Hilton has announced the opening of its new Hilton Garden Inn in Tuaran, marking the brand’s debut in the area and expanding its presence in East Malaysia. Situated along a serene beachfront, the hotel provides a tranquil escape approximately 30 minutes from Kota Kinabalu, offering easy access to Sabah’s natural attractions, including the UNESCO-listed Kinabalu National Park.

The 167-room hotel is designed for both leisure and business travellers, featuring king and twin configurations, family and accessible rooms, and premium options with private patios. Guests can enjoy amenities such as an outdoor swimming pool, a 24-hour fitness centre, and complimentary Wi-Fi. The hotel’s dining experience is highlighted by Together & Co., an all-day restaurant and bar serving a blend of Western and Malaysian dishes.

Alexandra Murray, Hilton’s area vice president and regional head of South East Asia, expressed excitement about the new opening, stating, “Hilton Garden Inn Kota Kinabalu Tuaran offers a refreshingly uncomplicated beachfront retreat where families and travellers can switch off, recharge and enjoy a stay defined by welcoming comforts, dependable service and an approachable sense of hospitality.”

The hotel also caters to corporate events with a 164-square-metre multi-purpose hall accommodating up to 80 guests. To celebrate the opening, Hilton Honors members will earn an additional 1,000 points per night for stays from 26 March to 26 June 2026.

CIMB Group Holdings Berhad has announced a strategic collaboration with Securities Commission Malaysia (SC) and Bursa Malaysia Berhad to advance Malaysia’s Islamic capital markets. This initiative is part of the SC’s Capital Market Masterplan 2026-2030 and involves a pilot project under the SC’s ICM Innovation Lab, known as FIKRALab. The project seeks to expand the range of investible options for Shariah-compliant funds, tapping into ASEAN’s Islamic banking growth.

CIMB, a leading Islamic banking franchise in ASEAN, is leveraging its strong market position to deepen its Islamic banking operations. Currently, over half of its Malaysian financing is Shariah-compliant, and its Indonesian subsidiary, CIMB Niaga, is transitioning to a full-fledged Islamic bank. Group CEO Novan Amirudin expressed enthusiasm for the project, stating, “CIMB’s participation reflects our continued advocacy in capital market and digital innovation.”

The collaboration aligns with CIMB’s Forward30 strategy, which prioritises Islamic finance as a growth engine focused on scale, innovation, and sustainability. By participating in this initiative, CIMB aims to contribute significantly to the evolution of Malaysia’s capital markets, enhancing innovation, resilience, and international competitiveness.

CIMB, headquartered in Kuala Lumpur, is one of ASEAN’s leading banking groups and Malaysia’s second-largest financial services provider by assets. With a presence across ASEAN and beyond, CIMB continues to expand its influence in the Islamic banking sector.

Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) has strengthened its global academic reputation with significant advancements in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2026, released by Quacquarelli Symonds. UTM’s notable achievements include a rise in the Engineering and Technology category from 102 to 86, and in Natural Sciences from 227 to 197. The university’s Petroleum Engineering programme climbed to 36th position globally, whilst Architecture and Built Environment entered the top 50, moving up from the 51-100 bracket.

UTM now holds the top national rank in Malaysia across four key disciplines: Architecture and Built Environment, Mineral and Mining Engineering, Civil and Structural Engineering, and Chemical Engineering. It also ranks second nationally in Electrical and Electronic Engineering and the broader Engineering and Technology category, with Petroleum Engineering securing the third spot.

Vice-Chancellor Prof Ts Dr Mohd Shafry Mohd Rahim attributed these successes to UTM’s commitment to academic excellence, high-impact research, and strategic collaborations. “These achievements reflect the university’s unwavering commitment to strengthening academic excellence, high-impact research, and strategic collaborations with industry partners and international institutions,” he stated.

The university’s progress aligns with its UTM ASCEND 2030 aspirations, aiming to reinforce its position as a global technological leader. UTM continues to focus on innovation, research excellence, and talent development, contributing to national development and global societal wellbeing. Established in 1904, UTM is a research-intensive public university specialising in engineering, science, and technology, with a growing international profile.

Emerging Payments Association Asia (EPAA) and Monash University Malaysia have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to address key challenges in the Asia Pacific (APAC) payments landscape. The three-year partnership, announced on 26 March 2026, will focus on translating academic research into actionable insights in areas such as quantum-safe cryptography, stablecoins, scams and fraud, and cross-border remittances.

