Day: May 22, 2026

Installed as UKKM Chancellor, Unveils Vision for AI-Driven Business School-Steven Sim

KUALA LUMPUR, May 22 — Minister of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives Steven Sim Chee Keong was officially installed as Chancellor of the Universiti Keusahawanan Koperasi Malaysia (UKKM) during the university’s 2nd Chancellor Installation and Convocation Ceremony held at the World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur, yesterday. At the same ceremony, a total of 26 graduates received diplomas and degrees across five academic programmes, namely Diploma in Cooperative Management, Diploma in Cooperative Entrepreneurship, Master in Business Administration (Cooperative Management), Master in Business Administration (Corporate Leadership), and Master in Business Administration. In his speech, Steven Sim shared his vision of transforming UKKM into not only one of Malaysia’s leading business schools, but also an AI-driven business school capable of producing a new generation of entrepreneurs, cooperative leaders, and future economic drivers. He said the initiative aligns with efforts to strengthen innovation, entrepreneurship, and digital transformation within Malaysia’s cooperative and business sectors. Steven Sim also congratulated all graduates and expressed hope that they would continue to excel and contribute towards the nation’s economic development. -- MINUTESMY --SOURCE: FB: Kementerian Pembangunan Usahawan dan Koperasi

KUALA LUMPUR, May 22 — Minister of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives Steven Sim Chee Keong was officially installed as Chancellor of the Universiti Keusahawanan Koperasi Malaysia (UKKM) during the university’s 2nd Chancellor Installation and Convocation Ceremony held at the World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur, yesterday. At the same ceremony, a total of 26 graduates received […]

Malaysian trade hits historic record of RM1.127 trillion for January-April 2026

KUALA LUMPUR, May 22 -- Malaysia's trade volume jumped 15.3 percent year-on-year to RM1.127 trillion for the period January to April 2026, creating new history, according to the Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE). The performance was driven by a surge in demand for high growth, high value (HGHV) products and a planned market diversification strategy. In a statement on Thursday, MATRADE said exports jumped 19 percent to RM609.31 billion while imports increased 11.1 percent to RM517.40 billion, thus recording the highest value ever recorded during the period. "This resulted in a trade surplus of RM91.92 billion, a remarkable jump of 99.1 percent which effectively doubled the previous year's performance," he explained. MATRADE added that Malaysia has demonstrated remarkable external sector resilience despite the escalating geopolitical uncertainties in West Asia. Export expansion in the period January to April 2026 was driven by strong demand for electrical and electronic (E&E) products which grew by RM71 billion or 32.1 percent, supported by the global semiconductor boom which was further boosted by the application of artificial intelligence (AI), cloud computing and the expansion of data centers. Most importantly, Malaysia strengthened its position in the global AI value chain with exports of AI-enabled products jumping 42.9 percent to RM319.05 billion, now accounting for more than half (52.4 percent) of the country's total exports. In addition, pharmaceutical and automotive products provided an additional dimension to the HGHV narrative by recording double-digit growth of 21.9 percent and 10.3 percent respectively. This is in line with the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP) strategic priorities for the HGHV industry including semiconductors, energy transition technologies as well as sectors driven by the digital economy. Meanwhile, April 2026 also delivered exceptional results with monthly exports jumping 36.9 percent to RM182.74 billion and the monthly trade surplus increasing by 460.5 percent to RM28.75 billion, the highest value ever recorded in Malaysia's trade history. This in turn strengthens the momentum that drives the country's trade engine. Meanwhile, MATRADE Chief Executive Officer Abu Bakar Yusof said the surge in AI-enabled products and semiconductor exports confirmed that Malaysian industry is firmly entrenched in the technology supply chain that shapes the global economy. "MATRADE remains committed to guiding Malaysian exporters and small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to move up the value chain to ensure that we not only dominate the market, but also capture the highest value opportunities within it," he said. According to MATRADE, exports to the United States increased by 32.5 percent, Taiwan (+68.9 percent), Hong Kong (+43.0 percent), China (+18.7 percent), the European Union (+23.9 percent) and ASEAN (+8.6 percent) which was partly driven by shipments of E&E products. Exports to free trade agreement (FTA) partners increased 14.2 percent to RM390.09 billion with 17 out of 24 FTA countries recording positive growth including South Korea, India, Mexico, the United Kingdom, Australia and New Zealand. Most notably, Malaysia's trade diversification is entering a high-growth phase that goes beyond its traditional pillars. Developing markets recorded exponential growth with the Democratic Republic of Congo (+196.6 percent), Sudan (+223.1 percent), Zimbabwe (+220.5 percent), Bulgaria (+141.6 percent), Haiti (+103.5 percent), Ethiopia (+88.1 percent) and Uzbekistan (+29.7 percent) leading the surge. "This reflects the systematic expansion of Malaysia's trade footprint into high-growth and underserved markets across Africa and Eastern Europe," he said. He explained that Malaysia's diversity strategy is also on the right track. "While our core markets remain strong, the exponential growth we are seeing in frontier economies in Africa, Latin America and Eastern Europe signals that Malaysian exporters are confidently entering new markets. "In this era of global trade uncertainty, geographical resilience is not just a strategic precaution. We are stepping beyond traditional markets to ensure Malaysia remains important and cannot be ignored in the global supply chain," said Abu Bakar. MATRADE said Malaysia's trade trajectory for 2026 remains robust, driven by a combination of HGHV sector momentum, diversified target markets and strategic adaptability in the face of geopolitical uncertainties. This positions Malaysia as a confident and resilient player in the global trade landscape, according to MATRADE. He explained that the agency will continue to support Malaysian exporters to seize new emerging opportunities, take advantage of trade agreements and firmly penetrate high-value segments in the global supply chain. --BERNAMA

