China (Yulin) – Malaysia Economic and Trade Cooperation Matchmaking Conference
Vice Mayor of Yulin leads high-level delegation to foster trade and investment in Kuala Lumpur
The China (Yulin) – Malaysia Economic and Trade Cooperation Matchmaking Conference was successfully held today at JW Marriott Kuala Lumpur, marking a significant milestone in the economic partnership between Yulin City, Shaanxi Province, and Malaysia.
Led by Mr. Yang Yang, Vice Mayor of Yulin City, the event was attended by senior government officials and business representatives from both nations, highlighting a shared commitment to deepening collaboration under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). This conference also marked the first official delegation from Yulin to Southeast Asia, and the first-ever Economic and Trade Cooperation Matchmaking Conference held by the city in Malaysia.
The conference aimed to introduce Yulin’s economic potential and investment environment to Malaysian enterprises, capitals, and industrial partners, while exploring new opportunities for trade, industrial cooperation, and cultural exchange.
“This year marks the beginning of a new Golden 50 Years of China–Malaysia diplomatic relations. Just as the ancient Silk Road connected our civilizations, today’s Belt and Road Initiative opens a new chapter for mutual prosperity,” said Vice Mayor Yang Yang during his keynote address.
Strengthening Bilateral Cooperation and City-Level Partnership
During the visit, Yulin City also meet with ECERDC and BPEN, marking the first such initiative between Yulin and a Southeast Asian region. This step paves the way for long-term collaboration in trade, culture, tourism, and education between both sides.
The delegation also met with key Malaysian political, business, and industry associations to explore cooperation in areas including energy, manufacturing, modern agriculture, new materials, and green energy.
Yulin’s delegation included senior officials such as Ren Xiaochun, Director of the Bureau of Foreign Affairs and Economic Cooperation, Liu Jun, Director of theBureau of Commerce, and Qiao Jie, Director of the Bureau of Science and Technology, along with representatives from multiple districts, counties, and industrial zones.
Yulin: An Emerging Economic Powerhouse in Northwest China
Located in the northernmost part of Shaanxi Province, Yulin City serves as a strategic hub connecting five provinces — Shaanxi, Gansu, Ningxia, Shanxi, and Inner Mongolia — and is a key player in China’s energy and chemical industries.
In 2024, Yulin’s GDP exceeded RMB 750 billion, ranking it among the top-performing non-provincial capital cities in central and western China. The city is also renowned for its world-class energy reserves, modern industrial parks, and growing sectors in hydrogen energy, magnesium - aluminium manufacturing, and eco-tourism.
Beyond its industrial strength, Yulin is also celebrated as a National Forest City and the birthplace of Loess Plateau culture, demonstrating its success in balancing economic growth with ecological conservation.
Deepening China–Malaysia Economic Synergy
The conference underscored Malaysia’s strategic role as a Southeast Asian partner in the Belt and Road framework, emphasizing the complementary strengths between Yulin’s resources and Malaysia’s industrial and technological expertise.
Malaysia’s advanced manufacturing, energy, and higher education sectors were identified as potential collaborators with Yulin’s fast-growing industries, setting the stage for mutually beneficial investments, technology exchange, and talent cooperation.
“As Yulin’s development resonates with Malaysia’s growth ambitions, this conference serves as a bridge for future collaboration — transforming friendship into concrete partnerships,” added Vice Mayor Yang Yang.
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Cochlear Marks 30 Years in Malaysia and ASEAN with the Launch of Smart Hearing Implant
Cochlear, the global leader in implantable hearing solutions, celebrates 30 years in Malaysia and ASEAN with the launch of the Cochlear™ Nucleus® Nexa® System – the smart cochlear implant system in Malaysia. The implant features internal memory and upgradeable firmware, allowing recipients to access future innovation through firmware updates.
The celebration underscores Cochlear’s long-term commitment to advancing hearing health and accessibility in Malaysia and ASEAN. Since establishing its presence three decades ago, Cochlear has played a pivotal role in supporting thousands of Malaysians and over 10,000 in the ASEAN region living with hearing loss, from children to adults seeking to connect and reconnect to the world of sound.
“Our 30th anniversary is a moment to renew our promise: to ensure that the journey of every person with hearing loss is supported by the smart technology and the most dedicated team in Malaysia and ASEAN,” said Stuart Sayers, President, Asia Pacific & Latin America, Cochlear.
“Malaysia is an integral part of our global ecosystem, from innovation and manufacturing to service and community support. The launch of the Cochlear Nucleus Nexa System symbolises both our heritage and our future, a commitment to progress and improving lives through sound, he continued.”
The Cochlear Nucleus Nexa System introduces a new era of smart implant technology. Built on over a decade of intensive research and development, it features upgradeable firmware and internal memory that allow users to access future innovations. The system enables updates and personalised hearing settings that can be securely stored and transferred to a new Nucleus Nexa Sound Processor, a first in hearing implant technology.
Cochlear has worked alongside Malaysia’s hearing-health community since 1995, including audiologists, surgeons, speech therapists and partner hospitals, to deliver life-changing outcomes for patients of all ages. Through its innovation and collaboration, Cochlear continues to empower individuals to help them hear, connect, and fully participate in life.
In 2022, Cochlear expanded its global manufacturing facility in Kuala Lumpur to meet growing international demand for hearing implant technology. The RM30 million investment created over 270 new job opportunities and strengthened Malaysia’s position as one of the company’s eight global operations overseeing the design, development, manufacture and supply of the Australian-headquartered company.
