Allianz Malaysia Berhad, in collaboration with Yayasan Kajian dan Pembangunan Masyarakat (YKPM), reports significant progress in its Orang Asli Sustainable Livelihood Green Economy Programme. Launched in 2024, the initiative aims to empower Orang Asli communities in Pekan, Pahang, by fostering self-sustaining social enterprises through agroforestry, enhancing food security, and helping them rise above poverty.

The programme expanded in August 2025, now reaching 70 farmers from 42 households and benefiting 1,318 villagers across six villages. This phase focuses on collective farming, centralised infrastructure, efficient logistics, and leadership development.

By January 2026, the programme has enabled 42 Orang Asli families to generate substantial income, with ongoing investments in infrastructure for long-term sustainability. Allianz Malaysia CEO Sean Wang stated, “At Allianz Malaysia, we believe true empowerment happens when communities are given the tools, confidence and opportunities to lead their own progress.”

YKPM Managing Director Kon Onn Sein highlighted the impact of Allianz Malaysia’s financial support, which has allowed YKPM to enhance its support for the Orang Asli community, fostering self-sufficiency and economic growth. The funding also aids in building a sustainable programme that contributes to poverty alleviation and social transformation.

The initiative underscores Allianz Malaysia’s commitment to corporate social responsibility, aiming to create lasting positive impacts on the Orang Asli communities by equipping them with the necessary resources and opportunities for sustainable development.

Professor Dou Dejing, Chief Scientist at Beijing Electronic Digital Intelligence (BEDI), recently presented China’s AI industry practices at the China-ASEAN AI High-Level Seminar in Kuala Lumpur. The event, co-organised by several engineering and academic institutions, gathered nearly 150 representatives to discuss AI technologies and regional cooperation.

During his keynote, Professor Dou highlighted BEDI’s strategy of using full-stack AI capabilities to drive industrial upgrades. He detailed BEDI’s framework, which includes one AI foundation and two industry platforms, tailored to specific cities and industries. This approach has been applied in various sectors, including healthcare and manufacturing, offering ASEAN participants a reference for industry transformation.

BEDI’s initiatives include the Beijing Digital Economy Computing Power Centre, which supports innovation in Chaoyang District’s audiovisual industry, and a partnership with the China-Japan Friendship Hospital to enhance service efficiency. In Foshan, BEDI’s AI-enabled manufacturing base uses intelligent computing to reduce costs and improve efficiency, with projections of generating significant revenue growth.

Professor Dou emphasised BEDI’s commitment to ethical AI and open collaboration, aiming to build a China-ASEAN AI ecosystem through technology transfer and joint research and development. This model, he noted, provides a practical path for AI-powered transformation in Southeast Asia, supporting regional digital transformation and fostering new cooperation landscapes.

Asia OneHealthcare (A1Health) has announced a groundbreaking partnership with MediExpress (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd, marking the first collaboration of its kind between a hospital group and the managed healthcare network. The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed by both parties aims to streamline patient access and improve administrative processes across A1Health hospitals.

Under the partnership, MediExpress will serve as a managed care partner across A1Health’s hospital network, with a shared focus on improving access to private healthcare, enhancing care coordination, and supporting the long-term sustainability of healthcare financing.

The significance of this partnership lies in its potential to transform patient experiences by making healthcare more accessible and affordable. By addressing key challenges in the healthcare system, A1Health and MediExpress are poised to set a new standard for hospital networks in the region.

The partnership brings together A1Health’s nationwide network of 21 hospitals, including 12 Columbia Asia Hospitals, Subang Jaya Medical Centre, Ara Damansara Medical Centre, ParkCity Medical Centre and Bukit Tinggi Medical Centre, as well as five super-specialty hospitals – ALTY Orthopaedic Hospital, Beacon Hospital, Cardiac Vascular Sentral Kuala Lumpur (CVSKL), PICASO Hospital and Northern Heart Hospital Penang.

Beyond hospital-based treatment, the collaboration places a strong emphasis on preventive healthcare and long-term health management. As part of the partnership, MediExpress members will have access to Asia 1Health’s  Health Transformation Programme through selected hospitals within its network.

ComTech Gold, a digital gold platform, has teamed up with PeerHive to launch a gold-backed financing solution for Malaysian investors. This innovative offering enables investors to use their tokenised physical gold, known as CGO Tokens, as collateral for financing, allowing them to retain ownership of their gold whilst accessing liquidity.

The partnership addresses a common dilemma for gold investors in Malaysia: the need to choose between holding gold as a long-term asset or liquidating it for short-term cash needs. By pledging CGO Tokens, which are backed 1:1 by physical 24-karat gold stored in insured vaults, investors can secure financing through PeerHive without selling their gold.

