ASEAN clinical trials among the focus during the CRM Trial Connect 2025, an international clinical trials conference by CRM
KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 2 (Bernama) — As Malaysia celebrates its National Day, the nation also reflects on its strengthened role in global clinical research under its ASEAN Chairmanship 2025. This leadership underscores Malaysia’s commitment to advancing healthcare innovation and positioning the region as a hub for research excellence.
Since the establishment of Clinical Research Malaysia (CRM) in 2012, sponsored clinical research has generated over RM1.6 billion in Gross National Income and created more than 3,000 high-skilled jobs for Malaysians. Globally, the clinical trial market was valued at approximately USD 85 billion in 2024 and is projected to grow by 6.5% annually, with nearly half of this activity now concentrated in the Asia-Pacific region, positioning Malaysia to play a greater role in the years ahead.
At the heart of this progress are the 30,000 Malaysians who have volunteered as clinical trial participants, contributing to medical breakthroughs while gaining earlier access to innovative treatments. Their commitment shows that clinical research is not only about science but about people, whose courage and hope continue to shape a healthier future for all.
From its modest beginnings conducting clinical trials more than two decades ago, Malaysia has grown into a trusted hub for advanced and complex trials. This strength was evident last year when eight of the twenty-five new oncology therapeutics launched globally had been trialled and tested in Malaysia, allowing local patients to access groundbreaking cancer treatments earlier than most parts of the world. Beyond improving patient outcomes, Malaysia’s growing role also strengthens Asian representation in global clinical trials, particularly for diseases more prevalent in this region. These achievements reflect how far the nation has come and its readiness to shape the future of clinical research.
“Malaysia’s leadership in clinical research is not just about global recognition, it’s about keeping people at the heart of these efforts,” said CRM Chief Executive Officer, Dr Akhmal Yusof. “Our focus is on improving patient care while contributing to medical breakthroughs worldwide. As ASEAN Chair, we are proud to show how working together as a region can create benefits that reach far beyond our borders.”
This National Day, Malaysia celebrates not only its unity and independence, but a trusted hub for clinical research — for the nation, for ASEAN and for the world.
About Clinical Research Malaysia (CRM)
Clinical Research Malaysia (CRM) is a Global Trusted Research Management Organisation established by the Ministry of Health Malaysia in 2012. The organisation is guided by the principles of Humanity, Stability and Sustainability in providing global clinical trial solutions and enabling a thriving clinical research ecosystem in the country. At its very core, CRM aims to bring clinical research that addresses the unmet needs of patients and transforms health outcomes in Malaysia.
CRM delivers sponsored clinical trials with Speed, Reliability and Quality through operational excellence and working with stakeholders by providing end-to-end clinical research support services. Certified with both ISO 9001:2015 (Quality Management System) and ISO 37001:2016 (Anti-Bribery Management System), and being aligned to international regulations, our core values and code of conduct are ingrained throughout CRM. The strength of this organisation lies in the people of CRM as we strive in our vision to make Malaysia the preferred clinical research hub in Asia. https://clinicalresearch.my
SOURCE: Clinical Research Malaysia (CRM)
FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT: Name: Siti Nazatul Tokshim Corporate Communications Executive Email: siti.nazatul@clinicalresearch.my Tel : +6019-784 2080 / +603-7931 5566 (ext. 123)
KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 29 (Bernama) — Global wellness online retailer, iHerb is celebrating its 29th anniversary this September with its biggest month-long sales event, highlighting its transformative growth from a California startup into a trusted global retailer serving customers globally.
Throughout September, iHerb is offering 29 per cent off daily deals and weekly brand specials across beauty, vitamins and supplements, personal care, and sports nutrition.
“As we celebrate 29 years, we are reaffirming our mission to make health and wellness accessible to everyone, everywhere, while thanking our customers with savings on the trusted products they love,” said iHerb Chief Executive Officer, Emun Zabihi in a statement.
In a major move to enhance customer experience, iHerb is rolling out 14 new fully localised languages, bringing its total to 36. From Greek to Malay and Swedish, shoppers worldwide can now explore wellness in their native tongue, making the platform more inclusive and accessible than ever.
