LB GROUP COMMITS RM1 BILLION INVESTMENT, STRENGTHENING MALAYSIA’S ADVANCED CHEMICALS INDUSTRY

LB Groundbreaking Ceremony

New Gurun, Kedah Facility to Support 300,000-Tonne Annual Capacity and Strengthen Malaysia’s Regional Manufacturing and Supply Chain Position

KEDAH, Malaysia, Sept 24 (Bernama) -- LB Group Co., Ltd. (SZ: 002601), a global leader in titanium dioxide (𝑇𝑖𝑂2) and advanced inorganic chemical materials, today marked a significant milestone in its international expansion with the groundbreaking ceremony for its Malaysian subsidiary, LB Advanced Material Asia Sdn. Bhd., at the Gurun Heavy Industrial Park (GHIP), Kedah.

Spanning 60.1 acres, the new facility represents a total investment of RM1 billion (approximately USD245 million), with RM600 million investment for Phase 1. The facility will be developed in phases, with a planned annual production capacity of 300,000 tonnes upon completion, strengthening LB Group’s manufacturing footprint and supply chain capabilities in Southeast Asia.

Datuk Sikh Shamsul Ibrahim Sikh Abdul Majid, Chief Executive Officer of the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA), said, "LB Group’s decision to establish its manufacturing facility in Gurun, Kedah, is a strong vote of confidence in Malaysia’s industrial ecosystem and our potential as a regional manufacturing hub. Its investment in titanium dioxide (𝑇𝑖𝑂2) and advanced inorganic chemical materials will strengthen our capabilities in high-value manufacturing and contribute to the development of a more complex and resilient chemical industry, in line with the New Industrial Master Plan 2030 and the Chemical Industry Roadmap 2030. MIDA together with the Kedah State Government will continue to facilitate the project’s implementation, strengthen linkages with local suppliers and maximise the wider economic opportunities arising from this investment.”

Mr. Liang Sun, Director of LB Advanced Materials Asia Sdn. Bhd. emphasised, "Malaysia offers exceptional strategic advantages, robust heavy industrial infrastructure, and a welcoming investment environment. Gurun's direct access to major highway and rail networks seamlessly connects us to Penang Port, ensuring optimal export efficiency. Establishing LB Advanced Material Asia allows us to better serve our regional and global clients while navigating international trade dynamics with greater flexibility."

As a leading global manufacturer of titanium dioxide, LB Group operates an integrated value chain covering titanium minerals, titanium dioxide and titanium sponge, alongside businesses in zirconium products and new energy materials. Its flagship BILLIONS™ brand serves more than 1,500 clients globally across a wide range of applications, including coatings, plastics, inks and paper.

The project is expected to create over 300 skilled employment opportunities for Malaysians while contributing to the development of Kedah’s industrial and chemical manufacturing ecosystem.

About MIDA
MIDA is the government’s principal investment promotion and development agency under the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI) to oversee and drive investments into the manufacturing and services sectors in Malaysia. Headquartered in Kuala Lumpur Sentral, MIDA has 12 regional and 20 overseas offices. MIDA partners with investors at every stage of their journey, supporting sustainable growth and long-term value creation for Malaysia. For more information, please visit www.mida.gov.my and follow MIDA on X, Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, TikTok and YouTube.

About LB Group
Founded in 1955 and headquartered in Jiaozuo, Henan Province, China, LB Group is listed on the Shenzhen Stock Exchange (SZ: 002601). The group specializes in titanium dioxide ( 𝑇𝑖𝑂2 ), sponge titanium, zirconium products, and new energy materials, with an annual 𝑇𝑖𝑂2 capacity exceeding 1.51 million tonnes.

SOURCE: Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA)

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT
MIDA
Name: Siti Halimaton Mohd. Rejab
Director, Chemical and Advanced Material Division
Tel.: +603- 2267 6701
Email: shalimaton@mida.gov.my

LB Group
Name: Sun Liang
Director, LB Advanced Material Asia Sdn. Bhd.
Tel: +6017-2900586
Email: sunliang@lbgroup.com

--BERNAMA

Empowering Sarawak’s Workforce: MFPC Brings Wealth at Work Series 2026 to Kuching

Wealth at Work Series 2026

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 22 (Bernama) -- The Malaysian Financial Planning Council (MFPC) will brings its 2026 to Kuching on Saturday, 3 October 2026, at The Waterfront Hotel. Tailored for corporate leaders and multidisciplinary practitioners, this half-day seminar equips participants with practical knowledge to master their personal financial planning.

