PETRONAS REINFORCES INDUSTRY RESILIENCE AND COMPETITIVENESS AT OGSE PARTNERS DAY 2026

Datuk Ir. Bacho Pilong, Senior Vice President, Malaysia Petroleum Management (third from right), alongside (from left to right) Mohd Razali Kamin, Senior General Manager, Group Procurement, PETRONAS; Terry Biusing, Chief Corporate & OGSE Officer, SMJ Energy Sdn Bhd; Ts Syed Saggaf, President, Malaysian Oil, Gas & Energy Services Council (MOGSC); Rashidah Alias, Vice President, Group Procurement, PETRONAS; PETRONAS; Ir. Norafizal Mat Saad, Vice President, Group Strategic Relations & Communications, PETRONAS and Mohd Yazid Ja'afar, President/Chief Executive Officer, Malaysia Petroleum Resources Corporation officiating at the OGSE Partners Day.

KUALA LUMPUR, April 24 (Bernama) -- PETRONAS reaffirmed the importance of strengthening resilience, competitiveness and execution capability across Malaysia’s oil and gas service and equipment (OGSE) ecosystem at its OGSE Partners Day, held today at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre. 

 

Themed “Empowering Resilience”, the event brought together more than 800 participants, including vendors, association representatives, production sharing contractors, financial institutions and government agencies. 
 

In his keynote address, Datuk Ir. Bacho Pilong, Senior Vice President of Malaysia Petroleum Management PETRONAS highlighted that the programme today aims to demonstrate a future-ready and resilient OGSE ecosystem that is financially sound, technologically capable, talent ready and governed with integrity.   
 

“The key areas of focus – from sustainability and digital operations to finance and talent development – are interconnected. Transformation does not happen in silos. It happens when technology, talent, capital and governance move forward together,” he said. 
 

The event featured a series of panel sessions exploring pathways to enhance operational efficiency, strengthen governance, and accelerate capability development across the supply chain. Discussions covered technology adoption, talent development and financing solutions, alongside the importance of deeper collaboration across the OGSE value chain. 
 

Panelists included representatives from the Malaysia Petroleum Resources Corporation (MPRC) and the Malaysian Oil, Gas and Energy Services Council (MOGSC), who shared perspectives on market volatility, global competition, sustainability requirements, technological shifts and evolving policy expectations. These discussions are aligned with the National OGSE Industry Blueprint 2021-2030, which aims to strengthen the regional competitiveness of Malaysian OGSE companies.  
 

PETRONAS also formalised a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for its Sustainable Vendor Financing Programme with Alliance Bank Malaysia Berhad, Bank Islam Malaysia Berhad, UOB Malaysia, RHB Bank Berhad and Malaysian Industrial Development Finance Berhad (MIDF). Launched last year, the programme enhances vendors’ access to sustainable financing by leveraging sustainability disclosures, enabling them to tap into Bank Negara Malaysia’s financing facilities, including the Low Carbon Transition Facility (LCTF) and High Tech and Green Facility (HTG) and MIDF’s Sustainable & Green Biz Financing (SGBF). This initiative is aimed at supporting PETRONAS vendors in adopting more sustainable practices across their operations. 
 

The OGSE industry remains a key pillar in Malaysia’s economy, contributing between five to eight per cent to national Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and supporting more than 123,000 jobs nationwide.  
 

As a progressive energy and solutions partner, PETRONAS is committed to driving sustainable and inclusive growth by working closely with industry partners to strengthen ecosystem capabilities and foster a resilient, capable 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: Aisyah Mustapha Kamil
Tel: 012 3818 790 
Email: aisyah.mustaphakamil@petronas.com  

--BERNAMA

Bitget Advances Multi Asset Push with #2 Global Stock Perpetuals Ranking in Q1 2026

VICTORIA, Seychelles, April 24 (Bernama-GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Bitget, the world’s largest Universal Exchange (UEX), ranked second globally in Stock Perpetuals market share in Q1 2026 according to TokenInsight’s Crypto Exchange Report Q1 2026. The result highlights the growing traction in equity-linked derivatives as demand expands beyond crypto-native assets into broader market exposure.

The broader shift toward tokenized and multi-asset trading is still in its early stages, but the direction is becoming clearer. According to the report, Stock Perpetuals averaged roughly $423 million in daily volume during the quarter, reflecting sustained growth in the segment. That trend aligns with Bitget’s TradFi tokenization thesis, published in February 2026, which projected annual stock trading volumes could rise from an estimated $100 trillion–$130 trillion today to $160 trillion–$200 trillion by 2030 as more equities move on-chain.

Bitget’s position reflects its early entry into the category, having launched stock perpetual futures in September 2025. In Q1 2026, Bitget captured 22.61% of the Stock Perpetuals segment, with average daily trading volume reaching $95.74 million. The exchange has steadily built a meaningful position in the category, demonstrating the industry shift towards an Universal Exchange strategy and its ability to support broader market exposure through tested trading infrastructure.

