KUALA LUMPUR: Motherhood in Malaysia is often closely linked with marriage, with couples frequently questioned on when they plan to have children soon after tying the knot.

While societal expectations surrounding motherhood remain deeply rooted, some couples are intentionally delaying parenthood for various reasons, including career growth, financial stability and personal goals.

It’s a fact to agree that motherhood pressure continues to persist in Malaysia despite changing social and economic realities across different communities.

According to the Asian-Pacific Resource and Research Centre for Women (ARROW), the country’s total fertility rate had fallen to a historic low of 1.6 children per woman.

Expected motherhood

However, its Programme Officer, Sharmilah Muniandy, said the declining fertility rate has not eased social pressure on married couples to have children, adding that motherhood is still widely treated as an expectation rather than a personal choice.

“Motherhood continues to be framed as a normative expectation for women rather than an individual choice. This perception persists due to deeply rooted cultural and religious values centralising family and procreation.

“Gender norms further reinforce this by associating caregiving roles primarily with women, while mainstream dialogue on child free or non traditional life choices remains limited,” she said.

Sharmilah said pressure surrounding parenthood often begins after marriage, with women frequently subjected to intrusive questions, comparisons and assumptions from society.

She added that women continue to bear more pressure than men, particularly when couples face fertility challenges or choose to delay having children.

“There is a tendency for women to be more scrutinised in cases of infertility, although it can affect both partners. Common patterns include women being assumed to be the sole cause, alongside greater pressure placed on them to seek medical treatment or intervention.

Emotional distress

“Women also tend to experience higher levels of emotional distress than men and in some cases report verbal abuse, psychological harm and other forms of mistreatment linked to infertility,” she said.

Sharmilah explained that women who choose to remain child free continue to face stigma in Malaysia, as they are often perceived as rejecting traditional family expectations.

At the same time, she noted that delaying parenthood is becoming increasingly common due to financial pressures and changing priorities, although judgment from society remains.

“Couples who prioritise career, financial stability or personal goals before having children usually encounter mixed responses. While there is growing recognition of economic realities, these choices can still attract judgment for delaying parenthood,” she said.

On the other hand, Metro IVF Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist, Lindy Bak Li Mei, said misconceptions surrounding fertility and delayed parenthood continue to shape public perception.

Before menopause

Lindy said pregnancy at an older age is still possible before menopause, especially when couples seek early advice from fertility specialists and understand the options available to them.

“As long as a woman has not reached menopause, the ovaries are still functioning and able to recruit eggs for fertilisation. Even at an advanced age, there is still hope that the recruited eggs will be able to produce a viable embryo.

“My suggestion is, please visit your fertility doctor to discuss it at such a critical age because the earlier couples seek advice, the better they can understand their fertility health and available options,” she said.

Lindy also stressed that infertility is not solely a women’s issue, noting that male and female factors contribute almost equally to difficulties in conceiving.

“Male and women factors are fairly equal in contributing to infertility, including unexplained fertility whereby both male and female are found to be within normal range of screening.

“This shows both husband and wife would have to be involved in their fertility screening as it takes both to make it work,” she said.

Echoing her, fertility specialist Dr Wong Wen Hao said advances in fertility treatment and assisted reproductive technology are continuing to give older couples opportunities to conceive later in life.

Wong told the media that advanced fertility techniques such as Pre-Implantation Genetic Testing (PGT) are now helping specialists identify healthier embryos for implantation, particularly among older couples undergoing In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF) treatment.

Maximise chances

“While natural pregnancy is very difficult after age 45, medical treatments like IVF can help couples maximise their chances using their own genetic material.

“Because donor options are generally restricted or unavailable in Malaysia, we use advanced tools like pre implantation genetic testing to find the best embryos for a healthy birth.

“For those intending to delay childbearing significantly, egg freezing, ideally before the age of 35, is a medically proven way to preserve biological potential for the future,” he said.

Wong further highlighted the emotional burden faced by couples struggling with infertility, saying public misconceptions and social pressure often worsen psychological distress.