KUALA LUMPUR, May 22 — Malaysia’s trade volume jumped 15.3 percent year-on-year to RM1.127 trillion for the period January to April 2026, creating new history, according to the Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE). The performance was driven by a surge in demand for high growth, high value (HGHV) products and a planned market diversification […]

The Manhattan Fish Market, US Pizza receives recognition from Malaysia Book of Records

KUALA LUMPUR, May 22 -- Two of Malaysia's proud brands, namely The Manhattan Fish Market (MFM) and US Pizza, have received recognition from The Malaysia Book of Records (MBOR) in conjunction with the prestigious Franchise International Malaysia (FIM) 2026 exhibition which took place here today. The recognition was presented by MBOR Chief Executive Officer Christopher Wong to MFM for its achievement as the longest-running halal seafood restaurant chain, and US Pizza Malaysia was recognised for having the largest network of local pizza branches with halal certificates in the country. The historic ceremony was witnessed by the Minister of Entrepreneur and Cooperative Development Steven Sim, Chairman of the Malaysian Franchise Association (MFA) Datuk Dr Radzali Hassan and Chairman of Perbadanan Nasional Berhad (PERNAS) Datuk Mohamed Rozhan Mohd Ghazalli. MFM Chief Executive Officer Deric Yeo said the recognition reflects the company's long-term commitment to maintaining halal standards and serving the community with confidence. "It has been 17 years since we received halal certification and this is the time for us to continue to serve the community through practices and processes that comply with halal issues," he told reporters after a cocktail reception in conjunction with the FIM 2026 exhibition. Yeo, who is also the Group Chief Operating Officer of US Pizza, said the two local brands would continue to expand their respective wings both domestically and internationally. He said that currently, MFM operates in several overseas markets including Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Maldives, Jordan and Myanmar. Touching on expansion plans, Yeo said the group recently opened a new MFM branch in Lotus's Kepong while the next branches are scheduled to open in Tanjung Tokong, Penang and Lotus's Ampang in about three weeks. He said the group also recently expanded its operations to Empire City and LSH33, Sentul as part of its ongoing brand growth initiative. "For US Pizza, we will continue to do our best to provide service, be in more locations, and go to more places to reach more customers to meet the needs of the community," he said. Yeo said currently, US Pizza operates almost 100 branches across Malaysia, Singapore and Indonesia. -- BERNAMA

KUALA LUMPUR, May 22 — Two of Malaysia’s proud brands, namely The Manhattan Fish Market (MFM) and US Pizza, have received recognition from The Malaysia Book of Records (MBOR) in conjunction with the prestigious Franchise International Malaysia (FIM) 2026 exhibition which took place here today. The recognition was presented by MBOR Chief Executive Officer Christopher […]

