OhMyNetizen

Category: Bisnes

  • HONOR X9e Pro Lancar Pada Harga Dari RM1,899 Bersama Barisan AIoT Baharu; Pra-Tempah untuk Dapatkan Tablet Pad X7 PERCUMA

    CEO of HONOR Malaysia Ethan Chen (middle), Head of Sales Tan Pei Ling (right) and Chief Marketing Officer Immanuel Zhang (left)

    KUALA LUMPUR, 24 September 2026 — HONOR hari ini melancarkan HONOR X9e Pro di Malaysia, model terbaharu dalam Siri X yang hadir dengan pelbagai peningkatan dari segi ketahanan, rintangan air, bateri, paparan, prestasi, fotografi dan kecerdasan buatan (AI). Ditawarkan pada harga bermula RM1,899, HONOR X9e Pro memperkenalkan lima pencapaian No.1 yang merangkumi ketahanan lasak, ketahanan air, kapasiti bateri, kecerahan paparan serta pelan perlindungan peranti baharu.

    Pelancaran HONOR X9e Pro turut menyaksikan HONOR memperluaskan ekosistem produknya di Malaysia menerusi barisan AIoT (Artificial Intelligence of Things) baharu yang terdiri daripada HONOR Pad 20, HONOR Pad 20 Pro, HONOR Watch 6, HONOR AI Note dan HONOR CHOICE Security Camera. Barisan ini direka untuk menawarkan pengalaman peranti yang lebih pintar dan saling berhubung bagi menyokong urusan kerja, hiburan, kecergasan serta kehidupan seharian.

    Siri X Catat Pengiktirafan Asia Records

    Pelancaran HONOR X9e Pro hadir ketika Siri X meraikan satu lagi pencapaian apabila menerima pengiktirafan Asia Records sebagai “Siri Telefon Pintar Kelas Pertengahan Terlaris Selama Tiga Tahun Berturut-turut”. Pencapaian tersebut dikaitkan dengan prestasi generasi terdahulu termasuk HONOR X9a, X9b, X9c dan X9d dalam pasaran Malaysia.

    Menurut HONOR, Siri X telah mencatat perkembangan kukuh dalam segmen telefon pintar kelas pertengahan sepanjang empat generasi, dengan penguasaan pasaran tertinggi sehingga 77 peratus. Menerusi HONOR X9e Pro, syarikat itu meneruskan legasi Siri X dengan membawa peningkatan generasi baharu yang disasarkan kepada keperluan pengguna Malaysia yang semakin berkembang, selaras dengan kedudukannya sebagai Pilihan Utama Rakyat Malaysia.

    Ketahanan Lasak Dengan HONOR Ultra-Bounce Anti-Drop Technology 4.0

    Ketahanan menjadi antara fokus utama HONOR X9e Pro menerusi pengenalan HONOR Ultra-Bounce Anti-Drop Technology 4.0. Teknologi ini diinspirasikan daripada sistem keselamatan Halo yang digunakan dalam Formula 1, dengan reka bentuk pengurusan impak yang menggabungkan struktur berbentuk lengkungan, pengukuhan logam berketahanan tinggi serta lapisan pelekat pada keseluruhan permukaan.

    HONOR turut menggunakan pelekat PUR tahan ricih yang menawarkan kira-kira 10 kali ganda rintangan ricih berbanding pelekat belakang konvensional. Reka bentuk tersebut membantu memastikan skrin kekal kukuh ketika berlaku hentaman, selain mengagihkan daya impak ke kawasan yang lebih luas bagi membantu melindungi komponen dalaman penting seperti paparan dan papan utama.

    Menerusi teknologi tersebut, HONOR X9e Pro dikatakan mampu menahan jatuhan dari ketinggian sehingga 3 meter serta membantu mengurangkan risiko kerosakan skrin sehingga 82 peratus. Peranti ini turut memperoleh Pensijilan 5-Bintang SGS untuk Ketahanan Jatuhan dalam Keadaan Ekstrem.

    Keupayaan ketahanan peranti turut diperlihatkan dalam sesi taklimat media menerusi beberapa demonstrasi terkawal, termasuk mengetuk paku ke dalam kayu, menahan hentaman bebola logam yang dilancarkan menggunakan lastik dan ujian tembakan menggunakan senapang angin bagi menunjukkan tahap ketahanan skrin terhadap daya hentaman tinggi.

    Perlindungan Air Dengan Penarafan IP68, IP69 dan IP69K

    Selain perlindungan daripada jatuhan dan hentaman, HONOR X9e Pro menawarkan penarafan IP68, IP69 dan IP69K bagi ketahanan terhadap air dan habuk. Peranti ini menggunakan seni bina berbilang ruang yang diinspirasikan daripada reka bentuk kapal selam bagi membantu melindungi komponen dalaman daripada kemasukan air.

    Paparan, bingkai tengah dan penutup belakang membentuk ruang kedap berasingan, manakala bukaan utama seperti butang, pembesar suara, port USB-C dan dulang SIM turut dilindungi secara berasingan. Pendekatan ini membentuk sistem perlindungan berlapis bagi meningkatkan ketahanan peranti dalam keadaan tertentu.

    HONOR X9e Pro mampu bertahan pada kedalaman sehingga 10 meter dalam keadaan terkawal, berbanding 1.5 meter pada generasi sebelumnya. Keupayaan tersebut turut membolehkan pengguna memanfaatkan fungsi fotografi bawah air, termasuk aktiviti selam bebas sehingga kedalaman 10 meter dalam keadaan yang sesuai.

    Bagi menguji ketahanan airnya, peranti ini turut melalui sehingga 100,000 kitaran rendaman serta ujian semburan garam berterusan selama 24 jam yang menyimulasikan keadaan pesisir pantai yang ekstrem.

    Bateri 11,000mAh Untuk Penggunaan Berpanjangan

    HONOR X9e Pro turut mencuri perhatian menerusi bateri berkapasiti 11,000mAh, yang didakwa HONOR sebagai telefon pintar pertama di dunia dengan kapasiti bateri sebesar itu. Ia merupakan peningkatan ketara berbanding kapasiti 8,300mAh pada generasi sebelumnya.

    Walaupun membawa bateri berkapasiti besar, HONOR X9e Pro mempunyai ketebalan sekitar 8.08mm dan berat kira-kira 203 gram. Bateri berkenaan mampu menawarkan sehingga 66.8 jam main balik video, manakala satu pengecasan dikatakan mampu bertahan sehingga tiga hari bagi penggunaan biasa.

    Peranti ini turut menyokong 80W HONOR SuperCharge untuk pengecasan pantas serta pengecasan berbalik berwayar sehingga 27W, membolehkan telefon pintar serasi termasuk peranti iPhone dan Apple dicas menggunakan HONOR X9e Pro. Sistem pengurusan kuasa berkecekapan tinggi pula direka untuk membantu mengekalkan prestasi bateri sehingga enam tahun.

