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

CGN Unveils Advanced Nuclear Power Technology At Shenzhen Conference

 

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 10 (Bernama) -- China's Gen-III+ advanced nuclear power technology, "Hualong One" 2.0, was unveiled at the CGN 2026 Sustainable Development Conference in Shenzhen, attended by more than 200 representatives from 28 countries and regions.

Building on the existing defence-in-depth (DiD) safety architecture, "Hualong One" 2.0 comprehensively optimises 14 safety features, with notable improvements in nine key safety indicators.

According to a statement, the technology enables operators to remain without intervention for 72 hours post-accident and achieves seven-day accident self-sustaining capability.

It also simplifies auxiliary system configurations, with pipeline length reduced by approximately 31 per cent, process valves by about 25 per cent, nuclear island building volume by 21 per cent and nuclear island installation volume by around 33 per cent.

In addition, the unit automation operation ratio is increased by 66 per cent, enabling more precise system regulation and faster response, while key equipment features 100 per cent localisation capability.

Previously, CGN launched "Hualong One", China's Gen-III nuclear power technology with independent intellectual property rights. To date, 10 "Hualong One" units have been put into commercial operation both domestically and internationally.

On this basis, the "Hualong One" research and development team, in collaboration with industry partners, has completed nearly 100 design optimisations and iteratively rolled out "Hualong One" 2.0.

On July 31, the State Council Executive Meeting approved eight nuclear power units, among which Phase III of the Guangdong Taipingling Nuclear Power Plant of CGN has been designated as a demonstration project for "Hualong One" 2.0.

-- BERNAMA

PETRONAS PROGRESSES MALAYSIA’S UPSTREAM DEVELOPMENT WITH ESTUARY CLUSTER PSC AWARD AND MUTIARA CLUSTER SEISMIC DATA HANDOVER

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 10 (Bernama) -- PETRONAS, through Malaysia Petroleum Management (MPM), has marked two key milestones in advancing Malaysia's upstream sector with the award of the Estuary Cluster Production Sharing Contract (PSC) and the handover of seismic data for the Mutiara Cluster, supporting continued exploration and resource development efforts.

MPM recently awarded the Small Field Asset Production Sharing Contract (SFA PSC) for the Estuary Cluster to Harvester Energy (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd (Harvester), a wholly owned subsidiary of Harvester Energy Pty Ltd, based in Australia.

Comprising the Lerek, Korbu and Diwangsa fields, the Estuary Cluster is located within the Malay Basin, a proven hydrocarbon province offshore Peninsular Malaysia. The cluster is expected to unlock stranded marginal oil resources through a technology-led development concept centred on a novel shallow-water subsea development approach.

This approach is expected to accelerate first commercial production, reduce capital expenditure and minimise the physical footprint compared with conventional development concepts. It also supports the reuse and redeployment of production infrastructure, in line with PETRONAS’ intent to enable innovative, commercially viable and lower-impact solutions for Malaysia’s small field assets.

Senior Vice President of MPM, Datuk Ir. (Dr) Bacho Pilong said, “The award of the Estuary Cluster PSC reflects PETRONAS’ continued focus on unlocking Malaysia’s discovered resources through innovative and fit-for-purpose development solutions. By introducing technology-led approaches, we are opening new pathways to monetise small and stranded fields that may otherwise remain undeveloped.”

The award marks Harvester’s entry into Malaysia’s upstream sector and reinforces Malaysia’s position as an attractive destination for agile and technology-focused energy players seeking to participate in small field development opportunities.

The cluster was offered through Malaysia Bid Round Plus (MBR+), which complements the annual Malaysia Bid Round (MBR) by providing investors with year-round access to selected upstream opportunities, and technical data through PETRONAS myPROdata. Beyond creating new investment opportunities, MPM is also supporting the progression of existing discoveries towards development by reducing technical uncertainties and enabling more informed development decisions.

MPM has also recently handed over an enhanced 3D seismic dataset to DIALOG Resources Sdn Bhd (DIALOG) for the Mutiara Cluster, located off the east coast of Sabah, marking a significant step towards progressing the cluster’s development towards production and advancing discovered resources in the Sandakan Basin.

Datuk Ir. (Dr) Bacho said, “The delivery of this enhanced dataset marks an important milestone for the Sandakan Basin, representing MPM’s first acquisition of new 3D seismic data over an area with existing coverage. The improved subsurface imaging will enable DIALOG to better evaluate Mutiara Cluster’s resources and support East Sabah’s long-term energy security.”

