Kuala Lumpur News

Kuching Joins Bonus Side Trip

Kuching, Sept 5: Sarawak will announce Kuching as the 8th destination under Malaysia Airlines’ Bonus Side Trip (BST) programme at MATTA Fair Kuala Lumpur 2025.
The launch, set for 6 September at MITEC, marks Kuching as the first and only Bornean destination in the scheme, which allows international passengers to add a domestic stop by paying only taxes.
The initiative, born from a 2024 partnership between Sarawak Tourism Board (STB) and Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG), positions Sarawak as a gateway to Borneo ahead of Visit Malaysia Year 2026.
Highlights include its UNESCO World Heritage Sites, recognition as a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy, and iconic events such as the Rainforest World Music Festival.
At MATTA Fair KL (5–7 September), Sarawak will showcase its offerings through 19 exhibitors, cultural performances, live demonstrations, and family-friendly activities at the Sarawak Pavilion.

Samaiden Secures Solar Project

Kuching, Sept 3: Samaiden Group Berhad, through its subsidiary Samaiden Sdn. Bhd. and partner JBB Builders, has received approval to develop a 99.99 MW large-scale solar photovoltaic plant in Segamat, Johor.
The project, awarded under the Large-Scale Solar PETRA 5+ programme, will operate under a 21-year Solar Purchase Agreement with Tenaga Nasional Berhad and is scheduled to begin supplying power by 31 October 2027.
The deal underscores Samaiden’s role in Malaysia’s renewable energy sector and its ability to deliver impactful projects aligned with the nation’s energy transition goals.

Bosch, Alibaba Expand Partnership

Kuching, Sept 2: Bosch and Alibaba Group have announced an expanded strategic partnership to accelerate digital transformation through cloud computing, AI technologies, and e-commerce growth.
The collaboration will enhance Bosch’s enterprise operations, smart cockpit innovations, and automotive solutions using Alibaba’s AI capabilities.
In addition, Bosch will broaden its e-commerce presence beyond China into Southeast Asia, Spain, and Latin America via Alibaba’s platforms, including Lazada, Miravia, and AliExpress.
The partnership builds on their collaboration since 2017, which has strengthened Bosch’s digital ecosystem and customer engagement in China.

Alliance Bank, SofaX Partner

Kuala Lumpur, Sept 2: Alliance Bank Malaysia Berhad has partnered with SofaX to provide up to RM45 million in furnishing credit rebates for mortgage customers.
The collaboration, formalised on 28 August 2025, allows eligible customers with loans of RM300,000 and above to receive RM15,000 in rebates for home design, furnishings, and appliances via the SofaX App.
The initiative leverages SofaX’s virtual reality platform and curated merchant network to enhance the homeownership experience, while aligning with Alliance Bank’s efforts to deliver lifestyle-focused financial solutions.

ASEAN Battery Conference Concludes

Kuala Lumpur, Aug 29: The 3rd ASEAN Battery Technology Conference (ABTC) wrapped up in Phuket on 29 August 2025, highlighting the region’s commitment to safe and sustainable battery deployment.
Organised by the Thailand Energy Storage Technology Association with five regional partners, the three-day event drew over 340 participants, including government officials, Nobel Laureate Prof. Stanley Whittingham, and leading researchers.
Sessions focused on safety, financing, and future growth, with panels covering breakthroughs in science, resilient supply chains, and next-generation solutions. Exhibitions and networking further fostered innovation and cross-border collaboration to drive ASEAN’s clean energy transition.