“This milestone reflects more than category growth. It shows that users are responding to a broader shift in how trading platforms should serve them,” said Gracy Chen, CEO of Bitget. “Our focus is to build Bitget into a destination where users can move across crypto and TradFi assets with greater ease. Our performance in Stock Perpetuals is one step in executing that long-term vision.”

Beyond Stock Perpetuals, the report also highlighted Bitget’s strength in the broader exchange market. In Q1 2026, Bitget ranked fifth globally by total exchange market share, accounting for 7.70% of industry trading volume. Its share remained stable quarter over quarter, edging up 0.02 percentage points despite a broader market cooldown, solidifying Bitget’s top five position among its peers across both crypto-native and emerging traditional finance-linked trading activity.

Bitget’s performance in Stock Perpetuals reflects its broader Universal Exchange strategy, designed to bring together crypto and expanded market access within a single trading environment. The platform has already established a leading presence in tokenized equities, and its momentum in Stock Perpetuals points to a broader effort to build the infrastructure, liquidity, and access layers needed to support the migration of traditional market activity into on-chain and crypto-native trading environments.

To read the full report, 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.

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/e4870efa-2684-4373-8877-efa7d8eb65fe 

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.

GECS Q1 2026: Malaysia’s finance professionals highlight rising geopolitical risks alongside economic concerns

ACCA-IMA survey records near-pandemic-low confidence as Middle East conflict drives energy costs and supply chain stress

KUALA LUMPUR, April 21 (Bernama) -- The ACCA and IMA Q1 2026 Global Economic Conditions Survey (GECS), conducted between 3 and 19 March, coincided with the outbreak of war in the Middle East, weighing heavily on global business sentiment.

For Malaysia, the implications are significant. As a key semiconductor hub, the country may experience some upward pressure on input costs due to disruptions in petrochemicals and other critical materials. As a net energy importer, it could also be affected by higher oil and gas prices. In addition, a stronger US dollar may place some pressure on the ringgit, potentially increasing import costs and foreign currency exposures.

Regionally, 33% of Asia Pacific respondents ranked geopolitical instability as their top risk priority in Q1 2026, above the global average of 25%. Cybersecurity risk ranked second globally at 17%, a concern that is relevant in Malaysia’s fast-digitalising economy.

Andrew Lim, Head of Maritime SEA, ACCA, said: “The Q1 2026 GECS findings are a sobering reminder of how deeply interconnected Malaysia’s economy is with global trade and geopolitical dynamics. Our position at the heart of Southeast Asia means that supply chain disruption, energy price volatility, and currency pressures hit us at multiple pressure points simultaneously. Finance professionals in Malaysia must now navigate an environment where the risks are not only economic but deeply geopolitical – and the two are increasingly inseparable.”

The survey showed a sharp decline in confidence, close to the series lows recorded at the beginning of the pandemic in 2020, as firms grapple with the fourth major global shock this decade. Confidence also fell sharply among chief financial officers.

While an April ceasefire brought some market relief, uncertainty remain high, and energy and other commodity prices look set to remain elevated. Rising cost pressures were evident in Q1, with reports of increased operating costs at their highest since Q3 2022. With energy prices rising and supply chains under strain, pressures are expected to intensify.

Some indicators were more encouraging though. The Global New Orders Index registered a solid increase and is now at its historical average level. Meanwhile, the Global Employment Index, which captures the hiring and firing decisions of firms, also saw slight improvement, although it remains below its historical average.

Read GECS Q1 2026 here.

Source: ACCA

FOR MORE INFORMATION,PLEASE CONTACT:
Email: newsroom@accaglobal.com

--BERNAMA

QINGYANG LEVERAGES AI, COMPUTING POWER TO TRANSFORM RURAL E-COMMERCE

A public welfare lecture about AI livestreaming and intelligent e-commerce.

 KUALA LUMPUR, April 21 (Bernama) -- Qingyang is advancing its digital transformation by integrating artificial intelligence (AI) and "computing power" into rural e-commerce, enabling farmers and homemakers to become livestream sellers, or "Code Farmers".

At the Qingyang Electronic Commerce Association, training programmes on AI livestreaming and intelligent e-commerce are equipping participants with practical skills—from product selection and content planning to virtual human streaming—reshaping how local communities engage in online commerce.

The initiative is supported by the Qingyang National Computing Hub under China’s Eastern Data and Western Computing Project, which provides low-cost, low-latency computing resources, according to a statement.

This enables the use of AI tools such as virtual streamers, creating a development model that combines local computing power, AI applications and talent training to boost operational efficiency.

The results have been significant. Qingyang recorded total e-commerce sales of 6.91 billion Chinese yuan in 2025, with online retail contributing 3.27 billion Chinese yuan, up 12.7 per cent year-on-year. (100 Chinese yuan = RM 58.01)

Since 2023, more than 2,000 people have received hands-on e-commerce training, strengthening the region’s digital talent base.

