OhMyNetizen

Tag: #OhMyNetizen

  • 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.

  • TP-LINK PERKUKUH KERJASAMA INDUSTRI-AKADEMIA BERSAMA TAR UMT, CETUS BAKAT TEKNOLOGI GENERASI MASA DEPAN

    Dari kiri Pengarah Rangkaian Perusahaan dan Perniagaan Penyedia Perkhidmatan Internet (ISP) TP-Link Malaysia, Alvin Ou Zexin; Pengarah Serantau TP-Link Malaysia, Hugo Cai Zhenbiao;  Presiden TAR UMT, Prof. Dato’ Indera Ir. Dr. Lee Sze Wei dan Naib Presiden (Penyelidikan & Pembangunan dan Pengkomersialan)TAR UMT, Prof. Dr. Loke Chui Fung.

    KUALA LUMPUR, 22 September 2026 — TP-Link Distribution Malaysia Sdn. Bhd. (TP-Link Malaysia) terus memperkukuh hubungan antara industri dan institusi pengajian tinggi menerusi kerjasama baharu bersama Universiti Pengurusan dan Teknologi Tunku Abdul Rahman (TAR UMT), dalam usaha menyediakan generasi baharu profesional teknologi dengan kemahiran rangkaian perusahaan yang praktikal serta selari dengan keperluan industri.

    Kerjasama tersebut dimeterai menerusi Memorandum Persefahaman (MoU) selama tiga tahun, sekali gus memperluas jaringan kolaborasi TP-Link Malaysia bersama institusi akademik di negara ini. Inisiatif berkenaan memberi peluang kepada pelajar untuk mendapatkan pendedahan lebih awal kepada teknologi perusahaan, pensijilan profesional dan pengalaman praktikal sebagai persediaan sebelum memasuki alam pekerjaan.

    Melalui kerjasama ini, penyelesaian rangkaian perusahaan Omada akan disepadukan ke dalam persekitaran pembelajaran TAR UMT, membolehkan pelajar memperoleh pengalaman secara langsung dalam mengendalikan infrastruktur serta teknologi rangkaian yang digunakan dalam persekitaran perusahaan sebenar. Pendekatan tersebut dijangka membantu pelajar menghubungkan pengetahuan akademik dengan aplikasi teknologi dalam dunia pekerjaan.

    Selain pembelajaran teknikal, pelajar TAR UMT turut mendapat akses kepada bengkel teknikal, sesi perkongsian pengetahuan bersama pakar industri serta laluan untuk mendapatkan pensijilan Omada Certified Network Administrator (OCNA). Pensijilan ini melengkapkan pengajian akademik mereka dengan kompetensi rangkaian yang relevan dan diiktiraf industri.

    Kerjasama berkenaan turut membuka peluang kepada pelajar untuk menjalani latihan amali dan latihan industri bersama TP-Link Malaysia. Pendedahan ini membolehkan mereka memahami amalan kerja sebenar serta mengaplikasikan kemahiran teknikal yang dipelajari dalam persekitaran profesional.

    Pengarah Serantau TP-Link Malaysia, Cai Zhenbiao (Hugo Cai), berkata pembangunan bakat teknologi masa depan perlu bermula lebih awal dengan memberikan pelajar pendedahan industri yang bermakna sepanjang proses pembelajaran. Menurut beliau, pendekatan tersebut dapat membantu pelajar memahami bagaimana teknologi perusahaan diaplikasikan, diurus dan berkembang dalam persekitaran sebenar, di samping merapatkan jurang antara industri dan akademia.

    Sementara itu, Dekan Fakulti Pengkomputeran dan Teknologi Maklumat TAR UMT, Ts Lim Shen Huoy, berkata kerjasama berkenaan memperkukuh persekitaran pembelajaran institusi dengan memberikan pelajar peluang menguasai sistem bertaraf perusahaan secara langsung serta memperoleh kelayakan yang diiktiraf di peringkat global. Menurutnya, pendedahan tersebut bukan sahaja meningkatkan keupayaan teknikal graduan, malah membantu mempersiapkan mereka untuk menjadi tenaga teknologi yang tangkas dan berkemahiran tinggi dalam landskap digital yang berkembang pesat.

