 NFT-licensed; 275 subscribed) programs at commerce.autheo.com.

The complete press release with extended technical detail is available at autheo.com/press.

ABOUT AUTHEO

Autheo is building the Internet operating system: a decentralized coordination layer for Web, blockchain, and AI agents, anchored by PQCNet (NIST post-quantum cryptography) and W3C DIDs. Addresses the convergence of AI, blockchain, and crypto — supporting agentic AI, tokenomics, enterprise blockchain, and on-chain digital sovereignty against quantum computing. autheo.com · @Autheo_Network.

MEDIA CONTACT

Ryan Teigen, Director of Product Marketing
Email: ryan@autheo.com · press@autheo.com · Phone: 608-713-1028
autheo.com · X: @Autheo_Network

Forward-looking statements: Certain statements in this release, including statements regarding anticipated network growth, partnerships, and roadmap, are forward-looking and subject to risks and uncertainties. Actual results may differ. Autheo undertakes no obligation to update such statements except as required by law.

A video accompanying this release is available at:
https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/99a95dde-f8e8-42d6-8e59-72d34724b7f9

SOURCE: Autheo LLC

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

--BERNAMA

Monday, 29 June 2026

COOCON TO LAUNCH MCP-BASED DATA BUSINESS FOR AI AGENTS

KUALA LUMPUR, June 29 (Bernama) -- COOCON, a South Korean business data platform company, planned to launch Model Context Protocol (MCP)-based data services as it expands into the artificial intelligence (AI) agent market.

The company said it aims to become a "dedicated data hub for AI agents" by converting its existing data into MCP format, enabling AI systems to directly access information across finance, the public sector, logistics and telecommunications.

COOCON chief executive officer, Kim Jong-hyun said enabling AI agents to access trustworthy data would be key to the AI era.

“We aim to evolve from providing application programming interfaces (APIs) for human users to delivering data directly for AI agents.

“COOCON’s distinctive business structure, built on the MCP open standard, will serve as a gateway to the global AI agent ecosystem," he said in a statement.

According to the company, it will launch a "Dedicated AI-Ready Data Zone" on its COOCON.NET platform in July, initially offering about 30 MCP-based products before expanding the catalogue to more than 100 products by the end of the year and its full portfolio by 2027.

COOCON said the platform is designed to enable companies to integrate external data for AI agents through standardised interfaces, reducing the need for manual system integration while supporting organisations adopting AI technologies.

The company also joined the Linux Foundation's Agentic AI Foundation in June and will participate in the MCP Working Group alongside technology companies including Anthropic, OpenAI, Google, Microsoft, Circle, Tron and Stripe to help develop global MCP standards.

COOCON said it expects the MCP-based business to strengthen revenue growth by increasing AI-driven data requests while expanding AI-compatible payment services alongside its existing data business.

-- BERNAMA

CCI France Malaysia Leads Major French Business Delegation to Sabah and Showcases French Expertise at SOGCE 2026

KOTA KINABALU, June 29 (Bernama) -- CCI France Malaysia (CCIFM) successfully concluded Business Delegation to Sabah from 23-26 June 2026, bringing together more than 50 participants representing 25 French and Malaysian companies in conjunction with the Sabah Oil, Gas & Energy Conference and Exhibition (SOGCE) 2026.

The initiative reflects the growing interest of French companies in Sabah and their commitment to strengthening their presence in East Malaysia. With more than 600 French companies established in Malaysia, the delegation provided a platform to explore new business opportunities, engage with key stakeholders and gain deeper insights into Sabah’s economic and industrial development.

Organised with the support of local partners and stakeholders, the two-day programme featured presentations and dialogue sessions with Invest Sabah and the Strategic Planning Energy Commission of Sabah, and visits to Kota Kinabalu Industrial Park, as well as Sapangar Bay Port, providing delegates with valuable insights into the state’s investment landscape, development priorities and future growth plans.

Participants also visited strategic infrastructure and energy-related facilities, offering first-hand exposure to Sabah’s growing industrial ecosystem and reinforcing the state’s position as an increasingly attractive destination for investment and business expansion.

