OhMyNetizen

Tag: #OhMyNetizen

  • KARNIVAL SAYA & MAGGI® RAIAKAN CITA RASA, SATUKAN RAKYAT MALAYSIA

    Makan lewat malam bersama rakan serumah, menikmati masakan keluarga atau berkongsi hidangan panas ketika hujan merupakan antara momen sederhana yang dekat dengan kehidupan rakyat Malaysia. Bagi ramai, pengalaman tersebut menjadi lebih bermakna apabila dikongsi bersama insan tersayang. Berteraskan semangat inilah, kempen Saya & MAGGI® Mesra Bersama diperkenalkan bagi meraikan pelbagai momen sebenar rakyat Malaysia menerusi filem utama kempen, selain mengajak orang ramai berkongsi pengalaman mereka bersama MAGGI® melalui tanda pagar #SayaDanMAGGI.

    Sejak diperkenalkan di Malaysia pada tahun 1969, MAGGI® telah menjadi sebahagian daripada kehidupan seharian rakyat Malaysia merentasi generasi. Hubungan tersebut diraikan menerusi Karnival Saya & MAGGI®, yang mengajak masyarakat menikmati pelbagai hidangan, mengeratkan hubungan sesama insan dan mencipta kenangan baharu bersama.

    Berlangsung selama empat hari dari 17 hingga 20 September 2026 di Raintree Plaza, The Exchange TRX, karnival tersebut menghimpunkan pelbagai aktiviti makanan, keluarga dan komuniti serta persembahan muzik bersempena sambutan Hari Malaysia. Kemeriannya turut bermula lebih awal pada 16 September menerusi acara pratonton yang bersempena dengan ketibaan peserta Keretapi Sarong di lokasi karnival sebagai destinasi akhir mereka.

    Karnival berkenaan turut menghimpunkan rakyat Malaysia daripada pelbagai latar belakang, termasuk keluarga, petani tempatan, usahawan makanan dan komuniti, selain menampilkan personaliti seperti Chef Naem Ramli, Ain Edruce, Kamal Adli, Aedy Ashraf, Nabila Razali, Fiza Sabjahan dan Emily Lim. Pentas hiburan turut dimeriahkan dengan persembahan DOLLA dan Ruffedge, sebelum Datuk Ziana Zain dan Misha Omar menutup acara dengan persembahan istimewa.

    Menurut Ivy Tan Link Cheh, Pegawai Eksekutif Perniagaan MAGGI® Malaysia dan Singapura, setiap rakyat Malaysia mempunyai cara tersendiri menikmati MAGGI®, dengan momen tersebut menjadi lebih bermakna apabila dikongsi bersama insan di sekeliling mereka. Beliau berkata, Karnival Saya & MAGGI® menjadi platform untuk meraikan momen serta individu di sebalik pengalaman tersebut, termasuk keluarga yang berkongsi hidangan kegemaran, petani dan usahawan yang memainkan peranan dalam komuniti makanan tempatan.

    Antara tarikan utama ialah ruang makanan Rasa-Rasa MAGGI®, yang menampilkan usahawan makanan tempatan menerusi empat tema utama. Pilihan Kegemaran Bersama MAGGI® mengetengahkan hidangan popular dengan sentuhan tersendiri setiap peniaga, manakala Kreasi Eksklusif Bersama MAGGI® memperkenalkan hidangan khas yang dicipta untuk karnival. Cita Rasa Negeri Bersama MAGGI® pula membawa pengunjung menikmati variasi cita rasa dari seluruh Malaysia.

    Karnival tersebut turut memberi perhatian kepada pemerkasaan wanita menerusi Kenali Potensi Diri: Program MAGGI® Wanita Cukup Berani, yang menampilkan usahawan wanita dan kisah di sebalik perjalanan mereka. Antaranya ialah Ida Faizura Binti Megat Muhaiyadin atau Jua daripada Jua’s Cook and Bake, yang juga merupakan naib juara MAGGI® Wanita Cukup Berani Musim Ketiga dan berpeluang memperkenalkan hasil masakannya kepada pengunjung.

