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

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

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

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

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

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

Ms Soo is a Chartered Accountant from the Malaysian Institute of Certified Public Accountants.
 

About Berjaya Sompo Insurance Berhad

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

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

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

About Sompo

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

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

To learn more, please follow us on LinkedIn or visit sompo-intl.com.
 

SOURCE: Berjaya Sompo Insurance Berhad

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

--BERNAMA

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

To participate in the Smarter Speed Challenge, please visit here.

About Bitget

Bitget is the world's largest Universal Exchange (UEX), serving over 125 million users and offering access to over 2M crypto tokens, 100+ tokenized stocks, ETFs, commodities, FX, and precious metals such as gold. The ecosystem is committed to helping users trade smarter with its AI agent, which co-pilots trade execution. Bitget is driving crypto adoption through strategic partnerships with LALIGA and MotoGP™. Aligned with its global impact strategy, Bitget has joined hands with UNICEF to support blockchain education for 1.1 million people by 2027. Bitget currently leads in the tokenized TradFi market, providing the industry's lowest fees and highest liquidity across 150 regions worldwide.

For more information, visit: Website | Twitter | Telegram | LinkedIn | Discord

For media inquiries, please contact: media@bitget.com

Risk Warning: Digital asset prices are subject to fluctuation and may experience significant volatility. Investors are advised to only allocate funds they can afford to lose. The value of any investment may be impacted, and there is a possibility that financial objectives may not be met, nor the principal investment recovered. Independent financial advice should always be sought, and personal financial experience and standing carefully considered. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future results. Bitget accepts no liability for any potential losses incurred. Nothing contained herein should be construed as financial advice. For further information, please refer to our Terms of Use.

Photos accompanying this announcement are available at:
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SOURCE: Bitget Limited

DISCLAIMER: BERNAMA MREM are not accountable for any causes of website defacement, misuse, or illegal activities connected to cryptocurrency, blockchain, tokenisation, or bitcoin. This material should not be considered as guidance or an opinion, as it does not constitute financial or investment advice. Use this information at your own risk; we are not liable for any losses or damages caused by the republication of this article.

--BERNAMA

POLYPLASTICS’ DURACON POM POWERS INNOVATIVE CRAWLER TRANSPORT SYSTEM

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

-- BERNAMA

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

SOURCE:  AirAsia MOVE

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

--BERNAMA

NIUSHOU MOUNTAIN LAUNCHES SPRING WELLNESS FESTIVAL

Niushou Mountain Cultural Tourism Zone

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

-- BERNAMA

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

SOURCE: NanoMalaysia Berhad

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

--BERNAMA 

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

 

MIA Logo

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

SOURCE: Malaysian Institute of Accountants (MIA)

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

Name: THANE MEYYAPPAN
Tel: +6012 248 9534

Name: MOHD FAIZ OTHMAN
Tel: +6012 622 5027 

--BERNAMA

Kioxia Unveils High-Performance SSD For AI Workloads

KUALA LUMPUR, March 17 (Bernama) -- Kioxia Corporation, a leader in memory solutions, has announced the development of a Super High (input/output operations per second) IOPS solid-state drive (SSD) designed to enhance artificial intelligence (AI) systems by enabling graphics processing units (GPUs) to directly access high-speed flash memory. 

The new SSD, branded the KIOXIA GP Series, is engineered to expand high bandwidth memory (HBM) capacity, allowing GPUs to handle larger datasets and accelerate data access for AI workloads and high-performance computing applications.

Evaluation samples are expected to be available to selected customers by the end of 2026, according to a statement.

The development aligns with NVIDIA’s Storage-Next initiative, which addresses the shift from compute-intensive to data-intensive workloads and the growing demand for GPU-accessible memory. By enabling GPUs to access flash-based storage, the initiative effectively extends memory capacity beyond the physical limits of HBM.

Kioxia said its GP Series SSDs leverage its proprietary XL-FLASH storage-class memory technology to deliver low latency, higher IOPS, finer-grained data access (512 bytes), and improved power efficiency compared with conventional triple-level cell (TLC) SSDs.

