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Agoda and Tourism Malaysia Join Forces to Elevate Malaysia’s Global Tourism Appeal for Visit Malaysia 2026

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia, May 29, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Digital travel platform Agoda and Tourism Malaysia have entered into a strategic collaboration to position Malaysia as a top travel destination in Southeast Asia, aligning with the national campaign for Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026). This partnership aims to leverage Agoda’s digital prowess to highlight Malaysia’s diverse attractions to a global audience.

Under a newly signed 2-year Memorandum of Collaboration (MOC), Agoda and Tourism Malaysia will roll out a series of targeted digital campaigns. These initiatives will offer travellers comprehensive insights into Malaysia’s rich cultural heritage, natural landscapes, and urban experiences. By utilizing its digital platform and social media channels, Agoda will bring Malaysia’s unique offerings, from its culinary delights to its scenic wonders, to the forefront of international travel.

The collaboration also supports Tourism Malaysia’s goal of attracting 45 million international visitor arrivals this year. Agoda will share its vast global travel insights to benefit Tourism Malaysia’s policy planning and bolster existing promotional efforts, focusing on both international and domestic travellers.

Fabian Teja, Country Director Malaysia at Agoda, shared, “This partnership underscores Agoda’s dedication to connecting Malaysia with travellers worldwide through our innovative technology and engaging content. We’re excited to collaborate with Tourism Malaysia to showcase the market’s unique attractions, including its lush rainforests and rich cultural heritage.”

Datuk Manoharan Periasamy, Director-General of Tourism Malaysia, added, “Embracing digitalization, we value our partnership with Agoda, a global digital platform, to leverage its industry expertise and innovative travel promotion strategies. Together, we are confident in attracting tourists and achieving our VM2026 objectives.”

Both parties are committed to sharing best practices and insights through joint workshops focusing on traveller behaviour and sustainable tourism development. This collaboration aims to enhance user experiences and help travellers explore Malaysia’s diverse destinations.

The partnership not only highlights Agoda and Tourism Malaysia’s commitment to making VM2026 a success but also serves as a catalyst for Malaysia’s tourism industry growth. For great value deals on Malaysia travel, visit Agoda’s website or download Agoda’s mobile app.

 

TraumaConnect®: A New Digital Lifeline for Australians Living with Trauma—and the Professionals Who Support Them

MELBOURNE, Australia, May 29, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The Cairnmillar Institute is proud to announce the launch of TraumaConnect®, a groundbreaking digital mental health platform designed to support Australians affected by trauma—while also empowering the clinicians, carers, and support workers who walk alongside them.

Developed by a team of psychologists, researchers, and people with lived experience, TraumaConnect® is the first trauma-informed digital platform of its kind in Australia. It offers 24/7 access to evidence-based tools, resources, and real-time messaging support, helping to bridge the critical gaps in care—between appointments, during long waitlists, or when traditional services are out of reach.

“Too many people are being told to wait—for services, for answers, for recovery,” said Dr Kathryn von Treuer, CEO and Provost at the Cairnmillar Institute. “TraumaConnect® ensures that no one is left without support. It meets people where they are, with tools they can use immediately to feel seen, heard, and supported.”

The platform is designed not only for individuals navigating trauma, but also for the healthcare professionals who support them. Clinicians can use TraumaConnect® to extend care beyond the therapy room, reduce burnout, and access a growing library of trauma-informed resources that align with best practice. Dedicated tools, forums, articles and practice guides for health professionals implementing trauma-informed care in clinical settings will also be launching on the platform soon.

“Clinicians see this gap every day—the time between appointments, the long waitlists, the moments when people need something right now,” said Vicki Smith, Clinical Psychologist and Director of Digital Services at Cairnmillar. “TraumaConnect® bridges that gap with evidence-based tools and real-world compassion.”

The platform includes a rich library of articles, videos, podcasts, and lived-experience stories, as well as practical workbooks and tip sheets for emotional wellbeing. A confidential messaging service connects users with trained Australian health professionals and peer workers from 8am–8pm AEST, Monday to Friday. Live webinars and community events led by trauma specialists offer ongoing education and connection.

The human voice is central to TraumaConnect®. Every element has been co-designed and reviewed by people with lived experience, ensuring the platform is not only clinically sound, but also deeply compassionate and relevant.

“As someone with lived experience of trauma, I know how hard it is to find reliable, safe, and gentle support when you’re in the thick of it,” said Alexandra Paton, a lived experience contributor. “This platform offers something steady and meaningful when life feels uncertain. It’s about walking alongside people with information and support they can truly hold onto.”

TraumaConnect® is now live and available to individuals, carers, support workers, and organisations. Group memberships are available for teams and communities, with flexible onboarding and support.

