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AirAsia Group Bhd has officially completed its corporate name change from AirAsia X Bhd, with the new name taking effect on July 2, marking a significant step in the airline’s transformation strategy. In a statement, the company said the rebranding follows shareholder approval at its annual general meeting on June 25 and the successful registration of the new name with the Companies Commission of Malaysia (SSM). According to the group, the new identity better reflects its evolution into a more integrated airline group as it works towards becoming the world’s first low-cost network carrier. The company said the transformation will enable it to optimise its route network, enhance operational efficiency, strengthen connectivity across key markets, and continue providing affordable air travel throughout Asia and beyond. Independent non-executive chairman Tan Sri Jamaludin Ibrahim said the name change represents an important milestone in the group’s long-term growth strategy, positioning the company to capitalise on a larger fleet and support its future expansion plans. He added that the move reinforces the group’s commitment to strengthening its network while delivering greater value to customers and shareholders.

Pop Meals, one of Malaysia’s home-grown food brands, is proud to announce a major milestone in its journey: the official Halal certification of the Pop Meals brand. The certification was celebrated at a special Halal Certification Ceremony held at Pop Meals’ Pantai Hospital outlet on Thursday, 9 July 2026, officiated by high-ranking officials from the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (JAKIM). High ranking Jakim Officials with Pop Meals’ Director Nursuriani Binti Tajul Azhar, Halal Quality Manager, Syahida binti Wahid Udin and Halal Executive, Ainna Sofia Zamri during the celebration. The ceremony marks an important step forward for Pop Meals as it continues to grow its presence across Malaysia while strengthening customer trust. The event was attended by representatives from JAKIM together with Pop Meals’ leadership team, including Director Nursuriani Binti Tajul Azhar, Halal Quality Manager Syahida binti Wahid Udin, and Halal Executive Ainna Sofia Zamri. Founded in 2021 with its first outlet at DPulze Cyberjaya, Pop Meals has grown from a young Malaysian food startup into a proudly homegrown brand with 87 outlets across Klang Valley, Melaka, and Johor. The company is on track to reach 100 outlets later this year, reflecting strong demand from Malaysian consumers for affordable, convenient, and familiar meals. The Halal certification comes at a meaningful time for Pop Meals as it scales up operations to support its expanding outlet network. Alongside the brand, the central kitchen is now officially Halal certified, powered by a strict Halal Assurance System (HAS) that guarantees 100% traceability of raw ingredients from kitchen to outlet. “This is a very proud moment for Pop Meals and for our entire team,” said Nursuriani Binti Tajul Azhar, Director of Pop Meals. “We started as a Malaysian brand with a simple mission: to make good, familiar meals more accessible to more people. Receiving Halal certification is an important milestone because it gives our customers even greater confidence in the food we serve every day.” Pop Meals has always positioned itself as a proudly Malaysian brand. Since its beginning, the company has focused on serving meals that Malaysians know, love, and enjoy regularly, while making them convenient and affordable for modern lifestyles. Today, Pop Meals employs a team made up of more than 91% Malay team members, many of whom work across its HQ, operations, quality, and support functions. To celebrate this milestone, Pop Meals is launching an “Up to 55% OFF” promotional campaign, giving customers across Malaysia the opportunity to enjoy their favourite meals at special prices. The campaign reflects the brand’s commitment to making quality meals more affordable and accessible for the everyday Malaysian customer. Pop Meals at Pantai Hospital celebrating the Halal Certification with a “Giving Back Day” to the community of frontliners, hospital staff and nurses with 555 Free meals during the event. The meals were taken up in less than 1 hour. As part of the celebration, Pop Meals also hosted a special “Day of Giving Back” at its Pantai Hospital outlet on Thursday, 9 July 2026. On this day, hospital frontliners, staff, and nurses will be invited to pick up 555 free Mac n Cheese meals as a token of appreciation for their dedication and service to the community. “Our Pantai Hospital outlet is a meaningful location for this ceremony because it allows us to celebrate together with the people who serve the community every day,” said Nursuriani. “We are especially happy to give back to hospital frontliners, staff, and nurses with 555 free meals on the same day as our Halal certification ceremony.” Pop Meals’ Halal Quality Manager, Syahida binti Wahid Udin, and Halal Executive, Ainna Sofia Zamri, have played important roles in establishing the Internal Halal Committee (IHC) and driving the Halal competency training across the wider team. Their work, together with the commitment of the wider Pop Meals team, has helped the brand achieve this important certification while preparing the business for further expansion. Looking ahead, Pop Meals aims to bring Malaysian classic meals to more customers not only in Malaysia, but also across Southeast Asia and beyond. The company has entered into joint ventures with local powerhouse retail conglomerates as part of its regional growth strategy, combining Pop Meals’ food brand and operating model with strong local partners in new markets. As Pop Meals moves closer to its 100-outlet milestone, the Halal certification represents more than an operational achievement. It reflects the brand’s Malaysian roots, its commitment to trust and quality, and its ambition to make Malaysian meals loved by customers across the region. “We are grateful to JAKIM, our team members, our partners, and our customers for being part of this journey,” added Nursuriani. “This milestone motivates us to continue growing Pop Meals with pride, responsibility, and a deep respect for the customers and communities we serve.”

