DestinaAsia

Category: Sustainability

  • Emirates Marks Best Financial Performance in Its History

    Emirates Marks Best Financial Performance in Its History


    Emirates Group recorded its highest-ever profit for the 2025-26 financial year, posting a pre-tax profit of AED24.4 billion (US$6.6 billion), an increase of seven per cent compared to the previous year. The Group also achieved record revenue of AED150.5 billion (US$41 billion) despite facing operational disruptions across the Gulf region during the reporting period.

    Emirates maintained its position as the world’s most profitable airline, reporting a pre-tax profit of AED22.8 billion (US$6.2 billion), up seven per cent year-on-year. The strong performance was driven by network expansion and the addition of new Airbus A350 aircraft equipped with the airline’s latest products and technologies.

    Meanwhile, dnata also delivered an impressive performance, recording its highest-ever revenue of AED23.6 billion (US$6.4 billion) alongside steady profit growth, supported by increased airport operations, catering and travel services activities.

    For the financial year ended 31 March 2026, Emirates Group also reported record cash assets of AED59.6 billion (US$16.2 billion), reflecting a 12 per cent increase compared to the previous year. The Group’s EBITDA reached AED41.1 billion (US$11.2 billion), highlighting strong operating profitability.

    The Group declared a dividend of AED3.5 billion (US$1 billion) to its owner, the Investment Corporation of Dubai (ICD). Following the increase in the UAE corporate tax rate from nine to 15 per cent due to the implementation of Pillar Two tax regulations, Emirates Group posted a profit after tax of AED21 billion (US$5.7 billion), up three per cent from the 2024-25 financial year.

    Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Airline and Group, Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, said the outstanding results demonstrated the resilience of Emirates Group’s business model, which is built on safety, innovation, service excellence, strong talent and strategic partnerships.

    He noted that during the first 11 months of the 2025-26 financial year, demand for Emirates and dnata products and services remained robust, contributing to higher revenue and healthy profit margins driven by continuous investments in products, technology, branding and people development.

    However, military activities in the Gulf region on 28 February significantly disrupted global commercial aviation operations, including in the UAE. Emirates and dnata responded swiftly by implementing measures to support affected customers and employees while ensuring operational continuity.

    Sheikh Ahmed said Dubai’s position as a global aviation hub, supported by modern infrastructure and a strong aviation ecosystem, enabled UAE authorities to act quickly in securing safe commercial flight corridors. Operations at Dubai International Airport (DXB) have since gradually recovered, although passenger capacity has yet to fully return to pre-disruption levels.

    He also highlighted the important role played by Emirates Group employees in ensuring the organisation remained agile and operationally efficient during challenging times. Sheikh Ahmed further expressed appreciation for Dubai’s leadership and its continued support for the aviation sector as a key driver of the emirate’s economy.

    Throughout the 2025-26 financial year, Emirates Group invested AED17.9 billion (US$4.9 billion) in new aircraft, facilities, equipment and advanced technologies to support future growth. The Group’s workforce also expanded by eight per cent to 130,919 employees, including a growing UAE national workforce which now exceeds 4,000 employees.

    Commenting on the outlook for 2026-27, Sheikh Ahmed said Emirates Group is entering the new financial year with a very strong cash position and solid business fundamentals. He added that the Group would continue its aircraft delivery and cabin retrofit programmes while maintaining investments in new facilities and world-class customer experiences.

    During the year, Emirates expanded its network with four new destinations: Da Nang, Hangzhou, Siem Reap and Shenzhen. As of 31 March 2026, Emirates’ global network covered 152 cities across 80 countries. The airline also strengthened its strategic partnerships with 32 codeshare partners and 117 interline partners, providing customers access to more than 1,700 cities worldwide.

    Emirates received 15 new Airbus A350 aircraft during the financial year, enabling the airline to offer more premium products, including Premium Economy Class and next-generation inflight entertainment systems. By the end of March 2026, Emirates operated a fleet of 277 aircraft with an average fleet age of 10.8 years.

    Emirates’ revenue increased by two per cent to AED130.9 billion (US$35.7 billion), while profit after tax reached a record AED19.7 billion (US$5.4 billion). The airline carried 53.2 million passengers during the financial year, recording a passenger seat factor of 78.4 per cent.

    As part of efforts to enhance customer experience, Emirates introduced high-speed Starlink internet connectivity across its aircraft and continued its US$5 billion cabin retrofit programme. To date, 91 aircraft have completed the full refurbishment process.

