MIM Champions Responsible AI Through Regional Conference and Leadership Certification Launch
The Malaysian Institute of Management (MIM), with support from Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung (KAS) Malaysia, convened a regional conference aimed at fostering closer ASEAN collaboration to strengthen the region’s digital economy through artificial intelligence (AI).
The event as part of MIM Crucial Conversations Series brought together policymakers, AI experts, industry leaders, as well as representatives from National AI Office (NAIO) Malaysia and Microsoft, to address digital policy gaps and prepare regional leaders for the rapid growth of artificial intelligence.
Titled “AI & Regional Collaboration: Strengthening ASEAN’s Digital Economy,” the hybrid conference featured expert-led plenaries and breakout tracks on key issues such as AI governance, regulatory convergence, digital sovereignty, and the emerging digital economy.
MIM Chairman Datuk Zainal Amanshah Zainal Arshad emphasized the importance of collaborative leadership to navigate the evolving AI landscape. “There is a need for ASEAN nations to enhance digital readiness and policy coherence to ensure inclusive and responsible growth in the AI era,” he said in his opening speech.
Delivering the keynote address, Shamsul Izhan Abdul Majid, Head of NAIO, called for responsible and people-focused AI adoption across ASEAN. He also highlighted Malaysia’s efforts to advance clear guidelines and regional cooperation.
A key highlight of the conference was the launch of the MIM AI Leadership Certification Programme, which he officiated. The programme offers a structured pathway for professionals to build the knowledge and confidence needed to lead responsibly in an AI-driven world. As leadership evolves alongside technological disruption, decision-makers are expected not just to understand AI, but to guide its ethical adoption and scale its impact across organisations.
Building on this, Kabenesh Eliathamby, MIM Chief Executive Officer said, “AI is more than a tool; it’s a strategic imperative. Its value lies in how leaders use it to elevate thinking, leadership, and impact. The future belongs to those who lead this transformation with purpose and courage”.
The event brought together local and international experts across two plenary sessions and industry-focused tracks, featuring speakers from NAIO, ISIS Malaysia, Microsoft, GX Bank, Ara Research AI, RiskAI Technologies GmbH, and the Cyfluence Research Centre in Germany. Discussions covered topics ranging from ethical AI policy and ASEAN’s digital economy to real-world applications such as influence operations and the region’s AI-ready tech stack. In closing, MIM Vice Chairman Azlan Abdullah reaffirmed the Institute’s commitment to preparing leaders for an AI-powered future.
The MIM Crucial Conversations Series is an ongoing initiative by MIM that brings together experts, leaders, and stakeholders to discuss pressing and emerging issues affecting Malaysia and the region. Through these dialogues, MIM fosters knowledge sharing, collaboration, and actionable insights to drive sustainable development and effective management practices.
For more information, visit www.mim.org.my or contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
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KitKat® Showcases Borneo Single-Origin Dark Chocolate at International Cocoa Fair, Reaffirming Commitment to Malaysian Cocoa
Nestlé Malaysia brought the rich heritage of Malaysian cocoa to the global stage at the recent Malaysian International Cocoa Fair (MICF) 2025, held at the Sabah International Convention Centre (SICC), Kota Kinabalu, Sabah. As the Platinum Sponsor, Nestlé celebrated its cocoa journey, reaffirming its commitment to sustainability and innovation in cocoa-based products, including KitKat® Dark Borneo – a single-origin chocolate made exclusively with cocoa beans from Sabah and Sarawak. As part of this journey, Nestlé aims to source 10,000 metric tonnes of cocoa from local Malaysian farms by 2034, in an effort to revitalise Malaysia’s cocoa farming industry.
At the heart of this showcase was Nestlé’s partnership with the Malaysian Cocoa Board (MCB), which has played a pivotal role in shaping the future of Malaysian cocoa. Through the Nestlé Borneo Cocoa Initiative (NBCI) launched in 2023, Nestlé has expanded its Farmer Connect program to East Malaysia, equipping local farmers with improved cultivation methods. NBCI promotes regenerative farming through agroforestry, intercropping and soil health management, enhancing yields and boosting farm resilience while protecting the natural ecosystem.
Nestlé Malaysia’s commitment to ethical sourcing, halal-certified production and long-term sustainability extends across its cocoa supply chain. KitKat® Dark Borneo, developed under this partnership, reflects Malaysia’s expertise in cocoa cultivation, crafted with locally grown beans that embody the country’s deep-rooted traditions.
