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Lifestyle

ARCHIDEX 2025: ‘Festivalising’ Design, Heritage And Community In The Heart Of The City

The inaugural Kuala Lumpur Architecture Week 2025 (KLAW 2025) officially kicked off yesterday with a vibrant city walkabout led by YB Tuan Nga Kor Ming, Minister of Housing and Local Government. He toured specially curated installations across Petaling Street in Old Kuala Lumpur (once the colonial administrative district west of the Klang and Gombak River confluence) to mark the launch of this week-long celebration of architecture, arts, and heritage. The inaugural Kuala Lumpur Architecture Week 2025 (KLAW 2025) officially kicked off today until 3 August 2025, with a vibrant city walkabout led by YB Tuan Nga Kor Ming, Minister of Housing and Local Government. KLAW 2025 — an initiative under ARCHIDEX 2025, Asia’s Leading Architecture Business Event, held under the umbrella of the annual Kuala Lumpur Architecture Festival (KLAF) — marks the first time in Malaysia that a major trade exhibition is co-branded with the city to create impact beyond the confines of a convention centre and stimulate the visitor economy. With ARCHIDEX 2025 taking place across two iconic venues — MITEC (21–24 July) and KLCC (23–26 July) — the KLAW 2025 bridges the event experience from business-to-business (B2B) to business-to-consumer (B2C), bringing visitors from the exhibition floor into the streets of the city. During the kick-off, there were captivating live sketching sessions by KL Urban Sketchers, as they brought the essence of the city to life. Selected artworks will soon be on display at ARCHIDEX @ KLCC from 23-26 July. With the theme “Reviving the City’s Heartbeat”, KLAW 2025 sets a new benchmark in ‘festivalising’ architecture — transforming Old KL, Chinatown, and surrounding areas into a living gallery of immersive experiences. Visitors are invited to explore public installations, art, sketching walks, and curated F&B experiences, many of which highlight the often-overlooked charm and stories of the city’s historical core.   YB Tuan Nga explores an installation called ‘ngo-kha-ki’ by Ar. Quan Hwai Teng at Four Points by Sheraton, Chinatown . Drawing inspiration from the traditional five-foot way of shophouses, this installation frames past and present, echoing social interaction, climate response, and cultural continuity. Connecting Communities, Boosting the Visitor Economy KLAW 2025 exemplifies how a business event can evolve into a citywide movement that supports community connection and economic spillover. By drawing a portion of ARCHIDEX’s expected 56,000 international and local visitors into the city, the initiative aims to stimulate economic activity across sectors — F&B, retail, hotels, transport, and culture — while branding KL’s old quarters as a rediscovered creative and lifestyle destination. Laying the Foundation for Future Editions The KLAW 2025 is part of a long-term vision to create an architecture-driven urban festival that celebrates Malaysia’s design identity and city story. As ARCHIDEX continues to scale — with over 850 exhibitors across two venues this year — the KLAW 2025 opens a new chapter in how exhibitions can bring value back to the streets, small businesses, and communities. Located in the vicinity of key landmarks such as Menara 118, KLAW 2025 positions the Old City as a bridge between KL’s past and its future. Its success this year sets the foundation for potential future partnerships with exhibitors, city makers, and creatives to build even larger editions and deeper public engagement in the years ahead.

Media OutReach

FaatGo Officially Launches: A Hong Kong-Based Legal Platform Specializing in Criminal Defence and Injury Compensation

