Author: admin

  • Conlay by E&O celebrates topping-out ceremony

    Conlay by E&O celebrates topping-out ceremony

    Eastern & Oriental Berhad (E&O), in collaboration with Mitsui Fudosan Group, recently celebrated a major milestone in the construction of Conlay, its luxury 51-storey serviced residence, with a topping-out ceremony.

    The topping-out ceremony marked the completion of Conlay’s structural framework, signifying that the building has reached its full height and remains on schedule for completion in the first quarter of 2025.

    With an approximate Gross Development Value (GDV) of RM 900 million, Conlay features 491 meticulously designed units, ranging from 743 sq ft one-bedroom apartments to spacious 1,335 sq ft two-plus-one-bedroom layouts. Each unit is thoughtfully designed with premium appliances and luxurious finishes, ensuring a refined living experience that blends modernity with comfort.

    Designed by Kerry Hill Architects, a name synonymous with iconic resort and urban design, Conlay was conceived as a contemporary tropical tower that melds timeless elegance with cutting-edge modernity. With its striking fin-lined, picture-framed façade, the tower will stand out against the city skyline, providing residents with unobstructed panoramic views of Kuala Lumpur’s landmarks.

    Managing Director of E&O Berhad, Kok Tuck Cheong delivering his speech during the topping out ceremony.

    Speaking at the ceremony, E&O managing director Kok Tuck Cheong said the topping-out was an important step forward for the company and its vision for urban living.

    “Conlay embodies E&O’s commitment to hospitality and craftsmanship, seamlessly blending Kerry Hill’s iconic design philosophy. It offers a sanctuary of elegance and balance, where every detail is thoughtfully crafted for a refined urban lifestyle,” he said.

    He added that the project represented the culmination of E&O’s vision to create an oasis of luxury in the heart of Kuala Lumpur.

    Strategically located, Conlay enjoys unparalleled connectivity and convenience. Situated adjacent to the Conlay MRT station, the development is within walking distance of the city’s premier shopping and lifestyle district which includes landmarks Pavilion Kuala Lumpur, and the bustling Bukit Bintang area.

    It is also near the Tun Razak Exchange (TRX), Kuala Lumpur’s upcoming financial district, ensuring seamless access to key commercial and leisure hubs.

    Managing Director of Mitsui Fudosan (Asia) Malaysia, Mr Masayoshi Saito said “We are honoured to partner with E&O on Conlay, a development that showcases our confidence in its success and our dedication to exceptional urban living.

    “By drawing on E&O’s expertise in luxury living and hospitality, Conlay highlights the strength of our collaboration and our shared vision of creating iconic spaces for discerning residents,” he said.

    Conlay offers residents access to an impressive range of premium amenities designed to complement the urban lifestyle. These include a heated infinity swimming pool, fully equipped gymnasium, sauna, multipurpose lounges, and themed communal spaces such as a library, music room, and games room. The development also boasts a dedicated lifestyle and F&B commercial space on the 50th floor, providing residents with exclusive conveniences.

    E&O also revealed that the company is currently exploring the incorporation of branded serviced residences for Conlay, aimed at redefining luxury living and offering an exclusive lifestyle experience to residents.

    Kok added that the team has assessed several exciting options and is poised to make an announcement in the first quarter of 2025, adding yet another layer of distinction to their offerings.

    “Conlay is a testament to our belief that real luxury lies in the experience,” he said.

  • AXXESS Introduces Mobility Protect for Touch ‘n Go Users

    Over 30 million Touch n’ Go card and 3.6 million registered RFID tag users can now access Mobility Protect, an innovative insurance solution designed to protect personal belongings or mitigate medical costs due to unforeseen accidents or loss when using toll roads, car park facilities or public transport.

    At RM2.99 per month for unlimited usage, commuters receive on-demand, convenient access to loss and accident coverage each time they tap their card or scan their RFID tag. Developed by AXXESS in collaboration with Touch n’ Go and AIG, the key benefits of Mobility Protect include:

    • Toll Road Protection: Includes transportation allowance due to accident, accidental injury hospitalisation income, tyre damage, hotel accommodation in case of an accident.
    • Parking Coverage: Protection against vehicle break-in, theft, key replacement, medical reimbursement.
    • Public Transport Benefits: Transportation allowance and medical reimbursement due to accident, snatch theft, accidental injury hospitalisation income.

