KL Wellness City and PUMM inspire entrepreneurs and corporates through wellness-driven productivity talk
The session featured a powerful sharing by Dato' Sri Dr. Vincent Tiew, Executive Director of KL Wellness City, who emphasised the importance of aligning physical health, mental clarity and emotional wellbeing to unlock peak performance in the workplace. Also present was Deputy President of PUMM, Eugene Ng Eng Aik, who reiterated the significsance of embedding wellness into the core of business leadership.
The event also highlighted team building efforts and strong inter-departmental collaboration at KLWC, positioning the organisation as a model for how wellness can be embedded into corporate culture.
The event's open dialogue was moderated by Founder & CEO of Engage Life, Paresh a/l Subramaniyam, who facilitated an engaging and insightful discussion between Dato' Sri Dr Vincent Tiew and Cris Angel, which delved into actionable strategies for balancing personal wellness with entrepreneurial drive, especially in today's fast-evolving market. The candid exchange resonated strongly with the audience, sparking deeper discussions on how inner alignment directly impacts business outcomes. Cris Angel, Founder of Aura Palace, believes that aligning the mind, body and soul is key to long-term business success. She champions a people-first approach, where kindness in business creates a ripple of positive impact in society.
Adding an experiential element to the session was Annie Wong, Founder of New York Yoga Wellness, who led a practical and energising segment on office-friendly yoga. Annie shared breathing techniques, stress-reducing relaxation methods and demonstrated simple stretches that can be done while seated in an office chair. Her session emphasised the accessibility of wellness practices in the workplace and encouraged participants to adopt mindful movement as part of their daily routine for better focus, posture, and mental clarity.
This event is part of a larger national initiative by PUMM, which has been championing entrepreneurial growth for over three decades. As part of its mission to empower SMEs, PUMM will continue to organise events across Klang Valley, Johor Bahru, Penang, Kota Kinabalu and other key states, covering a range of topics relevant to startups, innovators, and growth-stage entrepreneurs.
The initiative was led by Yens Chong Yen Kai, Organising Chairperson and Initiator of the FAST movement, with a vision to future-proof Malaysia's business community. While ESG can mean many things, real impact starts with the 'S' — Social. It connects Environment and Governance, because people are the real drivers of change. Even in an AI-powered world, it's human trust, connection and innovation that give progress true meaning. Without genuine human engagement, ESG remains just a concept.
'We believe wellness is no longer a luxury – it's a necessity for sustained productivity and business excellence,' said Dato' Sri Dr. Vincent during the closing remarks. 'KL Wellness City is proud to lead by example, integrating wellness into everything we do – for our team, our community, and the entrepreneurs we support.'
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The Star
24-07-2025
- The Star
HONOURING 30 YEARS OF EXTRAORDINARY MALAYSIANS
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The awards recognised both individual milestones such as youngest or first achievements, as well as organisational accomplishments, including sales performance, community engagement, longest non-stop live streams and entrepreneurship. The MBR also spotlighted business and entrepreneurial organisations that have supported local brands and record-setting ventures, including the Associated Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Malaysia, SME Association of Malaysia, Branding Association of Malaysia, Malaysia Retail Chain Association and Pertubuhan Usahawan Maju Malaysia (PUMM). PUMM president Datuk Teh Tai Yong credited the MBR for helping PUMM members boost their brand presence and inspiring them to aim higher and build greater trust, both at home and abroad. Deputy Communications Minister Teo Nie Ching, who officiated the MBR gala, commended the organisation for evolving in tandem with the nation's aspirations over the past 30 years. Legacy of 'Malaysia Boleh' MBR chairman Datuk Seri Michael Tio traced the organisation's roots and its evolution over the decades. 'Malaysia Book of Records started in 1995 during the Malaysia Boleh era, when we needed a record book to register all the Malaysia Boleh record attempts,' he said in his keynote address. That vision to document, verify and celebrate Malaysian excellence over the past 30 years, Tio said, has resulted in 'over 8,800 records and 17 published editions of record books.' 'That's our journey so far, but we've now moved on beyond human achievements to include business and community impact. 'We also want to help NGOs, politicians and communities gain wider recognition for their efforts,' he said. Inspiring a new generation In his speech, Tio recounted how the MBR TV series that first aired on RTM in 1996 ran for 250 episodes and helped foster a 'Malaysia Boleh' spirit among a generation of young Malaysians. 