OhMyNetizen

Author: Farihin Azlan

  • Hospital Picaso, Becton Dickinson and College of Radiology Malaysia Partner to Advance Breast Intervention Training Nationwide

    From Left, Dr Ng Char Hong, Consultant Breast and Breast Reconstructive Surgeon, Hospital Picaso; Dr Farhana Fadzil, President of College of Radiology Malaysia; Encik Ahmad Lutfi, CEO of Hospital Picaso; Mr Lu Liang, Vice President of Southeast Asia and Pakistan BD, Ms Javis Tung, APAC Business Development Director of Oncology, BD, gather for the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signing ceremony, marking a collaborative effort to advance breast intervention and strengthen breast cancer care in Malaysia.

    Hospital Picaso, BD (Becton, Dickinson and Company) and the College of Radiology Malaysia have entered into a strategic partnership to strengthen breast intervention capabilities and multidisciplinary breast cancer care in Malaysia. The three-year collaboration aims to train at least 100 breast surgeons, breast radiologists and radiographers through structured clinical education and practical skills development.

    A key initiative under the partnership is the establishment of the BD Breast Academy Malaysia Chapter in collaboration with Hospital Picaso, which will serve as a dedicated platform for masterclasses, hands-on workshops, clinical mentorship, case discussions, faculty development, observerships and scientific exchange. Hospital Picaso will also be developed as a Breast Intervention Centre of Excellence and training hub to support the advancement of breast intervention expertise in Malaysia.

    The collaboration comes at an important time for breast cancer care in the country. According to the Malaysia National Cancer Registry Report 2017–2021, 50.5 per cent of staged female breast cancer cases were diagnosed at Stage III or IV, while breast cancer remains the most common cancer among Malaysian women. The Ministry of Health Malaysia’s Roadmap Towards Downstaging of Breast Cancer in Malaysia 2025–2035 has set national targets to ensure that at least 60 per cent of invasive breast cancers are diagnosed at an early stage, diagnostic evaluation is completed within 60 days and at least 80 per cent of patients complete multimodality treatment.

    Against this backdrop, the partnership aims to establish a more sustainable clinical education ecosystem by connecting healthcare professionals involved throughout the patient journey, from detection and diagnosis to treatment planning and intervention. Training under the Malaysia Chapter will cover breast imaging, Core Needle Biopsy (CNB), Vacuum-Assisted Breast Biopsy (VABB), image-guided biopsy, lesion localisation and minimally invasive breast intervention, alongside clinical decision-making and emerging best practices in breast cancer management.

    Healthcare professionals will also gain access to practical learning through simulation-based training, procedural planning, live or recorded procedure observation, multidisciplinary case discussions and exposure to breast clinics and patient pathways. Planned observerships at Hospital Picaso will include ultrasound-guided CNB and VABB procedures, as well as lesion localisation techniques.

    Ahmad Lutfi, Chief Executive Officer of Hospital Picaso, said the value of the collaboration extends beyond individual workshops or procedures, as breast cancer care involves a complex series of interconnected clinical decisions throughout a patient’s journey. He noted that delivering clinical education within a multidisciplinary environment can help healthcare professionals understand how decisions at one stage influence subsequent steps, while building capabilities that can strengthen breast care beyond individual institutions.

    Beyond procedural training, the partnership will bring together breast radiologists, breast surgeons, oncologists, pathologists and other healthcare professionals through multidisciplinary tumour board discussions, joint case reviews and cross-specialty educational activities. This approach is intended to strengthen alignment across diagnosis, treatment planning and patient management, particularly referral pathways between breast radiologists and breast surgeons to support more timely clinical decision-making and coordinated access to appropriate treatment.

    From Left Dr Ng Char Hong, Dr Farhana Fadzli, Mr Lu Liang and Ms Javis Tung take part in a fireside chat titled “Beyond Treatment: Building a More Connected Breast Cancer Care”, discussing the importance of a collaborative and integrated approach to breast cancer care.

    Dr Farhana Fadzli, President of the College of Radiology Malaysia, said breast intervention plays an important role between detecting an abnormality and determining the next steps in a patient’s care. She highlighted that the quality of imaging, tissue sampling and lesion localisation, supported by effective communication between specialties, can influence decisions further along the patient pathway. A structured platform for training, mentorship and multidisciplinary learning, she added, allows healthcare professionals to continuously strengthen their capabilities while learning from one another.

    The programme will draw on faculty from both the public and private healthcare sectors, including experienced Malaysian breast radiologists and breast surgeons. In addition to enhancing participants’ clinical skills, the collaboration will support the development of future trainers and mentors. Hospital Picaso clinicians will have opportunities to contribute as faculty in workshops and masterclasses, provide clinical mentorship and support peer-to-peer learning in Malaysia and across the region.

    The Malaysia Chapter builds on the Southeast Asia BD Breast Academy, which was established approximately two years ago and has trained more than 100 healthcare professionals through workshops, masterclasses, clinical exchange programmes and knowledge-sharing initiatives. Through the new Malaysia Chapter, BD will work with Hospital Picaso and the College of Radiology Malaysia to provide a more structured local platform for continuous professional education while connecting Malaysian healthcare professionals with broader regional expertise.

    Mr Lu Liang, Vice President, Southeast Asia and Pakistan, BD, delivers his remarks during the MOU signing ceremony, emphasising the role of collaboration and professional development in advancing breast intervention and improving standards of care.

    Lu Liang, Vice President & General Manager, Southeast Asia & Pakistan, BD, said healthcare transformation is driven not only by technology, but also by strong partnerships, empowered healthcare professionals and a shared commitment to improving outcomes for patients and communities. Through the BD Breast Academy Malaysia Chapter, BD aims to create a sustainable platform where healthcare professionals can develop practical skills, learn from experts and peers, and contribute to strengthening breast intervention capabilities across Malaysia.

    The collaboration will also feature annual symposiums and educational forums, multidisciplinary roundtable discussions, clinical mentorship, faculty development and joint local and regional workshops. Beyond individual training sessions, the partners aim to establish an ongoing professional network that enables healthcare professionals to share knowledge, mentor peers and support more consistent breast intervention practices nationwide.

    The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed at the Sheraton Petaling Jaya Hotel during Breast Cancer Awareness Month, following Hospital Picaso’s MDT Series: Early Breast Cancer 2026, which brought together specialists from surgery, oncology, radiology, pathology, genetics and other areas of breast cancer care.

    Hospital Picaso, BD, and the College of Radiology Malaysia come together for a commemorative moment during the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signing ceremony, symbolising their shared commitment to advancing breast intervention and strengthening breast cancer care in Malaysia.

    Over the next three years, Hospital Picaso, BD and the College of Radiology Malaysia will work together to expand access to structured breast intervention education, develop clinical faculty and strengthen multidisciplinary collaboration. Through these efforts, the partners aim to support more timely diagnosis, appropriate intervention, coordinated care and a more connected patient journey from detection through treatment.

