(NOV 18): Have you ever considered how we expect round-the-clock protection at the organisations we work for or the businesses we rely on as customers?

As cyber threats, fuelled by advanced technologies, continue to evolve and become more sophisticated, organisations are ramping up defe...

Co-opetition: Collaboration is key to strengthening cybersecurity defences

As workplace priorities evolve, three-quarters of talent in Malaysia believe generative artificial intelligence (Gen AI) will cause some disruption to their jobs and roles in the next five years. The new Jobstreet by SEEK’s “Decoding Global Talent Report 2024: GenAI Edition” found that the majority of local talent are already experimenting with or regularly using Gen AI in both their professional and personal lives, positioning the country for transformative AI adoption across industries.

Gen AI use growing at home and in the workplace

Artificial intelligence (AI) has been a hot topic and will continue to be so as new innovations emerge. While many are focused on the rapid adoption of AI, along with its impact and return on investment, selecting the right compute resources for the right application is crucial.

“Starti...

Spotlight: AI workloads demand smarter compute choices

While unicorns — companies with at least US$1 billion in annual revenue — chase high valuations at the expense of profitability, centaurs can focus on building solid businesses that can withstand economic fluctuations, said panellists at the Entrepreneurs Summit V, which was organised by NEXEA an...

Issues: Slow and steady wins the race

Our very concept of money as well as how we manage it electronically are going through a digital transformation at a fundamental level. There is a war going on globally to define and control that process and outcome.

There are groups of individuals who would prefer a more centralised, c...

Cryptocurrency: More than a digital currency: The war for the future of money

Imagine stepping into the Faber-Castell factory, tucked away in the industrial sprawl of Subang Jaya. You would expect rows of assembly line workers, busy chopping wood, applying glue and assembling pencils — a scene straight out of a traditional manufacturing playbook.

But inside this ...

Cover Story: Blending past and future

The long, anxious wait for harvest is a feeling that farmers know all too well. However, biocompatible carbon quantum dots could tip the scales by giving Malaysian farmers the plant boost they need to bolster crop yields and potentially combat food insecurity in the country.

Quantum dot...

Agritech: Boosting crops with quantum tech

In 2022, Dr Sai Chong Yeh stood before the audience at the National Solution Forum 2022 organised by Sunway Group and Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN) with a bold proposition — to harness artificial intelligence (AI) in the fight against floods.

With the power to forecas...

Start-up: Empowering SMEs with no-code solutions

NEWS

Google Maps rolls out new features with Gemini

This week, Google started rolling out new updates to Google Maps to make it even more helpful. Users will be able to ask Maps for inspiration curated with Gemini — for example, we ...

Bits + Bytes: A Miscellany of Technology

The design of Samsung’s Galaxy Buds3 Pro and Buds3 is a fresh look that has evolved from the brand’s previous popular styles, such as the bean-shaped or stemless earbuds. While the design shares some similarities with its competitors, the Buds’stem, which Samsung calls the “blade”, stands out, offering a more intuitive way to operate the earbuds.

Tech In Review: Galaxy Buds 3 Pro: A strong all-rounder

Ideas, initiatives and innovation form the basis of any effort to actualise goals and targets. Ideally, sustainability is embedded into the business case of every investment decision made by the company.

10 steps to frame your business case

When primary school English teacher Khuzaimah Zaaim dreamed up the Green Recycle House, her focus was not just on sustainability, but also on addressing the trash and food waste generated in her school canteen.

To secure funding for her project, Khuzaimah joined the Green Wira pilot edu...

Waste: Zero waste starts from schools

Part of Malaysia’s climate action plan is to introduce a Climate Change Act to enhance Malaysia’s climate change governance at the international and domestic levels. However, the consultation paper for the proposed climate change bill (Ruupin), issued on Oct 4, has been criticised for being too v...

Policy: Not a people-centric climate change bill

Donald Trump’s re-election as US president on Nov 5 has reignited concerns about how it could impede the progress of climate action and the low-carbon transition.

During his previous term, he infamously pulled the US out of the Paris Agreement. He also claimed that climate change is a “...

Politics: What Trump’s re-election means for the climate

This International Men’s Day, let’s take a moment to reflect on men’s unique challenges: societal expectations, the myth of unyielding masculinity and the pressure to always have a plan (or at least pretend that there is one). Men, we see you.