    Paparan AMOLED 120Hz Dengan Kecerahan Sehingga 10,000 Nits

    Bagi pengalaman visual, HONOR X9e Pro dilengkapi skrin 6.8 inci dengan kadar segar semula 120Hz dan kecerahan puncak sehingga 10,000 nits. Tahap kecerahan tersebut direka untuk membantu memastikan kandungan pada skrin kekal lebih jelas walaupun digunakan di bawah cahaya matahari yang terang.

    HONOR turut memperkenalkan rangkaian Eye Comfort Technology yang dipertingkatkan bagi memberikan pengalaman penggunaan lebih selesa untuk tempoh yang panjang. Antara cirinya ialah AI Defocus Display, Motion Sickness Relief, Circadian Night Display dan DOT Eye Comfort Protection.

    HONOR Rakyat Care+ Tawar Perlindungan Berganda

    Bersama HONOR X9e Pro, HONOR turut memperkenalkan HONOR Rakyat Care+, pelan perlindungan peranti baharu yang menawarkan perlindungan berganda berbanding generasi sebelumnya.

    Pelan ini merangkumi 730 Hari Penggantian Skrin Retak Depan dan Belakang, 730 Hari Perlindungan Kerosakan Cecair serta Jaminan Tambahan Satu Tahun. Perlindungan ini direka bagi memberikan pengguna lebih ketenangan fikiran terhadap kerosakan akibat kemalangan tertentu dan kejadian tidak dijangka, tertakluk kepada terma dan syarat yang ditetapkan.

    Kamera 108MP Dengan Penstabilan Imej CIPA 6.0

    Dari aspek fotografi, HONOR X9e Pro dilengkapi Kamera Utama Ultra-Jelas 108MP bersama teknologi penstabilan imej CIPA 6.0. Teknologi tersebut membantu menghasilkan rakaman yang lebih stabil dan jelas dalam pelbagai situasi termasuk fotografi siang dan malam, aktiviti luar serta subjek bergerak.

    Bagi fotografi bawah air, ciri Underwater Color Tuning membantu mengurangkan dominasi tona biru dan hijau untuk menghasilkan warna imej yang lebih semula jadi ketika merakam dalam persekitaran bawah air.

    Snapdragon 6 Gen 5 dan Prestasi Sehingga 72 Bulan

    HONOR X9e Pro dikuasakan oleh Snapdragon 6 Gen 5 Mobile Platform, yang menawarkan prestasi responsif untuk tugasan harian, aplikasi dan hiburan. Peranti ini turut menggunakan HONOR Hummingbird Architecture 2.0, yang menggabungkan pengoptimuman perkakasan dan perisian bagi membantu mengekalkan pengalaman penggunaan yang lancar dan responsif sehingga 72 bulan.

    Pelbagai Ciri AI Untuk Fotografi dan Penggunaan Harian

    HONOR X9e Pro turut membawa rangkaian ciri AI baharu yang memberi tumpuan kepada fotografi dan penciptaan kandungan. AI Zoom Enhancement membantu memulihkan perincian pada subjek yang jauh, manakala AI Night Enhancement direka untuk mengekalkan perincian ketika mengambil gambar dalam keadaan pencahayaan rendah.

    Fungsi AI Enhanced Portrait pula membantu memperhalusi imej potret, manakala AI Moving Photos menawarkan ciri seperti Motion Trail, Motion Clone dan Slow Motion untuk menghasilkan kandungan yang lebih dinamik.

    Turut tersedia ialah AI Image to Video 2.0, yang membolehkan pengguna mengubah imej statik menjadi video menggunakan arahan ringkas serta menyesuaikan kandungan yang dijana.

    Bagi kemudahan penggunaan harian, ciri AI Free Grip Call membolehkan butang maya dipaparkan pada kedua-dua sisi skrin supaya pengguna boleh menjawab panggilan dengan sebelah tangan tanpa perlu memegang keseluruhan peranti. HONOR X9e Pro turut menyokong Instant NFC Access, yang membolehkan telefon digunakan sebagai kad akses bangunan di lokasi yang menyokong fungsi berkenaan.

    HONOR Pad 20 dan Pad 20 Pro Perluas Ekosistem AIoT

    Pada acara sama, HONOR turut memperluaskan ekosistem AIoT menerusi pengenalan HONOR Pad 20 dan HONOR Pad 20 Pro di Malaysia. Kedua-dua tablet ini direka untuk menyokong produktiviti dan hiburan menerusi skrin besar serta ciri yang membolehkan pengalaman penggunaan lebih hampir kepada komputer.

    HONOR Pad 20 Pro menampilkan paparan 12.1 inci 3K Paper-like Anti-glare dengan kadar segar semula 165Hz, menggunakan penyelesaian AG dwi-lapisan serta filem optikal yang direka untuk memberikan pengalaman visual dan sentuhan seperti kertas. Teknologi tersebut dikatakan mampu mengurangkan silau sehingga 50 peratus dan gangguan cahaya persekitaran sehingga 99 peratus.

    HONOR Pad 20 pula hadir dengan paparan 12.1 inci 3K Ultra True Color dan kadar segar semula 120Hz untuk pengalaman visual yang lebih terang dan lancar.

    Kedua-dua tablet menyokong PC Mode, yang menawarkan antara muka gaya desktop, sokongan berbilang tetingkap dan susun atur skrin pisah. Dengan sokongan WPS Office bertaraf PC, pengguna boleh mengendalikan dokumen, hamparan, pembentangan dan fail PDF dengan lebih fleksibel.

    Dari segi prestasi, HONOR Pad 20 Pro menggunakan Snapdragon 8s Gen 4, manakala HONOR Pad 20 dikuasakan oleh Snapdragon 7 Gen 3. Kedua-duanya dilengkapi bateri 10,100mAh bagi menyokong penggunaan kerja, hiburan dan tugasan harian.

    HONOR Watch 6, AI Note dan Security Camera

    Melengkapkan barisan AIoT baharu, HONOR Watch 6 hadir dengan reka bentuk nipis dan ringan serta menyokong sehingga 120 mod senaman, termasuk mod profesional khusus untuk badminton dan bola sepak. Jam pintar ini menawarkan jangka hayat bateri sehingga 35 hari, selain sokongan NFC untuk fungsi seperti akses pintu.

    HONOR AI Note pula merupakan kad magnetik ultra-nipis yang boleh dilekatkan pada telefon pintar HONOR. Peranti ini membolehkan pengguna merakam suara, menukar pertuturan kepada teks dalam lebih 130 bahasa, melakukan transkripsi audio, pengecaman peta minda, terjemahan AI serta soal jawab pintar.

    Sementara itu, HONOR CHOICE Security Camera menampilkan kamera 3MP dengan rakaman video 2K dan keupayaan putaran 360 darjah. Ia turut dilengkapi fungsi penjejakan pintar untuk membantu memantau pergerakan di dalam ruang secara automatik.

