Monday, 12 October 2026

PREMIER ELITE WOMEN’S ROAD CYCLING RACE CONCLUDES ON CHONGMING ISLAND

Elite women cyclists gear up for three-stage Tour of Chongming Island.


KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 12 (Bernama) -- The Tour of Chongming Island, a premier elite women’s multi-stage road cycling race, concluded on Oct 11, bringing together elite cyclists, amateur riders and fans for a celebration of sport, sustainability and local culture.

According to a statement, the event also forms part of the qualification pathway for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games, with riders competing for valuable qualification points.

The race opened on Oct 9 with the 110.4-kilometre Chongzhong Stage, a city circuit race, followed by the 129.4-kilometre Chongdong Stage on Oct 10. The second stage started at Changxing Island Country Park and passed through the centre of Chenjia Town in Dongpatan, a popular section among riders in previous editions.

The race concluded on Oct 11 with the 108.6-kilometre Chongxi Stage. Across the three stages, professional teams competed for the overall title and distinctive leader’s jerseys, with a stage winner crowned each day. Riders covered more than 100 kilometres per stage, with the competition featuring sprint finishes, breakaways and tactical battles.

The route passed several of Chongming’s landmarks and natural attractions, including the Shanghai Yangtze River Bridge, Dongtan Wetland, Xisha Pearl Lake, Chongming New City Park and Changxing Island Country Park.

The race was jointly organised by the Union Cycliste Internationale, the General Administration of Sport of China and the Shanghai Municipal People’s Government. The Chinese Cycling Association, Shanghai Municipal Sports Bureau and Chongming District People’s Government hosted the event, with the Shanghai Cycling Association and Shanghai Wansheng Culture & Sports Industry Co Ltd serving as co-organisers.

Following the Tour of Chongming Island, Olympic medallists and UCI world champions will compete at the 2026 Tissot UCI Track World Championships, scheduled for Oct 14 to 18.

Beyond the sporting events, the venue featured a bazaar of local specialities and a tourism experience centre, while free shuttle buses connected central Shanghai with the venue. Ticket holders and participants were also eligible for discounts at major shopping areas, alongside carnivals and other activities.

Chongming offers visitors a different side of Shanghai, with forested landscapes, waterfront scenery and opportunities for outdoor activities. As more major sporting events come to the island, sport is becoming an increasingly important part of its tourism scene, bringing together cycling, culture, commerce and local life.

-- BERNAMA

CHONGQING STEPS UP EFFORTS TO BECOME INTERNATIONAL CONSUMPTION HUB

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 12 (Bernama) -- Chongqing is accelerating its rise as an international consumption centre, drawing global visitors with its unique landscape, industrial strength and open, inclusive retail environment.

According to a statement, the city’s total retail sales of consumer goods reached 1.67 trillion Chinese yuan in 2025, ranking first among Chinese cities, while it welcomes more than 500 million visitors a year. (100 Chinese yuan = RM61.01)

Chongqing has topped China’s night-economy rankings for four consecutive years. Its strong manufacturing base, which includes new-energy vehicles, motorcycles and laptops, continues to fuel the consumer market.

More than 2,800 domestic and international brands and over 2,000 first stores have established a presence in Chongqing, including 325 Fortune Global 500 companies that chose the city as their first stop in western China.

The integration of commerce, culture and tourism continues to attract international travellers. Yangtze River cruises, low-altitude sightseeing and hot-spring wellness experiences are flourishing, while 17 national-level premium tourism routes have been promoted worldwide.

Chongqing conducts trade with 228 countries and regions, supported by the China-Europe Railway Express and the New International Land-Sea Trade Corridor. Streamlined visa, payment and tax-refund services also make travel easier for international visitors.

Over the past five years, the city has upgraded 30 core commercial districts and created 100 new consumption scenes along riverbanks, cliffs and rooftop terraces, turning everyday urban spaces into distinctive visitor experiences.

The Liberation Monument has been recognised as one of China’s leading commercial districts for inbound consumption, reflecting how the city has transformed its heritage into experiences that visitors can enjoy and share.

