PETRONAS ADVANCES MALAYSIA’S UPSTREAM DATA PLATFORM WITH AGENTIC AI TO ACCELERATE E&P INVESTMENT

PETRONAS, through Malaysia Petroleum Management (MPM), signed an agreement with Iraya Energies Sdn Bhd (Iraya Energies) to enhance PETRONAS myPROdata and further strengthen Malaysia’s attractiveness as an upstream investment destination. Present at the signing ceremony were (from left to right) Chief Technology Officer of Iraya Energies, Francois Baillard; Chief Executive Officer of Iraya Energies, Nina Marie Hernandez; MPM’s Head of Technology & Digital, Ts. Shahril Ridzauddin Mokhtar; and MPM’s Head of Technology & Digital Programme, Arief Budiman Hermani.

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 4 (Bernama) -- PETRONAS, through Malaysia Petroleum Management (MPM), recently signed an agreement with Iraya Energies Sdn Bhd (Iraya Energies) to enhance PETRONAS myPROdata with Agentic AI capabilities, providing investors and industry players with insight to Malaysia’s exploration and production data to support informed investment decisions and reinforce the country’s attractiveness as an upstream investment destination.

PETRONAS myPROdata is a web-based platform that provides access to essential subsurface and surface data related to exploration blocks, discovered resource opportunities and producing fields in Malaysia.

The enhanced platform will integrate geological, geophysical, engineering and other relevant data with Agentic AI capabilities that can autonomously analyse and connect multiple data sources, enabling users to navigate, analyse and derive insights from complex upstream data more efficiently.

It will also support comprehensive end-to-end evaluations, from identifying prospective areas and assessing resources to evaluating development opportunities and commercial viability.

MPM Senior Vice President, Datuk Ir. (Dr) Bacho Pilong, said, “The enhanced PETRONAS myPROdata with Agentic AI capabilities will help investors navigate and assess Malaysia’s upstream opportunities with greater speed and confidence.”

“By bringing together trusted data and AI-powered intelligence, we aim to enable faster and more informed investment decisions, contributing to PETRONAS’ ambition to attract approximately RM50 billion to RM60 billion in annual upstream investments while shortening the journey from discovery to first hydrocarbon from 100 months to 50 months.

“This will reinforce Malaysia’s position as a competitive and future-ready upstream investment destination,” he added.

Under the agreement, Iraya Energies will serve as the Consortium Lead Integrator, responsible for establishing the technical, commercial and security foundations required to deliver AI-powered insights and facilitate the broader programme rollout.

The initiative demonstrates PETRONAS’ role, through MPM, as the shaper, accelerator and regulator of Malaysia’s upstream industry by strengthening the investment ecosystem and supporting the continued growth and responsible development of the nation’s hydrocarbon resources.

Issued by

Channels and Media Relations
Group Strategic Relations & Communications
PETRONAS

SOURCE: PETRONAS

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:
PETRONAS
Name: Hana Nazsulaeeqa Harun
Email: hananazsulaeeqa.haru@petronas.com

Name: Nabil Basaruddin
Email: nabil.basaruddin@petronas.com

--BERNAMA

AM BEST RETAINS STABLE OUTLOOK FOR TAIWAN NON-LIFE INSURANCE

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 3 (Bernama) -- Global credit rating agency, AM Best has maintained a stable outlook on Taiwan’s non-life insurance segment amid the implementation of Taiwan Insurance Solvency (TIS), IFRS 17, and consistent premium expansion across retail and commercial lines.

Also underpinning the stable outlook are non-life insurers’ conservative asset allocation and moderate equity exposure, which should help protect their overall profitability in the event domestic stock market volatility impacts the segment’s investment results.

According to the Best’s Market Segment Report, “Market Segment Outlook: Taiwan Non-Life Insurance”, implementation of TIS and IFRS 17 enhances cross-market comparability and elevates the strategic importance of capital management and earnings volatility analysis.

In a statement, AM Best said TIS has had a limited impact on the segment’s overall capitalisation, although market-risk capital requirements have increased moderately.

Meanwhile, the transition to IFRS 17 has been favourable to the segment’s reported capital position, with industry-wide reported shareholders’ equity increasing by approximately 10 per cent at year-end 2025.

Taiwan’s non-life insurance market remains mature and competitive, with demand for commercial lines coverage growing, supported by investments in high-technology manufacturing plants, renewable energy projects, and major infrastructure development.