He said infertility should be recognised as a medical condition rather than a personal failure, especially as many couples already face anxiety and emotional exhaustion throughout the process.

“Societal pressure from family and the community can lead to significant emotional distress, including clinical anxiety and social isolation, which only compounds the medical challenges couples are already facing,” he said. – NMH

The post Delayed Motherhood Remains Stigmatised In Malaysia first appeared on NMH.

BANGKOK: Cybercrime in Southeast Asia is rapidly evolving into a large-scale, organised industry, posing significant risks to the financial technology (fintech) sector as digital adoption accelerates across the region.

The threat is also increasingly evident in Malaysia, where authorities and financial institutions continue to grapple with rising online scams, account takeovers and the widespread use of mule accounts to facilitate fraudulent transactions.

With millions of users moving to digital banking and e-wallet platforms, cybercriminals are exploiting gaps in identity verification and system security, highlighting the urgency for stronger safeguards.

Speaking at Money20/20 Asia 2026 in Bangkok from 21 to 23 April, VIDA founder and chief executive officer Niki Luhur said cybercrime is outpacing traditional identity security frameworks, requiring a fundamental shift in how risks are managed.

Cross-border syndicates drive scale

Luhur said fraud operations are now run by coordinated syndicates spanning Myanmar, Thailand and Indonesia.

In one case, authorities in Myanmar reportedly seized US$12 billion worth of Bitcoin linked to illicit operations, underscoring the scale of these networks.

“Cybercrime is democratic — they don’t care what size institution you are. They just scan for vulnerabilities. All the doors that are open, they exploit them,” he said.

Cybercrime threats go beyond deepfakes

While deepfakes draw attention, Luhur said the real risk lies earlier in the attack chain — particularly injection attacks from compromised devices using virtual cameras.

These tactics allow cybercriminals to bypass traditional biometric verification systems, reflecting a shift towards device- and infrastructure-level exploitation.

Malaysia steps up anti-scam measures

In Malaysia, Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) and industry players have intensified efforts to combat scams, including tighter controls on mule accounts and enhanced fraud detection requirements.

Banks have introduced additional safeguards such as transaction alerts, cooling-off periods and stronger authentication measures, but scam-related losses remain a concern.

Shift towards layered security

To address these risks, VIDA advocates a layered approach that verifies the user, their identity and the device simultaneously.

This aims to close gaps in fragmented KYC and authentication systems across financial institutions.

New solution targets evolving fraud

VIDA also introduced ID FraudShield, designed to detect threats that conventional biometric systems may miss.

The solution integrates liveness detection with device intelligence, behavioural analytics and network monitoring within a single platform. – NMH

The post Cybercrime Expands, VIDA Urges Stronger Fintech Security first appeared on NMH.

Sarawak is intensifying its preparations for APRC 2028, a regional platform centred on respiratory health, by fostering stronger collaboration between government, academia and industry.

At a recent high-level engagement in Kuching, stakeholders came together to align efforts in support of the upcoming event, which is expected to spotlight pressing public health challenges, including lung disease and tuberculosis, while strengthening regional cooperation. The session reflects Sarawak’s broader ambition—not only to host a successful APRC 2028, but to leverage it as a catalyst for long-term healthcare capacity building.

Held at the office of Sarawak Deputy Premier, Datuk Amar Dr. Sim Kui Hian, the meeting brought together representatives from medical institutions, higher education bodies and industry partners, highlighting a unified approach to addressing lung disease and tuberculosis through integrated strategies.

Sarawak Aligns Healthcare and Talent Development for APRC 2028

Central to the discussions was the need to strengthen expertise and capabilities in respiratory health, particularly in tackling tuberculosis, which remains a significant public health concern across the region.

Sarawak has been steadily advancing its healthcare ecosystem, with increasing emphasis on training, research and cross-sector collaboration. In the lead-up to APRC 2028, efforts are being made to ensure that healthcare professionals, researchers and support systems are equipped with the knowledge and tools needed to address evolving challenges in lung health.

