Tuesday, 15 April 2025

UNIFYING HERITAGE RESOURCES TO STRENGTHEN FUJIAN’S CULTURAL TOURISM GROWTH

Wuyi National Park

KUALA LUMPUR, April 15 (Bernama) -- The 2025 Fujian Provincial Conference on the Development of Cultural and Tourism Economy will be held in Nanping City, Fujian Province, for three days beginning April 17.

In the lead-up to the conference, six major 5A-level scenic areas, namely Mt Wuyi, Kulangsu, Fujian Tulou (Yongding), Fujian Tulou (Nanjing), Taining, and Quanzhou Mt Qingyuan, have jointly established the Fujian’s World Heritage 5A Scenic Area Alliance.

This initiative lays a solid foundation for Fujian to integrate its world heritage resources, further promoting the province's goal of becoming a world-renowned tourist destination.

In addition, it marks a significant step forward in the province's pursuit of coordinated and high-quality cultural tourism development, according to the organising committee of the conference in a statement.

As the only World Cultural and Natural Heritage Site and National Park in Fujian Province, Mt Wuyi is also the distinguished symbol of Nanping, the host of this conference.

In recent years, Nanping City has leveraged the strategic value of Mt Wuyi National Park to enhance its "Greater Wuyi Cultural and Tourism Circle" brand and promote the development of the "Mt Wuyi Protection and Development Belt".

The city has pioneered the construction of China's first national park scenic road system and developed a range of themed tourism products, including biodiversity education tours and Danxia landscape photography, which have shaped a replicable "Nanping Model" that blends ecological conservation with tourism development.

Utilising the resources of Mt Wuyi National Park, Fujian Province has actively engaged in international cooperation in cultural tourism, environmental conservation, and biodiversity research with countries along the Belt and Road Initiative, yielding significant outcomes.

The province has continued to make exemplary use of these resources to create a "go phenomenal" effect for its cultural tourism and generate higher appeal to an international audience.

-- BERNAMA

Monday, 14 April 2025

IRBM CALLS FOR TAXPAYERS TO IMPROVE TAX ESTIMATION AND EMBRACE E-ANSURAN AT THE MALAYSIAN TAX CONFERENCE 2025

Datuk Dr Abu Tariq Jamaluddin, Chief Executive Officer, Inland Revenue Board of Malaysia 

KUALA LUMPUR, April 14 (Bernama) -- The Malaysian Institute of Accountants (MIA) and the Malaysian Association of Tax Accountants (M.A.T.A) co-organised the Malaysian Tax Conference 2025 with the theme of TRANSFORMING TAX, FOSTERING GROWTH today at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC).

In his keynote address, guest of honour Datuk Dr Abu Tariq Jamaluddin, Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Inland Revenue Board of Malaysia (IRBM), highlighted two key initiatives aimed at facilitating and easing the compliance burden on taxpayers. 

ADAPT TAX ESTIMATION APPROACH, UTILISE REVISION WINDOWS

He praised compliant taxpayers for their diligent contribution to revenue and commended tax agents and managers for helping businesses to fulfil their responsibilities as taxpayers. Approximately 86% of corporate income tax was collected through monthly CP204 instalments, with 90% of companies paying on time.

Nevertheless, Datuk Dr Abu Tariq noted a high volume of tax refunds, which indicates tax estimation inaccuracies. To address this, he urged companies to “estimate their taxes based on forecasted business performance and to ensure that they are not relying solely on prior years’ tax estimation figures.” 

“Businesses are dynamic and tax estimations must adapt accordingly. Accurate forecasting enhances cash flow management and reduces refund processing delays. The new option to revise estimates in the 11th month, in addition to the 6th and 9th months, offers better flexibility and accuracy. We recommend companies to fully utilise the revision windows,” he advised.  

E-ANSURAN – EASING TAX COMPLIANCE 

Datuk Dr. Abu Tariq reiterated in his keynote address that IRBM’s role is not only to “uphold the law but to make it easier for people to do the right thing.” This includes expanding digital and self-service options for taxpayers, including greater payment flexibility to support taxpayers - especially business owners - in navigating real-world challenges such as unforeseen costs or temporary cash flow issues.  

