SKHTU Launches Academy System: Making Education the Starting Point of Inclusive Finance

DENVER, May 14 (Bernama-GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- As the crypto market enters a mature phase, user education has become the new engine driving industry growth. Recently, SKHTU Exchange announced the launch of SKHTU Academy, featuring systematic courses, data-driven learning models, and practical training paths. The goal is to help global users grow into professional investors with financial logic and risk awareness. Industry experts believe this systematic education strategy achieves the true meaning of “financial inclusion.”

The SKHTU Academy curriculum is divided into three main stages: foundational knowledge, strategic advancement, and asset management. In the introductory stage, courses use visual and case-based teaching to explain blockchain basics, trading logic, and asset security. The advanced stage focuses on derivatives operations, RWA investment, and risk diversification strategies. The senior stage simulates institutional asset management environments, teaching how to balance returns and risks.

The platform also features a “real-time market classroom,” integrating market hotspots and data updates to provide users with instant strategy analysis. SKHTU incorporates AI technology into its education system, generating personalized growth models for users based on learning data and trading behavior analysis. The system dynamically adjusts course recommendations and practical tasks according to user learning records, operational habits, and risk preferences.

Upon course completion, the system generates an “Investment Capability Index” to showcase user growth trajectory. SKHTU states that this data-driven learning model not only improves educational efficiency but also enables users to quantify their risk awareness and strategy level, turning educational outcomes into tangible investment capabilities.

SKHTU Academy is not just a learning platform, but also part of the community ecosystem. The platform regularly holds online seminars and regional offline events, inviting analysts and scholars to interpret market trends together. Data shows that users participating in SKHTU Academy courses have a retention rate 42% higher than ordinary users and a longer active cycle. This demonstrates that education is not merely an additional service, but a core pillar for the sustainable development of the platform.

Brand spokesperson Anna Kowalski said: “Financial education should not remain theoretical, but help users develop independent investment judgment, building long-term trust through understanding risk. This is not only the goal of our education program, but also a reflection of our platform values.”

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at 
https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/0e8213c3-4de3-421f-939d-74ad6889ebf9

Media Contact:
Anna Kowalski
minhquankg48@gmail.com

SOURCE: Skhtu Exchange Services Ltd

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

MBSB BANK LAUNCHES SME STABILISATION RELIEF FACILITY (SME SRF) TO SUPPORT BUSINESSES NAVIGATING GEOPOLITICAL UNCERTAINTY

MBSB Bank

PETALING JAYA, May 14 (Bernama) -- MBSB Bank Berhad (MBSB Bank) yesterday announced the launch of the SME Stabilisation Relief Facility (SME SRF), a strategic financing initiative designed to provide timely working capital support to viable Malaysian small and medium enterprises (SMEs). This facility aligns with Bank Negara Malaysia’s (BNM) RM5 billion fund established to help businesses manage operational disruptions and cash flow constraints arising from the ongoing geopolitical conflict in West Asia.

The SME SRF is specifically tailored for Malaysian SMEs that have experienced financial stress due to trade and supply chain disruptions since March 2026. By providing essential liquidity, MBSB Bank aims to support businesses in sustaining their operations and navigating this period of global economic uncertainty. In line with industry efforts to enhance access to financing, MBSB Bank is also streamlining its credit assessment processes to ensure affected businesses receive timely assistance.

Noor Mohamed Amin Bin Mohamed, Group Chief Commercial Banking Officer of MBSB Berhad, said “At MBSB Bank, we recognize that SMEs are the backbone of Malaysia’s economy, yet they are often the most vulnerable to global geopolitical shifts. The SME SRF is a proactive intervention designed to provide a vital liquidity buffer for businesses facing with supply chain disruptions and rising operational costs. By streamlining our credit assessment processes, we are ensuring that eligible SMEs receive the urgent financial support they need to maintain business continuity and emerge more resilient despite the current market volatility.”

MBSB Bank offers financing of up to RM750,000 per SME to help alleviate cash flow constraints. Eligible SMEs may obtain financing for a tenure of up to five years, at a maximum financing rate of 3.75% per annum (inclusive of the guarantee fee). The financing is supported by guarantees of up to 80% from Credit Guarantee Corporation Malaysia (CGC) or Syarikat Jaminan Pembiayaan Perniagaan (SJPP), particularly for SMEs without sufficient collateral. The facility is specifically designated for working capital purposes and strictly excludes the refinancing of any existing facilities.