As a result, local residents are shifting from traditional agriculture to digital entrepreneurship, using AI-powered platforms to market regional products nationwide. This transformation highlights how digital infrastructure and emerging technologies are driving new economic opportunities in rural China.

-- BERNAMA

PETRONAS inks MoU with Terengganu to Explore Nature-based Solutions Projects

Dato' Mohd Azmi Mohamad Daham, Terengganu State Secretary (Centre) signs the MoU together with (Left to Right); Datuk Razali Idris, Chairman of the Terengganu State Committee on Tourism, Culture, Environment and Climate Change; Dato' Rosli Latif, Director, Terengganu Economic Planning Unit; Gulia Sartori, Senior General Manager, Nature, Corporate Sustainability, PETRONAS; Ezrin Johanna Elias, General Manager, Nature Centre of Excellence and Solutions, Corporate Sustainability, PETRONAS and Khairuddin Jaafar, Senior General Manager, Stakeholder Relations, Group Strategic Relations and Communications.

KUALA LUMPUR, April 21 (Bernama) -- PETRONAS and the Terengganu State Government, through the Terengganu Economic Planning Unit (UPEN), have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to explore opportunities for the development of Nature-based Solutions (NbS) in the state.

Under the MoU, both parties will collaborate to identify and assess potential sites across Terengganu for Nature-based carbon projects that meet internationally recognised certification standards. These projects are intended to generate high-quality carbon credits while delivering tangible benefits to local communities and supporting environmental conservation.

The MoU was signed by PETRONAS Senior General Manager, Nature, Corporate Sustainability, Giulia Sartori and Terengganu State Secretary, Dato’ Mohd Azmi Mohamad Daham. The signing was also witnessed by Ezrin Johanna Elias, General Manager, Nature Centre of Excellence and Solutions, Corporate Sustainability, PETRONAS and Dato' Rosli Latif, Director, Terengganu Economic Planning Unit.

Commenting on the collaboration, Giulia Sartori said PETRONAS looks forward to working closely with the state to advance climate-positive initiatives that create shared value.

“We are pleased to collaborate with the state of Terengganu in advancing nature-based solutions that strengthen climate resilience, enhance biodiversity and deliver meaningful benefits to local communities. This collaboration builds on PETRONAS’ long-standing presence in the state, and we look forward to delivering value for the state and supporting Malaysia’s overall climate ambitions together,” she said

Dato’ Mohd Azmi welcomed the collaboration, highlighting the role of Terengganu’s natural ecosystems and their potential to contribute to climate change mitigation.

“Terengganu is blessed with diverse natural ecosystems that hold significant potential for nature-based solutions. Through this collaboration with PETRONAS, we aim to contribute to Malaysia’s efforts to reduce carbon emissions while ensuring environmental conservation brings lasting benefits to the people of Terengganu,” he said.

NbS comprises actions to reduce and remove greenhouse gas emissions through conserving, protecting, restoring and sustainably managing natural ecosystems. Carbon credits generated through NbS are integral for PETRONAS in addressing residual and hard-to-abate emissions, complementing its Net Zero Carbon Emissions by 2050 Pathway.

Issued by
Channels & Media Relations
Group Strategic Relations & Communications
PETRONAS

SOURCE: PETRONAS

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:
Name: Aisyah Mustapha
Tel: +6012 3818 790
Email: aisyah.mustaphakamil@petronas.com

--BERNAMA

SHANGPREE to Showcase Aesthetic Heritage at Beauty Asia Singapore, Expanding Global Presence via Amazon & Shopee by 2026

 

SINGAPORE, April 17 (Bernama-GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- SHANGPREE, Korea’s premier aesthetic skincare brand, is accelerating its global expansion by participating in ‘Beauty Asia’ in Singapore. Following recent successful launches on Amazon US and Japan, the brand is set to officially enter Amazon Singapore and Shopee within 2026, strengthening its digital footprint across Southeast Asia.

■ "Esthetician’s Touch in Your Hands": Introducing the 'FF Program'

At the exhibition, SHANGPREE will present its iconic bestsellers alongside the newly launched ‘FF Program (Focus on Focus PROGRAM)’. The FF Program is a high-performance intensive care line designed to precisely analyze and restore skin balance disrupted by external stressors. Developed based on 36 years of aesthetic clinical data accumulated since 1990, the lineup embodies SHANGPREE’s core mission: bringing the meticulous care of a professional esthetician into the customer’s daily skincare ritual.

■ A K-Beauty Apex Trusted by Global Luxury Channels

Originating from an aesthetic spa in 1990, SHANGPREE has already proven its value within the world’s most selective luxury distribution networks, including Harrods in London and Barneys New York. Participation in Singapore’s Beauty Asia serves as a strategic milestone to further solidify SHANGPREE’s standing as a high-end skincare authority on the global stage.

■ From the US and Japan to Southeast Asia: A Vision for Global Leadership

Following its recent entry into major global markets, SHANGPREE is now focusing on reinforcing its distribution network in Southeast Asia.