    Kedua-dua pihak turut bersetuju untuk meneroka peluang dalam bidang penyelidikan, pertukaran pengetahuan teknikal, penglibatan fakulti serta pelbagai inisiatif industri-akademia lain. Usaha ini bertujuan mempererat hubungan antara kepakaran akademik dengan pengalaman industri, sekali gus membuka lebih banyak ruang untuk perkongsian ilmu dan pembangunan bakat.

    Penyertaan TAR UMT turut menandakan satu lagi perkembangan dalam usaha TP-Link Malaysia memperluas akses kepada pendidikan rangkaian perusahaan dalam sektor pendidikan tinggi negara. Sebelum ini, syarikat tersebut telah menjalinkan kerjasama dengan Universiti Malaya (UM), Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM), Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia (USIM) dan New Era University College.

    Dengan memperluas rangkaian kerjasama industri-akademia, TP-Link Malaysia menyasarkan untuk membangunkan pendekatan pembangunan bakat yang lebih menyeluruh dengan menggabungkan pengetahuan industri, pembelajaran praktikal dan pensijilan profesional. Inisiatif ini seterusnya menyokong usaha memperkukuh kumpulan bakat dalam bidang rangkaian perusahaan bagi memenuhi keperluan transformasi digital Malaysia pada masa hadapan.

    Untuk maklumat lanjut mengenai penyelesaian rangkaian perusahaan Omada TP-Link, sila layari: https://www.omadanetworks.com/us/business-networking/consult/.

  • 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.

  • EPSON BRINGS IMMERSIVE 4K BIG-SCREEN ENTERTAINMENT INTO MODERN LIVING SPACES WITH LIVESTUDIO GRAND PLUS EH-LS970B

    SUBANG JAYA, 22 September 2026 – Epson, a leading innovator in projection technology, has introduced the Lifestudio Grand Plus EH-LS970B, an all-in-one home entertainment solution designed to bring an immersive big-screen experience into modern living spaces. Combining large-scale 4K projection, AI-powered image processing and integrated Sound by Bose speakers, the latest projector is designed for consumers seeking a cinematic viewing experience without compromising valuable space at home.

    The EH-LS970B can project content from 80 to 150 inches while positioned just inches away from the wall, offering greater flexibility compared with conventional projectors that require more distance or dedicated installation. Its ultra-short-throw design allows homeowners to enjoy a large display without the need to mount a large television or position a projector across the room.

    Featuring an ultra-short throw ratio of 0.16, the EH-LS970B can deliver a 120-inch display from approximately 17.3cm away from the screen and extend the viewing experience up to 150 inches. Its 3LCD laser projection system produces up to 4,000 lumens of colour and white brightness, alongside a contrast ratio of more than 5,000,000:1, helping deliver bright and vivid visuals even in well-lit living environments.

    The projector also produces an on-screen 4K image with 8.3 million pixels, allowing users to enjoy movies, sports and gaming with enhanced detail and clarity. Complementing its display capabilities is a new AI-powered TV chip that analyses content in real time and automatically optimises picture quality according to each scene.

    AI Super Resolution enhances sharpness and fine details, while AI Picture Quality automatically adjusts visual settings based on the content being displayed. Additional technologies including Dynamic Colour Booster, Local Contrast and De-contour Processing further refine colour, contrast and image gradients for smoother and more natural-looking visuals across different types of content.

    The EH-LS970B combines its large-scale visuals with an integrated 20W 2.1-channel Sound by Bose speaker system, delivering room-filling audio and deep bass without the need for a separate sound system. Its Bluetooth Speaker Mode also allows the projector to function as a standalone audio device when the display is not being used.