This includes closer collaboration between universities, training institutions and healthcare providers to develop talent pipelines that are both specialised and responsive to real-world needs.

Human Impact: Strengthening Communities Through Better Care

Beyond institutional collaboration, the focus on lung health and tuberculosis carries a deeply human dimension.

For patients and communities, improved awareness, early detection and better access to care can significantly enhance quality of life and reduce disease burden. Initiatives linked to APRC 2028 are expected to play a role in amplifying public health education, while also encouraging more proactive health-seeking behaviours.

For healthcare practitioners, the platform offers opportunities to exchange knowledge, share best practices and strengthen regional networks—ultimately improving standards of care.

These efforts collectively underscore a people-first approach, where healthcare outcomes are not just measured in statistics, but in lives improved and communities strengthened.

Building a Lasting Public Health Legacy

As Sarawak prepares for APRC 2028, the focus extends beyond hosting responsibilities to building a sustainable and resilient healthcare ecosystem.

The engagement highlights how strategic collaboration can drive meaningful progress—bringing together policy direction, academic expertise and industry innovation to tackle complex health challenges.

By placing lung health and tuberculosis at the centre of its efforts, Sarawak is not only contributing to regional dialogue, but also reinforcing its commitment to public health advancement.

In doing so, APRC 2028 is set to become more than just a regional event—it represents an opportunity to create lasting impact, positioning Sarawak as a leader in collaborative healthcare solutions. – NMH

The post Sarawak Advances APRC 2028 Preparations with Focus on Respiratory Health first appeared on NMH.

KUALA LUMPUR, 24 April — Xtep is positioning Malaysia as a key growth engine for its Southeast Asia ambitions, rolling out six new stores to capture rising demand for performance running gear.

The China-based sportswear group has opened outlets across Kuala Lumpur, Penang, Johor Bahru, Kuantan and Shah Alam, marking an early phase of its regional expansion strategy.

The move comes as Malaysia’s running scene gathers pace, supported by government initiatives such as Malaysia Aktif and increased public spending on sports development. The Kuala Lumpur Standard Chartered Marathon alone drew about 42,000 participants in its latest edition, underscoring the scale of growing interest in endurance sports.

Xtep is positioning its outlets as hybrid retail and community spaces, with plans to host group training sessions and running events to deepen engagement with local runners.

The company is also introducing a performance running range designed for Malaysia’s climate and terrain, in line with a broader industry shift towards localised product development.

A 10km run planned in Kuala Lumpur has drawn strong early interest, highlighting growing appetite for structured amateur competition.

Strategic push by Xtep beyond China

Founded in 2001 and listed in Hong Kong, Xtep has evolved from a domestic sportswear player into a performance-focused running brand, sharpening its positioning in recent years.

The group has accelerated its international expansion strategy, with Southeast Asia identified as a key growth region. Malaysia stands out due to its established running community, supportive policy environment and rising consumer interest in fitness and active lifestyles.

Competition heats up

Xtep’s expansion comes amid intensifying competition in Malaysia’s sportswear segment, where global names such as Nike and Adidas, alongside regional players, continue to invest in both retail presence and community-building.

Industry observers say differentiation is increasingly driven by product innovation, localisation and sustained engagement with running communities.

For Xtep, scaling its footprint while embedding itself within Malaysia’s running ecosystem will be critical to building long-term traction in the region.

The six-store rollout signals the start of a broader expansion pipeline as the group deepens its push into Southeast Asia’s growing sports retail market. – NMH

The post Xtep Targets Malaysia As South-East Asia Growth Engine first appeared on NMH.

KUALA LUMPUR, 18 Mac — Vietnam mencatat satu perkembangan penting dalam usaha membendung penyakit tangan, kaki dan mulut (HFMD) apabila meluluskan penggunaan vaksin HFMD pertama di negara itu.