    Harga dan Ketersediaan HONOR X9e Pro

    HONOR X9e Pro ditawarkan dalam empat pilihan warna iaitu Royal Purple, Reddish Brown, Dawn Gold dan Midnight Black. Varian 8GB + 256GB dengan tambahan 16GB HONOR Turbo RAM, menjadikan jumlah RAM sehingga 24GB, ditawarkan pada harga RM1,899, manakala varian 8GB + 512GB berharga RM2,399.

    Tempahan awal dibuka sehingga 8 Oktober 2026, dengan pelanggan yang membuat bayaran penuh layak menerima rebat segera RM100. Mereka turut boleh menikmati pakej hadiah percuma bernilai sehingga RM1,626, termasuk HONOR Pad X7 WiFi, Penggantian Skrin Retak Depan dan Belakang selama 730 hari, Perlindungan Kerosakan Cecair selama 730 hari serta Jaminan Tambahan Satu Tahun, tertakluk kepada terma dan syarat.

    Tempahan boleh dibuat di semua HONOR Experience Store di seluruh negara, laman web rasmi HONOR, kedai rasmi HONOR di Shopee, Lazada dan TikTok Shop serta pengedar sah.

    Bagi barisan tablet baharu, HONOR Pad 20 Pro 16GB + 256GB ditawarkan pada harga RM2,499, manakala HONOR Pad 20 Wi-Fi 12GB + 256GB berharga RM1,999 dan HONOR Pad 20 5G 16GB + 256GB berharga RM2,299. Siri HONOR Pad 20 turut hadir dengan hadiah percuma bernilai sehingga RM898, termasuk papan kekunci pintar Bluetooth dan HONOR Magic-Pencil 4S. Pelajar yang layak pula boleh menikmati diskaun pendidikan eksklusif sehingga 15 peratus untuk Siri HONOR Pad 20.

    HONOR Watch 6 berharga RM699 bagi versi Shadow Black dengan tali Fluoroelastomer, manakala versi Twilight Brown dengan tali kulit berharga RM799. HONOR AI Note ditawarkan pada harga RM699 dan HONOR CHOICE Security Camera pula berharga RM129.

    Kesemua produk baharu ini boleh didapati melalui HONOR Experience Store, laman web rasmi HONOR serta kedai rasmi HONOR di Shopee, Lazada dan TikTok Shop. Untuk maklumat lanjut mengenai HONOR X9e Pro dan barisan produk terbaharu HONOR, pengguna boleh mengunjungi laman rasmi HONOR Malaysia.

  • KEMPEN PERFECT BASKET, PERFECT RIDE GANJAR PERUNCIT YANG MEMANFAATKAN CIRI AI COKE BUDDY

    SELANGOR, 24 September 2026 – Kempen Perfect Basket, Perfect Ride anjuran Coca-Cola Bottlers Malaysia-Singapore-Brunei mencatatkan lebih 4,500 penyertaan daripada lebih 4,000 peruncit di seluruh Malaysia, sekali gus memperlihatkan penerimaan yang menggalakkan terhadap penggunaan teknologi digital dalam menguruskan pesanan perniagaan. Soru Group Sdn. Bhd. diumumkan sebagai pemenang tunggal hadiah utama dan membawa pulang sebuah Perodua Alza baharu bernilai lebih RM60,000 dalam majlis penyerahan hadiah yang berlangsung baru-baru ini.

    Berlangsung dari Januari hingga April 2026, kempen tersebut menggalakkan peruncit memanfaatkan ciri Perfect Basket ketika membuat pesanan melalui Coke Buddy, sebuah ekosistem pesanan digital berasaskan kecerdasan buatan (AI). Platform berkenaan menggabungkan fungsi pesanan, cadangan produk, promosi dan penjejakan pesanan dalam satu sistem, sekali gus memberikan peruncit cara yang lebih fleksibel untuk menguruskan keperluan stok dan pesanan rutin.

    Pada masa ini, Coke Buddy membantu kira-kira 39,000 premis runcit di seluruh Malaysia menguruskan pesanan secara digital, selain membolehkan mereka terus berhubung dengan wakil jualan Coca-Cola masing-masing. Pendekatan ini menggabungkan kemudahan teknologi dengan sokongan manusia, membolehkan peruncit menggunakan saluran digital tanpa menghilangkan hubungan secara langsung dengan pasukan jualan.

    Ciri Perfect Basket pula direka untuk memberikan cadangan produk dan kuantiti yang bersesuaian dengan keperluan setiap premis. Cadangan tersebut dijana menerusi Central Recommendation Engine (CRE) Coca-Cola dengan mengambil kira pelbagai maklumat, termasuk sejarah pesanan, kekerapan pembelian, permintaan bermusim, keadaan cuaca serta trend pembelian daripada perniagaan yang mempunyai corak operasi yang sama.

    Sepanjang tempoh kempen, 83 peratus premis yang mengambil bahagian mengikuti cadangan yang diberikan melalui Perfect Basket. Premis berkenaan turut mencatat pertumbuhan hasil jualan yang lebih tinggi berbanding premis runcit seumpamanya. Perkembangan ini menunjukkan bagaimana cadangan yang disesuaikan dengan keperluan perniagaan berpotensi membantu peruncit merancang pesanan dengan lebih teratur serta mengenal pasti peluang untuk mengembangkan perniagaan.

    Menurut Patrick Go, Pengarah Komersial (Malaysia & Brunei), Coca-Cola Bottlers Malaysia-Singapore-Brunei, peruncit sememangnya memahami operasi dan keperluan perniagaan masing-masing, namun proses menentukan pilihan produk, gabungan saiz dan jenis pek serta produk pelengkap yang sesuai boleh mengambil masa. Perfect Basket membantu menghimpunkan maklumat berkaitan untuk memberikan panduan awal yang praktikal, manakala keputusan akhir mengenai pesanan kekal di tangan peruncit.

    Sambutan terhadap kempen tersebut turut mencerminkan keterbukaan peruncit terhadap penggunaan teknologi yang boleh memudahkan urusan harian mereka. Coca-Cola Bottlers Malaysia-Singapore-Brunei menyatakan komitmen untuk terus menambah baik Coke Buddy dan Perfect Basket berdasarkan maklum balas peruncit serta penggunaan data secara bertanggungjawab, sambil mengekalkan peranan pasukan jualan dalam membina hubungan dengan pelanggan.

    Bagi Muhammad Zaid bin Rodzuan daripada Soru Group, Coke Buddy membantu memudahkan serta mempercepatkan proses membuat pesanan bagi pasukannya. Beliau turut menyifatkan Perfect Basket sebagai ciri yang membantu mereka mempertimbangkan pilihan produk yang bersesuaian dengan keperluan perniagaan, di samping menghargai sokongan berterusan daripada pasukan jualan Coca-Cola sepanjang tempoh kerjasama.

