Category: events

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.

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/

KUALA LUMPUR, 11 November 2024 – Zurich Takaful Malaysia Berhad (ZTMB) is excited to introduce MediAfya+, an innovative medical plan designed to offer comprehensive protection, ensuring Malaysians are prepared for life’s unexpected health challenges. This plan, when paired with Takaful Term 80, provides long-term security and peace of mind with an annual coverage limit of up to RM1,000,000.

As part of the launch celebrations, ZTMB hosted the “Power Up Hidupmu dengan MediAfya+” event on 2 November 2024 at Marina Putrajaya. The event featured a range of engaging activities, including cardio boxing sessions, interactive booths, and expert health insights, making it a fun and informative day for attendees. Guests also had the chance to win RM100 Touch ‘n Go eWallet credits through rezeki draws.

In today’s rapidly changing healthcare landscape, MediAfya+ addresses the concerns of Malaysians by providing coverage that spans both emergency treatment and long-term care needs, ensuring customers are well-prepared for any situation. With Takaful Term 80, customers will be provided medical coverage that extends up to age of 80, making it ideal for individuals seeking a balance of affordability and comprehensive protection.

Fatihah Mustafa, Chief Executive Officer of ZTMB, said, “Healthcare protection is not just about covering medical bills. It’s about giving people the confidence to live life fully, knowing they are prepared for the unexpected. MediAfya+ represents Zurich Malaysia’s commitment to providing solutions that truly care for what matters, offering comprehensive protection with the flexibility that today’s customers seek.”

Key Features* of MediAfya+:

• Comprehensive Protection: Includes pre and post-hospitalisation, out-patient care, and global Emergency Assistance, covering medical, travel, car and home support.
• High Annual Limit: Up to RM1,000,000 in coverage per year, with no lifetime limit, offering long-term financial security.
• Hassle-Free Hospital Admission: Expedited admission process at panel hospitals ensures timely and efficient care.
• Flexibility: Choose between two plans with Deductibles of RM500 or RM5,000, tailored to fit different budgets and coverage needs.
• Waiver and Deductible: Emergency treatments and government health care facilities are eligible for waivers, reducing out-of-pocket costs during treatment.

In response to overwhelming demand, ZTMB is delighted to announce the launch of Year End Campaign – ‘Cashback Syok’ till 30 December 2024. This campaign offers customers the opportunity to benefit from MediAfya+ with Takaful Term 80, and as an added incentive, customers will receive up to 2 months cashback depending on the contribution mode. This offer underscores ZTMB’s commitment to enhancing its customers’ healthcare experiences by providing extra benefits along with financial protection.

For more details on the MediAfya+, please visit the official website at https://www.zurich.com.my/takaful-products/protection/for-my-health/mediafya-plus.

*Terms and conditions apply.

Malaysians just love discounts, and monthly sales events like 11.11 are the perfect example of that. As the sales period rolls around, shoppers eagerly anticipate the slashed prices and irresistible promotions, whether it is to hunt down a long-desired item or spontaneously adding to cart. 

However, amid this shopping frenzy, customers often face challenges that can dampen the excitement. Slow loading websites, forgotten carts, and delayed customer support can turn the shopping experience from fun to frustrating. Depending on the frequency, some platforms may face a lot of negative feedback from customers – driving a wrench for shoppers and sellers alike. 

With that in mind, how can businesses turn these challenges into opportunities, and streamline the ecommerce experience for their customer?

This is where an omnichannel approach makes for the perfect solution. This new system within the ecommerce world revolves around the integration of different interaction methods to customers. Here in Malaysia, WhatsApp has  up to 13.8 million users which is a substantial sum of potential customers waiting to be nudged. In fact, a record surge can be seen last year with over 8.2 billion messages being sent during Cyber Week over mobile-friendly, conversational channels, showcasing just how essential it is to stay connected across multiple touchpoints.

Here’s how omnichannel solutions can deliver a seamless shopping experience for both businesses and shoppers:

Elevating Promotions with Multi-Platform Messages

Getting the word out on current promotions is one of the key parts to capture customer interest and driving sales. Omnichannel platforms enable businesses to share offers, product launches, and updates across various social channels at once, making sure no one misses out on the fun. 

Picture this: a shopper browses a store in person, spots an item they like, and decides to wait for an upcoming sale. By following the brand on Instagram, they later receive a notification about a sale which includes that very item. After their purchase, the brand keeps them updated via WhatsApp and email, ensuring the item arrives safely. This seamless communication ecosystem makes the entire shopping process cohesive and keeps customers engaged with the brand at all times.

Timely Reminders to Boost Conversions

Speaking of time, a smooth shopping journey is not just about promotions – it is about maintaining customer interest until the very second they complete a purchase. In fact, 63% of people start their shopping online but nearly half still prefer making their final purchase in-store. Omnichannel platforms excel in this area by providing smart reminders to prompt customers in every step of the way. Tailored notifications and prompts can tap into customers’ past browsing behaviour or previous purchases to help them stay connected to products they love. This includes back-in-stock alerts, sale notifications, or abandoned cart nudges, which can make all the difference in turning a browser into a buyer.

