Healthcare leaders, policymakers, and innovators from around the globe will converge in Kuala Lumpur from 25 to 27 November for the Malaysia International Healthcare (MIH) Megatrends 2025 conference. The event, held at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre, aims to reimagine future health systems under the theme “Innovating for a Healthier, Sustainable Future.”

Organised by the Ministry of Health Malaysia in collaboration with KPJ Healthcare Berhad, the conference will explore sustainable healthcare models and system reforms. It will address challenges such as demographic changes, rising chronic diseases, climate risks, and technological advancements. The programme will include keynote addresses, panel discussions, and breakout sessions focusing on AI-enabled personalised medicine, value-based healthcare, and sustainable system planning.

Notable speakers include Dr Bertalan Mesko, Director of The Medical Futurist Institute; neuroscientist Dr Boris Konrad from Radboud University Medical Centre, the Netherlands; and Professor Dr Koen Kas, a molecular oncology and digital health expert from Belgium. Malaysian leaders such as Datuk Dr Mahathar Abd Wahab, Director-General of Health, and Professor Dato Sri Dr Mohamed Ezani Md Taib, Group CEO of IJN Holdings, will also participate.

The event will feature the MIH Live programme, offering digital streaming and expert interviews, and the MIH Innovation Exhibition, showcasing the latest medical technologies. The conference marks a significant step in Malaysia’s healthcare reform journey, providing a platform for international collaboration and innovation. Registration remains open for delegates, with the final day accessible to the public.

YTL Cement Group has become the first cement and precast producer in Malaysia to obtain Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) for its ECOCem, ECOConcrete, and precast product ranges. This milestone underscores the company’s commitment to sustainable construction and its leadership in the industry. EPDs, which are third-party verified documents, provide detailed information on a product’s environmental impact throughout its life cycle, aiding architects and developers in making informed material choices.

The newly certified products include Castle Cement, which is Singapore Green Label certified, and ECOConcrete Grades 40 and 35, designed to reduce embodied carbon whilst maintaining strength. Eastern Pretech, YTL Cement’s precast arm, has also achieved EPDs for its range of precast concrete products, marking a first for Malaysia.

Rachel Yeoh, Executive Director of YTL Cement, stated, “The attainment of EPD certification for our range of ECO products marks a significant milestone in our journey towards sustainable construction.” This achievement builds on YTL Cement’s efforts to decarbonise the construction value chain, including partnerships with CREAM, the research arm of CIDB Malaysia, and initiatives through its Construction Development Laboratory.

Looking forward, YTL Cement plans to continue collaborating with regulators, industry bodies, and research partners to enhance sustainable construction practices, supporting Malaysia’s carbon-neutral ambitions. With a 70-year legacy, YTL Cement remains a key player in nation-building, extending its eco-friendly product range across Southeast Asia.

Farm Price Holdings Berhad, a Johor-based wholesaler and distributor, has reported a notable increase in its revenue contribution from Singapore, surpassing 30% for the nine months ending 30 September 2025. This growth is attributed to the acquisition of assets from Hong Yun Vegetables & Fruits Sdn Bhd, which bolstered the company’s market reach and distribution capabilities.

In the third quarter of FY25, Farm Price’s revenue rose to RM32.9m, marking a 7.4% year-on-year increase. Sales to Singapore surged by 42.9% to RM12.2m, reflecting the company’s expanding export momentum. Despite a dip in net profit to RM1.6m due to higher administrative expenses, the company’s gross profit improved by 24.1% year-on-year, reaching RM8.1m.

For the nine-month period, Farm Price achieved a revenue of RM93.3m, up from RM91.9m in the same period last year. The wholesale segment was the primary revenue driver, contributing 94% of total revenue. Managing Director Lawrence Tiong Lee Chian expressed optimism about the company’s growth trajectory, stating, “We are encouraged by the growing export sales to Singapore, where revenue contribution is past the 30%-mark.”

The company is also on track to complete the expansion of its Centralised Distribution Centre in Senai by the end of 2025. This facility will enhance Farm Price’s capacity for pre-packed and fresh-cut vegetables, catering to the rising demand from Singapore. Additionally, the Sabah distribution centre, operational since February 2025, is performing well with a utilisation rate exceeding 80%.

Farm Price remains financially robust, with a net cash position and positive net operating cash flow of RM10.9m for the nine-month period. The company continues to explore opportunities for geographical expansion and collaborations to improve distribution efficiency.

Batik Air Malaysia is celebrating its 10-year anniversary of providing seamless travel between Perth and Malaysia. The airline, which operates seven weekly direct flights to Perth and seven one-stop services to Denpasar, Bali, is marking this milestone with festivities at Perth Airport. The celebrations include commemorative displays, exclusive giveaways, and special surprises for passengers.

