Kuala Lumpur News

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 Oct 20 till the end of the week.
This article updates throughout the week.

Comfort Takes Off

KLIA, Oct 6: Malaysia Airlines has launched “Time for Comfort in the Skies,” the latest phase of its “Time For” campaign, running 7–22 Oct 2025. Business Class all-in fares start from RM699 (domestic) and RM1,149 (international) for travel through 31 Aug 2026. Enrich members get priority access on 7–8 Oct plus an extra five per cent discount and special redemption offers. Highlights include Business Class perks across the fleet (including the new A330neo), lounge access, Chef-on-Call dining, and complimentary unlimited Wi-Fi via MHconnect on selected aircraft for all cabins. Economy guests can pre-book meals or choose onboard from the Best of Asia menu, with in-flight entertainment and MHconnect Wi-Fi. Families benefit from the MH Junior Explorer programme with activity packs and pre-order kids’ meals. The Bonus Side Trip programme expands to eight destinations with Kuching added in partnership with Sarawak Tourism Board, encouraging add-on trips ahead of VM2026. Book via malaysiaairlines.com, the mobile app, or authorised agents.

UMWT Sales Steady

Shah Alam, Oct 6: UMW Toyota Motor reported September sales of 8,172 units, lifting year-to-date deliveries to 70,418, reinforcing Toyota’s status as Malaysia’s leading non-national brand. The momentum reflects consistent demand across its lineup and after-sales support, with a focus on practical electrification via Toyota’s Hybrid Electric Vehicles such as the Corolla Cross Hybrid. UMWT says its approach supports “Mobility for All” amid ongoing fuel subsidy rationalisation discussions.
“Our role is to offer real-world value,” said Datuk Ravindran K., President of UMW Toyota Motor. “As conversations on fuel subsidy rationalisation continue, our hybrid electric lineup offers Malaysians a smarter way to manage rising costs. We are committed to ensuring drivers have access to practical, efficient solutions that reflect their needs and aspirations, while staying true to Toyota’s promise of enabling progress for every journey.”

Newswav Awards Highlights

Petaling Jaya, Oct 1: Nearly 150 creators and partners gathered at Tropicana Golf & Country Resort for the Newswav Creator Awards 2025, featuring presenters including BFM founder Malek Ali and appearances by creators such as Citizen Nades, Ernest Ng, Daniel Mok, Ziet Invests and the 后起之秀 podcast team. Newswav CEO Janice Chin reviewed platform growth, shared a winners’ “cheat sheet,” fielded creator Q&As, and previewed 2025–2026 plans with more AI tools and new video monetisation. Top honours: JK Joseph (Creator of the Year 2024; Most Popular Content); Outstanding Creator (Kpost, JK Joseph, TheRealNehruism); Outstanding Youth Creator (Isabel Lim, Qadeem Zieman, QueenSxndrx); Milestones — Gold (Mihar Dias, 5M+ views) and Silver (Kpost, FLK, JK Joseph, Citizen Nades, What2Eat, 1M+). Guests enjoyed a 16-dish halal buffet, lucky-draw prizes and an interactive Q&A game segment. Sponsors included Tropicana Corporation Berhad (Gold), Sunway Theme Parks (Silver), and Cosmoderm, Flower Chimp, Hello M’arch, Pavilion Bukit Jalil, Petron and Versa (Bronze).

Free Kids Eye Exams

Kuala Lumpur, Oct 7: HOYA Malaysia is rolling out its A Million Visions campaign nationwide from 16–22 Oct 2025, offering free eye examinations for children aged 5–12 at 800+ participating Eye Care Professional optical stores. The initiative supports early detection and management of childhood myopia and spotlights MiYOSMART lenses (with D.I.M.S. Technology) as a non-invasive option to slow myopia progression. In 2025, HOYA also introduced the MiYOSMART Early Control Subsidy—an instant RM350 rebate on MiYOSMART myopia control lenses—to improve access.
Central to this year’s push is the Malaysian debut of MiYOSMART Coating STX, designed for kids who may wipe lenses thousands of times per pair. The coating’s advanced hydrophobic performance helps repel water, fingerprints, dirt and grease, keeping lenses clearer for longer and maintaining visual clarity even after 2.7 years of regular use—encouraging consistent wear, including during outdoor play.
“A Million Visions campaign was born from a simple but urgent truth; too many children are missing out on early eye care due to awareness, access, and cost. As a leader in vision care, we felt a responsibility to act. Our initiative helps families take the first step in safeguarding their children’s vision by collaborating with certified optometrists across the country to make eye exams more accessible. This isn’t just a one-off initiative, it’s part of a long-term commitment to reshape how communities think about eye health for our children” said Lew Chee Quin, Managing Director at Malaysian Hoya Lens Sdn. Bhd.