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 21 July 2025 – In response to the increasing demand for accessible and trustworthy legal information, FaatGo (https://faatgo.com/) has officially launched as a new digital legal platform focused on two of the most pressing legal needs in Hong Kong: criminal defence and personal injury compensation. Designed to address the information gap faced by many residents when encountering legal trouble, the platform provides professionally written legal content, free consultation tools, and direct access to experienced lawyers—without intermediaries or commission-based referrals. The platform offers in-depth legal insights and resources in two major areas. First, FaatGo covers a wide range of common criminal offences, including indecent assault, physical assault, criminal intimidation, theft, money laundering, and drug-related offences. Each topic is explained clearly and precisely, with a focus on legal procedures, sentencing considerations, and practical steps to be taken after arrest or charge. Second, the platform also features comprehensive guides on work injury and traffic accident compensation, helping victims understand their entitlements, calculation methods, documentation requirements, and potential for pursuing additional damages beyond basic insurance. The content is developed in consultation with legal practitioners and aims to simplify what are often highly complex legal processes. All materials are published in Traditional Chinese and tailored to the Hong Kong legal context. Legal information is structured for clarity and ease of understanding, without the use of excessive legal jargon. The platform is specifically designed to empower users to understand their legal position and take action accordingly, whether they are facing prosecution or seeking rightful compensation. FaatGo also provides a free legal consultation form, allowing individuals to submit a summary of their case. The internal team will assess the information and match the user with a suitable lawyer for an initial legal opinion. The service is free of charge, with no commissions or obligations, and all consultations are handled directly by qualified legal professionals. A verified criminal defence lawyer directory is also available for those who wish to engage legal representation independently. Since its soft launch, FaatGo has already supported multiple individuals, including families seeking mitigation strategies for loved ones facing charges, and injured workers who were initially unaware of their full compensation rights. These early successes reflect the platform’s commitment to delivering fair, unbiased, and timely legal assistance to those who need it most. FaatGo operates under the principle that legal knowledge should not be limited to a privileged few, but rather made available and understandable to all. By providing regularly updated articles, case studies, and consultation tools, the platform aims to improve public legal literacy and ensure that legal support is accessible in moments of real need. Hashtag: #FaatGo The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