Furthermore, iHerb’s own House Brands are expanding into cutting-edge product categories, reflecting its commitment to meeting the diverse needs of customers and their families, including their pets.
California Gold Nutrition, the company’s flagship brand, unveiled a host of new products, including gut-health support, anti-ageing supplements, and even pet wellness formulas, while Idealove, its in-house beauty and skincare line, added a sunscreen and hybrid lip-cheek product to its lineup.
With a catalogue of over 50,000 products and US$2.4 billion in 2024 sales, iHerb is also spotlighting its robust affiliate programme. (US$1=RM4.20)
The iHerb Affiliate Program is offering high earnings for new partners, where they can earn 10 per cent or more commission on qualifying purchases through their links.
Supported by a global workforce of 3,000 team members, iHerb serves over 13 million global customers and offers an unbeatable selection of vitamins, minerals, supplements and other health and wellness products.
Marriott Vacation Club, Khao Lak Beach Resort marks the brand’s seventh vacation ownership resort in Asia Pacific, reinforcing growing demand across the region
ORLANDO, Fla., Aug 28 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) — The Marriott Vacation Clubs™, a collection of vacation ownership brands under Marriott Vacations Worldwide Corporation, is expanding its presence in Asia Pacific with the opening of Marriott Vacation Club, Khao Lak Beach Resort in Thailand this August. The new resort is part of broader regional growth, that includes a new development at Marriott’s Enclave at Bali Nusa Dua Terrace and new apartments at Marriott’s Bali Nusa Dua Terrace, as well as the expansion of The Marriott Vacation Club’s marketing call center in Shanghai.
“Our continued investment in Asia Pacific, including the opening of new resorts and the expansion of our call center operations, reflects our long-term commitment to the region,” said John Geller, president and CEO of Marriott Vacations Worldwide. “As interest in vacation ownership continues to rise among Asian travelers and international Owners and Members alike, we’re excited to deepen our presence and deliver exceptional experiences that blend cultural richness with the trusted quality of The Marriott Vacation Clubs portfolio.” Introduction of Marriott Vacation Club, Khao Lak Beach Resort
In August 2025, The Marriott Vacation Clubs will debut its newest destination: Marriott Vacation Club, Khao Lak Beach Resort. Located within the stunning JW Marriott Khao Lak Resort & Spa, just 90 minutes from Phuket International Airport, 52 Family Suites are being thoughtfully transformed into spacious 2-bedroom vacation ownership apartments offering four distinct room types. Designed to comfortably host up to five guests, each apartment blends the warmth of Southern Thai-inspired architecture with traditional furnishings and locally influenced artwork. Perfect for extended stays, the accommodations will feature spacious living and dining areas and cozy bedrooms.
The architecture at the new resort takes cues from a traditional Lanna-style farmhouse, showcasing teak details, simple gabled roofs, warm wood paneling, and wide-open verandahs framing views of the Khao Lak mountains. Here, Owners, Members and guests will have access to JW Marriott Khao Lak Resort & Spa’s garden, part of the resort’s commitment to a sustainable future. The JW Garden supplies the resort with fresh, organic produce, cultivating more than 200 varieties of fruits, vegetables and herbs used across its restaurants. Guests can also take part in hands-on classes and workshops focused on farming, sustainability and well-being. Sustainability is further woven into the guest experience at Marriott Vacation Club, Khao Lak Beach Resort with initiatives designed to reduce environmental impact. Efforts include the elimination of single-use plastics throughout the resort, the use of reusable glass water bottles in guest rooms, and bamboo key cards as a natural, biodegradable alternative to plastic.
As part of the JW Marriott Khao Lak Resort & Spa campus, Owners, Members and guests at Marriott Vacation Club, Khao Lak Beach Resort will also enjoy a range of amenities, including an impressive one-and-a-half-mile lagoon swimming pool, the largest in Southeast Asia, a kids’ pool, 11 restaurants and pool bars, and, in late 2026, pickleball and basketball courts, adventure golf, and bicycles for exploring the area are anticipated to be available.
