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Month: September 2025

SS15 commercial site to be redeveloped by Gamuda Land and Taylor’s Education Group

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Gamuda Land, the property development arm of Gamuda Berhad, has entered into a synergistic collaboration with Taylor’s Assets, the property investment and asset management arm of Taylor’s Education Group, to redevelop a prime 2.88-acre freehold commercial site in SS15, Subang Jaya. This redevelopment is part of Taylor’s Assets’ strategic initiative to strengthen its education real estate portfolio, with Gamuda Land invited as the development partner. The collaboration reflects a shared vision of building a stronger, more vibrant community while reinforcing Taylor’s long-standing presence in Subang Jaya.

With an estimated Gross Development Value (GDV) of RM500 million, the redevelopment will introduce a vibrant mixed-use development comprising serviced apartments, purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA), and retail spaces to enhance SS15’s livability and commercial vibrancy. Addressing the acute shortage of quality student accommodation in Subang Jaya, the project directly responds to the growing demand for PBSA and is targeted for completion in November 2029.

“This redevelopment is a strategic step forward for Gamuda Land as we continue to apply our town-making expertise beyond our core township developments. While large-scale townships remain our foundation, select urban regeneration projects like SS15 allow us to contribute meaningfully to matured neighbourhoods through smart design, connectivity and integration. With a carefully planned mix of serviced apartments, purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA), and retail — all designed with liveability, accessibility and community in mind — the development will rejuvenate a well-loved part of Subang Jaya,” said Chu Wai Lune, Chief Executive Officer of Gamuda Land.

“The SS15 prime site has long stood as a legacy landmark for Taylor’s, and this redevelopment marks a bold step in reimagining its role for the future. This transformation will not only revitalise the heart of Subang Jaya but also reaffirm its significance as a centre of community life. Importantly, this project will add 401 bedrooms to our PBSA portfolio, with the ambition to expand student accommodation inventory as demand strengthens. In doing so, the development enhances Taylor’s ability to respond to market needs with flexibility and foresight. Through this project, Taylor’s Assets further strengthens its leadership in the PBSA market, benchmarking Malaysia’s offering against established markets in the UK, US, and Australia. We are also open to expanding collaborations with other developers and education operators to grow this segment sustainably across Malaysia and the region.” said Dato Loy Teik Ngan, Group Executive Chairman of Taylor’s Education Group.

The development will include a purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) tower, managed by Taylor’s Hostel Management — the multi award-winning student accommodation operator renowned for delivering quality living experiences. The PBSA will help address the growing need for quality student accommodation in Subang Jaya, particularly for first-year students.

This project underscores Taylor’s Assets’ broader growth strategy to diversify within the education sector, with PBSA positioned as a core anchor. With an established presence in Malaysia, Singapore and Vietnam, Taylor’s Education Group aims to expand its portfolio through capital-efficient partnerships that generate recurring income, enhance community impact, and deliver sustainable long-term returns.

The masterplan includes three towers and a retail hub: a 31-storey and a 30-storey serviced apartment tower, alongside a 17-storey purpose-built student accommodation tower. Thoughtfully designed as a community-centric lifestyle hub, the development complements SS15’s vibrant commercial scene with a retail hub fronting Jalan SS15/8, designed to encourage walkability and social interaction.

Xero and RHB launch real-time financial data integration

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Global small business platform, Xero and RHB Banking Group (RHB) have partnered to provide Malaysia’s small and medium enterprises (SMEs) with seamless daily access to financial data through a fully digital API-enabled bank feed.

The integration enables SMEs to automatically and securely import data from their RHB bank accounts into Xero each day – thus reducing the need for manual uploads and data entry, lowering the risk of errors and saving valuable time reconciling transactions. With an accurate daily view of their cash flow within Xero, SME owners will gain deeper insight into their business performance, enabling them to make better-informed decisions that drive growth.

“We know running a business is challenging, and our goal is to make it simpler. By connecting RHB’s banking services directly with Xero’s platform, we’re eliminating time-consuming manual data entry and giving business owners a clear, real-time view of their finances. This is about more than efficiency — it’s about empowering SMEs with the confidence and insights to grow, create jobs, and strengthen Malaysia’s economy. Together, we’re helping drive the digitalisation of Malaysian SMEs and building an ecosystem where they can thrive,” said Koren Wines, Managing Director of Xero Asia.

