Day: June 18, 2026

Vibefam Raises US$1 Million to Build an AI-Powered Operating System for Fitness Businesses

SINGAPORE and NEW YORK, June 18 -- Vibefam, the all-in-one operating system for fitness businesses, announced the completion of a US$1 million seed funding round led by a Singapore-based family office with a strong track record of backing category-defining technology companies. In addition to capital, the investor brings deep operating insight and a network built through years of supporting founders and working alongside leading venture investors.  Today, Vibefam powers more than 700 fitness locations worldwide and serves over 500,000 end users. The platform supports a diverse range of fitness businesses, including Pilates studios, yoga studios, strength and conditioning gyms, dance academies, martial arts schools, and boutique fitness brands. The investment will accelerate Vibefam's mission to help fitness businesses launch, operate, and scale through a unified platform that combines operations, payments, customer engagement, and growth solutions within a single platform. The funding comes at a time when fitness operators are increasingly seeking intelligent operating platforms that unify operations, payments, and customer engagement, replacing fragmented technology stacks and legacy software platforms. "Fitness businesses deserve technology that works as hard as they do," said Serene Lim, Co-Founder and CEO of Vibefam. "Many operators still juggle multiple disconnected systems to manage bookings, payments, customer communication, marketing, and reporting. We're building a platform that brings everything together, helping businesses operate more efficiently while delivering better experiences to their customers." The newly raised capital will primarily be invested into artificial intelligence and embedded financial services, two areas the company believes will fundamentally reshape how service businesses operate. In July 2026, Vibefam will launch Vibe AI, a messaging-native customer engagement platform that allows members to interact with fitness businesses through natural conversations. From answering enquiries and recommending classes to completing bookings and re-engaging inactive customers, the platform helps businesses deliver instant service at scale without increasing administrative workload. The company is also expanding its embedded finance capabilities through a growing network of financial partners, enabling eligible businesses to access funding directly within the Vibefam platform to support expansion, hiring, equipment purchases, and working capital needs. By leveraging operational data already available on Vibefam, eligible businesses can gain faster access to growth capital with significantly reduced paperwork and approval times. "We believe the future of business software will be proactive, intelligent, and deeply embedded into the daily operations of every business," Lim added. "The opportunity extends far beyond managing bookings and payments. We're building infrastructure that helps fitness businesses acquire customers, automate operations, access capital, and make better decisions every day." The funding will support continued product development, strategic hiring, and the expansion of Vibefam's AI and embedded finance capabilities as the company continues its evolution into a comprehensive operating system for fitness businesses. About Vibefam Vibefam is an AI-powered operating system for fitness businesses. The platform helps gyms, studios, and wellness operators manage scheduling, memberships, payments, customer engagement, reporting, and growth from a single platform. Today, Vibefam powers more than 700 fitness locations worldwide and serves over 500,000 end users. Vibefam is also backed by leading early-stage investors including Hustle Fund and Ignite Asia, alongside strategic investors and operators from the fitness and wellness industry who bring deep expertise in building and scaling consumer and service businesses. --  PRNewswire -- Source: Vibefam

SINGAPORE and NEW YORK, June 18 — Vibefam, the all-in-one operating system for fitness businesses, announced the completion of a US$1 million seed funding round led by a Singapore-based family office with a strong track record of backing category-defining technology companies. In addition to capital, the investor brings deep operating insight and a network built through years […]

N.Sembilan RTD Seizes 145 Luxury Cars In Ops Luxury

SEREMBAN, June 18 -- The Negeri Sembilan Road Transport Department (RTD) has seized 145 luxury vehicles for various road offences through Ops Luxury in the first six months of this year. Negeri Sembilan RTD director Jasyindar Singh Sihdu said this was the result of inspections on 870 luxury vehicles such as BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Toyota Alphard, Lexus and BMW Limousine with 262 offences detected. "They include Motor Vehicle Licenses (LKM), insurance coverage and invalid or expired driving licenses, vehicle modifications without RTD approval and violations of provisions under the Road Transport Act 1987. "During the operation, seven luxury cars driven by non-citizens including from China, Pakistan, Bangladesh and a United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) cardholder were seized," he said in a statement here today. He said that every offence would be dealt with without any compromise, including confiscation of vehicles and prosecution in court. He said his party would increase the frequency and intensity of enforcement operations including patrols, roadblocks and technical inspections to ensure compliance with traffic laws is always at the highest level. -- BERNAMA