To commemorate the occasion, Batik Air is offering a limited-time promotional voucher. The FLYBATIKAIR promo code, available from 19 November, offers discounts on Economy Value and Economy Flexi fares. The booking period runs from 19 to 21 November, with travel valid until 30 March 2026, excluding blackout dates.

James Gorton, Perth Airport’s Acting Chief Commercial Aviation Officer, highlighted the partnership’s success, noting that it has made Malaysia Western Australia’s fifth largest international visitor market, contributing $131m to the local economy in FY25. “We congratulate Batik Air on this significant milestone,” Gorton said.

Batik Air CEO Datuk Chandran Rama Muthy expressed pride in the achievement, stating, “Ten years on, this route continues to demonstrate the strength of air connectivity in creating opportunities and deepening ties across the region.” He added that the airline aims to enhance its network with a focus on innovation and resilience.

In response to growing demand, Batik Air plans to add 11 direct flights in December 2025, further supporting tourism and business travel between the regions. The airline’s commitment to expanding its network underscores its role as a key aviation gateway.

Alpro Group, in collaboration with Boehringer Ingelheim, has introduced Jaga CarDia, a nationwide programme in Malaysia designed to tackle the rising incidence of heart and kidney diseases. This initiative, launched on 18 November, offers subsidised early detection screenings to help 5,000 Malaysians on long-term medication identify early signs of heart, kidney, and liver damage.

The Jaga CarDia programme provides essential blood tests covering over 70 health indicators at a subsidised rate of $21 (RM 100) for two people. This family-oriented approach encourages Malaysians to proactively manage their health. “Early detection is the foundation of better health outcomes,” said Dr Ng Ming Lee, Medical Director of Alpro Clinic. The initiative aims to shift focus from treatment to prevention, fostering long-term awareness about early detection as a defence against serious complications like heart failure and stroke.

Recent statistics from the Department of Statistics Malaysia highlight the urgency of this initiative. Ischaemic heart disease was the leading cause of death in 2022, accounting for 16.1% of medically certified deaths, with many victims under 60. Additionally, a study published in BMC Nephrology revealed that 15.5% of Malaysian adults suffer from chronic kidney disease, yet few are aware of their condition.

Boehringer Ingelheim’s General Manager, Cheong Yee Kok, emphasised the importance of early detection, stating, “Our collaboration with Alpro Group reflects our belief that early detection and continuous monitoring are just as vital as treatment itself.”

Jaga CarDia screenings are available at all Alpro Clinic outlets nationwide, offering personalised guidance from healthcare professionals. Eligible Malaysians are encouraged to register and schedule appointments to take preventive action before conditions become severe.

DHL Express has enhanced its Hong Kong-Penang route with a Boeing 767 freighter, increasing cargo capacity by 20 tonnes per flight. This upgrade, in partnership with Raya Airways, aims to meet the growing demand for time-sensitive shipments from Malaysia’s technology and semiconductor sectors.

The daily flights will support Penang’s position as a key manufacturing hub, connecting it more effectively with Hong Kong and other global markets. Peter Bardens, Senior Vice President for Network Operations & Aviation – Asia Pacific at DHL Express, stated, “By introducing a larger aircraft and a daily schedule, we’re not only increasing capacity but also reinforcing our dedication to connecting Asia’s innovation hubs with the rest of the world.”

This move aligns with Malaysia’s expanding role in global supply chains, particularly in electronics and semiconductors. Penang recently attracted approximately RM12.5b in manufacturing investments in the first half of 2025, marking a 150% increase from the previous year.

Julian Neo, Country Manager of DHL Express Malaysia, highlighted the region’s growing trade momentum, noting, “Intra-Asia trade continues to show momentum, with Malaysia being ranked among the top 10 fastest-growing trading nations globally.”

Raya Airways’ Group Managing Director, Mohamad Najib Ishak, expressed enthusiasm for the partnership, saying, “The introduction of the Boeing 767 further strengthens our support for Penang’s expanding electrical and electronics industries.”

DHL’s strategic enhancement underscores its commitment to Malaysia’s trade growth, as evidenced by the recent DHL GoTrade Summit 2025 in Kuala Lumpur, which emphasised the country’s pivotal role in the global marketplace.

Aquawalk Group Berhad, renowned for its world-class aquaria such as Aquaria KLCC, has successfully launched on the ACE Market of Bursa Malaysia Securities Berhad. Trading under the stock name AQUAWALK with the code 0380, shares opened at 30.0 sen and climbed to 33.5 sen by midday, reflecting strong investor interest.

The Group Executive Chairman, Simon Foong, expressed enthusiasm about the listing, stating, “Today is a momentous day for Aquawalk as we officially list on the ACE Market of Bursa Securities and are excited to embark on this new chapter of growth.” The funds raised from the initial public offering (IPO) will be directed towards enhancing existing facilities and expanding into new locations in Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia, and Java, Indonesia.

