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 Autódromo 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
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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

POLYPLASTICS’ DURACON POM POWERS INNOVATIVE CRAWLER TRANSPORT SYSTEM

KUALA LUMPUR, March 26 (Bernama) -- Polyplastics Co Ltd announced its DURACON polyoxymethylene (POM) resin has been selected for use in a unique crawler track transport system developed by Tokyo-based CuboRex Co Ltd, a supplier of innovative mobility solutions.

The unique transport system, which significantly improves work efficiency at factory and construction sites compared to conventional caster-equipped carts, includes a structural crawler covering made of DURACON POM.

In a statement, Polyplastics said the material was chosen for its high load-bearing capacity, excellent friction properties, durability, and reliability in harsh field conditions.

CuboRex’s trolley crawlers can be installed on existing trolleys, reducing ground pressure, friction, and the force needed for operation, enabling smooth travel over uneven terrain and steps.

Improved turning performance and better coordination with tow trucks and automated guided vehicles reduce operator strain and operational delays.

As demand for material handling is growing, the introduction of crawlers for carts eliminates the need to purchase new dedicated transport carts, enabling a dramatic improvement in operational efficiency while utilising existing equipment.

The solution leverages existing equipment to boost efficiency, enhance safety, and lower costs, with potential applications across logistics, manufacturing, and construction markets worldwide.

-- BERNAMA

AirAsia MOVE named Digital Innovator of the Year at Aviation Festival Asia 2026

Photo caption: AirAsia MOVE team led by Lim Ben-Jie, Chief People & Partnerships Officer (right) accepted the award from Sohail Ali, Aviation Consultant and AFA Award presenter (middle) at Aviation Festival Asia Keynote Stage yesterday.

 SINGAPORE, March 26 (Bernama) -- AirAsia MOVE (MOVE) has been named ‘Digital Innovator of the Year’ at the Aviation Festival Asia Awards 2026. The accolade, presented at the ceremony on Wednesday, recognises the platform’s pivotal role in transforming the digital travel booking landscape in the region.

Aside from being a travel platform that offers access to over 700 global carriers and more than a million hotels, MOVE is powered by enhancements to its AI-driven AskBo chatbot, a refreshed user interface, and exciting offerings such as MOVETIX, its global live-events ticketing platform and Easy Cancel feature. 

Nadia Omer, CEO of AirAsia MOVE said, “Being recognised alongside industry leaders like Qatar Airways and Changi Airport Group reinforces our position at the forefront of travel innovation. With over 15 million monthly users, we are encouraged by this award to continue providing affordable travel, enabling our guests to favour discovery for less. This is a testament to the hard work of our Allstars and the trust of our partners, guests and those who voted for us.”

MOVE’s next phase will emphasise social discovery, enabling users to find trip inspiration through content, and booking it all seamlessly in one place, and remains committed to being a platform that keeps travellers curious, connected, and inspired.

For the latest updates, follow @airasiamove on Instagram & TikTok. Download the app from the Apple App Store, Google Play Store, and Huawei App Gallery for a smooth and enhanced booking experience.

SOURCE:  AirAsia MOVE

FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT: 
Name: Ryan Chan | MOVE
Communications
Email: loionchanl@movetravel.com 

--BERNAMA

NIUSHOU MOUNTAIN LAUNCHES SPRING WELLNESS FESTIVAL

Niushou Mountain Cultural Tourism Zone

KUALA LUMPUR, March 25 (Bernama) -- Niushou Mountain Cultural Tourism Zone in Nanjing, China, has launched its 2026 spring event, themed "Up the Spring Mountain, Heal with You", transforming a traditional outing custom into an immersive cultural and wellness tourism experience.

Rooted in the centuries-old "Spring Niushou" tradition—recognised as Jiangsu provincial intangible cultural heritage—the event blends cultural preservation with modern experiential tourism, offering visitors a seasonal programme centred on relaxation and well-being, according to a statement.

Set amid blooming magnolias, peach blossoms and crabapples, the mountain’s natural landscape provides a serene environment for visitors seeking to escape the hustle and bustle while engaging with traditional Chinese culture.

