PETRONAS AND SABAH STATE GOVERNMENT HONOUR LOCAL VENDORS, STRENGTHENING OGSE GROWTH

 

Rashidah Alias, PETRONAS Vice President of Group Procurement (third from left) presenting the Sabah Vendor Development Programme Award to one of the recipients, witnessed by Datuk Sr. Mohd Ishak Datuk Ayub, Assistant Sabah Finance Minister II (second from right) and  Datuk Ir Bacho Pilong, PETRONAS Senior Vice President of Malaysia Petroleum Management (right)

KOTA KINABALU, Feb 13 (Bernama) -- PETRONAS and the Sabah State Government yesterday accorded recognition to Sabah-based oil and gas services and equipment (OGSE) vendors for their achievements in fostering a sustainable and competitive local ecosystem.
 

To date, a total of 98 Sabah-based OGSE vendors have been recognised for their capabilities and track record in securing contracts. This reflects a steady increase since the signing of the Sabah Commercial Collaboration Agreement (CCA) in 2021, with 47 vendors receiving recognition for the first time in 2025, signalling the growing depth and maturity of local industry capabilities. This progress is further reflected in the growth of contracts secured by Sabah vendors, which rose from 133 in 2021 to 499 in 2025.
 

Held at the Sabah International Convention Centre, the recognition ceremony was witnessed by Assistant Sabah Finance Minister II Datuk Sr Mohd Ishak Datuk Ayub, representing Deputy Chief Minister II and Sabah Finance Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Masidi Manjun, and presented by PETRONAS Vice President of Group Procurement, Rashidah Alias. Also present was PETRONAS Senior Vice President of Malaysia Petroleum Management, Datuk Ir Bacho Pilong.
 

In his address, Datuk Ir Bacho highlighted the evolving dynamics of the global energy landscape and the continued importance of the OGSE sector to Malaysia’s economy. He said, “As we navigate rapid change in the global energy landscape, the OGSE sector remains a vital pillar of Malaysia’s economy. With the support and ongoing collaboration, with the Sabah State, we can build a resilient OGSE supply chain, and position Sabah as the preferred investment destination.”
 

Among the recognised vendors are those awarded medium-to-complex scope contracts, including Gas Turbine Maintenance, Production Support Vessel (PSV) services for deepwater drilling, Wellhead Maintenance, Terminal Turnaround, Maintenance and Modification (TTAMM) and Marine Operations. The vendors have also strengthened industry collaboration through Joint Venture (JV) contracts for Offshore Maintenance, Construction, and Modification (MCM) and Hook-Up (HUC) scopes, reflecting continued progress in technical capability and service expansion within Sabah’s oil and gas sector.
 

Meanwhile, two Sabah-based companies were introduced under the Vendor Development Programme (VDP): Seascape Synergy Services Sdn Bhd for Life Raft and Lifeboat Maintenance, and GMB Dynamic Sdn Bhd for Fire Truck Maintenance Services. These new entrants reflect the strengthening capabilities of Sabah’s OGSE sector, as more local companies meet higher standards of safety, quality, and operational excellence.
 

PETRONAS and the Sabah State Government extend their appreciation to all partners, associations and vendors whose continued commitment contributes to the strengthening of Sabah’s OGSE ecosystem. Both parties remain committed to fostering a sustainable, inclusive 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: Neil Brian Joseph

Email: neilbrian.joseph@petronas.com.my

Executive (Media Communications - Sabah & Labuan)

Media Management

--BERNAMA

REGASK UNVEILS AI-ASSISTED LABEL COMPLIANCE REVIEW FOR FASTER PRODUCT LAUNCHES

KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 11 (Bernama) -- RegASK, an agentic artificial intelligence (AI) platform, has unveiled its AI-Assisted Label Compliance Review, a transformative capability that delivers comprehensive label compliance checks in seconds.

Label compliance checks, traditionally one of the most time-consuming and risk-prone steps in product commercialisation, can now be performed instantly, enabling faster product launches without compromising regulatory rigour.

RegASK Chief Product & Technology Officer, Amenallah Reghimi said its AI-Assisted Label Review and global regulatory database redefined operational excellence in compliance.

“Teams can now work with unprecedented speed, visibility, and confidence in their everyday compliance workflows,” said Reghimi.

