Malaysia is set to host the Kuala Lumpur Sustainability Summit (KLSS) 2025 from 14 to 16 October at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre. Organised by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability and the Ministry of Economy, the event aims to advance climate change action and sustainable development across Southeast Asia. The summit, led by the Malaysian Green Technology and Climate Change Corporation, will bring together more than 400 participants from government, business, academia, and civil society.

With the theme “Inclusivity and Sustainability,” KLSS 2025 seeks to position Malaysia as a leader in promoting climate resilience and sustainable economic transformation. Acting Group CEO of the Malaysian Green Technology and Climate Change Corporation, Saiful Adib Abdul Munaff, emphasised the summit’s goal to transition from conceptual ideas to tangible implementation, stating, “We aim to transition from conceptual ideas to tangible implementation, from commitment to measurable outcomes.”

The summit will feature keynote addresses and dialogues with international figures, including Selwin Charles Hart, Special Adviser to the UN Secretary-General on Climate Action, and Robert Gass, UN Resident Coordinator for Malaysia, Singapore, and Brunei. Malaysian voices such as Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani, Minister of Plantation and Commodities, and Izlyn Ramli, CEO of Maybank Foundation, will also be highlighted.

A notable segment of the summit is the MGTC x Bloomberg Series, which will present research insights and panel discussions on sustainable finance and energy transition. The event will conclude with the Kuala Lumpur Declaration on Climate Resilience, a commitment to accelerate climate adaptation and mitigation efforts. As ASEAN Chair in 2025, Malaysia aims to amplify Southeast Asian voices in global climate action.

Bank Pembangunan Malaysia Berhad (BPMB) Group, alongside its subsidiaries SME Bank and EXIM Bank, has been tasked by the Malaysian Government to lead strategic initiatives exceeding RM9b under Budget 2026. These initiatives aim to bolster Malaysia’s economic transformation by focusing on impact-driven financing, export facilitation, and the development of the SME ecosystem, aligning with the Ekonomi MADANI vision.

The Government’s confidence in BPMB’s ability to deliver high-impact financing solutions is underscored by these initiatives, which coincide with the start of the Thirteenth Malaysia Plan (RMK13). The Group is committed to balancing fiscal consolidation with accelerated economic development, promoting innovation, and enhancing the well-being of the Rakyat.

Key programmes include the Semiconductor Financing Programme, with RM500m allocated to support Malaysia’s role in the global semiconductor value chain, and the MADANI Development Programme, which will channel RM3b into public infrastructure and national security. Additionally, RM1b is earmarked for the Urban Renewal and Tourism Programme to revitalise urban areas and tourism industries.

These new mandates will complement BPMB’s existing programmes, which focus on sectors such as renewable energy, sustainable development, and digital infrastructure. By aligning with national strategies like NIMP 2030 and the Energy Transition Roadmap, BPMB aims to support Malaysia’s transition towards a more innovative and sustainable future.

Penang is set to become a focal point for Korean innovation this November, as it hosts the K-Beauty Expo Malaysia 2025 and K-MediTech Expo Malaysia 2025 at the Penang Waterfront Convention Centre. Running from 20 to 22 November, these expos will highlight the latest advancements in beauty and medical technology from Korea, offering free admission to pre-registered visitors.

The K-Beauty Expo Malaysia 2025, organised by KINTEX and sponsored by the Malaysia Convention & Exhibition Bureau (MYCEB) and Penang Convention & Exhibition Bureau (PCEB), will bring the forefront of Korean beauty to Malaysia. Attendees can expect to see cutting-edge skincare, cosmetics, and medical aesthetic technologies, with opportunities to engage in live demonstrations and explore high-quality products from leading K-beauty brands.

Simultaneously, the K-MediTech Expo Malaysia 2025 will provide a comprehensive look at Korea’s healthcare and medical technology advancements. With over 150 exhibitors, the event will showcase innovations in medical devices, healthcare IT, pharmaceuticals, and wellness. Visitors will have the chance to interact with the latest equipment and attend expert demonstrations, gaining insights into solutions that enhance healthcare accessibility and efficiency.

Both expos promise interactive experiences, including live presentations and hands-on activities. Attendees can also participate in on-site events for a chance to win limited K-Beauty gifts and AEON vouchers. The expos aim to offer a unique opportunity to experience the forefront of beauty and healthcare innovations in one visit.

PwC Malaysia has welcomed the Government’s Budget 2026, which focuses on consolidating existing tax measures and enhancing enforcement. Steve Chia, Tax Leader at PwC Malaysia, praised the Government’s decision to pause expansionary tax measures, opting instead for a more strategic approach to tax governance and social outcomes.

Budget 2026 aims to save RM15.5 billion annually through subsidy rationalisation, including for RON95 fuel, allowing these funds to be redirected to targeted groups. Personal tax reliefs have been expanded to include life insurance for children and vaccination relief for all approved vaccines. Additionally, childcare fee relief now covers registered centres for children up to 12 years old.

The budget underscores the Government’s commitment to tax enforcement, building on previous initiatives like the Tax Identification Number and e-Invoicing. Chia noted that whilst the budget sets a clear tone for strengthening tax governance, the success of these reforms will depend on their implementation.

In a bid to boost high-growth sectors, the Outcome-Based Incentive Framework will be fully implemented for manufacturing and services in 2026. This aligns tax incentives with national priorities such as semiconductors and AI. Enhanced venture capital incentives aim to support start-ups in strategic areas like energy transition.

Property measures include extending stamp duty exemptions for first-time homebuyers and increasing rates for non-citizens to kerb speculation. A special tax deduction for converting commercial properties to residential use is also proposed.

Sustainability efforts are highlighted with the introduction of a carbon tax and expanded tax relief for sustainable consumption. These measures are expected to drive investment in low-emission technologies and promote greener behaviours among Malaysians.

Over 200 professionals from the hospitality and food and beverage (F&B) sectors convened at the EQ Kuala Lumpur on 25 September for the inaugural FutureFWD 2025 conference. Organised by Saladplate.com in partnership with Food & Hospitality Malaysia, the event aimed to explore transformative forces reshaping the global hospitality and F&B landscape.

The conference featured a comprehensive programme with keynote presentations, panel discussions, and sessions focused on sustainability, technology, and consumer trends. Debbie Yong, founder of Atypical Media and former Regional Editorial Director at the Michelin Guide, emceed the event, guiding attendees through discussions that challenged industry conventions.

Key topics included business reset strategies, emerging sustainability practices, tech-driven innovations, shifting consumer behaviours, and hospitality design concepts. Sarissa Rodriguez-Schwartz, co-founder and CEO of SJS Group, praised the event, stating, “Being part of this exceptional gathering of thought leaders who came together to explore the transformative forces reshaping our industry was truly inspiring.”

Kristian Olsen, founder and managing director of Type A, highlighted the strategic focus of discussions, noting how leaders are addressing industry and audience shifts. Jing Yong, Growth Director for Greater China at GlobalData, and Emma Maxwell, founder of Emma Maxwell Studio, also shared insights on authenticity, heritage, and design in the industry.

FutureFWD 2025 provided extensive networking opportunities, fostering collaboration and new partnerships. The conference concluded with optimism, acknowledging the challenges of rapid technological change and sustainability pressures, whilst emphasising innovation and collaboration as keys to future progress.

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.