Latest news with #RM8bil
The Star
05-06-2025
- Business
- The Star
EPF weighs RM8bil sale of UK private hospitals
The fund has appointed broker Knight Frank to offer the 12 properties for sale. KUALA LUMPUR: The Employees Provident Fund (EPF) is preparing to sell a portfolio of UK private hospitals that are valued at about £1.4bil (RM8bil). The fund has appointed broker Knight Frank to offer the 12 properties for sale, people with knowledge of the process said. The hospitals, which an EPF-led consortium bought for about £700mil in 2013, are operated by Spire Healthcare Group Plc, the people said, asking not to be identified as the process is private. Representatives for the EPF and Knight Frank declined to comment. Healthcare property has seen a flurry of interest this year, as investors seek out alternative assets with long-term indexed-linked leases. KKR & Co is vying with Primary Health Properties Plc to buy Assura Plc, a UK landlord that mostly owns doctor surgeries as well as a portfolio of private hospitals that it bought for £500mil last year. Aedifica SA agreed Tuesday to buy rival Cofinimmo in a deal that creates a healthcare real estate investment trust with a combined gross asset value of more than €12bil. The use of private healthcare in the United Kingdom has grown as the country's National Health Service (NHS) struggles to bring down waiting lists that were swollen during the pandemic. A record 4.7 million had private health insurance through their employer in 2023, according to data compiled by the Association of British Insurers last year. The NHS also uses private hospitals to carry out procedures. The state backed healthcare provider spent £2.1bil in private hospitals last year, according to a report by LaingBuisson. It spent a further £1.5bil at private clinics. The UK government announced earlier this year that the NHS would use private healthcare to carry out additional appointments, scans and operations in order to reduce waiting times. — Bloomberg
The Star
04-06-2025
- Business
- The Star
Malaysia to keep strengthening role as global halal hub, says Mohd Sabu
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia's participation in the Osaka World Expo 2025, highlighted by a visit to halal abattoir Sanda Shokuniku Kosha in Kita-ku, Kobe City, offers a valuable opportunity to gain insights into the best practices of Japan's halal meat industry, says Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu (pic) . The Agriculture and Food Security Minister said the abattoir is the region's only halal-accredited facility and is renowned for producing halal Kobe beef. ALSO READ: Malaysia garnered over RM8bil in potential investments at Expo 2025 Osaka, says Fadillah "This visit offers us a valuable opportunity to gain deeper insights into the best practices of the Japanese halal meat industry, covering processing methods, hygiene standards, traceability systems, and the use of modern technology that complies with food safety requirements,' he said in a Facebook post on Wednesday (June 4). He also expressed his appreciation to the management of Sanda Shokuniku Kosha for their strong commitment to upholding international halal standards and enhancing the regional halal ecosystem. He added that such strategic collaborations are vital in Malaysia's efforts to reinforce its position as a global halal hub. ALSO READ: Asean chair boost for halal industry to go regional In addition, Mohamad said that his ministry will continue to focus on empowering the ruminant industry this year, aligned with the Malaysia Madani approach, which emphasises sustainability, prosperity and creativity. "We aim to increase local participation in this sector, leveraging modern technology and halal assurance as key foundations for success. Our goal is for Malaysians to be not only consumers but also leaders within the global halal value chain,' he said. – Bernama
The Star
01-06-2025
- Business
- The Star
Malaysia stands to gain from outing at Osaka expo
Showcasing the best of Malaysia: Fadillah visiting the exhibition area after officiating the opening of the Malaysia Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka, which is open until Oct 13 in Yumeshima Island in Osaka Bay. — Bernama OSAKA: Malaysia has successfully secured more than RM8bil in potential investments and signed 20 memoranda of understanding (MOUs) by participating at Expo 2025 Osaka, says Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof. Fadillah, who is also Energy Transition and Water Transformation Minister, and chairman of Malaysia's National Organising Committee for Expo 2025, said this achievement, involving 101 companies, represents 61.54% of the overall RM13bil target that was previously set. 'I am confident that with our coming initiatives over the next four months, we will not only surpass our target but also unlock new opportunities for Malaysians. 'The success of our participation will pave the way for job creation while further strengthening bilateral ties with Japan and other global partners,' he told a press conference after launching the opening ceremony of the Malaysia Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka here yesterday. In addition to the digital economy, Fadillah highlighted the green economy, Japanese technologies and global participation in Expo 2025 as key opportunities for Malaysia to explore. He noted that these opportunities position Sarawak not only as a hub for energy, particularly green energy, leveraging its hydropower resources, but also as a central player in Malaysia's Hydrogen Economy Roadmap and Energy Transition Roadmap. Regarding the signing of the 20 MOUs, Fadillah said the Malaysian Pavilion has facilitated several high-impact MOUs and strategic partnerships that reflect the country's forward-looking approach to regional collaboration, sustainable development and technological advancement. 'This agreement has covered a wide range of sectors, including renewable energy, digital, property services, biotechnology, caregiving innovation and infrastructure development. 'The key focus areas have included efforts to support decarbonisation, advance green hydrogen solutions, strengthen dementia care capabilities and promote smart facility systems and sustainable materials,' he said, reported Bernama. Collectively, the partnerships underscored the Malaysia Pavilion's role as a hub for generating tangible economic outcomes, also encouraging cross-border knowledge sharing and reinforcing Malaysia's position as a regional leader in clean technology, inclusive innovation and future-ready industries, said Fadillah. Earlier, in his opening speech, Fadillah said the Malaysia Pavilion at Expo 2025 has surpassed the remarkable milestone of one million guests this week. Fadillah said Malaysia and Japan's longstanding relations and strong ties extended beyond economic relations, encompassing a shared commitment to regional stability and cultural understanding. The Malaysia Pavilion also unveiled its official mascot, 'Lina', a Malaysian girl who embarked on a journey of discovery and balance, guided by her older self through a future-inspired realm. Her evolving batik 'selempang', which transformed into songket, symbolised transformation, identity and hope. 'Lina' is a reflection of the next generation of Malaysians who are thoughtful, empowered and rooted in heritage while embracing global sustainability ideals.