Although the day centres on men’s well-bein...

Views: International Men’s Day reflections: What Kamala Harris’ leadership teaches us about equity in the corporate world

The short answer: Yes, it can be. The long answer: Yes, but it doesn’t have to be.

Diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) often parallels sustainability in corporate discourse. After all, it is the “S” in ESG (environmental, social and governance). As with sustainability, there is increa...

Views: Diversity-washing — is DEI the new corporate greenwashing?

The National Baseline Assessment on Business and Human Rights in Malaysia (NBA), which was published in August, highlighted the state of human rights in the country and what should be done to address the challenges.

One solution highlighted by Edmund Bon Tai Soon, the head of chambers (...

Human Rights: National report calls for a ministry of human rights and justice

Palm oil farmers who are independent smallholders (ISHs) have a lot to worry about. From monkeys and elephants that intrude into their farms and destroy their crops to weather conditions that are unfavourable, these farmers have their hands full.

ISHs have another thing to worry about a...

Palm Oil: Regenerative farming can benefit independent smallholders

Energy transition is a conversation about the redirection of capital, with more funding being needed to finance global renewable energy requirements.

However, since the Paris Agreement, the world’s 60 largest banks have channelled US$4.6 trillion (RM19.95 trillion) into the fossil fuel ...

Views: The case for Malaysian banks to phase out fossil fuels

Renewable energy certificates (RECs), which are issued when one megawatt-hour (MWh) of renewable energy (RE) is generated, are a common method for corporates to offset their Scope 2 emissions from electricity use.

In fact, some 400 global companies under the RE100 initiative, including ...

Cover Story: How to boost Malaysia’s REC market

The Edge Property Excellence Awards 2024

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The Edge Billion Ringgit Club 2024

The Edge Centurion Club Corporate Awards 2024

The Edge Best Managed & Sustainable Property Awards 2024

Affin Hwang Investment Bank has upgraded KIP REIT to ‘buy’.

MORNING CALL: 21/11/24

In today’s edition of Evening 5: 0:06 Malaysia to launch new-gen IC with enhanced security features1:12 Petronas Chemicals reports first-ever quarterly loss since listing2:54 Fahmi lambasts telcos, wants ‘overhaul’ of Jendela Phase 24:18 SD Guthrie's 3Q net profit down 37% on a lack of disposal gain5:51 Court grants Daim ‘posthumous’ acquittal after charges dropped

EVENING 5: Malaysia to launch new-gen MyKad

MIDF Research expects a challenging revenue growth outlook to persist in the near-term for CelcomDigi

MORNING CALL: 20/11/24

China's Huawei plans to start mass-producing its most advanced artificial intelligence chip in the first quarter of 2025, even as it struggles to make enough chips due to US restrictions, said two people familiar with the matter.

Huawei aims to mass-produce newest AI chip in early 2025, despite US curbs

Asian equities fell on Thursday after AI darling Nvidia disappointed investors with slower revenue growth expectations, while the dollar firmed and bitcoin hit a record high, buoyed by hopes about US President-elect Donald Trump's policies.

Asian stocks stutter as Nvidia's forecast disappoints

The extended six-year contract signed between the government and Bestinet Sdn Bhd for the Foreign Worker Centralised Management System (FWCMS) could cost the government a minimum of RM3.2 billion, according to a report by the Public Accounts Committee (PAC).

Bestinet contract extension for foreign worker recruitment system could cost govt minimum of RM3.2b, says PAC

The High Court here has ordered the Royal Malaysian Police (PDRM) to complete investigations on the death of Teoh Beng Hock within six months from Thursday.

Police given six months to complete probe into Beng Hock’s death

KUALA LUMPUR (Nov 21): Analysts have raised their earnings forecasts and target prices on Hap Seng Plantations Holdings Bhd (KL:HSPLANT), after the plantation group outperformed market expectations in its latest quarterly results.

Analysts raise forecasts after Hap Seng Plantations’ quarterly results beat expectations

Sime Darby Property Bhd (KL:SIMEPROP) on Thursday said that the company is seeking more assets that would generate recurring income for the real estate developer.