The Malaysian Association for Arts, Live Events, Concerts and Festivals (ALIFE) today joined fellow industry associations under the Industries Unite coalition in calling for the abolishment of the Entertainments Tax. Introduced in 1953 during the colonial era, the Act was created at a time when entertainment was viewed as a luxury. More than seventy years later, Malaysia has evolved into a nation driven by tourism, creativity, culture and experiences, yet this outdated legislation remains. “Entertainment today is not a luxury. It is culture, family recreation, tourism and an important contributor to Malaysia’s creative economy,” said Rizal Kamal, Senior Advisor of ALIFE. “The question is no longer whether the Act is outdated. The question is why we continue to operate under it.” Entertainment Tax Affects Far More Than Concerts A common misconception is that entertainment duty only affects major international concerts. In reality, it applies to virtually every ticketed live performance, including theatre productions, musicals, comedy clubs, dance performances, cultural showcases, arts festivals, touring productions and performances in cafés and live music venues. These are not simply commercial activities. They are cultural outputs that preserve Malaysian stories, nurture local talent and provide wholesome experiences that bring families together. For many children, a theatre production is their first introduction to the performing arts. Public policy should make these experiences more accessible, not more expensive. Grassroots Talent Bears the Greatest Burden While major productions receive the most attention, it is grassroots performers who are most affected. Emerging comedians, theatre companies, musicians, dancers, cultural producers, festival organisers, venue operators and independent promoters rely on affordable ticket prices to build audiences. Entertainment duty increases costs before a single ticket is sold, making it harder for local talent to experiment, grow and build sustainable careers. If Malaysia wants internationally recognised artists tomorrow, it must support emerging artists today. Malaysia Should Make Touring Easier, Not Harder Local artists should be encouraged to perform throughout Malaysia. A successful production in Kuala Lumpur should naturally continue to Johor Bahru, Penang, Kuching, Kota Kinabalu, Ipoh and other cities, allowing more Malaysians to enjoy live performances while creating economic opportunities nationwide. Instead, organisers face different entertainment tax rates, approval processes and administrative interpretations depending on where performances are held. In some cases, even different municipalities within the same state apply the law differently. Some local authorities have clear mechanisms for exemptions or reductions, while others have little guidance on implementation. This fragmented approach discourages domestic touring, creates unnecessary costs and limits the growth of Malaysia’s live performance ecosystem. Stable Policy Creates Investment The creative economy depends on long-term investment. Whether developing touring circuits, restoring theatres, opening live music venues or producing festivals, investors need confidence that policies will remain stable and predictable. The Federal Government’s decision to exempt entertainment duty for international live performances until 2028 has already demonstrated what stable policy can achieve. Kuala Lumpur has experienced remarkable growth in international concerts and live entertainment, attracting investment, creating employment and generating significant economic activity across tourism, hospitality, retail and transportation. This growth has contributed substantial revenue to the Federal Government through tourism, corporate taxes, income taxes, SST and the wider economic activity generated by a thriving live entertainment industry. ALIFE believes the same certainty should now be extended nationwide, particularly in high-potential cities such as Johor Bahru, Penang and Kuching, where the private sector is ready to invest if long-term policy remains competitive and consistent. Looking Beyond Entertainment Duty Every live event creates spending that extends far beyond the venue itself. Audiences support hotels, restaurants, cafés, shopping centres, transport providers and thousands of small businesses. Tourism remains one of Malaysia’s most important economic sectors, while shopping consistently accounts for more than one-third of international visitor expenditure, illustrating the wider multiplier effect generated by visitor experiences. The objective should not be to maximise tax collected from each ticket. It should be to maximise economic activity across entire cities, support local businesses, create jobs and strengthen Malaysia’s competitiveness as a regional destination for arts, culture and tourism. A Call for Action ALIFE respectfully calls upon the Federal Government and all State Governments to work together to resolve the longstanding issues surrounding the Entertainments Tax. We recognise that successive governments have acknowledged that the legislation no longer reflects the realities of today’s creative economy. What Malaysia needs now is decisive action. Malaysia should not have one city with a competitive entertainment policy while other cities compete under different rules. A consistent national framework would unlock private investment, encourage domestic touring and allow every state to benefit from the growth of the creative economy. Abolishment of the tax would make live performances more affordable for families, strengthen grassroots talent, encourage domestic touring, provide confidence for investors and position Malaysia as one of Southeast Asia’s leading destinations for arts, culture and live experiences. Stable Policy. Stronger Confidence. Sustainable Growth. “Entertainment is not a luxury. It is culture. It is family. It is community. It is economic growth. It is time our laws recognised that.”

