Pos Malaysia has unveiled Redly, a new tech-driven solution designed to streamline global e-commerce and cross-border shipping. Launched on 9 October, Redly consolidates all of Pos Malaysia’s international mailing and shipping services under a single, cohesive brand, aiming to simplify and enhance the customer experience worldwide.

Redly integrates international mail, parcels, freight, and e-commerce shipping into one seamless platform, offering flexibility and transparency. Tan Sri Syed Faisal Albar, Chairman of Pos Malaysia, stated, “With Redly, we bring everything together under one unified brand and identity: clear, consistent, and ready to serve our customers better.”

The service introduces three core products to cater to diverse international needs: RedlyExpress for time-critical deliveries, RedlyPriority for reliable mid-speed shipping, and RedlyConnect for cost-effective, non-urgent shipments. This strategic move positions Pos Malaysia to better meet the growing demands of global logistics and e-commerce.

Redly is now available nationwide through all Pos Malaysia touchpoints, including post offices and online platforms. The launch marks a significant step in Pos Malaysia’s evolution, with further innovations like SendParcelPro, a premium digital shipping platform, on the horizon. This initiative underscores Pos Malaysia’s commitment to excellence in cross-border logistics and international e-commerce, connecting people and businesses globally.

The MICHELIN Guide has announced its inaugural Global MICHELIN Keys Selection, recognising 2,457 hotels worldwide for exceptional hospitality. Among these, four Malaysian hotels have been honoured, with one receiving Two MICHELIN Keys and three awarded One MICHELIN Key. This marks Malaysia’s debut in the prestigious list, which sets a new benchmark for hotel excellence.

The MICHELIN Keys distinctions, akin to the renowned MICHELIN Stars for restaurants, evaluate hotels based on five universal criteria, focusing on the overall hospitality experience. The awards are categorised into One, Two, or Three MICHELIN Keys, reflecting the level of service, design, and location offered by the properties.

In Malaysia, the Four Seasons Resort Langkawi has been awarded Two MICHELIN Keys, praised for its beachfront sanctuary, private villas, and cultural experiences. Else Kuala Lumpur, Four Seasons Hotel Kuala Lumpur, and The RuMa Hotel and Residences each received One MICHELIN Key, noted for their unique charm, luxury, and prime locations.

Gwendal Poullennec, International Director of The MICHELIN Guide, stated, “Just as MICHELIN Stars celebrate the world’s most exceptional restaurants, MICHELIN Keys now honour hotels that offer truly remarkable stays.”

The MICHELIN Guide’s website and mobile apps provide booking options for these distinguished hotels, along with concierge services and VIP perks. This initiative redefines excellence in the hospitality industry, offering travellers unforgettable experiences. The full list of the Global MICHELIN Key selection and Special Awards can be accessed online.

Heart Media Group has announced the acquisition of NOBLE 名人 Media, a prominent Chinese-language luxury lifestyle publication in Malaysia. Founded in 2021, NOBLE 名人 is known for its bimonthly magazine that collaborates with major Chinese business associations, such as the Malaysia Social Entrepreneurs Foundation and the Malaysia-China Friendship Association, reaching over 2,000 key members of the Chinese business community.

NOBLE 名人 has established itself as a trusted source for luxury content, appealing to high-net-worth individuals (HNWI) and affluent consumers in Malaysia. The magazine’s expansion into broadcasting, through its partnership with Hong Kong’s Television Broadcasts Limited (TVB), has further strengthened its media presence.

Jane Wong, the Founding Editor of NOBLE 名人 Media, expressed enthusiasm about the acquisition, stating, “Heart Media Group, as a fully integrated media group, is reshaping the media landscape through its diverse platforms in English, Malay and Chinese. With this merger, we are poised to establish a new benchmark in the media industry.”

Wilson Lim, Managing Director of Heart Media Group, highlighted the strategic benefits of the acquisition, noting that it will enhance geographical distribution and offer integrated solutions for clients in the Chinese-language market. The introduction of the RedNote platform is expected to amplify NOBLE 名人’s reach.

NOBLE 名人 also organises exclusive monthly events, providing a premium networking platform for its partners and readers. This acquisition marks the first integration of a Chinese-language media into Heart Media’s portfolio, further solidifying its influence across Asia’s luxury media landscape.

Weixin Pay experienced a significant increase in cross-border transactions during China’s National Day and Mid-Autumn Festival holiday period, with a 21% rise year-on-year. The surge was driven by Chinese tourists travelling abroad, particularly to visa-free Southeast Asian countries like Singapore, Malaysia, and Thailand. These countries saw a notable boost in spending, with Singapore’s transactions up by 32% and Malaysia’s PayNet transactions tripling.