  • KEDAH DAN JOHOR DINOBAT JOHAN KEBANGSAAN PERTANDINGAN MEMASAK SEKOLAH MENENGAH MAGGI® 2026

    Kedah dan Johor muncul sebagai juara kebangsaan Pertandingan Memasak Sekolah Menengah MAGGI® 2026, selepas dua pasangan pelajar dari negeri berkenaan berjaya menampilkan kreativiti dan kemahiran memasak terbaik di pentas peringkat kebangsaan yang berlangsung di Melaka. Muhammad Ammaruddin bin Jasni dan Aidil Zikry bin Mohd Noor Izhham dari SMK Mahsuri, Kedah dinobatkan sebagai Johan kategori Menengah Rendah, manakala Hannah Jasmine binti Zakaria dan Nur Ellisa Balqis binti Saiful dari SMK Mutiara Rini, Johor meraih gelaran Johan kategori Menengah Atas.

    Penganjuran tahun ini mencatat penyertaan tertinggi sejak pertandingan tersebut diperkenalkan hampir tiga dekad lalu, dengan seramai 4,606 pelajar sekolah menengah dari 16 negeri dan Wilayah Persekutuan mengambil bahagian. Peningkatan lebih dua kali ganda berbanding 2,088 peserta pada 2025 itu mencerminkan sambutan yang semakin meluas dalam kalangan pelajar dan sekolah di seluruh negara, selain memperlihatkan minat generasi muda terhadap kemahiran memasak serta kreativiti kulinari.

    Pertandingan Memasak Sekolah Menengah MAGGI® selama ini menjadi platform untuk membantu golongan muda membina keyakinan diri, mengembangkan kreativiti dan menguasai kemahiran praktikal menerusi pengalaman memasak. Pada masa sama, pertandingan ini memberi peluang kepada peserta untuk mengenali dan mengangkat cita rasa serta tradisi makanan yang menjadi sebahagian daripada warisan kulinari Malaysia.

    Menurut Ivy Tan Link Cheh, Pegawai Eksekutif Perniagaan MAGGI® Malaysia dan Singapura, penganjuran selama 29 tahun telah membuka ruang kepada generasi muda untuk belajar, mencuba dan mengekspresikan kreativiti melalui masakan. Tahun ini turut menandakan satu perkembangan penting apabila MAGGI® menjalinkan kerjasama strategik bersama Kementerian Pendidikan Malaysia, sekali gus memperluaskan peluang penyertaan ke seluruh negara.

    Selain kemahiran memasak dan pemahaman tentang pemakanan seimbang, pertandingan tahun ini turut memperkenalkan elemen literasi kewangan menerusi kerjasama strategik antara MAGGI® dan Kementerian Pendidikan Malaysia. Peserta perlu merancang hidangan berdasarkan bajet yang ditetapkan, sekali gus mengaplikasikan kemahiran seperti perancangan, pengurusan sumber dan membuat keputusan secara bertanggungjawab. Pendekatan tersebut turut menyokong aspirasi Strategi Literasi Kewangan Kebangsaan 2.0 (2026–2030).

    Encik Ahmad Haridan bin Mohammed, Timbalan Pengarah, Sektor Pengurusan Sukan, Bahagian Sukan, Kokurikulum dan Kesenian, Kementerian Pendidikan Malaysia, berkata kerjasama strategik tersebut membuka lebih banyak peluang kepada murid untuk belajar melalui pengalaman secara langsung. Gabungan kemahiran memasak, kreativiti dan literasi kewangan bukan sahaja membantu membina kemahiran kehidupan, malah memberi pendedahan kepada bidang kulinari dan vokasional yang berpotensi menyokong pilihan pendidikan serta kerjaya mereka pada masa hadapan.

    Selepas melalui pertandingan di peringkat negeri, peserta terbaik daripada setiap negeri dan Wilayah Persekutuan melangkah ke peringkat kebangsaan untuk membawa nama negeri masing-masing. Peringkat akhir menyaksikan 16 finalis negeri berentap dalam kategori Menengah Rendah dan Menengah Atas, dengan setiap hidangan dinilai berdasarkan aspek kreativiti dan inovasi, rasa, persembahan serta penerapan konsep Suku-Suku-Separuh yang diperkenalkan oleh Kementerian Kesihatan Malaysia.

    Bagi kategori Menengah Rendah, SMK Taman Medan, Selangor meraih Naib Johan, diikuti SMK Bentong, Pahang di tempat ketiga, SMK Tunku Kurshiah, Negeri Sembilan di tempat keempat dan SMK Segambut Jaya, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur di tempat kelima. Dalam kategori Menengah Atas pula, SMK Seri Bemban, Melaka muncul Naib Johan, manakala Sekolah Sultan Alam Shah Putrajaya, SMK Elopura II, Sabah dan SMK Raja Permaisuri Bainun, Perak masing-masing menduduki tempat ketiga hingga kelima.

    Kejayaan Kedah dan Johor di pentas kebangsaan bukan sekadar mencerminkan keupayaan para pelajar menghasilkan hidangan yang kreatif dan berkualiti, malah menonjolkan potensi generasi muda dalam menghargai cita rasa serta warisan makanan Malaysia. Melalui pertandingan ini, peserta berpeluang mencabar kemampuan diri, membina keyakinan dan berkongsi kreativiti berdasarkan makanan yang dekat dengan kehidupan serta komuniti mereka.

    Bagi MAGGI®, usaha memperkasa generasi muda turut merangkumi usaha memastikan warisan cita rasa Malaysia terus dihargai dan diterokai oleh generasi seterusnya. Menerusi Pertandingan Memasak Sekolah Menengah MAGGI®, para pelajar bukan sahaja digalakkan untuk mengekalkan tradisi masakan tempatan, tetapi turut diberi ruang untuk mencipta pendekatan baharu melalui hidangan yang lebih seimbang, idea kreatif dan teknik masakan moden.

    Dengan penyertaan yang mencatat rekod baharu serta peluasan kerjasama bersama Kementerian Pendidikan Malaysia, Pertandingan Memasak Sekolah Menengah MAGGI® 2026 terus mengukuhkan peranannya sebagai platform pembangunan bakat muda, sambil menyemai kemahiran kehidupan, kreativiti dan penghargaan terhadap warisan kulinari dalam kalangan generasi masa depan Malaysia.

  • BREGO Life Sciences Introduces RISE Program to Empower Malaysia’s Future Clinician-Researchers

    Dr. Danny Wong, Managing Director, BREGO Life Sciences during his opening speech.

    KUALA LUMPUR, 30 September 2026 — BREGO Life Sciences has launched the Powering Mobility: RISE Program, an investigator-led research initiative designed to provide eligible medical officers and healthcare professionals with a platform to develop and submit clinically relevant research and case studies in Joint and Nerve Health. Selected submissions may also be considered for further research support.

    While healthcare professionals recognise the importance of clinical research, translating that interest into active participation remains a challenge. A Malaysian study involving specialists from three government hospitals found that while all respondents believed research benefited patients and society, only 44.9 per cent were actively involved in research. Limited access to research expertise, statistical and software support, as well as challenges in navigating research approval processes, were among the barriers identified.

    RISE, which stands for Research, Innovation & Scientific Excellence, provides a structured pathway for healthcare professionals to develop research ideas from clinical questions and initial concepts through to presentation and independent scientific evaluation. The programme aims to help participants better understand and navigate the various stages involved in developing clinical research.