Sime Darby Property seeks more assets generating recurring income

Starbucks Corp is exploring options for its Chinese operations including the possibility of selling a stake in the business, according to people with knowledge of the matter.

Starbucks said to consider selling stake in Chinese business

Bitcoin hit US$95,000 (RM425,030) for the first time as the digital-asset sector moves to cement its influence with Donald Trump by pushing for a new White House post dedicated to cryptocurrency policy.

Bitcoin hits record US$97,000 as crypto seeks direct line to Trump

Shares of Adani Group companies lost about US$22 billion (RM98.4 billion) in market value in early trade on Thursday after US prosecutors charged the billionaire chairman of the Indian conglomerate in an alleged bribery and fraud scheme.

India's Adani Group sees US$22b in value wiped off after US indictments

Petronas Chemicals Group Bhd (KL:PCHEM) may be in for tougher days ahead following a massive paper loss that sent the company into the red for the first time ever and prompted analysts to cut their forecasts.

Petronas Chemicals' outlook gloomy, analysts warn amid mounting joint venture loss

Alphabet's Google must sell its Chrome browser, share data and search results with rivals and take other measures — including possibly selling Android —  to end its monopoly on online search, prosecutors argued to a judge on Wednesday.

Google must divest Chrome to restore competition in online search, DOJ says

(Nov 21): Dyson Ltd is dialling back its hairdryer-related operations in Malaysia, according to people familiar with the matter who declined to be identified discussing matters that are private, as the consumer goods company seeks to streamline its business in the region.

Dyson dials back Malaysian hairdryer ops, redeploys staff in Johor — Bloomberg

Australia's centre-left government on Thursday introduced a bill in parliament that aims to ban social media for children under 16 and proposed fines of up to A$49.5 million (US$32 million RM143.2 million) for social media platforms for systemic breaches.

Australia launches 'landmark' bill to ban social media for children under 16

Gautam Adani, the billionaire chair of Indian conglomerate Adani Group and one of the world's richest people, has been indicted in New York over his role in a US$265 million (RM1.2 billion) bribery scheme, according to US prosecutors.

Indian billionaire Adani charged in US with bribery; Adani Group shares tumble

KUALA LUMPUR (Nov 21): Malaysia’s central bank made two unusual changes to the government bond auction calendar by rescheduling a tender set for this month, and scrapping another pencilled in for December.

BNM reschedules govt bond auction, scraps one issue in unusual move

While Malaysia is consolidating returns on previous infrastructure investments, leveraging its established expertise in electronics, semiconductors and data centres, political shifts and the gradual outflow of talent could impact future economic progress, according to the 9th edition of e-Conomy SEA by Google, Temasek and Bain & Co.

A survey of Malaysia’s digital economy

Public-listed companies (PLCs) showed progress in the adoption of the Malaysian Code on Corporate Governance (MCGG), according to the Securities Commission Malaysia’s Corporate Governance Monitor (CG Monitor) 2024, which was published last Monday. However, the report highlighted three critical areas in need of improvement. The CG Monitor pointed to (i) the need to refresh board composition; (ii) enhancing shareholder participation through physical or hybrid annual general meetings (AGMs); and  (iii) a deeper integration of sustainability governance practices.

SC CG Monitor: 3 critical areas of improvement needed for PLCs

KUALA LUMPUR (Nov 21): Mah Sing Group Bhd (KL:MAHSING) has unveiled the sales gallery of its RM850-million M Aspira serviced-apartment project in Taman Desa, Kuala Lumpur on Wednesday (Nov 20).

Mah Sing unveils M Aspira sales gallery in Taman Desa

Northern Solar Holdings Bhd has signed an underwriting agreement with M&A Securities Sdn Bhd for its proposed initial public offering (IPO) on the ACE Market of Bursa Malaysia.

The solar energy firm said its IPO scheduled to take place in February 2025, entails a public issue of 67.3 million new shares and the sale of 35.6 million existing shares.

All in all, the listing would offer investors up to a 26% stake in the company.

Northern Solar Holdings signs underwriting agreement with M&A Securities

The Kuala Lumpur High Court has ruled that a bancassurance agreement between Tokio Marine Life Insurance Malaysia Bhd and RHB Bank Bhd (KL:RHBBANK) is still intact till it expires on Dec 31, 2024. It also ordered that RHB must inform Tokio Marine of any best bid it receives within seven days, while Tokio Marine has to confirm within 14 days if it will match it.