News

Talent Unlocked: KMP Partners With Edvance To Build A Future-Ready Workforce

Kumpulan Modal Perdana (KMP), a technology-focused venture capital firm under the purview of the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MOSTI), has entered into a strategic partnership with Edvance, a global social innovation company that builds, operates and invests in companies transforming the future of education, work, and wellbeing.As Malaysia rapidly transitions toward a high-tech, innovation-driven economy, the demand for skilled talent has outpaced supply. This poses a significant challenge to startups and tech-driven companies to keep up with global competition. Recent data reveals that 64% of Malaysian organisations report experiencing moderate to extreme skill shortages. With 97% of employers planning to integrate AI by 2028, the urgency to close the digital skills gap and secure qualified talent has never been greater. From the Left:  Jake Tay: Manager, Edvance, Shawn Yip: Vice President, Edvance, Razin Rozman: CEO, Edvance, Datuk Seri Dr. Mohd Azhar bin Hj Yahaya: Chairman, KMP, Yarham Yunus, CEO, KMP,  Lim Shi Yuan: Assistant Manager Investment, KMP, Lee Hui-Ni: Chief Investment Officer, KMP This collaboration aims to address the rising concern over the shortage of skilled workers in Malaysia, especially in technology and semiconductor. Through its portfolio brands such as TalentLabs and Silicon School, Edvance will provide a comprehensive suite of talent and workforce development solutions to help Malaysian startups amplify human agency and unlock new levels of creativity and productivity in the workplace. By equipping talents and organisations with new skills and capabilities, this partnership marks a national effort in supporting the development of Malaysia’s startup talent ecosystem, starting with companies within KMP’s investment portfolio. “At KMP, we don’t just invest in startups, we invest in the ecosystem,” said Yarham Yunus, Chief Executive Officer of KMP. “This partnership with Edvance addresses a key bottleneck for our startups: talent. By connecting them with skilled, work-ready professionals, we’re not only accelerating their growth potential but also contributing to the national goal of creating a world-class innovation and R&D ecosystem.” Edvance’s Proven Track Record in Workforce Development Through its portfolio companies, Edvance has successfully led and delivered large-scale national workforce development programmes across the region. Partnering with esteemed organisations such as Khazanah Nasional, MDEC, the Ministry of Higher Education (MOHE), and Cyberport Hong Kong, Edvance has built a strong reputation for results-driven initiatives. Leveraging proprietary technology and a robust operating system, Edvance combines innovation with a deep understanding of industry demands. This strategic approach has consistently resulted in high candidate-job matching rates and placement outcomes exceeding 90%, securing roles for talents at global leaders such as Intel, PwC, Deloitte, Experian, Samsung, and more. Through this partnership, Edvance will strengthen its mission of accelerating human capital development by spearheading targeted talent initiatives focusing on technology and semiconductor roles. Delivered via its portfolio brands, TalentLabs and Silicon School, these initiatives include on-the-job training with job-matching support, HRDCorp-funded upskilling programmes, and career fair engagements focused on the tech and startup ecosystem. “We are currently in a phase of unprecedented innovation, where an estimated 70% of the skills required for today’s jobs will change by 2030. To remain competitive in the rapidly shifting global economic landscape, Malaysia must adopt a whole-of-nation approach to developing a future-ready and resilient workforce,” said Razin Rozman, Founder and Group CEO of Edvance. He added “With our proven track record and industry expertise, we will continue to support Malaysians in gaining the skills and confidence they need to thrive in the global economy” The partnership also reflects national ambitions to make Malaysia a global innovation hub, as outlined in frameworks like the National Science, Technology and Innovation Policy (NSTIP 2021–2030) and MySTIE 10-10, both of which highlight the importance of human capital in advancing Malaysia’s position as a global innovation hub. By developing a steady pipeline of skilled digital talent, the partnership strengthens the foundation needed to achieve national targets such as increasing R&D spending to 2.5 per cent of the national GDP by 2025 and commercialising 500 innovative products through platforms like the National Technology & Innovation Sandbox (NTIS). Through this partnership, KMP’s portfolio companies and selected Malaysian startups will benefit from a wide range of strategic opportunities, including: Access to Talent: Tap into a pool of trained and qualified young professionals through the K-Youth Development Programme. Career Fair Participation: Enjoy exclusive discounts to participate in Malaysia’s largest technology career event—the Tech + Digital Career Fair. Talent Acquisition Support: Receive special job listing privileges on TalentLabs, Silicon School, and other Edvance career platforms to source vetted technical talent globally. Employer Branding: Strengthen employer brand visibility through targeted media exposure and talent engagement initiatives. Employee Upskilling: Upskill current employees & build internal capabilities in collaboration with HRDCorp, TalentCorp, and other national skills development bodies. Strategic Advisory: Identify critical skills and knowledge gaps with Edvance’s consulting and advisory services. Executive Education: Equip senior leadership with the knowledge, tools, and expertise needed to lead data-driven, AI-ready organizations through partnerships with world-renowned universities and companies. These initiatives aim to lower the barriers to talent acquisition while simultaneously building a robust and sustainable pipeline of highly-qualified, technical professionals. With this partnership, KMP reinforces its role as more than just a capital provider. Instead, it becomes a catalyst for national progress, creating direct impact through workforce development, ecosystem resilience and laying the foundation for sustainable economic growth through its investments.

Media OutReach

IVD Medical Holding Limited (01931.HK): Officially launched the application for the US stablecoin license and accelerated the landing of the IVDNewCo Exchange ecosystem