Chongqing’s striking skyline, bustling street food scene, manufacturing strength and improving services for international visitors are supporting its ambition to become an international consumption centre, opening its doors to the world and sharing the vitality of China’s vast market with global visitors.

-- BERNAMA

Saturday, 10 October 2026

MALAYSIA INTERNATIONAL CRAFT FAIR (MICF) 2026


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Majlis Perasmian Malaysia International Craft Fair (MICF) 2026 yang disempurnakan oleh Yang Berhormat Tuan Chiew Choon Man, Timbalan Menteri MOTAC bertempat di Kompleks Kraf Kuala Lumpur. Turut hadir, Yang Berbahagia Dato’ Shaharuddin bin Abu Sohot, Ketua Setiausaha MOTAC, Yang Berbahagia Tan Sri Dr Ong Hong Peng, Timbalan Pengerusi Lembaga Pengarah Kraftangan Malaysia dan Yang Berusaha Encik Abdul Halim bin Ali, Ketua Pengarah Kraftangan Malaysia. 
 
KUALA LUMPUR, 6 Okt (Bernama) -- Kementerian Pelancongan, Seni dan Budaya (MOTAC) melalui Perbadanan Kemajuan Kraftangan Malaysia (Kraftangan Malaysia) telah menganjurkan Malaysia International Craft Fair (MICF) 2026 bermula pada 24 September hingga 5 Oktober 2026, dari jam 10.00 pagi hingga 10.00 malam bertempat di Kompleks Kraf Kuala Lumpur.
 
Penganjuran MICF 2026 bertemakan ‘Crafting Heritage, Inspiring Tomorrow’ membawa maksud usaha membentuk dan memelihara warisan seni kraf sebagai sumber inspirasi untuk masa depan. Tema ini mengetengahkan kekayaan budaya melalui kraf tangan tradisional yang diolah dengan pendekatan moden, kreatif dan inovatif agar terus relevan di peringkat global.
 
Penganjuran MICF 2026 yang berlangsung selama 12 hari ini melibatkan 400 penyertaan yang merangkumi 300 usahawan kraf tempatan dari seluruh Malaysia serta 100 usahawan kraf antarabangsa daripada lebih 20 buah negara. MICF 2026 menjadi platform pertemuan usahawan kraf dengan pembeli domestik dan antarabangsa seperti syarikat pengeksport barangan berkaitan kraf, agensi Kerajaan, syarikat perhotelan dan pusat beli belah.
 
Selain itu, melalui MICF 2026 aktiviti Padanan Perniagaan (B2B) akan diadakan melalui 2 sesi iaitu pada 24  hingga 28 September 2026 dan 1 hingga 5 Oktober 2026 yang melibatkan penyertaan daripada pembeli korporat antarabangsa seperti USA, Mauritius, Qatar, Australia, Perancis, Korea Selatan, UAE dan Filipina.
 
Menariknya, MICF 2026 turut mengangkat keunikan seni kraf antarabangsa menerusi demonstrasi kraf daripada enam buah negara iaitu China yang mengetengahkan seni Ukiran Jade, New Zealand (Ukiran Maori), Uzbekistan (Jewellery Art), Sri Lanka (Beeralu Lace Work), Indonesia (Seni Kulit) dan India (Tarkashi Brass Inlay). Manakala, demonstrasi kraf tempatan melibatkan 10 orang yang terdiri daripada Adiguru Kraf dan usahawan kraf.
 
Selain menawarkan pelbagai jualan produk kraf tempatan dari seluruh Malaysia, Malaysia International Craft Fair (MICF) 2026 menampilkan pelbagai tarikan istimewa yang memberikan pengalaman baharu kepada pengunjung. Antara pengisian yang disediakan ialah Pameran, Ekspresi dan Eksplorasi Kraf, Bicara Kraf Antarabangsa, Peragaan Fesyen Antarabangsa, Persembahan Kesenian dan Aktiviti Galakan Pengunjung.
 
