MINTRED and MIDA Launch Sarawak Global Supply Chain and Sourcing Programme 2026 to Connect Local Businesses with Regional and Global Value Chains

YBhg. Datuk Sikh Shamsul Ibrahim Sikh Abdul Majid, Chief Executive Officer of MIDA

KUCHING, Sept 30 (Bernama) -- The Sarawak Government has launched the Sarawak Global Supply Chain and Sourcing Programme 2026 at the Pullman Hotel, Kuching, reaffirming its commitment to strengthening industrial linkages, developing local enterprises, and enhancing Sarawak’s participation in regional and global supply chains.

The inaugural programme, aimed at building a more resilient supply chain ecosystem in Sarawak, was officiated by The Honourable Datuk Amar Haji Awang Tengah bin Ali Hasan, Deputy Premier of Sarawak, Minister for International Trade, Industry and Investment, and Second Minister for Natural Resources and Urban Development Sarawak.

Led by the Ministry of International Trade, Industry and Investment (MINTRED) and the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA), in collaboration with the Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE), InvestSarawak, the Regional Corridor Development Authority (RECODA), and the Sarawak Digital Economy Corporation (SDEC), the programme brings together multinational corporations (MNCs), anchor companies, investors, government agencies, and local enterprises to explore sourcing, procurement, and partnership opportunities.

In his keynote address, the Deputy Premier emphasised that Sarawak has entered a new phase of industrial development, where the focus extends beyond attracting investments to ensuring that these investments generate meaningful economic value through stronger local participation, technology transfer, skills development, and integration into global supply chains.

Sarawak’s investment momentum remains strong, having secured RM116 billion in approved investments across the primary, manufacturing, and services sectors between 2021 and 2025, with domestic investments accounting for 61 per cent of the total. The State also recorded RM10.8 billion in approved investments in the first half of 2026, reflecting continued investor confidence in Sarawak’s economic direction, infrastructure, and green energy capabilities. MIDA continues to work closely with the Sarawak Government and relevant agencies to facilitate high-quality investments, strengthen local sourcing, and create greater opportunities for Sarawak-based companies to participate more meaningfully in regional and global supply chains.

The Honourable Datuk Amar Haji Awang Tengah bin Ali Hasan highlighted the importance of developing a comprehensive industrial ecosystem around major investments, particularly in strategic sectors such as advanced manufacturing and semiconductors, green energy, downstream oil and gas and petrochemicals, green metals, hydrogen and clean technologies, the digital economy and artificial intelligence, aerospace and precision engineering, as well as agriculture and food manufacturing.

He encouraged Sarawakian enterprises to seize the opportunities presented by the programme by enhancing competitiveness, embracing digital transformation, investing in technology, adopting international standards, and strengthening workforce capabilities to meet global market demands.

The programme also serves as a platform for multinational corporations and anchor companies to strengthen engagement with local suppliers and service providers, fostering long-term commercial partnerships and developing a more resilient and diversified supply chain ecosystem in Sarawak.

Datuk Sikh Shamsul Ibrahim Sikh Abdul Majid, Chief Executive Officer of MIDA, said, “Our focus is not only attracting anchor investments, but also on ensuring that these investments open up more opportunities for local companies. Through this programme, we are bringing anchor companies and Sarawak-based businesses together to better understand procurement requirements, identify capability gaps, and build stronger business linkages. We want to see more Sarawak companies become suppliers and partners to these investors, strengthen their capabilities, and ultimately position themselves to participate in regional and global supply chains. MIDA will continue to work closely with the Sarawak Government and our strategic partners to help make this happen.”

“This reflects the spirit of #InvestLokal – ensuring that investments translate into stronger local capabilities, deeper industry linkages and greater opportunities for Malaysian businesses,” he added.

According to the Deputy Premier, collaboration among industry players, government agencies, financial institutions, academia, and technology providers is essential to building a competitive industrial environment that supports sustainable economic growth.

The two-day programme features networking sessions, knowledge-sharing forums, business matching engagements, and business clinics designed to facilitate collaboration between local enterprises and global industry players. With attendance of more than 300 participants, the programme aims to turn business connections into tangible commercial outcomes, including supplier development, investment opportunities, technology transfer, and job creation.

In concluding his address, The Honourable Datuk Amar Haji Awang Tengah bin Ali Hasan called on all stakeholders to work to strengthen Sarawak’s industrial ecosystem and enhance the State’s position as a strategic and reliable hub within regional and global supply chains. He then officially launched the Sarawak Global Supply Chain and Sourcing Programme 2026.

About MIDA
MIDA is the government’s principal investment promotion and development agency under the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI) to oversee and drive investments into the manufacturing and services sectors in Malaysia. Headquartered in Kuala Lumpur Sentral, MIDA has 12 regional and 20 overseas offices. MIDA continues to be the strategic partner to businesses in seizing the opportunities arising from the technology revolution of this era. For more information, please visit http://www.mida.gov.my and follow us on X, Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, TikTok and YouTube channels.

About MINTRED
The Ministry of International Trade, Industry and Investment Sarawak (MINTRED) is the Sarawak Government ministry responsible for driving industrial development, facilitating investment, promoting international trade and supporting the growth of SMEs and entrepreneurs. The Ministry plays a key role in positioning Sarawak as a preferred investment destination and trading partner by facilitating business and investment opportunities, strengthening industry capabilities and supporting the State’ s overall economic development.

