As small and medium enterprises (SMEs) grapple with the complexities of cross-border payments in an increasingly digitalised world, fintech companies are stepping in to transform the landscape. These companies offer solutions that traditional banks may lack — for instance, covering payment servic...

Fintech: Helping SMEs with cross-border payments

The season for gifting and being jolly is here again. Sometimes, finding the right present can be stressful, especially when there isn’t much time left to make your purchases. Here are some simple, trendy and functional techy Christmas gifts to get for your loved ones.

Listicle: Tech the halls: Digital Edge’s 2024 gift guide

After years of navigating the fast-paced world of investment banking, Petrina Goh found herself struggling to strike a balance between numerous work trips and the demands of motherhood. The arrival of her first child marked a turning point. By the time her second child was born, she had first-han...

Interview: Easing the burden of mothers

Stockholm, with its blend of historical charm and modern innovation, is quietly becoming a tech powerhouse. It ranks second in the world for the number of unicorn tech companies per capita, just behind the US’ Silicon Valley. This success is driven not only by the city’s long-standing focus on in...

Bridging Ideas: Knowledge transfer pertinent to growth of innovation

In the last few weeks, start-up ecosystem social media chatter has been buzzing about Fashion Valet (FV). It started out because of a question asked in parliament about the losses of RM43.9 million incurred by Khazanah Nasional Bhd and Permodalan Nasional Bhd (PNB) from the divestment of their in...

The Pitch Deck: Navigating negativity: Harmful impact of unwarranted accusations on start-up ecosystem

The latest models in Google’s flagship series, the Pixel 9 and Pixel 9 Pro, hit the market this August with much fanfare. After some hands-on time with the Pixel 9, it’s clear it has standout features, but as with any device, it’s not without a few quirks.

Design and feel

Th...

Tech In Review: Keeping up with the Google Pixel 9

As a millennial who grew up googling every question and curiosity, discovering that Gen Z is turning to TikTok and Instagram as their go-to search engines elicited in me a mixed feeling of concern and fascination.

According to a Forbes report, for Gen Z, these social platforms have beco...

Geek Speak: Time to change the way we report the news to online communities

NEWS

Boost and UOB Asset Management offer shariah-compliant investments and rewards through BoostMyMoney

Boost and UOB Asset Management (UOBAM) Malaysia have launched BoostMyMoney, a shariah-compliant unit trust investment feature availa...

Bits + Bytes: A Miscellany of Technology

The gaming industry may be ruled by giant corporations and their blockbuster triple-A games, but there’s another side to it — one that thrives on creativity, innovation and daring new ideas. This is the indie scene, where developers, especially those in emerging markets such as Malaysia, are carv...

Cover Story: Forging the pixel path

(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

CEO Action Network (CAN) introduced the Sustainability Leaders Apprentice for Youth (SLAY) programme last Sunday (Nov 24) in collaboration with Roots & Shoots Malaysia (RASMA) to develop youths into corporate sustainability professionals of the future.

CEO Action Network launches programme for youths

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

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

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

The Edge Property Excellence Awards 2024

The Edge ESG Awards 2024

The Edge Billion Ringgit Club 2024

The Edge Centurion Club Corporate Awards 2024

The Edge Best Managed & Sustainable Property Awards 2024

In today’s edition of Evening 5: 00:00 Insurers still in talks with BNM over medical premium hikes 01:47 UK sees first free-trade agreement with Malaysia 03:40 Binastra bags RM328 mil job for Bukit Jalil apartments04:41 JF Tech to start selling to the US in Jan 2025 05:53 VS Industry’s 1Q earnings drop 38% on softer sales

EVENING 5: Insurers still in talks with BNM over medical premium hikes

RHB thinks that higher dividend payouts could be on the horizon for Syarikat Takaful shareholders.

MORNING CALL: 3/12/24

In today’s edition of Evening 5: 00:00 MRT Corp begins tender process for Penang LRT 01:57 1MDB-Tanore: Najib takes the stand in his defence 03:46 SimeProp inks data-centre lease agreement worth up to RM5.6 bil 05:11 Nearly RM11 bil withdrawn from EPF Acc 3 as of end-Sept 06:58 Datasonic secures RM81.2 mil contract extensions from Home Ministry

EVENING 5: MRT Corp begins tender process for Penang LRT

Here is a brief recap of the business news and corporate announcements that made the headlines on Tuesday.

