News In Brief

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Welcome to our ‘News In Brief’ column in which we digest all the news releases for you in no more than five paragraphs. Below are snippets of all the media releases that we received from April 11 till the end of the week. Please check back throughout the week for more updates.

More Money For ePemula Recipients

Kuala Lumpur, April 11: ShopeePay will pay successful ePemula claimants a total benefit of up to RM650 instead of the initial RM150 which was earlier promised to them.
The ePemula programme is open for registration to Malaysians aged 18 to 20-years-old, or full-time students enrolled in courses equivalent to diploma or Malaysian Skills Certificate Level 4 (SKM4) and above at local public and private registered institutions of higher learning.
The extra RM500 Shopee vouchers will comprise of RM90 ShopeePay vouchers, RM310 ShopeeFood vouchers, RM50 Shopee Mall vouchers and RM50 YES Voucher for SIM and Data.
The RM150 credits can be used for in-store offline transactions across various merchant partners nationwide whereas the extra RM500 vouchers can be utilised both for in-store offline transactions and online on the app.
To claim the RM150 under ePemula on ShopeePay and get extra RM500 vouchers guaranteed, visit here. Terms and conditions apply. 

Indoor Air May Be Dirtier Than You Think

Sydney, April 11: Are you in need of a top notch air purifier?
Then look no further with TruSens Air Purifiers coming to the rescue.
The machine, which looks like a tiny robot, is designed to trap fine particulate matter. After using a TruSens Air Purifier one will be amazed at the amount of particles trapped by the filter that never made it into your lungs. 
TruSens Air Purifiers have taken a scientific approach to air purification with the inclusion of the SensorPod air quality monitor in the TruSens Air Purifier models Z-2000, and the Z-3000.
Testing shows that air quality measurements taken away from an air purifier provide a better representation of the air quality in a room.
For more information on the product, log on to www.trusens.com.

Top Glove’s Maintains “AA+” Ratings

Shah Alam, April 11: Top Glove Corporation Bhd has maintained its corporate credit rating of “AA+”, which was awarded by the Malaysian Rating Corporation Berhad (MARC) in 2021.
Concurrently, Top Glove successfully maintained its 2021 rating of “AA-IS(CG)” with a stable outlook in relation to its  special purpose vehicle, TG Excellence Berhad’s Perpetual Sukuk Wakalah Programme.
Top Glove’s strong ratings reflect its global market leadership position in glove manufacturing,  its very strong cash flow generation and liquidity position relative to its financial obligations,  which the Company has maintained amidst a challenging business environment. 
MARC Ratings notes that Top Glove’s already robust balance sheet has been further strengthened with a sharp increase in equity base to RM6.9 billion as at first half of FY2022 (FY2019: RM2.6 billion).
Its adjusted debt-to-equity (DE) was strong at 0.20x and in a net cash  position. The Company’s capital structure will remain strong in the foreseeable future. 

Volunteers Keep Crowd Safe

Sydney, April 11: With huge crowds expected at Australia’s largest annual ticketed event, St John NSW volunteers are  proud to be back providing first aid and health services to visitors of the Sydney Royal Easter Show. 
The Sydney Royal Easter Show attracts an average of over  800,000 attendees every year.
St John Ambulance NSW volunteers and healthcare professionals will be positioned at various sites  and roaming the crowds every day at Sydney Olympic Park.
“We are so pleased to see that events such as the  iconic Sydney Royal Easter Show are back in full swing. St John Ambulance NSW is proud to play an  important part in the Show, as we have for many years,” Sarah Lance, CEO of St John Ambulance NSW said.
Teams of St John NSW volunteers, including doctors, nurses, paramedics, and first aid responders will be on standby at first aid posts, and the Bicycle Emergency Response team will be roaming the  grounds at this year’s Sydney Royal Easter Show.  