WCT Holdings Bhd has expanded its overseas project portfolio after securing a sub-contract worth RM926.21 million from United Arab Emirates-based Construction General Contracting House Ltd to undertake works for a residential development in Abu Dhabi. In a filing with Bursa Malaysia, WCT said the project is owned and developed by Aldar Development LLC-OPC, a subsidiary of one of Abu Dhabi’s prominent property developers. The contract, known as the Yas Riva Residences Works Package, involves the construction and completion of six residential buildings located on Plot C54 and C55. Each building will comprise 11 levels and will be supported by a shared basement facility. The scope of works includes the construction activities required to deliver the residential development, further strengthening WCT’s presence in the Middle East construction market. According to WCT, the sub-contract works are expected to commence in the third quarter of financial year 2026 and are scheduled to be completed within 1,218 days from the commencement date. The company said the project is expected to contribute positively to its future earnings and order book, while enhancing its track record in delivering large-scale international property and infrastructure developments. WCT added that neither the directors nor major shareholders of the company, nor any persons connected to them, have any direct or indirect interest in the sub-contract. The latest contract win reflects WCT’s continued efforts to grow its construction business beyond Malaysia, leveraging its experience and capabilities in undertaking complex developments across regional markets.

Malaysia’s central bank said on Wednesday that it has imposed a fine of RM520,000 (US$125,665) on AEON Credit Service (M) Bhd (AEONCR) for breaches involving targeted financial sanctions requirements. AEON Credit, the Malaysian subsidiary of Japan’s Aeon Co (8267), has since implemented remedial measures and conducted refresher training for relevant staff to strengthen compliance processes, according to Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM). BNM said the breaches occurred after AEON Credit allowed a sanctioned entity to open an account with the company. The central bank did not disclose the identity of the sanctioned party. In addition, AEON Credit was found to have delayed freezing the account even after confirmation that the customer was listed under domestic sanctions, the regulator added. “These breaches were attributed to lack of staff oversight and a gap in AEON Credit’s standard operating procedure,” Bank Negara Malaysia said in its statement. BNM also confirmed that AEON Credit has since paid the compound, which was settled on April 16. The central bank reiterated that financial institutions are required to maintain robust internal controls and compliance frameworks to ensure full adherence to sanctions obligations, particularly in relation to customer due diligence and timely account restrictions. The case highlights the importance of strengthening operational safeguards within financial institutions to prevent lapses in sanctions screening and enforcement.

