Wednesday, 5 August 2026 Stay informed. No noise.

Galleries

TikTok Shop and KPDN introduce #ShopSafe Tips

Posted on by admin

TikTok Shop has partnered with the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN) to spread awareness on #ShopSafe tips for online scam prevention. #ShopSafe is part of a wider online scam awareness initiative by TikTok Shop to empower Malaysians through education.

YB Datuk Armizan bin Mohd Ali, Minister of KPDN, emphasised, “We are delighted to partner with TikTok Shop to educate Malaysians on best practices when shopping online and to empower them with the right knowledge and tools to #ShopSafe digitally. We have found that a large majority of reported e-commerce scams were conducted outside of legitimate online shopping platforms and apps, where bad actors redirect consumers off-platform to complete transactions, either through phone numbers, suspicious links, or direct debits. TikTok Shop’s dedication to championing the rights and safety of consumers is commendable, and we look forward to combating online scams together.”

TikTok Shop Malaysia’s Director of Strategic Partnerships, Nur Azre Abdul Aziz, echoed the sentiment: “Safety is our top priority at TikTok Shop. We continuously invest in people and technologies for Malaysians to enjoy worry-free and secure online shopping experiences, such as through our robust 15-Day Free Return and Refund Policies. In the first half of 2024, we proactively rejected 20.4 million attempted product listings and two million seller account registrations globally that did not meet our standards. Combatting online scams is a collaborative effort and we are immensely thankful to KPDN for their support in educating Malaysians on our #ShopSafe tips. Together, we can keep our community informed and up to date on new scam trends, along with ways to safeguard each other against it.”

The #ShopSafe tips introduced by TikTok Shop and KPDN include:

  1. Avoid Off-Platform Purchases.
  • TikTok Shop users should conduct all online purchases using only the official app to ensure their protection against scams. TikTok Shop strictly enforces its Product Listing Guidelines and Seller Registration Guidelines, which help to prevent violative products and sellers on the platform. Policies such as the Platform Abuse Policy, Anti-Counterfeit Policy, and TikTok Shop Mall’s 100% Authenticity Guarantee, actively detect and minimise any potential fraudulent activities and deceptive behaviours on the platform.
  • Users should ensure that all online transactions are conducted through TikTok Shop’s secure in-app payment gateways. All purchases can then be verified and tracked on the in-app order history, even when opting for Cash-On-Delivery (COD) transactions.
  • Users should not download TikTok’s apps via external links or APK files. Download TikTok’s apps (which are listed ‘by TikTok Pte. Ltd.’) via the official website (https://www.tiktok.com) and platforms, including the Google Play Store and Apple App Store. Be wary of suspicious links and misspelled websites.
  • By adhering to these #ShopSafe tips, users can avoid common scams, such as false advertising, phishing, COD scams, brushing scams, malware, and more

2. Never Share Sensitive Personal Information With Other People.

  • Users can familiarize themselves with TikTok Shop’s Privacy Policy, which transparently outlines how TikTok Shop protects user data.
  • Users should be vigilant and avoid disclosing sensitive personal information to other people, especially potential scammers pretending to be TikTok Shop employees, authorities, or government officials. TikTok Shop will never ask for users’ sensitive personal information, such as passwords, TACs, and debit/credit card details through direct messaging, phone calls, or emails.
  • As an additional layer of protection, users should activate the 2-step verification feature on the TikTok app, which protects their accounts even when passwords are compromised.
  • With these helpful tips, Malaysians can prevent themselves from falling victim to Macau scams, phone scams, account takeovers, and more.

3. Report Violative Behaviours In-App.

  • Users are encouraged to directly report violative products, content, and sellers on TikTok Shop via the in-app reporting channel, available on every product display page.
  • Users can also reach out to live agents in-app for enquiries about their TikTok Shop orders, via the Help Center page.
  • TikTok Shop is governed by robust 15-Day Free Return and Refund Policies, which facilitate simplified and fair after-sales requests for customers facing issues with their orders on the platform. TikTok Shop does not tolerate any fraudulent or unlawful activities on its platform.

