OhMyNetizen

Category: Bisnes

  • XEROX RE-ENTERS MALAYSIA WITH NEW A4 COLOUR PRINTER PORTFOLIO AFTER LEXMARK INTEGRATION

    From left: Mr. Keith Leong (Regional Sales Director, Asia Pacific Central – Xerox-Lexmark), Mr. Allen AR (Managing Director – ATM Trading (M) Sdn Bhd), Mr. Rickie Liew (Managing Director – Digital Paper Sdn Bhd), Mr. Alvin Loe (General Manager – Digital Paper Sdn Bhd), Ms. Qnin Teo (Business Unit Manager, Tec D Distribution (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd) and Mr. Andrew Chan (Malaysia Sales Lead, Xerox-Lexmark) at the launch of the new Xerox and Lexmark A4 printer lineup.

    PETALING JAYA, 7 October 2026 — Xerox has returned to the Malaysian market with a new portfolio of Xerox-branded A4 colour printers and multifunction printers, marking a significant milestone following its integration with Lexmark. The launch introduces a new chapter for the company as it combines its global technology and services capabilities with Lexmark’s established local presence, distribution network and market expertise to strengthen its support for customers and business partners across Malaysia.

    Unveiled at Le Méridien Petaling Jaya, the new devices are among the first hardware offerings introduced under the unified Xerox brand following the integration. The launch reflects the growing demand for workplace technology that is secure, easy to deploy and suitable for modern working environments, including hybrid offices, small workgroups and shared workspaces.

    Through the integration, Xerox is bringing together capabilities across printing, IT infrastructure and intelligent digital services to provide organisations with a broader range of solutions for increasingly digital and connected workplaces. The event also showcased the existing A3 and A4 product portfolios from both Xerox and Lexmark, highlighting the expanded range of workplace technology available to Malaysian customers.

    The company’s return was marked by an auspicious lion dance ceremony, alongside recognition of its three local distributors: Digital Paper Sdn Bhd, ATM Trading (M) Sdn Bhd and Tec D Distribution (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd. Their contributions were acknowledged as an important part of supporting customers, strengthening channel partnerships and driving sustainable business growth in the country.

    Keith Leong, Regional Sales Director, APC, said Malaysia remains an important market for Xerox and that its return through the integration with Lexmark represents a significant milestone. He noted that combining Xerox’s established brand heritage with Lexmark’s local presence and channel relationships provides a stronger foundation for serving customers, empowering business partners and pursuing long-term growth in Malaysia.

    From left: Mr. Choo Yang Wee (Sales Manager – ATM Trading (M) Sdn Bhd), Mr. Allen AR (Managing Director – ATM Trading (M) Sdn Bhd), Mr. Keith Leong (Regional Sales Director, Asia Pacific Central – Xerox-Lexmark), Mr. Rickie Liew (Managing Director – Digital Paper Sdn Bhd), Mr. Alvin Loe (General Manager – Digital Paper Sdn Bhd), Ms. Qnin Teo (Business Unit Manager, Tec D Distribution (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd), and Mr. Andrew Chan (Malaysia Sales Lead, Xerox-Lexmark)

    New A4 Colour Portfolio for Modern Workplaces

    At the centre of the launch is a new range of A4 colour printers and multifunction printers designed to meet the everyday needs of small workgroups and hybrid working environments. The devices combine printing and scanning capabilities with compact designs and simplified installation, helping organisations manage routine document workflows without requiring dedicated IT support.

    Ease of use is a key feature of the new portfolio, with intuitive interfaces and simplified setup processes designed to make everyday printing and scanning more accessible. Support for the Xerox Easy Assist App and Xerox Print and Scan Experience App further helps users install, manage and operate their devices more conveniently.

    The new range also focuses on reliable performance, providing consistent everyday printing capabilities for a variety of small-office requirements, including environments with more demanding workloads. Built-in security features help protect devices, documents and network access, while integrated post-quantum cryptography support is designed to provide future-ready protection against evolving cybersecurity threats.

