AEON Co promotes Tsugutoshi Seko to managing director
KUALA LUMPUR (Feb 9): AEON Co (M) Bhd (KL:AEON) has promoted deputy managing director Tsugutoshi Seko to managing director. Current managing director Naoya Okada will be redesignated as a non-independent and non-executive director on the same date. Seko has been on the retailer and shopping mall operator’s board as a deputy managing director since July 2022. He also previously served as managing director of AEON Cambodia. He was appointed deputy managing director in July 2022, before he was redesignated as managing director in March 2024.
Source:The Edge Markets
February 09, 2026 12:23 UTC
UniCredit to return €50 bil to investors over five years
(Feb 9): UniCredit SpA pledged to return €50 billion (RM232.63 billion) to investors through 2030 as CEO Andrea Orcel vowed to continue one of the most generous distribution policies in Europe. In the almost five years since Orcel assumed his role, UniCredit has undergone a deep transformation, exiting low-performing businesses. The distributions outlined Monday equal those of Italian rival Intesa Sanpaolo SpA, which last week said it plans to return about €50 billion through 2029. UniCredit has more than €4.5 billion excess capital to be deployed to further improve organic or inorganic growth or returned to shareholders, it said. “UniCredit can pursue M&A or return excess capital to shareholders if no better opportunity for deployment is found,” Orcel said in a conference call with analysts.
Source:The Edge Markets
February 09, 2026 12:08 UTC
Novo surges after Hims & Hers abandons Wegovy pill copycat
(Feb 9): Novo Nordisk A/S shares reversed some of last week’s plunge after Hims & Hers Health Inc pulled a copycat version of the new Wegovy weight-loss pill following US government threats to crack down on knockoffs. Hims & Hers backing down “gives Novo a reprieve from the compounded Wegovy pill and may help Novo’s efforts to limit the impact of injectable compounded Wegovy in the future,” Graham Parry, an analyst at Citi, wrote in a note. Pill launchAnalysts had hailed the new Wegovy pill as one of the most successful drug launches in recent years — a badly needed win for the Danish company. Along with compounders, competition between Novo and Lilly and pressure from the Trump administration have seen weight-loss drugs become cheaper, squeezing profit margins. The makers of blockbuster GLP-1 drugs, Novo and Lilly, have long complained the FDA hasn’t done enough to stop the proliferation of cheap, compounded weight-loss drugs.
Source:The Edge Markets
February 09, 2026 11:48 UTC
Schools get ‘cool’ flex in the heat
NIBONG TEBAL: The Education Ministry is concerned about the welfare, health and safety of students, teachers and school staff amid hot and unpredictable weather, particularly in the northern states. “We reiterate this every time the country experiences hot weather. “All school administrators are expected to comply with and refer to these guidelines. The Nibong Tebal MP was responding to queries on the relaxation of school uniform rules and the conduct of school activities during hot weather. She said the guidelines cover school attire, including flexibility to switch to sportswear, as well as the management of students’ physical activities during extreme weather conditions, Bernama reported.
Source:The Star
February 09, 2026 11:41 UTC
Contract doctors offered permanent posts last year to receive relocation allowance
KUALA LUMPUR (Feb 9): The government has agreed to provide transfer and relocation allowances to contract doctors who were offered permanent appointments under the Health Ministry in 2025. Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad said the one-off provision allows eligible officers to claim meal allowances, hotel accommodation or lodging allowances, travel expenses, transportation of personal effects, transfer grants and miscellaneous expenses. “For transfers within Peninsular Malaysia, Sabah, Sarawak and Labuan, claims are capped at 50% of the total eligible amount. Instead, under the SSPA, the government agreed to set a fixed rate for existing recipients and a new fixed rate for newly eligible officers. He added that the BIW is a special allowance or additional incentive granted to officers posted or serving in Sabah and Sarawak.
Source:The Edge Markets
February 09, 2026 11:32 UTC
Teachers leading green revolution at their schools
The Green Wira Showcase 2.0, held late last year in Subang Jaya, Selangor, highlighted a growing movement to equip Malaysian teachers with the tools to implement zero-waste living and green initiatives. “Our goal is to ensure that there is at least one effective green programme running in schools,” she said. “I am an English teacher, but I incorporated green initiatives into my lessons. “This shows green initiatives can be integrated into classroom learning,” the 35-year-old said. Teachers who received RM10,000 grants shared how the funds helped kick-start ecosystem transformations in their schools to facilitate behaviour change.
Source:The Star
February 09, 2026 11:19 UTC
REE development must benefit local communities, says Deputy Minister
KUALA LUMPUR: Developments involving the rare earth elements (REE) industry must provide tangible, broad-based benefits to local communities, says Deputy Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Minister Syed Ibrahim Syed Noh. He said the entire value chain must encompass both upstream and downstream activities, so that producing states are not merely used as mining sites. “They must enjoy economic benefits, attract investment opportunities and foster the growth of supporting industries. He also said the National Minerals Council serves as the main platform to coordinate policies, strategic direction and governance of the minerals sector between the federal and state governments. Syed Ibrahim was responding to a question from Afnan Hamimi Taib Azamudden (PN–Alor Setar), who asked about strategic engagements between the federal and state governments to ensure the REE industry is developed in line with the spirit of federalism.
