Category: Community

  • Nippon Paint Partners with the Malaysian Association of Hotels (MAH) to Strengthen and Future-Proof Hotel Infrastructure in Malaysia

    Nippon Paint Partners with the Malaysian Association of Hotels (MAH) to Strengthen and Future-Proof Hotel Infrastructure in Malaysia

    Nippon Paint and MAH Collaborate to Future-Proof Malaysia’s Hotel Industry. Nippon Paint (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd. has partnered with the Malaysian Association of Hotels (MAH) in a strategic initiative aimed at elevating hotel refurbishment standards across the country. This collaboration, launched under Nippon Paint’s Total Coating & Construction Solutions (TCCS) framework, is designed to support Malaysia’s hospitality sector with future-ready solutions as the nation gears up for an expected 31.4 million tourist arrivals and RM125.5 billion in tourism receipts under Visit Malaysia 2026.

    A key feature of this partnership was the “Elevating Hotel Maintenance: Comprehensive Solutions for Refurbishment” workshop, which brought together hoteliers and facility managers to equip them with practical, long-term refurbishment strategies. Nippon Paint’s long-standing commitment to the sector focuses on enhancing the aesthetics, durability, and safety of hotel environments—ensuring they are better positioned to support sustainable tourism growth.

    The need for refurbishment is evident in the increasing investments in hotel infrastructure, such as the RM100 million upgrade of the Putrajaya Marriott Hotel and the reimagined Renaissance Kuala Lumpur. These projects highlight a nationwide shift toward modern, guest-focused designs that prioritize operational excellence and visual appeal. According to Isaac Mohan Raj, CEO of MAH, hotels serve as vital touchpoints for travelers and play a major role in shaping their impressions of Malaysia. He emphasized the importance of well-maintained, beautiful spaces in providing memorable guest experiences, praising the collaboration with Nippon Paint as a timely and impactful effort to empower hotel professionals with the tools they need to excel.

    Tay Sze Tuck, General Manager of Nippon Paint, echoed this sentiment, noting the company’s dedication to delivering solutions that not only enhance hotel aesthetics but also improve long-term functionality. He highlighted Nippon Paint’s goal of helping hotels remain competitive by creating welcoming, clean, and safe environments for every guest.

    A key element of the initiative is Nippon Paint’s 5-step service framework, which includes comprehensive support from initial site assessment to post-project handover. The company identified common hotel maintenance issues such as surface cracks, efflorescence, and water seepage—often caused by poor application techniques or incompatible materials—and presented targeted solutions to address them efficiently and without disrupting daily operations. With expertise in repainting, re-waterproofing, resealing, and reflooring, Nippon Paint offers end-to-end refurbishment services that ensure quality, safety, and compliance, while reducing the burden on hotel operators by eliminating the need to work with multiple vendors.

    Hoteliers who participated in the workshop shared real-world challenges and solutions. A representative from Mövenpick Malaysia noted how first impressions and aesthetics play a crucial role in shaping guest perceptions, while highlighting the difficulties of discovering structural flaws post-construction. Similarly, Legoland Malaysia Resort stressed the importance of water management in high-traffic environments and how choosing the right materials from the start can prevent long-term issues and operational disruptions.

    Ester Goh, Senior Manager of Waterproofing Solutions at Nippon Paint Malaysia, underscored the significance of empowering maintenance teams with the knowledge and tools needed to proactively manage infrastructure. She pointed out that Nippon Paint’s refurbishment solutions have already benefited a wide range of hotels nationwide, including Premier Hotel in Klang, Hilton in Petaling Jaya, and Cititel Express in Sabah, among others. Goh emphasized that the demand for high-quality, resilient hospitality infrastructure will only increase, making industry upskilling more essential than ever.

    Through its comprehensive TCCS approach and continuous collaboration with key industry stakeholders like MAH, Nippon Paint remains committed to advancing the standards of Malaysia’s hotel infrastructure. For more information on Nippon Paint’s refurbishment solutions, visit: https://professional.nipponpaint.com.my/refurbishment.