    According to Dr Danny Wong, Managing Director, BREGO Life Sciences, clinical research can begin with a simple question arising from the day-to-day care of patients. However, transforming such observations into structured research requires the right knowledge, guidance and resources. Through RISE, BREGO aims to provide healthcare professionals with a clearer pathway to develop their ideas, submit them for scientific evaluation and, where selected, access further support to advance their research.

    (From L to R) Prof Madya Dato’ Dr Wan Asyraf Wan Zaidi, Consultant Neurologist, HUKM, Prof. Dr. Amran Bin Ahmed Shokri, Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon, HUSM, Dr. Danny Wong, Managing Director, BREGO Life Sciences, Valerie Lu, Medical & Regulatory Affairs Manager, BREGO Life Sciences and Dr. Anna Misya’il Abdul Rashid, Consultant Neurologist, HUPM during the official launching ceremony for BREGO Scientific Program (RISE).

    The launch of RISE was held alongside the inaugural BREGO Clinical Research Day, which was designed to equip healthcare professionals with practical knowledge on developing and conducting clinical research. The event brought together representatives from the Clinical Research Centre (CRC) and Medical Research and Ethics Committee (MREC) under the Ministry of Health Malaysia, as well as experienced clinician-researchers from teaching institutions.

    Throughout the sessions, participants explored how to transform clinical questions into research projects, understand research ethics and navigate research approval requirements. Clinician-led sessions also provided practical insights into taking research concepts through to publication, as well as developing industry-supported clinical studies, giving participants a clearer understanding of how research can progress from an initial idea to a completed study.

    Dr Tay Ju Fan, Manager, Clinical Research Centre (CRC), Hospital Selayang, noted that many healthcare professionals have valuable research ideas arising from their daily clinical practice. Creating an environment where these ideas can be developed, she said, is an important part of strengthening Malaysia’s clinical research ecosystem.

    She also highlighted the role of programmes such as RISE, together with research capacity-building initiatives by the Institute for Clinical Research (ICR), National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the Ministry of Health Malaysia (MOH), in increasing awareness of the research process and connecting clinicians with available knowledge and resources. These include initiatives such as Introduction to Clinical Research, which help support healthcare professionals who are new to research.

    Through RISE, BREGO aims to encourage high-quality investigator-led research and case studies that strengthen clinical evidence in Joint and Nerve Health, while contributing to improved patient care. Eligible healthcare professionals can submit research or case study abstracts focusing on either Joint or Nerve Health for independent scientific evaluation.

    Up to 20 selected submissions in each therapeutic area may be considered for research development opportunities, while selected top-performing studies may be eligible for further support based on their scientific merit, clinical relevance and feasibility.

    RISE will serve as an annual platform for healthcare professionals to advance continuing education, scientific collaboration and evidence generation. For the 2026/2027 submission cycle, submissions are expected to remain open until the end of January 2027. Through the initiative, BREGO Life Sciences aims to support the development of clinical research capabilities, encourage collaboration across the healthcare community and contribute to building a stronger and more sustainable research culture in Malaysia.

  • MEMPERKUKUH JAMINAN HALAL DALAM INDUSTRI PEMBUATAN YANG SEMAKIN PESAT

    Bagi pengguna di Malaysia, label halal bukan sekadar tanda pada pembungkusan, malah menjadi sumber keyakinan terhadap ramuan, proses pengeluaran dan cara sesuatu produk dihasilkan. Jaminan tersebut bermula sejak peringkat awal pembuatan sebelum produk sampai ke tangan pengguna, menjadikan pematuhan halal sebagai satu tanggungjawab yang perlu dipelihara secara berterusan.

    Dalam industri pembuatan produk halal, pensijilan merupakan salah satu daripada usaha memastikan status halal sesuatu produk terus terjamin. Proses tersebut memerlukan kawalan yang konsisten setiap hari, bermula daripada pemilihan ramuan dan pengurusan pembekal sehingga kepada proses pengeluaran serta semakan apabila berlaku sebarang perubahan dalam operasi.

    Keperluan ini menjadi semakin penting apabila sesebuah operasi pembuatan berkembang dari segi kapasiti, rangkaian bekalan dan jumlah tenaga kerja. Setiap ramuan, pembekal dan kaedah pengeluaran baharu perlu memenuhi keperluan halal yang sama walaupun operasi menjadi semakin kompleks. Situasi ini dapat dilihat menerusi operasi hab pembuatan dan pengedaran Coca-Cola Bottlers Malaysia di Bandar Enstek, yang telah beroperasi selama 15 tahun sejak memulakan pengeluaran pada 15 Mac 2011. Dalam tempoh tersebut, keupayaan pembuatan serta jumlah tenaga kerjanya telah berkembang dengan ketara.

    Sepanjang operasi, proses pembuatan perlu mematuhi keperluan dan panduan halal Malaysia, termasuk yang ditetapkan oleh JAKIM serta pihak berkuasa berkaitan, di samping memenuhi piawaian kawalan kualiti, keselamatan dan pembuatan. Apabila operasi berkembang, aspek pemilihan ramuan, hubungan dengan pembekal dan proses pengeluaran menjadi semakin saling berkaitan. Sebarang perubahan dalam satu aspek berpotensi memberi kesan kepada aspek lain, menjadikan pertimbangan halal penting sejak peringkat awal sesuatu keputusan dibuat.

    Pendekatan ini turut memainkan peranan ketika berlaku gangguan terhadap operasi. Perancangan kesinambungan perniagaan membolehkan pengilang mengenal pasti bekalan atau kaedah pengeluaran alternatif lebih awal, selain memastikan pilihan tersebut memenuhi keperluan halal yang sama. Perancangan sedemikian membantu syarikat bertindak balas terhadap gangguan tanpa menjejaskan jaminan halal produk akhir.

    Namun, sistem pematuhan halal yang berkesan turut bergantung kepada manusia yang melaksanakannya. Pekerja perlu memahami tanggungjawab masing-masing, mengetahui apabila sesuatu keputusan perlu disemak serta saluran yang sesuai untuk mendapatkan panduan apabila timbul persoalan berkaitan halal. Pada masa yang sama, organisasi perlu menyediakan persekitaran yang mengambil kira keperluan agama pekerja dan membantu mereka menunaikan tanggungjawab tersebut.

    Di Bandar Enstek, pembinaan sebuah surau baharu yang lebih besar telah dimulakan pada 2023 bagi menampung keperluan lebih ramai pekerja Muslim. Kemudahan tersebut melengkapkan ruang solat sedia ada dan membolehkan pekerja menunaikan kewajipan agama sepanjang waktu bekerja. Pada bulan Ramadan, pekerja turut terlibat dalam aktiviti kemasyarakatan seperti pengagihan bakul makanan kepada masyarakat sekitar serta majlis berbuka puasa tahunan. Syarikat juga bekerjasama dengan Pusat Zakat Negeri Sembilan bagi meningkatkan kesedaran dan perkongsian ilmu berkaitan zakat.