To qualify for the facility, businesses must be viable Malaysian SMEs as defined by SME Corporation Malaysia with at least 51% share of ownership held by Malaysians. 

Applicants must demonstrate that they have been materially affected by trade and supply chain disruptions resulting from the West Asia conflict.

SMEs interested in the SME Stabilisation Relief Facility can begin submitting their applications starting 15 May 2026 until 31 December 2026, or until the fund is fully utilised. For further information or to check eligibility, business owners are encouraged to: 

· Contact their dedicated Relationship Manager.
· Visit the nearest MBSB Bank branch nationwide.
· Browse the official website at www.mbsbbank.com.
· Submit enquiries via email at commercialbanking@mbsbbank.com.

About MBSB Berhad

MBSB Berhad (MBSB) is a dynamic financial services group with a longstanding role in supporting the nation’s financial system and economic development. MBSB is the holding company of MBSB Bank Berhad, MBSB Investment Bank Berhad (formerly MIDF Amanah Investment Bank), and Malaysian Industrial Development Finance Berhad (MIDF). MBSB Bank Berhad is a progressive Islamic bank offering comprehensive Shariah-compliant banking solutions to retail, SME, and corporate customers, with a strong emphasis on innovation and sustainable financing. MBSB Investment Bank Berhad serves as the Group’s investment banking and capital markets arm, providing advisory, research, equity brokerage, and capital markets services. MIDF plays a pivotal role in supporting business and industrial development through development finance, nurturing a resilient and thriving SME ecosystem, complemented by its asset management capabilities.

SOURCE: MBSB Berhad (MBSB) 

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT: 
Name: Norsiah Juriani Johari
Group Head Group Communications & Marketing Department
Group Corporate Strategy
Tel: +6012 900 1907  
Email: norsiah.johari@mbsb.com

Name: Arna Farisa Binti Mohamad Isa
Senior Manager
Group Communications & Marketing Department
Group Corporate Strategy
Tel: +6013 394 2590
Email: arna.farisa@mbsb.com  

--BERNAMA

VEDANTA POSTS RECORD FY26 PROFIT, REVENUE FOLLOWING DEMERGER

KUALA LUMPUR, May 11 (Bernama) -- India-based Vedanta Limited, a global leader in metals, oil & gas, critical minerals, power and technology, posted a record profit of US$2.8 billion for the financial year ended March 31, 2026, up 22 per cent year-on-year (YoY), driven by structurally strong businesses and disciplined execution. (US$1 = RM3.91)

In a statement, Vedanta said the fourth-quarter (Q4) profit rose nearly 90 per cent YoY to US$1 billion.

Vedanta also recorded its highest-ever annual revenue of about US$20 billion, representing a 15 per cent increase from a year earlier, while its Q4 revenue rose nearly 30 per cent YoY to US$5.6 billion.

Annual earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) increased about 30 per cent to a record US$6.3 billion, with margins expanding to around 40 per cent. Q4 EBITDA stood at US$2 billion with margins of about 44 per cent.

The company said its balance sheet strengthened further during the year, with net debt-to-EBITDA improving to 0.95 times, supported by strong cash generation.

Vedanta said its demerger became effective on May 1, resulting in the creation of five independently scalable business entities spanning aluminium, oil and gas, power, iron and steel, and critical minerals.

The company’s AA credit ratings were reaffirmed by CRISIL and ICRA, while parent company Vedanta Resources received a ratings upgrade to BB- from Fitch Ratings.

Vedanta delivered a total shareholder return of nearly 50 per cent in financial year 2026 (FY26), outperforming India’s Nifty Metal Index.

-- BERNAMA

New Business Mix, New Valuation Lens: Has the Market Caught Up with Kinergy?

KUALA LUMPUR, May 6 (Bernama) -- For years, Kinergy Advancement Berhad (KLSE: 0193) was viewed mainly as an engineering business. That foundation remains relevant, but FY2025 suggests the company’s story has moved into a broader category.

Kinergy is increasingly exposed to energy ownership, infrastructure development and longer-duration revenue structures. This means investors who still assess the company purely through an engineering lens may be missing the shift taking place in its business model.

The company’s FY2025 results provide clearer evidence of this transition. Revenue rose 117.4% year-on-year to RM478.3 million, approaching the half-billion-ringgit mark. Profit attributable to shareholders stood at RM27.9 million, while earnings per share came in at 1.31 sen.

