Connect with us

Media OutReach

Kenanga Investors Recognised At The Global Islamic LSEG Lipper Fund Awards 2025 For Shariah-Compliant Excellence

Published

on

KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 9 June 2025 – Kenanga Investors Berhad (“Kenanga Investors“) has received international recognition for the Kenanga SyariahEXTRA Fund (“KSEF“) which was awarded under the Mixed Asset MYR Balanced 10 Years category at the Global Islamic LSEG Lipper Fund Awards 2025. The KSEF recently won the Best Mixed Asset MYR Balanced – Malaysia Islamic Funds Awards Over 10 Years title at the LSEG Lipper Fund Awards 2025. This recognition further affirms Kenanga Investors’ standing as a leading global asset and wealth management firm.

Datuk Wira Ismitz Matthew De Alwis, Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of Kenanga Investors Berhad

Datuk Wira Ismitz Matthew De Alwis, Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer said, “We are pleased that the Kenanga SyariahEXTRA Fund has received its second Lipper recognition in a year for its impressive performance. Shariah-compliant funds have seen increased interest, partly due to inclination toward defensive sectors like healthcare, telecommunications, and utilities, which tend to be more resilient during market downturns, making them attractive to both Muslim and non-Muslim investors seeking resilience amid market uncertainty. The Fund exemplifies our commitment to investing for good, blending Shariah principles with the benefits of impact investing. By focusing on sectors that align with both ethical values and long-term sustainability, we strive to deliver strong returns for our investors while contributing to meaningful, positive outcomes.

As at 31st March 2025, the KSEF delivered returns of 46.30%* (5-years), 62.85%* (10-years), 220.02%* (since inception). Launched in 1996, KSEF aims to provide investors with medium to long-term capital appreciation through investments in specified asset classes by adopting a balanced approach towards equities and fixed income exposure based on Shariah principles.

Lee Sook Yee, the Chief Investment Officer of Kenanga Investors explained, “The KSEF’s outperformance is mainly attributed to Shariah-compliant stock, sukuk selection and asset allocation. The team continued the strategy of identifying key sectors or groups of Shariah-compliant securities that we believe would perform well under an anticipated economic condition. Individual Shariah-compliant securities selection will then focus on well-managed, financially sound companies with attractive relative valuations and a potential for high earnings growth over the medium to long term time frame. We believe in staying consistent with our investment philosophy so that we may manage our portfolios effectively to capitalise on market opportunities, even with volatility”.

The firm recently saw its innovative efforts within the Shariah investing landscape recognised at the Bursa Excellence Awards 2024 which awarded its exchange-traded funds’ arm, Eq8 Capital Sdn Bhd with the Special Award – Thought Leadership for launching Eq8 FTSE Malaysia Enhanced Dividend Waqf ETF, the world’s first Waqf-featured Exchange Traded Fund. The Waqf ETF aims to distribute income annually with half of the income distribution to be allocated as Waqf assets with the remaining half payable to unitholders.

The Global Islamic LSEG Lipper Fund Awards celebrate funds and fund management firms that have delivered consistently strong risk-adjusted performance relative to peers.

For more information about Kenanga Investors, please visit www.kenangainvestors.com.my.

*Source: Lipper Investment Analytics, 31 March 2025.

Hashtag: #Kenanga

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

Kenanga Investors Berhad 199501024358 (353563-P)

We provide investment solutions ranging from collective investment schemes, portfolio management services, alternative investments, as well as wills and trusts for retail, corporate, institutional, and high net worth clients via a multi-distribution network.

The Morningstar Award 2025 has recognised the Kenanga Blue Chip Fund as Best Malaysia Large-Cap Equity Fund. The Bursa Excellence Awards 2024 awarded KIB’s exchange-traded funds’ arm, Eq8 Capital Sdn Bhd with the Special Award – Thought Leadership for launching Eq8WAQF, the world’s first Waqf-featured Exchange Traded Fund. Introduced under a newly established category, the award highlights innovations that are reshaping the investment landscape.