“Thailand is experiencing a major tourism resurgence, driven by forward-thinking government initiatives such as visa-free entry, increased flight access, a national campaign promoting travel, and renewed global interest sparked by recent film productions taking place here. Interest in the country’s diverse destinations is soaring,” said Lee Dowling, senior vice president and managing director, Asia Pacific, Europe and Middle East. “The debut of Marriott Vacation Club, Khao Lak Beach Resort marks a timely and strategic expansion for The Marriott Vacation Clubs, as we continue to meet growing demand from our Owners, Members and guests for enriching vacation experiences in Asia Pacific. With its beaches, rich cultural heritage, and rising profile as a leisure destination, Khao Lak is a natural fit for the kind of immersive stays our Owners and Members expect.”
Construction of additional apartments began in March with a ceremonial groundbreaking featuring a Brama ritual and Thai monk blessing ceremony to honor and bless the land. Additionally, a new sales gallery will open in early 2026. Designed to deliver a fully immersive experience, the space will introduce guests to the world of vacation ownership through an engaging showcase of the brand’s global portfolio and diverse destinations. This space will also showcase Thai design elements, such as lush tropical greenery, and a refined palette of warm neutrals, celadon green, and soft blue-greys to evoke a sense of place. Reservations are now open for future rental stays on www.MarriottVacationClubs.com, and Owners and Members in Abound by Marriott Vacations™ can use Club Points to reserve stays now with check-ins beginning August 28, 2025.
Continued Growth in Bali Vacation Offerings
The Marriott Vacation Clubs plans to unveil 32 new apartments as part of the Marriott’s Bali Nusa Dua Terrace expansion in early 2026. The new accommodations include 16 one-bedroom and 16 two-bedroom apartments, all featuring fully equipped kitchens and private plunge pools. Owners, Members and guests will also enjoy access to a 2,200-square-foot swimming pool and a 4,500-square-foot sun deck, with a pool bar and private cabanas.
Additionally, the brand will open Marriott’s Enclave at Bali Nusa Dua Terrace next year within the current Marriott’s Bali Nusa Dua Terrace property. The standalone, two-story apartments will include 13 two-bedroom and 13 three-bedroom units, each with a private pool and kitchen. Marriott’s Enclave at Bali Nusa Dua Terrace will also feature a dedicated lobby/check-in area, kids’ club, fitness studio, pool bar, and Owners lounge.
Owners, Members, and guests at both properties will have full access to amenities and facilities at the co-located Renaissance Bali Nusa Dua Resort. This includes access to five food and beverage venues, a pool, full-service spa, and fitness center.
Expansion of Call Center Operations in Shanghai
The Marriott Vacation Clubs is expanding its Shanghai marketing call center and officially opened the new office in summer 2025 with a larger workforce, growing from 80 to 125 associates to support increased demand among Chinese Owners, Members and vacationers. The call center provides dedicated marketing and engagement support, playing a key role in strengthening relationships across the region.
The Marriott Vacation Clubs™ is a part of Marriott Vacations Worldwide Corporation, and is a portfolio of industry leading vacation ownership brands with over 90 properties collectively throughout the U.S., Caribbean, Mexico, Central America, Europe, Asia, and Australia, including the Marriott Vacation Club®, Sheraton® Vacation Club, and Westin® Vacation Club brands. Owners, Members and guests can enjoy year-round access to some of the best vacation destinations with villa-style accommodations. The Marriott Vacation Clubs’ point-based vacation ownership programs provide Owners, Members, and their families with the flexibility to enjoy high-quality vacation experiences. Follow The Marriott Vacation Clubs on FB/IG: @MarriottVacationClub, @SheratonVacationClub, @WestinVacationClub or TikTok @themarriottvacationclubs.
About Marriott Vacations Worldwide Corporation
Marriott Vacations Worldwide Corporation is a leading global vacation Company that offers vacation ownership, exchange, rental and resort and property management, along with related businesses, products, and services. The Company has approximately 120 vacation ownership resorts and approximately 700,000 owner families in a diverse portfolio that includes some of the most iconic vacation ownership brands. The Company also operates exchange networks and membership programs comprised of more than 3,200 affiliated resorts in over 90 countries and territories and provides management services to other resorts and lodging properties. As a leader and innovator in the vacation industry, the Company upholds the highest standards of excellence in serving its customers, investors and associates while maintaining exclusive, long-term relationships with Marriott International, Inc. and an affiliate of Hyatt Hotels Corporation for the development, sales and marketing of vacation ownership products and services. For more information, visit www.marriottvacationsworldwide.com.
in southern China, the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, leveraging its unique geographical location and climatic conditions, has become the country’s largest base for sugarcane cultivation and sugar production. The sugar output of Guangxi’s sugar industry has stably accounted for over 60% of China’s total sugar production, making it a cornerstone of the nation’s sugar industry.