The MoU, signed on 25 March 2026 at Monash University Malaysia by Professor Nafis Alam and EPAA CEO Camilla Bullock, aims to prepare the next generation of payments professionals and enhance APAC’s global competitiveness. Bullock emphasised the need for collaboration, stating, “APAC’s payments landscape is world-leading, but new technologies are creating policy challenges that no single institution can address alone.”

Professor Andreas Deppeler of Monash University Malaysia highlighted the importance of the partnership, noting that the rapidly evolving payments sector presents both opportunities and regulatory challenges. “By working together with the EPAA, we aim to strengthen policy development, build technical capability, and help prepare the next generation of payments professionals,” he said.

The collaboration will also see the convening of up to 200 senior leaders, academics, and regulators at the EPAA Connect – Payments Leaders Forum in Kuala Lumpur on 16 July 2026. The outcomes from this forum will guide joint research and capability-building activities, supporting a resilient payments ecosystem across the region.

Fingular, a Singapore-based fintech holding, has unveiled Tazee, a new Shariah-first consumer financing brand in Malaysia. This initiative addresses the lack of fully Shariah-compliant options for quick, small-ticket digital financing, a segment often overlooked by Islamic banks that focus on larger, long-term financing.

Tazee offers a fully digital financing solution built on a transparent Shariah-compliant structure known as Tawarruq. Currently available via web and Android, with an iOS version forthcoming, Tazee aims to provide fast and accessible financial services. The operating entity, Wawasan Sdn. Bhd., holds independent Shariah certification from a leading Malaysian advisory firm, ensuring compliance and transparency.

Maxim Chernushchenko, co-founder of Fingular, stated, “With Tazee, we are not just adding a new product — we are building a dedicated business line for customers for whom Shariah compliance is a fundamental requirement.” He highlighted Malaysia’s robust Islamic finance ecosystem but noted a gap in the digital segment for swift, small-ticket solutions.

As the global Islamic finance industry is projected to reach $6 trillion in assets, Tazee positions itself as a digital-first player in Malaysia’s evolving financial landscape. The company plans to expand its customer base, refine its offerings, and establish itself as a leader in Shariah-compliant digital financing in the short-term segment.

MEASAT Global Berhad, Malaysia’s leading spacetech provider, has announced the launch of Angel TV Namaskar, a new high-definition Nepali-language channel, via its MEASAT-3d satellite. This strategic move aims to enhance content delivery across South Asia, particularly targeting audiences in Nepal.

Angel TV Namaskar is part of the Angel TV Networks group and will utilise MEASAT’s extensive satellite reach to deliver high-quality content. Ganendra Selvaraj, Chief Commercial Officer of MEASAT, stated, “We are pleased to partner with Angel TV Networks for the launch of Angel TV Namaskar. Leveraging our cutting-edge MEASAT-3d satellite at the prime 91.5°E orbital hotslot, MEASAT remains the preferred satellite solutions provider for South Asia and a natural choice for reaching audiences in Nepal.”

Subash Raja, Chief Operations Officer of Angel TV Networks, highlighted the importance of this collaboration, saying, “By choosing the MEASAT-3d satellite to support HD broadcasting of Angel TV Namaskar, we are ensuring that our audience enjoys a premium viewing experience that resonates with the unique cultural landscape of Nepal.”

The 91.5°E orbital hotslot, home to the MEASAT-3b and MEASAT-3d satellites, is recognised as the region’s strongest video neighbourhood, supporting broadcasters and direct-to-home operators in distributing ultra-high-definition, high-definition, and standard-definition channels throughout the Asia-Pacific.

This development underscores MEASAT’s commitment to expanding its influence in the region and meeting the growing demand for diverse and high-quality content.

Allianz General Insurance Company (Malaysia) Berhad is enhancing personal accident protection by offering a 25% extra coverage on its Allianz Shield Plus and Allianz Lifestyle Protect policies. This initiative marks Allianz Malaysia’s 25th anniversary, aiming to reward customer loyalty and reinforce its commitment to safeguarding what matters most.

Chief Executive Officer Sean Wang expressed gratitude to customers, stating, “This campaign is our way of saying thank you for 25 incredible years of trust and support.” The additional coverage is designed to provide greater financial security and peace of mind, addressing needs such as protecting loved ones and managing unexpected events.

Under the campaign, customers aged 40 and below purchasing a new Allianz Shield Plus policy will receive a 25% Special Bonus on the Principal Sum Insured. Existing policyholders renewing with new individuals added, also aged 40 and below, will benefit from the same bonus. The Allianz Shield Plus offers worldwide personal accident insurance, covering up to RM3m for accidental death and permanent disablement.