    Inisiatif MAGGI® Wanita Cukup Berani turut menyediakan empat modul latihan dalam talian secara percuma yang merangkumi aspek keyakinan diri, pendigitalan, pemakanan dan keusahawanan. Program tersebut bertujuan memberikan pengetahuan serta kemahiran praktikal yang boleh dimanfaatkan oleh wanita dalam kehidupan seharian mahupun untuk menyokong perjalanan perniagaan mereka.

    Selain makanan, pengunjung turut diberi peluang mengenali lebih dekat bahan dan individu yang berada di sebalik hidangan kegemaran mereka. Aktiviti Kari Kegemaran Malaysia mengajak pengunjung menguji deria sambil mengenali 12 jenis rempah yang menyumbang kepada cita rasa MAGGI® Kari, manakala Dari Ladang ke Hidangan Keluarga memperkenalkan hasil tanaman tempatan serta petani dan komuniti yang mengusahakannya.

    Di Dapur MAGGI® Saya, pengunjung pula boleh mendapatkan idea praktikal untuk menyediakan hidangan yang lazat dan seimbang di rumah. Mereka juga berpeluang berkongsi momen #SayaDanMAGGI serta mendapatkan barangan daripada koleksi eksklusif MAGGI® sepanjang karnival berlangsung.

    Lebih lima dekad selepas diperkenalkan di Malaysia, MAGGI® terus berkembang bersama perubahan gaya hidup dan keperluan rakyat Malaysia. Daripada resipi keluarga dan masakan harian kepada usaha menyokong petani, usahawan serta komuniti tempatan, jenama tersebut terus memainkan peranan dalam menghubungkan makanan dengan pengalaman dan hubungan sesama manusia.

    Melalui Karnival Saya & MAGGI®, hubungan yang telah terjalin sejak 1969 diteruskan dalam suasana yang menghimpunkan makanan, keluarga, komuniti dan hiburan. Ia bukan sekadar meraikan cita rasa yang dekat dengan rakyat Malaysia, tetapi turut mengetengahkan insan serta momen yang menjadikan setiap hidangan lebih bermakna.

    Ikuti MAGGI® Malaysia di media sosial dan teruskan berkongsi kisah anda melalui #SayaDanMAGGI. Untuk maklumat lanjut, layari www.maggi.my.

  • 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.

  • Emirates Brings Mid-Autumn Traditions Onboard for Travellers from Malaysia

    KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia, 23 September 2026: Emirates is bringing the spirit of the Mid-Autumn Festival to the skies for travellers flying between Malaysia and Dubai, offering customers a taste of the seasonal celebration as families and communities come together to mark the occasion.

    Celebrated across Malaysia and Asia, the Mid-Autumn Festival is traditionally associated with reunion, togetherness and family gatherings under the full moon, alongside the sharing of mooncakes with loved ones. In conjunction with the celebration, Emirates is extending the festive experience to selected flights operating between Dubai and Malaysia.

    On 25 and 26 September 2026, customers travelling on select Emirates flights will receive a complimentary mooncake as part of their meal service across all cabin classes. Featuring a traditional red bean paste filling, the seasonal treat will be served alongside lunch or dinner, adding a touch of Mid-Autumn tradition to the onboard dining experience.

    Passengers travelling in First Class and Business Class will receive a specially packaged mooncake gift box following the first meal service, while customers in Premium Economy and Economy Class will receive their mooncakes as part of the meal tray service.

    The festive experience also extends to Emirates’ inflight entertainment platform, ice, which offers a selection of more than 40 Cantonese and Mandarin films. The collection includes recent titles such as I Am What I Am 2, Invincible Swordsman, The Way We Talk and I Want to Be Rich, giving travellers additional entertainment options during their journey.