At the LSEG Lipper Fund Awards Malaysia 2025, KIB received awards for the Kenanga DividendEXTRA Fund (“KDEF”) under the Best Equity Malaysia Diversified – Malaysia Funds over 3 years, Kenanga Malaysian Inc Fund (“KMIF”) under the Best Equity Malaysia Diversified – Malaysia Provident Funds over 10 years, Kenanga Balanced Fund (“KBF”) under the Best Mixed Asset MYR Balanced – Malaysia Provident Funds over 10 years, Kenanga Managed Growth Fund (“KMGF”) under Best Mixed Asset MYR Flexible – Malaysia Provident Funds over 10 years, and Kenanga SyariahEXTRA Fund (“KSEF”) under the Best Mixed Asset MYR Balanced – Malaysia Islamic Funds Awards over 10 years.

The Hong Kong-based Asia Asset Management’s 2025 Best of the Best Awards awarded KIG under the following categories, Malaysia Best Impact Investing Manager, Best Impact Investing Manager in ASEAN, Malaysia Best Equity Manager, Malaysia CEO of the Year (Co-Winner), Malaysia CIO of the Year, Malaysia Best House for Alternatives, Malaysia Best ESG Engagement Initiative, Malaysia Fund Launch of the Year, and Malaysia Best Retail Asset Management Company.

The FSMOne Recommended Unit Trusts Awards 2024/2025 has awarded the Kenanga Growth Fund Series 2 with the “Sector Equity – Malaysia Focused” award for the third consecutive year since 2022. We were also recognised at The BrandLaureate BestBrands Awards 2024 – Brand of the Year under the category Wealth Management & Investment Solutions. For the eighth consecutive year, KIB was affirmed an investment manager rating of IMR-2 by Malaysian Rating Corporation Berhad, since first rated in 2017. The IMR rating on KIB reflects the fund management company’s well-established investment processes and sound risk management practices.

This Press Release was issued by Kenanga Group’s Marketing, Communications & Sustainability department.

Media OutReach

New Battery-Operated Bluetooth® Controller Enables Truly Mobile, Plug-and-Play Access

Published

on

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 30 July 2026 – Power limitations, tight spaces, and complex security setups have traditionally made Bluetooth® access hardware difficult to implement—especially in mobile, retrofit, or remote environments. Southco’s new Battery-Operated Single Output Bluetooth® Controller eliminates these barriers with a fully self-contained, plug-and-play solution that delivers long battery life, simplified installation, and secure mobile access.

Battery Operated Bluetooth Controller

Powerful Performance from Just Four AA Batteries

Powered by only four AA batteries, the controller delivers over two years of operation when driving a 12VDC latch, dramatically reducing maintenance compared to typical battery-powered systems. Its high-efficiency internal buck/boost technology ensures optimal power delivery while using fewer batteries than conventional approaches.

Redundant Power for Critical Access

When batteries eventually require replacement, Southco has designed built-in redundancy to avoid downtime. A power override port—compatible today with a 9V battery and adaptable for future power inputs—provides temporary power so users can unlock the enclosure, replace batteries, and restore full operation quickly.

Smart Monitoring Through the Keypanion® App

Battery health is continuously monitored through Southco’s Keypanion® App, which alerts users well before battery replacement is needed, reducing the likelihood of emergency access situations.

For Original Equipment Manufacturers building their own mobile apps, Southco also offers a Software Development Kit (SDK), enabling seamless integration between the controller and customers’ existing digital ecosystems.

Designed for Real-World Enclosures

A removable battery pod allows fast, frustration-free battery changes—especially valuable in tight, hard-to-reach installations. Users can slide out the cartridge, load all batteries at once, and reinsert it without navigating cramped enclosure spaces.

The controller also features true plug-and-play installation. Simply insert the four AA batteries, plug in the latch, and the system is ready to operate—no wire splicing, no external power, and no additional electronics required.

