Annica Holdings Limited has announced an expanded collaboration with Travia Consultancy Services to convert end-of-life tyres into energy products. This initiative aligns with Annica’s strategy to enhance its presence in the renewable energy and circular economy sectors.

The collaboration will see Annica’s subsidiary, Cahya Suria Energy, and Travia working together on three fronts: supplying tyre feedstock, offtaking tyre pyrolysis oil (TPO), and a research project to upgrade TPO into sustainable fuels. Travia will supply up to 70% of the tyre feedstock needed for Cahya Suria Energy’s production capacity and will purchase up to 70% of the TPO produced, contingent on quality standards.

This partnership aims to bolster feedstock security for Cahya Suria Energy’s recycling facility and provide an offtake channel for its products, fostering an integrated circular economy ecosystem. The research project will focus on upgrading TPO for potential use in aviation, transport, and maritime sectors. Travia will install a proprietary oil upgrading system at Cahya Suria Energy’s plant in Tanjung Malim, Malaysia, and provide technical personnel for the project.

The facility, equipped with 13 vertical automatic pyrolysis production lines, is designed to process up to 40,000 metric tonnes of tyres annually. Commercial production is anticipated to begin by the fourth quarter of 2026, pending regulatory approvals.

Sandra Liz Hon Ai Ling, CEO of Annica, expressed enthusiasm for the collaboration, stating it will enable the company to produce higher-value sustainable fuels and create new revenue streams. This initiative is part of Annica’s broader strategy to develop its renewable energy segment across Southeast Asia.

The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) hosted its flagship event, Think Business, Think Hong Kong (TBTHK), in Kuala Lumpur, bringing together 1,600 business leaders from Malaysia and Hong Kong. The symposium, held on 11 August, aimed to deepen business ties and explore new pathways for regional growth amidst shifting global trade dynamics.

The event featured over 300 tailored business matching meetings, providing Malaysian companies with opportunities to connect with Hong Kong partners and expand into the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and beyond. Prof Frederick Ma, Chairman of HKTDC, highlighted the importance of strong networks in navigating geopolitical uncertainties and evolving supply chains.

Algernon Yau, Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development of Hong Kong, emphasised the potential of the Chinese Mainland market for Malaysian companies, noting Hong Kong’s expertise in facilitating access. He mentioned the GoGlobal Task Force, which supports Chinese Mainland enterprises in expanding overseas, including into Malaysia.

The programme included a plenary session chaired by Lincoln Pan, CEO of Jardine Matheson Holdings, with discussions on Asia’s evolving business landscape. The event also featured thematic sessions on trade financing, green finance, regional expansion, and health technology, showcasing Hong Kong’s strategic role in these areas.

TBTHK saw the signing of 10 memoranda of understanding, underscoring growing collaboration between Hong Kong’s services sector and Malaysia’s business community. The event also included exhibitions and business consultations to foster further partnerships.

Allianz Life Insurance Malaysia Berhad has unveiled HealthCover Prime, a new insurance solution designed to address the financial challenges faced by Malaysians during recovery from critical illnesses. The policy aims to mitigate the income loss that often accompanies serious health conditions, which can strain individuals and families despite existing medical insurance coverage.

The introduction of HealthCover Prime comes in response to findings from Bank Negara Malaysia’s 2024 Financial Capability and Inclusion Demand Survey, which revealed that only 37% of Malaysians could sustain their living expenses for more than three months if their income were disrupted. This highlights the need for comprehensive critical illness protection alongside medical insurance.

Giulio Slavich, CEO of Allianz Life, emphasised the broader implications of critical illnesses, stating, “Today, the conversation around critical illness is no longer just about survival. It is about how individuals and families navigate the months and years that follow a diagnosis.” HealthCover Prime offers multiple claims for the same or different critical illnesses through its Multi-Pay Benefit, and additional financial support for recurring conditions like late-stage cancer, heart attacks, or strokes.

The policy also includes a Gender Specific Cancer Benefit, providing extra compensation for late-stage breast and prostate cancers, and a Catch All Booster Benefit, which covers ICU admissions and hospital stays due to surgery or infection, even without a critical illness claim. With potential payouts up to 635% of the insured amount, HealthCover Prime aims to ensure financial support throughout the recovery journey.

To promote HealthCover Prime, Allianz Life is offering a limited-time campaign where eligible customers purchasing Plan 1 will receive additional benefits typically reserved for Plan 2. This offer is available to the first 3,000 qualifying customers from 10 to 31 August 2026. The launch at Allianz Health Festival 2026 attracted over 500 attendees, underscoring the growing importance of health protection and financial preparedness in Malaysia.