Against this backdrop, a number of representative modern sugar enterprises have emerged in Guangxi. As one of the top 10 sugar enterprises in Guangxi, Guangxi Sungain Sugar Industry Group Co., Ltd. is a private joint-stock group company with sugarcane sugar production and operation at its core, integrated with diversified industrial investments. Sungain Group owns a large-scale sugarcane planting base; it has not only successfully achieved a diversified development layout but also played a demonstration and leading role in promoting the transformation and upgrading of the sugar industry.
The development of Guangxi’s sugar industry has yielded significant social and economic benefits. It has improved the comprehensive benefits of agriculture and become a crucial guarantee for the stable income of farmers in many sugarcane-growing areas. Secondly, the extension of the sugar industry chain — such as the comprehensive utilization of sugar by-products — has further enhanced resource utilization efficiency, enabling green and circular development. Additionally, the growth of sugar enterprises has provided strong support for local finances, promoting the construction of urban and rural infrastructure and the integration of regional economies.
Looking ahead, under the new-era guidelines of the national initiative to advance rural revitalization and coordinated regional development, and supported by relevant policies of the autonomous region government, Guangxi’s sugar industry is continuously strengthening technological innovation and brand building, and accelerating its development towards high-end, intelligent, and green transformation. By effectively utilizing new technologies such as digital agriculture and smart manufacturing, it is actively promoting the integration of the sugar industry with emerging industries, forging a new pattern of modern sugar economy with Guangxi characteristics, and contributing “sweet strength” to driving economic prosperity and social progress in ethnic group areas.
Source: Guangxi Sungain Sugar Industry Group Co., Ltd.
KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 26 (Bernama) — Football fever has taken over Hong Kong as Cristiano Ronaldo leads Al-Nassr into the first-ever Saudi Super Cup held in East Asia, turning the city into a five-day football fan zone.
The 40,000-seat Hong Kong Stadium hosted the tournament from 19 to 23 August, marking a milestone for both the city and the sport.
Organised by Sum KM Sport in collaboration with the Football Association of Hong Kong, China (HKFA) and the Saudi Arabian Football Federation (SAFF), the event features three high-stakes matches, including the grand final between Al-Nassr and Al-Ahli on Aug 23.
On opening night, Ronaldo’s side edged Al-Ittihad 2-1 in a nail-biting semifinal on opening night, while Al-Ahli stormed past Al-Qadsiah 5-1 to secure their spot in the final. During the Saudi Super Cup Final, Al-Ahli clinched the championship over Al-Nassr on 5-3 penalties after a thrilling 2-2 draw.
This marks the first time the Saudi Super Cup, launched in 2013, has ventured beyond the Middle East—spotlighting Hong Kong as a rising hub for international sport, according to the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) in a statement.
The excitement continues with the newly opened CR7 LIFE Museum at K11 MUSEA, an immersive tribute to Ronaldo’s extraordinary life and career, from his humble beginnings in his hometown of Madeira to his record-breaking performances at Manchester United, Real Madrid, Juventus, Al Nassr, and the Portuguese national team.
Soft launched on July 7, the 12,000-square-foot museum is a treasure trove for football enthusiasts, featuring his 2008 Ballon d’Or, Golden Boots, UEFA Champions League trophies, and jerseys from unforgettable matches.
Interactive highlights include the UR7 YouTube Studio, a replica of Ronaldo’s own filming space, and the GOAT Photobooth, where fans can use artificial intelligence to create a souvenir image alongside the legend, while also browsing exclusive merchandise such as signed jerseys and special-edition keepsakes.
With the Saudi Super Cup and the CR7 LIFE Museum both landing in Hong Kong this summer, football fans have the perfect reason to visit the city and take a chance to witness sporting history and learn more about one of the best players of all time.
