As Malaysia’s passion for hotpot dining continues to soar, Supamala has solidified its role as a pioneer in halal-certified culinary experiences with the grand opening of its third outlet at Bangsar Shopping Centre. The event, attended by distinguished guests including Syed Saddiq bin Syed Abdul Rahman, Member of Parliament for Muar, and renowned singer-actress Bella Astillah, spotlighted the growing demand for inclusive dining options in Malaysia’s vibrant food scene.

Covering 6,500 square feet, this new outlet, Supamala’s second-largest, offers a refreshed design concept built around comfort, style, and a lively dining atmosphere. Tailored for communal dining, the space accommodates more than 140 guests and features 10 private VIP rooms for groups of 4 to 10, catering to the social essence of hotpot that Malaysians have embraced wholeheartedly.

“Supamala is about more than food; it’s about creating moments of togetherness. With our third outlet, we’re proud to bring Malaysians a hotpot experience that’s inclusive, accessible, and truly homegrown,” said Supamala’s Managing Director, Alex Yap.

As hotpot surges in popularity across Malaysia, halal options remain rare until Supamala stepped in. While the halal certification for the Bangsar outlet is on its way, Supamala’s commitment to halal integrity remains unwavering, as evidenced by its existing outlet in Sunway Pyramid, which is halal-certified. The third location offers five diverse buffet menus, starting at RM38.90+ for Lunch/Supper Sets, with value-worthy options like the Meaty Buffet Set and the indulgent Supaluxury Buffet Set. An extensive à la carte menu, boasting over 100 items from aromatic soup bases to creative desserts, ensures a rich and inclusive dining experience.

To celebrate the opening, Supamala rolled out the Supa Lucky Wheel, where every buffet set purchased throughout September 2025 grants a spin for prizes such as buffet upgrades, a Vanilla Crepe Cake, Musang King Cendol, or handcrafted drinks. Feeling extra lucky? The Grand Prize is a free Supaluxury Buffet Set for one (worth RM189.90), and the Special Prize is an All-in-One Buffet Set (RM99.90) to keep the good times steaming.

In honor of Malaysia’s National Day, Supamala offers Musang King Cendol at RM14.90+ (down from RM22) with select buffet purchases, while Supaluxury Buffet Set diners enjoy free-flow cendol, celebrating a national favorite that pairs perfectly with the communal hotpot experience.

“Hotpot brings Malaysians together, and we’re dedicated to making it accessible to everyone through our halal-focused approach,” said Supamala Chairman, Datuk Azmi Hassan. “Our new outlet demonstrates our dedication to the mission of fostering connection through food, and we’re working diligently to secure its halal certification to continue serving our diverse community.”

Supamala’s Bangsar hotspot is fanning the flames of Malaysia’s halal hotpot craze, mixing bold flavors, cultural swagger, and pure dining joy. Ready to dip in? Visit its social pages on Facebook, Instagram or Tiktok (@Supamalahotpotmy) or contact +6016 953 4879 for more details or to reserve your table.

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MDV's AA3 / Stable / P1 Ratings Reaffirmed, Highlighting Its Vital Role in Malaysia's Tech Financing Landscape

RAM Ratings has reaffirmed Malaysia Debt Ventures Berhad’s (MDV) corporate credit rating at AA3 and short-term rating of P1, with a stable outlook. The ratings also extend to MDV’s RM2.0 billion Conventional and Islamic Commercial Papers/Medium-Term Notes Programmes, initially established in 2022. 

This reaffirmation underscores MDV’s enduring position as a key technology financier within Malaysia, supported by strong government backing and solid financial fundamentals.

These ratings reflect MDV’s improved financial performance in FY2024, consistent track record in supporting Malaysian tech-driven companies and start-ups, particularly in MDV’s mandated sectors typically underserved by conventional financial institutions. MDV’s financing continues to be critical to driving innovation, advancing the national green and digital agendas, and contributing to Malaysia’s economic progress. 

Rizal Fauzi, Chief Executive Officer of MDV, said, “The reaffirmation of our AA3/Stable/P1 ratings allows MDV to stay firmly on track with our plans to strengthen support for our mandated sectors, including ICT, biotechnology, green technology, emerging technology and start-ups. As Malaysia accelerates its energy transition, MDV is also poised to finance more companies undertaking energy transition and digital growth projects that align with the nation’s long-term sustainability and innovation agenda.”

