Day: May 25, 2026

KRW FC Eyes Super League Spot, Financial Planning Begins

KOTA BHARU, May 25 -- Kelantan Red Warrior FC (KRW FC) are ready to step up to next season’s Super League after finishing fourth in this season’s A1 Semi-Pro League. Its president Datuk Muhamad Zaki Harun said it is certainly the dream of any team competing in the A1 Semi-Pro League to play in the Super League, which offers a different level of challenge. “It is not easy to secure a slot in the Super League when competing in the A1 Semi-Pro League, and now we have the opportunity. “We are still waiting for an official announcement from the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) and the Malaysian Football League (MFL) on whether we qualify and will be allowed to compete in next season’s Super League,” he told reporters after the KRW FC dinner event here last night. In the A1 Semi-Pro League campaign, KRW FC finished in fourth place, thus qualifying on merit to compete in the Super League. Muhamad Zaki also acknowledged that competing in the Super League would not be easy for the management, as the club would have to face various challenges, particularly in terms of finances. “We have already begun early preparations for next season’s Super League campaign and hope the Kelantanese, especially the business community, will be willing to support us. “At this initial stage, we need to focus on financial planning because we do not want salary arrears issues to arise when competing in the Super League,” he said. He also did not rule out the possibility of a squad overhaul ahead of next season’s Super League campaign, although the matter would be left entirely to the team’s coaching staff. “As for the players, I leave it to head coach Irfan Bakti Abu Salim and the management to determine which players are suitable to strengthen the team,” he said. -- BERNAMA

KOTA BHARU, May 25 — Kelantan Red Warrior FC (KRW FC) are ready to step up to next season’s Super League after finishing fourth in this season’s A1 Semi-Pro League. Its president Datuk Muhamad Zaki Harun said it is certainly the dream of any team competing in the A1 Semi-Pro League to play in the […]

Ringgit opens stronger against US dollar driven by positive sentiment

KUALA LUMPUR, May 25 -- The ringgit started trading on Monday stronger against the United States (US) dollar, driven by increased market sentiment and investor confidence in the progress of US-Iran negotiations. At 8 am this morning, the ringgit strengthened to 3.9635/9705 against the US dollar from the level of 3.9655/9700 recorded last Friday. Reports say the US and Iran are in the process of discussing a deal that could potentially lead to the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz -- a major oil shipping route that handles about 20 percent of global oil supply. Bank Muamalat Malaysia Bhd Chief Economist Mohd Afzanizam Abdul Rashid said the US Dollar Index (DXY) fell 0.25 per cent to 98.987 points while equity futures indices such as the S&P 500 rose 0.61 per cent to 7,536.50 points. The development, he said, shows that risk-taking sentiment is expected to continue to be evident among traders and investors today. In addition, West Texas Intermediate (WTI) and Brent crude oil prices fell by more than five percent to US$91.75 per barrel and US$98.33 per barrel, respectively. "Following that, the ringgit is expected to continue to strengthen as market sentiment is seen to be improving and it is possible to see the ringgit move at the RM3.95 level against the US dollar." "The better performance of macroeconomic indicators such as the increase in the current account surplus and the reduction in the fiscal deficit in the first quarter of 2026, also shows that the risk of Malaysia becoming an economy with twin deficits is low," he told Bernama . When the market opened, the ringgit was trading lower against major currencies. This included a decline against the Japanese yen to 2.4934/4980 from 2.4925/4954, a decline against the British pound to 5.3432/3526 from 5.3245/3305 previously and a decline against the euro to 4.6143/6225 from 4.6012/6064 previously. The ringgit was also traded mixed against regional currencies. Against the Singapore dollar, the ringgit fell to 3.1030/1090 from 3.0985/1023 at Friday's close, was lower against the Thai baht to 12.1954/2248 from 12.1304/1468, but recorded a small strengthening against the Indonesian rupiah to 223.7/224.2 from 223.8/224.1 previously and was unchanged against the Philippine peso at 6.42/6.44. -- BERNAMA

KUALA LUMPUR, May 25 — The ringgit started trading on Monday stronger against the United States (US) dollar, driven by increased market sentiment and investor confidence in the progress of US-Iran negotiations. At 8 am this morning, the ringgit strengthened to 3.9635/9705 against the US dollar from the level of 3.9655/9700 recorded last Friday. Reports […]

Has TikTok Changed Malaysian Lifestyle Too Much?