To further enable payment flexibility, IRBM introduced e-Ansuran on 5 March 2025, a new and fully online instalment application service accessible through the MyTax Portal. While instalment options have been available in the past, e-Ansuran marks a major step forward as taxpayers can now make tax instalment payments from home or office, without the hassle of visiting a tax office or submitting documents.  

“We understand that paying a lump sum can be overwhelming, especially when you are juggling business commitments or facing unexpected expenses. With e-Ansuran, taxpayers can split their payments into two to six instalments, so long as the total amount is above RM300. The process is automatic, no supporting documents needed, no delays,” said Datuk Dr Abu Tariq. 

“This flexibility gives people room to manage their finances more effectively while still meeting their tax obligations. It also helps them avoid penalties or legal action down the line. We believe that initiatives like e-Ansuran won’t just reduce the burden on taxpayers, they will also lead to better long term compliance,” stated Datuk Dr. Abu Tariq.

Earlier Dato’ Seri Dr Mohamad Zabidi Ahmad, President, MIA, in his welcome remarks said that MIA hopes to inspire tax professionals to support Malaysia’s economic progress and sustainability initiatives in line with the Madani Economic Framework for sustainable growth. 

As the regulator and developer of the profession, MIA is committed to working with IRBM and other stakeholders to build expertise in taxation and sustainability and other core areas, therefore helping to drive Malaysia’s development.

NOTE TO EDITOR: 

About the Malaysian Institute of Accountants (MIA)
Established under the Accountants Act 1967, MIA is the national accountancy body that regulate, develops, supports and enhances the integrity, status and interests of the profession in Malaysia.  MIA accords the Chartered Accountant Malaysia or “C.A. (M)” designation. Working closely alongside businesses, MIA connects its membership to a wide range of information resources, events, professional development and networking opportunities. Presently, there are more than 40,000 members making their strides in businesses across all industries in Malaysia and around the world.  

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

SOURCE: Malaysian Institute of Accountants (MIA)

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

Name: THANE MEYYAPPAN                     
Tel: +60122489534  

--BERNAMA 

Friday, 11 April 2025

Innovation Meets Impact: SEEd.Lab Showcases Six Social Ventures at S.L.I.D.E 2025

Photo 2 - SEEd.Lab's Cohort 3 coaches and social entrepreneurs 

KUALA LUMPUR, April 11 (Bernama) -- SEEd.Lab, or Social Enterprise Education Laboratory – an incubator programme powered by PETRONAS and Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) – organised the SEEd.Lab Impact Driven Experience (S.L.I.D.E 2025), which saw the presentation of innovative solutions by six pioneering ventures from its third cohort to potential funders, industry leaders, and collaborators.

S.L.I.D.E 2025 provided an avenue for the ventures to accelerate their growth by establishing meaningful collaborations, securing mentorship, and building strategic partnerships to bring their innovations to the market. The six ventures span various industries, including sustainable agriculture, financial empowerment, STEM education, and elderly care. Each startup is developed through SEEd.Lab's intensive incubation programme, equipping participants with the tools to scale their solutions in creating meaningful changes to address Malaysia’s most pressing social challenges.

Head of SEEd.Lab, Aidonna Jun Ayub said, "Since its inception, SEEd.Lab has empowered changemakers by providing mentorship, funding, and commercialisation support. To date, SEEd.Lab has birthed 14 social ventures including six from its third cohort and positively touched 28,000 lives.”

“S.L.I.D.E 2025 serves as a crucial platform for these ventures to showcase their social businesses and secure strategic partnerships that will accelerate their growth and forge solutions for the communities. Making positive changes in the community is a collective effort, and SEEd.Lab is an active participant in this endeavour," added Aidonna.

The six social ventures showcased at S.L.I.D.E 2025 were:
 
AquFish: Helping fish farmers optimise feeding through precision-based smart monitoring systems.

ArtsProud: Igniting creative connections for seniors, combating isolation and enhancing cognitive health through immersive arts experiences that transform aging.

LearnaDo: Levelling up students' interest in science through game-based learning to make STEM education an unforgettable adventure.

ProLadang: Empowering farmers with satellite-driven insights for early pest and disease detection.