Vaksin tersebut, ENVACGEN®, dibangunkan oleh Medigen Vaccine Biologics Corp (MVC) dari Taiwan, telah menerima kelulusan pemasaran daripada Pentadbiran Dadah Vietnam. Pengedaran vaksin ini akan dikendalikan oleh Substipharm Biologics.

Kelulusan ini bukan sahaja signifikan bagi Vietnam, malah dilihat sebagai langkah awal ke arah pendekatan pencegahan yang lebih menyeluruh di rantau Asia Tenggara, khususnya dalam menangani jangkitan EV71 yang boleh menyebabkan komplikasi serius dalam kalangan kanak-kanak.

Cabaran kesihatan yang berterusan di rantau ini

HFMD kekal sebagai penyakit endemik di banyak negara Asia Tenggara, dengan wabak berulang yang memberi kesan besar kepada kanak-kanak kecil serta sistem kesihatan awam.

Di Vietnam, sekitar 180,000 kes dan 31 kematian direkodkan pada tahun 2023. Situasi bertambah membimbangkan pada 2025 apabila kes meningkat kepada lebih 107,000 — peningkatan hampir 29% berbanding tahun sebelumnya.

Dengan lebih 1.3 juta kelahiran setiap tahun, keperluan terhadap langkah pencegahan seperti vaksin HFMD menjadi semakin mendesak.

Keberkesanan tinggi dan perlindungan awal

ENVACGEN® menunjukkan prestasi klinikal yang memberangsangkan, dengan kadar keberkesanan dilaporkan sehingga 100% dalam tempoh pemantauan, tanpa kes jangkitan direkodkan dalam kalangan penerima vaksin.

Vaksin ini boleh diberikan kepada bayi seawal usia dua bulan dan mampu memberikan perlindungan jangka panjang melebihi lima tahun.

MVC juga menguasai lebih 97% pasaran vaksin EV71 di Taiwan, sekali gus mencerminkan rekod prestasi yang kukuh.

Pengembangan vaksin HFMD ke seluruh Asia Tenggara

Kelulusan di Vietnam dijangka menjadi pemangkin kepada peluasan vaksin HFMD ke negara-negara lain di rantau ini.

Ketua Pegawai Eksekutif MVC, Leo Lee, menyifatkan pencapaian ini sebagai satu “titik penting” dalam strategi pengembangan global syarikat, dengan kapasiti pengeluaran kini sedang ditingkatkan bagi memenuhi permintaan serantau.

Sementara itu, Substipharm Biologics akan memanfaatkan rangkaian serantaunya untuk mempercepatkan pengedaran serta kerjasama dengan pihak berkuasa kesihatan.

Implikasi kepada Malaysia dan ASEAN

Langkah Vietnam memperkenalkan vaksin HFMD berpotensi mempengaruhi negara jiran, termasuk Malaysia, untuk menilai semula pendekatan sedia ada dalam menangani HFMD.

Dalam usaha memperkukuh daya tahan sistem kesihatan dan kesiapsiagaan menghadapi wabak, strategi berasaskan vaksin dijangka memainkan peranan yang semakin penting di rantau ASEAN.

Kelulusan ini bukan sahaja menangani keperluan kesihatan semasa, malah mencerminkan peralihan ke arah pendekatan penjagaan kesihatan yang lebih proaktif dan berfokus kepada pencegahan. – NMH

The post Vaksin HFMD: Vietnam Luluskan Suntikan Pertama Tangani EV71 dalam Kalangan Kanak-Kanak first appeared on NMH.

KUALA LUMPUR, 18 March — Vietnam has approved its first HFMD vaccine, marking a significant breakthrough in the fight against hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) and signalling a broader shift towards preventive healthcare strategies across Southeast Asia.

The vaccine, ENVACGEN®, developed by Taiwan-based Medigen Vaccine Biologics Corp (MVC), received marketing authorisation from Vietnam’s Drug Administration, with Substipharm Biologics leading its distribution in the country.

The move positions Vietnam at the forefront of regional efforts to address EV71, a key virus responsible for severe HFMD complications among young children.