“RHB is committed to supporting the growth of our SME customers through a connected ecosystem of simple, seamless banking experiences,” said Nurjesmi Mohd Nashir, Managing Director of Group Wholesale Banking, RHB Bank. “We aim to help our customers operate more efficiently with services and tools that streamline financial management. This new bank feed that integrates directly with Xero enhances visibility and control. This helps our customers to make informed decisions and empower them to grow their businesses with greater confidence over the long term.”

The Xero-RHB Bank feed is currently in beta testing and will be available to all Malaysian Xero users with an RHB bank account in August 2025. It will be offered at no additional cost, with a seamless and fully digital setup process.

StashAway launches Shariah Global Portfolios

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StashAway, Malaysia’s leading digital wealth management platform, has announced the release of its Shariah Global Portfolios. These Shariah-compliant diversified portfolios have delivered back-tested returns of up to 14.4% annually over the past five years.

The portfolios have demonstrated strong 5-year annualised composite historical returns ranging from 7.3% to 14.0% annually, positioning them competitively against conventional investment options. Built with low-cost Shariah-compliant ETFs, which have ample liquidity and low tracking errors, clients benefit from efficient execution.

“We are proud to offer a solution that empowers more Malaysians to grow their wealth with their Shariah-compliant values. With our Shariah Global Portfolios delivering competitive double-digit returns, investors can access global growth opportunities while staying aligned to Islamic principles. We believe that the global exposure of our Shariah-compliant offerings is highly complementary to Malaysians’ core investments such as Amanah Saham Bumiputera and retirement-focused Employee Provident Fund which provide primarily domestic exposure,” said Wong Wai Ken, Country Manager, StashAway Malaysia.

StashAway’s offering provides investors with four distinct risk levels to match different investor profiles, from moderate to very aggressive. The globally diversified portfolios offer exposure, through ETFs, to global equities, US equities, emerging market equities global Sukuk and gold, helping reduce over-concentration risk. Clients are also able to use these ETFs to build portfolios through StashAway’s Flexible Portfolios which include the asset classes listed above, alongside Silver, Bitcoin and Ethereum ETFs.

StashAway’s Shariah-compliant offerings have been screened and certified by Masryef Advisory, a Shariah advisory firm registered with the Securities Commission Malaysia (SC). Ongoing reviews ensure portfolios remain aligned with Islamic principles, giving investors peace of mind.

“Our partnership with StashAway reflects our shared commitment to enabling ethical, faith-aligned investing. Every ETF in the Shariah Global Portfolios has been rigorously screened and vetted based on globally recognised Shariah screening methodology. Investors can have confidence that their portfolios remain Shariah-compliant.” said Khairil Anuar, Principal, Masryef Advisory.

This comes at a time when Malaysia’s Islamic finance sector continues to expand, with increasing investor appetite for Shariah-compliant investment products that deliver competitive returns. StashAway’s solution provides access to global markets which previously has proven difficult for individual investors to access cost-effectively.

Alliance Islamic Bank powers halal businesses

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Alliance Islamic Bank (AIS or The Bank) is expanding its Halal in One Programme’s market access proposition by leveraging leading social commerce platforms to help halal businesses and SMEs reach and engage more customers in the growing digital economy.

The Bank is collaborating with top social media platforms to connect with businesses that could benefit from Halal in One – particularly those in high demand segments such as beauty & personal care, food & beverages, and other halal-eligible products. By creating more visibility and sales opportunities online, this initiative reinforces the Bank’s commitment to driving inclusive growth and innovation within Malaysia’s halal ecosystem.

As part of its outreach, Alliance Islamic Bank is also participating in Megasales 2025, a major campaign by a leading social commerce platform. The Bank is using this platform to support businesses, in need of halal certification, market access, and funding, to help them scale and thrive in the competitive digital economy.

Launched in 2020, the Halal in One programme plays a vital role in supporting entrepreneurs and business owners entering the halal industry. It offers end-to-end solutions including seamless halal certification facilitation, funding through the unique Halal in One Financing Programme, and access to advisory services – empowering halal business to start, grow and thrive.

By integrating social media into its outreach, the Bank aims to open new pathways for businesses to boost brand visibility, tap into wider audiences, and strengthen their presence in the competitive e-commerce landscape. The approach combines powerful online engagement with AIS’s suite of halal business solutions, enabling clients to accelerate growth in the digital-first marketplace.