Quinterra: Pioneering sustainable food waste solutions through bioconversion using black soldier flies, and aquaponic regenerative farming.

Sagemaker Asia: Empowering financially vulnerable women to turn their sewing talents into sustainable businesses, creating handcrafted interactive Busy Storybooks for young children and corporate gifts.
 
Attendees at S.L.I.D.E 2025 had the opportunity to engage directly with the founders, explore potential collaboration and partnership opportunities, and contribute to shaping the future of sustainable and impactful business solutions. These ventures are eager to form strategic alliances with organisations and individuals who share their vision for creating lasting, positive changes. With the right support and collaboration, they aim to scale their impact and expand their reach to communities in need.

PETRONAS Executive Vice President and Chief Executive Officer of Downstream, Datuk Sazali Hamzah said, "Our mission at SEEd.Lab extends beyond the bottom line. The social enterprises that were grown within the programme demonstrate the power of a common vision and passion for change. We have seen the impact our ventures have created throughout the past five years SEEd.Lab has been operating and we firmly believe that these changemakers are the key to addressing some of Malaysia’s most pressing social challenges, one community at a time. We hope that S.L.I.D.E 2025 will create new opportunities for like-minded collaborators from industries as well as communities that will help strengthen the foundations of the ventures in their pursuit of impact creation and making a difference for the community they serve.”

Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) Malaysia Country Head Jeevan Rajoo said, "SEEd.Lab equips these entrepreneurs with the necessary tools, mentorship, and resources to develop scalable solutions that can truly make a difference. S.L.I.D.E 2025 is the bridge that connects their vision with the collaborative support they need to grow. These ventures have already laid the foundation for impactful change, but they need the right partners to go further. I encourage stakeholders from all sectors to explore the opportunities for collaboration they present and be part of their journey. This is a chance for funders and partners to make a real difference while being part of something transformative."

SEEd.Lab is the country's first 12-to-18 month incubation programme which incorporates an end-to- end journey that spans over the essential stages of a start-up's growth. It is modelled around the TCS Digital Impact Square (DiSQ) in India, an open social innovation centre that encourages innovation using digital technologies to address social challenges prevalent in the community and customised to address the needs of communities in Malaysia.

With its continued success, SEEd.Lab remains committed to fostering a new wave of entrepreneurs dedicated to solving societal challenges. Applications for the next cohort will open soon, offering more aspiring changemakers the chance to be part of this transformative initiative.

Further information on SEEd.Lab can be found at www.seedlab.my.

About Petroliam Nasional Berhad (PETRONAS)

As a global energy and solutions partner, PETRONAS is driven by its purpose to enrich lives for a sustainable future. With presence in over 100 countries, the group continues expanding its portfolios ranging from conventional and cleaner energy solutions to a diverse range of fuel, lubricants and petrochemical products. While ensuring sustainable practices across its operations, PETRONAS strives to ensure just and equitable outcomes in transitioning to a lower carbon future.
 
About Tata Consultancy Services (TCS)
 
Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) (BSE: 532540, NSE: TCS) is a digital transformation and technology partner of choice for industry-leading organizations worldwide. Since its inception in 1968, TCS has upheld the highest standards of innovation, engineering excellence and customer service.

Rooted in the heritage of the Tata Group, TCS is focused on creating long term value for its clients, its investors, its employees, and the community at large. With a highly skilled workforce of over 607,000 consultants in 55 countries and 180 service delivery centres across the world, the company has been recognized as a top employer in six continents. With the ability to rapidly apply and scale new technologies, the company has built long term partnerships with its clients – helping them emerge as perpetually adaptive enterprises. Many of these relationships have endured into decades and navigated every technology cycle, from mainframes in the 1970s to Artificial Intelligence today.

