Category: Uncategorized

PETALING JAYA, Feb 27 (Bernama) — Leading professional services firm KPMG in Malaysia reaffirms its commitment to lifelong learning and educational empowerment through the KPMG Young Star Scholarship Program, which is now accepting applications. A key program under the KPMG Education Trust Fund (“ETF”), the Young Star Scholarship program provides financial aid, professional development, and career opportunities to high-achieving accounting and finance undergraduate students from underprivileged backgrounds.

“At KPMG, we see learning as a continuous journey– one that extends beyond the classroom and fuels both personal and professional growth. It is a lifelong journey that opens doors to new opportunities and motivates personal development,” said Foong Mun Kong, Managing Partner of KPMG in Malaysia. “Through KPMG Young Star Scholarship Program, we are investing in the next generation of leaders by equipping them with career defining opportunities, essential skills and experience.”

Since the launch of the KPMG Education Trust Fund in 2022, KPMG has pledged RM5 million over a decade. Each year, approximately RM500,000 is allocated to support KPMG’s various scholarship and sponsorship programs, including the Young Star Scholarship. To date, the programs have supported close to 200 beneficiaries. Notably, 71% of these beneficiaries come from B40 communities.

Empowering scholars through education and experience

To qualify for the KPMG Young Star Scholarship Program, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• A Malaysian citizen.
• Undergraduate students in penultimate year with at least one full academic year remaining.
• Minimum CGPA of 3.5 in STPM, A-Levels, Foundation, or Diploma.
• Proven leadership skills and active participation in extracurricular activities.
• Background in Accounting and Finance.
• Not presently holding other scholarships.

Successful applicants will receive financial support, guaranteed internship placements and job opportunities at KPMG in Malaysia upon graduation, sponsorship to complete their Malaysian Institute of Certified Public Accountants (MICPA) qualification and other benefits from the program.

Applications for the 2025 Young Star Scholarship Program are open until 6 April 2025. Shortlisted candidates will be notified for the next selection stages. For more details or to apply, please visit kpmg.com.my/educationtrustfund.

SOURCE: KPMG PLT

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT: 
Name: Andrew Leong
Assistant Manager, Marketing & Communications
KPMG in Malaysia
Tel: 017-4737042
Email: kaijianleong@kpmg.com.my  

Name: Khadijah Zainal
Executive, Marketing & Communications
KPMG in Malaysia
Tel: 011-11468571
Email: khadijahzainal@kpmg.com.my 

–BERNAMA

LONDON, Feb 26 (Bernama-GLOBE NEWSWIRE) —Malta retains 1^st place in the 2025 Global Citizenship Program Index for the 10^th consecutive year, while Greece reaches the top of the 2025 Global Residence Program Index for the first time, highlighting the dominance of European residence and citizenship by investment programs on Henley & Partners’ annual rankings of the most important investment migration programs in the world. 

The firm onboarded clients from 94 different nationalities in 2024 and received enquiries from over 180 countries. US nationals accounted for 23% of all applications processed by Henley & Partners last year, totaling nearly as many as the next four client nationality groups — Indians, Turkish, Filipinos, and Brits — combined. Comparing 2024 US-American client numbers to five years ago (2019), there has been a staggering increase of over 1,000%. Last year was also record-breaking for the UK, with a 57% increase in the number of applications submitted by British citizens in 2024 versus 2023.

The two indexes — featured in the 2025 edition of the annual Investment Migration Programs report — offer a systematic analysis and comprehensive benchmarking of the world’s most attractive residence and citizenship by investment offerings, providing the gold standard in the sector. Interactive digitalcomparisons of the programs are also available, enabling global investors and wealthy families to select what matters most to them when weighing up their options.

Dr. Christian H. Kaelin, Chairman of Henley & Partners, says, “the publication is important for governments and policy makers looking to attract and retain wealth to achieve greater fiscal autonomy and economic growth. In this era of heightened global volatility, nation states are using residence and citizenship by investment programs as an innovative financing tool to fund development initiatives that mitigate sustainability and climate-related risks, and that directly benefit their citizens. For investors, alternative residence and citizenship is a unique investment that enables them to be as globally diversified as their wealth portfolios.”

Citizenship programs: Malta remains the gold standard

The Global Citizenship Program Index ranks 14 programs, with the strategically located European nation of Malta scoring 76 out of 100 and taking top honors for the 10^th consecutive year. Retaining 2^nd place with a score of 75 is Austria’s premium citizenship by investment offering, which requires applicants to make a substantial contribution to the country’s economy. The next two ranks are occupied by Caribbean island nations: Grenada 3^rd with a score of 69, and Antigua and Barbuda 4^th with 67.

