logo
Safoda renews cooperation with Jica

Safoda renews cooperation with Jica

Daily Express20 hours ago

Published on: Friday, June 13, 2025
Published on: Fri, Jun 13, 2025
By: Hayati Dzulkifli Text Size: Hamild showing the thumbs up together with Bahrul, Suzy, Asai, Kyohel, Dr Masami, Dr Mandy, Chung and Zulkeifli after the opening of the renewal of the 'Friendship Forest' signboard commemorating 198-hectare reforested area at the event. PAPAR: The Sabah Forestry Development Authority (Safoda) and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (Jica) have renewed their commitment to sustainable forest management via an inaugural Safoda-Jica Friendship Day held at Safoda Eco-Forest Park, Kinarut, here, recently. Safoda Chairman Datuk Hamild @ Hamid Awang said the landmark event marks the renewal of a joint commitment Safoda-Jica to conserve 198 hectares of forest land within the Safoda Forest Reserve – a strategic and symbolic step toward a greener Sabah and demonstrating a tangible commitment to reforestation and ecosystem protection.
Advertisement He said the event was held also to celebrate 60 years of Japanese cooperation in Borneo. He said it brought together a diverse and passionate group of government agencies, international partners, educators, students and local communities united by a shared vision of creating a sustainable future through the preservation and responsible management of the Safoda Forest Reserve. Subscribe or LOG IN to access this article.
Support Independant Journalism
Subscribe to Daily Express Malaysia Access to DE E-Paper
Access to DE E-Paper Exclusive News
Exclusive News Invites to special events
Invites to special events Giveaways & Rewards
1-Year Most Popular
(Income Tax Deductible) Explore Plans
Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

From shophouse to global hub: Malaysia's automotive journey
From shophouse to global hub: Malaysia's automotive journey