    For those looking for more international content, Emirates customers can also access more than 300 Hollywood releases featuring Chinese subtitles. The selection includes titles such as How to Train Your Dragon, Elio, Materialists and Audrey’s Children.

    The Mid-Autumn Festival celebrations are not limited to Malaysia, with Emirates also offering the festive experience on selected flights between Dubai and China, Hong Kong SAR, Taiwan and Singapore. The initiative extends the airline’s seasonal offering to customers travelling across key destinations in the region.

    Emirates currently operates three daily flights between Malaysia and Dubai, using a combination of Airbus A350, Airbus A380 and Boeing 777 aircraft. Travellers can make bookings through the Emirates website, Emirates App, Emirates Retail Office or appointed travel agents.

    By combining seasonal cuisine with entertainment inspired by Chinese-language audiences, Emirates is bringing elements of the Mid-Autumn Festival onboard and allowing travellers to stay connected to familiar traditions while journeying between Malaysia and Dubai.

  • 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/.

  • Looking Beyond the Numbers to Protect Children

    When haze returns, the Air Pollutant Index (API) often becomes the main reference for determining whether outdoor activities should be reduced or schools should consider suspending activities. While API readings provide an important indication of air quality, protecting children during haze requires more than monitoring numbers alone, as their response to air pollution can vary depending on age, health, physical activity and individual circumstances.

    Haze can affect children in several ways, with common symptoms including coughing, nasal congestion, headaches, fatigue and breathing difficulties. Even mild symptoms can interfere with concentration, classroom participation and attendance, potentially affecting both learning and daily routines. Children are particularly vulnerable because their lungs and immune systems are still developing, while their higher air intake relative to body weight can increase exposure to fine particulate matter such as PM2.5.

    The risks can be greater for children with existing health conditions, including asthma, allergies, eczema, chronic respiratory diseases or heart conditions. Exposure to haze may worsen symptoms even when other children appear unaffected. Beyond physical health, prolonged periods indoors, missing sports and social activities, and concerns about worsening symptoms can also affect children’s emotional wellbeing. Haze preparedness should therefore consider both health protection and the continuity of children’s education and daily activities.

    Parents and caregivers are encouraged to monitor air quality through Malaysia’s official Air Pollutant Index Management System and reduce non-essential outdoor activities when air quality reaches unhealthy levels or continues to deteriorate. API readings should also be considered alongside a child’s individual health and symptoms. Children experiencing coughing, wheezing, chest tightness or breathing difficulties should not be encouraged to continue strenuous outdoor activities, while those with asthma or other chronic conditions may need to reduce exposure earlier based on advice from their healthcare providers.

    Indoor air quality is another important consideration during haze episodes. Where appropriate, families can keep windows and doors closed to limit the entry of polluted outdoor air and consider using air purifiers equipped with high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters. Activities that generate fine particles indoors, including smoking and burning incense, should also be avoided. When outdoor exposure is unavoidable, a properly fitted N95 or KN95 mask may provide greater protection against fine particles than cloth or surgical masks, provided it fits securely around the face.

    Schools also have an important role in protecting students during haze events. Clear haze-response plans should include regular API monitoring, timely communication with parents and adjustments to outdoor activities in accordance with Malaysia’s National Haze Action Plan. Physical education classes, sports, field trips and outdoor assemblies may need to be moved indoors or postponed when conditions deteriorate. Schools should also be aware of students with chronic health conditions and ensure that they have access to prescribed medication and appropriate support.

    Maintaining a cleaner indoor learning environment is equally important. Where available, suitable filtration can help minimise the entry and circulation of polluted air in classrooms. Schools may also consider appropriate academic accommodations or home-based learning when haze-related symptoms affect attendance or prolonged poor air quality disrupts normal operations.

