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KUALA LUMPUR, May 21 -- Lazada Malaysia is bringing back its Lazada 6.6 Super WOW Sale under the theme “Catch Your Best Deals”, as Malaysians navigate a more cautious spending environment, with consumers increasingly looking beyond discounts for products that are authentic, worth the spend and backed by a shopping experience they can trust. The campaign, which focuses on helping consumers buy better, not just cheaper, through trusted LazMall brands, Malaysian local champions and artificial intelligence (AI)-powered discovery, is scheduled to run from 8 pm on June 5 until 11:59 pm on June 8. Speaking at the launch of the Lazada 6.6 Super WOW Sale here today, Lazada Malaysia chief executive officer Kaya Qin said consumers are increasingly seeking products that offer value, authenticity, quality, and assurance, especially as they become more selective about what they buy, where they buy it from, and whether it is truly worth the spend. She said that through LazMall, the platform gives shoppers access to official brand stores, trusted seller cues, product reviews, ratings, return terms, and platform protections. According to the Cube report released in November 2025 in collaboration with Lazada, 73 per cent of the surveyed 1,000 Malaysian respondents are willing to pay more for Mall stores, with the top reasons including quality assurance, authentic products and access to official brand promotions, she added. “It is clear that the real competition in e-Commerce is no longer just price, it is trust. As Malaysians become more intentional with every ringgit, the real ‘Catch’ is about helping them buy better, not just cheaper, with authentic products, credible sellers, smarter discovery and support beyond checkout,” she said. Qin said the 6.6 campaign is no longer merely a mega sale event for Lazada, but also a trust moment with every verified brand and store, local champion on LazMall and AI-powered recommendation plays a role in helping Malaysian cut through the noise and choose with confidence. She said Lazada also strengthens consumer confidence through measures such as a five-times money-back guarantee for inauthentic LazMall products. “And if anything happens, there will be a five times money back guarantee for inauthentic large-scale products. And of course, at the same time, we give consumers 15 days free returns for all large-scale products. This is very critical on e-commerce,” she said. She said that Lazada has empowered it’s platform with Alibaba’s AI ecosystem by introducing five AI agents, including Lazzie Chat, which helps consumers compare products, discover suitable items and make faster purchase decisions during major online campaigns. “Through our AI summary feature, the system can summarise and help consumers pick what is best for them. In fact, our LazyChat shopping agent alone has already covered 2.3 million products on the platform, an ocean of products, echoing today's theme where AI can ultimately make the best catch for you," she said. The local brands featured during the campaign include GINTELL, HABIB, Signature Market, TTRacing, OxWhite and SAMEL, reflecting Lazada’s efforts to strengthen the growth of Malaysian brands in the digital economy. “We are deeply proud and determined to support the spirit of buying local Malaysian products. Lazada provides a highly trusted runway to anchor and help all these local champions grow together with us," Qin said. The campaign also supports the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry’s (KPDN) Kempen Beli Barangan Malaysia (KBBM) initiative by highlighting Malaysian brands and small and medium enterprises alongside global brands on the platform. Throughout the 6.6 campaign period, the e-commerce platform will offer an array of exclusive benefits, including vouchers worth up to RM6,666, LazFlash discounts of up to 90 per cent, additional store vouchers of up to 15 per cent, All-Out-Surprise Deals, and interactive in-app gaming rewards via LazCoins. -- BERNAMA

Lazada 6.6 Super WOW Sale Returns With “the Real Catch” Amid Shift Towards Trusted Shopping

KUALA LUMPUR, May 21 — Lazada Malaysia is bringing back its Lazada 6.6 Super WOW Sale under the theme “Catch Your Best Deals”, as Malaysians navigate a more cautious spending .... read more

BKJ Initiative Recognises Housewives’ Role, Eases Financial Burden

KLUANG, May 19– The role of housewives as the backbone of family harmony continues to be recognised through the Bantuan Kasih Johor (BKJ) initiative, which is described as more than .... read more

Medical Tourism Sector Continues To See Growing Demand – Amir Hamzah

GEORGE TOWN, May 18– Malaysia continues to strengthen its position as a competitive medical tourism destination, supported by growing demand from foreign patients seeking quality and reasonably priced healthcare services. .... read more

