Inovatif

Category: News & Events

  • UOB Malaysia named Malaysia’s best bank at Global Finance Best Bank Awards 2025

    UOB Malaysia has been named the Best Bank in Malaysia at the 32nd annual World’s Best Bank Awards 2025 – Asia Pacific by Global Finance magazine.

    Ms Ng Wei Wei, Chief Executive Officer of UOB Malaysia, said, “Over the past three years, we have been working relentlessly on the Bank’s transformation and the recognition by Global Finance affirms UOB Malaysia’s leadership as a progressive, purpose-driven bank that not only contributes to Malaysia’s growth but also supports customers and communities across Malaysia and the wider ASEAN region. We are proud to be acknowledged for our strong financial performance, as well as our commitment to innovation, sustainability, service excellence and community stewardship.”

    The Global Finance World’s Best Bank Awards honour financial institutions that demonstrate long-term stability, technological innovation and excellence in service. In selecting the top banks, Global Finance considered a mix of quantitative and qualitative factors, including asset growth, profitability, geographic reach, strategic partnerships, innovation, and new business development. Input was gathered from industry experts, analysts, consultants, and corporate financial executives worldwide.

    Advancing from a position of strength
    Over the past year, UOB Malaysia has made significant strides in both retail and wholesale banking. On the retail front, the Bank successfully integrated the Citi consumer banking business and continues to enhance its digital capabilities with the award-winning UOB TMRW app. UOB Malaysia is now among the largest credit card issuers in the country and continue to be a key player in wealth management and residential mortgages.

    In wholesale banking, UOB Malaysia has built a strong track record in Financial Supply Chain Management (FSCM), regional connectivity and sustainable financing. Its Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) Advisory unit continues to provide strategic support to foreign companies investing into Malaysia and Malaysian companies expanding into ASEAN. In 2024, the Bank also played a substantial role in strengthening regional economic connectivity to boost cross-border collaboration through initiatives such as the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ).

    A front runner in sustainability
    UOB Malaysia is also a front runner in sustainability. The Bank’s sustainable financing portfolio has tripled over the last two years, supported by comprehensive frameworks across many strategic focus areas including smart cities, green buildings, circular economy and transition finance.

    Operationally, UOB Malaysia achieved carbon neutrality for its own operations since 2021. Its headquarters, UOB Plaza 1 Kuala Lumpur, reflects its commitment to environmental responsibility and progressive workplace design – having earned double Platinum certifications and winning both the National Energy Award 2024 and ASEAN Energy Award 2024 for energy efficiency.

    Customer experience remains a top priority for UOB Malaysia, with strong improvements in Net Promoter Scores (NPS) across segments, reflecting the Bank’s commitment to delivering quality service, digital innovation and client-centric solutions.

  • Alibaba Cloud strengthens AI capabilities with for international customers

    Alibaba Cloud strengthens AI capabilities with for international customers

    Alibaba Cloud, the digital technology and intelligence backbone of Alibaba Group, unveils new AI models, tools and infrastructure upgrades for its international customers, underscoring its ongoing commitment to driving AI innovation worldwide.

    “We are launching a series of Platform-as-a-Service（PaaS) and AI capability updates to meet the growing demand for digital transformation from across the globe. These upgrades allow us to deliver even more secure and high-performance services that empower businesses to scale and innovate in an AI-driven world,” said Selina Yuan, President of International Business, Alibaba Cloud Intelligence.

    Alibaba Cloud announced new offerings to international customers by expanding access to its foundational models and upgrading infrastructure products. Available through the company’s availability zones in Singapore, these models include the latest from its proprietary large language model (LLM) series, Qwen, such as the large-scale Mixture of Experts (MoE) model Qwen-Max, the reasoning model QwQ-Plus, the visual reasoning model QVQ-Max and the end-to-end multimodal model Qwen2.5-Omni-7b.

