Events

ESG, Events

Enhancing National Economic Growth Through Cooperatives

PENANG: The COOP@IMT-GT Seminar and Conference held today highlighted the transformative power of cooperatives in driving economic growth and fostering social inclusion within the Indonesia-Malaysia-Thailand Growth Triangle (IMT-GT) subregion.   The event was co-organised by the Malaysian National Cooperative Movement (Angkasa), ASEAN Cooperative Organisation (ACO) and Centre for IMT-GT Subregional Cooperation (CIMT). Focusing on the role of cooperative enterprises in financial inclusion and digital transformation, the conference expanded on innovative strategies and collaborative partnerships to unlock the full potential of cooperatives. During the conference, speakers had the opportunity to discuss challenges in harnessing that potential and develop actionable approaches to address them. At the same time, speakers were also able to share successful cooperative initiatives and best practices across the region to further inspire and empower participants to drive cooperative-driven economic growth. “Cooperative enterprises are crucial in empowering communities as it support economic expansion by creating job opportunities and they can also enhance social development by promoting democratic participation,” said Koperasi Kredit Pekerja-Pekerja Malaysia Bhd Chairman, Thankarajoo Subramaniam. “Additionally, cooperatives are capable of initiating sustainable growth by encouraging local resource utilisation and promote environmental sustainability,” he added. Meanwhile, Dato’ Dr Muhamad Iqbal Mohamad, who is a Member of the IMT-GT Joint Business Council said that cooperatives in Malaysia have significant potential to foster inclusive growth and address socio-economic challenges by pooling resources, providing financial services, and investing in community development. According to him, cooperatives empower members through collective bargaining, shared profits, and democratic governance. “If supported by the government, cooperatives enhance financial inclusion and economic stability, particularly in rural areas. “Despite facing challenges like limited capital and competition, cooperatives can overcome these through enhanced support, technological integration, and strategic partnerships,” said Dato’ Iqbal, who is also the founder of Qew Group Bhd, a wholly-owned Bumiputera company, specialises in project management and corporate finance initiatives. In this regard, he explained how Qew Group Bhd can foster a sustainable business ecosystem for Malaysian cooperatives by providing financial support and investment, including microfinancing for smaller entities. By introducing new technologies and innovative practices, such as digital platforms for e-commerce and mobile banking, Qew Group Bhd can enhance operational efficiency and market reach. “Expanding market access through Qew Group Bhd’s network and partnerships, promoting sustainable practices, and investing in research and development will ensure long-term growth and competitiveness. “This can ultimately promote economic growth, community development, and sustainability for Malaysian cooperatives,” Dato’ Iqbal concluded.  

Events

Global Data Centre Facility Summit 2024 Reveals Future of Intelligent Computing

SINGAPORE: The Global Data Center Facility Summit 2024 was held in Singapore on 17 May 2024 with the theme of ‘Power the Digital Era Forward’, where over 600 data centre industry leaders, technical experts, and ecosystem partners gathered to discuss new trends and opportunities of the global data centre industry in the intelligent computing era. The attendees also got to experience all-scenario, all-ecosystem, and all-service end-to-end (E2E) solutions, share innovative practices of green data centres in the Asia Pacific and Europe, and experience the exhibition vehicle to unveil the mystery of Outdoor PowerPOD that features one power system per container. In his opening speech, Huawei Senior Vice President, Charles Yang noted that since ChatGPT ushered in the AI era, large models keep pushing the limits of computing power and the intelligent computing industry is witnessing an unprecedented construction boom. As predicted, 100GW will be added to the global data centre installed capacity and the market value will exceed US$600 billion (RM2.82 trillion) in the next 5 years. According to Charles, with opportunities come challenges. The primary challenge concerning the data centre industry is reliability and electricity. Data centres are scaling up from the MW-level to the GW-level. E2E reliability of data centres is becoming even more important than ever. In response to the opportunities, Huawei will work with customers and partners to expand the industry space. Steering Data Centres to the AI Era During the summit, Huawei Data Center Facility & Critical Power Business President, Sun Xiaofeng stated that as AI large models are penetrating, the surging compute demands drive the expansive growth in data centres. To address the challenges, Huawei strives to build product, service and ecosystem E2E data centre solutions that feature fast deployment, flexible cooling, green energy, and ultimate reliability. Currently, Huawei’s global service network covers more than 170 countries with over 1,800 professional engineers, providing 24/7 technical support. With N+ flagship service centres, Huawei has built a one-hour service radius for its customers. The ecosystem is a key part of a win-win future of intelligent computing. Huawei works with partners to develop comprehensive E2E solutions and provide customers with one-stop data centre services. During the summit, Huawei and the ASEAN Centre for Energy released a white paper on ‘Building Next Generation Data Centre Facility in ASEAN’, providing insights into the status quo, challenges, and trends of data centres in the ASEAN region and emphasising that efficient and energy-saving products and solutions should be applied. It also proposes future-oriented policy recommendations for data centre markets. In the ecosystem exhibition area, Huawei showcased scenario-based solutions for large-, medium-, and small-sized data centres, and demonstrated data centre consulting, design, integrated development, and delivery capabilities with dozens of ecosystem partners including CIMC, Weichai, CSCEC, and Huashi.