Bettr, a fintech solutions provider under Ant International, has partnered with Muslim Pro to introduce a Shariah-compliant Umrah financing service in Malaysia. This initiative aims to assist Muslims in managing the financial demands of the pilgrimage by allowing them to spread costs over 12 to 24 months. The service is particularly targeted at individuals aged 30 to 50, who often support families and need to maintain financial stability.

The financing solution employs a Tawarruq structure, facilitated by AS-SIDQ, SEDANIA As Salam Capital’s digital commodity trading platform, ensuring compliance with Islamic finance principles. This partnership allows eligible users to explore Umrah packages, including flights and accommodation, through the Muslim Pro app, and apply for financing digitally.

With a global Muslim population of two billion, including 22 million in Malaysia, the demand for integrated financial services is growing. The partnership between Bettr and Muslim Pro addresses this need by providing a seamless and secure way for Muslims to plan their pilgrimage without compromising other financial commitments.

Nafees Khundker, CEO of Muslim Pro, expressed pride in offering a responsible financing option, stating, “We’re proud to work with Bettr to offer a responsible, Shariah-compliant way for individuals and families in Malaysia to plan their pilgrimage with confidence.” Quan Yu, General Manager of Bettr Credit, highlighted the role of technology in expanding access to financial services, saying, “Our engagement in Islamic finance is driven by a deep faith in the power of technology to do good.”

This collaboration marks a significant step in Bettr’s Islamic finance initiative, reinforcing Ant International’s commitment to supporting Muslim communities with inclusive financial services.

The Energy Market Authority (EMA) has granted Conditional Approvals to Sembcorp Utilities Pte Ltd and Southern Solar Alliance Pte Ltd to import a total of 900 megawatts (MW) of electricity from Peninsular Malaysia to Singapore. The electricity will be generated from solar and battery energy storage systems located in Johor, with commercial operations expected to commence around 2029.

Sembcorp Utilities has been approved for a proposed capacity of 300 MW, whilst Southern Solar Alliance, a subsidiary of Malaysian developer Ditrolic Energy Holdings Sdn Bhd, has been approved for 600 MW. Both companies must secure necessary approvals, finalise power purchase agreements, and achieve various project milestones to reach financial close.

This development is part of a broader strategy to enhance bilateral energy cooperation between Singapore and Malaysia. It follows previous approvals for importing 1GW of low-carbon electricity from Sarawak and a Joint Development Agreement involving Singapore Energy Interconnections, SP Group, and Tenaga Nasional Berhad for a potential 2GW interconnection.

The initiative aligns with Singapore’s efforts to decarbonise its power sector, which contributes to 40% of the nation’s carbon emissions. EMA has already granted Conditional Approvals and Licences to 13 electricity import projects from countries including Australia, Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Vietnam. The authority continues to seek credible proposals that support the decarbonisation agenda.

Oriental Kopi Holdings Berhad is set to broaden its international footprint by entering the Indonesian and Mauritian markets. The café chain operator has formed a joint venture with PT Era Boga Nusantara, part of the Indonesian retail giant Erajaya Group, to establish Oriental Kopi cafés in Indonesia. Additionally, a franchise agreement with Mauritius-based Coffee Time Ltd will introduce the brand to Mauritius.

In Indonesia, the joint venture will see Era Boga Nusantara holding a 60% stake in PT Era Oriental Kopi, with Oriental Coffee International, a subsidiary of Oriental Kopi, holding the remaining 40%. The initial focus will be on the Greater Jakarta area, with the first café expected to open by the end of 2026 at Central Park Mall, West Jakarta. This move follows Oriental Kopi’s successful entry into Singapore and aims to leverage Erajaya’s extensive retail network and local expertise.

Erajaya, established in 1996 and listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange since 2011, operates over 2,400 stores and manages several international F&B brands in Indonesia. The partnership is expected to combine Oriental Kopi’s brand strength with Erajaya’s market presence to enhance the café’s growth in Indonesia. The venture will also seek halal certification to cater to Indonesia’s large Muslim population.

In Mauritius, the franchise agreement grants Coffee Time Ltd exclusive rights to develop and operate Oriental Kopi restaurants. This asset-light model allows Oriental Kopi to enter a new market efficiently.

Managing Director Calvin Chan expressed enthusiasm for the expansion, highlighting the shared culinary heritage between Malaysia and Indonesia and the potential for growth through these strategic partnerships.

Maybank Singapore has announced its participation in the Monetary Authority of Singapore’s (MAS) BLOOM initiative, aiming to revolutionise cross-border settlements. The initiative, which stands for Borderless, Liquid, Open, Online, Multi-currency, seeks to improve financial interoperability through the use of tokenised bank liabilities and regulated stablecoins.

This collaboration marks another milestone in Maybank’s journey towards digital finance, following its involvement in the first tokenised sukuk issuance by Khazanah Nasional Berhad and the real-time Malaysian Ringgit-Singapore Dollar FX conversion for Yinson Holdings Berhad. Alvin Lee, CEO of Maybank Singapore, stated, “Through BLOOM, Maybank aims to help shape the common standards and infrastructure principles needed to enable the future of digital finance in Singapore.”