The company reaffirmed its commitment to advancing AI and high-performance computing through innovation and collaboration, noting that the GP Series is tailored to meet evolving AI workload requirements.

Kioxia is showcasing the Super High IOPS SSD emulator and other technology innovations at NVIDIA GTC, which runs through March 19.

-- BERNAMA

MALAYSIA HEALTHCARE STRENGTHENS ENGAGEMENT IN BANGLADESH AHEAD OF MALAYSIA HEALTHCARE WEEK IN DHAKA

KUALA LUMPUR, March 18 (Bernama) -- Bangladesh’s medical travel landscape is evolving as patients increasingly explore alternative destinations for specialised treatment abroad. For many years, Bangladeshi patients travelled primarily to India for medical care due to its proximity and established referral pathways. However, recent visa restrictions affecting Bangladeshi travellers have disrupted this long-standing treatment corridor, prompting patients and healthcare facilitators to explore new healthcare destinations across the region.

In response to this shift, the Malaysia Healthcare Travel Council (MHTC) is strengthening its engagement with Bangladesh as part of the ongoing initiatives under the Malaysia Year of Medical Tourism 2026 (MYMT 2026), which was officially launched in July 2025. Guided by its “Healing Meets Hospitality” positioning, Malaysia Healthcare brings together internationally accredited hospitals, specialised medical expertise and patient-centred care to offer Bangladeshi patients a trusted destination for quality treatment abroad.
 
As part of these efforts, Malaysia Healthcare will bring its healthcare ecosystem closer to Dhaka through Malaysia Healthcare Week in Dhaka, a series of engagements designed to connect Bangladeshi healthcare facilitators, travel partners and prospective patients directly with Malaysia’s leading medical institutions. The initiative aims to strengthen collaboration, build referral networks and enhance awareness of Malaysia as a trusted medical travel destination. Malaysia’s healthcare travel industry continues to demonstrate strong growth and international confidence. In 2025, the sector generated RM3.34 billion in healthcare travel revenue and welcomed 1.84 million healthcare travellers, reflecting Malaysia’s strong reputation as a leading medical travel destination in the region. This growth underscores the country’s ability to deliver high-quality care supported by internationally accredited hospitals, advanced medical technologies and a patient-centred healthcare ecosystem.
 
Hence, Malaysia Healthcare’s engagement in Dhaka seeks to further strengthen ties with Bangladesh’s growing medical travel ecosystem. By connecting local healthcare facilitators and industry partners with Malaysian hospitals, the initiative aims to expand referral networks and increase access for Bangladeshi patients seeking trusted healthcare options abroad. Mr. Suriaghandi Suppiah, Chief Executive Officer of Malaysia Healthcare Travel Council, said Malaysia is committed to strengthening healthcare collaboration with Bangladesh as demand for quality medical care abroad continues to grow.
 
“Bangladesh remains an important market for Malaysia Healthcare, and we are seeing growing interest from Bangladeshi patients seeking trusted and high-quality treatment overseas. We also congratulate Bangladesh on the formation of its new government and look forward to strengthening Malaysia–Bangladesh relations under the new Prime Minister's leadership. Healthcare and medical tourism present strong opportunities for collaboration between our two countries. Through initiatives such as Malaysia Healthcare Week in Dhaka, we aim to bring Malaysia’s healthcare ecosystem closer to local partners and patients, strengthen referral networks, and showcase Malaysia’s medical expertise and patient-centred care. As part of the Malaysia Year of Medical Tourism 2026 initiatives, Malaysia continues to expand healthcare collaboration across the region while ensuring patients have access to reliable, high-quality and compassionate care,” added Suriaghandi.
 
Demand for overseas medical care among Bangladeshi patients remains strong, driven by the need for specialised procedures, advanced medical technologies and faster access to treatment. Complex areas such as cardiology, oncology, organ transplantation, and advanced surgeries continue to drive outbound medical travel, with patients increasingly comparing regional healthcare destinations, including Thailand, Singapore, and Malaysia. Within this competitive landscape, Malaysia offers a compelling value proposition that combines internationally trained specialists, modern healthcare infrastructure and competitive treatment costs. Strong air connectivity between Dhaka and Kuala Lumpur, supported by multiple daily flights, further enhances Malaysia’s accessibility for Bangladeshi patients and their families seeking reliable healthcare abroad.
 