With the new capability, teams can upload packaging artwork and validate it against regulations across key global markets, including the United States, the European Union, the United Kingdom and China.

According to a statement, the system delivers clear compliance assessments with actionable recommendations and pinpoints issues directly on the label using an interactive viewer, with every finding fully traceable through direct hyperlinks to the underlying source regulations.

The launch is supported by enhancements to RegASK’s core infrastructure, including a global regulatory database offering a 360-degree, chronological view of each regulation’s lifecycle. Teams can track changes from initial consultation to amendments and enforcement, ensuring compliance checks are always current.

By compressing review timelines, reducing rework, and eliminating avoidable delays, RegASK’s AI-Assisted Label Compliance Review fundamentally changes how organisations approach product launches, helping teams operate with regulatory compliance.

-- BERNAMA

Second to None in Business Excellence: Mary Kay Named #2 on the Forbes 2026 Best Customer Service List

 

^{Mary Kay Inc., a global direct sales leader in beauty and skincare innovation, entered 2026 with momentum, securing a top-tier distinction on Forbes’ 2026 Best Customer Service list, where the company ranked #2 overall. (Image Courtesy: Mary Kay Inc.)}


Mary Kay Wraps up 2025 with 25 Corporate Reputation Awards

DALLAS, Feb 11 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- Mary Kay Inc., a global direct sales leader in beauty and skincare innovation, entered 2026 with momentum, securing a top-tier distinction on Forbes’ 2026 Best Customer Service list, where the company ranked #2 overall. The honor follows a standout year for Mary Kay, which concluded 2025 with a total of 25 global awards, underscoring its continued focus on corporate excellence, direct selling industry, social impact, environmental sustainability, science, and innovation.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260210599426/en/  

The recent recognition highlights Mary Kay’s enduring commitment to putting the customer at the heart of everything it does, from seamless digital support to personalized beauty advice. The Forbes Best Customer Service ranking spotlights organizations that have set the gold standard for responsiveness, empathy, and excellence in service delivery – and Mary Kay’s placement at number two reflects a remarkable year of business transformation.

“Every interaction with our customers is an opportunity to make someone feel seen, supported, and valued,” said Ryan Rogers, CEO of Mary Kay Inc. “Climbing to the No. 2 spot in the Forbes ranking is a strong validation of our people-powered culture and demonstrates the significance of what we can accomplish together. It speaks to the second-to-none reputation of our Independent Beauty Consultants, the passion of our customer service teams, and company values built on service and making time for others. That foundation is what inspires us to consistently deliver unforgettable customer experiences through our tried-and-true products.”

“Our Best Customer Service list relies on 3.8 million customer ratings each year to capture how real users rate thousands of brands and products,” said Forbes Assistant Managing Editor Alan Schwarz, who oversees the annual list. “More than 3,500 different brands were reviewed. To even make the top 300 list is an achievement — Mary Kay placing No. 2 overall indicates just how highly its customers feel about the company."

The Forbes recognition is the latest of a series of reputation awards garnered by Mary Kay in 2025:

Corporate Excellence

• Forbes #2 | Best Customer Service list
• Newsweek | America’s Greatest Workplaces for Women 2025
• Newsweek | America’s Greatest Workplaces 2025
• WWD Beauty Inc. #11 | The 2024 Top 100 Beauty Companies
• Happi #13 | Top 50 U.S. Companies
• Forbes Diamonds 2025 – Mary Kay Poland
• EXPANSIÓN | 2025 Compliance Awards – Mary Kay Spain
• China Association for Business Culture | 2025 Enterprise of Excellence Award – Mary Kay China

Brand Performance

• Euromonitor International #1 | Direct Selling Brand of Skin Care and Color Cosmetics in the World¹ for three consecutive years (2023, 2024, 2025)
• Euromonitor International #1 Brand of Facial Make-Up in Latin America²
• Euromonitor International #1 Brand of Lip Products in Latin America³
• Euromonitor International #1 Brand of Skincare and Color Cosmetics in Mexico⁴
• Euromonitor International #1 Brand of Color Cosmetics in Mexico⁵
• Nielsen | #1 Brand in Foundations in Brazil
• Nielsen | #1 Brand in Makeup in Brazil
• 2025 Superbrands | Mary Kay Slovakia and Mary Kay Czech Republic

