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The Executives

Mohd Rafique Merican Appointed To Bursa Malaysia’s Board Of Directors

PETALING JAYA, Bursa Malaysia Bhd has announced the appointment of Datuk Mohamed Rafique Merican as an independent non-executive director, effective Aug 15, 2025. In his new role, Mohamed Rafique will also serve as a member of both the Audit Committee and the Nomination and Remuneration Committee, contributing to the exchange’s governance, oversight, and strategic decision-making. With more than three decades of experience spanning financial services, investment, energy, facilities management, and property development, Mohamed Rafique is recognised for his leadership in steering complex organisations through growth and transformation. He previously held prominent positions including group chief executive officer of Islamic Banking at Maybank Group and chief executive officer of Maybank Islamic Bhd. His career also includes serving as chief financial officer at Tenaga Nasional Bhd, chief executive officer of Radicare (M) Sdn Bhd, as well as chief financial officer and joint company secretary at Malakoff Bhd. Bursa Malaysia said Mohamed Rafique’s diverse expertise and proven track record in both the corporate and financial sectors would be invaluable in supporting the bourse’s mission to enhance market competitiveness, strengthen corporate governance, and deliver long-term value to stakeholders.

Investment & Market Trends

AMD Grows R&D Presence With New Penang Facility

GEORGE TOWN, Advanced Micro Devices Inc (AMD), a Nasdaq-listed global semiconductor leader, has officially opened a state-of-the-art office and engineering lab facility in Bayan Lepas, marking a significant expansion of its research, development, and business services footprint in Malaysia. Located at GBS by the Sea, the 19,416.74-square-metre facility is designed to accommodate more than 1,200 employees and features advanced engineering labs to drive innovation in semiconductor design. Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said AMD’s latest milestone, which coincides with the company’s over 50 years in Penang, reinforces the state’s status as a premier investment destination for high-tech industries. “As technology evolves towards frontier fields such as AI, Penang, through InvestPenang, remains committed to supporting visionary investors like AMD. We look forward to the first generation of ‘Made by Malaysia’ chips being designed, developed, and launched from Penang onto the global stage,” he said during the launch of AMD @ GBS by the Sea. Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA) CEO Datuk Sikh Shamsul Ibrahim Sikh Abdul Majid described the new facility as a testament to the strong and evolving partnership between Malaysia and AMD. “By anchoring R\&D and advanced capabilities here, AMD is creating high-value jobs and nurturing a vibrant ecosystem where local talent can thrive alongside global innovators. This aligns with the New Industrial Master Plan 2030, the National Semiconductor Strategy, and the 13th Malaysia Plan,” he said. In a statement, AMD said the new Penang hub underscores its long-term commitment to Malaysia and its confidence in the region’s skilled workforce. The facility will play a pivotal role in driving the company’s growth while strengthening Malaysia’s position in the global semiconductor value chain.

News

AIA Public Takaful Names Mohd Asri As New CEO, Effective August 11

KUALA LUMPUR, AIA Public Takaful Bhd has named Mohd Asri Omar as its new chief executive officer, effective Aug 11, 2025. With over 27 years of experience in the insurance and takaful industry, Mohd Asri brings extensive expertise in agency distribution, business strategy, legal affairs, and shariah governance. According to AIA Public Takaful, his leadership will focus on strengthening the company’s Total Shariah Solution proposition — a holistic approach that integrates sustainable, purpose-driven, and professionally delivered financial protection in line with the principles of Maqasid Shariah. His appointment comes on the heels of the company’s recent milestone of declaring its highest-ever surplus distribution of RM84 million since inception, underscoring its financial strength, agency performance, and customer value delivery. AIA Malaysia CEO Ben Ng said Mohd Asri’s deep industry knowledge and strong shariah credentials make him well-positioned to lead the takaful operator into its next phase of growth. “Under his leadership, AIA Public Takaful will continue to be a key growth driver for AIA Malaysia. We aim to expand our professional takaful agency force, protect more Malaysians, and reinforce our purpose of helping customers live healthier, longer, better lives,” Ng said. Prior to this role, Mohd Asri served as CEO of Hong Leong MSIG Takaful Bhd since 2018, and previously held senior leadership roles at AIA Public Takaful, including head of governance and strategy. He holds a Master of Business Administration from Universiti Putra Malaysia and a double degree in Shariah (LLBS) and Law (LLB) from the International Islamic University Malaysia.

