Suriaghandi Suppiah has been appointed as the new Chief Executive Officer of the Malaysia Healthcare Travel Council (MHTC), effective 29 September 2025. The announcement was made by the Minister of Health, Dr. Dzulkefly Ahmad, marking the conclusion of an extensive selection process.

Suriaghandi brings a wealth of experience in leading transformation initiatives and driving sustainable growth across various sectors. His previous role as Healthcare Adviser to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF) saw him significantly influence the EPF’s Healthcare Investment Strategy. Additionally, his tenure as a Board Member of the National Sports Council involved launching the Olympic Sports Development Programme.

His career includes senior positions such as Group Chief Operating Officer at KPJ Healthcare Berhad and Consultant at Vamed Healthcare Services. He has also contributed to strategic investments and organisational transformation at Khazanah Nasional Berhad and Parkway Group Healthcare.

Dr. Dzulkefly Ahmad expressed confidence in Suriaghandi’s leadership, stating, “Malaysia’s healthcare ecosystem continues to grow in strength, both domestically and internationally. With the upcoming Malaysia Year of Medical Tourism 2026, we are committed to positioning the nation as a global leader in healthcare tourism.”

In his new role, Suriaghandi is expected to lead MHTC’s mission to solidify Malaysia’s status as a premier healthcare travel destination, focusing on expanding access and attracting international patients. This appointment is seen as a strategic move to enhance Malaysia’s reputation for quality and affordable healthcare.

Hilton Petaling Jaya has launched a comprehensive transformation, introducing redesigned rooms, enhanced dining options, and upgraded meeting facilities to cater to modern travellers. The hotel aims to seamlessly connect business, leisure, and local discovery, according to General Manager Andre Gomez, who stated, “This transformation goes beyond a visual refresh, it redefines how guests experience their stay.”

The hotel now boasts 547 redesigned rooms and suites, featuring contemporary elegance with Malaysian touches. Shared spaces, including lounges and the Executive Lounge, have been revamped to offer intuitive layouts and productivity pods, facilitating both social interaction and quiet work.

The meeting and event spaces have also seen significant upgrades. With 1,748 square metres of flexible space, the hotel introduces features that encourage collaboration and creativity. The column-free Kristal Ballroom can host up to 1,000 guests, and 20 modern meeting rooms are equipped with advanced A/V technology. Hilton’s “Meet with Purpose” packages focus on sustainability, offering carbon-neutral options and locally inspired breaks.

Dining at Hilton Petaling Jaya celebrates a rich tapestry of flavours. Guests can enjoy Cantonese delicacies at Toh Yuen, traditional Japanese dishes at Genji, and local heritage cuisine at Paya Serai. For a more intimate experience, Rye offers a whisky-led evening, whilst Drip café provides artisanal coffee and pastries.

This transformation positions Hilton Petaling Jaya as a gateway to discovery, blending local culture with world-class hospitality for the modern traveller.

Agroz Inc, a Malaysian agricultural technology company, has successfully listed on Nasdaq, marking a significant step in its mission to enhance food security through advanced vertical farming technology. The listing, facilitated by VCI Global Limited’s capital advisory arm, V Capital Consulting Group, begins trading today, reinforcing VCI Global’s leadership in cross-border capital markets.

Agroz is pioneering the use of its proprietary Agroz Farm Operating System (Agroz OS), which integrates IoT data analytics, 5G communications, and automated hardware to optimise controlled-environment agriculture. Built on Microsoft Azure Cloud and AI, the system aims to streamline farm operations and enhance scalability. Agroz’s technology is operational in two vertical farms in Malaysia, including the nation’s largest indoor vertical farm, and delivers pesticide-free produce through a partnership with AEON Co. M Berhad.

Gerard Lim Kim Meng, CEO of Agroz, stated, “Agroz’s Nasdaq listing is more than a financial milestone; it marks the start of our global journey to transform agriculture through AI and advanced vertical farming technologies.”

The successful IPO, which has raised over $23m for clients and generated $20m in advisory fees, highlights VCI Global’s effective AI-driven capital markets advisory model. Vivian Yong, CEO of V Capital Consulting Group, noted, “VCCG is setting a new standard in connecting Southeast Asia’s most innovative companies with Wall Street growth capital.”

Agroz’s listing not only signifies a financial achievement but also sets the stage for the company’s global expansion, aiming to deliver sustainable and safe produce worldwide.