This year’s edition introduces five wellness themes: natural ecology, Zen culture, healthy dining, intangible cultural heritage arts, and technology-driven experiences. Activities include crystal bowl sound healing, Song-style tea ceremonies, and guided meditation programmes designed to promote physical and mental well-being.

A broader lineup of spring activities includes cultural lectures, hiking programmes, study tours, reading sessions and themed events such as Dunhuang Cultural Week, combining education with leisure.

From March through May, the event will roll out monthly highlights, including meditation and tea experiences in March, cross-cultural showcases and wellness workshops in April, and a series of themed activities during the May Day holiday and Mother’s Day in May.

The initiative aims to position Niushou Mountain as a leading wellness tourism destination, blending heritage preservation with experiential travel to attract both domestic and international visitors.

-- BERNAMA

NMB Acknowledges MRANTI Park’s Role in Advancing Malaysia’s Battery Innovation Ecosystem

KUALA LUMPUR, March 17 (Bernama) -- NMB (NanoMalaysia Berhad), a company limited by guarantee under the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MOSTI) expressed its appreciation to MRANTI Park for its support and collaboration in enabling the growth of Malaysia’s battery innovation ecosystem, particularly through the Hydrogen Energy and Battery Technology (HEBATT) initiative.

With HEBATT concluding its operations at MRANTI Park, NMB took the opportunity to recognise MRANTI's role in supporting the development of advanced battery technologies and strengthening Malaysia’s capabilities in energy storage innovation.

Established in 2022, HEBATT is a battery innovation and commercialisation initiative aimed at advancing Malaysia’s battery technology capabilities. Operating within the MRANTI Park, the initiative enabled the establishment of a battery laboratory and a pilot production line equipped with core cell manufacturing equipment, including mixing, coating, calendaring, welding, formation, and testing systems, alongside the formation of a specialised technical team focused on cell, module, and battery pack assembly.

Through this platform, NMB and its collaborators successfully translated research outputs into proof-of-concept and prototype battery technologies, including a 3.6V 4Ah pouch cell, an 18V 10Ah graphene-enhanced lithium-ion battery pack, and electrode fabrication for a 36V 10Ah micro-mobility battery system designed for e-scooter applications. Bench simulations and validation testing demonstrated the potential of these technologies for e-mobility applications.

Beyond product development, HEBATT also supported technology diversification and local capability building, including validation work on sodium-ion cathode materials, aluminium-ion battery scale-up, and emerging research in metal-organic framework (MOF) and solid-state battery technologies. The initiative further integrated active-material recycling research to support circular-economy approaches in battery development.

NMB’s Chief Executive Officer, Dr Rezal Khairi Ahmad, said: “MRANTI Park has played an important role in nurturing innovation and enabling collaboration between researchers, technology developers and industry partners. The support provided by its ecosystem has enabled the incubation of initiatives like HEBATT to progress from research concepts to tangible prototypes, a crucial step towards commercialisation and the generation of early investment interest. These efforts contribute to strengthening Malaysia’s advanced battery technology pipeline and supporting the country’s ambitions in mobility electrification, energy storage innovation as a critical component for renewable energy transition and high-value manufacturing.”

HEBATT also served as a centre for knowledge exchange and skills development, offering structured training programmes in battery technologies, while achieving key milestones such as successful intellectual property filings covering lithium-ion cathode and anode technologies, sodium-ion cathode synthesis, and MOF battery innovations. One of these initiatives of battery technology development was recognised internationally with a Silver Medal at the International Invention, Innovation & Technology Exhibition (ITEX) 2025.

Strategic collaborations were also established in the ASEAN region, including partnerships with NEU Battery Materials Singapore on developing recycled lithium and with Indonesia’s National Battery Research Institute (NBRI) on NMC material innovation, thereby supporting efforts to advance sustainable battery materials and next-generation battery performance.

As NMB continues its journey towards developing Malaysia’s gigafactory capabilities, it looks forward to working with partners across government, academia and industry to accelerate the growth of Malaysia’s battery ecosystem. 