For more information on TikTok Shop Malaysia, please visit:

@tiktokshop_my

SC celebrates investED Leadership second cohort graduation

Posted on by admin

The Securities Commission Malaysia (SC) today marked a key milestone in its talent development journey with more than 190 graduates completing the second cycle of the investED Leadership Programme.
Officiated by Director General of Higher Education, Datuk Professor Dr. Azlinda Azman, the initiative continues to gain strong momentum as a key capital market initiative for nurturing skilled, future-ready talent for the industry.

Announced by Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim in June 2023, this flagship graduate programme is designed to boost local graduates’ employability across various disciplines.

It also marks the first-ever collaboration of its kind between the SC, the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Higher Education, the capital market industry, and universities—reflecting a shared commitment to strengthening Malaysia’s human capital and future workforce.

In the span of just two years, the investED Leadership programme has trained 368 young graduates through close collaboration with industry and university partners. Of this, 233 graduates have been employed.

The second cohort of the Leadership programme, which began in August 2024, received 1,200 applications. Following a month of intensive classroom training at the Asia School of Business, selected participants were placed with various capital market firms for six months of on-the-job experience.
The SC Chairman Dato’ Mohammad Faiz Azmi said that investED is more than just a training programme – it is a bridge between classroom learning and career building.

“Beyond equipping our young talent with skills, the programme also builds their confidence, drives industry growth, and nurtures a new generation of professionals for Malaysia’s capital market,” he added.
The SC is now inviting applications for the third cohort of the investED Leadership Programme, now open until 30 June 2025. Apart from a potential career in the capital market industry, trainees also receive a monthly allowance of RM2,400 during the training period.
Separately, the investED Foundation Programme, delivered by the SC’s learning arm, the Securities Industry Development Corporation (SIDC), also saw continued progress. Last year, more than 1,000 students enrolled, exceeding the annual target of 800 by 25%.

In addition, investED has organised 44 career talks and 13 career fairs nationwide, reaching over 110,600 students in the last two years. Of this, 13,500 students have attended the career talks, surpassing the three-year target of 9,000 students in just under two years.

For more information, visit www.invested.my.

Hong Leong Islamic Bank distributes 1,000 food packets to foodpanda riders

Posted on by admin

In conjunction with the holy month of Ramadhan, Hong Leong Islamic Bank (HLISB/Bank) distributed 1,000 buka puasa meals to foodpanda e-hailing delivery riders in its ‘Senyum-Senyum Ramadhan’ initiative, bringing the festive spirit and putting smiles on the faces of foodpanda riders as they continue to deliver food to Malaysians throughout the month of Ramadhan.

Through its partnership with foodpanda, the Bank has also sponsored buka puasa meals for over 300 foodpanda riders and their families in Melaka, Terengganu, Negeri Sembilan and Perak, spreading warmth, positivity, and appreciation in the community.

Dafinah Ahmed Hilmi, Chief Executive Officer of HLISB commented on the impactful event, “Ramadhan is a time for gratitude and appreciation, and for many Muslims, it represents an opportunity to give back to the community. This year, we wanted to recognise the sacrifice and dedication of our e-hailing delivery riders, who in many ways are the unsung heroes of our country, especially during festive seasons. During Ramadhan, they brave the heavy traffic and face high volumes of orders, with a majority of them fasting themselves. At HLISB, we wanted to find a way to appreciate their sacrifices, give back to this community, and bring a smile to these riders, which led to us forging our partnership with foodpanda.”

The Bank’s partnership with foodpanda to sponsor and distribute buka puasa meals to delivery riders is aligned with its Raya theme of “Amal”, where it encourages Malaysians to engage in good deeds which will lead to positive outcomes and multiplied rewards. This concept of “Amal” extends beyond doing good, and also includes inculcating healthy financial habits. The Bank highlights that robust financial habits such as consistent savings, regular investing, and smart protection strategies can set Malaysians up for a brighter financial future.