SOURCE: Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA)

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT ​
MIDA
Puan Rozita Ibrahim
Director, Domestic Investment Division
Tel: (603) 2267 3498
Email: rozita@mida.gov.my

MINTRED
Ms. Lo Sheau Sia
Deputy Permanent Secretary
Tel: 082-495748
Email: loss@sarawak.gov.my

--BERNAMA

IEM AND NMB FORGE STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP TO ADVANCE ENGINEERING INNOVATION, EMERGING TECHNOLOGIES AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 25 (Bernama) -- NMB (NanoMalaysia Berhad), a company limited by guarantee under the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MOSTI), today exchanged a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with The Institution of Engineers, Malaysia (IEM) at the ENGINEER & MARVEX 2026 Exhibition, marking a strategic partnership to strengthen collaboration between the engineering profession and Malaysia's technology commercialisation ecosystem.

This collaboration brings together IEM’s engineering expertise and professional network with NMB’s experience in technology commercialisation and industrial development. Together, we aim to create impactful programmes that bridge innovation and industry needs while supporting Malaysia's transition towards a knowledge-based and sustainable and innovation-driven economy, in line with IEM's IMPACT 2030 vision.

Through the MoU, IEM and NMB will undertake joint initiatives in research, consultancy, technology deployment, standards development, professional competency enhancement, industry engagement, knowledge sharing, and talent development. The partnership will also facilitate collaborations in areas such as advanced materials, digital technologies, Industry 2.0, renewable energy, hydrogen, and other strategic technology sectors such as battery technology and industry localisation.

Prof. (Adj.) Dr. Rezal Khairi Ahmad, Chief Executive Officer of NMB Group, said: "NMB is committed to accelerating the commercialisation of advanced technologies and delivering industry-ready solutions that contribute to national development. Through this partnership with IEM, we will strengthen collaboration among industry, academia, government and professional practitioners to drive innovation-led growth and enhance Malaysia's technological capabilities."

Meanwhile, Ir. Yau Chau Fong, President of IEM, said: "This collaboration brings together IEM's extensive engineering expertise and professional network with NMB's experience in technology commercialisation and industrial development. Together, we aim to create impactful programmes that bridge innovation and industry needs while supporting Malaysia's transition towards a knowledge-based and sustainable economy."

The partnership also recognises IEM's role as a neutral professional platform that brings together government agencies, regulators, industry players, academia and professional bodies to facilitate technical dialogue, consensus-building and the development of engineering standards and competencies for emerging technologies.

The MoU, which is valid for an initial period of three years, is expected to catalyse high-impact programmes that support knowledge transfer, workforce development, technology adoption and greater industry-academia-government collaboration. 

ABOUT NMB
NMB (NanoMalaysia Berhad) was incorporated in 2011 as a company limited by guarantee (CLBG) under the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MOSTI) to act as a business entity entrusted with nanotechnology commercialisation and industrialisation activities through the NanoMalaysia Venture Builder model. NMB is entrusted with driving nanotechnology development, advancing local EV component technology, and spearheading the hydrogen economy in Malaysia.

ABOUT THE INSTITUTION OF ENGINEERS, MALAYSIA (IEM)

Established in 1959, the Institution of Engineers, Malaysia is the premier learned society for the engineering profession in Malaysia. IEM promotes and advances the science and profession of engineering while facilitating the exchange of technical knowledge and professional expertise among engineers and stakeholders.

SOURCE: NMB (NanoMalaysia Berhad) 

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

--BERNAMA

Nanning Friendship Cities Conference Highlights AI, Connectivity and Cultural Tourism

Aerial view of downtown Nanning.

NANNING, China, Sept. 22, 2026 /Xinhua-AsiaNet/ --

The 2026 Nanning-Hanoi Economic Corridor and Belt and Road Nanning Friendship Cities Conference was held in Nanning, south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, on Sept. 18, bringing together government, business and academic representatives from several countries and regions.

The Publicity Department of Nanning City noted that under the theme "Empowering Cities with Digital Intelligence, Connecting for a Shared Future," the conference focused on artificial intelligence, the Pinglu Canal and cultural tourism.

With the continued development of the New International Land-Sea Trade Corridor, the signing of the China-ASEAN Free Trade Area 3.0 Upgrade Protocol and the opening of the Pinglu Canal, cooperation between Nanning and ASEAN cities is gaining new momentum in trade, logistics, the digital economy and people-to-people exchanges.

Zhong Dezhi, deputy secretary of the CPC Nanning Municipal Committee and acting mayor of Nanning, said the city hopes to deepen cooperation with its international friendship cities in connectivity, trade, artificial intelligence, culture, tourism and youth exchanges.

This year marks the 20th anniversary of friendly ties between Nanning and Hai Phong, Vietnam. Hoang Minh Cuong, vice chairman of the Hai Phong People's Committee, said Hai Phong looks forward to stronger cooperation with Nanning in digital transformation and logistics, while expanding youth, cultural and tourism exchanges.

Artificial intelligence was a key focus of the conference. Participants discussed how digital technologies can support urban governance, industrial development and international cooperation. The Nanning International Friendship Cities AI Industry Cooperation Alliance was also launched to promote exchanges and industrial cooperation among partner cities.

The Pinglu Canal also featured prominently in discussions. The canal is expected to strengthen links between Nanning, the Beibu Gulf ports and ASEAN markets, while creating new opportunities for logistics, trade and tourism.

Nanning is also exploring canal-based tourism products, including sightseeing passenger routes and cultural experiences, linking transport connectivity with tourism development.

The Publicity Department added that cultural tourism was another major area of cooperation. Participants discussed tourism route development, visitor exchanges and cultural programs, with a focus on strengthening people-to-people ties among friendship cities.

A number of cooperation projects were signed during the conference, further expanding Nanning's partnerships with international friendship cities, particularly those in ASEAN.