    Walaupun kempen Perfect Basket, Perfect Ride telah berakhir, ciri Perfect Basket terus berfungsi dengan menyesuaikan cadangan berdasarkan perubahan permintaan pengguna, faktor bermusim dan keadaan pasaran setempat. Menerusi Coke Buddy, Coca-Cola Bottlers Malaysia-Singapore-Brunei meneruskan usaha memperluas penggunaan teknologi digital bagi membantu peruncit menguruskan operasi harian dengan lebih mudah dan berasaskan maklumat yang relevan.

  • STRENGTHENING HALAL ASSURANCE IN AN EVOLVING MANUFACTURING LANDSCAPE

    For Malaysian consumers, the Halal label represents more than a certification mark. It provides assurance that products meet established Halal requirements throughout the manufacturing journey, with decisions surrounding ingredients, suppliers, production processes and operational controls all playing a role in maintaining that trust.

    As manufacturing operations become more complex, maintaining Halal assurance requires businesses to look beyond certification alone. Every stage of production needs to be supported by consistent controls and informed decision-making, particularly when manufacturers introduce new ingredients, engage different suppliers or make changes to existing production arrangements.

    Coca-Cola Bottlers Malaysia’s manufacturing and distribution hub in Bandar Enstek provides an example of how Halal assurance is integrated into an expanding manufacturing environment. The facility has been operating since 15 March 2011, and over the past 15 years, its manufacturing capabilities and workforce have continued to grow. With this expansion comes the need to ensure that Halal requirements remain consistently embedded across the operation.

    Across the manufacturing process, practices must remain aligned with applicable Malaysian Halal requirements and guidance, including those issued by JAKIM and other relevant authorities, alongside established standards for quality, safety and manufacturing. As operations expand, decisions relating to ingredients, suppliers and production processes become increasingly interconnected, making it important for Halal considerations to be incorporated from the earliest stages of planning and review.

    This approach is particularly relevant when manufacturers face unexpected disruptions. Business continuity planning enables companies to identify alternative suppliers, materials or production arrangements in advance while ensuring that the same Halal requirements are applied to contingency plans. By considering Halal assurance as part of preparedness, manufacturers can respond to operational challenges while maintaining confidence in the finished product.

    People also remain central to the effectiveness of Halal assurance systems. Employees need to understand their responsibilities, recognise situations that require further assessment and know where to seek guidance when questions arise. Supporting employees’ religious needs can further contribute to a workplace environment where Halal responsibilities are understood and upheld as part of everyday operations.

    At the Enstek facility, this commitment is reflected through the development of a larger surau, which began in 2023 to provide greater capacity for Muslim employees. Building on the existing prayer facilities at the site, the new purpose-built space provides employees with a dedicated area to fulfil their religious obligations during working hours. The company also supports Ramadan initiatives, including food basket distributions for surrounding communities and annual Iftar gatherings, while working with the Negeri Sembilan Zakat Centre on zakat awareness and knowledge-sharing programmes.

    The company’s involvement also extends beyond its own operations to the wider Halal ecosystem. Through its representative, who serves as Chairman of the Negeri Sembilan Halal Community and is an active member of the Halal Working Group under the Federation of Malaysian Manufacturers (FMM), the business contributes to industry discussions and initiatives aimed at strengthening Halal practices.

    It also supports the Transformation Ecosystem Halal (TEH) initiative, which seeks to strengthen and enhance Malaysia’s Halal certification ecosystem. Such participation highlights the role manufacturers can play not only in maintaining Halal requirements within their own facilities but also in contributing to broader industry knowledge and development.

    The company’s commitment to Halal practices was further recognised when the brand received the Halal Asia Brand Award 2019 for Best Soft Drink. Beyond industry recognition, its representatives have continued to participate in Halal forums as panellists, sharing practical perspectives on awareness, certification challenges and the approaches multinational manufacturers use to maintain Halal requirements.

    Engagement with the next generation is another part of this effort, with representatives participating in industry talks and sharing real-world experiences with students interested in the Halal sector. Through these engagements, manufacturers can help strengthen awareness and knowledge while encouraging future professionals to understand the practical responsibilities involved in maintaining Halal assurance.

    The experience at Enstek reflects a broader reality for Halal manufacturing in Malaysia. As facilities, supply chains and workforces continue to evolve, maintaining consumer confidence requires Halal requirements to be carried through every part of the manufacturing process. Clear systems, informed employees, responsible decision-making and supportive workplaces collectively help ensure that Halal assurance remains embedded in daily operations.

    Ultimately, the confidence represented by the Halal label is supported not by certification alone, but by the consistent practices and people behind it. As manufacturing continues to evolve, maintaining that assurance requires businesses to continually integrate Halal considerations into their operations, planning and wider engagement with the industry and community.

  • MUNCHY’S MARKS 35 YEARS OF BRINGING HAPPINESS TO MALAYSIANS

    (Superintendent S. Suzana Binti S. Abdullah, Superintendent of Welfare, Management Department, Royal Malaysia Police, Bukit Aman (ninth from left), and Munchy’s Marketing Director, Ling Yee Wen (tenth from left), join representatives from both organisations at the handover of Munchy’s product contributions in conjunction with the brand’s 35th anniversary.)

    KUALA LUMPUR, 23 September 2026 – Munchy’s Malaysia is celebrating its 35th anniversary under the theme “Taste Munchy’s, Taste Happiness”, marking the milestone alongside the National Day and Malaysia Day 2026 celebrations. The anniversary campaign highlights the brand’s longstanding connection with Malaysians while recognising individuals and organisations that contribute to the nation and its communities.

    For more than three decades, Munchy’s products have been part of everyday Malaysian experiences, from school breaks and family gatherings to festive occasions. The brand said this connection across generations has contributed to its position as a familiar biscuit brand among Malaysian consumers.

    Chief Executive Officer of URMunchy’s Malaysia, Rodney Wong, said the 35th anniversary provides an opportunity for the company to express its appreciation to Malaysians who have grown alongside the brand. He added that the anniversary celebrations were designed to reflect Munchy’s connection with the country while recognising people who contribute to Malaysian communities every day.

    As part of the celebrations, Munchy’s made its first appearance as a marching contingent at the 2026 National Day Parade at Dataran Putrajaya on 31 August. Comprising Munchy’s employees, the contingent represented the company during the national celebration while highlighting values of teamwork, national pride and community spirit.

    The National Day participation forms part of Munchy’s wider support for the National Day and Malaysia Day celebrations, which includes an RM500,000 in-kind product contribution. This year also marks the company’s third consecutive year supporting Malaysia’s national celebrations.

    Through its Powering Malaysia’s Heroes initiative, Munchy’s teams delivered product contributions to close to 100 selected locations across Peninsular Malaysia, Sabah and Sarawak. Recipients included offices and facilities of the Royal Malaysia Police, Fire and Rescue Department of Malaysia, Malaysia Civil Defence Force and Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency, as well as hospitals and schools.

