Day: June 22, 2026

Payment Asia Integrates with PayMe to Expand Merchant Payment Options

HONG KONG, June 22 -- Payment Asia, a leading payment solutions provider, today announced a strategic integration with PayMe by HSBC, Hong Kong's highly popular mobile payment application. This partnership will enable all Payment Asia merchants to accept payments from PayMe's user base of over 3.3 million, significantly expanding their market reach and providing greater convenience for customers.  This integration allows Payment Asia's merchants to seamlessly process PayMe transactions through their existing merchant applications PA Pay and Smart POS Terminals. A key feature of this integration is the provision of real-time transaction data, empowering businesses with immediate insights into their sales and operational performance. Paul Tang, Chief Operating Officer at Payment Asia, stated: "We are thrilled to partner with PayMe by HSBC, a widely adopted payment platform in Hong Kong. This integration underscores our commitment to providing innovative and comprehensive payment solutions to our merchants, not only expanding our customer base but also enhancing the overall payment experience. The real-time transaction data provided by our merchant applications and Smart POS Terminals will further equip businesses with valuable insights to make better decisions." Lawrence Li, Head of Transaction Banking and Payments, Retail Banking and Wealth Management, Hong Kong and Head of PayMe by HSBC said: "Like any forward-looking city, Hong Kong needs a robust digital payment network to support its journey toward becoming a leading smart city. Achieving this vision requires a sizable ecosystem—on both the merchant and customer sides. Through our partnership with Payment Asia, we hope to play a key role in Hong Kong's smart city development: helping merchants reach over 3.3 million PayMe users, while connecting our PayMe community to a wider network of merchants." Together, Payment Asia and PayMe will bring merchants broader customer reach, a smoother collection experience, and deeper operational data insights. Both parties are committed to continuously optimizing the payment process, helping merchants lower transaction barriers, improve checkout efficiency, and win over more consumers in today's competitive retail landscape. Going forward, Payment Asia will continue to join hands with quality partners to build a more comprehensive and intelligent payment ecosystem for Hong Kong merchants.  -- PRNewswire -- Source: Payment Asia 

HONG KONG, June 22 — Payment Asia, a leading payment solutions provider, today announced a strategic integration with PayMe by HSBC, Hong Kong’s highly popular mobile payment application. This partnership will enable all Payment Asia merchants to accept payments from PayMe’s user base of over 3.3 million, significantly expanding their market reach and providing greater convenience for customers. […]

PM Anwar Welcomes Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Official Visit to Malaysia

PUTRAJAYA, June 22 – Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim today welcomed Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, who arrived in Malaysia for a two-day official visit aimed at strengthening bilateral ties and expanding cooperation between the two nations. Speaking in Putrajaya, Anwar expressed appreciation for Tarique's decision to choose Malaysia as his first official bilateral destination abroad since assuming office in February 2026. “The visit reflects the close friendship and longstanding trust between Malaysia and Bangladesh and is a meaningful honour for our country,” Anwar said. Upon arrival at the Perdana Putra Complex, Tarique and his delegation were accorded an official welcoming ceremony, including an inspection of a guard of honour comprising 105 personnel and three officers from the First Battalion of the Royal Malay Regiment, led by Major Nur Ahmad Zaim Zahari. The visit underscores the strong and enduring relationship between Malaysia and Bangladesh, which have maintained close diplomatic and economic ties over the years. Anwar noted that the official visit is expected to further enhance bilateral relations and create new opportunities for collaboration in areas of mutual interest, including trade, investment, labour, education, and regional cooperation. The two leaders are expected to hold discussions on a range of issues aimed at deepening cooperation and strengthening the strategic partnership between the two countries. Tarique's visit marks an important milestone in Malaysia-Bangladesh relations and highlights the shared commitment of both governments to advancing mutual prosperity and regional stability. -- MINUTESMY

PUTRAJAYA, June 22 – Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim today welcomed Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, who arrived in Malaysia for a two-day official visit aimed at strengthening bilateral ties and expanding cooperation between the two nations. Speaking in Putrajaya, Anwar expressed appreciation for Tarique’s decision to choose Malaysia as his first official bilateral […]