Events

HARTA Pays Homage to Malaysia’s Living, Life-Giving Rivers with ‘Sacred Currents’ by SC Shekar

KUALA LUMPUR: HARTA (HABIB: Action for the Revival of our Traditions and Arts) is proud to present its inaugural photographic exhibition, “Sacred Currents” by SC Shekar, one of Malaysia’s most esteemed and award-winning photographers. Running until June 2, 2024, at HARTA, “Sacred Currents” is a long-awaited documentation of Malaysia’s numerous rivers and riverine habitats, which have sustained countless generations. The exhibition features 30 breathtaking black-and-white photographs taken from a helicopter, showcasing the stunning beauty and intricate ecosystems of Malaysia’s rivers. Spanning the entire Peninsular Malaysia, as well as Sabah and Sarawak, these images powerfully highlight the fragile existence of our rivers amid the nation’s pursuit of progress. The stories behind these works warn of a bleak future for our children and future generations unless we act now to change our attitudes and decisions regarding these vital waterways. “’Sacred Currents’ captures beautiful yet fleeting moments of Malaysia’s winding rivers, now threatened by pollution and our unsustainable lifestyles,” said Mirsham Meer, the Director of HARTA. “These photographs underscore the urgent and deliberate efforts needed to protect our ecosystem for the future. We hope these mesmerizing yet meaningful images resonate deeply with viewers,” Mirsham added. SC Shekar’s “Sacred Currents” is both a tribute to the majesty of these sacred rivers and a clarion call for a shift in our values towards a harmonious and symbiotic relationship with nature. The exhibition was inaugurated by His Highness Tunku Ali Redhauddin ibni Tuanku Muhriz, Tunku Besar Seri Menanti of Negeri Sembilan, in the presence of international diplomats, special guests, and media representatives.   In conjunction with the exhibition, an outreach program invites schools in the Klang Valley to bring students on educational explorations of Malaysia’s rivers. This initiative aims to raise awareness, educate, and inspire the next generation to understand the importance of protecting our waterways and to rekindle the connection between people and their rivers.  

Events

InvestSmart® Educates Johor on Capital Market Investing

The Securities Commission Malaysia (SC) is hosting its annual investor education fair, Bersama InvestSmart® @Johor 2024, this weekend at the Mid Valley Exhibition Centre, Mid Valley SouthKey mall in Johor Bahru. The three-day event aims to empower investors with essential knowledge, promoting financial literacy and informed investment decisions while safeguarding against scams and illegal schemes. YB Lee Ting Han, Johor State Executive Council Member and Chairman of Investment, Trade, Consumer Affairs and Human Resources Committee, inaugurated the event. Attendees included senior state government officials and leaders from the capital market and financial industries. Themed ‘Bijak Labur Hidup Makmur’, the event features 38 exhibitors, including financial and capital market firms, industry associations, and agencies such as the Employees Provident Fund and the Inland Revenue Board. Over 11,000 visitors are expected, who will benefit from public talks and panel discussions by financial and capital market experts. In addition, the #FinPlan4u® initiative offers more than 230 free one-on-one financial planning sessions, providing personalized guidance on financial goals and retirement planning from licensed financial planners. SC Chairman Dato’ Seri Dr. Awang Adek Hussin highlighted Johor as an ideal location for this year’s event, following successful editions in Penang, Sarawak, and Sabah. He noted Johor’s significant achievements, including RM113.7 billion in investments and 35,000 new jobs over two years, as announced by the Menteri Besar of Johor, YAB Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi. “This event will contribute to the state’s and its residents’ prosperity, emphasizing the importance of wise investment at the individual level,” said Dato’ Seri Dr. Awang Adek. He also warned against scams that misuse the “syariah-compliant” label or involve influencers to appear legitimate, urging investors to verify such claims. The SC’s Investors’ Survey revealed that 30% of respondents are prone to scams, particularly vulnerable groups relying on unverified information from family and friends. Recognizing this issue, the SC launched the Investment Checker on its website, a tool for verifying the legitimacy of investment entities. Since its introduction, the Investment Checker has become one of the SC’s most visited pages, with over 25,000 visits. Following Bersama InvestSmart® @Johor, the SC will host the NaviGate Capital Market Green Financing Series on 20 May 2024 in Iskandar Puteri, supported by Iskandar Investment Berhad. This program will explore alternative capital market financing, including equity crowdfunding (ECF) and peer-to-peer (P2P) financing, featuring MSMEs sharing their fundraising experiences. For more information on InvestSmart®, including details about Bersama InvestSmart® @Johor 2024, please visit [InvestSmart’s website](https://investsmartsc.my/) or follow InvestSmart® on social media.