    For added convenience, built-in Google TV™ brings streaming services such as Netflix, Disney+ and YouTube together within a single interface, while Google Cast and voice control provide additional ways for users to access and enjoy their favourite content.

    Epson Malaysia Managing Director Alvin Tan said the Lifestudio Grand Plus EH-LS970B was developed to address the growing demand for immersive home entertainment while taking into consideration the limited space available in modern homes. The projector combines up to 150 inches of 4K entertainment, intelligent image processing and Bose audio in an all-in-one solution designed to integrate seamlessly into contemporary living spaces.

    Installation is also made easier through the Epson Setting Assistant app, which can automatically correct image distortion and alignment using a photograph taken from the user’s device. This helps reduce the need for manual adjustments and allows users to set up the projector more conveniently.

    Powered by a laser light source rated for up to 20,000 hours, the EH-LS970B is designed to provide more than 10 years of entertainment based on five hours of daily use, without requiring light-source maintenance during that period.

    The Epson Lifestudio Grand Plus EH-LS970B is now available in Malaysia, with availability and configurations varying by market, offering consumers a flexible option for bringing a large-scale, immersive 4K entertainment experience into their homes.

    Visit Epson’s website or contact the nearest Epson Authorised Dealer store around you for more information.

  • KERETAPI SARONG 2026 AJAK RAKYAT MALAYSIA HAYATI ERTI SEBENAR “SAYANG MALAYSIA”

    Malaysians in traditional attire gather during Keretapi Sarong 2026, turning the journey to Malaysia Day celebrations into an opportunity to connect with one another.

    KUALA LUMPUR, 21 September 2026 — Thousands of Malaysians came together across public transport stations and train carriages for Keretapi Sarong 2026 (KS26), but this year’s celebration encouraged participants to go beyond traditional attire and photographs by taking the opportunity to connect with the people around them.

    Held in conjunction with Malaysia Day and its 10th anniversary, KS26 returned with the theme “Sayang Malaysia”, encouraging Malaysians to express their love for the country through curiosity, mutual respect and a willingness to live together despite differences in ethnicity, language, faith, state and background.

    LOCCO Co-Founder Shamsul Bahrine Zainuzzaman said the essence of Keretapi Sarong was not simply about the traditional clothes worn by participants, but the relationships and shared experiences created throughout the journey. He said the sight of sarongs, batik, songket, kebaya, baju Melayu and other traditional attire was a reflection of Malaysia’s cultural richness, while the people standing beside one another represented the deeper meaning of the celebration.

    In the Klang Valley, participants began their journey from 12 selected stations across 10 cities before travelling to the secret destination, which was revealed on the day of the event as Raintree Plaza @ TRX. The same spirit of community was also celebrated in Padang Besar, Langkawi, Sungai Petani, George Town, Ipoh, Melaka, Johor Bahru, Kota Bharu and Kuantan, with each location bringing its own local character to the celebration.

    The Kuching edition, which marked Keretapi Sarong’s first official participation outside Peninsular Malaysia, has been rescheduled to December 2026 due to the haze situation in Sarawak. The nationwide expansion is not intended to replicate an identical celebration in every location, but instead gives local communities the freedom to interpret the spirit of Keretapi Sarong through their own art, music, attire and cultural identity.

    For the first time, KS26 also introduced Women Station Only at Titiwangsa MRT Station as a dedicated starting point for female participants. The initiative was developed in response to requests from women in the community seeking a more comfortable environment to begin their journey, particularly during crowded conditions at stations and on trains. It also serves as a platform to celebrate women’s creativity, contributions and leadership in families, communities and the nation.

    Adding another milestone to its 10th anniversary celebration, Keretapi Sarong introduced its first official theme song, “Joget Sarong”, performed by acclaimed Malaysian singers Aina Abdul and Didie Shazry. The song brings a fresh rhythm and voice to the movement, complementing the folk music, spontaneous performances and collective singing that have long been part of the Keretapi Sarong experience.