The Greater Bay Area, including Hong Kong SAR and Macao SAR, remained popular destinations, leading in cross-border Weixin Pay transaction volumes. Ride-hailing services in Hong Kong, such as DiDi and Uber, saw a fivefold increase in bookings by mainland tourists. Meanwhile, Japan also benefited from a 25% rise in Weixin Pay transactions, aided by integration with local e-wallets.

Weixin Mini Programmes, which now operate in 92 countries, also saw growth. Transactions in the tourism and catering sectors increased by 50% and 30% year-on-year, respectively. New Mini Programmes for airport express services in Hong Kong, Kuala Lumpur, and Heathrow enhanced travel convenience.

Inbound tourism to China also saw a boost, with a 60% increase in international tourists using Mini Programmes. Hong Kong residents travelling to the mainland during the holiday increased their spending by over 120% year-on-year, with entertainment and sports events being particularly popular.

The data underscores the growing global reach of Weixin Pay and its Mini Programmes, facilitating seamless travel and spending for Chinese tourists worldwide.

IHH Healthcare, a leading multinational healthcare provider, has announced the launch of its Global Incubator Programme aimed at empowering early-stage startups to develop transformative healthcare solutions. The initiative was unveiled at the 3rd Annual ‘Igniting Innovation in Healthcare’ Conference in Hong Kong, where the programme was introduced by Group Chief Corporate Officer Ashok Pandit. The programme seeks to nurture companies working on breakthrough technologies to improve patient care and tackle critical healthcare challenges.

The Global Incubator Programme will operate in three-month cycles, offering selected startups mentorship from IHH leadership and clinicians, collaboration opportunities to co-develop and test solutions, and access to IHH’s facilities. Additionally, successful startups may qualify for funding through IHH’s Innovation Fund or Research Grant and Innovation Sandbox.

Ashok Pandit stated, “Through this Global Incubator Programme, we are expanding our innovation drive to support early-stage healthcare innovators, empowering them to develop solutions that can transform patient care.”

The announcement coincides with the ‘Igniting Innovation in Healthcare’ Conference, which explores how innovation can address current and future healthcare challenges. This year’s theme, “Healthcare Reimagined,” highlighted the role of technology and empathy in patient care, featuring speakers such as John Gillman from Google and Dr NT Cheung from the Hong Kong Hospital Authority.

IHH’s commitment to innovation is further underscored by its $58m (S$80m) Innovation Fund and $3.6m (S$5m) Research Grant & Innovation Sandbox programme, which support startups and internal projects aimed at advancing healthcare technologies.

Inconsistent quality assurance and control (QA/QC) standards are significantly impacting the construction industry across ASEAN, according to a new report by PlanRadar. The Construction QA/QC Impact Report 2025 highlights that 77% of firms experience inconsistent QA/QC documentation, leading to rework and project delays. The findings, based on responses from 811 construction professionals across Europe, the Middle East, and Asia-Pacific, underscore the urgent need for standardised QA/QC processes.

The report reveals that companies with systematic QA/QC are 28% more likely to maintain margins above 3%. In Singapore, 100% of respondents cited inconsistent QA/QC as a cause of project delays, whilst 85% of Malaysian respondents reported rework due to inconsistent standards on major infrastructure projects. These inefficiencies are particularly critical in Singapore, where land scarcity and tight timelines exacerbate the impact of delays.

Avtandil Mekudishvili, APAC Regional Lead at PlanRadar, emphasised the need for digital and standardised QA/QC processes to enhance productivity and profitability. “Our research shows that inconsistent QA/QC remains one of the biggest barriers to productivity and profitability in the region,” he stated. PlanRadar’s platform aims to address these challenges by embedding QA/QC into daily workflows, using digital tools to document and streamline processes.

The report suggests that consistent, digital QA/QC standards are essential for delivering safe, sustainable, and profitable projects across ASEAN. As the construction landscape evolves, the industry must adapt to maintain competitiveness and meet the demands of rapid urbanisation and large-scale projects.

Malaysia Airlines has unveiled its latest initiative, “Time for Comfort in the Skies,” as part of its ongoing “Time For” campaign. Running from 7 to 22 October 2025, the campaign aims to enhance the flying experience by offering exclusive Business Class fares starting at $438 (SGD 599) for international routes, valid for travel until 31 August 2026. Enrich loyalty programme members receive priority access and additional discounts on 7 and 8 October.

The campaign highlights Malaysia Airlines’ commitment to providing premium experiences in both Business and Economy Class. It invites travellers to rediscover the joy of flying with hallmark Malaysian Hospitality at 30,000 feet. The special fares are available for a wide range of destinations, including London, Brisbane, Dhaka, Hong Kong, and various Malaysian cities such as Kota Kinabalu and Penang.