SOURCE: NanoMalaysia Berhad

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT: 
Email : corporateaffairs@nanomalaysia.com.my 

--BERNAMA 

Accountancy Talent Pipeline Strengthens as Profession Evolves to Meet Digital and Sustainability Demands, says Malaysian Institute of Accountants (MIA)

 

MIA Logo

KUALA LUMPUR, March 19 (Bernama) -- As businesses accelerate their digital transformation and momentum towards sustainable practices, the role of accountants is rapidly expanding beyond traditional boundaries—driving a renewed demand for future-ready talent in Malaysia.  

“The accountancy profession has always been agile in adapting to remain resilient and future-ready,” said MIA President Puan Saniza Said. “At the same time, we continue to uphold ethics, financial acumen and professional judgement—the enduring foundations of the profession.”

As the regulator and developer of the profession in Malaysia, the Malaysian Institute of Accountants (MIA) works strategically to strengthen the capacity and capabilities of accountancy talent.

“A key priority is to clearly communicate the profession’s value proposition to attract and retain talent, while ensuring professionals remain relevant to market needs. “Building a strong talent pipeline is also critical to addressing concerns over the supply of accountancy professionals required to meet market demand,” said MIA Chief Executive Officer G. Shanmugam.

This focus is consistent with broader global trends. The International Federation of Accountants (IFAC) is highlighting the evolving role of professional accountants in areas such as digitalisation, sustainability reporting and assurance. At the regional level, the ASEAN Federation of Accountants (AFA) has similarly underscored the need to strengthen the accountancy talent pipeline to support sustainable economic growth.

Strengthening the profession’s appeal requires a coordinated, end-to-end approach across the talent development pipeline—from early education to professional qualification and career progression

A key focus is engaging students early at both school and university levels through initiatives such as career talks, student conferences and accounting competitions. This includes preparing them for a workplace shaped by digital transformation, where skills in analytics and artificial intelligence support informed decision-making across organisations. It also involves building capabilities in sustainability, particularly in areas such as reporting and assurance, which are critical to maintaining trust in an increasingly climate-conscious environment.

In this regard, MIA advocates for curriculum enhancements aligned with industry needs and supports academicians through initiatives such as Train the Trainer programmes in digital transformation and sustainability.

The Chartered Accountant (C.A.(M)) designation remains a hallmark of professionalism, reflecting MIA’s commitment to developing competent, ethical and globally recognised accountancy professionals. From 2023 to 2025, MIA has recorded an average annual membership growth of approximately 2.6%. Total membership currently stands at close to 42,000, reflecting sustained growth momentum.

Addressing retention, Puan Saniza highlighted that the versatility of an accountancy qualification equips professionals for diverse roles across the economy, both locally and internationally. 

“Today, accountants have opportunities beyond traditional roles in audit, public practice and finance. Many are moving into C-suite positions, fintech and emerging areas such as sustainability, including climate measurement, reporting and assurance, carbon taxation and green finance—areas that align well with their core competencies”, she said.

To address capacity constraints in audit and finance functions, MIA also advocates for organisations to adopt digital solutions and automate routine processes across finance, accounting and treasury. 

“This enables accountants to focus on higher-value work requiring professional judgement, data interpretation and risk management, strengthening decision-making, value creation and trust,” concluded G. Shanmugam."

For more information, please visit www.mia.org.my

About the Malaysian Institute of Accountants (MIA)
Established under the Accountants Act 1967, MIA is the national accountancy body that regulate, develops, supports and enhances the integrity, status and interests of the profession in Malaysia. MIA accords the Chartered Accountant Malaysia or “C.A. (M)” designation. Working closely alongside businesses, MIA connects its membership to a wide range of information resources, events, professional development and networking opportunities. Presently, there are close to 42,000 members making their strides in businesses across all industries in Malaysia and around the world. 

MIA’s international outlook and connections are reflected in its membership of regional and international professional organisations such as the International Federation of Accountants (IFAC) and the ASEAN Federation of Accountants (AFA). For more information on MIA, visit www.mia.org.my 

SOURCE: Malaysian Institute of Accountants (MIA)

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:
MIA STRATEGIC COMMUNICATIONS & BRANDING
E-mail: communications@mia.org.my

Name: THANE MEYYAPPAN
Tel: +6012 248 9534

Name: MOHD FAIZ OTHMAN
Tel: +6012 622 5027 

--BERNAMA