A long-standing regional health challenge

HFMD remains endemic across Southeast Asia, with recurring outbreaks affecting millions of children and placing sustained pressure on public healthcare systems.

Vietnam alone recorded approximately 180,000 cases and 31 deaths in 2023. In 2025, infections surged again to more than 107,000 cases — a 28.9% increase compared to the previous year.

With over 1.3 million births annually, the introduction of an HFMD vaccine could play a critical role in reducing severe infections, hospitalisations and fatalities.

High efficacy and early protection

ENVACGEN® has demonstrated strong clinical performance, with efficacy reported at up to 100% during follow-up periods, and no infections observed among vaccinated individuals in trials.

The vaccine can be administered to infants as young as two months old and provides long-term immunity lasting more than five years.

MVC currently holds over 97% market share for EV71 vaccines in Taiwan, underscoring its established track record in this space.

HFMD vaccine expansion across Southeast Asia

The Vietnam approval is expected to serve as a springboard for wider regional expansion, as demand grows for more effective HFMD prevention measures.

MVC CEO Leo Lee described the approval as a “pivotal milestone”, adding that the company is scaling up production capacity to meet anticipated demand across Southeast Asia.

Substipharm Biologics, which operates in over 100 countries, will leverage its regional presence to accelerate distribution and engagement with healthcare authorities.

Its CEO, Fabrice Baschiera, highlighted the urgency of addressing recurrent outbreaks, noting that EV71 has remained a persistent threat to child health in Vietnam.

Implications for Malaysia and the region

The introduction of an HFMD vaccine in Vietnam may influence neighbouring countries, including Malaysia, to reassess their approach to HFMD prevention.

As ASEAN nations strengthen healthcare resilience and pandemic preparedness, vaccine-led strategies are expected to play an increasingly central role.

The approval of ENVACGEN® not only addresses an immediate public health need but also signals a broader regional shift towards proactive disease prevention. – NMH

The post HFMD Vaccine Breakthrough: Vietnam Approves First EV71 Jab for Children first appeared on NMH.

KUALA LUMPUR — Rangkaian minuman dan ais krim Mixue terus memperluas kehadirannya di Malaysia sambil memperkukuh hubungan dengan komuniti tempatan melalui model perniagaan yang menekankan keusahawanan rakyat tempatan, pembangunan tenaga kerja serta pelaburan domestik berterusan.

Mixue Malaysia menyatakan strategi pertumbuhannya di Malaysia memberi penekanan kepada penyertaan tempatan dalam pelbagai aspek operasi, termasuk pemilikan francais, peluang pekerjaan dan kerjasama rantaian bekalan.

Lebih 93% daripada pemegang francais Mixue di Malaysia merupakan rakyat tempatan, dengan lebih 300 pemilik kedai mengendalikan operasi di seluruh negara. Syarikat itu berkata sistem francaisnya direka bagi membantu usahawan baharu memasuki sektor makanan dan minuman dengan lebih teratur melalui latihan, panduan operasi serta sistem pengurusan piawai.

“Kerjasama dengan usahawan tempatan membolehkan kami berkembang seiring dengan komuniti di Malaysia,” kata Teh Hwa Chun, Area Manager Trainee Mixue Malaysia. “Matlamat kami adalah membina perniagaan yang bukan sahaja menawarkan produk mampu milik, tetapi juga menyumbang kepada pertumbuhan ekonomi tempatan.”

Mixue Bina Ekosistem Francais Tempatan

Menurut syarikat itu, rangkaian francaisnya turut membantu mewujudkan peluang pekerjaan dan keusahawanan di seluruh negara. Mixue memaklumkan bahawa kira-kira 4,000 pekerja telah dilatih setakat ini, manakala sekitar 2,900 rakyat Malaysia kini bekerja dalam pelbagai peranan operasi.

