News & Features

By Ng Ai Fern

Some 10,000 kilometres from Malaysia – and weeks before Chinese New Year – a group of Malaysians from diverse backgrounds, the majority from Borneo, ushered in the Year of the Fire Horse in a distinctly Malaysian way in the south of France.

The gathering of about 40 Malaysians, many of whom travelled hundreds of kilometres and met one another for the first time, marked the first official event organised by a newly formed Malaysian diaspora group in the region.

Malaysian Community in the South of France

The association, Malaysians in Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur (MyPACA) aims to bring together Malaysians living in southern France – a community often overlooked compared to the larger, long-established groups in Paris and Lyon.

Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur (PACA) is a region in southeastern France, known for its Mediterranean coastline and scenic Provence countryside, including the famous lavender fields. The association hopes to connect not only Malaysians within the region, but also friends and families of Malaysians across southern France.

The PACA region is roughly the size of Pahang and is home to about five million people. It spans six departments, with major cities including Marseille and Nice. Although PACA is only about a quarter the size of Sarawak, it has nearly twice Sarawak’s population. In Sarawak terms, it feels like several divisions compressed into one Mediterranean stretch.

For many attendees, travelling to the inaugural gathering meant journeys comparable to driving from Kapit to Kuching, or from Belaga to Kuching, distances many were willing to cover for a festive celebration that reminded them of home.

Mr Jean-Pierre de Bono, Honorary Consul of Malaysia in Marseille, also attended the luncheon and shared how Malaysians in the region could seek assistance from his office when needed.

Finding Familiar Voices Abroad

Settling in France, a country about 1.7 times larger than Malaysia and with roughly double its population, can sometimes feel isolating. Many Malaysians in the region moved for family, work or study, and some have lived there for more than a decade.

In a country where accents, languages and seasons differ greatly from home, the chance to reconnect with familiar voices, share Malaysian food, and speak Bahasa Malaysia or their dialect again brought a sense of comfort and belonging.

Established in June 2025, MyPACA seeks to strengthen networking among Malaysians, promote Malaysia’s culture and identity, and foster a supportive and inclusive community abroad.

Its founder and president, Anne Ravera, hopes the platform will go beyond social gatherings and also promote Malaysia to the francophone community.

Bringing Borneo Flavours to France

The Chinese New Year celebration was held at a Chinese restaurant in Marseille, France’s second-largest city after Paris and a historic Mediterranean port often described as France’s gateway to the south.

Besides the traditional Chinese New Year dish of fish symbolising abundance, another highlight of the luncheon was a homemade yee sang, prepared with seven ingredients including Mediterranean vegetables. The dish was shared in the Malaysian tradition of tossing for prosperity, unity and new beginnings.

Anne has previously participated in cultural initiatives promoting Malaysian heritage, including introducing Sarawak’s famed kek lapis not only in France but across parts of Europe. She also helped promote Malaysian delicacies at the international food festival “Saveurs du Monde” in Marseille last year.

Last year, a group of Borneans organised a Kaamatan celebration that drew Malaysians from across Europe. This year, with MyPACA as a formal platform, the ambition is not necessarily to grow bigger in size, but greater in vision — to showcase Malaysia’s rich and diverse culture with pride and to play a role in the Visit Malaysia 2026 campaign.

Visit Malaysia 2026

Moving forward, the association hopes to expand its outreach across the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region, collaborate with local partners, and organise cultural, networking and family-oriented programmes that keep Malaysians connected to one another and to home.

In doing so, MyPACA aims to serve as a bridge between Malaysians in southern France and Malaysia itself, supporting initiatives such as Visit Malaysia campaigns and strengthening people-to-people ties.

Conversations and collaborations like these helped inspire the vision of building a platform such as MyPACA that brings Malaysians and friends of Malaysia together in France through culture, gastronomy and community.

Kalau ada sumur di ladang,
Boleh kita menumpang mandi;
Kalau ada umur yang panjang,
Boleh kita berjumpa lagi.

This International Women’s Day 2026, it is important to shine a light on extraordinary women from all walks of life. One such woman is Telin Kaloni from Kampung Menangkin Tengah, Sri Aman, Sarawak – a community leader whose courage, dedication and love for nature show that leadership and stewardship know no gender.