    Parents and schools should also recognise when professional medical advice is necessary. Medical attention should be sought when symptoms persist, worsen or interfere with a child’s normal activities, with closer monitoring recommended for children with asthma, chronic lung disease, heart conditions or significant allergies. Severe breathing difficulty, significant chest pain, marked wheezing, bluish discolouration around the lips, fingernails or face, unusual drowsiness, confusion or rapidly worsening symptoms require urgent medical attention.

    As haze conditions can change quickly, preparedness should begin before children experience significant symptoms. By combining air-quality monitoring with awareness of individual vulnerabilities and early responses, families, schools and healthcare providers can take practical steps to reduce the impact of haze on children’s health, learning and overall wellbeing.

    The article is contributed by Dr Sapna Shridhar Patil, Senior Lecturer in Public Health at the School of Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, Taylor’s University.

  • NOVV Transforms Digital Healthcare for Often-Overlooked Health Concerns

    Artist’s impression of House of NOVV, NOVV’s immersive health activation at the Women Wellness Festival.

    KUALA LUMPUR, 24 SEPTEMBER 2026 – NOVV, a Malaysian doctor-founded digital healthcare platform, has formally introduced its online-first healthcare model, focusing on health concerns that can be easier to delay, harder to navigate or more uncomfortable to discuss openly.

    Rather than simply replicating a general practitioner clinic online, NOVV focuses on selected areas across women’s health, men’s health and preventive care through NOVV For Woman, NOVV For Man and NOVV Labs. Its current services include medical weight management, women’s hormonal and skin health, selected men’s health concerns such as erectile dysfunction and testosterone assessment, as well as preventive health and longevity blood testing.

    NOVV Founder Dr Marissa Dinar said the platform aims to provide a more proactive approach to healthcare by helping individuals address current concerns while gaining a better understanding of their health at an earlier stage. The model combines doctor consultations, diagnostics, technology and ongoing medical oversight to support patients in making more informed decisions about their health.

    Under the model, patients first complete an online health assessment before consulting an MMC-registered doctor. The doctor then determines whether online care is appropriate and recommends the relevant next steps. Where clinically suitable, this may include diagnostics, treatment or prescriptions, while patients requiring physical examination or more specialised care may be referred for in-person assessment or specialist services.

    To support its healthcare ecosystem, NOVV has established diagnostic access through BP Healthcare, while prescription fulfilment is supported by Sunway Multicare Pharmacy. To date, the platform has recorded more than 2,000 online eligibility assessments and over 1,000 doctor consultation bookings, reflecting early interest in its digital healthcare model.

    As part of its growing presence in Malaysia, NOVV will participate in the Women Wellness Festival on 3 and 4 October at Hyatt Regency as the event’s Official Digital Health Partner. The platform will introduce House of NOVV, an immersive, doctor-led health activation designed to bring its broader approach to healthcare into a physical setting.

    Visitors to House of NOVV will be able to experience a 60-second facial scan that provides a snapshot of more than 30 health and wellbeing signals, including cardiovascular function, recovery and metabolism. The activation will also feature body composition analysis, while NOVV Concierges will guide attendees through the experience and relevant next steps.

    Dr Marissa will also speak at the festival about changes women may experience in hormones, metabolism, sleep and weight as they move through their 30s and beyond. NOVV doctor Dr Zaira will be present during selected periods to provide brief, non-diagnostic guidance to selected attendees based on their body composition results and whether further evaluation may be appropriate.

    As healthcare continues to evolve alongside advances in diagnostics, technology and care delivery, NOVV plans to further develop its clinical capabilities and partnerships. The platform said additional developments will be announced in due course as it continues to explore new ways of combining digital access, clinical oversight and preventive healthcare.

  • 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.

  • AIRE EXPANDS NATIONWIDE TO ADVANCE INCONTINENCE CARE FOR OLDER MALAYSIANS

    KUALA LUMPUR, 22 SEPTEMBER 2026 — As Malaysia moves towards an ageing population, the need for greater attention to the health and wellbeing of older adults is becoming increasingly important. According to the latest figures from the Department of Statistics Malaysia (DOSM), people aged 65 and above accounted for 8.4% of Malaysia’s population in the second quarter of 2026, up from 8.0% during the same period a year earlier.