Direct Selling & Innovation

• Respected Direct Selling Enterprise 2025 Award – Mary Kay China
• Direct Selling News (DSN) | 2025 DSN 40 Under 40: Megan Gregg for Legal Excellence
• Direct Selling News (DSN) | 2025 DSN 40 Under 40: Julia Santosuosso for Corporate Social Responsibility Impact
• German Direct Selling Association (BDD) | “2025 Innovation” Award for Mary Kay’s AI-powered Foundation Finder – Mary Kay Germany

Social Impact & Environmental Sustainability

• Forbes #9 | Best Brands for Social Impact list – 2025
• Golden Bee | 2025 Outstanding Corporate Sustainability Report for "Gender Equality Information Disclosure” Award – Mary Kay China
• Cemefi | Distintivo ESR^® Socially Responsible Company (Empresa Socialmente Responsable) – Mary Kay Mexico (2024, 2025)
• The Dallas Entrepreneurship Center (DEC) Network State of Entrepreneurship | “Large Corporation of the Year” Award
• Baylor Scott & White Dallas Foundation | “Circle of Care” Award.

***

About Mary Kay

One of the original glass ceiling breakers, Mary Kay Ash founded her dream beauty brand in Texas in 1963 with one goal: to enrich women’s lives. That dream has blossomed into a global company with millions of independent sales force members in more than 40 markets. For over 60 years, the Mary Kay opportunity has empowered women to define their own futures through education, mentorship, advocacy, and innovation. Mary Kay is dedicated to investing in the science behind beauty and manufacturing cutting-edge skincare, color cosmetics, nutritional supplements, and fragrances. Mary Kay believes in preserving our planet for future generations, protecting women impacted by cancer and domestic abuse, and encouraging youth to follow their dreams. Learn more at marykayglobal.com. Find us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn, or follow us on X.

About Forbes

Forbes is an iconic global media brand that has symbolized success for over a century. Fueled by journalism that informs and inspires, Forbes spotlights the doers and doings shaping industries, achieving success and making an impact on the world. Forbes connects and convenes the most influential communities ranging from billionaires, business leaders and rising entrepreneurs to creators and innovators. The Forbes brand reaches more than 140 million people monthly worldwide through its trusted journalism, signature ForbesLive events and 49 licensed local editions in 81 countries.

###

¹ “Source Euromonitor International Limited; Beauty and Personal Care 2025 Edition, value sales at RSP, 2024 data”
² “Source Euromonitor International Limited; Beauty and Personal Care 2025 Edition, value sales at RSP, 2024 data”
³ “Source Euromonitor International Limited; Beauty and Personal Care 2025 Edition, value sales at RSP, 2024 data”
⁴ “Source Euromonitor International Limited; Beauty and Personal Care 2025 Edition, value sales at RSP, 2024 data”
⁵ “Source Euromonitor International Limited; Beauty and Personal Care 2025 Edition, value sales at RSP, 2024 data”

View source version on businesswire.com: 
https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260210599426/en/

Contact

Mary Kay Inc. Corporate Communications
newsroom.marykay.com
972.687.5332 or media@mkcorp.com

Source : Mary Kay Inc.

Carterra Launches Industry’s First 48-channel HT-SPR Platform for Advanced Label-free Biomolecular Screening and Characterization

• Vega instrument combines ultra-high-throughput, data quality, and assay flexibility for both traditional and AI-based drug discovery
• Enables primary screening with high-resolution binding
• First order and shipment slated for Q1 will be to a KOL at a top 10 pharma

SALT LAKE CITY, Feb 10 (Bernama-GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Carterra Inc., the leading provider of technologies enabling high-throughput biology, today announced the launch of the Carterra Vega™ High-Throughput Surface Plasmon Resonance (HT-SPR) instrument. The industry’s first 48-channel SPR platform, Vega delivers 12-fold higher throughput versus the market leading system for small molecule through large molecule discovery and development workflows.

In the past, due to the lower throughput of traditional SPR platforms, researchers had to sacrifice resolution for speed, relegating SPR to secondary screening roles. That sacrifice is no longer necessary. Vega opens a new era, enabling the primary screening of large libraries with high-resolution binding.

Vega’s initial software configurations can screen more than 20,000 small molecule interactions per day, compared to a few thousand per day with current SPR systems. The Carterra Vega flow cell format includes an internal reference and two binding locations in every channel, allowing researchers to run the broadest range of label-free SPR applications currently available. Its speed, automation, and minimal sample consumption expand workflow flexibility across multiple applications and assay formats without operator intervention. With the optional robotic module, the instrument can operate unattended for days, further increasing throughput and efficiency.