The more important change was in the revenue mix. Kinergy’s Sustainable Energy Solutions (SES) segment generated RM328.2 million in revenue, up 207.5% year-on-year, and accounted for 69% of group revenue, compared with 49% in FY2024. Engineering revenue stood at RM148.7 million.

Kinergy’s Founder, Executive Deputy Chairman and Group Managing Director, Dato’ Lai Keng Onn, said the Group’s risk profile has changed since 2018 as it moved into businesses requiring more capital, patience and disciplined governance.

“We made a deliberate shift beyond a traditional project-delivery model and the limitations of an engineering contract cycle. As this portfolio continues to take shape, SES has emerged as a significant growth pillar and a key differentiator in the Group’s value creation journey,” he said.

The RM646.32 million Labuan 120MW gas engine power plant is one example of this shift. It is Kinergy’s largest EPCC contract to date and its third major project involving PETRONAS-linked entities. The project is expected to support Labuan and the wider Sabah power system by providing reliable baseload capacity.

Another key catalyst is the proposed Teknologi Tenaga Perlis Consortium (TTPC) gas-fired development, where Kinergy has secured a position as the leading consortium member. The project signals Kinergy’s entry into the Independent Power Producer (IPP) space.

While the IPP model carries higher capital requirements and longer payback horizons, the Perlis project starts from a brownfield position. Existing transmission interconnection, gas supply infrastructure and water facilities may reduce the timeline and capital intensity compared with a full greenfield power project.

Kinergy’s transition also extends into renewable energy. Its 21-year Virtual Power Purchase Agreement with Safran Landing Systems Malaysia, backed by hydropower and requiring output of 80GWh to 108GWh per year, reflects the Group’s ability to structure long-term energy solutions for corporate users.

Taken together, these developments point to a company moving deliberately from project execution into energy infrastructure and ownership-linked models.

“Our growth has always been measured against the risk it introduces and the complexity it demands. The market takes time to reprice businesses that have genuinely changed category. We understand that. We are patient, and we believe the evidence continues to accumulate,” Lai said.

Kinergy ended FY2025 with a secured order book of RM1.0 billion and an active tender pipeline of RM2.2 billion, giving a total development pipeline of RM3.2 billion.
 
SOURCE : Aegis Communication

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT: 
Name: Jason Fong
Tel: +6012-8631134
Email: jason@aegiscomm.com.my

--BERNAMA​

RM15,000 Top Prize Drives Nationwide Bridge-Building Challenge

MACSian74 Competition and Prizes

MELAKA, May 4 (Bernama) -- A school-level engineering challenge that began more than a decade ago is set to take centre stage nationwide, with a RM15,000 top prize drawing participants to the Vital Factor Consulting Cup 2026, featuring the MACSian74 Bridge Over Troubled Waters competition.

Originally introduced in 2009 by alumni of Malacca Anglo-Chinese School (ACS), the competition has grown from a local initiative into a national platform for innovation. The 2026 edition marks its first nationwide expansion and will be jointly organised by ACS and Malacca Methodist Girls’ Secondary School (MGSS).

At its core, the challenge is deceptively simple: participants must construct a bridge using only ice cream sticks, strings and glue. However, the competition does not reward the strongest structure, but the most efficient one - with entries evaluated based on the ratio of load carried to material used, reflecting real-world engineering principles.

In earlier editions, the results have been notable. The winning bridge in 2009 supported 19.5 kilogrammes, while the 2012 edition saw this nearly double to 38.5 kilogrammes, roughly the weight of a child.

Beyond technical performance, the competition has also shaped individual aspirations. One participant from the inaugural event discovered a passion for engineering through hands-on involvement and later pursued an engineering degree at the National University of Singapore, inspired by both his own experience and success in 2009 and his sister’s success in the 2012 competition.

The upcoming edition is expected to attract approximately 160 teams from across Malaysia, including participants from schools, universities, industry and the general public. The official launch is scheduled for 9 May 2026, with the competition on 27 June 2026.

A total of 21 cash prizes will be awarded, including the RM15,000 prize for the overall winner.

Organisers noted that the competition is designed to develop not only engineering skills, but also broader competencies such as problem-solving, cost optimisation, teamwork and innovation under constraints.