Zalman Zainal, Hong Leong Bank’s (HLB) Chief Marketing and Communications Officer, who also heads the Bank’s CSR department, commented, “We at HLB and HLISB have always been committed to engaging in community investment initiatives, where we not only give back to the community but also actively work to uplift and empower them towards a brighter future. With the spirit of “Amal”, we want to continue putting our words to action and engage in more community-centric initiatives such as this one with foodpanda, bringing the Raya spirit and recognising the hardships of these unsung heroes. We believe that good habits, generosity, and kindness are important values to instill, which are the reasons for our smiles as we reap the rewards of a brighter future ahead.”

HLB and HLISB have a proud tradition of community service during festive seasons, with the Bank organizing Employee Donation Drives where employees donate meal kits and essential goods to welfare homes across the country. Since its inception in 2019, the Bank’s employees have donated more than RM100,000 worth of food, goods, and household items to welfare homes. Employees also regularly engage in spring cleaning initiatives at welfare homes, ensuring that these underserved communities receive the help and support they need.

In conjunction with the Raya season and to highlight its “Amal” theme, the Bank recently unveiled its Raya campaign with brand ambassador Alif Satar, which features a Raya song and music video titled ‘Senyum-Senyum Raya’, presented by Alif Satar & The Locos. Besides bringing about a positive Raya spirit, the song also emphasises on the importance of good deeds that can multiply and be the reason for your smile this Raya season.

Senyum-Senyum Raya is available to stream on Spotify and Apple Music, and the music video can be seen on HLB’s YouTube Channel. You may watch the music video here: https://youtu.be/3Tm4O0uNxxA?si=GY1xPTeEFz1R_st7

ARC Group commemorates 10 Years with flagship forum in Kuala Lumpur

Posted on by admin

ARC Group recently hosted the Capital Markets & M&A Forum 2025: Malaysia Edition, bringing together over 400 distinguished guests, including senior executives, investors, legal and advisory professionals and entrepreneurs.

Themed around growth, strategy, and cross-border collaboration, this year’s forum offered timely insights into Southeast Asia’s evolving financial landscape, bridging capital markets, mergers and acquisitions and long-term economic strategy.

The event featured international expertise as speakers and panelist, including Arc Group’s local venture partner, Paul Chong who provided a strategic deep dive into “Going Public – Choosing Between IPO, RTO, and De-SPAC. Drawing on his vast experience in global capital markets, Paul Chong delivered a nuanced comparison of public listing routes, offering actionable insights for Malaysian and regional companies considering international capital markets.

Other featured sessions include topics such as ‘Company Preparations for Going Public’, “From Startup to Exit” and “The Future of M&A in Emerging Asia”. The Forum was closed by Xi Zhang, Partner at ARC Group who delivered a thought-provoking keynote on “China 2030 and Implications for Southeast Asia”, offering macroeconomic lens on China’s long-term transformation and actionable takeaways for ASEAN businesses navigating trade shifts, digital acceleration, and supply chain evolution.

The event also marked the firm’s 10th anniversary. Carlos Lopez, COO of ARC Group commented, “These events have always held a special place for us—not just as platforms for sharing insights, but for building lasting relationships. This year’s forum was particularly meaningful as we marked ARC Group’s 10-year anniversary. It was a proud moment to reflect on how far we’ve come, and an inspiring one to envision where we’re headed next.”

Maybank Investment Banking Group named Syndicated Loan House of the Year in Malaysia and Vietnam

Posted on by admin

Maybank Investment Banking Group (Maybank IBG) continues to stamp its leadership in Southeast Asia, winning recognition from the Asia Pacific Loan Market Association (APLMA) as Syndicated Loan House of the Year in Malaysia for the fifth consecutive year and in Vietnam for the fourth consecutive year.

The repeat wins are even more impressive given that 2024 loan volumes were concentrated on fewer deals in both countries. Nonetheless loan volumes rebounded by +1.9% in Malaysia and +13.2% in Vietnam, boosted by a couple of mega transactions that closed in 2024.

The Asia Pacific Syndicated Loan Market Awards 2024 recognised outstanding achievements across 32 categories, with winners selected through an independent vote by more than 400 APLMA members, without any application or promotion process.