TikTok has become one of the most influential social media platforms in Malaysia today. What started as a simple entertainment app for short videos has now evolved into a major force shaping trends, shopping habits, food culture, travel decisions, and even the way Malaysians think and communicate. From viral food reviews to fashion trends and lifestyle content, TikTok now plays a huge role in daily life, especially among younger generations. There is no denying that TikTok has created many positive opportunities. Small businesses, local food vendors, and independent creators have benefited greatly from the platform. Many Malaysian entrepreneurs have managed to grow their brands overnight through viral videos without spending huge amounts on advertising. TikTok has also helped promote local tourism spots, hidden cafés, and Malaysian culture to wider audiences both locally and internationally. However, TikTok has also introduced a strong “viral culture” into society. Today, many Malaysians rush to buy trending products, visit viral cafés, or try popular foods simply because they appeared online. In some cases, people are more interested in creating content for social media rather than genuinely enjoying the experience. This has created a lifestyle where online validation and trends often influence personal choices. Another growing concern is how TikTok affects spending habits and mental health. Constant exposure to influencer lifestyles, luxury items, beauty standards, and shopping promotions can create pressure, especially among young users. Many people feel the need to keep up with trends to fit into online culture. At the same time, endless scrolling and short-form videos can reduce productivity and increase screen addiction among users. Despite these concerns, TikTok itself is not entirely the problem. The platform can also be educational, creative, and informative when used responsibly. Many Malaysian creators share useful content about business, education, cooking, travel, and financial advice. The issue lies more in how people consume content and allow social media to influence their daily lives too heavily. Overall, TikTok has undeniably changed Malaysian lifestyle in many ways. It has created opportunities, transformed businesses, and reshaped modern culture, but it has also encouraged unhealthy comparisons, impulsive trends, and digital dependency. As TikTok continues to grow, Malaysians must learn to balance entertainment with real-life values and avoid letting social media completely define their lifestyle choices. -- MINUTESMY / SUGAN BALAN

TikTok has become one of the most influential social media platforms in Malaysia today. What started as a simple entertainment app for short videos has now evolved into a major force shaping trends, shopping habits, food culture, travel decisions, and even the way Malaysians think and communicate. From viral food reviews to fashion trends and […]