The Malaysian Way of Life: A Blend of Cultures

Malaysia is often described as a cultural melting pot, but for those who call the country home, diversity is more than a slogan—it is a way of life. Home to Malays, Chinese, Indians, and numerous indigenous communities, Malaysia has built a unique society where different cultures, languages, religions, and traditions coexist while maintaining their distinct identities. From bustling cities to rural villages, multiculturalism shapes everyday life. It can be seen in the food Malaysians eat, the festivals they celebrate, the languages they speak, and the friendships they form. This rich cultural tapestry is one of the nation's greatest strengths and a defining characteristic of the Malaysian way of life. The Malay community, which forms the majority of the population, contributes significantly to the country's traditions, customs, and national identity. Islam plays an important role in Malay culture, influencing celebrations such as Hari Raya Aidilfitri and Hari Raya Haji. Traditional arts, music, and cuisine continue to thrive alongside modern lifestyles. The Chinese community has also played a vital role in Malaysia's development, particularly in business, education, and commerce. Chinese cultural traditions remain vibrant through festivals such as Chinese New Year, the Mid-Autumn Festival, and various cultural celebrations. Family values, entrepreneurship, and community ties are central aspects of Chinese Malaysian life. Meanwhile, the Indian community enriches Malaysia with its colourful traditions, cuisine, and religious practices. Festivals such as Deepavali are celebrated nationwide, bringing people together in a spirit of joy and unity. Indian culture has left a lasting impact on Malaysia's culinary landscape, language, arts, and social fabric. Beyond Peninsular Malaysia, the indigenous communities of Sabah and Sarawak add another important dimension to the nation's diversity. Groups such as the Iban, Bidayuh, Kadazan-Dusun, Orang Ulu, and many others preserve unique languages, customs, and cultural heritage. Celebrations such as Gawai Dayak and Kaamatan showcase the rich traditions of these communities while attracting participation from Malaysians of all backgrounds. One of the most remarkable aspects of Malaysian society is the way different communities interact and share in each other's celebrations. During festive seasons, it is common for Malaysians to visit friends and neighbours of different ethnicities through the tradition of open houses. Whether it is Hari Raya, Chinese New Year, Deepavali, Christmas, Gawai, or Kaamatan, these gatherings foster mutual understanding and strengthen social bonds. Food is perhaps the most visible symbol of Malaysia's multicultural identity. A single meal can reflect influences from multiple cultures. Malaysians regularly enjoy dishes such as nasi lemak, char kway teow, roti canai, satay, laksa, and banana leaf rice, regardless of their ethnic background. Hawker centres, food courts, and restaurants serve as meeting places where people from all walks of life come together. Language further reflects the country's diversity. While Bahasa Malaysia serves as the national language and unifying medium, many Malaysians are multilingual, speaking English, Mandarin, Tamil, indigenous languages, and various Chinese dialects. This linguistic diversity enables communication across communities and contributes to Malaysia's global outlook. As Malaysia continues to modernise, its multicultural character remains one of its greatest assets. While challenges exist in any diverse society, Malaysians have consistently demonstrated the ability to find common ground through mutual respect, shared values, and a collective commitment to national harmony. The Malaysian way of life is not about erasing differences; it is about celebrating them. It is a living example of how people from different backgrounds can coexist, contribute, and thrive together. In an increasingly interconnected world, Malaysia stands as a testament to the strength that comes from diversity and unity. -- MINUTESMY / SUGAN BALAN

Malaysia is often described as a cultural melting pot, but for those who call the country home, diversity is more than a slogan—it is a way of life. Home to Malays, Chinese, Indians, and numerous indigenous communities, Malaysia has built a unique society where different cultures, languages, religions, and traditions coexist while maintaining their distinct […]

