Wednesday, 1 April 2026

TOKYO SKYTREE TO HOST “BLUE LOCK” COLLABORATION EVENT

KUALA LUMPUR, April 1 (Bernama) -- Tobu Tower Skytree Co Ltd, operator of Tokyo Skytree, will host the "BLUE LOCK EPISODE SKY in TOKYO SKYTREE" event from April 9 to July 6.

In a statement, the company said this marks the first collaboration between the tower and the popular football-themed television anime "BLUE LOCK", written by Muneyuki Kaneshiro and illustrated by Yusuke Nomura.

The 450-metre-high Tembo Galleria has an exhibition featuring the event's key visuals with limited-edition merchandise, special cafe menu items, and an event-exclusive photo shoot service with "BLUE LOCK" characters.

Meanwhile, on the 350-metre-high Tembo Deck, exclusive videos will be screened on the windows converted into a giant screen of the Skytree Round Theater. The exterior of the tower will feature special "BLUE LOCK"-themed lighting inspired by various characters from the anime during the evening.

Moreover, special admission tickets to the observation decks, which include access to both the Tembo Deck and Tembo Galleria, will also be available, accompanied by a novelty card featuring an event-exclusive illustration.

Tobu Tower Skytree said the event is expected to attract visitors to Tokyo Skytree during the period.

-- BERNAMA

SME BANK RECORDS APPROXIMATELY RM4.3 BILLION APPROVED FINANCING IN 2025 TO ACCELERATE MSME GROWTH

KUALA LUMPUR, April 1 (Bernama) -- Small Medium Enterprise Development Bank Malaysia Berhad (“SME Bank” or “the Bank”) recorded a strong performance for 2025, with total approved financing of approximately RM4.3 billion, marking a 19% year-on-year increase. The growth reflected sustained demand across key strategic sectors including Bumiputera development, technology and innovation, digital adoption, climate-resilient initiatives, the halal industry, and tourism, in alignment with Bank Negara Malaysia’s (“BNM”) Performance Measurement Framework (“PMF”) and the MADANI Economic Framework.

Samad Majid Zain, Relief President/Chief Executive Officer of SME Bank, said “SME Bank’s performance in 2025 reaffirms our developmental mandate in strengthening Malaysia’s MSME ecosystem. Total approved financing grew 19% year-on-year to approximately RM4.3 billion, with approximately RM3.8 billion channelled to MSMEs, representing approximately 20% increase from the previous year, while more than 60% of customers secured financing of RM1 million and below, underscoring our continued focus on widening access for underserved and unserved entrepreneurs. This progress is further reinforced by the Government’s trust in the Bank, with close to RM2 billion in strategic initiatives mandated under National Budget 2026 to accelerate inclusive MSME growth and strengthen enterprise resilience across the economy.”
 
“Beyond financing, SME Bank delivered integrated solutions encompassing capacity building and targeted advisory support. In 2025, the Bank supported more than 14,500 entrepreneurs through our overall developmental, social and financial inclusion initiatives. These efforts support the continued strengthening of Malaysia’s MSME ecosystem, which contributes close to 40% of the nation’s Gross Domestic Product (“GDP”), equivalent to more than RM650 billion in economic value, underscoring the sector’s critical role in driving inclusive growth, employment and economic resilience,” he added.               
 
STRENGTHENING MSME CAPABILITIES, ADVANCING MARKET ACCESS AND DRIVING INCLUSIVE GROWTH
 
SME Bank advances its developmental mandate through targeted interventions that build stronger enterprises, reinforce business resilience and widen market opportunities, particularly among underserved segments of the economy. In doing so, capacity building initiatives, social finance solutions and export acceleration programmes help drive income growth, encourage digital adoption and strengthen the competitiveness of Malaysian businesses. Building on these efforts, the Bank also supports the expansion of the halal economy by enabling enterprises to attain certification standards, integrate into halal value chains and capture growing global demand. Complementing these initiatives, international business matching platforms connect local companies with overseas buyers, facilitating greater cross-border trade opportunities.
 
Collectively, these initiatives reinforce the MSME ecosystem by advancing sustainable business growth, productivity, value creation and job creation, in line with the outcomes of the PMF to drive inclusive economic development nationwide. For more information, visit www.smebank.com.my.
 