Mobile Access Without Security Infrastructure

With the Keypanion® App, users can activate, manage, and share access directly from a mobile device. There is no server setup, no IT overhead, and no wiring required. Permissions can be granted or revoked instantly, replacing physical keys with secure digital control.

New Possibilities for Remote and Unpowered Applications

This combination of self-contained power, Bluetooth® connectivity, and mobile access expands what designers can do in environments once considered too challenging for electronic access. Ideal applications include:

  • Remote and public installations without external power
  • Retrofit upgrades for existing unpowered enclosures
  • Critical infrastructure such as fiber optic boxes requiring secure, monitored access

By eliminating the need for solar panels, power drops, or complex security systems, Southco’s Battery-Operated Bluetooth® Controller reduces material costs and gives OEMs far greater design freedom.

A Flexible, Future-Ready Solution

Beyond immediate use cases, the power override port helps engineers address mechanical override considerations by providing a reliable method to restore power and gain entry when traditional power sources fail—a major benefit noted by early customer feedback.

The Battery-Operated Single Output Bluetooth® Controller provides a strong foundation for the next generation of remote access solutions, delivering convenience, efficiency, and security in one streamlined device.

For more information, please visit www.southco.com or email Southco’s 24/7 customer service team at in**@*****co.com.

Hashtag: #Southco

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

About Southco

Southco, Inc. is the leading global designer and manufacturer of engineered access solutions. From quality and performance to aesthetics and ergonomics, we understand that first impressions are lasting impressions in product design. For over 80 years, Southco has helped the world’s most recognized brands create value for their customers with innovative access solutions designed to enhance the touch points of their products in transportation and industrial applications, medical equipment, data centers and more. With unrivalled engineering resources, innovative products and a dedicated global team, Southco delivers the broadest portfolio of premium access solutions available to equipment designers throughout the world.

Southco Asia Limited
2401, Tower 2, Ever Gain Plaza
88 Container Port Road, Kwai Chung
Hong Kong

Continue Reading

Media OutReach

OTIC Hearing Unveils New Audiological Milestones In Hong Kong: Launching The Award-Winning Oticon Zeal And The Pediatric Oticon Play SI Platforms

Published

on

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 30 July 2026 – OTIC Hearing, the leading hearing care clinical network and sole distributor of Oticon A/S in Hong Kong, has announced the launch of two breakthrough hearing solutions: Oticon Zeal™ and Oticon Play SI™.

Developed to mimic natural brain sound processing, these platforms represent a major leap forward in treating hearing loss across all ages. Together, the Oticon Zeal and Oticon Play SI lines bring the next evolution of BrainHearing™ technology to Hong Kong. Headlining this release is the custom-molded Oticon Zeal, which recently won the 2026 Red Dot Design Award—one of the world’s most prestigious international seals of design quality and innovation. By introducing these dual systems, OTIC Hearing effortlessly bridges the gap between invisible aesthetics for image-conscious adults and robust learning support for developing children.

Oticon Zeal: Setting a New Standard for Invisible Hearing Technology

For many adults experiencing mild-to-moderate hearing impairment, the social stigma of traditional behind-the-ear devices remains a major deterrent to seeking intervention. Oticon Zeal rewrites this narrative with its NXT In-the-Ear (ITE) style.

Individually sculpted to fit deeply within the user’s ear canal, Oticon Zeal achieves absolute invisibility when viewed from a frontal profile, presenting an ultra-compact faceplate only when observed directly from the side. This is achieved via advanced 3D modeling and laser-sculpting technology, which integrates complex components into an exceptionally small shell without compromising on features.

Overcoming a historic limitation of invisible hearing aids, the frequent changing of tiny disposable batteries; Oticon Zeal introduces an integrated lithium-ion rechargeable power cell. The system delivers up to 20 hours of continuous battery life on a single charge. Every device pairs with a desktop SmartCharger that functions as a mobile power bank. For urgent situations, a fast-charging protocol provides four hours of operational power from a brief 15-minute charge.

