Rethinking summer IKHLAS partners with Saudi Tourism Authority to inspire travellers with Saudi ’ s new ‘ Rethink Summer ’ campaign
06
Local News
@ Halal | JULY-AUGUST . 2023
CAPITAL A Berhad ’ s Ikhlas Com Travel Sdn Bhd ( IKHLAS ) has partnered with Saudi Tourism Authority ( STA ) to launch ‘ Rethink Summer ’, a seasonal campaign promoting Saudi to Malaysian travellers as a diverse and unique summer destination .
There will be something for everyone to enjoy , from the scenic mountains of Taif and the fun beaches of Jeddah to the cloudy heights of Aseer .
Saudi is the fastest-growing destination worldwide today , with a proven capacity to host visitors worldwide over a yearlong . The ‘ Rethink Summer ’ campaign shares the beautiful diversity of Saudi with the world , from the cool , green highlands , to the coasts of the Red Sea and Arabian Gulf .
This summer , find a more relaxed getaway and experience a range of diverse activities ranging from horseback riding at Al Jazeera Equestrian Centre to boat and diving trips in Jeddah to discovering the Muftaha village , Al Souda , a mountain park , the Abha Dam Lake and the historic Rijal Al Maa village in Abha to enjoying the panoramic views of the Al Hada Mountains including a visit to the “ City of Roses ”.
Enjoy the scenic views from the heights in a delightful cable car ride from Al Hada , where visitors will see the majestic mountains .
IKHLAS Chief Executive Officer Ikhlas Kamarudin said : “ We would like to thank the Saudi Tourism Authority for appointing us to lead the ‘ Rethink Summer ’ campaign for the Malaysian market . We strongly believe we can deliver as a strong and trusted partner with AirAsia X ( AAX ) and a reliable Saudi hotel partner behind us .
“ We have high hopes that this partnership will be sustainable in efforts to build Saudi as a safe and preferred tourist destination for all Malaysians and beyond by harnessing the expansive AirAsia network .”
With the resumption of direct AAX flights from Kuala Lumpur to Jeddah last November , more than 82,400 Malaysians have flown to Saudi Arabia until May 2023 .
STA President of APAC Markets , Alhasan
IKHLAS Chief Executive Officer , Ikhlas Kamarudin and Saudi Tourism Authority ’ s ( STA ) President of APAC Markets , Alhasan Aldabbagh .
Rethinking summer IKHLAS partners with Saudi Tourism Authority to inspire travellers with Saudi ’ s new ‘ Rethink Summer ’ campaign
Aldabbagh , said : “ Saudi ’ s destination offering is unparalleled . Authentic Arabian culture , rich heritage , and diverse landscapes are at the heart of what Saudi offers Malaysian travellers .
“ This summer , we will have entertainment events that will be special for everyone . Our role is to support partners like Capital A ’ s IKHLAS to showcase the new , undiscovered experiences and unlock the wealth of opportunity the destination presents as we embark on our ambitious goal of welcoming 100 million visits by 2030 .”
Apart from promoting Umrah , including new attractions , activities and experiences ,
IKHLAS also aims to create more demand for Saudi Arabia by introducing customisable , do-it-yourself ( DIY ) travel itineraries allowing travellers to uncover new attractions and destinations across Saudi Arabia .
Saudi Arabia is set to hit significant milestones this year , from opening the first three resorts at The Red Sea , the world ’ s most ambitious , regenerative luxury tourism development , to Sindalah Island , NEOM ’ s incomparable island destination . Diriyah , the 300-year-old mud city and the birthplace of Saudi also recently celebrated the welcoming of one million visitors since its opening in November .
FWD Takaful Scholarship Programme awarded to 11 students
FWD Takaful Berhad ( FWD Takaful ) has announced the first scholarship recipients for its FWD Takaful Scholarship Programme . The scholarships were awarded to 11 students with extraordinary dedication and commitment to their studies . All the students have successfully gained entry into local universities .
Launched in 2021 , the FWD Takaful Scholarship Programme is open to deserving students in Malaysia , especially those from B40 families ( household income below RM5,000 ) who need financial aid to pursue their education at institutions of higher learning .
The scholarship programme aims to develop skills and sustainable talent for the takaful industry by promoting and encouraging young talent to take up studies in Takaful , Shariah , Actuarial Science , Islamic Finance and Information / Digital Technology .
Salim Majid Zain , FWD Takaful ’ s Chief Executive Officer , said : “ At FWD Takaful , the emphasis we place on education and human capital development reflects our dedication to changing how people feel about takaful .
We aspire to develop and enhance the capacity and skills of the country ’ s youth to shape the industry ’ s professionals . With the FWD Takaful Scholarship Programme , underprivileged students can embark on their tertiary education journey , which will act as a significant springboard to becoming future leaders in their respective areas of study .”
SME Bank ’ s new sustainability sukuk oversubscribed
SMALL Medium Enterprise Development Bank Malaysia Berhad ( SME Bank ), is pleased to announce the successful issuance of its new 5-year Sustainability Sukuk under the book-building exercise . The total order for the Sukuk issuance exceeded RM1.0 billion , surpassing the initial desired size of RM500 million .
SME Bank ’ s Group President / Chief Executive Officer , Datuk Wira ( Dr ) Aria Putera Ismail said : “ Due to overwhelming demand from local and foreign financial institutions , fund management companies , takaful / insurance firms , and Government-Linked Investment Companies , SME Bank has opted to upsize the total issuance amount to RM1.0 billion .
“ This achievement demonstrates the confidence of investors and the wider financial community in SME Bank ’ s ability to drive the SME ’ s growth , especially in ensuring them to sustain . SME Bank Sustainability Sukuk was priced at a competitive profit rate of 4.05 per cent amidst a challenging market environment .”
SME Bank ’ s Sukuk Wakalah programme has been assigned AAA ratings by the Malaysian Rating Corporation Bhd ( MARC ) and achieved the Gold standard , the highest rating under MARC ’ s Sustainability Sukuk framework . These accolades highlight SME Bank ’ s strong creditworthiness and unwavering commitment to sustainable practices . –