    According to Wong, the National Day Parade provided an opportunity for Munchy’s employees to celebrate Malaysia together, while Powering Malaysia’s Heroes enables the company’s teams to recognise those who serve the country and their communities. The initiative reflects Munchy’s focus on acknowledging the contributions of people working across essential public services, healthcare and education.

    Together, the two initiatives form part of Munchy’s 35th anniversary celebrations, extending the theme of shared happiness beyond its products to include community engagement and appreciation for Malaysians who contribute to the country in different ways.

    Further information on Munchy’s National Day and Malaysia Day 2026 campaign is available through the brand’s official social media channels.

  • ENGINEER & MARVEX 2026 SHOWCASES SMART COOLING AND BUILDING TECHNOLOGIES POWERING MALAYSIA’S DIGITAL FUTURE

    L-R: Mr. Dani Chang, Organising Chairman of MARVEX 2026; Ir. Alex Looi, Organising Chairman of ENGINEER 2026; Dato’ Sri Dr. Abdul Khani Daud, Chairman of C.I.S; Mr. Gan Chok Ser, President of MACRA; Dato’ Sri Abdul Rahman bin Haji Mohamad, Deputy Minister of PETRA; Ir. Yau Chau Fong, President of IEM; and Dato’ Vincent Lim, President of C.I.S, during the official opening of ENGINEER & MARVEX 2026 at Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre.

    KUALA LUMPUR, 22 September 2026 — ENGINEER & MARVEX 2026 officially opened at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC), bringing together technologies, solutions and industry expertise supporting Malaysia’s ongoing digitalisation, energy transition and sustainable development efforts.

    The event comes as Malaysia continues to expand investments in data centres, digital infrastructure, energy systems and more efficient buildings. With these sectors becoming increasingly interconnected, demand is growing for integrated engineering solutions spanning power, cooling, automation, building systems, energy management and data centre infrastructure to enhance efficiency, resilience and performance.

    Dato’ Sri Abdul Rahman bin Haji Mohamad, Deputy Minister of PETRA getting a briefing from Ir. Alex Looi, Chief Consultant on the technology behind the BESS Live Showcase

    Officiated by YB Dato’ Sri Haji Abdul Rahman bin Haji Mohamad, Deputy Minister of Energy Transition and Water Transformation (PETRA), ENGINEER & MARVEX 2026 occupies five halls covering 9,700 square metres. The event brings together industry professionals, technology providers and decision-makers across the engineering and HVAC&R value chain, featuring more than 260 local and international brands and over 1,000 M&E and HVAC&R solutions.

    Co-located with DCX Asia (Data Centre Exhibition Asia) under the theme Powering Asia’s Digital Backbone, the event highlights the growing relationship between engineering technologies, energy systems and the infrastructure required to support Malaysia’s expanding digital economy.

    Among the key attractions are three Live Showcases focusing on Data Centre Infrastructure, Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS), and HVAC Innovation for Smart & Green Building. Led by Chief Curators Ir. Lee Cheng Pay, Ir. Alex Looi Tink Huey and Ir. Au Chong Hun, the showcases provide practical demonstrations of how engineering technologies can be applied to address real-world infrastructure and building challenges.

    The exhibition covers a broad range of solutions, including critical power and cooling systems, automation, energy management, battery storage, building controls and data centre infrastructure. These technologies reflect the changing requirements of modern buildings and digital infrastructure, where energy efficiency, reliability and operational performance are becoming increasingly important.

    L-R: Dato’ Sri Dr. Abdul Khani Daud, Chairman of C.I.S; Mr. Gan Chok Ser, President of MACRA; Ir. Yau Chau Fong, President of IEM; Dato’ Sri Abdul Rahman bin Haji Mohamad, Deputy Minister of PETRA; Dato’ Vincent Lim, President of C.I.S; Ir. Alex Looi, Organising Chairman of ENGINEER 2026; and Mr. Dani Chang, Organising Chairman of MARVEX 2026, during the official opening of ENGINEER & MARVEX 2026 at Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre.

    Beyond showcasing products, ENGINEER & MARVEX 2026 also serves as a trade and business platform connecting technology providers with engineers, consultants, contractors, developers, facility owners, manufacturers, distributors and buyers. Participants can explore products, evaluate technical solutions, identify suppliers, establish business connections and discuss potential collaborations for current and future projects.

    At the opening, YB Dato’ Sri Haji Abdul Rahman highlighted Malaysia’s ambition to become a leading clean energy hub in ASEAN, pointing to the development of the ASEAN Power Grid and the country’s growing renewable energy capacity. He also emphasised the role of engineers and industry partners in translating energy transition policies into practical projects.

    Meanwhile, Dato’ Vincent Lim, President of C.I.S., said the event brings together the exhibition and conference as a CONFEX platform, creating opportunities for the industry to connect through technology, knowledge and expertise while exploring potential business opportunities arising from the region’s investments in energy, infrastructure, data centres, manufacturing and the built environment.

    Ir. Yau Chau Fong, President of The Institution of Engineers Malaysia (IEM), highlighted the complementary roles of the exhibition and IEM Convention, which bring together engineering technologies, professional expertise, knowledge sharing and industry engagement. Mr. Gan Chok Ser, President of the Malaysian Air-Conditioning & Refrigeration Association (MACRA), meanwhile, described the event as a platform for the HVAC&R industry to exchange knowledge, uphold standards and strengthen connections across the sector.

    The event’s conference programme further expands its focus beyond technology with more than 100 hours of knowledge sessions featuring over 150 local and international speakers. Sessions include the Kuala Lumpur Engineering Forum, MARVEX Forum, A.C.E Conference, Future Ready Green Data Centre Symposium, Urban Engineering Symposium and ENGINEER & MARVEX Power Talks. Professionals attending the four-day event can also earn up to 32 BEM CPD hours.

    Industry innovation is also recognised through the ENGINEER & MARVEX Excellence Awards, which highlights new products and solutions across the engineering and HVAC&R sectors. Meanwhile, the MARVEX Air-Conditioning & Refrigeration Skills Competition puts the technical capabilities of HVAC&R professionals on display.

    The event also supports the development of the next generation of engineering talent through the IEM Ideas Competition and Career Matching Day, organised by the IEM Young Engineers Section. The initiative provides emerging engineers with opportunities to engage with industry, explore career prospects and contribute fresh ideas to the engineering community.

    By bringing together technology providers, engineering professionals, businesses and emerging talent, ENGINEER & MARVEX 2026 provides a platform for stakeholders to explore the technologies and expertise supporting Malaysia’s evolving digital infrastructure, energy systems and built environment. The event runs at KLCC until 25 September 2026.

    For more information, visit https://engineermalaysia.com.my/.