Deep Neural Network 2.0 Processing

At the core of Oticon Zeal’s processing is an on-chip, second-generation AI engine. Driven by an updated Deep Neural Network (DNN) 2.0 and a SuddenSound Stabilizer, the processor scans and balances the surrounding soundscape hundreds of times per second.

Standard digital hearing systems often rely on narrow, directional microphones that isolate a single speaker while dampening peripheral noise. This artificial restriction deprives the brain of essential contextual audio, creating cognitive strain and mental fatigue.

In contrast, Oticon Zeal’s AI preserves a natural, 360-degree open soundscape. By suppressing sudden background noises by up to 12 decibels while actively enhancing speech clarity by up to 6 decibels, the platform allows the brain to naturally choose which sound source to focus on, even within high-volume environments like corporate meetings or crowded restaurants.

Oticon Play SI: Purpose-Built Pediatric Care for Growing Minds

Alongside the adult-focused Oticon Zeal, OTIC Hearing is introducing Oticon Play SI to deliver specialized auditory care tailored directly to the unique developmental requirements of growing children. The Oticon Play SI family is optimized to deliver a rich, high-fidelity sound stream essential for language acquisition, academic success, and social confidence.

Children live dynamic lives, moving rapidly from quiet homes to noisy classrooms and playgrounds. Oticon Play SI addresses this volatility by becoming the industry’s first pediatric family to combine a second-generation AI processing core with integrated 4D user-intent sensors.

These sensors track physical head movements, body activity levels, and localized acoustic shifts. The system automatically adjusts its processing parameters in real time, ensuring the child remains clearly connected to teacher instructions, parental guidance, and peer interactions.

To withstand childhood adventures, Oticon Play SI features an IP68-certified robust housing, offering maximum protection against dust, moisture, and debris. This fully sealed architecture safeguards delicate internal circuitry from sweat, rain, and accidental spills. Available in versatile miniRITE R and miniBTE R styles, the lineup offers a broad array of 12 expressive color choices, seven colored ear-hook options, and custom decorative stickers, empowering children to wear their devices with personal pride.

Advanced Digital Connectivity

To seamlessly interface with today’s digital environment, both Oticon Zeal and Oticon Play SI feature state-of-the-art streaming protocols. Utilizing advanced Bluetooth® LE Audio technology, both product families deliver low-energy direct audio streaming from smartphones, tablets, laptops, and smart televisions, keeping users connected without draining device batteries.

Hashtag: #OTIC

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

About OTIC Hearing

Established in 2005, OTIC Hearing (Otic Hearing & Speech Centre) is one of the largest, most trusted hearing care clinical groups in Hong Kong. Guided by a corporate philosophy of “People First”, OTIC Hearing manages a comprehensive network of eight specialized service centers strategically distributed across Hong Kong Island, Kowloon, and the New Territories. Clinics are located in Central, Causeway Bay, Jordan, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kwun Tong, Shatin, Tsuen Wan, and Yuen Long.

As the exclusive distributor of Oticon A/S in Hong Kong, OTIC Hearing pairs world-leading technology with an elite team of clinical audiologists and technical hearing specialists. Every facility is fully outfitted with advanced diagnostic and testing instrumentation, allowing the clinical team to deliver precise hearing assessments, custom-fitting protocols, and specialized pediatric auditory rehabilitation. OTIC Hearing maintains a strict commitment to ongoing professional training, ensuring that every client receives a supportive, accurate rehabilitation journey designed to restore lifestyle confidence.

Continue Reading

Media OutReach

Pacific Century Premium Developments Limited announces interim results for six months ended June 30, 2026

Published

on

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 29 July 2026

2026 Interim Results – Financial Highlights

(Figures for the corresponding period in 2025 are shown in brackets)

  • Consolidated revenue: HK$593 million (HK$ 636 million)
  • Consolidated net loss attributable to equity holders of the Company: HK$189 million (HK$ 249 million)
  • Basic loss per share: 9.28 HK cents (12.23 HK cents)
  • No interim dividend (No interim dividend)

Pacific Century Premium Developments Limited (“PCPD”, SEHK: 00432) announced its interim results for the six months ended June 30, 2026.