“Sabah presents significant opportunities for international collaboration and investment. Through this delegation, we aim to strengthen connections between French and Malaysian stakeholders while creating long-term partnerships that contribute to Sabah’s economic development,” said Richard Fostier, President of CCI France Malaysia.

Following the business mission, CCIFM participated in SOGCE 2026 through the CCI France Malaysia –TotalEnergies Pavilion, bringing together leading French companies and showcasing French expertise across the energy, engineering, environmental, telecommunications and industrial sectors.

The Pavilion initiative was made possible through the support of TotalEnergies, whose sponsorship enabled CCIFM to create a collective French presence at SOGCE and facilitate the participation of French SMEs and industry players. This collaboration reflects a shared commitment to supporting the development of the French business community in Malaysia and promoting French expertise within Sabah’s growing energy ecosystem.

The Pavilion featured TotalEnergies, Iraya Energies, SeaOwl, P&A, Enviros, Botanickel, IEC Telecom, BIO-EX and 3C Metal Asia, highlighting the diversity of French solutions and capabilities serving the energy industry.

On 26 June 2026, the Pavilion was honoured by the visit of His Excellency Marc Abensour, Ambassador of France to Malaysia, who met with participating companies and reaffirmed France’s support for stronger economic and business relations between France and Malaysia, including the development of partnerships in Sabah.

To further encourage exchanges between industry stakeholders, CCIFM also organised an exclusive networking cocktail at the rooftop of Le Méridien Kota Kinabalu, sponsored by IEC Telecom. As a leading provider of satellite communications and managed connectivity solutions for the maritime, offshore, energy and remote industrial sectors, IEC Telecom welcomed delegates, exhibitors, government representatives and industry leaders for an evening dedicated to networking and business discussions.

Through its business delegation and participation at SOGCE 2026, CCI France Malaysia continues to support French companies in Malaysia, foster business partnerships and contribute to the development of new opportunities between France and Sabah.

About CCI France Malaysia

Established in 1991, CCI France Malaysia (CCIFM) is the leading French business network in Malaysia, representing more than 320 member companies and supporting a French business community of over 600 companies operating in the country. As part of the global CCI France International network spanning 95 countries, CCIFM supports companies through networking, business development, market access, company incorporation, immigration, payroll and accounting services, recruitment, and HRDC-certified training programmes.

SOURCE: CCI France Malaysia (CCIFM)

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:
Name: Alban Simonte
Tel: 03-2714 6151
Email: alban@mfcci.com

--BERNAMA

Saturday, 27 June 2026

Guest Supply To Distribute RODA Skincare Products Across APAC Hotels

KUALA LUMPUR, June 25 (Bernama) -- Guest Supply, part of Sysco Corporation, has inked a licensing agreement with RODA to manufacture and distribute RODA-branded skincare and personal care products across the Asia Pacific (APAC) for the hotel sector.


According to a statement, the agreement combines Guest Supply’s hospitality manufacturing, distribution and service capabilities with RODA’s clinically formulated approach to skin and hair care.


“RODA brings a distinctive, clinically formulated skincare proposition grounded in innovation, which will resonate with hotels looking to elevate the in-room experience,” said Guest Supply senior vice president, EMEA and APAC regions, Gustaf Lantz.


Under the agreement, Guest Supply will align RODA collections to hospitality operating requirements while maintaining brand standards, including quality assurance, scalable supply and simplified ordering for hotel partners via its established supply chain.


Created in Barcelona, RODA develops products for sensitive skin and formulates them to suit all skin types. The brand combines natural active ingredients with advanced research, technology and a sustainability-led approach.


Its development model draws on ingredient analysis, scientific literature and product review insights, supporting exclusive formulations developed in-house with pharmacists and dermatological experts.


RODA is selectively distributed globally through dermatology clinics, concept stores and selected hotels. Through the APAC licensing partnership, Guest Supply will expand the brand’s availability to hospitality customers across the region.