  • UiTM Partners with Bateriku.com to Strengthen Innovation, Research, and Entrepreneurial Efforts

    UiTM Partners with Bateriku.com to Strengthen Innovation, Research, and Entrepreneurial Efforts

    UiTM and Bateriku.com Forge Strategic Partnership to Strengthen Innovation, Entrepreneurship, and Research. Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM), through its Malaysian Academy of SME and Entrepreneurship Development (MASMED), has entered into a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Bateriku (M) Sdn. Bhd., a key player in Malaysia’s automotive ecosystem. This significant partnership aims to bridge the divide between academic theory and industrial practice, creating a foundation for collaboration in innovation, entrepreneurship, and academic research. The MoU was formalized at a ceremony held at the Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin Chancellery Building, UiTM Shah Alam, and officiated by Prof. TPr. Dr. Jamalunlaili Abdullah, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Industry, Community & Alumni Network), together with Bateriku.com’s Founder and CEO, Mr. Azarol Faizi Bin Zakaria Ansari. The ceremony was also witnessed by senior leaders from both UiTM and Bateriku.com, highlighting the mutual commitment to transformative industry-academia partnerships.

    This collaboration represents a concerted effort to strengthen ties between academia and industry, with a strong focus on nurturing innovation and equipping students with real-world skills. Among the key initiatives outlined in the MoU are opportunities for UiTM students to engage in industrial training and applied research, the joint organization of knowledge-sharing platforms such as seminars and conferences, and the establishment of academic and staff exchange programs. Furthermore, both institutions have committed to promoting entrepreneurship and technological innovation to empower the next generation of graduates.

    Bateriku.com’s expansive service model, which includes roadside assistance, workshop networks, and mobility data analytics, aligns with UiTM’s ambition to prepare future-ready graduates. The company’s integration of cutting-edge technologies such as big data and the Internet of Things (IoT) makes it an ideal partner for a university that is increasingly focused on digital transformation and sustainability. This partnership not only enhances UiTM’s curriculum but also provides students and faculty with meaningful exposure to contemporary industry practices.

    Azarol Faizi, CEO of Bateriku.com, expressed pride in working with UiTM, describing the partnership as a meaningful step towards developing Malaysia’s future workforce. “We are honored to collaborate with a prestigious institution like UiTM. This partnership goes beyond expertise sharing — it’s a joint effort to shape the workforce of the future,” he remarked. His sentiments were echoed by Prof. Dr. Jamalunlaili, who emphasized the MoU’s role in facilitating industrial training and entrepreneurial participation, all while contributing to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). He added that this initiative will help shape a generation of critical thinkers and socially aware leaders.

    Effective for three years, the MoU signals a new chapter in UiTM’s commitment to collaborative growth with the private sector. It is expected to drive impactful projects that enhance national development through education, innovation, and environmental stewardship. Bateriku.com’s ESG (Environmental, Social & Governance) framework further complements this academic-industrial synergy, positioning it as a responsible and forward-thinking partner.

    On the environmental front, Bateriku.com advocates sustainability through its Second Life Batteries initiative, where used batteries are refurbished and reused to reduce waste. For batteries that are no longer viable, ethical disposal is ensured via certified smelting companies approved by the Department of Environment (DOE), alongside efforts to educate the public on hazardous waste management. Socially, the company actively creates job opportunities for university students, graduates, and the disabled, while promoting the sharing economy and entrepreneurship through its BHero and BPreneur programs.

    From a governance perspective, Bateriku.com upholds high standards of ethics, transparency, and legal compliance. It champions integrity and financial accountability, ensuring all stakeholders benefit from a sustainable and principled operational model. Through this MoU, UiTM and Bateriku.com are poised to make a lasting impact on Malaysia’s educational and economic landscapes.

  • EternityX: Labour Day 2025 Sees 28.7% Rise in Chinese Outbound Travel, Signaling Shift Toward Digital-First, Experience-Led Tourism

    EternityX: Labour Day 2025 Sees 28.7% Rise in Chinese Outbound Travel, Signaling Shift Toward Digital-First, Experience-Led Tourism

    Labour Day 2025 Signals Powerful Comeback and New Era in Chinese Outbound Travel. China’s outbound travel market is experiencing a powerful resurgence, with fresh insights from EternityX’s Labour Day 2025 Travel Trends & Insights Report revealing a striking 28.7% year-on-year increase in cross-border travel over the holiday period. More than just a rebound, this trend marks a transformation in the way Chinese travellers experience the world, with digital fluency and a hunger for personalised, meaningful journeys reshaping the global tourism landscape.

    The report highlights double-digit growth across key travel indicators: 10.9 million border crossings, 11.15 million air passengers, and outbound tourism spending reaching ¥180.3 billion (~USD 25 billion), up 8.0% from the previous year. “This isn’t just a rebound. It’s a redefinition of how Chinese travellers explore the world,” noted Charlene Ree, CEO of EternityX. “They’re seeking depth over distance, driven by digital experiences that align with their lifestyle values.”