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 21 July 2025 – IVD Medical Holding Limited(01931.HK) – Forward-looking layout of the historical opportunity of the US “Genius Act”, the IVDD stablecoin plan is gathering momentum to set sail and build a new global infrastructure for medical innovative drugs RWA! In the wave of deep integration of global digital finance and medical innovation, IVD Medical Holding Limited(01931.HK) took the lead in building the “NewCo+RWA” Web3 exchange ecosystem (IVDNewCo Exchange) with the construction of medical innovative drugs high-tech assets as the core and the supporting stablecoin “IVDDollar” (IVDD) plan as the core strategy, leading the digital revolution of global medical innovation assets. On July 20, 2025, the Board of Directors is pleased to announce that the US subsidiary carrying the Group’s aforementioned core strategic mission has landed, and the IVDNewCo Exchange ecosystem has officially landed on the international financial stage. The company released the latest announcement today, officially announcing two milestones: the US wholly-owned subsidiary IVD GROUP INC. has completed registration, and the Group has officially started the process of submitting a stablecoin license application to the US regulator through the subsidiary; at the same time, the Web3 exchange ecosystem with medical innovative drug NewCo assets as the core – IVDNewCo Exchange and its supporting stablecoin IVDD have entered a substantive stage. This strategic move not only marks the Group’s leading position in the field of compliant digital finance for medical innovative drugs, but also heralds a revolutionary breakthrough in the global medical asset liquidity and value conversion model. 1. Strategic opportunities under global regulatory resonance On July 18, 2025, local time, US President Trump signed the “Guidance and Establishment of the United States Stablecoin National Innovation Act” (hereinafter referred to as the “Genius Act”) at the White House, establishing the legal status of stablecoins as “digital dollars”. The implementation of this bill, together with the Stablecoin Ordinance of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, which will take effect on August 1, forms a regulatory synergy between the East and the West, and jointly builds the compliance cornerstone of the global stablecoin market. The report of the China Banking Research Institute pointed out that currently 99% of the world’s stablecoins are anchored to US dollar assets, and US Treasury bonds have become the core choice of stablecoin reserve assets due to their low risk and high liquidity. In this context, the Group proactively laid out the application for the US stablecoin license, and on July 20 officially announced that the US subsidiary had initiated the process of submitting application materials to regulatory agencies such as the US SEC and CFTC, becoming one of the very few listed companies in the Hong Kong stock market that has completed the “Hong Kong + US” dual hub compliance architecture layout. The strategic layout of the Group is deeply in line with the global regulatory trend. By establishing the US subsidiary IVD GROUP INC., we not only meet the strict requirements of the “Genius Act” for 100% reserve asset coverage and independent auditing of stablecoin issuers, but also rely on the sandbox mechanism of the Hong Kong “Stablecoin Ordinance” to build a cross-regional regulatory endorsement system. This dual hub model provides the IVDNewCo Exchange ecosystem with globally rare compliant liquidity support, enabling the Group to establish a first-mover advantage in the “Hong Kong Stock Stablecoin Concept Sector”. 2. Technological Innovation: “NewCo+RWA+Stablecoin” Reconstructs the Value Chain of Medical Innovative Drug Assets The core breakthrough of the IVDNewCo Exchange ecosystem lies in the deep integration of Web3 technology and medical innovative drug assets. Relying on the commercial network covering 1,674 tertiary hospitals in China and the ability to acquire high-quality NewCo assets around the world, the Group has created the world’s first RWA (real world asset) tokenization platform focusing on medical innovative drugs. The platform achieves the following innovations through blockchain technology: 1). Asset tokenization: converting innovative drug assets such as ADC drugs, bi-antibody therapy, and cell gene therapy in the clinical stage into tradable and divisible digital certificates to break through the liquidity bottleneck of traditional medical assets; 2). Compliance financial infrastructure: establish an underlying architecture to support the issuance, trading and settlement of IVDD stablecoins, ensuring that each $1 stablecoin corresponds to ultra-short-term U.S. Treasury bonds and other low-risk assets, meeting the U.S. SEC’s “1:1 redeemable” requirements; 3). Coin-stock linkage mechanism: coordinate with Nasdaq’s dual primary listing plan to explore the compound value creation model of “digital assets + traditional equity” to attract two-way inflows of traditional medical capital and crypto-native funds. The implementation of this technical architecture has been strongly supported by industry data. Public information shows that the current global innovative drug market has exceeded US$1.2 trillion, and China accounts for 6% of the market with a scale of RMB 450 billion, with an annual compound growth rate of 20.3%. Through the RWA platform, the Group expects to significantly improve the financing efficiency of innovative drug assets, while lowering the entry threshold for investors, allowing small and medium-sized investors around the world to participate in the medical innovation field that was originally limited to institutional investment. 3. Ecological synergy: creating a new paradigm for medical finance The Group’s strategic advancement has always followed the three-dimensional path of “regulatory compliance-technological innovation-ecological synergy”. In the United States, IVD GROUP INC.’s license application strictly follows the requirements of the Genius Act for reserve asset transparency, anti-money laundering (AML) and network security. Its technical system has passed a third-party security audit to ensure that smart contracts are free of loopholes; in Hong Kong, the Group will actively promote participation in the HKMA’s stablecoin sandbox program to test reserve asset management and cross-border payment scenarios, laying the foundation for license application. More importantly, the implementation of the IVDNewCo Exchange ecosystem is reshaping the value chain of innovative medical drugs. Under the traditional model, the research and development of innovative drugs requires a cycle of up to 10 years, and 80% of the funds are concentrated in the clinical