Bank Muamalat Sets MBR Record With Financial Literacy Programme At Highest Altitude

KUALA LUMPUR, May 18– Bank Muamalat Malaysia Berhad (Bank Muamalat) has strengthened its commitment to empowering communities after successfully setting a national record through its ‘Jom Bijak Wang’ programme, recognised .... read more

TH Introduces New Food Serving Containers To Improve Meal Quality For Pilgrims

MAKKAH, May 18– In a move to improve meal services for Malaysian pilgrims, Tabung Haji (TH) has introduced three-compartment serving containers to enhance food quality and better suit local tastes. .... read more

PUTRAJAYA, May 15 — Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim today chaired a high-level meeting with chief executive officers of several key government-linked financial institutions to strengthen efforts in expanding financing access for small traders and micro entrepreneurs nationwide. The meeting involved top leaders from MARA, TEKUN Nasional, Amanah Ikhtiar Malaysia (AIM), Bank Rakyat, SME Bank, Agrobank and Bank Simpanan Nasional (BSN). The MADANI Government has allocated more than RM5 billion in micro financing facilities this year, expected to benefit over 400,000 micro entrepreneurs across the country. The financing schemes offer loans of up to RM100,000, with selected programmes carrying interest rates as low as three percent annually. Prime Minister Anwar stressed that the initiative would not achieve its intended impact if small traders, hawkers and petty entrepreneurs — especially those operating in markets, night markets and public hotspots — remain unaware of the assistance available to them. “During my visits to various states, I heard firsthand complaints from small business owners who were unaware of the financing and support facilities provided by the government. Many are still struggling on their own because they do not know the proper channels to seek help,” he said. He instructed all agencies and micro-finance institutions to intensify grassroots engagement efforts and proactively reach out to traders, hawkers, gig workers and micro entrepreneurs facing capital constraints. According to the Prime Minister, the dissemination of information must be carried out more aggressively and comprehensively to ensure no eligible group is left behind from receiving government assistance. At the same time, Anwar also called for the financing application process to be simplified, with less burdensome conditions and fairer, more reasonable approval procedures to ensure the facilities truly reach those in need. He expressed hope that the initiative would empower more small-scale traders, night market operators, women entrepreneurs, youths, gig workers, TVET graduates, small contractors, paddy farmers, asnaf groups and micro entrepreneurs to improve their livelihoods and build a better future. “Insha-Allah, this effort will help more Malaysians rise, grow and succeed,” he added. -- MINUTESMY -- SOURCE: FB ANWAR IBRAHIM

PM Anwar Calls for Wider Outreach of RM5 Billion Micro Financing Initiative

PUTRAJAYA, May 15 — Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim yesterday chaired a high-level meeting with chief executive officers of several key government-linked financial institutions to strengthen efforts in expanding financing access .... read more

KUSKOP Stepping Up Efforts To Empower Hawkers, Petty Traders – Sim

GEORGE TOWN, May 14 — The Ministry of Entrepreneur and Cooperatives Development (KUSKOP) is intensifying efforts to help petty traders and hawkers improve their business management capabilities so that they .... read more