As part of a nationwide roadshow, the series follows successful runs in Petaling Jaya and Pulau Pinang, and will head to Johor Bahru this weekend before making its grand finale in Kuching.

Event at a glance:
Day/Date: Saturday 3 October 2026
Time: 8:30 AM – 12:30 PM (Followed by Lunch & Networking)
Venue: The Waterfront Hotel, Kuching, Sarawak

The programme features four specialised speaking sessions delivered by industry experts, alongside interactive exhibition booths that offer participants direct access to solution providers and networking opportunities. The seminar welcomes practitioners across all sectors—including engineering, healthcare, education, and financial services—reflecting a shared commitment to cross-industry financial literacy.

This event is organised in collaboration with SALIHIN International as the Principal Strategic Partner for WAWS Kuching 2026, alongside key collaborative partners including Securities Commission Malaysia (SC) and the Financial Education Network (FEN).

The initiative is further supported by professional bodies and trade associations such as the Association of Financial Advisers (AFA), CFA Society Malaysia, Malaysian Takaful Association (MTA) and Balai Ikhtisas Malaysia (BIM) together with its constituent member associations.

Complimentary seats are limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis. Interested participants, professionals and corporate delegations are encouraged to reserve their seats online at https://www.mfpc.org.my/waws

Moving forward, MFPC welcomes collaboration opportunities with organisations within and beyond the financial ecosystem to further advance the wealth management and financial planning industry, while promoting greater financial literacy and financial wellbeing nationwide and beyond.

MFPC’s professional qualifications, namely the Registered Financial Planner (RFP) and Shariah RFP programmes, are HRD Corp claimable and may also be financed via EPF Account 2 withdrawals. MFPC also offers public programmes and customised in house corporate training solutions tailored to evolving industry needs.

About MFPC:-
Established in 2004, the Malaysian Financial Planning Council (MFPC) is the professional body for financial planning in Malaysia. It offers the recognised Registered Financial Planner (RFP) and Shariah RFP qualifications, both approved by Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) and the Securities Commission Malaysia (SC) as prerequisite pathways for obtaining the Financial Adviser Representative (FAR) / Islamic FAR Licence and the Capital Market Services Representative Licence (CMSRL), respectively. MFPC upholds high standards of professionalism and ethics. Through nationwide initiatives like My Money & Me Workshops, the Council promotes financial literacy and empowers Malaysians to make informed decisions, while advancing excellence and innovation in the financial planning profession.

SOURCE: Malaysian Financial Planning Council (MFPC)

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:
Name: Mohd Farhan Bin Azizan
External Relations, Research and Publication
Tel: +6019 277 3521
Email: farhan@mfpc.org.my
Our website: www.mfpc.org.my

--BERNAMA

A New Highland for Modern Paper Industry Rises on the Banks of the Xijiang River Gangbei District, Vigorously Promotes High-Quality Development of the Modern Paper Industry

^{Workers are packaging paper products.}


GUIGANG, China, Sept. 22, 2026 /Xinhua-AsiaNet/ --

According to data recently released by the Bureau of Industry and Information Technology, Gangbei District, Guigang city, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region,the output value of paper manufacturing and paper products above designated size in the district increased by 24.37% year-on-year from January to July this year, demonstrating a robust and positive momentum in industrial development. Leveraging its advantages as a gateway to ASEAN along the Golden Waterway, Gangbei District is seizing major opportunities such as the construction of the Pinglu Canal Economic Belt. By deeply cultivating the modern paper industry track and focusing on the development of a marine-oriented economy, the district is driving the iterative upgrading, green efficiency, cluster agglomeration, and open quality improvement of the traditional paper industry. A modern paper industry highland, rooted in the Xijiang River, facing ASEAN, and radiating globally, is rapidly taking shape.

Since the beginning of this year, both production and construction in Gangbei District's paper industry have accelerated with remarkable vitality. Inside the production workshops of Guigang Longpai Paper Products Co., Ltd., equipment is operating at full capacity, with strong sales and production volumes reaching overseas markets. In the first half of the year, the total export value of household paper from this enterprise exceeded 60 million yuan, a year-on-year increase of 100.7%. Its products are sold to Australia, Canada, South America, Asia, and other regions and countries, with its share in the cross-border market continuing to rise.

