Latest news with #Ishak
New Straits Times
7 days ago
- Business
- New Straits Times
Digistar appoints Zohari Akob as chairman following Zaini Omar's resignation
KUALA LUMPUR: Digistar Corp Bhd has overhauled its boardroom leadership following the resignation of its chairman, Tan Sri Zaini Omar, due to health reasons, according to multiple bourse filings. Zaini, 76, who served as an independent non-executive chairman, stepped down on May 30. The group cited health issues as the reason for his resignation and said there were no disagreements with the board. Following his exit, the company appointed Datuk Seri Zohari Akob, 67, as the new independent non-executive chairman. Zohari also assumes leadership of three key board committees including audit, nomination and remuneration. Zohari brings a wealth of experience from the public and corporate sectors. He began his career at the Economic Planning Unit in the Prime Minister's Department and later served as director of its privatisation section. Between 2014 and 2018, he was secretary-general of the Works Ministry. In the corporate sphere, he has held advisory and directorial roles at firms including Naza Engineering & Construction Sdn Bhd, Central Cable Bhd and CIDB Holdings Sdn Bhd. He is currently an advisor at Rafulin Sdn Bhd and president of two industry bodies, the Malaysian Service Providers Confederation and the Malaysian Association of Facility Management Meanwhile, other boardroom changes include the appointment of Datuk Ishak Mohamed as a non-independent non-executive director. Ishak, a former secretary-general of the Defence Ministry, has also joined the audit, nomination and remuneration committees. Following the appointments, the audit and nomination committees now comprise Zohari, Ishak and Thee Kok Chuan. The remuneration committee additionally includes Digistar's group managing director Datuk Wira Lee Wah Chong. Digistar, listed on the ACE Market of Bursa Malaysia, is involved in multiple sectors including technology, construction, property development, and hospitality. Its services span information and communication technology systems integration, digital content broadcasting and the development of affordable housing, among others. At the time of writing, shares of Digistar rose one sen or 25 per cent to five sen, with 4.43 million units traded. This brought the penny stock's market capitalisation to RM31.5 million.
The Sun
30-05-2025
- Health
- The Sun
Malaysia has competitive edge in medical tourism: Expert
PETALING JAYA: Malaysia is positioning itself as a competitive destination for medical tourism, with affordable health care costs, trusted professionals and a growing reputation for quality services, said Al-Islam Specialist Hospital director Dr Ishak Mas'ud. He added that the significant cost advantage of Malaysia's healthcare sector compared with other countries, particularly neighbouring Singapore, is among the reasons individuals prefer Malaysia as the destination to seek treatment. 'Let us take Singapore as an example. It is definitely more expensive there compared with here. Their currency is more than three times stronger. Anywhere you go, that is the basic reality. If we compare, Malaysia is not just a little, but significantly cheaper.' He said Malaysia's openness, cultural familiarity and availability of halal-compliant services make it a preferred destination for Muslim medical tourists, especially from the Middle East. He also said while countries such as Thailand are leading in Southeast Asia's medical tourism sector, Malaysia is catching up fast. 'I believe that with the right strategy and government support, Malaysia could become a regional hub,' he said. 'If we manage it more aggressively and strengthen our systems, we would be in an even better position. The government has a role to play in building the structure to support this growth.' He added that Malaysia should study what Thailand did to boost their health tourism industry further. Ishak emphasised that while health tourism is an economic opportunity, industry players must remain focused on care and compassion. 'Yes, health tourism is a business but it cannot just be about profits. We are here to help people. That is what truly matters,' he said, adding that patients from as far as Somalia would travel to Malaysia despite the distance, simply because they feel safe and comfortable here. 'Our facilities may not be world-class in every aspect but the trust and comfort we offer is what keeps them coming.' A health tourism expert, who wished to remain anonymous, said at least 80% of tourists that have sought medical treatment in Malaysia are from Indonesia. She added that the top five treatments that Indonesian patients seek in Malaysia are for heart-related conditions, cancer, orthopaedics, general health screenings and gastroenterology procedures. She said this was mainly due to the limited number of specialist doctors and medical facilities in Indonesia to meet the high demand for such treatments. 'However, the types of treatments sought by patients from different countries vary. This is largely influenced by the cost of treatment in their home countries and the waiting time required to see specialist doctors there. 'Chinese travellers would come here just because it is faster for them to get in-vitro fertilisation treatment in Malaysia despite more advanced facilities available in their country.' She emphasised that one of the main reasons behind Malaysia's strong performance in the health tourism industry is the regulation of service prices at private healthcare facilities by the Health Ministry. 'The implementation of ceiling prices for treatments in Malaysia is a major factor attracting patients, as such pricing regulations are not commonly found in other countries.' Dubai-based firm Nomad Capitalist has also ranked Malaysia as its top destination for medical tourism, behind countries such as Singapore, India and Turkiye.