Three other Small Island Developing States (SIDS) share the 5^th spot, each scoring 66: newcomer to the index, Nauru, along with St. Kitts and Nevis and St. Lucia. Nauru’s citizenship program offers significant advantages in global mobility, granting an alternative and safe passport to travel on, with visa-free access to some of the world’s key wealth hubs. Successful applicants will also be contributing to climate crisis solutions in the South Pacific, where SIDS face rising sea levels and biodiversity loss, with the funds channeled into development projects, including climate resilience initiatives, infrastructure improvements, renewable energy projects, and sustainable economic diversification.

Residence programs: Greece takes the crown

In the 2025 Global Residence Program Index, which ranks 26 programs, Greece’s popular golden visa program secures top spot with a score of 73 out of 100, toppling Portugal, which has held or shared first place for the past nine years. Portugal now ranks joint 3^rd with Italy and the UK, all scoring 70, while Switzerland, which has an option developed by Henley & Partners that combines private residence with Swiss forfait tax provisions, ranks 2^nd with a score of 72.

Australia, which recently launched its National Innovation Visa (NIV) Program to attract high-level tech skills, Canada, which introduced changes to its Start-Up Visa Program to enhance its appeal and flexibility for entrepreneurs, and Spain (due to close in early 2025) are all joint 4^th, each scoring 69, and the UAE, which strategically expanded its golden visa program last year to attract top talent and drive growth and innovation, rounds up the Top 5 with a score of 68.

One of two new entrants to the index in 2025 is Hungary which ranks 6^th with a score of 67. Small but powerful wealth hubs — Luxembourg and Singapore — occupy the 7^th and 8^th spots, scoring 66 and 65, respectively, while two others share the 9^th spot: Jersey and Panama, both scoring 64. Costa Rica, the second newcomer to the index, rounds up the Top 10 with a score of 63 out of 100 and offers investors and their families a business-friendly landscape, a favorable tax regime, and a safe environment in Central America.

Read Full Press Release

Media Contact: Sarah Nicklin

sarah.nicklin@henleyglobal.com

Mobile +27 72 464 8965
 
SOURCE: HENLEY & PARTNERS GROUP HOLDINGS LTD

–BERNAMA

KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 25 (Bernama) — iHerb, one of the world’s leading online retailers for health and wellness products, celebrated a groundbreaking 2024, with net sales surpassing US$2.4 billion, marking a historic peak for the company. (US$1=RM4.40)

The growth was propelled by robust customer demand and a commitment to exceptional service, as the e-commerce retailer fulfiled 37 million orders across 180 countries, reinforcing its position as a trusted global leader in the health and wellness industry.

Its chief executive officer, Emun Zabihi, praised the company’s resilience amid global challenges, emphasising the trust built with customers through quality products and seamless service.

“As we look ahead, we remain committed to our mission of making health and wellness accessible to all,” he said in a statement.

iHerb achieved a 14.5 per cent year-over-year increase in net sales, topping US$2.4 billion. The company’s Anniversary Sale in September 2024 set new records in various metrics, generating around US$250 million in sales and contributing to iHerb’s robust international presence.

Active customers grew by 20 per cent to 12.4 million, with repeat customers responsible for 73 per cent of orders. High customer loyalty was reflected in a 90 per cent satisfaction rate and an impressive 85.6 per cent Net Promoter Score (NPS).

In addition, iHerb sourced nearly 250 new brands in 2024, including major names like Olaplex and Superfoods. The company’s product catalogue now includes over 50,000 items, spanning health, wellness, beauty, and nutrition solutions.

Investments in culturally diverse products, the customer platform, now available in 22 languages, helped iHerb broaden its reach with a presence in 25 global marketplaces such as JD and Rakuten.

With seven logistics centres in the United States and abroad, iHerb maintained fast shipping times, with nearly half of its orders arriving in under three days. New shipping methods and free delivery in 80 countries have further strengthened its logistics capabilities.

Building on the momentum of 2024, iHerb plans to strengthen its market position by expanding product lines, enhancing customer relationships, and driving innovation to meet evolving consumer needs. The company is opening two additional fulfilment facilities strategically in Dallas, Texas, and Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, to speed up delivery times and support its growing customer base.

To drive growth, the company plans to focus on three strategic pillars, namely invest in targeted digital campaigns to attract health-conscious consumers; enhance product selection; and achieve sustainable growth through operational excellence.

iHerb is poised for continued success as it builds on its strengths, delivering accessible health and wellness solutions for millions of customers worldwide.

— BERNAMA

KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 20 (Bernama) — The European Capital of Culture officially kicked off at Europe Square, the symbolic centre of both Slovenian Nova Gorica and Italian Gorizia, with a grand celebration on Feb 8, coinciding with Slovenia’s Cultural Holiday.