Events, News

EmpowerFest 2024 Celebrates Inclusion and Neurodiversity

KUALA LUMPUR: Oasis Place, Malaysia’s premier transdisciplinary intervention center, proudly hosted EmpowerFest 2024 at Avenue K Shopping Mall, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, from Friday, May 10th to Sunday, May 12th, 2024. Event Details: Event Title: “Through Our Heart – EMPOWERFEST – Carnival of Inclusion & Neurodiversity” Date: Friday, May 10th – Sunday, May 12th, 2024 Location: Avenue K Shopping Mall, Level G, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia EmpowerFest 2024 served as a groundbreaking festival dedicated to celebrating inclusion, empowerment, acceptance, and community engagement. It provided a unique platform for showcasing inspiring stories, achievements, and challenges faced by neurodivergent individuals. The festival’s theme, “Through Our Heart,” underscored the potential for every unique individual and community stakeholder to succeed and make meaningful social impact contributions. Highlights from Selected Presenters and Panelists: 1. Joshua Teow – Neurodivergent autistic adult and long-time employee at Uniqlo, exemplifying meaningful professional success. 2. June – Co-owner of Nozig, sharing her family’s journey in managing neurodiversity through sporting activities. 3. Joyce Teoh Lay Bee & Sabrina Teoh Weber – Mother and Down syndrome daughter duo, emphasizing the importance of avoiding comparisons in parenting. 4. Linda & Amir – Owners of Dyslexia Café, showcasing Amir’s journey from dyslexia diagnosis to becoming a trained chef and café owner. 5. Grace Gan – Manager at Yayasan Gamuda Enabling Academy, highlighting the importance of employment transition programs for neurodivergent individuals. 6. Dr. Cheah Boon Eu – Autistic medical doctor, sharing her personal journey of managing challenges and inspiring others in the healthcare community. 7. Dr. Hazli Zakaria – Consultant Psychiatrist, advocating for mental health support and social advocacy. Awareness and Empowerment Through EmpowerFest 2024: EmpowerFest 2024 aimed not only to provide a platform for learning and connection but also to challenge societal perceptions of neurodiversity. The three-day event featured highly interactive activities, engagement forums, presentations, and panel discussions, allowing the public to immerse themselves experientially with experts and lived-experience stories from the neurodiverse community. About Masteron: Masteron Group, along with Nisai Group, played a crucial role in ensuring the success of EmpowerFest 2024. Both organizations are dedicated to creating opportunities and providing resources that empower individuals with special needs to succeed. Oasis Place’s Vision: Dr. Choy Sook Kuen, Mother and Founder of Oasis Place, expressed gratitude for the support received from sponsors like Masteron Group, emphasizing the event’s goal of breaking boundaries and promoting neuroinclusion. Oasis Place’s collaborative efforts with organizations like Nisai Group reflect a commitment to making a positive impact on the community. EMPOWERFEST Event Sponsors & Partners: – Hosted By: Oasis Place – Main Sponsor: Masteron Group – Co-Sponsors: DOREMI, Kintry, Nisai Group, KyoChon – Community Partners: Four Points by Sheraton, Chinatown, NASOM, SENIA, AVENUE K, Limkokwing University of Creative Arts, Kita Family Podcast.