CAMBODIA, 14 MAY -- With over a decade of experience in the Cambodian market, Cathay United Bank Cambodia (CUBC) has launched a wide range of diversified and innovative financial services to meet local market trends and business needs. In light of the recent sharp rise in digital payments in Cambodia, the National Bank of Cambodia (NBC) launched KHQR, a standardized QR code payment system that has gone on to dominate the local market and become an indispensable payment collection tool for businesses. Recognizing this trend, CUBC launched the CUBC Merchant App, a merchant management platform incorporating KHQR features to assist businesses in optimizing their payment collection and operational efficiency, making CUBC the first Taiwanese bank to provide such services. The CUBC Merchant App focuses on integrated management, operational insights, and payment collection efficiency, enabling businesses to simultaneously manage multiple branches with ease. In addition to centralizing payment collection, businesses can control user access to the app. The CUBC Merchant App also includes extensive transaction records that allow businesses to analyze operational performance and trends. As for payment collection features, the app supports the generation of dynamic and static KHQR payment codes which, together with real-time transaction notifications, enable businesses to collect payments with ease and speed. CUBC General Manager Kevin Yeh noted, "The Cambodian market has long been a key focus for Cathay United Bank. The launch of the CUBC Merchant App aims to integrate digital tools for payment collection and operational analysis, thereby enhancing operational efficiency and creating new growth opportunities alongside the development of digital payment systems". Kevin Yeh further stated, "For the future, CUBC will support small and medium-sized enterprises and businesses through digital financial innovation and local investment, enabling Cambodia's digital economy and financial ecosystem to grow and thrive". Kevin Yeh remarked that following the 2023 launch of the CUBC mBanking App, which supported local transfers and KHQR payment services, and the 2025 launch of the CUBC Payment Link Portal (CPL), CUBC has continued its efforts to expand application scenarios for payment collection and cross-border funds. The debut of the CUBC Merchant App enhances payment collection and operational management services, marking a step forward in creating a comprehensive digital financial service system. Furthermore, CUBC recently held a groundbreaking ceremony for its new head office building in Phnom Penh earlier this March, demonstrating its long-term commitment and confidence in the local market. As a key hub for CUBC's future operations, the new head office is intended to enhance service capacity and support market strategies. Cathay Financial Holdings has provided financial services to Taiwan for over six decades and has set its sights on expanding across the Asian market. As of now, it operates 969 business locations throughout Asia and provides services to over 15.3 million customers. Cathay United Bank, a subsidiary of Cathay Financial Holdings, has distinguished itself in the international arena, establishing over 67 business locations across 11 regions. With branches and representative offices in nine countries, including Singapore, Vietnam, and Malaysia, the Bank has cemented its position as one of the leading Taiwanese banks in the ASEAN market. Going forward, CUBC will remain committed to its principles of prudent management and digital financial innovation. By combining local operations with international resources, CUBC aspires to help both customers and businesses grow and thrive, driving the momentum for Cambodia's financial market growth /PRNewswire/

Cathay United Bank Cambodia Strengthens Digital Finance With Launch of CUBC Merchant App

CAMBODIA, 14 MAY — With over a decade of experience in the Cambodian market, Cathay United Bank Cambodia (CUBC) has launched a wide range of diversified and innovative financial services .... read more

KUALA LUMPUR, 14 MAY -- Minister of Digital Gobind Singh Deo has confirmed the successful completion of the RM19 million disbursement under the Geran Digital PMKS MADANI (GDPM), following swift intervention by the Ministry of Digital to resolve payment delays affecting participating companies. In a statement, Gobind said all outstanding payments had been successfully credited to the respective companies through Bank Simpanan Nasional (BSN), marking an important milestone in the government’s efforts to strengthen Malaysia’s digital economy ecosystem. “I am pleased to confirm that all payments, totaling RM19 million, were successfully credited to the respective companies through Bank Simpanan Nasional (BSN),” he said. The Ministry of Digital, working closely with the Ministry of Finance, expedited the settlement process after delays were reported under the Budget 2025 initiative designed to accelerate digital adoption among micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs). GDPM remains one of the government’s key digitalisation initiatives, involving over 370 digitalisation partners providing solutions across nine strategic areas, including e-invoicing, artificial intelligence (AI), cybersecurity and digital payments. Gobind stressed that the ministry’s priority is to ensure the swift and efficient delivery of allocated funds while strengthening confidence among MSMEs and industry partners in government service delivery. He added that the initiative supports Malaysia’s broader ambition of becoming an AI nation by 2030, ensuring smaller businesses are not left behind in the country’s digital transformation journey. The resolution was also welcomed by industry players, including National Tech Association of Malaysia, which described the move as a strong example of responsive leadership and accountability. PIKOM Chairman Adjunct Practice Prof. Alex Liew said Gobind’s direct intervention, together with the coordinated efforts of the Ministry of Digital, Ministry of Finance, Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC) and BSN, helped resolve an issue affecting digitalisation partners and MSMEs involved in supporting Malaysia’s digital economy agenda. Similarly, SME Association of Malaysia welcomed the completion of the payout, describing it as much-needed relief for MSMEs and technology providers impacted by the delays. The Ministry of Digital said the successful resolution reflects ongoing efforts to improve execution efficiency for government-led digitalisation programmes aimed at enhancing MSME modernisation and competitiveness. -- MINUTESMY -- SOURCE: FB GOBIND SINGH DEO