    As Principal Sponsor, Ivy Tan Link Cheh, Business Executive Officer of MAGGI® Malaysia and Singapore, said the spirit of togetherness represented by Keretapi Sarong strongly resonated with the brand, which has been part of Malaysian households for generations. She highlighted how food can bring people closer, much like the event brings Malaysians together through a shared appreciation of culture and identity.

    Etika Sdn Bhd Vice President of Marketing Amy Gan also described the celebration as a natural fit for WONDA Kopi Tarik, noting that the familiar Malaysian beverage is enjoyed across different communities, cultures and generations. She said the brand was pleased to return for the 10th edition and celebrate the culture, energy and shared sense of pride that define Malaysians.

    The WONDA Kopi Tarik booth at Keretapi Sarong 2026 was buzzing from start to finish.

    Meanwhile, Watsons Malaysia joined KS26 for the first time as its Official Health and Beauty Partner, with Regional Managing Director of Health & Beauty Asia, A.S. Watson Group, and Regional Executive Director of Watsons International, Caryn Loh, highlighting the collaboration as an opportunity to celebrate Malaysia’s cultural diversity while encouraging confidence, self-expression and unity through health and beauty.

    NIVEA also supported the celebration by highlighting the importance of staying fresh, protected and confident throughout the day. Beiersdorf Malaysia and Singapore Country Manager Dr Christopher Vierhaus said the brand’s NIVEA MEN Black & White Invisible Epic Night and NIVEA Black & White Invisible Authentic, featuring 72-hour Dual Shield Protection for skin and clothes, were designed to support Malaysians throughout the festivities.

    For Nando’s Malaysia, the celebration reflected its own belief in bringing people together despite cultural differences. Brand and Customer Director Lim Siew Ling said the spirit of “Sayang Malaysia” was about creating space for everyone to celebrate their individuality while sharing a common connection to the country and its heritage.

    As Official Banking Partner, AmBank Group Head of Group Corporate Communications and Marketing Shazman Shahid said Keretapi Sarong embodies the Malaysian spirit by bringing people from different backgrounds together through a shared appreciation of culture, tradition and community. The bank expressed its support for the movement as part of its efforts to connect with Malaysians through a vibrant and inclusive experience.

    KS26 was further supported by Supporting Partners including Kart’s, Febreze, Siti Khadijah, Beauty of Joseon, KWC Fashion Wholesale, Wardah, Fipper, Media Prima Berhad, Holiday Inn Express Kuala Lumpur City Centre, Mana Mana Hospitality and The Hype Cosmetics Outlet (THCO).

    Rapid KL served as the Official Mobility Partner, while Express Rail Link Sdn Bhd (ERL), Railway Assets Corporation (RAC) and the Employees Provident Fund (EPF) supported the initiative as Principal Strategic Partners. PRO Apparel, TBG Mall, GRAK, TGV Cinemas and BEHATI also joined as Collaboration Partners.

    Through its 10th anniversary celebration, KS26 continues to position Keretapi Sarong as more than a cultural gathering, using public transport, traditional attire, music and community participation as platforms for Malaysians to meet, connect and appreciate the diversity that forms part of the country’s shared identity.

    For further information on Keretapi Sarong, follow the latest updates through the following social media channels:

    Facebook: facebook.com/locco.my
    Website: www.locco.com.my
    Instagram and X: @locco.my
    TikTok: @locco.my

  • EVERY PAW DESERVES A LOVING HOME

    IJM Land turned compassion for animals into meaningful community action through its Paws to Home – Where Every Paw Finds a Place to Belong programme, held at S2 Heights Aman, Seremban 2. The initiative brought together residents, families, prospective pet adopters and animal welfare organisations for an evening focused on pet adoption, responsible ownership, education, preventive care and support for rescued animals.

    Chief Operating Officer of IJM Land, Datuk Chai Kian Soon, said caring for animals comes with a responsibility to safeguard their well-being. Through Paws to Home, members of the community were given practical opportunities to fulfil that responsibility, whether by considering adoption, learning about responsible pet ownership, contributing essential supplies or supporting organisations involved in animal rescue and rehabilitation.