'Those kids who watched in the '90s and 2000s? They're now the ones breaking records.' To reignite another wave of the same momentum, MBR will soon launch a new series in collaboration with Bernama TV. Titled 'Malaysia Book of Records 2025: Malaysia Luar Biasa', the 13-episode programme is scheduled to begin airing on Bernama TV from Aug 26. 'I feel it is important for us to continue that kind of storytelling, 'That's why we're starting the new series around the time of our National Day on Astro 502.' A platform for all Malaysians Tio added that MBR would continue to expand its efforts to reach every corner of the country. More than achievements, Tio said, the idea of pushing MBR far and wide is to cultivate national unity. 'During the Merdeka and Malaysia Day season, there are plenty of national records happening all over Malaysia and they should be recorded,' he said. 'It's not just about displaying the achievement –we want it to be recognised, talked about and remembered.' 'I want to see national unity and I want to see all races working together to achieve a record.' Giving back to athletes Tio also announced a new charitable foundation to help athletes who lack funding for their record-breaking efforts. 'We feel that many athletes are working hard to break records and go international, but they suffer from insufficient funds. 'Therefore, we decided to establish Yayasan MBR to support our athletes and community projects.' He cited Soh Wai Ching, a world tower-running champion and world record holder, as an example of the type of athlete the foundation aims to support. 'He didn't get any funding from our government, despite being a world record holder. That's why we're stepping in.' Tio also announced that former Penang governor Tun Ahmad Fuzi Abdul Razak had agreed to become the patron of the foundation. Helping businesses recover In the business world, MBR also helped SMEs to stand out in a competitive post-pandemic landscape. 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'The core motivation was always 'Malaysia Boleh' – the belief that Malaysians can achieve greatness, even in a hostile environment.' Also honoured was Soh, who is also the first Asian triple-champion of the Empire State Building Run-Up. 'My goal is not just to win, but to make a statement,' said Soh. 'Even if it's not our building, we can be proud that a Malaysian is the fastest.' Spotlight on innovation and inclusivity Other notable record recipients included: > Datuk Rosyam Nor – Actor-turned-entrepreneur who launched Malaysia's first 24-hour upscale wholesale mart – ST Rosyam Mart – during the pandemic. > Sophia Zara Mustaffa Kamal (15) – Youngest female Malaysian to earn a podium finish in a sanctioned touring car championship. > Norhasmat Abdul Aziz – Double gold medallist at the Asian Road Cycling Championships. > Minbappe (Ahmad Muhaimin) – Malaysia's first FIFAe World Cup Mobile Champion. > Goh Liu Ying – The first Malaysian female badminton player to win an Olympic medal. > Mohd Sukur Ibrahim – Known as Malaysia's shortest man, who continues to inspire through motivational talks and community work. 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The Star
26-06-2025
- The Star
New body to oversee city-state's payment schemes
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Malaysian Reserve
20-06-2025
- Malaysian Reserve
HARTBEAT AND SUNDIAL MEDIA & TECHNOLOGY GROUP ANNOUNCE PARTNERSHIP TO LAUNCH ESSENCE-BRANDED FAST CHANNEL
First-of-Its-Kind Platform Will Serve Black Women Through Premium Content and Original Programming LOS ANGELES, June 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Hartbeat, the global entertainment company founded by Kevin Hart, and Sundial Media & Technology Group (SMTG), a human connections company and home to iconic brands like ESSENCE, AFROPUNK, and Refinery29, today announced a partnership to launch an ESSENCE-branded FAST (Free Ad-Supported Streaming Television) channel. This collaboration addresses a significant gap in the streaming landscape by creating the first major streaming platform specifically designed for Black women, combining SMTG's robust content library with Hartbeat's award-winning, premium production and creative capabilities. The partnership emerges at a pivotal moment when Black viewership on Connected TV (CTV) and FAST platforms is experiencing explosive growth, yet programming specifically tailored to Black women remains underserved across major streaming platforms. According to recent industry data, Black households over-index significantly in CTV consumption, with streaming viewership among Black audiences growing 40% year-over-year, while targeted content remains severely underrepresented. 'Hartbeat has consistently identified and served underrepresented markets,' said Jeff Clanagan, President and Chief Distribution Officer of Hartbeat. 'This ESSENCE-branded FAST channel represents another strategic opportunity to create authentic content for an audience that has been overlooked by traditional streaming platforms. We're not just launching a channel – we're creating a cultural destination.' 'For decades, we've built iconic brands like ESSENCE and AFROPUNK that celebrate and serve diverse communities through powerful content and unforgettable experiences,' said Kirk McDonald, CEO of Sundial Media & Technology Group. 