Events

Bursa Malaysia Brings Flagship Investment Fair to Sabah

KUALA LUMPUR: Bursa Malaysia Berhad will host its flagship Bursa Marketplace Fair 2024 at Suria Sabah Shopping Mall in Kota Kinabalu on May 11-12, 2024. The fair, officiated by Datuk Seri Panglima Haji Hajiji bin Haji Noor, Chief Minister of Sabah, aims to promote financial literacy and investing opportunities offered by Bursa Malaysia. Highlights include talks, activities, and booths by the Securities Commission Malaysia and participating brokers. The event will feature presentations by Keyfield International Berhad and Optimax Holdings Berhad. Despite a large population in Sabah, only a small percentage have opened CDS accounts, highlighting untapped investor potential. Datuk Muhamad Umar Swift, CEO of Bursa Malaysia, emphasizes the importance of enhancing financial literacy and increasing retail investor participation. The fair offers opportunities to explore digital tools and platforms such as Burmon Trader, Bursa Anywhere app, MyBursa, and Bursa Gold Dinar. This marks the first time the event is held in East Malaysia and is expected to draw over 2,000 attendees. The event is free and open to the public, with registration available online or on-site. Visit https://www.bursamarketplace.com/bursamarketplace-fair/ for more information.

Events

KL Wellness City Hosts Vibrant Raya Open House with Orphanage Homes

KUALA LUMPUR: KL Wellness City (KLWC), the leading developer of a wellness and healthcare-focused master township in Southeast Asia, hosted its Raya Open House on April 18, 2024, following a significant Raya Campaign launch event on March 14, 2024. The vibrant Open House was filled with joyful celebrations and meaningful connections. The Raya Open House festivities began with a “Pantun” recitation by Dato’ Sri Vincent Tiew, Executive Director (Branding, Sales & Marketing) of KLWC, conveying well wishes for the upcoming year and welcoming guests to the Raya Aidilfitri celebration at KLWC. Attendees enjoyed a variety of activities and entertainment, including live performances by the talented 3pcs Busker Band, creating an engaging atmosphere. Traditional local delicacies were served at live food stations and in an all-day buffet, offering guests a delightful culinary journey through Malaysian flavors. KL Wellness City was honored to host Tourism Malaysia’s representative, En. Mohd Roslan Bin Abdullah, and esteemed guests like Dr. Mohamed Ali Abu Bakar, CEO of the Malaysian Healthcare Travel Council, emphasizing the significance of healthcare and wellness in the community. This aligns with KLWC’s mission to promote Malaysia as a premier tourist destination with excellent healthcare and wellness services. Dato’ Sri Vincent Tiew expressed gratitude for Dr. Mohamed Ali Abu Bakar’s support, highlighting the commitment to promoting medical tourism and enhancing healthcare services for local residents and international visitors. To enhance the festive ambiance, attendees could capture cherished moments against an exclusive backdrop adorned with traditional Malay decor, known as “Rumah Panggung,” creating lasting memories. In the spirit of generosity and aligned with the “Kembali Ke Nostalgia” campaign, KL Wellness City distributed “duit raya” to over 100 children from five homes, including Shelter Home For Children, Lighthouse Children Welfare Home Association, KL & Selangor, Pusat Jagaan Penyayang Nur Iman KL, Ti-Ratana Welfare Society, and Yayasan Sunbeams Home. Each orphanage received RM2,000 in contributions, totaling RM10,000, reflecting KL Wellness City’s commitment to making a positive impact on those in need. “We’re truly delighted to welcome all our guests to our Raya Open House celebration,” expressed Dato’ Sri Dr. Vincent Tiew. “This gathering symbolizes a beautiful convergence of our cultural heritage and community spirit, forging meaningful connections and lasting memories together. We’re excited to share the joy of the festive season with everyone who joins us.” Additionally, guests can participate in the Duit Raya Lucky Draw until April 30, 2024, for a chance to win cash rebate vouchers and special free gifts by engaging with KL Wellness City on social media platforms.