"Our participation in Beauty Asia is an opportunity to prove SHANGPREE’s rigorous standards and 36-year heritage to the global market," said a representative from SHANGPREE. "With our recent expansion into Amazon US and Japan, and our upcoming 2026 launches on Amazon Singapore and Shopee, we are committed to building an environment where customers across Southeast Asia can easily experience our high-end aesthetic spa solutions."

# About SHANGPREE

SHANGPREE is a premium skincare brand born from an aesthetic spa in 1990. By evolving decades of clinical expertise into scientific mechanisms, the brand provides precise skin solutions trusted by global experts and luxury retailers worldwide. Its signature lineup includes world-renowned bestsellers such as the Marine Energy Eye Mask, Gold Premium Plus Modeling Mask, and Phyto Essence UV Sunscreen, all of which embody the brand’s commitment to professional-grade results.

• Official Website:  www.shangpree.com
• Instagram:  @shangpree.official

# Media Contacts
cs@shangpree.com 

SOURCE: SHANGPREE

Supratechnic Secures Sole Singapore Distribution Rights for Swiss Air Quality Leader IQAir; Launches Suprayi E-Commerce Platform

SINGAPORE, April 15 (Bernama) -- Supratechnic (S) Pte Ltd (“Supratechnic”), a subsidiary of SGX Mainboard-listed USP Group Limited and a leading regional distributor of marine, instrumentation, and healthcare solutions, announced it has secured sole nationwide distribution rights in Singapore for IQAir on 14 April 2026.

Founded in Switzerland in 1963, IQAir is an air quality technology brand trusted in hospitals and critical healthcare environments worldwide.

This appointment formalises and elevates Supratechnic's existing partnership with the Swiss manufacturer to the sole authorised distributor for Singapore. This milestone expands Supratechnic’s healthcare division and secures its role as a key provider of clinical-grade infrastructure.

Mr. Melvin Tan, Chief Executive Officer of Supratechnic, commented on the milestone: 
 

“Our objective was never merely to sell more units. Over the years, we have invested steadily in building the service infrastructure required to uphold IQAir’s exacting standards — from technical training and after-sales support to market-wide service coverage. This sole nationwide distributorship appointment is not the beginning of that journey, but a recognition of the work already done. Our responsibility now is to honour that trust by delivering consistently, at the highest standard, every day.”

 
Alongside this appointment, Supratechnic officially launched Suprayi, a digital platform curated for clinically proven health solutions. The name ‘Suprayi’ brings together ‘supra,’ representing excellence and standards above the ordinary, and ‘yi’ (医), the Chinese character for healing and medicine. Together, the name embodies the platform’s mission to provide trusted, effective, and elevated health solutions that support healthier living.

Operated directly by Supratechnic, Suprayi is the official e-commerce and advisory channel for IQAir products in Singapore. The platform provides customers with access to genuine IQAir products, local warranty coverage, expert technical advice, and dependable after-sales support from the authorised distributor. 

IQAir utilizes HyperHEPA filtration technology to capture ultrafine particles as small as 0.003 microns. This includes airborne contaminants such as viruses, bacteria, smoke, and combustion particles. The systems are independently tested and meet international safety certifications for use in hospitals and specialist clinics. 

Mr Jens Hammes, Chief Executive Officer of Incen AG (IQAir) said, “ 
 

““Our cooperation with Supratechnic began in 2004. I still remember how impressed I was by the team’s professionalism, technical expertise, and unwavering dedication when introducing the IQAir brand to Singapore. 

Since then, we have shared a common mission — to make clean, healthy air accessible to as many people in Singapore as possible. Securing sole nationwide distribution rights today reflects the strength of that long-standing partnership and our confidence in Supratechnic’s ability to represent IQAir at the highest standards.” 
 

The timing of this sole nationwide distributorship appointment reflects a market in transition. Singapore's persistent air quality challenges—from seasonal transboundary haze to urban emissions and VOCs from renovation materials and rising pet ownership in compact homes—have fundamentally changed how households, workplaces, and healthcare facilities think about indoor air.

SOURCE : Aegis Communication 

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

--BERNAMA 

AM Best Withdraws Performance Assessment of Delta International Limited’s Affiliates

 

SINGAPORE, April 16 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- AM Best has affirmed the Performance Assessment (assessment) of PA-2 (Excellent) of Delta Insurance New Zealand Limited (New Zealand) and Delta Underwriting Private Limited (Singapore). The companies are assessed on a consolidated basis under their parent, Delta International Limited (Delta). The outlook of the assessment is stable. Concurrently, AM Best has withdrawn the assessment as the company has requested to no longer participate in AM Best’s interactive performance assessment process.

This assessment reflects Delta’s strong underwriting capabilities, excellent governance and internal controls, strong financial condition, excellent organizational talent, and strong depth and breadth of relationships.

In AM Best’s view, the two affiliated companies exhibit several commonalities with one another and are regarded as strategically and financially important to Delta, providing access to businesses in certain geographic jurisdictions in the Asia Pacific region. Delta was founded in New Zealand in 2014 with local ownership and operates from offices in New Zealand, Australia and Singapore.