Investment & Market Trends

MRT3 Approval Seen as a Boost for Construction Sector

PETALING JAYA, The recent approval of the Mass Rapid Transit 3 (MRT3) Circle Line has boosted confidence in the construction industry, offering greater clarity on the project’s progress, according to analysts. RHB Research highlighted that the main winners from MRT3 are likely to be major contractors and their subcontractors. Based on past MRT1 and MRT2 involvement, companies such as Gamuda Bhd, Sunway Construction Group Bhd, IJM Corp Bhd, MRCB, WCT Holdings Bhd, Gadang Holdings Bhd, and Mudajaya Corp are seen as likely lead contractors. Meanwhile, firms like Econpile Holdings Bhd, Gabungan AQRS Bhd, Kimlun Corp Bhd, and TRC Synergy Bhd are expected to secure subcontracting roles. Transport Minister Anthony Loke Transport Minister Anthony Loke recently approved the MRT3 project, following a public review conducted from September to December last year. MRT Corp received over 45,000 written submissions, with 93.3% of the feedback in support of the project. As a result of public input, adjustments were made to the placement of stations and viaducts, and the overall land acquisition footprint was reduced from 1,012 to 690 lots. The final plan includes 32 stations—22 elevated, seven underground, and three provisional—spanning 51km (39km elevated and 12km underground). RHB Research expects more details to emerge during either the tabling of the 13th Malaysia Plan on July 31 or Budget 2026 on October 10, including updates on project funding, revised costs, and possible re-tendering. In Budget 2023, the government signaled intentions to reduce MRT3’s cost below RM45 billion, compared to the earlier RM68 billion estimate in 2018. Top stock picks from RHB in light of the project include Gamuda (TP: RM5.86), Sunway Construction (TP: RM6.80), and Binastra Corp Bhd (TP: RM2.64). MBSB Research anticipates a re-tender exercise by mid-2026, with contracts expected to be awarded between late 2026 and mid-2027. MRT Corp’s earlier tenders have lapsed, suggesting new alignment adjustments and land acquisition changes will be incorporated in the new tender process. While the final railway scheme approval came slightly later than expected (initially targeted for 4QFY24), MBSB sees it as a significant step forward. MRT Corp aims to complete land acquisition by end-2026, enabling construction to commence soon after. Landowners may start receiving eviction notices by Q1 2026, with a six-month window to vacate. MBSB Research remains positive on the construction outlook, identifying Gamuda and MMC Corp Bhd as leading contenders for the largest MRT3 package due to their extensive MRT experience. Other likely bidders include YTL Corp (TP: RM2.84), IJM Corp (TP: RM3.74), MRCB (TP: RM0.56), and Sunway Construction (TP: RM6.44). Malayan Cement Bhd (TP: RM7.49) is also expected to benefit directly from the project.

Investment & Market Trends

Hajiji: Sabah’s Blue Economy Set to Generate RM3.25 Billion Annually from Marine Resources

