PETRONAS REINFORCES INDUSTRY RESILIENCE AND COMPETITIVENESS AT OGSE PARTNERS DAY 2026

Datuk Ir. Bacho Pilong, Senior Vice President, Malaysia Petroleum Management (third from right), alongside (from left to right) Mohd Razali Kamin, Senior General Manager, Group Procurement, PETRONAS; Terry Biusing, Chief Corporate & OGSE Officer, SMJ Energy Sdn Bhd; Ts Syed Saggaf, President, Malaysian Oil, Gas & Energy Services Council (MOGSC); Rashidah Alias, Vice President, Group Procurement, PETRONAS; PETRONAS; Ir. Norafizal Mat Saad, Vice President, Group Strategic Relations & Communications, PETRONAS and Mohd Yazid Ja'afar, President/Chief Executive Officer, Malaysia Petroleum Resources Corporation officiating at the OGSE Partners Day.

KUALA LUMPUR, April 24 (Bernama) -- PETRONAS reaffirmed the importance of strengthening resilience, competitiveness and execution capability across Malaysia’s oil and gas service and equipment (OGSE) ecosystem at its OGSE Partners Day, held today at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre. 

 

Themed “Empowering Resilience”, the event brought together more than 800 participants, including vendors, association representatives, production sharing contractors, financial institutions and government agencies. 
 

In his keynote address, Datuk Ir. Bacho Pilong, Senior Vice President of Malaysia Petroleum Management PETRONAS highlighted that the programme today aims to demonstrate a future-ready and resilient OGSE ecosystem that is financially sound, technologically capable, talent ready and governed with integrity.   
 

“The key areas of focus – from sustainability and digital operations to finance and talent development – are interconnected. Transformation does not happen in silos. It happens when technology, talent, capital and governance move forward together,” he said. 
 

The event featured a series of panel sessions exploring pathways to enhance operational efficiency, strengthen governance, and accelerate capability development across the supply chain. Discussions covered technology adoption, talent development and financing solutions, alongside the importance of deeper collaboration across the OGSE value chain. 
 

Panelists included representatives from the Malaysia Petroleum Resources Corporation (MPRC) and the Malaysian Oil, Gas and Energy Services Council (MOGSC), who shared perspectives on market volatility, global competition, sustainability requirements, technological shifts and evolving policy expectations. These discussions are aligned with the National OGSE Industry Blueprint 2021-2030, which aims to strengthen the regional competitiveness of Malaysian OGSE companies.  
 

PETRONAS also formalised a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for its Sustainable Vendor Financing Programme with Alliance Bank Malaysia Berhad, Bank Islam Malaysia Berhad, UOB Malaysia, RHB Bank Berhad and Malaysian Industrial Development Finance Berhad (MIDF). Launched last year, the programme enhances vendors’ access to sustainable financing by leveraging sustainability disclosures, enabling them to tap into Bank Negara Malaysia’s financing facilities, including the Low Carbon Transition Facility (LCTF) and High Tech and Green Facility (HTG) and MIDF’s Sustainable & Green Biz Financing (SGBF). This initiative is aimed at supporting PETRONAS vendors in adopting more sustainable practices across their operations. 
 

The OGSE industry remains a key pillar in Malaysia’s economy, contributing between five to eight per cent to national Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and supporting more than 123,000 jobs nationwide.  
 

As a progressive energy and solutions partner, PETRONAS is committed to driving sustainable and inclusive growth by working closely with industry partners to strengthen ecosystem capabilities and foster a resilient, capable and competitive industry for the future.  

 

Issued by:  

  

Channels and Media Relations  

Group Strategic Relations & Communications  

PETRONAS  

  

SOURCE: PETRONAS 

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:   

Name: Aisyah Mustapha Kamil
Tel: 012 3818 790 
Email: aisyah.mustaphakamil@petronas.com  

--BERNAMA

Bitget Advances Multi Asset Push with #2 Global Stock Perpetuals Ranking in Q1 2026

VICTORIA, Seychelles, April 24 (Bernama-GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Bitget, the world’s largest Universal Exchange (UEX), ranked second globally in Stock Perpetuals market share in Q1 2026 according to TokenInsight’s Crypto Exchange Report Q1 2026. The result highlights the growing traction in equity-linked derivatives as demand expands beyond crypto-native assets into broader market exposure.