The Star

time33 minutes ago

  • The Star

From shophouse to global hub: Malaysia's automotive journey

Asia's very first automotive assembly activities date back almost one hundred years. The pioneers in local assembly used to be Ford, when in 1926 was incorporated in Singapore as Ford Motor Company of Malaya Ltd. Operating from a small shophouse garage, it began with wheel-fitting and touching up early Model-T kits sourced from Ford England and Canada. A far cry from the state-of-the-art assembly plants that can push out thousands of units a month today. The first fully-fledged automobile assembly plant was set up in Singapore by Ford, with production facilities of completely knocked-down (CKD) vehicles. During the Japanese occupation, the plant was used to produce military trucks. In the post-war years, as newly independent nations began charting their economic futures, industrialisation – and with it, automotive manufacturing – became a natural focus. The Asean blueprint for development post-independence has been largely industrialisation-focused and began to look at reducing their reliance on imported vehicles. Over time, the most critical starting point is to upskill the talent, implement government policies and incentives, and build local infrastructure to support it. The automotive supply chain has grown tremendously, a spark that has ignited investments, skills development, and technology transfers – powering hundreds of thousands of livelihoods. As the supply chain became more embedded, global brands began to eye countries like Thailand, Indonesia, and Malaysia as suitable hubs for regional expansion. Initially manufacturing for the domestic market, post-war economies were flourishing, and mobility was an essential part of this growth. The following decades saw the automotive industry evolve organically, gradually increasing the local content component in alignment with national policies, attracting interest and investment from European and Japanese brands, who saw Asean as an attractive hub for regional expansion. The era of complex automotive supply chains Digitalisation, trading blocs, and supply chain-related technologies gave the world a massive boost when it came to regional integration. Cars were now being built with content from multiple countries, with each component being optimally sourced at the best quality and price from vendors across the region. This allowed for increasingly resilient supply structures, with better flexibility and scalability. Toyota, with its Toyota Production System, pioneered manufacturing and logistical processes that are emulated globally, optimising complex supply chains to clockwork precision. Today, your car could be designed in Japan, made in Malaysia, with tyres from Thailand, brakes made in Indonesia and seats from Vietnam – a truly Asian testament to integration – and Malaysia played the role of quiet architect. Working fantastically together, with each component coming together at the right time and in the right specification on the final assembly line. Domestic or export? Why not both? Export-oriented hubs that also serve the local economy are a great move forward. Jobs created, skills enhanced, technology infusion, and the local market gains access to more advanced cars – the economic benefits multiply. Whilst the world's leading car brands do not originate from Asean, the region remains a strong manufacturing base and a key source of growth, ensuring their significant and enduring presence here. The rise of xEV and China In more recent times, the rapid growth of electrification has shifted the technological focus, attracting big leaps in investment, technology, and upskilling. One cannot talk about electrification without mentioning China. China is integral to electrification. Supported by a thriving local economy, the country has been able to grow the local infrastructure exponentially in developing batteries, their component technologies, and raw material extraction and refinement, and is now the linchpin of critical technologies in the pursuit of a green future. It is a space that is rapidly evolving, too, as governments increasingly view energy transition as a matter of national security and critical industries. New iterations of batteries and platforms continue to leapfrog previously cutting-edge technologies. Can Asean keep up with this pace of evolution? While no one region can match China's scale overnight, Asean's opportunity lies not in direct competition – but in complementing the ecosystem. In a world of shifting alliances, agility and trust matter more than sheer volume. Supply chain interdependencies and geopolitical conditions will make alliances and partnerships a critical, if not essential, pathway to joint prosperity in the region. Asean member countries make up 670 million people, making it the fifth most populous region. Collectively, they produce around 4.5 million cars annually, making it the fifth largest sub-regional market. Global brands recognise the potential, catapulting Asean as a hub for manufacturing, exports, and component supply. Asean's generally trade-friendly policies also make it favourable for manufacturers looking to access markets they otherwise cannot. This cushions the impact of geopolitical tensions, like the tariff wars. Malaysia, Indonesia, and Thailand are well-positioned to capitalise. In the process of building these support networks for car brands, we continue to grow and flourish. Our talent pool, technology and training skills, research and development, and production capabilities continue to expand. From a humble shophouse to regional relevance, Malaysia's journey reflects the power of steady progress. And our future – built on talent, trust, and tenacity – is going strong.

Lee Gardens Presents 'Celebrate Every Bite': A Joyful Culinary Celebration
Lee Gardens Presents 'Celebrate Every Bite': A Joyful Culinary Celebration