    A clear trend emerging from this travel boom is the prioritisation of experiences over traditional sightseeing. Attraction ticket sales soared by 150% year-on-year, with strong interest in scene-based travel such as anime-themed hotels in Japan and audio-guided museum tours in France. Adventure travel is also gaining popularity, with notable increases in bookings for snorkelling in Malaysia and trekking in Nepal. These shifts indicate that today’s Chinese travellers are seeking experiences that are not only memorable but deeply immersive and personally enriching.

    Digital ecosystems continue to redefine the travel journey. Platforms like Alipay and WeChat Pay saw a 30–50% surge in usage, now serving as full-service travel companions rather than just payment tools. In-app mini-programs guided everything from restaurant choices to museum tours, underscoring the need for international destinations to build seamless digital touchpoints that integrate directly with Chinese consumers’ preferred platforms.

    Airlines are responding to this renewed demand with an aggressive expansion of international routes. Air China added new services to Cairo, Toronto, and Central Asia while resuming popular routes to Tokyo and Paris. China Eastern launched a new Shanghai–Abu Dhabi connection, and United Airlines introduced seven new US–China routes. Cathay Pacific increased its Shanghai flights by 48% year-on-year, enhancing connectivity across both business and leisure travel segments.

    Looking ahead, Chinese outbound travel is forecast to reach between 177 and 185 million in 2025, with 111 to 116 million travellers expected during the summer season alone. Golden Week in Q4 could see a further 12.4 million Chinese tourists exploring the world, particularly seeking luxury and culturally immersive experiences in long-haul destinations such as Europe and the Middle East. “The rise of digital-native, experience-seeking Chinese travellers is no longer a trend—it’s the new market reality,” said Deric Wong, Chief Business Officer, Global at EternityX.

    EternityX emphasises that global brands must move beyond seasonal promotions to effectively reach this evolving market. A data-driven, full-funnel marketing approach, aligned with travel intent and powered by localised, platform-native content across ecosystems like WeChat and Alipay, is now essential. With the summer travel window rapidly approaching, the opportunity is substantial—but so is the competition.

    As Labour Day 2025 demonstrated, the future of Chinese outbound tourism is both dynamic and digitally driven. Brands that engage early with strategic precision and cultural intelligence will be best positioned to convert this momentum into lasting impact across global markets.

  • Canon Honoured with Selangor–Japan Investor Appreciation Award at Expo 2025 Osaka

    Canon Honoured with Selangor–Japan Investor Appreciation Award at Expo 2025 Osaka

    Canon, a global leader in imaging and innovation, has been honoured with the prestigious Selangor–Japan Investor Appreciation Award at Expo 2025 in Osaka, Japan. Presented by His Royal Highness The Crown Prince of Selangor, the award recognises Canon’s longstanding contribution to Selangor’s economic development and its unwavering dedication to strengthening Malaysia–Japan relations. Since establishing its presence in Malaysia in the 1980s, Canon has become a cornerstone of industrial and technological growth in Selangor through its network of group companies, including Canon Marketing, Canon Machinery, Canon Medical, Canon Opto, Canon MailCom, and Canon Electronics Malaysia. These companies have played a vital role in creating jobs, facilitating technology transfer, and driving community engagement—all while upholding Canon’s global values of innovation, sustainability, and social responsibility.

    Expressing gratitude for the recognition, Mr. Hideki Ozawa, Executive Vice President of Canon Inc. and Chief Representative of Canon Asia Group, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to contributing meaningfully to Malaysian society. “Guided by our Kyosei philosophy of living and working together for the common good, Canon remains devoted not only to business excellence but to partnerships and sustainability efforts that benefit the community,” he said.

    Canon’s impact in Selangor extends beyond corporate performance. The company has championed various environmental and social initiatives, notably the One Canon One Tree campaign, launched in 2016. This tree-planting initiative, which began in Selangor, expanded nationally in 2023 and has resulted in over 9,000 trees planted across Malaysia, including a recent effort at Paya Indah Wetlands in Dengkil. Canon also places strong emphasis on environmental education. In partnership with the Department of Environment Selangor, Canon introduced a children’s environmental activity book titled A Kid’s Guide to Save Planet Earth, created with renowned Malaysian author and illustrator Nor Azhar Ishak, to promote eco-awareness among primary school students.