Events

Suzhou Ballet Theatre’s ‘Reminiscing Jiangnan’ Live In Encore Melaka

KUALA LUMPUR: Yong Tai Group Bhd’s (YTG) Encore Melaka Theatre presented the Suzhou Ballet Theatre from China with a theme entitled Reminiscing Jiangnan—A Ballet Collection of Excellence. This event, marking 50 years of diplomatic ties between Malaysia and China, features performances from April 12th to 14th. Hosted at Encore Melaka, this event celebrates the cross-cultural bridge between Malaysia and China, supported by the Malaysia National Department for Culture and Arts, Han Culture Center Malaysia, Asia Television, and Asia Pacific Daily. The event saw an illustrious gathering, including YTG executive director Datuk Beh Hang Kong, independent and non-executive directors Datuk Kenny Ng Bee Ken and Anthony, special adviser to chief minister of Melaka on investment and China affairs Datuk Lim Ban Hong, Charge d’Affaires of Embassy of Republic of Guinea to Malaysia Mr and Mrs Oumar Conde and many other dignitaries. Fifty top ballet dancers from Suzhou Ballet brought to life the lush landscapes and deep emotions of China’s Jiangnan region through the performances. Previously, the Suzhou Ballet has brought this distinctive performance to countries such as Spain and Algeria for performances and exchanges. In addition, they also performed selected excerpts from the third act of the classical ballet Swan Lake, much to the delight and astonishment of the audience. YTB chief executive officer and founder of Encore Melaka Datuk Wira Boo Kuang Loon highlighted the show’s global appeal and the theatre’s revival post-pandemic. He spoke of the upgraded theatre facilities that elevate the viewing experience. Located near the Straits of Melaka, Encore Melaka is the first in Southeast Asia to feature a 360-degree rotating auditorium equipped with audio and visual technology. Boo sees this collaboration as a milestone in cultural diplomacy between Malaysia and China.

Events, News

Miss Secretary Malaysia 2024 Pageant Aimed To Uplift Unsung Heroes Of The Corporate World

KUALA LUMPUR: The role of secretaries and personal assistants remains pivotal in the intricate tapestry of corporate success. These unsung warriors navigate the challenging terrains of multitasking, diplomacy, and efficiency, serving as the backbone of organisations worldwide. In recognising this, the Miss Secretary Malaysia 2024 pageant emerges as a powerful platform to celebrate and uplift the often-unsung heroes of the corporate world – secretaries and personal assistants. Themed ‘Unity in Diversity: Empowering Women in the Corporate Mosaic,’ the pageant celebrates Malaysia’s rich cultural tapestry while highlighting the crucial role of women in fostering unity, innovation, and progress within corporate environments. It showcases Malaysian women’s strength, resilience, and collective spirit, promoting cross-cultural understanding, collaboration, and inclusive growth. Rosa Riuscita managing principle Rosalinda Busrah said the Miss Secretary Malaysia 2024 Beauty Pageant will serve as a platform for personal and professional growth. “It is not just a pageant, it’s a platform for empowerment, inspiration, and celebrating women’s achievements in the corporate world. “Through mentorship, professional development workshops, and community engagement initiatives, we aim to cultivate a new generation of women leaders who drive positive change within their organisations and communities,” she said in a statement. Registration is now open and will continue until March 31, 2024, for the event, which is scheduled to take place at the iconic Havana Dining on the rooftop of Nu Sentral Mall in KL Sentral. Interested individuals aged 25 and above who are currently employed as secretaries or personal assistants in any organisation are invited to apply. The registration process includes submitting a short self-introduction video, five digital photographs showcasing various attire settings, and personal particulars. The semi-finals will feature a full-day programme consisting of beauty tips workshops, mentoring sessions, motivational speeches, and acknowledgements. Participants will receive certificates of participation and complimentary spa or makeup vouchers worth RM500. Selected contestants will be selected for the semi-final event, to be held on April 20, 2024, and 15 finalists will be chosen to advance to the grand finale, scheduled for April 28, 2024. More than a beauty showcase, the Miss Secretary Malaysia 2024 Beauty Pageant spotlights secretaries and personal assistants as corporate ambassadors, emphasising their professional acumen, cultural pride, and commitment to excellence. It empowers them to be leaders driving positive change within workplaces and communities. Contestants undergo thorough evaluations that encompass professionalism, leadership skills, cultural awareness, advocacy, communication abilities, personal presentation, and integrity. The pageant identifies women dedicated to promoting gender equality, cultural exchange, and social impact. With its unwavering commitment to empowering women and promoting diversity, the Miss Secretary Malaysia 2024 Beauty Pageant promises to be a transformative experience. It will inspire a new generation of corporate leaders who will shape the future with grace, intelligence, and an unwavering determination to create a more equitable and inclusive world.

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