Court rules Tokio Marine's rights in bancassurance deal with RHB ending Dec 31, 2024 still valid

Despite government efforts to drive financial inclusion, nearly 12.5 million Malaysian adults remain unbanked or underbanked, particularly among rural populations, the elderly and small businesses.

Bridging the financial access gap for SMEs

PARAMARIBO (Nov 20): Suriname's state-run oil company Staatsolie said on Wednesday that US oil giant ExxonMobil has withdrawn from its offshore block 52, and block operator Petronas Suriname E&P will take over its 50% stake.

Suriname’s Staatsolie says ExxonMobil has withdrawn from offshore block, Petronas’ unit to take over 50% stake

KUALA LUMPUR (Nov 21): Discussions at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit in Peru, the G20 Summit in Brazil, and the Extraordinary Arab and Islamic Summit in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, alongside the MADANI Government's two-year achievements, are among the main topics at Thursday’s Dewan Rakyat session.

Discussions in Peru, Brazil, Riyadh summits, Madani achievements among highlights of Thursday’s Dewan Rakyat sitting

Flexible work arrangements are no longer just a perk but a necessity in today's job market. According to Wong Shu Qi, chairman of Talent Corporation Malaysia Bhd (TalentCorp), two in five Malaysians are ready to quit their jobs if forced to spend more time in the office.

Life At Work Awards 2024: Reshaping the workforce with inclusive strategies

Malaysia's largest integrated financial technology provider, TNG Digital Sdn Bhd, is implementing 100% electronic Know-Your-Customer (eKYC) verification starting Wednesday.

The company stated that all new users must now complete eKYC verification to access TNG eWallet features.

TNG Digital launches full eKYC 

Malaysia’s record achievement in attracting foreign direct investment (FDI) underscores its growing prominence as a key economic player within the Asean region.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has described Asean as a “vital trade platform,” offering “simplified access to ten markets in Southeast Asia”, according to Forbes in an article released on Wednesday.

Malaysia’s record FDI solidifies position as key economic player in Asean — Forbes

Malaysia is aiming to align its real economy with ongoing developments in the capital market as the nation reinvents its economic framework, said Finance Minister II Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan.

Malaysia to align real economy & capital market to drive inclusive growth — Amir Hamzah

The pendulum swings right: A pushback against liberal, progressive, interventionist economics

THE award of the second 5G network to U Mobile on Nov 1 has kicked up a storm. Four bids were submitted, from CelcomDigi, Maxis, U Mobile and TM. Maxis, for instance, once widely seen as the frontrunner, is seeking to talk to the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) on what e...

Cover Story: Will the second 5G network benefit Malaysians with lower prices and better service?

EIGHTEEN months after its decision to abandon the single wholesale network (SWN) structure and transition to a dual 5G network, Malaysia sprang yet another surprise by selecting U Mobile Sdn Bhd, the third and smallest of the three bidders that qualified, for the coveted second 5G spectrum bid on...

Cover Story: Untangling the second 5G network puzzler 

When discussing quantitative investments, names like Renaissance Technologies, Citadel and Millennium often dominate the conversation. However, this Western-centric view may overlook innovative developments closer to home, particularly in the realm of Islamic finance.

Recent advancement...

My Say: The evolution of quantitative investing in Islamic finance

On April 4, the Ministry of Health (MoH) implemented the Guideline on Natural Products with Modern Claim, bolstering the regulatory framework for natural products in the country. This initiative is poised to stimulate growth in the natural products industry, leveraging Malaysia’s rich biodiversit...

My Say: The role of natural medicine in shaping next-generation research

AS soon as I walked out of Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport’s Terminal 3, I spotted a young woman trying to open the boot of a driverless Waymo and get her luggage out. You can’t open the doors or trunk of a robotaxi without pressing the right button on your smartphone app. The Google-con...

Tech: My day in Phoenix in driverless Waymo robotaxis

A growing number of local companies are plugged into the global medical technology (medtech) supply chain.

The Association of Malaysian Medical Industries (AMMI) Economic Impact Survey 2023/24 found that among its members, a total of RM4.1 billion was spent on the local sourcing of mate...