-- BERNAMA

OMODA I JAECOO UNVEILS GEN-O MALAYSIA, REDEFINING THE OWNER EXPERIENCE THROUGH LIFESTYLE AND COMMUNITY

GEN-O Members Gather To Celebrate Innovation, Lifestyle And The Evolving OMODA Lineup  

KUALA LUMPUR, June 23 (Bernama) -- As its vibrant customer base and model portfolio continue to grow in Malaysia, OMODA | JAECOO Malaysia has unveiled the GEN-O MALAYSIA, a dedicated lifestyle community created to bring together current and future OMODA owners through exclusive experiences, shared passions and a sense of belonging that extends beyond ownership itself.

Executive Vice President, Chery Corporate Malaysia, Mr Men Lin Bo said, “GEN-O is a lifestyle community established for OMODA owners to connect, forge friendships and share experiences that embody the spirit of the brand. At Chery Corporate Malaysia, we aspire to deliver more than quality vehicles. Whether customers drive an OMODA, JAECOO or CHERY model, we are committed to providing an ownership journey defined by confidence, peace of mind and memorable experiences.”

The establishment of GEN-O reflects OMODA | JAECOO Malaysia's continued investment in its customers, recognising that modern consumers increasingly seek experiences, communities and lifestyles that resonate with their identities and aspirations.  

As the OMODA portfolio expands with current models such as the OMODA C9 and C9 PHEV, alongside upcoming additions including the OMODA C7, GEN-O serves as a platform designed to unite owners under an ethos of unity, common spirit and shared experiences.

Head of OMODA | JAECOO Malaysia, Chris Tan said, “At OMODA | JAECOO Malaysia, each model carries its own distinct identity and character. OMODA stands apart with its futuristic style, performance and tech-forward appeal, which inspired us to introduce Gen-O as a dedicated platform offering curated lifestyle experiences that complement the aspirations of our customers, while assuring every customer that we remain beside them throughout their ownership journey”.

Going beyond a conventional owner’s community, GEN-O embodies OMODA's ambition to cultivate a vibrant ecosystem centred around style, creativity and self-expression. Inspired by the brand's youthful DNA and the vision behind its name. With ‘O' representing oxygen and MODA inspired by modern fashion, GEN-O provides a platform where owners can connect through shared interests and curated experiences spanning travel, culture, fashion and lifestyle.
 
The initiative also by OMODA I JAECOO Malaysia represents the next phase of OMODA's customer engagement strategy, reinforcing the brand's commitment to investing in long-term relationships with owners while supporting an expanding portfolio that will welcome new members into the community in the years ahead.
 
Igniting New Experiences with The GEN-O Malaysia Launch
The launch of GEN-O on 20 June 2026 brought together more than 250 guests and approximately 135 OMODA | JAECOO vehicles, reflecting the growing enthusiasm and engagement among OMODA owners in Malaysia.
 
As the brand’s first dedicated owners’ lifestyle platform, GEN-O serves as a gateway to exclusive experiences, member privileges and meaningful connections among owners who share a passion for style, innovation and self-expression.
 
Members will enjoy invitations to exclusive events, lifestyle collaborations, community activities and curated experiences designed to enrich their ownership journey beyond the vehicle itself. The event also featured a variety of football-themed interactive games, delivering an electrifying atmosphere and an exclusive experience of this summer's global football spectacle to the attending guests.
 
The launch also featured a special appearance by the AIMOGA humanoid robot, showcasing OMODA’s vision for the future of intelligent mobility. Combining advanced artificial intelligence with interactive human-machine engagement, AIMOGA provided guests with a glimpse into how emerging technologies could enhance future customer experiences and further strengthen the connection between people, vehicles and lifestyle ecosystems.

Redefining Style With The Upcoming OMODA C7
Beyond celebrating its community, OMODA | JAECOO Malaysia also offered GEN-O members an exclusive preview of the OMODA C7, slated to go on sale in Malaysia in the coming months, further underscoring the brand's growing product portfolio and signalling the next chapter of expansion in Malaysia.
 