Binastra Corp, Mah Sing, T7 Global, JF Technology, VS Industry, Solarvest Holdings, Magni-Tech Industries

Wall Street's main indexes were subdued in choppy trading on Tuesday after the S&P 500 and the Nasdaq notched record high levels in the last session, with focus on a crucial jobs report later this week along with more data and commentary from Federal Reserve officials.

Wall Street muted with focus on more data, US Fed commentary

Chinese companies should be wary of buying US chips as they are "no longer safe" and buy locally instead, four of the country's top industry associations said on Tuesday in a rare coordinated response to Washington's curbs on Chinese chipmakers.

US chips are 'no longer safe,' Chinese industry bodies say in latest trade salvo

The founding couple of FashionValet Sdn Bhd (FashionValet), who have been linked to the investment losses of Khazanah Nasional Bhd (Khazanah) and Permodalan Nasional Bhd (PNB), will be charged at the Kuala Lumpur Sessions Court on Thursday.

FashionValet founders to be charged on Thursday, says MACC chief

EVENING 5: Five things you need to know today

South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol on Tuesday declared martial law in a surprise late-night TV address, slamming domestic political opponents and sending shockwaves through the country.

South Korea President Yoon declares martial law, slams domestic opponents 

The Life Insurance Association of Malaysia (Liam) said it is still in discussion with Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) about measures that can be taken to ease the burden on policyholders following the unprecedented rise in medical claims over the past few years.

Insurers say still in talks with BNM over recent hikes in medical insurance premiums

Intel former CEO Pat Gelsinger could get as much as US$12 million (RM53.6 million) as payout, a regulatory filing showed on Tuesday, following his ouster from the struggling US chipmaker.

Intel's ousted CEO Gelsinger to receive up to US$12m payout

Former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak said he never pressured or ordered 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB) to finalise a joint venture (JV) with PetroSaudi International Ltd (PSI).

Najib says he never pressured 1MDB to enter into JV with PetroSaudi 

Surveys since Donald Trump’s election victory show American companies are growing more upbeat about their prospects in anticipation of more pro-business policies and less regulatory burden.

Trump’s election powers US business sentiment to multi-year high

Lawyer and former de-facto law minister Datuk Zaid Ibrahim said the then Malaysian Bar president Karen Cheah Yee Lynn should have asked him and his partners, Liew Teck Huat and Rueben Mathiavaranam, for their views before issuing a statement on Aug 19, 2022, complaining of their conduct in former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak’s final appeal in the SRC International Sdn Bhd criminal case.

Zaid Ibrahim says past Bar president ‘jumped the gun’ to issue statement against him and law partners

China has banned exports to the US of items related to the minerals gallium, germanium and antimony that have potential military applications, its commerce ministry said on Tuesday, a day after Washington's latest crackdown on China's chip sector.

China bans export of key minerals to US as trade frictions escalate

Former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak said he had no knowledge of the central bank's "remarkably swift approval" of the US$1 billion that was transferred out of the country in 2009.

Testifying in his own defence at the 1MDB-Tanore trial — so named as the trial involves 1Malaysia Development Bhd's (1MDB) dealings with Tanore Finance Inc, a company allegedly used to channel funds from 1MDB to Najib — Najib said it would have been reasonable for Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) to raise concerns over such a sizeable remittance, but noted this was not done.

Najib says BNM's approval for US$1 bil remittance in 2009 was 'remarkably swift'

Indonesia is expecting to get a US$1 billion (RM4.47 billion) investment commitment from tech firm Apple Inc in a week, its investment minister said on Tuesday, after the government banned iPhone 16 sales for failing to meet local content rules.

Indonesia expects US$1b investment commitment from Apple in a week, in response to iPhone 16 sales ban

Datuk Seri Najib Razak took aim at Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) investigating officer (IO) Nur Aida Arifin’s testimony, saying that her assertions were “deranged”, “deluded” and coming from someone “unversed” with diplomacy.

Najib: MACC IO deranged, deluded and unversed with diplomacy to suggest I had G2G meeting on yacht 

Even as birth rates fell further in South Korea and Singapore, where less than one baby is born to every woman of reproductive age, Malaysia’s total fertility rate (TFR) surprisingly inched higher to 1.7 in 2023 from a record low of 1.6 in 2022.

