(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

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

When talking about public transport, Selangor state exco of investment, trade and mobility Ng Sze Han prefers to look at it in the context of moving people instead of moving vehicles with people in them.

Generally, people tend to look at electric vehicles and public transport as a means...

Mobility: Sustainable transport goes beyond electric vehicles

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 MACC says it will continue to investigate Daim and his family 01:29 Affin Bank cuts key expectations even as 3Q earnings jump 02:54 Top Glove in JV for HDPE gloves 04:16 Bumi Armada 3Q net profit improves 19%05:12 HK-based Unity Group pursues secondary listing on Bursa Malaysia

EVENING 5: MACC will continue to investigate Daim and family

Kenanga Research cut its earnings forecasts for United U-Li Corporation for FY24 and FY25.

MORNING CALL: 22/11/24

In today’s edition of Evening 5: 0:06 Bestinet contract extension could cost govt at least RM3.2b, PAC flags1:45 Dyson dialling back Malaysian hairdryer operations, Bloomberg reports3:07 7-Eleven 3Q net profit down 24% as expenses rise faster than revenue4:19 Pecca seeks international expansion, eyes orders from Malaysia’s first EV5:41 Heitech Padu posts 3Q profit on the back of disposal gain on land and building

EVENING 5: Bestinet deal could cost govt at least RM3.2b, PAC flags

ORLANDO, Florida (Nov 22): A record-high $7 trillion of cash is currently sitting "on the sidelines" in money market funds (MMFs). Anyone hoping to see a significant chunk of this flooding the wider investment field in the coming months may be disappointed.

Many strategists assume ...

America's $7 trillion cash stash isn't going anywhere

Here is a brief recap of some corporate announcements that made the news on Friday.

Allianz Malaysia, Bumi Armada, Bintulu Port, D&O, Sarawak Plantation, Favelle Favco, CSC Steel, BM Greentech, SkyWorld, Lagenda Properties, Solarvest, SMI, Icon Offshore, Top Glove, MNRB, Chin Hin Group Property

Global investment conglomerate Bin Zayed International Group of Companies (BZI) has committed to investing US$2 billion (RM8.93 billion) in Malaysia over the next five years. 

Bin Zayed International (M) Bhd managing director Datuk Seri Dr Shamir Kumar Nandy said as part of its strategic expansion plan, the group would tap into real estate, renewable energy and financial services to attract investments into the country.

Bin Zayed International commits US$2 bil investment in Malaysia over next five years

EVENING 5: Five things you need to know today

Malaysia’s Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) said on Friday it will continue to investigate the late Tun Daim Zainuddin, his wife and other family members.

MACC says will continue to investigate late Daim, wife, family members

Investors will have to buy a record amount of eurozone government bonds for a third straight year in 2025 and without the ECB in the market, potentially adding pressure on borrowing costs when political and economic uncertainty is high.

Record 2025 bond sales risk higher eurozone borrowing costs

A summary of how key Bursa Malaysia indices and the ringgit performed on Friday.

FBM KLCI up 0.07% to 1,589.78 on Nov 22, 2024

India will offer up to US$5 billion (RM22.4 billion) in incentives to local electronics companies to make components for gadgets from mobiles to laptops, two government officials said, in a bid to bolster the burgeoning industry and wean off supplies from China.

India to offer up to US$5b in incentives to local electronics firms, wean off China

Affin Bank Bhd (KL:AFFIN) on Friday cut some of its key financial expectations for the full year even as net profit surged in the third quarter, as the company continues efforts to improve profitability.

Affin Bank cuts key expectations even as 3Q net profit surges

Gold looked set for its largest weekly gain in over 13 months on Friday as escalating geopolitical tensions drove investors to safe assets, while a tech rebound led Asian equities higher after worries over Nvidia's sales growth eased.

Gold surges over broader Ukraine war fears; tech stocks rebound

Analysts are projecting a stronger showing from Sunway Construction Group Berhad (KL: SUNCON) in 4Q2024, driven by significant job progress, especially data centre (DC)-led projects.

Analysts expect stronger 4Q for Sunway Construction

Malaysia's international reserves rebounded and added about US$400 million (RM1.79 billion) by the middle of November.

Malaysia's foreign exchange reserves rebounded to US$118b in mid-November, BNM data show

Some global banks are considering temporarily halting fresh credit to India's Adani Group but staying put with existing loans following US prosecutors' indictment of its billionaire founder Gautam Adani for fraud, sources said.

Global banks weigh halting fresh credit to India's Adani after US indictment — Reuters

KUALA LUMPUR (Nov 22): Hong Kong-based energy services firm Unity Group Holdings International Ltd said it is planning a secondary listing in Malaysia.