Explore the platform at www.traumaconnect.org.au or download the app via the App Store or Google Play.

Media Contact:
Vicki Smith
Director of Digital Services and Short Courses
Cairnmillar Institute
vicki.smith@cairnmillar.org.au

Stay a While: Agoda Unveils Asia’s Top “Slow Travel” Destinations

HONG KONG, May 29, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Digital travel platform Agoda has revealed the top destinations in Asia to embrace the art of “slow travel”, with Thailand’s coastal city Rayong emerging as the top choice for travelers looking to hit the brakes and linger longer.  

Slow travel provides the ideal opportunity to fully immerse in a destination, allowing time to create meaningful connections with its culture, cuisine, and people. 

Across nine markets in Asia, Agoda data shows that slow travelers are booking the longest stays in Rayong (Thailand), Kalegowa (Indonesia), Seoul (South Korea), Tokyo (Japan), Nha Trang (Vietnam), Boracay Island (Philippines), Taipei (Taiwan), Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia), and Chennai (India), based on the average length for bookings made on Agoda between January and March 2025.

From tranquil beaches to bustling city streets, these destinations prove that sometimes, the best way to travel is to take it slow:

  1. Rayong, Thailand
  2. Kalegowa, Indonesia
  3. Seoul, South Korea
  4. Tokyo, Japan
  5. Nha Trang, Vietnam
  6. Boracay Island, Philippines
  7. Taipei, Taiwan
  8. Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
  9. Chennai, India

Andrew Smith, Senior Vice President, Supply at Agoda, said, “In a world that often feels rushed, slow travel has become more than just a trend—it’s a mindset that allows travelers to truly connect with the places they visit. At Agoda, we’re thrilled to support this approach to travel by offering the best deals on accommodation and activities that make it easy to slow down and savor the journey. With so many unique destinations across Asia, there’s no better time to pause, explore, and enjoy every moment.”

With over 5 million holiday properties, 130,000 flight routes, and 300,000 activities, Agoda makes it simple to plan a slow travel adventure. Visit Agoda.com or download the Agoda mobile app to start planning a leisurely getaway.

Stay a While: Agoda Unveils Asia’s Top “Slow Travel” Destinations

JAKARTA, Indonesia, May 29, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Digital travel platform Agoda has revealed the top destinations in Asia to embrace the art of slow travel, with Thailand’s coastal city Rayong emerging as the top choice for travelers looking to hit the brakes and linger longer.  

Across nine markets in Asia, Agoda data shows that slow travelers are booking the longest stays in:

  1. Rayong, Thailand
  2. Kalegowa, Indonesia
  3. Seoul, South Korea
  4. Tokyo, Japan
  5. Nha Trang, Vietnam
  6. Boracay Island, Philippines
  7. Taipei, Taiwan
  8. Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
  9. Chennai, India

In Indonesia, Kalegowa, Bali, and Jakarta have emerged as the top destinations for extended stays. Meanwhile, travelers from Indonesia looking to venture abroad spend the most time in Tokyo for a slower-paced travel experience.

Senior Country Director Indonesia at Agoda, Gede Gunawan said, “In a world that often feels rushed, destinations like Kalegowa in South Sulawesi are emerging as top choices among Indonesian travelers seeking a slow travel experience. This travel style has become more than just a trend—it’s a mindset that allows travelers to truly connect with the places they visit. At Agoda, we’re thrilled to support this approach to travel by offering the best deals on accommodation and activities that make it easy to slow down and savor the journey. With so many unique destinations across Asia, there’s no better time to pause, explore, and enjoy every moment.”

With over 5 million holiday properties, 130,000 flight routes, and 300,000 activities, Agoda makes it simple to plan a slow travel adventure. Visit Agoda.com or download the Agoda mobile app for the best deals to start planning a leisurely getaway.

Agoda Ranks Seoul 3rd in “Top Destinations for Slow Travel in Asia”

– Japanese, Chinese, Taiwanese stay longest in Seoul, while Korean travelers prefer slow travel in Johor Bahru, Malaysia

SEOUL, South Korea, May 29, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Digital travel platform Agoda reveals that Seoul is gaining attention as a leading destination in Asia for “slow travel.” Slow travel is a travel trend that emphasizes staying in one city or location for an extended period to fully relax and immerse in a destination, allowing time to create meaningful connections with its culture, cuisine, and people, rather than following jam-packed itineraries in a short time.

Based on average length of stay for accommodation bookings made between January and March 2025 on Agoda, Seoul ranked third among the top nine destinations for slow travel in Asia. Rayong (Thailand), took the top spot, followed by Kalegowa (Indonesia), Seoul (South Korea), Tokyo (Japan), Nha Trang (Vietnam), Boracay Island (Philippines), Taipei (Taiwan), Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia), and Chennai (India).