Taylor’s University Ranked Among World’s Top 1%

SUBANG JAYA, Malaysia, June 22 -- Taylor's University has been ranked 272nd globally in the QS World University Rankings 2027, placing it among the top 1% of universities worldwide. The position reflects the University's continued focus on delivering education that is purposeful, globally connected, and future focused. As artificial intelligence (AI) reshapes industries and the nature of work, Taylor's is reimagining education through a human led, AI enabled approach that equips students with the knowledge, adaptability, and real world capabilities needed to thrive in a rapidly evolving landscape. A key example of this approach is Taylor's Hybrid Flexible (HyFlex) learning framework, which combines physical, virtual, and self-directed learning into a connected learning experience. Rather than viewing AI as a replacement for teaching and learning, the University integrates technology to enhance personalisation, strengthen engagement, and support learning beyond the classroom. "Strong graduate outcomes reflect how effectively students learn, adapt, and create value in a rapidly changing world. As technology transforms the way knowledge is accessed and applied, Taylor's is committed to a human led, AI enabled education that combines personalised learning with real world application. We are preparing graduates with the curiosity, agility, and human capabilities needed to thrive in an evolving future," said Professor Barry Winn, Vice Chancellor and President of Taylor's University. Looking ahead, Taylor's will continue to advance personalised, industry connected, and purpose driven learning experiences while preparing graduates with the distinctly human capabilities that will remain essential in an AI enabled future. For more information about Taylor's University and its programmes, please visit the website here. About Taylor's University Taylor's University is the highest-ranked non-government-linked private university in Southeast Asia, ranked #272 in the QS World University Rankings 2027. This ranking places the university among the top 1% of global universities. Additionally, the university is ranked at No. 27 in Asia in the QS Asia University Rankings 2026 exercise. Taylor's continues to play a strong role in developing Malaysia's human resource capital, and boasts a 100,000-strong alumni, many of whom have become leaders in their respective fields. -- PRNewswire -- Source: Taylor's University 

SUBANG JAYA, Malaysia, June 22 — Taylor’s University has been ranked 272nd globally in the QS World University Rankings 2027, placing it among the top 1% of universities worldwide. The position reflects the University’s continued focus on delivering education that is purposeful, globally connected, and future focused. As artificial intelligence (AI) reshapes industries and the nature […]

Scaled for Global Commerce: PhotonPay Reinforces Market Leadership at 2026 WAVES Summit