SEREMBAN, June 18 — The Negeri Sembilan Road Transport Department (RTD) has seized 145 luxury vehicles for various road offences through Ops Luxury in the first six months of this year. Negeri Sembilan RTD director Jasyindar Singh Sihdu said this was the result of inspections on 870 luxury vehicles such as BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Toyota Alphard, […]

Mobility Technology Firm KPIT Expands its Vietnam Presence with New Center and University Partnerships

HANOI, Vietnam, June 18  -- KPIT Technologies, a global technology partner to the Automotive and Mobility ecosystem, announced an expansion of its Vietnam presence with the inauguration of a new technology center in Hanoi and strategic collaborations with two leading universities. With over 25 years of specialized expertise in mobility, experience across 2000+ vehicle production programs, and software powering 20+ million vehicles on the road, this marks an important step in KPIT's long-term commitment to Southeast Asia and its vision to help shape the future of Mobility A strategic base for Southeast Asia's Mobility growth The global mobility industry is focusing on strengthening its competitive advantage by reducing vehicle costs, improving manufacturing efficiency, faster release of vehicles and features, and differentiated consumer experiences. Southeast Asia is emerging as an important region in the mobility value chain. For KPIT, Vietnam represents both a strong local opportunity and a strategic gateway into a fast-evolving regional ecosystem. The new technology center will serve as a hub for engineering, innovation, and collaboration, supporting mobility programs across Southeast Asia and the broader Asia-Pacific region. KPIT's growing presence in Vietnam reflects its strategy of being close to the markets where mobility is being reimagined. The company already works with Mobility leaders across Germany, Japan, USA, China, India and other markets. The Vietnam center has already employed several local engineers and will add 100+ positions in the near future. Building a long-term talent ecosystem and job opportunities in Vietnam As part of its long-term vision for the country, KPIT has also signed Memorandums of Understanding with Hanoi University of Science and Technology (HUST- is Vietnam's first and leading technical university, known for its strong academic tradition, quality faculty, and research achievements); and VinUniversity (VinUni is a private, not-for-profit university built to international standards, with strategic collaborations with Cornell University and the University of Pennsylvania). These partnerships are aimed at strengthening industry-academia collaboration, developing next-gen Mobility talent, and creating huge job opportunities for students and young professionals in Vietnam. Commenting on the expansion, Sachin Tikekar, President & Joint MD, KPIT Technologies, said, "Vietnam is an important long-term market and talent hub for KPIT in Southeast Asia. We see strong potential in its talent, energy, and pace of innovation, with both homegrown and global vehicle makers continuing to invest in the country. With our new technology center and partnerships with leading universities, we are committed to building local talent, creating high-quality jobs, and establishing a meaningful long-term presence in the region."  About KPIT KPIT is reimagining mobility to create a cleaner, smarter, and safer world. With 25+ years of expertise, KPIT is transforming Software and AI-Defined Vehicles. www.kpit.com  -- PRNewswire -- Source: KPIT Technologies

HANOI, Vietnam, June 18  — KPIT Technologies, a global technology partner to the Automotive and Mobility ecosystem, announced an expansion of its Vietnam presence with the inauguration of a new technology center in Hanoi and strategic collaborations with two leading universities. With over 25 years of specialized expertise in mobility, experience across 2000+ vehicle production programs, […]