    Emirates SkyCargo also delivered strong performance, handling 2.4 million tonnes of cargo, up three per cent from the previous year. The cargo division generated AED16.2 billion (US$4.4 billion) in revenue, contributing 12 per cent to Emirates’ total revenue.

    In addition, dnata continued to strengthen its global operations as revenue increased by 12 per cent to AED23.6 billion (US$6.4 billion). The growth was driven by increased aviation and travel activities across key markets including Australia, Europe, the UAE, the United Kingdom and the United States.

    dnata also invested AED858 million (US$234 million) to expand catering facilities, cargo operations and environmentally friendly ground support equipment. The company continued implementing sustainability initiatives, including the use of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), food waste reduction programmes and the adoption of electric and hybrid vehicles in its operations.

    On the social responsibility front, Emirates Group continued supporting community programmes through the Emirates Airline Foundation and the dnata4good platform, including initiatives focused on education, healthcare and welfare assistance for underprivileged communities worldwide.
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  • SMEs Take Centre Stage in Kuala Lumpur Showcase Focused on Growth and ESG

    SMEs Take Centre Stage in Kuala Lumpur Showcase Focused on Growth and ESG

    The inaugural SME Market Expansion Showcase, officially presented to the business community today, brought together more than 30 curated businesses and serious industry visitors at CityStage @ KL City Walk in the heart of Kuala Lumpur’s Golden Triangle. The event went beyond a conventional marketplace, positioning itself as a business growth platform where brands gained exposure, conducted direct sales, and built strategic partnerships. Its core focus spanned direct customer engagement, on-the-spot sales opportunities, industry forum sessions, and networking with key decision-makers, creating a dynamic environment designed to help participants learn, connect, and expand their businesses.

    The one-day showcase was well attended by SME owners, entrepreneurs, corporate professionals, decision-makers, as well as buyers and investors. A series of highly anticipated forum talks and panel discussions explored topics such as market expansion strategies, the adoption of artificial intelligence for digital growth, access to financing and grants, smart scaling approaches, and the sharing of entrepreneurial success stories. The event also provided attendees with valuable direct access to founders and key decision-makers, enhancing opportunities for meaningful engagement.

    In her welcome address, Tanker Collaborative Director Janet New highlighted the critical role of SMEs as the backbone of the economy, noting that the showcase aimed to foster a meaningful ecosystem where entrepreneurs could gain funding insights, embrace digital growth, prioritise health, and build strategic partnerships for sustainable success. She also elaborated on the event’s key objectives and emphasised the importance of maximising both booth presence and forum participation. She added that the true value of the event lies in active engagement, encouraging exhibitors to present not just products but also solutions and collaboration opportunities, while urging visitors to approach each interaction with curiosity and purpose to strengthen the overall business ecosystem.

    A key highlight of the forum sessions was the focus on Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) and its role in measuring a company’s sustainability, ethical impact, and operational risks. Stacia Lim, Director for Corporate Governance, led the discussion by providing in-depth insights into integrating ESG into SME strategies and explaining why it is no longer optional. She also outlined practical frameworks for adoption and noted that Malaysia’s National Sustainability Reporting Framework and the amended Bursa Malaysia Listing Requirements now include Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions, with a phased mandatory implementation leading up to 1 January 2027, significantly reshaping obligations for suppliers and SMEs.

    The ESG discussion was further expanded in a panel session featuring Lim, Shu Yi Kuek, founder of KPL Corporate Advisory Sdn. Bhd., and Alan Chin, Vice President of Group Sustainability and Strategic Partnerships at Alliance Bank Malaysia Berhad, moderated by Sally Yap of PeakJob Sdn Bhd. The session explored ESG in action, covering grants, tax incentives, compliance requirements, and green financing opportunities, while also presenting practical case studies and strategies for unlocking green loans. Lim emphasised that ESG adoption does not have to be costly and encouraged SMEs to start from where they are, while Chin highlighted that sustainability should be viewed as a competitive advantage rather than merely a compliance exercise.

    The discussion also addressed Malaysia’s new incentive framework, effective from 1 March 2026, which introduces a more targeted and outcome-based approach, with ESG practices as a key eligibility criterion. The framework will initially apply to the manufacturing sector, while the timeline for the services sector will be announced later, with incentives potentially granted for up to 15 years.

    Other sessions included a health talk by Nutrition Consultant Dr. JC Wong from JC Lifestyle Coaching, who shared insights on protecting heart health through proper dietary practices, including understanding good and bad fats, reducing harmful oils, adopting appropriate cooking methods, and managing cholesterol naturally. He later joined Dr. Anandarajah Shanmugam, co-founder of Healthy Lifestyle Solutions, in a panel discussion that explored heart disease beyond conventional medical and diagnostic approaches.

    Marketing influencer Kien Lim, founder of Attitude Ideology, presented on market expansion strategies for SMEs, covering entry into new markets, the use of digital channels, partnership models, and scaling without significant overheads. In the final panel session, Kien Lim was joined by Newspin Communication’s PR Director Marc Ng and Brand and Communication Consultant Clarence Koh to discuss content creation, public relations, social media, and the role of key opinion leaders in the attention economy. The session was moderated by Gina Woon, co-founder of Novela Boutique.

    Throughout the day, exhibitors were also given the opportunity to deliver 90-second introductions of their businesses during networking sessions, allowing them to showcase their offerings and connect with potential partners and clients.

    The event was organised by Tanker Collaborative Sdn Bhd, a dynamic event and business activation company with operations in Malaysia and Hong Kong. The company specialises in large-scale showcases, corporate events, and market expansion platforms, and is known for designing and executing high-impact experiences that connect brands, businesses, and communities. Through curated exhibitions and strategic collaborations, Tanker drives visibility, engagement, and real commercial outcomes, serving as a growth enabler for SMEs and enterprises looking to expand their reach across regional markets. With a strong focus on execution excellence and measurable results, the company continues to deliver seamless, purpose-driven events that turn ideas into impactful business opportunities.

  • Program AEON Bank x SURI iTEKAD S.R.I. Perkasa Belia dan Ibu B40 Jana Pendapatan Mampan

    Program AEON Bank x SURI iTEKAD S.R.I. Perkasa Belia dan Ibu B40 Jana Pendapatan Mampan

    Berteraskan matlamat untuk meningkatkan keterangkuman kewangan, khususnya dalam kalangan ibu, wanita dan belia daripada komuniti berpendapatan rendah, AEON Bank, bank digital Islamik pertama Malaysia, telah menjalinkan kerjasama dengan SURI Inspirasi Sdn Bhd (SURI) untuk membangunkan Program Sustainable. Reliable. Income (S.R.I.). Inisiatif ini selaras dengan pembangunan program iTEKAD, iaitu inisiatif kewangan sosial oleh Bank Negara Malaysia yang bertujuan memperkasa komuniti melalui peluang penjanaan pendapatan mampan.

    SURI merupakan sebuah perusahaan sosial yang memberi tumpuan kepada pemerkasaan wanita daripada komuniti berpendapatan rendah, khususnya golongan ibu dan belia yang berusaha memperbaiki kehidupan demi masa depan keluarga. Melalui pembelajaran kemahiran praktikal seperti menjahit, peserta diberi peluang untuk menjana pendapatan secara berterusan. Program AEON Bank x SURI iTEKAD S.R.I. telah dilancarkan pada Mac 2026 dengan sasaran seramai 60 peserta menerusi tiga kohort, di mana setiap kohort berlangsung selama enam bulan. Program ini ditaja sepenuhnya oleh AEON Bank dan dibangunkan bersama SURI bagi memperlengkapkan peserta berusia antara 18 hingga 60 tahun dengan kemahiran, sokongan, peralatan serta akses kewangan untuk membina kehidupan yang lebih stabil. Ia menyasarkan individu daripada latar belakang berpendapatan rendah yang berdepan cabaran kewangan seperti isi rumah berpendapatan tunggal, penganggur dan mereka yang mempunyai pendapatan tidak menentu.

    Bagi memperluaskan impak sosial, peserta program ini turut digalakkan untuk menyertai inisiatif MySURi Seragam, di mana mereka akan menjahit sebanyak 1,000 pasang pakaian seragam sekolah untuk pelajar daripada keluarga berpendapatan rendah, rumah anak yatim dan rumah kebajikan. Inisiatif ini bukan sahaja membuka peluang pendapatan tambahan kepada peserta, malah membolehkan mereka menyumbang kepada masyarakat melalui usaha yang memberi manfaat kepada golongan memerlukan.

    Dengan kepakaran SURI dalam membimbing golongan ibu dan belia, peserta akan mengikuti bengkel latihan menjahit dan pembangunan produk, termasuk teknik ikat celup Indigo Shibori dengan menggunakan bahan kitar tinggi seperti fabrik denim dan cadar hotel terpakai. Setelah menamatkan latihan, mereka akan berupaya menghasilkan cenderahati premium yang lestari, yang kemudiannya boleh dipasarkan melalui platform SURI Lifestyle atau menerusi pesanan konsainan untuk tujuan perolehan sosial. Hasil jualan akan disalurkan terus kepada peserta, sekali gus menyokong model ekonomi kitaran yang memberi impak sosial dan ekonomi secara serentak.

    SURI diasaskan oleh gandingan ibu dan anak, Sally @ Salena Ahmad dan Amer Asyraf, yang sejak tahun 2016 telah komited membangunkan perusahaan sosial ini dengan melatih lebih 400 wanita di seluruh negara. Pada masa yang sama, mereka turut mengembangkan jenama SURI Lifestyle yang menawarkan produk berasaskan fabrik lebihan yang dikitar tinggi seperti denim dan linen, yang sebaliknya akan dibuang. Fabrik ini diolah menjadi produk berkualiti tinggi oleh ibu-ibu SURI, sekali gus menggalakkan penggunaan produk yang lebih lestari dalam kalangan pengguna.

    Bagi memperkukuh kebolehpasaran produk yang dihasilkan, AEON Bank dan SURI turut bekerjasama dengan Zucchini & Co. untuk menyediakan modul pemasaran digital kepada peserta. Modul ini merangkumi kemahiran penggunaan media sosial dan fotografi mudah alih bagi membantu peserta memperluaskan capaian pelanggan secara dalam talian.

    Selepas menamatkan program, peserta akan menerima mesin jahit mudah alih bagi membolehkan mereka memanfaatkan kemahiran yang diperoleh untuk menjana pendapatan secara berdikari dan menyara keluarga. Selain itu, AEON Bank turut menyediakan modul literasi kewangan yang merangkumi pendedahan kepada perbankan digital, kesedaran keselamatan siber dan pencegahan penipuan, serta penggunaan ciri-ciri dalam aplikasi AEON Bank seperti Savings Pot, Neko Sensei sebagai pembimbing kewangan peribadi, serta ciri tambahan lain termasuk Takaful, Neko Missions dan mata ganjaran AEON.

    Program AEON Bank x SURI iTEKAD S.R.I. merupakan edisi kedua inisiatif iTEKAD oleh AEON Bank, susulan program AEON Bank x MADCash iTEKAD GrowthStart yang berlangsung dari Februari 2025 hingga Februari 2027 dan melibatkan 65 usahawan mikro wanita daripada golongan B40 di Kedah, Johor dan Negeri Sembilan. Melalui inisiatif seperti S.R.I. dan GrowthStart, AEON Bank terus komited dalam menyediakan penyelesaian kewangan yang mudah diakses, sambil memperkasa komuniti untuk mencapai aspirasi kewangan dan meningkatkan daya tahan ekonomi. Usaha ini juga mencerminkan peranan AEON Bank dalam memacu pembangunan perbankan Islamik dan menyokong pertumbuhan ekonomi digital negara.

    Untuk maklumat lanjut, orang ramai boleh melayari laman web AEON Bank dan SURI serta memuat turun aplikasi AEON Bank bagi menerokai pengalaman perbankan digital yang lebih dinamik.

  • MATTA Fair April 2026 – Go Green, Save the Earth, Live Clean

    KUALA LUMPUR, 2 APRIL 2026 – Travel enthusiasts can look forward to an exciting weekend as MATTA Fair April 2026 returns from 3 to 5 April at MITEC Kuala Lumpur, bigger and more vibrant than ever. As Malaysia’s largest consumer travel fair, this 58th edition spans over 40,000 square metres and brings together more than 300 organisations, offering thousands of travel deals under one roof. From curated holiday packages to exclusive promotions, the fair serves as a one-stop destination for travellers planning their next adventure.

    Beyond travel deals, MATTA Fair 2026 places strong emphasis on sustainability through its MESTI Pavilion, showcasing eco-friendly tourism initiatives and experiences. Visitors can explore conservation-driven destinations like Sabah’s rainforest lodges, discover sustainable craftsmanship from Royal Selangor, and engage with Malaysia’s rich cultural heritage through interactive experiences by JKKN. These highlights reflect a growing shift towards responsible travel, encouraging visitors to explore the world while preserving it.

    Adding to the excitement are interactive campaigns such as the Buyers’ Contest, offering a chance to win business class tickets, and Ride & Reels, which promotes eco-friendly commuting through shuttle services. With a mix of travel inspiration, sustainability awareness, and engaging activities, MATTA Fair April 2026 continues to redefine the travel experience, inviting Malaysians to explore the world with purpose and responsibility.