Gold has long been a trusted asset for wealth preservation in Malaysia. With increasing interest in digital assets and alternative financing, this partnership aims to modernise gold’s role as a financial tool. Jignesh Ved, Founder of ComTech Gold, stated, “This partnership is about giving gold investors greater flexibility.”

The solution offers several key features, including transparent valuation based on LBMA PM Fix benchmarks and institutional-grade risk controls. Unlike traditional pawn or buyback models, investors maintain beneficial ownership of their gold throughout the financing period.

ComTech Gold provides the digital infrastructure and gold custody capabilities, whilst PeerHive contributes expertise in secured lending and credit assessment. The partnership operates under UAE regulatory frameworks and is available to international investors, including those in Malaysia.

This collaboration highlights the evolution of secured lending, combining traditional asset-backed lending with modern technology to benefit both lenders and borrowers.

Farm Price Holdings Berhad, a Johor-based wholesaler and distributor of fresh vegetables and F&B products, has announced its intention to transfer its listing from the ACE Market to the Main Market of Bursa Malaysia Securities Berhad. This move signifies the company’s growth and readiness for further expansion.

The company has met the necessary requirements for this transfer, as outlined by the Securities Commission Malaysia Equity Guidelines. Farm Price recorded a net profit of RM23.8m over the past three financial years, surpassing the minimum requirement of RM20m. For the financial year ending 2024, the company reported a net profit of RM10.3m, exceeding the RM6m minimum for the latest financial year.

Financially, Farm Price is in a strong position, with current assets of RM51.8m and liabilities of RM12.1m, resulting in a current ratio of 4.27. The company holds cash and cash equivalents of RM29.6m against total borrowings of RM10.9m, reflecting a healthy gearing ratio of 0.18. The company has also maintained positive net cash from operations over the past three years and has no accumulated losses.

Managing Director Lawrence Tiong Lee Chian stated, “The Proposed Transfer represents more than a market shift; it reflects the Group’s progress, operating discipline and readiness for the next phase of growth.” He added that the move is expected to enhance Farm Price’s credibility and broaden its investor base.

Farm Price plans to amend its Constitution to comply with the Main Market Listing Requirements. The company was initially listed on the ACE Market on 14 May 2024, raising RM24.5m. The expansion of its Centralised Distribution Centre in Senai is set to further boost its operational efficiency once commissioned in early 2026.

Allianz Malaysia Berhad is commemorating its 25th anniversary with a nationwide campaign designed to reward its customers with extraordinary experiences. This celebration, marking a quarter-century of trust and protection, includes a series of exciting prizes aimed at enriching the lives of Malaysians.

Chief Executive Officer Sean Wang highlighted the significance of this milestone, stating, “This is a historic moment for us, celebrating 25 years of trust and securing lives. Our silver jubilee is not just a reflection of our growth as an organisation, but also a testament to the trust Malaysians have placed in us over the years.”

The campaign offers a range of prizes, including a Proton e.Mas 5 and a trip to Iceland for two, as well as exclusive dining and travel experiences for 48 customers. The total value of the prizes amounts to $42,000 (RM200,000). These rewards are part of Allianz Malaysia’s effort to celebrate progress, independence, and the courage to embrace the future.

In addition to the prizes, Allianz Malaysia will host roadshows in key locations such as Kuala Lumpur, Penang, and Johor, offering engaging activities and insights into their protection solutions. The company remains committed to supporting Malaysians through life’s milestones, ensuring their futures are secure.

Mooreast Holdings Ltd., a Singapore Exchange-listed company, has announced a collaboration with Sime Darby Joy Industries Sdn Bhd, a subsidiary of Sime Darby Berhad, to develop offshore and renewable energy products in Malaysia. The partnership aims to explore and fabricate products related to offshore renewable energy and deep-sea equipment, leveraging Mooreast’s technical expertise and SDJ’s fabrication capabilities.

The collaboration is driven by the increasing demand for reliable engineering solutions in floating renewable projects within Malaysia and the broader region. Mooreast, known for its mooring solutions and as Asia’s sole drag embedment anchor designer, will provide technical support and raw materials. Meanwhile, SDJ will manage the pilot fabrication, including production scheduling and logistics.

Sim Koon Lam, Executive Director of Mooreast, highlighted the potential of the partnership, stating, “Sime is one of the most well-established industrial groups in the region. The proposed collaboration will allow Mooreast to broaden its reach in Malaysia.” Scott Nicholls, Managing Director of Industrial Solutions at Sime, added, “SDJ’s long-standing expertise, combined with Mooreast’s subsea know-how, will strengthen local supply chains, create skilled jobs, and support the country’s clean-energy transition.”