    In addition to performance and security, the devices incorporate space-efficient designs suited to smaller offices and shared workspaces. Their energy-efficient operation and use of more than 50% post-consumer recycled plastic content also reflect Xerox’s commitment to responsible innovation and more sustainable product development.

    Four New Xerox A4 Colour Devices Introduced in Malaysia

    The new portfolio comprises four models: the Xerox C240 colour printer and three colour multifunction printers, namely the Xerox C245, C303a and C305ae. Together, these devices offer printing and scanning solutions designed to support the needs of small workgroups through straightforward deployment, dependable performance and secure operation.

    Group photo of partners and guests at Xerox’s launch event marking their return to Malaysia with four new A4 colour printers and multifunction printers, following the integration with Lexmark.

    The introduction of these models strengthens Xerox’s presence in Malaysia while expanding the printing solutions available to businesses seeking practical and efficient workplace technology. With the combined Xerox and Lexmark portfolios, customers can access a wider selection of A3 and A4 printing solutions to suit different office requirements.

    The new models are available through Xerox and its authorised channel partners in Malaysia, alongside the companies’ existing product portfolios. Interested customers can contact an authorised dealer through Xerox’s official dealer locator or email salesapc@lexmark.com for further information.

    Xerox’s return represents an important step in its efforts to strengthen its position in Malaysia’s workplace technology market. By combining its global expertise with Lexmark’s established local network, the company aims to provide businesses with accessible, secure and sustainable printing solutions that support the evolving demands of modern work environments.

  • EY Malaysia and SAINS Join Forces to Drive Digital and AI Transformation in Sarawak


    Representatives from EY Malaysia and Sarawak Information Systems Sdn. Bhd. (SAINS), alongside Sarawak state leaders and distinguished guests, at the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) exchange ceremony to advance digital transformation, artificial intelligence (AI) and innovation in Sarawak during the International Digital Economy Conference Sarawak (IDECS) 2026 in Kuching.

    Back row (from left): Yang Berbahagia Tan Sri Datuk Amar Haji Mohamad Morshidi bin Abdul Ghani; Sharon S. Garin; Yang Berhormat Tan Sri Datuk Amar Haji Mohamad Asfia bin Awang Nassar; Yang Berhormat Dato Sri Haji Julaihi bin Haji Narawi; Yang Amat Berhormat Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Haji Abdul Rahman Zohari bin Tun Datuk Abang Haji Openg; Yang Berhormat Datuk Amar Professor Dr. Sim Kui Hian; Yang Berbahagia Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Dr George Chan Hong Nam; Yang Berhormat Datuk Amar Haji Mohamad Abu Bakar bin Marzuki; and Yang Berbahagia Dato Sri Dr Haji Wan Lizozman bin Wan Omar.

    Front row (from left): Busiai bin Seman, Chief Executive Officer of SAINS; Adrian Chew, EY Asean Consulting AI & Data Co-leader, Malaysia Technology Consulting Leader and Partner at Ernst & Young Consulting Sdn. Bhd.; and Mohd Husin, EY Asean Government and Public Sector Consulting Leader and Partner at Ernst & Young Consulting Sdn. Bhd.

    KUCHING, 6 OCTOBER 2026 — Ernst & Young Consulting Sdn. Bhd. (EY Malaysia) and Sarawak Information Systems Sdn. Bhd. (SAINS) have formalised a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to explore collaboration in digital transformation, artificial intelligence (AI) and innovation initiatives that support Sarawak’s long-term development ambitions.

    The strategic collaboration was announced during the International Digital Economy Conference Sarawak (IDECS) 2026 in Kuching, where Adrian Chew, EY Asean Consulting AI & Data Co-leader, Malaysia Technology Consulting Leader and Partner at EY Malaysia, exchanged the agreement with Busiai Bin Seman, Chief Executive Officer of SAINS, on behalf of their respective organisations.