Rizal IL-Ehzan Fadil Azim, Chief Executive Officer of Alliance Islamic Bank, said, “With its millions of users and distinctive position, social media has become a powerful tool for businesses to promote and scale their products. For SMEs in the halal space, this is an opportunity to compete and scale faster. Through Halal in One, we are helping businesses seize these opportunities with the right tools, resources, and market access to succeed.”

Manulife and Bank of China Malaysia launch global income fund to strengthen retirement readiness

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Financial wellbeing is increasingly recognised as a key pillar of long-term health and longevity, with many acknowledging that financial fitness can significantly influence their quality of life as they age. In response to this growing awareness – and the pressing need to help investors in Malaysia better prepare for retirement – Manulife Investments and Bank of China (Malaysia) Berhad (BOCM) announced that they are offering BOCM clients the Manulife Global Multi-Asset Diversified Income Fund (the Fund). The Fund invests at least 85% of its net asset value into the Manulife Global Fund – Global Multi-Asset Diversified Income Fund (the Target Fund).

The Manulife Global Multi-Asset Diversified Income Fund is suitable for investors who seek regular income, and wish to participate in a diversified portfolio of assets in the global markets, and have a medium to long-term investment horizon.

A recent survey[1] conducted by Manulife revealed that only 58% of Malaysians believe they have sufficient funds for retirement – raising concerns that the remaining 42% may face health and longevity challenges post-retirement. Additionally, over half (56%) believe it is critical to have a steady income stream after retirement, while nearly one-third say a diversified investment portfolio helps bridge their financial gap.

The Manulife Global Multi-Asset Diversified Income Fund takes a differentiated approach to income generation, focusing less on equity appreciation and more on delivering yield through fixed income and an option writing strategy. A key feature of the strategy is the tactical use of option writing, which may provide a steady income stream in both rising and falling markets. Option premiums tend to increase with market volatility, making this approach particularly valuable during market downturns – when traditional capital payouts may be under pressure.

Yan Ye, Deputy Chief Executive of BOCM, said “BOCM understands that the country will become an aged nation earlier than expected by 2040, with those who are 60 years old and above accounting for 17% of the population[2] . According to a public mandatory retirement scheme, most Malaysians do not have enough savings for their retirement. Therefore, planning for retirement should start early to enable individuals to adopt suitable strategy. As a financial service provider, BOCM provides banking solutions that bridge the financial needs of Malaysians. Leveraging the Fund’s objective and Manulife Investments’ fund management expertise over the years, we are onboarding the Fund on our platform to enhance the range of options available for our customers’ selection.”

Grace Ho, Head of Retail Wealth Distribution and Direct Digital Business, Asia, Manulife Investments said: “We are pleased to offer the Manulife Global Multi-Asset Diversified Income Fund to the valued customers of BOCM. Across Asia, we continue to see rising demand for income solutions that can help investors navigate longer lifespans, shifting retirement expectations, and evolving market conditions. Bringing this established strategy to Malaysia reflects our commitment to supporting local investors with proven, globally diversified approaches that align with their long-term financial goals.”

BOCM customers can subscribe to the Manulife Global Multi-Asset Diversified Income Fund through bank branches and mobile banking (eWealth Banking) platform.

Razorpay Curlec and VISA launch instalment payments

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As Malaysia’s consumer spending gears up for a strong 2025, driven by an average income growth of 3.3% year-on-year, household expenditures are set to rise sharply – from RM896.9 billion in 2024 to an anticipated RM943.7 billion this year.

But what’s truly reshaping the consumer spending landscape? A new wave of digitally savvy Malaysians is demanding smarter, more flexible payment solutions such as Easy Payment Plans (EPP) to help manage both planned and unplanned purchases.

Recognising this shift in consumer expectations, Malaysia’s leading payment gateway, Razorpay Curlec, has joined forces with the trusted leader in digital payments, VISA, in a strategic partnership to deliver credit card-based instalment plans through VISA Instalment Solutions (VIS).

This game-changing collaboration is designed to empower businesses nationwide, enabling them to offer customers easy and affordable ways to manage both planned expenditures and unexpected expenses.

With VIS now integrated into the Razorpay Curlec platform, businesses can provide their customers the freedom to spread the cost of big-ticket items over manageable monthly instalments, available on credit cards from major banks. This partnership not only meets the evolving needs of Malaysia’s consumers but also unlocks fresh growth opportunities for businesses in a fast-paced digital economy.