HONG KONG, June 22 -- PhotonPay, a next-generation financial operating system powered by stablecoins, achieved significant recognition at the 2026 WAVES Summit hosted by 36Kr, a pioneering platform dedicated to serving New Economy participants. PhotonPay's Founder and CEO Lewison Chen was selected for 36Kr's "2026 36Under36" Entrepreneurs List, while Sales VP Joey Xu joined a featured panel discussion to unpack the strategic resilience and high-conviction execution required to scale a business.     Visionary Leadership: Driving the Next-Generation Financial OS The annual "36Under36" list recognizes 108 young leaders driving innovation across AI, deep technology, globalization, and emerging industries. This year's cohort highlights entrepreneurs who are not simply pursuing market opportunities, but building the foundational systems that enable long-term economic transformation. For Lewison, this recognition underscores his strategic foresight in anticipating the deep structural shifts of global commerce. It validates his leadership in transitioning payments from a fragmented network of disconnected tools into an intelligent, unified operating system.   Under Lewison's guidance, PhotonPay has established a robust global footprint, expanding to 14 strategic operational hubs across major financial jurisdictions, with a team of over 500 professional employees. Through deep technical and commercial partnerships with world-leading financial institutions, global card networks and banks, the platform now supports more than 60 major currencies, with its full product suite covering over 200 countries and regions. Today, this institutional-grade infrastructure is trusted by more than 200,000 businesses worldwide to secure, manage and optimize their cross-market financial operations. Abstracting the friction of legacy global banking, PhotonPay operates as a unified financial operating system, which encapsulates multi-currency banking networks and stablecoin rails into a single, programmable infrastructure layer. Clients can run their capital workflows via an intuitive portal, or seamlessly extend these capabilities to their business applications via robust APIs. This modular OS coordinates the entire lifecycle of corporate capital, enabling multi-currency collections, real-time global payouts, card issuance, on/off-ramping, FX conversions and automated reconciliation within a secure and efficient ecosystem. "Long-term infrastructure is never built on static formulas — it's built on the conviction to turn macroeconomic uncertainty into operational certainty," said Lewison Chen, Founder and CEO of PhotonPay." Being recognized on the 36Under36 list reflects not just what PhotonPay has built, but what we believe the next generation of global financial infrastructure must become: programmable, adaptive, and borderless. We are investing heavily in our global network and technical architecture so that payments stop being a cost center and start being a strategic engine for growth." On the WAVES Stage: Redefining Capital Velocity for Global Businesses Addressing the summit's flagship panel, "Riding the Waves Before Anyone Believes," PhotonPay's Sales VP Joey Xu aligned these capabilities with real-world market execution. "Global financial giants and legacy banks established the foundational networks of digital trade," Joey noted during the discussion. "PhotonPay's mission is not to disrupt this baseline, but to provide precise ecosystem adaptation. We translate complex, fragmented global banking structures into a tailor-made financial operating system optimized for the exact workflows of international businesses." Joey highlighted that multi-market organizations routinely drain liquidity and lose days of transaction velocity when transferring funds across disconnected collection, FX, and disbursement applications. PhotonPay resolves this by enabling businesses to retain global earnings in a multi-currency wallet, allowing balances to be instantly deployed for real-time operational expenses — such as global digital ad spends or logistics payouts. Unified approach like this has allowed PhotonPay to reduce global capital costs for its clients by more than 75% while boosting treasury operational efficiency by 60%. When discussing long-term execution in a volatile market, Joey identified three core pillars of PhotonPay's operational ethos: Long Cycle: Building institutional-grade payment networks, technological foundations, and international regulatory licenses requires years of deliberate cultivation rather than reliance on short-term market trends. Granularity: Global infrastructure success depends on a meticulous focus on hyper-local compliance matrices, regional clearing frameworks, and real-time FX fluctuations. Continuous Listening: Sustainable growth relies on maintaining an ongoing dialogue with the market to capture the shifting realities of global commerce. Moving forward, PhotonPay will continue to anchor its strategy in long-term infrastructure evolution, expanding the boundaries where payment technology intersects with core corporate operations. By pioneering the convergence of traditional finance with programmable architecture, stablecoin and agentic commerce, the company aims to deliver sustained value to the global trade ecosystem. About PhotonPay PhotonPay is a stablecoin-powered financial operating system built for the stablecoin era. Designed for modern enterprises, PhotonPay enables businesses to send, receive, convert, and settle funds across both fiat and stablecoin rails through a single, compliance-first integration, spanning 200+ countries and territories. For more information, visit [www.photonpay.com]. -- PRNewswire -- Source : PhotonPay   

HONG KONG, June 22 — PhotonPay, a next-generation financial operating system powered by stablecoins, achieved significant recognition at the 2026 WAVES Summit hosted by 36Kr, a pioneering platform dedicated to serving New Economy participants. PhotonPay’s Founder and CEO Lewison Chen was selected for 36Kr’s “2026 36Under36” Entrepreneurs List, while Sales VP Joey Xu joined a featured panel discussion to unpack the […]