    “This benefit marks another step in our mission to elevate the everyday experiences of Touch ‘n Go users,” said Mr. Praba Sangarajoo, CEO of Touch ‘n Go Sdn Bhd.

    “Mobility Protect was designed specifically for our Touch ‘n Go customers, providing additional protection and peace of mind as they go about their daily lives.”

    The monthly subscription provides comprehensive access to Mobility Protect with coverage automatically activated once the card is tapped to begin a journey or entry into a car park and deactivated when tapping out once that journey ends.

    “With over 30 million Touch ‘n Go card and 3.6 million+ registered RFID tag users we saw a unique opportunity to provide a truly personalized and on-demand insurance solution that fits into the daily commute of Malaysians,” said Tan Sri Syed Zainal Abidin Syed Mohd Tahir, Executive Director of AXXESS.

    “Mobility Protect provides commuters with the flexibility and convenience they require, offering peace of mind with every ‘tap’ or ‘scan’.”

    “We’re excited to partner with AXXESS and Touch ‘n Go on this transformative insurance product,” said Mr. Antony Lee, CEO of AIG Malaysia. “At AIG, we are committed to offering insurance solutions that help people protect their assets and manage risks.”

  • Kaspersky: Businesses in Southeast Asia faced over 140K web cyberthreats daily

    Kaspersky: Businesses in Southeast Asia faced over 140K web cyberthreats daily

    In Southeast Asia, businesses face a growing spectrum of web, or internet-born threats as they navigate an increasingly digital economy. The region’s rapid digitalisation has made it both a hub for growth and a target for cybercriminals.

    In the first half of 2024, Kaspersky has detected and blocked over 26 million web threats from its security solutions for businesses in the region, averaging 146,944 web attacks every day.

    Companies and organisations in Malaysia faced 19,615,255 web-based threats in the first six months of the year, placing the nation at the top of the rank among SEA countries. Indonesia trailed behind in second spot with 3,204,294.

    Web-based threats, or online threats, are a category of cybersecurity risks that may cause an undesirable event or action via the internet. Web threats are made possible by end-user vulnerabilities, web service developers/operators, or web services themselves. Regardless of intent or cause, the consequences of a web threat may damage both individuals and organisations.

    Vietnam and Thailand are sitting lower in the regional rank, with total web attacks of 1,445,452 and 1,057,732, while 846,837 threats were recorded in the Philippines and 574,292 in Singapore.

    “As businesses and governments in the region continue to embrace digitalisation to drive economic growth, their increased reliance on digital platforms broadens their attack surface. This leads to more opportunities for cybercriminals to exploit vulnerabilities in unprotected systems, which can cause disruptions to supply chains, financial institutions, and critical infrastructure such as healthcare and energy. Such incidents can damage productivity, lead to financial losses, and erode trust in digital systems,” says Yeo Siang Tiong, General Manager for Southeast Asia at Kaspersky.

    While governments are increasingly focusing on mandatory regulations and laws to protect data and enforce accountability for cybersecurity incidents, it is important that local businesses too must continue keeping round-the-clock vigilance, prioritising and strengthening their cybersecurity posture.

    “Cybercriminals in the region are becoming more sophisticated, utilising AI-driven attacks and other tools and techniques Businesses must invest in robust cybersecurity tools like endpoint protection, firewalls, and real-time event monitoring and management. Regular security assessment and audits must be conducted to identify weaknesses and address vulnerabilities,” Yeo remarks.

  • Tune Protect Enhances Customer Experience with Hassle-Free Instant Travel Claims Payout

    Tune Protect Enhances Customer Experience with Hassle-Free Instant Travel Claims Payout

    Tune Protect Malaysia has launch of its Travel Easy Instant Travel Claims Payout feature, now accessible through the Tune Protect mobile app. This feature simplifies the claims process, offering travellers a fully digital and hassle-free experience with instant payouts via DuitNow upon claim approval.

    Travel Easy is a travel insurance product which provides coverage for flights across all airlines. The Instant Travel Claims Payout feature is the latest innovation that is introduced to expedite the claims process, particularly for the Travel Delay benefit. By eliminating unnecessary documentation such as travel itineraries and delay confirmations for delays between 3 hours to under 9 hours, the claims submission process is also completely paperless and fully digital. Travellers can submit claims via the app, and payouts are processed on the day of approval through DuitNow, providing instant reimbursement.