PDRM Deploys 11,926 Personnel For Johor State Election

JOHOR BAHRU, June 18 -- The Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) will deploy 11,926 officers and personnel to ensure security and the smooth conduct of the upcoming Johor State Election. Johor Police Chief Datuk Ab Rahaman Arsad said the deployment will be carried out in five phases throughout the election process. “The deployment will be adjusted according to operational needs,” he told a press conference at the Johor Police Contingent Headquarters today. In addition, Ab Rahaman said the Johor Police Contingent had received additional manpower support from units under the Internal Security and Public Order Department (KDNKA) to maintain public order He said it involved 54 officers and 701 personnel from the General Operations Force, Federal Reserve Unit, PDRM Air Unit and Marine Police Force. Ab Rahaman said that for nomination day on June 27, a total of 4,832 officers and personnel will be deployed to ensure the smooth running of the process, including security and traffic control aspects. He said that throughout the campaign period, from after nomination day until 11.59 pm on July 10, a total of 3,903 personnel will be deployed to monitor all campaign activities, ceramah, gatherings and political programmes. On polling day, July 11, Ab Rahaman said a total of 11,814 police officers and personnel will be deployed statewide to assist the Election Commission (EC) in overseeing the voting process and ensuring voters can carry out their responsibilities safely. He also said the police would take strict action against any form of provocation, threats, incitement, the spread of fake news and hate speech involving the royal institution, religion and race (3R), which could affect public order. Meanwhile, he said a total of 12,710 police officers and personnel in Johor were eligible for early voting in the state election based on the electoral roll gazetted by the EC as of May 31. --BERNAMA

JOHOR BAHRU, June 18 — The Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) will deploy 11,926 officers and personnel to ensure security and the smooth conduct of the upcoming Johor State Election. Johor Police Chief Datuk Ab Rahaman Arsad said the deployment will be carried out in five phases throughout the election process. “The deployment will be adjusted […]

Suit Against Muhyiddin: Court Reduces Guan Eng’s Damages From RM1.05 Mln To RM450,000

PUTRAJAYA, June 18 (Bernama) -- The Court of Appeal here today reduced the general damages awarded to DAP adviser Lim Guan Eng from RM1.05 million to RM450,000 in a defamation suit filed against Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin relating to the revocation of tax exemption for Yayasan Albukhary. A three-member panel comprising Datuk Azhahari Kamal Ramli, Datuk Ahmad Kamal Md Shahid and Datuk Seri Latifah Mohd Tahar made the ruling after allowing part of Muhyiddin’s appeal against the Kuala Lumpur High Court’s decision. In the unanimous verdict, Justice Azhahari said after examining the three impugned statements dated March 9, 11, and 12, 2023, the High Court was correct in finding that the statements were defamatory and there was no reason to disturb this finding of fact. bootstrap slideshow “On the issue of quantum, having considered the pattern of events, and the evidence adduced at trial, we are of the opinion that the general damages awarded are manifestly high. “Accordingly, this court awarded RM150,000 for each of the three statements leading to RM450,000. We therefore substitute the sum of RM1.05 million with RM450,000,” he said. The panel also set aside the High Court’s decision in awarding RM150,000 for aggravated damages and RM150,000 for exemplary damages to Lim. However, the court granted Lim's cross appeal on interest and ordered that interest be paid at the rate of five per cent per annum from the date of judgment until full settlement. The panel ordered Muhyiddin to pay RM5,000 in costs to Lim, while the former Penang chief minister was ordered to pay RM30,000 in costs to the former prime minister. On March 27, 2023, Lim filed a lawsuit against Muhyiddin for allegedly making three defamatory Facebook statements on March 9, 11, and 12, 2023, involving him in the tax exemption issue. Reports on the matter were subsequently published in several newspapers and news portals. In Nov 2024, the High Court allowed Lim’s suit and ordered Muhyiddin to pay RM350,000 for each of the three statements leading to RM1.05 million in general damages, RM150,000 for aggravated damages and RM150,000 for exemplary damages. -- BERNAMA