Michael Oh-Lau, Chief Executive Officer, Maybank Investment Banking Group, said, “Maybank IBG is proud to receive these accolades once again from our peers in the APLMA, attesting to our market leading position in Malaysia and Vietnam. Despite a cautious sentiment in 2024, we remained watchful to unlock opportunities for our clients. Our strong network combined with our commitment to sustainability and Islamic finance position us at the forefront of investment banking in the region.”

In 2024, Maybank IBG was mandated as the sole Coordinator Bank for various onshore and offshore syndicated transactions. Among the key deals were the refinancing of the iconic Battersea Power Station building in London under PNB-Kwasa International 2 Limited’s GBP1.11 billion Syndicated Green Loan Facility; Yarra Park City’s AUD265 million Syndicated Term Loan facility to part finance the development of a residential apartment in Melbourne; and the USD400 million dual tranche (Islamic and conventional) Syndicated Term Financing for Bumi Armada Holdings Labuan Limited.

In Vietnam, Maybank IBG acted as the Mandated Lead Arranger, Underwriter and Bookrunner for Vietnam Prosperity Bank’s Syndicated USD400 million Green Loan facility as well as the back-to-back syndications for Vinpearl and Vingroup that raised USD200 million and USD115 million respectively.
Michael added, “These are high profile repeat mandates that successfully closed with overwhelming response from the market — a testament of Maybank’s ability to structure, underwrite, distribute and arrange successful fundraising exercises for our clients.

“For 2025, we expect overall loan volumes to remain robust, supported by favourable economic recovery conditions, good local market dynamics and positive regional trends. Sectors of focus in Malaysia are in
line with strategic government investments, such as real estate and data centres as well as potential infrastructure projects that will continue to drive loan activities.”

PMCK Berhad gains Bursa approval for ACE Market IPO listing

Posted on by admin

PMCK Berhad (PMCK), a healthcare services provider in Northern Malaysia, has gained the approval of Bursa Malaysia Securities Berhad (Bursa Securities) to list on the ACE Market of Bursa Securities.

This milestone underscores PMCK’s strategic focus on expanding its footprint through the development of PMC Kulim, a state-of-the-art private medical centre and mixed-use facility in Kedah, poised to address critical gaps in regional healthcare access.

The IPO comprises 272.6 million new shares (25% of enlarged issued share capital), with proceeds allocated for:

1. Repayment of bank borrowings for PMC Kulim’s construction
2. Acquisition of equipment for PMC
3. Estimated expenses related to the listing exercises

“PMC Kulim is not just a hospital. We are a holistic ecosystem designed to elevate healthcare accessibility in the region,” said PMCK Berhad Managing Director, Dato’ Lee Gaik Cheng. “This listing enables us to accelerate our vision while maintaining financial discipline through strategic partnerships and streamlined operations.”

PMCK reported robust FYE 2024 performance, with revenue rising to RM104.34 million (FYE 2023: RM99.85 million) and net profit climbing almost 40% to RM15.02 million, reflecting strong demand for its specialist consultant services and healthcare support services. The company’s existing PMC in Alor Setar has treated over between 115,000 patients and 128,000 patients over the past three FYEs 2022 to 2024, supported by 40 specialist consultants across 17 specialisations.

Post-listing, PMCK will consolidate its other businesses in Kulim (Poliklinik Unik and Klinik Pergigian Unik) under PMC Kulim to enhance operational efficiency. The project’s mixed-use component is also expected to diversify revenue streams, contributing to long-term sustainability.

“Our goal is to bridge the healthcare divide in the Northern region of Malaysia,” added Dato’ Lee. “The approval for our listing marks a significant milestone for PMCK Berhad and we are now poised to deliver world-class care closer to home.”

Malacca Securities is the IPO’s principal adviser, sponsor, underwriter, and placement agent.