Media OutReach

Groundbreaking New Campaign Unveiled for Colgate Optic White Purple Featuring K-Pop Icon IU, Redefining Oral Care as a Beauty Essential

IU’s Beauty Hack for a Whiter Smile SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 15 August 2025 – Colgate-Palmolive has launched a new campaign for Colgate Optic White Purple, starring global K-Pop idol and beauty icon, IU. This marks the first time a Korean celebrity has been engaged for a Colgate campaign of this scale, strategically associating oral care within the thriving K-beauty landscape across 18 markets in the Asia Pacific region. “We are thrilled to collaborate with IU, the Queen of K-pop, a partnership poised to make a significant impact with beauty enthusiasts across Asia and globally,” said Samir Singh, EVP Marketing, Colgate-Palmolive, Asia Pacific. “As leaders in the Oral Care category, we are using the success of Optic White Purple to position toothpaste and oral care serums as beauty essentials. IU embodies the essence of K-beauty, a cultural force defining new trends in beauty across the world, now reveals the secret behind her smile – Colgate Optic White Purple. We will showcase the science of colour correction and use Omni-demand generation to drive engagement and purchase across every consumer touchpoint”. Launched in August, the high-decibel campaign will span TV, digital, social media, retail, and Out-of-Home (OOH) channels, reaching consumers in Australia, Brunei, Cambodia, China, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, New Zealand, Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand, Vietnam, and Macau. Speaking of the partnership, IU, the multifaceted musician and actress who debuted in 2008 has cultivated a loyal global fanbase known as UAENAs shared, “I’m truly delighted to collaborate with Colgate – it’s a brand I genuinely love.” The campaign was created by WPP CP, led by Ogilvy teams in Singapore, Hong Kong & Korea, WPP Media & Social@Ogilvy Australia. The core objective is to continue building momentum for Colgate Optic White Purple, following the successful launch of Purple toothpaste and Serum innovations. This collaboration stays true to Colgate and IU’s authentic charm and personality, as it has been designed as a gift to her dedicated fanbase speaking directly to them. It features special product packs, exclusive collectibles, and behind-the-scenes content, all while reinforcing the message that “Purple is a must-have beauty hack for a whiter smile.” “K-beauty is renowned for its viral beauty hacks, yet teeth have largely been left out of this dialogue – until now,” said Daniel Cullen, APAC Executive Director, WPP CP. “Our strategy was to create intrigue and firmly establish Colgate Optic White as an indispensable part of the beauty regimen. By re-introducing it as IU’s personal beauty hack, not for her skin, but for her teeth, we’re tapping into a powerful cultural phenomenon and a highly engaged audience.” Watch the full campaign film and discover IU’s beauty hack for a whiter smile here. Catch the teaser on Instagram and TikTok and don’t miss the GWP reveal and unboxing video on Instagram and TikTok. Campaign Credits: Colgate Palmolive: Samir Singh, EVP Marketing, Asia Pacific Akash Parekh, Sr. Director Marketing APAC Supriya Chavan, Marketing Director APAC Tracy Lui, Marketing Manager APAC Kenny Choo, Head Content Lab, APAC Jacinta Francis, Content Production Manager , APAC Katelyn Chen, Senior Digital Art Director, APAC Audrey Lee, Shopper Design Manager , APAC WPP CP / Ogilvy / Hogarth/ Production team: Sarah-Leith Izzard, Regional Executive Creative Director, Ogilvy APAC Ken Kaneko, Senior Art Director APAC, WPP CP Ali Silao, Head of Art & Creative Director, Ogilvy APAC Ida Siow, Senior Strategy Partner, Ogilvy Asia Ines Rubio, Associate Strategy Director, WPP CP Daniel Cullen, Executive Director APAC, WPP CP Kunal Rasania, Business Director, APAC, WPP CP James Baldwin, Head of Influence, Ogilvy Singapore Ada Tong, Account Director, PR & Social, Ogilvy Singapore Siyoung Sung, Business Director, Ogilvy Korea Sohee Choi, Account Supervisor, Ogilvy Korea Ben Hickey, Head of Consumer Health, Ogilvy PR ANZ Brenda Ho, Director, Social and Influence Strategy, Ogilvy PR ANZ Andrea Rutgers, Senior Social Specialist, Ogilvy PR ANZ Emily Bowen, Social Specialist, Ogilvy PR ANZ Claudia Connolly, Coordinator, Ogilvy PR ANZ Fabian Sommer, Head of Moving Image, Hogarth Singapore Renee Lim, Integrated Producer, Hogarth Kuala Lumpur James Wong, Regional Strategy & Planning Partner, WPP Media Singapore Benjamin Lee, Senior Regional Manager, Strategy & Planning, WPP Media Singapore Livana Weng, Regional Digital Director, WPP Media Singapore Production Alvaro Colom – Film Director Go Wontae – Photographer Great Guns – Production House Lucien Tyssendier – Executive Producer, Great Guns Hashtag: #ColgatePalmolive #IUxColgatePurple The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. About WPP CP WPP CP is a bespoke WPP agency team dedicated to Colgate-Palmolive, bringing together the best talent and capabilities from across WPP’s agencies to deliver integrated, effective, and innovative marketing solutions. About Colgate-Palmolive Colgate-Palmolive is a leading global consumer products company, focused on Oral Care, Personal Care, Home Care and Pet Nutrition. Colgate sells its products in over 200 countries and territories around the world under internationally recognized brand names.