Instant Updates for Transparent Transactions

Another important factor about online shopping is keeping customers informed to build trust. Omnichannel platforms shine in this area by providing real-time notifications that ensure customers are aware of every step of their order journey. From confirmation emails to tracking details and delivery updates, these instant notifications help alleviate any worries customers might have about their purchase.

Beyond the transaction itself, notifications about loyalty programmes, upcoming promotions or special rewards can also deepen customer engagement. Even a simple post-purchase survey can become a great way for businesses to collect feedback and fine-tune their offerings – making sure that they continue to offer the best services for the customers when they return. 

24/7 Support with AI-Powered Assistance

The online world moves fast, and customers expect support that moves just as quickly. Thanks to the advancements in AI, businesses can now provide round-the-clock assistance that enhances the overall shopping experience. AI-driven chatbots can handle everything from answering FAQs to more complex tasks like providing document provisioning – making customer support both efficient and accessible.

Automating certain processes also reduces operational costs while ensuring customers receive timely responses. For more intricate inquiries, these bots can pass the conversations to human agents, empowering businesses to deliver superior customer service. This perfect blend of AI and human expertise strengthens customer relationships and ensures that no question goes unanswered.

At the end of the day, ecommerce remains a highly competitive world. Businesses that decide to equip themselves with omnichannel platforms can create a shopping experience that is smooth, satisfying, and frustration-free – even during the hustle and bustle of high-traffic sales periods like the upcoming 11.11 event. By integrating these nifty tools, businesses can not only address common customer pain points but also foster stronger relationships and build lasting loyalty. The result? Happier customers and a healthier bottom line for all businesses.

Kuala Lumpur, 4 November 2024 — Bursa Malaysia Berhad (“Bursa Malaysia” or “the  Exchange”) will be hosting its flagship retail investment event, Bursa Marketplace Fair 2024  (“Marketplace Fair”) at Vivacity Megamall in Kuching this Saturday and Sunday, 9 – 10  November 2024.  

Bursa Marketplace Fair will be officiated by YB Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas,  Deputy Premier, Second Minister for Finance and New Economy, and Minister for Infrastructure and Port Development Sarawak. The event is part of Bursa Malaysia’s  ongoing efforts to promote financial literacy and encourage a culture of active learning  and informed investing among the Malaysian public.  

Highlights of Bursa Marketplace Fair Sarawak 2024 

The Marketplace Fair, themed “Invest Today, Powering the Future,” welcomes all visitors,  from beginners to seasoned investors. It features curated talks aimed at enhancing knowledge towards effective financial planning and wealth creation. Attendees will also  gain insights into investment opportunities across various investment asset classes or  types available through Bursa Malaysia — including stocks, exchange-traded funds,  structured warrants, derivatives, and gold. More than a dozen key stakeholders in the 

capital market, including the Securities Commission Malaysia, investment banks, brokers,  and public-listed companies, will be present at the fair to provide visitors with investment related advice and services. Topics covered will range from investing fundamentals to  technical analysis for developing investment strategies. In addition to capital market talks,  a variety of fun activities and games will be available for visitors to enjoy. 

Datuk Muhamad Umar Swift, Chief Executive Officer of Bursa Malaysia said, “The  Exchange firmly believes in promoting financial literacy and a culture of investing as part of prudent financial planning. With a population of over 2.5 million, Sarawak currently has  48,000 users who maintain an active Central Depository System (CDS) account, which  represents only 1.9% of the state’s population. From January to September this year, 5,100  new CDS accounts were from Sarawakians, which amounts to over 4% of the  approximately 115,000 CDS accounts opened nationwide in the same period.” 

“This presents a significant untapped investor base in the state, and highlights the need  for more Sarawakians to begin or diversify their types of investments. It is thus timely for  the Bursa Marketplace Fair to be held in Kuching to equip locals with investing knowledge,  and to increasing their participation in opportunities in our vibrant capital market.” 

The Marketplace Fair presents an avenue for investors to explore digital tools and  platforms as well as other resources to facilitate and empower them in their investment  journey. Some of these include: 

• Burmon Trader — An interactive game designed to teach kids (as young as 8 years old) on trading and financial literacy, in a fun and engaging way
• Bursa Anywhere app — ASEAN’s first mobile central depository services electronic  platform 
• MyBURSA — A one-stop customer-centric platform that offers personalised  services and seamless interactions to help investors in their investment journey • Bursa REACH — A profiling platform dedicated to improve connections between  investors and dealer’s representatives (DRs) 
• Bursa Gold Dinar — A Shariah-compliant gold trading platform that offers investors the convenience of investing in gold through a mobile app, starting from just RM10 • BR Capital — A platform that provides investors with access to fresh fixed income  investment opportunities (from as low as RM100), while supporting growth plans  of unlisted or listed companies 

The Marketplace Fair in Kuching marks the first time the Exchange’s retail investment fair  is being held in Sarawak. It also marks the fourth physical Marketplace Fair held outside  Kuala Lumpur, following previous editions in Penang (2019), Johor Bahru (2023), and Kota  Kinabalu (May 2024). This upcoming fair is expected to draw over 2,000 attendees.

The event is free to attend and open to the public, with giveaway prizes awaiting visitors.  Registration is available both online and on-site at the fair. To learn more about the Bursa  Marketplace Fair Sarawak 2024, visit https://www.bursamarketplace.com/bursa marketplace-fair/