Malaysia

SHAH ALAM: Volvo Buses, a leading provider of sustainable transport solutions and part of the Volvo Group, in collaboration with Gemilang International Ltd, a premier Malaysian manufacturer of bus and coach bodywork, has launched the flagship Volvo BZL-GML Eco Range. This marks Volvo’s first locally-built electric low-floor, two-door, premium city bus in Malaysia. At the launch event, a signing ceremony was held with Rapid Bus Sdn Bhd to confirm a trial operation of the Volvo BZL-GML Eco Range for the Rapid KL bus service. Representing Rapid Bus, CEO Muhammad Yazurin Sallij announced the trial would begin in July 2024 and last between six months and a year, involving the electric bus on Route 581 from Desa Tasik to LRT Bandar Tasik Selatan. Combining Volvo’s European electromobility innovations with Gemilang’s expertise in electric bus bodywork, the new bus aims to deliver unprecedented safety, efficiency, and zero-emission city transport. Engineered in Sweden, the Volvo BZL chassis features advanced structural design and premium materials, ensuring optimal energy storage and unmatched durability. The Volvo BZL-GML Eco Range is poised to transform Malaysia’s electric bus segment, supporting the nation’s goals for sustainable public transport. Rapid Bus plans to replace its diesel fleet with electric buses by 2030, aiding Malaysia’s efforts to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050. The new bus can reduce carbon emissions by up to 60%, equivalent to approximately 329kg of CO2 per passenger annually over 15,000km compared to diesel buses. Built on the Volvo BZL 4×2 chassis, the GML Eco Range offers efficient city operations with a flat, low floor for enhanced passenger accessibility and stability. Its modular design allows for customization, reducing repair costs and downtime. It can accommodate up to 91 passengers, with options for different body lengths from 10.6 to 12.5 meters. The bus adheres to rigorous global safety standards, featuring advanced braking systems like ABS, EBS, ASR, and ESC, alongside optional driver aids such as departure warning, collision warning, and 360-degree cameras. The energy storage system incorporates multiple safety layers, including thermal management and automatic thermal suppression. Charging options include OppCharge high-power charging and CCS sockets, with roof-mounted energy storage optimizing passenger space and weight distribution. A powerful climate control system, double-glazed glass panels for insulation and noise reduction, and a comfortable, ergonomically designed driver’s seat enhance the commuting experience. Marcus Mak, Country Manager of Volvo Buses Malaysia, emphasised the company’s commitment to responsible and safe electric bus systems, highlighting the role of electromobility in achieving a sustainable future. Pang Jun Jie, Executive Director of Gemilang International Ltd, noted the alignment of their goals with the Malaysian government’s initiatives to reduce carbon footprints and promote green mobility in major cities like the Klang Valley.

KUALA LUMPUR: In a relentless cycle of crises, International SOS, the leading global health and security services company, sheds light on critical insights from its Risk Outlook 2024 report. Employee burnout due to crisis fatigue has emerged as a significant concern. The report reveals a daunting challenge for organisations: nearly two-thirds of surveyed professionals expect greater complexity in ensuring their workforce’s health, wellbeing, and security this year, marking the highest proportion in the past five years. Building on these findings, International SOS emphasizes the urgent need for organisations to proactively address employee stress and burnout. The cumulative effect of ongoing crises, along with personal stressors like rising living costs, climate change concerns, and political polarisation, has severely impacted individual wellbeing. This confluence of crises has led to a state of permacrisis, where traditional cycles of crisis and recovery are replaced by continuous flux and uncertainty. Prolonged crisis exposure has increased employee burnout, marked by emotional exhaustion and reduced productivity. With future pandemics and unforeseen events on the horizon, employers must shift from reactive crisis management to proactive preparedness. This transition is essential to mitigate the adverse effects of permacrisis and burnout within the workforce. Dr. Kate O’Reilly, Regional Medical Director at International SOS, underscores the gravity of the situation: “The current landscape shows a worrying trend of burnout permeating workplaces globally. We see a convergence of factors, including increased workloads, lack of work-life balance, and constant change and unpredictability. These challenges push employees into uncharted territory, blurring the lines between professional and personal wellbeing. Burnout prevalence demands immediate attention from organisations. Employers must recognise its significance and implement preventive measures. This requires understanding the root causes of burnout and focusing on job design to foster a work environment that prioritises holistic wellbeing and sustainable performance.” International SOS offers expert advice to combat workforce burnout: Recognise the signs: Conduct regular check-ins to assess employee wellbeing and identify early burnout signs. Train managers to spot these signs and provide resources to support their teams effectively. Promote open dialogue about mental health and reduce stigma around seeking help for stress-related issues. Proactive measures: Provide access to mental health support programmes, including counselling and employee assistance programmes. Organise stress management workshops to equip employees with coping strategies and resilience-building techniques. Enhance resilience: Promote a culture of resilience by encouraging work-life balance. Provide resources for employees to seek support when needed. Establish clear protocols for managing stress-related absences and create a supportive environment where employees feel comfortable discussing their challenges. Strategic planning: Develop comprehensive crisis management plans addressing burnout and stress-related challenges. Include protocols for managing workload distribution during high-stress periods and establish mechanisms for monitoring and addressing employee wellbeing. Collaborative efforts: Partner with external experts and organisations to leverage their expertise in addressing burnout and supporting employee wellbeing. Share best practices and insights to collectively strengthen resilience and support systems. By adopting these strategies, organisations can better navigate the complexities of the modern workplace, ensuring their employees remain healthy, resilient, and productive.