Japanese travelers were the top visitors for a slow travel experience in Seoul for the past two consecutive years, followed by Chinese and Taiwanese travelers. China rose one rank from third place last year to second this year.

In addition to Seoul, Busan and Jeju have emerged as the top destinations for extended stays within South Korea. Meanwhile, the most popular overseas destinations for slow travel among travelers from South Korea were Johor Bahru (Malaysia), followed by Pattaya (Thailand) and Angeles City (Philippines).

Jay Lee, Country Director, South Korea at Agoda, said, “In a world that often feels like it’s on fast-forward, slow travel offers the perfect opportunity to hit pause and connect with the places you visit. In South Korea, destinations like Seoul, Busan, and Jeju are perfect for leisurely adventure, offering a delightful mix of coastal charm, delicious cuisine, and captivating local experiences. At Agoda, we’re thrilled to support this laid-back travel style by offering fantastic deals on accommodations and activities that let you take it easy and savor every moment.”

With over 5 million holiday properties, 130,000 flight routes, and 300,000 activities, Agoda makes it simple to plan a slow travel adventure. Visit Agoda.com or download the Agoda mobile app for the best deals to start planning a leisurely getaway.

— ENDS —

Wander at Your Own Pace: Kuala Lumpur Among Asia’s Top “Slow Travel” Cities

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia, May 29, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Digital travel platform Agoda has revealed the top destinations in Asia to embrace the art of slow travel, with Kuala Lumpur securing a spot in the top ten as a city where travelers can hit the brakes and explore at a more relaxed pace.

Across nine markets in Asia, Agoda data shows that slow travelers are booking the longest stays in Rayong (Thailand), Kalegowa (Indonesia), Seoul (South Korea), Tokyo (Japan), Nha Trang (Vietnam), Boracay Island (Philippines), Taipei (Taiwan), Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia), and Chennai (India), based on the average length for bookings made on Agoda between January and March 2025.

From tranquil beaches to bustling city streets, these destinations prove that sometimes, the best way to travel is to take it slow:

  1. Rayong, Thailand
  2. Kalegowa, Indonesia
  3. Seoul, South Korea
  4. Tokyo, Japan
  5. Nha Trang, Vietnam
  6. Boracay Island, Philippines
  7. Taipei, Taiwan
  8. Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
  9. Chennai, India

In Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur and Langkawi have climbed to the top two spots for extended stays, followed by newcomer Johor Bahru, edging into the top three as last year’s number one, Perhentian Islands, drops out. Meanwhile, travelers from Malaysia looking to venture abroad spend the most time in Tokyo, Japan for a slower-paced travel experience.

Fabian Teja, Country Director for Malaysia and Brunei at Agoda, said, “As life moves faster, more travelers are embracing the idea of slowing down to truly experience a place rather than just pass through it. Malaysia’s diverse destinations, with its rich heritage and cultural offerings, make the perfect backdrop for unhurried exploration. At Agoda, we’re excited to be part of this movement, offering great deals on stays and activities that make it easier to pause and enjoy every step of the journey.”

With over 5 million holiday properties, 130,000 flight routes, and 300,000 activities, Agoda makes it simple to plan a slow travel adventure. Visit Agoda.com or download the Agoda mobile app for the best deals to start planning a leisurely getaway.

Stay a While: Agoda Unveils Asia’s Top “Slow Travel” Destinations

MANILA, Philippines, May 29, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Digital travel platform Agoda has revealed the top destinations in Asia to embrace the art of “slow travel”, with Thailand’s coastal city Rayong emerging as the top choice for travelers looking to hit the brakes and linger longer.  

While some travelers thrive on jam-packed itineraries that squeeze in as much as possible in a short time, others find joy in longer stays enabling them to soak up the local charm. Slow travel provides the ideal opportunity to fully immerse in a destination, allowing time to create meaningful connections with its culture, cuisine, and people.

Across nine markets in Asia, Agoda data shows that slow travelers are booking the longest stays in Rayong (Thailand), Kalegowa (Indonesia), Seoul (South Korea), Tokyo (Japan), Nha Trang (Vietnam), Boracay Island (Philippines), Taipei (Taiwan), Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia), and Chennai (India).

From tranquil beaches to bustling city streets, these destinations prove that sometimes, the best way to travel is to take it slow:

  1. Rayong, Thailand
  2. Kalegowa, Indonesia
  3. Seoul, South Korea
  4. Tokyo, Japan
  5. Nha Trang, Vietnam
  6. Boracay Island, Philippines
  7. Taipei, Taiwan
  8. Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
  9. Chennai, India

Andrew Smith, Senior Vice President, Supply at Agoda, said, “In a world that often feels rushed, slow travel has become more than just a trend—it’s a mindset that allows travelers to truly connect with the places they visit. At Agoda, we’re thrilled to support this approach to travel by offering the best deals on accommodation and activities that make it easy to slow down and savor the journey. With so many unique destinations across Asia, there’s no better time to pause, explore, and enjoy every moment.”