Coursera App Launches

Kuala Lumpur, Oct 7: Coursera says its app is now live inside ChatGPT for Malaysian users, making trusted course videos and information accessible directly in conversations. The integration, unveiled at OpenAI’s DevDay, is Coursera’s first-generation app on ChatGPT and the first time an online learning platform is embedded in ChatGPT. Malaysian enrollments in GenAI courses grew 183% YoY, reflecting strong demand for job-relevant skills. ChatGPT will suggest the Coursera app when relevant, and users can also invoke it by name.
Malaysia’s learning trends show cross-generational GenAI adoption (Millennials 58%, GenX 25%, GenZ 14%, Boomers 3%), aligning with national AI roadmaps. Popular local picks include Google AI Essentials, DeepLearning.AI’s Generative AI for Everyone, and IBM’s Introduction to Artificial Intelligence. Built on OpenAI’s Apps SDK, the app aims to move learners from curiosity to credentials faster by surfacing verified content from world-class institutions within ChatGPT.
Availability: the Coursera app is rolling out to all logged-in ChatGPT users outside the EU, including Malaysia, across Free, Go, Plus, and Pro plans. The initial experience is in English, with subtitles and dubbing in select languages.
“This partnership reflects Coursera and OpenAI’s shared commitment to expanding access to education and helping people everywhere learn, grow, and thrive,” said Greg Hart, CEO of Coursera.
“ChatGPT is quickly becoming one of the go-to tools for people who want to learn something new. But the most powerful learning experiences happen when human expertise and AI work together,” said Leah Belsky, VP of Education at OpenAI. “By bringing the expertise of world-class educators and institutions within Coursera into ChatGPT, learners can more easily find trusted content, build job-ready skills, move their careers forward, and unlock new opportunities.”

SSF AGM Concludes

Kuala Lumpur, Oct 7: SSF Home Group Berhad held its third AGM at SSFHOME Glenmarie, Shah Alam, presenting FYE2025 updates and the next phase of its transformation. Shareholders received the audited financials and approved directors’ fees and benefits, the re-election of Datuk Seri Dr. Haji Abdul Fattah Bin Haji Abdullah and Mr. Lok Kok Khong, and the re-appointment of Moore Stephens Associates PLT as auditors. They also passed a general mandate for new share issuance, renewals/new mandates for recurrent related party transactions, and amendments to the Company’s Constitution—supporting growth, operational efficiency, and long-term value creation.
“As we look ahead, we remain focused on delivering affordable, practical, and stylish home living solutions to our customers across Malaysia. The past year marked an important phase in our rebranding journey, and we are grateful for the continued support and confidence shown by our shareholders. With a clear strategy in place, we are confident in our ability to adapt, grow, and create lasting value for all stakeholders.” — Datuk Seri Dr. Abdul Fattah Abdullah, Non-Executive Chairman of SSF Home Group Berhad
Looking ahead, SSF will continue its rebranding agenda with refreshed store formats, right-sized urban expansion, and improved customer experiences to strengthen its value-for-money positioning.

Advancecon Wins Adjudication

Kuala Lumpur, Oct 7: Advancecon Holdings Berhad said its unit Advancecon Infra Sdn Bhd (AISB) received a favourable CIPAA 2012 adjudication decision against China Communications Construction (ECRL) Sdn Bhd (CCC). In a ruling dated 6 Oct 2025 administered by the AIAC, CCC was directed to pay approximately RM7.04 million within 28 days, and to bear all adjudication-related and legal costs, fees and charges, plus interest until full settlement. The decision is binding unless set aside by the High Court under CIPAA 2012.
Advancecon said the outcome reinforces its contractual rights and strengthens its cash recovery position, while noting the award is not expected to be material to earnings for the financial year ending 31 Dec 2025. The Group will monitor subsequent legal steps and remain focused on project execution, order book strength and financial resilience.
“We welcome this adjudication result as a clear validation of our position and as an important step in ensuring fair recognition of the works carried out.” — Dato’ Phum Ang Kia, Group CEO, Advancecon Holdings Berhad

Powertechnic IPO Launch

Kuala Lumpur, Oct 6: Powertechnic launched its ACE Market prospectus, targeting RM22.05m via 63.0m new shares at RM0.35. Proceeds will fund showrooms/sales, automation capex, debt repayment, working capital, and listing expenses. Applications close 14 Oct 2025; listing 28 Oct 2025 with an expected RM108.62m market cap; TA Securities is Principal Adviser, Sponsor, Underwriter, and Placement Agent.