SOURCE: The Publicity Department of Nanning City

--BERNAMA 

LB GROUP COMMITS RM1 BILLION INVESTMENT, STRENGTHENING MALAYSIA’S ADVANCED CHEMICALS INDUSTRY

LB Groundbreaking Ceremony

New Gurun, Kedah Facility to Support 300,000-Tonne Annual Capacity and Strengthen Malaysia’s Regional Manufacturing and Supply Chain Position

KEDAH, Malaysia, Sept 24 (Bernama) -- LB Group Co., Ltd. (SZ: 002601), a global leader in titanium dioxide (𝑇𝑖𝑂2) and advanced inorganic chemical materials, today marked a significant milestone in its international expansion with the groundbreaking ceremony for its Malaysian subsidiary, LB Advanced Material Asia Sdn. Bhd., at the Gurun Heavy Industrial Park (GHIP), Kedah.

Spanning 60.1 acres, the new facility represents a total investment of RM1 billion (approximately USD245 million), with RM600 million investment for Phase 1. The facility will be developed in phases, with a planned annual production capacity of 300,000 tonnes upon completion, strengthening LB Group’s manufacturing footprint and supply chain capabilities in Southeast Asia.

Datuk Sikh Shamsul Ibrahim Sikh Abdul Majid, Chief Executive Officer of the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA), said, "LB Group’s decision to establish its manufacturing facility in Gurun, Kedah, is a strong vote of confidence in Malaysia’s industrial ecosystem and our potential as a regional manufacturing hub. Its investment in titanium dioxide (𝑇𝑖𝑂2) and advanced inorganic chemical materials will strengthen our capabilities in high-value manufacturing and contribute to the development of a more complex and resilient chemical industry, in line with the New Industrial Master Plan 2030 and the Chemical Industry Roadmap 2030. MIDA together with the Kedah State Government will continue to facilitate the project’s implementation, strengthen linkages with local suppliers and maximise the wider economic opportunities arising from this investment.”

Mr. Liang Sun, Director of LB Advanced Materials Asia Sdn. Bhd. emphasised, "Malaysia offers exceptional strategic advantages, robust heavy industrial infrastructure, and a welcoming investment environment. Gurun's direct access to major highway and rail networks seamlessly connects us to Penang Port, ensuring optimal export efficiency. Establishing LB Advanced Material Asia allows us to better serve our regional and global clients while navigating international trade dynamics with greater flexibility."

As a leading global manufacturer of titanium dioxide, LB Group operates an integrated value chain covering titanium minerals, titanium dioxide and titanium sponge, alongside businesses in zirconium products and new energy materials. Its flagship BILLIONS™ brand serves more than 1,500 clients globally across a wide range of applications, including coatings, plastics, inks and paper.

The project is expected to create over 300 skilled employment opportunities for Malaysians while contributing to the development of Kedah’s industrial and chemical manufacturing ecosystem.

About MIDA
MIDA is the government’s principal investment promotion and development agency under the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI) to oversee and drive investments into the manufacturing and services sectors in Malaysia. Headquartered in Kuala Lumpur Sentral, MIDA has 12 regional and 20 overseas offices. MIDA partners with investors at every stage of their journey, supporting sustainable growth and long-term value creation for Malaysia. For more information, please visit www.mida.gov.my and follow MIDA on X, Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, TikTok and YouTube.

About LB Group
Founded in 1955 and headquartered in Jiaozuo, Henan Province, China, LB Group is listed on the Shenzhen Stock Exchange (SZ: 002601). The group specializes in titanium dioxide ( 𝑇𝑖𝑂2 ), sponge titanium, zirconium products, and new energy materials, with an annual 𝑇𝑖𝑂2 capacity exceeding 1.51 million tonnes.

SOURCE: Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA)

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT
MIDA
Name: Siti Halimaton Mohd. Rejab
Director, Chemical and Advanced Material Division
Tel.: +603- 2267 6701
Email: shalimaton@mida.gov.my

LB Group
Name: Sun Liang
Director, LB Advanced Material Asia Sdn. Bhd.
Tel: +6017-2900586
Email: sunliang@lbgroup.com

--BERNAMA

CGTN Poll: 74.6 Pct See SCO As Pragmatic Path For Global Cooperation

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 22 (Bernama) -- A public-opinion survey conducted by China Global Television Network (CGTN) showed that 74.6 per cent of respondents believe the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) offers a pragmatic path for cooperation among countries with different systems.

Conducted by CGTN in collaboration with Renmin University of China through the Institute for International Communication in the New Era, the survey polled 13,707 respondents across 48 countries worldwide on the occasion of the 2026 SCO Summit, according to a statement.

The respondents also viewed the SCO as an important force in advancing a new type of international relations and a community with a shared future for mankind.

This year marks the 25th anniversary of the founding of the SCO, with trade volume between China and other SCO member states rising from US$12.1 billion in 2001 to US$523.5 billion in 2025. (US$1=RM4.07)

The survey found that respondents viewed the SCO’s pragmatic cooperation outcomes positively across various sectors over its 25-year history, noting that the organisation’s international influence has grown markedly in three priority areas, namely trade facilitation, investment and financing cooperation, as well as cultural exchanges and tourism.

Among respondents from SCO member states and dialogue partners, 75.4 per cent said the "Shanghai Spirit" provides a cooperation framework rooted in mutual trust, mutual benefit, equality, consultation, respect for diverse civilisations and pursuit of common development. 

Meanwhile, 71.7 per cent of respondents believe the SCO has amplified the voice of Global South countries and advanced the building of a fairer and more reasonable global governance system.

As a founding member of the SCO, China has consistently linked its development with that of the organisation and the aspirations of people across its member states.

Survey respondents also recognised China’s contributions to building an SCO community with a shared future, particularly in advancing regional economic cooperation, promoting security cooperation among member states, and providing development assistance and financial support.

In addition, 76.2 per cent of respondents said China’s Belt and Road Initiative has fostered a new landscape of interconnected and integrated global development, while 73.5 per cent said the Global Governance Initiative points the way for Global South countries to participate in the reform of the global governance system.

