LATEST NEWS   PM Anwar, Turkmenistan President Serdar Berdimuhamedov witnessed the signing of a strategic cooperation agreement between Petronas and Turkmenistan authorities-- PMO | At 6 pm, the ringgit eased to 4.1340/1395 versus the US dollar from Thursday's close of 4.1145/1195 | The collaboration opens up space for more strategic engagements in future, including exploring the great potential of Turkmenistan's natural gas sector, which has among the world's largest gas reserves - PMO | Gabungan Kelab Media Malaysia (GKMM) state affiliates receive RM10,000, GKMM receive RM30,000 from Communications Ministry - Fahmi | The achievement comes as Malaysia and Turkmenistan mark 30 years of cooperation in the energy sector, which has been a key pillar of bilateral relations between the two countries -- PMO | 

Research Shows People Seek Aesthetic Treatments To Match Inner Self With Outward Appearance

KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 3 (Bernama) -- Merz Aesthetics, the world’s largest dedicated medical aesthetics company, has unveiled the results of its inaugural global study, Pillars of Confidence: Global Insights on Aesthetics and Self-Affirmation.

The study, conducted as part of its Confidence to Be platform, explores the significant role that confidence plays in daily life and its connection between internal well-being and outward expression, shedding light on the role of aesthetics in personal empowerment.

The findings revealed that a majority of participants (72 per cent) expressed strong self-confidence, agreeing with the statement, “I am confident in who I am”.

The study also highlighted a significant link between external appearance and internal self-concept. Among respondents, 73 per cent reported feeling “empowered” after receiving aesthetic treatments, 69 per cent said they sought such treatments to reflect their internal feelings, and 72 per cent stated that aesthetic treatments positively impacted their self-perception.

Merz Aesthetics Chief Executive Officer, Bob Rhatigan in a statement said: “Our Pillars of Confidence research shows what we anecdotally knew to be true—that aesthetic treatments appear to do more than just enhance our appearance; they can help people feel empowered and support their self-confidence journey.”

The study surveyed 15,000 adults globally who have either previously undergone an aesthetic treatment or are open to receiving one in the near future.

The study, conducted in partnership with Ipsos, a global market research company, included participants from 15 countries across Asia-Pacific (China, South Korea, Thailand); Europe, the Middle East & Africa (France, Germany, Italy, Spain, the United Kingdom, the United Arab Emirates); Latin America (Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica, Mexico); and North America (the United States, Canada), with ages ranging from 21 to 75.

Merz Aesthetics hopes that the Pillars of Confidence study’s data-backed insights will spark meaningful conversations and inspire individuals worldwide to celebrate their authentic selves—both inside and out.

-- BERNAMA