With the Guangdong-Guangxi Circular Industrial Park as its core platform, Gangbei District is promoting the comprehensive agglomeration of industries, factors, and markets towards the sea. Through systematic cultivation, the district's modern paper industry has evolved from single-point production to a full-chain layout. The China-ASEAN Household Paper Industrial Park has been established, gathering 35 pulp and paper enterprises and constructing a complete industrial chain encompassing "pulping, papermaking, and deep processing." Products are Best-selling in the country and exported to Southeast Asia, Africa, and other regions, highlighting the growing effect of industrial clustering.

Focusing on strengthening and supplementing the industrial chain and empowering clusters, Gangbei District is leveraging its industrial foundation and circular economy advantages to implement precise investment attraction along the industrial chain. It is actively undertaking the transfer of high-quality industries from the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area. Key projects in high-end specialty paper, deep processing of paper products, and green environmental protection support have been introduced, with a focus on developing high-value-added paper products. Major projects such as Lee & Man Paper, Lezan Phase II, and Longpai Recycled Pulp are being fully advanced. Once these projects are fully operational, they will further improve the light industry system, activate new increments in the industrial economy, and inject strong momentum into regional industrial transformation and upgrading.

Relying on the advantages of park development, Gangbei District has built a low-cost, high-efficiency industrial ecosystem. Supporting resources within the park, such as Guitang Pulp and Huadian Steam, are directly accessible to enterprises, ensuring seamless connection and efficient linkage between upstream and downstream businesses. Local authorities have also introduced precise measures to reduce the prices of steam for papermaking and logistics transportation, achieving cost reduction and efficiency enhancement in enterprise production and operations.

With high-quality products and brand strength, local paper companies in Gangbei District frequently appear at the China-ASEAN Expo. A brand matrix including "Jiman," "Mandian," and "Hetianxia" is gradually taking shape, with Jiman Paper's annual output value exceeding 120 million yuan. Meanwhile, Gangbei District is actively guiding enterprises to lay out overseas warehousing and marketing networks, helping high-quality paper products go global and continuously expanding international development space.

Gangbei District has also established special working teams to conduct regular visits and assistance to enterprises, striving to resolve bottlenecks and difficulties in land use, financing, energy consumption, and environmental impact assessments. It is cultivating market entities of all sizes in a gradient manner and guiding enterprises to explore both the domestic high-end market and the ASEAN overseas market.
 
SOURCE: Bureau of Industry and Information Technology, Gangbei District

HUNAN CONFERENCE HIGHLIGHTS INNOVATION IN AGRICULTURAL HERITAGE

Ziquejie Terraces in Loudi, Hunan

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 22 (Bernama) -- More than 300 policymakers, researchers and industry leaders gathered at the opening of the fourth "From Ziquejie Terraces To The World" Global Farming Culture Exchange and Mutual Learning Conference in Loudi, Hunan, recently.

Held alongside the 10th East Asian Agricultural Cultural Heritage Symposium, the conference featured keynote addresses exploring how cutting-edge innovation can breathe new life into centuries-old farming traditions.

Attendees included representatives from the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations, delegates from Globally Important Agricultural Heritage System (GIAHS) sites worldwide, and leading scholars from universities, as well as representatives from civil society groups and private enterprises.

Featured speakers included Senior Coordinator of the GIAHS Secretariat at FAO, ‌Jérémy Mbiaramadji‌; ‌Project Professor at the University of Tokyo's Institute for Future Initiatives and Honorary Chairman of the East Asian Agricultural Heritage Studies Association, Kazuhiko Takeuchi‌; and Professor at Pusan National University and Co-Chairman of the East Asian Agricultural Heritage Studies Association, Lee Youn-Jae‌.

According to a statement, their presentations spanned biodiversity conservation, the role of heritage sites in rural revitalisation, and emerging models for integrating agriculture, culture and tourism, all grounded in the latest research and real-world case studies from across East Asia.

The Ziquejie Terraces, carved into the mountainside over two millennia ago, stand as a living monument to the fusion of southern China's rice-farming civilisation with the mountain hunting and fishing traditions of the Miao and Yao peoples.

The terraces are recognised as one of China’s first World Heritage Irrigation Structures and a GIAHS-listed site and continue to sustain local communities today.