Malaysia in strong position to lead energy transition financing – TNB

KUALA LUMPUR, JUNE 22 -- The encouraging response to two Islamic bond issuances by Tenaga Nasional Bhd (TNB) totaling RM2.5 billion for energy transition projects shows that Malaysia is in a strong position to lead the financing of energy transition in the region. TNB's new Chief Energy Officer, Mohd Zarihi Mohd Hashim, said the two sukuk issuances in 2026, which included RM1 billion for a solar project in May and RM1.5 billion for a hydro project in March, were each oversubscribed five times. He said that TNB's recent experience illustrates this trend, showing that there is a huge demand from investors that is increasing regionally and globally. "This achievement shows that investors are very interested in renewable energy assets (REAs) that are well-prepared and bankable, supported by a clear structure and solid business partners," he said. Mohd Zarihi shared his views on how Malaysia can channel available funds into well-structured projects to support the country's aspirations to achieve net zero carbon emissions, at the Energy Transition Conference 2026 (ETCon26) held recently. He said the National Energy Transition Roadmap (NETR) estimates financing needs of RM1.2 trillion to RM1.3 trillion over the next 25 years or approximately RM50 billion per year. Globally, US$2.3 trillion has been channeled into energy transition projects by 2025, demonstrating that the availability of capital is not a major constraint. Mohd Zarihi said that the panel discussion session held at ETCon26 concluded that the more pressing challenge lies in the speed and scale of project implementation. Projects require stronger preparation, clearer contractual arrangements and stable policy signals to enable capital to be invested more efficiently. Risk-sharing mechanisms, including blended financing, are expected to play an important role, especially among small developers and new technologies, he said. The encouraging response to TNB's two sukuk issuances indicates strong demand among investors. The high interest reflects the institution's confidence in the utility company's energy transition initiatives as well as NETR's target to achieve net zero emissions by 2050. Energy transition financing includes renewable energy projects such as solar and hydro, green hydrogen, carbon capture, energy efficiency, electric mobility advancements and energy-related initiatives. Mohd Zarihi said that financing for energy transition projects is growing rapidly, placing greater emphasis on whether the project can be financed by banks and is ready to receive investment capital. Commenting on Malaysia's readiness to be a leader in financing the energy transition in the region, he said that the regulatory framework and climate-related guidelines have been put in place while the capital market has shown support for transition-focused instruments. "The priority at this time is to accelerate the channeling of capital into bankable projects, resilient infrastructure and large-scale implementation that support the country's transition aspirations," he said. -- BERNAMA

KUALA LUMPUR, JUNE 22 — The encouraging response to two Islamic bond issuances by Tenaga Nasional Bhd (TNB) totaling RM2.5 billion for energy transition projects shows that Malaysia is in a strong position to lead the financing of energy transition in the region. TNB’s new Chief Energy Officer, Mohd Zarihi Mohd Hashim, said the two […]

Explosion, fire at gas facility in Qatar

ISTANBUL, JUNE 22 -- An explosion at a gas facility in Qatar's Ras Laffan Industrial City injured several people following a technical malfunction during operations, authorities said on Sunday. Anadolu Agency reported that Qatar's Interior Ministry said in a statement that the incident occurred at a factory in the industrial area and did not cause any dangerous leaks that threatened public safety. The Ministry informed that the relevant authorities are still continuing their efforts to deal with the incident. Meanwhile, QatarEnergy said the explosion and fire at the Barzan local gas supply facility occurred during start-up operations in the evening. The company said emergency response teams had the fire under control and promised to release more information as soon as it was available. -- BERNAMA-ANADOLU

ISTANBUL, JUNE 22 — An explosion at a gas facility in Qatar’s Ras Laffan Industrial City injured several people following a technical malfunction during operations, authorities said on Sunday. Anadolu Agency reported that Qatar’s Interior Ministry said in a statement that the incident occurred at a factory in the industrial area and did not cause […]

Allianz Partners Responds to Cost Living Crisis with refreshed Overseas Visitor Health Cover for Australia’s International Workers

