MyPermohonan

Author: Destina Asia

  • Nobel Peace Prize Laureate President José Ramos-Horta Named Honorary Adjunct Professor at Taylor’s University

    Nobel Peace Prize Laureate President José Ramos-Horta Named Honorary Adjunct Professor at Taylor’s University

    President José Ramos-Horta Appointed Honorary Adjunct Professor at Taylor’s University. Taylor’s University has proudly appointed Nobel Peace Prize Laureate and President of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste, José Ramos-Horta, as an Honorary Adjunct Professor for its Bachelor in Philosophy, Politics, and Economics (PPE) (Honours) programme. This distinguished appointment reflects the university’s commitment to integrating real-world leadership and global perspectives into its academic environment.

    President Ramos-Horta, renowned for his lifelong dedication to peace, democracy, and human rights, brings decades of experience in diplomacy, governance, and international relations. His role within the PPE programme will see him actively engaging with students through guest lectures on current regional and global challenges, offering insights drawn from his extensive political journey and global advocacy work.

    “At Taylor’s, education goes beyond textbooks—it’s about purposeful, real-world learning,” said Professor Barry Winn, Vice-Chancellor and President of Taylor’s University. “Having His Excellency President Ramos-Horta join us as Honorary Adjunct Professor offers our students a rare opportunity to learn from one of the world’s most impactful leaders. His presence truly sets Taylor’s apart in offering transformative learning experiences.”

    In his new role, President Ramos-Horta will not only contribute to classroom learning but also support academic, research, and professional collaborations through his wide-reaching international networks. His focus on leadership, governance, and economic development will enrich the PPE curriculum and equip students with a nuanced understanding of global affairs.

    Reflecting on his appointment, President Ramos-Horta said, “Education is one of the most powerful tools for shaping a more just and peaceful world. I am honoured to join Taylor’s University and share my journey with its students. In this time of great global challenge, fostering critical thinking, ethical leadership, and global awareness is not just important—it is essential.”

    To commemorate this milestone, Taylor’s University is launching the President J. Ramos-Horta Scholarship, which will be awarded to a deserving student from Timor-Leste who demonstrates academic excellence and a commitment to making a global impact. This initiative underscores Taylor’s dedication to nurturing future changemakers and supporting students from diverse backgrounds.

    In addition, the university is offering over RM30 million in scholarships and awards for the upcoming September 2025 intake, reinforcing its mission to provide accessible, world-class education to students across the region and beyond.

    Taylor’s University is now accepting applications for its Bachelor in Philosophy, Politics, and Economics (Honours) programme for the September 2025 intake, with future intakes in April and September each year. For more details, visit https://bit.ly/TaylorsPhilosophyPoliticsEconomics.

  • Sunway Medical Centre Maintains Its Position as Malaysia’s Leading Paediatrics Provider for Third Consecutive Year in Latest Newsweek APAC Rankings

    Sunway Medical Centre Maintains Its Position as Malaysia’s Leading Paediatrics Provider for Third Consecutive Year in Latest Newsweek APAC Rankings

    Sunway Medical Centre Retains Malaysia’s Top Spot in Paediatrics for Third Consecutive Year in Newsweek’s APAC Rankings. Sunway Medical Centre, Sunway City (SMC), Malaysia’s largest private quaternary hospital, has once again secured the nation’s top ranking in Paediatrics for the third consecutive year, according to the prestigious Newsweek Best Specialized Hospitals Asia Pacific (APAC) 2025 rankings. Additionally, SMC has earned a spot among the top 30 hospitals in the Asia Pacific region for Paediatrics and has also ranked in the top 75 hospitals for six other key specialties—Neurology, Neurosurgery, Cardiology, Cardiac Surgery, Oncology, and Orthopaedics.

