STARK Development Sdn Bhd has launched Gloves of Hope, a boxing sponsorship and development programme for children and youth from orphanage homes, in a bid to nurture talent and build confidence, discipline and resilience.

The programme is executed and organised by Octagon Asia MMA in collaboration with BePro, leveraging their expertise in professional combat sports training and athlete development. It is open to children and youth aged 7 to 18, with weekly boxing sessions. Participants showing strong potential will be selected for additional training under a structured development pathway, combining sports coaching with mentorship and personal growth.

Master Ringo Coldenhoff, Principle and head coach of Octagon, also President of BePro, said:

“Gloves of Hope is more than boxing. It gives children from orphanage homes the opportunity to discover their talents, develop discipline, confidence and mental strength, and believe in their potential. Through structured training, professional coaching and proper equipment, we aim to remove barriers that often hold them back and guide them towards purpose and opportunity.”

Mr Leon Lee, chief executive officer of STARK Development, said combat sports provide frameworks that enhance endurance, coordination, focus, resilience, and mental discipline. He added that the initiative reflects STARK Development’s STARK X-Perience vision of promoting a health-focused, sustainable ecosystem, while supporting BePro – the Professional Mixed Martial Arts Athletes’ Welfare Club Penang in ensuring safe and structured athlete development.

The programme is sponsored by STARK Development Sdn Bhd, with additional support from Zeon Properties Sdn Bhd and Hairstory International.

The launch was officiated by Penang Youth and Sports Committee Chairman YB Daniel Gooi, who praised the initiative as a platform for underprivileged youth to build confidence, character and healthy lifestyles.

Gloves of Hope aims not only to identify boxing talent but also to provide long-term development pathways that integrate sports, education, mentorship and potential progression into amateur or professional boxing careers.

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The Penang government has officially launched a Request for Proposal (RFP) for the highly anticipated Weld Quay Waterfront Development, inviting industry players to participate in shaping one of the island’s most strategic waterfront sites.

The RFP, called by Penang Development Corporation (PDC), closes at 12pm on March 30, with a document fee of RM5,000. Interested parties can obtain details via PDC’s official website or by contacting its designated officers.

The announcement was made during a special programme at Eastin Hotel Penang, where Chow Kon Yeow outlined the project’s vision and strategic importance.

Spanning approximately 13.25 acres in Section 23 of the northeast district, the proposed development site sits within the George Town UNESCO World Heritage Site. Of the total land area, about 12.05 acres are state-owned, while 1.2 acres belong to PDC.

Strategically located along the waterfront and facing the mainland, the site enjoys direct connectivity to the Tun Dr Lim Chong Eu Expressway, offering seamless access to the island, city centre and the Penang Bridge. Accessibility is expected to improve further with the upcoming Macallum LRT station, which will connect the area directly to Penang Sentral and enhance regional mobility.

Chow described the project as a thoughtfully planned mixed-use development designed to deliver sustainable, long-term benefits. It aims to introduce a structured housing scheme that elevates living standards while optimising land value through responsible redevelopment that stimulates broader socio-economic growth.

Importantly, the development must be sensitive to its heritage context. Located near the historic clan jetties and other landmarks, the project will emphasise contextual design that harmonises modern architecture with its cultural and urban surroundings. “Growth must respect history, and modernisation must coexist with preservation,” Chow stressed.

To safeguard long-term value, the state has set a reserve price as a baseline valuation for the land. However, tenderers are encouraged to submit competitive financial offers reflecting the site’s prime location and development potential. Proposals may also include additional guaranteed considerations or contributions to PDC to enhance overall impact.

Beyond commercial returns, the project carries a strong social responsibility component. The resettlement of Weld Quay and Cecil Residency squatters will be undertaken in a structured and humane manner. Affected families will be relocated to the newly completed Cecil Residency, developed by PDC Properties Sdn Bhd, which is currently awaiting its Certificate of Completion and Compliance (CCC).

Chow emphasised that the Weld Quay Waterfront Development represents more than physical transformation. It reflects Penang’s commitment to sustainable growth, heritage preservation, social inclusivity and economic progress.

Through the RFP, the state is seeking capable and visionary developers to deliver innovative, financially sound and culturally sensitive proposals — with the ultimate goal of creating a landmark waterfront destination that enhances quality of life and strengthens Penang’s global standing.