Pelbagai aktiviti turut dianjurkan dengan kerjasama rakan strategik seperti Pertandingan Tarian Tradisional Fusion Malaysia, Threading Heritage Through Turkiye, Piala Seri Ibu, Reka Rona Malaysia, Reka Cipta Baju Kurung dan Baju Kebaya, Pertandingan Ratu Kebaya, Pertandingan Nyanyian Warisan Malaysia, Miss Malaysia Kebaya, Kejohanan Silat Seni, Hikayat Wangsa 2026, Heritage Treasure Hunt, Polycc Fashion Week 2026, Face Of Asia Malaysia 2026 serta Baju dan Lagu.
 
Maklumat lanjut berkaitan Malaysia International Craft Fair (MICF) 2026 boleh layari www.micf.com.my 
 
Link Gambar
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1oPeAGRmTWcOTEaIOsGLjlCG_hdCKJSL0?usp=sharing
 
SUMBER: Kraftangan Malaysia

Friday, 9 October 2026

Toshiba Begins Mass Production Of Easy-To-Use Microcontrollers





KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 8 (Bernama) -- Toshiba Electronic Devices & Storage Corporation (Toshiba) has started mass production of the TXZ+ Family Entry-Class M4H Group, standard microcontrollers featuring an Arm Cortex-M4 core with a floating-point unit (FPU).

The microcontrollers are designed for use in small-scale system control applications in consumer products, including air conditioners and washing machines, as well as industrial equipment such as multifunction printers and factory automation systems.

As consumer products and industrial equipment become more sophisticated and diversified, microcontrollers for system control are required to deliver real-time performance and stable operation while also offering easy system design, versatility for long-term deployment and extensibility to derivative products.

There are also small-scale system control applications which require microcontrollers providing essential control functions and can be readily applied to existing systems and new designs, rather than highly advanced functions optimised for specific applications.

Toshiba in a statement said it has addressed these requirements with the TXZ+ Family Entry-Class M4H Group, which emphasises essential functionality and ease of use.

Despite being entry-class products, the microcontrollers employ an Arm Cortex-M4 core with FPU and operate at speeds of up to 120 megahertz (MHz), providing the computing performance and real-time responsiveness required for system control in consumer products and industrial equipment.

M4H products support a supply voltage range of 2.7 volts (V) to 5.5V, making them suitable for both 3V and 5V systems. They can be used in a wide range of system configurations, from derivative development of existing equipment to new system designs.

The microcontrollers integrate basic functions required for system control, including a 12-bit analogue-to-digital converter (ADC), timers, universal asynchronous receiver/transmitter (UART), serial peripheral interface (SPI), inter-integrated circuit (I²C), and direct memory access (DMA).

Toshiba said it will continue to expand its design support resources and enhance its lineup of microcontroller products suitable for system control in consumer products and industrial equipment.

-- BERNAMA

Wednesday, 7 October 2026

IMAGO Technologies Unveils PaperSmart Dual-Mode Tablet With EdPrep.ai

 



Integrated AI learning support connects classroom instruction, independent study and assessment on one device.

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 6 (Bernama) -- IMAGO Technologies today unveiled PaperSmart, a dual-mode tablet that combines EdPrep.ai personalised learning software with tools for classroom collaboration, digital assessment and device management.

Designed for students and educators, PaperSmart tablet brings learning activities together on one device. Students can review course materials, take handwritten notes and work through guided practice, while institutions can manage devices and support classroom use through integrated software.

A Personalised AI Tutor to support Independent Learning

At the core of the PaperSmart experience is EdPrep.ai, a personalised learning platform designed to help students understand underlying concepts, learn from mistakes, and prepare for examinations with clearer direction. For students, the daily challenge often extends beyond finding information to knowing what to study next, understanding why an answer is wrong, and turning feedback into progress.

EdPrep.ai acts as a "Second Brain" tutor, guiding learners through explanations, practice questions, and step-by-step reasoning via an approachable on-screen AI companion. Supporting this workflow is Smart Learning Memory, an engine that synthesizes a student’s study history, practice results, feedback, and milestones. This creates total continuity between study sessions, tailoring support around individual strengths and areas needing attention.

