01/08/2026

BIZ & FINANCE SATURDAY | AUG 1, 2026

15

TOP SHOTS OF THE WEEK

DREAM AWARD ... Malaysian-owned, Singapore-headquartered StarDream Cruises, home to StarCruises and Dream Cruises, has been honoured with the Special Contributor to Asia Cruise Industry Award at the 2026 Asia Cruise Forum Jeju, in recognition of its contributions to the growth and development of Asia’s cruise industry. It was presented as part of the 11th Asia Cruise Awards. Asia Cruise Leaders Network secretary general Leem Bok Soon (left) presenting the award to StarDream Cruises president Michael Goh on July 23.

MDEC COMMITMENT ... Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC) has reaffirmed its full commitment to supporting the government’s Malaysia Digital 2030 agenda and helping realise the national vision of positioning Malaysia as an inclusive, trusted and globally competitive AI Nation by 2030. The pledge was made at an event to commemorate MDEC’s 30th anniversary and three decades of driving Malaysia’s digital transformation. MDEC chairman Ganesh Kumar Bangah (centre, right) and MDEC CEO Anuar Fariz Fadzil (centre, left) with the senior leadership team at the event to commemorate MDEC’s 30th anniversary.

ROAD TO GROWTH ... Malaysian Technology Development Corporation (MTDC), in partnership with the Sabah Economic Development and Investment Authority (Sedia), convened Road to Growth 2026 Sabah in Kota Kinabalu on Tuesday. The programme brought together technology companies, investors, government agencies and industry players to explore how technology can strengthen business competitiveness and support Sabah’s economic priorities. From left: MTDC group CEO Mohammad Hazani Hassan; Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (Mosti) Undersecretary, Technology Transfer and R&D Commercialisation Division, Boniface Edwin Manung; Science, Technology and Innovation Deputy Minister Datuk Dr Mohammad Yusof Apdal; MTDC chairman Tan Sri Abd. Rahman Mamat; and Sedia chief executive Datuk Seri Panglima Hashim Paijan.

REWARDS CLUB ... MR DIY has launched MR.DIY Club, its first-ever loyalty programme designed to reward Malaysians for their everyday purchases, while enabling families to earn and enjoy benefits together. Free to join, MR.DIY Club offers members points on their purchases, cash vouchers, birthday rewards, and access to exclusive events and workshops. Its Family Account feature, which allows up to five family members to link their memberships and combine their points under one shared account. At the launch of the club on July 21 are, from left, MR DIY representatives Elaine Ho, head of marketing Alex Goh, senior vice-president of marketing; and MR.DIY Club ambassadors Shaheizy Sam and Syatilla Melvin.

HERITAGE HOSPITALITY ... 1926 Heritage Hotel Penang on July 23 celebrated its grand launch as a restored urban resort in the city, bringing a property built in 1926 into a new era of heritage-led hospitality under The Unlimited Collection by The Ascott Limited. Located along Jalan Burma, George Town, the hotel’s 78 rooms and suites breathe new life into a landmark originally built as residences for British officials. At the launch are (starting second, left) 1926 Heritage Hotel Penang general manager Angelina Lazuardi, Penang Exco Member for Trade and Community Unity Goh Choon Aik, Ascott Malaysia country general manager Mondi Mecja, Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, Penang Exco Member for Tourism and Creative Economy Wong Hon Wai, 1926 Heritage Hotel Penang owner Frank Koay and 1926 Heritage Hotel Penang partner Ang Hock Guan.

MUSIC MEETS AI ... The National Tech Association of Malaysia (Pikom) believes an unlikely platform, music, can help develop the human capabilities needed in an AI-driven economy. To showcase this, Pikom Academy, in collaboration with Gig for Good and Musicians for Musicians, organised the inaugural Gig for Good Masterclass Music Festival 2026, which was held from July 24 to 26. The festival brought together technology professionals, corporate leaders, musicians and young talents, attracting more than 500 participants through keynote sessions, panel discussions, masterclasses and live music performances. Photo shows tech leaders (from left) Ray Chou, Melissa Indot, Arasu Ramar, Dr Chanthiran and Gerard Pillai during a panel discussion at the festival.