    Komitmen terhadap ekosistem halal turut diperluaskan ke luar tempat kerja melalui penglibatan dalam komuniti dan platform industri. Wakil syarikat memegang jawatan sebagai Pengerusi Komuniti Halal Negeri Sembilan serta merupakan ahli aktif Kumpulan Kerja Halal di bawah Federation of Malaysian Manufacturers (FMM). Penglibatan ini membolehkan syarikat menyumbang kepada perbincangan industri dan usaha memperkukuh pematuhan halal, selain menyokong inisiatif Transformasi Ekosistem Halal (TEH) yang bertujuan memperkukuh serta menambah baik ekosistem pensijilan halal Malaysia.

    Komitmen tersebut turut menerima pengiktirafan apabila jenama berkenaan menerima Halal Asia Brand Award 2019 bagi kategori Minuman Ringan Terbaik. Selain pengiktirafan, wakil syarikat turut terlibat dalam forum halal sebagai ahli panel untuk berkongsi perspektif industri mengenai kesedaran halal, cabaran pensijilan serta pendekatan syarikat multinasional dalam memenuhi keperluan halal. Perkongsian ilmu turut diperluaskan kepada pelajar melalui sesi industri bagi memberi pendedahan kepada bakal profesional dalam bidang halal.

    Pengalaman di Bandar Enstek mencerminkan realiti yang lebih luas dalam industri pembuatan halal. Apabila sesebuah kilang berkembang, rantaian bekalan menjadi lebih luas dan jumlah tenaga kerja bertambah, keperluan untuk mengekalkan pematuhan halal di setiap peringkat operasi turut menjadi semakin penting. Ia memerlukan sistem yang jelas, proses yang konsisten, pekerja yang memahami tanggungjawab masing-masing serta sokongan yang mencukupi di tempat kerja.

    Pada akhirnya, jaminan halal bukan sekadar bergantung kepada sijil yang dimiliki, tetapi kepada keupayaan sesebuah organisasi untuk memastikan prinsip dan keperluan halal diterapkan secara konsisten dalam operasi hariannya. Dengan pendekatan yang menyeluruh, industri pembuatan bukan sahaja dapat mengekalkan pematuhan, malah terus membina keyakinan pengguna terhadap produk halal yang dihasilkan.

  • What Makes a Workplace Worth Staying and Growing In?

    Job security remains an important consideration for employees, but it does not necessarily determine whether they can see a future with an organisation. For business leaders, employee retention is more than a workforce issue. When experienced employees leave, organisations also lose valuable knowledge, relationships and capabilities that can take years to rebuild.

    Employees are more likely to envision a future within an organisation when they have opportunities to continue learning, explore new roles and receive support as their responsibilities evolve. Career aspirations and personal circumstances rarely remain unchanged throughout a person’s working life. A graduate may initially seek guidance and experience before looking for regional exposure, while an experienced specialist may eventually aspire to lead a team. Similarly, employees who become parents or caregivers may need greater flexibility without wanting to put their careers on hold.

    The question for employers, therefore, is not simply how to attract people, but whether the workplace can remain relevant as employees’ capabilities, ambitions and circumstances change.

    Source: Boehringer Ingelheim

    A Strong Start Requires More Than a Job Title

    The early years of a career can shape how employees apply their knowledge, navigate uncertainty and understand the contribution they can make. New employees also enter the workplace with varying levels of experience. While some may have completed several internships, others may be entering a corporate environment for the first time.

    What they need is clarity around expectations, regular feedback and opportunities to learn through meaningful work. Managers play an important role in making development tangible by explaining the reasoning behind decisions, giving employees responsibility before they feel completely ready and treating mistakes as opportunities to learn and improve.

    Career development works best as a shared responsibility. Employees bring their aspirations and willingness to learn, while organisations provide accessible learning opportunities, open conversations and experiences that help employees understand where their strengths and interests could take them.

    At Boehringer Ingelheim, employees can access learning through Boehringer Ingelheim University, alongside opportunities to gain experience across functions, countries and regional development programmes. These resources are designed to help employees build relevant skills and explore different career directions as their interests and aspirations evolve.

    For career development to be meaningful, employees also need clear visibility of the opportunities available and confidence that they will be considered fairly.

    Growth Should Not Require Employees to Look Elsewhere

    As employees gain experience, career development can become less straightforward. One employee may want to manage a team, another may prefer to deepen their expertise, while someone else may be ready to explore a different function or market.

    Employers therefore need to recognise that career growth does not always have to mean a promotion. Lateral moves, cross-functional projects and regional assignments can provide valuable opportunities to broaden employees’ knowledge and give them a deeper understanding of the business beyond their current roles.

    However, internal mobility requires more than simply having opportunities available. Managers need to be willing to discuss employees’ ambitions, even when their next career move may be into another team. While allowing a strong performer to move internally can be challenging, holding people back could eventually result in losing them altogether.

    Retention should not be about keeping people in the same role for as long as possible. Instead, it should mean giving employees enough room to develop so they do not always have to look elsewhere for their next opportunity.

    Support Must Evolve With Employees

    People’s circumstances can change significantly throughout their careers. They may become parents or caregivers, face health challenges or require greater flexibility at different stages of life. Employee support should therefore recognise their physical, mental, social and financial wellbeing, while acknowledging that people have responsibilities beyond the workplace.

    Flexible working arrangements, family-care leave and mental health support can help employees navigate these changes while remaining engaged in their careers. At the same time, career support should evolve as employees take on greater responsibilities.

    Strong individual performance does not automatically prepare someone to manage others. First-time managers may need guidance on providing feedback, handling difficult conversations and working with different personalities, while experienced leaders may require support as their influence and responsibilities expand.

    A strong company culture is also an important factor in whether employees choose to stay. People are more likely to see a future with an organisation when its values are consistently reflected in how employees are led, supported and encouraged to contribute. Policies may establish the direction, but managers and leaders determine how that culture is experienced in everyday work.

    Senior leaders also play an important role in ensuring managers have the capacity to develop their people, internal mobility is encouraged and employees are considered for opportunities beyond their current functions. While HR can provide the framework and resources for development, meaningful career growth needs to be championed across the organisation.

    The Everyday Experience Remains the Real Test

    Having been present in Malaysia for 40 years, Boehringer Ingelheim recognises that organisational longevity depends, in part, on the ability to evolve alongside its people.

    Its People Promise reflects a commitment to empowering employees to shape their own career paths within a strong and inclusive culture, while connecting their work to a shared purpose of celebrating differences and improving the lives of people and animals.

    The company’s recognition as a Top Employer in Malaysia provides valuable external validation, but the everyday employee experience remains the more important measure of whether an organisation is truly a place where people can grow.

    Organisations need to keep listening rather than waiting until employees decide to leave. Can employees speak openly about their ambitions? Do they see opportunities to develop before looking elsewhere? Does the support available remain relevant as their personal and professional circumstances change?

    No organisation will meet every need perfectly, and people move on for many valid reasons. An employer’s responsibility is to listen, respond where it can and continue investing in people after they have settled into their roles.

    Ultimately, retention is not about expecting employees to remain where they are. It is about giving people room to contribute in new ways as their aspirations and the organisation’s needs evolve, while retaining the knowledge, capabilities and leadership depth the organisation will need for what comes next.