The consolidated revenue of PCPD and its subsidiaries (together, the “Group”) amounted to HK$ 593 million, compared to HK$ 636 million for the corresponding period of 2025.

The Group’s consolidated loss attributable to equity holders of the Company for the first six months of 2026 totalled HK$ 189 million, compared to a net loss of HK$249 million for the corresponding period last year. Basic loss per share for the six months ended June 30, 2026 was 9.28 Hong Kong cents, compared to a loss per share of 12.23 Hong Kong cents for the corresponding period of 2025.

The Board of Directors did not declare an interim dividend for the first half of 2026.

For the first half of 2026, the Group delivered encouraging results as we built on our core strengths and benefited from resilient demand across the markets in which we operate. During the period, we also took steps to enhance our portfolio, including the disposals of two investment assets. These initiatives are expected to strengthen the Group’s financial position and reinforce its long-term growth.

Our operations in Japan performed well despite some moderation in tourism demand, shaped by changes in the composition of international visitors and fluctuations in travel demand. Park Hyatt Niseko, Hanazono, our hospitality business in Niseko, Hokkaido, delivered a stable performance with healthy occupancy and room rates, while our ski operations remained a key contributor to the Group’s results. Earnings from our recreational facilities, ski lifts, equipment rentals, “Hanazono EDGE” (a restaurant and entertainment centre) and Niseko International Snowsports Schoolcontinued togrow year-on-year. We will stay focused on establishing Niseko Hanazono Resort as a world-class, all-season luxury destination and remain optimistic about its long-term development.

On March 16, 2026, the Group announced the sale of its entire interest in Pacific Century Place, Jakarta (“PCP Jakarta”) in Indonesia. The transaction, at a total consideration of US$400 million, was completed on June 8, 2026. Notwithstanding the disposal, the Group will continue to provide property management services in respect of PCP Jakarta.

On February 13, 2026, the Group announced the sale of its entire interest in Midtown Niseko. The transaction, at a total consideration of US$80 million, was completed on May 31, 2026.

The Group formed a strategic alliance with Hotel Properties Limited in Singapore to bring a Four Seasons Resort and Branded Residences to Aquella, a large-scale integrated resort development in Phang Nga. The move represents a significant milestone in PCPDs long-term vision of transforming Aquella into an integrated resort destination that effortlessly blends luxury living, recreation and exceptional service.

Central Residence by the Park in Hong Kong was launched for sale in January 2026. As at the end of June, 90.9% of the total available units of the luxury residential project had already been sold. The project will be completed in the latter half of 2026.

Mr. Benjamin Lam, PCPD’s Deputy Chairman and Group Managing Director, said: “The first half of 2026 presented a challenging global environment, characterised by geopolitical tensions including the conflict in the Middle East, inflation, trade uncertainties and concerns over monetary policies. Despite the headwinds, global growth was relatively resilient, while international tourism in many parts of Asia continued to perform steadily. The Group’s core markets in Asia generally remained solid during the period. Tourism demand continued to support Japan and Thailand despite a slightly more measured pace of growth. Improving sentiment in Hong Kong’s property market also provided a more favourable backdrop for our luxury residential development.

In the second half of the year, we will continue to enhance the value of our existing assets while positioning the Group to capitalise on opportunities that support our long-term strategy and create value for our stakeholders.”

Hashtag: #PacificCenturyPremiumDevelopments

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

About PCPD

Pacific Century Premium Developments Limited (“PCPD” or the “Group”, SEHK: 00432) is principally engaged in the development and management of premium-grade property and infrastructure projects as well as premium-grade property investments. PCCW Limited (“PCCW”, SEHK: 00008) is the single largest shareholder of the Group.

Continue Reading