    Dato’ Lau Beng Long, President of Sunway Healthcare Group, expressed pride in the hospital’s continued recognition for clinical excellence, particularly in paediatric care. He highlighted the hospital’s Children’s Health and Development Centre, which hosts the most extensive range of paediatric subspecialties in Malaysia—offering 26 subspecialties supported by 50 experienced consultants. A notable milestone is SMC’s launch of Malaysia’s first private hospital 24-hour standalone Children’s Emergency Department, designed as a dedicated, comforting space for children, separate from the adult emergency unit.

    Further cementing its leadership in specialised care, SMC is also known for its advanced paediatric services in areas such as haematology, gastroenterology, oncology, and transplant medicine. It was the first private hospital in Malaysia to successfully perform a paediatric kidney transplant, reinforcing its pioneering role in complex treatments. Dato’ Lau also noted that SMC continues to strengthen its adult specialties, including cardiology, oncology, neurology, gastroenterology, and orthopaedic surgery.

    Dr. Seow Vei Ken, Chief Executive Officer of Sunway Medical Centre, said the recognition underscores the hospital’s commitment to clinical excellence and patient-focused care, especially in paediatrics. He highlighted the Paediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) as a key component of SMC’s paediatric ecosystem, featuring 17 fully equipped beds, 24/7 care by three paediatric intensivists, and a team of highly trained nurses to manage complex cases across various medical and surgical needs.

    As the flagship hospital of the Sunway Healthcare Group, SMC is home to over 300 resident medical consultants across 60 medical specialties and 28 Centres of Excellence. With the upcoming completion of its sixth building, Tower F (Children’s Pavilion), SMC will expand its capacity to more than 1,100 beds—further reinforcing its role as a leading healthcare provider in the region.

    This latest achievement adds to SMC’s growing list of accolades, including its recent recognition as Malaysia’s top hospital and one of the world’s top 250 hospitals in the World’s Best Hospitals 2025 ranking by Newsweek. It also claimed the Hospital of the Year (Malaysia) title at the Healthcare Asia Awards 2025—an honour it has received for four consecutive years.

    These consistent recognitions solidify Sunway Medical Centre’s status as a regional healthcare leader, driven by a mission to deliver world-class, compassionate care across all stages of life.

  • Vertiv Broadens Malaysia Distribution Through Tec D to Address Rising Demand for Reliable IT Infrastructure Solutions

    Vertiv Broadens Malaysia Distribution Through Tec D to Address Rising Demand for Reliable IT Infrastructure Solutions

    Vertiv Partners with Tec D to Expand IT Infrastructure Distribution in Malaysia. Vertiv (NYSE: VRT), a global leader in critical digital infrastructure and continuity solutions, has announced a strategic distribution partnership with Tec D, a TD SYNNEX company based in Malaysia. This collaboration marks a significant step in Vertiv’s efforts to broaden its presence in the country, aligning with the growing demand for reliable power and cooling solutions fueled by accelerating digital transformation initiatives across industries.

    Tec D, recognized as one of the region’s top technology enablers, brings a robust partner ecosystem and in-depth market expertise to the table. Through this partnership, Tec D will offer Vertiv’s complete portfolio of IT infrastructure products, including the Vertiv™ Liebert® GXE 1-10kVA uninterruptible power supply (UPS). Designed as a compact, online double-conversion single-phase UPS, the Liebert GXE delivers dependable power protection with operational flexibility, catering to a wide range of sectors such as healthcare, finance, telecom, retail, and transportation.

    “We’re thrilled to welcome Tec D as a key partner in helping address customers’ IT infrastructure needs and expand our footprint in Malaysia,” said Daniel Sim, Senior Director for IT Distribution and Partners at Vertiv Asia. “As businesses increasingly rely on data-driven technologies, having access to reliable, high-performance infrastructure is essential for digital innovation and growth.”

    Mark Tan, Vice President and Country General Manager of Tec D Malaysia, echoed the sentiment, emphasizing the growing demand for scalable infrastructure in the era of AI and data-heavy workloads. “Our partnership with Vertiv allows us to provide intelligent, future-ready solutions to partners and customers, supported by our team’s technical expertise and ongoing enablement programs.”