PUTRAJAYA, June 18 — The Court of Appeal here today reduced the general damages awarded to DAP adviser Lim Guan Eng from RM1.05 million to RM450,000 in a defamation suit filed against Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin relating to the revocation of tax exemption for Yayasan Albukhary. A three-member panel comprising Datuk Azhahari Kamal Ramli, Datuk […]

388 Sexual Harassment Cases Recorded In First Five Months Of This Year

PORT DICKSON, June 18 -- A total of 388 sexual harassment cases were recorded during the first five months of this year, according to Deputy Minister of Women, Family and Community Development Lim Hui Ying. She said statistics from the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) also showed a rising trend in reported sexual harassment cases, increasing from 477 cases in 2022 to 1,038 cases last year. According to Lim, the increase does not necessarily reflect a higher prevalence of incidents alone, but also indicates greater public awareness and courage among victims and communities to come forward and reject the culture of silence. “Based on our data, most cases occur in the workplace and involve individuals who have family ties to the victim. Feelings of shame or concerns over careers and family relationships may still prevent many victims from lodging reports. “I urge colleagues, employers and family members to provide support to victims. These cases do not only involve women but also men, although the number of male victims remains relatively low,” she told reporters after officiating the Zero Tolerance of Violence: Say No T programme. Lim stressed that sexual harassment is a serious form of misconduct that undermines a victim’s dignity, emotional well-being and overall quality of life, and should never be normalised in society. Meanwhile, she said that as of June 15, the Tribunal for Anti-Sexual Harassment (TAGS) had received 100 complaints, with 82 cases resolved within 60 days of the first hearing, demonstrating the tribunal’s effectiveness in accelerating access to justice. She added that the ministry, through the Women’s Development Department, is also implementing Women, Peace and Security (WPS) advocacy initiatives in line with the National Action Plan 2025–2030 to strengthen women’s roles in national security and development. “I hope all parties will work together with the ministry to expand advocacy efforts related to sexual harassment and increase public awareness of rights, personal safety and prevention. “Issues that are not addressed at an early stage may escalate into more serious situations and lead to various forms of violence that affect individuals and social harmony,” she said. Lim emphasised that everyone, including parents, educators, employers, colleagues and students, shares the responsibility of building a culture of zero tolerance towards sexual harassment. “Early education, the courage to speak up and stronger support systems for victims must continue to be strengthened,” she said. She added that the government provides integrated support services through multiple channels, including counselling and psychosocial support via Talian Kasih 15999, which operates 24 hours a day, alongside local social support centres to ensure those in need can access timely assistance. -- BERNAMA

PORT DICKSON, June 18 — A total of 388 sexual harassment cases were recorded during the first five months of this year, according to Deputy Minister of Women, Family and Community Development Lim Hui Ying. She said statistics from the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) also showed a rising trend in reported sexual harassment cases, increasing […]

Cigarettes Worth Over RM200,000 Seized, Smugglers Flee Through Rat Trail

PASIR PUTEH, June 18 -- Kelantan Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) foiled an attempt to smuggle 24 boxes of uncustomed white cigarettes worth an estimated RM212,000 in an operation around the Kelantan River estuary on June 13. Its director, Maritime Captain Kamal Mohamad said the success stemmed from intelligence received on a suspicious speedboat operating in the Kelantan River estuary area at about 9 pm. He said MMEA assets deployed under Op Naga 1/2024, Op Damai Series 33/2026, Op Pelantar Merah 3/2023 and Op Tiris 4.0 were mobilised to the location at 9.10 pm to conduct surveillance and search operations. bootstrap slideshow “During inspections along the Kelantan River, the operation team detected a boat travelling without navigation lights under suspicious circumstances. However, the boat fled through a narrow route or ‘rat trail’ to avoid being detained,” he told a press conference here today. Despite losing sight of the boat, he said the operation team continued combing the area and found a pile of brown boxes believed to contain uncustomed cigarettes on the bank of the Kelantan River near Kampung Penambang, Kota Bharu. Following the discovery, the team inspected a nearby wooden jetty belonging to a villager and the surrounding area within a 20-metre radius of the riverbank. Kamal said further inspections uncovered three multi-purpose vehicles abandoned at the location and believed to have been used to transport the smuggled cigarettes. “Checks on the vehicles found 24 boxes of white cigarettes suspected to be uncustomed. The total value of the seizure is estimated at RM212,000,” he said. He said the case is being investigated under Section 135(e) of the Customs Act 1967 for transporting or transferring dutiable goods, non-customs-cleared goods or prohibited items without authorisation. To curb smuggling activities, he urged the public to channel information on suspicious activities in waters and coastal areas through the 999 emergency line or the Kelantan MMEA Headquarters Operations Centre at 09-778007. -- BERNAMA