-- BERNAMA

Empowering Sarawak’s Workforce: MFPC Brings Wealth at Work Series 2026 to Kuching

Wealth at Work Series 2026

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 22 (Bernama) -- The Malaysian Financial Planning Council (MFPC) will brings its 2026 to Kuching on Saturday, 3 October 2026, at The Waterfront Hotel. Tailored for corporate leaders and multidisciplinary practitioners, this half-day seminar equips participants with practical knowledge to master their personal financial planning.

As part of a nationwide roadshow, the series follows successful runs in Petaling Jaya and Pulau Pinang, and will head to Johor Bahru this weekend before making its grand finale in Kuching.

Event at a glance:
Day/Date: Saturday 3 October 2026
Time: 8:30 AM – 12:30 PM (Followed by Lunch & Networking)
Venue: The Waterfront Hotel, Kuching, Sarawak

The programme features four specialised speaking sessions delivered by industry experts, alongside interactive exhibition booths that offer participants direct access to solution providers and networking opportunities. The seminar welcomes practitioners across all sectors—including engineering, healthcare, education, and financial services—reflecting a shared commitment to cross-industry financial literacy.

This event is organised in collaboration with SALIHIN International as the Principal Strategic Partner for WAWS Kuching 2026, alongside key collaborative partners including Securities Commission Malaysia (SC) and the Financial Education Network (FEN).

The initiative is further supported by professional bodies and trade associations such as the Association of Financial Advisers (AFA), CFA Society Malaysia, Malaysian Takaful Association (MTA) and Balai Ikhtisas Malaysia (BIM) together with its constituent member associations.

Complimentary seats are limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis. Interested participants, professionals and corporate delegations are encouraged to reserve their seats online at https://www.mfpc.org.my/waws

Moving forward, MFPC welcomes collaboration opportunities with organisations within and beyond the financial ecosystem to further advance the wealth management and financial planning industry, while promoting greater financial literacy and financial wellbeing nationwide and beyond.

MFPC’s professional qualifications, namely the Registered Financial Planner (RFP) and Shariah RFP programmes, are HRD Corp claimable and may also be financed via EPF Account 2 withdrawals. MFPC also offers public programmes and customised in house corporate training solutions tailored to evolving industry needs.

About MFPC:-
Established in 2004, the Malaysian Financial Planning Council (MFPC) is the professional body for financial planning in Malaysia. It offers the recognised Registered Financial Planner (RFP) and Shariah RFP qualifications, both approved by Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) and the Securities Commission Malaysia (SC) as prerequisite pathways for obtaining the Financial Adviser Representative (FAR) / Islamic FAR Licence and the Capital Market Services Representative Licence (CMSRL), respectively. MFPC upholds high standards of professionalism and ethics. Through nationwide initiatives like My Money & Me Workshops, the Council promotes financial literacy and empowers Malaysians to make informed decisions, while advancing excellence and innovation in the financial planning profession.

SOURCE: Malaysian Financial Planning Council (MFPC)

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:
Name: Mohd Farhan Bin Azizan
External Relations, Research and Publication
Tel: +6019 277 3521
Email: farhan@mfpc.org.my
Our website: www.mfpc.org.my

--BERNAMA

A New Highland for Modern Paper Industry Rises on the Banks of the Xijiang River Gangbei District, Vigorously Promotes High-Quality Development of the Modern Paper Industry

^{Workers are packaging paper products.}


GUIGANG, China, Sept. 22, 2026 /Xinhua-AsiaNet/ --

According to data recently released by the Bureau of Industry and Information Technology, Gangbei District, Guigang city, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region,the output value of paper manufacturing and paper products above designated size in the district increased by 24.37% year-on-year from January to July this year, demonstrating a robust and positive momentum in industrial development. Leveraging its advantages as a gateway to ASEAN along the Golden Waterway, Gangbei District is seizing major opportunities such as the construction of the Pinglu Canal Economic Belt. By deeply cultivating the modern paper industry track and focusing on the development of a marine-oriented economy, the district is driving the iterative upgrading, green efficiency, cluster agglomeration, and open quality improvement of the traditional paper industry. A modern paper industry highland, rooted in the Xijiang River, facing ASEAN, and radiating globally, is rapidly taking shape.

Since the beginning of this year, both production and construction in Gangbei District's paper industry have accelerated with remarkable vitality. Inside the production workshops of Guigang Longpai Paper Products Co., Ltd., equipment is operating at full capacity, with strong sales and production volumes reaching overseas markets. In the first half of the year, the total export value of household paper from this enterprise exceeded 60 million yuan, a year-on-year increase of 100.7%. Its products are sold to Australia, Canada, South America, Asia, and other regions and countries, with its share in the cross-border market continuing to rise.

With the Guangdong-Guangxi Circular Industrial Park as its core platform, Gangbei District is promoting the comprehensive agglomeration of industries, factors, and markets towards the sea. Through systematic cultivation, the district's modern paper industry has evolved from single-point production to a full-chain layout. The China-ASEAN Household Paper Industrial Park has been established, gathering 35 pulp and paper enterprises and constructing a complete industrial chain encompassing "pulping, papermaking, and deep processing." Products are Best-selling in the country and exported to Southeast Asia, Africa, and other regions, highlighting the growing effect of industrial clustering.

Focusing on strengthening and supplementing the industrial chain and empowering clusters, Gangbei District is leveraging its industrial foundation and circular economy advantages to implement precise investment attraction along the industrial chain. It is actively undertaking the transfer of high-quality industries from the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area. Key projects in high-end specialty paper, deep processing of paper products, and green environmental protection support have been introduced, with a focus on developing high-value-added paper products. Major projects such as Lee & Man Paper, Lezan Phase II, and Longpai Recycled Pulp are being fully advanced. Once these projects are fully operational, they will further improve the light industry system, activate new increments in the industrial economy, and inject strong momentum into regional industrial transformation and upgrading.

