MALAYSIA WELCOMES FIRST MEDICAL TOURISM FAMILIARISATION TRIP FOR HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS FROM UZBEKISTAN AND KAZAKHSTAN

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 6 (Bernama) -- As demand for Malaysia's healthcare services continues to grow across Central Asia, Malaysia is welcoming senior healthcare professionals from Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan for its first Medical Tourism Familiarisation Trip organised by Malaysia Healthcare Travel Council (MHTC) and Tourism Malaysia (TM), designed to deepen professional collaboration and expand referral opportunities between the regions. the initiative reflects the growing demand for Malaysian healthcare services across the region and aims to foster knowledge exchange and long-term partnerships between medical institutions in Malaysia and Central Asia.

From 3 to 10 August 2026, the programme brings together 16 distinguished healthcare professionals, including practicing physicians, professors and senior medical specialists from Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan, for an immersive study visit throughout the programme. Participants will gain first-hand insight into Malaysia's internationally recognised healthcare ecosystem and integrated approach to healthcare travel.

During the week-long programme, the delegation will visit four of Malaysia's leading private healthcare institutions including Gleneagles Hospital Kuala Lumpur, Pantai Hospital Kuala Lumpur, Prince Court Medical Centre, and Sunway Medical Centre. Participants will meet with hospital management teams, doctors and specialists to discuss clinical excellence, healthcare quality standards, international patient management and the practical aspects of delivering seamless care to international patients.

The initiative comes at a time of growing interest in Malaysia's healthcare sector across Central Asia. In 2025, healthcare travel revenue from Kazakhstan increased by 29.4%, rising from approximately USD 400,000 to USD 520,000, while Uzbekistan recorded a 30.8% increase, growing from around USD 305,000 to USD 400,000. The consistent growth in both markets highlights the region's rising importance as a source of international patients and reflects increasing confidence in Malaysia's high-quality, internationally accredited healthcare services. Malaysia currently attracts around 1.84 million international patients each year, resulting in over USD 770 million in healthcare travel revenue annually. The country's healthcare system includes over 90 partner hospitals and providers, delivering internationally recognized expertise in various fields such as cardiology, oncology, orthopaedics, fertility treatments, and dentistry.

Dato' Suriaghandi said the familiarisation programme reflects MHTC's commitment to building stronger professional relationships with healthcare communities in emerging markets while creating greater awareness of Malaysia's healthcare capabilities among key medical decision-makers. He noted that healthcare professionals play an important role in influencing patients' healthcare choices, making long-term engagement essential in strengthening Malaysia's position as a preferred medical tourism destination.

"Trust is at the heart of every healthcare journey. By welcoming healthcare professionals to experience Malaysia's healthcare ecosystem first-hand, we hope to foster meaningful relationships built on confidence, knowledge and shared commitment to patient care. That is the essence of Healing Meets Hospitality where clinical excellence is complemented by genuine compassion, creating a healthcare experience that patients can trust." Dato' Suriaghandi Suppiah, CEO of MHTC.

Beyond the professional visits, the delegation will also experience Malaysia's rich cultural heritage through visits to Kuala Lumpur, the UNESCO World Heritage city of Melaka and Putrajaya. By combining world-class healthcare with renowned hospitality, modern infrastructure and diverse tourism experiences, Malaysia offers international patients a comprehensive healthcare travel journey that extends well beyond medical treatment.

Photo can be found in this link:
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/15D6oZDyMxbpR4tLuADIe64hRM-LTX3V2?usp=drive_link

SOURCE: Malaysia Healthcare Travel Council (MHTC)

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:
Name: Muhammad Rasydan Ma’at
Head of Unit
PR and Media
Communications
Tel: +603 8776 6168
Email: rasydan.m@mhtc.org.my

Name: Mohamad Shahizam Fauzi
Head, Communications
Tel: +603 8776 6168
Email: shahizam.f@mhtc.org.my

--BERNAMA

GUNSHANZHU KEEPS MIAO HERITAGE ALIVE IN GUIZHOU, CHINA

Gunshanzhu trainees in Zhuchang Township, Nayong County, Bijie City, Guizhou Province, perform the traditional climbing formation.

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 5 (Bernama) -- A traditional Miao ethnic dance known as gunshanzhu continues to preserve centuries of cultural heritage in the mountainous region of Zhuchang Township, Nayong County, in southwest China's Guizhou Province.

Often described as the "Pearl of the Guizhou Plateau", gunshanzhu combines lusheng music, dance and acrobatic movements and is regarded as one of the most demanding forms of Miao performance art.

Local legend traces the dance to the ancient migration of the Miao people, when young men were said to have rolled through thorny terrain to clear a path for their community. The rolling movements later evolved into a distinctive lusheng dance that symbolises courage, hardship and perseverance.