The Sun

time11 hours ago

  • The Sun

Lee Gardens Presents 'Celebrate Every Bite': A Joyful Culinary Celebration

HONG KONG SAR - Media OutReach Newswire - 13 June 2025 - Make every special moment count with a memorable dining experience at Lee Gardens. From now to July 13, the 'Celebrate Every Bite' campaign invites you to savor authentic global flavors and exclusive new menus, paired with custom 2-meter-tall décor and sparkling crystal balloons (available upon booking*). Whether you're dining with a partner, family, or friends, Lee Gardens sets the stage for unforgettable gatherings. Make every special moment count with a memorable dining experience at Lee Gardens. From now to July 13, the 'Celebrate Every Bite' campaign invites you to savor authentic global flavors and exclusive new menus, paired with custom 2-meter-tall décor and sparkling crystal balloons (available upon booking*). Whether you're dining with a partner, family, or friends, Lee Gardens sets the stage for unforgettable gatherings. Elevate the celebration with exclusive rewards: spend HK$1,500 in a single dining transaction to receive a HK$200 Lee Gardens One-Six digital shopping e-Coupon, blending culinary joy with shopping delights. Six Premier Restaurants Unveil New Exclusive Menus Lee Gardens is Hong Kong's premier destination for world-class dining, showcasing exceptional restaurants: Aire's vibrant Spanish cuisine, Roganic's Michelin-starred British fare, Leela's creative Indian dishes, Kanizen's Japanese crab mastery, Unagi Yondaime Kikukawa's renowned eel creations, and Caviar House & Prunier's storied caviar legacy. Each introduces exclusive menus to elevate your dining experience. Aire Aire captures the soul of Basque grilling with premium seafood and meats from Spain's coasts and beyond, paired with handpicked Spanish wines. The new alfresco terrace blends Mediterranean charm with vibrant gatherings, featuring magic performances on select dates and warm ambient lighting that ignites lively evenings. Edgard Sanuy Barahona guides the kitchen's bold flavors — savor the Galician Beef Prime Rib 'Txuleta', aged prime rib bursting with smoky depth; the Lobster Rice Caldoso, a soulful lobster rice steeped in rich, briny broth; Carabineros 'Formentera Style' plated over crispy agria potato chips and topped with sunny side duck eggs creating a harmonious blend of textures; or a delicate White Chocolate & Yogurt Ganache with Passion Fruit Glace and Ginger Ice Cream. Address: Shop No. 301B-302, 3/F, Lee Garden One Tel: 2866 3286 Opening Hours: Mon-Sun 11:30am - 2:30pm, 6:00pm-10:00pm Celebration Services Campaign Period: Magic performances on selected dates. Reserve seat 3 days in advance to enjoy a complimentary customised crystal balloon. Contact the restaurant 3 days in advance to arrange relevant matters. Regular: Instant photo, birthday card and platter message service for special occasions Kanizen Kanizen specializes in Japanese crab cuisine, using premium snow crab to create dishes with unique flavors through varied cooking styles. The new 9-course Yoshi Set Menu (HK$1,080) showcases Taraba crab's sweet, delicate taste, with highlights like the Taraba Crab Shabu Shabu, where a rich, savory broth enhances tender crab meat, and the Taraba Crab Tempura, crispy outside with a soft, succulent center. The new Enraku Set Menu (HK$1,500), debuting on June 16, showcases Taraba crab shabu shabu, Anago Tempura, Japanese Sake Steamed Clams, and Kyushu A5 Wagyu with vegetables steamed in a wooden box. During the campaign period, Kanizen offers 50% off its special set menu on Tuesday nights. Ingredients arrive fresh from Japan three times weekly (except caviar and select vegetables), ensuring purity of taste. The Zen-inspired dining room, accented with Buddhist bonsai, offers a tranquil backdrop for intimate moments, perfect for celebrating quiet connections with loved ones. Address: Shop No. 301B-302, 3/F, Lee Garden One Tel: 2866 1618 / 9683 1618 Whatsapp: 9683 1618 Opening Hours: Mon-Sun 12:00nn - 2:00pm (last order), 6:00pm-9:30pm (last order) Celebration Services Campaign Period: Reserve seat 3 days in advance to enjoy a complimentary customised crystal balloon. Contact the restaurant 3 days in advance to arrange relevant matters. Regular: Instant digital photo with photo frame, platter message service upon request Booking link: Leela Treat your loved ones to a royal experience at Leela, where the Royal Experience Menu (HK$1,188 per person) is a poetic ode to India's imperial past, reimagined by Chef Manav Tuli. The star Qaliya Shirazi weaves slow-cooked meats with ripe tomatoes and fragrant spices, its warmth unfolding in layers of flavor. Served in a palatial space designed by André Fu, the setting evokes the grandeur of ancient dynasties, perfect for an unforgettable evening. Each dish tells a story of heritage, crafted with modern finesse to captivate the senses. During the promotional period, enjoy a 10% discount on the minimum charge for private room bookings at Leela. Address: Shop No. 301-310, 3/F, Lee Garden Three Tel: 2882 5316 Opening Hours: Mon 5:30pm - 10:45pm,Tue-Sun 12nn - 3:30pm, 5:30pm -10:45pm Celebration Services Campaign Period: Reserve private