As Malaysia drives the momentum of the Malaysia Year of Medical Tourism 2026 (MYMT 2026), initiatives such as Malaysia Healthcare Week in Dhaka reflect the nation’s commitment to bringing the spirit of “Healing Meets Hospitality” to patients and partners across the region. By combining high-quality medical care with Malaysia’s renowned warmth, compassion and cultural understanding, Malaysia Healthcare continues to strengthen cross-border healthcare collaboration while building enduring partnerships that expand patient access to trusted treatment and elevate healthcare standards across the region.

About Malaysia Healthcare Travel Council
 
Malaysia Healthcare Travel Council (MHTC), established in 2009 under the purview of the Ministry of Health (MOH) Malaysia, is entrusted with developing and nurturing the “Malaysia Healthcare” brand. MHTC enhances, coordinates, and promotes Malaysia’s healthcare travel industry by fostering industry collaborations and building valuable public-private partnerships both domestically and internationally. With 80 member hospitals nationwide, MHTC continues to elevate the healthcare travel ecosystem through strong branding, seamless patient experiences, and strategic market initiatives. In line with these efforts, MHTC is spearheading the Malaysia Year of Medical Tourism (MYMT) 2026, the nation’s first dedicated year to celebrate and advance healthcare travel. MYMT 2026 serves as a milestone initiative to showcase Malaysia’s world-class healthcare offerings, strengthen its position as the premier global healthcare destination, and highlight the industry’s significant contribution to the national economy.
 
More information can be found at https://malaysiahealthcare.org/. 

SOURCE: Malaysia Healthcare Travel Council (MHTC)

FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT:  
Name: Mohamad Shahizam Fauzi                                                    
Head, Communications
Tel: +603 8776 6168                     
Email: shahizam.f@mhtc.org.my
 
Name: Muhammad Rasydan Ma’at                                       
Asst. Manager, Communications
Tel: +603 8776 6168         
Email: rasydan.m@mhtc.org.my 

--BERNAMA

Skild AI Expands Generalized Robot Intelligence Across Industries With ABB Robotics, Universal Robots, and NVIDIA

 

Skild AI is partnering with ABB Robotics and Universal Robots to deploy its omni-bodied robot brain across industries and applications, from factory floors to collaborative systems, without task-by-task reprogramming


PITTSBURGH, March 17 (Bernama-GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Skild AI, a pioneer in building generalized robot intelligence for any embodiment, today announced expanded collaborations with NVIDIA, ABB Robotics, and Teradyne Robotics’ Universal Robots (UR) and Mobile Industrial Robots (MiR) to deploy its AI-powered robot brain across multiple industries and applications. The company’s technology is to be shipped to production environments, including high-precision assembly for NVIDIA Blackwell systems with Foxconn.

Skild AI’s mission is to bring AI into the physical world through its general-purpose robotics foundation model, Skild Brain. It is an omni-bodied brain designed to control any kind of robotic hardware – any robot, any task, one brain. This enables a powerful data flywheel: the brain can combine data from different robot deployments and use it to improve itself, which in turn helps scale additional deployments that generate even more data.

Skild AI’s partnership with these robotics OEMs will accelerate this data flywheel through the large-scale deployment of Skild Brain. Conventionally, industrial robots must be carefully programmed by human experts, task by task, which is difficult to scale and often impossible to automate. Skild’s omni-bodied AI brain offers a fundamentally different approach: learning directly from data.

“Robotics is at an inflection point similar to where LLMs were a few years ago,” said Deepak Pathak, CEO of Skild AI. “Advances in hardware, simulation, and large-scale AI training are making general-purpose robot intelligence possible. By training an omni-bodied intelligence that transfers skills across embodiments and environments, we’re shifting from programming tasks to building systems that continuously learn and improve, even during deployment.”