AM Best assesses Delta’s underwriting capabilities as strong. Delta has consistently recorded profitable underwriting results over the past few years across a wide range of product lines and geographic regions. Delta has a highly specialised underwriting philosophy and risk selection process, supported by its in-house underwriting and claims management teams. This has enabled the organization to grow its premium base rapidly through product and geographic expansion over time. However, compared to its historical growth rate, the company recorded lower growth in recent periods due to challenging market conditions.

AM Best considers Delta’s governance and internal controls to be excellent. Delta has implemented a sophisticated framework for selecting capacity providers, which elevates the products and coverage it provides to its policyholders. This is complemented by Delta’s extensive use of internal and external audits, policies and procedures, quality reviews and ongoing monitoring.

AM Best assesses Delta’s financial condition as strong. Delta has a track record of profitable operations with stable income sources and positive cash flow. The organisation does not retain any insurance risk. In recent periods, the shareholders’ equity was negatively impacted by the company’s buy-out of the non-controlling interest in its subsidiaries, which was recorded directly against equity under NZ IFRS 10. Prospectively, AM Best expects shareholders’ equity to increase, supported by positive earnings generation.

AM Best assesses Delta’s organizational talent as excellent. Delta’s senior management is highly experienced in the company’s lines of business and in the geographic regions in which the group operates. The knowledge share and training programs within Delta further benefit its underwriting capabilities. AM Best expects continued development in the quality and quantity of Delta’s staff as the organisation grows.

AM Best assesses Delta’s depth and breadth of relationships as strong. While Delta has a relatively compact history, most capacity providers have partnered with the organisation since its inception. Delta offers multiple programs across several countries, which provides appropriate diversification. There is opportunity for advancement in Delta’s ability to retain and sustain long-term relationships.

This press release relates to Performance Assessments that have been published on AM Best’s website. For all information relating to the release and pertinent disclosures, including details of the office responsible for issuing each of the Performance Assessments referenced in this release, please see AM Best’s website. For additional information regarding the use and limitations of Performance Assessments, please view Guide to Best’s Performance Assessments for Delegated Underwriting Authority Enterprises. For information on the proper use of Best’s Credit Ratings, Best’s Performance Assessments, Best’s Preliminary Credit Assessments and AM Best press releases, please view Guide to Proper Use of Best’s Ratings & Assessments.

AM Best is a global credit rating agency, news publisher and data analytics provider specializing in the insurance industry. Headquartered in the United States, the company does business in over 100 countries with regional offices in London, Amsterdam, Dubai, Hong Kong, Singapore and Mexico City. For more information, visit www.ambest.com.

Copyright © 2026 by A.M. Best Rating Services, Inc. and/or its affiliates. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

View source version on businesswire.com: 
https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260415172133/en/

Contact

Yi Ding
Associate Director
+65 6305 5021
yi.ding@ambest.com

Victoria Ohorodnyk
Senior Director, Head of Analytics
+65 6303 5020
victoria.ohorodnyk@ambest.com

Christopher Sharkey
Associate Director, Public Relations
+1 908 882 2310
christopher.sharkey@ambest.com

Al Slavin
Senior Public Relations Specialist
+1 908 882 2318
al.slavin@ambest.com 

Source : AM Best

The Japan Prize Foundation Honours Global Science Trailblazers

KUALA LUMPUR, April 15 (Bernama) – The Japan Prize Foundation convened a prestigious ceremony on April 14 at the New National Theatre, Tokyo, recognising groundbreaking contributions in science and technology that advance global peace and prosperity.

This year’s laureates included Cynthia Dwork of the United States in Electronics, Information, and Communication, alongside Shizuo Akira of Japan and Zhijian James Chen of the United States in Life Science. Each field carried an award of 100 million Japanese yen, accompanied by a certificate and medal. (100 Japanese yen = RM2.48)

The 2026 selection process drew on recommendations from approximately 16,000 scientists and engineers worldwide. A total of 292 candidates—107 in Electronics, Information, and Communication and 185 in Life Sciences—were evaluated over the course of a year before the final honourees were chosen.

The ceremony gathered roughly 600 distinguished guests, including the Emperor of Japan and Empress of Japan, as well as heads of the three branches of government and other related officials, according to the foundation in a statement.

The Emperor delivered remarks, followed by acceptance speeches from the laureates and congratulatory comments from the President of the House of Councillors, Sekiguchi Masakazu.

Widely regarded as one of the world’s most esteemed international honours, the Japan Prize continues to spotlight transformative achievements that shape the future of humanity through science and technology.