The Mutiara Cluster comprises five discovered marginal oil and gas fields, namely Nymphe, Nymphe North, Kuda Terbang, Benrinnes and Mutiara Hitam. Awarded to DIALOG under an SFA PSC during MBR 2025, the cluster is targeting first production by 2029.

The development of the Mutiara Cluster is further supported by efforts to optimise project cost and accelerate the First Gas Date, as well as the sharing of information and technical proposals to advance the cluster’s development.

These efforts are complemented by the ongoing collaboration with Sabah state agencies to foster development synergy and stakeholder alignment in support of Sabah’s East Coast long-term energy growth.

Together, the Estuary Cluster PSC award and the Mutiara Cluster seismic data handover demonstrate PETRONAS’ broader approach to strengthening Malaysia’s upstream proposition by widening access to investment opportunities and enabling resources to progress towards production more efficiently.

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

For photos, please access the files here:
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1zTHdACJhE8VhXcDMNZgZfymQcmUVypYL?usp=drive_link

Photo captions:

MPM Pic-1.jpg: PETRONAS, through Malaysia Petroleum Management (MPM), recently awarded Small Field Asset Production Sharing Contract (SFA PSC) for the Estuary Cluster to Harvester Energy (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd. Present at ceremony were (from left to right) Senior General Manager of Governance & Strategic Relations, MPM, Nurunnajwa Mohd Aras; Managing Director of Harvester Energy, Christopher Merrick; witnessed by Datuk Ir. Bacho Pilong, SVP of MPM.

MPM Pic-2.jpg: During the same event, MPM handed over enhanced 3D seismic dataset to DIALOG Resources Sdn Bhd (DIALOG) for the Mutiara Cluster. Present at ceremony were (from left to right) Senior General Manager of Resource Exploration, MPM, Azmir Zamri; Deputy Managing Director, Upstream of DIALOG, Saiful AzuanAbdul Aziz; witnessed by SVP of MPM Datuk Ir. Bacho Pilong, and Chief Executive Officer of DIALOG, Mustaffa Kamal Abu Bakar.
SOURCE: PETRONAS

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

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

--BERNAMA

Capcom’s Onimusha: Way of the Sword Drives Series Past 10 Mln Sales

 

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 8 (Bernama) -- Capcom Co Ltd announced that worldwide sales of Onimusha: Way of the Sword surpassed one million units on its first day of release, pushing cumulative sales of the Onimusha series past 10 million units.

The latest title marks the first new game in the series in more than 20 years and is a swordplay action game featuring protagonist Miyamoto Musashi, set in Edo-era Kyoto. The game combines the series’ sword-based action with updated technology, a narrative-driven experience and detailed visual environments.

Capcom in a statement said several pre-launch marketing initiatives, including multiple demo releases and hands-on exhibitions, helped broaden awareness of the title and contributed to its strong launch-day performance.

The company said it continues to release major new titles while also focusing on reactivating intellectual properties (IPs) that have not received new releases recently. Capcom aims to maximise corporate value by leveraging its extensive content library, including the Onimusha franchise.

The Onimusha series comprises swordplay action games in which players take on the roles of warriors with supernatural powers derived from the Oni, battling monsters seeking world domination.

The series has recorded cumulative sales of more than 10 million units since the first title was released in 2001, with Way of the Sword helping the franchise reach the latest milestone.

Capcom is a global developer, publisher and distributor of interactive entertainment for game consoles, personal computers (PCs), handheld and wireless devices. Founded in 1983 and headquartered in Osaka, Japan, the company is known for major franchises including Resident Evil, Monster Hunter, Street Fighter, Mega Man, Devil May Cry and Ace Attorney.

-- BERNAMA

BIDGELY TO SHOWCASE AI-DRIVEN SMART METER INSIGHTS AT ENLIT ASIA 2026

Bidgely will showcase how AI unlocks the true potential of smart meter data to help utilities drive enterprise-wide impact.

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 8 (Bernama) -- Bidgely will showcase its artificial intelligence (AI)-driven smart meter analytics at Enlit Asia 2026, demonstrating how utilities across Southeast Asia can use advanced data insights to improve customer experience, protect revenue and strengthen grid planning.


In a statement, Bidgely said the event will be held from Sept 22 to 24 in BSD City, Jakarta, bringing together utilities, regulators, technology providers and energy leaders from across the ASEAN region.