    The partnership combines EY Malaysia’s global experience in business transformation, digital strategy, AI, governance and industry expertise with SAINS’ extensive understanding of the public sector and its established track record in delivering digital solutions that support Sarawak’s development agenda.

    Under the MoU, both organisations will explore opportunities to advance digital transformation, accelerate AI adoption, strengthen capabilities, promote innovation and enhance governance across the public sector and the broader state-linked ecosystem.

    Adrian Chew said EY Malaysia was honoured to work with SAINS at a pivotal stage in Sarawak’s transformation journey. He emphasised that while technology continues to evolve rapidly, organisations must ensure their investments deliver tangible results and meaningful impact.

    He added that digital platforms, data and AI must be supported by strong fundamentals, capability development, effective governance and well-managed organisational change to achieve sustainable, long-term outcomes.

    The collaboration aligns with Sarawak’s aspirations under the Post COVID-19 Development Strategy 2030 (PCDS 2030), which envisions the state becoming a thriving, high-income economy driven by data, innovation and technology.

    As public sector organisations continue to modernise their operations, digital technologies and AI are increasingly important in enhancing productivity, improving operational efficiency, supporting better decision-making and enabling sustainable economic growth.

    Mohd Husin, EY Asean Government and Public Sector Consulting Leader and Partner at EY Malaysia, said the key priority as Sarawak advances its digital economy ambitions is to translate technology investments into meaningful economic and societal value.

    He noted that the initiative aims to strengthen digital capabilities, encourage responsible AI adoption and establish a strong foundation for a resilient, innovative and future-ready economy.

    Meanwhile, Busiai Bin Seman said Sarawak had built strong momentum in its digitalisation journey, supported by a clear vision and continued commitment to innovation. He expressed SAINS’ enthusiasm for exploring opportunities with EY Malaysia to strengthen capabilities, encourage innovation and further advance the state’s digital economy.

    The partnership underscores the shared commitment of EY Malaysia and SAINS to accelerating Sarawak’s digital transformation, strengthening governance and supporting the adoption of emerging technologies. Through these efforts, both organisations aim to contribute to the state’s long-term development goals and help build a more competitive, resilient and future-ready economy.

  • Cisco Report: Just 53% of Malaysian Organisations Confident in Detecting and Responding to Compromised AI Agents

    MALAYSIA, 6 OCTOBER 2026 — Only 53% of organisations in Malaysia are highly confident in their ability to detect and respond to a compromised artificial intelligence (AI) agent, highlighting a growing cybersecurity readiness gap as businesses increasingly adopt AI-powered technologies.

    The findings come from Cisco’s latest Relentless Defense Report, which examines how security practitioners are adapting to a threat landscape increasingly reshaped by AI. The report evaluates organisations based on how comprehensively they can protect their environments, how quickly they can detect, respond to and remediate threats, and the operational barriers that may slow them down.

    Organisations in Malaysia recorded an overall average score of 65 out of 100, while only 8% of organisations in Malaysia and globally qualified as Cisco’s best-performing group, known as Relentless Defenders. According to Cisco, these organisations stand out not because they rely on a single strength, but because they combine broad security coverage, rapid response and strong coordination across teams.

    “AI has fundamentally raised the stakes for cyber defense. In a post-Mythos era, the speed of defense is driven by operational agility, not technology alone. The organizations that stay ahead will be those that embed security into how they operate, treat it as more than a compliance exercise, and break down operational silos so the right people can make the right decisions at the right time,” said Chee Kheong Lee, Managing Director, Cisco Malaysia.

    The report identifies organisational friction as a major barrier to stronger cyber defense. In Malaysia, only 43% of organisations say their security, networking and IT teams operate as one team with shared visibility and tools. Meanwhile, 29% say the metrics they measure are too technical to influence executives, while 43% struggle to translate business metrics into information that can support decision-making.

    Data accessibility is another challenge. 49% of organisations in Malaysia spend more time collecting and correlating data across systems than addressing the actual threat, while 40% say critical insights are missed because data remains out of reach.