  • Beyond AI Adoption: Helping Malaysian Businesses Turn AI Into Meaningful Business Value

    As artificial intelligence (AI) adoption continues to gain momentum among Malaysian businesses, the focus is increasingly moving beyond whether organisations should adopt the technology to how they can use it effectively to deliver meaningful business outcomes. While AI tools are becoming more accessible, businesses are now faced with the challenge of determining where the technology can create the greatest value and how it can be integrated into their operations in a purposeful way.

    Malaysia’s AI Technology Action Plan 2026–2030 is supporting the country’s broader AI adoption agenda, while a study on AI adoption among Malaysian businesses found that 27% of businesses had adopted AI in 2025. However, 73% of AI-adopting businesses were still primarily focused on basic use cases, compared with 17% at the intermediate stage and 10% at the most transformative stage of AI integration. The figures point to a distinction between simply using AI tools and embedding AI more strategically into business processes.

    As businesses gain access to an expanding range of AI solutions, understanding what AI can do is only one part of the equation. Organisations also need to identify the specific problems they want to solve, determine which processes could benefit from AI and establish how the technology can be integrated into existing workflows. This means shifting the conversation from “What can AI do?” to “What should AI do for my business?”

    For Chan Kee Siak, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Exabytes, this shift is particularly relevant as businesses navigate digital transformation and explore practical applications of AI. Rather than treating AI as a standalone technology, organisations can assess its potential based on their individual needs, operational challenges and growth objectives, allowing technology investments to be connected more closely to measurable business outcomes.

    Moving beyond basic AI applications could also involve identifying opportunities to improve productivity and operational efficiency. Real-world applications such as Exabytes’ AI Eve demonstrate how AI can be explored within practical business environments, while also highlighting the importance of understanding where automation and intelligent technologies can complement existing processes.

    Human expertise remains another important component of effective AI adoption. While AI can support businesses with analysis, automation and other tasks, people with a strong understanding of the organisation, its customers and its industry are still needed to determine where the technology should be applied. This business context can help organisations distinguish between AI applications that merely demonstrate what the technology can do and those that address genuine operational or commercial needs.

    Exabytes’ RASA approach — Reliable, Accessible, Scalable and AI-driven — further reflects the importance of moving from experimentation towards more purposeful AI adoption. By considering reliability, accessibility and scalability alongside AI capabilities, businesses can approach technology adoption as an ongoing process rather than a one-off implementation.

    As AI continues to reshape the Malaysian business landscape, organisations may increasingly need to evaluate their AI strategies based on the value they generate rather than simply the number of tools they use. The next stage of adoption could therefore be less about adding AI to existing operations and more about identifying where AI can genuinely support productivity, efficiency, innovation and business growth.

    Ultimately, the question for businesses is no longer simply what AI is capable of doing, but how it can be applied responsibly and strategically to address real business needs. For organisations looking to move beyond basic experimentation, understanding their own challenges and objectives could be the starting point for turning AI adoption into a more purposeful digital transformation journey.

  • URIIS 2026: Singularity Connect dan UNIMAS Teroka Potensi AI di Sarawak

    Dari kiri: Syahrizan Junaini, Ketua Pegawai Eksekutif, UNIMAS Holdings Sdn Bhd; dan Fauzi Ali, Ketua Pegawai Eksekutif Kumpulan Singularity Connect Sdn Bhd, pada majlis pemeteraian Memorandum Persefahaman sempena URIIS 2026 untuk mengenal pasti dan menguji teknologi AI bagi memenuhi keperluan sebenar industri, komuniti dan sektor awam di Sarawak.

    KUALA LUMPUR, 22 SEPTEMBER 2026 – Singularity Connect Sdn Bhd dan UNIMAS Holdings Sdn Bhd (UHSB), cabang komersial dan pelaburan Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS), menjalinkan kerjasama strategik selama 24 bulan bagi mengenal pasti serta menguji teknologi kecerdasan buatan (AI) yang berpotensi memenuhi keperluan sebenar industri, komuniti dan sektor awam di Sarawak.

    Kerjasama tersebut diumumkan sempena University Research and Innovation Investment Summit 2026 (URIIS 2026) dan memberi tumpuan kepada usaha menghubungkan kepakaran teknologi AI dengan kekuatan penyelidikan, kemudahan serta bakat yang dimiliki UNIMAS.

    Menerusi kerjasama itu, idea dan penyelesaian yang dikenal pasti akan melalui beberapa peringkat termasuk pengenalpastian masalah, penyelidikan, pengujian serta pelaksanaan projek perintis. Hasil daripada setiap projek akan dinilai bagi menentukan keberkesanan dan nilai yang boleh diukur sebelum sebarang pertimbangan dibuat terhadap pelaksanaan secara komersial pada skala lebih luas.

    Antara bidang yang sedang dipertimbangkan pada peringkat awal termasuk biodiversiti dan pengurusan sumber asli, penjagaan kesihatan, pendidikan, pertanian, komuniti mampan, operasi kampus pintar serta pendigitalan perniagaan. Projek perintis yang dikenal pasti berpotensi untuk dilaksanakan dalam organisasi, industri atau komuniti di Sarawak, tertakluk kepada kelulusan serta keperluan berkaitan.

    Ketua Pegawai Eksekutif Kumpulan Singularity Connect Sdn Bhd, Ahmad Fauzi bin Ali, berkata kerjasama itu menyediakan pendekatan praktikal untuk menterjemahkan hasil penyelidikan dan keperluan sebenar kepada penyelesaian AI yang boleh diuji serta diukur. Beliau berkata pelaksanaan di Sarawak juga membolehkan pihak terlibat memahami keberkesanan teknologi dalam konteks tempatan sebelum menilai potensi penerimagunaannya dengan lebih meluas di Malaysia.

    Selain memberi tumpuan kepada pembangunan teknologi, kerjasama berkenaan turut membuka peluang kepada pelajar dan penyelidik menerusi projek industri, latihan industri, program pertukaran serta latihan. Setiap projek yang dilaksanakan akan mengambil kira aspek penting seperti tadbir urus data, privasi, keselamatan siber, pengawasan manusia dan akauntabiliti.

    Ketua Pegawai Eksekutif UNIMAS Holdings Sdn Bhd, Syahrizan Junaini, berkata kepakaran penyelidikan dan bakat UNIMAS yang merangkumi pelbagai bidang boleh dimanfaatkan untuk menangani cabaran sebenar dalam industri dan komuniti. Menerusi kerjasama tersebut, UHSB berhasrat mempertemukan penyelidik dengan rakan kongsi teknologi yang bersesuaian bagi membangunkan penyelesaian AI yang boleh diuji dalam persekitaran sebenar di Sarawak.