Investment & Market Trends

KPK: Local Latex Output Still Falls Short Of Meeting Industry Demand

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia’s domestic latex production remains far below the needs of the latex-based product industry, which accounts for 75% of the nation’s rubber-based product exports, according to the Ministry of Plantation and Commodities (KPK). Currently, locally produced natural latex supplies only about 5% to 10% of industry demand, with the remainder imported mainly from Thailand and Indonesia.“This gap exists because most smallholders in Malaysia produce cup lumps instead of latex, as latex tapping and collection require more labour and infrastructure,” the ministry said in a statement on the Dewan Rakyat portal today. KPK was responding to a question from Bakri Jamaluddin (PN–Tangga Batu) on the extent to which domestic production can meet industry needs. In 2024, Malaysia produced just 19,274 tonnes of latex, compared with local usage of 215,413 tonnes. To bridge the shortfall, the country imported 220,282 tonnes of latex valued at RM2.33 billion — the primary raw material for latex-based products. Malaysia’s annual latex requirement is estimated at 215,000 to 250,000 tonnes. The ministry warned that if local output continues to decline, imports will rise further to support downstream industries, particularly rubber glove manufacturing, which remains the largest contributor to the country’s rubber export earnings.

Media OutReach

Trend Micro Launches Agentic SIEM to Herald New Era of Proactive Security

AI-based offering will help make alert overload a thing of the past for SecOps teams HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 15 August 2025 – Trend Micro Incorporated (TYO: 4704; TSE: 4704), a global cybersecurity leader, today announced new agentic AI technology designed to solve the traditional pain points associated with Security Information and Event Management (SIEM). When combined with Trend’s digital twin capabilities it will help to transform security operations by proactively mitigating security risks. To learn more about Trend Micro’s Agentic SIEM technology, please visit: https://www.trendmicro.com/en_us/business/products/security-operations.html Dave Gruber, Principal Cybersecurity Analyst at ESG: “As the cybersecurity stack increasingly becomes AI driven, the security data layer must evolve to support data-hungry agentic capabilities, including infusing agentic AI into core SIEM functions. Trend Vision One Agentic SIEM enters the SIEM market at a pivotal time, leveraging Agentic AI from the ground up to drive speed, performance, and a new level of risk-driven, contextual insights to rapidly mitigate cyber threat activity.” SIEM technology has been around for decades, but users face longstanding issues including cost, complexity, alert overload, and passive data lakes. In addition, traditional SIEMs rely on manual configuration and static parsers, which can’t keep up with the pace or variety of modern data sources. Trend’s Agentic SIEM was built from the ground up to address these challenges, leveraging the next generation of AI technology to proactively think, learn, and act. Acting independently, it cuts through alert noise, reducing workloads for overburdened security teams. What used to take weeks of setup is now automated by Agentic AI — it learns, maps, and optimizes data as