Bidgely Vice President for EMEA and APAC, Nipun Jain, said utilities across Southeast Asia have established a strong digital foundation through rapid advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) rollouts, with smart meters generating valuable operational data.


He said the company will demonstrate how AI and machine-learning analytics can turn interval data into outcomes such as reducing bill shock, addressing non-technical losses and building a more resilient grid.


At Enlit Asia, Bidgely will highlight solutions across three areas — value to consumer, revenue protection and advanced grid intelligence.


Its consumer-focused solutions provide personalised, appliance-level energy-use insights while equipping customer service representatives with data to resolve complex enquiries. For revenue protection, its AI algorithms analyse AMI data to identify anomalies and help utilities detect energy theft and reduce non-technical losses.


For grid intelligence, Bidgely will demonstrate how utilities can gain greater visibility into distribution assets, including transformer capacity and asset stress, as the adoption of distributed energy resources such as solar and electric vehicles increases.


Bidgely’s UtilityAI platform can be deployed as a fully managed software-as-a-service (SaaS) solution or within a utility’s preferred cloud and data environment, including Amazon Web Services, Microsoft Azure, Snowflake and Databricks.


The company will also participate in thought leadership sessions covering digitalisation and AI, ASEAN energy dialogue and grid modernisation, alongside three technical presentations on asset visibility, grid and feeder-level forecasting, and distributed intelligence for greater grid flexibility and resilience.


Through its participation at Enlit Asia 2026, Bidgely aims to demonstrate how utilities can move beyond using smart meter data primarily for billing and apply AI-powered analytics to support operational intelligence, customer engagement and the transition towards more resilient energy networks.


-- BERNAMA

EDGECONNEX JOINS SINGAPORE SUSTAINABLE DATA CENTRE TESTBED

 KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 8 (Bernama) -- EdgeConneX, a global provider of Build-to-Suit and Build-to-Density infrastructure solutions, has joined the Sustainable Tropical Data Centre Testbed Phase 2.0 (STDCT 2.0) Consortium as a top-tier anchor partner, strengthening its involvement in sustainable and efficient data centre innovation in Singapore.

The multi-year commitment includes funding for a shared infrastructure pool and direct contributions to selected projects, including EdgeConneX’s high-density data centre solution, Ingenuity. The collaboration will focus on next-generation, AI-ready data centre technologies suited to tropical operating conditions.

In a statement, EdgeConneX Senior Vice President of Engineering, Thorsten Ziegler said the company sees value in programmes such as STDCT 2.0 that bridge research and deployment by testing technologies in live operating environments and translating innovation into scalable solutions.

Hosted by the National University of Singapore’s (NUS) College of Design and Engineering, STDCT was launched in 2023 as the first data centre testbed in the tropics. Phase 2.0 focuses on technologies including advanced liquid cooling, heat-rejection systems, grid-responsive operations and artificial intelligence (AI)-native digital twins for ultra-high-density computing environments.

EdgeConneX will co-invest in and help shape the shared research infrastructure while participating in collaborative research and development, technology integration and field validation.

The testbed will include modular data centre environments, advanced cooling systems, high-resolution instrumentation and telemetry platforms, and an AI-native digital twin for system modelling, optimisation and predictive operations.

The STDCT 2.0 initiative brings together academia and industry to evaluate, validate, de-risk and accelerate sustainable data centre technologies for tropical environments, with the aim of supporting Singapore’s development as a hub for next-generation AI infrastructure.

-- BERNAMA

PROFEX Awards 2026

Caption : PROFEX Awards 2026 by BIM, curated by SEBA, celebrates Malaysia’s professional excellence and strengthens business connectivity. 

Prime Minister YAB Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim to officiate PROFEX 2026 as Malaysia’s professional community comes together to recognise leadership, innovation and national contribution

 
KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 4 (Bernama) -- Balai Ikhtisas Malaysia (BIM) will present the inaugural PROFEX Awards 2026, curated by SEBA, as part of PROFEX 2026 and Malaysia Professional Day, bringing together Malaysia’s professional, corporate, entrepreneurial and industry communities on 29–30 September 2026 at the KLGCC Convention Centre, Kuala Lumpur.
 
Positioned as a distinguished platform for professional recognition and industry connectivity, the PROFEX Awards by BIM, curated by SEBA, will recognise outstanding professionals, entrepreneurs, organisations and business leaders who have demonstrated excellence, leadership, innovation, integrity and meaningful contributions to their respective industries and to Malaysia’s development.
 