Kevin Lee, Country Head and Chief Executive Officer of Razorpay Curlec, said, “Today’s consumers do not just appreciate flexibility, they expect it, especially when it comes to making high-value purchases. To stay ahead, Malaysian businesses need solutions that deliver choice without compromising cash flow or customer experience.

Through our partnership with Visa, we are enabling thousands of Razorpay Curlec businesses to offer trusted, seamless instalment options, empowering them to elevate the checkout experience, deepen customer relationships, and unlock new avenues for growth and loyalty,” Lee concluded.

Previn Pillay, Country Manager of Visa Malaysia, said, “We’re thrilled to partner with Razorpay Curlec to enable Visa Instalment Solutions at checkout, empowering consumers with seamless and flexible ways to pay. Instalments are increasingly becoming a smart and manageable way to spend, whether on everyday essentials or larger purchases, because they provide both choice and peace of mind. By bringing VIS to Razorpay Curlec, we are supporting financial confidence and giving consumers greater control of their spending, underscoring our commitment to driving inclusive payments built around the needs of consumers.”

According to the 2024 Visa Consumer Payment Attitudes study, card payments are especially prevalent in more mature markets such as Singapore and Malaysia (91%), where card usage maintains a deeper foothold than other newer payment methods, despite the momentum for mobile wallets.

With EPP, businesses offer customers 0% interest and no management fees on purchases with flexible instalments for credit card users. Customers can access over thousands of participating retailers across categories like home & living, electronics, jewellery, and beauty services.

By combining world-class technology with deep local insight, Razorpay Curlec is redefining what it means to be a modern payment gateway in Malaysia. Trusted by businesses of all sizes, Razorpay Curlec remains committed to driving innovation, strengthening security, and delivering customer-first solutions to Malaysian businesses, powering growth in one of Southeast Asia’s most dynamic digital economies.

TikTok Shop’s continues to invest in security for a safe e-commerce ecosystem

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Malaysia’s digital economy continues to gain momentum, with an expanding community of over 1.8 million local sellers and 3.8 million affiliate creators leveraging TikTok Shop as the trusted full-funnel e-commerce ecosystem to create sustainable livelihoods.

With TikTok Shop recording more than 100 million daily product searches in Malaysia, it is uniquely positioned to accelerate the digital transformation of these homegrown entrepreneurs, as proven by its recent milestone of over 130% year-on-year sales uplift for Malaysian-made products under the #JomLokal initiative.

At the heart of this progress is TikTok Shop’s continuous efforts to build and maintain a safe e-commerce ecosystem that facilitates secure shopping experiences for a nationwide community, from discovery to purchase.

“Safety is the top priority for TikTok Shop. This commitment is underpinned by our continuous investment, robust end-to-end policies, and compliance with local laws,” said Nur Azre Abdul Aziz, Director of Strategic Partnerships, TikTok Shop Malaysia.

“As of December 2024, we have invested nearly USD1 billion globally in tools, technologies, and people to protect our community of shoppers, sellers, and affiliate creators from fraudulent, dangerous, illegal, and violative activities,” she emphasised.

According to Azre, TikTok Shop adopts a four-pronged approach to safety, which includes Proactive Seller Screening, Proactive Product Listing Governance, Reactive Platform Policy Enforcement, and Safety by Design.

“We believe creating a trustworthy and secure environment for our community starts with prevention. To this end, TikTok Shop implements extensive proactive measures to screen sellers upon account registration and before products are listed,” she added.

Diving deeper, Azre mentioned that all businesses must submit official documentation when applying to register for a TikTok Shop Seller Account.

These applications are said to be scrutinised closely to comply with applicable local regulations and TikTok Shop’s extensive policies, including ensuring that the Identity Card (IC) or relevant business certificates submitted match the corresponding TikTok Shop account and bank account details.

Even the store names of all sellers must strictly adhere to a comprehensive set of guidelines to ensure accurate business representation, such as restrictions on terms like “Official”, “Flagship”, or “Authorised”.

“With these preventive processes, from July to December 2024, TikTok Shop has proactively declined 1.6 million seller account registrations globally that did not meet our rigorous standards,” said Azre.

Once successfully registered, new sellers are then placed on a temporary probation period, with limited daily orders and product listings, to help familiarise themselves with TikTok Shop’s policies and stabilise their operations.