The broader shift toward tokenized and multi-asset trading is still in its early stages, but the direction is becoming clearer. According to the report, Stock Perpetuals averaged roughly $423 million in daily volume during the quarter, reflecting sustained growth in the segment. That trend aligns with Bitget’s TradFi tokenization thesis, published in February 2026, which projected annual stock trading volumes could rise from an estimated $100 trillion–$130 trillion today to $160 trillion–$200 trillion by 2030 as more equities move on-chain.

Bitget’s position reflects its early entry into the category, having launched stock perpetual futures in September 2025. In Q1 2026, Bitget captured 22.61% of the Stock Perpetuals segment, with average daily trading volume reaching $95.74 million. The exchange has steadily built a meaningful position in the category, demonstrating the industry shift towards an Universal Exchange strategy and its ability to support broader market exposure through tested trading infrastructure.

“This milestone reflects more than category growth. It shows that users are responding to a broader shift in how trading platforms should serve them,” said Gracy Chen, CEO of Bitget. “Our focus is to build Bitget into a destination where users can move across crypto and TradFi assets with greater ease. Our performance in Stock Perpetuals is one step in executing that long-term vision.”

Beyond Stock Perpetuals, the report also highlighted Bitget’s strength in the broader exchange market. In Q1 2026, Bitget ranked fifth globally by total exchange market share, accounting for 7.70% of industry trading volume. Its share remained stable quarter over quarter, edging up 0.02 percentage points despite a broader market cooldown, solidifying Bitget’s top five position among its peers across both crypto-native and emerging traditional finance-linked trading activity.

Bitget’s performance in Stock Perpetuals reflects its broader Universal Exchange strategy, designed to bring together crypto and expanded market access within a single trading environment. The platform has already established a leading presence in tokenized equities, and its momentum in Stock Perpetuals points to a broader effort to build the infrastructure, liquidity, and access layers needed to support the migration of traditional market activity into on-chain and crypto-native trading environments.

To read the full report, visit here.

About Bitget

Bitget is the world's largest Universal Exchange (UEX), serving over 125 million users and offering access to over 2M crypto tokens, 100+ tokenized stocks, ETFs, commodities, FX, and precious metals such as gold. The ecosystem is committed to helping users trade smarter with its AI agent, which co-pilots trade execution. Bitget is driving crypto adoption through strategic partnerships with LALIGA and MotoGP™. Aligned with its global impact strategy, Bitget has joined hands with UNICEF to support blockchain education for 1.1 million people by 2027. Bitget currently leads in the tokenized TradFi market, providing the industry's lowest fees and highest liquidity across 150 regions worldwide.

For more information, visit: Website | Twitter | Telegram | LinkedIn | Discord

For media inquiries, please contact: media@bitget.com

Risk Warning: Digital asset prices are subject to fluctuation and may experience significant volatility. Investors are advised to only allocate funds they can afford to lose. The value of any investment may be impacted, and there is a possibility that financial objectives may not be met, nor the principal investment recovered. Independent financial advice should always be sought, and personal financial experience and standing carefully considered. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future results. Bitget accepts no liability for any potential losses incurred. Nothing contained herein should be construed as financial advice. For further information, please refer to our Terms of Use.

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/e4870efa-2684-4373-8877-efa7d8eb65fe 

SOURCE: Bitget Limited

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.

GECS Q1 2026: Malaysia’s finance professionals highlight rising geopolitical risks alongside economic concerns

ACCA-IMA survey records near-pandemic-low confidence as Middle East conflict drives energy costs and supply chain stress

KUALA LUMPUR, April 21 (Bernama) -- The ACCA and IMA Q1 2026 Global Economic Conditions Survey (GECS), conducted between 3 and 19 March, coincided with the outbreak of war in the Middle East, weighing heavily on global business sentiment.

