Category: Uncategorized

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 2 (Bernama) — Pacifica Hotels G.K. and its subsidiary Furano Hospitality G.K. have signed a franchise agreement with Marriott International to develop Westin Hokkaido Furano Resort, marking the first Westin resort in Japan and the brand’s debut in Hokkaido.

Construction began in August 2026, with the 195-room resort scheduled to open in summer 2029 near the Kitanomine Gondola Station in Furano, offering views of the surrounding mountain range.

The resort will feature multiple restaurants, indoor and outdoor baths, a spa and other guest facilities, including an Omakase counter and an all-day dining outlet serving Hokkaido-sourced seafood, meat, dairy and vegetables.

Pacifica Hotels G.K. and Furano Hospitality G.K. chief executive officer, Seth Sulkin in a statement said the resort is expected to become a leading hotel in Furano and strengthen the destination’s appeal among international visitors.

The project marks Pacifica Hotels’ entry into the upper-upscale hotel and resort segment as the company seeks to support Furano’s development as an international year-round destination, known for its lavender fields in summer and powder snow in winter.

Pacifica Hotels is Japan’s leading third-party operator of international branded hotels and operates properties under franchise agreements with Marriott International and IHG, including Moxy, Fairfield by Marriott, Courtyard by Marriott, City Express by Marriott, Garner by IHG and Holiday Inn & Suites.

— BERNAMA

TERENGGANU, Sept 2 (Bernama) — Yayasan PETRONAS brought together volunteers and local communities at Pantai Seberang Takir to raise awareness of coastal protection and foster a shared responsibility for safeguarding Malaysia’s marine ecosystems. 

In collaboration with the Terengganu State Education Department (JPNT), Kuala Terengganu City Council (MBKT), Green Growth Asia Foundation (GGAF) and the Seberang Takir community, the initiative was anchored on environmental education and community participation. It consisted of a beach clean-up and educational talks as practical platforms to help participants better understand the importance of healthy coastlines, marine biodiversity and responsible waste management.

The beach clean-up session involved 30 volunteers and 50 students from schools participating in the Eco-Schools programme, a GGAF initiative supported by Yayasan PETRONAS.

The participants collectively removed approximately 305 kilogrammes of waste and marine debris from the coastline.

Yayasan PETRONAS Chief Executive Officer, Hajah Shariah Nelly Francis, said, “Protecting the environment is a shared responsibility that requires the collective efforts of communities, educators, institutions and individuals. Through initiatives such as this, we hope to deepen understanding of the important role that coastal ecosystems play in supporting both people and nature, while encouraging practical actions that could contribute to healthier and more resilient coastlines for future generations.”

The outreach effort also saw educational talks and engagement sessions by Universiti Putra Malaysia, Persatuan Pemuliharaan dan Kajian Marin Malaysia and Geng Plastik Ija where experts shared insights to better understand how collective action, from reducing waste to protecting coastal habitats, can contribute to healthier and more resilient coastlines.

Issued by Yayasan PETRONAS

SOURCE: Yayasan PETRONAS

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:
Yayasan PETRONAS
Name: Low Jia Yin
Email: low.jiayin@petronas.com

–BERNAMA

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 1 (Bernama) — The 20th International Travel Expo Ho Chi Minh City (ITE HCMC 2026) will take place from Aug 27 to 29 at the Saigon Exhibition and Convention Center (SECC) in Ho Chi Minh City under the theme “Vibrant Connections – Global Destinations”.

Ho Chi Minh City Department of Tourism Director, Pham Huy Binh said the 20th anniversary marks not only the expo’s growth but also the beginning of a new phase focused on expanding markets, strengthening cooperation and creating new value for Vietnam’s tourism industry.

Held under the direction of Vietnam’s Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and the People’s Committee of Ho Chi Minh City, the expo is co-organised by the Vietnam National Authority of Tourism and Ho Chi Minh City Department of Tourism, with several tourism and exhibition agencies overseeing implementation.

Marking its 20th anniversary, ITE HCMC 2026 will be the largest edition to date, reinforcing its role as a platform for trade promotion and international tourism cooperation while promoting Vietnam as a global tourism destination, according to a statement.

The expo will bring together more than 500 exhibitors, 260 international buyers and facilitate 21,000 business-to-business (B2B) trade appointments. It will also feature three regional Ministerial Tourism Conferences, forums and seminars involving global tourism corporations and organisations, as well as three days of public activities.

The event’s international communications campaign will involve about 60 international media outlets, trade publications, content creators and key opinion leaders, supported by digital campaigns across domestic and international channels.

— BERNAMA

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 26 (Bernama) — Nessum Alliance has expanded Nessum technology in commercial heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) and smart grid applications through deployments by Alliance members Daikin Industries Ltd and Power Plus Communications AG (PPC).

The Alliance also said cumulative worldwide shipments of LSI devices incorporating Nessum intellectual property (IP) have surpassed six million units, according to Panasonic Holdings Corporation, the technology licensor, underscoring its maturity and market adoption.