The proposed Pan Island Link (PIL) highway project in Penang has entered the preliminary stage, with the Works Ministry (KKR) set to commence a feasibility study following its approval under Rolling Plan 1 (RP1) of the 13th Malaysia Plan (RMK13).

Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, in a parliamentary reply dated 10 February 2026, confirmed that the project remains at an early stage of implementation. The Ministry is currently undertaking procurement planning for the appointment of consultants to carry out the feasibility study.

The study will assess the viability of the proposed PIL, including traffic and land use considerations, before any further decisions are made on its development.

FT006 Road Upgrade: Bayan Lepas to Teluk Kumbar

In addition to the PIL feasibility study, the Works Ministry (KKR), through the Public Works Department (JKR) as the implementing agency, will carry out preliminary works for the upgrading of Federal Route FT006 from Bayan Lepas to Teluk Kumbar (Section 20.00 to Section 23.00) in the Southwest District of Penang.

This project has also been approved under RP1 of RMK13 and is currently at the design stage.

The scope of preliminary works includes:

• Utility survey and mapping works to facilitate the upgrade from a two-lane single carriageway (T1-1) to a four-lane dual carriageway (K2-2);
• Site investigations;
• Appointment of consultants;
• Traffic studies;
• Social Impact Assessment (SIA);
• Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA).

According to the Chief Minister, the project design is currently under review by JKR to determine the most optimal technical solution in terms of cost, functional effectiveness, and impact on the surrounding environment. The evaluation will be finalised during the detailed design phase.

The outcome of these preliminary works will be presented to central agencies. Physical implementation of the project will be subject to federal approval and the availability of government funding.

Both initiatives reflect continued efforts to strengthen transportation infrastructure, particularly in the southern corridor of Penang Island, where growth and traffic demand remain significant.

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Thousands of traditional lanterns have transformed Kek Lok Si Temple into a sea of light as the iconic landmark prepares to usher in the Year of the Horse on Feb 17.

The sprawling 135-year-old complex in Air Itam, known as the largest Buddhist temple in Southeast Asia, features more than 10,000 lanterns alongside thousands of neon and LED lights.

The lantern displays, featuring elements of Chinese tradition such as the annual zodiac animal and symbols of prosperity, peace and well-being, are more than just festive decorations.

They reflect centuries-old artistic heritage, beliefs and cultural values passed down through generations.

After nightfall, the soft glow of the lanterns casts a magical aura over the temple grounds, drawing thousands of local visitors and foreign tourists eager to witness the spectacle and soak in the atmosphere of this cherished tradition.

A temple spokesman said installation work took several weeks of meticulous planning to ensure the displays harmonised with the historic architecture.

“All the lights will be switched on from Feb 13 until Chap Goh Mei, giving the public about three weeks to take in the display,” he told Bernama.

Penang Tourism and Creative Economy Committee chairman Wong Hon Wai said the display remains a pinnacle of the state’s tourism calendar.

He said that every year, thousands gather around the temple to witness the official lighting ceremony, with visitors rising steadily night after night throughout the installation period.

“This lantern decoration tradition has a significant impact on Penang’s tourism sector and remains one of the highlights in the state’s tourism calendar, especially during Chinese New Year.

“Records show that about one million domestic and international visitors flock to Kek Lok Si Temple each year to witness the vibrant splendour of its lanterns,” he said, adding that the temple appears “celestial” when fully lit.

The annual tradition also provides a significant boost to the local economy, particularly for small traders in the Air Itam area.

For visitors like Angelina Jia Li, 35, the experience is about more than just aesthetics.

“It’s not just beautiful; it makes me appreciate the tradition and the community’s efforts to preserve their cultural heritage,” said the mother of two.

The lighting display serves as a cultural and religious landmark that continues to bring together people of various backgrounds through a shared appreciation of heritage.

Beyond adding vibrancy to Chinese New Year celebrations, the lantern installation also boosts tourism and the local economy, particularly for small traders in the Air Itam area.

As a cultural and religious landmark, Kek Lok Si Temple continues to play an important role in bringing together people of different backgrounds through a shared appreciation of tradition, making the Chinese New Year all the more meaningful and festive.

Source: Bernama