TCS sponsors 15 of the world’s most prestigious marathons and endurance events, including TCS New York City Marathon, TCS London Marathon and TCS Sydney Marathon with a focus on promoting health, sustainability, and community empowerment. TCS generated consolidated revenues of US $29 billion in the fiscal year ended March 31, 2024. For more information, visit www.tcs.com

About SEEd.Lab

SEEd.Lab is a social enterprise innovation hub by Petroliam Nasional Berhad (PETRONAS) and Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), targeting to address social pain points in Malaysia by promoting self- sustaining social enterprises that forge solutions for the communities, leveraging the power of technology and innovation. To find out more, visit www.seedlab.my
 
For photos, please click here:
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1yx2J0dPGBk_H4DTkqihNUnKc-bC_1Ew9?usp=sharing
 
Photo 1 – Datuk Sazali Hamzah inspires collaboration at S.L.I.D.E. 2025
Photo 2 – SEEd.Lab's Cohort 3 coaches and social entrepreneurs
Photo 3 – Head of SEEd.Lab, Aidonna Jun Ayub
Photo 4 – Head of SEEd.Lab, Aidonna Jun Ayub

Issued by
Media Communications
Group Strategic Relations and Communications
PETRONAS


SOURCE: PETRONAS

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:
Name: Nabil Basaruddin  
Tel: +6012 4249 750                  
Email: nabil.basaruddin@petronas.com.my

Name: Anisa Adnin Mohamad          
Tel: +6013 9042 724
Email: anisaadnin.mohamad@petronas.com.my  

--BERNAMA

Wednesday, 9 April 2025

AEON CREDIT RECORDED 14.6% REVENUE GROWTH TO RM575.04 MILLION IN Q4FYE25

The Group declares a final single-tier dividend of 14.50 sen per shares in respect of FYE25

KUALA LUMPUR, April 9 (Bernama) -- AEON Credit Service (M) Berhad (“AEON Credit” or the “Group”) today reported a 14.6% growth in revenue to RM575.04 million in the fourth quarter ended 28 February 2025 (“Q4FYE25”) compared to RM501.57 million of the preceding year corresponding to quarter ended 29 February 2024 (“Q4FYE24”).

The Group’s transaction and financing volume surged by 16.7%, reaching RM2.16 billion in Q4FYE25, compared to RM1.85 billion in Q4FYE24. Correspondingly, the Group’s gross financing receivables rose by RM1.89 billion, reaching RM14.12 billion in Q4FYE25, marking a 15.4% growth from RM12.23 billion in Q4FYE24. This expansion was driven by the Group’s strategic focus on penetrating the M40 segment, strengthening its asset quality through refined product offerings of Vehicle Financing, collaborative campaigns with AEON Group and ongoing efforts to promote digital onboarding.

Both Profit Before Tax (“PBT”) and Profit After Tax (“PAT”) grew to RM179.70 million and RM131.00 million respectively. The strong performance was underpinned by robust revenue growth driven by Personal Financing and Vehicle Financing with solid receivable growth across key products. However, this was partially offset by higher impairment losses on financing receivables that reflected an increase of RM71.30 million mainly contributed by higher receivables, along with increased other operating expenses in line with higher sales and revenue generated costs.

The Board has recommended a final single-tier dividend of 14.50 sen per share, scheduled for payment on 24 July 2025, subject to shareholder approval at the forthcoming Annual General Meeting, with the date to be announced later. The total dividend payable for FYE25 amounting to RM146.80 million with a payout ratio of 39.6%.

For the financial year ended 28 February 2025 (“FYE25”), the Group reported a 15.1% growth in revenue to RM2.20 billion compared to RM1.91 billion recorded in the preceding year (“FYE24”). The growth was driven by 15.3% increase in transaction and financing volume, which reached RM8.41 billion year-on-year (“YoY”).

PBT and PAT stood at RM513.51 million and RM370.61 million respectively, after accounting for a RM68.33 million share of losses from AEON Bank, an associate company. This translated to earnings per share (“EPS”) of 72.58 sen and a return on average equity (“ROE”) of 13.6%.

The Group’s Non-Performing Loans (“NPL”) ratio recorded a marginal increase to 2.64% in FYE25, compared to 2.57% in FYE24. AEON Credit remains committed to prudent credit risk management, with a strong emphasis on maintaining asset quality. This includes strengthening credit assessment policies through the introduction of a new credit limit multiplier policy, implementing enhanced training programs to improve credit judgment skills, and proactively monitoring and managing underperforming portfolios to ensure sustainable growth.