    The integration of Vertiv’s advanced IT solutions with Tec D’s customized partner support is set to empower organizations to tackle evolving challenges in areas such as edge computing, data analytics, and complex applications. Together, the companies aim to help businesses across Malaysia build resilient, scalable digital environments equipped for long-term success.

    For more information on Vertiv’s solutions and its network of distribution partners, visit Vertiv.com.

  • PCEB Holds Meeting with Cambodia Airways in Phnom Penh to Support New Direct Flight to Penang

    PCEB Holds Meeting with Cambodia Airways in Phnom Penh to Support New Direct Flight to Penang

    PCEB Engages Cambodia Airways to Support Launch of Phnom Penh–Penang Direct Flight. The Penang Convention & Exhibition Bureau (PCEB), representing the State of Penang, made a strategic visit to Cambodia Airways headquarters in Phnom Penh on 17 June 2025. The visit, led by PCEB’s Chief Executive Officer Mr. Ashwin Gunasekeran, alongside Head of Sales & Marketing Ms. Siti Sarah Ismail and Marketing & Communications Manager Mr. Terry Neoh, was a key engagement in anticipation of Cambodia Airways’ inaugural direct flight connecting Phnom Penh and Penang. This collaboration marks a significant step toward strengthening regional air connectivity and enhancing business and tourism ties between Cambodia and northern Malaysia.

    During the meeting, the PCEB delegation met with senior representatives from Cambodia Airways, including Executive Deputy General Manager Mr. Guowei Bai, Deputy Director of the Marketing Committee Mr. Daniel Li, and Assistant to the CEO SOB Ms. Sok Ravy. The dialogue centered on joint strategies to ensure the successful launch and long-term sustainability of the new route. Topics discussed included potential marketing partnerships, joint promotional efforts, and broader initiatives to raise awareness of the new connection among key audiences in both regions.

    Set to commence operations on 26 June 2025, the Phnom Penh–Penang direct flight will operate twice weekly, on Thursdays and Sundays. The route offers immense potential for business and corporate travellers by providing a direct and efficient link between Cambodia’s capital and Penang, a growing hub for business events, trade, and investment in Southeast Asia. In addition to the business benefits, the new service is expected to deepen bilateral engagement across tourism, MICE (meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions), trade, and the creative industries.

    The partnership is also grounded in the shared cultural heritage of both destinations. With Penang’s George Town and Cambodia’s historical centers in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap all recognised as UNESCO World Heritage Sites, the new route paves the way for enriched cultural tourism and heritage exchange. This alignment is expected to bolster tourism flows and encourage greater exploration of Southeast Asia’s rich cultural diversity.

    Strategically, the route serves as a valuable transit option for business travelers, linking Cambodia not only to Penang but also to Penang’s wider network of regional and international connections. As part of PCEB’s commitment to supporting the success of this new service, the bureau will explore partnerships with Cambodia Airways and other stakeholders to boost awareness and uptake among key markets.

    This initiative is in line with the Penang State Government’s broader vision to strengthen international connectivity, foster economic collaboration, and accelerate the development of Penang’s business events and tourism sectors. With its modern infrastructure, strategic location, and vibrant economy, Penang is well-positioned to serve as a dynamic gateway for regional growth and ASEAN integration, with the Phnom Penh–Penang route playing a vital role in this forward-looking agenda.


  • How Gen Z is Transforming Snacks into Expressions of Culture, Identity, and Shared Values

    How Gen Z is Transforming Snacks into Expressions of Culture, Identity, and Shared Values

    How Gen Z is Turning Snacks into Cultural Symbols of Identity, Purpose, and Belonging. In today’s hyper-digital world, Gen Z is redefining the rules of consumer engagement—and brands like PepsiCo are paying close attention. For this socially connected and value-driven generation, a snack is no longer just a snack. It’s a statement, a digital accessory, and a reflection of their lifestyle and beliefs. Platforms like TikTok and Instagram aren’t just social media—they’re shopping destinations and stages for self-expression. Here, flavor alone isn’t enough. A product must look good in a selfie, align with personal values, and generate likes before it earns a purchase. Recognizing this shift, PepsiCo is no longer simply selling food; it’s curating experiences that resonate with Gen Z’s culture, identity, and digital habits.