The listing will propel PMCK’s RM193 million PMC Kulim project, a 12-storey medical centre integrated with a seven-storey mixed-use development (hotel, food court, and amenities). Slated for completion in Q1 2028, the facility will feature:

  • 90 in-patient beds (single and double rooms only), one endoscopic suite, one operating theatre, two labour rooms, two nursery units, and 15 specialist consultation clinics.
  • Strategic amenities for patients’ families and the public, managed by a third-party operator to ensure operational focus on healthcare.

The project targets underserved populations in Kulim, Bandar Baharu, and neighbouring districts, where private healthcare infrastructure remains sparse.

With only 7.72 private hospital beds per 10,000 persons in Northern Malaysia (versus 17.71 in Kuala Lumpur), PMC Kulim aims to alleviate the pressure on existing facilities while tapping into demand from Kulim Hi-Tech Park’s industrial workforce and growing middle-class communities.

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

Posted on by admin

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.

WCT Holdings Berhad shareholders approve listing of Paradigm REIT

Posted on by admin

WCT Holdings Berhad (“WCT” or “the Group”), an investment holding company with businesses in engineering and construction, property development and investment in and management of retail malls and hotels, announces that its shareholders have approved the proposed listing of Paradigm Real Estate Investment Trust (“Paradigm REIT”) on the Main Market of Bursa Malaysia Securities Berhad (Bursa Securities Main Market). The approval of the shareholders was obtained during the Extraordinary General Meeting (“EGM”).

The proposed listing of Paradigm REIT will mark a significant milestone in WCT’s strategic growth plans, enabling the Group to unlock the value of its retail assets while optimising its capital structure. As part of the proposed listing of Paradigm REIT, the shareholders also approved the proposed disposal of three prime retail properties – Bukit Tinggi Shopping Centre (BTSC), Paradigm Mall Petaling Jaya (PMPJ), and Paradigm Mall Johor Bahru (PMJB) – to Paradigm REIT for RM2,437,000,000 (“Disposal Consideration”). The Disposal Consideration will be settled through the issuance of 1,600,000,000 units in Paradigm REIT (“Consideration Units”) at an issue price of RM1.00 per Consideration Unit and a cash consideration of RM837,000,000.

In the approvals sought during the EGM, the shareholders also endorsed the proposed offering of 560,000,000 units in Paradigm REIT (“Offer Units”) by WCT (“Proposed Offering”).

This includes a proposed retail offering of up to 254,657,500 Offer Units for the entitled shareholders of WCT, eligible directors and employees of the Group and Paradigm REIT Management Sdn Bhd, being the management company of Paradigm REIT, and the Malaysian public. From the proposed retail offering, 194,862,500 Offer Units will be made available to entitled shareholders of WCT on the basis of 1 Offer Unit for every 8 existing ordinary shares of WCT held by the shareholders whose names appear on the record of depositors of WCT as at the close of business on an entitlement date to be determined and announced later by WCT.

The Proposed Offering also includes a proposed institutional offering at least 305,342,500 Offer Units, of which 200,000,000 Offer Units are reserved for Bumiputera investors approved by the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI) of Malaysia and at least 105,342,500 Offer Units to other institutional investors and selected investors.

The proposed listing of Paradigm REIT is expected to strengthen WCT’s balance sheet by reducing borrowings while offering investors the opportunity to participate in a diversified portfolio of income-generating retail assets, delivering stable cash distributions and long-term capital appreciation.

Dato’ Lee Tuck Fook, Group Managing Director, WCT Holdings Berhad, said, “We are grateful for the strong support from our shareholders in approving the proposed listing of Paradigm REIT. This strategic initiative not only unlocks the value of our retail assets but also provide WCT with greater financial flexibility to pursue new growth opportunities. We are confident that Paradigm REIT will be a valuable addition to the Bursa Securities Main Market and deliver sustainable returns to our investors.”

The retail properties under Paradigm REIT are strategically located in populous urban areas in Malaysia. The proposed listing of Paradigm REIT reinforces WCT’s commitment to creating long-term value for stakeholders while solidifying its presence in Malaysia’s real estate investment sector.

Alibaba Cloud strengthens AI capabilities with for international customers

Posted on by admin

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.

NCT Alliance expands presence in Sabah

Posted on by admin

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.