EdPrep.ai supports preparation for local exams including the SPM, STPM, MUET, IGCSE, A-Levels, IELTS, TOEFL and SAT, with practice activities spanning multiple-choice questions, calculations, essays and spoken responses.

For educators, these tools help connect classroom instruction with independent review and follow-up practice.

“We are proud to bring PaperSmart and EdPrep.ai to market. This isn’t just a device launch—it’s a major contribution to how technology serves education. By pairing adaptive AI software with purpose-built hardware, we are driving the evolution of teaching and learning to a completely new level,” said Rob Hughes, Chief Revenue Officer at IMAGO Technologies.

Two Viewing Modes for Different Learning Tasks

With a double tap, PaperSmart users can switch between a full-colour Standard Mode for visual and interactive content and Paper Mode for reading and handwritten notes.

Open applications, textbook pages, annotations and handwritten notes remain in place when users switch modes, allowing them to continue working without restarting the device.

The built-in IMAGO Collab workspace combines an interactive whiteboard with a digital notebook. Teachers and students can annotate materials and collaborate in real time, supported by teaching templates and Google Workspace integration.

PaperSmart tablet also includes Meeting Mind for lectures, briefings and group discussions. The utility supports offline audio recording, with transcription and summary tools that help turn discussions into study notes, key takeaways and action items.

Tools for Institutional Management and Assessment

PaperSmart’s mobile device management capabilities allow IT teams to enrol devices and manage policies remotely.

For digital exams, Proctor Mode restricts access to selected applications and device functions to help maintain a controlled assessment environment.

Availability

IMAGO Technologies is accepting registrations from educational institutions and organisations interested in PaperSmart deployments. Introductory offers, institutional volume pricing and bundled packages are available through the launch program.

For product information and registration, visit imago.us/paper-smart-tablet/.

About IMAGO Technologies

IMAGO Technologies is a global leader in unified smart classroom and collaborative workplace solutions, empowering educational institutions and corporate enterprises worldwide to teach, learn, and work seamlessly. IMAGO bridges the gap between hardware performance, intelligent SaaS, and unified campus-wide administration. For more information, visit imago.us.

Follow IMAGO Technologies on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/imagotechnologies/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/imagotechnologies/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/imagotechs/#

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@imagotechnologies

Source: IMAGO Technologies

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT: 
IMAGO Technologies
Tel: +60193688883
Email: hello@imago.us
Website: imago.us

--BERNAMA

KPMG in Malaysia’s Eco Dive Programme earns Malaysia Book of Records Recognition

 

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2026 Eco Dive volunteers (divers and non-divers) came together with KPMG in Malaysia’s Executive Committee to celebrate 20 years of Eco Dive and Malaysia Book of Records recognition as the “Longest-running Corporate Marine Reef Conservation Programme"


PETALING JAYA, Oct 7 (Bernama) -- KPMG in Malaysia’s Eco Dive programme in Pulau Tioman has been recognised by the Malaysia Book of Records as the “Longest Running Corporate Marine Reef Conservation Programme”.
 
Established in 2007, KPMG Malaysia’s Eco Dive programme is one of the firm’s longest-running sustainability initiatives, bringing together KPMG volunteers and Reef Check Malaysia, a non-profit organisation dedicated to marine conservation in Malaysia. For 20 years, KPMG’s trained volunteer divers have worked closely with Reef Check Malaysia to conduct regular reef monitoring, contributing to a consistent and valuable dataset that tracks changes in reef health over time.
 
“Being recognised by the Malaysia Book of Records is a proud moment for all of us at KPMG in Malaysia. It reflects 20 years of people showing up, year after year, to Make the Difference. What started with six KPMG divers monitoring one reef site has grown into Eco Dive spanning four sites in Pulau Tioman, backed by KPMG’s enduring commitment to protecting and restoring Malaysia’s marine ecosystems. Our 20-year partnership with Reef Check Malaysia has given Eco Dive the continuity to deepen our knowledge, strengthen conservation efforts and make a sustained contribution to marine biodiversity. We look forward to carrying this commitment forward for generations to come,” said Foong Mun Kong, Managing Partner at KPMG in Malaysia.
 