    Travellers purchasing the individual Travel Easy policy can receive RM200 for the first complete three hours of delay, followed by an additional RM200 for every subsequent six hours. This feature redefines the new norm for convenience and efficiency, delivering a faster and more seamless claims experience.

    “Travellers today demand faster, more convenient solutions, and our Instant Travel Claims Payout feature is designed to meet those needs. We have integrated cutting-edge digital solutions to offer the speed, convenience, and security they deserve. By leveraging real-time flight data for claim verification and using DuitNow for instant payments, we ensure that the claims process is as seamless and expedited as possible,” said Jubin Mehta, Chief Executive Officer, Tune Protect Malaysia.

    He added, “Our fully digital and paperless process allows travellers to submit claims efficiently and easily, from anywhere at any time. This ensures a seamless, stress-free experience, especially when it is needed most. By leveraging advanced technologies like Robotic Process Automation (RPA), we have automated the entire claims assessment process, from registration to payment. This not only eliminates tedious paperwork but also significantly accelerates approvals and payouts, delivering an enhanced insurance journey to our customers.”

    Tune Protect has a 3:3:3 commitment where customers can buy in 3 minutes, receive a response in 3 hours, and get their claims paid in 3 working days[2]. The introduction of the Travel Easy Instant Travel Claims Payout further enhances this commitment by reducing the overall turnaround time for those opting for DuitNow as their reimbursement method, shortening the payout to within same day upon approval.

  • FedEx Singapore Singapore Rolls Out EV Fleet

    FedEx Singapore Singapore Rolls Out EV Fleet

    FedEx Express Corporation, one of the world’s largest express transportation companies, is introducing 31 electric vehicles (EVs) into its existing fleet in Singapore. Singapore is the first market within the FedEx Asia Pacific network to deploy the custom-built Mercedes-Benz eVito 112 panel vans to support its parcel pickup and delivery operations across the country. The EVs offer a 923 kg load capacity and an estimated range of up to 321 kilometers on a full charge. Collectively, the vehicles are estimated to avoid around 148 metric tons of tailpipe emissions per year when compared to diesel-powered vans.

    FedEx Singapore is already replacing all its end-of-life vehicles used for parcel pickup and delivery with EVs, contributing to the company’s global goal to make 100% of new purchases of these vehicles electric by 2030. The addition of these new vehicles to its fleet marks a significant step towards the company’s commitment to sustainability in Singapore and its ongoing efforts to achieve zero-tailpipe emissions for last-mile parcel delivery operations across its global operations.

    FedEx continues to explore innovative solutions and collaborations to enhance the sustainability of its operations, including the company’s vision of integrating renewable energy and enhancing facility efficiency. The South Pacific Regional Hub in Singapore will soon be able to use solar energy to meet more than half of the facility’s total electricity demands, helping to charge the EV fleet in Singapore via clean energy beginning in January 2025. Overall, these projects support the Singapore Green Plan 2030, which aims to lower national carbon emissions and promote sustainability.

    “FedEx is committed to connecting people and opportunities in smarter ways,” stated Kawal Preet, president of FedEx Asia Pacific. “With the introduction of these electric vehicles, we are taking meaningful steps to lower greenhouse gas emissions while improving our efficiency, directly supporting Singapore’s bold sustainability initiatives. This is an important milestone on our path to achieving carbon-neutral operations by 2040, as we work to build a cleaner and more efficient logistics network that promotes sustainable growth throughout the Asia Pacific region.”

    In addition to vehicle electrification, the company has also launched a cloud-based carbon emissions reporting tool, FedEx® Sustainability Insights, giving customers access to historical emissions information on eligible shipments within the FedEx network. FedEx customers can use the data to help make more informed decisions on their future shipping strategy to help reduce their impact on the environment.

  • A TRANSFORMATIVE DAY AT THE SUSTAINABLE ACTION CONFERENCE 2024: OFFICIALLY LAUNCHED BY THE DEPUTY MINISTER OF PLANTATION AND COMMODITIES OF MALAYSIA, YB DATUK CHAN FOONG HIN.