Prospect:
Malaysia’s GDP grew by 5.0% in Q4 2024, driven by stronger private spending and a recovery in exports. However, this was slightly lower than the 5.4% growth recorded in Q3. Looking ahead, Bank Negara Malaysia projects economic growth of between 4.5% and 5.5% in 2025, supported by sustained domestic expenditure and improving external demand.

In response to prevailing geopolitical tensions, inflationary pressures, and ongoing volatility in global financial markets, the Group maintains a cautious yet strategic approach to business. It remains committed to prudent growth, prioritizing high-quality assets while actively managing credit risks within its financing portfolios.

As the Group enters the new financial year, it remains focused on long-term sustainability, staying true to its purpose of "Bringing Finance Closer to Everyone." To realize this vision, the AEON Living Zone initiative has been set in motion. A dedicated project team has been formed, targeting a market rollout in the first half of FYE2026. This initiative will introduce a tiered membership program with enhanced privileges, designed to expand customer reach while strengthening loyalty. Further collaborations will continuously enhance the AEON Living Zone ecosystem by expanding the features of AEON Wallet, providing customers with a more seamless and integrated financial experience.

AEON Bank has introduced a range of new products set for release in the coming financial year, including the recent introduction of Shariah-Compliant Personal Financing of up to RM10,000. Complementing this initiative, AEON Bank has also launched "Neko Missions," an innovative gamification-based stamp program designed to deepen customer engagement.

With these strategic initiatives, the Group remains committed to delivering value-driven financial solutions while adapting to an evolving economic landscape.

Barring unforeseen circumstances, the Group expects to be able to maintain its business momentum by implementing the appropriate measures for the financial year ended 28 February 2026.

ABOUT AEON CREDIT SERVICE (M) BERHAD
AEON Credit Service (M) Berhad (“AEON Credit”) was incorporated on 6 December 1996 and converted into a public limited company on 9 February 2007 and subsequently listed on the Main Market at Bursa Malaysia Securities Berhad on 12 December 2007. Today, the business of the Group has involved in issuance of Credit Cards, Prepaid Cards, AEON Wallet App, Easy Payment Schemes, Hire Purchase Financing for Motor Vehicles, Personal Financing Schemes, Insurance Broker, Digital Islamic Banking, and other related services. The Group currently has 5 Regional Offices, 60 branches and service centres located in the major shopping centres and towns, a network of more than 7,700 participating merchant outlets nationwide.

Issued by AEON Credit Service (M) Berhad

SOURCE: Aeon Credit Service (M) Berhad

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:
Name: Ms. Tanny Tan
Tel: +603 2772 9113
Email: corp_communication@aeoncredit.com.my

--BERNAMA

Tuesday, 8 April 2025

QINGMING FESTIVAL MEMORIAL CEREMONY FOR YELLOW EMPEROR HELD AT SHAANXI MAUSOLEUM


The Yisi Year (2025) Qingming Festival Memorial Ceremony for the Yellow Emperor was held in Shaanxi.


KUALA LUMPUR, April 7 (Bernama) -- The Yisi Year (2025) Qingming Festival Memorial Ceremony for the Yellow Emperor took place at the Mausoleum of the Yellow Emperor in Huangling County, Shaanxi Province, on April 4.

This site is the final resting place of the Yellow Emperor, revered as the common ancestor of the Chinese nation, according to a statement.

The ceremony began with attendees standing in solemn respect as drumbeats and bell rings filled the air. The 34 drumbeats symbolised the united spirit of the Chinese people, both domestically and overseas, in honouring their shared ancestor, while the nine bell rings represented the highest respect and admiration for the Yellow Emperor.

Following the ritual music, floral tributes were presented to the statue of the Yellow Emperor by the National People's Congress Standing Committee Vice Chairman, Zhang Qingwei, and the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference Vice Chairman, He Baoxiang.

Additionally, CPC Shaanxi Provincial Party Committee Secretary, Zhao Yide, also laid a flower basket on behalf of the provincial representatives, while the memorial address was delivered by Shaanxi Province Governor, Zhao Gang.