PASIR PUTEH, June 18 — Kelantan Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) foiled an attempt to smuggle 24 boxes of uncustomed white cigarettes worth an estimated RM212,000 in an operation around the Kelantan River estuary on June 13. Its director, Maritime Captain Kamal Mohamad said the success stemmed from intelligence received on a suspicious speedboat operating […]

Selangor Studies Land Issue On Third Terminal In Port Klang

PORT KLANG, June 18 -- The Selangor State Government is finalising the settlement of the land issue as the initial phase of the development of the Port Klang Third Terminal on Carey Island, here. Transport Minister Anthony Loke said the process is being studied by the Transport Ministry and the Selangor government together with the private sector involving a concession model. “So right now we are dealing with the Selangor State Government to first resolve the land issue. “(The construction of this third port) will involve the Build-Operate-Transfer model. We do have a target if possible to start (construction) of the project this year but what is important now is that the land issue needs to be resolved,” he said. He said this after the Pre-Launch Ceremony of Wisma Golden Horse, Q Centre @ PKFZ (Port Klang Free Zone) Centralised Labour Quarters (CLQ), the opening of the Suntek Materials Sdn Bhd Factory and the Golden Horse Rubber Factory Phase 2 involving a cumulative new investment value of RM566 million and the launch of PKFZ: Smart Intelligence Industrial Park in PKFZ, Pulau Indah today. On May 11, Loke was reported to have said that the government had approved the development project of the Third Terminal of Port Klang on Carey Island in Selangor. The Third Terminal of Port Klang on Carey Island is a strategic project that is important to strengthen Malaysia's economic capabilities and position in the port and logistics sectors. Previously, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim had instructed all relevant agencies to move quickly in realising the development of the Third Terminal of Port Klang on Carey Island. On Sept 17 2025, Selangor Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari reportedly said that the state government has identified 1,699.68 hectares (4,200 acres) of land to be developed as a third port at Pulau Carey, Kuala Langat covering 1,011.71 hectares (2,500 acres) of seabed land under the management of the Selangor State Development Corporation (PKNS) and 687.96 hectares (1,700 acres) of coastal land owned by Yayasan Selangor. Meanwhile, commenting on employment opportunities for military retirees to meet the need for skilled manpower, Loke informed that a memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed between PKFZ and the Armed Forces Ex-Servicemen's Affairs Corporation (Perhebat) two weeks ago. Loke said the MoU was also witnessed by him and Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi in the government's efforts to meet the demands of the industry and the market for the provision of skilled manpower. On March 16, Loke reportedly said that the government would implement a special programme for retirees and military veterans to obtain a class E license to drive heavy vehicles which is an effort to address the shortage of heavy vehicle drivers in the haulage and logistics industry. -- BERNAMA

PORT KLANG, June 18 — The Selangor State Government is finalising the settlement of the land issue as the initial phase of the development of the Port Klang Third Terminal on Carey Island, here. Transport Minister Anthony Loke said the process is being studied by the Transport Ministry and the Selangor government together with the […]