Selain menyediakan peluang pekerjaan, syarikat itu turut memberi tumpuan kepada pembangunan kerjaya melalui program latihan berstruktur dan laluan kenaikan pangkat dalaman, sekali gus membuka peluang kepada pekerja membina kerjaya jangka panjang dalam sektor makanan dan minuman.

Strategi penyetempatan Mixue turut melibatkan penyesuaian produk serta kempen pemasaran dengan cita rasa dan budaya tempatan. Antara inisiatifnya termasuk promosi yang diselaraskan dengan sambutan perayaan seperti Hari Raya dan Hari Kebangsaan.

Dalam masa sama, pematuhan terhadap keperluan halal turut menjadi keutamaan syarikat bagi mengekalkan kepercayaan pengguna. Setakat ini, sebanyak 157 cawangan Mixue di Malaysia telah memperoleh pensijilan halal, dengan pemantauan dilakukan oleh pasukan khusus yang memastikan pematuhan terhadap piawaian yang ditetapkan.

Bagi memastikan operasi yang konsisten di seluruh rangkaiannya, Mixue turut menggunakan pelbagai sistem digital termasuk analitik sistem jualan (POS), amaran pengurusan inventori serta papan pemuka prestasi bagi meningkatkan kecekapan operasi dan mengurangkan pembaziran.

Selain itu, pembinaan, pengubahsuaian kedai serta pengurusan logistik dan pengedaran dilaksanakan dengan kerjasama rakan logistik yang berpengalaman bagi memastikan bekalan produk dapat dihantar secara stabil ke seluruh negara.

Kehadiran di Bazaar Ramadan

Kehadiran Mixue juga semakin ketara dalam ruang komuniti. Pada Ramadan tahun ini, gerai Mixue dilihat turut mengambil bahagian di beberapa lokasi Bazaar Ramadan, sekali gus menambah pilihan minuman dan pencuci mulut kepada pengunjung.

Walaupun peniaga tradisional kekal menjadi tarikan utama di bazaar, penyertaan jenama francais seperti Mixue mencerminkan perubahan landskap perniagaan makanan dan minuman yang semakin berkembang.

Bagi pengunjung bazaar, pilihan pembelian selalunya bergantung kepada cita rasa, harga dan kemudahan. Ramai yang tidak keberatan untuk membeli daripada kedua-dua jenis peniaga — sama ada gerai tradisional mahupun jenama yang sudah dikenali.

Pemerhati industri melihat situasi ini sebagai sebahagian daripada evolusi pasaran makanan dan minuman tempatan, di mana usahawan kecil dan perniagaan berasaskan francais semakin wujud secara bersama dalam ruang pasaran yang sama.

Ke hadapan, Mixue Malaysia menyatakan bahawa syarikat itu akan terus bekerjasama dengan agensi kerajaan, persatuan industri serta rakan tempatan bagi memperkukuh pertumbuhan mampan dalam sektor tersebut.

Syarikat itu juga merancang untuk memperluas rantaian bekalan domestik, membangunkan bakat tempatan serta memperkukuh keupayaan pengurusan tempatan dalam usaha memastikan pertumbuhan jangka panjang di Malaysia. – NMH

Baca juga:
Membina Usahawan Dari Akar Umbi — Transformasi Senyap UMEC

The post Mixue Perluas Jejak Komuniti di Malaysia, Perkasa Usahawan Tempatan first appeared on NMH.

KUALA LUMPUR — The rapid rise of Mixue outlets across Malaysia has been hard to miss — from neighbourhood shoplots to bustling commercial centres, and increasingly, Ramadan bazaars. But behind the snowman logo and affordable ice cream lies a broader ambition: embedding itself into local communities rather than simply expanding its footprint.

Mixue Malaysia says its long-term strategy in the country centres on local entrepreneurship, Malaysian talent and sustained domestic investment.

More than 93% of its franchisees are Malaysians, with over 300 local store owners currently operating nationwide. For many, the brand serves as a structured entry point into the competitive food and beverage sector, supported by systematic training, operational guidance and ongoing business support.