    A TRANSFORMATIVE DAY AT THE SUSTAINABLE ACTION CONFERENCE 2024: OFFICIALLY LAUNCHED BY THE DEPUTY MINISTER OF PLANTATION AND COMMODITIES OF MALAYSIA, YB DATUK CHAN FOONG HIN.

    Kuala Lumpur – The second edition of the Sustainable Action Conference 2024 (SAC 2.0) concluded with remarkable success on 21st November 2024 at the Sunway Resort Hotel, Malaysia. Co-organized by Control Union Malaysia and the Malaysian Dutch Business Council (MDBC), in collaboration with the MDBC Innovation & Sustainability Awards (MISA), the event was proudly supported by the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands and the Malaysia Green Technology and Climate Change Corporation (MGTC).

    The conference was officially launched by YB Datuk Chan Foong Hin the Deputy Minister of Plantation and Commodities of Malaysia, accompanied by H.E. Jacques Werner, Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to Malaysia, and H.E. Rafael Tristan Daerr, Ambassador of the European Union Delegation to Malaysia, Ir. TS. Shamsul Bahar, Group Chief Executive Officer, Malaysian Green Technology and Climate Change Corporation, Mr. Dirk Teichert, Managing Director of Control Union Asia Holdings and Mr. Supun Nigamuni, Managing Director, Control Union Malaysia.

    The conference brought together corporate leaders, policymakers, and sustainability advocates from across diverse sectors such as manufacturing, plantations, forestry, energy, oil & gas, construction, finance, and tourism. With the theme “Transforming Pledges into Action: Realizing a Sustainable Future,” SAC 2024 showcased real-world case studies, provided actionable insights, and spotlighted best practices in sustainable land use, green financing, energy-efficient manufacturing, and sustainable tourism.

    SAC 2024 reaffirmed its commitment to sustainability by hosting a carbon-neutral event, by offsetting emissions through the Kuamut Rainforest Conservation Project, Malaysia’s first nature-based carbon initiative registered under VERRA powered by Saxon Renewables and reinvesting all proceeds into charitable organizations supporting impactful sustainability efforts.

    One of the highlights of SAC 2024 was the Non-Government Organization (NGO) funding project. After a rigorous selection process, Dignity for Children Foundation emerged as the winner of the RM 50,000 grant for the Empowerment of Orang Asli Youth Project. This initiative, designed to address educational challenges faced by the Orang Asli community, exemplifies the impact of aligning visionary projects with actionable sustainability goals. This was made possible through the generous sponsorship of Control Union MalaysiaCarbonSpaceSaxon Renewables, SaraCarbonEPIC Berhad, and Corsair, reaffirming their commitment to driving impactful change through sustainable practices.

    The conference featured distinguished speakers from leading organizations, including PETRONAS, Bursa Malaysia, Bank Negara Malaysia, CIMB Islamic Bank, European Union, Malaysian Timber Association (MTA), SP Setia Berhad, Tourism Malaysia, MATRADE, Climate Governance Malaysia, Malaysia Forest Fund (MFF), Kuala Lumpur Kepong Berhad (KLK), SD Guthrie, Signify, and more. Their insights provided invaluable guidance on incorporating sustainability into business strategies, addressing global environmental challenges, and fostering innovation.

    SAC 2024 marked a significant milestone in Malaysia’s sustainability journey, offering a platform for collaboration, learning, and impactful decision-making. By uniting thought leaders, policymakers, and innovators, the event underscored the importance of collective efforts to advance sustainability across core industries.

    Control Union Malaysia thanks all attendees, sponsors, and partners for making SAC 2024 a success and looks forward to further strengthening Malaysia’s commitment to sustainability.

    For more information on SAC 2024 and future initiatives, visit www.sustainableactionconference.com.

     

  • Jom Kosong @ Tealive to fund 1 million school meals

    Jom Kosong @ Tealive to fund 1 million school meals

    (From left) Bryan Yeow, Director of Special Projects & International Business of Loob Holding; Datuk William Ng, President of Small and Medium Enterprises Association (SAMENTA) Malaysia; Bryan Loo, Founder and CEO of Loob Holding; Dr Fuziah Salleh, Deputy Minister of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN); Datuk Roziah binti Abudin, Deputy Secretary General (Domestic Trade) of KPDN and Nazrin Shashadin, Head of Programme Coordination & Distribution for Yayasan Didik Negara, during the launch of Tealive’s Jom Kosong campaign.