Relying on the advantages of park development, Gangbei District has built a low-cost, high-efficiency industrial ecosystem. Supporting resources within the park, such as Guitang Pulp and Huadian Steam, are directly accessible to enterprises, ensuring seamless connection and efficient linkage between upstream and downstream businesses. Local authorities have also introduced precise measures to reduce the prices of steam for papermaking and logistics transportation, achieving cost reduction and efficiency enhancement in enterprise production and operations.

With high-quality products and brand strength, local paper companies in Gangbei District frequently appear at the China-ASEAN Expo. A brand matrix including "Jiman," "Mandian," and "Hetianxia" is gradually taking shape, with Jiman Paper's annual output value exceeding 120 million yuan. Meanwhile, Gangbei District is actively guiding enterprises to lay out overseas warehousing and marketing networks, helping high-quality paper products go global and continuously expanding international development space.

Gangbei District has also established special working teams to conduct regular visits and assistance to enterprises, striving to resolve bottlenecks and difficulties in land use, financing, energy consumption, and environmental impact assessments. It is cultivating market entities of all sizes in a gradient manner and guiding enterprises to explore both the domestic high-end market and the ASEAN overseas market.
 
SOURCE: Bureau of Industry and Information Technology, Gangbei District

HUNAN CONFERENCE HIGHLIGHTS INNOVATION IN AGRICULTURAL HERITAGE

Ziquejie Terraces in Loudi, Hunan

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 22 (Bernama) -- More than 300 policymakers, researchers and industry leaders gathered at the opening of the fourth "From Ziquejie Terraces To The World" Global Farming Culture Exchange and Mutual Learning Conference in Loudi, Hunan, recently.

Held alongside the 10th East Asian Agricultural Cultural Heritage Symposium, the conference featured keynote addresses exploring how cutting-edge innovation can breathe new life into centuries-old farming traditions.

Attendees included representatives from the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations, delegates from Globally Important Agricultural Heritage System (GIAHS) sites worldwide, and leading scholars from universities, as well as representatives from civil society groups and private enterprises.

Featured speakers included Senior Coordinator of the GIAHS Secretariat at FAO, ‌Jérémy Mbiaramadji‌; ‌Project Professor at the University of Tokyo's Institute for Future Initiatives and Honorary Chairman of the East Asian Agricultural Heritage Studies Association, Kazuhiko Takeuchi‌; and Professor at Pusan National University and Co-Chairman of the East Asian Agricultural Heritage Studies Association, Lee Youn-Jae‌.

According to a statement, their presentations spanned biodiversity conservation, the role of heritage sites in rural revitalisation, and emerging models for integrating agriculture, culture and tourism, all grounded in the latest research and real-world case studies from across East Asia.

The Ziquejie Terraces, carved into the mountainside over two millennia ago, stand as a living monument to the fusion of southern China's rice-farming civilisation with the mountain hunting and fishing traditions of the Miao and Yao peoples.

The terraces are recognised as one of China’s first World Heritage Irrigation Structures and a GIAHS-listed site and continue to sustain local communities today.

In recent years, Loudi City has deployed Internet of Things sensors, big data analytics and virtual reality to monitor and preserve the landscape. Innovative programmes have also turned heritage conservation into a driver of economic opportunity, connecting local villages with global audiences seeking to learn from millennia of sustainable farming wisdom.

-- BERNAMA

Mavenir Launches AI-Native NetAIShield For Telecom Fraud Protection

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 18 (Bernama) -- Mavenir, the software company building cloud-native, artificial intelligence (AI)-by-design mobile networks, has launched NetAIShield, its next-generation AI-native fraud protection framework designed to protect telecom networks and subscribers against increasingly sophisticated fraud.

Mavenir said in a statement that NetAIShield comes with a multi-layered AI defence architecture built to correlate network telemetry, subscriber behaviour, signalling events, messaging intelligence and threat indicators into a unified, real-time view of fraud.

Designed to work alongside Mavenir's existing security portfolio or as an overlay for third-party fraud detection solutions, NetAIShield enables operators to detect, prioritise, and neutralise sophisticated attacks, including those utilising SIM farms and Application Farms, with minimal disruption to existing infrastructure.

NetAIShield’s key innovation is AI-Protected Communications, which extends fraud protection beyond the network to individual subscribers. While network-layer security protects the population by identifying and blocking fraudulent traffic before calls are connected, the most damaging scams increasingly occur during live conversations.

AI-Protected Communications addresses this challenge with a personal AI assistant that can intelligently screen unknown callers and monitor conversations for indicators of social engineering, deepfake voice impersonation, financial fraud, and other suspicious behaviour.

Operating transparently on existing devices without requiring new hardware, the capability works on a consent basis and supports regulatory compliance by informing callers that they are interacting with an AI screening assistant.

For ongoing protection, the AI assistant can remain on the call, providing real-time risk assessment, warning subscribers through whisper warnings, or helping terminate or redirect fraudulent conversations when necessary.

Mavenir added that the platform continuously learns from emerging attack patterns, enabling protection that evolves as fraud tactics change.

Built on Mavenir's proven security portfolio, which is deployed across more than 70 Tier-1 operator networks protecting over one billion subscribers worldwide, NetAIShield in combination with SpamShield, CallShield and LinkShield enables mobile operators to create a safe mobile experience for messaging, calling and browsing.