He further added, “These ratings not only enhance our ability to secure external funding but also reflect the Government’s continued confidence in MDV’s role as the country’s leading technology financier. With the RM2 billion sukuk and bond programme reaffirmed, our capacity to fund high-impact mandated industries has been significantly reinforced.”

Since its first credit rating in 2019, MDV has pursued financial self-sustainability while fulfilling its strategic mission to fill the financing gap for underserved technology sectors. This involves supporting innovative projects across its mandated sectors, which are critical for diversifying Malaysia’s economic base and nurturing high-growth potential industries.

With these ratings, MDV is well-positioned to continue driving Malaysia’s tech-led transformation. Its strengthened capacity ensures ongoing support for technology adoption, sustainable growth, and economic resilience into the broader national economy.

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WATSONS MALAYSIA CELEBRATES 10TH JOM SIHAT GET ACTIVE CARNIVAL WITH RECORD-BREAKING ZUMBA AND SING-ALONG FUN RUN

Driving Health, Happiness, and Community Spirit with more than 7,000 participants.

Watsons Malaysia, in collaboration with Majlis Sukan Wilayah Persekutuan (MSWP), celebrated the milestone 10th edition of its Jom Sihat Get Active Carnival 2025 at The Exchange TRX. The carnival brought together more than 7,000 participants for a morning filled with fitness, fun, and wellness activities, including the 2.5 km and 6 km Sing-along Fun Run and breaking The Malaysia Book of Records’ Largest Live DJ Spinning Zumba in Malaysia.

The event was officiated and graced by YB Datuk Seri Dr. Zaliha binti Mustafa, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Federal Territories), who commended Watsons and Majlis Sukan Wilayah Persekutuan (MSWP) for their continuous efforts in promoting healthy lifestyles and fostering community spirit through engaging wellness initiatives.

“At Watsons, we believe that health and wellness should be fun, inclusive, and accessible to everyone. The Jom Sihat Get Active Carnival has always been about bringing communities together to stay active and celebrate life. This 10th edition is especially meaningful as we continue to innovate with exciting activities like the Sing-Along Fun Run and set new records with our Zumba. We’re proud to see thousands of Malaysians joining us today, proving that when we are active together, we are stronger together,” said Caryn Loh, Managing Director of Watsons Malaysia and Chief Operating Officer, Health & Beauty Asia, A.S. Watson.

The day kicked off with the Sing-Along Fun Run, where participants ran to the beat of familiar Malaysian and top hits. To get everyone moving, Majlis Sukan Wilayah Persekutuan (MSWP) led the warm-up session before the energy peaked with a record-breaking Zumba session, powered by a live DJ set.

Adding to the excitement, Watsons’ participating brand partners engaged with participants on games, product sampling, wellness services, and interactive activities. On top of that, KPJ Healthcare will be joining the Watsons’ team of pharmacists on-site to provide free health checks such as glucose and cholesterol checks, as well as full body BMI analysis to further strengthen Watsons’ commitment to promoting overall health and wellness.

The carnival also welcomed 100 participants from the disabled community, represented by Jabatan Belia dan Sukan Negara (JBSN), who actively took part in the Fun Run. This reflects Watsons’ belief that health and wellness should be inclusive and accessible to everyone.

Watsons also celebrated the Watsons Club Member Anniversary by continuing its tradition of rewarding members with the chance to win a brand-new home at Centrum Iris, Cameron Highlands. The campaign, launching on 1 September 2025 in conjunction with Watsons Malaysia’s 15th Anniversary, invites Watsons Club members who spend a minimum of RM50 in-store or online with a VISA card to participate. One lucky Watsons Club member will win a new home, and members can win other exciting prizes too. Contest ends 27 October 2025.

“As Watsons Malaysia is the No. 1 Health & Beauty retailer, we aim to engage with our members nationwide. We are committed to leading and strengthening the country's loyalty programs by offering enhanced benefits and rewards. This year, we want our members to enjoy better rewards, better member offers and saving with a seamless loyalty and rewards program. For the fourth year, we are excited to partner once again with LBS and this year we are offering the grand prize of a new home at Cameron Highlands.” added Caryn Loh.

The event was also attended by Danny Hoh, Chief Operating Officer of Watsons Malaysia, Watsons’ Ambassadors Ayda Jebat, the Watsons management team and representatives from MSWP.