(A summary of SME Bank’s overall beyond financing and developmental initiatives and their respective achievements is provided in Appendix 1)  

https://go.smebank.com.my/4lXAYQE  

Issued by:
SME Bank Strategic Communication

SOURCE: SME Bank

FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT: 
Name: Arnee Ismail
Head, Strategic Communication
SME Bank
Tel: +603 2603 7700
Email: communications@smebank.com.my 

--BERNAMA

Monday, 30 March 2026

CONGRESS ON LUOBING THEORY SHOWCASES ADVANCES IN TCM

 

"The Compendium of Luobing Theory" debuted at the opening ceremony of the congress.



KUALA LUMPUR, March 30 (Bernama) -- The 22nd International Congress on Luobing Theory, held recently in Shijiazhuang, Hebei Province, brought together experts, scholars, and industry leaders worldwide to share the latest research achievements in the innovative application of Luobing theory.

Under the theme of "Inheritance, Openness, Innovation, and Integration", participants discussed the role of Luobing theory in preventing and treating major diseases, including cardiovascular and cerebrovascular conditions, diabetes, and cancer.

At the opening ceremony, "The Compendium of Luobing Theory", compiled by Chinese Academy of Engineering academician Wu Yiling and his team, was unveiled. The four-volume work integrates recent research and clinical insights, representing a landmark contribution to the modernisation of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and expanding its clinical application value.

In addition, Wu, along with Jia Zhenhua, professor at the Hebei Academy of Innovative Medicine for Luobing Theory, presented reports highlighting the importance of collateral-dredging medications in managing respiratory, cardiovascular and cerebrovascular as well as other major diseases.

According to a statement, the congress also featured multiple sub-forums covering coronary heart disease, arrhythmias, heart failure, cerebrovascular diseases, diabetes, respiratory diseases, urological conditions, and cancer.

Luobing theory continues to gain global attention as an integral part of TCM, with the Overseas Forum of the 22nd International Congress on Luobing Theory scheduled to take place in Singapore in autumn 2026.

-- BERNAMA

MON TAKANAWA MUSEUM OPENS IN TOKYO, SHOWCASES FUTURE OF CULTURE

Opening March 28, 2026, MoN Takanawa: The Museum of Narratives is a new cultural hub in TAKANAWA GATEWAY CITY. (Photo: Yasuyuki TAKAKI)


KUALA LUMPUR, March 30 (Bernama) -- The East Japan Railway Foundation for Cultural Innovation has opened MoN Takanawa: The Museum of Narratives, a new cultural hub featuring a striking exterior designed by KENGO KUMA & ASSOCIATES.

Located within Takanawa Gateway City near Shinagawa Station, the museum is operated by the foundation established by East Japan Railway Company, according to a statement.

The Takanawa area carries an innovative legacy as the birthplace of Japan’s first railway in 1872. The preserved Takanawa Embankment reflects this heritage and aligns with the museum’s mission of “transporting culture to the next hundred years”.

As an “Experimental Museum”, MoN Takanawa presents cross-disciplinary programmes spanning traditional arts, technology, science, and entertainment under a shared “Season Theme”, developed in collaboration with partners in Japan and internationally.

“MoN”, meaning “gate” and “question” in Japanese, reflects the museum’s concept of being “a gateway for all, a narrative for everyone”, bringing together diverse people, objects and ideas to shape new cultural narratives.

The museum offers a range of spaces designed for various cultural programmes, including 1,500 square metres of exhibition space, a full-stage LED theatre and a 100-mat tatami hall, along with public amenities such as terraces, restaurants, a café and a museum shop.

Visitors can also experience upcycled furniture, including pieces made from railway forest wood and items repurposed from Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai.

From March to September 2026, MoN Takanawa will present nine programmes under its opening season theme, “Life as Culture”, featuring an exhibition that explore human creativity across art, science, technology and traditional culture, and a performance which brings Osamu Tezuka’s manga masterpiece to life through a monumental, immersive live experience.

-- BERNAMA

Saturday, 28 March 2026

Generali Malaysia Assistance is Here Now to Get You Back on the Road

 

In conjunction with Generali global campaign “Here.Now.”, Generali Malaysia today announced the launch of a newly branded fleet of 30 dedicated Generali Malaysia Assistance tow trucks. Generali Malaysia’s roadside assistance services strive to provide customers with a seamless, hassle-free experience from the moment they request help. With just a tap on the GeneraliMY app or a quick call to the hotline, assistance is immediately activated.