Carterra’s Vega platform comes at a time when there is a pressing need for highly parallel analysis of molecular interactions. AI-based drug discovery is now a part of most pharmaceutical and biotech discovery workflows. Carterra’s platforms, and now Vega in particular, enable investigators to train their algorithms from high-resolution data sets scaled to unprecedented size. There are no other label-free technologies that enable AI drug discovery at this scale.

Carterra’s HT-SPR portfolio has been adopted by all the top 20 largest pharmaceutical companies, major Contract Research Organizations (CROs), and biotechs worldwide. Vega is Carterra’s latest innovation, developed to bring together industry-leading sensitivity and throughput in one platform.

Building on the enhanced optics, advanced microfluidics and thermal control of the Carterra Ultra^® system launched in 2024, the Carterra Vega addresses a long-standing need among drug discovery scientists for parallel SPR measurements across a substantially higher number of channels.

The process for putting Vega through its paces was conducted by Carterra scientists side-by-side with four Key Opinion Leaders (KOLs) comprised of three of the world’s largest pharmaceutical companies and one of the largest CROs. Both large and small molecule applications were optimized on the platform netting two application notes that are available now. Carterra is preparing to ship the first Vega purchase in Q1 of this year to one of the pharma KOLs who will be bringing it online immediately to speed small molecule discovery.

Josh Eckman, Co-Founder and CEO at Carterra says, “One of the greatest challenges scientists face is time: the time required to screen large libraries of small molecules and fragments to find a promising lead. This process has been limited by the capabilities of legacy SPR systems. From working closely with researchers, we understand this is a significant frustration.”

“The Carterra Vega platform is a technological leap forward—a true step change. Faster hit discovery with 48 parallel channels means a quicker route to viable clinical candidates. Vega is the only platform of its kind, opening new possibilities for early discovery teams to reshape workflows and accelerate pipelines,” he added.

The Vega platform is launching at Society for Laboratory Automation and Screening (SLAS) Conference and Exhibition, February 7-11th 2026, in Boston, MA, Booth #1138.

For additional information, please visit https://carterra-bio.com/carterra-vega/ 

For a high-resolution image, please contact Cheri Salazar.

Media Contact
Cheri Salazar
Carterra
Tel: +1 (408) 594-9400
Email: csalazar@carterra-bio.com

About Carterra, Inc.

Carterra® is a leading provider of innovative technologies designed to accelerate the discovery of novel therapeutic candidates. Since the Company’s first product launch in 2018, its Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR) platforms have been adopted by all top 20 pharmaceutical companies, major CROs, and leading biotechs across the world.

Carterra's high throughput LSA, LSA^XT, Ultra, and Vega platforms transform label-free characterization workflows, enabling screening and characterization for both large and small molecules in a single step. The instruments combine patented microfluidics technology with real-time High-Throughput SPR (HT-SPR) and industry-leading analysis and visualization software – delivering up to 100 times the throughput in 10% of the time, while using only 1% of the sample compared to existing label-free platforms.

Carterra’s innovations have been featured in multiple Science, Nature, and Cell publications, including research documenting the development of bamlanivimab—the first therapeutic for COVID-19 and the fastest biologic ever to enter clinical trials, enabled through the efforts of Eli Lilly and AbCellera. More than a dozen of Carterra’s customers have identified clinical candidates rapidly utilizing HT-SPR technology.

Carterra, Inc. is based in Salt Lake City, Utah, and has Customer Experience Centers in San Francisco, Salt Lake City, Boston, Manchester (England), and Munich (Germany). Carterra products are available in Asia-Pacific and Oceania through our exclusive distributor, Revvity.
For additional information, please visit www.carterra-bio.com.

