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 Nov 11 till the end of the week.
This article updates throughout the week.

Young Academics Partners with Wiggles

Sydney, Nov 11: Young Academics Early Learning Centre has teamed up with The Wiggles to integrate music-based learning into its curriculum for over 5,000 children across 38 centers.
As part of a three-year partnership, The Wiggles will create four new video resources annually, exclusively for Young Academics families.
The goal is to support early childhood development, especially among neurodivergent children, by enhancing vocabulary, motor skills, and social-emotional learning.
Young Academics will also be the presenting partner for the Wiggle Talk podcast, offering parenting tips from early childhood experts and The Wiggles themselves.
According to Director of Operations Jenni Gaffney, “I am delighted to incorporate their music into our educational programs and hopefully watch the next generation fall in love with learning. Music is a powerful way to build connection.”
Backed by research, this collaboration leverages music to help develop key skills in young children, such as language, memory, motor skills, and emotional regulation.
“After 33 years in the early education and entertainment sector, we have learned what works to inspire and engage toddlers and preschoolers,” states Anthony Field, also known as the Blue Wiggle.
Music’s role in early learning is especially significant for children with neurodivergent needs, helping them express emotions and focus.

Supalai, Stockland JV Approved

Sydney, Nov 11: Supalai Australia Holdings has received approval from the Foreign Investment Review Board for its joint venture acquisition with Stockland of the Lendlease Master Planned Communities portfolio.
This acquisition marks the largest single transaction for going concern land subdivisions in Australia, bringing Supalai’s total investment in the country to over $850 million.
Joseph Gersh AM, Supalai’s Australian advisor, stated, “It is a powerful endorsement by a significant overseas investor of the residential development sector in Australia.”
Gersh highlighted the role of overseas investment in addressing Australia’s housing shortage and praised Supalai’s founder for his vision in expanding into Australian real estate over a decade ago.
The acquisition, Supalai’s 25th collaborative project in Australia, follows regulatory approval from the ACCC and FIRB.
Gersh emphasized the need for efficient regulatory frameworks to attract ongoing overseas investment to meet the nation’s housing needs.

HOYTS Unveils Exclusive Merch for Gladiator II and Moana 2 Fans

Sydney, Nov 11: HOYTS is giving moviegoers a unique way to celebrate the release of two highly anticipated films with exclusive merchandise, perfect for fans eager to take a piece of the movie magic home.
First, Ridley Scott’s Gladiator II hits cinemas this week with an Australian-exclusive offering at HOYTS: a Gladiator II Colosseum-themed popcorn tub, featuring an Augmented Reality (AR) insert. This collector’s item lets fans continue the epic battles long after leaving the theater. By scanning the AR insert, moviegoers can immerse themselves in Colosseum battles on their smartphones, capturing the film’s excitement in an interactive way. Stocks of this limited-edition popcorn tub are exclusive to HOYTS and available only while supplies last.
For the upcoming Disney adventure Moana 2, which premieres on November 28, HOYTS is offering an exclusive Moana Lorcana Card with each ticket purchase.
This card is not part of any current Lorcana card packs, making it a must-have for collectors and fans of the beloved seafaring story.
However, stocks of the Moana Lorcana Card are limited and will only be available while supplies last. Ticket purchase does not guarantee the card, so eager fans are encouraged to act quickly.
These exclusive HOYTS items provide fans with a way to experience Gladiator II and Moana 2 on a whole new level.

Google Joins MEF

Sydney, Nov 12: The Mobile Ecosystem Forum (MEF) announced that Google has joined its member community.
This partnership will foster expanded discussions and engagement around Rich Communication Services (RCS), a significant advancement in business communications.
MEF, a leading organization in the messaging industry, includes a vast network of companies and strong ties with government agencies, providing members with networking, advocacy, and strategic insights. Google’s membership builds on previous collaborations, including RCS World events held at Google locations in Dublin, Paris, and São Paulo, enhancing MEF’s mission to drive messaging innovation and best practices across the mobile ecosystem.

EMVision Stroke Diagnosis Breakthrough

Sydney, Nov 12: EMVision (ASX) has reported promising results from its EMView clinical trial, showcasing the potential of its portable neurodiagnostic brain scanner to identify stroke and stroke type at the point-of-care. The EMView trial involved 307 participants across multiple sites, including 277 suspected stroke patients, and achieved its primary goal of collecting brain scans for the development of AI-based “blood or not” and “clot or not” diagnostic algorithms.
In preliminary testing, the AI demonstrated 92 percent sensitivity and 85 percent specificity for haemorrhage detection, as well as 85 percent sensitivity and 78 percent specificity for ischemic stroke detection. These results enable EMVision to proceed with a validation trial aimed at securing FDA De Novo clearance, set to involve 300 participants across US and Australian centres over the next 6 to 12 months.
Australian Stroke Alliance co-chairs Professors Geoffrey Donnan and Stephen Davis stated, “The results are very encouraging, particularly as related to detection capabilities and sensitivity to small haemorrhages.” CEO Scott Kirkland emphasized the unmet need for rapid stroke diagnosis, stating, “We remain focused on progressing and executing our clinical validation and commercialisation strategy as we look to revolutionise stroke diagnosis.”