    QwQ-Plus is an advanced reasoning model specialising in deep analytical thinking, tackling complex challenges like sophisticated QA tasks and expert-level math problems with precise, algorithm-driven solutions. Meanwhile, QVQ-Max is a visual reasoning model that effectively addresses complex multimodal problems with high accuracy and extended reasoning capabilities, supporting visual input and chain-of-thought output.

    To further support the AI models on the PaaS front, Alibaba Cloud’s Platform for AI (PAI) has rolled out major enhancements to support scalable, cost-effective, and user-friendly solutions for generative AI and LLMs. PAI-Elastic Algorithm Service (EAS) debuts distributed inference capabilities with a multi-node architecture to satisfy the growing demands of super-large models fueled by the rise of MoE structure and ultra-long-text processing, addressing the limitations of traditional single-node architecture. To further boost performance and reduce costs, PAI-EAS introduces the prefill-decode disaggregation function which has led to a 92% increase in concurrency and a 91% boost in tokens per second (TPS) when deployed with the Qwen2.5-72B model, greatly improving scalability and efficiency.

    PAI-Model Gallery has been upgraded to provide a comprehensive selection of nearly 300 cutting-edge open-source models, including the full range of Alibaba Cloud’s proprietary open-source models Qwen and Wan series, all accessible through a seamless, no-code deployment and management experience. It offers diverse deployment methods with underlying computing resources, along with new features like model evaluation for performance insights and model distillation, which reduces deployment costs by transferring knowledge from large to small models.

    To enhance data management efficiency in the AI era, Alibaba Cloud has integrated its native AI inference capabilities – powered by Qwen – into its flagship cloud-native relational database PolarDB. With in-database machine learning capabilities, it eliminates data shifting typically required for inference workflow, significantly reducing processing latency while boosting efficiency and data security. Engineered for text-centric workloads, the new feature is ideal for scenarios including conversational RAG (Retrieval-Augmented Generation) agent development, text embedding generation, and semantic similarity search.

    It also integrates its data warehouse AnalyticDB into Model Studio, Alibaba Cloud’s generative AI model and application development platform, as the recommended vector database for RAG solutions. This enhancement connects organizations’ proprietary knowledge bases directly to AI models and tools available on Model Studio, streamlining development of context-aware applications.

    Alibaba Cloud also launched a new AI search function on its official website. Powered by Qwen, this AI assistant is designed to help potential enterprise clients, especially SMEs, speed up their solution discovery and gain key insights to facilitate strategic decision-making. It also offers access to cost-effective and scalable cloud solutions, along with free AI and cloud computing training resources.
    Upgraded partner incentive policies were also introduced to better support resellers and distributors by providing increased flexibility, higher commission rates, and more rewarding opportunities for mutual growth. This commitment to empowering partners is further reinforced by enhanced training and support resources, designed to strengthen their capabilities and drive success within evolving ecosystem.

    In February 2025, Alibaba Group announced an investment of US $53 billion (RMB 380 billion) over the next three years to advance its cloud computing and AI infrastructure, reinforcing its commitment to long-term technological innovation. This historic investment, which exceeds Alibaba’s total AI and cloud spending over the past decade, underscores the company’s ongoing dedication to AI-driven growth and its role as a leading global cloud provider. Alibaba Cloud now operates a global infrastructure network with 87 availability zones across 29 regions.

  • SC collaborates with OCIS to advance Islamic finance

    The Securities Commission Malaysia (SC) is collaborating with the Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies (OCIS) to launch the Sultan Nazrin Shah1 Fellowship, a distinguished academic position aimed at driving thought leadership and innovation in Islamic finance.

    The Sultan Nazrin Shah Fellowship offers the selected fellow a unique opportunity to work and engage with global scholars and industry leaders to shape the future of Islamic finance.

    Beyond research on emerging trends and innovations, the fellowship will focus on strengthening strategic partnerships, joint projects, and knowledge sharing for the advancement of the industry.