For Malaysia, the implications are significant. As a key semiconductor hub, the country may experience some upward pressure on input costs due to disruptions in petrochemicals and other critical materials. As a net energy importer, it could also be affected by higher oil and gas prices. In addition, a stronger US dollar may place some pressure on the ringgit, potentially increasing import costs and foreign currency exposures.

Regionally, 33% of Asia Pacific respondents ranked geopolitical instability as their top risk priority in Q1 2026, above the global average of 25%. Cybersecurity risk ranked second globally at 17%, a concern that is relevant in Malaysia’s fast-digitalising economy.

Andrew Lim, Head of Maritime SEA, ACCA, said: “The Q1 2026 GECS findings are a sobering reminder of how deeply interconnected Malaysia’s economy is with global trade and geopolitical dynamics. Our position at the heart of Southeast Asia means that supply chain disruption, energy price volatility, and currency pressures hit us at multiple pressure points simultaneously. Finance professionals in Malaysia must now navigate an environment where the risks are not only economic but deeply geopolitical – and the two are increasingly inseparable.”

The survey showed a sharp decline in confidence, close to the series lows recorded at the beginning of the pandemic in 2020, as firms grapple with the fourth major global shock this decade. Confidence also fell sharply among chief financial officers.

While an April ceasefire brought some market relief, uncertainty remain high, and energy and other commodity prices look set to remain elevated. Rising cost pressures were evident in Q1, with reports of increased operating costs at their highest since Q3 2022. With energy prices rising and supply chains under strain, pressures are expected to intensify.

Some indicators were more encouraging though. The Global New Orders Index registered a solid increase and is now at its historical average level. Meanwhile, the Global Employment Index, which captures the hiring and firing decisions of firms, also saw slight improvement, although it remains below its historical average.

Read GECS Q1 2026 here.

Source: ACCA

FOR MORE INFORMATION,PLEASE CONTACT:
Email: newsroom@accaglobal.com

--BERNAMA

QINGYANG LEVERAGES AI, COMPUTING POWER TO TRANSFORM RURAL E-COMMERCE

A public welfare lecture about AI livestreaming and intelligent e-commerce.

 KUALA LUMPUR, April 21 (Bernama) -- Qingyang is advancing its digital transformation by integrating artificial intelligence (AI) and "computing power" into rural e-commerce, enabling farmers and homemakers to become livestream sellers, or "Code Farmers".

At the Qingyang Electronic Commerce Association, training programmes on AI livestreaming and intelligent e-commerce are equipping participants with practical skills—from product selection and content planning to virtual human streaming—reshaping how local communities engage in online commerce.

The initiative is supported by the Qingyang National Computing Hub under China’s Eastern Data and Western Computing Project, which provides low-cost, low-latency computing resources, according to a statement.

This enables the use of AI tools such as virtual streamers, creating a development model that combines local computing power, AI applications and talent training to boost operational efficiency.

The results have been significant. Qingyang recorded total e-commerce sales of 6.91 billion Chinese yuan in 2025, with online retail contributing 3.27 billion Chinese yuan, up 12.7 per cent year-on-year. (100 Chinese yuan = RM 58.01)

Since 2023, more than 2,000 people have received hands-on e-commerce training, strengthening the region’s digital talent base.

As a result, local residents are shifting from traditional agriculture to digital entrepreneurship, using AI-powered platforms to market regional products nationwide. This transformation highlights how digital infrastructure and emerging technologies are driving new economic opportunities in rural China.

-- BERNAMA

PETRONAS inks MoU with Terengganu to Explore Nature-based Solutions Projects

Dato' Mohd Azmi Mohamad Daham, Terengganu State Secretary (Centre) signs the MoU together with (Left to Right); Datuk Razali Idris, Chairman of the Terengganu State Committee on Tourism, Culture, Environment and Climate Change; Dato' Rosli Latif, Director, Terengganu Economic Planning Unit; Gulia Sartori, Senior General Manager, Nature, Corporate Sustainability, PETRONAS; Ezrin Johanna Elias, General Manager, Nature Centre of Excellence and Solutions, Corporate Sustainability, PETRONAS and Khairuddin Jaafar, Senior General Manager, Stakeholder Relations, Group Strategic Relations and Communications.