The expanded 50,000-square-foot facility houses global logistics, supply chain and information technology operations, supporting Cochlear’s production and distribution to more than 180 countries worldwide. It also contributes to the company’s sustainability goals, operating on 100 per cent renewable energy as part of Cochlear’s global target to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2030, aligning with Malaysia’s vision of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.
Cochlear has helped more than 750,000 people globally, earning recognition as the most trusted healthcare company by Newsweek’s World’s Most Trustworthy Companies 2024 list.
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Fortune Honours Malina Ngai as One of Asia's Most Powerful Women: The Science Behind AS Watson's 185-Year Legacy
Dr. Malina Ngai, Group CEO of AS Watson, has been named one of Fortune's Most Powerful Women in Asia 2025, ranking 6th on the list and standing out as the only retail leader among the top 10. The recognition was announced online earlier this month, and the award was formally presented to Ngai at the Fortune Innovation Forum gala dinner held in Kuala Lumpur last night.
Speaking at the forum gala dinner, she talked about ‘The Science Behind a 185-Year Company’ sharing insights on leading a vast retail network amid evolving market dynamics. AS Watson, the world's largest international health and beauty retailer, operates over 17,000 stores across 31 markets. With over 750 stores nationwide, Watsons Malaysia continues to redefine the health and beauty retail experience, serving millions of customers every month through its extensive store network and online platforms. This year also marks a milestone celebration, the 15th anniversary of the Watsons Club loyalty programme, which now proudly serves over 8 million members, reinforcing Watsons Malaysia’s position as one of the most loved and trusted retail brands in the country.
“Leading a company with 185 years of history is both an honour and a challenge,” Ngai stated. "Heritage gives us credibility, but relevance keeps us alive. Tradition gives us roots, but innovation gives us wings." She emphasised the importance of deep listening to customers, colleagues, and partners, and making decisions with both head and heart.
Ngai highlighted the company's focus on talent and agility, stating, "Culture is the bridge between past and future. We invest in talent and agility so our teams can adapt quickly without losing our DNA." Drawing on her background as a competitive athlete, "What sports have taught me is a kind of true resilience that no business school can teach. As a competitive athlete, you train for months for just a few minutes of performance. That focus, anticipation, perseverance, and the spirit of never easily giving up - that's the essence of resilience."
Ngai also shared how sports have shaped her leadership style, emphasising focus under pressure, rapid decision-making, and the importance of teamwork and trust. She underscored AS Watson's commitment to blending "art and science" into retail, using data and AI to personalise offers while maintaining a human connection with customers. "We are a technology-powered company with a human soul," she said.
As AS Watson approaches its 185th anniversary, the company continues to innovate and adapt to meet the evolving needs of its customers, blending its rich heritage with a forward-looking approach.
To learn more about the award, visit: Most Powerful Women Asia | Fortune
To discover more about AS Watson’s history and talent development, visit:
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WM SENIBONG RAISES RM100,000 IN SUPPORT OF PEOPLE WITH AUTISM IN JOHOR BAHRU
A wave of hope and community spirit swept through Johor Bahru as WM Senibong successfully raised RM100,000 through its Walk for Hope Charity Walkathon, held in support of individuals with autism. The event brought together families, friends, and supporters to spread awareness and celebrate the unique abilities of those on the autism spectrum.
Over 1,000 participants gathered at Emerald 3, Crest@Austin early in the morning, united by a shared purpose, to walk for understanding and inclusion. Among those who joined were children from Hope Garden, along with special guests YB Jimmy Puah Wee Tse, Member of Parliament for Tebrau, and YB Puan Amira Aisya binti Abdul Aziz, ADUN Puteri Wangsa, who graciously lent their support to the cause.
The morning was filled with vibrant activities - from stage performances and fun games to delicious food truck treats and health screenings. The highlight of the day was a heartfelt cheque presentation ceremony, where WM Senibong contributed RM100,000 to Hope Garden, helping to boost public awareness and enabling the foundation to continue its efforts in providing education and effective care for people, particularly children with autism.
“We believe everyone deserves the chance to shine in their own way,” said CK Quay, Chief Executive Officer of WM Senibong. “Through this initiative, we hope to bring people together, raise awareness, and foster a more inclusive society where every individual is valued and included.”
The initiative shines a light on the growing need for better support systems for individuals with autism. As of December 31, 2024, the Welfare Department recorded 58,708 registered children with autism nationwide — with Johor ranking second-highest at 6,879 cases, following Selangor with 12,905.
Through Walk for Hope, WM Senibong hopes to continue building awareness and empathy within the community - one that not only understands, but celebrates the differences that make every individual special.
More CSR Initiatives
With every project, WM Senibong strives to create long-term value that extends beyond building beautiful homes, aiming instead to foster thriving environments and empowered communities.
At Senibong Cove, for instance, 20% of the land is dedicated to greenery, complemented by rainwater harvesting systems. The township’s master plan also preserves a four-acre mangrove swamp along Sungai Lunchoo, ensuring the protection of local biodiversity.
In collaboration with Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM), WM Senibong recently organised a hands-on workshop on Green Waste Vinegar (GWV) - a sustainable initiative that repurposes food waste for lake and pond restoration.
Other efforts include meaningful engagement with Orang Asli communities, promoting environmental stewardship while providing employment opportunities in construction and township development.
For more information about WM Senibong and its CSR and sustainability initiatives, visit www.crestataustin.com.my
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