-- BERNAMA

MTDC UNVEILS SEMICONSTART MALAYSIA, A NATIONAL SEMICONDUCTOR INCUBATION PROGRAMME TO BUILD MALAYSIA’S IC DESIGN AND DEEP-TECH PIPELINE

KUALA LUMPUR, April 15 (Bernama) -- Malaysia is strengthening its position in the global semiconductor value chain through SemiconStart Malaysia, a national semiconductor incubation programme led by the Malaysian Technology Development Corporation (MTDC). The programme was unveiled today at a pre-launch event attended by stakeholders from government, industry, research institutions and universities, and is designed to support the development of globally competitive companies in areas such as integrated circuit (IC) design, photonics, Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems (MEMS) and quantum technologies.

The initiative is developed and led by MTDC in collaboration with Silicon Catalyst UK, one of the world’s leading semiconductor incubators and accelerators, with a strong track record of supporting hundreds of chip companies in scaling and growth. The programme combines early-stage funding managed by MTDC with access to advanced design tools, global industry mentorship, strategic partners and international investor networks through Silicon Catalyst’s ecosystem.

“Malaysia’s global reputation in semiconductor manufacturing is firmly established. The next step is to build Malaysian companies that do not merely participate in the industry, but lead in innovation, technology development and value creation. SemiconStart Malaysia reflects MTDC’s role in building this pipeline, by translating technology into ventures, and ventures into globally competitive companies, while strengthening Malaysia’s long-term strategic position across semiconductor value chain,” said Ts. Hj. Mohammad Hazani Hj. Hassan, Group Chief Executive Officer of MTDC.

SemiconStart Malaysia is developed in alignment with Malaysia's National Semiconductor Strategy (NSS) and Budget 2026 commitments, which earmarked RM7.9 billion to upskill the nation's electrical and electronics (E&E) workforce and build strategic depth in the sector. MTDC has been mandated to implement the SemiconStart Malaysia programme, including managing the selection process and disbursement of grants of up to RM1 million per company, as well as overseeing the programme in collaboration with Silicon Catalyst through a structured 260-day incubation track.

Apart from funding, companies will undergo rigorous technical and commercial assessments coordinated by Silicon Catalyst’s UK and US teams. Focus areas include IC design, sensor technologies, photonics, MEMS, quantum technologies and advanced semiconductor materials, all of which have been identified as strategic, highvalue segments under the NSS.

Companies will also be assessed based on their commitment to value creation in Malaysia, including the registration of intellectual property in Malaysia and the development of local technical talent. Foreign participation is allowed under the programme, subject to clear local capability-building and ecosystem contribution .

Against a backdrop of geopolitical uncertainty, supply chain realignment and intensifying competition for critical technologies, Malaysia must continue strengthening its own technology ecosystem to build greater resilience and reduce long-term dependence in strategic areas. This requires stronger domestic capabilities in semiconductor innovation, intellectual property, talent development and venture creation, enabling Malaysian companies to compete more effectively in higher-value segments of the industry. SemiconStart Malaysia is intended to support this shift and reinforce Malaysia’s long-term competitiveness in the global semiconductor value chain.

Silicon Catalyst brings to the partnership a global network of industry advisors, investors and technology partners, as well as experience from similar programmes such as ChipStart UK, a UK Government-backed semiconductor incubator programme. The initiative is led by Sean Redmond, a semiconductor veteran who previously held leadership roles at Cadence, ARM-affiliated Verisity Design, and ARC, together with Dr. Ross Addinall, who brings decades of IC design and EDA experience to Malaysia’s startup pipeline.

The full launch of SemiconStart Malaysia is expected to take place later this year, with applications opening in April. The programme represents a strategic step in strengthening Malaysia’s capabilities in semiconductor design and deep technology, and reflects the broader national effort to move Malaysia further up the global semiconductor value chain through innovation, talent development and technology commercialisation.

Prepared by:
MINISTRY OF SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND INNOVATION
15 April 2026

About Malaysian Technology Development Corporation (MTDC)

Established in March 1992, Malaysian Technology Development Corporation Sdn. Bhd. (MTDC) is a wholly owned subsidiary of Khazanah Nasional Berhad and an agency under the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MOSTI). MTDC plays a strategic role in strengthening Malaysia’s deep technology ecosystem by supporting the progression of technology companies from development to adoption and scale.

As a technology investor and ecosystem enabler, MTDC provides developmental and growth funding through initiatives such as the National Technology and Innovation Sandbox (NTIS), Halal Technology Development Fund (HTDF), Dana Uji Beli MySTI, Dana Mudahcara MySTI, Business Start-up Fund (BSF), Business Growth Fund (BGF) and the MTDC–Tradeview Quantum Fund, a public–private investment initiative to accelerate the growth of high-potential Malaysian technology companies.

MTDC also strengthens companies through capability development and technology adoption platforms including the Centre of 9 Pillars® (Co9P®), Technopreneur Training Academy (TENTRA), and the MySTI ecosystem, facilitating market access and technology adoption across both public and private sectors.

Over more than three decades, MTDC has supported Malaysian technology companies across key sectors including Electrical & Electronics and Semiconductor, Industry 4.0, Healthcare and Life Sciences, Food Security, Green Economy, and Aerospace and Mobility.