    Putrajaya – Tealive, the top Southeast Asian lifestyle tea brand, today pledged to provide one million free school meals in support of the Jom Kosong campaign, an initiative of the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living to promote zero-sugar options.

    Loob Holding Sdn Bhd founder and CEO Bryan Loo said for each cup sold under the campaign, 20 sen would be contributed to the Tealive School Meals Fund.

    “We will contribute directly to Yayasan Didik Negara (YDN) which runs the school meals programme and we understand that RM3.5 million is required to fund one million meals,” he said.

    Tealive will officially kick off its Jom Kosong campaign on Dec 1 and Loo is confident the targeted amount would be raised within one year, depending on the number of customers who support its Jom Kosong campaign.

    Deputy Minister of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living, Dr Fuziah Salleh, launched Tealive’s Jom Kosong campaign at the Tealive outlet at the Ministry premises. Also present were Hirudin bin Mohit, Deputy Director of Daily School Management Division (BPSH) under Ministry of Education, and Mohd Razi bin Jaafar, YDN’s Acting CEO, as well as officials from the two Ministries.

    Elaborating on its support for the Jom Kosong campaign, Loo said all Tealive customers had always been empowered to customise their drinks to their preference. They could opt for different sugar and even ice levels.

    “Tealive wants to show our commitment in supporting this Ministry initiative and we thought it would be a noble effort to get our customers to raise funds together to provide school meals.

    “We hope our customers will come forward to support this initiative, especially knowing that the 20-sen per cup goes directly to provide nutritious school meals for B40 children,” he said.

    “Let us positively impact the community,” Loo added.

    Tealive customers who contributed to the school meals programme will also get an acknowledgement in their drink receipts stating the amount they have contributed.

    Those ordering on the Tealive app will also get the option to support this programme and their contribution will also be visible to them during their purchase journey within the app.

  • BINA PURI ASSOCIATE WINS ARBITRATION CASE AGAINST PROLINTAS

    BINA PURI ASSOCIATE WINS ARBITRATION CASE AGAINST PROLINTAS

    KUALA LUMPUR: KL-Kuala Selangor Expressway Bhd (“LATAR”), an associate company of Bina Puri Holdings Bhd (“Bina Puri”) has won an arbitration case against PROLINTAS, over non-payment of monies to LATAR under the Co-ordination and Cost-sharing agreement. 

    In a Bursa Malaysia filing, Bina Puri said LATAR commenced arbitral proceedings on  July 19, 2019 against PROLINTAS at the Asian International Arbitration Centre. 

    The arbitration tribunal ordered PROLINTAS to pay RM46,131,147.57 with interest to LATAR in its judgment on Nov 7 this year. 

    LATAR is the concessionaire for the 33km-long Kuala Lumpur – Kuala Selangor expressway which was open to the public on June 23, 2011.  

    PROLINTAS is an investment holding company that designs, builds, operates, and maintains highways.

  • SUSTAINABLE ACTION CONFERENCE 2024: TRANSFORMING PLEDGES INTO ACTION FOR A GREENER FUTURE

    SUSTAINABLE ACTION CONFERENCE 2024: TRANSFORMING PLEDGES INTO ACTION FOR A GREENER FUTURE

    Control Union Malaysia is proud to announce the second edition of Sustainable Action Conference 2024 (2.0) (SAC 2024) will be co-organized with the Malaysian Dutch Business Council (MDBC) in conjunction with the MDBC Innovation & Sustainability Awards (MISA). The event is scheduled on 21st November 2024 at Sunway Resort Hotel, Malaysia and is supported by the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands and the Malaysia Green Technology and Climate Change Corporation (MGTC).

    The SAC 2024 + MISA, with the overarching theme “Transforming Pledges into Action: Realizing A Sustainable Future” aims to provides platform to showcase industry case studies, demonstrating successful sustainability initiatives and deliver actionable solutions that can be implemented across various industries – including Manufacturing, Plantations, Forestry, Energy, Oil & Gas, Constructions, Finance and others to effectively address sustainability efforts. Building on the foundation laid in the first edition, SAC 2024 introduces new, targeted sessions to address key areas of sustainability. Each session offers a focused approach, providing actionable insights and collaboration opportunities for various sectors:

    Session 1: Financing the Future – Sustainable Investments and Risk Management
    The inaugural session delves into the role of financial institutions in driving sustainability through innovative investment and risk management practices. It targets banks, financial institutions, and insurance companies, exploring sustainable financing models, green bonds, and environmental risk assessments. 