Aquawalk plans to allocate RM89.8m of the RM114.3m raised for capital expenditure, with additional funds earmarked for IT improvements, working capital, and listing expenses. The company aims to enrich visitor experiences and support sustainable tourism and marine conservation.

Aquawalk integrates tourism, education, and conservation, welcoming over one million visitors annually. The company is set to benefit from regional tourism growth, bolstered by initiatives like ‘Visit Malaysia 2026’. M & A Securities Sdn Bhd and CGS International Securities Malaysia Sdn Bhd are key partners in the IPO process.

Malaysians are unknowingly losing between RM200 and RM350 per overseas trip due to hidden exchange rate markups, according to new research by international money app Wise. Despite spending up to two days searching for the best travel deals, many travellers overlook exchange rates, leading to unexpected costs. For instance, a RM2,500 weekend in Singapore could cost RM180 to RM250 more, whilst a RM5,000 trip to Bangkok might be RM350 to RM450 pricier.

The research highlights that 31% of Malaysian travellers claim to save over RM500 by chasing promotional deals, yet only 41% prioritise checking exchange rates. Many providers mark up exchange rates by 3–6% above the real midmarket rate, pocketing the difference without clear disclosure.

To address this issue, Wise has teamed up with content creator Adam Izzy for a campaign to educate travellers on avoiding hidden fees. Yen Ting Chiam, Country Manager of Wise Malaysia, added, “Our message is simple: look at the rate, not just the price, so every Ringgit goes further abroad.”

Wise offers a solution by using the midmarket exchange rate with no hidden markups, allowing Malaysians to hold, convert, and spend over 40 currencies transparently. The Wise account and card also offer features like autoconversion and free ATM withdrawals worldwide, helping travellers avoid overpriced airport money changers.

Malaysia’s major sporting events are drawing increased international attention, according to recent data from digital travel platform Agoda. The Kuala Lumpur Standard Chartered Marathon, Mount Kinabalu Climbathon, and IRONMAN 70.3 Langkawi triathlon have notably boosted travel activity, with searches for accommodation around these events showing a marked rise.

During the Kuala Lumpur Marathon weekend on 4–5 October, domestic searches increased by 24%, whilst international interest grew by 7% compared to the previous year. The event attracted significant interest from Indonesia, Singapore, and China, with additional growth in searches from Bangladesh (224%), Hong Kong SAR (73%), South Korea (48%), and Taiwan (25%).

The IRONMAN 70.3 Langkawi, held on 1 November, also saw a surge in international travel interest. The triathlon, set against Langkawi’s scenic backdrop, drew significant attention from Singapore, India, South Korea, Bangladesh, and Japan. Notably, searches from South Korea and Bangladesh increased by 536% and 148%, respectively.

Similarly, the 32nd Mt Kinabalu International Climbathon on 19 October attracted athletes from across the region. South Koreans showed the most interest, followed by Singaporeans and Chinese travellers. Singaporeans, in particular, showed an 84% increase in searches for Kota Kinabalu during the event.

These trends highlight Malaysia’s growing appeal as a sports tourism destination. The Malaysian government has introduced a 50% income tax exemption for private companies organising international-level sports events, aiming to boost tourism and support the sports industry ahead of Visit Malaysia Year 2026. Fabian Teja, Country Director for Malaysia and Brunei at Agoda, noted, “Sporting events are much more than competitions. They inspire exploration and discovery.”

BWYS Group Berhad, a leading manufacturer of sheet metal products and scaffoldings, has reported a robust financial performance for the third quarter of the financial year 2025 (Q3 FY25), ending 30 September. The company achieved a 30% year-on-year increase in revenue, reaching RM74.8m, primarily due to heightened demand from Malaysia’s construction sector and sustained orders from existing clients.

The group’s net profit surged to RM4.3m, nearly tripling the RM1.5m recorded in the same period last year. This significant increase in profitability was attributed to higher revenue and reduced administrative expenses, as the previous quarter included one-off listing expenses of RM2.3m. The net profit margin improved to 5.8%, up from 2.6% in Q3 FY24.

Malaysia remains BWYS’s largest market, contributing RM69.1m, or 92.3% of total revenue. The United States accounted for RM3.7m, with the remainder coming from Singapore, Bangladesh, the Philippines, and the United Arab Emirates.

Managing Director Kang Beng Hai expressed optimism about the company’s future, citing a joint venture with Runwin International (HK) Holding Group Co., Limited to establish a colour-coated steel coil production line. This facility, expected to begin operations in early 2026, will have an initial capacity of 150,000 tonnes per year. Additionally, BWYS plans to acquire 28.9 acres of industrial land in Kota Seri Langat for RM94.5m to support future growth.

For the nine months ending 30 September 2025, BWYS reported revenue of RM201.7m, an 11.2% increase from the previous year. Net profit for this period rose by 94.5% to RM10.9m. The company has declared a first interim single-tier dividend of 0.05 sen per ordinary share, amounting to approximately RM0.5m.
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