A Woman Community Leader

Beyond her role as a mother and active member of her community, Telin has served as tuai rumah (headwoman) since 2020. It is a demanding role in Dayak society that calls for insight, courage and the trust of the community.

By stepping into this position, she defies the traditional gender norms of leadership, showing that women are equally capable of guiding their communities with strength and clarity.

“Leadership is not about being a man or a woman, but about responsibility to the community,” she said.

An Explorer Since Childhood

Telin’s journey begins in childhood, where she grew up immersed in the customs, spirituality and deep connection her community shares with nature.

At just 10 years old, Telin embarked on her first climb to Gunung Lesong, a mountain near her village. That experience left a lasting mark on her, igniting a lifelong passion for exploring forests, caves, waterfalls and sacred sites while documenting the natural and cultural heritage of her people.

Over the years, she has climbed Gunung Lesong about 20 times. Each journey is done with care and purpose. She observes wildlife, studies the forest, protects important historical sites and keeps the stories of her ancestors alive.

Through her work, she connects the past with the present and helps her community stay close to the land that sustains them.

“Every journey in the forest teaches me about life and respect for nature.” she said.

Even now, Telin continues to explore different parts of Gunung Lesong with her family members. With every step, their understanding of the land deepens, and so does their bond with one another.

What began as a hike has become a shared tradition and a way to honour nature, preserve stories, and pass down a love for the forest to the next generation.

A Nature Conservation Advocate

Telin is involved in conservation work with organisations such as WWF-Malaysia including tracking orangutan nests and documenting flora and fauna. These efforts help protect forest biodiversity for future generations.

For Telin, the forest is more than a landscape. It is heritage, sanctuary and teacher.

Gunung Lesong is not only breathtaking in its beauty but a place that calms the soul, inspires reflection, and reminds us to honour our roots and our responsibilities to the world around us.

“The forest does not belong to us alone; it is a loan for our grandchildren.”

An International Women’s Day Inspiration

While what distinguishes Telin from others is her unwavering spirit and dedication, her story is also a reflection of countless rural women whose contributions often go unseen.

Quietly, they lead communities, protect tradition and safeguard the environment. Their work shapes the future while leaving little recognition for themselves.

This International Women’s Day, Telin’s journey reminds us of the power of giving to gain.

By devoting her time, energy and expertise to community leadership, cultural preservation and environmental protection, she inspires us to recognise that true impact comes from giving selflessly to build a richer, more sustainable world.

Her courage, perseverance and devotion to the Earth make her a living testament that women are equally capable of leading, protecting nature and safeguarding our shared heritage.

“If we protect nature, nature will protect us.”

Volvo Car Malaysia has officially launched the Volvo ES90, the brand’s first fully electric sedan, offering a range of up to 651 kilometres (WLTP), 800-volt fast charging, and its most advanced safety and computing technology to date.

Assembled locally in Shah Alam, the new Volvo ES90 is now available for viewing at all authorised dealers nationwide, priced from RM339,888. To reward early adopters joining this new journey, the launch includes a 2 per cent early-bird incentive, strictly limited to the first 100 units booked by 31 March 2026.

Chris Wailes, Managing Director of Volvo Car Malaysia and Thailand shares: “For 60 years, Volvo has been part of the Malaysian journey. Today, we turn a new page with the launch of the ES90. This is the car for the driver who seeks balance – blending the executive presence of a premium sedan with the sustainability and performance of our latest electric technology. It is locally assembled, globally class-leading, and designed to look after you like only a Volvo can.”

Designed for Life in Balance

The Volvo ES90 combines the versatility of a fastback with the spaciousness of an SUV, offering generous legroom and a refined “living room” feel through its Scandinavian interior design.

Beneath its elegant exterior lies Volvo’s most advanced 800-volt architecture. For Malaysian drivers, this translates into less waiting and more moving, with the ES90 capable of charging from 10 to 80 per cent in approximately 22 minutes using a 350 kW DC fast charger.

On a full charge, the ES90 delivers a WLTP range of up to 651 kilometres, enabling confident interstate travel from Kuala Lumpur to Penang or Johor Bahru without range anxiety.