The credit rating agency added that Taiwan’s non-life insurers are increasingly using artificial intelligence (AI) and data analytics to streamline underwriting, automate claims processing and detect fraud.

“AI adoption among Taiwan’s non-life insurers is likely to remain gradual and tightly controlled, with insurers prioritising internal operational and risk management tasks while maintaining continued oversight over customer-facing decisions,” said AM Best director of analytics, James Chan.

These changes should enhance operating efficiency, refine risk selection and help insurers better manage losses over time.

-- BERNAMA

UOB Heartbeat Run 2026 raises RM2.288 million to uplift underserved communities

Datuk Ng Wei Wei, Chief Executive Officer, UOB Malaysia presenting a mock cheque of funds raised by UOB Malaysia to the four beneficiaries.

Funds raised will support more than 6,000 children, youths and families across Malaysia

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia, Sept 2 (Bernama) -- UOB Malaysia recently raised RM2.288 million through its annual UOB Heartbeat Run 2026. The funds will support four key beneficiaries – SOLS Foundation, PINTAR Foundation, Food Aid Foundation and HOPE Worldwide Malaysia – and will also be channelled towards advancing the Bank’s corporate social responsibility initiatives across Malaysia with a focus on arts, children and education.

Datuk Ng Wei Wei, Chief Executive Officer, UOB Malaysia, said “Now in its 18th year in Malaysia, the UOB Heartbeat Run continues to show what is possible when people come together to make a difference. The generosity and commitment of our people, customers, and partners enable us to support programmes led by our beneficiary partners that address critical community needs, from improving food security to empowering youth with digital education and future-ready skills. As part of the wider UOB Heartbeat movement across ASEAN and beyond, we remain committed to creating meaningful and lasting impact in the communities we serve.”

In the two months leading up to the UOB Heartbeat Run, a series of charitable activities including food bazaars, charity sales, and fitness classes were held, contributing to the total funds raised. The programme culminated at Pavilion Bukit Jalil, where about 5,000 employees, customers and partners gathered to volunteer, fundraise and participate in the run event.

The funds raised will support beneficiary-led programmes that help build a more sustainable future through education and improve the quality of life of underserved communities across Malaysia. These include sponsoring 50 underprivileged youths to enrol in the Solar Academy vocational programme through SOLS Foundation, providing home solar systems to off-grid communities and installing solar panels at children’s welfare homes. The funds will also support HOPE Worldwide Malaysia, Food Aid Foundation, PINTAR Foundation and other charitable causes, channelled towards building an inclusive society and supporting the sustainable development of communities through digital education, food security and programmes that promote resilience and mental wellness. The programmes are expected to benefit approximately 6,000 underserved children, youths and their families across Malaysia.

The UOB Heartbeat Run forms part of UOB's broader efforts to create long-term social impact for the underserved. Beyond UOB Heartbeat, the Bank continues to invest in programmes that create long-term social impact, particularly in education and digital inclusion. Earlier this year, UOB launched UOB My Digital Space (MDS) in Malaysia. The programme empowers students to engage with technology confidently and responsibly by strengthening their critical thinking and digital literacy skills. As part of a regional initiative expected to reach more than 100,000 students across ASEAN, MDS has evolved into a multi-year programme in Malaysia, reinforcing national efforts to promote digital inclusion and prepare the next generation for the digital economy.

Appendix: 2026 UOB Heartbeat Run beneficiaries in Malaysia

Food Aid Foundation Funds raised will support vulnerable children from 30 orphanages across Malaysia by providing them with food and daily necessities, as well as digital literacy and emotional resilience programmes

HOPE Worldwide Malaysia Funds raised will support HOPE Worldwide Penang and KL centres with digital literacy programmes for 1,000 children from marginalised communities. Programmes include the STEAM & AI Education
Program, Therapeutic Arts Education Program and School Sponsorship Program.

SOLS Foundation Funds raised will sponsor underprivileged youths to enrol in the Solar Academy vocational programme through SOLS Foundation, as well as providing home solar systems to off-grid communities and install solar panels for children welfare homes.

PINTAR Foundation Funds raised will go towards conducting AI Awareness Workshops in 40 schools around Malaysia, reaching over 3,000 students to bridge the digital divide and build future-ready skills.