Malaysia’s state-controlled energy producer Petroliam Nasional Bhd (PETRONAS) has made another gas discovery at offshore Block 52 in Suriname, according to the South American nation’s President Jennifer Simons on Tuesday. A PETRONAS executive said the block’s eight discoveries now contain more than one billion barrels of oil equivalent. Suriname is seeking to emulate neighbouring Guyana’s rapid rise as a major oil producer through offshore developments led by international energy companies. PETRONAS is expected to make a final investment decision (FID) this year to develop offshore natural gas reserves in Suriname, following the declaration that its Sloanea discovery in the same block is commercially viable. The company has also been conducting further exploration for oil in the area. “This is really good news for us,” Simons said at an energy conference, without providing further details. It “sets the base for multiple oil and gas developments and a brighter future for Suriname,” she added. “To date, we have made eight successful exploration discoveries, unlocking over one billion barrels of oil equivalent, while continuing to advance lower-carbon solutions, safe operations and investment in people, technology and capability to create long-term value for the country,” said PETRONAS chief operating officer Mohd Jukris Abdul Wahab during the conference. He added that Block 52 sits within a highly prospective corridor known as the “Golden Lane,” supported by strong regional analogues and sustained industry interest. The first production from Suriname’s offshore resources is on track for 2028, led by a consortium headed by TotalEnergies, Oil Minister Patrick Brunings told Reuters on the sidelines of the conference. Suriname’s state-owned energy company Staatsolie is also offering an open-door licensing round covering more than 70,000 square kilometres across five offshore sectors. The initiative allows companies to propose work programmes and secure production-sharing contracts or joint study agreements to improve seismic data coverage. “There are a few more surprises in store,” Brunings said, referring to ongoing exploration activities. “If we find a lot of gas, we can establish various industries, such as the bauxite industry and the petrochemical industry.” Following Guyana’s emergence as a major oil producer with output exceeding 900,000 barrels per day, Suriname is also positioning itself to develop offshore resources to produce and export crude oil and natural gas through projects led by international partners. “We can also focus on gas exports,” Brunings added. “The whole world is now looking for reliable gas suppliers, and we believe we can play that role very well.”

QEW Group Berhad (“QEW” or “the Company”) refers to the article published by Free Malaysia Today (FMT) concerning the ongoing civil proceedings involving the Company and certain of its directors in relation to the RPS-i investment. As reported, the Company is currently undertaking the implementation of its restructuring and Exit Plan as part of its continuing efforts to fulfil its commitments to investors. The Company wishes to emphasise that the matters presently before the Court arise within the context of a corporate restructuring and obligations resolution process. Such processes are not uncommon within the financial and investment industry, particularly where companies are undertaking structured measures to meet their obligations in an orderly and sustainable manner. When contacted, Fatin Nabihah, spokesperson for QEW Group Berhad’s Legal & Compliance Department, confirms that the implementation of the Company’s Exit Plan remains actively in progress. The Company remains steadfast in its commitment to achieving a fair, practical and commercially viable resolution that safeguards the interests of its investors and all relevant stakeholders. In its Defence filed before the Court, the Company has maintained that the RPS-i is a Shariah-compliant structured investment instrument governed by the terms and conditions of the RPS-i Agreement. The instrument is subject, among other things, to the Company’s business performance, financial position, and the corporate governance mechanisms agreed upon by the parties. The Company also wishes to assure investors that its Customer Relationship Management (CRM) function continues to operate fully and remains available to attend to investors’ enquiries, requests and ongoing communications. In addition, regular updates continue to be provided through the Company’s dedicated investor portal to ensure that official information is communicated in a transparent, timely and orderly manner. As the matter is presently the subject of ongoing civil proceedings before the Court, the Company is constrained from commenting further on issues that are sub judice. QEW respectfully urges all parties to allow the legal process to proceed without undue speculation or the dissemination of inaccurate or misleading information that may create unnecessary public confusion or prejudice the administration of justice. QEW Group Berhad remains committed to cooperating fully with the Court and all relevant authorities throughout the legal process. The Company will continue to provide material updates, where appropriate, through its official communication channels.

Professor Joseph Cherian, CEO, President & Dean of the Asia School of Business (ASB), and Professor Andrew Karolyi, Charles Field Knight Dean of Cornell SC Johnson College of Business, together inked a new extended pathway for ASB graduates. Leaders’ handshake seals pathway from ASB to Cornell. This collaboration enables eligible ASB MBA, Executive MBA and Master in Central Banking students, as well as alumni, to pursue the Master’s in Business Analytics (MSBA) in New York — deepening their analytical capabilities with global exposure. For ASB graduates, this pathway opens the door to further studies at Cornell, creating a more accessible route to one of the world’s top business schools. By extending their academic journey beyond ASB, graduates can gain global exposure, deepen their expertise, and broaden their international networks. From ASB to Cornell. From the heart of Southeast Asia to New York. More pathways. More connections. More possibilities. For info on the diverse post-MBA pathways offered by ASB, visit https://asb.edu.my/academic-program/mba-program/ A handshake between great leadership programmes. A pathway for the future. Signing ceremony at the sidelines of the AACSB International Conference and Annual Meeting 2026. #AsiaSchoolofBusiness #GlobalInquiryLocalHeart