    Kedua-dua pihak turut bertukar Memorandum Persefahaman (MoU) bukan eksklusif sempena URIIS 2026, yang disaksikan oleh Timbalan Perdana Menteri Malaysia, YAB Dato’ Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi. MoU berkenaan menyediakan rangka kerja keseluruhan bagi kerjasama tersebut, manakala aspek pembiayaan, harta intelek, akses data, terma komersial dan pelaksanaan projek akan tertakluk kepada kelulusan lanjut serta perjanjian berasingan sekiranya diperlukan.

    Kerjasama antara Singularity Connect dan UHSB ini mencerminkan pendekatan berasaskan penyelidikan dan pengujian dalam meneroka penggunaan AI, dengan memberi penekanan kepada keperluan tempatan, tadbir urus serta penilaian hasil sebelum sesuatu penyelesaian diperluaskan. Pendekatan tersebut turut membuka ruang untuk pembangunan bakat dan penyelidikan yang lebih dekat dengan keperluan industri serta komuniti di Sarawak.

  • SEAM WELCOMES COHORT 2, SUPPORTING NINE MALAYSIAN SOCIAL IMPACT ENTERPRISES

    KUALA LUMPUR, 24 September 2026 — As social enterprises gain greater recognition within Malaysia’s mainstream procurement landscape and wider economy, Social Enterprise Accelerator Malaysia (SEAM) has returned with its second cohort, supporting nine impact-driven Malaysian enterprises working to address social and environmental challenges while building stronger foundations for sustainable commercial growth.

    The nine selected enterprises are based across Kuala Lumpur, Selangor, Penang, Kelantan and Sabah, operating across areas including inclusive employment, the circular economy, sustainable food and agriculture, as well as aquaculture and marine livelihoods. Collectively, they are creating economic opportunities for communities including B40 youth, single mothers, women from the Asnaf community, persons with disabilities (PwD), refugees, marginalised artisans and coastal fishing families.

    SEAM is a partnership between Biji-biji Initiative and IKEA Social Entrepreneurship, with the support of IKEA Malaysia. Cohort 2 builds on the progress recorded during the inaugural cohort, where seven out of 10 participating enterprises recorded top-line revenue growth, nine reported improvements in financial stability and cost discipline, while eight expanded their active reach among the communities they serve.

    Several enterprises from the first cohort also recorded notable commercial and operational milestones. Earth Heir, for example, added RM429,293 in B2B orders for Earth Heir Collective, while Batik Boutique doubled its weekly fabric output. Upcycled more than doubled its baseline income while generating over RM101,200 in direct community wages, highlighting the potential for social enterprises to strengthen both commercial performance and community impact.

    The launch of Cohort 2 comes amid growing momentum to strengthen Malaysia’s social entrepreneurship ecosystem. In July 2026, the Ministry of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives (KUSKOP) reported that 649 social enterprises had received ministry ratings, while nearly RM20 million had been allocated to strengthen the sector. Initiatives such as the Malaysia Social Impact Procurement Framework (PRISMA) also reflect broader efforts to create an enabling environment for businesses that generate both commercial and social value.

    According to Juliana Adam, Chief Executive Officer of Biji-biji Initiative and SEAM Programme Director, the experience from the first cohort demonstrated that there is no single pathway to growth for social enterprises. Different organisations may define growth through entering new markets, strengthening production, building teams or becoming ready for corporate procurement. SEAM Cohort 2 therefore provides tailored support to help each organisation identify and address the areas that can move both its business and social impact to the next stage.

    The nine enterprises selected for SEAM Cohort 2 are Brutti, a sustainable bespoke furniture social enterprise based in Kota Kinabalu; Dodo Vegan Hut, a plant-based food enterprise creating employment opportunities for B40 communities; Enable OKU Solutions (ENOKU), which focuses on employment opportunities and workplace inclusion for persons with disabilities; Green Shoots, which combines circular product design with income opportunities for underserved women; Heartworks Solution, which provides flexible employment through a virtual assistant model; Ibupreneur, which supports Asnaf women and single mothers in building sustainable entrepreneurial pathways; Koperasi Penternak Akuakultur (KoAKUA), which strengthens livelihoods among coastal fishing communities in Kelantan; PichaEats, which creates employment and skills opportunities for refugee communities; and Sagemaker Asia, a community-powered production enterprise connecting marginalised artisans with skills development, employment and commercial opportunities.

    Rather than applying a standardised curriculum, SEAM takes a tailored approach based on the growth priorities, challenges and circumstances of each participating enterprise. Participants will be paired with senior IKEA leaders and co-workers serving as Thought Partners, while also gaining access to industry mentors, specialists, strategic advisory support and wider ecosystem connections. The programme also provides access to a funding pool of up to RM750,000, with financial support linked to the business growth roadmaps developed and refined throughout the programme.

    Åsa Skogström Feldt, Managing Director of IKEA Social Entrepreneurship, said that scaling for social enterprises should not simply mean becoming bigger, but should involve strengthening capabilities, partnerships and business foundations so organisations can reach more people while maintaining the purpose at the heart of their work.

    Participants will now begin the Strategy & Scoping phase with their Thought Partners and the Biji-biji Initiative team. During this stage, they will refine their growth priorities and develop a Growth Experimentation Plan (GEP) to guide the next stage of their journey. From January to August 2027, the programme will move into the Experimentation & Learning phase, where participants will test, evaluate and adapt their strategies through continued engagement, mentorship, field visits and learning opportunities before concluding with a Closing Summit and final reports.

    Through Cohort 2, SEAM aims to further strengthen the capabilities, resilience and growth potential of social enterprises supporting marginalised communities across Malaysia. By combining business development, mentorship, industry connections and financial support, the programme seeks to help impact-driven enterprises build more sustainable pathways for growth while deepening the benefits they create for the communities they serve.

  • SETIA AWAN LAND UNVEILS TANJONG MALIM HI-TECH PARK, FURTHER BOOSTING PERAK’S INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT

    From left to right: Ivan Ang Ri Xiang, Director, Tanjong Malim Hi-Tech Park Sdn Bhd; Ng Teck Hua, Executive Director, Setia Awan Land; Dato’ Marcus Doh, Director, Setia Awan Land; YAB Dato’ Seri Saarani bin Mohamad, Menteri Besar of Perak; YB Dato’ Azmir Shah bin Zainal Abidin, Perak State Legal Advisor; YB Dato’ Mohd Zaki bin Mahyudin, Perak State Financial Officer; and YB Encik Loh Sze Yee, Perak State Executive Councillor for Tourism, Industry, Investment and Corridor Development.

    Tanjong Malim, 21 September 2026 — Setia Awan Land Sdn. Bhd. (Setia Awan) has officially launched Tanjong Malim Hi-Tech Park, marking its first industrial development and a significant step in the company’s diversification strategy. The launch also introduced Ionera, the development’s commercial component, as Tanjong Malim continues to strengthen its position as an emerging automotive and industrial hub.

    The launch was officiated by YAB Dato’ Seri Saarani bin Mohamad, Menteri Besar Perak, and attended by representatives from the Federal and State governments, industry partners, investors, bankers, purchasers, educational institutions and members of the business community.