-- BERNAMA

Corgan Expands Aviation Practice in Asia Pacific with Ben Dawson Hire

 

Corgan Expands Aviation Practice in Asia Pacific with Ben Dawson Hire

SINGAPORE, Sept 15 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- Global architecture and design firm Corgan is pleased to announce that Ben Dawson has joined the firm as Aviation & Transportation Studio Leader in its Singapore office. In this role, Dawson will grow Corgan’s presence in the Asia-Pacific region and advise clients as they envision, design and deliver transformative airport environments that enhance passenger experience, operational efficiency, and provide for long-term growth.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here:
https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260913879906/en/ 
 

“Airports in this part of the world are unlike any others in terms of passenger volume, design, and ambition,” said Dawson. “Expanding Corgan’s international design prowess in the Asia-Pacific region is incredibly exciting, and I look forward to growing our team so we can meet the exceptional demands of our clients and the millions of passengers they serve.”

In his nearly 20 years of experience in architecture and aviation design, Dawson has delivered large-scale, technically complex projects throughout the region. His portfolio spans airport master planning, terminal redevelopment, commercial planning, and greenfield airport development, contributing to landmark projects including Kansai International Airport Terminal 1 Renovation in Japan, Clark International Airport in the Philippines, the new Changi Airport Terminal 4 and Changi Terminal 1 upgrading in Singapore, Jakarta Terminal 3 in Indonesia, commercialization strategy work with Vinci Airports in Europe and Sunshine Coast Airport Terminal Expansion in Australia. In Singapore, Dawson also oversaw the design and construction of the award-winning Gardens by the Bay, a $1 billion development at Singapore’s Marina Bay.

“Ben’s leadership in our Singapore office will transform how we operate and continue to grow in the region,” said Jonathan Massey, Managing Principal, Aviation & Transportation Sector Leader at Corgan. “Ben’s experience in delivering high-performance and complex projects, while championing collaboration and nurturing top-tier talent, will exponentially strengthen how Corgan leads in aviation design across the globe.”

Dawson’s leadership reflects Corgan’s continued investment in top aviation and transportation talent and its commitment to advancing design excellence across its markets and geographies. Ranked the third-largest architecture firm in the U.S. by Building Design + Construction, Corgan has designed a number of global gateway projects, including LaGuardia International Airport Terminal C, John F. Kennedy International Airport Terminal 5, Los Angeles International Airport West Gates at Tom Bradley and Terminal 6, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport Concourse D and Dallas Fort Worth International Airport Terminal D.

About Corgan

Corgan is an employee-owned architecture and design firm with 24 locations and nearly 1,500 team members globally. The firm, ranked as the No. 4 architecture firm by Architectural Record and Building Design + Construction, works with clients in a variety of sectors including aviation & transportation, data centers, education, government, health, hospitality & retail, mixed-use, multifamily, office, urban, campus & cultural, and workplace. The firm’s core disciplines are supported by a wide range of supplemental services including brand & graphics, furniture services, master planning and sustainability — all of which have a singular goal: to build environments where clients thrive. Founded in 1938, Corgan has developed a strong reputation for agility in design by anticipating marketplace changes and leading clients to thoughtful, data-driven design solutions. Its research insights and design expertise empower the organization to foresee emerging changes and develop solutions that minimize risk, create flexibility, and maximize longevity. To learn more about Corgan, visit www.corgan.com.

View source version on businesswire.com:
https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260913879906/en/ 

Contact

MEDIA CONTACT
media@corgan.com 

Source : Corgan

--BERNAMA 

ARTERIS EXPANDS MULTI-DIE PORTFOLIO FOR AI, HPC CHIP DESIGNS

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 17 (Bernama) -- Arteris Inc, a provider of semiconductor technology for artificial intelligence (AI) applications, has expanded its multi-die portfolio to help semiconductor companies transition from monolithic system-on-chip (SoC) designs to chiplet-based architectures for AI, high-performance computing (HPC) and consumer electronics.

The company said its new FlexGen Multi-Die product extends network-on-chip (NoC) connectivity and data movement across die-to-die links, allowing multiple dies to operate as a unified architecture without requiring engineering teams to redesign how data moves through the system.

Arteris president and chief executive officer, K Charles Janac said multi-die architectures are becoming increasingly important as semiconductor systems expand beyond the boundaries of a single die.

According to the company in a statement, the new FlexGen Multi-Die product is designed for non-coherent AI and HPC architectures and complements Ncore Multi-Die, which supports cache-coherent systems.

FlexGen Multi-Die supports bidirectional transactions over a single Universal Chiplet Interconnect Express (UCIe) physical layer (PHY), reducing PHY area, power and input/output requirements by up to 50 per cent, the company said.

It also supports virtual channel link technology to improve utilisation of chiplet input/output resources and quality-of-service mechanisms to maintain throughput for high-priority traffic across shared die-to-die links.

Arteris said its broader multi-die portfolio also includes Magillem integration automation, which helps automate chiplet and multi-die integration, and Cycuity hardware security assurance for identifying vulnerabilities and verifying security requirements.

The company said the expanded portfolio provides semiconductor engineering teams with technologies covering data movement, system integration and security as they develop increasingly complex multi-die designs.

Arteris said the solutions are being used by customers transitioning existing architectures from single-die implementations to multi-die products, while the expanded portfolio is available to early access partners and strategic customers.

-- BERNAMA

PETRONAS CARIGALI STRENGTHENS STRATEGIC PORTFOLIO WITH NEW BLOCK A-18-01 PSC

BANGKOK, Sept 14 (Bernama) -- PC JDA Limited (PC JDA), a wholly owned subsidiary of PETRONAS Carigali Sdn Bhd (PETRONAS Carigali), together with PTTEP JDX Thailand Ltd. Co and PTTEP JDX Thailand (JDA) Limited (collectively, PTTEP JDX), has received approvals from the governments of Malaysia and Thailand, for the new Production Sharing Contract (PSC) for Block A-18-01 in the MalaysiaThailand Joint Development Area (MTJDA).