More than an awards programme, the initiative is designed to create a meaningful platform where recognition can lead to greater professional visibility, stronger industry relationships, business opportunities and regional collaboration.
 
Recognising Excellence That Contributes to Nation Building
The PROFEX Awards is founded on the principle that professional achievement should not only be celebrated, but also leveraged to inspire progress and create wider economic and societal value.
 
Across industries, Malaysia’s professionals play a critical role in driving innovation, strengthening organisations, creating employment, improving standards and contributing towards the nation’s competitiveness.
 
Through the PROFEX Awards, BIM seeks to provide a credible platform that celebrates these contributions while encouraging professionals and organisations to continue pursuing excellence, ethical leadership and purposeful impact.
 
The Awards will bring together distinguished professionals, entrepreneurs, corporate leaders, business owners, industry representatives, professional bodies and institutional stakeholders under a common platform centred on the theme of recognising contributions and empowering Malaysia’s future.
 
Curated by SEBA: Turning Recognition into Connectivity
The PROFEX Awards will be curated by SEBA, a platform under Yayasan Usahawan Malaysia, bringing SEBA’s experience in business recognition, entrepreneurship, stakeholder engagement and regional connectivity to the initiative. With an established track record in recognising outstanding organisations, entrepreneurs and industry leaders, SEBA brings a credible and structured approach to identifying and celebrating excellence across the professional ecosystem. The collaboration is intended to extend the value of recognition beyond the awards stage.
 
Through SEBA’s ecosystem and networks, the PROFEX Awards will provide opportunities for recipients and participating organisations to strengthen their profiles, expand professional networks, engage potential partners and clients, participate in industry conversations and develop new business relationships.
This approach reflects a shared vision between BIM and SEBA to establish the PROFEX Awards as a platform where professional excellence meets meaningful opportunity.
 
Advancing Malaysia’s Professional and Business Community
As Malaysia continues to strengthen its position as a competitive, progressive and connected economy, its professional community remains central to advancing national aspirations.
 
PROFEX 2026 seeks to bring different professions, industries and business communities together to encourage collaboration and greater cross-sector engagement.
 
The platform aims to:
●  Recognise outstanding professional, entrepreneurial and organisational achievements;
●  Promote leadership, integrity, innovation and excellence within Malaysia’s professional community;
●  Facilitate meaningful professional and business relationships;
●  Encourage cross-industry collaboration and knowledge exchange;
●  Provide greater visibility to established and emerging professionals and organisations;
●  Strengthen connections between professional communities, businesses and institutions; and
●  Support Malaysia’s role as an important business and professional hub within ASEAN.
 
Building Stronger Malaysia–ASEAN Connections
With ASEAN representing one of the world’s most dynamic economic regions, Malaysian professionals and businesses have significant opportunities to expand their networks and participate in cross-border partnerships.
 
The PROFEX Awards by BIM, curated by SEBA, will progressively develop its regional engagement by connecting Malaysian professionals and organisations with broader business and industry communities throughout ASEAN.
 
This regional dimension is intended to facilitate business introductions, professional collaborations, investment conversations, knowledge exchange and market exploration.
 
It also provides Malaysian organisations and professionals with a platform to enhance their visibility among regional stakeholders while strengthening Malaysia’s position as a centre for professional excellence, entrepreneurship and business leadership.
 
A Platform for Strategic Partnerships
 
The PROFEX Awards is a new national recognition platform established to celebrate outstanding excellence, leadership, professionalism and contributions across Malaysia’s diverse professional community.
 
Conceived as part of the broader PROFEX platform, the Awards seek to give greater national visibility to individuals and organisations whose expertise, integrity and achievements contribute meaningfully to Malaysia’s development. Over time, the PROFEX Awards aspires to develop into a highly respected national recognition associated with professional excellence and service to the nation.
 
Beyond recognition, the PROFEX Awards is designed to create meaningful opportunities for corporations, government-linked organisations, institutions, professional bodies and strategic partners to engage with an influential community of professionals, industry leaders and decision-makers.
 
Partnerships surrounding the PROFEX Awards can extend beyond conventional event sponsorship. They may encompass industry collaborations, professional development initiatives, thought-leadership programmes, business matching, knowledge-sharing platforms and other strategic initiatives that strengthen Malaysia’s professional ecosystem.
 
For corporate and institutional partners, the platform offers an opportunity not only to demonstrate industry leadership, but also to build meaningful relationships with Malaysia’s professional and business communities and contribute to the advancement of professional excellence nationally.
 