Titled From Station to Station, the opening event will feature performances by musicians, dancers, and folklorists across both cities, followed by an unforgettable cultural spectacle at Nova Gorica’s municipal building.

According to the Slovenian Tourist Board in a statement, over the next several months, the GO! 2025 programme will feature a range of events, including concerts, theatre performances, art exhibitions, film screenings, and culinary experiences.

Key highlights include March for Europe (May 1 to 9), transforming border crossings into art; Tastes without Borders (Sept 26 to 28), offering a feast of gourmet delights; and the Enlightened Closing Ceremony (Dec 1 to 3), illuminating both cities in a spectacular finale.

Highlights also include concerts by Alexander Gadjijev, Borderless Body, Dodecalogy 1972–1983, EPIC, ISOLABS, and Benedetti Life, celebrating unity, creativity and cultural heritage.

GO! 2025 also offers an opportunity to explore the region’s rich history and nature. Nova Gorica, Slovenia’s youngest city, is known for its modernist architecture and proximity to the scenic Soča River, offering plenty of natural beauty. Visitors can explore the Soča Valley, visiting Tolmin, Kobarid, and Bovec.

To stay updated on events, attendees are encouraged to use the Wherever You Go! – GO!2025 web app, which offers the latest event details, or the BulevAR app, which enhances the experience by using augmented reality to bring the past and present of Nova Gorica and Gorizia to life.

The Slovenian Tourist Board is deeply engaged in promoting GO! 2025, recognising arts and culture as a central theme of 2024–2025 promotional activities.

— BERNAMA

· ALMANAR brings ROSHN’s integrated community living to Makkah Al-Mukarramah, offering over 700 new homes available for sale in the first batch.
· With a diverse selection of homes strategically positioned within walking distance of key amenities, ALMANAR promises residents convenience and quality of life.

RIYADH, Saudi Arabia, Feb 18 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) — ROSHN Group, Saudi Arabia’s leading multi-asset class real estate developer and a PIF company, has launched the first batch of sales for ALMANAR, its first community in Makkah. Providing a new way of living, integrated with vital and lifestyle amenities and located inside Al-Haram Boundary, 20 minutes from Al-Masjid Al-Haram, ALMANAR expands ROSHN’s offering across the Kingdom.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: 
https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250217884369/en/

The first sales offering for ALMANAR includes 727 single-family homes, in several typologies, ranging from 3- to 4-bedroom townhouses and duplexes up to 4- to 5-bedroom villas, including ROSHN Group’s largest C10 villa typology offering. Every home in ALMANAR features stylish kitchens with coordinated color palettes and convenient shaded parking spots. Customers can visit the available exemplary ALMANAR show villa at the on-site Sales Center.

ALMANAR community enjoys a strategic location adjacent to Makkah Gate, just 20 minutes from the Al-Masjid Al-Haram, less than an hour from King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah. Centered around a lush green spine with more than 18% of its footprint composed of green and open public spaces, ALMANAR fosters dynamic community engagement and promotes a healthy, active lifestyle with dedicated paths for walking and cycling.

The community features the rich and vibrant array of amenities signature to ROSHN Group developments, readily accessible from every home on walkable living streets, including, retail and commercial centers schools, and both local and Jumaa mosques. Ideally situated at Makkah’s Western Gate, between the old and new expressways linking the city to Jeddah, ALMANAR community is exceptionally well-connected.

ALMANAR community draws inspiration from the region, with homes embracing traditional architectural styles and adornments rendered in modern materials that beautifully capture the essence and heritage of the region. Sustainability is at the core of ALMANAR community with homes delivering significant energy and water conservation, featuring industry-leading energy-conserving technologies, including modern insulation, and efficient air-conditioning.

The Acting Group CEO of ROSHN Group, Dr. Khalid Johar, stated: “We are thrilled to bring our vision of new way of living to Makkah for the first time, offering the highest standards for a vibrant and integrated community on the doorstep of the holy city that meets all residents’ needs. With ALMANAR community, we honor the region’s rich architectural designs while embracing nature, providing residents the chance to embrace a healthy lifestyle. The sales launch of the first batch of ALMANAR community underscores our commitment to developing exceptional destinations that cater to the diverse needs and aspirations of the Kingdom’s residents, aligning with Vision 2030 objectives for homeownership and quality of life.”

*Source: AETOSWire

View source version on businesswire.com: 
https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250217884369/en/

Contact

Abeer Alqahtani
aalqahtani@apcoworldwide.com

Source : ROSHN Group

–BERNAMA