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.

Beverly Wilshire Medical Centre (BWMC), a leading institution in plastic surgery and aesthetic medicine in Malaysia, celebrated Malaysia Day on 27 September with a successful event featuring special promotions and a panel discussion. The event, held in Kuala Lumpur, drew a full house, highlighting BWMC’s role in making advanced medical aesthetics accessible and transformative for both local and international patients.

The centrepiece of the celebration was a panel discussion titled “Is Plastic Surgery the New Self-Empowerment?” Moderated by media entrepreneur and lifestyle commentator Ethel Da Costa, the panel included renowned plastic surgeon Dr. M. Nasir Zahari and aesthetic medicine specialist Dr. Wong. The discussion explored the evolving perception of plastic surgery as a means of self-empowerment, reflecting broader societal changes in attitudes towards aesthetic procedures.

BWMC’s Malaysia Day event underscores its commitment to providing safe and innovative aesthetic solutions. The centre continues to lead in the field, offering cutting-edge treatments that cater to a diverse clientele. The success of the event reaffirms BWMC’s position as a pioneer in the medical aesthetics industry, setting a benchmark for excellence and accessibility.

As BWMC continues to expand its offerings, the centre remains focused on empowering individuals through advanced medical aesthetics, promising further innovations in the future.

Finran Group has unveiled Teiza, Malaysia’s first native Layer 0 blockchain infrastructure, through its subsidiary FinranX. This pioneering technology is designed to enhance transparency and interoperability, aligning with Malaysia’s national digital agenda. Teiza’s launch is set to accelerate innovation in the Web3 space, establishing Malaysia as a global leader in blockchain technology.

Teiza provides a secure foundation for Malaysia’s digital economy, enabling the deployment of next-generation blockchain solutions for both government and business sectors. This infrastructure ensures trust and transparency in all interactions and transactions, supporting Malaysia’s digital ambitions. The blockchain’s robustness is underscored by its foundation on the Tycho Protocol, a globally recognised technology tailored for governmental and enterprise use.

Daler Fayziev, Group Chairman of Finran, emphasised Teiza’s potential to power Malaysia’s digital transformation. “Our Layer 0 will allow for interoperability of all Layer 1, 2, and 3 blockchain solutions built upon it,” he stated. This capability will facilitate secure interactions across various sectors, including financial ecosystems and halal supply chains.

The launch aligns with Malaysia’s National Blockchain Policy, aiming to transform sandboxed prototypes into market-ready solutions. Teiza’s integration with Artificial Intelligence and Web3 technologies is expected to unlock new opportunities in smart governance, decentralised finance, and secure data sharing.

Finran Group, through FinranX, aims to drive Malaysia’s growth in the Web3 ecosystem, positioning the nation as a digital leader both regionally and globally.

ASEAN banks are making strides in climate action, with 11 out of 14 major banks in Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, and the Philippines now setting long-term net-zero goals for financed emissions, according to a report by Asia Research & Engagement (ARE). This marks a significant increase from just three banks in 2022. However, these banks still fall short compared to their counterparts in Japan, Singapore, and South Korea, where decarbonisation targets are more comprehensive and aligned with national net-zero goals for 2050.

The report, titled “Bridging the Gap: Have ASEAN Banks Caught Up on Climate Action?”, highlights that Malaysia leads in policy progress, with Thailand and Indonesia catching up. The average policy performance rose to 38% in 2025 from 20% in 2022, with over half of the banks committing to halt new coal financing. Notably, Thailand’s KBank is the only bank with a disclosed policy on restricting gas-fired power financing.

Governance practices have also improved, with the average performance increasing to 54% from 39% in 2022. All banks now disclose board sustainability responsibilities, and more than half have climate expertise at the board level. In risk management, eight banks disclosed financed emissions for the first time in 2025, up from none in 2022.

Ben McCarron, Founder and Managing Director of ARE, commented, “ASEAN banks are making significant progress—from stronger governance and net-zero commitments to new restrictions on coal financing—but there’s more to do.” The report urges ASEAN banks to accelerate their transition to a low-carbon economy.