dining room 3 days in advance to enjoy a complimentary personalised balloon / floral decoration and a customised crystal balloon. Contact the restaurant 3 days in advance to arrange relevant matters. Regular: Personalised platter message upon request Roganic Helmed by British chef Simon Rogan MBE, Roganic—a Michelin Star and Green Star recipient—champions farm-to-table dining with local, organic ingredients. Its new menu showcases inventive dishes that celebrate Hong Kong's seasonal bounty, served in a warm space crafted with recycled timber for a sustainable, earthy charm. In June, Roganic will introduce two innovative dishes: Seaweed Custard with Smoked Eel and Fermented Horseradish, and Stuffed Three Yellow Chicken with White Dragon Corn, Grilled Lettuce, and a Sauce Infused with Fats and Black Garlic Vinegar. Roganic's cocktails and non-alcoholic beverages reflect Simon Rogan's ethos of fully utilizing every ingredient. The wine list showcases small-scale winemakers who honor nature, crafting distinctive wines. Organized by style rather than region, it invites guests to effortlessly explore their preferences. To complement the menu, Roganic provides three levels of wine pairing and a mixed pairing for those that might want a little less alcohol. Address: Shop No. 402-403, 4/F, Lee Garden One Tel: 2817 8383 Opening Hours: Wed-Sun 12:00nn - 2:00pm, 6:00pm - 9:00pm Celebration Services Campaign Period: Reserve private dining room 3 days in advance to enjoy a complimentary personalised floral decoration. Contact the restaurant 3 days in advance to arrange relevant matters. Regular: Receive a complimentary dessert, a personalized platter message, and a birthday card for special occasion upon request Unagi Yondaime Kikukawa Since 1932, Nagoya's Unagi Yondaime Kikukawa, lauded by the Michelin Guide, has perfected charcoal-grilled eel. The signature Ippon Unagi—a whole live eel—delivers succulent flesh and crisp, caramelized skin, prepared before your eyes in an open kitchen. The new Banquet Sets (HK$720–HK$895) feature Unagi Tamagoyaki, silken and savory; Shirayaki and Kabayaki Eel, pure and unadorned; sashimi; and nourishing soup. Hong Kong exclusives include Uni & Unagi Hitsumabushi, paired with three regional sake. Kids can join the celebration with a pioneering children's menu featuring Unagi Spring Rolls, crisp and kid-friendly, alongside chicken wings, tempura shrimp, and creamy Hokkaido milk pudding. During the campaign period, dine during weekday early sessions (11:30 AM–12:00 PM or 5:30 PM–6:00 PM) to enjoy set menus with no additional service charge. To celebrate the Japanese Eel Festival, a special promotion will be offered on July 18. Customers can enjoy up to a 50% discount on this exclusive day. Address: Shop No. 401A, 4/F, Lee Garden One Tel: 3590 8997 Opening Hours: Mon-Fri 11:30am - 3:00pm, 5:30pm - 9:30pm Sat & Sun, Public Holiday 11:30am - 3:30pm, 5:30pm-9:30pm Celebration Services Campaign Period: Reserve Banquet Set 3 days in advance to enjoy a complimentary personalized crystal balloon. Contact the restaurant 3 days in advance to arrange relevant matters. Regular: During your birthday month, enjoy a complimentary Japanese dessert Caviar House & Prunier With a 150-year legacy, Caviar House & Prunier sets the standard for luxury, sourcing from Bordeaux's Prunier sturgeon farm and Swiss Alps-smoked Balik salmon. The Limited-Time Tasting Set for Two (HK$1,800) features three exquisite caviars, each a study in briny elegance, accompanied by chilled champagne, silky salmon, and velvety ice cream—perfect for spoiling someone special with a decadent treat. During the campaign period, customers can enjoy 10% off on dine-in food items. Address: B1/F, Lee Garden One Tel: 6119 3966 Opening Hours: Mon-Sun 11:00am - 8:00pm Lee Gardens Restaurants - Personalised Celebration Services Make your loved ones feel extra special with customized 2-meter-tall celebratory décor*, personalised crystal balloons and magic performances, adding a touch of wonder to your unforgettable moments. Decorations and crystal balloons can be tailored with style, color, and message of your choice. Contact the restaurant 3 days in advance to arrange relevant matters. *Terms and conditions apply, please contact the restaurant for more details. Special Culinary Experiences Lee Gardens partners with Caviar House & Prunier to host two exclusive 'Caviar & Champagne Appreciation Workshops' on June 18 and July 2 (7–8 PM) at their Lee Garden One shop, delving into the art of pairing exquisite caviar with fine champagne. Lee Gardens members can redeem a ticket in the app with 3,000 points. Exclusive Dining Rewards at Lee Gardens From now until July 13, customers can enjoy these rewards while dining at designated outlets at Lee Garden One-Six: * Spend HK$1,500 in a single transaction for a HK$200 Lee Garden One-Six digital shopping e-Coupon. * Spend HK$6,800 in a single transaction for HK$400 Lee Garden One-Six e-Coupons and a HK$100 Pret A Manger e-Coupon. (Club Avenue Members Exclusive Offer: Receive a HK$340 premium French caviar and champagne set e-Coupon in addition.) To celebrate the occasion, select dining outlets at Lee Gardens offer up to 50% off.