Malaysia advances to quarter-finals, wins 3-0 in style over Myanmar

KUALA LUMPUR: May 22, Malaysia emerged as Group B champions of the 2026 quarter-finals, World Cup team event after recording a stylish 3-0 victory over Myanmar in the final group match at the Titiwangsa Stadium, here, yesterday. The victory completed the national squad's unbeaten run at the group stage, as well as making up for the disappointment following the defeat to Myanmar in the previous group stage event. Despite having already confirmed their place in the quarter-finals earlier, Ahmad Jais Baharun's men still put in an energetic performance when the first squad, consisting of Zulkifli Abd Razak, Muhammad Afifuddin Mohd Razali and Aidil Aiman ​​Azwawi, easily overcame their opponents 15-7, 15-9. The country's winning momentum continued in the second set through the pairing of Mohammad Syahir Mohd Rosdi, Farhan Adam and Mohamad Azlan Alias ​​who displayed a neat game to secure a 15-11, 15-6 victory. The country's third squad, represented by Haziq Hairul Nizam, Muhammad Noraizat Mohd Nordin and Amirul Zazwan Amir as well as Hafizul Hayazi Adnan, also gave Myanmar no chance before winning comfortably 15-13, 15-5. Malaysia is scheduled to face Japan in the quarter-finals tomorrow in an effort to continue their pursuit of the championship title. Meanwhile, the country's top killer, Mohamad Azlan, said the disappointment of failing to advance to the team final was the main factor in his team rising to win in style in their mission to advance to the quarter-finals. He said that he and his teammates had discussed and reassessed the weaknesses in the previous squad's actions to streamline the team's play. "Winning or losing, we hope this team can do better. We forget about the squad and focus on giving the best performance for the team and the country. "We are disappointed, but we can't think too much about it because we need to focus on the next game," he told reporters after the match here tonight. -- BERNAMA

KUALA LUMPUR, May 22 — Malaysia emerged as Group B champions of the 2026 quarter-finals, World Cup team event after recording a stylish 3-0 victory over Myanmar in the final group match at the Titiwangsa Stadium, here, yesterday. The victory completed the national squad’s unbeaten run at the group stage, as well as making up […]

Sultan of Selangor says state government continues to prioritize people’s well-being

KUALA LUMPUR --  The Sultan of Selangor, Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah, has expressed that the Selangor State Government should continue to prioritize the well-being of the people in the state. Menteri Besar, Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari, said Sultan Sharafuddin made the ruling when he agreed to receive an audience with him and Attorney General Tan Sri Mohd Dusuki Mokhtar at Istana Alam Shah, Klang. Amirudin said he also presented the development of the Selangor Resilience Strengthening Package, which was designed to help the people and business sector affected by the crisis in West Asia. "May His Majesty the Sultan of Selangor and His Majesty the Queen of Selangor continue to be blessed with good health, wisdom, guidance, and may they continue to rule over the State of Selangor with full sovereignty and dignity," he said in a Facebook post. On April 16, Amirudin launched the Selangor Resilience Strengthening Package Phase 1 by allocating RM130.42 million as immediate and medium-term measures to help the people and industry face the global energy crisis. The package aims, among other things, to strengthen food supply security, reduce the people's cost of living, and control inflation from increasing excessively. According to Amirudin, the package also aims to increase the use of public transport and provide targeted assistance to the most affected groups. -- BERNAMA

KUALA LUMPUR —  The Sultan of Selangor, Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah, has expressed that the Selangor State Government should continue to prioritize the well-being of the people in the state. Menteri Besar, Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari, said Sultan Sharafuddin made the ruling when he agreed to receive an audience with him and Attorney General Tan […]

Datuk Seri Ramanan Receives Courtesy Visit From Indonesian Minister on Migrant Worker Cooperation

KUALA LUMPUR, May 22 — Deputy Minister of Human Resources Ramanan Ramakrishnan yesterday received a courtesy visit from Indonesian Minister for the Protection of Migrant Workers Mukhtarudin and his delegation at the Ministry of Human Resources (KESUMA). The meeting focused on strengthening cooperation between Malaysia and Indonesia, particularly in the management, protection, and workforce development involving Indonesian workers in Malaysia. Ramanan said the close ties between the two neighbouring countries are important in supporting sustainable economic growth while enhancing the welfare and wellbeing of workers. He noted that Malaysia and Indonesia continue to maintain a strong bilateral relationship as strategic partners at both regional and international levels. According to him, the long-standing cooperation between the two countries spans multiple sectors including trade, investment, security, workforce development, and people-to-people relations. Ramanan also expressed hope that the close relationship between Malaysia and Indonesia would continue to be strengthened for the mutual prosperity and benefit of citizens in both nations. -- MINUTESMY -- FB: RAMANAN RAMAKRISHNAN