Performers wear embroidered white jackets and pheasant-feathered hats while playing six-pipe lusheng instruments. A defining feature of the dance is that the music must continue uninterrupted, even during complex rolls, spins and balancing movements performed around bowls filled with water.

The dance includes routines such as the Flying Swallows, Human Pyramid and Rolling Dragon, requiring precise coordination of music, breath, movement and strength.

According to a statement, gunshanzhu gained wider recognition from the 1990s and was included in China's first national intangible cultural heritage list in 2006.

Its preservation has been supported by Wang Jingcai, a national-level inheritor of gunshanzhu, who introduced acrobatic elements to help bring the traditional art form from remote Miao communities to wider audiences.

Local schools have also incorporated gunshanzhu into cultural education programmes to encourage younger generations to continue the tradition.

Today, gunshanzhu remains both a living cultural tradition and a symbol of the Miao people's enduring resilience, preserving historical memory through the combined artistry of lusheng music and dance.

-- BERNAMA

KANADEVIA INOVA SIGNS CASABLANCA WASTE-TO-ENERGY CONCESSION

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 5 (Bernama) -- Kanadevia Inova AG (Inova) has signed a 33.5-year concession agreement for a waste-to-energy project in Casablanca, Morocco, covering the design, financing, construction and operation of the facility.

The Swiss company, a wholly owned subsidiary of Kanadevia Corporation, will implement the project together with Moroccan energy company Nareva and ITOCHU Corporation through a special purpose company that will oversee the project and related engineering, procurement, construction and long-term maintenance activities.

The facility will be built adjacent to the Médiouna landfill, one of Africa's largest landfill sites, and is designed to process about 1.5 million tonnes of waste annually with a power generation capacity of approximately 126 megawatts electric (MWe). Operations are scheduled to begin in June 2030.

The project is intended to provide hygienic waste treatment while converting waste into an energy resource. The facility will use the company's large-scale combustion and boiler systems together with its Autaro automatic combustion control technology.

In addition to the waste-to-energy plant, the project will include a 50 MW solar power facility, a four MW landfill gas recovery and utilisation facility, and a leachate treatment unit, according to a statement.

The company said the integrated project is expected to generate about one terawatt-hour of electricity annually, enough to supply roughly one million people.

The facility has also been designed to allow the future introduction of carbon capture, utilisation and storage (CCUS) technologies as part of efforts to further reduce greenhouse gas emissions and support long-term decarbonisation.

-- BERNAMA

Lumora Closes Pre-Seed Round to Tap South Korea's USD 145 Billion Industrial Solar Market

 

South Korea's first idle-land-dedicated IPP secures multi-fund backing and 43.6 MW pipeline


SEOUL, South Korea, Aug 3 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- Lumora, South Korea's first Independent Power Producer (IPP) dedicated to underutilized industrial space, has closed a pre-seed financing round led by a fund anchored by Yuhan-Kimberly—one of the nation’s most recognized consumer goods companies—and managed by MYSC (My Social Company), alongside HGI and other strategic investors. Financial terms remain undisclosed. The company plans to continue raising capital from global investors as it scales its pipeline.

Market Opportunity

Korea's industrial sector has an estimated USD 145 billion worth of untapped rooftop and parking space. Unlike fee-based developers, Lumora directly owns and operates solar assets under a full-stack IPP model, securing long-term generation revenue while delivering energy savings to customers.

Traction & Recognition

Since founding, Lumora has assembled a 43.6 MW nationwide pipeline across Korea, securing co-investment from major conglomerates. It earned back-to-back government recognition: the 2026 Eco-Startup Growth Program (Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment) and the 19th Startup NEST cohort (Korea Credit Guarantee Fund).

Full-Stack Platform

Lumora's strategy targets three layers of the industrial energy stack: solar generation (rooftop lease and the newly launched ZeroOne self-consumption subscription), energy management (proprietary FEMS integrated), and energy savings (ESCO projects planned as the next growth lever).

Leadership

CEO has 15+ years of experience in renewable PF energy and led Korea's first blind-pool rooftop solar PF fund, establishing the credit framework Lumora applies to every deal. CBO adds over USD 44 million in solar BD experience. The broader team carries a combined 595 MW development track record across Korea, Germany, Vietnam, and Ireland.

Global Comparables

Lumora's model mirrors that of Altus Power (NYSE: AMPS, USD 2.2B) in the U.S. and CleanMax in India, both of which have built significant enterprise value through patient asset accumulation in industrial distributed generation.

Hyungjun Kim, CEO of Lumora, said, “Every factory has a unique load profile and energy environment. Lumora's edge is the ability to run integrated energy diagnostics and back the right solution with our own capital — from generation to management to savings.”

About Lumora

Lumora is South Korea's first IPP specializing in underutilized industrial space — factory rooftops, parking structures, and idle land. Backed by a fund anchored by Yuhan-Kimberly and managed by MYSC, alongside HGI and other strategic investors.