The Sun
30-05-2025
- Health
- The Sun
Malaysia rises as trusted, affordable medical tourism hub
PETALING JAYA: Malaysia is positioning itself as a competitive destination for medical tourism, with affordable health care costs, trusted professionals and a growing reputation for quality services, said Al-Islam Specialist Hospital director Dr Ishak Mas'ud. He added that the significant cost advantage of Malaysia's healthcare sector compared with other countries, particularly neighbouring Singapore, is among the reasons individuals prefer Malaysia as the destination to seek treatment. 'Let us take Singapore as an example. It is definitely more expensive there compared with here. Their currency is more than three times stronger. Anywhere you go, that is the basic reality. If we compare, Malaysia is not just a little, but significantly cheaper.' He said Malaysia's openness, cultural familiarity and availability of halal-compliant services make it a preferred destination for Muslim medical tourists, especially from the Middle East. He also said while countries such as Thailand are leading in Southeast Asia's medical tourism sector, Malaysia is catching up fast. 'I believe that with the right strategy and government support, Malaysia could become a regional hub,' he said. 'If we manage it more aggressively and strengthen our systems, we would be in an even better position. The government has a role to play in building the structure to support this growth.' He added that Malaysia should study what Thailand did to boost their health tourism industry further. Ishak emphasised that while health tourism is an economic opportunity, industry players must remain focused on care and compassion. 'Yes, health tourism is a business but it cannot just be about profits. We are here to help people. That is what truly matters,' he said, adding that patients from as far as Somalia would travel to Malaysia despite the distance, simply because they feel safe and comfortable here. 'Our facilities may not be world-class in every aspect but the trust and comfort we offer is what keeps them coming.' A health tourism expert, who wished to remain anonymous, said at least 80% of tourists that have sought medical treatment in Malaysia are from Indonesia. She added that the top five treatments that Indonesian patients seek in Malaysia are for heart-related conditions, cancer, orthopaedics, general health screenings and gastroenterology procedures. She said this was mainly due to the limited number of specialist doctors and medical facilities in Indonesia to meet the high demand for such treatments. 'However, the types of treatments sought by patients from different countries vary. This is largely influenced by the cost of treatment in their home countries and the waiting time required to see specialist doctors there. 'Chinese travellers would come here just because it is faster for them to get in-vitro fertilisation treatment in Malaysia despite more advanced facilities available in their country.' She emphasised that one of the main reasons behind Malaysia's strong performance in the health tourism industry is the regulation of service prices at private healthcare facilities by the Health Ministry. 'The implementation of ceiling prices for treatments in Malaysia is a major factor attracting patients, as such pricing regulations are not commonly found in other countries.' Dubai-based firm Nomad Capitalist has also ranked Malaysia as its top destination for medical tourism, behind countries such as Singapore, India and Turkiye.
Borneo Post
18-05-2025
- Sport
- Borneo Post
Army man clinches Mr Keling Borneo's inaugural championship's title
Ishak poses with his prizes on stage. KOTA SAMARAHAN (May 18): Royal Malaysian Army personnel Ishak Hidayat was adjudged the 'Champion of Champions' among the seven category winners at the inaugural Mr Keling Borneo International Bodybuilding Championships, staged at The Summermall here yesterday evening. The title came with the championship's trophy, custom medal and a cash prize of RM2,000. The 30-year-old corporal had earlier won the Bodybuilding Above-85kg Class, which listed Amsyar Anaqie Azahar, Mohamad Faris Basri, and Mohd Hafizul Tuah as the respective runners-up. This category earned Ishak RM5,000. 'I'm just speechless. It's my first time competing in an event in Sarawak, and it's my 'rezeki' (blessing) here. 'Certainly, my thanks go to my family and colleagues who have always been supportive of me,' said the Kedah-born muscleman when met backstage after the presentation of prizes. The competition, the first ever of its kind where sportsmanship interwove with culture, was jointly organised by Buda Gym Enterprise and the Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Sarawak. In its debut, it registered nearly 100 contestants coming not only from all over Malaysia, but also from Brunei and Indonesia. Ishak, with Buda on his left, lifts the championship's trophy during a stage photo-call with the guests and the other category winners. Also seen is Malaysian Bodybuilding Federation honorary secretary Major Syed Fairus Syed Ali (standing, second right). Deputy Minister Datuk Snowdan Lawan, who officiated at the opening ceremony, hailed the event as 'a success, truly signifying the concept of sports tourism'. 'This competition goes beyond athleticism. 'It's the first to highlight and incorporate heritage through bodybuilding. 'To the leading man behind this competition, our very own bodybuilding legend Buda Anchah, congratulations for a job greatly done. 'Strive to do better in the successive editions,' said Snowdan in his opening speech. The other category winners of the inaugural heritage bodybuilding competition are Alifsahyir Ali (Athletic Physique Under-170cm), Muhaimin Yunus Hasan (Athletic Physique Above-170cm), Syed Muhammad Alhabshi Syed Taha (Sports Physique Under-170cm), Mohd Al Badrul Abu (Sports Physique Above-170cm), Abdul Aziz Ahmad (Bodybuilding Under-70kg), and Paijar Upau (Bodybuilding 70kg-85kg). The organiser also honoured Sarawak's sports icons who attended the event including boxing legend Sapok Biki and star fighter Daeloniel 'Kilat Boy' Mcdelon; footballers Ramos and Rames Sari; and bodybuilding hall-of-famers Nolan Chee and Datuk Syarul Azman Mahen Abdullah. lead Mr Keling Borneo International Bodybuilding Championships
The Star
08-05-2025
- Business
- The Star
Desaru hotel raises RM30,000 for autism NGO
Ishak (fourth left) handing over a mock cheque to the National Autism Society of Malaysia representatives. A LUXURY hotel in Desaru has raised RM30,000 for charity. Four Points by Sheraton Desaru general manager Ishak Yunus said they raised RM29,875 for the National Autism Society of Malaysia (Nasom) through its buffet dinner sales. 'We gave the guests the opportunity to savour our authentic Malaysian cuisine while contributing to a noble cause. 'For every buffet package purchased, RM10 or RM5 was channelled directly to Nasom, a non-profit organisation that supports individuals with autism and their families. 'We aimed to raise awareness for those in need,' said Ishak. He said the campaign garnered overwhelming support from diners, turning the fundraising campaign into a platform for collective goodwill and community impact. – By RHEMA SENG