    Spanning 447 acres with an estimated gross development value (GDV) of RM1.4 billion, Tanjong Malim Hi-Tech Park is designed as a sustainable industrial ecosystem comprising industrial land, commercial facilities and supporting infrastructure. Located near Proton City and within the wider Automotive High-Tech Valley (AHTV) growth corridor, the development is positioned to cater to manufacturers, automotive suppliers, technology companies, logistics providers and businesses from other sectors looking to establish or expand their operations in Tanjong Malim.

    The wider Tanjong Malim area is also experiencing increased automotive activity, supported by Proton, its strategic partnership with Geely and the expected presence of other automotive players. These developments are contributing to the area’s emergence as an automotive and advanced manufacturing hub.

    Setia Awan Director Dato’ Marcus Doh said the company’s vision extends beyond simply providing industrial land, with the development designed to create an ecosystem that can support businesses throughout their operational journey. He highlighted the importance of providing infrastructure, commercial amenities and supporting services that enable businesses to establish, operate and grow over the long term.

    Phase 1 of Tanjong Malim Hi-Tech Park covers 104 acres and offers infrastructure-ready industrial land parcels starting from five acres, with both sale and lease options available. The phase has recorded a 50% take-up rate to date, with confirmed investors including Ningbo Fresh Technology Co., Ltd. and Sheentech Automotive Systems Sdn. Bhd., among others.

    The launch also saw the introduction of Ionera, a 27-acre commercial component within Tanjong Malim Hi-Tech Park. Comprising 168 commercial units, Ionera is planned to provide food and beverage, retail and other daily services for businesses, employees, visitors and the surrounding community. Since registration opened, the commercial development has recorded more than 100 registrations and bookings, reflecting early market interest.

    The commercial momentum was further supported by a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed with Billion Group, Ionera’s anchor tenant, on 17 September 2026. During the launch, Setia Awan also formalised a series of MoUs with several other Ionera tenants from sectors including services, food and beverage and healthcare. The agreements are expected to further strengthen the range of supporting amenities and services available within the development.

    As part of its sustainability and future-ready infrastructure offering, Tanjong Malim Hi-Tech Park is also expected to provide EV charging infrastructure with a combined capacity of five megawatts through a collaboration with a reputable electric vehicle charging provider.

    For Setia Awan, the launch represents a new chapter following more than three decades of experience in residential and mixed-use development. The company said the progress achieved so far, including the take-up of Phase 1 and partnerships established across the development, provides a foundation for its expansion into the industrial segment.

    Dato’ Marcus Doh said the company remains focused on building on the momentum surrounding Tanjong Malim Hi-Tech Park while working closely with investors, partners and the wider business community to support the development’s long-term potential.

    With its strategic location, industrial-ready infrastructure, commercial facilities and supporting services, Tanjong Malim Hi-Tech Park is set to contribute to the continued development of Tanjong Malim’s industrial ecosystem while opening new opportunities for businesses seeking to establish a presence in Perak.

  • Past Revenue Expansion: The Critical Role of Stable Livelihoods for Malaysia’s Micro-Enterprises

    (L-R) Dr Muhamad Azwan Abd Rahman, Research Fellow, Institute of Malaysian and International Studies (IKMAS), Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) and Project Lead Researcher; Professor Dr Bariah Mohd. Ali, Deputy Vice Chancellor of Industry and Community Partnership, UKM; YB Datuk Hajah Rubiah Wang, Deputy Minister of Rural and Regional Development; Leslie Chong, Vice President of PACS, Coca-Cola ASEAN & South Pacific, representing The Coca-Cola Foundation; and Emeritus Professor Dato Dr Abdul Rahman Embong, Emeritus Professor, IKMAS, UKM, Special Advisor of the Malaysian Social Science Association (PSSM) and Advisor of the Sustainable Business for Micro-Entrepreneurs in Malaysia Project, at the launch of Karnival UMBI, marking the first-year milestone of Project UMBI and reaffirming the partners’ continued commitment to supporting micro-entrepreneurs through stronger business fundamentals, greater income continuity and more resilient livelihoods.

    KUALA LUMPUR, 19 September 2026 – For hundreds of thousands of micro-entrepreneurs throughout Malaysia, entrepreneurship is rarely about scaling an empire or securing venture capital. Instead, it is an essential lifeline aimed at securing reliable, daily income to meet core household necessities amid escalating costs of living. This dynamic is especially acute in the food and beverage (F&B) micro-sector. Roadside food stalls, night market vendors, and home-based culinary operators consistently grapple with erratic day-to-day takings, driven by volatile weather conditions, shifting foot traffic, and sharp spikes in raw ingredient prices. When earnings fluctuate drastically from one day to the next, even minor operational shocks can directly jeopardize a family’s financial stability.

    Project UMBI: Grounding Business Fundamentals in Resilience

    To address this systemic vulnerability, Project UMBI was launched as a collaborative three-year initiative led by the Institute of Malaysian and International Studies (IKMAS) at Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), with backing from The Coca-Cola Foundation. Engaging more than 1,400 micro-entrepreneurs nationwide, the program is designed around practical business hygiene rather than complex growth hacking. By equipping roadside traders and home operators with practical guidance on everyday workflows, basic financial tracking, and operational planning, the initiative focuses on smoothing out daily revenue swings and establishing baseline income continuity.

    Guests of honour and Project UMBI partners visit the exhibition booths at Karnival UMBI, meeting participating micro-entrepreneurs and exploring the businesses and products showcased at the event.

    Predictability Over Rapid Scale

    Findings from the program’s initial phase demonstrate that steady income streams generate disproportionate welfare benefits for low-income households. While approximately 86.6% of participants operate at modest profit levels below RM6,000 per month, over 78% now reliably support themselves and their families through their ventures. Research Lead Dr. Muhamad Azwan Abd Rahman of IKMAS UKM points out that income reliability often outweighs pure commercial expansion at this tier; predictable earnings allow families to budget confidently for essentials like food, schooling, and healthcare without needing explosive top-line growth. Carlos Pagoaga, President of The Coca-Cola Foundation—which has deployed over $1.7 billion in community grants globally since 1984—underscored that fostering daily operating consistency directly builds resilience for vulnerable households facing broader macroeconomic headwinds.

    Safeguarding Vulnerable Households and Local Communities

    A crucial dimension of the initiative is its social footprint, particularly among female entrepreneurs and single mothers balancing income generation with domestic responsibilities. As female participation expanded throughout the project’s phases, micro-business ventures increasingly functioned as engines of financial self-reliance. When earnings stabilize, the ripple effect extends across extended families through shared resources and community support. By prioritizing household-level predictability, the partnership between UKM and The Coca-Cola Foundation demonstrates that the long-term vitality of Malaysia’s grassroots economy relies not on forcing micro-businesses to scale prematurely, but on giving them the operational footing to endure.