Issued by MTDC Corporate Communications Department

SOURCE: Malaysian Technology Development Corporation (MTDC)

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:
Name: Munirah Abdullah Sani
Vice President, Corporate Communications Department
Tel: +6019-2687887
Email: munirah@mtdc.com.my

--BERNAMA

VEYDOOMAX PREVIEWS X6 RIDE SERIES MODEL AHEAD OF JULY LAUNCH

KUALA LUMPUR, April 14 (Bernama) -- VeydooMax, an outdoor lifestyle brand under Shenzhen Weidu Electronics Co Ltd, has previewed the upcoming X6 from its VeydooMax Ride series, following its appearance at the Bangkok International Motor Show, with a launch planned for July.

The X6 will carry forward the brand’s “Smarter Ride, Tougher Build” philosophy while delivering refinements in areas riders prioritise, the company said in a statement.

Within VeydooMax’s broader outdoor positioning, the Ride series focuses on products designed for real riding use, including commuting, weekend rides, group travel, and longer journeys across varying road and weather conditions.

The new model is being developed with enhanced outdoor visibility, improved smart connectivity, practical ride-recording capabilities, and rider-assistance functions tailored for real-world use.

For daily commuters, the X6 is designed to offer a cleaner and more stable cockpit experience. For leisure and group riders, it aims to support better navigation, communication, ride capture, and overall riding confidence.

Compared with the previous generation, the X6 focuses on delivering a more integrated user experience by combining display, connectivity, imaging, alerts, and remote capabilities into a unified interface.

According to VeydooMax, the model is also designed to reduce rider distraction, improve access to key information, and provide added support in scenarios such as parking, remote monitoring, and unexpected situations.

Additional details about the X6 will be released closer to launch.

-- BERNAMA

Bitdeer Launches SEALMINER A4 Series Bitcoin Mining Rigs, Achieves a Power Efficiency of 9.45 J/TH

SINGAPORE, April 8 (Bernama-GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Bitdeer Technologies Group (NASDAQ: BTDR), a world-leading technology company for AI and Bitcoin mining infrastructure, today announced the launch of its latest self-developed mining machines, the SEALMINER A4 series. This generation integrates Bitdeer's proprietary SEAL04 chips, leveraging advanced process nodes to set competitive benchmarks in performance. The launch marks the successful fulfillment of Bitdeer’s previously announced technology roadmap, underscoring its commitment to long-term R&D objectives. 

The new series includes three models designed for diverse deployment environments: the air-cooling A4 Pro Air, and two hydro-cooling models, the A4 Pro Hydro and A4 Ultra Hydro. 

Key specifications for SEALMINER A4 series*:

• A4 Ultra Hydro: 9.45 J/TH | 886 TH/s | 8372.7 W
• A4 Pro Hydro: 10.9 J/TH | 680 TH/s | 7412 W
• A4 Pro Air: 10.9 J/TH | 336 TH/s | 3662.4 W

Achieving a technical milestone of 9.45 J/TH, the A4 series is designed to enhance energy efficiency and assist operators in managing overhead. Beyond energy metrics, the lineup is engineered for consistent machine stability. Its hardware architecture is optimized for large-scale operations, aiming to improve uptime and reduce operational interruptions.

Furthermore, the series maintains the SEALMINER brand’s signature low-noise profile. The advanced hydro-cooling system enables efficient thermal management, facilitating reliable performance even in high-density environments.

Bitdeer remains dedicated to advancing transparency and efficiency in the mining industry through continuous R&D investment and technological innovation. By upholding the principles of "Innovation, Efficiency, and Stability," Bitdeer continues to provide global miners with high-quality, reliable mining solutions and services.

*Note: Product performance may vary by ±5% in power efficiency and ±10% in hashrate and power consumption. Final specifications are based on the delivered units.

About Bitdeer Technologies Group

Bitdeer is a world-leading technology company for AI and Bitcoin mining infrastructure. Bitdeer is committed to providing comprehensive Bitcoin mining solutions for its customers and building AI computational infrastructure to support the AI revolution. Bitdeer handles complex processes involved in computing such as equipment procurement, transport logistics, data center design and construction, equipment management, and daily operations. Bitdeer also offers advanced cloud capabilities to customers with high demand for artificial intelligence. Headquartered in Singapore, Bitdeer has deployed data centers across multiple countries, including the United States, Norway, Bhutan, and Ethiopia.

About SEALMINER

SEALMINER, a pioneering brand of mining machines under Bitdeer Technologies Group (NASDAQ: BTDR), specializes in offering efficient and sustainable mining solutions. SEALMINER integrates Bitdeer's self-developed SEAL series of mining chips manufactured using advanced process nodes. By continuously improving power efficiency ratios, SEALMINER is dedicated to providing innovative, efficient, and reliable products and services to customers worldwide. To learn more, visit https://www.bitdeer.com/ or follow Bitdeer on X @BitdeerOfficial and LinkedIn @Bitdeer.