These policies include TikTok Shop’s Product Listing Guidelines, which explicitly outline prohibited products, including counterfeits and knockoffs.

“From July to December 2024, TikTok Shop has proactively rejected over 50 million product listing attempts worldwide that violate our guidelines,” explained Azre.

Affiliate creators are similarly held to high standards under TikTok Shop’s Content Policy, which ensures responsible product promotions by prohibiting illegal activities, intellectual property (IP) rights infringement, misleading or false content, Artificial Intelligence Generated Content (AIGC), and more.

“However, there is no finish line when it comes to safety. Users are encouraged to directly report violative products, content, and sellers on TikTok Shop via the in-app reporting channel,” Azre reminded.

Strict enforcement actions are then taken against any sellers or creators who breached its policies, based on TikTok Shop’s Seller Performance Evaluation Policy and Creator Performance Evaluation Guidelines.

Azre highlighted that, worldwide between July 2024 and December 2024, TikTok Shop removed more than 90,000 listed products, disabled e-commerce features for more than 700,000 creators, and removed more than 450,000 sellers as a result of shop-level violations.

“In addition to our platform’s proactive and reactive governance, security is also embedded into users’ in-app shopping experience, through our Safety by Design approach,” she underscored.

All orders on TikTok Shop are protected by its robust Free Returns and Refunds Policy, which facilitates simplified and fair after-sales requests for customers.

“TikTok Shop will continue collaborating with our community, regulators, and industry stakeholders to share insights, refine best practices, and shape forward-looking policies that promote a safe and vibrant e-commerce ecosystem for all, such as through our #ShopSafe scam prevention initiative,” Azre concluded.

RHB’s net profit up 7.0% to RM1.6 billion in 1H FY2025

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RHB Bank Berhad (RHB or the Group) registered a net profit of RM1.6 billion in the first half of its financial year ending 31 December 2025 (1H FY2025), a 7.0% Y-o-Y increase, primarily driven by higher net fund-based income, disciplined credit cost management and improved credit quality, reflecting the Group’s strong fundamentals and prudent risk discipline.

Total income expanded marginally at RM4.2 billion, mainly from higher net fund-based income but partially offset with contraction in non-fund based income. The Group maintained operational stability, supported by prudent cost management, continued strength in capital and liquidity positions. Cost growth was contained at 2.1% with CIR at 47.3%.

Dato’ Mohd Rashid Mohamad, Group Managing Director/Group Chief Executive Officer of RHB Banking Group said, “The first half of 2025 was marked by global uncertainties and industry headwinds. Despite this, RHB remained resilient in delivering performance with sustained growth, lower ECL, and disciplined cost management. Our domestic loan growth tracked well with the industry, supported by sound asset quality. These results underscore our strength and position us well to capture new growth avenues in the months ahead.”

“We remain focused on sharpening the execution of PROGRESS27, our three-year strategic roadmap. The recently concluded strategic bancassurance and bancatakaful partnerships reinforce our commitment to staying relevant to customers, diversifying income streams, and driving sustainable long-term growth. This is aligned to our strategic priorities, enabling us to deliver broader value for stakeholders, strengthen our non-interest income base, and unlock greater opportunities ahead,” added Dato’ Mohd Rashid.

Strong Capital and Liquidity Position
The Group’s total assets rose to RM354 billion, supported by healthy balance sheet growth and prudent capital management. Group shareholders’ equity stood at RM33 billion, with the Common Equity Tier-1 (CET-1) ratio of 15.9% and Total Capital Ratio (TCR) at 18.3%, reinforcing a strong capital position to support future growth ambitions while providing ample buffers against macroeconomic uncertainties. Whereas the Bank’s CET-1 and TCR stood at 14.6% and 17.4%, respectively. Loan loss coverage ratio including regulatory reserves, improved to 116.5%, reflecting sound provisioning practices.

Domestic loan growth of 4.2% (annualised) tracking well against the industry’s 4.3%, while the Group’s GIL ratio contained at 1.51%, and the domestic GIL ratio was below the industry average, demonstrating sound credit quality.

The Group has delivered RM48 billion in sustainable financial services, achieving more than half of its RM90 billion target for 2027. This underscores its commitment to sustainable financing and supporting the nation’s low-carbon transition agenda. Most recently, the Group partnered with Malaysia Rail Link Sdn Bhd (MRL) to activate the RHB-MRL 360⁰ ESG Finance Ecosystem, a first-of-its-kind sustainable financial value chain transition roadmap. Through this partnership, MRL has placed funds in RHB ESG Deposits to finance green and social projects, embedding sustainability into the core of banking while reinforcing the role of financial flows in driving climate resilience and inclusive economic growth.