“As energy management becomes increasingly important across industries, demand for reliable, scalable connectivity continues to grow. Nessum’s growing adoption in HVAC and smart grid applications shows its ability to address real-world challenges and support a more efficient, sustainable future,” said Nessum Alliance Chair, Michimasa Aramaki.

Nessum Alliance in a statement said deployments by Daikin and PPC demonstrate how IEEE 1901-based Nessum technology delivers value in real-world infrastructure environments, connecting systems, devices, and operational data across critical sectors.

In the HVAC sector, Daikin is utilising Nessum as part of its D4-NET architecture for next-generation air conditioning networks. The company has positioned Nessum as key to the evolution and global deployment of HVAC networks.

Meanwhile, in Europe, PPC is advancing smart metering and grid modernisation initiatives requiring reliable, long-distance communications over existing infrastructure. Its activities demonstrate how Nessum can meet smart-grid requirements while helping utilities improve visibility, efficiency, and network management.

Originally developed for high-speed communications over existing wiring, Nessum has evolved into a versatile platform supporting HVAC, smart grids, building automation, industrial facilities and other Internet of Things (IoT) applications, enabling organisations to modernise infrastructure while reducing deployment complexity and cost.

Nessum Alliance said it will continue working with industry leaders to promote interoperability, ecosystem growth, and adoption of IEEE 1901-based communications technologies for connected energy-management infrastructure.

— BERNAMA

YOGYAKARTA, Aug 24 (Bernama) — Malaysia Healthcare Travel Council (MHTC) once again strengthened Malaysia’s presence in Indonesia through MHX Yogyakarta 2026, held from 20 to 23 August 2026 at the Grand Atrium, Pakuwon Mall Jogja. The four-day event came on the back of a record year for the Indonesian market, which generated RM2.2 billion in healthcare travel revenue in 2025, marking a 24% year-on-year increase. The four-day healthcare consumer event underscores Malaysia Healthcare’s commitment to bringing trusted, high-quality healthcare services closer to Indonesian communities while expanding its footprint in one of Indonesia’s fastest-growing regional centres. Held under the Malaysia Year of Medical Tourism (MYMT) 2026 campaign themed Healing Meets Hospitality, MHX Yogyakarta 2026 reinforces Malaysia’s position as the preferred destination for medical tourism by combining world-class medical expertise with compassionate patient care and seamless healthcare experiences.

Yogyakarta has emerged as a strategic market for Malaysia Healthcare, supported by a well-educated population, increasing demand for advanced specialty care, and convenient direct connectivity to Kuala Lumpur. These factors present strong opportunities to further strengthen healthcare collaboration between Malaysia and Indonesia and to provide greater access to specialised treatment options for Indonesian patients.

Speaking on the occasion, Rahmatullah Baragau, MHTC’s Head of Indonesia Market said: “Indonesia has always been Malaysia Healthcare’s closest and most valued market, and Yogyakarta represents an exciting opportunity as healthcare awareness and demand for specialised treatments continue to grow. Through MHX Yogyakarta 2026, we aim to strengthen public confidence in Malaysia Healthcare while bringing our trusted healthcare ecosystem closer to local communities.”

More than 15 member hospitals participated, showcasing Malaysia’s strengths across various medical disciplines including cardiology, oncology, orthopaedics, fertility, health screening, gastroenterology, and other specialised services.

Participating list of hospitals:

1. Island Hospital Penang
2. Institut Jantung Negara
3. Mahkota Medical Centre
4. Subang Jaya Medical Centre
5. Alpha IVF & Women’s Specialists
6. Ampang Puteri Specialist Hospital
7. GenPrime Everlink Fertility Centre
8. Hospital Picaso
9. Damansara Specialist Hospital 2
10. KPJ Klang Specialist Hospital
11. MSU Medical Centre
12. Optimax Eye Specialist Centre
13. Pantai Hospital Kuala Lumpur
14. Pantai Hospital Penang
15. Penang Adventist Hospital
16. Sunway Medical Centre Damansara
17. Sunway Medical Centre Penang
18. Sunway Medical Centre Sunway City Kuala Lumpur
19. Thomson Hospital Kota Damansara 

Indonesia continues to be Malaysia Healthcare’s largest source market. Healthcare traveller arrivals from Indonesia reached 968,000 in 2025, a 16% increase from the previous year, reflecting sustained confidence among Indonesian patients in Malaysia’s healthcare offerings. MHX Yogyakarta 2026 forms part of MHTC’s broader strategy to strengthen long-term partnerships with communities, healthcare stakeholders, and local organisations across Indonesia, while supporting MYMT 2026’s goals to position Malaysia as the world’s preferred medical tourism destination.

Photo can be found in this link:
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/10AzLpq9bue6XIhyX-d36lQsp4iuq-lw5?usp=sharing

SOURCE: Malaysia Healthcare Travel Council (MHTC)

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT: 
Name: Mohamad Shahizam Fauzi                                                       
Head, Communications
Tel: +603 8776 6168                                                                                     
Email: shahizam.f@mhtc.org.my

Name: Siti Hamidah Mohd Najib
Senior Executive, Communications
Tel: +603 8776 6168
Email: hamidah.m@mhtc.org.my 

–BERNAMA