Mixue Builds a Local Franchise Ecosystem

The company says it has trained approximately 4,000 workers to date and currently employs about 2,900 Malaysians. Beyond job creation, Mixue emphasises career progression, offering structured development pathways aimed at building long-term employment rather than short-term placements.

“Our approach in Malaysia is about growing together — with entrepreneurs, employees and communities,” said Teh Hwa Chun, Area Manager Trainee of Mixue Malaysia. “We want to be seen as a brand that genuinely belongs to the people we serve.”

Localisation extends beyond ownership. Product offerings and promotional campaigns are tailored to Malaysian tastes and cultural moments, including national celebrations and Hari Raya festivities. The company has also prioritised halal compliance, securing halal certification for 157 stores — a key factor in building consumer trust.

Operationally, Mixue relies on standardised store systems, digital monitoring tools and regular supervision teams to ensure consistency. Logistics, construction and supply chain management are handled with established partners to support reliable nationwide distribution.

Modern Brands in Traditional Spaces

This Ramadan, Mixue booths have also appeared at selected Bazaar Ramadan locations, adding to the mix of food and beverage options available to visitors. While traditional vendors remain at the heart of the bazaar experience, the presence of established franchise brands reflects the evolving landscape of Malaysia’s informal retail economy. Ultimately, purchasing decisions rest with consumers — many of whom move fluidly between supporting long-time stall operators and choosing familiar branded offerings.

Industry observers note that such coexistence increasingly defines Malaysia’s modern marketplace, where small entrepreneurs and structured franchise systems operate side by side.

Looking ahead, Mixue Malaysia says it plans to deepen engagement with government agencies and industry associations, expand its domestic supply chain and further strengthen local management capabilities.

As Malaysia’s food and beverage sector continues to evolve, Mixue’s growth story suggests that scale and community integration need not be mutually exclusive — particularly when local participation remains central to expansion. – NMH

Also read:
Building Entrepreneurs from the Ground Up — Inside UMEC’s Quiet Transformation

The post Mixue Expands Community Footprint in Malaysia first appeared on NMH.

KUALA LUMPUR: Citaglobal Bhd has proposed to raise up to RM42.09 million via a private placement exercise to fund renewable energy expansion, complete its Gebeng land acquisition and strengthen working capital.

In a filing with Bursa Malaysia, the group said it intends to issue up to 46.77 million new shares — representing 7.05% of its enlarged share capital — to Berjaya Securities Sdn Bhd at a subscription price of 90 sen per share.

The placement price represents a marginal 0.55% discount to the last traded price of 90.5 sen. However, it is priced at a premium to key historical benchmarks, including a 1.16% premium to the five-day volume-weighted average price (VWAP) and a 7.04% premium to the 12-month VWAP.

Citaglobal And Gebeng Land Acquisition

Of the total expected gross proceeds, RM13.5 million will be allocated to the Gebeng land acquisition in Pahang. The sum will reimburse earlier payments and settle the remaining cash portion of the RM90 million acquisition, which was largely satisfied through the issuance of irredeemable convertible preference shares (ICPS).

A further RM18.5 million has been earmarked for expansion and investment in existing businesses, particularly renewable energy initiatives. These include acquiring controlling stakes in hydropower assets, development costs for a 200MW large-scale solar (LSS) project under the LSS PETRA 5+ programme in Kuantan, as well as a bio-compressed natural gas upgrading facility across Pahang, Kelantan and Terengganu.

Another RM8.6 million will be used for working capital, while RM1.49 million will cover expenses related to the private placement.

Berjaya’s Stake

Upon completion, Berjaya Securities is expected to hold an 8.66% stake based on the current issued shares, or 6.59% on a fully diluted basis assuming full conversion of all convertible securities.

As at Sept 30, 2025, Citaglobal has 12.37 million Warrants B, 85.09 million Warrants C, 2.4 million ICPS A and 69.90 million ICPS B outstanding. The proposed exercise is expected to be completed by the second quarter of financial year 2026.

