News In Brief

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 we received from Sept 30 till the end of the week.
This article updates throughout the week.

Affordable Homes Contract

Perth, Sept 30: Metricon, Australia’s largest home builder, has secured a contract to deliver 483 affordable homes in Queensland.
The project, supported by the Queensland Government’s $2 billion Housing Investment Fund, is set to commence construction in October 2024, with completion expected in 2.5 years.
The development will create over 100 jobs and provide a variety of housing options in four key estates. Managed by National Affordable Housing, the homes will be offered for lease under income eligibility guidelines, supporting Queensland’s growing demand for affordable living

Box Office Update

Melbourne, Sept 30: This weekend’s box office reached $10.93M, a 21 per cent increase from last weekend. The top 10 films accounted for 80.5 per cent of the total.
Topping the charts, The Wild Robot earned $2.44M, bringing its total to $6.88M. Transformers One took second place with $1.48M, reaching $4.46M overall.
In third, Beetlejuice Beetlejuice added $1.43M for a total of $11.61M. Runt, in fourth, made $850K, with a total of $2.5M. Fifth place went to Devara Part 1, which earned $741K in its opening weekend.
Upcoming releases include Coldplay Global Theatrical Listening Event, Joker: Folie à Deux, The Critic, The Apprentice, I, The Executioner, and Touch.

Qantas Launches A380 Route

Sydney, Sept 30: Qantas has launched its first Airbus A380 flight between Australia and South Africa, offering up to six flights per week and adding 130,000 seats annually.
This is the first A380 flight across the southern Indian Ocean.
The aircraft reintroduces First Class and doubles Premium Economy capacity. Additionally, a new codeshare with Johannesburg-based Airlink expands Qantas’ network into nine South African destinations, with more expected pending approval.
Direct Perth to Johannesburg flights are planned for mid-2025. Fares are available now for the A380 route and Airlink codeshare connections.

AIZO Secures RM14.55M Contract

Kuala Lumpur, Sept 30: AIZO Group Berhad has secured a RM14.55 million contract through its subsidiary, Minetech Construction Sdn. Bhd., to undertake external infrastructure works for a project in Serendah, Hulu Selangor.
The contract with Richmont Estate Sdn. Bhd. is set to commence on 26 August 2024 and be completed by 25 August 2025.
This new contract strengthens AIZO’s construction portfolio, with the company’s total order book now standing at RM265.77 million.
AIZO’s share price closed at RM0.135, giving the company a market capitalisation of RM241.0 million.

ATPC and FORMEDIC Partner

Kuala Lumpur, Sept 30: AGAPE ATP Corporation (ATPC) has announced a strategic collaboration with FORMEDIC Technologies Sdn. Bhd. to launch LEGA, an electronic chest percussion device designed for respiratory care.
LEGA supports airway clearance and secretion management, providing relief for patients with COPD, pneumonia, bronchiectasis, and other lung conditions.
Close to 2,000 units are already in use in hospitals and rehabilitation centres globally.
The partnership aims to expand the device’s reach and improve respiratory health outcomes through continuous R&D and targeted marketing strategies.

KOKU Hosts Film Stars

Kuala Lumpur, Sept 30: KOKU Japanese Restaurant in Langkawi recently hosted an exclusive dinner to celebrate the start of filming for the upcoming movie Duyung Legenda Aurora, a sequel to the 2008 hit Duyung. Organized by KOKU’s owner, Dato’ Sri Shaheen Shah, the event featured a specially curated menu inspired by the film. Cast and crew, including stars Ana Jobling and Saiful Apek, enjoyed gourmet Japanese dishes. Filming for the 110-minute film began on 13 September 2024, with most scenes shot in Langkawi, and is set to conclude by mid-October. The film is expected to release in Q3 2025.

Carbonix Partners with Toll

Sydney, Oct 2: Australian drone innovator Carbonix has partnered with Toll Uncrewed Systems, making them the primary trainer for Carbonix drones in Australia. Carbonix’s advanced UAV platforms, featuring vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) capabilities, are used for aerial surveys and data collection across rugged terrain. This partnership will enhance training and operations, allowing both companies to focus on expanding their core offerings in commercial, military, and other critical applications. The collaboration highlights a commitment to Australian-made technology and local expertise in the growing drone industry.

Australia’s Top Outdoor Dining Spots

Sydney, Oct 3: A new study by premium pizza oven brand, Gozney, has revealed Australia’s top destinations for outdoor dining.
Analyzing 40 of the country’s most populated areas, the study assessed locations based on temperature, rainfall, and daylight hours.
The top spot went to Wagga Wagga, NSW, known for its sunny days and green parks, making it perfect for picnics and BBQs.
Western Australia dominated the list, with Perth, Rockingham, and Mandurah all ranking in the top five.

Best & Worst Airlines for Food

Sydney, Oct 4: Money.com.au has ranked Australia’s top international airlines for in-flight food, with Qatar Airways leading the pack with a score of 7/10, followed by Singapore Airlines (6.9/10) and Emirates (6.3/10).
Air New Zealand (6.1/10) and Cathay Pacific (5.8/10) also ranked well, while Qantas (5.5/10) and Virgin Australia (5.4/10) fell behind.
Budget airlines Jetstar and Scoot tied at the bottom with 3.9/10. Ratings were based on food reviews from sites like Tripadvisor, ProductReview, and Skytrax.

Aussie Home Buyers Adapt

Sydney, Oct 4: The 2024 Home Buyer Sentiment Report by Helia reveals that 64 per cent of prospective Australian home buyers believe securing a home now is more important than saving for a larger deposit.
Cost-of-living concerns have surpassed housing affordability as the biggest barrier to entry, according to 54 per cent of respondents.
Additionally, 64 per cent are seeking smaller homes, and 74 per cent are considering alternative ways into the market, including BOMAD (13 per cent) and LMI (17 per cent).
The report highlights the urgency and adaptability of home buyers in a rapidly shifting property landscape.

SDCG, Serikandi Sign MOU

Kuala Lumpur, Oct 4: Solar District Cooling Group Berhad (SDCG) has signed an MOU with Serikandi Oil Field Services Sdn Bhd to expand solar air-conditioning, thermal systems, and energy-saving services in Brunei. The partnership aims to enhance energy efficiency and provide building management solutions. SDCG has also secured contracts worth RM8.13 million for hospital projects in Shah Alam and signed a collaboration agreement to promote renewable energy solutions in Malaysia. As of 4 October, SDCG’s share price closed at RM0.465 with a market capitalisation of RM197.1 million.