Over the course of the programme, KPMG has recorded 98 Eco Diver participations by its employees through annual monitoring activities, with some volunteers returning to the island multiple times, driven by their passion and commitment to Eco Dive. Using Reef Check’s globally standardised methodology, the programme has generated consistent dataset tracking changes in coral reef health over two decades, while supporting the transplanting of 160 coral nubbins and the removal and treatment of 157 crown-of-thorns starfish in 2026. 

“For 20 years, we have witnessed KPMG in Malaysia’s commitment to marine conservation through the dedication of its people. What makes this partnership impactful is the continued commitment of its Eco Dive team, who return year after year to support reef monitoring and conservation. This Malaysia Book of Records recognition is a testament to their perseverance and the progress that can be achieved through sustained action. Coral reefs, seagrass and mangroves are interconnected ecosystems that are both ecologically important and economically valuable. By extending conservation efforts beyond the reef and supporting the health of these connected ecosystems, partnerships like this can contribute to stronger marine ecosystems and the communities and livelihoods that depend on them,” said Julian Hyde, Chief Executive Officer of Reef Check Malaysia.
 
20th Anniversary: Taking Our Impact Beyond the Sea
As Eco Dive marks its 20th anniversary in 2026, its impact has extended beyond the sea to the communities on the ground in Pulau Tioman. In June, KPMG volunteers expanded their efforts through coastal clean-ups, coral rehabilitation and support for local education, extending the spirit of conservation beyond the reef and into the wider community. This year, volunteers removed 406.7 kg of marine debris, including 1,351 plastic bottles, transplanted 100 coral fragments onto purpose-built structures, constructed 60 coral pots using repurposed glass and cement, and contributed 10 laptops to a local school benefiting more than 200 students.
 
One of our Eco Divers, Thong Foo Vung, Head of Audit at KPMG in Malaysia, shared his experience: “After my first Eco Dive in 2024, I knew I wanted to return. The experience opened my eyes to the importance of protecting Malaysia’s coral reefs and the role each of us can play as a diver. It reinforced my belief that the work we do today can help create a healthier marine environment for future generations to enjoy and protect.”
 
“As we marked Eco Dive’s 20th anniversary in June this year, we took our efforts one step further by extending our work beyond the reef to the wider community on Pulau Tioman. From coastal clean-ups and coral rehabilitation to supporting local education, we are seeing how conservation can create a broader impact in protecting our oceans, supporting the communities that depend on them, and helping to preserve them for future generations,” added Thong.
 
For more information on KPMG in Malaysia’s broader sustainability commitments, visit: kpmg.com.my/ourimpactplan. 


SOURCE: KPMG PLT

Saturday, 3 October 2026

NTT DATA Launches ‘Intact, intelligent action.’ to Protect Fragile Places and Advance Sustainability Commitments


  • Global initiative will combine awareness, technology and stewardship to support fragile places around the world.
  • Program will help translate sustainability commitments into practical actions.
  • In the initiative’s first chapter, NTT DATA employees will join Antarctic expedition led by Robert Swan, OBE, on the 40th anniversary of his first South Pole expedition.
TOKYO & LONDON, Sept 30 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- NTT DATA, a global leader in AI, digital business and technology services, today announced “Intact, intelligent action.” This global initiative is designed to help people and organizations translate sustainability commitments into meaningful action. The effort combines awareness, technology and stewardship in support of some of the world’s most treasured yet fragile places. Antarctica will be the first chapter.

From November 25 to December 2, 2026, a dozen NTT DATA employees will join polar explorer Robert Swan and his 2041 Leadership on the Edge expedition aboard the Magellan Explorer. With the Antarctic Peninsula and nearby islands as their classroom, the NTT DATA team and more than 60 other business and community leaders will explore leadership under pressure, climate policy, sustainability and innovation with a focus on putting commitments into action. NTT DATA began working with Swan in 2022 and named him as the company’s Sustainability Ambassador in 2025.