KOTA KINABALU, Sabah’s Blue Economy is expected to produce 491,000 tonnes of marine products like fish and prawns each year, valued at RM3.25 billion, said Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor. Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor In a speech delivered by State Finance Minister Datuk Seri Masidi Manjun at the International Business Review (IBR) Asean Awards on Saturday (July 19), Hajiji said marine harvesting is just one of 14 areas under the Blue Economy, which also includes ocean renewable energy, blue carbon, tourism, maritime transport, and marine biotechnology. State Finance Minister Datuk Seri Masidi Manjun “There’s much more to the Blue Economy than just deep-sea fishing,” he noted. Hajiji highlighted Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC) as a major opportunity. OTEC plants are planned along 500km of Sabah’s coast and are expected to eventually produce 20,000MW of clean energy — a regional gamechanger, he said. The Blue Economy Industrial Park has been established in Kudat, along with two other new parks in Kota Belud and Beaufort, to attract investments. Since September 2020, Sabah has secured RM17.41 billion in approved foreign and domestic investments from 73 companies in the manufacturing sector. Of these, 52 companies have already begun operations with a total investment of RM7.8 billion, creating over 3,600 jobs. From 2022 to 2024, Sabah received additional investment proposals worth RM42.3 billion, which are expected to create nearly 33,000 new jobs. Hajiji also mentioned a landmark agreement with Petronas, giving Sabah greater participation in the oil and gas sector, including stakes in the Samarang oil and gas field, Samur, and a major floating LNG project in Sipitang. To support rising investments, Sabah has launched the Energy Roadmap and Master Plan 2040, aiming to generate 700MW of energy in the near term. The government has also allocated RM679.85 million in 2024 to address urgent water shortages and plans to complete the Ulu Padas hydropower project for long-term supply. At the IBR Asean Awards, nine organisations were recognised for excellence across various sectors. Sabah was named Malaysia’s “Most Outstanding State” for 2024, while Negeri Sembilan was awarded “Most Progressive State.”

Energy & Technology

Sarawak to Introduce Hydrogen Certification Scheme

KUCHING, Sarawak is developing its own hydrogen certification platform as part of its broader ambition to become a leading hydrogen hub for ASEAN, Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg announced. Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg The platform, which will comply with international standards, is designed to enhance transparency, traceability, and buyer confidence in hydrogen trade. “This initiative could also pave the way for a regional ASEAN-level certification framework,” he said during his keynote at the World Hydrogen Asia 2025 event in Tokyo. Themed “Securing Asia’s sustainable energy future with hydrogen and low carbon fuels,” the event spotlighted Sarawak’s green energy efforts, which are outlined under the Sarawak Sustainability Blueprint 2030. Central to this is the Hydrogen Economy Roadmap — a plan to accelerate the state’s green transition by leveraging hydrogen to drive clean energy, industrial transformation, and economic growth. Major hydrogen projects are already progressing in Sarawak. The H2biscus initiative — a collaboration between SEDC Energy and South Korean firms Samsung Engineering, Lotte Chemical, and Posco — is expected to produce 630,000 tonnes of green ammonia, 600,000 tonnes of blue ammonia, 460,000 tonnes of green methanol, and 7,000 tonnes of green hydrogen annually at the Sarawak Hydrogen Hub in Bintulu. Except for the green hydrogen meant for domestic use, the rest will be exported to South Korea. Meanwhile, Project H2ornbill — involving SEDC Energy, Eneos, and Sumitomo Corporation — will add two hydrogen production plants to the same hub. Together, both projects could yield 240,000 tonnes of green hydrogen a year, potentially making Sarawak a global leader in hydrogen production. To support the domestic hydrogen ecosystem, Sarawak is also advancing local applications. A hydrogen plant in Rembus, Samarahan will supply fuel for the state’s upcoming autonomous rapid transit (ART) system, set to launch in stages from late 2026. This system includes 38 ART trams and 55 hydrogen-powered feeder buses. Hydrogen refuelling stations are already operational in Kuching. In rural development, Sarawak has successfully deployed hydrogen technology to power Malaysia’s first hybrid clinic in Long Loyang, Marudi. The modular system delivers up to 30kWh of power daily, providing reliable electricity for medical equipment and services to over 2,000 residents. Abang Johari outlined five strategic pillars of Sarawak’s hydrogen strategy: scaling up cost-efficient hydrogen hubs, promoting domestic applications, securing international offtake agreements, fostering public-private partnerships, and supporting talent development. He stressed the importance of regional collaboration to avoid fragmented efforts. “Shared infrastructure, joint R&D, and coordinated investments across ASEAN will ensure a stronger and faster transition,” he said, calling for co-investments in export terminals, storage facilities, and conversion plants. Bintulu’s recent selection as Malaysia’s first Transitioning Industrial Cluster (TIC) under the World Economic Forum underscores Sarawak’s leadership in clean industrial transformation. The cluster now joins 35 similar hubs globally, representing 66% of the world’s GDP. “This recognition positions Sarawak at the forefront of sustainable industry development, where climate goals align with economic opportunity,” said Abang Johari.