The parties also signed a Gas Sales Agreement (GSA) with Petroliam Nasional Berhad (PETRONAS) and PTT Public Company Limited, supporting the continued supply of natural gas from the block to both countries.

The exchange ceremony of the signed agreements on 14 September 2026 marks the culmination of extensive collaboration among the Malaysia-Thailand Joint Authority (MTJA), PC JDA and PTTEP JDX to establish a new contractual framework linking the continued development of the existing Block A-18 (beyond the expiry of the current PSC on 20 April 2029) while incorporating an adjacent exploration area with an additional resource potential under the new PSC.

With a 35-year term commencing from 1 January 2026, the new PSC for Block A-18-01 encompasses both the existing Block A-18 area and the additional new area, providing an integrated platform to sustain production, unlock further resource potential and optimise the block’s long-term development.

Director of PC JDA, Ainoor Abizzurin B Abdullah said, “The approval of the new PSC ushers in the next phase of development for Block A-18-01, reflecting the enduring resolve and strong collaboration between Malaysia and Thailand. As a key source of natural gas and condensate for both countries, this milestone reinforces our shared commitment to maximise value through enhanced resource monetisation and operational synergies”.

Spanning approximately 7,250 square kilometres, the MTJDA comprises Blocks A-18-01 and B-17-01, which have a combined natural gas production capacity of approximately 700 million standard cubic feet per day with equal distribution to Malaysia and Thailand.

Block A-18-01 comprises the Cakerawala, Bumi, Suriya, Bulan, South Bulan, Senja, East Bumi, Samudra and Wira gas fields, including the open area. Meanwhile,Block B-17-01 comprises the Muda, Tapi, Tanjung, Amarit, Jengka, Melati and Andalas gas fields.

The new PSC reinforces PETRONAS Carigali’s commitment to investing in strategic assets, and pursuing sustainable growth for regional energy security.

Issued by:

Channels and Media Relations
Group Strategic Relations & Communications
PETRONAS

SOURCE: PETRONAS

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:
Name: Esha Lim Hwee Nee
Email: eshalim.hweenee@petronas.com

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

Name: Hana Nazsulaeeqa Harun
Email: hananazsulaeeqa.haru@petronas.com.my

--BERNAMA

CIMB wins Malaysia’s Best Retail, Investment and SME Banking Awards from Euromoney

 

Second from left: Jason Wong, Head of Strategic Initiatives and Projects, SME Banking Malaysia, CIMB Bank; Maznee Kamaruddin, Head, Equity Capital Markets & Syndicate, CIMB Investment Bank; Nor Masliza Sulaiman, Chief Executive Officer, CIMB Investment Bank; Haniz Nazlan, Chief Executive Officer, Group Consumer Banking, CIMB Group; and Daniel Cheong, Head of Consumer Banking Malaysia, CIMB Bank, celebrating CIMB’s three wins at the 2026 Euromoney Awards for Excellence.

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 14 (Bernama) -- CIMB Bank Berhad and CIMB Investment Bank (collectively “CIMB”) have been recognised for strong performance, innovation and customer impact, winning three key awards at the Euromoney Awards for Excellence 2026. CIMB was named Malaysia’s Best Retail Bank, Malaysia’s Best Digital Bank for SMEs and Malaysia’s Best Investment Bank.

These recognitions reflect CIMB’s continued focus on delivering customer-centric solutions through innovation, digital capabilities and deep market expertise across its retail, SME and investment banking businesses.

Novan Amirudin, Group Chief Executive Officer, CIMB Group, said, “These recognitions are a testament to the trust of our customers and the dedication of our teams across the Bank. They reaffirm CIMB’s purpose of advancing customers and society by making financial solutions more accessible, relevant and impactful for the people and businesses we serve.

We thank our clients and customers for the confidence they have placed in us over the years. As their needs continue to evolve, we remain committed to being a trusted partner supporting individuals in realising their aspirations and helping businesses achieve their growth ambitions through meaningful and lasting value creation.”

In retail banking, the Bank continued to deepen its diversified franchise through personalised propositions, digitally enabled journeys and stronger engagement across key customer segments. Revenue and profitability advanced during the year, supported by market share gains across auto finance, credit cards and retail deposits, alongside continued progress in digital sales and customer cross-sell. The Bank also continued to strengthen its wealth proposition, underpinned by differentiated investment solutions, broader product diversity, CIO-led advisory capabilities and enhanced digital wealth platforms. Momentum was particularly strong within the Preferred segment, reflecting deeper affluent engagement and the Bank's continued focus on expanding advisory-led and relationship-based wealth capabilities.

For SMEs, CIMB continued to advance digital banking with the launch of CIMB OCTO Biz, connecting account opening, financing and transaction banking through a seamless end-toend digital journey. The platform has onboarded more than 280,000 customers to date, offering real-time cash flow visibility, payments, foreign exchange, trade and financing services. The Bank also expanded financing access via embedded merchant financing with TNG eWallet, in addition to flexible financing through its SME FlexiCash, which uses account history and transaction behaviour to determine pre-qualified limits and link repayments to a proportion of revenue, better supporting businesses with uneven cashflows.

Meanwhile, CIMB Investment Bank’s leadership across Malaysia’s equity and debt capital markets, mergers and acquisitions, and bespoke financial advisory solutions, as well as its ability to execute complex transactions across multiple products, sectors and jurisdictions, further reinforced its position as a leading investment bank. In 2025, CIMB Investment Bank secured the #1 ranking in Malaysian equity and debt capital markets by deal value and share of wallet, while also capturing the top position in ASEAN equity and debt capital markets by deal value, with its execution of cross-border transactions reinforcing its position as a leading M&A and advisory house in ASEAN.

These three accolades reinforce CIMB’s brand promise, Moving You Forward, reflecting its continued focus on empowering customers and communities through accessible, inclusive and purpose-driven financial solutions.