    Canon Marketing Malaysia, the brand’s main sales and marketing entity in the country, has also earned recognition for its corporate social responsibility, winning the Sustainability & CSR Malaysia Awards for seven consecutive years. This consistent acknowledgment highlights Canon’s deep-rooted dedication to sustainability and meaningful social impact through long-term CSR initiatives.

    The Selangor–Japan Investor Appreciation Award at Expo 2025 Osaka not only celebrates Canon’s corporate achievements but also underscores its lasting contribution to Malaysia’s growth and environmental stewardship. The award reinforces Canon’s mission to create positive, enduring value in the communities it serves.

  • Sunway Medical Centre and Selcare Forge Strategic Alliance to Provide Critical Heart Health Services in Selangor

    Sunway Medical Centre and Selcare Forge Strategic Alliance to Provide Critical Heart Health Services in Selangor

    Sunway Medical Centre and SELCARE Join Forces to Enhance Cardiac Care Accessibility in Selangor. In a landmark public-private healthcare initiative, Sunway Medical Centre, Sunway City (SMC) has officially entered into a strategic partnership with SELCARE, the healthcare operator under the Selangor State Government’s Skim Rawatan Jantung Negeri Selangor. The formal signing of this memorandum of understanding (MoU), witnessed by YB Jamaliah Jamaluddin, Selangor State Executive Councillor for Public Health and Environment, marks a major step towards improving early detection, diagnosis, and treatment of heart disease across the state, especially for individuals from vulnerable and underserved communities.

    This collaboration reinforces SMC’s commitment to corporate social responsibility by combining its medical excellence with SELCARE’s strong grassroots outreach. Sunway Medical Centre, Malaysia’s largest private quaternary hospital, brings to the table its extensive cardiac expertise, advanced diagnostics, and a team of 13 adult and paediatric cardiologists. With comprehensive cardiac subspecialties and cutting-edge technology such as MRI scanners, cardiac CTs, catheterisation laboratories, and coronary care units, SMC aims to make high-quality cardiac care more accessible to those in need. Dr Seow Vei Ken, CEO of Sunway Medical Centre, expressed confidence that this partnership would positively impact the lives of Anak Selangor by offering essential heart services either free of charge or at subsidised rates.

    On the other side of the partnership, SELCARE, the operational healthcare arm of Selgate Healthcare and a subsidiary of the Selangor State Government’s Selgate Corporation, continues to play a pivotal role in bridging the gap between public health policy and actual healthcare delivery. According to Dato’ Noor Hisham Mohd Ghouth, CEO of SELGATE Group, the partnership underlines SELCARE’s ongoing mission to connect policy with private sector capabilities to ensure inclusive, affordable, and effective healthcare. SELCARE currently manages key state health programmes including Iltizam Selangor Sihat (ISS), Selangor Saring, and Skim Rawatan Jantung Negeri Selangor, which collectively benefit over 600,000 people nationwide. Its network spans more than 2,000 clinics and 200 hospitals across Malaysia, reinforcing its capacity to provide healthcare access to the masses.

    This strategic alliance represents a model example of how synergistic public-private partnerships can address critical healthcare challenges. It aligns state-backed welfare schemes with private sector excellence to deliver meaningful impact, especially in life-threatening areas like heart disease. It is a step forward in ensuring no Selangor resident is left behind when it comes to their health and wellbeing.

    Sunway Medical Centre continues to build on its reputation as a world-class medical institution, recognised by multiple international healthcare accreditations including Joint Commission International (JCI), the Australian Council on Healthcare Standards (ACHS), and the Malaysian Society for Quality in Health (MSQH). Ranked among the top 250 hospitals globally by Newsweek in 2024 and 2025, SMC is also the flagship hospital of Sunway Healthcare Group, which was recently honoured with the 2024 Sustainability & CSR Malaysia Award for Community Care and Sustainability.

    Looking ahead, Selgate Healthcare is set to expand its footprint with the launch of the Selgate Group of Hospitals, starting with facilities in Rawang and Sepang in 2025. These hospitals will offer comprehensive specialty services and advanced diagnostics, forming part of a larger vision to build eight new hospitals over the next decade. This ambitious expansion, combined with its digital health innovations and integrated care network, positions SELCARE and SELGATE as transformative forces in reshaping the future of community-centered healthcare in Malaysia.