    At the same time, AI is helping security teams respond faster, although concerns over security are slowing adoption. More than eight in ten security practitioners report improvements of at least 25% in threat detection and response, while more than one-third say AI is significantly reducing their operational burden.

    Despite these benefits, fewer than half of organisations have extensively deployed AI-powered security capabilities. Adoption is highest in network security, data security and privacy, as well as security operations, while identity and access management records lower levels of adoption. More than one-third of organisations have also extensively deployed AI agents within security operations.

    However, concerns around data exposure, compromised systems and third-party handling continue to hold organisations back. As a result, only 53% of organisations in Malaysia are highly confident that they could detect and respond to a compromised AI agent.

    The report also highlights what sets Relentless Defenders apart. Globally, 83% of these organisations operate as a single, coordinated security team with shared visibility and tools across security, network and infrastructure, compared with 37% of other defenders. They are also more likely to apply consistent controls to AI agents and non-human identities, with 86% doing so compared with 37% of other organisations.

    Relentless Defenders also demonstrate greater confidence in responding to AI-related security threats. 77% are highly confident they could detect and respond to a compromised AI agent, compared with 51% of other defenders. In addition, 25% report that AI has helped improve threat-detection speed by more than 100%, compared with just 7% of other organisations.

    The report further points to a connection between operational readiness and security outcomes. Among organisations that increased their security spending, Relentless Defenders were nearly twice as likely to report a reduction in security incidents, at 71% compared with 39% among other defenders.

    As AI agents become increasingly capable of making decisions and taking action within seconds, Cisco’s findings underline the need for organisations to ensure their people, processes and governance frameworks can move at a similar pace. Technology alone may not be enough if operational silos, fragmented data and complex approval processes continue to delay responses to emerging threats.

  • PH-OWNED FINTECH BCRemit CELEBRATES 10 YEARS AFTER SURPASSING US$1 BILLION IN CROSS-BORDER TRANSFERS

    Gio Calma, Co-Founder and Director of BCRemit, speaks during BCRemit’s 10th anniversary celebration event.

    Filipino-led global digital remittance company BCRemit has marked its 10th anniversary by surpassing US$1 billion in total processed transactions, reinforcing its position as a cross-border payment platform serving Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) around the world. The milestone comes as the company expands beyond traditional remittance services into enterprise payments while exploring new international payment corridors.

    Founded in 2016 by former overseas worker Oliver “Bong” Calma and his son Jose Angelo “Gio” Calma, BCRemit was established from the founders’ personal experience with the high costs and delays associated with sending money home. Built around the mission of helping OFWs send money back home faster, the platform has since processed more than one million transactions across its growing network.

    Founder and CEO Oliver Calma said the company’s mission has always been centred on demonstrating how Filipino-led innovation can create solutions with global impact. The latest US$1 billion milestone reflects BCRemit’s growth over the past decade and its expanding role in facilitating digital cross-border payments for Filipinos living and working overseas.

    A group photo of BCRemit with (4th from left, below) Gio Calma, Co-Founder and Director, and Oliver Calma, Founder and CEO.

    BCRemit has differentiated its remittance infrastructure by leveraging blockchain technology and USD stablecoins to facilitate faster and more cost-efficient international transfers. The company said its average transaction cost is approximately 1%, with no hidden fees, compared with the reported global average remittance cost of 6.4%. Its digital infrastructure is also designed to enable near-instant transfers, helping to overcome the three- to five-day delays associated with some traditional banking networks.

    Today, BCRemit operates across 24 countries, with its international expansion including market entries into Spain in June 2021 through its licensed entity BC Remittance S.L., followed by Canada in January 2022 and the United States in August 2022. These expansions have strengthened the company’s international presence while supporting its broader strategy of building a more connected digital remittance network.