    At the heart of the programme was the Pet Adoption Drive, which allowed visitors to meet rescued animals while gaining a better understanding of the commitment involved in providing them with a permanent home. NS Happy Paws and FurryKids Safehaven shared their expertise in animal rescue, rehabilitation and rehoming to help prospective adopters make informed decisions. Six rescued animals successfully found new homes during the event, marking a meaningful step towards giving them a new beginning.

    Successful adopters also received a Paws to New Beginning Adoption Celebration Kit, comprising an IJM Land felt bag, adoption certificate and plushie keychain to commemorate the start of their journey with their new companions. The programme also featured an Educational Corner led by Execute AWA, where visitors received practical information on animal welfare, responsible pet ownership and humane stray management. The animal welfare partners also assisted pet owners with licensing applications and registration.

    Preventive pet care was another key component of the initiative, with selected veterinary services including vaccination, neutering and microchipping made available during the event. A total of 31 pets received neutering services, while 12 pet licence applications were facilitated. Other pet owners also brought their animals for vaccination and microchipping, reinforcing the importance of preventive healthcare and responsible ownership.

    Through the CSR Giving Corner, visitors were encouraged to contribute pet food and essential supplies to local animal welfare organisations. Charity merchandise also provided another avenue for members of the community to support rescued animals and organisations working to improve their welfare.

    The programme offered activities for visitors of all ages, including the Paw Print Keepsake Workshop, Clay Frame Art Workshop and an instant photo booth, while children could participate in a colouring activity at the Sales Gallery. The Pet Bazaar featured a selection of pet food, treats, accessories, grooming and pet therapy services, complemented by food trucks and beverage vendors throughout the evening. Visitors to the Sales Gallery were also treated to complimentary popcorn.

    Beyond the animal-focused activities, the event provided visitors with an opportunity to explore the lifestyle offerings at S2 Heights Aman and the wider Seremban 2 township. This included an Ikon Residences scale model display and highlights from IJM Land’s ongoing Shock & Shiok campaign, which offers eligible homebuyers rewards such as complimentary solar panels for selected homes and the opportunity to win one of three Proton e.MAS 5 cars.

    Paws to Home also showcased S2 Heights Aman’s dedicated Pet Zone, a purpose-designed outdoor space where residents can spend quality time with their pets while connecting with fellow pet owners. The development’s wider outdoor-oriented environment, featuring green spaces, parks and pathways, is designed to provide spaces for families, children and neighbours to interact and enjoy an active lifestyle. Batiq and Sutera homes are also part of the nature-led setting, supporting everyday family life and community interaction.

    Through Paws to Home, IJM Land demonstrated how community initiatives can bring together residents, families, pet owners and animal welfare organisations to support both people and animals. By combining adoption, education, preventive care and community giving, the programme highlighted the importance of pairing affection for animals with a commitment to their long-term welfare and responsible care.

    For more information, log on to https://seremban2.ijmland.com/ or WhatsApp 06-761 3517.

  • 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.

  • Rework.com has unveiled its Agentic OS, aiming to accelerate the transition of Malaysian enterprises into the intelligence era.

    KUALA LUMPUR, September 2026 –Global technology company Rework.com has officially launched its Agentic Operating System (Agentic OS) for Business in Kuala Lumpur, marking a major milestone in how modern enterprises deploy artificial intelligence. Unveiled during Rework Launch 2026 before an audience of roughly 150 senior executives, the platform is engineered to break organizations out of fragmented, isolated AI pilots. By unifying personnel, autonomous AI agents, enterprise data, and everyday operational workflows into a single connected fabric, Agentic OS aims to redefine workplace productivity and operational structure.