it goes. Customers using Trend’s agentic SIEM will improve their security and efficiency with: 900+ data sources supported since launch on August 1 to improve visibility, context and threat detection Three-day onboarding for new log types—with reduction to three hours by 2026—to reduce the risk of the unknown in enterprise environments Trend’s proven XDR capabilities, with six native security sensors across endpoint, cloud, email, networks, servers, and identity. Agentic SIEM brings in third-party telemetry to provide a full view of the environment. Up to seven years of archival data retention and two years of analytic retention for enhanced detection, threat hunting, and compliance support. Rachel Jin, Chief Enterprise Platform Officer at Trend: “Agentic SIEM is a major stepping stone to our long-term vision for full, AI-driven SecOps. It’s a future in which security teams will have more time to work on strategic tasks, safe in the knowledge that our agentic AI has their backs. With this launch, Trend is once again laying down a marker for cybersecurity innovation and global market leadership.” Agentic SIEM has the potential to supercharge SIEM across a variety of use cases: Threat Detection and Response: Replaces manual log and alert monitoring with autonomous data analysis, anomaly detection and response—reducing time to detect and mitigate threats. Compliance Support: Combines extended data retention with the ability to search archival logs—meeting audit and regulatory requirements with ease. Incident Investigation: Replaces manual, time-consuming and error-prone investigations with automated data correlation from multiple sources, to accelerate the process and enhance accuracy. The potential to combine Agentic SIEM with Trend’s latest digital twin technology is a revolutionary opportunity for customers. Doing so enables proactive mitigation of security risks impacting these virtual models—surfacing intelligence to enhance resilience, compliance, and competitive advantages. This presents major opportunities in highly sensitive use cases including healthcare, supply chain security, predictive maintenance, and smart building management. Hashtag: #trendmicro #trendvisionone #visionone #cybersecurity #AgenticSIEM #SIEM #AISecurity #Nvidia https://www.trendmicro.comhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/trend-micro-hong-kong-96353768/https://twitter.com/trendmicroameahttps://www.facebook.com/tmhk1989/ The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. About Trend Micro Trend Micro, a global cybersecurity leader, helps make the world safe for exchanging digital information. Fueled by decades of security expertise, global threat research, and continuous innovation, Trend Micro’s AI-powered cybersecurity platform protects hundreds of thousands of organizations and millions of individuals across clouds, networks, devices, and endpoints. As a leader in cloud and enterprise cybersecurity, Trend’s platform delivers a powerful range of advanced threat defense techniques optimized for environments like AWS, Microsoft, and Google, and central visibility for better, faster detection and response. With 7,000 employees across 70 countries, Trend Micro enables organizations to simplify and secure their connected world. www.TrendMicro.com

Media OutReach

BJAK 8.8 Mega Giveaway Awards RM500,000 In Prizes, Including A BYD Seal Electric Car