    Beyond transfers to Philippine banks such as BDO and BPI, BCRemit customers can access cash pickup services and digital wallets including GCash and Maya. Through BCRemit Pay, overseas workers can also settle bills and financial obligations directly, including SSS contributions, Pag-IBIG regular and MP2 savings, loan repayments, property-related bills and mobile top-ups. The company also provides 24/7 human customer support, combining digital convenience with personalised assistance for important family transactions.

    Looking ahead, BCRemit is expanding its cross-border settlement infrastructure beyond individual remittances. The company is scaling its payment rails to serve small and medium-sized enterprises, business process outsourcing firms and freelancers, while also developing white-label payout integrations for third-party financial institutions.

    The company is also preparing to enter high-volume remittance corridors across the Middle East and Asia-Pacific, with Saudi Arabia, Australia, Japan and South Korea identified among its priority markets. The expansion is expected to further broaden BCRemit’s international reach and strengthen its position within the evolving global digital payments ecosystem.

    Operating under regulatory oversight from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, the UK’s Financial Conduct Authority, Banco de España, FINTRAC and the Bank of Canada, BCRemit continues to emphasise regulatory compliance as it expands its services. With the company serving a global community of more than 10.8 million overseas Filipinos, its 10-year milestone signals the growing role of digital financial infrastructure in making cross-border money transfers faster, more accessible and more efficient.

    For more information, you may visit https://www.bcremit.com/ or follow them on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.

  • HONOR MAGIC9 PRO MAX CAPTURES HIGH-SPEED MOTORSPORT ACTION ALONGSIDE PROFESSIONAL PHOTOGRAPHERS AT SEPANG

    KUALA LUMPUR, 5 October 2026 — HONOR’s upcoming flagship smartphone, the Magic9 Pro Max, recently made an unexpected appearance at Sepang International Circuit, where it was spotted alongside professional photography equipment capturing the intensity of high-speed motorsport action. The appearance offered an early glimpse of the smartphone’s imaging capabilities in Malaysia, just days after its official launch in China on 28 September.

    The trackside showcase placed the HONOR Magic9 Pro Max in an environment where photography performance is put to the ultimate test. Motorsport photographers need to react quickly to fleeting moments while maintaining sharpness and detail, with racing cars capable of exceeding 300km/h. Traditionally, capturing such action requires professional cameras paired with large telephoto lenses to track fast-moving subjects from a distance.

    Against this backdrop, the appearance of a smartphone alongside professional photography gear naturally attracted attention from photographers at the circuit. One photographer at the event expressed surprise after seeing the images captured with the device, noting that the results demonstrated impressive sharpness and detail despite the challenging conditions of high-speed motorsport photography.

    The showcase also highlighted the imaging capabilities of the HONOR Magic9 Pro Max, which marks the 10th anniversary of HONOR’s Magic series. The company has positioned the latest flagship as the biggest upgrade in the history of the Magic lineup, with a dual 200MP ARRI cinematic imaging system designed to deliver enhanced photography performance, particularly in areas such as telephoto imaging and high-speed capture.

    The focus on long-range photography and fast-moving subjects reflects how flagship smartphones are increasingly competing in specialised imaging scenarios beyond conventional everyday photography. Features such as powerful zoom, subject tracking and high-speed image capture are becoming important differentiators as smartphone manufacturers continue to push the boundaries of mobile photography.

    The HONOR Magic9 Pro Max has also generated strong early interest in China following its launch. According to HONOR, the Magic series secured the top position among new Android flagship devices on its first day of sales, while sales reportedly surged 194% within the first 30 minutes, surpassing the performance of the previous generation.

    While the Magic9 Pro Max has yet to receive an official Malaysian availability date, its appearance at Sepang International Circuit has already generated interest among local photography and technology enthusiasts. By putting the flagship in a demanding motorsport environment alongside professional photography equipment, HONOR has offered a glimpse into the direction of its latest imaging technology ahead of its Malaysian debut.