Gobind Singh Deo Confirms RM19 Million GDPM Disbursement, Reaffirms Commitment to MSME Digital Transformation

KUALA LUMPUR, 14 MAY — Minister of Digital Gobind Singh Deo has confirmed the successful completion of the RM19 million disbursement under the Geran Digital PMKS MADANI (GDPM), following swift .... read more

BANGKOK: ASEAN sees the current geopolitical and economic uncertainties involving the aviation sector as an opportunity to boost regional cooperation as well as accelerate long-overdue reforms. Deputy Secretary-General of the ASEAN Economic Community Satvinder Singh said the reforms included aspects of liberalising cargo services, standardising regulations and accelerating the implementation of the ASEAN Single Aviation Market (ASAM) which could further strengthen the Southeast Asian aviation sector. He is also optimistic that the current global challenges can strengthen the ASEAN aviation sector for the next one to two years. "I hope we can come together again in another year or two to say that this crisis has its benefits and this is what unites us," he said at a panel session at the Airports Council International (ACI) Asia Pacific and Middle East Regional Assembly, Conference and Exhibition here, today. Satvinder said ASEAN member states were seen to be using the crisis as a catalyst to improve coordination, strengthen resilience and accelerate reforms that had previously been at a slower pace. He said ASEAN was also finalising what was described as the world's largest regional digital agreement that had legal validity and was expected to be signed later this year in Manila. The agreement is expected to support the aviation sector and regional connectivity by improving payment systems, data flows and e-commerce integration. In addition, he said that despite concerns about trade disruptions and geopolitical tensions, ASEAN entered 2026 in a strong position with the region's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growing by 4.9 percent in 2025, exceeding the initial projection of 4.2 percent. Regional trade also grew by 8.8 percent, rising from US$3.8 trillion (US$1= RM3.93) to US$4.3 trillion while foreign direct investment (FDI) grew by 10 percent. Satvinder said ASEAN leaders have also shown strong unity in addressing current challenges, including cooperation to ensure the resilience of the energy and aviation sectors. He cited Thailand's offer to support neighboring countries with surplus jet fuel as an example of the spirit of cooperation in the region. The current crisis is also an opportunity to strengthen aspects of intra-ASEAN travel and regional integration. In addition, he stressed the importance of accelerating the ratification process of aviation agreements within ASEAN to enhance the implementation of the ASAM. "We need to increase the ratification process in the region and leverage existing efforts to enable this agreement to be fully implemented," he said. ASEAN, he said, has made great progress in its efforts to liberalize third and fourth freedoms of traffic rights and is now continuing negotiations on air services agreements with key allies including the European Union, Japan, South Korea and the United Kingdom. "However, there is still much to be done, particularly in liberalising air cargo services, harmonising regulations and strengthening mutual recognition in the aviation safety system," he said. Satvinder also stressed the strategic importance of air cargo links to the ASEAN semiconductor industry, with the region producing 60 to 70 percent of the world's semiconductors and largely dependent on air transport services. Apart from aviation liberalisation, Satvinder said ASEAN is also working to advance broader regional initiatives in the aspects of digitalisation and sustainability. Commenting on sustainability, he said ASEAN countries are likely to increase efforts in the development of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and biofuels by leveraging the strong capabilities of the agricultural sector and the region's extensive agricultural waste resources. According to Satvinder, while the current crisis is creating operational challenges across the aviation sector, the situation also highlights the urgent need for ASEAN countries to move faster in terms of regional coordination, resilience and long-term transformation. -- BERNAMA

Geopolitical uncertainty an opportunity for ASEAN to accelerate aviation reform

BANGKOK: ASEAN sees the current geopolitical and economic uncertainties involving the aviation sector as an opportunity to boost regional cooperation as well as accelerate long-overdue reforms. Deputy Secretary-General of the .... read more