Media OutReach

SKINARMA’s JAGER collection redefines street-smart carry with raw utility and urban edge

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 21 July 2025 – SKINARMA has launched the JAGER collection, a versatile lineup built for everyday explorers who need gear that keeps up with their pace. Crafted with functionality and durability in mind, these five bags blend classic styling with modern features, offering earth-toned designs that work from city streets to off-grid escapes. Whether for daily commutes, weekend travel, or outdoor use, JAGER is made to look sharp and perform under pressure. SKINARMA introduces new functional ripstop bags in a range of sizes and colors with the JAGER carry collection. Each bag in the JAGER collection is made with water-resistant ripstop nylon, woven to handle everyday wear while keeping your essentials protected. Smart pocket placement and padded compartments make organization simple, whether you’re commuting, traveling, or moving through your day. With a clean, modern design and functional details, JAGER delivers practical performance with a street-ready look. The Foldtop Backpack is the standout of the JAGER collection, created for those who need a reliable carry that does it all. It holds a 14” laptop with room for everyday gear, and side pockets keep bottles or small items close at hand. Front utility loops offer quick-access storage, while its foldtop closure adds extra protection and a sharp urban silhouette. It’s built tough for travel, work, or outdoor use—so your backpack is never what holds you back. Next, the Zip Utility Tote gives you space without bulk. Its wide-mouth opening makes packing easy, and five interior pockets keep things organized. Three outer pockets let you grab essentials quickly. With adjustable straps, you can carry it how you want—over the shoulder, by hand, or crossbody. It’s a solid upgrade from the usual tote bag. The Cargo-Pocket Crossbody is compact but built for flexibility. Dual compartments, utility loops, and an expandable bottle pocket give you plenty of space for daily items. Meanwhile, a magnetic strap clasp makes it quick to take off, and a full-length back zip pocket keeps your go-to items close. Small in size like most crossbodies, but amplified with clever features to achieve more. The lineup continues with the Clutch Bag, lightweight and easy to carry with four interior pockets to keep your items in place. Interchangeable straps let you wear it your way—shoulder, wrist, or crossbody. The rugged cross-hatch material nods to outdoor gear, but the clean shape keeps it ready for the city. Lastly, the 14” Laptop Sleeve is padded to protect your device on the move. Utility pockets give you extra space for cables, chargers, or other gear, and a hidden handle makes it easy to grab and go. Designed for people who take their tech everywhere, it combines day-to-day utility with outdoor-inspired cues. JAGER breaks down the walls between tech, fashion, and lifestyle. Shattering the outdated idea that function means dull or boring, SKINARMA delivers tech-integrated designs inspired by expedition-level durability—not limited by traditional carry gear. When your gear understands your hustle, everything falls into place. “The JAGER collection represents the brand’s signature take on practical, functional carry,” said Darren Tan, Lead Principal Designer at SKINARMA. “We put careful thought into all aspects—the exterior material, combination of pockets and compartments, and even small details like zip-closures—in order to meet the traditional needs of everyday carry items while still standing out in a bold and distinct way.” Upgrade your old carry. The full JAGER collection awaits at SKINARMA.com, ready to prove that raw utility and urban edge don’t have to lead separate lives. Join the SKRM Community for 10% off and VIP access to exclusive updates. Level up with SKINARMA’s loyalty program and earn points, unlock rewards, and get early access to new drops. Follow the brand on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok to stay connected with a community redefining smart carry. Hashtag: #Skinarma #Technology #Lifestyle http://skinarma.com/https://www.facebook.com/Skinarma/https://www.instagram.com/skinarma/https://www.tiktok.com/@skinarma.official/ The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. About SKINARMA SKINARMA, a Singapore-based fashion-forward tech brand, offers streetwear-inspired accessories like iPhone, MacBook and AirPods cases, along with bags and apparel. Since its launch in 2018, the brand has built a dedicated following in cities such as Shanghai, Tokyo, Bangkok and Dubai. With community and culture at the heart of their designs, SKINARMA aims to rewrite the intersection of fashion, technology and art.

