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 Dec 30 till the end of the week.
This article updates throughout the week.

World’s Largest Drone Atlas

Sydney, Dec 30: Sydney-based drone technology company Aerologix has partnered with digital mapping platform Soar to create the world’s most extensive library of drone imagery and maps.
The collaboration merges Aerologix’s network of over 36,000 professional drone pilots with Soar’s platform, which features nearly 700,000 maps contributed by global organizations and individuals.
Key benefits include instant access to Aerologix’s drone imagery library, new revenue opportunities for pilots, and seamless integration with Soar’s global mapping infrastructure.
Aerologix continues to expand globally, leveraging CASA-approved technology to provide cutting-edge mapping solutions.
Aerologix was founded in 2019 by former Qantas pilot Tom Caska and IT expert Rakesh Routhu.
The company specializes in connecting clients with qualified drone pilots for aerial imagery projects across various industries.

Samaiden Wins LSS5 Project

Petaling Jaya, Dec 30: Samaiden Group Berhad (“Samaiden”), a renewable energy specialist, announced that its subsidiary, Samaiden Sdn. Bhd. (SSB), has received a Letter of Notification from the Energy Commission for a 99.99 MW Large Scale Solar Photovoltaic Plant (LSS Plant) in Pasir Mas, Kelantan.
Awarded under the Large Scale Solar 5 (LSS5) programme, the project operates on a 21-year Solar Power Purchase Agreement with Tenaga Nasional Berhad, with a Commercial Operation Date set for 11 October 2027. The development reinforces Samaiden’s commitment to Malaysia’s renewable energy goals, aligning with the nation’s 70 per cent renewable energy mix target by 2050.

Safe Medication Disposal Drive

Kuala Lumpur, Dec 30: The Alpro Foundation, the CSR arm of Malaysia’s largest prescription pharmacy chain, Alpro Pharmacy, is amplifying efforts to promote proper disposal of unwanted and expired medications to protect water sources and public health.
Since launching its Safe Medication Disposal Campaign in 2021, the Foundation has reached over 300,000 students through collaborations with 600 schools and installed disposal bins at all 280 Alpro outlets nationwide.
Looking ahead to 2025, Alpro Foundation plans to expand its impact with a research and education programme in partnership with Universiti Teknologi MARA, aiming to engage 350,000 individuals and educate 250,000 families on safe practices.
A “Little Red House” landmark outside its headquarters will further raise awareness and provide disposal options.
For more details, visit Alpro’s Medication Disposal Service.

CUKTECH Enters Malaysia

Kuala Lumpur, Jan 2: CUKTECH, a global leader in clean energy and advanced charging solutions, has officially launched in Malaysia, introducing its high-performance power banks and chargers to the market. With a strong foundation since 2016 and a merger with ZMI’s core team in 2022, CUKTECH has shipped over 150 million power banks and 20 million chargers globally.
“Malaysia is the perfect launchpad for CUKTECH’s vision of sustainable and advanced charging solutions,” said a company representative.
The product lineup includes the CUKTECH 30 (40,000mAh, 300W output), CUKTECH 15 Ultra (165W MAX), and more, catering to diverse needs with cutting-edge technology and fast-charging capabilities. The company has partnered with Shopee Malaysia as its launch platform.

AEM Names New CFO

Singapore, Jan 2: AEM Holdings Ltd. has appointed Kwek You-Cheer as its new Chief Financial Officer, effective January 2, 2025. With over 20 years of experience in strategic financial leadership and international operations, Kwek is expected to strengthen AEM’s financial strategy and operational efficiency.
Kwek previously served as CFO for Lenovo Group’s Asia Pacific Infrastructure Solutions Group and held finance leadership roles at Microsoft Hong Kong and Schneider Electric. He holds a Bachelor of Accountancy (Honours) from Nanyang Technological University.
“We are pleased to have Kwek join the team, and believe his experience and knowledge will be an invaluable asset to the team in helping us achieve robust growth with a focus on improved operational efficiency,” said Amy Leong, CEO of AEM.

MR D.I.Y. Celebrates CNY

Kuala Lumpur, Jan 3: MR D.I.Y. has launched its festive campaign “Ular-lar” in celebration of the Year of the Snake. The campaign includes a heartwarming web film titled The Family Trial, featuring Hong Kong actor Benz Hui Shiu-Hung. Blending humor and emotion, the film has garnered over 11 million views across multiple platforms shortly after its release.
MR D.I.Y. also premiered its first-ever Chinese New Year dance-themed music video and introduced a social media dance challenge with exciting prizes. Additionally, the retailer is offering 100 festive essentials and hosting in-store events at MR D.I.Y. PLUS outlets in KL, Selangor, and Johor Bahru.
“Our goal is to provide Malaysians with accessible and affordable festive essentials while making the season fun and enjoyable,” said Alex Goh, Head of Marketing at MR D.I.Y.

Top Players Headline STO

Singapore, Jan 3: The inaugural Singapore Tennis Open (STO) 2025 will kick off at the Kallang Tennis Hub, featuring top-ranked players, including WTA World No.14 Anna Kalinskaya, former Grand Slam champion Emma Raducanu, and 2020 Australian Open winner Sofia Kenin.
Joining them are Grand Slam Doubles champions Elise Mertens and Wang Xinyu, who will compete in both singles and doubles. The tournament will also feature top-ranked Chinese players Wang Yafan and Wang Xiyu, with qualifiers and wildcards filling out the 32-player Main Draw.
“This will be the first international tour-level event at the Kallang Tennis Hub, and we look forward to welcoming fans for a fantastic week of tennis,” said Yazed Osman, co-Tournament Director.
The STO 2025, held over Lunar New Year, has secured sponsors such as Turkish Airlines, Asics, and Polestar, promising a festive atmosphere for fans. Qualifying rounds on 25 and 26 January will offer free entry to the public.