KUALA LUMPUR, April 21 (Bernama) -- PETRONAS and the Terengganu State Government, through the Terengganu Economic Planning Unit (UPEN), have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to explore opportunities for the development of Nature-based Solutions (NbS) in the state.

Under the MoU, both parties will collaborate to identify and assess potential sites across Terengganu for Nature-based carbon projects that meet internationally recognised certification standards. These projects are intended to generate high-quality carbon credits while delivering tangible benefits to local communities and supporting environmental conservation.

The MoU was signed by PETRONAS Senior General Manager, Nature, Corporate Sustainability, Giulia Sartori and Terengganu State Secretary, Dato’ Mohd Azmi Mohamad Daham. The signing was also witnessed by Ezrin Johanna Elias, General Manager, Nature Centre of Excellence and Solutions, Corporate Sustainability, PETRONAS and Dato' Rosli Latif, Director, Terengganu Economic Planning Unit.

Commenting on the collaboration, Giulia Sartori said PETRONAS looks forward to working closely with the state to advance climate-positive initiatives that create shared value.

“We are pleased to collaborate with the state of Terengganu in advancing nature-based solutions that strengthen climate resilience, enhance biodiversity and deliver meaningful benefits to local communities. This collaboration builds on PETRONAS’ long-standing presence in the state, and we look forward to delivering value for the state and supporting Malaysia’s overall climate ambitions together,” she said

Dato’ Mohd Azmi welcomed the collaboration, highlighting the role of Terengganu’s natural ecosystems and their potential to contribute to climate change mitigation.

“Terengganu is blessed with diverse natural ecosystems that hold significant potential for nature-based solutions. Through this collaboration with PETRONAS, we aim to contribute to Malaysia’s efforts to reduce carbon emissions while ensuring environmental conservation brings lasting benefits to the people of Terengganu,” he said.

NbS comprises actions to reduce and remove greenhouse gas emissions through conserving, protecting, restoring and sustainably managing natural ecosystems. Carbon credits generated through NbS are integral for PETRONAS in addressing residual and hard-to-abate emissions, complementing its Net Zero Carbon Emissions by 2050 Pathway.

Issued by
Channels & Media Relations
Group Strategic Relations & Communications
PETRONAS

SOURCE: PETRONAS

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:
Name: Aisyah Mustapha
Tel: +6012 3818 790
Email: aisyah.mustaphakamil@petronas.com

--BERNAMA

SHANGPREE to Showcase Aesthetic Heritage at Beauty Asia Singapore, Expanding Global Presence via Amazon & Shopee by 2026

 

SINGAPORE, April 17 (Bernama-GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- SHANGPREE, Korea’s premier aesthetic skincare brand, is accelerating its global expansion by participating in ‘Beauty Asia’ in Singapore. Following recent successful launches on Amazon US and Japan, the brand is set to officially enter Amazon Singapore and Shopee within 2026, strengthening its digital footprint across Southeast Asia.

■ "Esthetician’s Touch in Your Hands": Introducing the 'FF Program'

At the exhibition, SHANGPREE will present its iconic bestsellers alongside the newly launched ‘FF Program (Focus on Focus PROGRAM)’. The FF Program is a high-performance intensive care line designed to precisely analyze and restore skin balance disrupted by external stressors. Developed based on 36 years of aesthetic clinical data accumulated since 1990, the lineup embodies SHANGPREE’s core mission: bringing the meticulous care of a professional esthetician into the customer’s daily skincare ritual.

■ A K-Beauty Apex Trusted by Global Luxury Channels

Originating from an aesthetic spa in 1990, SHANGPREE has already proven its value within the world’s most selective luxury distribution networks, including Harrods in London and Barneys New York. Participation in Singapore’s Beauty Asia serves as a strategic milestone to further solidify SHANGPREE’s standing as a high-end skincare authority on the global stage.

■ From the US and Japan to Southeast Asia: A Vision for Global Leadership

Following its recent entry into major global markets, SHANGPREE is now focusing on reinforcing its distribution network in Southeast Asia.