Kenanga Growth Wins Award 

Kuala Lumpur, April 11: Kenanga Investors Berhad has just won the Best Malaysia Large-Cap Equity Fund for the Kenanga Growth Fund – Series 2 USD (the Fund).
This marks the Fund’s first major award since its inception in May 2018.
The annual Morningstar Malaysia Fund Awards is designed to help investors identify the retail funds that added the most value for investors within the context of their relevant peer group in 2021 and over longer time periods.
The awards methodology emphasises the one-year period but in order to obtain an award, funds must also have delivered strong three-year returns after adjusting for risk within the award peer groups. Furthermore, they must have at least been in the top half of their respective peer groups in a minimum of two out of the three previous calendar years.

M&A Securities Manages Listing Exercise

Kuala Lumpur, April 11: Yew Lee Pacific Group Berhad, a manufacturer of industrial brushes as well as the trading of machinery parts and industrial hardware has entered into an underwriting agreement with M&A Securities Sdn Bhd for the Company’s upcoming initial public offering on the ACE Market of Bursa Malaysia Securities Berhad (“Bursa Securities”).
The IPO exercise involves the public issue of 133.1 million shares and an offer for sale of 26.62 million shares to selected investors.
From the public issue, 26.62 million shares will be made available for application by the Malaysian public via balloting; 15.97 million shares will be allocated to its eligible directors and employees (“pink forms”); another 23.96 million shares will be reserved for private placement to selected investors and; an allocation of 66.55 million shares will be allocated through private placement to Bumiputera investors approved by the Ministry of International Trade and Industry (“MITI”).
Under the underwriting agreement, M&A Securities will underwrite 42.59 million shares of the total proposed issue of shares allocated to the Malaysian public and through pink forms.
M&A Securities will also place out 90.51 million issue shares to selected investors and Bumiputera investors approved by MITI.

FedEx Wins Awards

Hong Kong, April 11: FedEx Express has been recognized for being the “Best Clinical Trial Logistics Provider” and for providing the “Best Last Mile Implementation” at the annual IMAPAC Asia Pacific Bioprocessing Excellence Awards 2022.
These two awards recognize the exceptional healthcare expertise, services and technologies at FedEx that facilitate biomanufacturing excellence at enhanced speed, reduced costs and superior quality. The Asia Pacific Bioprocessing Excellence Awards 2022 was held in conjunction with the sixth Annual Biologistics World Asia 2022.
“This recognition is testament to our industry leading tech-led solutions that provide the precision and reliability needed to move temperature sensitive and time-critical shipments. We are proud of our advanced cold-chain solutions that have clearly gained the trust and recognition of our healthcare customers,” Kawal Preet, president of Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa (AMEA) at FedEx Express said.
FedEx was shortlisted among the top five various logistics providers for both awards, with FedEx emerging as the winner for the two categories.
Nominations were vetted by IMAPAC’s scientific board who are experts in the respective fields.

ATA To Disclose Audit

Johor Bahru, April 11: ATA Industrial (M) Sdn Bhd has undertaken an independent assessment to verify the Company’s labour practice standards.
The findings indicate that the company adheres to both local and international labour standards at its Malaysian  facilities in Johor Bahru.
The Company will share details of the independent assessment at the right time with Bursa Malaysia, the Ministry of Human Resources Malaysia, and the relevant local regulatory bodies.  