“With exports reaching RM15 billion in 2024, Malaysia’s cocoa processing sector continues to expand, primarily supported by imported cocoa beans. Local cocoa production, however, remains largely untapped, presenting significant opportunities – not only for industry growth but also for enhancing the livelihoods of farming communities, particularly in Sabah and Sarawak, where conditions are ideal for cultivating high-quality cocoa. Nestlé Malaysia is fully committed to working alongside local stakeholders to expand cocoa farming while upholding the highest standards of sustainability, traceability and human rights compliance. We are excited to transform the dedication of North Borneo’s farmers into innovative products that bring joy to Malaysians and our consumers worldwide, just as we have with KitKat® Dark Borneo – now introduced in a special ice cream edition that celebrates Malaysia’s cocoa heritage and promising future,” said Juan Aranols, Chief Executive Officer of Nestlé Malaysia.
Crafted with 100% responsibly sourced cocoa beans grown in the lush volcanic soil and tropical climate of Sabah and Sarawak, the KitKat® Dark Borneo is a single-origin chocolate that truly reflects Malaysia’s rich heritage in cocoa craftsmanship. It delivers a perfectly balanced flavour – not too bitter, not too sweet – as a result of the careful fermentation and sun-drying methods used for the cocoa beans. KitKat® Dark Borneo has also been honoured with the NielsenIQ (NIQ) BASES Breakthrough Innovation Award 2024, a recognition that highlights both the success of the product and the growing appreciation for single-origin chocolate among consumers.
“KitKat® has always been about indulgence and joy. With KitKat® Dark Borneo, we set out to create something that truly honours our roots. Made with 52% cocoa, it is carefully crafted to achieve a harmonious blend of bold richness and smooth texture - offering a distinctive taste that celebrates the essence of Malaysian cocoa and the dedication of farmers in Sabah and Sarawak. As we continue to innovate, we are expanding our use of local cocoa into other categories, and one such innovation is the launch of KitKat® Dark Borneo Ice Cream, featuring our signature wafer ice cream, coated in dark chocolate made from Borneo cocoa and topped with crushed KitKat® wafer bits,” said Carlota Casellas, Business Executive Officer of Nestlé Confectionery.
All KitKat® Dark products are proudly produced at Nestlé’s Halal-certified Chembong Industrial Complex in Negeri Sembilan, one of the largest Nestlé confectionery and Ice Cream plants in Asia. This facility serves as a pivotal export manufacturing hub, supplying Halal KitKat® products to ASEAN markets and other global destinations. The factory has implemented significant sustainability initiatives, including the introduction of a biomass boiler that operates using renewable energy sources such as oil palm empty fruit bunches and palm kernel shells, significantly reducing reliance on fossil fuels and advancing Nestlé’s goal of carbon-neutral manufacturing.
For more information, please visit https://www.nestle.com.my/brands/confectionery, FB at https://www.facebook.com/KitKatMalaysia and IG at www.instagram.com/KitKatMalaysia
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Malaysia Techlympics 2025 aims 1.7 Mln participants nationwide
Malaysia Techlympics 2025 has officially kicked off, aiming to engage 1.7 million participations nationwide and will extend its reach to international participants in a Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) competition.
This enculturation programme organised by the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MOSTI) through the Malaysian Bioeconomy Development Corporation Sdn Bhd (Bioeconomy Corporation), an agency under MOSTI and as strategic partner, focuses to promote interest, instil a strong STI culture among students and youth, and helping to shape a future-ready generation.
Open to participants aged 7 to 30, the competition will be carried out in phases, starting at the school level, continuing with zonal screenings across six main regions and progressing to the National Finals, which is scheduled to take place in November. The competition format combines practical challenges, real-world technology exposure and experiential learning.
The initiative also includes inclusivity, an effort on widening access and equity by reaching underserved communities and remote areas through targeted outreach initiatives. Additionally, teacher training sessions will also be conducted to equip educators with knowledge of current technologies to integrate and can be embedded into daily education to help bridge the educational gap nationwide.
The launch of Malaysia Techlympics 2025 marks a pivotal step in nurturing future-ready talent and driving a culture of innovation that will shape the nation’s STI landscape for generations to come.
Recognising the crucial role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the future economy, Malaysia Techlympics 2025 will introduce more AI-focused competitions and activities, encouraging future generations to explore and develop expertise in this critical field.
Additionally, several selected competitions offer opportunities and exposure for students to gain global exposure and represent Malaysia on the world stage. Aligned with national and global priorities through support for the National STI Policy 2021–2030 and the Malaysia MADANI vision, Malaysia Techlympics aims to build high-impact local technological capacity.
To learn more about Malaysia Techlympics 2025, visit techlympics.my or follow Malaysia Techlympics on social media @mytechlympics.
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