Demographic squeeze : Declining birth rates and the rising burden of eldercare

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

Financially distressed MMAG Holdings Bhd (KL:MMAG) has taken a step forward in its recovery efforts by securing a partnership with Malaysia Airlines Bhd.

MMAG signs deal to serve as MASKargo's exclusive freighter operator

Investment company Abrdn plc, formerly known as Aberdeen Asset Management plc, has emerged as a substantial shareholder in Feytech Holdings Bhd (KL:FEYTECH), after raising its stake to 5.21% or 43.91 million shares.

Abrdn emerges as substantial shareholder in Feytech

Cloudpoint Technology Bhd (KL:CLOUDPT) said it has secured a RM33.6 million contract to implement advanced integrated service management automation (ISMA) solutions from a local bank.

Cloudpoint Technology bags management automation solutions contract from local bank

Magni-Tech Industries Bhd (KL:MAGNI), another cash-rich company on Bursa Malaysia, has declared a special dividend with the release of its latest second quarter results, which saw net profit rising 18.74% on higher revenue.

Magni-Tech declares 23 sen dividend, including 20 sen special as 2Q profit jumps

The exceptional heavy rainfall, exceeding 1,000mm, equivalent to six months' worth of rainfall in Kelantan and Terengganu, has been the primary cause of the devastating floods impacting numerous districts and regions along the East Coast.

Fadillah says East Coast floods due to exceptionally heavy rainfall

Malaysia aims to capitalise on opportunities by enhancing economic co-operation with the Pacific Alliance, said Deputy Investment, Trade, and Industry Minister Liew Chin Tong.

He emphasised that the focus goes beyond trade and investment.

Malaysia to enhance economic co-operation with Pacific Alliance

The number of flood evacuees in affected states has continued to drop, standing at 72,620 as of 4pm on Tuesday, down from 94,636 in the morning.

In Kelantan, the number of evacuees in 98 relief centres across six districts has decreased to 44,925 people, involving 14,283 families, as of 4pm, compared to 57,790 in the morning.

Number of flood evacuees drops to 72,620 as Perlis fully recovers

The Malaysian Armed Forces (ATM) will survey flood risk areas to prepare for the next wave of floods as the Northeast monsoon continues till this March.

Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin said the armed forces, with the assistance of other agencies, will gather information of the areas where the floods are expected to hit again.

Armed Forces to scout flood-prone areas before next wave hits — Khaled

The Halal Industry Development Council (HIDC) has agreed to establish a Halal Professional Body to coordinate the professional development of the sector.

Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said Tuesday’s HIDC meeting also approved the establishment of state-level halal industry development councils.

Halal Professional Body, state halal industry development councils to be set up — Ahmad Zahid

Two advocacy groups have called on the government to delay the second reading of the Bill to amend the Communications and Multimedia Act (CMA) 1998 in Dewan Rakyat until further meaningful public and stakeholder consultations are conducted, with all feedback made publicly available.

Govt urged to delay amendments to Communications and Multimedia Act, hold public consultations first  

Is ‘rent-seeking’ corruption? And an unorthodox suggestion to fight corruption

WHILE the big boys were fighting tooth and nail to get spectrum to roll out the second 5G network, Tune Talk Sdn Bhd distanced itself from the battlefield.

Being a mobile virtual network operator (MVNO), Tune Talk knows that it has to choose the battles that are worth fighting. But it i...

Tune Talk sees opportunity in shifting telecoms landscape

FLAT steel player CSC Steel Holdings Bhd (KL:CSCSTEL)’s financial performance for the third quarter ended Sept 30, 2024, announced last week, shows the adverse impact of the government’s lifting of anti-dumping duties on flat-rolled plated steel imports from China and Vietnam on March 7 this year...

CSC Steel’s earnings hit by government’s lifting of anti-dumping duties

NAGA 5, one of six jack-up drilling rigs belonging to Velesto Energy Bhd (KL:VELESTO), is in its 55-day major maintenance programme at a Seatrium Ltd-owned shipyard in Tuas, Singapore.

Another two jack-up rigs, Naga 3 and Naga 8, are scheduled for drying dock in the first half of next y...

Velesto makes hay while upcycle lasts 

Brokers Digest: Local Equities - Automotive, CelcomDigi Bhd, HE Group Bhd, Perak Transit Bhd

Notable filings

During the week of Nov 11 to 15, notable changes in the shareholding of companies listed on Bursa Malaysia included those at Genetec Technology Bhd (KL:GENETEC).