'This partnership with Hartbeat allows us to extend those brands into the streaming ecosystem for the first time, creating a dedicated platform where Black women can see themselves authentically represented in premium entertainment.' The FAST channel will feature a dynamic mix of acquired programming from SMTG's extensive library and original content produced through the partnership. Hartbeat's production team will develop exclusive content that celebrates Black women's experiences, achievements, and cultural contributions. 'This groundbreaking partnership highlights ESSENCE's commitment to innovation and premium storytelling, ensuring Black women are not only seen, but centered, in the next frontier of media,' said Michele Ghee, ESSENCE Chief Content Officer. 'We're proud to introduce an ESSENCE-branded FAST channel that elevates the voices, experiences, and culture of our audience, offering access to curated, empowering content whenever and wherever she wants it. We're not just launching a channel; we're creating a new space for our community to see themselves reflected and celebrated in bold, authentic ways. ' An integral part of this partnership includes leveraging the relationships of Hartbeat and ESSENCE to engage with established Black women actresses, writers, and directors, providing them with a platform for creative freedom and empowering them to produce authentic content. It will provide sustainable funding for premium programming and create new revenue streams for Black women creatives, while delivering authentic brand messaging that resonates with the target demographic. The collaboration harnesses the combined power of two iconic brands in Black culture. For 55 years, ESSENCE has served as the definitive voice of Black women, celebrating their beauty, brilliance, and influence across generations. SMTG's powerhouse portfolio of platforms reaches millions of culturally engaged consumers and commands deep audience loyalty, anchored by tentpole experiences like the ESSENCE Festival of Culture® and Beautycon™. Hartbeat provides world-class production capabilities, digital distribution expertise, and proven success in creating culturally relevant content that resonates with diverse audiences. Hartbeat's track record includes building the Laugh Out Loud Network into the #1 cultural comedy network; producing acclaimed series including 'Number One on the Call Sheet' for Apple TV+' and 'Fight Night' on Peacock; and championing diverse voices, launching programs like Women Write Now, which champions Black female writers in Hollywood. The channel will launch across all major Connected TV, YouTube, and FAST platforms, leveraging Hartbeat's extensive distribution network to ensure maximum reach and accessibility for Black women across all viewing preferences and devices. ABOUT HARTBEATFounded by Kevin Hart, Hartbeat is the global, multi-platform entertainment company creating content and experiences at the intersection of comedy and culture – with a mission to keep the world laughing together. Hartbeat finances, develops, and produces content for all platforms; connects with consumers around the world through events and the company's expansive distribution network; and co-creates entertainment and builds award-winning IP alongside brands. Hartbeat's flagship consumer brand, the LOL! Network, reaches audiences across its O&O social media, audio, and OTT partners. Led by an award-winning team, Hartbeat is a valuable partner to the biggest entertainment companies, platforms and brands in the world, driving cultural currency and generating sales, subscriptions, buzz, and conversation with some of the most coveted audiences. ABOUT SUNDIAL MEDIA & TECHNOLOGY GROUPSundial Media & Technology Group (SMTG) is a human connections company — the signal powered by culture, scaled by technology, and built for community. SMTG connects, elevates, and empowers the most influential consumer segment in the market: HER, the Chief Influence Officer. With over 100 years of community knowledge and insights, SMTG is redefining the media model into a next-generation platform. Powered by proprietary intelligence and AI technology, it activates an ecosystem that scales HER influence and economic power. Its portfolio includes some of the most iconic, purpose-driven brands and experiences shaping culture today—ESSENCE (Girls United, ESSENCE Studios, ESSENCE Festival of Culture™), Refinery29, AFROPUNK, Beautycon™ (including NaturallyCurly), the Global Black Economic Forum, the Academy for Advancing Excellence, and the New Voices Fund. Through storytelling, products, and platforms, SMTG delivers the tools and technology to shape the future of media, commerce, and community—on HER terms. ABOUT ESSENCE COMMUNICATIONS MEDIA GROUP Communications is the number one—and only 100% Black-owned—media, technology and commerce company at scale dedicated to Black women and communities. With a community of more than 31 million Black women, ESSENCE inspires a global audience through diverse storytelling and immersive original content rooted in Culture, Equity and Celebration. The brand's multi-platform presence in/ publishing, experiential and online encompasses its namesake magazine; digital, video and social platforms; television specials; books; and signature live events, including Black Women in Music, Black Women in Hollywood, ESSENCE Black Women in Sports, Fashion House, Street Style and the ESSENCE Festival of Culture®. Media Contacts:Skai Blue Media for Sundial Media & Technology Group:TeamSMG@ Metro Public Relations for Hartbeathartbeat@