In recent years, Loudi City has deployed Internet of Things sensors, big data analytics and virtual reality to monitor and preserve the landscape. Innovative programmes have also turned heritage conservation into a driver of economic opportunity, connecting local villages with global audiences seeking to learn from millennia of sustainable farming wisdom.

-- BERNAMA

Corgan Expands Aviation Practice in Asia Pacific with Ben Dawson Hire

 

Corgan Expands Aviation Practice in Asia Pacific with Ben Dawson Hire

SINGAPORE, Sept 15 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- Global architecture and design firm Corgan is pleased to announce that Ben Dawson has joined the firm as Aviation & Transportation Studio Leader in its Singapore office. In this role, Dawson will grow Corgan’s presence in the Asia-Pacific region and advise clients as they envision, design and deliver transformative airport environments that enhance passenger experience, operational efficiency, and provide for long-term growth.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here:
https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260913879906/en/ 
 

“Airports in this part of the world are unlike any others in terms of passenger volume, design, and ambition,” said Dawson. “Expanding Corgan’s international design prowess in the Asia-Pacific region is incredibly exciting, and I look forward to growing our team so we can meet the exceptional demands of our clients and the millions of passengers they serve.”

In his nearly 20 years of experience in architecture and aviation design, Dawson has delivered large-scale, technically complex projects throughout the region. His portfolio spans airport master planning, terminal redevelopment, commercial planning, and greenfield airport development, contributing to landmark projects including Kansai International Airport Terminal 1 Renovation in Japan, Clark International Airport in the Philippines, the new Changi Airport Terminal 4 and Changi Terminal 1 upgrading in Singapore, Jakarta Terminal 3 in Indonesia, commercialization strategy work with Vinci Airports in Europe and Sunshine Coast Airport Terminal Expansion in Australia. In Singapore, Dawson also oversaw the design and construction of the award-winning Gardens by the Bay, a $1 billion development at Singapore’s Marina Bay.

“Ben’s leadership in our Singapore office will transform how we operate and continue to grow in the region,” said Jonathan Massey, Managing Principal, Aviation & Transportation Sector Leader at Corgan. “Ben’s experience in delivering high-performance and complex projects, while championing collaboration and nurturing top-tier talent, will exponentially strengthen how Corgan leads in aviation design across the globe.”

Dawson’s leadership reflects Corgan’s continued investment in top aviation and transportation talent and its commitment to advancing design excellence across its markets and geographies. Ranked the third-largest architecture firm in the U.S. by Building Design + Construction, Corgan has designed a number of global gateway projects, including LaGuardia International Airport Terminal C, John F. Kennedy International Airport Terminal 5, Los Angeles International Airport West Gates at Tom Bradley and Terminal 6, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport Concourse D and Dallas Fort Worth International Airport Terminal D.

About Corgan

Corgan is an employee-owned architecture and design firm with 24 locations and nearly 1,500 team members globally. The firm, ranked as the No. 4 architecture firm by Architectural Record and Building Design + Construction, works with clients in a variety of sectors including aviation & transportation, data centers, education, government, health, hospitality & retail, mixed-use, multifamily, office, urban, campus & cultural, and workplace. The firm’s core disciplines are supported by a wide range of supplemental services including brand & graphics, furniture services, master planning and sustainability — all of which have a singular goal: to build environments where clients thrive. Founded in 1938, Corgan has developed a strong reputation for agility in design by anticipating marketplace changes and leading clients to thoughtful, data-driven design solutions. Its research insights and design expertise empower the organization to foresee emerging changes and develop solutions that minimize risk, create flexibility, and maximize longevity. To learn more about Corgan, visit www.corgan.com.

View source version on businesswire.com:
https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260913879906/en/ 

Contact

MEDIA CONTACT
media@corgan.com 

Source : Corgan

--BERNAMA 

ARTERIS EXPANDS MULTI-DIE PORTFOLIO FOR AI, HPC CHIP DESIGNS

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 17 (Bernama) -- Arteris Inc, a provider of semiconductor technology for artificial intelligence (AI) applications, has expanded its multi-die portfolio to help semiconductor companies transition from monolithic system-on-chip (SoC) designs to chiplet-based architectures for AI, high-performance computing (HPC) and consumer electronics.