Confident, Distinctive and Practical

Viewed in profile, the Volvo ES90 immediately stands out with its confident and distinctive stance. A slightly raised ride height gives the driver a more commanding view of the road, while the flowing roofline balances elegant proportions with interior space and contributes to excellent aerodynamics, boosting overall efficiency and electric range.

At the front, the signature Thor’s Hammer headlight design expresses a familiar yet modern Volvo identity. The rear is equally distinctive, featuring new C-shaped LED rear lamps complemented by LED lighting in the rear window, creating a unique welcome and farewell light sequence.

A large, wide tailgate hatch makes loading family luggage or activity gear effortless. The boot offers up to 424 litres of space, expandable to 904 litres with the individually foldable 40/20/40 rear seats lowered. A 27-litre front luggage compartment provides a convenient space for charging cables.

Customers can choose from four exterior colours, including Vapour Grey, Crystal White, Denim Blue and Onyx Black.

Comfort and Functionality throughout the Cabin

Its interior focuses on premium comfort, authentic materials, and purpose-driven design, true to Volvo’s Scandinavian identity. The long 3.1-metre wheelbase provides generous second-row legroom, creating an exceptionally comfortable space for adults and children alike.

Six curated interior ambient lighting themes elevate sensory well-being, complemented by ventilated Nordico upholstery in Charcoal that delivers refined comfort with a modern, sustainable edge.

A panoramic roof with electrochromic glass provides up to 99.9 per cent UV protection. At the touch of a button, passengers can adjust the glass transparency to reduce glare and increase privacy.

Added comfort comes from a four-zone climate control system with an advanced air purifier, capable of blocking up to 95 per cent of PM2.5 particulates and removing 99.9 per cent of grass, tree, and pollen allergens from the cabin.

The Volvo ES90 is also engineered for exceptional sound comfort, with ultra-low noise levels that make it one of Volvo’s quietest cabins ever. This allows occupants to fully appreciate the Bowers & Wilkins sound system, featuring 25 high-fidelity speakers delivering 1,610 watts of immersive audio throughout the cabin. Dolby Atmos® creates a lifelike spatial sound experience, while an exclusive Abbey Road Studios mode recreates the acoustics of the legendary London recording space.

Intelligent Technology that evolves over time

The Volvo ES90 is the first Volvo powered by the NVIDIA DRIVE AGX Orin computing platform, capable of performing trillions of operations per second. Acting as the vehicle’s core computer, it processes data from cameras, and radars to create a 360-degree safety shield around the car.

Built on Volvo’s Superset technology stack, the ES90 is designed to improve over time through regular over-the-air updates, enhancing everything from energy efficiency to infotainment features, ensuring the car continues to feel new for years to come.

The new-generation infotainment system with Google built-in includes Google Maps, Google Assistant, and access to a wide range of apps via Google Play. Powered by the Snapdragon® Cockpit Platform from Qualcomm Technologies, the 5G-capable system delivers a seamless and responsive experience across the 9-inch driver display, head-up display, and the 14.5-inch centre touchscreen.

To support confident manoeuvring in tight spaces, the ES90 is equipped with a 3D surround view supported by a 360-degree camera system.

The lightweight 800-volt system also improves overall efficiency and performance, contributing to a drag coefficient of just 0.25. Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h takes 6.6 seconds, balancing refinement with responsive performance.

Sustainability in Focus

Battery technology is just one aspect of the Volvo ES90’s sustainability credentials. The model also supports Volvo Cars’ broader environmental ambitions through the extensive use of recycled and natural materials.

Twenty-nine per cent of all aluminium and 18 per cent of all steel used in the ES90 is recycled. The car also contains 16 per cent recycled polymers and bio-based materials, while interior wood panels are crafted from FSC-certified sources—contributing to lower CO₂ emissions during production.

Safe Space Technology, Inside and Out

True to Volvo’s heritage, the ES90 is designed to help protect everyone in and around the car. Developed to meet the rigorous Volvo Cars Safety Standard – built on more than 55 years of real-world safety research and exceeding official testing requirements – the ES90 represents the next chapter in Volvo’s safety leadership.