  • Novo Nordisk Begins a New Chapter in Malaysia with ‘Novo’ Rebrand as Chronic Diseases Gain Greater Focus

    Credit: Reuters

    Global healthcare company Novo Nordisk is entering a new chapter in Malaysia with the introduction of its new corporate brand, “Novo”, marking the next phase for a company that has spent more than a century advancing care for serious chronic diseases, including diabetes and obesity.

    Anchored by the new platform “Lasting Health Starts Now”, the rebrand reflects Novo’s belief that better long-term health is built through progress that people can see and feel in their everyday lives. Globally, the company will use the shorter “Novo” name in its day-to-day activities, while Novo Nordisk A/S remains its legal corporate name.

    The new brand is being introduced alongside The Novo Way, an updated corporate culture designed to help the company operate with greater focus, speed and impact as the healthcare landscape becomes increasingly competitive, technology-enabled and shaped by changing expectations. Together, the rebrand and The Novo Way form part of Novo’s approach to achieving its business objectives and ambition to bring better health to more people.

    The move comes as Malaysia continues to face a significant burden of chronic diseases. According to the National Health and Morbidity Survey (NHMS) 2023, 54.4% of Malaysian adults were overweight or living with obesity, while 15.6% had diabetes. Ischaemic heart disease also remained the leading cause of medically certified deaths in 2024. Against this backdrop, Malaysia’s Health White Paper has highlighted the importance of stronger prevention, primary care and public-private collaboration to strengthen the country’s healthcare system.

    Professor Dr. Jeyakantha Ratnasingam, Senior Consultant Endocrinologist and Head of Endocrine Unit at Universiti Malaya, noted that obesity and diabetes rarely occur in isolation, with patients often facing interconnected health risks involving blood sugar, blood pressure, cholesterol and excess body fat. He highlighted the importance of early awareness and having the right conversations about health to enable individuals to take appropriate action and support better long-term outcomes.

    For Tee Loong Tek, Head of Market Access and Public Affairs, Novo Malaysia, the company’s next chapter in Malaysia needs to remain relevant to people’s everyday lives. He noted that chronic conditions such as obesity and diabetes are managed every day, rather than only during medical consultations, making it important to bring scientific knowledge closer to people’s daily realities.

    Bringing Science Closer to Everyday Life

    At the heart of the new Novo brand is an approach that views health through the lens of the whole person, recognising that physical health is closely connected to mental wellbeing, daily routines, relationships, social circumstances and the environments in which people live.

    The refreshed positioning reflects the changing way people manage their health, with individuals increasingly looking for progress they can recognise in their own lives while having access to more sources of health information and support. Through the new platform, Novo aims to bring scientific advancements closer to these everyday realities while strengthening recognition and trust.

    Dr Chan Siew Pheng, Emeritus Professor of Endocrine Medicine at Universiti Malaya and Consultant Endocrinologist, emphasised that chronic diseases are experienced between medical appointments, making everyday factors such as diet, sleep, physical activity, stress, family circumstances and access to support important elements of health management.

    She also highlighted the importance of early awareness and informed conversations, particularly as health risks can develop gradually. Helping individuals understand their health before complications arise can create greater opportunities for meaningful and sustainable change.

    Novo’s refreshed visual identity brings together the company’s heritage and future by retaining the Apis bull, a symbol rooted in its history, alongside a contemporary Novo wordmark and visual system designed to strengthen brand recognition and consistency across markets.

    At the global unveiling, Mike Doustdar, President and CEO, Novo, said the new brand and culture are strategically important in strengthening how the company operates and competes, while its fundamental purpose of changing people’s lives remains unchanged. The company’s ambition is to help more people achieve lasting health, starting now.

    The Novo Way for a Changing Healthcare Landscape

    Alongside the new brand, The Novo Way sets out how the company intends to work and compete in its next chapter, while retaining the scientific expertise, care for people and commitment to patient safety and ethics that have shaped Novo for more than a century.

    The Novo Way is built around four principles: Customer Obsession, which places consumers and patients at the centre of innovation; Competitiveness, which focuses on raising performance and creating greater value for stakeholders; Clarity, which promotes clear priorities and decisive action; and Care & Integrity, which reinforces care for people while maintaining an uncompromising commitment to patient safety and ethical standards.

    The new corporate identity will be progressively introduced across Novo’s communications and stakeholder touchpoints in Malaysia. While the company moves forward with a refreshed brand and culture, its underlying purpose remains focused on driving change for lasting health.

    Through its new platform, “Lasting Health Starts Now”, Novo aims to bring conversations around chronic disease closer to everyday life, while encouraging greater awareness, understanding and earlier action to support better long-term health outcomes.

  • EY Announces Top Nominees for the 25th EY Entrepreneur Of The Year™ Malaysia 2026 Awards

    (L – R): Dr. Sunny Ooi, Siti Farhana Abu Osman, Datuk Wira Ts. Cllement Tan, William Tham and CJ Woo, AK Tan, Jennifer Kok, Philip Rao, YB Encik Steven Sim Chee Keong, Dato’ Abdul Rauf Rashid, Dato’ SK Fong, Dato’ Calvin Chan, Ain Azizah Arifin, Esther Erin and Ethan Wong, and KeYee

    KUALA LUMPUR, 29 SEPTEMBER 2026 — EY has announced the 12 Top Nominees for the EY Entrepreneur Of The Year (EOY) 2026 Malaysia awards, marking the 25th anniversary of the prestigious programme, which continues to recognise entrepreneurs who drive innovation, create opportunities and contribute to the growth of Malaysian businesses and the wider economy.

    The 12 Top Nominees across the Emerging, Technology, Woman and Master Entrepreneur categories were selected by an independent panel of judges based on the programme’s four judging pillars: Entrepreneurial Spirit, Purpose, Growth and Impact.

    In the Emerging Entrepreneur category, the Top Nominees are Esther Erin and Ethan Wong of Dododots, KeYee of Notti Pet Food, and CJ Woo and William Tham of The Solar House Sdn. Bhd. The Technology Entrepreneur category features Dr. Sunny Ooi of ClickAsia, AK Tan of Agmo Group and Datuk Wira Ts. Cllement Tan of Ramssol Group Berhad.

    The Woman Entrepreneur category recognises Siti Farhana Abu Osman of PTTI Group Sdn. Bhd., Ain Azizah Arifin of Bubbles O2 and Jennifer Kok of Media OutReach Newswire. Meanwhile, the Master Entrepreneur category features Dato’ Calvin Chan of Oriental Kopi Holdings Berhad, Dato’ SK Fong of SkyeChip and Dr. Chieng King Chong of PMG Healthcare.

    The winners of the four categories, together with the coveted EY Entrepreneur Of The Year 2026 Malaysia award, will be announced at an awards ceremony on 1 December 2026. The EOY 2026 Malaysia award winner will subsequently join country award recipients from around the world to compete for the EY World Entrepreneur Of The Year 2027 award in Monte Carlo, Monaco, in May 2027.