KUALA LUMPUR, May 22 — Deputy Minister of Human Resources Ramanan Ramakrishnan yesterday received a courtesy visit from Indonesian Minister for the Protection of Migrant Workers Mukhtarudin and his delegation at the Ministry of Human Resources (KESUMA). The meeting focused on strengthening cooperation between Malaysia and Indonesia, particularly in the management, c, and workforce development […]

Malaysia’s Seafood Dining Scene Is Becoming a Luxury Lifestyle Trend

Malaysia has long been known for its rich culinary heritage, but in recent years, seafood dining has evolved beyond traditional family dinners into a growing luxury lifestyle experience. Across the country, seafood restaurants are redefining the dining scene with premium ingredients, stunning waterfront settings, and modern culinary presentations that attract both locals and international tourists. From beachfront restaurants in Langkawi to upscale seafood establishments in Kuala Lumpur and Johor Bahru, Malaysians are increasingly embracing seafood dining as part of a modern lifestyle culture. Fresh lobster, giant river prawns, oysters, Alaskan king crab, and premium fish selections are now commonly featured in trendy restaurants and social media feeds, turning seafood into one of Malaysia’s fastest-growing food trends. One of the biggest reasons behind the rise of luxury seafood dining is the demand for experiential dining. Today’s diners are not only searching for delicious meals but also memorable experiences. Restaurants are responding by creating elegant interiors, live seafood displays, private dining spaces, and scenic sea-view environments that elevate the overall dining atmosphere. In tourist destinations such as Langkawi, seafood restaurants overlooking the Andaman Sea have become highly sought-after destinations for travelers seeking sunset dining experiences. Fresh grilled seafood platters, butter prawns, chili crab, and premium shellfish are among the most popular menu choices for visitors enjoying luxury beachside dinners. Meanwhile, urban cities like Kuala Lumpur are witnessing a rapid growth in contemporary seafood restaurants that combine Asian flavors with modern fine dining concepts. Upscale seafood hotpot restaurants, oyster bars, and premium crab houses are becoming increasingly popular among young professionals and social diners looking for premium group dining experiences. Social media has also played a major role in accelerating the seafood lifestyle trend. Platforms like TikTok and Instagram have turned giant seafood platters, overflowing shellfish buckets, and visually stunning lobster dishes into viral content. Many restaurants now focus heavily on presentation, offering dramatic serving styles that encourage customers to share their dining experiences online. Seafood buffets inside luxury hotels are also gaining strong popularity among Malaysian food lovers. Hotels across Penang, Langkawi, and Kuala Lumpur continue to introduce premium seafood nights featuring unlimited oysters, sashimi, grilled prawns, mussels, and international seafood cuisines. These buffet experiences have become especially popular for celebrations, family gatherings, and weekend dining. In Johor Bahru, seafood culture is also thriving due to its close proximity to Singapore, attracting both local diners and international visitors searching for fresh seafood at competitive prices. Floating seafood restaurants, large Chinese-style seafood dinners, and modern seafood cafés continue to attract strong weekend crowds throughout the city. Traditional Malaysian seafood dishes remain deeply rooted in local food culture despite the rise of luxury dining concepts. Favorites such as butter prawns, sambal squid, steamed fish, salted egg crab, and chili crab continue to dominate Malaysian seafood menus. However, many chefs are now reinventing these classics with premium ingredients and modern plating techniques to cater to younger consumers seeking contemporary dining experiences. Chili Crab, Butter Prawns, and Sambal Squid remain among the country’s most loved seafood dishes, often appearing in both traditional restaurants and upscale dining establishments. Another growing trend within Malaysia’s seafood industry is sustainability and fresh sourcing. More restaurants are now emphasizing locally sourced seafood, sustainable fishing practices, and fresh daily catches to attract health-conscious and environmentally aware consumers. Diners are increasingly paying attention to seafood quality, freshness, and origin when choosing where to eat.      As Malaysia’s dining industry continues to evolve, seafood has become far more than just a meal. It now represents luxury, social lifestyle, travel experiences, and modern culinary culture. Whether enjoyed at a beachfront restaurant in Langkawi, a luxury hotel buffet in Kuala Lumpur, or a lively seafood street in Johor Bahru, seafood dining continues to shape Malaysia’s vibrant and evolving food lifestyle scene. -- MINUTESMY / SUGAN BALAN