PETALING JAYA: i-Care Marketing is thrilled to announce its partnership with Guardian Malaysia, a leading health and beauty retailer, to introduce an exceptional range of treatment and repair haircare products meticulously crafted to address diverse hair concerns. This collaboration heralds the launch of a premium Japanese haircare selection – Ahalo Butter, Ahalo Honey, Fun Azum, and Theratis by Mixim – into the Malaysian market, promising a transformative experience for hair enthusiasts nationwide. As the exclusive distributor of these sought-after Japanese haircare brands, i-Care Marketing is dedicated to providing Malaysian consumers with access to high-quality products renowned for their exceptional ingredients and proven effectiveness. With the haircare market projected to reach 4.1 million users by 2029, according to Statista, i-Care Marketing and Guardian Malaysia are poised to lead this rapidly growing industry, set to revolutionize the Malaysian beauty landscape. “Malaysian consumers are increasingly discerning, seeking products that deliver results while aligning with their values of authenticity and quality,” remarked Brian Tu, Director of i-Care Marketing Sdn Bhd. “Our flagship collection aims to meet these expectations by offering treatments enriched with organic and plant-based ingredients, designed to repair and revitalize even the most troubled hair.” Infused with an organic repair formula, Ahalo Butter revitalizes hair, restoring its natural shine and vitality. With a unique blend of botanical oils and essential ceramides, this luxurious treatment nourishes and repairs damaged hair from within, delivering unparalleled results. Ahalo Honey provides a comprehensive hydration solution to combat dryness, tangles, and frizz. Enriched with organic manuka honey, royal jelly, and botanical extracts, this collection replenishes moisture and nutrients, restoring hair to its youthful vibrancy. Fun Azum, developed by a team of haircare professionals, recreates the salon experience at home. Featuring an innovative Platinum Ceramide formula and plant-based cleaning agents, this range promises lustrous locks and salon-quality care with every use. Designed for modern women on the go, Theratis by Mixim offers a holistic night care solution to combat morning bed hair woes. Featuring a luxurious night repair shampoo and hair treatment, this indulgent collection delivers a sensory experience, soothing both hair and mind for a rejuvenated morning. Echoing Tu’s sentiments, Jessica Barnabas, Head of Personal Care at Guardian Malaysia, expressed excitement about the partnership, highlighting their shared values and commitment to delivering excellence in haircare solutions. “Guardian is excited to partner with i-Care Marketing to bring this range to all Malaysians and provide comprehensive haircare solutions for all hair concerns. These ranges are our best sellers and will be available in 450 Guardian stores nationwide,” she said. With the launch of this flagship collection, i-Care Marketing and Guardian Malaysia invite consumers to discover the transformative power of Japanese haircare, setting new standards of excellence in the pursuit of beauty and self-care.