    The announcement was officiated by Yang Berhormat Encik Steven Sim Chee Keong, Minister of Entrepreneur and Cooperatives Development, who highlighted the programme’s 25-year contribution to elevating entrepreneurship as an important force in Malaysia’s development. He also noted the role of the programme in inspiring generations of entrepreneurs to think bigger, pursue new opportunities and contribute to the nation’s long-term growth.

    Dato’ Abdul Rauf Rashid, Malaysia Managing Partner, EY Malaysia, said the programme’s silver jubilee provides an opportunity to celebrate entrepreneurs who have transformed ideas into successful businesses, created lasting impact and contributed to Malaysia’s development. The increase in nominations across all categories this year, he added, reflects the continued strength and resilience of Malaysia’s entrepreneurial spirit.

    Meanwhile, Philip Rao, EOY Malaysia Program Director and Partner, EY Malaysia, said this year’s theme, “The Shapers”, reflects the influence of business leaders beyond their own organisations as they shape industries, strengthen communities and contribute to the nation’s future through resilience, innovation and vision.

    This year’s programme received a record number of overall nominations, highlighting its growing reach and ability to identify outstanding entrepreneurs across a diverse range of industries. The nominee pool spans sectors including technology and consumer products, healthcare and renewable energy, with the businesses collectively generating more than RM5.7 billion in revenue and supporting over 10,000 jobs.

    To commemorate the 25th anniversary of EOY Malaysia, the programme has also launched Road to Monaco, a three-part podcast series produced in collaboration with BFM. The series brings together accomplished entrepreneurs to share the lessons, resilience and sense of purpose that have shaped their journeys from ambitious founders into established business leaders.

    In conjunction with the event, EY also hosted a panel discussion titled “Beyond Success: What’s Next for Malaysian Entrepreneurs?”, bringing together prominent entrepreneurs and business leaders to explore what it takes to build enduring businesses, create meaningful impact and navigate challenges related to growth and succession.

    The discussion covered key issues including founder’s syndrome, business transformation, leadership transitions and the growing role of agentic AI. Panelists also exchanged views on the different pace of AI adoption across industries and the importance of balancing technological innovation with practical business realities.

    The EOY 2026 Malaysia judging panel comprises prominent corporate and entrepreneurial leaders, including Dato’ Fad’l Mohamed, Ganesh Kumar Bangah, Ooi Lay Pheng, Anuar Fariz Fadzil, Ronnie Lim, Sharala Axryd and Dato’ Kamarul Redzuan Muhamed.

    After 25 years of celebrating entrepreneurial excellence, the EY Entrepreneur Of The Year Malaysia programme continues to provide a platform for recognising business leaders who not only build successful organisations, but also shape industries, create opportunities and contribute meaningfully to Malaysia’s economic development.

    For more information about the EOY Malaysia program, please visit www.ey.com/my/eoy.

  • PEMBELIAN PERTAMA SEDAP MANIS BAWA REZEKI, PROTON SAGA BAHARU JADI MILIK

    Muhammad Najmi Adha Bin Hj Nasir (tengah), pemenang hadiah utama Peraduan Beli & Menang Sedap Manis yang pertama kali dianjurkan di seluruh negara, menerima kunci sebuah Proton Saga baharu. Turut bersama beliau pada majlis penyampaian hadiah ialah Cik Chen Theng Hui (kiri), Eksekutif Pemasaran Kanan Gold Leaf Marketing Sdn Bhd, dan En. Badrul, Pengurus Kedai AEON BiG.

    KUALA LUMPUR, 29 SEPTEMBER 2026 — Tidak menyangka pembelian pertama produk Sedap Manis, jenama minuman malt coklat tempatan, membawa tuah besar buat Muhammad Najmi Adha Bin Hj Nasir, 30, dari Selangor apabila beliau berjaya memenangi sebuah Proton Saga baharu menerusi Peraduan Beli & Menang Sedap Manis.

    Muhammad Najmi dinobatkan sebagai pemenang hadiah utama dalam peraduan tersebut dan merupakan antara 126 pemenang yang menerima hadiah dengan nilai keseluruhan melebihi RM80,000. Selain Proton Saga, hadiah yang ditawarkan turut merangkumi dua motosikal Yamaha Ego Gear, tiga basikal gunung Polygon Cascade 5 serta 120 PIN Tambah Nilai TNG eWallet sebagai hadiah bulanan.

    Mewakili pemenang hadiah kedua, Cik Rajeswary A/P Vasu, bersama pemenang hadiah ketiga, En. Anwar Ridwan Bin Nordin, kedua-duanya meraikan kejayaan dalam Peraduan Beli & Menang Sedap Manis yang julung kali dianjurkan di seluruh negara. Rajeswary menerima motosikal Yamaha Ego Gear, manakala Anwar Ridwan membawa pulang basikal gunung Polygon Cascade 5.

    Berlangsung dari 1 April hingga 31 Julai 2026, Peraduan Beli & Menang merupakan peraduan pertama Sedap Manis yang dianjurkan di seluruh negara. Kempen selama empat bulan itu menerima lebih daripada 5,000 penyertaan, sekali gus menunjukkan sambutan menggalakkan daripada pengguna terhadap jenama minuman malt coklat tempatan berkenaan.

    Penyertaan pula cukup mudah apabila pengguna hanya perlu membuat pembelian produk Sedap Manis bernilai sekurang-kurangnya RM28 dalam satu resit sebelum menghantar penyertaan dalam tempoh peraduan. Langkah mudah tersebut membuka peluang kepada pengguna untuk memenangi pelbagai hadiah, dengan Proton Saga ditawarkan sebagai hadiah utama.

    Bagi Muhammad Najmi, penyertaannya bermula apabila beliau terlihat poster peraduan dan mengambil keputusan untuk mencuba Sedap Manis sambil merebut peluang menyertai kempen berkenaan. Selepas mencuba produk tersebut, beliau tertarik dengan rasanya dan kemudiannya menjadi pengguna tetap, malah ahli keluarganya turut menikmati minuman malt coklat berkenaan.

    Pembelian pek 900g Sedap Manis bagi tujuan menyertai peraduan itu akhirnya membawa rezeki yang tidak disangka apabila beliau dipilih sebagai pemenang hadiah utama. Berita kemenangan pula diterima menerusi mesej WhatsApp daripada pihak Sedap Manis.

    Pada mulanya, Muhammad Najmi mengakui beliau tidak pasti sama ada mesej tersebut benar-benar sahih. Namun, rasa terkejut bertukar menjadi kegembiraan selepas menerima pengesahan bahawa beliau sememangnya memenangi sebuah Proton Saga baharu. Isterinya menjadi individu pertama yang menerima berita gembira tersebut daripadanya.

    Kemenangan berkenaan cukup bermakna buat Muhammad Najmi sekeluarga kerana pembelian sebuah kereta baharu lazimnya memerlukan perancangan kewangan dan simpanan yang rapi. Proton Saga baharu itu dijangka dapat memudahkan perjalanan hariannya ke tempat kerja selain memberi lebih keselesaan untuk melakukan aktiviti bersama keluarga.