Sabah Welcomes Firefly Maiden Dlight Penang-Kota Kinabalu

Kota Kinabalu, April 11: Firefly celebrated the commencement of its inaugural flight from Penang to Kota Kinabalu on Monday, carrying 85 passengers on board.
Passengers arriving on a Boeing 737-800 aircraft were greeted with a water canon salute as the plane touched down at the Kota Kinabalu International Airport at 5.10pm.
Sabah Tourism, Culture, and Environment Minister Datuk Jafry Ariffin and his Assistant Minister cum Sabah Tourism Board Datuk Joniston Bangkuai were present to welcome the passengers.
They were accompanied by the state’s tourism ministry permanent secretary Datuk Mohd Yusrie Abdullah @ Yantis Goduan; Sabah Tourism Board chief executive officer Noredah Othman; Malaysia Airport Berhad (Sabah) acting senior general manager Kamaruzzaman Razali;  MASWing chief operational officer Captain Nasaruddin A. Bakar; and Malaysia Tourism Promotion Board deputy chairman Datuk Seri Dr. Anil Jeet Singh Sandhu.
According to Jafry, the launch of Firefly’s new Penang-Kota Kinabalu route is expected to result in an increase in tourist arrivals to Sabah, especially since Penang is close to Langkawi, which receives international flights.

Kumu’s “Sing For The Stars” Big Reveal

New York, April 11: “Sing for the Stars” reaches its exciting conclusion this week, when just a few months ago, a completely digital singing competition was unheard of.
Now, it’s an ongoing reality, thanks to social app Kumu and its live-streaming capability that has turned the entertainment industry on its head. 
Co-hosting features that allow for up to nine different camera views have enabled people from across the globe to connect and conduct an entire season of a show in one virtual space, signalling that the future of live performances is here.
All while conquering other forms of media and covering several mainstream events, Kumu is doubling down on creating opportunities for dreamers—while never asking them or their potential audiences to step out of their homes.
Instead, it gives every performer a stage, and every fan a front-row seat.
Now, from hundreds of hopefuls, Sing for the Stars and its celebrity judges Lea Salonga and Warner Music Philippines’ senior A&R Manager Kelley Mangahas have narrowed the list down to the Top 3: Archie Aguilar, Shanne Gulle, and Christian Bahaya. 

BigPay Launches DuitNow 

Kuala Lumpur, April 12: BigPay, an ASEAN fintech company with proud Malaysian  roots, has rolled out DuitNow offerings for BigPay users nationwide.
By entering the DuitNow ecosystem,  BigPay embraces access to real-time payments in response to Malaysia’s surge in digital finance adoption amidst the COVID-19 pandemic and national drive towards digital payments
BigPay users can use DuitNow QR and DuitNow Transfer for all payments.
With DuitNow QR, users simply  have to open the BigPay app and scan a merchant’s DuitNow QR code to make a payment.
BigPay users  with linked airasia rewards accounts will earn points for every transaction made using DuitNow QR.
These  points can be redeemed on flights, food delivery and rides on the AirAsia superapp.

Introducing Cetaphil Optimal Hydration

Kuala Lumpur, April 12: Cetaphil is known for its long and proven record of providing skincare solutions with strong dermatological and medical heritage. Delivering only the best to consumers, Cetaphil, a trusted brand for seven decades, is introducing its Optimal Hydration range, delivering lasting 48-hour hydration. 
With over 70 years of sensitive skincare expertise, and the number one Dermatological Skincare Brand in Malaysia, Cetaphil understands that there is a need for dynamic hydration process within the skin for optimal hydration with that the new Optimal Hydration range provides 48-hour hydration that will improve the overall quality of skin. 
The range contains an innovative combination of Hyaluronic Acid that deeply replenishes moisture  and HydroSensitiv Complex, a complex of moisturising ingredients and soothing blue daisy that  will help to deeply hydrate and soothe sensitive skin.
With the brand’s commitment to providing the complete care for dry, dehydrated and sensitive skin, Optimal Hydration range promises to deliver long lasting hydration care benefit that will soothe skin sensitivity and deepens dynamic hydration by increasing skin’s overall water content and locking in hydration for 48 hours where it’s needed most to improve the overall quality of sensitive skin over time. 