The Employees Provident Fund (EPF) ceased to be a substantial shareholder of the...

Insider Moves: Genetec Technology Bhd, Cape EMS Bhd, Paos Holdings Bhd, Vestland Bhd, AMMB Holdings Bhd, DRB-Hicom Bhd   

THE debate over whether Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd (MAHB) (KL:AIRPORT) should be privatised is practically over. On Nov 15, the Malaysian Aviation Commission (Mavcom) gave the green light to the Khazanah Nasional Bhd-led consortium’s proposed RM10.3 billion takeover of MAHB, removing the regu...

Key issues Khazanah-led consortium will have to fix at MAHB post-privatisation

Poverty has long been seen in relation to inequality. People feel poor compared to others; poverty is relative. This concept has been central to contemporary official tensions over the handling of poverty.

MySay: Addressing poverty’s many faces

Now that Trump 2.0 is in place, and with the kind of people being proposed for his cabinet, all the campaign threats of action against China and Asian exporters may be turning from rhetoric to reality. When surrounded by people who believe China poses an existential threat to the US, and have said as much, the groupthink is dangerous and unhelpful to a world already fraught with so many geopolitical flashpoints.

MySay: Trumpian turmoil: Asia’s developing nations risk being collateral damage

THERE has been a noticeable rise in the number of companies declaring special dividends since Budget 2025 was tabled in parliament in October. Market observers believe that the rush to pay out special dividends is likely due to the 2% tax on individuals with dividend income exceeding RM100,000 an...

Special dividends on the rise with dividend tax looming

In 1964, Bob Dylan sang The Times They Are a-Changin’, the lyrics of which went something like this:

“Come gather ’round people
Wherever you roam
And admit that the waters
Around you have grown
And accept it that soon
You’ll be drenched to the bone

Coffee Break: It’s a different world

Despite widespread concern that generative AI could interfere with major elections around the globe this year, the technology had limited impact across Meta Platforms' apps, the tech company said on Tuesday.

Meta says gen AI had muted impact on global elections this year

US job openings increased moderately in October while layoffs declined, suggesting the labour market continued to slow in an orderly fashion.

US job openings rise in October, layoffs decrease

Singapore and Australia agreed on Tuesday to seek opportunities for increased access to their respective defence facilities, including more frequent Australian visits to the city-state's air force and navy bases.

Australia, Singapore agree to seek expanded access to their defence facilities

The world's debt stock surged by over US$12 trillion (RM53.6 trillion) in the first three quarters of 2024 to a fresh record of nearly US$323 trillion, thanks to falling borrowing costs and rising risk appetite, a report by a banking trade group showed on Tuesday.

Global debt surges past US$320 tril as risk appetite returns — IIF 

BlackRock will buy private credit firm HPS Investment Partners for about US$12 billion (RM53.6 billion) in an all-stock deal, the companies said on Tuesday, as the world's largest asset manager seeks to expand in a red-hot market.

BlackRock targets private credit growth with US$12b HPS acquisition

AT&T expects its free cash flow to be more than US$18 billion (RM80.4 billion) in 2027, the company said on Tuesday as it detailed a three-year vision for the business to expand its 5G and fiber services across the United States.

AT&T expects over US$18b in free cash flow in 2027, driven by 5G and fibre expansion

Japan could use a wake-up call over its mountain of debt through credit rating firms warning of the potential for cuts to sovereign bond ratings, according to a government adviser.

Japan needs wake-up call on debt, government adviser warns

Computer chip equipment maker ASML said it does not expect new US restrictions on semiconductor exports to China, announced on Monday, to affect its most recent financial guidance.

ASML not changing guidance after new US crackdown on Chinese chip exports

The Norwegian sovereign wealth fund's ethics watchdog will next year investigate shoemakers, crypto firms and gambling operators in which the fund has holdings for potential ethical breaches, which could lead the influential investor to sell its shares.

Norway wealth fund's watchdog to probe shoemakers, crypto firms over ethics in 2025

TotalEnergies SE is close to acquiring VSB Group from private equity firm Partners Group Holding AG, in a deal that values the renewable project developer at about €2 billion (US$2.1 billion or RM9.4 billion), according to people familiar with the matter.

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