Source:The Star
February 09, 2026 11:16 UTC
BWF go big and bold with smashing changes to badminton
PETALING JAYA: The Badminton World Federation (BWF) have announced massive changes from 2027 onwards to take the sport to greater heights. There will also be changes in the World Championships which will adopt a group-stage format followed by knockout play, ensuring all competitors contest at least two matches. The Sudirman Cup and Thomas-Uber Cup Finals will expand to more teams, delivering broader international representation and competitive diversity. "We are building a sport that speaks to the next generation," said BWF president Patama Leeswadtrakul. "It is a bold undertaking, but it is exactly what our sport needs to thrive.
Source:The Star
February 09, 2026 11:06 UTC
Land owners urged to make patrols
PETALING JAYA: Land or plantation owners must proactively patrol their surroundings and ensure all fire fighting systems are functioning in view of the current dry, hot season, says the Fire and Rescue Department. The main cause of forest and bush fires, he said, was due to human carelessness. Fires have razed several parts of the country in the past few weeks, including a peat fire in Pengerang, Johor. On Feb 4, about 5ha of forest at the jeep trail near the Penang Botanic Gardens also caught fire. Besides Johor, other open burning cases have also been reported in Kedah and Selangor.
Source:The Star
February 09, 2026 10:57 UTC
Hibiscus Petroleum to deliver first power from solar farm in Brunei by year end
KUALA LUMPUR (Feb 9): Hibiscus Petroleum Bhd (KL:HIBISCS) is set to deliver its first power from its first ground-mounted solar farm in Brunei by year end, marking a key step in its plan to diversify into energy transition projects by 2030. The 12MWp solar farm, located on a 26-acre site at Sungai Liang Industrial Park, held its groundbreaking ceremony on Monday, according to a statement by the company. Managing director Datuk Dr Kenneth Gerard Pereira said the project strengthens Hibiscus’ presence in Brunei, supports the local energy ecosystem, and provides a platform for future power generation projects. In a separate statement, Progressture Power (B) Sdn Bhd announced that it has been appointed as the engineering, procurement, construction, commissioning and operations & maintenance contractor for the solar project. In April 2025, Hibiscus’ unit secured US$100 million (RM393.15 million) in Islamic financing to support its growth in Brunei.
Source:The Edge Markets
February 09, 2026 09:37 UTC
India's investors eye earnings after trade clouds clear
MUMBAI: After two trade deals lifted a key overhang on Indian equities, investor attention is shifting back to the market’s persistently weak earnings outlook. Persistent geopolitical risks and pockets of economic slowdown have dulled the appeal of Indian equities since the start of 2025. Over the past 12 months, the MSCI India Index has gained 8%, with dollar returns eroded by rupee weakness. In contrast, the MSCI Emerging Markets Index has surged almost 38%. Indian equities are on track for a second straight week of foreign inflows – a streak not seen since October.
Source:The Star
February 09, 2026 08:55 UTC
Bad Bunny turns Super Bowl halftime into Puerto Rican love letter with Lady Gaga surprise
Bad Bunny transformed Levi's Stadium into a vibrant homage to Puerto Rico during Sunday's Super Bowl halftime show, delivering a high-energy journey through the island's culture complete with a surprise appearance by Lady Gaga and a tribute from reggaeton pioneer Daddy Yankee. Clad in a white suit, Bad Bunny opened with "Tití Me Preguntó" while walking through vignettes of Puerto Rican life - farmers in traditional pava hats, domino players, and boxers - before launching into "Voy a Llevarte Pa PR." Ricky Martin emerged for "Lo Que Le Pasó a Hawai" as Bad Bunny hoisted the Puerto Rican flag and performed "El Apagón," the stadium erupting in light before he delivered "Café Con Ron." Bad Bunny and Lady Gaga. The choice of Bad Bunny, whose full name is Benito Antonio Martinez Ocasio, to feature in the halftime show drew a rebuke from U.S. President Donald Trump and other conservatives over the entertainer's outspoken criticism of U.S. immigration policy.
Source:The Star
February 09, 2026 08:23 UTC
QuickCheck: Did a Singapore car drive the wrong way to elude police at the BSI checkpoint in JB?
A DASHCAM recording that went viral over the weekend shows a vehicle approaching what appears to be a checkpoint. Suddenly, another car enters the same lane from the wrong direction and hits the recording vehicle. Two policemen are seen running towards the second car. It is claimed that the incident occurred at the Bangunan Sultan Iskandar (BSI) Customs, Immigration and Quarantine Complex in Johor Baru. At the time of writing, it has not been ascertained why the second policeman did not shoot at the fleeing vehicle's tyre.