Emagene Life, a prominent figure in Asia’s functional medicine and longevity sector, has announced a significant international partnership with the Institute for Functional Medicine (IFM). This collaboration, revealed on 30 September 2025, aims to enhance the practice of functional medicine worldwide by integrating clinical excellence, education, and cross-disciplinary partnerships.

The partnership is set to leverage the strengths of both organisations, with Emagene Life bringing its expertise in longevity and functional medicine, and IFM contributing its 30-year legacy as a leading voice in the field. The alliance is expected to accelerate advancements in AI-driven healthcare, offering innovative solutions to medical challenges.

Emagene Life’s spokesperson highlighted the importance of this collaboration, stating, “This partnership aligns us with the confident and competent practice of functional medicine worldwide.” The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into healthcare is anticipated to revolutionise patient care, making it more personalised and effective.

The collaboration is not just a milestone for Emagene Life but also a significant step forward in the global healthcare landscape. By combining resources and expertise, the partnership aims to set new standards in functional medicine and longevity, potentially influencing healthcare practices on a global scale.

As the partnership unfolds, both organisations are expected to unveil new initiatives and programmes that will further solidify their commitment to advancing healthcare. This collaboration marks a pivotal moment in the journey towards more integrated and innovative healthcare solutions.

DronTech Asia 2025, the region’s leading drone and unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) exhibition, commenced today at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre in Kuala Lumpur. The event, officiated by Liew Chin Tong, Deputy Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry, aims to establish Malaysia as a central hub for drone and advanced air mobility (AAM) in Southeast Asia.

The three-day event gathers government leaders, global industry players, innovators, and investors, highlighting Malaysia’s potential in the rapidly advancing drone sector. Liew Chin Tong emphasised the importance of building capabilities to integrate drones across various industries, stating, “If we get our act together, Malaysia and ASEAN can become an interesting powerhouse in this field.”

The event also spotlighted the National Aerospace Industry Corporation (NAICO) Malaysia, which is leading the development of the MyAERO Centre of Excellence. This initiative aligns with the 13th Malaysia Plan, focusing on AAM as a frontier industry. Ts Shamsul Kamar Abu Samah, CEO of NAICO Malaysia, noted that the MyAERO Centre will ensure Malaysia builds the necessary technical, regulatory, and industrial foundations.

Featuring over 75 companies from 10 countries, including China, Germany, and South Korea, DronTech Asia 2025 showcases cutting-edge drone technology and AI-driven applications. The event will also host high-level conferences covering 15 key areas such as agriculture, logistics, and urban mobility.

Organised by Aerosea Exhibitions Sdn Bhd, the exhibition will alternate annually between Kuala Lumpur and Bangkok, further expanding its international reach. DronTech Asia 2025 runs until 2 October at MITEC Kuala Lumpur.

KPJ Healthcare Berhad, Malaysia’s largest private hospital network, has become the first in the country to deploy NetSfere’s quantum-proof secure messaging platform across its 30 hospitals. This initiative aims to protect the sensitive data of over 3.3 million patients annually, aligning with the Malaysian Society for Quality in Health and Joint Commission International (JCI) accreditation standards.

The implementation of this secure messaging system addresses the risks associated with using consumer apps for clinical communications. By adopting a locally compliant, Malaysia-based data residency solution, KPJ Healthcare ensures robust data security in its hospital environments. This move is particularly significant in light of Malaysia’s Data Breach Notification Guidelines, which require organisations to report data breaches within 72 hours, underscoring the necessity for a secure communication infrastructure.

NetSfere’s platform replaces consumer-grade apps, proactively meeting the challenges posed by new regulations and safeguarding patient data. This sets a new standard for healthcare data protection in Malaysia, highlighting the importance of securing clinical communications amidst growing regional cybersecurity concerns.

NetSfere CEO Anurag Lal emphasised the importance of this initiative, stating that it reinforces the need for secure communication solutions in healthcare. KPJ Healthcare’s adoption of this technology not only enhances data protection but also positions the organisation as a leader in healthcare security in the region.

Sunway University, in collaboration with the United Nations (UN), hosted the Rock the Goals 2025 event in Kuala Lumpur to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The event, held on 29 September, attracted nearly 1,500 participants, including students, staff, and international dignitaries from organisations such as UNICEF, the European Union, and the World Health Organisation.

The celebration highlighted the global commitment to the SDGs, which were initially launched in 2015 to address pressing global challenges such as poverty, inequality, and climate change. Distinguished guests and ambassadors from around the world gathered on stage with the 17 SDG flags, symbolising a unified effort towards achieving these goals.