  • CELCOMDIGI UNVEILS NEXT PHASE OF CD:NXT TO STRENGTHEN MALAYSIA’S DIGITAL TALENT

    PETALING JAYA, 2 OCTOBER 2026 — CelcomDigi Berhad (CelcomDigi) has unveiled the next chapter of CD, its flagship talent development initiative aimed at preparing Malaysia’s next generation of talent through stronger collaboration between academia and industry. The latest phase is anchored by three key programmes — campus@celcomdigi, the Young Talent Programme (YTP), and Certifications — designed to equip Malaysians with practical workplace skills, leadership capabilities and competencies in emerging technologies.

    The new phase of CD was officiated by the Director General of the Ministry of Higher Education, Datuk Prof Dr Azlinda Azman, on behalf of the Minister of Higher Education, Dato’ Seri Diraja Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir. The initiative is designed to support the evolving needs of Malaysia’s digital economy while contributing to the country’s long-term growth ambitions, in line with the aspirations of the Malaysia Higher Education Plan (RPTM) 2026-2035.

    A key component of the initiative is campus@celcomdigi, a first-of-its-kind programme in Malaysia that brings industry experience into the classroom at an early stage. Through the programme, second-year students will work on real business challenges as part of their coursework, while receiving continuous mentorship from industry practitioners throughout their studies.

    Selected final-year students will also have the opportunity to undertake industry residencies at CelcomDigi’s dedicated on-site campus at its headquarters. Working alongside experienced teams, students will contribute to live projects as part of their final-year experience, giving them valuable exposure to workplace practices and industry expectations before entering the workforce.

    The initiative will initially be launched with four university partners — Universiti Malaya (UM), Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM), Universiti Kuala Lumpur (UniKL) and HELP University. Through the final-year residency programme, CelcomDigi aims to reach more than 300 students annually, with plans to progressively expand the initiative to additional universities in the coming years.

    Meanwhile, CelcomDigi’s Young Talent Programme (YTP), launched in 2025, continues to provide a structured two-year pathway for developing high-potential graduates. The programme combines rotational assignments, mentorship and hands-on participation in strategic business projects to help young professionals develop the skills, capabilities and mindset needed to succeed in modern organisations.

    Following the successful inaugural cohort, YTP has welcomed its second batch of 20 high-potential young talents. The participants will embark on their career development journey across a range of disciplines, including Cloud Engineering, Cybersecurity, Data and Business Analytics, Digital Product Development, and AI and Automation.

    Completing the CD portfolio is the Certifications programme, which builds on the foundation established through CelcomDigi Metaversity™ to broaden access to learning opportunities in emerging technologies. Through recognised certifications in artificial intelligence (AI) and extended reality (XR), the programme provides Malaysians across different age groups with industry-relevant qualifications while helping them strengthen their digital capabilities.

    CelcomDigi Chief Executive Officer Albern Murty said the company’s continued engagement with universities and Malaysian graduates has reinforced its belief that the country produces exceptional human capital with the capabilities needed to support Malaysia’s economic ambitions and the next phase of digitally driven growth.

    He highlighted the important role of leading Malaysian corporations in working alongside the government to create an environment where young Malaysians can develop, innovate and take on leadership roles. Through CD, CelcomDigi remains committed to investing in talent development today to nurture a generation of Malaysians who can build their careers, innovate with greater freedom, develop strong character and contribute to shaping the nation’s future.

    Overall, the expanded CD ecosystem reflects CelcomDigi’s continued commitment to developing future-ready talent by connecting academic learning with real-world industry experience. By providing pathways spanning education, workplace exposure, leadership development and technology certifications, the initiative aims to help equip Malaysia’s workforce with the skills needed to navigate an increasingly digital economy.

  • EMIRATES ENTERS WINTER SEASON WITH STRONG BOOKINGS AND EXPANDED NETWORK INVESTMENTS

    Dubai, UAE, 2 October 2026: Emirates has closed the summer season ahead of expectations and is entering the winter travel period with strong booking momentum across a growing number of markets. The positive outlook comes as the airline continues to invest in its fleet, onboard products and global network, while giving customers greater booking flexibility and more comprehensive travel protection.