Designed for a new generation of style-conscious and technology-driven customers, the OMODA C7 reflects OMODA’s commitment to delivering vehicles that seamlessly blend fashion, innovation and everyday practicality.
 
The SUV showcases OMODA’s bold design language through its distinctive shark-nose front fascia, sleek LED lighting elements and body-coloured parametric grille. A signature illuminated hexagonal lighting motif further enhances its futuristic appearance, while its sculpted profile and dynamic proportions create a strong and confident road presence.
 
The launch of GEN-O marks the beginning of a broader ecosystem of experiences that OMODA | JAECOO Malaysia is building for its customers. From exclusive events and brand collaborations to cultural and lifestyle engagements, GEN-O is envisioned as a platform that grows alongside the expanding OMODA family and product portfolio.
 
For the latest updates on GEN-O Malaysia and other brand activities, customers may follow OMODA | JAECOO Malaysia on its official social media platforms or visit the OMODA | JAECOO Malaysia website.

About OMODA│JAECOO
OMODA | JAECOO is centred around the core concept of “People + Car + Life”. The brand is committed to building an all-encompassing and multi-dimensional

“O-UNIVERSE” ecosystem that unites innovative automotive technology with the aspirational lifestyles of discerning consumers.

OMODA is a fashion-forward, cross-category brand, created with the consideration of an emerging Lifestyles of Health and Sustainability (LOHAS) generation embedded in its DNA. 

Designed for a generation eager to redefine the status quo, OMODA sets itself apart by providing young consumers with personalised and modernised mobility solutions and experiences. 

Meanwhile, JAECOO is the fearless premium off-road brand that caters to the urban elite and adventure seekers. Living up to its "From Classic, Beyond Classic" brand philosophy, JAECOO is committed to breaking through the barriers of the global off-road vehicle market, leading new trends, and conquering global extremes with extraordinary, refined style and outstanding performance.

While personalised to serve distinct audiences, OMODA and JAECOO are complementary by design. In Malaysia, the transition to OMODA | JAECOO signals an exciting future of limitless possibilities encompassing, cutting-edge technology, unrivalled automotive performance, customer-centric experiences, and new energy solutions.

Issued by: OMODA ꟾ JAECOO Malaysia
Through: Centriq PR Sdn. Bhd.

SOURCE: JAECOO Auto Malaysia Sdn. Bhd

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT: 
Name: Jacqueline Arnold / Arvinda Kumar
Tel: 03 5524 1266

--BERNAMA

Friday, 26 June 2026

Tokyo Skytree To Host Chiikawa Collaboration Event From July

KUALA LUMPUR, June 25 (Bernama) -- Tobu Tower Skytree Co Ltd, operator of Tokyo Skytree, has announced its second collaboration event with the popular character "Chiikawa", marking the first such collaboration in three years.


The event, titled "Chiikawa Starry SKYTREE and the Secret Island", will run from July 10 to Oct 31 in celebration of the character's film, "Chiikawa the Movie: The Secret of the Mermaid Island", which is set for release in July.


During the event, visitors can enjoy special decorations featuring original visuals along the 450-metre-high Tembo Galleria, as well as event-exclusive merchandise, themed cafe menu items and photo shoot services.


A special screening will also be held at Skytree Round Theater on the 350-metre-high Tembo Deck, where the windows will be transformed into a giant screen. The exterior of the tower will also feature special illuminations inspired by Chiikawa characters.


According to the operator in a statement, guests wishing to purchase items from the event-exclusive menu at Skytree Cafe on Tembo Deck Floor 340 must obtain an "Observation Deck Admission Ticket with Meal Voucher".


Details on ticket purchases, meal vouchers and event-exclusive merchandise are available on the event's dedicated website.


The Tokyo Skytree is the world's tallest free-standing broadcasting tower and features two observation decks, the Tembo Deck and Tembo Galleria. The tower is illuminated nightly with three signature lighting themes, alongside special illuminations for seasonal and commemorative events.


-- BERNAMA