Supporting the initiative, Mr Wooi Tan, Managing Director of Vital Factor Consulting Sdn Bhd, said, “As part of our commitment to corporate social responsibility, we are proud to support initiatives that nurture technical capability, innovation and practical problem-solving skills, enabling participants to compete effectively on a broader stage.”

Ms Cerlina Ho, Executive Director of Ikhua Engineering Sdn Bhd, added, “Our sponsorship is a way of giving back to society. The competition aligns closely with our industry and supports the development of engineering talent while promoting excellence and innovation.”

The event is presented by Vital Factor Consulting Sdn Bhd, with support from Ikhua Engineering Sdn Bhd.

The official site of The Vital Factor Consulting Cup 2026, together with the rules of the competition:
https://sites.google.com/moe-dl.edu.my/vfccups2026

Registration for participating:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSctuIZfJewgRf5SBpKTaup37q4KH2SRZbSJnU_qYXsGU3gwsg/viewform

SOURCE: Vital Factor Consulting Sdn Bhd​

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:
Name: Ms Soh Lay Hui
Principal, Malacca ACS
Email: sohlayhui@yahoo.com

--BERNAMA

OCC, Gordonstoun Japan Launch Summer Leadership Programme

KUALA LUMPUR, April 28 (Bernama) -- OCC Educational Corporation Limited has partnered with Gordonstoun Japan to launch Impact Challenge Summer 2026 in Wakayama, ahead of the planned opening of Gordonstoun’s first international boarding campus in Japan in 2027.

Announced on April 27, the summer programme will run in two sessions in August 2026 — Aug 2 to 7 and Aug 15 to 20 — for students aged 10 to 14, focusing on leadership development through humanitarian and environmental challenges.

The programme will include modules on sustainable economic resilience for Himalayan communities, marine plastic issues around Tomogashima Island, and a field implementation component in Nepal for selected participants.

In a statement, OCC said the initiative marked a significant step in bringing Gordonstoun’s educational philosophy beyond the United Kingdom, centred on resilience, service and global awareness.

The programme was designed by international humanitarian Linda Cruse, who will serve as Director of Co-Curricular at Gordonstoun Japan, while founding principal Natasha Dangerfield said the initiative aims to redefine education through responsibility and real-world engagement.

OCC is an Osaka-based institution with a 120-year history, while Gordonstoun is internationally known for its education model combining academic rigour, outdoor learning and service, and for educating generations of the British royal family.

-- BERNAMA

JPMORGANCHASE NAMED FIRST OLYMPIC GAMES BANKING PARTNER

KUALA LUMPUR, April 29 (Bernama) -- United States (US)-based financial services firm, JPMorgan Chase & Co (JPMorganChase) and The International Olympic Committee (IOC) have announced a landmark Worldwide Olympic Partnership, making JPMorganChase the first Global Banking Partner in Olympic history.

The agreement covers the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games (LA28 Games) and the French Alps 2030 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games. It also includes JPMorganChase becoming the Official Bank of Team USA and LA28, as well as a Founding Partner of the LA28 Games.

In a statement, JPMorganChase said the partnership reflects a shared commitment to ambition and excellence, with a focus on supporting athletes and communities worldwide.

JPMorganChase Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Jamie Dimon said Olympians and Paralympians represent more than athletic achievement, noting their journeys mirror the aspirations of millions the firm serves globally, adding that the company is committed to supporting them beyond the Games.

Meanwhile, IOC President, Kirsty Coventry said this partnership will support the Olympic Movement worldwide, leveraging JPMorganChase’s global reach and expertise to deliver lasting benefits for athletes and communities.

Through the collaboration, JPMorganChase aims to strengthen the long-term financial health of the Olympic and Paralympic Movements while creating new opportunities for athletes, businesses and communities. The partners also plan to support athletes through initiatives such as financial health workshops via the IOC’s Athlete365 platform.

JPMorganChase will serve as the Worldwide Olympic Partner across asset and wealth management, private banking, and commercial and investment banking. In the US, it will also act as a Founding Partner of the LA28 Games in the retail banking category.

In line with IOC policy, revenues generated from the partnership will be redistributed to support global sports organisations, including National Olympic Committees, their athletes, and Organising Committees for the Olympic and Youth Olympic Games.

With operations in more than 60 countries and clients across over 100 markets, JPMorganChase brings extensive financial expertise to help drive economic growth and opportunity worldwide.

-- BERNAMA