Toyota chair reclaims support after scandals that hurt last vote
Toyota chair reclaims support after scandals that hurt last vote

Malaysian Reserve

time14 hours ago

  • Malaysian Reserve

Toyota chair reclaims support after scandals that hurt last vote

TOYOTA Motor Corp. Chairman Akio Toyoda's reelection garnered almost 97% of voted shares during the carmaker's annual meeting, marking a comeback from the record low he saw after a series of regulatory scandals led investors to question the business group's leadership. Chief Executive Officer Koji Sato was also reappointed to the board, with a 98% tally, the company said in a statement Friday. The rebound in Toyoda's popularity suggest tacit shareholder approval of how he handled the certification issues, as well as the company's steady performance through an exceptionally hazardous stretch for the global automobile industry. The chairman's reappointment vote was 85% in 2023 — falling below the 90% threshold for the first time in years — and dipped even further to a record low of 72% last year. 'The company still achieved high levels of earnings and profitability, while continuing its commitment to shareholder returns,' said Bloomberg Intelligence senior auto analyst Tatsuo Yoshida. 'Shareholders appear to have recognized and appreciated these results.' At the meeting, which was held on Thursday, no shareholders asked about Toyota's response to US tariffs on imported cars, nor did they question Toyoda's central role in a contentious bid to privatize to Toyota Industries Corp. Earlier this month, the Toyota group launched a ¥4.7 trillion ($32.4 billion) bid to privatize the supplier of auto parts, forklifts and textile looms. At Tuesday's annual meeting for Toyota Industries, executives spent most of their time fielding questions from individual shareholders who sought an explanation for why the buyout was conducted so abruptly, and why the tender offer fell short of the company's market value. Shares fell among Japanese carmakers on Friday morning in Tokyo after US President Donald Trump said he might raise auto tariffs to boost domestic manufacturing. Three years ago, shareholder proposals and proxy advisers had cited concerns over the carmaker's hesitation to ditch combustion engines and embrace the shift to electric vehicles, but an even bigger source of concern can be traced back to revelations in December 2023 of falsified vehicle safety tests at a pair of Toyota units — Daihatsu Motor Co. and Toyota Industries — then half a year later at the carmaker itself. Toyota pared back production as it sought to re-certify affected models in the aftermath, but output has normalized since then, albeit at a lower level. The company's response to the scandals led a pair of firms that advise large investors — Glass Lewis & Co. and Institutional Shareholder Services Inc. — to vote against Toyoda's reelection in 2024. This year, however, both backed his reappointment. –BLOOMBERG

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into the world of global news and events? Download our app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store