    “Saya sangat berterima kasih kepada Sedap Manis kerana memberi saya peluang ini. Saya baru sahaja mengenali Sedap Manis dan membuat pembelian untuk menyertai peraduan ini. Jadi, saya sememangnya tidak menyangka akan muncul sebagai pemenang bertuah. Saya amat bersyukur kerana memenangi Proton Saga dan kemenangan ini pastinya menjadi satu kenangan yang tidak akan saya lupakan. Terima kasih Sedap Manis!” kata Najmi.

    Menurut Pengurus Jualan Nasional Gold Leaf Marketing Sdn Bhd, Brandon Oh, sambutan terhadap peraduan sulung Sedap Manis bukan sahaja membuka ruang untuk memperkenalkan jenama tersebut kepada lebih ramai rakyat Malaysia, malah menggalakkan pengguna mencuba produknya.

    Beliau berkata lebih 5,000 penyertaan yang diterima sepanjang tempoh peraduan mencerminkan sambutan positif daripada pengguna di seluruh negara. Pada masa sama, kempen tersebut memberi peluang kepada Sedap Manis untuk menghargai sokongan pengguna dengan menawarkan pengalaman yang menyeronokkan serta mudah disertai oleh keluarga Malaysia.

    Sejak diperkenalkan pada 2022, Sedap Manis menawarkan minuman malt coklat kepada isi rumah di Malaysia. Sebagai jenama tempatan, produknya dihasilkan sepenuhnya di Malaysia, diperakui Halal serta dikilangkan di fasiliti yang memiliki pensijilan HACCP dan MeSTI.

    Berteraskan pendekatan “Lebih Coklat, Lebih Lazat”, Sedap Manis menawarkan pilihan pek 900g dan 1.8kg yang praktikal untuk kegunaan seisi keluarga. Jenama tersebut menyasarkan untuk terus mengukuhkan kedudukannya sebagai antara pilihan minuman malt coklat yang dipercayai oleh lebih ramai isi rumah di Malaysia.

    Dalam perkembangan seterusnya, Sedap Manis merancang untuk mengembangkan perniagaannya ke sektor hotel, restoran dan kafe (HoReCa) buat pertama kali. Jenama itu turut meneroka penawaran produk baharu termasuk format 3-dalam-1 dan minuman sedia diminum bagi memenuhi keperluan serta pilihan pengguna yang semakin pelbagai.

    Sedap Manis juga akan terus mendekati pengguna menerusi pelbagai inisiatif termasuk peraduan dalam talian, pemberian hadiah, program tanggungjawab sosial korporat (CSR) dan aktiviti lapangan. Menurut Brandon, jenama itu berharap dapat membina hubungan lebih erat dengan pengguna Malaysia sambil mencipta lebih banyak pengalaman bermakna dan menyeronokkan untuk keluarga.

    Kemenangan Muhammad Najmi menerusi pembelian pertamanya bukan sahaja menjadi kenangan manis buat dirinya dan keluarga, malah mencerminkan usaha Sedap Manis dalam mendekati pengguna menerusi kempen yang memberi peluang untuk mencuba produk sambil menikmati ganjaran menarik.

    Untuk maklumat lanjut serta perkembangan terkini Sedap Manis, sila ikuti Sedap Manis di Instagram, Facebook dan TikTok.

  • Jerebu dan Kesihatan Paru-Paru: Kenali Tanda yang Perlu Diberi Perhatian

    Pendedahan kepada jerebu boleh mencetuskan keradangan dan meningkatkan penghasilan mukus, sekali gus menyebabkan gejala seperti batuk, mengah, dada rasa ketat, dan sesak nafas.

    Bayi yang kurang menyusu daripada kebiasaan atau warga emas yang tiba-tiba tercungap-cungap ketika berjalan mungkin tidak kelihatan seperti mengalami masalah pernafasan yang serius. Namun, apabila jerebu melanda, perubahan kecil pada corak pernafasan, selera makan atau tahap tenaga boleh menjadi antara petanda awal bahawa paru-paru mula terjejas akibat kualiti udara yang merosot.

    Menurut Dr Syed Ajmal Bin Syed Ali, Pakar Perubatan Dalaman, Respiratori dan Pulmonologi Intervensi, serta Dr Noor Zehan Abdul Rahim, Pakar Perubatan Kanak-kanak dan Respiratori Kanak-kanak di Pusat Perubatan Sunway, Bandar Sunway (SMC), golongan rentan seperti kanak-kanak, bayi, warga emas serta individu yang mempunyai penyakit pernafasan memerlukan perhatian lebih ketika kualiti udara merosot.

    Dr Syed berkata tanda awal masalah pernafasan akibat jerebu tidak semestinya jelas, terutama dalam kalangan golongan dewasa rentan dan warga emas. Bagi kanak-kanak pula, Dr Noor Zehan menjelaskan bahawa sesak nafas, perubahan corak pernafasan atau perubahan secara tiba-tiba dalam penyusuan boleh menjadi petunjuk awal bahawa pendedahan kepada jerebu mula memberi kesan kepada paru-paru mereka.

    Antara kebimbangan utama ketika jerebu ialah PM2.5, iaitu zarah halus yang cukup kecil untuk menembusi jauh ke dalam saluran pernafasan. Apabila zarah ini sampai ke saluran udara dan kantung udara yang lebih kecil dalam paru-paru, ia boleh mencetuskan keradangan serta meningkatkan penghasilan mukus. Keadaan tersebut berpotensi menyebabkan gejala seperti batuk, mengah, dada terasa ketat dan sesak nafas.

    Bagi warga emas, perubahan luar kebiasaan pada corak pernafasan, atau senang mengah semasa melakukan aktiviti harian rutin boleh menjadi tanda awal bahawa paru-paru sudah mula terjejas akibat jerebu.

    Kesan jerebu juga boleh berbeza mengikut keadaan dan usia seseorang. Warga emas lebih terdedah kerana proses penuaan boleh mengurangkan kapasiti paru-paru serta keupayaan tubuh untuk membersihkan zarah yang disedut. Kanak-kanak pula mempunyai saluran udara yang lebih kecil dan paru-paru yang masih berkembang, menjadikan mereka lebih mudah mengalami masalah pernafasan. Sementara itu, individu yang mempunyai asma atau penyakit pulmonari obstruktif kronik (COPD) masih berisiko mengalami kemerosotan gejala walaupun keadaan mereka sebelum ini terkawal.

    Bagi pesakit asma atau COPD, Dr Syed menasihatkan supaya mereka terus mengambil ubat seperti yang dipreskripsikan dan sentiasa membawa inhaler pelega bersama. Ibu bapa yang mempunyai anak penghidap asma pula disarankan memahami serta sentiasa bersedia dengan pelan tindakan asma anak masing-masing bagi menghadapi kemungkinan gejala menjadi lebih teruk ketika jerebu.

    Perubahan kecil daripada rutin harian juga perlu diberi perhatian. Dalam kalangan warga emas, peningkatan batuk atau kahak, mudah mengah, dada terasa ketat atau semakin cepat sesak nafas ketika melakukan aktiviti biasa boleh menjadi tanda bahawa sistem pernafasan mula terjejas. Perubahan ini mungkin kelihatan kecil, tetapi penting untuk dipantau terutama ketika kualiti udara berada pada tahap tidak sihat.