Outlook: Building on Momentum
Looking ahead, Malaysia’s economy is projected to remain resilient, with strong domestic demand, growth in tourism activity, job creation, and sustained investment activity from both private and public sectors. The Government’s Ekonomi MADANI framework is key to guiding sustainable and inclusive growth, emphasising high value activities, fiscal consolidation, and social equity. Initiatives such as the Energy Transition Roadmap and the New Industrial Master Plan 2030, alongside the steady rollout of structural reforms, are expected to further stimulate investment and economic growth. In this environment, the operating landscape remains conducive for the Group to pursue its growth ambitions under PROGRESS27.

Saudi commits to drive Malaysia’s visitor growth

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Saudi’s national tourism brand, ‘Saudi, Welcome to Arabia’ reinforced its commitment to the Malaysian market recently at its B2B trade show, where they hosted over 30 Saudi stakeholders and more than 150 local and regional trade partners to explore collaboration opportunities. The trade show garnered strong support from Saudi Destination Marketing Organizations (DMOs), Online Travel Agencies (OTAs), airlines, and hotels as well as key local travel associations, such as Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (MATTA) and Malaysian Chinese Tourism Association (MCTA) and The Association of Bumiputera Tourism Operators (BUMITRA). The aim was to expand tourism offerings, such as Umrah+ packages within Saudi, diverse leisure destinations, and innovative travel solutions designed for Malaysian travellers.

“We are seeing growing interest from Malaysian visitors to Saudi beyond Umrah. As of June 2025, we’ve recorded a 9% increase in Malaysian visitors compared to 2024 and we are confidently on track to surpass 300,000 visitors by year-end. This robust growth highlights the rising demand among Malaysians to experience Saudi beyond its spiritual offerings, with destinations like the Saudi Red Sea, AlUla, Aseer, and Al Baha gaining popularity,” says Alhasan Aldabbagh, President of APAC Markets, Saudi Tourism Authority. “We are fully committed to working with our travel trade partners to develop tailored packages, promote leisure experiences, to sustain the momentum of this expanding and dynamic market.”

To further enhance accessibility, Saudi showcased its unparalleled air connectivity, facilitated by SAUDIA, Malaysia Airlines, AirAsia, Batik Air, Air Asia X, Air Arabia, to name few. These carriers collectively serve over 25 destinations across Saudi. The trade show also featured an array of B2B incentives and giveaways, designed to highlight Saudi’s accessibility and services:

  • Airline tickets: Including SAUDIA tickets from Kuala Lumpur to any part of Saudi, an AirAsia X return ticket to Medina, Air Arabia return tickets to Abha and Yanbu, and a grand prize of return Business Class tickets from Johor Bahru to Madinah with Amal by Malaysia Airlines.
  • Exclusive prizes: an Alif Dinar Gold Bar from WeXpress; a two-night stay in a five-star Riyadh hotel by Middle East Made Yours; a two-night stay at the Address Hotel Jabal Omar, Makkah; a complimentary 50-seater bus from Makkah to Ala Khutah (courtesy of Ala Khutah, a new Prophets’ Hijra route destination); two-night stays at Maysan Hotels in Makkah and Madinah; and a one-day Maybach chauffeur-driven tour in Riyadh with Talia Tourism.

Innovative products and initiatives were presented to enhance travel experience and support agencies alike:

  • Aroya Cruises: Saudi-owned cruise liner, set to bring’ Malaysian passengers into Jeddah in 2026.
  • Touch ‘n Go partnership: Up to 5% cashback when using the TNG travel card in Saudi, plus a dedicated Saudi app-page with real-time Riyal conversion.
  • WeXpress collaboration: Streamlined logistics support for Umrah travellers.
  • VAT Tax Refund: The Saudi authorities have recently introduced new shopping incentives for travelers and tourists into Saudi Arabia, allowing them to get a tax refund upon spending more than SAR 500.

Recognising the growing demand for diverse travel experiences, new and emerging destinations were introduced to cater to both Umrah+ and leisure travellers.