    SC Chairman Dato’ Mohammad Faiz Azmi said, “As a global leader in Islamic finance, the SC is committed to shaping the future of the industry through knowledge, innovation, and collaboration. This fellowship will serve as a catalyst for pioneering research and fresh ideas to drive meaningful progress in Islamic finance.”

    The ideal candidate should possess a doctorate in a relevant field2 with extensive research experience. Experience in securing funding for research projects and partnership development would be an added advantage.

    Applications at OCIS are open until 5 May 2025. The full-time fellowship will be based at OCIS, with placement expected to commence by Q3 2025, in line with OCIS’s academic year.

  • NCT Alliance expands presence in Sabah

    NCT Alliance expands presence in Sabah

    NCT Alliance Berhad (“NCT”) announces its wholly-owned subsidiary, NCT Panorama Sdn Bhd, has entered into a conditional sale of shares agreement (“SSA”) with Ir Herman Lee Show Kien and Mr Melvin Lee Ying to acquire a 51% stake in Setara Juara Sdn Bhd (“SJSB”) for a total purchase consideration of RM22.0 million. The purchase consideration will be satisfied via a combination of cash and contra properties.

    In line with the acquisition, NCT Panorama, Ir Herman and Mr Melvin have also entered into a Shareholders’ Agreement (“SHA”) to regulate the relationship of the Parties in respect of SJSB.

    Pivotal to the company’s long-term growth strategy, the acquisition will pave the way for NCT’s development of Ion Marina Bay, a property development project with an estimated gross development value (“GDV”) of RM3.4 billion. The landmark waterfront project located in Putatan, Sabah, is expected to further strengthen the company’s presence in one of Malaysia’s most promising real estate markets.

    Dato’ Sri Yap Ngan Choy, NCT Alliance’s Executive Chairman and Group Managing Director, stated: “The agreement marks another key milestone in NCT’s expansion into Sabah, reinforcing our vision of building sustainable communities in high-growth regions. Ion Marina Bay will be a catalyst for transformation, creating a dynamic, integrated township that aligns with Sabah’s rapid urban development. As we grow, our focus remains on delivering developments that offer lasting value to homeowners, businesses and investors alike.”

    Ion Marina Bay will be a mixed development, comprising residential, commercial and lifestyle components. Spanning approximately 250 acres, the development is strategically located two kilometres from Putatan Town Centre and 5 kilometres from Kota Kinabalu International Airport (KKIA), offering a modern and sustainable living experience tailored to Sabah’s evolving market needs.

    With the Government recently having approved a RM442.3 million upgrade for KKIA to expand its capacity and enhance connectivity, the major infrastructure boost is expected to further drive real estate growth and attract more investors to the state.

    NCT’s expansion into Sabah has been carefully planned to tap into the region’s growing real estate market, which has seen heightened interest due to Sabah’s economic growth and infrastructure investments.

    SJSB existing directors and shareholders, Ir Herman Lee and Mr Melvin Lee are expected to continue playing key roles in the property’s development.

    Ir Herman Lee added, “With NCT Alliance now on board as the major shareholder, we are excited to work in partnership to realise the vision for Ion Marina Bay. SJSB has been deeply involved in shaping this development, and with NCT’s expertise and resources, we are confident that this project will create a thriving, well-planned community that enhances Kota Kinabalu’s property landscape and bring lasting value to the state.”

    Also present at the signing, Encik Ag. Ismail Abu Bakar, Director of Sharikat Pembangunan Azam Dan Galian Sdn. Bhd., the landowner of the project, stated “We are thrilled to be part of this landmark development, which will not only drive Sabah’s economic growth but also redefine its landscape. The vision behind this project will bring to life a dynamic and thriving community, creating lasting opportunities and setting standards for progress in the region.”

    The acquisition of SJSB is expected to be completed by the third quarter of 2025. With a nine-year development timeline, Ion Marina Bay is poised to become one of Sabah’s most dynamic and sought-after urban developments.