The ceremony continued with a traditional music and dance performance, followed by a dramatic display of a 56-metre-long Chinese dragon that soared into the sky, symbolising the deep respect of the Chinese people for their cultural ancestor and their collective hopes for national rejuvenation.

The ceremony concluded with attendees visiting Xuanyuan Hall to pay homage before participating in a tree-planting ceremony at the Huangdi Mausoleum.

The event was organised by several government offices, including the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, the Overseas Chinese Affairs Office, the All-China Federation of Returned Overseas Chinese, and the Shaanxi Provincial People's Government.

-- BERNAMA

Monday, 7 April 2025

1000 MIGLIA 2025: OVER 400 CREWS SET FOR HISTORIC RACE

KUALA LUMPUR, April 7 (Bernama) -- The list of participating cars for the 1000 Miglia 2025 has been finalised by the Selection Committee, which is responsible for curating what Enzo Ferrari once described as the "most unique travelling museum in the world".

A total of over 400 crews from 29 countries will take part in the 43rd re-enactment of the Red Arrow, according to a statement.

Italy leads in representation, followed by the Netherlands, Great Britain, and the United States. Among the competing vehicles, 127 are pre-war models, while 78 raced in the historic speed competition between 1927 and 1957.

The event featured prestigious marques, including 17 Ferraris, 10 Bugattis, and eight Bentleys, as well as 18 pre-war Alfa Romeos. A standout entry is the one-of-a-kind Biondetti Ferrari-Jaguar Special, alongside an Aston Martin DB 3 and two Porsche 550 Spyder RS models, which are sure to turn heads.

The race, scheduled from June 17 to 21, will cover approximately 1,900 kilometres over five days of competition and will follow a "figure-of-eight" route inspired by the first 12 editions of the original 1000 Miglia speed race, passing through cities like San Lazzaro di Savena, Rome, Cervia-Milano Marittima, and Parma.

Defending champions Andrea Vesco and Fabio Salvinelli, aiming for a fifth consecutive victory in their 1929 Alfa Romeo 6C 1750 SS Zagato, will face stiff competition from seasoned crews such as Fontanella-Covelli, Aliverti-Polini, and Turelli.

Famous personalities Joe Bastianich and Carlo Cracco will also take part, with Bastianich driving a 1954 Porsche 356 1000 Speedster and Cracco navigating in a 1927 Bugatti T40.

As per regulations, all participating vehicles must be certified by the Registro 1000 Miglia to ensure authenticity and uphold the standards required for the "Most Beautiful Race in the World".

-- BERNAMA

Saturday, 5 April 2025

Curium Completes Acquisition Of Monrol To Expand Nuclear Medicine Capabilities

KUALA LUMPUR, April 2 (Bernama) -- Curium Pharma (Curium), a global leader in nuclear medicine, has completed its acquisition of Istanbul-based Eczacıbaşı-Monrol Nuclear Products Co (Monrol), further strengthening its Lutetium-177 (Lu-177) production capacity.

In a statement, Curium said the acquisition would support growing global demand for isotopes and ensure supply for its upcoming Lu-177 drug candidates targeting prostate cancer (currently in development) and neuroendocrine tumours (pending approval).

The integration of Monrol enhances Curium’s research and development capabilities while expanding its pipeline of theranostic products. Subject to regulatory approvals, the company also plans to introduce Monrol’s Ga-68 generator globally.

Curium Chief Executive Officer (CEO) for International Markets, Chaitanya Tatineni said the acquisition brings nearly 400 skilled professionals into the company and enhances its capabilities in Lu-177 production and distribution.

Meanwhile, Monrol General Manager, Aydin Kucuk expressed confidence in leveraging Curium’s global reach and expertise to advance nuclear diagnostic solutions and therapies.

In addition, Eczacıbaşı Pharmaceutical and Industrial Investment CEO, Emin FadıllıoÄŸlu stated that Monrol’s transformation under its leadership had positioned it for further growth within Curium’s global network.

The deal extends Curium’s footprint in the positron emission tomography (PET) and single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) sectors, increasing from 34 sites across Western Europe and Asia to 46, with the addition of 12 Monrol-owned and partner sites in Eastern Europe and the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) regions.

-- BERNAMA