Forward-Looking Statements

Statements in this press release about future expectations, plans, and prospects, as well as any other statements regarding matters that are not historical facts, may constitute “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. The words “anticipate,” “could,” “expect,” “intend,” “may,” “plan,” “should,” “will,” “would” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements, although not all forward-looking statements contain these identifying words. Such forward-looking statements include, among others, statements regarding the expected performance, efficiency, deployment, mining output, or potential returns relating to Bitdeer’s products. These statements are based on current expectations and assumptions and involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially include, but are not limited to, changes in cryptocurrency market prices, network difficulty and global hash rate, mining pool performance, electricity costs, operating conditions, regulatory developments, supply chain constraints, technological performance of the products, as well as potential risks, uncertainties and other factors discussed in the section entitled “Risk Factors” in Bitdeer’s annual report on Form 20-F, as well as those discussed in Bitdeer’s subsequent filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements as there are important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements, many of which are beyond Bitdeer’s control. Any forward-looking statements contained in this press release speak only as of the date hereof. Bitdeer specifically disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking statement, whether due to new information, future events, or otherwise. Readers should not rely upon the information on this page as current or accurate after its publication date.

Contacts

For Promotional Partnerships
marketing@bitdeer.com

For Sales Consultations:
sales@bitdeer.com

Public Relations
pr@bitdeer.com

Investor Relations
tesh.dahya@bitdeer.com

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/f265c82c-ecd2-414d-9171-497549cb67f2 

SOURCE: Sealminer 

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

Allianz Malaysia continues to champion grassroots badminton with AJBC 2026

KUALA LUMPUR, April 9 (Bernama) -- The Allianz Junior Badminton Championship (AJBC) is gearing up for its fifth edition in 2026, marking its return to inspire, develop and celebrate young badminton talents across Malaysia.

Organised by Allianz Malaysia Berhad (Allianz Malaysia), the AJBC has grown to become a highly- anticipated grassroots badminton tournament, fostering the development of future badminton champions.
 
“We are committed to supporting the dreams of young athletes and contributing to the growth of badminton in Malaysia. The AJBC is more than just a tournament; it is a stepping stone for young players to achieve their aspirations and reach new heights in the sport,” said Allianz Malaysia Chief Executive Officer, Sean Wang.
 
A highlight of the AJBC in 2025 was the selection of 10 players from the Qualifying Rounds to participate in the prestigious Talent Identification Programme organised by Akademi Badminton Malaysia (ABM), under the purview of the Badminton Association of Malaysia. This programme serves as a gateway for players to potentially enter ABM as well as gain access to other opportunities to advance their badminton careers.
 
Over 3,000 players took part in the AJBC last year, showcasing the depth of talent and passion for the sport among Malaysian youth. The championship is expected to attract a similar level of enthusiasm in 2026, with 10 Qualifying Rounds set to take place nationwide.
 
This year, on top of the cash prizes, 12 winners will also be chosen to participate in an exclusive international training camp, where they will have the opportunity to train with world-class coaches and experience a competitive global environment.
 
The aim of the AJBC is to provide a platform for young badminton talents to pursue their passion, develop their skills and gain exposure to competitive play. By investing in grassroots development, Allianz Malaysia hopes to inspire the next generation of badminton champions and contribute to Malaysia’s legacy in the sport.
 
The first Qualifying Round will take place in Ipoh, Perak from 24 to 26 April 2026, with further rounds to follow in various locations across the country including Putrajaya, Johor, Terengganu, Pahang, Sabah, Sarawak, Melaka, Kedah and Penang.
 
The AJBC Grand Finals, featuring U-13 and U-15 finalists from all the Qualifying Rounds, will be held in Kuala Lumpur from 2 to 7 December 2026. Each round will see 24 players qualifying for the finals. The U-11 players will not advance to the Grand Finals.
 
Like previous years, players participating in the AJBC Qualifying Rounds do not have to pay any entrance fees. The top three winners of the Qualifying Rounds for all age categories will take home RM500, RM300 and RM150 (singles) and RM600, RM400 and RM200 (doubles).
 
Players finishing in the top three at the Grand Finals will pocket RM1,000, RM600 and RM300 (singles) and RM1,200, RM800 and RM400 (doubles). And as mentioned, 12 winners will also have the chance to join an exclusive international training camp.
 
The AJBC is supported by the Sports, Co-curricular and Arts Division, Ministry of Education Malaysia and the Badminton Association of Malaysia.
 
Registration for Qualifying Round 1 in Ipoh opens on 6 April 2026. For more information and for those who are keen to participate in the AJBC, please visit www.allianz.com.my/ajbc. 

SOURCE: Allianz Malaysia Berhad 

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT: 
Name: Shamala Gopalan
Group Head
Corporate Communications Department
Allianz Malaysia Berhad
Tel: 016.285.0685
Email: shamala.gopalan@allianz.com.my 

Name: Gary Mark Nagan
Manager
Corporate Communications Department
Allianz Malaysia Berhad
Tel: 012.367.1450
Email: gary.nagan@allianz.com.my 

--BERNAMA