With over 5 million holiday properties, 130,000 flight routes, and 300,000 activities, Agoda makes it simple to plan a slow travel adventure. Visit Agoda.com or download the Agoda mobile app for the best deals to start planning a leisurely getaway.

Expectations vs. reality in trading: Octa broker’s perspective


KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 29 May 2025 – In trading, success greatly depends on the ability to take a step back from a situation and assess it without bias. This becomes much easier when understanding of financial markets is not clouded by overly optimistic or unrealistic expectations carried into each trading session. Octa, a globally regulated broker since 2011, breaks down some expectations traders build up when starting trading and explains why these starting points are better left behind.

Octa Broker

Expectation #1: All brokers offer transparent conditions

Depending on their experience with various financial services, some traders may naturally assume that what they see in a broker’s ad is precisely what they will get when engaging with this broker.

Reality: Unfortunately, not every broker diligently applies the fees and conditions specified in their marketing communications. What’s more, in some cases, a new trader may encounter hidden costs that were not specified in the broker’s terms and conditions. In the same vein, other opaque brokers’ practices, like introducing additional costs in case of market turmoil, may transpire over time.

To ensure a broker is trustworthy, it is important to review independent online feedback before making an initial deposit. Octa also recommends starting with a modest sum and ensuring the spreads and fees are what is expected. Another factor that significantly contributes to a broker’s reliability is extensive market experience and global reach. For example, Octa uses its successful track record of more than 14 years across multiple regions to ensure fast order execution, secure data processing, and better quotes for traders.

Expectation #2: All brokers provide instant withdrawals

When starting to engage with a financial broker, an emerging trader may assume that withdrawing their gains is always as fast and easy as making a minor cash transaction during regular business hours.

Reality: Withdrawal time depends on the broker, varying from several minutes to several weeks. Octa’s surveys show that up to 50% of traders have experienced serious issues with cash withdrawals, such as being unable to make the transaction through a preferred payment channel or facing unexpected fees.

As a globally regulated and trusted broker, Octa recommends carefully reading online reviews first to verify that the vast majority of a broker’s clients are happy with their withdrawals. Testing a broker’s withdrawal process before depositing a larger amount can help confirm that the broker adheres strictly to its stated terms and conditions without introducing hidden costs. On its part, Octa draws from its experience in engaging with various payment systems worldwide to provide an efficient, fast, and reliable withdrawal mechanism.

Expectation #3: 90% of success is finding a good strategy

When forming their perception of financial markets, many traders rely way too heavily on social media and advertising content. For example, internet gurus often promote ‘winning’ strategies that are supposed to pretty much guarantee consistent profits.

Reality: Any strategy, no matter how time-relevant and sophisticated, requires customisation and backtesting. Financial markets are constantly changing—albeit according to certain historical patterns—and seasoned traders are always looking for news and insights. This way, they can timely fine-tune their strategy and take advantage of major market fluctuations.

To sum up, every strategy needs to be adjusted to specific market conditions, timeframes, and instruments. Mindlessly copying strategies is a recipe for failure.

The most significant mismatch between expectation and reality in trading is underestimating some less-than-obvious nuances that must be taken into account to maximise potential. Customising a trading strategy to suit specific market conditions and selecting a reliable broker with fair and transparent terms represents a decisive step toward achieving more consistent results.

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Disclaimer: This content is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice, a recommendation, or an offer to engage in any investment activity. It does not take into account your investment objectives, financial situation, or individual needs. Any action you take based on this content is at your sole discretion and risk. Octa and its affiliates accept no liability for any losses or consequences resulting from reliance on this material.
Trading involves risks and may not be suitable for all investors. Use your expertise wisely and evaluate all associated risks before making an investment decision. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future results.
Availability of products and services may vary by jurisdiction. Please ensure compliance with your local laws before accessing them.
Hashtag: #Octa

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

Octa

is an international CFD broker that has been providing online trading services worldwide since 2011. It offers commission-free access to financial markets and various services used by clients from 180 countries who have opened more than 52 million trading accounts. To help its clients reach their investment goals, Octa offers free educational webinars, articles, and analytical tools.

The company is involved in a comprehensive network of charitable and humanitarian initiatives, including improving educational infrastructure and funding short-notice relief projects to support local communities.

In Southeast Asia, Octa received the ‘Best Trading Platform Malaysia 2024’ and the ‘Most Reliable Broker Asia 2023’ awards from Brands and Business Magazine and International Global Forex Awards, respectively.