Local companies increasingly integrated into medtech global supply chain

During an exclusive virtual interview with City & Country, founder and director of Kedah-based property developer Imperio Group, Lee Woei Nen, introduces himself as a kampung boy. One can see the nostalgia and pride in his demeanour as he reflects on his childhood in the lush landsca...

Raising the bar in Alor Setar’s premium landed residential sector

TNG Digital Sdn Bhd, which operates TNG eWallet, is set to turn in its first full-year profit next year amid aggressive plans to leverage its broader range of products to strengthen its market share.

Speaking to The Edge in an exclusive interview at its headquarters in Kuala Lumpur, CEO...

TNG Digital foresees first full-year profit in 2025 amid plans to deepen user relationship

HOMEGROWN fertility care specialist Alpha IVF Group Bhd (KL:ALPHA) is embarking on an ambitious expansion in Asia, setting its sights on Indonesia, China and the Philippines, after establishing its presence in Malaysia and Singapore.

Following its recent listing on the ACE Market of Bur...

Alpha IVF not putting all eggs in one basket, eyes regional expansion

"It’s the economy, stupid!” This famous mantra, coined by the political strategist James Carville, helped Bill Clinton unseat President George H W Bush in 1992, and now it explains another election. The economy played a critical role in the 2024 presidential race, creating the conditions not only...

The Risk Factor: Once again, it was the economy, stupid

KYIV (Nov 20): The United States said it had reopened its embassy in Kyiv late on Wednesday, after it had shut for the day due to what it called the threat of a significant air attack, a day after Ukraine used American missiles to hit a target inside Russia.

US reopens Kyiv embassy after Ukraine’s firing of US-made missiles into Russia prompted potential strike threat

SINGAPORE/CHICAGO?CANBERRA (Nov 21): Wheat growers in several exporting countries are reluctant to sell their crops with prices near four-year lows, traders, farmers and millers say, leaving flour makers with dwindling supplies and vulnerable to any potential upswing in prices.

Flour millers face supply crunch as wheat farmers tighten grip on stocks

BANGKOK (Nov 21): Thailand's economy is expected to grow 2.7% this year, helped by an anticipated annual rise of 28% in foreign visitors to 36 million, Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra said on Thursday.

Thai economy to grow 2.7% this year, beat 2025 forecast, PM says

JAKARTA (Nov 21): Indonesia's current account deficit narrowed to 0.6% of gross domestic product (GDP), or US$2.2 billion (RM9.82 billion) in the third quarter of this year (3Q2024), from 0.9% of GDP in the previous quarter, the central bank said on Thursday.

Indonesia’s 3Q2024 current account deficit narrows to 0.6% of GDP

Oil prices rose marginally on Thursday as geopolitical concerns over escalating tensions between Russia and Ukraine countered the impact from a bigger-than-expected increase in US crude inventories.

Oil prices edge up on geopolitical tensions; higher-than-expected US inventories cap gains

Chinese government advisers are recommending that Beijing should maintain an economic growth target of around 5% for next year, pushing for stronger fiscal stimulus to mitigate the impact of expected US tariff hikes on the country's exports.

China advisers call for steady 5% 2025 economic growth goal, stronger stimulus 

Top thermal coal exporter Indonesia, one of the world's largest carbon emitters, is aiming to reduce coal-fired power to 33% in its energy mix by 2040 and increase the share of renewable energy production to 42%, a senior minister said.

Indonesia plans to slash coal to a third of energy mix by 2040, minister says

Elon Musk's Neuralink said on Wednesday it has received approval to launch its first clinical trial in Canada for a device designed to give paralysed individuals the ability to use digital devices simply by thinking.

Elon Musk's Neuralink receives Canadian approval for brain chip trial

SAN FRANCISCO (Nov 20): Hyundai Motor unveiled its first three-row electric SUV on Wednesday, pushing into a market for big family cars that global automakers hope will one day be a profit powerhouse.

Hyundai unveils big electric SUV in fast-growing market

AMSTERDAM (Nov 20): The chief executive officer (CEO) of European computer chipmaker STMicroelectronics on Wednesday announced new plans to partner with Chinese foundry Hua Hong, arguing that having local manufacturing in China is vital to its competitive position.

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