The company said its new FlexGen Multi-Die product extends network-on-chip (NoC) connectivity and data movement across die-to-die links, allowing multiple dies to operate as a unified architecture without requiring engineering teams to redesign how data moves through the system.

Arteris president and chief executive officer, K Charles Janac said multi-die architectures are becoming increasingly important as semiconductor systems expand beyond the boundaries of a single die.

According to the company in a statement, the new FlexGen Multi-Die product is designed for non-coherent AI and HPC architectures and complements Ncore Multi-Die, which supports cache-coherent systems.

FlexGen Multi-Die supports bidirectional transactions over a single Universal Chiplet Interconnect Express (UCIe) physical layer (PHY), reducing PHY area, power and input/output requirements by up to 50 per cent, the company said.

It also supports virtual channel link technology to improve utilisation of chiplet input/output resources and quality-of-service mechanisms to maintain throughput for high-priority traffic across shared die-to-die links.

Arteris said its broader multi-die portfolio also includes Magillem integration automation, which helps automate chiplet and multi-die integration, and Cycuity hardware security assurance for identifying vulnerabilities and verifying security requirements.

The company said the expanded portfolio provides semiconductor engineering teams with technologies covering data movement, system integration and security as they develop increasingly complex multi-die designs.

Arteris said the solutions are being used by customers transitioning existing architectures from single-die implementations to multi-die products, while the expanded portfolio is available to early access partners and strategic customers.

-- BERNAMA

PETRONAS CARIGALI STRENGTHENS STRATEGIC PORTFOLIO WITH NEW BLOCK A-18-01 PSC

BANGKOK, Sept 14 (Bernama) -- PC JDA Limited (PC JDA), a wholly owned subsidiary of PETRONAS Carigali Sdn Bhd (PETRONAS Carigali), together with PTTEP JDX Thailand Ltd. Co and PTTEP JDX Thailand (JDA) Limited (collectively, PTTEP JDX), has received approvals from the governments of Malaysia and Thailand, for the new Production Sharing Contract (PSC) for Block A-18-01 in the MalaysiaThailand Joint Development Area (MTJDA).

The parties also signed a Gas Sales Agreement (GSA) with Petroliam Nasional Berhad (PETRONAS) and PTT Public Company Limited, supporting the continued supply of natural gas from the block to both countries.

The exchange ceremony of the signed agreements on 14 September 2026 marks the culmination of extensive collaboration among the Malaysia-Thailand Joint Authority (MTJA), PC JDA and PTTEP JDX to establish a new contractual framework linking the continued development of the existing Block A-18 (beyond the expiry of the current PSC on 20 April 2029) while incorporating an adjacent exploration area with an additional resource potential under the new PSC.

With a 35-year term commencing from 1 January 2026, the new PSC for Block A-18-01 encompasses both the existing Block A-18 area and the additional new area, providing an integrated platform to sustain production, unlock further resource potential and optimise the block’s long-term development.

Director of PC JDA, Ainoor Abizzurin B Abdullah said, “The approval of the new PSC ushers in the next phase of development for Block A-18-01, reflecting the enduring resolve and strong collaboration between Malaysia and Thailand. As a key source of natural gas and condensate for both countries, this milestone reinforces our shared commitment to maximise value through enhanced resource monetisation and operational synergies”.

Spanning approximately 7,250 square kilometres, the MTJDA comprises Blocks A-18-01 and B-17-01, which have a combined natural gas production capacity of approximately 700 million standard cubic feet per day with equal distribution to Malaysia and Thailand.

Block A-18-01 comprises the Cakerawala, Bumi, Suriya, Bulan, South Bulan, Senja, East Bumi, Samudra and Wira gas fields, including the open area. Meanwhile,Block B-17-01 comprises the Muda, Tapi, Tanjung, Amarit, Jengka, Melati and Andalas gas fields.

The new PSC reinforces PETRONAS Carigali’s commitment to investing in strategic assets, and pursuing sustainable growth for regional energy security.

Issued by:

Channels and Media Relations
Group Strategic Relations & Communications
PETRONAS

SOURCE: PETRONAS

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:
Name: Esha Lim Hwee Nee
Email: eshalim.hweenee@petronas.com

Name: Nabil Basaruddin
Email: nabil.basaruddin@petronas.com

Name: Hana Nazsulaeeqa Harun
Email: hananazsulaeeqa.haru@petronas.com.my

--BERNAMA