Business Class passengers can expect elevated comfort and premium amenities across the airline’s fleet. The initiative not only aims to attract new customers but also rewards loyal travellers, encouraging non-members to join the Enrich programme for additional perks.

This campaign underscores Malaysia Airlines’ dedication to offering value and comfort, positioning itself as a preferred choice for both leisure and business travellers. As the airline continues to expand its global network, these initiatives are expected to enhance its competitive edge in the aviation industry.

Play Interactive Holdings has announced a partnership with The Smiley Company to introduce the Smiley lifestyle retail experience to Malaysia and Singapore. As the exclusive franchise licensee, Play Interactive will open lifestyle stores featuring Smiley’s fashion, home, and everyday living products. The initiative aims to immerse consumers in the Smiley brand, known for its positivity and creativity.

The collaboration will see the debut of Malaysia’s first Smiley Home Store, focusing on homeware and lifestyle collections. To enhance the brand’s impact, Smiley will work with local fashion icons and designers in both countries to create exclusive collections that blend Smiley’s global identity with Southeast Asia’s creative flair.

Gary Chong, CEO and Founder of Play Interactive Holdings, stated, “Smiley is all about positivity, joy, and happy vibes. Our mission is to create not just stores, but vibrant destinations where people can experience the Smiley lifestyle in its fullest form.” Nicolas Loufrani, CEO of The Smiley Company, added, “I am thrilled to have found such a strong partner in Play Interactive, to help us implement them and expand our growing fanbases in those territories.”

This partnership marks a significant step in Smiley’s physical retail strategy, building on successful franchise partnerships in China and Thailand. The move aims to expand Smiley’s presence in Asia’s dynamic retail markets, offering immersive experiences and strengthening the brand’s commercial retail strength.

Global logistics giant UPS has inaugurated a new package centre in Penang, Malaysia, aimed at enhancing delivery services across the city. The new 20,000 sq ft facility, located in Penang Science Park North, is strategically positioned in an area known for its high-tech and manufacturing industries. This development is part of UPS’s broader initiative to improve service efficiency and capacity in the region.

The company has also expanded its existing hub at Penang Airport, increasing processing capacity to provide businesses with greater access to UPS’s global network. This expansion allows for extended pick-up times for Express and Worldwide Express Freight shipments by up to two hours in eight areas, including Butterworth and Batu Kawan. Deliveries to businesses in Batu Kawan, Perai, Penang, and Kulim, Kedah will now be made earlier, offering more flexibility to local enterprises.

Ingrid Sidiadinoto, senior managing director of UPS Malaysia, highlighted the importance of the new centre at an opening event. “Extending pick-up times effectively gives them extra time to receive and ship more orders every day,” she stated. The enhanced airport hub supports efficient processing of shipments, facilitated by 11 weekly UPS flights serving Penang.

Datuk Sikh Shamsul Ibrahim Sikh Abdul Majid, CEO of the Malaysian Investment Development Authority, praised the investment, noting its significance in bolstering Malaysia’s position amidst shifting trade lanes. As Penang becomes increasingly central to these developments, UPS’s investment is poised to support future growth opportunities for local businesses.

STAR Systems International has successfully implemented a MultiLane Fast Flow (MLFF) pilot project in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, marking a significant upgrade in the region’s tolling infrastructure. This project, which replaces the traditional barrier-based tolling system, is expected to pave the way for broader MLFF adoption across Southeast Asia, enhancing transportation efficiency.

The project features STAR Systems’ Titan Pro reader and Avior antenna, designed for high-speed, multilane environments. These products offer exceptional read performance and flexibility, integrating seamlessly with existing tolling infrastructures. The Titan Pro can emulate legacy readers, whilst the Avior antenna provides precise radiation patterns, ensuring accurate and reliable read zones.

In collaboration with Touch ‘n Go, a fintech company specialising in cashless payments, and SIDRA, a modern tolling systems provider, the project utilises SIDRA’s PARSEC lane control system. This system integrates STAR Systems’ technology with sensors such as Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras and 3D LiDAR sensors. Operating autonomously alongside an existing gated toll gantry, the system achieves 100% vehicle detection and reads 99.98% of legacy toll tags.

Stephen Lockhart, CTO of STAR Systems International, stated, “The Titan Pro and Avior are purposefully designed for multilane fast flow applications where vehicles are moving at high speeds and extreme accuracy is required.” The collaboration demonstrates the potential of flexible, high-precision tolling technology in real-world applications.

This initiative sets a new benchmark for tolling systems in the region, showcasing how legacy systems can be modernised without significant disruption, leading to a smarter, faster, and more efficient future for tolling infrastructure.