UNIQLO Strengthens Environmental Commitment with RM200,000 Donation to Global Environment Centre 

Third consecutive year of funding conservation efforts through in-store paper bag proceeds

Global apparel retailer UNIQLO strengthens its commitment to environmental conservation with a RM200,000 donation to the Global Environment Centre (GEC) supporting mangrove rehabilitation efforts in Malaysia. This marks the third consecutive year that UNIQLO has channelled proceeds from its paper shopping bag charge towards environmental conservation initiatives, reinforcing its long-term commitment to protecting natural ecosystems.

In collaboration with GEC, the contribution will fund the protection of the coastline in Mersing, Johor, through the installation of wave breakers to strengthen coastal resilience, as well as the restoration of one hectare of degraded mangrove forest in Kampung Tenglu Laut. The project will reduce the risk of flooding and erosion especially during the East Coast Monsoon season, where the area is vulnerable to strong waves.

 “At UNIQLO, we always seek to contribute meaningfully to our local communities as a way to give back. As we celebrate UNIQLO’s 15th anniversary in Malaysia, we continue to strengthen our long-term commitment to environmental awareness, preservation, and sustainability. Over the past three years, proceeds from our paper bag initiative have been directed toward meaningful conservation projects across the country. This year, we are proud to support GEC’s critical work in rehabilitating mangroves, natural barriers that not only protect coastal communities from floods but also support biodiversity. Our aim is to create a lasting positive impact for both people and the planet,” said Dawn Chow, Director of Sustainability and Corporate Public Relations, UNIQLO Malaysia.

Faizal Parish, Director of GEC, said “We are grateful for UNIQLO’s support towards our rehabilitation efforts, and its broader commitment to raising environmental awareness. Partnerships with corporations like UNIQLO support our ongoing efforts to rehabilitate local mangrove ecosystems and foster effective cooperation among various stakeholders. These partnerships also enable us to engage local communities in raising awareness of the importance of mangrove protection, while also enhancing community capacity through knowledge transfer and active participation in conservation efforts.”

The donation will support a range of activities, including site preparation, construction of a 100-meter wave breaker to strengthen coastal protection, mangrove tree planting to rehabilitate one hectare of degraded forest, maintenance, monitoring, and community engagement initiatives to ensure the long-term success of the rehabilitation project. Community action will include mobilising the community members to construct the wave breaker, establish a community mangrove nursery and plant and maintain the mangrove seedlings. The project will also enhance the awareness of the importance of conserving coastal forests and mangroves to protect communities from storms and climate change.

This year marks UNIQLO’s 15th anniversary in Malaysia, a milestone underscoring its long-standing commitment to sustainable innovation and local impact. From protecting the environment to uplifting communities, UNIQLO continues to integrate sustainability and social responsibility into its business in Malaysia.

Since 2020, UNIQLO introduced responsibly harvested, Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified paper shopping bags. The RM0.30 charge for paper bags in stores is part of UNIQLO’s broader efforts to reduce the use of single-use plastic materials and encourage eco-conscious shopping behaviours. Customers are also encouraged to bring their own reusable bags when shopping at UNIQLO stores to further contribute to a greener future. 

In previous years, proceeds from the paper bag charge have supported reforestation efforts at Taman Tugu and the Forest Research Institute Malaysia (FRIM), helping to preserve urban green spaces and promote biodiversity. UNIQLO has also renewed its partnership with Taman Tugu to support programmes such as the Plant Giveaway and Plant & Hunt programmes, which encourage families and communities to engage in sustainability-focused activities and reduce their carbon footprint.

For more information about UNIQLO and its sustainability initiatives, please visit www.uniqlo.com/my.   

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NATIONAL ART GALLERY SHOWCASES REGIONAL NARRATIVES IN ISLE TO ISLE: REFLECTION OF BIMP-EAGA THROUGH CONTEMPORARY ART

The Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC), through the National Visual Arts Development Board (LPSVN), inaugurated the exhibition Isle To Isle: A Reflection of BIMP-EAGA Through Contemporary Art, featuring artworks by artists from Brunei Darussalam-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA). The exhibition opens to the public from 18th July 2025 until 31st May 2026 at Gallery 3A, National Art Gallery.