  • CelcomDigi-Ericsson’s strategic partnership to accelerate O&G sector

    CelcomDigi-Ericsson’s strategic partnership to accelerate O&G sector

    CelcomDigi Berhad (“CelcomDigi”) and Ericsson (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd (“Ericsson”) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to boost Malaysia’s digital transformation by accelerating 5G adoption in Malaysia’s oil and gas (O&G) industry, advancing the nation’s key sector to the forefront of industrial digitalisation.

    By combining CelcomDigi’s robust network infrastructure and deep local expertise with Ericsson’s global leadership in 5G technology, the partnership will drive the creation of 5G-powered solutions tailored to the unique demands of the O&G sector. Through CelcomDigi’s newly established 5G Standalone (SA) test lab, both companies will develop and deploy 5G use cases, focusing on:

    • Enhanced safety – Deploying 5G-enabled solutions to improve worker safety and hazard detection in high-risk environments
    • Advanced tracking – Utilising 5G technology for real-time asset and personnel tracking to optimise operational efficiency
    • Digitalisation and automation – Empowering O&G operations with real-time data analytics and automation for seamless decision-making
    • Mission-critical connectivity – Delivering reliable, ultra-fast 5G connectivity to support critical functions and industrial applications

    This partnership marks a pivotal step in modernising Malaysia’s O&G sector to a smarter, safer, and more efficient industrial ecosystem powered by next-generation connectivity solutions.

    The MoU was signed at the Mobile World Congress (MWC) in Barcelona, Spain by CelcomDigi’s Deputy CEO, Albern Murty and Head of Ericsson Malaysia, David Hagerbro, witnessed by the Deputy Minister of Communications, YB Teo Nie Ching.

    Commenting on the partnership, CelcomDigi’s Deputy CEO, Albern Murty said, “As CelcomDigi evolves beyond connectivity into a telco-tech company, we recognise that the key to unlocking the full potential of 5G-AI lies in strong industry partnerships. Collaborations like this allow us to co-create meaningful solutions that go beyond technology, directly addressing industry challenges and transforming operations. We look forward to shaping a safer, more efficient, and future-ready O&G sector, as well as accelerating 5G adoption across industries as we continue to drive the nation’s development into a 5G-AI digital society.”

    David Hagerbro, Head of Ericsson Malaysia, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh, commented, “We stay committed to ensuring that Malaysia remains at the forefront of digital innovation. This collaboration with CelcomDigi is a strategic leap forward in the digital transformation of Malaysia. Our partnership in the O&G sector will drive real-time solutions in terms of enhanced efficiency, safety and digitalising operations that will redefine how industries operate in the country.”

    As Malaysia accelerates its 5G adoption, this strategic collaboration underscores CelcomDigi and Ericsson’s shared vision of pioneering innovative solutions that elevate industries, empower businesses, and contribute to the nation’s digital economy aspirations.

  • BERNAS’ Gema Ramadhan programme reaches out to the urban poor

    BERNAS’ Gema Ramadhan programme reaches out to the urban poor

    Padiberas Nasional Berhad’s (BERNAS) annual Gema Ramadan initiative this year focused on supporting the urban poor as the company contributed food boxes comprises of basic necessities including rice and sugar, as well as “bubur lambuk” to over 1,000 resident especially single mothers, orphans and asnaf families at the People’s Housing Project (“PPR”) Hiliran Ampang.

    The ceremony was graced by Titiwangsa Members of the Parliament and Minister of Plantation and Commodities YB Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani, Chairman of BERNAS Dato Sri Rohani Abdul Karim, Group Chief Executive Officer of BERNAS Zulkiflee Abdul Rahman, alongside the senior management team of BERNAS.

    Guests to the event also visited selected homes before the iftar session with orphans, senior citizens and single mothers organised by BERNAS at Surau Al-Falah, PPR Hiliran Ampang.

    “This strategic partnership with corporate entities like BERNAS reflects the strong commitment of private companies in empowering local communities without neglecting those in need, especially during Ramadan” said Datuk Seri Johari.