Climbing Mount Kinabalu For Good Cause

Kota Kinabalu, April 13: Thirty members of the Rotary Club are scheduled to climb Mount Kinabalu next week as part of a charity climbing mission to raise funds and awareness for polio. 
Additionally, the climb will also see them setting a  Rotary record by holding “the highest meeting” at the mountain’s summit during the climb. 
The participating Rotarians are from Sabah, Sarawak, Johor, and Kuala Lumpur. The ascent would commence on April 22.
On Wednesday, Kota Kinabalu Rotary Club member and the charity climb’s coordinator, Dr Ravi Mandalam, and senior Rotarian Datuk Abdullah Sibil, met with Sabah Tourism Board chairman Datuk Joniston Bangkuai to invite him to flag-off the charity climb on April 21.
Dr Ravi stated that most participants are first-time climbers and that Mount Kinabalu would be an excellent place to start while also promoting Sabah’s iconic charm. 

MR D.I.Y.’s Mega Cashback Returns!

Kuala Lumpur, April 13: It’s Mega Cashback time again at Malaysia’s favourite home improvement store, just in time for Hari Raya!
MR D.I.Y. Group [MR D.I.Y.] is partnering with six financial service providers to offer attractive in-store cashback and discounts across participating MR. D.I.Y., MR. TOY, and MR. DOLLAR stores.
The six providers are five e-wallets – Boost, Grabpay, MAE by Maybank, Shopeepay and Touch ‘n Go eWallet, as well as HSBC Bank.
The Mega Cashback campaign runs in tandem with the retailer’s current ‘Raya Serba Baharu’ campaign. 
Malaysians can find more than 200 Hari Raya essentials at ‘Always Low Prices’, including popular festive essentials like curtains, cushion covers, as well as other home furnishing and kitchenware items. 

First High Yield Bond In The Malaysian Market

Kuala Lumpur, April 13: The launch of Kenanga Sustainability Series: High Yield Bond Fund, the first SRI-qualified High Yield Bond fund in the Malaysian market by Kenanga which invests into The NT Global High Yield ESG Bond Index Fund, managed by Northern Trust Asset Management.
Investors can participate in a more robust portfolio stemming from ESG analytics which will consider factors such as carbon efficiency and quality of governance to mitigate risks or capture new opportunities aside from the standard quantitative and qualitative metrics.

meniaga Partners with Delyva for Last-Mile Delivery

Petaling Jaya, April 13: Delyva has announced that the meniaga e-commerce platform developed by Invoke Solutions Sdn. Bhd. has chosen its delivery booking system that features more than 20 delivery services including on-demand services and regular couriers.
Integration work is currently being performed and it is expected to complete soon so all merchants on meniaga can start accessing a fresh delivery booking system this Ramadan.   
“We’re helping meniaga by connecting them to on-demand couriers, domestic couriers, and international couriers that they did not previously have access to,” Hanif Wahid, CEO of Delyva said.
“Using only a single interface, meniaga will now have access to multiple delivery services. We’re grateful they have picked our system.”

Melbourne Secures Presidents Cup Coup 

Melbourne, April 14: Melbourne’s iconic Sandbelt will host the Presidents Cup in 2028 and 2040 under a new agreement between the Andrews Labor Government and the PGA TOUR. 
Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Martin Pakula confirming the commitment to bring the prestigious global golf event back to the state. 
The 2028 Presidents Cup will mark the event’s fourth trip to Melbourne, tying the record for most contested Cups in one city, matched only by Gainesville in Virginia, USA. 
Melbourne previously staged the Presidents Cup in 1998, 2011 and 2019. The events generated a combined economic impact of more than $121 million, thousands of hours in broadcasts globally, and more than 315,000 spectators, including 47,000 visitors to Victoria. 
The biennial global team competition also attracts some of the world’s best golfers, including Australia’s own Adam Scott and Tiger Woods. 