Edelteq Holdings Berhad has announced the formation of Halovision System Sdn. Bhd., a joint venture with Halo Technologies Sdn. Bhd., to develop advanced Automated Optical Inspection (AOI) systems for the semiconductor industry. The venture is supported by a strategic investment of $680,000 (RM3.2m) from Kumpulan Modal Perdana (KMP), a government-owned venture capital firm under Malaysia’s Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation.

The investment will accelerate the development of Halovision’s Raptor series for substrate panel inspection and the i-Falke series for wafer-level inspection. These AOI systems utilise high-resolution cameras and intelligent image analysis to detect microscopic defects, ensuring high yield and reliability in semiconductor manufacturing. This is crucial for industries such as AI, 5G, and electric vehicles.

Chin Yong Keong, Group CEO of Edelteq, stated, “This partnership is a strong vote of confidence in Halovision’s technology and vision.” Lee Hui-Ni, Chief Investment Officer of KMP, added, “This investment underscores our deep commitment to nurturing homegrown innovation and strengthening Malaysia’s position in the global electronics and semiconductor value chain.”

John Moon, CEO of Halovision, expressed confidence in the venture’s ability to bring cutting-edge solutions to market, establishing Halovision as a global technology partner. The collaboration aligns with Malaysia’s National Semiconductor Strategy, aiming to boost local talent and technological capabilities, reinforcing the country’s role in the global semiconductor ecosystem.

Allianz General Insurance Company (Malaysia) Berhad has launched the Allianz Electric Vehicle (EV) EcoMiles benefit programme, rewarding low-mileage Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV) drivers with cash incentives. Policyholders insuring their BEVs under an Allianz Private Car Comprehensive policy can earn up to 15% of their insurance premiums back by activating the EcoMiles benefit via the MyAllianz app, at no additional cost.

The programme features two reward tiers: customers driving up to 10,000 kilometres annually receive a 15% cash reward on their net basic premium, whilst those driving between 10,001 and 15,000 kilometres receive a 10% reward. To qualify, policyholders must activate the benefit within 30 days of their policy’s start date and submit odometer readings and vehicle photos via the app within 14 days before or after the policy expiry date.

Sean Wang, CEO of Allianz General, stated, “With Allianz EV EcoMiles, we are supporting our customers’ green initiatives and rewarding them for their sustainable choices.”

Additionally, Allianz General is offering RM100 in complimentary EV charging credits for a limited time to customers who insure their BEVs between 29 September and 31 October 2025 and activate the EcoMiles benefit within 30 days. Redemption codes for the credits will be sent via email and can be redeemed through the ChargEV app by Yinson Greentech.

Founder Group Limited has announced a significant collaboration with Planet QEOS Sdn Bhd to develop a large-scale renewable energy facility in Sarawak, Malaysia. The project, valued at $276m (RM1.16b), will feature a 310 MWp solar photovoltaic power plant and a 620 MWh battery energy storage system. This initiative is part of the Baram DeepTech Energy Programme, aiming to bolster Malaysia’s clean energy capabilities.

The facility is set to be one of the largest clean energy developments in the region. It will provide continuous, dispatchable renewable electricity, rivalling conventional gas and hydropower sources. Additionally, the project includes the development of a 200 MW Tier-4 Green Data Centre Park on 350 acres in Baram, expected to attract over $239m (RM1b) in foreign direct investment.

Lee Seng Chi, CEO of Founder Group Limited, emphasised the project’s significance, stating, “This collaboration demonstrates FGL’s commitment to investing in large-scale infrastructure focused on sustainable returns and profound economic impact.”

The initiative supports Sarawak’s vision to become the “Battery of ASEAN” and aims to contribute to the state’s target of achieving 10 GW generation capacity by 2030. The Baram Special Energy Zone is expected to drive long-term industrial growth and rural development.

Founder Group Limited, a provider of end-to-end EPCC solutions for solar PV facilities in Malaysia, focuses on large-scale solar projects and commercial and industrial solar projects. The company aims to promote eco-friendly resources and achieve carbon neutrality.