    Session 2: Sustainable Production and Resource Management – Innovations in Manufacturing and Energy
    This session addresses sustainable production practices and resource management, focusing on sectors such as manufacturing, mining, metals, oil and gas, energy, construction, and automotive. It emphasizes circular economy principles, resource-efficient extraction and processing, and low-carbon supply chain solutions. Through these discussions, participants will learn about reducing environmental impacts in production and construction, optimizing energy efficiency, and integrating renewable energy into their operations. This session provides critical insights into how heavy industries can adapt to a sustainable future.

    Session 3: Greening the Land – Sustainable Practices in Agriculture and Forestry
    Focusing on forestry, plantations, and agriculture, this session promotes sustainable land use, conservation, and responsible sourcing. It explores sustainable farming techniques, forest conservation, and responsible forestry management, with discussions on mitigating deforestation and fostering reforestation. Certification and accountability are highlighted to ensure land use practices that benefit the environment and local communities, supporting long-term agricultural and forestry sustainability.

    Session 4: Empowering Communities – Sustainable Development in Urban and Rural Areas
    This final session addresses the unique sustainability challenges in urban and rural development, focusing on tourism, power utilities, municipal councils, and construction. Discussions include sustainable urban planning, eco-friendly tourism, renewable energy solutions, and green building standards. The session emphasizes the role of local governments in promoting sustainability and adapting infrastructure to meet environmental goals, offering insights into fostering sustainable communities and equitable development.

    To learn more about the event, please visit our website at [www.sustainableactionconference.com] or contact the secretariat, Ms. Dinusha at +603 3000 4132 / +6012-627 2505. Alternatively, you can email your enquiries to us at bdcumalaysia@controlunion.com.

  • DUOPHARMA BIOTECH AND UNIVERSITI KEBANGSAAN MALAYSIA PARTNER TO ELEVATE HALAL STANDARDS IN HEALTHCARE

    DUOPHARMA BIOTECH AND UNIVERSITI KEBANGSAAN MALAYSIA PARTNER TO ELEVATE HALAL STANDARDS IN HEALTHCARE

    Kuala Lumpur, 12 November 2024 – Duopharma Biotech Berhad (“Duopharma Biotech” or
    “the Company”) partnered with Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM)’s Faculty of Pharmacy
    and IDEA Centre – the university’s strategic office for Research and Innovation, to organise a
    one-day Halal Pharmaceutical Symposium 2024 (HPS 2024) in Putrajaya recently, themed
    “Bridging Halal to Health: Fostering Inclusivity, Innovation and Healthcare Excellence”. The
    event saw the attendance of about 300 delegates from Malaysia.

    Launched by Khairul Azwan Harun, Chairman of Halal Development Corporation (HDC), the
    symposium saw the participation of Prof Dato’ Dr Hanafiah Harunarashid, Pro Vice-Chancellor
    (Kuala Lumpur Campus), Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia; Leonard Ariff Abdul Shatar, Group
    Managing Director, Duopharma Biotech Berhad and various other representatives from the
    pharmaceutical and healthcare sectors, including Government and non-government bodies;
    academic and research institutions; healthcare practitioners as well as industry players.

    Aiming to provide a platform for exposure, knowledge sharing and discussion among
    delegates, thus contributing to enhancing the sustainability of the Halal pharmaceutical
    industry in Malaysia and globally, the symposium featured a panel discussion, paper
    presentations, viewing of research posters and a research colloquium. The panel discussion
    saw sharing of insights from speakers representing UKM, Duopharma Biotech, the
    Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (JAKIM), HDC, the Ministry of Defence and the
    Malaysian Pharmacist Society.