    “Improving the community’s standard of living has always been a priority for BERNAS. We not only provide support to low-income families but also to the urban poor who fall under the B40 category,” said Dato Sri Rohani.

    According to a 2024 UNICEF Malaysia report, 41% of urban households now live below the poverty line, with women, particularly single mothers, being the most affected in 16 PPR locations.

    Recognising the unique challenges faced by single mothers, orphans, and senior citizens, we developed a support programme to facilitate preparations for Ramadan and Aidilfitri, ensuring that a more joyful and meaningful celebration for every member of the community,” added Dato Sri Rohani.

    BERNAS’ commitment to community development is not limited to the Gema Ramadan Programme but also encompasses initiatives such as the Program Makanan Kesihatan (Healthy Food Programme) known as PROMAK, launched in January 2022.

    PROMAK is a free lunch programme for primary school students throughout the academic calendar has benefited over 20,000 students in 97 schools across five states comprising Kedah, Perlis, Kelantan, Terengganu, and most recently, Pahang.

    In addition, BERNAS recently allocated an additional RM30 million to support the government’s efforts to assist impoverished rice farmers. Previously, BERNAS had distributed RM60 million to impoverished rice farmers nationwide. This action aligns with BERNAS’ ongoing commitment to fulfilling its social responsibilities under the Concession Agreement with the Malaysian Government, which includes safeguarding the welfare of the farming community.

  • Loob brings Tealive to Thailand

    Loob brings Tealive to Thailand

    Fresh from announcing the entry of Tealive into the enormous Indian market three weeks ago, Loob Holding Sdn Bhd (Loob) has revealed plans to open 80 outlets in Thailand over the next decade.

    Founder and CEO Bryan Loo said it has chosen a leading local food and beverage player, Restaurants Development Co. Ltd (RD), to be its Master Franchisee. RD currently operates over 300 Kentucky Fried Chicken outlets in Thailand.

    RD also happens to be a subsidiary of Devyani International Limited (DIL) of India which is the Master Franchisee for Tealive in India.

    In this breakthrough collaboration with DIL and RD, Loob has made India and Thailand the 9th and 10th overseas markets for Tealive, the top regional lifestyle tea brand and home-grown flagship of Loob.
    Loo expressed confidence that RD’s extensive network and industry expertise will provide a strong foundation for Tealive’s growth in Thailand.

    “Tealive, known for always offering more than tea, will introduce its lifestyle tea concept to Thailand, complementing the country’s rich tea culture with additional choices of handcrafted beverages like coffee, premium chocolate and fruit smoothies as well as Tealive’s famous snacks,” he said.

    “Our Thai partner is already present in hundreds of locations across the country, and Tealive will leverage this from the start. Actual store locations are still being finalised and, together, we aim for 80 outlets in 10 years.”

    Reflecting similarly strong confidence in the collaboration, RD CEO Andrew Norton said: “We look forward to work closely with Loob to bring Tealive’s dynamic and contemporary tea experience to Thai consumers. With our deep understanding of the breadth and depth of the local market and Tealive’s innovative product offerings, we believe this partnership will redefine how tea is enjoyed in Thailand.”

    Adding on, Loo said Tealive’s growth approach was centred on its strategic scalability. “Our priority is to adapt and expand efficiently by working closely with our local partner, ensuring that our brand resonates with Thai consumers while maintaining our commitment to quality and innovation.”

    With a strong presence of over 950 outlets in various regions, including Southeast Asia, Mauritius, Canada and soon in the Middle East and India, Tealive is now ready to establish itself in a country with strong local tea culture. Thailand’s vibrant tea market, predominantly shaped by local players, presents an exciting opportunity for Tealive to introduce new and modernised beverage options tailored to evolving consumer tastes.

  • Liberty General Insurance supports National Kidney Foundation

    Liberty General Insurance supports National Kidney Foundation

    Liberty General Insurance (Liberty) has contributed over RM50,000 from its zakat wakalah funds to the National Kidney Foundation (NKF). This contribution is aimed at supporting healthcare initiatives for underserved communities in Malaysia, particularly in making dialysis treatments more affordable and accessible for lower-income patients.