A Simple Insurance Quote Turns Into a RM180,000 Electric Car Prize. KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 15 August 2025 – BJAK has concluded its 8.8 Mega Giveaway, awarding prizes worth over RM500,000 to lucky participants nationwide, including the grand prize of a BYD Seal electric car worth over RM180,000. Halimie bin Abdul, 20, celebrates after being named the grand prize winner of BJAK’s 8.8 Mega Giveaway, taking home a BYD Seal electric car worth over RM180,000. The nationwide campaign, held from 15 July to 8 August 2025, was part of BJAK’s ongoing efforts to engage with customers and offer value through its services. Participants qualified for the lucky draw by requesting a free motor insurance quote on BJAK.com, ensuring an easy and accessible entry process. In total, the campaign attracted over 120,000 entries nationwide, with 2,500 winners receiving FREE BJAK VIP Services – including free unlimited towing and free extended services – while 50 winners took home lucky draw prizes such as TVs, PS5 consoles, gadgets & appliances, lifestyle items, and more. The giveaway culminated in a livestream announcement hosted by well-known personalities Ceddy Ang, Scha Alyahya and Awal Ashaari. The online event drew viewers nationwide, with winners announced live as part of the celebration. The highlight of the giveaway was the grand prize, won by 20-year-old Halimie bin Abdul from Rawang, who is still completing his driving lessons. “I’m in the midst of completing my driving lessons and never imagined I would own a car so soon,” said Halimie, recalling the moment he learned he was the grand prize winner. “When I heard my name, I froze in disbelief. It was an overwhelming moment of joy that brought me to tears.” The campaign drew over a million entries, yet it was Halimie’s story that resonated most. The BYD Seal, worth over RM180,000, will be his first car. For now, it will remain parked until he obtains his licence, although he already knows his first drive will be shared with his parents. BJAK’s 8.8 Mega Giveaway underlines the company’s commitment to rewarding its customers while promoting safe driving. The overwhelming response of the campaign reflects the trust Malaysians place in BJAK’s insurance comparison platform and services. For more information on BJAK and its insurance quotes, please visit https://www.bjak.com. Hashtag: #BJAK The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. About BJAK.com BJAK is Malaysia’s #1 insurance comparison and renewal platform, helping millions of drivers secure the best coverage in minutes. Partnering with leading insurers, BJAK offers transparent pricing, flexible payments, and exclusive perks like VIP roadside assistance and unlimited towing – delivering convenience, value, and peace of mind to every driver.

ESG

WWF-Malaysia And BCSD Malaysia Partner To Drive Plastic Circularity In The Private Sector

WWF-Malaysia and the Business Council for Sustainable Development (BCSD) Malaysia have entered into a strategic partnership to accelerate plastic circularity in Malaysia’s private sector, focusing on the hospitality, retail, and fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) industries. The collaboration was formalised on July 2 during the Plastic Circularity Clinic for the Hospitality Sector and Strategic Partnership Ceremony at Aloft Kuala Lumpur Sentral. (From left) WWF-Malaysia Peninsular Malaysia and Conservation Science associate director Jason Hon, Marketing and Communications director Rozzana Basri, executive director and CEO Sophia Lim, BCSD Malaysia director Emily Oi, director Stefanie Braukmanna and Marea CEO Roberto Benetello. At the event, WWF-Malaysia officially handed over its Plastic Circularity Toolkit — a digital platform designed to help businesses assess, benchmark, and enhance their plastic waste management practices. The toolkit enables companies to measure their performance against key indicators, identify improvement areas, and integrate circular economy principles into their value chains. Under the agreement, BCSD Malaysia will lead a Plastic Circularity Clinic Series until December 2025, offering targeted workshops and solution-driven knowledge-sharing sessions tailored to specific sectors. “This collaboration with BCSD Malaysia is a meaningful step towards building capacity and strengthening systems for better plastic management,” said WWF-Malaysia CEO Sophia Lim. “The toolkit moves businesses from compliance to conviction and from awareness to action. BCSD’s peer learning clinics will be instrumental in supporting this journey.” The initiative aligns with the Malaysia Plastic Sustainability Roadmap 2021–2030, which targets a 25% recycling rate for plastic packaging by 2025 and the phase-out of single-use plastics by 2030. The clinics will serve as industry platforms for sharing best practices, exploring circular business models, and fostering leadership in sustainability. BCSD Malaysia director and chairman, Prof Emeritus Tan Sri Dr Zakri Abdul Hamid, said, “By expanding the use of WWF’s digital toolkit across the private sector, we can help companies pinpoint practical opportunities for improvement and equip them with the support to take action. Collaborations like this are key to building industry capabilities and achieving real progress towards a circular economy.” The event host, Aloft Kuala Lumpur Sentral — BCSD Malaysia’s Strategic Sustainability Partner and Pilot Venue Host — showcased its commitment as an early adopter of circularity solutions in the hospitality industry. The programme also featured a panel discussion on “Circular Solutions for the FMCG, Hospitality and Retail Sectors,” where experts discussed practical approaches to Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), sustainable packaging, and consumer engagement. Following the ceremony, a BCSD Circularity Clinic for the Hospitality Sector was conducted in partnership with the Malaysian Recycling Alliance (MAREA), bringing together sustainability practitioners and business leaders, including representatives from Matrade, AEON, UCSI, and Alam Flora.