“This partnership helps us to bring automation and robotics for SMBs and non-traditional manufacturing and unlocks large-scale deployment of Skild Brain,” said Abhinav Gupta, President at Skild AI.

Building Omni-Bodied Intelligence With NVIDIA’s Open Robotics Platform

Training a robotic foundation model requires a large diversity of data, a process known as pretraining. For large language models such as ChatGPT, this data can be gathered from the Internet, but in robotics, there is no equivalent “Internet of robot data.” Skild AI’s approach is to leverage (a) internet scale human videos and (b) large-scale robot simulations.

To realize this, Skild AI leverages NVIDIA’s open robotics platform, using the open NVIDIA Isaac Lab and NVIDIA Isaac Sim robot learning and simulation frameworks and the Newton physics engine to create physically accurate simulations. These tools allow the Skild Brain to simulate millennia of experience in realistic digital environments, across tasks and settings, before deploying in the real world. Once the Skild Brain is pretrained, it is then finetuned using small amounts of real robot data.

To extend learning beyond the limits of collected real-world data, Skild AI incorporates NVIDIA Cosmos world foundation models to generate and augment synthetic data, improving robustness and sim-to-real transfer. Once trained, the generalized robot brain runs on systems powered by NVIDIA Jetson, enabling real-time, low-latency AI inference on deployed robots.

“Physical AI is transforming the world’s largest industries,” said Deepu Talla, Vice President of Robotics and Edge AI at NVIDIA. “Built on NVIDIA’s open robotics platform and accelerated computing, Skild AI’s generalized robot brain demonstrates how foundation models trained in simulation can be deployed on real robots at scale.”

Deploying Generalized Robot Intelligence With ABB Robotics and Universal Robots

Through its collaboration with NVIDIA, Skild AI is working closely with ABB Robotics and Universal Robots to integrate its omni-bodied brain into their robot portfolios. By embedding Skild Brain’s shared intelligence layer into widely deployed industrial robots, manufacturers can extend automation into more dynamic, highly variable, and complex applications without needing to build task-specific code for every workflow.

“At ABB Robotics, we see more autonomous and versatile robotics (AVR™) as the enabler for the next era of flexible and efficient manufacturing,” said Marc Segura, President, ABB Robotics. “Integrating Skild AI’s generalized robot intelligence into our portfolio will help customers scale industrial-grade automation more quickly and address increasingly complex applications scenarios across a broad range of industries.”

“Universal Robots was founded to make automation simple and accessible,” said Jean-Pierre Hathout, CEO, Universal Robots. “Working with Skild AI and NVIDIA allows us to bring advanced AI capabilities to our cobots — enabling them to handle more dynamic, variable tasks across industries.”

“This partnership helps us to bring automation and robotics for SMBs and non-traditional manufacturing and unlocks large-scale deployment of Skild Brain,” said Abhinav Gupta, President, Skild AI.

Early Success in Advanced Manufacturing

Skild AI is working with partners to deploy its solution in enterprise applications for advanced manufacturing. In partnership with Foxconn, Skild AI is planning to ship its omni-bodied brain to control dual-arms on NVIDIA’s Blackwell GPU production lines, performing complex assembly operations requiring precise manipulation and adaptability.

About Skild AI

Skild AI builds omni-bodied robot intelligence: AI-powered robot brains designed to operate any kind of robot for any application. By training foundation models and deploying them in real-world environments, Skild AI is advancing adaptable, intelligent robotics across industries. Today’s announcement with robot OEMs marks a key milestone in moving this technology towards generating real-world economic value.

A video accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/e616c088-edb9-4604-ba40-89b88498bc7b

Contacts:

Aditya Raghunathan
aditya@skild.ai

Skild
press@skild.ai 

SOURCE: Skild AI

Sukuk House: Strengthening Labuan IBFC as a Global Sukuk Structuring Hub

KUALA LUMPUR, March 17 (Bernama) -- The establishment of Sukuk House by Tek Securities Ltd at Labuan International Business and Financial Centre (Labuan IBFC) marks an important milestone in the continued evolution of Malaysia’s Islamic capital market ecosystem. Soon to be officially launched next month, Sukuk House represents a dedicated platform designed to facilitate the structuring, issuance and distribution of international sukuk from Labuan to global markets.