    Continuing collaboration
    HPS 2024 is a continuation of several initiatives between UKM and Duopharma Biotech since
    2019 to bolster the Halal pharmaceutical economy, with Duopharma Biotech also funding
    research and development efforts by UKM, based at the Halal Pharmaceutical Business
    Initiative Centre (HPBI) under the coordination of the UKM Graduate School of Business
    (UKM-GSB). HPBI is a shared facility for UKM faculty members from different disciplines,
    including the Faculties of Science and Technology, Pharmacy and Islamic Studies and the
    Graduate School of Business. Meanwhile, the university’s IDEA Centre has established a
    Halal Economy research group involving the Faculties of Economics, Management,
    Pharmacy, Islamic Studies, Science & Technology, and UNIPEQ Sdn Bhd – the university’s
    commercialisation arm. The group aims to advance knowledge through research, training,
    professional certification, conferences and collaborations with global stakeholders.

    Leonard Ariff Abdul Shatar, Group Managing Director, Duopharma Biotech Berhad
    commented, “We are honoured to co-organise HPS 2024 with UKM. As our longstanding R&D
    partner in Halal pharmaceutical science and commercial applications, we have made
    significant progress together and look forward to reaching many more milestones. Through
    this symposium, Duopharma Biotech is maintaining our momentum in spearheading strategic
    collaborations to capture fast-growing potential in the Halal pharmaceutical industry and
    elevate the position of Halal pharmaceuticals within the global pharmaceutical landscape.”

    “As the Halal Pharmaceutical leader in Malaysia with 25 years of excellence in producing Halal
    certified products for consumers, our efforts are driven by our “Halal Built-in” policy and ESG
    commitment which includes a focus on Access to Medicine. Our aim is to enhance inclusivity
    in healthcare, enabling all patients to have choices in the therapies and medications they need
    for their well-being – safe for use and effective, high in quality, hygienic and Halal-certified,”
    he added.

    Prof Dato’ Gs. Ts. Dr Mohd Ekhwan Hj Toriman, Vice-Chancellor, Universiti Kebangsaan
    Malaysia, emphasised the importance of academic research in advancing the Halal
    pharmaceutical sector. “UKM is one of Malaysia’s leading public universities, known for its
    strong emphasis on research, including in fields like science, technology and medicine. At
    UKM, we believe that Halal pharmaceuticals represent a critical opportunity to merge scientific
    and business innovation with religious compliance. This collaboration between academia and
    industry can lead to new research initiatives, product development, training modules and
    advancements in Halal certification, ensuring global access to Halal-compliant pharmaceutical
    products.”

    Malaysia’s Halal industry is projected to expand to USD113.2 billion by 2030, with a GDP
    contribution of 8.1% by 2025 through the Halal Industry Master Plan 20301

    , spurred by the
    Government’s aim to elevate Malaysia’s position as a key player in the global Halal market.
    Pharmaceuticals are a key growth sector, increasing 156.7% from 2021 to 2022 – the highest
    growth recorded. Globally, the Halal industry offers enormous potential, projected to rise to
    USD5 trillion in value by 2030 from the current USD3.5 trillion, alongside a growth in consumer
    numbers from 1.9 billion to 2.3 billion by 2030

    Established leadership
    Duopharma Biotech was the first pharmaceutical Company to receive Halal certification from
    JAKIM for its Consumer Healthcare Products in 1999, in accordance with MS 1500:2009
    standards, pioneering a range of 100% Halal health supplements, including CHAMPS,
    Flavettes, Proviton and Naturalle products. The Company also complies with the Malaysian
    Standard on Halal Pharmaceuticals MS 2424:2019, which provides clear guidance on the
    requirements for producing Halal pharmaceuticals.

    Duopharma Biotech is also the first pharmaceutical company to receive Halal certification from
    JAKIM for an oncology product, produced at its cutting-edge Highly Potent Active
    Pharmaceutical Ingredients (HAPI) facility located in Glenmarie, Shah Alam, the first cancer
    medicine manufacturing facility in Malaysia, with Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP)
    certification from the Malaysian National Pharmaceutical Regulatory Agency. The Company’s
    first biosimilar registered in Malaysia, Erysaa (Erythropoietin) is also the first in its category to
    be certified Halal by the Korea Muslim Federation (KMF) in 2020. Likewise, Duopharma
    Biotech’s cosmeceutical range IRORO Nutreatment haircare products developed using stem
    cell technology, is Halal-certified by KMF. Duopharma Biotech is a member of the HDC’s
    Sectoral Working Group.

    For more information on the Halal Pharmaceuticals Symposium 2024, please visit
    https://halal4pharma.com/hps2024/