Vietnam plans to open seven new airports by 2030 as part of efforts to expand its aviation network and meet growing travel demand. The new airports include Long Thanh, Gia Binh, Quang Tri, Phan Thiet, Sa Pa, Tho Chu and Thanh Son. Combined with upgrades and expansions at existing airports, the projects are expected to raise the country’s annual passenger handling capacity to as much as 220 million. According to Vietnam’s Construction Ministry, the country aims to have 32 airports by 2030, comprising 15 international and 17 domestic airports. By 2050, three additional domestic airports are planned, bringing the total to 35. Vietnam currently operates 22 airports, while five more are under construction. Expansion or upgrade plans have been approved for 14 airports, with planning underway for the remaining eight. The ministry estimates that airport development between 2021 and 2030 will require investments of about 485 trillion dong (US$18.5 billion), with 55% expected to come from public funds and the rest from private investment. Passenger traffic is projected to exceed 191 million annually by 2030, growing at an average rate of 9.7% per year, while air cargo throughput is expected to reach 3.75 million tonnes, with annual growth averaging 19.3%.

The Ministry of Entrepreneur and Cooperatives Development (KUSKOP), through SME Corp Malaysia, has launched the SINAR Programme, a RM205 million initiative aimed at strengthening the resilience and growth of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) across the country. The programme introduces five key initiatives, including financing facilities, grants and business support measures, designed to help entrepreneurs overcome financial challenges, improve competitiveness and expand their operations. According to Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives Minister Steven Sim Chee Keong, the initiative seeks to ensure MSMEs have access to the resources needed to navigate ongoing economic uncertainties and seize growth opportunities. “In the face of global economic uncertainty, the government cannot allow MSMEs to confront these challenges alone,” he said. Five Initiatives Under the SINAR Programme The SINAR Programme (Program Sokongan Industri dan Perniagaan Rakyat) comprises three financing schemes, a business scaling grant programme and discounted MSME certification fees. 1. SME Easy Financing Scheme (SFSME 2.0) The scheme offers financing ranging from RM50,000 to RM5 million for business expansion, asset acquisition and working capital requirements. Implemented in collaboration with Malaysian Industrial Development Finance Berhad (MIDF), the financing carries a profit rate of 5% per annum based on monthly balances. 2. SME Capacity and Capability Enhancement Scheme (BAP) Developed with microLEAP, the BAP scheme provides financing between RM500,000 and RM1.5 million to help businesses strengthen operations and manage cash flow. Term financing is available at 5% per annum, while invoice financing rates range between 0.5% and 0.7% per month. 3. PRESTIGE 2.0 Financing Scheme Targeted at high-growth SMEs, the scheme offers financing from RM500,000 to RM1 million through a partnership with Funding Societies. Businesses can enjoy financing rates as low as 3% per annum, while invoice financing is available at 0.5% per month. Companies with strong repayment records may also qualify for rebates of up to 30%. 4. Inclusive Business Scaling Programme The programme supports SMEs seeking to adopt inclusive business models and strengthen supply chain participation. Eligible businesses can receive grants of up to RM200,000, with funding support covering up to 90% of eligible costs for development and training initiatives. 5. 50% Discount on MSME Status Certification To encourage more businesses to obtain official MSME recognition, SME Corp Malaysia is offering a 50% discount on MSME Status Certification applications from June to August 2026. The certification is often required when applying for government grants, financing facilities and other support programmes. Supporting MSME Growth The launch of the SINAR Programme comes as many businesses continue to face challenges from rising costs, economic uncertainty and supply chain disruptions. With financing of up to RM5 million, grants of up to RM200,000, and a range of business support measures, the programme is expected to provide much-needed assistance for Malaysian MSMEs looking to strengthen operations, improve resilience and pursue long-term growth. More information on the SINAR Programme is available at www.smecorp.gov.my.