Source:The Star
February 09, 2026 08:20 UTC
U.S. Olympic athletes are speaking out about the state of their country — as Trump seethes
CountryUnited States of America US Virgin Islands United States Minor Outlying Islands Canada Mexico, United Mexican States Bahamas, Commonwealth of the Cuba, Republic of Dominican Republic Haiti, Republic of Jamaica Afghanistan Albania, People's Socialist Republic of Algeria, People's Democratic Republic of American Samoa Andorra, Principality of Angola, Republic of Anguilla Antarctica (the territory South of 60 deg S) Antigua and Barbuda Argentina, Argentine Republic Armenia Aruba Australia, Commonwealth of Austria, Republic of Azerbaijan, Republic of Bahrain, Kingdom of Bangladesh, People's Republic of Barbados Belarus Belgium, Kingdom of Belize Benin, People's Republic of Bermuda Bhutan, Kingdom of Bolivia, Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana, Republic of Bouvet Island (Bouvetoya) Brazil, Federative Republic of British Indian Ocean Territory (Chagos Archipelago) British Virgin Islands Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria, People's Republic of Burkina Faso Burundi, Republic of 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Revolutionary People's Rep'c of Guinea-Bissau, Republic of Guyana, Republic of Heard and McDonald Islands Holy See (Vatican City State) Honduras, Republic of Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of China Hrvatska (Croatia) Hungary, Hungarian People's Republic Iceland, Republic of India, Republic of Indonesia, Republic of Iran, Islamic Republic of Iraq, Republic of Ireland Israel, State of Italy, Italian Republic Japan Jordan, Hashemite Kingdom of Kazakhstan, Republic of Kenya, Republic of Kiribati, Republic of Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait, State of Kyrgyz Republic Lao People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon, Lebanese Republic Lesotho, Kingdom of Liberia, Republic of Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Liechtenstein, Principality of Lithuania Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Macao, Special Administrative Region of China Macedonia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Madagascar, Republic of Malawi, Republic of Malaysia Maldives, Republic of Mali, Republic of Malta, Republic of Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania, Islamic Republic of Mauritius Mayotte Micronesia, Federated States of Moldova, Republic of Monaco, Principality of Mongolia, Mongolian People's Republic Montserrat Morocco, Kingdom of Mozambique, People's Republic of Myanmar Namibia Nauru, Republic of Nepal, Kingdom of Netherlands Antilles Netherlands, Kingdom of the New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua, Republic of Niger, Republic of the Nigeria, Federal Republic of Niue, Republic of Norfolk Island Northern Mariana Islands Norway, Kingdom of Oman, Sultanate of Pakistan, Islamic Republic of Palau Palestinian Territory, Occupied Panama, Republic of Papua New Guinea Paraguay, Republic of Peru, Republic of Philippines, Republic of the Pitcairn Island Poland, Polish People's Republic Portugal, Portuguese Republic Puerto Rico Qatar, State of Reunion Romania, Socialist Republic of Russian Federation Rwanda, Rwandese Republic Samoa, Independent State of San Marino, Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, Democratic Republic of Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Senegal, Republic of Serbia and Montenegro Seychelles, Republic of Sierra Leone, Republic of Singapore, Republic of Slovakia (Slovak Republic) Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia, Somali Republic South Africa, Republic of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Spain, Spanish State Sri Lanka, Democratic Socialist Republic of St. Helena St. Kitts and Nevis St. Lucia St. Pierre and Miquelon St. Vincent and the Grenadines Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Suriname, Republic of Svalbard & Jan Mayen Islands Swaziland, Kingdom of Sweden, Kingdom of Switzerland, Swiss Confederation Syrian Arab Republic Taiwan, Province of China Tajikistan Tanzania, United Republic of Thailand, Kingdom of Timor-Leste, Democratic Republic of Togo, Togolese Republic Tokelau (Tokelau Islands) Tonga, Kingdom of Trinidad and Tobago, Republic of Tunisia, Republic of Turkey, Republic of Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Uganda, Republic of Ukraine United Ara
Source:The Star
February 09, 2026 08:07 UTC
Coffee Break: It’s all in the name
The tune goes like this:Sunday morning, up with the lark,I think I’ll take a walk in the park,Hey, hey, hey, it’s a beautiful day. I’ve got someone waiting for me,And when I see her, I know that she’ll say,Hey, hey, hey, it’s a beautiful day. (Chorus)Hi, hi, hi, beautiful Sunday,This is my, my, my beautiful day,When you say, say, say, say that you love me,Oh my, my, my, it’s a beautiful day. Speaking of names, early this year Sinmah Capital Bhd (KL:SMCAP) got shareholder approval to change its name to Rivertree STF Synergies Bhd. Sinmah Capital came about in 2017.
Source:The Edge Markets
February 09, 2026 08:02 UTC