    Bagi bayi dan kanak-kanak kecil, tanda-tanda masalah pernafasan mungkin lebih sukar dikenal pasti kerana mereka tidak dapat menerangkan keadaan yang dialami. Batuk dan hidung tersumbat, misalnya, boleh berkembang menjadi kesukaran bernafas atau menyusu. Bayi yang tiba-tiba kurang menyusu, lebih meragam daripada biasa atau menunjukkan kesukaran bernafas yang semakin meningkat tidak seharusnya dipandang ringan.

    Dr Noor Zehan mengingatkan ibu bapa supaya tidak menunggu sehingga anak menunjukkan kesukaran bernafas yang ketara sebelum mendapatkan bantuan perubatan. Perubahan seperti kurang menyusu, meragam tanpa sebab atau peningkatan kesukaran bernafas boleh menjadi tanda awal yang memerlukan perhatian.

    Walaupun bacaan indeks kualiti udara boleh membantu keluarga membuat keputusan untuk mengehadkan aktiviti luar, pemantauan terhadap gejala kesihatan juga sama penting. Rawatan perubatan perlu dipertimbangkan sekiranya sesak nafas, batuk atau mengah semakin teruk, atau apabila ubat yang biasanya digunakan tidak lagi memberikan kelegaan seperti biasa. Bagi kanak-kanak pula, ibu bapa disarankan mendapatkan bantuan perubatan jika batuk atau selesema mula mengganggu pernafasan atau penyusuan.

    Ketika jerebu melanda, ahli keluarga dinasihatkan untuk berada di dalam rumah. Elakkan aktiviti luar yang lasak, pastikan tingkap dan pintu tertutup apabila kualiti udara merosot. Kanak-kanak boleh bermain di dalam rumah, dan warga emas juga boleh melakukan senaman ringan di dalam rumah.

    Ketika jerebu, orang ramai juga digalakkan berada di dalam rumah sebanyak mungkin dan mengurangkan aktiviti fizikal berat di luar. Namun, kekal aktif di dalam rumah masih boleh dilakukan mengikut kemampuan, termasuk membenarkan kanak-kanak bermain di dalam rumah dan warga emas melakukan aktiviti fizikal ringan.

    Kualiti udara dalaman turut perlu diberi perhatian apabila keadaan di luar merosot. Tingkap dan pintu boleh ditutup bagi mengurangkan kemasukan udara tercemar, manakala penapis udara yang mampu menapis zarah halus boleh digunakan. Penapis penghawa dingin dan pembersih udara juga perlu diselenggara secara berkala bagi memastikan ia berfungsi dengan baik.

    Dr Noor Zehan turut menasihatkan orang ramai supaya tidak menggunakan essential oil sebagai penyelesaian kepada masalah jerebu kerana ia tidak menghapuskan pencemar udara dan berpotensi menambah bahan asing dalam ruang dalaman. Bagi mereka yang perlu keluar ketika keadaan jerebu, Dr Syed menyarankan penggunaan pelitup muka N95 atau KN95 dengan cara yang betul untuk membantu mengurangkan pendedahan kepada zarah halus.

    Melindungi kesihatan ketika jerebu bukan sekadar mengehadkan aktiviti luar, tetapi turut memerlukan kepekaan terhadap perubahan kecil pada tubuh, khususnya dalam kalangan bayi, kanak-kanak, warga emas dan individu yang mempunyai penyakit pernafasan. Dengan mengenal pasti tanda awal, mengurangkan pendedahan kepada pencemaran serta mendapatkan rawatan apabila diperlukan, risiko komplikasi akibat jerebu dapat ditangani dengan lebih baik.

  • Epson Named ASEAN’s Leading Printer Brand by IDC

    SUBANG JAYA, 29 September 2026 — Epson, a global leader in professional printing, has strengthened its position in the regional printing industry after being recognised by International Data Corporation (IDC) as the leading brand across ASEAN in the Large Format Printer, Graphic Textile, Photo Graphic and Signage categories for calendar year 2025 (CY2025).

    The recognition highlights Epson’s strong market position across several key printing segments while reflecting the company’s continued focus on developing high-performance printing technologies to meet the evolving needs of businesses across the region.

    In the Large Format Printing category, Epson maintained its position as the ASEAN market leader with a 21.1% market share, up from 19.2% in CY2024. Its large-format printing solutions, particularly for Computer-Aided Design (CAD) and graphic applications, continue to gain recognition for their precision, performance and high-quality output.

    Epson also recorded strong market positions across several key ASEAN markets, with a 28.3% share in Thailand, 26.9% in the Philippines and 23.2% in Indonesia. The company also maintained leading positions in Singapore and Malaysia, with market shares of 32.8% and 16.8% respectively.

    In the Graphic Textile category, Epson continued to lead the ASEAN market with a 45.6% market share, improving from 43% in the previous year. The company’s position is supported by continued innovation aimed at addressing the evolving demands of textile printing, including the introduction of high-performance solutions such as the SureColor F9530.

    Beyond product innovation, Epson has also strengthened its engagement with businesses and industry stakeholders through knowledge-sharing initiatives, industry events and data-driven research. In 2025, the company participated in ITMA 2025 in Singapore, where it showcased new dye-sublimation models and launched its Digital Textile Printing Trends in Southeast Asia whitepaper.

    Epson recorded particularly strong positions in the Graphic Textile category across several ASEAN markets, including a 60% market share in Singapore, 59.1% in Indonesia, 54.6% in the Philippines and 25.3% in Thailand.

    Meanwhile, Epson retained its number one position in ASEAN in the Photo Graphic (Aqueous Ink) category, recording a 22.3% market share. The company also remained the market leader in Singapore with 56.8%, Indonesia with 32.2%, Thailand with 27.9% and Malaysia with 23.6%.

    Products such as the SureColor P9530 and SureColor P6530E have contributed to Epson’s position in the large-format photo printing segment. Its aqueous ink technology delivers precise details and vivid colours, supporting professional customers across the region in producing high-quality photo applications.

    In the Signage category, Epson further strengthened its market position in ASEAN, increasing its market share from 10.5% in CY2024 to 11.1% in CY2025. Its Eco Solvent, Latex and Solvent ink technologies are designed to address the growing demand for high-quality, high-volume output within the signage industry.

    Epson also introduced three new signage printers during CY2025, namely the SureColor S7130, S8130 and S9130. The company recorded market share growth in Singapore to 54.5%, Thailand to 37.5% and Malaysia to 22%.

    The growth was partly driven by the new S Series, which encouraged existing users to upgrade or convert to Epson’s latest solutions in pursuit of improved printing performance.

    According to Alvin Tan, Managing Director of Epson Malaysia, the recognition from IDC across the four categories serves as a testament to Epson’s continued commitment to innovation and its delivery of high-quality printing solutions throughout ASEAN.

    He said Epson would remain focused on raising industry standards while providing businesses across the region with reliable and advanced printing technologies that they can trust.

    The latest recognition further reinforces Epson’s position as a key player in ASEAN’s professional printing industry, with its continued growth across multiple categories reflecting the increasing demand for advanced, reliable and high-quality printing solutions among businesses across the region.