    Between July and August, Emirates carried more than 8.6 million passengers, maintaining healthy seat load factors across its network. The airline is currently operating at around 93% of its pre-disruption capacity, with demand continuing to build as the winter travel season approaches.

    Winter bookings, which begin from late October, are tracking positively despite a broader shift in travel behaviour, with customers increasingly making their travel decisions closer to departure. South Africa, Brazil, India, Portugal, Egypt, Ghana, Colombia, Saudi Arabia and Pakistan are among the markets where demand is currently ahead of the same period last year. Demand from Nepal is also showing positive momentum through Emirates’ partnership with flydubai.

    The UAE remains a strong outbound market, while demand for Emirates’ premium travel offering continues to grow. During the summer season, Emirates services to and from West Asia, Europe, the Middle East, the Americas and Africa recorded seat load factors above 75%, with particularly strong performance on routes connecting Indonesia, Côte d’Ivoire and the UK.

    Demand for Premium Economy also continued to increase across the network, with the Americas recording the strongest growth for the cabin. Dubai, meanwhile, remained a popular inbound destination. In late August alone, more than 500,000 customers arrived in Dubai on Emirates flights, representing a 7% increase compared with the same period last year. Travellers included returning residents preparing for the new school year, new residents relocating to Dubai for work and lifestyle opportunities, as well as visitors taking late-summer breaks in the city.

    Throughout the summer, Emirates strengthened its flexibility proposition by offering customers one free date change across its network, as well as unlimited free date changes for journeys to Dubai. The airline also reduced refund fees on Dubai journeys and introduced Comprehensive Travel Cover, a travel protection policy that includes medical coverage in cases involving conflict and airspace disruption, alongside airline-managed accommodation, ground assistance and rebooking support where required.

    Emirates A350

    Emirates is also accelerating investments in its fleet and onboard experience. Since January 2026, the airline has welcomed 18 aircraft, comprising 11 new Airbus A350s and seven Boeing 777 freighters. Another six A350s are scheduled to join the fleet before the end of December.

    To date, 104 aircraft have completed Emirates’ extensive retrofit programme, including 53 Boeing 777s and 51 A380s. This has increased the number of aircraft featuring Premium Economy and Emirates’ latest cabin products to 137, with the figure expected to reach 155 aircraft by the end of December.

    The expanding product footprint is giving more customers the opportunity to experience Emirates’ latest cabins. Premium Economy is now available on services to 90 destinations, with another six destinations scheduled to receive the product before the end of the year, including Paris, Delhi and Stockholm.

    Connectivity is also being enhanced, with close to 50 Emirates aircraft now equipped with Starlink. Installations are progressing alongside the retrofit programme, allowing more passengers to benefit from high-speed inflight internet.

    The airline has also introduced several new features this year, including its innovative U-dream headrests onboard the A350 Economy Class, privacy dividers for Premium Economy seats and the next generation of its signature lounges. New lounge facilities are already welcoming customers in Munich, Frankfurt and Manchester.

    As winter approaches, Emirates will continue expanding its network through new destinations, additional frequencies and the deployment of its latest aircraft across key markets. Helsinki joined the Emirates network on 1 October with A350 services. The aircraft currently serves 30 destinations from Dubai, with this figure expected to increase to 36 by the end of the year.

    To meet rising demand, Emirates is also adding capacity on several routes. Accra, Tokyo Narita, Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi will receive a second daily service, while one of the airline’s daily Delhi services will be upgraded to an A380. The A350 will also be deployed to Larnaca, Malta, Nairobi and Hamburg from late October, followed by Mauritius in November. Retrofitted Boeing 777 aircraft will be introduced to Stockholm in October and Frankfurt in November, bringing Emirates’ latest onboard products to more destinations.

    Beyond its own network, Emirates’ 168 codeshare, interline and intermodal partnerships provide customers with access to an additional 1,750 cities. On an average day, more than 13,000 Emirates customers connect to their onward destinations through partner airlines.