The inauguration was officiated by YBhg. Dato’ Shaharuddin bin Abu Sohot, Secretary- General of MOTAC. Also, in attendance were YBrs. Encik Amerrudin Ahmad, Director- General of LPSVN, officers from MOTAC and agencies, as well as curators and artists from Malaysia, Brunei Darussalam, Indonesia, and the Philippines.

This exhibition is part of a cultural diplomacy initiative under the MOTAC Strategic Plan 2021–2025, particularly in strengthening strategic partnerships in the tourism and cultural sectors. It also aligns with the BIMP-EAGA Vision 2025, which is based on the principles of Resilience, Inclusivity, Sustainability, and Economic Competitiveness (R.I.S.E). Besides, the exhibition also takes place in conjunction with Malaysia’s ASEAN Chairmanship this year.

This exhibition also highlights visual interpretations by artists from all four countries, focusing on themes such as economic activity, social connections, environmental care, knowledge, and the unique local wisdom that defines the eastern ASEAN region. This region covers the entire Sultanate of Brunei Darussalam, the Kalimantan corridor in Indonesia from Pontianak to Balikpapan, the Sulawesi and Maluku regions, the Malaysian states of Sabah and Sarawak and the Federal Territory of Labuan, as well as the southern Philippines, including the islands of Mindanao and Palawan.

The Malaysian artists featured in this exhibition are Josrie bin Haral, Muslim bin Mattajim, and Dr. Mohamad Faizuan Mat. Brunei Darussalam is represented by Umi Zaty Bazillah

Binti Zakaria and Asilah Maziyah Binti Dr. Mohamad Yussof. From the Philippines, the participating artists are Chester M. Mato, Romy Jones Mata, Leonard B. Ansiong, Brendale Taj Hassan Tadeo, and Alynnah Macla.

Indonesia is represented by Audro Chrustofel Rompas, along with two art collectives, Susur Galur from Pontianak, featuring Muchamad Riduwan, Tito Prastio, and Elfrida Citra Rominggagas, and Muara Suara from Samarinda featuring Robby Ocktavian, Prashasti Wilujeng Putri, and Rio Raharjo.

Regional curators have also played a vital role in shaping the curatorial direction of the exhibition, including Zakaria bin Omar (Brunei Darussalam), I Wayan Seriyoga Parta and Gusti Hendra Pratama (Indonesia), as well as Al Nezzar B. Ali (Philippines).

Isle To Isle: A Reflection of BIMP-EAGA Through Contemporary Art showcases a variety of artistic expressions, including mixed media, installations, paintings, photography, audio, and videography. A total of 12 artworks are exhibited, including one artwork from the National Visual Art Collection by Malaysian artist Yee I-Lann.

Therefore, the public is invited to experience the diverse artistic narratives of the BIMP- EAGA region, offering an opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of the similarities and differences within the cultural landscapes of Southeast Asia. For more information, follow the National Art Gallery’s official social media platforms or visit www.artgallery.gov.my.

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CelcomDigi’s flagship retail store - Life - serves as a platform for Malaysians to embrace a seamlessly connected lifestyle

Experiential stores unify tech exploration and ownership, helps customers embrace digital living with ease, powered by CelcomDigi’s connectivity

CelcomDigi Berhad (“CelcomDigi”) today announced the launch of Life – the company’s new flagship physical stores that mark a bold step forward in retail innovation. Located at The Gardens Mall and Sunway Pyramid, these Life stores are designed as experiential hubs for customers to easily discover, experiment with and own the very latest in connected technology.

Today’s launch marks a new milestone for CelcomDigi’s three-year retail transformation journey focused on redefining the retail experience to better serve its customers' evolving digital needs. The company now serves its more than 20 million customers over the largest owned retail chain for digital products and services in the country. All CelcomDigi Stores now deliver improved service levels to customers and a new experiential concept as the go-to destination for 5G and AI-powered devices, with the best mobile and convergence plans to power a wide range of smart solutions.