SOURCE: UOB Malaysia

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:
Name: Yashwini Mohan
Brand, Media and Communications
Tel: 6012 223 7050
Email: yashwini.mohan@uob.com.my

Name: Nizam Arop
Brand, Media and Communications
Tel: 6017 333 6329
Email: nizam.arop@uob.com.my

--BERNAMA

Top destinations for corporate team-building trips

 

DUBLIN, Aug 28 (Bernama-GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- As the "back-to-work" season approaches, companies are replacing virtual meetings with face-to-face retreats to address remote work fatigue and strengthen organizational culture.

To identify where teams can genuinely build connections, Holafly has launched the Global Team-Building Index, ranking destinations based on group activity infrastructure, accessibility, overall experience, and value.

The results identify Lisbon, Portugal as the world's leading destination, driven by its coastal activities, flight connectivity, and competitive costs.

The rise of the active corporate retreat
As hybrid and remote work become permanent, business travel is shifting toward experiential connections. Organizations are prioritizing places where employees can bond outdoors, whether that means sailing together or embarking on scavenger hunts.

The Iberian Peninsula takes the crown
Lisbon secured the number one spot: the airport sits close to the city center, while the river and coast provide a spectacular playground for sailing regattas and surfing challenges. Barcelona follows in second place with large hotel room blocks alongside high-end cultural experiences.

Eastern and Central Europe are budget-friendly champions
To maximize budget efficiency without sacrificing quality, Central Europe offers compelling alternatives. Prague and Budapest rank high, with costs for dining, accommodations, and venue up to 30% lower than Western Europe. Both offer memorable group activities like medieval castle banquets and old-town scavenger hunts.

Top 10 global destinations for team-building in 2026
1 - Lisbon, Portugal
2 - Barcelona, Spain
3 - Prague, Czech Republic
4 - Mallorca, Spain
5 - Budapest, Hungary
6 - Antalya, Turkey
7 - Athens, Greece
8 - Milan, Italy
9 - Chamonix, France
10 - Berlin, Germany

Where should Californians go for a team-building retreat?
The California Team-Building Index evaluated destinations within a 4-hour flight radius. Cabo San Lucas (Mexico) ranked first, offering direct flights, luxury resorts, and premium activities. It is followed by Denver (Colorado), which serves as an oasis for wellness retreats.

Top 10 Team-Building Destinations for Californians
1 - Cabo San Lucas, Mexico
2 - Denver, United States
3 - Mexico City, Mexico
4 - Portland, United States
5 - Vancouver, Canada
6 - Scottsdale, United States
7 - Austin, United States
8 - Jackson Hole, United States
9 - Guanajuato, Mexico
10 - Kauai, United States

Where should European companies go for their next offsite?
For British companies, Lisbon combines sunny coasts with rapid flight access. For German teams, Prague offers rail and air accessibility with budget efficiency. Spanish enterprises find their match in Lisbon, benefiting from proximity and local value.

Top 5 team-building destinations for UK companies
1 - Lisbon, Portugal
2 - Barcelona, Spain
3 - Mallorca, Spain
4 - Chamonix, France
5 - Prague, Czech Republic

Top 5 team-building destinations for German companies
1 - Prague, Czech Republic
2 - Lisbon, Portugal
3 - Barcelona, Spain
4 - Mallorca, Spain
5 - Budapest, Hungary

Top 5 team-building destinations for Spanish companies
1 - Lisbon, Portugal
2 - Prague, Czech Republic
3 - Budapest, Hungary
4 - Milan, Italy
5 - Antalya, Turkey

Media contact: press@holafly.com

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/a87330a4-e6c3-4611-a953-322300a417ba 

SOURCE: Holafly

MPC SHOWCASES AKADEMI DALAM INDUSTRI (ADI) AT CHINA–SOUTHEAST ASIA FORUM

 

Industry-driven talent development model strengthens Malaysia’s skilled workforce and productivity agenda
 
NANJING, CHINA, Aug 27 (Bernama) -- The Malaysia Productivity Corporation (MPC) showcased Akademi Dalam Industri (ADI), Malaysia’s industry-driven talent development initiative, at the 2nd China–Southeast Asia Kerry Youth Scientist Forum, held in conjunction with the International Symposium on China–Southeast Asia: Industrial Trade, Green Development and Common Prosperity in a Changing Global Landscape at Nanjing University, China.
 
Representing MPC, Dr. Noor Aishah Hassan, Deputy Director, People Productivity Division, delivered a keynote speech entitled “Akademi Dalam Industri: Advancing Productivity through Future-Ready Talents.” She highlighted ADI as a key labour market reform initiative designed to address skills mismatch and underemployment while strengthening the link between skills development, wage progression and productivity.
 