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/15b9cda3-65c7-4c0f-95e7-d76047c0a09d 

SOURCE: Carterra

TOURISM MALAYSIA UNVEILED THE MALAYSIA PAVILION IN CONJUNCTION WITH VM2026 AT THE THAI INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL FAIR (TITF) 2026

The Opening Ceremony of the Malaysia Pavilion at the Thai International Travel Fair (TITF #31) 2026, held from 22 to 25 January 2026 at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre (QSNCC), Bangkok, was graced by His Royal Highness Tengku Sri Temenggung of Terengganu, Dato’ Seri Tengku Baharuddin ibni Almarhum Sultan Mahmud Al-Muktafi Billah Shah, together with H.E. Datuk Wan Zaidi Wan Abdullah, Ambassador of Malaysia to the Kingdom of Thailand. Also present at the ceremony were Mr. Samuel Lee, Deputy Director General of Tourism Malaysia; YB Loh Sze Yee, Perak Executive Council Member for Tourism, Industry, Investment, and Corridor Development; YB Datuk Razali bin Idris, Terengganu State Chairman for Tourism and Arts; Mr. Gustino Basuan, Director of the Sarawak Tourism Board; and Ms.Jiralak Padungpakdeewong President Chapter TTAA-Lower Southern Chapter. 

 

BANGKOK, Thailand, Feb 4 (Bernama) -- Tourism Malaysia officially launched the Malaysia Pavilion in conjunction with Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026) at the Thai International Travel Fair (TITF) 2026, held at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre (QSNCC) in Bangkok on 24th January 2026.
 
Held from 22 to 25 January 2026, TITF is one of the largest travel fairs in the Bangkok region, attracting thousands of visitors from Thailand and international markets. This event served as a strategic platform for Tourism Malaysia to enhance visibility, strengthen destination awareness, and engage both Thai and global travel markets for the VM2026 campaign.
 
The Malaysia Pavilion highlighted the country’s diverse tourism offerings, with a strong emphasis on arts, culture and heritage. Visitors were treated to captivating cultural performances by the Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) Cultural Troupe, offering an immersive insight into Malaysia’s rich traditions and vibrant multicultural identity.
 
The event was graced by His Highness Tengku Sri Temenggong Raja, Dato' Seri Tengku Baharuddin Ibni Almarhum Sultan Mahmud Al-Muktafi Billah Shah, together with H.E. Datuk Wan Zaidi Wan Abdullah, Ambassador of Malaysia to the Kingdom of Thailand. It was further enhanced by the participation of several high-level delegates, including YBrs. Mr Samuel Lee, Deputy Director General (Promotion II) of Tourism Malaysia, YB Datuk Razali bin Idris, Chairman of the Terengganu State Committee on Tourism, Culture, Environment and Climate Change; YB Loh Sze Yee, Chairman of the Perak State Tourism, Industry, Investment and Corridor Development Committee; and representatives from the Sarawak Tourism Board.
 
Mr Samuel Lee, Deputy Director General (Promotion II) of Tourism Malaysia said, “Thailand remains as one of Malaysia’s most important and resilient source markets. The launch of the Malaysia Pavilion at TITF reflects our strategic commitment to engage Thai travellers early and inspire them to rediscover Malaysia through a wide range of cultural, lifestyle, nature-based and signature events throughout the year.”
 
He added, “VM2026 is not just a tourism campaign, but a national invitation to experience Malaysia’s warmth, diversity and commitment to sustainability values. Through platforms such as TITF, we aim to build travel confidence, deepen industry partnerships and position Malaysia as a preferred destination for both leisure and special interest travel.”
 
As part of the VM2026 campaign rollout in Thailand, Tourism Malaysia also organised a meet-and-greet session featuring Wira and Manja, the official sun bear mascots of VM2026. Their appearance drew strong public interest and symbolised Malaysia’s dedication to wildlife conservation, sustainability and environmental protection, which are the key pillars of the VM2026 campaign.
 
Malaysia’s tourism industry continues to demonstrate strong growth, with international visitor arrivals reaching 42.2 million from January to December 2025, representing an 11.2 per cent increase compared to the same period in 2024. Notably, Malaysia welcomed 2.5 million visitors from Thailand in 2025, marking a 10.3 per cent growth from 2024 and reflecting the rising interest in Malaysia as a leading travel destination ahead of VM2026.
 
This strong performance underscores Thailand’s continued importance as a key source market and highlights the effectiveness of Tourism Malaysia’s targeted promotional efforts in the lead-up to VM2026. Tourism Malaysia will continue to intensify its promotional activities in Thailand through strategic partnerships, consumer engagement initiatives and trade collaborations to sustain growth momentum and maximise the impact of VM2026. 