News

China’s Guangxi Launches ‘AI Super League’ to Support ASEAN-Focused Start-Ups

China’s Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, a key gateway to Southeast Asia, has launched a major artificial intelligence (AI) initiative — the “AI Super League” — aimed at nurturing emerging talent and start-ups targeting ASEAN markets. Unveiled on Saturday, the “AI for All” competition will run through September, featuring 17 thematic tracks including automotive, tourism, cross-border e-commerce, smart agriculture, and market regulation. The initiative is backed by the Guangxi regional government and simultaneously launched in eight cities: Nanning, Beijing, Shanghai, Hangzhou, Shenzhen, Hong Kong, Bangkok, and Kuala Lumpur. Guangxi, which borders Vietnam, has long played a strategic role in China-ASEAN relations. It has hosted the China-ASEAN Expo for 22 consecutive years, and ASEAN has remained Guangxi’s largest trading partner for 25 straight years. In 2024, bilateral trade between Guangxi and ASEAN hit 398 billion yuan (US$55.4 billion), up 17% year-on-year. Start-up founders speak at the launch ceremony on Saturday. Speaking at the launch event in Cyberport, Hong Kong’s Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, Sun Dong, highlighted the city’s AI strengths. “Hong Kong’s AI ecosystem is thriving, with over 1,000 AI enterprises supported by robust research capabilities. This competition aligns with our goal to advance AI as a core industry, accelerating economic transformation and regional integration with ASEAN.” The ASEAN AI market is expected to grow to US$30 billion by 2030, with the technology projected to contribute 10% to 18% of the bloc’s GDP — particularly benefiting industries like manufacturing, healthcare, and energy, according to a May report by the Economic Research Institute for ASEAN and East Asia. Hong Kong lawmaker Jesse Shang Hailong emphasized the region’s strategic approach: “To succeed in ASEAN, we must ‘go big, start small, and dig deep’ — the demand is there, especially in overlooked sectors. By combining Hong Kong’s global perspective with Guangxi’s local reach, we can unlock immense opportunities.” Cyberport CEO Rocky Cheng noted that over 400 AI companies are currently based in Hong Kong, supported by the city’s largest supercomputing facility. More than 70 start-ups have already entered Southeast Asian markets, and the AI Super League now offers a new platform to deepen ties between Hong Kong, Guangxi, and ASEAN. Chinese tech leaders are also expanding in the region. In April, Malaysia’s MyEG signed an agreement with Guangxi Beitou IT Innovation Technology Group to establish a China-ASEAN AI Lab in Malaysia. Notable participants in the initiative include AI firm DeepSeek, drone manufacturer DJI, Huawei Technologies, and Alibaba Group — the parent company of the South China Morning Post.

News

Food Empire Teams Up With AirAsia to Debut Ready-to-Drink Beverage Line

SINGAPORE – Mainboard-listed Food Empire has announced a partnership with AirAsia to co-develop and launch a new line of ready-to-drink beverages inspired by Southeast Asian flavours. The collaboration, formalised through a memorandum of understanding between Food Empire’s subsidiary Empire International and AirAsia’s Santan Food Services, was revealed on Thursday (July 17). AirAsia CEO Tony Fernandes said the partnership aims to produce beverages that reflect the region’s unique cultural identity and heritage. The first product under this collaboration will be a Vietnamese iced coffee, set to be sold on AirAsia flights and across retail outlets in the region under the Santan brand. Both companies also plan to explore future co-branded and private-label ventures. They noted the product range will be developed with modern consumer trends in mind, including healthier, lower-sugar options that retain authentic flavours.

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