    Bridging Malaysia’s AI Execution Gap

    The debut arrives at a critical juncture for Malaysia’s digital roadmap. Despite recording RM87.4 billion in digital investments in 2025 through the Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC), a significant gulf persists between capital deployment and frontline AI execution. Research from Strand Partners reveals that 67% of Malaysian businesses leveraging AI remain confined to basic tools like standalone chatbots, while only 19% have implemented a formal strategy to orchestrate AI across cross-functional operations. Rework’s Founder and CEO, Eric Pham, noted that this divide does not stem from a shortage of funds or large language models, but from an absence of business infrastructure capable of weaving AI directly into daily workflows.

    Eric Pham, Founder & CEO, Rework.com

    The Two-Layer Architecture for Compounding Intelligence

    To solve this structural disconnect, Agentic OS for Business replaces legacy software paradigms—where humans execute tasks while systems merely store records—with an integrated, dual-layer operational architecture:

    • Intelligence Architecture: Acts as the central nervous system connecting all corporate activity. It pools business outputs, builds compounding institutional knowledge, and runs a comprehensive multi-agent stack featuring Service AI, AI Assistants, AI Desktops, and Workflow AI.
    • Business Services: Supplies hundreds of ready-to-use operating services spanning vital business functions. These cover Marketing (pipeline nurturing and campaign tracking), Sales (quote-to-cash workflows and distribution management), Work Orchestration (task requests and process management), People Operations (leave, payroll, and timesheets), and Unified Communications (enterprise chat, meetings, and town halls).

    Working in tandem, these layers provide AI agents with full organizational context, allowing them to comprehend operational nuances and reliably execute complex, multi-step tasks alongside human teams.

    Brian Trinh, Co-Founder & COO, Rework.com

    Redefining the Nature of Work

    As foundational AI models become increasingly commoditized, competitive advantage will no longer hinge on which model an enterprise rents, but on how effectively it embeds intelligence into its proprietary processes and institutional memory. Highlighting this shift, Rework Co-Founder and COO Brian Trinh emphasized that thriving in the intelligence era requires companies to fundamentally rethink task design rather than simply bolting another AI gadget onto an existing software stack.

    With the official commercial rollout now underway in Malaysia, local enterprises can access product demonstrations and onboarding directly through Rework’s portal to begin shifting from fragmented tools to a fully agentic business model.

  • DRIVING MALAYSIA’S CREATIVE ECONOMY FORWARD THROUGH PRINT INNOVATION

    Attributed by Sandy Lee, Head of Personal System Devices Division at Canon Marketing Malaysia

    Creativity is increasingly evolving beyond a form of self-expression and cultural identity into a source of economic opportunity, particularly as more Malaysians turn their creative skills and ideas into commercial ventures. From design, arts and crafts to personalised products and merchandise, a new generation of creative entrepreneurs is finding innovative ways to transform their passion into viable businesses.

    The growing economic importance of the creative sector is reflected in Malaysia’s cultural and creative industry, which contributed 6.8 per cent to the nation’s GDP in 2024 and recorded 7.1 per cent growth from the previous year, according to the Department of Statistics Malaysia (DOSM). Within the sector, books and press accounted for 9.5 per cent of gross value added, while visual arts and crafts contributed 6.6 per cent, highlighting the tangible economic value generated by creative activities.

    As more Malaysians explore opportunities to commercialise their creative pursuits, emerging entrepreneurs are increasingly looking to develop original designs, personalised gifts, merchandise and craft products. However, transforming creative concepts into finished products can present several practical challenges, particularly for small businesses that require flexibility to produce in smaller quantities.

    Traditional production methods often involve outsourcing and minimum order requirements, which can make it difficult for entrepreneurs to test new concepts, experiment with different designs or respond quickly to customised customer requests. At the same time, businesses need to balance production costs and turnaround times while maintaining the quality, consistency and creative freedom that distinguish their products.

    Print-and-cut solutions are emerging as one way to address these challenges by making small-scale production more accessible and flexible. The approach enables creators to develop their own designs, print them based on their intended applications and cut them into customised shapes without relying on large production runs. This provides greater freedom for entrepreneurs to experiment with new ideas while responding more efficiently to changing customer demands.