    The Emirates and flydubai partnership also remains a key feature of the Dubai hub experience. Together, the two airlines provide access to more than 214 unique destinations across over 100 countries, generating more than 4,600 connection opportunities through Dubai. Emirates customers can access more than 100 flydubai destinations, while flydubai passengers can connect to more than 140 Emirates destinations.

    Kathmandu, Zanzibar, Krabi and Belgrade are among the most popular flydubai destinations for Emirates customers. Since the partnership was launched in 2017, the two airlines have carried more than 28 million passengers across their integrated network.

    Network expansion has also continued through flydubai, which added Chittagong in Bangladesh in April 2026, Benghazi in Libya in June, followed by Aleppo in Syria and Bangkok’s Don Mueang Airport in July. Further expansion in September included Pokhara in Nepal, strengthening Dubai’s position as a global aviation hub and enhancing connectivity for travellers across the region and beyond.

  • CelcomDigi Reinforces 5G Leadership as DNB Moves into Its Next Phase

    PETALING JAYA, 1 OCTOBER 2026 – CelcomDigi Berhad (CelcomDigi) has strengthened its position in Malaysia’s 5G ecosystem following the completion of Digital Nasional Berhad’s (DNB) RM5.2 billion financing exercise, the award of DNB’s long-term 5G spectrum allocation and progress towards the transfer of Minister of Finance (Incorporated) (MoF Inc.) shareholding to mobile network operator (MNO) shareholders.

    Together, these developments provide greater certainty across financing, spectrum availability and ownership, enabling CelcomDigi to leverage its scale and extensive network assets to unlock network and cost synergies, improve 5G economics and deliver enhanced connectivity experiences for consumers and enterprises.

    The completion of DNB’s financing exercise provides a stronger foundation for its capital structure and financial capacity to support key network priorities. Based on DNB’s current regulatory commitments and funding requirements, the financing is also expected to reduce the need for additional equity funding from its MNO shareholders, allowing greater focus on improving the efficiency and performance of Malaysia’s 5G network.

    The award of DNB’s 5G spectrum for a 15-year period provides greater long-term certainty over spectrum availability and associated costs, supporting more effective network planning and investment. With 200MHz of contiguous mid-band spectrum, DNB is well positioned to address growing demand from consumers and enterprises while providing a strong foundation to modernise the network, expand indoor building solutions (IBS), enhance coverage and maximise spectrum utilisation.

    Combined with CelcomDigi’s extensive network footprint and infrastructure, these developments create further opportunities to strengthen 5G capacity, coverage and overall customer experience. The integration of network assets and capabilities can also support more efficient utilisation of existing infrastructure while enabling continued network expansion.

    Once the transfer of MoF Inc.’s shareholding is completed, the MNO shareholders are expected to take on a greater role in jointly steering DNB’s strategic and operational priorities. This will provide an opportunity to draw more extensively on the collective expertise, scale and capabilities of Malaysia’s telecommunications industry in supporting the next phase of 5G development.

    With more than 30 years of telecommunications experience, CelcomDigi will bring its scale, nationwide network assets and industry expertise to support DNB. This includes leveraging existing infrastructure, sites and capabilities to drive greater cost efficiencies, support coverage expansion and accelerate indoor 5G deployment.

    Greater synergies between DNB and MNO shareholder infrastructure could also contribute to a more efficient and sustainable 5G network by optimising existing assets and reducing infrastructure duplication. For CelcomDigi, this creates opportunities to further leverage its nationwide network scale to meet the evolving connectivity needs of consumers and businesses.

    Overall, the latest developments in DNB’s financing, spectrum allocation and ownership structure provide a clearer foundation for the next phase of Malaysia’s 5G development. By bringing together DNB’s network capabilities with CelcomDigi’s extensive infrastructure, scale and telecommunications experience, the collaboration is expected to support a more capable, efficient and sustainable 5G ecosystem that can meet growing demand for advanced connectivity.

  • 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.