    PepsiCo’s approach is exemplified by its launch of Lay’s Double Crunch, an intensely flavored, deep-ridged snack crafted to enhance the moments Gen Z values most—late-night study marathons, gaming sessions, and creative hangouts. The product’s bold packaging is designed for digital impact, built to stand out not only on store shelves but on TikTok feeds and Instagram Stories. The strategy came to life during the launch of Lay’s UEFA Jumbo Pack featuring football legend Lionel Messi. A livestream on TikTok Shop showcasing the pack accounted for a staggering 70% of total Gross Merchandise Value in a single session, proving the power of timely, exclusive, and visually striking content tailored for social platforms.

    But the evolution goes deeper than visual appeal. PepsiCo is turning digital engagement into real conversion, particularly in Malaysia where the company has leaned heavily into livestream commerce. With an average of 25 hours of live selling a month and over 30,000 shoppers reached through interactive sessions and influencer-led product drops, PepsiCo is transforming platforms like TikTok from mere brand awareness tools into engines of direct commerce. This strategic integration of content, commerce, and community recently earned the brand the Foodpanda Collaborative Excellence Award—recognition of its agile and shopper-centric model.

    More than just sales and screen time, PepsiCo is aligning its purpose with the values that matter to Gen Z. The company’s efforts to support local communities and promote wellness are integral to its brand identity. In 2024, PepsiCo collaborated with The Assembly Soup Kitchen (TASK) to distribute 1,000 food packs to underserved communities in Kuala Lumpur’s Chow Kit area. The initiative benefitted refugee students, homeless individuals, and B40 families, reflecting the company’s broader commitment to tackling food insecurity. Globally, PepsiCo has contributed over USD 14 million to the World Food Programme, reinforcing its role in addressing critical social issues.

    Meanwhile, health-conscious choices are shaping the way Gen Z consumes. PepsiCo is reformulating products like the Quaker 3-in-1 range to reduce sugar and sodium, striking a balance between nutrition and taste. Its Jom Quaker Fit programme goes a step further by rewarding consumers with wellness perks—spa passes, gym vouchers, and healthy dining offers—making each purchase a gateway to a healthier lifestyle. This kind of thoughtful innovation reflects how PepsiCo is embedding wellness into the everyday lives of its consumers.

    Equally important is building a sense of belonging. Football, a cultural cornerstone in Malaysia, serves as a unifying passion. PepsiCo tapped into this through its UEFA Champions League campaign, not just with giveaways, but through real-life activations in 60 locations that brought together over 80,000 fans. Through community games and interactive experiences, everyday places became hubs of celebration and connection. These campaigns didn’t just entertain—they fostered shared moments that felt personal and communal. Looking ahead, PepsiCo aims to replicate and scale this success with its upcoming FIFA 2026 partnership, reinforcing Lay’s place at the heart of football-loving communities.

    As Gen Z continues to reshape the consumer landscape with every scroll and click, PepsiCo’s strategy in Malaysia offers a roadmap for brands seeking relevance. By designing with purpose, showing up in the digital spaces Gen Z inhabits, and building campaigns rooted in authenticity and connection, PepsiCo isn’t just keeping up with trends—it’s becoming part of a generation’s everyday culture. As Aditya Ahuja, Cluster GM for PepsiCo Foods Malaysia and the Philippines, puts it: “Today’s generation doesn’t want to be spoken to—they want to be invited in.” And that’s exactly what PepsiCo is doing—one snack, one story, and one shared experience at a time.