The event underscored the importance of education and collaboration in advancing sustainable development. A spokesperson from Sunway University stated, “The Rock the Goals 2025 event is a testament to our ongoing commitment to the UN’s vision for a sustainable future.”

As the world continues to face environmental and social challenges, events like Rock the Goals serve as a reminder of the collective responsibility to foster a sustainable and equitable world. The anniversary celebration not only commemorated past achievements but also reinforced the ongoing dedication required to meet the SDGs by 2030.

United Overseas Bank (UOB) has launched a groundbreaking feature for its Singaporean credit cardholders, allowing them to redeem rewards points, known as UNI$, whilst shopping in Johor, Malaysia. This initiative, announced on 29 September 2025, marks UOB as the first Singapore financial institution to offer such a cross-border rewards redemption service.

The new capability enables UOB cardholders to instantly offset their bills at over 150 participating merchant outlets in Johor by using their UNI$ points at the point of sale. This development is part of UOB’s strategy to leverage its strong regional presence and enhance the benefits available to its customers across the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

UOB’s move is expected to strengthen consumer connectivity between Singapore and Malaysia, providing added convenience for frequent travellers and shoppers. By allowing seamless rewards redemption across borders, UOB aims to enhance the overall customer experience and encourage more cross-border transactions.

This initiative not only highlights UOB’s commitment to innovation but also sets a new standard for financial institutions in the region. As the first of its kind, this feature could pave the way for similar offerings from other banks, potentially transforming the landscape of cross-border banking services in ASEAN.

Traveloka is set to launch its 10.10 Travel Sale from 1–10 October, offering a range of promotions aimed at supporting the growing trend of wellness travel among Singaporeans. The sale includes exclusive fares and discounts on flights, stays, and experiences, making self-care getaways more accessible and affordable.

The 10.10 Travel Sale features enticing offers such as S$100 off flights during Airline Super Brand Days with Malaysia Airlines and Singapore Airlines, with fares to popular wellness destinations like Bali, Bangkok, and Seoul starting from $168 (S$230). Additionally, daily $7 (S$10) Flash Deals on attractions such as Legoland Malaysia and Mandai Rainforest, as well as 50% off flash deals on flights and hotels, will be available at 7pm and 10pm.

Traveloka’s recent study highlights that 38% of Singaporeans travel to rest and recharge, with resorts and villas ranking among the top five most searched accommodation types. Popular wellness destinations include Bali, Penang, and Hanoi, whilst emerging spots like Yogyakarta and Da Nang are gaining attention for their cultural and nature-based offerings.

Baidi Li, VP Commercial at Traveloka, stated, “Travel is no longer just about sightseeing—it is increasingly a way to nurture well-being, build meaningful connections, and support local communities.”

The sale also offers up to $91 (S$125) in all-day coupons and a chance to win free flights on the Traveloka app. By aligning with the rising demand for wellness travel, Traveloka aims to empower Singaporeans to prioritise self-care and meaningful experiences.

Senetas, a global leader in high-assurance network encryption solutions, has announced that its CN Series encryptors have been certified under Malaysia’s Produk Kriptografi Terpercaya Negara (PKTN) scheme. This certification, marking a first for advanced sovereign-grade hardware encryptors, signifies a pivotal advancement in Malaysia’s cybersecurity landscape. The PKTN certification process involves rigorous evaluation, including technical validation and penetration testing, ensuring that cryptographic products meet the highest national standards before deployment in Critical National Information Infrastructure (CNII).

The certification of Senetas’ network encryptors under the PKTN scheme confirms their capability to protect highly sensitive government and enterprise communications, aligning with Malaysia’s national security objectives. This development is not merely a technical achievement but a strategic milestone for Malaysia’s digital resilience. The PKTN framework ensures that only cryptographically validated products secure the nation’s critical sectors, such as defence, finance, energy, and telecommunications.

Andrew Wilson, CEO of Senetas, expressed pride in achieving PKTN certification, stating, “This significant milestone demonstrates that our technology meets the nation’s highest standards for trusted cryptography and strengthens our commitment to supporting Malaysia’s digital sovereignty and national security priorities.”

The certification was achieved through collaboration with global distribution partner Thales and Malaysian technology partner NRM Technology Sdn Bhd. This partnership highlights the importance of international and local cooperation in advancing Malaysia’s cybersecurity goals, ensuring the availability of cutting-edge technologies to protect CNII. As cyber threats become increasingly sophisticated, the PKTN framework provides Malaysia with the confidence to defend against current risks and prepare for future challenges in post-quantum cryptography.