    The funds will assist NKF in acquiring essential medical equipment, including a far infrared therapy machine and a wireless handheld ultrasound imaging system, which are vital tools for enhancing patient care.

    With the rise of chronic kidney disease (CKD) in Malaysia, where over five million individuals are affected and yet only 5% are aware of their condition, this contribution seeks to help ease a significant healthcare challenge. The Ministry of Health estimated that over 106,000 individuals will require dialysis by 2040 if the current trends continue. Through this support, Liberty hopes to assist NKF in its efforts to reach vulnerable communities and promote early detection and timely intervention.

    “We are grateful for the opportunity to contribute to enhancing the quality of healthcare for Malaysians, especially those from underserved communities,” said Puneet Pasricha (Pasha), Chief Executive Officer of Liberty General Insurance Berhad.” This collaboration with NKF aims to support their efforts in providing essential healthcare to those in need, underscoring Liberty’s commitment to social responsibility.”

    The Zakat Wakalah allocation is specifically designated for procuring medical equipment for NKF, which will directly aid in providing subsidized dialysis treatments to low-income households. This initiative not only supports NKF’s mission but also reflects Liberty’s on-going commitment to help ease healthcare disparities and foster sustainable change in the underserved communities.

    As a one-stop national resource centre for all kidney-related matters, NKF plays a vital role in addressing healthcare disparities by providing affordable treatment options for the lower-income patients who cannot afford the high costs of dialysis at private facilities. Many beneficiaries face significant financial hardships, making access to quality medical care a critical lifeline. By contributing to NKF’s equipment needs, Liberty supports the foundation’s mission to continue its impactful work and positively transform countless lives.

    This initiative aligns with Liberty’s overarching CSR strategy, which focuses on fostering sustainable and positive change within society. Through this collaboration, Liberty aims to ease the healthcare challenges faced by underserved patients, ultimately contributing to better health outcomes and a healthier Malaysia. To read more about Liberty, you may visit its website at www.libertyinsurance.com.my.

  • Medini Net Zero Carbon CBD (NZCC) receives 5 Diamonds recognition

    Medini Net Zero Carbon CBD (NZCC) receives 5 Diamonds recognition

    Iskandar Investment Berhad (IIB) has been awarded with the 5 Diamonds recognition for the highly anticipated Net Zero Carbon Central Business District (NZCC) within Medini Innopolis masterplan, in Iskandar Puteri, Johor at the Low Carbon Cities 2030 Challenge (LCC2030C) awards this week.

    Together with it, IIB received two other diamond recognitions:

    • Medini Net Zero Central Business District (NZCC) – 5 Diamond Recognition
    • Menara IIB (Medini 9) – 5 Diamond Recognition
    • EduCity Complex 1 – 2 Diamond Recognition

    Organised by the Malaysia Green Technology and Climate Change Corporation (MGTC) under the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability (NRES), the awards were presented by YB Tuan Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad, Minister of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability, during a ceremony held at Sofitel Kuala Lumpur Damansara, Kuala Lumpur.

    The LCC2030C Challenge is a national initiative launched in 2019, aimed at accelerating Malaysia’s transition towards low-carbon cities. With urban areas contributing over 70% of global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, the challenge encourages the adoption of low carbon strategies, such as energy efficiency, renewable energy integration, sustainable mobility, and smart urban planning.

    Dato’ Idzham Mohd Hashim, President/CEO of IIB, expressed his unwavering support towards sustainable development, stating, “As we navigate the challenges of urbanisation, it is imperative for us to adopt low carbon practices to ensure the well-being of our society, protect our environment and manage our natural resources efficiently. This recognition is a testament of our commitment towards building an inclusive and sustainable metropolis of the future in Medini, Iskandar Puteri, Johor.”