PROMISE Technology Brings Sustainability Focus to AI Storage at COMPUTEX 2026

TAIPEI, May 25, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- PROMISE Technology, a global innovator in enterprise storage solutions, announced it will showcase its latest AI-optimized storage portfolio at COMPUTEX 2026, highlighting a strategic focus on performance, storage expansion, and energy efficiency. Taking place June 2–5 at the Taipei Nangang Exhibition Center, COMPUTEX 2026 is one of the world's premier technology exhibitions. PROMISE will host live demonstrations at Booth R0708 in Hall 2 (TaiNEX 2). PROMISE's latest solutions are engineered for enterprise, AI datacenters, surveillance, and media & entertainment environments. The company will demonstrate how intelligent storage architectures can address key AI infrastructure challenges—particularly power constraints and capacity expansion—while sustaining the high performance required for next-generation workloads. optimized storage with features like NVMeBoost and GreenBoost 2.0. Featured Products at COMPUTEX 2026 BoosTrak Series A purpose-built dual-node (Compute & Storage nodes), all-NVMe storage platform with RDMA/RoCE and 100/200/400GbE connectivity. Designed for ultra-low latency and high-throughput AI and datacenter workloads, it debuts the latest evolution of NVMeBoost™. VTrak 8206 NVMe All-Flash Built on PCIe Gen5 with NVMe-oF support, this enterprise platform is optimized for AI-driven applications and real-time analytics. Vess A8340 A fully integrated AI and intelligent surveillance platform powered by multi-GPU architecture and Intel® Xeon® 6 processors. With six PCIe Gen5 x16 slots, it combines storage, compute, and video analytics in a single scalable system. Pegasus5 R12 Pro A hybrid Thunderbolt™ 5 storage solution with 12 HDD bays and 2 NVMe SSD bays, delivering up to 6,000 MB/s for demanding 4K/8K production workflows. Pegasus5 N4 A portable Thunderbolt™ 5 NVMe device offering up to 80Gbps bandwidth and 6,000 MB/s speeds, ideal for mobile and on-location creative work. GreenBoost™ 2.0: Keep GPUs Busy. Not Power-Hungry By reducing storage power consumption, GreenBoost 2.0 enables higher GPU utilization and supports larger-scale AI deployments within existing power and cooling limits. Developed in collaboration with Toshiba, GreenBoost 2.0 integrates high-density JBOD architectures with energy-efficient, high-capacity HDDs to deliver a balanced approach to performance and sustainability. James Lee, CEO of PROMISE Technology, commented: "We are happy to continue working with Toshiba, beginning with GreenBoost 1.0 onward to GreenBoost 2.0, advancing AI-driven storage and sustainable infrastructure at COMPUTEX. As enterprises scale AI, power and cooling have become defining constraints. Through deep hardware and software integration, we are enabling customers to achieve both performance and energy efficiency at scale." Noriaki Katakura, Division President, Storage Products Division, Toshiba Electronics Components Taiwan Corporation added: "As AI drives rapid data growth, enterprises need higher density with lower energy consumption. Through our collaboration with PROMISE Technology, combining high-density JBOD architecture and GreenBoost 2.0 with Toshiba's high capacity NL HDDs, we deliver an efficient, scalable foundation for modern data centers. We look forward to advancing ecosystem collaboration to support AI workloads while meeting sustainability goals." NVMeBoost™ PROMISE proprietary feature NVMeBoost creates an optimized data pipeline—accelerating storage-to-GPU transfers while improving inter-GPU communication. NVMeBoost represents a major step forward in making GPU-accelerated storage and high-speed networking accessible to mainstream enterprises. Organizations can achieve breakthrough performance for AI and data-intensive workloads while leveraging existing infrastructure. For more information or to schedule a meeting at COMPUTEX 2026, visit www.promise.com Booth: R0708 About PROMISE Technology PROMISE Technology is a leading provider of high-performance storage solutions for enterprise, AI, surveillance, media & entertainment, and creative professionals. With a focus on innovation, reliability, and sustainability, PROMISE delivers intelligent storage architectures for the world's most demanding data environments. Source: PROMISE Technology

TAIPEI, May 25, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — PROMISE Technology, a global innovator in enterprise storage solutions, announced it will showcase its latest AI-optimized storage portfolio at COMPUTEX 2026, highlighting a strategic focus on performance, storage expansion, and energy efficiency. Taking place June 2–5 at the Taipei Nangang Exhibition Center, COMPUTEX 2026 is one of the world’s […]