Similarly, new Allianz Lifestyle Protect policyholders will enjoy 25% Extra Coverage for selected Lifestyle and Living Benefits, tailored to individual needs. Existing policyholders adding new individuals will also receive this additional coverage. Benefits include coverage for smart devices, credit card indemnity, and online purchases.

This campaign runs from 1 January to 31 December 2026, providing comprehensive protection and support for unexpected events.

Allianz General Insurance Company (Malaysia) Berhad is enhancing its motor personal accident coverage to promote road safety and provide peace of mind to Malaysian road users. From 3 March 2026 to 31 December 2026, motorcyclists who purchase or renew an Allianz Motorcycle Plus policy will receive a complimentary increase in Road Accident Coverage. This enhancement raises the coverage for death or permanent disability from RM10,000 to RM25,000, applicable to motorcycles with engine capacities up to 250cc or 12,000 watts.

For car drivers, Allianz General introduces the Drive Guard add-on, available for just RM5 annually when purchasing or renewing an Allianz Private Car Comprehensive policy within the same period. Drive Guard offers coverage up to RM50,000 for death or permanent disablement due to road accidents, along with hospital income of RM50 per day for up to 60 days, medical expenses up to RM2,000, and a bereavement allowance of RM2,500.

Sean Wang, CEO of Allianz General, emphasised the company’s commitment to providing solutions that prioritise the safety and well-being of motorcyclists, car drivers, and their passengers. These initiatives are part of Allianz General’s ongoing efforts to ensure Malaysians have access to affordable and comprehensive protection.

These enhancements reflect Allianz General’s dedication to safeguarding road users, ensuring they are better protected against the risks associated with road travel.

ProtectHealth Corporation Sdn. Bhd., an agency under Malaysia’s Ministry of Health, has intensified its efforts to promote the Skim Peduli Kesihatan (PeKa) for the B40 group through the Programme Ziarah MADANI at Hospital Shah Alam. This initiative aims to improve healthcare accessibility for the B40 community, a segment representing the bottom 40% of income earners in Malaysia.

The programme, attended by notable figures including Datuk Seri Dr. Dzulke, underscores a commitment to enhancing healthcare services for underserved populations. ProtectHealth’s collaboration with Hospital Shah Alam is a strategic move to ensure that more individuals in the B40 group receive essential health screenings, which are crucial for early detection and management of health issues.

The PeKa B40 scheme is designed to provide comprehensive health screenings and follow-up treatments, addressing the healthcare needs of the lower-income group. By partnering with healthcare institutions like Hospital Shah Alam, ProtectHealth aims to extend its reach and impact, ensuring that more individuals benefit from these services.

This initiative is part of a broader effort by the Ministry of Health to bridge healthcare gaps and promote equitable access to medical services across Malaysia. As the programme progresses, it is expected to set a precedent for similar collaborations, potentially influencing healthcare policies and practices in the region.

7-Eleven Malaysia has contributed RM27,888 to the Persatuan Kebajikan Kakitangan Masjid Negara Kuala Lumpur to support the mosque’s Ramadan moreh programme. This initiative provides meals to worshippers following nightly tarawih prayers throughout the holy month. The donation was presented by Tan Sri Mohd Annuar Zaini, Chairman of 7-Eleven Malaysia Holdings Berhad, during a ceremony at the mosque.

The moreh programme, organised by the mosque’s welfare association, ensures that congregants can enjoy a meal together after prayers, reinforcing the values of generosity and community that are central to Ramadan. Masjid Negara, a significant spiritual and community hub, welcomes people from diverse backgrounds, including families, students, and travellers, to share in the spirit of the holy month.

Tan Sri Mohd Annuar Zaini expressed the company’s honour in supporting Masjid Negara, stating, “Ramadan reminds us of the importance of compassion, humility, and sharing our blessings with the community.” He emphasised the role of the moreh programme in fostering fellowship among worshippers.

This contribution is part of 7-Eleven Malaysia’s annual community initiative, Semurni Kasih, which aims to uplift communities and promote generosity during Ramadan. Through this initiative, the company collaborates with various partners to extend assistance to those in need, encouraging Malaysians to share kindness.

7-Eleven Malaysia, a leading convenience store operator with over 2,700 outlets nationwide, continues to play a meaningful role in supporting local communities and fostering the spirit of giving.