This strategic partnership not only aims to enhance local supply chains but also supports Malaysia’s clean-energy transition, promising tangible benefits for customers and stakeholders in the region.

AirBorneo has announced a strategic partnership with ATR to modernise Malaysia’s Rural Air Services (RAS) fleet, confirming a firm order for eight ATR aircraft. The agreement includes five ATR 72-600s and three ATR 42-600s, with deliveries set between 2027 and 2029. This move marks a significant milestone in AirBorneo’s transformation into Sarawak’s state-owned airline, following its acquisition of MASwings in 2025.

The new-generation ATR –600 series fleet will strengthen essential air connectivity across Sarawak, Sabah, and Labuan, enhancing operational reliability and passenger experience. The aircraft are equipped with advanced avionics, modern navigation technologies, and improved cabin comfort, and are optimised for diverse regional and rural routes in Borneo. This mixed fleet will provide AirBorneo with the flexibility to adjust capacity across various route profiles whilst maintaining strong commonality with the ATR family.

Megat Ardian, CEO of AirBorneo, stated, “Our new ATR –600 fleet will significantly strengthen the Rural Air Services network by offering improved comfort, greater efficiency, and the operational capability required for regional connectivity in East Malaysia.” Nathalie Tarnaud Laude, CEO of ATR, added, “The ATR 42-600, with its exceptional efficiency and low operating costs, is ideally suited for serving lower-density regional routes, whilst the ATR 72-600 provides additional capacity where it is needed.”

The agreement also includes purchase rights for four additional aircraft, allowing for potential regional expansion within the Brunei Darussalam–Indonesia–Malaysia–Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area. This partnership underscores AirBorneo’s commitment to delivering reliable, safe, and modern air services for the communities it serves.

Vantage Data Centres has announced the appointment of Fitri Abdullah as the country managing director for Malaysia, a newly established role aimed at accelerating the company’s growth in the region. Abdullah, who will report to Jeremy Deutsch, president of Vantage APAC, brings over three decades of experience in technology and communications to the position. His role will involve leading strategic initiatives to enhance stakeholder engagement and market leadership in Malaysia.

Abdullah’s extensive career includes a nine-year tenure as managing director of Oracle Corporation Malaysia, where he spearheaded the company’s transformation into a leading cloud service provider. Prior to Oracle, he held significant roles at Mesiniaga Berhad and Maxis Berhad, where he drove business growth through innovative offerings and improved customer engagement.

Jeremy Deutsch expressed enthusiasm about Abdullah’s appointment, noting, “His strategic vision and extensive experience will be instrumental as we pursue new opportunities and deepen our commitment to innovation and sustainability.”

Abdullah himself highlighted the importance of Malaysia to Vantage’s operations, stating, “I am honoured and excited to take on this new role in advancing Vantage’s APAC growth journey and supporting Malaysia’s digital economy.”

Vantage’s presence in Malaysia includes three hyperscale campuses in Kuala Lumpur and Johor, underscoring its commitment to the country’s cloud and AI transformation. The company’s expansion efforts reflect its dedication to supporting Malaysia’s digital infrastructure and economic growth.

Birkin International Hotel in Melaka has announced the appointment of Kevin Lee Kuan Hsien as its new General Manager, effective January 2026. This move marks a significant step for the luxury hotel as it embarks on its first full year of operations, aiming to expand its market presence in Malaysia and the ASEAN region.

With more than 20 years of experience in hospitality leadership, Kevin Lee has worked with international brands such as IHG and independent luxury properties in Taiwan and Malaysia. His expertise includes leading pre-opening operations, financial turnarounds, and multi-property coordination. Known for his hands-on leadership style, Kevin is focused on operational excellence and team development. “My vision is to establish Birkin International Hotel as the premier luxury hotel in Melaka, supported by a winning team that is aligned, empowered, and performance-driven,” he stated.

Birkin International Hotel, the first Malaysian luxury hotel developed by Taiwan-based YeaShin International Development Co Ltd, is a 526-room project valued at MYR500m. The hotel, which opened in July 2025, has already garnered accolades, including the Best Luxury New Hotel in Melaka award from Luxury Lifestyle Awards and a 5-Star Rating Certification from Malaysia’s Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture.

Kevin’s appointment underscores the hotel’s commitment to long-term value creation and professional management. He aims to position Birkin as the leading hotel brand in Melaka by focusing on operational consistency and fundamental excellence.