    One of the issues that can affect older adults is urinary incontinence, yet it remains a subject that many individuals and families find difficult to discuss openly. Malaysia’s National Health and Morbidity Survey has previously identified embarrassment and reluctance to seek treatment as challenges associated with urinary incontinence among older people. The World Health Organization (WHO) has also described urinary incontinence among older adults as under-recognised and under-reported, noting that it can affect self-esteem, confidence, social participation and everyday activities.

    Against this backdrop, incontinence care brand AIRE is expanding its presence in Malaysia, with its products now available at more than 20 selected AEON outlets across six states and two Federal Territories, including Selangor, Johor, Penang, Melaka, Negeri Sembilan, Kelantan, Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya. AIRE products are also available online through Shopee Malaysia and TikTok Shop.

    The expansion goes beyond increasing access to incontinence products, with AIRE also seeking to encourage a more open conversation around ageing and incontinence care. According to the brand, embarrassment and stigma can prevent some individuals from seeking support or participating fully in everyday life. To address this, AIRE places emphasis on developing products with older adults and caregivers, while promoting greater awareness and education around incontinence care to support confidence, independence and quality of life.

    Behind AIRE is founder Nivedita Venkateish, whose decision to establish the brand was inspired by her personal experience with her grandmother, Anasuya, who developed urinary incontinence later in life. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Anasuya initially resisted using adult diapers due to the embarrassment and stigma associated with them. After suffering a serious fall while making repeated trips to the bathroom at night, she was bedridden for several months. The experience of using existing incontinence products also highlighted issues involving comfort, texture and fit.

    The experience prompted Venkateish to establish AIRE in Singapore in 2023 with a more consumer-focused approach to incontinence care. The brand aims to give older adults greater consideration in areas such as comfort, fit, choice and overall user experience.

    This approach has also shaped AIRE’s product development process, which involves multiple prototypes and rounds of consumer testing with older adults, caregivers and people living with incontinence. Their feedback has helped inform areas such as sizing, fit, materials and absorbency. Taking into consideration the region’s hot and humid climate and Asian body types, AIRE’s range also starts from a 22-inch waist size.

    In Malaysia, AIRE’s current range includes Adult Pull Up Pants, Ultra Pull Up Pants and Ultra Tape Diaper, offering options for different levels of leakage and care requirements.

    Beyond product development, AIRE is also recognising the changing digital habits of older Malaysians. DOSM data shows that 92.3% of Malaysians aged 60 and above used the internet in 2025, up from 91.6% a year earlier. This highlights the growing participation of older adults in digital spaces and challenges the perception that seniors are largely disconnected from online communities and commerce.

    AIRE has incorporated this perspective into its communications by positioning older adults not only as recipients of care, but also as consumers, content creators and active community participants. The brand has worked with older creators and used its platforms to promote active ageing, share practical information about bladder health and movement, and provide opportunities for seniors to participate in community activities.

    According to Venkateish, while developing effective products remains important, AIRE’s ambition extends beyond the product itself. The brand aims to listen to older adults and involve them in areas ranging from product development and communication to community initiatives. Through this approach, AIRE hopes to support people living with incontinence so that the condition does not unnecessarily determine where they can go, what they can do or how confidently they live.

    The expansion in Malaysia follows AIRE’s growth in Singapore, where the business had reached approximately 100 retail locations and seven-figure annual revenue by the end of 2025. In Malaysia, the brand plans to further develop its retail presence through community engagement and educational initiatives for older adults, families and caregivers, with a focus on improving understanding of incontinence care while promoting active and independent ageing.

    AIRE is currently available at selected AEON outlets across Malaysia and online through Shopee Malaysia and TikTok Shop, providing older adults, caregivers and families with greater access to incontinence care products suited to different needs.