“ADI represents a fundamental shift in the way talent is developed. Instead of training first and employment later, ADI integrates learning directly into the workplace, where skills are developed according to actual industry demand,” said Dr. Noor Aishah.
 
Under ADI, industries play a central role in identifying the competencies they need, while participants acquire those skills through structured work-integrated learning and workplace-based training. This enables Malaysians to work, learn, gain practical experience and pursue recognised qualifications simultaneously.
 
For Malaysian workers, ADI provides a clearer pathway to relevant skills, recognised qualifications, career progression and better earning opportunities. For employers, it provides a practical mechanism to develop talent based on real operational and technological requirements, helping businesses improve productivity and competitiveness.
 
The initiative responds to structural labour market challenges, including skills mismatch and graduate underemployment. International assessments, including the OECD Economic Survey of Malaysia 2026 and the World Bank Malaysia Economic Monitor 2026, have reinforced the importance of addressing skills gaps, improving job quality and strengthening industry involvement in talent development.
 
ADI is therefore positioned not merely as a training programme, but as an integrated ecosystem connecting industry, workers, education and training institutions, and government agencies. Its career pathway enables individuals to progressively build competencies, workplace experience and qualifications from entry-level employment towards skilled, specialist and industry-expert roles.
 
This approach is increasingly important as digitalisation, artificial intelligence, automation and changes in global supply chains reshape the skills required by industries. By embedding learning within the workplace, ADI aims to shorten time-to-productivity and create a stronger pipeline of skilled and future-ready Malaysian talent.

The initiative also supports Malaysia’s aspiration to achieve 3.6% annual productivity growth by 2030, increase the share of skilled workers and accelerate the transition towards a high-productivity and high-income economy.
 
The symposium further highlighted the importance of closer academia–industry collaboration in addressing emerging global challenges and opportunities. Opening remarks were delivered by Prof. Yinxing Hong, Former Secretary of the Party Committee of Nanjing University, and Dato’ Sri Mustapa Mohamed, Advisor of the Ungku Aziz Centre for Development Studies, University of Malaya, underscoring the importance of international partnerships, innovation and talent development.
 
Convened by Professor Zheng Jianghuai of Nanjing University and Professor Datin Sri Dr. Suhaiza Hanim, an international senior visiting scholar at Nanjing University from the University of Malaya and an Academician of the Academy of Sciences Malaysia, the forum gathered 49 experts and scholars comprising 26 representatives from China and 23 from Malaysia, with keynote presentations delivered across six sessions.
 
MPC’s participation carried a clear message: Malaysia’s productivity transformation starts with its people. Through ADI, MPC will continue working with industries and strategic partners to equip more Malaysians with relevant skills, create pathways towards higher-value employment and strengthen the competitiveness of Malaysian businesses.

SOURCE: Malaysia Productivity Corporation (MPC)

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT: 
Name: Dr. Noor Aishah Hassan
Email: noor_aishah@mpc.gov.my

--BERNAMA​
 

RSSB RETURNS TO PROFIT IN FY26, TARGETS SUSTAINED GROWTH IN FY27 BACKED BY CONSTRUCTION AND PROPERTY DEVELOPMENT PIPELINE

Rivertree STF Synergies Berhad


- Also secures shareholders’ approvals at the EGM for two proposed acquisitions and one proposed disposal

 
KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 27 (Bernama) -- Main Market-listed property developer and construction service provider, Rivertree STF Synergies Berhad (formerly known as Sinmah Capital Berhad) (“RSSB” or the “Group”), has announced its fourth quarter (“4QFY26”) and full year results for the financial year ended 30 June 2026 (“FY26”). Following the change in financial year end from 31 December 2024 to 30 June 2025, there are no comparative figures available for both 4QFY26 and FY26.

For the full year, the Group posted a net profit of RM4.3 million on the back of RM24.3 million revenue, of which RM2.2 million was contributed by discontinued operations. This performance marks the Group’s return to full-year profitability following eight consecutive years of losses.

On a quarterly basis, the Group recorded a revenue of RM10.2 million in 4QFY26, 23.9% higher than RM8.2 million in the preceding quarter (“3QFY26”). In tandem with topline growth, net profit surged 25.4% to RM2.0 million from RM1.6 million in 3QFY26, extending the Group’s quarterly earnings momentum. 