View source version on businesswire.com:
https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260802447224/en/

Contact

Lee Ji Yeon
bella.lee@lumora.kr

Source : Lumora Co., Ltd.

RHB PRESERVES ISLAMIC FINANCE LEGACY WHILE INVESTING IN FUTURE RESEARCH

 

(From left) Dr. Marjan Muhammad, Deputy President of Research, ISRA Institute, INCEIF University; Professor Emeritus Dato' Dr. Mohd Azmi Omar, President and Chief Executive Officer of INCEIF University; YBhg. Senator Dr. Zulkifli Hasan, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs); Dato' Adissadikin Ali, Managing Director of RHB Islamic Bank Berhad; and Ahmad Mukarrami Ab Mumin, Head of Group Shariah Advisory of RHB Islamic Bank Berhad, at the book launch ceremony.

Publication preserves industry knowledge, while RM300,000 grant to INCEIF University supports future research and innovation

KUALA LUMPUR, July 31 (Bernama) -- RHB Islamic Bank Berhad ("RHB Islamic" or "the Bank") is strengthening its commitment to advancing knowledge, research and thought leadership in Islamic finance with the publication of Charting Progress Together – Malaysia's Islamic Finance Through the Years. Developed in collaboration with INCEIF University, the book captures key developments that have shaped Malaysia's Islamic finance industry.

The book is the first publication under the RHB Islamic Insight series and features 24 selected articles originally published between 2012 and 2021. Written by RHB Islamic practitioners, the articles provide insights into the industry’s growth and transformation, covering topics such as Islamic banking and finance, capital markets, Shariah governance and Islamic social finance.

The articles also reflect a transformative period in the industry's development, marked by the growing adoption of fintech, the introduction of Value-Based Intermediation (“VBI”), evolving Shariah standards and governance frameworks, and a growing emphasis on sustainability and social impact in financial services.

Dato’ Adissadikin Ali, Managing Director of RHB Islamic Bank Berhad said, "Malaysia's Islamic finance industry has grown through the collective efforts of regulators, financial institutions, scholars and industry practitioners across generations. Over the past two decades, RHB Islamic has been part of this journey, and this publication reflects our commitment to preserving valuable insights gained along the way and making them more accessible to those who will continue shaping its future.”

"While preserving what we have learned is important, generating new ideas is equally vital. This is why we are also investing in research to support the next chapter of Malaysia's Islamic finance industry. We believe continued collaboration between academia and practitioners will be key to developing fresh perspectives that respond to the Islamic finance industry’s evolving needs," added Dato’ Adissadikin Ali.

RHB Islamic will provide a RM300,000 grant to INCEIF University to support research aimed at strengthening Malaysia’s Islamic finance ecosystem. The grant reflects a shared commitment between academia and practitioners to advance research and deepen understanding in ways that foster innovation and sustainable growth across the nation’s Islamic finance industry.

Bank Negara Malaysia has identified research, talent development and knowledge-sharing as key priorities for supporting the future growth of the Islamic finance industry and reinforcing Malaysia's position as a global leader in Islamic finance. RHB Islamic's publication and research collaboration contribute to these national priorities by strengthening knowledge development and industry-academia collaboration.

RHB Islamic remains committed to supporting the long-term development of Malaysia's Islamic finance ecosystem through knowledge development, research and industry collaboration, in line with the Bank’s strategy to create sustainable social impact through education and knowledge empowerment.

To find out more about Charting Progress Together – Malaysia’s Islamic Finance Through the Years, please visit www.rhbgroup.com.

About RHB Banking Group
RHB Banking Group is one of Malaysia’s longest-standing and leading financial institutions, with a proud heritage spanning over a century. Headquartered in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, the Group has a strong presence across seven ASEAN markets and is powered by a workforce of about 13,000 employees. United by a common purpose – Together We Progress – RHB is committed to empowering individuals, businesses and communities to grow and progress together.

As a fully integrated financial group, our core businesses are structured into six key pillars: Group Community Banking, Group Corporate & Business Banking, Group Wholesale Banking, Group Shariah Business, Group International Business and Group Insurance. We offer comprehensive and innovative financial solutions through RHB Bank Berhad and our key subsidiaries: RHB Investment Bank Berhad, RHB Islamic Bank Berhad, and RHB Insurance Berhad. Our asset management and unit trust businesses are undertaken by RHB Asset Management Sdn. Bhd. and RHB Islamic International Asset Management Berhad.

RHB Bank Berhad is listed on Bursa Malaysia with a market capitalisation of RM37 billion as at 30 July 2026.

Guided by our purpose, RHB is focused on delivering meaningful and sustainable value by driving innovation, fostering inclusive growth, and strengthening long-term resilience to meet the evolving needs of our customers, communities, and the broader financial ecosystem.