    As the master developer of Medini, IIB continues to champion sustainability in urban planning and economic growth. Through Medini Innopolis, IIB is positioning Medini as a future-ready city that integrates innovation, sustainability, and economic prosperity. This vision is driven by three key initiatives:

    • Medini International Convention City (MICC) – a global business and convention hub designed to attract investors and drive economic activity;
    • Tech Medini – a digital-first ecosystem supporting technology-driven industries;
    • Net Zero Carbon City Initiative – IIB’s long-term commitment to green urban living, integrating low-carbon technologies and smart infrastructure.

    Medini Innopolis, covering 2,270 acres with 100 acres designated as the NZCC, is part of the National Energy Transition Roadmap (NETR) within the newly announced Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JSSEZ) in Johor. Aligned with the goal of utilising 70% renewable energy and achieving 100% green buildings by 2050, IIB is committed to championing a sustainable living and working environment for all.
    Meanwhile, IIB’s sustainability efforts extend beyond Medini. EduCity, Johor’s premier education hub, plays a vital role in talent development, supporting the Johor Talent Development Council under the Johor Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ). The recognition of EduCity Complex 1 at LCC2030C reflects IIB’s commitment to embedding sustainability into its diverse portfolio.

    The achievements of Medini 9 further reinforce IIB’s ability to implement impactful low-carbon strategies across various developments, setting a benchmark for other organisations to adopt environmentally responsible practices.

    Building on five established pathways within the IIB decarbonisation roadmap which covers Energy, Circularity, Mobility, Built Environment, and Biodiversity-Land Use, IIB will progressively shape its sustainable solutions, from building a potential self-sustaining CBD to aiming at more than 60% carbon emission reductions for its overall operations and destinations by 2040, aligning nation’s Net Zero target by 2050.

    This latest milestone strengthens IIB’s position as a frontrunner in sustainable urban transformation, paving the way for future innovations in low-carbon city development. The company remains committed to collaborating with stakeholders, policymakers, emerging talents and the community to create a resilient, smart, and inclusive city for generations to come.

  • Penang strengthens tourism ties with Chennai

    Penang strengthens tourism ties with Chennai

    In a significant step towards strengthening tourism ties between Penang and Chennai, the Penang Convention & Exhibition Bureau (PCEB) organised a media familiarisation trip to Chennai, India, earlier this month. The timely trip aligns with the recent launch of IndiGo Airlines’ direct flight connecting Penang and Chennai, a development poised to enhance tourism and cultural exchange between the two destinations.

    The primary objective of this media trip is to generate interest among Penangites in Chennai as a vibrant travel destination, ensuring sustained demand for this direct flight route. Through compelling media coverage, showcasing Chennai’s diverse attractions, rich cultural heritage, and unique travel experiences, this initiative aims to inspire travelers and promote cross-border tourism growth.

    The delegation’s journey includes visits to Mahabalipuram, home to UNESCO World Heritage Sites that showcase ancient rock-cut temples and intricate sculptures reflecting India’s profound history. In addition, they are exploring Chennai’s bustling cityscape, where modernity and tradition blend seamlessly, as well as Kanchipuram, a city renowned for its magnificent temples.

    ‘The Penang State Government fully supports this initiative as part of our commitment to sustaining direct connectivity with Chennai,’ said YB Wong Yuee Harng, Director of PCEB. ‘This media trip is a crucial step in broadening travel opportunities while strengthening economic and cultural ties between our two destinations.’

    Ashwin Gunasekeran, CEO of PCEB, underscored the significance of this initiative. ‘Through extensive media exposure, we aim to amplify awareness of Chennai’s rich tourism offerings, ensuring the success of this direct flight while fostering deeper collaborations in tourism and business. Strengthening these connections aligns with Penang’s broader vision of expanding its presence in key markets.’

    This initiative also complements Penang’s long-term tourism strategy by enhancing regional connectivity and unlocking economic benefits through increased travel between Penang and Chennai. By promoting this route, the media trip not only encourages exploration but also reinforces Penang’s position as a premier hub for both business and leisure tourism.