As at 30 June 2026, RSSB maintained a healthy financial position with net cash of RM7.7 million. 

Executive Director of RSSB, Dato’ Simon David Leong (拿督梁世民) who joined the Board of Directors in October 2025, said, “The team has worked hard to turn around the performance, and we are pleased to deliver a profitable FY26, marking a significant milestone for the Group. It reflects the progress we made in rebuilding our earnings base and establishing a more resilient foundation for future growth. Looking ahead, we enter FY27 with confidence and will continue to advance our property development and construction services.” 

To recap, RSSB secured a RM168.1 million Turnkey Construction Contract in July 2026 for Q Centre @ Teratai in Meru, Klang -- a Centralised Labour Quarters (“CLQ”) facility with 9,000 beds. Construction is expected to be completed by June 2028, with the Certificate of Completion and Compliance targeted by December 2028. “Beyond Q Centre @ Teratai, we are also actively pursuing three more CLQ construction projects – all of which are located in prime industrial areas in Klang Valley,” Dato’ Simon added.

Separately, RSSB secured shareholders’ approvals for two proposed acquisitions and one proposed disposal at an Extraordinary General Meeting held earlier today. These comprise the acquisitions of the entire equity interests in Rivertree Landmark Sdn Bhd and Rivertree Signatures Sdn Bhd for an aggregate cash consideration of RM46.3 million, as well as the disposal of the entire equity interest in Irama Setia Sdn Bhd for RM13.0 million in cash. The proposed exercises are related party transactions and were approved by non-interested shareholders, following an independent advice letter from MainStreet Advisers Sdn Bhd.

The proposed acquisitions will add two planned serviced apartment projects in Kuala Lumpur with a combined estimated gross development value of RM654.8 million, while the proposed disposal of a development in Kuala Kubu Bharu will streamline the Group’s portfolio. Proceeds from the proposed disposal shall be used for working capital and funds for property development projects. 

About Rivertree STF Synergies Berhad  

Listed on the Main Market of Bursa Malaysia, Rivertree STF Synergies Berhad (formerly known as Sinmah Capital Berhad) adopted its current name effective 3 February 2026. Following the disposal of its entire poultry business in 2022, the Group is now principally involved in residential and commercial property development, as well as provision of construction services. 
 
Through its wholly-owned subsidiary, RSSB Builders Sdn Bhd, the Group holds a Grade 7 (G7) contractor licence issued by the Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB), which qualifies it to tender for and undertake construction projects of unlimited contract value. The Group is currently involved in property development projects in Melaka, Johor and Selangor, and is expanding its construction portfolio to include turnkey developments of Centralised Labour Quarters in Klang Valley area.
 
Bursa stock code: RSSB / 9776 

Released on behalf of Rivertree STF Synergies Berhad by Capital Front Investor Relations. 
 

SOURCE: Rivertree STF Synergies Berhad

TRM LABS APPOINTS ZIQING ANG TO LEAD APAC POLICY EFFORTS

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 27 (Bernama) -- TRM Labs (TRM), an artificial intelligence (AI)-focused provider of solutions for combating financial crime and national security threats, has appointed Ziqing Ang as Head of Policy, APAC.

In this role, Ang will work with regulators, policymakers, law enforcement agencies and private institutions across Asia-Pacific (APAC) to strengthen efforts against illicit networks and address emerging threats.

“Ziqing brings deep expertise and experience working across both the public and private sectors, and the credibility to bring regulators and industry together around this work,” said TRM Labs Global Head of Policy, Ari Redbord.

TRM in a statement said APAC is becoming an increasingly important region for digital asset and AI policy as criminal networks use the technologies to operate at greater speed and scale.

The company tracked adjusted crypto crime volume rising from approximately US$123 million in 2020 to over US$103 billion in 2025, while investment scams accounted for 62 per cent of fraud inflows last year. (US$1=RM4.02)

Meanwhile, Ang said APAC is at an important stage in how it regulates technology in the age of AI, and the decisions made over the next few years will shape the safety of the ecosystem.

Ang brings more than a decade of experience spanning policy, financial markets, digital assets and institutional business development. She spent more than eight years at the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS), working on financial markets development and reserve management before moving into the digital asset industry.

Ang's appointment reflects TRM's continued investment in APAC and follows last month's appointment of former MAS regulator Claudia Hui as Head of Compliance Advisory, APAC, as part of the company's broader expansion of its policy and compliance presence in the region.

-- BERNAMA