"Our participation in Beauty Asia is an opportunity to prove SHANGPREE’s rigorous standards and 36-year heritage to the global market," said a representative from SHANGPREE. "With our recent expansion into Amazon US and Japan, and our upcoming 2026 launches on Amazon Singapore and Shopee, we are committed to building an environment where customers across Southeast Asia can easily experience our high-end aesthetic spa solutions."

# About SHANGPREE

SHANGPREE is a premium skincare brand born from an aesthetic spa in 1990. By evolving decades of clinical expertise into scientific mechanisms, the brand provides precise skin solutions trusted by global experts and luxury retailers worldwide. Its signature lineup includes world-renowned bestsellers such as the Marine Energy Eye Mask, Gold Premium Plus Modeling Mask, and Phyto Essence UV Sunscreen, all of which embody the brand’s commitment to professional-grade results.

• Official Website:  www.shangpree.com
• Instagram:  @shangpree.official

# Media Contacts
cs@shangpree.com 

SOURCE: SHANGPREE

Supratechnic Secures Sole Singapore Distribution Rights for Swiss Air Quality Leader IQAir; Launches Suprayi E-Commerce Platform

SINGAPORE, April 15 (Bernama) -- Supratechnic (S) Pte Ltd (“Supratechnic”), a subsidiary of SGX Mainboard-listed USP Group Limited and a leading regional distributor of marine, instrumentation, and healthcare solutions, announced it has secured sole nationwide distribution rights in Singapore for IQAir on 14 April 2026.

Founded in Switzerland in 1963, IQAir is an air quality technology brand trusted in hospitals and critical healthcare environments worldwide.

This appointment formalises and elevates Supratechnic's existing partnership with the Swiss manufacturer to the sole authorised distributor for Singapore. This milestone expands Supratechnic’s healthcare division and secures its role as a key provider of clinical-grade infrastructure.

Mr. Melvin Tan, Chief Executive Officer of Supratechnic, commented on the milestone: 
 

“Our objective was never merely to sell more units. Over the years, we have invested steadily in building the service infrastructure required to uphold IQAir’s exacting standards — from technical training and after-sales support to market-wide service coverage. This sole nationwide distributorship appointment is not the beginning of that journey, but a recognition of the work already done. Our responsibility now is to honour that trust by delivering consistently, at the highest standard, every day.”

 
Alongside this appointment, Supratechnic officially launched Suprayi, a digital platform curated for clinically proven health solutions. The name ‘Suprayi’ brings together ‘supra,’ representing excellence and standards above the ordinary, and ‘yi’ (医), the Chinese character for healing and medicine. Together, the name embodies the platform’s mission to provide trusted, effective, and elevated health solutions that support healthier living.

Operated directly by Supratechnic, Suprayi is the official e-commerce and advisory channel for IQAir products in Singapore. The platform provides customers with access to genuine IQAir products, local warranty coverage, expert technical advice, and dependable after-sales support from the authorised distributor. 

IQAir utilizes HyperHEPA filtration technology to capture ultrafine particles as small as 0.003 microns. This includes airborne contaminants such as viruses, bacteria, smoke, and combustion particles. The systems are independently tested and meet international safety certifications for use in hospitals and specialist clinics. 

Mr Jens Hammes, Chief Executive Officer of Incen AG (IQAir) said, “ 
 

““Our cooperation with Supratechnic began in 2004. I still remember how impressed I was by the team’s professionalism, technical expertise, and unwavering dedication when introducing the IQAir brand to Singapore. 

Since then, we have shared a common mission — to make clean, healthy air accessible to as many people in Singapore as possible. Securing sole nationwide distribution rights today reflects the strength of that long-standing partnership and our confidence in Supratechnic’s ability to represent IQAir at the highest standards.” 
 

The timing of this sole nationwide distributorship appointment reflects a market in transition. Singapore's persistent air quality challenges—from seasonal transboundary haze to urban emissions and VOCs from renovation materials and rising pet ownership in compact homes—have fundamentally changed how households, workplaces, and healthcare facilities think about indoor air.

SOURCE : Aegis Communication 

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:
Name: Jason Fong
Tel: +6012-8631134
Email: jason@aegiscomm.com.my 

--BERNAMA