The expedition marks a 40-year milestone for Swan. In 1986, he led a team on a 900-mile unsupported walk to the South Pole. Three years later, he led a different team to the North Pole, becoming the first person in history to walk to both Poles. Since 2003, he has led more than 20 ship-based expeditions to Antarctica, and the November effort will be the last that he personally organizes and leads. Swan will remain active in environmental advocacy and other types of expeditions, including continued collaboration with NTT DATA.

Sustainability Framework: Planet. Prosperity. People.

NTT DATA’s new initiative grows out of the company’s core strategic sustainability framework: “Planet. Prosperity. People.” This framework guides the company’s operations, innovation, sustainability solutions and client engagement to create positive outcomes for the environment, the economy and society.

Around the world, NTT DATA’s efforts include more sustainable IT practices across company operations and data centers; research and innovation focused on business, social, and environmental challenges; sponsorship of Swan’s Undaunted: South Pole 2023 expedition; enabling a Smart Rainforest initiative in Australia’s Daintree Rainforest; and support for Swan’s 2025 “Ice Station” broadcasts from Antarctica, which reached an estimated 2.1 million young people in more than 25 countries.

“This effort -- Intact, intelligent action. -- is about helping accelerate the move from sustainability commitments to actions that support the planet,” said David Costa, Chief Sustainability Business Officer and Head of Sustainability Innovation, NTT DATA. “We want people to experience and understand places that need protecting, then consider how technology, responsible choices and collaboration can help preserve them. Our goal is to inspire lasting awareness and action that helps protect these places for future generations.”

Focusing Attention on Fragile Places

A distinctive symbol will connect each chapter of Intact, intelligent action. The initiative is creating an open-frame flag woven from small, meaningful materials contributed by people around the world. Rather than marking human ownership, the frame will focus attention on the place itself and our shared responsibility to preserve it.

In Antarctica, expeditioners will raise the “flag” on the ice to frame the landscape, then remove it to symbolize a commitment to keeping the continent intact. The frame will later travel to other locations as the Intact initiative expands, creating a common symbol across places facing different environmental challenges. To learn more, visit Intact, intelligent action.

A Lifetime of Advocacy

Since walking to both poles in the 1980s, Swan has led land- and ocean-based expeditions worldwide to demonstrate sustainable technologies, promote renewable energy and advocate for preserving Antarctica as a reserve land for science and peace. In 1995, Queen Elizabeth II appointed Swan an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in recognition of his contributions to environmental education, sustainability and polar exploration. In 2017, he received a NOVUS Award for contributions to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Hear and learn more from Robert Swan at ThinIce.earth.

To help address emissions associated with the upcoming expedition, Swan is making a substantial donation per participant to support rainforest regeneration in Australia.

“My fascination with Antarctica began with the great polar explorers, and protecting it became my life’s mission when Jacques Cousteau personally challenged me to ask people to have the good sense to save this continent,” Swan said. “The Heroic Age of polar exploration ended a century ago, yet an even greater challenge lies ahead: protecting the last great wilderness on Earth and learning to live sustainably on this planet we share. If our generation keeps Antarctica intact, that will be a legacy worthy of those who came before us and a gift to every generation that follows.”

"Intact, intelligent action." was developed with creative direction from Pep Torres of Stereonoise, including the initiative’s name, design, participatory concept and open-frame flag.

About NTT DATA

NTT DATA is a $30+ billion business and technology services leader, serving 75% of the Fortune Global 100. We accelerate client success and positively impact society through responsible innovation. We are one of the world’s leading AI and digital infrastructure providers, with capabilities in enterprise-scale AI, cloud, security, connectivity, data centers and application services. Our consulting and industry solutions help organizations and society move confidently and sustainably into the digital future. NTT DATA has experts in more than 70 countries and is part of NTT Group, which invests over $3 billion annually in R&D.

Visit our website.

View source version on businesswire.com:
https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260929405983/en/

Contact

Media Contacts
PublicRelations@nttdata.com 
 
Source : NTT DATA 

--BERNAMA