The Star
31-05-2025
- Business
- The Star
Malaysia garnered over RM8bil in potential investments at Expo 2025 Osaka, says Fadillah
OSAKA: Malaysia has garnered more than RM8bil in potential investments and signed 20 memoranda of understanding (MOU) through its participation at Expo 2025 Osaka, says Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof. Fadillah, who is also the Energy Transition and Water Transformation Minister and Malaysia's National Organising Committee for Expo 2025 chairman, said this achievement involved 101 companies, representing 61.54% of the overall RM13bil target. "I am confident that with our coming initiatives over the next four months, we will not only surpass our target but also unlock new opportunities for Malaysians. The success of our participation will pave the way for job creation while further strengthening bilateral ties with Japan and other global partners. "So together, we reaffirm Malaysia's role as a trusted global partner in shaping a future built on innovation and collaboration," he said at the press conference after officiating the opening ceremony of the Malaysia Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka, Japan, on Saturday (May 31). Also present at the official opening ceremony were Deputy Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Liew Chin Tong, Ambassador of Malaysia to Japan Datuk Shahril Effendi Abd Ghany and Deputy Premier of Sarawak Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan. In addition to the digital economy, Fadillah highlighted the green economy, Japanese technologies and global participation in Expo 2025 as key opportunities for Malaysia to explore. He noted that these opportunities position Sarawak not only as a hub for energy, particularly green energy, leveraging its hydropower resources, but also as a central player in Malaysia's Hydrogen Economy Roadmap and Energy Transition Roadmap. Regarding the signing of the 20 MOU, Fadillah said the Malaysian Pavilion has facilitated several high-impact MOU and strategic partnerships that reflect the country's forward-looking approach to regional collaboration, sustainable development and technological advancement. "This agreement has covered a wide range of sectors, including renewable energy, digital, property services, biotechnology, caregiving innovation and infrastructure development. "The key focus areas have included efforts to support decarbonisation, advance green hydrogen solutions, strengthen dementia care capabilities and promote smart facility systems and sustainable materials," he explained. Collectively, the partnerships underscored the Malaysia Pavilion's role as a hub for generating tangible economic outcomes, also encouraging cross-border knowledge sharing and reinforcing Malaysia's position as a regional leader in clean technology, inclusive innovation and future-ready industries, said Fadillah. Earlier, in his opening speech, Fadillah also shared that the Malaysia Pavilion at Expo 2025 had surpassed the remarkable milestone of one million guests this week. Fadillah said Malaysia and Japan's longstanding relations and strong ties extend beyond economic relations, encompassing a shared commitment to regional stability and cultural understanding. He said the camaraderie between both countries has been carefully nurtured and strengthened over many decades, evolving into a truly comprehensive and robust partnership. "From early collaborations in industrial development to contemporary partnerships in technology and education, the connections between our people and our nations are profound. "Thus, major international events such as this provide an invaluable opportunity to deepen longstanding ties. By being here, we are not only showcasing Malaysia's capabilities and ambitions but also engaging directly with the people of Japan and the wider international community," he said. Fadillah added that the global stage fosters mutual understanding, encourages meaningful dialogue and opens new pathways for collaboration across shared areas of interest. In line with the launch, the Malaysia Pavilion also unveiled its official mascot, "Lina", a Malaysian girl who embarked on a journey of discovery and balance, guided by her older self through a future-inspired realm. Her evolving batik "selempang", which transformed into songket, symbolised transformation, identity and hope. "Lina" is a reflection of the next generation of Malaysians who are thoughtful, empowered and rooted in heritage while embracing global sustainability ideals. Malaysia's participation in Expo 2025 Osaka is led by the Investment, Trade and Industry Ministry, supported by a whole-of-government effort involving 21 ministries and approximately 70 agencies. It centred on seven strategic sectors, namely sustainable agriculture, renewable energy, smart living, green manufacturing, industrial reform, environmental management and the halal industry. The Malaysia Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka spanned 2,654.52sq m across three floors, reflecting the nation's diverse culture and dynamic economy. With the theme "Weaving a Future in Harmony", the Pavilion highlighted Malaysia's commitment to a sustainable, inclusive and forward-looking future. The Pavilion also served as a hub for international collaboration and dialogue, as well as pocket talks, product launches, MOU signings and business matching sessions. It would also host forums, summits, and networking events that would position Malaysia as a dynamic global partner. – Bernama