It features a strong safety cage, advanced restraint systems, and optimised deformation zones. Active safety is powered by a comprehensive sensor suite comprising five radars, seven cameras, twelve ultrasonic sensors – enabling vision beyond human capability to help avoid collisions and hazards.

The ES90 also comes standard with Volvo’s driver understanding system, which can detect when the driver’s attention is no longer focused on the road and intervene with supportive measures when needed.
Safe Space Technology extends protection beyond driving. When parked, a door-opening alert helps safeguard passing cyclists and pedestrians by warning occupants before doors are opened.

SELAMAT: Volvo’s Safety Campaign in Malaysia

Volvo Car Malaysia also officially launched SELAMAT, a thematic campaign running throughout 2026, designed to transform road safety from a regulatory mandate into a shared culture.  

Throughout the year, Volvo Car Malaysia will host a series of on-ground activations and educational initiatives to reassert the importance of safety fundamentals. These efforts will build towards a major milestone – the SELAMAT Drive, slated for Q2 2026. This flagship driving event will allow Malaysians to experience the synergy between safe driving habits and Volvo’s innovative technologies in a real-world environment. 

Volvo ES90 Key Specifications at a Glance:
• Platform: SPA2 with 800V Architecture
• Range: Up to 651 kilometres (WLTP)
• Charging: 10 – 80% in 22 mins (DC Fast Charging)
• Audio: Bowers & Wilkins High-Fidelity Audio with Dolby Atmos
• Infotainment: 14.5-inch centre screen with Google built-in

The Volvo ES90 is now available for booking. Customers can configure their vehicle and place an order online or visit their nearest Volvo retailer.

For more information on the Volvo Car Malaysia’s range of electrified cars, visit www.volvocars.com/my or follow Volvo Car Malaysia on Facebook at bit.ly/VolvoMY-FB and Instagram at bit.ly/VolvoMY-IG.

Source: Volvo Car Malaysia

Future models of Proton vehicles will be shaped by the Advanced Modular Architecture (AMA) platform, which underpins the all-new Saga design.

Proton chairman Tan Sri Syed Faisal Albar said the AMA platform was designed to be agile and scalable so it could be adjusted accordingly to meet the size and build specifications of the vehicle models that the national car maker is looking to produce.

The new Saga models, built on the company’s new AMA, represents a future-ready, globally compliant platform whose Intellectual Property Right (IPR) are fully owned and developed by Proton. This would represent a major step forward in Malaysia’s automotive capability.

With full ownership of the IPR, the AMA platform reinforces Proton’s growing engineering capability and opens new collaboration opportunities across the Geely Group ecosystem, potentially positioning Malaysia as a regional engineering hub for future model development.

“Today’s launch is different. It is about our pride and joy because the intellectual property rights to this car truly belong to Proton. When Proton started its partnership with Geely eight years ago, it was easy for the public to say that Proton simply changed the badge on Geely cars.

“However, the years in partnership were planned for Proton to have ownership of its own vehicles through technology sharing between the two partners,” he said at the launch of the all-new Proton Saga at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC) here on Thursday.

Partnership with Geely accelerates Proton’s technical capability

He added that throughout the partnership, over 2,500 Proton staff members have been sent to undergo training at Geely headquarters in Hangzhou and currently, 119 local engineers are based in China. The efforts were undertaken for Proton to own the IPR of its vehicles.

Owning IP meant that more production of components could be localised, hence creating a multiplier effect for the local industries.

“Proton’s ambition to become a global brand – future models produced under the AMA platform will be the ticket for Proton to go global on a bigger scale.

“To penetrate the overseas market, we can’t rely on a single model. We need a consistent supply of exciting products. The AMA platform will be the weapon in our export strategy,” he said.

Syed Albar added that the launch of the all-new Saga was significant, as it also marked the launch of the AMA platform, which would shape the future of Proton cars.

“In Malaysia, our car sales are around 800,000 units annually. For Proton to achieve its ambition of becoming a global player, it cannot rely on the size of the domestic market. We must expand our export market rigorously.”

Saga remains Proton’s strongest global model

Proton is currently present in 18 export markets, including countries in Asia, the Middle East, and Africa. Since its inception, the Saga model alone has garnered two million units in sales, which is half the total number of Proton cars that have been sold, he said.

Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz expressed confidence that Proton will expand beyond the current market to strengthen Malaysia presence and reputation in the global automotive market.

Proton has exported more than 20,000 vehicles since 2020. He believes that the sales volume could increase tenfold over the next five years.

On another note, Zafrul said Proton had sourced RM3.2 billion worth of parts and components from local vendors, underscoring its commitment to a localised supply chain that will continue to grow in scale and value.

The doubling of Proton’s total industry volume and its expanded local sourcing have ensured that Malaysian vendors benefit from the economic spillover that is captured within the country.

“Our national automotive policy has played a significant role in strengthening local industry players, especially Proton. These policies have enabled the development of a supportive ecosystem, it encourages technology upgrading, strategic foreign partnerships, and increase competitiveness in both domestic and regional markets.

“Our national automotive policy is our guiding framework to position Malaysia as a regional leader in automotive manufacturing, engineering, and technology.”

EV development aligns with NIMP 2030 goals

Beyond producing cars, he said that Proton continues to strengthen the country’s automotive industrial backbone, from electric vehicles (EV) platforms and powertrain testing to localisation of key components, deepening the nation’s competitiveness.

Zafrul said that, in alignment with the New Industrial Master Plan (NIMP) 2030, Proton’s EV investments and localisation efforts are not just corporate strategies but a spearhead for Malaysia’s transformation into a high-tech and digitally vibrant nation.

“This commitment also drives investments that generate jobs, increase spillover, and create economic value for the country.”

Proton’s localisation programme has created 18 new technologies and forged joint ventures in key areas such as fuel pumps, electronic gear shift modules, and continuously variable transmission (CVT) systems, thus expanding vendor base while elevating technological mastery.

Proton has officially unveiled its all-new Saga model, promising the most significant technological evolution of the nation’s best-known automotive nameplate since its debut in 1985.

Themed “Four Esteemed Decades, a Future Without Limits”, the launch celebrates not just a new model but also a national symbol that represents Malaysia’s industrial progress and enduring pride, the company said.

The fourth-generation Proton Saga is available in three variants: Standard, Executive, and Premium. The on-the-road (OTR) prices in East Malaysia, without insurance, are RM40,990, RM46,990 and RM51,990 respectively.

Proton has added an extra incentive with a RM1,000 launch rebate for customers who register their vehicle by 31 December 2025, with effective prices reduced to RM39,990, RM45,990 and RM50,990 respectively.

“Since the first Saga was rolled out in 1985, it has brought a sense of national achievement. It has been dubbed the people’s car – for the young teacher commuting to school every morning, for the nurse returning (from work) at night, and for the group of friends going on a fishing trip, this car belongs to them.

“It belongs to every Malaysian who believes that progress should not come with a heavy price tag,” Proton chairman Tan Sri Syed Faisal Albar said at the launch held at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC) here on Thursday, 27 November 2025.

Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz officiated at the ceremony.

Syed Faisal said the all-new Proton Saga, which has already received 20,000 bookings, comes with “mind-blowing features that are above its peers in the same segment”. Proton has invested 391,000 man-hours in research and development, and 412,000km in road testing, culminating in 337 new parts.

The new Saga promises the lowest maintenance cost for the A-Segment Sedan category. It comes with a five-year or 150,000km mileage warranty and three complimentary labour services in scheduled maintenance.

Performance and Efficiency

Touching on performance, the car is powered by Proton’s new i-GT 1.5 engine, with a maximum power of 88kW (120 PS) and maximum torque of 150Nm.

The Premium variant is paired with a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT), delivering smooth, confident power with outstanding fuel efficiency rated at 4.9L/100km Malaysia Driving Cycle (MDC), improving economic fuel consumption by 14.04%.

The Standard and Executive variants receive a four-speed automatic transmission (4AT), returning a fuel consumption rating as low as 5.1L/100km MDC and improving efficiency by 10.53%.

The new Electric Power Steering (EPS) system further refines handling precision, while Proton’s signature Ride and Handling ensure a balanced, stable, and comfortable experience in all driving conditions.