About Tourism Malaysia
 
Malaysia Tourism Promotion Board, also known as Tourism Malaysia, is an agency under the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture Malaysia (MOTAC). It focuses on promoting Malaysia as a preferred tourism destination and has, since its establishment, played a significant role in strengthening the country’s presence and competitiveness in the global tourism landscape.
 
Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026) underscores Malaysia’s commitment to sustainable tourism development, in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs). The campaign aims to showcase the nation’s diverse natural attractions, rich cultural heritage, and vibrant tourism offerings, while driving inclusive growth and long-term value for local communities and industry stakeholders.
 
For more information, visit Tourism Malaysia’s website www.tourism.gov.my and social media accounts on Facebook, Instagram, X, YouTube, and TikTok. 

SOURCE: Tourism Malaysia

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT: 
Name: Dr. Khairul Hilmi bin A. Manap
Deputy Director
International Promotion Division
(Southeast Asia)
Tel: +603 8891 8279
Email: khairulhilmi@tourism.gov.my

Norshariza binti Mohd Saad
Deputy Director
Corporate Communication Division
Tel: +603 8891 8775
Email: norshariza@tourism.gov.my

--BERNAMA

GUANGZHOU–PENANG DIRECT FLIGHT DEBUTS: STRENGTHENING AIR CONNECTIVITY FOR VISIT MALAYSIA 2026 (VM2026)

PENANG, Feb 3 (Bernama) -- Tourism Malaysia welcomed the inaugural Spring Airlines (9C) flight from Guangzhou to the iconic island of Penang, marking a significant milestone in strengthening air connectivity between China and Malaysia.

Officially commenced on 1 February 2026, the new route operates three times weekly on every Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday using an Airbus A320 (flight 9C7097) with a seating capacity of 186 passengers. The service is designed to meet the growing demand for both leisure and business travel to George Town’s UNESCO World Heritage precinct, scenic beaches, and renowned street food, while further enhancing people-to-people exchanges between the two countries.
 
A welcoming ceremony was held at Penang International Airport (PEN) to mark the flight's arrival at approximately 11.00 am. The event was officiated by YB Wong Hon Wai, Penang State Executive Councilor (EXCO) for Tourism and Creative Economy, together with Tourism Malaysia Northern Region Director Mr. Abdul Hadi Che Man. Also in attendance were Mr Egaluk Ngiwprom, Marketing Manager for Southeast Asia; and Mr Mohd Nadzim bin Hashim, Senior Airport Manager Penang International Airport.
 
In support of Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026), the launch of this route forms part of a strategic effort to boost inbound visitor arrivals from China. It reinforces Malaysia’s position as a preferred destination for Chinese travellers while enhancing regional aviation connectivity. With continued cooperation and support from amiable nations such as China and key industry partners like Spring Airlines, Malaysia aims to increase international visitor arrivals in line with VM2026 campaign.
 
"This new direct route by Spring Airlines is perfectly timed and aligns seamlessly with our strategic objectives for VM2026. It is a direct response to the growing demand for immersive cultural and gastronomic experiences. China remains one of our most important source markets, and enhancing direct air access particularly to key destinations like Penang, is fundamental to increasing visitor arrivals and extending their length of stay," said Mr Mohd Amirul Rizal Abdul Rahim, Director General of Tourism Malaysia.
 
China remains a key source market for Malaysia, as demonstrated by the sustained growth in arrivals, which reached 4.7 million visitors in 2025, marking a 25.1 per cent year-on-year increase. Tourism Malaysia will continue to work closely with Spring Airlines and local industry partners in Penang to develop attractive travel packages and promotional campaigns. These initiatives aim to showcase the unique ‘Malaysia Truly Asia’ experiences awaiting Chinese visitors, from our rich culinary heritage and vibrant festivals to our renowned hospitality. Enhanced air linkages, such as this new Spring Airlines service, provides the critical infrastructure needed to realise this vision.
 
Tourism Malaysia extends its full support to Spring Airlines on the launch of this new route and looks forward to collaborating on campaigns that bring Malaysia’s vibrant culture and world-class hospitality to travellers from Guangzhou. 

About Tourism Malaysia

Malaysia Tourism Promotion Board, also known as Tourism Malaysia, is an agency under the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture Malaysia (MOTAC). It focuses on promoting Malaysia as a preferred tourism destination and has, since its establishment, played a significant role in strengthening the country’s presence and competitiveness in the global tourism landscape.
 
Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026) underscores Malaysia’s commitment to sustainable tourism development, in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs). The campaign aims to showcase the nation’s diverse natural attractions, rich cultural heritage, and vibrant tourism offerings, while driving inclusive growth and long-term value for local communities and industry stakeholders.
 
For more information, visit Tourism Malaysia’s website www.tourism.gov.my and social media accounts on Facebook, Instagram, X, YouTube, and TikTok.
 
About Spring Airlines

Spring Airlines (9C) is the Chinea’s first and largest low-cost carrier (LCC)  airline headquartered in Shanghai, established in 2004. It is the aviation subsidiary of the Shanghai Spring International Travel Service, one of China's largest travel agencies. This company's services comprise tourism services, flight operations, Meetings, Incentives, Conferences & Exhibitions (MICE), ticket booking services, third-party payment solutions, tour bus rentals, and financial leasing.

Spring Tours is also a pioneer in the integrated tourism-airline business model because Spring Airlines is a subsidiary of Spring International Travel with a fleet strength of 134 aircraft. 

SOURCE: Tourism Malaysia

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT: 
Name: Rahayu Ahmad
Deputy Director
International Promotions Division (ASAF)
Tel: +603 8891 8203
Email : rahayu@tourism.gov.my

Norshariza Mohd Saad
Deputy Director
Corporate Communications Division
Tel: +603 8891 8775
Email: norshariza@tourism.gov.my

--BERNAMA

MALAYSIA HEALTHCARE STRENGTHENS BILATERAL RELATIONS WITH CAMBODIA THROUGH DIPLOMATIC ENGAGEMENT

Credit by Malaysia Healthcare Travel Council (MHTC)

PHNOM PENH, Cambodia, Feb 6 (Bernama) -- Malaysia Healthcare Travel Council (MHTC) strengthened bilateral relations with Cambodia by hosting a Diplomatic Dinner Reception in collaboration with the Embassy of Malaysia in Cambodia, held in conjunction with Malaysia Healthcare Week Phnom Penh 2026. This inaugural diplomatic engagement in Cambodia for 2026 forms part of the Malaysia Year of Medical Tourism (MYMT) 2026, themed “Healing Meets Hospitality”. The evening brought together 200 guests, including diplomats from embassies residing in Cambodia, government ministries, corporate representatives, healthcare stakeholders, and local media, providing a platform to deepen dialogue on regional healthcare collaboration. The reception highlighted healthcare as a meaningful bridge between nations, supporting patient mobility, professional exchange, mutual trust, and sustainable partnerships beyond traditional economic cooperation. The engagement also reflected Malaysia’s readiness to support Cambodia’s growing demand for outbound medical travel. As healthcare awareness increases and the need for specialised treatments rises, Malaysia offers Cambodian patients a trusted option that combines clinical quality, cost-effectiveness, and ease of access. The Malaysian Embassy’s involvement underscored Malaysia’s commitment to healthcare diplomacy as a key pillar of bilateral relations.

More than a single event, the reception signalled Malaysia Healthcare’s long-term approach to engagement in Cambodia. It demonstrated a commitment to building enduring relationships with government and industry stakeholders, aligned with broader regional integration and people-to-people connectivity.

This inaugural engagement in Cambodia under MYMT 2026 also reflects Malaysia Healthcare’s wider strategy of strengthening its presence in key regional markets through sustained collaboration rather than one-off promotional activities. The evening encouraged open conversations on evolving patient needs, healthcare trends, and opportunities for future cooperation between healthcare ecosystems in both countries.

As Malaysia leads the Malaysia Year of Medical Tourism 2026, initiatives such as this bring to life the spirit of “Healing Meets Hospitality”, combining high-quality medical care with warmth, empathy, and cultural understanding. Through these efforts, MHTC continues to foster long-term partnerships that enhance healthcare standards and improve patient outcomes across the region.

SOURCE: Malaysia Healthcare Travel Council (MHTC)

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:
Name: Mohamad Shahizam Fauzi
Head, Communications
Tel: +603 8776 6168
Email: shahizam.f@mhtc.org.my

Name: Muhammad Rasydan Ma’at
Asst. Manager, Communications
Tel: +603 8776 6168
Email: rasydan.m@mhtc.org.my

--BERNAMA