Malaysia has long been known for its rich culinary heritage, but in recent years, seafood dining has evolved beyond traditional family dinners into a growing luxury lifestyle experience. Across the country, seafood restaurants are redefining the dining scene with premium ingredients, stunning waterfront settings, and modern culinary presentations that attract both locals and international tourists. […]

YB Gobind Singh Deo: Digital Trust Key to Malaysia’s AI Nation Ambitions by 2030

KUALA LUMPUR, May 22 — Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo said trust must become one of the core foundations of Malaysia’s digital future as the country works towards becoming an AI Nation by 2030 yesterday. He said the development of artificial intelligence (AI) goes beyond technology adoption and must include a secure, ethical, and responsible ecosystem that enables AI to be deployed safely and at scale. Gobind stressed that cybersecurity and digital trust are now essential components of the digital economy, describing them as the “currency” of today’s digital landscape. Speaking at the launch of the RHB Digital Trust Programme, he said the initiative would help businesses and small and medium enterprises (SMEs) strengthen their cyber readiness, build confidence in digital systems, and support Malaysia’s wider digital transformation agenda. He added that the introduction of RHB Cyber-Secure, a cybersecurity self-assessment tool, would provide SMEs with a practical and structured approach to assess their cyber preparedness and improve digital resilience. Gobind also highlighted the collaboration between CyberSecurity Malaysia and RHB Bank, saying strong public-private partnerships are crucial in building long-term cyber resilience across the national ecosystem. He said Malaysia’s digital progress must continue to be guided by trust, collaboration, and shared responsibility to ensure the country develops a digital economy that is innovative, secure, resilient, and trusted by all. -- MINUTESMY -- FB: GOBIND SINGH DEO

KUALA LUMPUR, May 22 — Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo said trust must become one of the core foundations of Malaysia’s digital future as the country works towards becoming an AI Nation by 2030 yesterday. He said the development of artificial intelligence (AI) goes beyond technology adoption and must include a secure, ethical, and responsible […]

1.9 million vehicles expected to enter Penang, police step up traffic operations

GEORGE TOWN -- A total of 1.9 million vehicles are expected to enter and pass through Penang during the Aidiladha celebrations and long holidays from May 27 to June 2. Penang Police Chief Datuk Azizee Ismail said this has prompted the Royal Malaysian Police (PDRM) state contingent to intensify monitoring and traffic enforcement throughout the state. He said a significant increase in traffic flow was expected to occur following the movement of people returning to their villages and on holiday in conjunction with the festive season and public holidays involving Aidiladha, Wesak Day and the Yang di-Pertuan Agong's Official Birthday. "Penang is one of the country's major tourist destinations and a strategic route for consumers, with roads expected to receive high traffic flows during the holiday period. "To ensure smooth traffic flow and the safety of road users is at an optimum level, PDRM, through the Traffic Investigation and Enforcement Department (JSPT), will intensify monitoring and enforcement operations at key locations," he said in a statement last night. Azizee said that PDRM maintained the concept of Pre-Emptive Services and Total Enforcement which places emphasis on early action and proactive preventive measures to reduce congestion and the risk of road accidents throughout the period in question. He said that focus was also given to areas where accidents often occur ( blackspots ) and congested areas along the North-South Expressway (PLUS) to ensure smooth travel for users. "In addition, focus is also given to districts that contribute to the highest number of fatal accidents and congested areas such as Jalan Teluk Air Tawar-Jalan Bagan Luar in Seberang Perai Utara (SPU), Jalan Perusahaan Perai-Jalan Kulim in Seberang Perai Tengah (SPT), Jalan Besar Simpang Empat in Seberang Perai Selatan (SPS) and the Tun Dr Lim Chong Eu Highway," he said. He informed that 145 officers and personnel from the Penang JSPT will be directly involved in the operation with the cooperation of the Crime Prevention and Community Safety Department (JPJKK), the Road Transport Department (JPJ), local authorities (PBT) and PLUS. Azizee said immediate enforcement action would be taken against six main offences, namely driving above the speed limit, using a mobile phone while driving, using the emergency lane, violating traffic lights, cutting in line and cutting on double lines. -- BERNAMA

GEORGE TOWN — A total of 1.9 million vehicles are expected to enter and pass through Penang during the Aidiladha celebrations and long holidays from May 27 to June 2. Penang Police Chief Datuk Azizee Ismail said this has prompted the Royal Malaysian Police (PDRM) state contingent to intensify monitoring and traffic enforcement throughout the […]