Professor ChM Dr. Juan Joon Ching, President of Balai Ikhtisas Malaysia, said:
 
“The PROFEX Awards is about recognising the people and organisations whose professionalism, expertise, leadership and commitment make a meaningful contribution to Malaysia. Professional excellence deserves greater national recognition because professionals are integral to the institutions, industries and services that drive our country forward.
 
“Our ambition is for the PROFEX Awards to grow into a respected national recognition of professional excellence. More importantly, we want recognition to become a catalyst for stronger collaboration, deeper professional networks and new opportunities that ultimately contribute to Malaysia’s progress.”
 
Professor Juan added that the Awards form part of a broader vision to strengthen the visibility, connectivity and collective contribution of Malaysia’s professional community.
 
Importantly, the PROFEX Awards is distinct from PROFEX 2026. While the PROFEX Awards serves as a dedicated platform for recognising professional excellence, PROFEX 2026 is the broader national platform bringing together professional bodies, industry, institutions and stakeholders for engagement, collaboration and dialogue.
 
The presence of Prime Minister YAB Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim at PROFEX 2026 further underscores the national significance of bringing Malaysia’s diverse professional community together on a common platform and recognising the important role of professionals in the country’s continued development.
 
PROFEX Awards will take place from 29–30 September 2026 at the KLGCC Convention Centre, Kuala Lumpur.
 
ABOUT PROFEX 2026
PROFEX 2026 is a professional engagement platform organised by Balai Ikhtisas Malaysia (BIM) that brings together Malaysia’s professional community to connect, collaborate, innovate and contribute towards national development.
Held in conjunction with Malaysia Professional Day, PROFEX provides a platform for professional networking, industry engagement, thought leadership, recognition and cross-sector collaboration.
The 2026 edition carries the spirit of:
Uniting Professions, Transforming Malaysia's Future
 
ABOUT PROFEX AWARDS BY BIM
The PROFEX Awards by BIM, curated by SEBA, is a professional and business recognition platform dedicated to celebrating outstanding individuals, entrepreneurs, professionals, organisations and industry leaders who have demonstrated excellence, leadership, innovation, integrity and significant contribution to their respective sectors.
 
Beyond recognition, the platform is designed to facilitate stronger professional networks, business opportunities and meaningful connections across Malaysia and ASEAN.
 
ABOUT BALAI IKHTISAS MALAYSIA
Balai Ikhtisas Malaysia (BIM) – Malaysian Professional Centre serves as a platform representing and connecting Malaysia’s professional community. BIM promotes collaboration, professional excellence and greater engagement among professional bodies and stakeholders while supporting the role of professionals in Malaysia’s economic and national development.
 
ABOUT SME AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP BUSINESS AWARDS
SME and Entrepreneurship Business Awards (SEBA), a platform by Yayasan Usahawan Malaysia (YUM), is a leading business recognition and entrepreneurial ecosystem platform dedicated to celebrating outstanding entrepreneurs, businesses, SMEs, brands and industry leaders.
Beyond recognition, SEBA focuses on creating opportunities for business visibility, strategic networking, industry engagement and regional connectivity, enabling its community to develop meaningful relationships and explore opportunities throughout Malaysia and ASEAN.

SOURCE: Balai Ikhtisas Malaysia (BIM) 

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT: 
MEDIA & OFFICIAL ENQUIRIES
PROFEX 2026 / Balai Ikhtisas Malaysia
Name: Lisa Chong
Centre Director
Tel: 7728 7171
Email: lisa.chong@bim.org.my

PROFEX Awards / SEBA
Name: Suzy
Tel: +6012 492 0079 
Email: media@seba.asia/Support@seba.asia

--BERNAMA 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Issued by

Channels and Media Relations
Group Strategic Relations & Communications
PETRONAS

SOURCE: PETRONAS

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

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

--BERNAMA

AM BEST RETAINS STABLE OUTLOOK FOR TAIWAN NON-LIFE INSURANCE

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

-- BERNAMA

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Appendix: 2026 UOB Heartbeat Run beneficiaries in Malaysia

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

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

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

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


SOURCE: UOB Malaysia

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

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

--BERNAMA

Top destinations for corporate team-building trips

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Media contact: press@holafly.com

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

SOURCE: Holafly

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

 

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

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

SOURCE: Malaysia Productivity Corporation (MPC)

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

--BERNAMA​