    Recognising the potential of this approach, Canon Malaysia has partnered with Siser Asia to combine their respective expertise in printing and cutting technology. The collaboration brings together Canon’s GX business printer, equipped with a full pigment ink system designed to deliver vibrant and water-resistant prints, with the Siser Juliet Cutter, which offers high-definition cutting capabilities.

    By combining printing and precision cutting capabilities, the solution is designed to help creative entrepreneurs produce customised products with greater durability, accuracy and consistency, even at smaller production volumes. This can support a broad range of applications, including personalised merchandise, customised stickers and labels, apparel, craft projects and other small-batch creations.

    For creative entrepreneurs, greater access to flexible production tools can create more room to experiment, refine ideas and develop distinctive products for the market. Rather than being limited by conventional production constraints, small businesses can explore different designs and respond to individual customer requirements while maintaining greater control over the production process.

    The development also comes as Malaysia continues to strengthen its cultural and creative economy, with creative entrepreneurship providing an avenue to broaden participation and nurture more homegrown businesses. Continued innovation, skills development and industry collaboration will be important in creating an ecosystem where emerging creators can translate their creative capabilities into sustainable commercial opportunities.

    For Canon Malaysia, supporting the development of creative entrepreneurship is aligned with its corporate philosophy of “Kyosei”, which emphasises living and working together for the common good. Through print innovation and partnerships with industry players, the company aims to support creative entrepreneurs in transforming their ideas and passions into opportunities, contributing to the continued development of Malaysia’s creative sector.

  • MASTERCARD AND DEX CONNECT KOREAN TRAVELERS WITH THEIR PERFECT MATCH ACROSS SOUTHEAST ASIA

    Malaysia, 21 September 2026 — Mastercard has joined forces with Korean celebrity Dex to launch Dream Match, a new travel campaign designed to help Korean travelers discover dining, shopping, entertainment and local experiences across Southeast Asia based on their personal interests.

    Running until the end of 2026, the campaign adopts a matchmaking-inspired concept that allows travelers to explore a curated selection of experiences across the region. Through social media platforms including LinkedIn, Instagram and TikTok, Korean travelers can discover experiences tailored to their interests while exploring destinations across Southeast Asia.

    The campaign features Dex in the role of a matchmaker, drawing on his popularity from Korea’s hit dating reality show Single’s Inferno. The collaboration aims to present travel discovery in a more engaging and culturally relevant way while bringing Mastercard’s Priceless experiences to a wider audience of Korean travelers.

    According to Dheeraj Raina, Senior Vice President, Head of Marketing & Communications, Southeast Asia, Mastercard, the campaign reflects how travel decisions are increasingly influenced by individual interests and the experiences travelers want to pursue. He said the collaboration with Dex provides a natural platform to connect Korean travelers with experiences across Southeast Asia in a fresh and engaging format.

    Southeast Asia continues to attract significant interest from Korean travelers. Data from the Korea Tourism Organization showed that ASEAN destinations welcomed an estimated 6.1 million Korean visitors during the first nine months of 2025, highlighting continued demand for travel across the region. Vietnam alone recorded 3.2 million Korean visitors during the same period, further underscoring the popularity of Southeast Asian destinations among Korean consumers.

    Through Dream Match, eligible Mastercard cardholders can access a curated selection of dining, shopping and entertainment promotions across Southeast Asia. By combining local expertise with personalized recommendations, the campaign is designed to make it easier for travelers to discover experiences that align with their interests while enjoying exclusive offers during their trips.

    The initiative also demonstrates Mastercard’s approach to connecting different stakeholders within the travel ecosystem, bringing together brands, destinations and travelers through curated experiences and targeted offers. By leveraging Mastercard’s extensive network, the campaign aims to create engagement opportunities throughout the travel journey, from planning and inspiration to in-destination discovery.

    Eligible Mastercard cardholders can explore the available promotions and experiences across Southeast Asia through the Southeast Asia on Tap microsite.