Citaglobal said the private placement enables the group to raise funds expeditiously without incurring interest costs or principal repayment obligations associated with bank borrowings, thereby preserving cash flow.

As at Sept 30, 2025, the group’s outstanding order book stood at RM1.1 billion, while its property segment carries an estimated remaining gross development value of RM449 million.

Looking ahead, the group expects Malaysia’s construction sector to remain stable in 2026, supported by strategic investments and infrastructure rollouts under the 13th Malaysia Plan.

Also read:
Building Entrepreneurs from the Ground Up — Inside UMEC’s Quiet Transformation

The post Citaglobal to Raise RM42mil for Solar, Hydropower and Land Deal first appeared on NMH.

Kuala Lumpur, 09 May 2025 – In a significant move to enhance Malaysia’s digital upskilling agenda, GKK Consultants Sdn Bhd (GKK Malaysia) has announced a groundbreaking partnership with the IIT Madras Pravartak Technologies Foundation (IITMPTF). This collaboration marks the first time a Malaysian company has joined forces with an Indian tech innovation hub, aiming to address the country’s growing demand for advanced digital skills.

Bridging the Digital Skills Gap

The partnership is set to support Malaysia’s National Artificial Intelligence Office (NAIO) and other digital initiatives by offering certified technology education programs. These programs will focus on emerging technological areas such as Artificial Intelligence, semiconductor design, green energy, and Industry 5.0 applications.

Dr. Gajendra Balasingham, Managing Director of GKK Malaysia, emphasized the importance of this collaboration: “The digital economy contributed 23.5 percent to Malaysia’s GDP in 2023, amounting to RM427.7 billion. However, companies are still struggling to find suitable employees for roles in cloud computing, AI, and data analytics. This partnership will empower underserved communities and develop a future-ready workforce for Malaysia’s tech sector.”

Comprehensive Training Programs

The first program under this partnership will involve 550 final-year students at Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM). In collaboration with IITMPTF and GKK Malaysia’s ecosystem partners, both lecturers and students will receive comprehensive training in Data Analytics, Java Full Stack Programming, Cyber Security, and AWS Cloud Practitioner. This initiative aims to equip Malaysian talent with globally recognized, industry-relevant skills.

Mr. Balamurali Shankar, Chief Knowledge Officer of IITMPTF, remarked, “This partnership will bridge the skill gap by preparing more tech professionals in cutting-edge technologies, especially in Cybersecurity, AI, and Machine Learning. Students will gain invaluable hands-on experience and real-world insights, enhancing their employability both in Malaysia and internationally.”

Strategic Alignment with National Goals

The partnership aligns with Malaysia Digital’s focus on AI governance and NAIO’s strategic priorities, ensuring the workforce remains competitive in the Industry 5.0 era. His Excellency Mr. B.N. Reddy, India’s High Commissioner to Malaysia, expressed his congratulations: “The Indian High Commission is delighted to learn that GKK Malaysia has established a framework to promote advanced courses in Malaysia through IITMPTF. IITMPTF is a renowned innovation hub in India, and its advanced courses will enhance the competitive advantage of many Malaysian companies.”

Addressing Digital Industry Challenges

A recent survey conducted by Randstad Malaysia and published in its ‘2025 Job Market Outlook & Salary Guide’ indicates that 59 percent of Malaysian companies want to increase their headcount by an average of 10 to 15 percent this year. However, many are facing challenges in sourcing skilled professionals, particularly in AI, cybersecurity, and software development.

Dr. Gajendra concluded, “The demand for such professionals has surged, but the nation’s workforce is still lacking the necessary expertise to meet immediate industry standards. This partnership will play a crucial role in addressing these challenges and ensuring Malaysia’s workforce is equipped with the skills needed for the future.”

This partnership between GKK Malaysia and IITMPTF represents a significant step forward in Malaysia’s digital upskilling agenda, promising to equip the workforce with the skills needed to thrive in the rapidly evolving tech landscape. – NMH

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