Dagangan Releases Impact Report Results

Jakarta, April 14: Dagangan has released the Dagangan Impact Report 2021, which outlines the positive impacts that Dagangan has created on the Indonesian community from an economic, social and environmental point of view. 
The report also contains the sustainability framework applied to its business operations that is in accordance with the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the United Nations (UN).
As a company that prioritises social impact, Dagangan continues to ensure that its business makes a significant contribution to society, especially those living in rural areas.
“Improving the welfare of the community has been the focus for us in running our businesses.  Therefore, we make sure that everything we do creates a positive impact on our society,” Maha Willy Chandra, Co-Founder and Chief Operating Officer of Dagangan said.
“In the Impact Report that we released today, we provide an overview of our business achievements that are aligned with the UN SDGs.”

Condominium With Triple Protection Sold Out

Kuala Lumpur, April 14: Boutique property developer, Trinity Group Sdn Bhd, has achieved a 100 per cent take-up rate for the first phase of Trinity Wellnessa comprising 237 units with sales of RM156 million. 
Due to the encouraging response from the public, the launch of the second and final phase is scheduled for the end of this month. 
Designed as a new-age condominium that offers residents an all-round wellness experience, Trinity Wellnessa hopes to provide Malaysians with a holistic wellness experience as they gradually move into the endemic phase.
Occupying a 3.9-acre freehold parcel in Beverly Heights, Trinity Wellnessa has a gross development value (GDV) of RM315 million and will comprise two 30-storey towers with 463 units in total
The units will have three or four bedrooms and two or three bathrooms and built ups of 1,008 and 1,286 sq ft, with the latter being dual-key units.

UREEQA Brings Validation To The NFT Marketplace

Ontario, April 15: UREEQA, a digital validation company helping creators to protect, manage and monetise creative work, has announced the launch of its new Validation-as-a-Service (VaaS) solution, designed to tackle NFT fraud and protect NFT creators.
Certainly, any solution will involve validating a creator’s identity and Ureeqa was conceived of the notion that it was as important to validate the authorship and ownership of every creation as well, a factor lacking in current NFT marketplaces, most of which focus on the ease with which creative pieces can be initialised and sold.
UREEQA’s unique platform fixes this by employing its VaaS solution to generate a Package-of-Proof(TM) and a Responsibly Minted(TM) NFT, which come together to serve as evidence that the creator and the creation have been authenticated and are legitimate.
“The initial exchange models were adopted by NFT marketplaces on the fly, hurried and so demand-focused that it enabled bad actors to take advantage of the situation,” UREEQA CEO Kirk Fergusson said.
“Efforts need to be made to curb the abilities to perpetrate fraud as easily in the first place. Then, we have the answer with a patented process and blockchain-based solution that can be integrated into most NFT platforms.”

Sabah Welcomes First International Flight

Kota Kinabalu, April 16: An AirAsia aircraft arriving from Singapore received a water cannon salute as Sabah welcomed its first international flight after two years.
The AK 1794 flight was carrying 119 passengers, with 30 percent being Singaporeans.
The flight touched down at the Kota Kinabalu International Airport at 2.19pm today.
Sabah Tourism, Culture and Environment Assistant Minister cum Sabah Tourism Board chairman Datuk Joniston Bangkuai was on hand to greet them upon their arrival.
Bangkuai said his Ministry through the Sabah Tourism Board has planned several promotional initiatives to entice Singaporeans to return to Sabah.

Nanowhite Appoints Sweet Qismina as Brand Ambassador 

Kuala Lumpur, April 16:  Nanowhite, the leading brightening skincare specialist under parent company Tohtonku, appoints Sweet Qismina as its new brand ambassador to  build closer ties with young, urban and ambitious Malaysians.
The brand will be working closely with the Malaysian celebrity to help build a deeper connection with its target  audience.
As a loyal user of Nanowhite’s products, Sweet Qismina is the perfect face to represent the  aspirations of the brand and the ambitions of young Malaysians just like her.
The latest Nanowhite Double Action range is formulated specially to address key skin  problems that arise with a hectic lifestyle.
A busy life can dehydrate the skin and cause  dullness. 

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