BRISBANE, Australia, June 22 -- Allianz Care, part of global leader in insurance and assistance services Allianz Partners, has unveiled a refreshed Overseas Visitor Health Cover (OVHC) portfolio with new product 'Everyday Care Workers',  designed to better cater to a range of budgets in Australia's international workforce. This product offers practical and accessible health coverage, including uncapped general practitioner (GP) visits and admitted hospital benefits,  affordably priced from AUD 93 per month for Single policyholders.   The launch follows findings from Allianz Partners' customer research, which identified a growing group of recent graduates and skilled workers seeking affordable GP access without the higher costs of specialist coverage. The 2025 State of Student Healthcare Report identified 85% of respondents underestimated the cost of living. With rising living expenses and more than 59% of international students planning to stay in Australia after graduation, the Everyday Care Workers product responds directly to this shift by offering a streamlined, cost-effective health cover option. "Allianz Care has a long history of supporting international communities in Australia," said Miranda Fennell, Executive Head of Health, Allianz Partners Australia. "These updates demonstrate our ongoing commitment to providing health insurance that's clear, flexible, and truly focused on care, whether supporting international students transitioning from their studies into the workforce or welcoming international workers and visitors to Australia." This product launch forms part of a broader refresh of Allianz Care's OVHC range, featuring simplified product names and a redesigned online purchasing experience. The updates make it easier for international visitors and workers to compare plans, understand inclusions, and choose cover aligned with their visa, lifestyle, and budget. Demand for such coverage continues to grow. In 2025 133,891 temporary graduate visas were issued, up over 7% from grants in 2024 (124,687). This sustained demand for skilled migration underscores the importance of affordable health insurance as international students transition into the Australian workforce. International students and workers also make a notable contribution to Australia's economy. According to the Australian Government Department of Education,  international education was worth almost $55.0 billion to the Australian economy in 2025. The Business Council of Australia estimates that for every 1,000 migrants, there is approximately AUD 124 million in economic value per year. Through the new Everyday Care Workers product, and refreshed OVHC portfolio, Allianz Care continues to deliver on its ambitions to make health insurance accessible, practical, and supportive for migrants. For more information about the new OVHC portfolio, visit allianzcare.com.au. About Allianz Partners Allianz Partners is a world leader in B2B2C insurance and assistance, offering global solutions that span international health, travel insurance, automotive and assistance. Customer-driven, our innovative experts are redefining insurance services by delivering future-ready, high-tech, high-touch products and solutions that go beyond traditional insurance. Our products are embedded seamlessly into our partners' businesses or sold directly to customers, and are available through two commercial brands in Australia: Allianz Global Assistance and Allianz Care. Present in over 75 countries, our 19,400 employees speak 70 languages, handle over 58 million cases each year, and are motivated to go the extra mile to offer assistance to our customers around the world.    For more information, please visit:  https://www.allianz-partners.com/en_AU.html. -- PRNewswire  -- Source: Allianz Partners 

BRISBANE, Australia, June 22 — Allianz Care, part of global leader in insurance and assistance services Allianz Partners, has unveiled a refreshed Overseas Visitor Health Cover (OVHC) portfolio with new product ‘Everyday Care Workers‘,  designed to better cater to a range of budgets in Australia’s international workforce. This product offers practical and accessible health coverage, including uncapped general practitioner […]

Cape Verde Scores Historic First World Cup Goal in 2-2 Draw with Uruguay

MIAMI, June 22 — Cape Verde continued its remarkable FIFA World Cup debut by scoring its first-ever goal at the tournament and securing a hard-fought 2-2 draw against two-time world champions Uruguay in their Group H clash on Sunday. After earning widespread praise for holding European champions Spain to a goalless draw in their opening match, the African nation once again impressed with a spirited performance to claim another valuable point. Cape Verde made history when Gilson Tavares found the net in the 31st minute, giving his side a surprise lead and marking the country's first goal in a World Cup finals tournament. Uruguay responded just before halftime, with Maxi Araújo leveling the score in the 44th minute. The South American side then completed the turnaround moments later when Agustín Canobbio struck to hand Uruguay a 2-1 advantage heading into the break. However, Cape Verde refused to back down and restored parity in the 61st minute through substitute Hélio Varela. The equaliser came after a misplaced pass by the Uruguayan defence allowed Varela to break into space before calmly slotting the ball past veteran goalkeeper Fernando Muslera. The draw extends Cape Verde's unbeaten start to its maiden World Cup campaign, following its opening stalemate against Spain. In Group H, Spain sits atop the standings after a convincing 4-0 victory over Saudi Arabia. Uruguay and Cape Verde are level on two points each, while Saudi Arabia remains bottom of the group with one point. The result leaves qualification to the knockout stage finely balanced heading into the final round of group matches. -- MINUTESMY

MIAMI, June 22 — Cape Verde continued its remarkable FIFA World Cup debut by scoring its first-ever goal at the tournament and securing a hard-fought 2-2 draw against two-time world champions Uruguay in their Group H clash on Sunday. After earning widespread praise for holding European champions Spain to a goalless draw in their opening […]