KUALA LUMPUR, March 25 (Bernama) -- In conjunction with Generali global campaign “Here.Now.”, Generali Malaysia today announced the launch of a newly branded fleet of 30 dedicated Generali Malaysia Assistance tow trucks.
 
Branded under the message “Here.Now.”, the refreshed tow trucks reflect Generali’s promise to be present for customers in every moment that matters. This message comes to life through its roadside assistance services, where fast, reliable help can make a critical difference for car owners experiencing unexpected breakdowns or accidents.
 
The newly deployed fleet, introduced in collaboration with Generali Malaysia’s esteemed and highly dependable Third-Party Administrator (TPA) partner, marks an exciting step forward in delivering consistent service quality, responsive dispatch coordination, and seamless case management nationwide.
 
“Roadside emergencies can be stressful and unexpected, customers may struggle to recall tow numbers or feel overwhelmed by different tow operators. With Generali Malaysia Assistance, we are building a seamless roadside assistance experience that puts customers first, offering a fully guided, convenient, and credible process.  Whether it is a breakdown, accident or the need for on-site support, help is now just a call away through our toll-free number or just reach us through GeneraliMY mobile app,” said Fabrice Benard, Chief Executive Officer of Generali Insurance Malaysia Berhad and Country Head of Generali Entities in Malaysia.  
 
Generali Malaysia’s roadside assistance services strive to provide customers with a seamless, hassle-free experience from the moment they request help. With just a tap on the GeneraliMY app or a quick call to the hotline, assistance is immediately activated. The app provides real‑time tracking, allowing customers to monitor the tow truck’s location and estimated time of arrival for added reassurance. When help arrives, Generali-branded tow trucks offer a clear sense of credibility and security, ensuring vehicles are handled professionally and transported to trusted panel workshops. Once the situation is resolved, customers can even submit their claims through the same app.
 
For quick roadside assistance Customers can contact Generali Malaysia Assistance via toll-free number 1800-22-2262 or landline +603-2779 6923 or download the GeneraliMY app. For more information, kindly visit https://www.generali.com.my/roadside-assistance 

SOURCE: Generali Malaysia

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT: 
Name: Sheena Ho  
Email: sheena.ho@generali.com.my

Name: Samantha David
Email: samantha.david@generali.com.my

--BERNAMA 

Thursday, 26 March 2026

Berjaya Sompo Insurance Berhad appoints Soo Wai Har as Chief Executive Officer

Berjaya Sompo welcomes Soo Wai Har as the newly appointed Chief Executive Officer.

KUALA LUMPUR, March 26 (Bernama) -- Berjaya Sompo Insurance Berhad (“Berjaya Sompo”) today announced the appointment of Ms Soo Wai Har as new Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”), effective 1 April 2026.

Ms Soo succeeds Mr Tan Sek Kee, who is retiring. Mr Tan has been CEO of Berjaya Sompo since 2017 and was instrumental in strengthening Sompo’s Malaysia business over the last nine years. He will remain with Berjaya Sompo until June 2026 to ensure a smooth and seamless transition with Ms Soo.

Ms Soo brings with her more than 30 years of comprehensive industry experience and relationships from global insurance companies. In her new role, Ms Soo will be responsible for driving Berjaya Sompo’s sustainable profitability, scale and capabilities as a key market within Asia Pacific (APAC), while supporting the region’s growth and operational excellence. She will be based in Kuala Lumpur and will report to Kenneth Reilly, CEO, Insurance, APAC.

Mr Reilly said: “I want to extend my heartfelt appreciation to Sek Kee for his years of outstanding leadership and significant contributions to Sompo. We wish him the very best in his retirement. I am also excited to welcome Wai Har to the Malaysia and Asia Pacific leadership teams. With her wealth of experience and technical expertise from both consulting and insurance industry perspectives, I am confident Wai Har will lead the high performing team in Berjaya Sompo to oversee and execute our strategic plans in this key market for our insurance business.”

Ms Soo is a Chartered Accountant from the Malaysian Institute of Certified Public Accountants.
 
About Berjaya Sompo Insurance Berhad

Berjaya Sompo Insurance Berhad (“Berjaya Sompo”) is the Malaysian operating entity of the Sompo Holdings, Inc. As one of Malaysia’s leading general insurers, the company employs approximately 570 dedicated professionals and operates through an expanding nationwide network of 15 offices and more than 2,500 agents.