G-ZERO Forum Launched at COP29

BAKU, Nov 12: At the COP29 climate conference in Baku, four nations—Bhutan, Madagascar, Panama, and Suriname—have launched the G-ZERO forum, an alliance of carbon-negative and carbon-neutral countries committed to advancing a net-zero, climate-resilient, and nature-positive world. In a joint Declaration, these countries pledged to uphold carbon neutrality indefinitely and intensify climate action as the next round of Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) approaches in 2025.
The G-ZERO forum marks a unique movement in climate cooperation, aiming to enhance global climate ambitions in line with the 1.5°C temperature pathway and address the triple planetary crisis. Rich in natural ecosystems, the four G-ZERO countries have committed to preserving vital carbon sinks like forests and wetlands and will advocate for increased financial support, technology transfers, and inclusive climate policies to protect vulnerable communities.
The initiative aligns with global agreements, including the Paris Agreement, the Pact for the Future, and the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework’s goal to harmonize humanity with nature by 2050. The G-ZERO forum, supported by a permanent Secretariat in Bhutan, will rotate its presidency among members and work to amplify the voices of carbon-negative and carbon-neutral countries in international climate discussions. Additionally, the forum seeks innovative financing solutions to support the conservation of carbon sinks and biodiversity.

AIZO Secures RM24.1m Contract

Kuala Lumpur, Nov 13: AIZO Group Berhad, through its subsidiary Minetech Construction Sdn. Bhd., has been awarded a RM24.1 million sub-contract by China State Construction Engineering (M) Sdn Bhd to carry out external infrastructure works for a phased development project at Jalan Pantai Dalam.
This project involves the construction of three high-rise residential towers and a nine-floor podium with resident facilities, scheduled for completion by July 2026.
This contract boosts AIZO’s order book to RM224.1 million as the company strengthens its role in Malaysia’s urban development.

MClean Technologies Gains Bursa Approval

Kuala Lumpur, Nov 13: MClean Technologies Berhad, a key provider of precision cleaning and surface treatment solutions, has received Bursa Malaysia Securities Berhad’s approval for the listing and quotation of up to 49.3 million placement shares.
This Proposed Private Placement forms part of broader corporate initiatives announced on 8 October 2024, including a proposed acquisition of a plastic injection moulding business, diversification into the plastic injection sector, and a proposed share capital reduction, all subject to shareholder approval at an upcoming extraordinary general meeting.
Through the issuance of 49.3 million new ordinary shares, MClean aims to raise up to RM12.3 million.
The funds are earmarked primarily for acquiring We Total Engineering Sdn. Bhd.’s plastic injection moulding business at a net book value of RM6.04 million and for working capital to support the new operations.
These steps align with MClean Group’s strategy to broaden its revenue streams and service offerings, enhancing its role in the high-demand sectors of electrical and electronics (E&E), automotive, oil and gas, and medical devices.
By integrating We Total’s plastic injection operations with its established E&E surface treatment and precision cleaning services, MClean expects to create valuable operational synergies, improve cross-selling opportunities, and drive efficiencies within high-growth sectors.
As of today, MClean’s share price closed at RM0.255, bringing its market capitalization to RM50.3 million.

Christmas Savings Boost

Sydney, Nov 14: Almost 800,000 Everyday Rewards members have banked over $85 million in points for Christmas, unlocking funds to help with holiday spending.
This year, members saved an average of $104 each, a 14 per cent increase from last year.
The points can be redeemed through Christmas, including on Black Friday deals at select retailers.

Knorr-Bremse Chooses JAGGAER

Sydney, Nov 15: Knorr-Bremse, a leader in braking systems, has selected JAGGAER’s software to enhance supplier collaboration and digitalize communication.
The phased implementation will introduce features in purchasing, quality, and supply chain, starting with pilot sites and expanding globally.
JAGGAER’s Source-to-Pay suite stood out in a competitive selection process. Andreas Piehl of Knorr-Bremse noted the software’s tailored fit for direct procurement.
The JAGGAER ONE suite will provide a unified global platform for supplier data, communication, and compliance, with benefits including streamlined processes and independent supplier data management.
“We are very pleased that, after such an intensive selection process, we were awarded the contract by a global player like Knorr-Bremse,” said Justin Sadler-Smith, JAGGAER’s Senior Vice President Europe.

DattoCon APAC Wraps Up

Sydney, Nov 15: Kaseya’s sold-out DattoCon APAC 2024 concluded at Sydney’s Hyatt Regency, highlighting AI-driven advancements, cybersecurity solutions, and MSP excellence.
Key announcements included Kaseya 365 User, enhanced Datto Endpoint Backup, and a $10M investment in the Backup Concierge Program.
Golden Datto Award winners celebrated innovation, growth, and automation among MSPs, with Teamwork Technology named APAC Partner of the Year.
Through its Cooper Cares initiative, Kaseya sponsored a Ronald McDonald House family room in Sydney, supporting over 960 family stays in 2023. To date, Cooper Cares has raised AUD$8M globally.

Gamuda, Taylor’s Collaboration

Kuala Lumpur, Nov 15: Gamuda Land partners with Taylor’s Education Group to establish affordable international schools in its townships, starting with Gamuda Gardens and Gamuda Cove.
The initiative aims to make private education more accessible by leveraging community facilities and reducing infrastructure costs.
These schools will offer a holistic learning environment with an emphasis on academics, sports, arts, and character development.
Further details will be announced soon.

Betamek Q2 Profit Surges

Kuala Lumpur, Nov 15: Betamek Berhad reported a Q2 FY2025 profit after tax of RM10.5 million, an 84.5 per cent rise year-on-year, boosted by a one-off consolidation gain from acquiring Sanshin (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd. Revenue reached RM56.3 million, with a gross profit margin of 16.9 per cent.
The company declared a 1.25 sen dividend per share, payable December 12.
Growth was driven by increased sales orders from Perodua and expansion in the EV market.
Betamek aims to enhance its competitiveness through digital innovation and emerging market expansion.