Pickleball Lifestyle Trend Growing Rapidly Across Malaysia

Pickleball is no longer just a niche sport played quietly in community halls. Across Malaysia, the game has exploded into one of the country’s fastest-growing lifestyle trends, attracting everyone from students and young professionals to retirees and celebrities. What was once considered a casual pastime has now evolved into a booming social and fitness movement. In cities like Kuala Lumpur, Penang, Johor Bahru, and Kota Kinabalu, pickleball courts are becoming increasingly common in residential areas, sports complexes, and even premium lifestyle clubs. The sport’s popularity has surged thanks to social media exposure, celebrity participation, and its reputation as a fun, beginner-friendly activity that combines fitness and social interaction. Unlike tennis or badminton, pickleball is easier to learn and less physically demanding for newcomers. Played on a smaller court with lightweight paddles and a perforated plastic ball, the sport allows players of all ages to enjoy competitive games without requiring advanced athletic ability. This accessibility is one of the key reasons why Malaysians have embraced it so quickly. For many young Malaysians, pickleball has become more than just a sport — it is now part of their lifestyle routine. Weekend matches, after-work games, and friendly tournaments are becoming popular social activities. Many players say the sport provides a healthier alternative to spending time at cafés or shopping malls, while still offering opportunities to socialise and build friendships. The trend has also gained momentum through TikTok and Instagram, where videos of pickleball matches regularly attract thousands of views. Influencers and content creators frequently post about their games, stylish sportswear, and newly discovered courts around the country. This online exposure has introduced the sport to a younger audience eager to try something new and trendy. Sports facility operators have quickly recognised the growing demand. Several badminton halls and futsal centres across Malaysia have started converting their spaces into pickleball courts to accommodate the increasing number of players. Some venues even offer beginner classes, equipment rentals, and social leagues designed specifically for first-time participants. Another factor driving the sport’s popularity is its affordability. Compared to golf or tennis, pickleball requires relatively low-cost equipment, making it accessible to a wider group of people. A basic paddle and ball set is affordable for most beginners, while court rental fees are generally lower than many other sports facilities. Health experts have also praised the sport for encouraging active lifestyles among Malaysians. Pickleball provides cardiovascular exercise, improves coordination, and promotes mental wellness through social engagement and stress relief. For office workers dealing with long hours and sedentary routines, the sport offers an enjoyable way to stay active without intense physical strain. Families are also embracing the trend. Because pickleball is suitable for various age groups, parents and children can play together, creating a family-friendly recreational activity that bridges generations. Community tournaments and local leagues are increasingly attracting participants from diverse backgrounds, strengthening neighbourhood engagement and promoting healthier lifestyles. As the sport continues to grow, some observers believe Malaysia could eventually become a regional hub for pickleball events and competitions. Interest from sponsors, sports brands, and event organisers is already increasing, with more tournaments expected to take place nationwide in the coming years. The rise of pickleball reflects a broader shift in Malaysian lifestyle culture — one that values wellness, social connection, and modern recreational experiences. Whether played casually among friends or competitively in organised tournaments, the sport has successfully captured the attention of Malaysians looking for fun, fitness, and community in a fast-paced urban world. -- MINUTESMY / SUGAN BALAN

Pickleball is no longer just a niche sport played quietly in community halls. Across Malaysia, the game has exploded into one of the country’s fastest-growing lifestyle trends, attracting everyone from students and young professionals to retirees and celebrities. What was once considered a casual pastime has now evolved into a booming social and fitness movement. […]

Saudi Post issues stamps, commemorative postcards in conjunction with Hajj 1447H

RIYADH -- Saudi Post (SPL) in collaboration with the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has issued commemorative stamps and postcards in conjunction with the 1447H Hajj season, reflecting the importance of postage stamps in highlighting various events including the Hajj pilgrimage. The stamp and postcard are worth 3 Saudi riyals and 5 Saudi riyals respectively, reported the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) . The production aims to document Saudi Arabia's efforts in serving pilgrims, as well as highlighting the continuous development of services and solutions provided throughout the pilgrimage season. The initiative also reflects Saudi Arabia's leading role in managing the public and serving pilgrims in line with the highest operational and humanitarian standards. -- BERNAMA-SPA

RIYADH — Saudi Post (SPL) in collaboration with the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has issued commemorative stamps and postcards in conjunction with the 1447H Hajj season, reflecting the importance of postage stamps in highlighting various events including the Hajj pilgrimage. The stamp and postcard are worth 3 Saudi riyals and 5 Saudi riyals respectively, […]

YB Gobind Singh Deo Engages MICCI On E-Commerce Bill, Digital Economy Policies

KUALA LUMPUR, May 25 — Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo said the Malaysian International Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MICCI) continues to play an important role in facilitating and supporting businesses as they expand and grow in Malaysia. Gobind said his introductory meeting with MICCI’s E-Commerce Chapter provided a valuable exchange of views on industry developments and key policy matters involving the digital economy sector. Among the issues discussed were the upcoming e-commerce bill and proposed amendments to the Postal Services Act, including matters related to e-delivery services. The meeting also touched on concerns regarding algorithm transparency and protection of data, which Gobind said require careful and balanced consideration as Malaysia strengthens its digital economy framework. He stressed that the ministry remains committed to working closely with industry players to ensure that policies introduced are practical, future-ready and capable of supporting Malaysia’s long-term economic growth. Gobind added that collaboration between the government and industry stakeholders is essential in building a competitive and sustainable digital ecosystem for the country. -- MINUTESMY -- SOURCE: FB GOBIND SINGH DEO

KUALA LUMPUR, May 25 — Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo said the Malaysian International Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MICCI) continues to play an important role in facilitating and supporting businesses as they expand and grow in Malaysia. Gobind said his introductory meeting with MICCI’s E-Commerce Chapter provided a valuable exchange of views on industry […]