Maybank’s participation in BLOOM aligns with its ROAR30 strategy, a five-year plan to invest S$3.2b (RM10b) in technology, data, and artificial intelligence. This strategy focuses on making banking more efficient and accessible, particularly for small and medium enterprises.

In addition to its technological advancements, Maybank has been recognised by Euromoney’s Awards for Excellence 2026 as the World’s Best Bank for Corporate Responsibility, Asia’s Best Bank for ESG, and ASEAN’s Best Bank for Large Corporates. These accolades underscore Maybank’s commitment to sustainable and responsible banking practices.

Sunway Medical Centre Velocity (SMCV) has become the first hospital in Southeast Asia to implement the comprehensive NORAV Clinical Management System. This innovative digital platform is designed to centralise diagnostic information, streamline clinical workflows, and support faster, more coordinated patient care.

The NORAV system integrates six diagnostic services—electrocardiogram (ECG), cardiac stress tests, pulmonary function tests, Holter monitoring, ambulatory blood pressure monitoring, and ankle-brachial pressure index tests—into a single connected platform. This integration allows authorised healthcare professionals to securely access patient information and medical reports from anywhere within the hospital, significantly reducing waiting times for reports and improving coordination among medical staff.

Susan Cheow, CEO of SMCV, stated, “The launch of the comprehensive NORAV Clinical Management System strengthens the way diagnostic information is managed and shared across SMCV, providing our clinical teams with timely access to the information they need for medical decision-making.”

The system also supports SMCV’s sustainability efforts by reducing paper usage, with an expected 50% decrease in ECG paper consumption. This move towards digital records not only enhances clinical efficiency but also contributes to a more environmentally responsible healthcare ecosystem.

Jordan Meshil, Vice President of International Sales at NORAV Medical, highlighted the system’s impact: “Before this integrated system, data from each diagnostic service was siloed. The NORAV system accelerates the process by consolidating outputs into a single record, aiding specialists in working with complete test results.”

The implementation of the NORAV Clinical Management System is part of SMCV’s ongoing efforts to enhance operational efficiency and provide a seamless patient experience.

Vitafoods Asia, a leading nutraceutical event by Informa Markets, has announced its strategic relocation to the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC) in Kuala Lumpur for its 2027 edition. Scheduled from 21 to 23 September 2027, this move aims to tap into Malaysia’s burgeoning market, projected to reach nearly $1b by 2030.

The event will occupy eight halls at MITEC, offering 35,000 square metres of exhibition space, enhancing opportunities for exhibitors and trade visitors. Rose Chitanuwat, Regional Portfolio Director for ASEAN at Informa Markets, highlighted Kuala Lumpur’s potential, stating, “The combination of MITEC’s world-class facilities, Malaysia’s competitive advantages, and Kuala Lumpur’s accessibility makes this the ideal location to drive the next phase of growth for our industry.”

Malaysia’s nutraceutical market, valued at $600m in 2022, is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 5.2%, driven by rising health consciousness and a shift towards preventive healthcare. The market offers unique opportunities for ingredient suppliers, particularly in halal-certified ingredients, and finished product companies, with a growing demand for immunity boosters and plant-based supplements.

The event will coincide with Food & Hospitality Malaysia 2027 at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre, creating cross-sector opportunities for attendees. This strategic move reflects the convergence between nutraceuticals and functional foods, offering enhanced networking opportunities for exhibitors and attendees. Further details and registration information for Vitafoods Asia 2027 will be announced in the coming months.

Club Med has announced a major renovation of its Cherating resort in Malaysia, set to begin on 11 October 2026. This transformation aims to blend modern luxury with the resort’s natural surroundings, enhancing its unique position as a self-contained jungle sanctuary. Originally opened in 1979, Cherating was the first Club Med resort in Asia, chosen for its pristine forest and beachfront.

The renovation will integrate the jungle into the guest experience, offering a seamless transition from outdoor exploration to relaxation. Rachael Harding, CEO for Southeast Asia and Pacific at Club Med, stated, “This transformation will open a new chapter for this iconic destination, creating a more sophisticated yet deeply natural escape.”

The resort will introduce five signature experiences, including the Jungle Express, Cliffside Challenge, and Firefly Mangrove Cruise, designed to connect guests with the environment. The renovation aligns with Club Med’s sustainability philosophy, ensuring ecological preservation whilst providing modern amenities.

Before the renovation, Club Med Cherating will host special activities, including a street market and charity auction, allowing guests to take home a piece of the resort’s history. The resort will close for transformation on 11 October 2026, marking the end of an era and the beginning of a new chapter in its storied history.