  • Our Habitas Hotel & Shaden Hotel in AlUla: Participation in Malaysia for the first time showed increasing interest in AlUla among travellers for both religious and leisure purposes. AlUla is becoming a more common destination for Umrah pilgrims, who are now including it in their itineraries for day trips or overnight stays.
  • Al Baha & Aseer (Abha): These newly introduced cool-weather highland escapes are positioned for year-round tourism.
  • Saudi Red Sea: An 1,800-kilometre stretch of pristine coastline split into three regions, where travelers can embark on truly unique adventures.
  • Ala Khutah: a journey 470 km long that follows the footsteps of Prophet Muhammad, retracing the historical route of the Hijrah from Mecca to Medina, and featuring 7 overnight stations and 41 historical sites.

Furthermore, the Saudi Travel Fair will return in 2025 at IOI City Mall in Putrajaya in October featuring curated Umrah+ leisure packages in Saudi from selected travel agents.

Students champion 3R values in PIAM’s #GoGreenWithPIAM 3R Campaign

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In a bid to cultivate environmental awareness among Malaysian youth, the Persatuan Insurans Am Malaysia (PIAM) celebrated the achievements of tertiary students from across the country at a recent prize-giving ceremony held at its headquarters. The event honoured nine winners whose creative, inspiring and authentic submissions showcased how they incorporate the practices of 3R into their daily life. This was the first nationwide initiative under PIAM’s #GoGreenWithPIAM 3R Campaign.
The campaign, which took place between May and June 2025, invited Malaysian tertiary students to submit short, creative videos showing how they incorporate the principles of 3R – Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle – in their daily lives. Open to tertiary students, the campaign was designed to encourage personal reflection and storytelling on sustainable living.

PIAM’s Chief Executive Officer, Chua Kim Soon, shared that the initiative came at a time when environmental issues are increasingly affecting the general insurance industry. He explained that, “We have seen how floods and storms are becoming more frequent and severe. As insurers, we help with the aftermath, but we also feel a responsibility to be part of the solution. Through the 3R Campaign under our #GoGreenWithPIAM initiative, we are hoping to bring back simple habits from the past, like using tiffin carriers instead of plastic containers, that can help protect the environment and ourselves.”

He also highlighted how the younger generation brings fresh energy and creativity to such efforts, saying, “What made many of the video entries stand out was how personal and authentic they were. These students didn’t just talk about recycling, they showed how it fits into their lifestyle. Their sincerity, combined with strong editing and storytelling, was impressive and inspiring.”

One of those standout voices came from the Grand Prize winner, Nur Aqilah Binti Noor Hisyam from Perlis, whose video was praised for its creativity and heartfelt message. “It has been a passion of mine for some time now, and this campaign gave me the platform to showcase my commitment to sustainable living,” she said. “Organising a community recycling drive and seeing young children learn about waste really stuck with me, it showed how small actions can spark bigger change. Climate change can feel overwhelming, but I have learnt that simple habits, like using reusables or encouraging others to recycle, do make a difference.” She shared that the prize money will go towards her studies in environmental science and, if possible, a small eco-project like a compost bin or mini garden to keep the campaign’s spirit alive.

The campaign was led by Lee Chiew Lai, Programme Leader of the 3R Campaign and member of PIAM’s Climate Change Action Committee (CCAC). He explained that this first initiative is part of a broader, long-term goal to drive behaviour change starting with young people. “We believe tertiary students are future leaders. If they start building sustainable habits now, they will influence their peers, families, and eventually the wider community,” he said.

Lee added that the campaign was not just about promoting recycling, but about encouraging deeper thinking around reducing waste and reusing materials in practical, everyday ways. “Our goal is to encourage a circular economy mindset. It’s not just about what we throw away, but how we can reduce what we use in the first place,” he said. “This is only the beginning of our #GoGreenWithPIAM journey, and we are excited to continue building on this momentum.”

The campaign received submissions from across the country, with students showcasing a mix of creativity, storytelling and technical skill. Prizes were awarded to nine winners, including a Grand Prize of RM3,000, three Runner-Up prizes of RM750 each, and five Consolation Prizes of RM350.

PIAM hopes to continue engaging the youth through more campaigns in the future, while also expanding outreach to schools and local communities. Chua emphasised that the association is focused on long-term change, not just short-term impact. “Our aim is to encourage lasting habits of environmental responsibility. Through education and awareness, we hope to inspire a mindset shift that stays with people for life,” he said.