Over the past two decades, Labuan IBFC has built a strong reputation as a centre for cross-border Islamic finance, supported by a comprehensive regulatory framework under the Labuan Islamic Financial Services and Securities Act. This framework enables financial institutions, investment banks, trust companies and capital market intermediaries to structure innovative Shariah-compliant financial instruments for international investors. Within this ecosystem, Sukuk House aims to further strengthen Labuan’s position as a specialised hub for global sukuk structuring.

Sukuk House will serve as a centralised platform for sukuk advisory, structuring and issuance, providing end-to-end services to issuers seeking to raise funds through Islamic capital markets. The platform will facilitate the development of sukuk programmes for sovereigns, corporates and project developers across multiple sectors, including infrastructure, energy transition, logistics, technology and sustainable development. By bringing together structuring expertise, legal advisory, Shariah governance and international investor access, Sukuk House will help accelerate the growth of cross-border sukuk transactions originating from Labuan IBFC.

A key focus of Sukuk House will be the advancement of ESG and climate-linked sukuk, reflecting the growing demand for sustainable finance solutions globally. Sukuk structures that incorporate environmental and social objectives are increasingly being used to finance renewable energy projects, climate resilience initiatives and sustainable infrastructure. Through Labuan IBFC’s international platform, Sukuk House will enable issuers to access global pools of capital that are actively seeking Shariah-compliant and sustainability-aligned investment opportunities.

Beyond traditional sukuk issuance, Sukuk House is also expected to play a role in the innovation of next-generation Islamic capital market instruments. This includes the potential development of digital sukuk, tokenised sukuk platforms and cross-border Islamic financing structures that leverage emerging financial technologies. As global capital markets continue to evolve, the integration of digital infrastructure with Islamic finance principles presents new opportunities for efficiency, transparency and broader investor participation.

The launch of Sukuk House also reinforces Malaysia’s long-standing leadership in Islamic finance. As one of the world’s largest sukuk markets, Malaysia has consistently played a pioneering role in developing regulatory frameworks, financial products and market infrastructure that support the growth of Islamic capital markets. Labuan IBFC complements this domestic ecosystem by providing an international gateway through which global issuers and investors can access Shariah-compliant financing solutions.

Looking ahead, Sukuk House is expected to contribute significantly to strengthening Labuan IBFC’s role as an international Islamic capital markets hub, attracting issuers from ASEAN, the Middle East, Central Asia and other emerging markets. By facilitating innovative sukuk structures and expanding investor participation, the platform will help channel global capital into projects that support economic development, sustainability and financial inclusion.

In an increasingly interconnected financial landscape, initiatives such as Sukuk House demonstrate how specialised financial centres like Labuan IBFC can play a strategic role in shaping the future of Islamic finance while bridging global capital with real economic opportunities.

SOURCE: Tek Securities Limited

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:
Communications Department
Tek Securities Limited
Tel: +6011-1886 6887
Email: marketing@tekfinancialgroup.com
Website: www.tekfinancialgroup.com

--BERNAMA

Balai Ikhtisas Malaysia Strengthens Collaboration with Ministry of National Unity

Seated: Prof. ChM. Dr. Juan Joon Ching, President of Balai Ikhtisas Malaysia (BIM). Standing on his right: YB Datuk Aaron Ago Dagang, Minister of National Unity, during a courtesy visit to the Ministry in Putrajaya. 

PUTRAJAYA, March 13 (Bernama) -- A delegation from Balai Ikhtisas Malaysia (BIM) paid a courtesy visit to the Ministry of National Unity (Kementerian Perpaduan Negara) to explore collaboration opportunities in national development and social cohesion through professional bodies.

The delegation, led by Prof. ChM. Dr. Juan Joon Ching, President of BIM, was received by the Minister of National Unity, YB Datuk Aaron Ago Dagang, at the Ministry in Putrajaya.