ESG

AWS, Gentari Sign Deal For 80MW Wind Project In India To Boost Net-Zero Efforts

Gentari and Amazon Web Services (AWS) have inked a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) for an 80MW wind power project in Tamil Nadu, India, marking a key milestone in their clean energy collaboration. Scheduled to commence operations in mid-2027, the project is expected to generate about 300,000 MWh of renewable energy annually. The agreement builds on the partnership formed in 2023 and aims to accelerate Gentari’s mission of delivering scalable clean energy solutions, while supporting AWS’s ambition to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2040. Gentari CEO Sushil Purohit. “This collaboration reflects our shared commitment to driving practical and scalable clean energy initiatives—crucial for Asia and the global transition towards a low-carbon future. Through projects like the Karur wind development, we’re not just adding renewable capacity but addressing critical energy needs where it matters most,” said Gentari CEO Sushil Purohit. “Together with AWS, we are focused on creating real impact through action and enabling the broader energy ecosystem to transition.” Jeff Johnson, AWS Managing Director for ASEAN. Jeff Johnson, AWS Managing Director for ASEAN, added, “As the world’s largest corporate purchaser of renewable energy, AWS continues to advance towards our 2040 net-zero target. Partnering with Gentari, a Malaysian clean energy leader with growing regional influence, moves us closer to that goal.” Witnessed by senior representatives from Gentari, AWS, and PETRONAS, the signing underscores the role of corporate partnerships in accelerating renewable energy adoption across Asia. Gentari continues to grow its portfolio in renewables, hydrogen, and green mobility, forging alliances that deliver measurable decarbonisation results.

Lifestyle

Singapore’s First AI-Enabled Food Court Launches At Mapletree Business City

Singapore has officially opened its first AI-powered food court at Mapletree Business City, bringing together advanced technology, efficiency, and the timeless appeal of local cuisine to create a next-generation dining experience. The newly launched Kopitiam spans an impressive 1,100 seats, providing a spacious and comfortable setting for office workers, residents, and visitors in the bustling business district. More than just a place to eat, the food court integrates a range of cutting-edge innovations aimed at making dining faster, more convenient, and more enjoyable. Among its standout features is a smart seating system that helps patrons quickly locate available tables, reducing wait times during peak hours. Customers are also greeted by “Kimberly,” a multilingual, lifelike AI avatar capable of assisting with queries, directions, and information on menu offerings — making the experience more interactive and inclusive for both locals and tourists. Hygiene is a priority, with UV-sterilised cutlery dispensers ensuring every dining set is clean and safe to use. This focus on cleanliness, paired with technology-driven service, reflects a growing shift in the food and beverage industry towards blending efficiency with customer well-being. With over 19 food stalls offering a wide selection of cuisines, diners can enjoy everything from beloved hawker classics such as chicken rice and laksa to contemporary and fusion creations. This diverse mix ensures that the food court appeals to a broad spectrum of tastes while maintaining the charm and authenticity of Singapore’s culinary heritage. Operating on weekdays from 7am to 7pm, the Kopitiam caters primarily to the office crowd, serving up hearty breakfasts, quick yet satisfying lunches, and early dinners before closing. Industry experts note that this launch could signal the start of a new era for Singapore’s F&B sector, where AI and automation enhance service quality, improve operational efficiency, and elevate customer experiences. The integration of technology in such a traditional setting not only streamlines processes but also offers a glimpse into how dining spaces may evolve in the years to come — where innovation and culture meet at the same table.

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