Berjaya Sompo offers a comprehensive portfolio of general insurance solutions for both individuals and corporations, delivering protection backed by global expertise and local market insights.

For more information, connect with us on LinkedIn or via berjayasompo.com.my.

About Sompo

We are Sompo, a global provider of commercial and consumer property, casualty, and specialty insurance and reinsurance. Building on the 137 years of innovation of our parent company, Sompo Holdings, Inc., Sompo employs approximately 10,000 people around the world who use their in-depth knowledge and expertise to help simplify and resolve your complex challenges. Because when you choose Sompo, you choose The Ease of Expertise™.

“Sompo” refers to the brand under which Sompo International Holdings Ltd., a Bermuda-based holding company, together with its consolidated subsidiaries, operates its global property and casualty (re)insurance businesses. Sompo International Holdings Ltd. is an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Sompo Holdings, Inc., one of the leading property and casualty groups in the world with excellent financial strength as evidenced by ratings of A+ (Superior) from A.M. Best (XV size category) and A+ (Strong) from Standard & Poor’s. Shares of Sompo Holdings, Inc. are listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange.

To learn more, please follow us on LinkedIn or visit sompo-intl.com.
 
SOURCE: Berjaya Sompo Insurance Berhad

FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT: 
Name: Daniel Soon
PR and Communications
Berjaya Sompo Insurance Berhad
Tel: +6010 – 279 9775
Email: wjsoon@bsompo.com.my
 
Name: Rachel Loke
Head of Brand, Marketing & Communications
Berjaya Sompo Insurance Berhad
Tel: +6019 - 2782740
Email: rachel@bsompo.com.my  

--BERNAMA

Bitget Brings Trading to the Track with MotoGP Brazil Activation and Smarter Speed Challenge

VICTORIA, Seychelles, March 26 (Bernama-GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Bitget, the world’s largest Universal Exchange (UEX), marked the opening of the 2026 MotoGP™ season in Brazil with an on-site activation and the expansion of its Smarter Speed Challenge mini-game, blending trading concepts with motorsport experiences.

The Brazilian Grand Prix, held from March 20-22 at the AutĂłdromo Internacional Ayrton Senna in Goiânia, represents Bitget’s first sponsored MotoGP event in South America. Following activations across Italy, Germany, Catalunya, and Indonesia in 2025, the latest stop signals a continued focus on engaging new audiences in growing markets.

At the circuit, Bitget introduced a two-storey innovation fan booth designed to connect trading with interactive experiences. Visitors engaged with racing simulators, a VR racing game, and immersive installations, while also exploring how different asset classes can be approached within a unified trading environment. A branded VIP lounge offered an exclusive setting for partners and clients, alongside trackside visibility through circuit branding and global broadcast placements.

The activation extended beyond the physical venue through the Smarter Speed Challenge mini-game, which reimagines trading as a racing experience. In the game, assets such as cryptocurrencies, U.S. stocks and gold are represented as race tracks and collectible objectives, translating market concepts into a more intuitive and interactive format.

Since its launch on March 2, the mini-game has attracted approximately 100,000 participants, with a prize pool exceeding 120,000 USDT. Designed to bridge Web2 and Web3 audiences, the experience allows both traders and motorsport fans to engage with Bitget’s “one-stop trading” concept in a more accessible way. A limited-time in-game feature introduced during the Brazil Grand Prix offers additional rewards tied to the event.

“The way people engage with markets is evolving, and experiences play a bigger role in that shift,” said Gracy Chen, CEO of Bitget. “Bringing trading concepts into familiar environments like sports allows more people to understand and explore them in a natural way.”

The Smarter Speed Challenge reflects Bitget’s broader Universal Exchange strategy, where crypto and traditional financial assets coexist within a single platform. By translating these markets into interactive formats, Bitget is expanding how users discover and approach trading opportunities across asset classes.

While the Brazil Grand Prix marked the start of the 2026 season, the Smarter Speed Challenge continues beyond the track, with ongoing rewards and future activations planned alongside upcoming races.

To participate in the Smarter Speed Challenge, please 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.

Photos accompanying this announcement are available at:
https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/3c942fa7-a221-43fc-a762-55c73d41b535
https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/756c86be-8d07-484a-bf97-a7c71d46771b
https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/d67ce25d-ecc8-474c-93c0-0ffb6a74d8f9

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.

--BERNAMA