For more information, please visit www.rhbgroup.com.

Malaysia | Singapore | Indonesia | Thailand | Brunei | Cambodia | Lao PDR

Issued on behalf of RHB Bank Berhad by Group Corporate Communications.

Customers may call our Customer Contact Centre at 03–9206 8118 for enquiries on RHB’s products and services.

SOURCE: RHB Islamic Bank Berhad

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:
Name: Azim Daman
Tel: 017-380 9497
Email: azim.daman@rhbgroup.com

Name: Nishanthi Palani
Tel: 012-420 0812
Email: nishanthi.palani@rhbgroup.com

--BERNAMA

MARY KAY REPORTS PROGRESS ON 2030 SUSTAINABILITY GOALS

Mary Kay's annual 2026 Sustainability Report highlights the company's decades-long dedication to social, economic, and environmental sustainability - core pillars central to its business strategy and its purpose-driven legacy rooted in Mary Kay's mission of “enriching women’s lives” around the world. (Image Credit: Mary Kay Inc.)

KUALA LUMPUR, July 31 (Bernama) -- Mary Kay Inc has released its 2026 Sustainability Report, highlighting progress towards its 2030 goals and key achievements in environmental, social and economic initiatives in 2025.

In a statement, the global beauty company said the report reflects its continued focus on sustainability, women’s empowerment and responsible business practices, which form part of its long-term strategy.

Mary Kay Chief Executive Officer, Ryan Rogers said the company’s commitment to enriching women’s lives continues to guide its operations, innovation and efforts to create sustainable impact worldwide.

Among its environmental achievements, Mary Kay reported progress in responsible packaging, resource conservation, sustainable sourcing and water management. The company said 100 per cent of water used at its Richard R. Rogers Manufacturing/R&D Center (R3) in Texas is treated and recycled back into the local watershed.

On social impact, Mary Kay said it has contributed more than US$230 million in monetary and in-kind donations through the company and its foundations since 1996, supporting initiatives including cancer research, domestic violence prevention and opportunities for women and families. (US$1=RM4.08)

The company also reported that more than 600,000 women globally have been positively impacted through empowerment initiatives focused on entrepreneurship, education and community development, while more than US$234,000 in grants has been awarded to young women pursuing careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).

Economically, Mary Kay said women hold 63 per cent of its global workforce positions, with women also representing a majority of leadership roles in several key areas.

The company has expanded its presence to 40 markets worldwide and continued its digital transformation through the rollout of its My Shop platform, which provides Independent Beauty Consultants with personalised online storefronts.

Mary Kay said the sustainability report aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and serves as a reference for stakeholders and partners working towards environmental and social impact.

-- BERNAMA

Generali Malaysia Strengthens East Malaysia Presence Through Branch Integration Initiative

KUALA LUMPUR, July 30 (Bernama) -- Generali Malaysia has successfully completed its nationwide branch harmonisation journey that began in Q4 2023, encompassing key locations across East Malaysia. This achievement marks a pivotal milestone in the company’s transformation efforts, strengthening operational unity, enhancing customer experience, and reinforcing Generali Malaysia’s long‑term presence across Sabah and Sarawak.
 
Following the completion of our integration journey last year, Generali Malaysia has recorded a 8.99% growth in Gross Written Premium (GWP) from East Malaysia, underscoring rising demand for insurance protection and customer engagement across the region.  This performance is supported by East Malaysia’s growing economic momentum, driven by expanding development corridors, thriving small and medium enterprises, and rising commercial activity.
 
With East Malaysia being a strategically important market for Generali Malaysia, Generali Malaysia has refreshed and modernised 6 key branches in Kuching, Kota Kinabalu, Miri, Sibu, Sandakan and Tawau to better support local businesses, protect the regional workforce, and strengthen community resilience. These refreshed branches feature upgraded customer spaces, enhanced accessibility, and reinforced service touchpoints designed to deliver high‑quality, personalised support.
 
“At Generali Malaysia, our purpose is clear, to stand by our customers in moments that matter most. We are strengthening our roots in East Malaysia because we believe deeply in the region’s potential, its cultural richness, economic momentum, and resilient communities. These enhanced branches will enable us to deliver faster, more personalised, and connected protection solutions to the locals.” said Fabrice Benard, Chief Executive Officer of Generali Insurance Malaysia Berhad and Country Head of Generali Entities in Malaysia.
 
As the company modernises its presence to enhance insurance accessibility and drive long‑term regional development, it is also pleased to announce the appointment of Clement Yong as the new Kuching branch Manager, whose leadership and frontline expertise will further strengthen service delivery and customer relationships in the region. 
 
For more information on branch locations and operating hours, please visit www.generali.com.my. 

SOURCE: Generali Insurance Malaysia Berhad