To find out more, visit www.watsons.com.my or use the Watsons Mobile App!

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From East Asia to Everywhere: Emirates SkyCargo Strengthens Cargo Corridors

With 44 freighters, 13 charters and 311 passenger flights, Emirates offers a weekly capacity of 21,000 tonnes into 25 gateways across East and Southeast Asia, every week

With the launch of passenger services to Hangzhou, China, Emirates SkyCargo, the cargo arm of the world’s largest international airline, now offers over 21,000 tonnes of weekly tonnage in and out of East and Southeast Asia every week, across the largest and most diversified route network of any non-Asian airline. Deepening its footprint in the region, Emirates SkyCargo now serves 25 gateways across 12 countries and territories.

Firmly entrenched as the ‘factory of the world’, East and Southeast Asia has established thriving economic corridors, and require significant air freight capacity to shift goods worldwide. Dedicated Emirates SkyCargo freighters serve 9 gateways in the region, with 44 weekly flights, the highest freighter flight density on the airline’s vast global network; this schedule is complemented by 13 charter services to and from East Asia every week, delivering consistent capacity and stable connectivity for Asian businesses into Europe and the Middle East. Freighter and charter operations are underpinned by 311 weekly passenger flights, moving travellers and cargo via a mix of Airbus A380s and Boeing 777s.

With the high-frequency flight schedule, an Emirates aircraft takes off from East or Southeast Asia approximately every half hour.

“East and Southeast Asia are not just anchors of our global network – they are shaping the future of global logistics, and global trade,” said Abdulla Alkhallafi, Vice President of Cargo Commercial, Far East and Australasia.  “From cutting-edge manufacturing hubs to high-growth consumer markets, the region drives the pace of trade. Our strategic growth strategy and continued investment in East Asia and Southeast Asia reflects this as we remain laser-focused on building the capacity, routes and partnerships to best serve the exponential demand.”

Fostering economic growth

As a global hub for innovation, e-commerce and advanced manufacturing, and boasting a thriving agricultural sector, East and Southeast Asia have long been key markets on Emirates SkyCargo’s global network. In an average week, Emirates SkyCargo uplifts over 450 tonnes of fresh fruit, vegetables, seafood and other perishable products, 100 tonnes of pharmaceuticals and medical devices, 75 tonnes of electronics, semi-conductors and smart goods, 180 tonnes of garments and over 1,300 tonnes of eCommerce. 

The ‘Aerial Silk Road’ – a network of air routes, logistics hubs and aviation infrastructure mirroring the overland and maritime Silk Roads of yore – enables swift and efficient connectivity with global markets. With a vast network of over 145 destinations, Emirates SkyCargo is well positioned to facilitate global trade. In fact, Emirates SkyCargo plays a significant support role in China’s Belt and Road Initiative, facilitating swift and reliable connectivity to over 50 countries participating in the initiative.

Strength through partnership

Beyond its own network and capacity, Emirates SkyCargo forged a strategic partnership with Teleport, the exclusive cargo partner of AirAsia, to better support the burgeoning trade between Southeast Asia and the wider world, via Dubai. Unlocking over 100 primary, secondary and tertiary regional airports, Emirates SkyCargo is able to better serve global customers with increased capacity, more flexibility and access into new markets in Asia; conversely, Emirates SkyCargo supports Southeast Asian businesses with better connectivity into Europe, the USA and Canada.

A series of ‘firsts’

Emirates has been setting benchmarks since the beginning of operations in East Asia. In September 2002, Emirates SkyCargo launched freighter services between Dubai and Shanghai, establishing the first direct air connectivity between the Middle East and the Chinese mainland, and pre-dating passenger operations by 18 months.

The streak continued in 2025, as Emirates SkyCargo launched a weekly freighter to Japan’s Narita International Airport, marking the first direct and scheduled freighter connectivity between Narita and the Middle East. Enabling faster and more flexible shipments, the freighter from Narita uplifts pharmaceuticals, semi-conductor parts and large or oddly-shaped shipments such as machinery parts.

As Emirates SkyCargo advances its ambitious 10-year growth strategy, East Asia and Southeast Asia remain priority markets for increased capacity, whether through additional flight schedules or brand-new routes. By deepening connectivity across the region and maintaining seamless links with key markets worldwide, Emirates SkyCargo will continue to play a pivotal role in strengthening global supply chains, supporting bilateral economic growth and shape the future of global logistics.

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