Discussions focused on enhancing engagement between the Government and professional bodies to support national unity, social cohesion and inclusive nation-building. BIM highlighted the significant role of professional bodies in contributing expertise and leadership. Representing 23 professional member institutions with over 120,000 members, BIM unites diverse professions to contribute meaningfully to the nation.

“Professional bodies represent a wide network of expertise and leadership across the country. BIM believes that closer collaboration between the Government and the professional community can play a meaningful role in strengthening social cohesion and supporting national development,” said Prof. Juan.

The meeting also introduced PROFEX 2026, themed “Uniting Professions, Transforming Malaysia’s Future”, which will bring together around 300 participants from professional bodies, government agencies, NGOs, academia, the technology ecosystem, and youth leaders.

A key highlight is the PROFEX Multi-Professional Declaration, a written commitment by all 23 professional bodies endorsing unity, inclusivity, and cross-sector collaboration. The programme also includes a Youth Forum and Townhall Dialogue for students and young professionals to engage in meaningful intercultural discussions. PROFEX is designed for long-term impact, with at least five follow-up collaborative initiatives planned over 12 months to sustain contributions to the national unity agenda.

“PROFEX 2026 – Uniting Professions, Transforming Malaysia’s Future – will bring together professionals, young talents and the wider community to collaborate, learn and contribute towards a cohesive and inclusive society. We are grateful that the Ministry of National Unity is keen to support this event, reinforcing the role of professional engagement in promoting social cohesion and nation-building,” Prof. Juan added.

Both parties expressed appreciation for the discussion and reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening engagement between the Ministry and professional bodies to advance Malaysia’s national unity agenda.

About Balai Ikhtisas Malaysia (BIM):
Established in 1973, BIM is a non-political, non-religious, and non-profit national umbrella body representing professionals and professional institutions in Malaysia. BIM is committed to promoting professionalism, ethics, capacity building, and national development through inter-professional collaboration and policy advocacy. 

SOURCE: Balai Ikhtisas Malaysia (BIM)

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT: 
Name: Lisa Chong
Tel: +6012 672 3898
Email: lisa.chong@bim.org.my

--BERNAMA 

AM BEST DOWNGRADES PETRONAS CAPTIVE INSURER ENERGAS

KUALA LUMPUR, March 13 (Bernama) -- AM Best has downgraded the financial strength rating to A- (Excellent) from A (Excellent) and the long-term issuer credit rating to “a-” (Excellent) from “a” (Excellent) of Malaysia’s Energas Insurance (L) Limited (ENERGAS).

In a statement, the global credit rating agency said the outlook of these credit ratings (ratings) has been revised to stable from negative.

The ratings reflect ENERGAS’ very strong balance sheet strength, adequate operating performance, neutral business profile and appropriate enterprise risk management. The assessment also factors in neutral support from its parent company, Petroliam Nasional Berhad (Petronas), Malaysia’s national oil and gas company.

The rating downgrades reflect a trend of deterioration and increased volatility in ENERGAS’ operating performance in recent years, with higher-than-expected frequency of large losses resulting in large underwriting deficits for the company. Underwriting performance in 2025 remained negatively impacted by adverse loss experience, soft market conditions and reserve strengthening.

However, ongoing portfolio remediation measures are expected to support earnings recovery over the medium term, while investment income continues to provide a strong contribution to overall profitability.

ENERGAS’ balance sheet strength remains supported by robust risk-adjusted capitalisation, as measured by Best’s Capital Adequacy Ratio. The insurer maintains a conservative investment portfolio, largely allocated to cash, deposits and high-quality government and corporate bonds.

AM Best also noted that ENERGAS relies significantly on reinsurance to manage risk accumulation, which may expose the company to changes in reinsurance capacity and pricing.

As a single-parent captive insurer to Petronas, ENERGAS benefits from access to the group’s insurance risks. However, its underwriting portfolio remains concentrated by business line and geography, particularly in upstream and downstream energy risks in Malaysia.

-- BERNAMA