For more than 30 years, Euromoney’s Awards for Excellence have recognised financial institutions that set the global standard in performance, innovation and client impact. The Awards for Excellence programme evaluates financial institutions through Euromoney’s benchmarking framework, using comparable metrics, structured submissions and a transparent research process to assess institutions against their peers.

SOURCE: CIMB Group Holdings Berhad

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:
Name: Anis Azharuddin / Kelvin Jude Muthu
Group Corporate Communications
CIMB Group Holdings Berhad
Email: anis.azharuddin@cimb.com / kelvinjude.muthu@cimb.com

--BERNAMA

MASAN HIGH-TECH MATERIALS EXPANDS GLOBAL TUNGSTEN BUSINESS

 

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 14 (Bernama) -- Masan High-Tech Materials (MSR), a Vietnamese strategic materials company, is expanding its tungsten business beyond its Nui Phao mine through resource development, processing capabilities and international partnerships.

In a statement, the company said its strategy is aimed at strengthening its position across the global tungsten value chain as supply chains are reshaped and demand for the strategic material grows. China currently accounts for about 82 per cent of global tungsten production.

MSR owns the Nui Phao polymetallic mine in Vietnam, one of the largest operating tungsten mines outside China, and has developed tungsten chemical processing capabilities through its Masan Tungsten Chemicals (MTC) business over a decade, with an annual capacity of approximately 9,345 tonnes.

The company is also advancing the potential addition of approximately 115 million tonnes of polymetallic tungsten resources at the Nui Phao Expansion and Nui Chiem areas, which could extend mining and processing operations by about 20 to 30 years, subject to the necessary procedures.

MSR is also expanding access to external feedstock to improve utilisation of its processing capacity. Its partnership with South Korea-based GB Innovation (GBI), which owns tungsten resources in South Korea, will enable MSR to process third-party feedstock in Vietnam into higher-value tungsten products.

The partnership supports plans to increase tungsten oxide production capacity to more than 8,000 tonnes of tungsten trioxide (WO₃) per year, while the company is also pursuing recycling initiatives to diversify its raw-material sources.

MSR recorded a net profit after tax before minority interest of 2,202 billion Vietnamese dong in the first six months of 2026, compared with a loss of 216 billion Vietnamese dong in the same period a year earlier. Net debt to earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) declined to 2.1 times at the end of the second quarter.

The company said it accounts for about 21 per cent of tungsten supply outside China, with more than US$700 million invested in its mining and processing infrastructure. (US$1 = RM4.06)

MSR said its tungsten chemicals, including ammonium paratungstate, yellow tungsten oxide and blue tungsten oxide, serve industrial and technology applications globally.

The company said the combination of long-life resources, advanced processing capabilities and international partnerships would enable it to participate across more stages of the tungsten value chain and support supply diversification beyond China.

-- BERNAMA

M Network to Participate in Malaysia Airports RFI for a New Airport Advertising Model

 

Lift Wrap in KLIA1 airport, Malaysia 

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 9 (Bernama) -- M Network has confirmed it will respond to the request for information issued by Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhad on the future of its airport advertising estate.

The RFI invites airport media operators and advertising concessionaires to submit views on how MAHB's advertising assets should be developed, with responses closing on 25 September.

Airports Covered in the Submission

M Network's response covers five airports spanning the peninsula and East Malaysia, reflecting the operator's intention to build a network rather than a single-terminal presence.

• KLIA Terminal 1

• KLIA Terminal 2

• Senai International Airport, Johor

• Kota Kinabalu International Airport, Sabah

• Penang International Airport

An Investment Commitment Above RM5 Million

M Network is prepared to invest more than RM5 million in the development of airport advertising infrastructure, covering both static and digital out-of-home formats across the network.

A portion of the digital inventory would be made available programmatically, giving advertisers automated access to airport screens alongside conventional booking channels.

Static and Digital Working Together

The proposal treats static and DOOH as complementary rather than competing formats. Large static structures anchor the environment while digital screens carry rotating, time-sensitive messaging.

Extending Coverage Beyond Departures

Airport advertising in Malaysia has traditionally concentrated on departure halls. M Network's approach places equal weight on arrivals and on the public concourse.

Arriving passengers represent a substantially underused audience. They move slowly through baggage reclaim and meeting areas, which delivers dwell time that departure gates cannot match.

•  Departures — existing high-value inventory, retained and upgraded

•  Arrivals — a largely untapped environment with strong natural dwell time

•  Public concourse — reaching greeters, drivers and non-travelling visitors

•  Landside and transit zones — connecting the terminal journey end to end

Raising the Ambience of the Terminal

M Network intends to introduce larger structures and panel formats across departures, arrivals and the concourse, improving the visual environment rather than simply adding advertising surfaces.

The objective is to bring Malaysian airport advertising to international standard, matching the scale and production quality found at leading regional and global hubs.

Technology in the Proposal

MAHB's RFI seeks input on measurement, automation and smart-airport integration. M Network's submission addresses these directly through its technology commitments.

• Omni-channel engagement linking airport screens to wider campaign activity

• Energy-efficient digital screen solutions aligned to sustainability requirements

• Programmatic DOOH capability on selected digital inventory

• Audience measurement supporting data-driven planning and reporting

About the RFI

MAHB manages 39 airports nationwide and one in Istanbul. Its review covers terminal buildings, flight information display systems, DOOH screens, trolleys and other airport infrastructure.

The operator has invited feedback on several delivery models, including a nationwide concession, regional clusters, minimum annual guarantees and revenue-sharing arrangements.

M Network will submit its response ahead of the closing date.

More about M Network: https://m.my

Source: advertising.com.my

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT: 
Correspondence
Email: m@m.my 

--BERNAMA