Safety Features

The all-new Saga offers a full suite of safety technologies, including six SRS airbags, nine Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) features, and the Proton Reinforced Safety Structure (RESS) with HPF components for greater occupant protection and crash integrity.

The ADAS hardware capability provides comprehensive safety with Collision Mitigation Support Front (CMSF) with Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) and Forward Collision Warning (FOW), as well as Front Departure Alert (FDA), Intelligent High Beam Control (IHBC) and Lane Departure Warning (LDW).

It’s enhanced monocular camera system for road monitoring includes new-generation Rear Side Radar System (RSRS) with Door Opening Warning (DOW), Rear Collision Warning (RCW), Lane Change Assist (LCA) and Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA).

Design and Interior

The Saga’s bold design evolution features a Sulaman Songket-inspired front grille, a nod to Malaysian craftsmanship, alongside full LED projector headlamps. The rear features a set of full LED taillight bar, with a “PROTON” wordmark trim across the boot lid.

Inside, a new 16-inch Integrated Dual Screen supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, complemented by smart convenience features such as auto headlamps and headlamp leveling, ensuring seamless functionality for everyday driving.

The cabin also features “Congkak” inspired air vents, a 3D dashboard pattern inspired by the “Pantai Waves” motif, and a new gear shift lever with illuminated indicators.

The new Saga introduces two new body colours, Marine Blue and Space Grey, which join the existing options of Ruby Red, Armour Silver, and Snow White.

Launch Packages

In conjunction with the launch, Proton is also offering a comprehensive launch package valid until 31 December 2025.

Customers can choose either Pro-Trade-in, with overtrade support of up to RM1,500 when trading in their existing vehicles, or Pro-Xchange which provides RM2,000 support for the deregistration of non-roadworthy trade-in vehicles. For customers seeking financing, Pro-Finance offers attractive finance rates starting at 2.6%.

Those opting for Proton’s insurance programme Pro-Shield will receive upgraded protection that includes Special Perils coverage, enhanced flood relief coverage of up to RM2,000, and passenger personal accident coverage of up to RM15,000 per person for up to 4 passengers.

Global K-beauty brand Laneige has officially unveiled its newest boutique concept at Vivacity Megamall, Kuching, redefining how beauty lovers experience skincare shopping in Malaysia.

A New Beauty Playground Arrives in Kuching

Far more than just a skincare store, the new Laneige boutique is designed as a beauty playground where visitors can explore, play, and discover their ideal skincare routine in a luxurious yet welcoming environment.

This exclusive global concept store features a lounge-style consultation area, inviting customers to relax, receive personalized skincare advice, and enjoy Laneige’s best-selling innovations. Every corner reflects Laneige’s philosophy of making beauty both inspiring and approachable, blending modern elegance with comfort.

Grand Opening Celebration

The boutique’s grand opening was officiated by Ailin Chan, Brand General Manager of Laneige Malaysia in an event which brought together local media, beauty influencers, and skincare enthusiasts to celebrate this exciting milestone for the brand in East Malaysia.

To coincide with the launch, Laneige introduced its 2025 Holiday Campaign called “Play With Wonders”, featuring limited-edition gift sets perfect for festive self-care and gifting. Visitors can also enjoy exclusive opening promotions available only at this new store.

“With this new store concept, we’re giving beauty lovers more than just products – we’re creating a space that inspires play, exploration, and connection. Vivacity is the perfect place to debut this first-of-its-kind concept, and we can’t wait for everyone to experience it,” said Chan.

Why You Should Visit

• 🌸 First-of-its-kind Laneige boutique in Kuching
• 📸 Instagram-worthy lounge design perfect for #skincareroutine snaps
• 🎁 Exclusive 2025 Holiday Gift Sets for beauty lovers and gift seekers
• 💧 Special opening promotions available for a limited time

Whether you’re a longtime Laneige fan or new to the world of K-beauty, the Laneige Vivacity boutique is your must-visit destination this festive season. Come explore, celebrate, and be #OPENTOWONDER.

Join the PLAY WITH WONDER Movement

LANEIGE Malaysia invites media, creators, and beauty enthusiasts to be part of this festive celebration by sharing their own #OPENTOWONDER moments.

To explore the full collection, visit https://my.laneige.com/ or follow @laneige_my on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok.