Home Blog Page 624

Laos Assists South Korea in Arrest of 14 Suspects Linked to Overseas Fraud Network

Desks used by organization members at a Lao call center. (Photo: Gyeonggi Bukbu Provincial Police Agency)

Lao security forces assisted South Korean authorities in arresting 14 Korean nationals operating an online scam call center in Laos, according to South Korean media reports.

The arrests were part of a broader investigation into a transnational fraud organization known as the Songnampa Group, which allegedly operated overseas call centers to target victims.

South Korean police announced on 26 February that 35 members of the network had been arrested for violating the country’s Telecommunications Fraud Compensation Act, with 23 suspects detained, including the group’s leader, described as a Chinese national of Korean descent.

Investigators said the group defrauded 224 victims, causing losses of about KRW 24.5 billion (approximately USD 17 million).

Operation Structure

According to police, the organization operated in a corporate-like structure, assigning specific roles to members and frequently relocating its bases between countries to avoid detection.

Authorities said the gang targeted victims by falsely claiming they were involved in financial crimes. Victims were directed to fake investigative websites displaying fabricated arrest warrants and were pressured by scammers impersonating prosecutors, court officials, or financial institution employees.

In many cases, victims were instructed to install remote-control applications or malicious software on their mobile phones. The suspects then pressured them to take loans or withdraw funds before transferring the money to accounts controlled by the network.

South Korean police said the investigation began in November 2024 after the organization was uncovered during a separate fraud probe. Authorities subsequently revoked the passports of suspects and placed them on international watch lists.

Call Center in Laos

Following a request for international cooperation, Lao security forces assisted in October 2025 in the arrest of 14 Korean suspects operating a call center in Laos, according to the report.

Online fraud has increasingly become a transnational crime challenge in Southeast Asia, with scam networks often operating from overseas locations to target victims in other countries.

Lao authorities have also identified online fraud as a major concern. During a government meeting held on 24–25 February, officials said efforts to combat scam networks remain a priority.

Authorities said investigations into online fraud cases involve both Lao and foreign nationals and require continued international cooperation.

Absa and Thunes unveil Absa Global Pay, a next-generation solution for fast, affordable global remittances

The alliance brings real–time global money transfers, affordable and transparent pricing and a seamless mobile–first experience

JOHANNESBURG, March 5, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Absa Group, one of Africa’s largest diversified financial services providers, has partnered with Thunes, the Smart Superhighway to move money around the world, to launch a new digital-first remittance solution, Absa Global Pay, that makes sending money across borders faster, simpler and more affordable for millions of customers across Africa.

With international remittances playing an increasingly critical role in supporting families, education, healthcare and small businesses, customers are demanding solutions that are intuitive, transparent and cost-effective. The Absa–Thunes collaboration responds directly to this need by combining Absa’s trusted Pan African banking footprint with Thunes’ agile Direct Global Network to deliver an end–to–end, real–time money movement experience.

A simpler, faster, more intuitive customer experience

Absa Global Pay allows Absa customers to send funds directly from the Absa Banking App or Connected Banking (Absa Online) with instant settlement to 18 countries with 6 countries forming part of the first release (UK, Kenya, India, Malawi, Pakistan and Zimbabwe). Customers can choose from multiple payout methods — bank accounts, mobile wallets or approved cash pick–up points — with real–time notifications and full transaction visibility for added confidence and control.

Affordability and transparency at the core

By leveraging Thunes’ trusted Direct Global Network and Absa’s scale across key African markets, the solution offers lower fees, clear pricing, competitive FX rates, and greater value, ensuring that more of each transaction reaches the families and businesses that depend on remittances as a financial lifeline.

Nick Nkosi, Managing Executive for Transactional and Deposits at Absa Personal and Private Banking, said:

“At Absa, we are committed to building financial services that are innovative, intuitive and deeply connected to the everyday needs of our customers. Remittances remain essential for keeping families supported across borders, and our research shows significant opportunity to unlock more value in this space. Together with Thunes, we are delivering a solution that is simpler, faster and more affordable — empowering customers with choice, transparency and meaningful value.”

Simon Nelson, Chief Commercial Officer at Thunes, said:

“We are proud to partner with Absa, one of Africa’s most trusted financial institutions, to expand access to modern, low–cost cross–border payments. By combining Absa’s deep local insights with Thunes’ expansive Direct Global Network, we are making international money movement seamless and accessible for anyone, anywhere. This launch is an important milestone in our mission to support the growth of the continent by powering intra-Africa money movement and bring inclusive financial connectivity to communities across the world.”

A track record of multiple payment innovations at Absa

This product launch builds on a growing track record of several recent Absa payment innovations aimed at simplifying how customers interact with their money — from mobile-first solutions such as Absa Pay for online payments – a secure online platform allowing Absa customers to pay for their ecommerce purchases on a merchant site without sharing banking login details and most recently the launch of Bill payments in partnership with EasyPay and Pay@.

For more information about Thunes, visit: https://www.thunes.com/
For further information about Absa Group Limited, visit
 www.absa.africa

Ping An Assisted First Batch of Corporate Clients to Evacuate from Middle East’s Conflict Zones

HONG KONG and SHANGHAI, March 5, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Ping An Insurance (Group) Company of China, Ltd. (“Ping An” or “the Group”; HKEX: 2318/82318; SSE: 601318) has coordinated its subsidiaries, including Property & Casualty insurance (“P&C”), Life and Health insurance (“Life & Health”), and Ping An Bank, in response to the recent escalation of tensions in the Middle East. The Group promptly issued early warning notifications and evacuation recommendations to customers stranded in the region, while simultaneously gathering information on personnel status and customer needs in high-risk areas.

Ping An Global Emergency Assistance Service Center has been alerting customers to potential risks and distributed targeted risk analysis reports. To date, the Group has issued a total of 59 risk warnings, 23 risk analysis reports, and handled 52 customer inquiries. Notably, it facilitated the safe evacuation of two employees of corporate clients from high-risk areas in the Middle East within 24 hours.

Continued Support for Customers

Ping An remains vigilant in monitoring customers’ situations in high-risk regions, ready to deploy global resources at a moment’s notice to address any emergency needs and provide support to Mainland Chinese citizens in conflict zones.

On January 12, Ping An issued a high‑risk advisory and began providing timely alerts to customers in the Middle East. It carried out thorough risk assessments and prepared evacuation resources to ensure rapid support whenever needed.

The Group will continue to closely monitor developments in high-risk areas and ensure immediate responses to assistance requests. Whether you are a Ping An customer or not, help is available by calling the emergency hotline at 95511 (from overseas: +86 755 95511).

About Ping An Insurance (Group) Company of China, Ltd.

Ping An Insurance (Group) Company of China, Ltd. (HKEX:2318 / 82318; SSE:601318) is one of the largest financial services companies in the world. It strives to become a world-leading provider of integrated finance, health and senior care services. Under the technology-enabled “integrated finance + health and senior care” dual-pronged strategy, the Group provides professional “financial advisory, family doctor, and senior care concierge” services to its nearly 250 million retail customers. Ping An advances intelligent digital transformation and employs technologies to improve financial businesses’ quality and efficiency and enhance risk management. The Group is listed on the stock exchanges in Hong Kong and Shanghai. As of the end of December 2024, Ping An had more than RMB12 trillion in total assets. The Group ranked 27th in the Forbes Global 2000 list in 2025, 47th in the Fortune Global 500 list in 2025, and ranked AAA in MSCI ESG Ratings in 2025.

For more information, please visit the www.group.pingan.com and follow our LinkedIn page – PING AN.

Global Times: China’s top political advisory body starts annual session

BEIJING, March 5, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) National Committee, China’s top political advisory body, opened its annual session on Wednesday in Beijing, the Xinhua News Agency reported. 

Chinese President Xi Jinping, together with other leaders, attended the opening meeting of the fourth session of the 14th CPPCC National Committee at the Great Hall of the People.

According to Xinhua, the agenda for the session was reviewed and approved at the meeting. Wang Huning, chairman of the CPPCC National Committee, delivered a work report on behalf of the Standing Committee of the CPPCC National Committee.

A report on the handling of proposals submitted by political advisors since the last session of the CPPCC National Committee in March 2025 was presented at the meeting.

The CPPCC National Committee received 5,992 proposals from its members over the past year, of which 5,061 were accepted for processing. The response rate for the accepted proposals stood at 99.9 percent.

New achievements

The fourth session of the 14th CPPCC National Committee runs from Wednesday to March 11, spokesperson Liu Jieyi said at a news conference on Tuesday, Xinhua reported.

During the session, national political advisors will sit in on the fourth session of the 14th National People’s Congress, the country’s top legislature, which is scheduled to open on Thursday, hear and discuss documents including a government work report, and discuss a draft 15th Five-Year Plan for national economic and social development, according to Liu.

With the two sessions being a window to observe China’s policy, multiple foreign media outlets have paid close attention to the event. Reporting on the opening of the 14th CPPCC National Committee, the Financial Times noted that CPPCC members float hundreds of proposals during the conference.

Reuters highlighted China’s technology policies over the next five years, reporting on how China will “convert a wave of high-profile breakthroughs in artificial intelligence, space and robotics into industrial scale and capital market momentum.”

“I will particularly be looking at the indications of what will be in China’s 15th Five-Year Plan,” John Ross, Senior Fellow at the Chongyang Institute for Financial Studies, Renmin University of China, told the Global Times.

“During the 14th Five-Year Plan period (2021-2025), China already succeeded in something which no other developing economy in history has ever achieved and that is to become a technological leader in a major series of industries. This overall economic framework allowed China to overcome negative trends produced by geopolitical actions of some other countries. I will therefore be particularly looking at how this successful integration of science and technology with production will be further developed in the 15th Five-Year Plan,” he said.

Advancing Chinese modernization

Prior to the opening meeting on Wednesday, nine members of the 14th CPPCC National Committee from various sectors including agriculture, quantum computing, education, new energy vehicles and telecommunications attended a group interview in three batches at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing.

At the first meeting with the press, the representation of the political advisors, with one third of them coming from sci-tech related sectors, has underlined China’s focus on economic security and technological advance in 2026, Cong Yi, a professor at the Tianjin School of Administration, told the Global Times on Wednesday.

Pan Jianwei, a member of the 14th CPPCC National Committee and an academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, introduced China’s breakthroughs in quantum technology during the 14th Five-Year Plan, noting that the country’s quantum communication sector maintains international leadership over the period, quantum computing firmly ranks among the world’s first tier, and that multiple directions in quantum precision measurement have advanced into the international forefront.

Yang Jie, a member of the 14th CPPCC National Committee and former chairman of China Mobile, told reporters on Wednesday that in order to elevate the building of a modern industrial system to a new level, more targeted and coordinated efforts are needed.

He suggested efforts including building an intelligent and integrated information infrastructure, strengthening strategic emerging industries and future industries, deepening the empowerment of traditional industries through digital-intelligence technologies, advancing “AI Plus,” and promoting the in-depth integration of technological and industrial innovation.

Zeng Yuqun, a member of the National Committee of the CPPCC and chairperson of CATL, stressed that homegrown innovation lies at the core of the rise of China’s new-energy sector.

Other members of the CPPCC national committee took questions relating to national unity, the development of the sports sector and marine economy.

Unique advantage

While addressing hot-button social issues, CPPCC members also actively make proposals during the two sessions to contribute to the advancing of Chinese modernization in the upcoming five years.

China’s political consultative system is also widely acclaimed as a unique advantage of China’s political system. 

The BBC reported on Wednesday that the CPPCC’s 2,000-plus members are drawn from various sectors, and not just the Communist Party of China, and its discussions offer insight into key policy debates. 

“This is an important component of the socialist political system with Chinese characteristics and a crucial form in developing whole-process people’s democracy. This system possesses notable advantages, as it can broadly unite various democratic parties, pool wisdom, and gather strength for advancing Chinese modernization,” Cong said.

Following the conclusion of the opening meeting, many Chinese and foreign journalists were seen thronging around members of the 14th CPPCC National Committee, eager to get a glimpse of the key policy priorities in China’s 15th Five-Year Plan from their proposals. 

“I’m particularly interested in what to expect from China in its next Five-Year Plan regarding its engagement with Latin America. China is one of Latin America’s most important partners, and many countries in the region now treat China as a key economic partner,” Bruno Falci, a correspondent for Latin American media teleSUR, told the Global Times. 

 

ZEELOOL Launches 2026 Spring Event for Trendy Glasses

AUSTIN, Texas, March 5, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — ZEELOOL, a leading online retailer of eyewear, has announced its highly anticipated 2026 Spring Event from February 27th to April 1st, 2026. With most items priced under $66 during this event, clients have the ideal chance to update their appearance with stylish frames and high-end lenses. 

ZEELOOL Launches the 2026 SPring Sale
ZEELOOL Launches the 2026 SPring Sale

This seasonal event offers huge savings of up to 80% on frames and an extra 15% off some lenses. A large selection of fashionable frames are available at incredible rates during the Spring Sale, which is currently underway. For a small portion of the original price, customers can select from a range of frames, including the newest styles in eyewear. Additionally, shoppers may get frames for as little as $3 during the frame Flash SALE. For people who want to attempt a new style or refresh their appearance without going over budget, this is a fantastic option.

Not only that, but the Spring Upgrade kit, which costs less than $66, comes with premium, useful prescription lenses and a stylish frame of your choosing. A variety of lenses are available for customers to select from, including photochromic lenses, blue light blocking lenses, and driving lenses with SPH +/-6.00. For those seeking a comprehensive eyewear makeover at a reasonable cost, this kit is ideal.

“We are thrilled to launch our 2026 Spring Sale and provide our customers with the greatest discounts on stylish frames and high-quality lenses. Our objective is to make eyewear inexpensive and available to anyone without sacrificing quality. “Our Spring Sale is a step towards achieving our belief that everyone deserves to look and feel their best,” Fiona, ZEELOOL’s marketing director, stated.

Don’t pass up this fantastic chance to add more trendy eyeglasses to your collection. Take advantage of the 2026 Spring Sale by visiting ZEELOOL’s website right now. These sales won’t continue long because of the low prices. Elevate your look with ZEELOOL by shopping now.

Winners Revealed: The Nandagang International Photo Competition Highlights UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site in Cangzhou

CANGZHOU, China, March 5, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — A news report from Xinhuanet:

The winners of the inaugural Nandagang International Photo Competition were officially unveiled today. Organized by the Cangzhou International Communication Center, the competition has successfully highlighted the critical importance of wetland ecosystems through the powerful lens of global creators.

 

Located in Cangzhou, Hebei Province, the Nandagang Wetland is a designated UNESCO World Natural Heritage site and a vital node along the East Asian-Australasian Flyway. By soliciting ecological imagery from around the world, this event aims to use visual storytelling as a medium to foster public awareness of wetland conservation and biodiversity.

The competition featured three categories: Birds of Nandagang Wetland, Global Wetland Landscapes, and Wildlife & Nature. It attracted more than 1,351 entries from 221 photographers across 28 countries and regions, serving as a global call to action for biodiversity and wetland conservation. Among the 22 winning works selected, Chen Xiufeng was awarded the Grand Prize for Sweet Home. Category First Prizes were awarded to Song Wenfeng for Migratory Footprints, Zhang Xu for Tidal Money Tree, and Nafis Ameen from Bangladesh for Flying Foxes.

The winners were selected by a prestigious jury of seven experts, including Pulitzer Prize winners Nick Ut and Ringo Chiu, veteran photojournalist Michael Nelson, and international photography experts Albert Dros, Marcio Cabral, Marlondag, and Gao Chuanyun.

Ringo Chiu, Pulitzer Prize-winning photojournalist, shared his professional critique of the Grand Prize-winning work:

“‘Sweet Home’ beautifully captures the peaceful spirit of the Nandagang Wetland. The photo is well balanced; the warm sunlight contrasts softly with the cool shadows and reflections in the water…… With strong composition, beautiful light, and a clear message about protection, it truly deserves the Grand Prize.”

Albert Dros, renowned Dutch landscape photographer, noted the high caliber of submissions:

“(Global Wetland Landscape Category) The level was quite high… I saw some very creative shots, including some people photographing both under the water and above the water. I thought there were some really nice images there.”

Marlondag, a conservation photographer from Peru, emphasized the competition’s impact on global awareness:

“It is the first time for the Nandagang photo competition… it is a good promotion for this beautiful place. It looks very beautiful, but it’s not well known internationally. So this can promote this place and encourage other people to know this place”

For the full list of winning entries, please visit the official competition website: https://globalsouthernnews.com/ndg2025/

2026 Outstanding Women Professionals and Entrepreneurs Award Nomination opens until April 30


HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 5 March 2026 – Organized by the Hong Kong Women Professionals & Entrepreneurs Association (HKWPEA), the latest “Outstanding Women Professionals and Entrepreneurs Award” (OWA) opens for nomination.

HKWPEA members, 2026 Outstanding Women Professionals and Entrepreneurs Award Organising Committee members and past awardees
HKWPEA members, 2026 Outstanding Women Professionals and Entrepreneurs Award Organising Committee members and past awardees

The first OWA dates back to 1999, 3 years after HKWPEA was inaugurated, and has been running at a few years’ interval since. The 2026 OWA is the 9th to be organized to recognize outstanding Hong Kong women professionals and entrepreneurs, to celebrate excellence, spotlight role models and to showcase the continuous contribution made by women in the current age and New Economy.

The press conference was hosted by HKWPEA represented by office bearers including Ms. Julianne Doe, President; Partner of Hui Doe & Sum Law Firm LLP; Ms. Jennifer Tan, Chairperson, Organizing Committee of 2026 OWA; Senior Advisor of Ant Digital Technologies – International Business and Partner of 01F Group; Ms. Marina Wong, JP, Chartered President; Ms. Helen Kan, Immediate Past President, HKWPEA; Ms. Sandra Mak, Director, Ms. Angel Hon, Director, and Ms. Agnes Koon, Director, HKWPEA.

Ms. Jennifer Tan, Chairperson, Organizing Committee of 2026 OWA, said: “Coming out of the challenging pandemic years, we found ourselves faced with global economic uncertainties and severe geopolitical issues calling for strong leadership and audacity to innovate and advance. Against this backdrop, we find it even more meaningful to celebrate outstanding women professionals and entrepreneurs in Hong Kong and thank them for their tireless contributions to society. Their accomplishments are leading lights for the younger generation. By highlighting their success, we encourage future leaders to chase their dreams and pursue sustainable initiatives to benefit communities and mankind.”

Nomination for the 2026 OWA recognising achievements in professions and business categories begins today until April 30, 2026. Six awardees will be selected by an eminent judging panel. The nomination form can be downloaded from HKWPEA website: https://www.hkwpea.org/

47 outstanding women have been selected in the past 8 OWA events. A few past OWA awardees were present at the press conference for a brief fire-side chat at the media conference. They are Dr. Eliza Yi Wah HO FOK, Winner, 2021 OWA, Chairman of the Hong Kong Breast Cancer Foundation; Prof. Helen MENG, Winner, 2017 OWA, Patrick Huen Wing Ming Professor of Systems Engineering & Engineering Management, The Chinese University of Hong Kong and Dr. Rebecca LEE, Winner, 1999 OWA, Founder of Polar Museum Foundation. While sharing their key to success, they also encourage women from different fields to come forward and join the award scheme.

Ms. Marina Wong, Founding President of HKWPEA, announced the 2026 OWA Judging Panel composition:

  • Mr. Benjamin HUNG Pi Cheng, BBS, JP, President, International for Standard Chartered (Head Judge)
  • Ms. Agnes CHAN Sui Kuen, BBS, Chairman, Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce
  • Ms. Teresa KO Yuk Yin, BBS, JP, Former Senior Partner, Hong Kong and China Chairman, Freshfields
  • Hon. Jeffrey LAM Kin Fung, GBM, GBS, JP, Member of the Executive Council
  • Professor Charles NG Wang Wai, PhD, Vice-President for Institutional Advancement, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology
  • Dr. Rosanna WONG Yick Ming, DBE, JP, Senior Advisor, The Hong Kong Federation of Youth Groups

Independent Advisor:

Professor Andrew CHAN Chi-fai, SBS, JP, Emeritus Professor, Department of Marketing, The Chinese University of Hong Kong Business School

Since the inception in 1999, the award has achieved recognition in selecting women who provide outstanding examples to business leaders, peers and youth alike, in their high standard of integrity and ethical values. HKWPEA was established in 1996 as a non-profit organization by a group of local women professionals and entrepreneurs. They have come together to develop a strong support network, to create practical and innovative learning and business opportunities for themselves and for others, to promote high professional standards, and to respond to consultations of the HKSAR Government on various policy issues.

HKWPEA website: https://www.hkwpea.org/

QR

Special thanks to Hong Kong Economic Times, our Media Partner

Hashtag: #HKWPEA

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

Outstanding Women Professionals and Entrepreneurs Award

Past Winners of Outstanding Women Professionals and Entrepreneurs Award

1999

Professor Rosie Young, Dr. Polly Cheung Suk-yee, Ms. Rebecca Lee Lok-sze,
Ms. Augusta Chui, Ms. Chong Kin-wo, Mrs. Anna Sohmen

2002

Professor Felice Lieh Mak, Professor Hu Shiu-ying, Ms. Rita Chan Pui-kwan,
Ms. Ella Cheong Shuk-ki, Ms. Mary Ma Xue-zheng, Dr. Magdalena Wong Man-kun

2005

Professor Nancy Y Ip, Ms. Vivien Chen, Professor Grace W K Tang, Ms. Sandy Yip Fung-ying, Ms. Vivienne Tam, Ms. Chiang Lai-yuen

2008

Professor Karen Lam Siu-Ling, Professor Vivian Yam Wing-Wah, Ms. Yao Jue,
Ms. Eleanor Law Kwai Chun, Ms. Bianca Ma Kin San, Ms. Deborah Wan Lai Yau

2011

Dr. Edith Mok Kwan Ngan Hing, Ms. Starry Lee Wai King, Mrs. Margaret Leung,
Dr. Margaret Chung Wai Ling, Ms. Gao An Feng, Ms. Wong Siu Ling

2014

Ms. Susanna Chiu Lai-kuen, Professor Leung Suet-yi, Ms. Nancy Sit Ka-yin,
Ms. Daisy Poon, Mrs. Annie Tse Yau On-yee, Mrs. Viola Wong Ho Suk-ying

2017

Professor Pascale Fung Ngan, Professor Helen Meng Mei-ling, Ms. Judy Chan, Professor Karen Chan Ka-yin and Dr. Jane Lee Ching-yee

2021

Ms. Ashley Galina DUDARENOK, Dr. Eliza Yi Wah HO FOK, Ms. Vivian Ying Shih LEE, Prof. Christine Kung-wai LOH, Ms. Winnie Wan Chi TAM, Ms. Jennifer Yuen Chun TAN

IPC Shopping Centre Celebrates Small Wins That Make a ‘Just Right’ Raya

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia, March 5, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — This Ramadan and Raya season, IPC Shopping Centre invites shoppers to celebrate life’s meaningful “Kemenangan Kecil” — the small victories that quietly shape every heartfelt celebration. From the patience cultivated during Ramadan to the joy of completing Raya preparations, it is these everyday achievements that truly menyempurnakan (completes) a Raya that feels balanced and “just right.”

IPC Shopping Centre Celebrates Small Wins That Make a ‘Just Right’ Raya
IPC Shopping Centre Celebrates Small Wins That Make a ‘Just Right’ Raya

From 23 February to 29 March 2026, the “Kemenangan Kecil Menyempurnakan Raya” campaign transforms the centre into a journey of discovery, where festive expressions unfold naturally across different spaces. Inspired by the Swedish philosophy of Lagom — a way of living that embraces balance and moderation — this year’s décor blends iconic Raya motifs with mirrored accents and soft light play, forming kaleidoscopic reflections that gently shift as shoppers move through the mall. The atmosphere reveals itself progressively across levels and walkways, creating an immersive yet comforting festive experience that complements the rhythm of everyday shopping.

A Celebration Rooted in Everyday Dedication

Mr. Mark Tan, Acting General Manager of IPC Shopping Centre shared, “At IPC Shopping Centre, we believe a celebration feels truly complete when we recognise the dedication behind it. From perfecting a family recipe to preparing for a long-awaited reunion, it is these small commitments and everyday efforts that ultimately menyempurnakan the spirit of Raya. Through this campaign, we hope to create an environment where our community can experience those meaningful moments as they shop, dine, and reconnect.”

More Meaningful Wins to Discover at IPC This Raya

Beyond the décor, IPC Shopping Centre adds to the festive spirit with interactive activities and rewarding shopping experiences designed to turn everyday errands into uplifting experiences:

  • Små Club Raya Workshops: Children can explore their creativity through unique hands-on arts and crafts workshops, learning new skills while bringing home a festive keepsake.
  • Raya Colouring Contest by IPC and IKEA Damansara: Små Club members can participate in a member-exclusive colouring competition powered by IKEA colouring tools on 7 March, with the top three (3) winners walking away with RM200 worth of gifts each.
  • Balanced Festivities: Traditional performances create a warm and welcoming Lagom-inspired atmosphere, offering families a space to pause, enjoy, and reconnect amid their Raya preparations.

Everyday Shopping, Made More Rewarding

Adding on to the excitement, IPC Shopping Centre is turning every weekday shopping trip into a rewarding experience for its community. Through the “Spend & Pick Lucky Draw”, Tack Club members can transform a simple errand into a delightful surprise, winning prizes such as home essentials that are “just right” for the festive preparations.

With a minimum spend of RM30 in a single receipt, members can redeem two (2) lucky draw cards for a chance to receive sure-win rewards such as Tack Points and e-vouchers from the total prize pool worth RM20,000. Members will also stand a chance to win weekly grand prizes including an air fryer, garment steamer, rice cooker, stand fan, and wireless vacuum.

Shoppers can also redeem exclusive rewards at the i-Counter, Level G, including:

  • RM10 Tack e-voucher and a set of Raya packets with a minimum spend of RM200 in two (2) receipts
  • RM30 e-vouchers, a set of Raya packets, and a Large Capacity Compact Bag with a minimum spend of RM500 for Tack Club members in three (3) receipts and RM700 for non-member shoppers
  • RM30 e-vouchers, a set of Raya packets, and a 23″ UV umbrella with LED torchlight with a minimum spend of RM800 in three (3) receipts for Tack Club members and RM1,000 for non-member shoppers

Small Steps for a Greener Raya

In keeping with the campaign’s emphasis on meaningful everyday wins, IPC is also encouraging simple green habits this festive season. Tack Club members can recycle aluminium, paper, cardboard and metal at the IPC Recycling & Buy-Back Centre (RBBC) to enjoy 2x Tack Points throughout the campaign period, turning each recycled item into a positive step for a cleaner home and community.

Used cooking oil can also be dropped off every weekend from 10am to 2pm at the designated collection point next to RBBC, where shoppers can earn cashback through IPC’s collaboration with Arus Oil, reinforcing the idea that small, consistent actions can lead to lasting positive impact.

A Raya That Feels Just Right

This Raya, IPC Shopping Centre invites its community to embrace a celebration defined not by a single moment, but by the many small victories along the way. Because when every small win is recognised and shared, Raya feels complete — balanced, meaningful, and truly “just right.”

For more information about the ‘Kemenangan Kecil Menyempurnakan Raya‘ celebration, please visit ipc.com.my or follow IPC Shopping Centre on Facebook, Instagram, or TikTok for the latest promotions, events, and updates. 

About IPC Shopping Centre:

Established in December 2003, IPC Shopping Centre is Malaysia’s first meeting place anchored by IKEA with the big blue box store and a vital part of Ikano Retail’s growing portfolio in the Southeast Asia region. Strategically nestled in the heart of the mixed-use development of Mutiara Damansara, it serves as a familiar third home for their community and beyond. More than just a retail destination, IPC Shopping Centre is a space where everyone can recharge, reconnect, and enjoy life’s simple moments, all while providing the convenience they need for their shopping. Rooted in its Swedish heritage, IPC Shopping Centre embodies the concept of Lagom Life – a way of living that is balanced, sustainable, and just right. This shapes everything from its sustainable living inspired environment, the carefully curated tenant mix, to the overall experience, offering visitors a space to slow down, find balance, and enjoy life at their own pace. IPC Shopping Centre also leads in sustainability with the flagship Recycling and Buy-Back Centre and other green initiatives in fostering community engagement and showcasing their commitment to a greener future.