Hong Kong-based Unity Group pursues secondary listing on Bursa Malaysia

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

As the Association of South East Asian Nations (Asean) chair for 2025, Malaysia has a key role in strengthening the Asean community and tackling complex regional challenges, Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan said.

Malaysia to strengthen Asean community, tackle regional challenges as Asean chair 2025 — Mohamad

Vizione Holdings Bhd (KL:VIZIONE) said its unit has served a notice to Inspirasi Langkawi Sdn Bhd to terminate its employment as main contractor for the development of a 14-storey hotel in Langkawi, claiming it had not been properly paid for its works so far.

Vizione quits RM116 mil hotel construction job over alleged unpaid works

Property developer SkyWorld Development Bhd (KL:SKYWLD), which made its Main Market debut in July last year, said it is on target to launch developments with an estimated gross development value of RM4.6 billion by 2026, having achieved RM1.1 billion worth of launches so far.

SkyWorld nears deal for Vietnam joint venture on completion of due diligence, says on track for RM4.6b launch target by 2026

Lagenda Properties Bhd (KL:LAGENDA) said on Friday that an indirectly owned subsidiary of the company has secured the right to develop a 139-acre land in Kota Tinggi, Johor, for RM99.62 million, cash. The final purchase price may still vary.

Lagenda Properties secures right to develop another Kota Tinggi plot for RM99.62 mil

The flood situation in Terengganu and Perak has grown worse, while Kelantan has become the latest state hit by floods as of 8pm on Friday night.

In Terengganu, the number of evacuees rose drastically to 221 people being housed in 10 relief centres compared to 29 in the morning.

Floods worsen in Terengganu, Perak while Kelantan latest state hit

Loss-making Classita Holdings Bhd (KL:CLASSITA) is mulling diversifying into the property investment business as it foresees growing demand.

Lingerie maker Classita to diversify into property investment

MNRB Holdings Bhd (KL:MNRB), in which the Amanah Saham Bumiputera (ASB) holds a 41.88% stake, has appointed Datuk Rudy @ Rodzila Che Lamin as interim president and group chief executive officer (CEO) of the company, effective Friday.

MNRB names Rudy Rodzila Che Lamin as interim president and CEO

Offshore support vessel company Icon Offshore Bhd (KL:ICON) said on Friday it has signed definitive agreements for a slew of previously announced acquisitions worth over RM400 million.

Icon Offshore signs definitive agreements for previously announced acquisitions worth over RM400m

Environmental engineering consultancy firm Progressive Impact Corp Bhd (KL:PICORP) has bagged a RM14.74 million contract from water utility company Pengurusan Air Selangor Sdn Bhd (Air Selangor) to provide water quality control service in Selangor.

Progressive Impact bags RM14.7 mil contract from Air Selangor  

Cradle Fund Sdn Bhd, the focal agency for Malaysia’s startup ecosystem, has partnered with digital securities exchange platform Kapital DX Sdn Bhd (KLDX) to provide Malaysian startups with an alternative avenue for fundraising.

Cradle Fund partners KLDX to introduce alternative fundraising platform for startups

Education lies in the heart of our nation’s problems and the pathway to our solution

Malaysia is not new to the rare earth industry. Historically, the country has been a significant player, exporting rare earths produced from monazite. However, the industry faced setbacks due to environmental concerns, most notably the closure of Asian Rare Earth due to the high concentration of ...

My Say: Rare earth industry: Challenges, opportunities and the path forward

Trinity Group Sdn Bhd is looking to launch the RM568 million Trinity Sensoria, a new condominium project next to its Trinity Wellnessa in Taman Andaman Ukay, Ampang, on Nov 14.

In an interview with City & Country recently, group founder and managing director Datuk Neoh Soo ...

Trinity Group launching Trinity Sensoria this week

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

(Nov 23): UK retail sales declined more than expected in October, as uncertainty over Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves first budget prompted consumers to hold back spending.

The volume of goods sold in stores and online fell 0.7% month on month, the Office for National Sta...

UK retail sales fell more than expected amid budget anxiety

NEW YORK (Nov 22): The banks most reluctant to tap the U.S. central bank's discount window to shore up their capital are in fact those who face the highest failure risk, according to new research from the New York Federal Reserve that turns the notion of bank emergency borrowing stigma on it...

New York Fed paper challenges notion of discount window stigma

Cboe Global Markets Inc. said it is set to list the first cash-settled index options related to the spot price of Bitcoin, marking the latest addition of cryptocurrency-related securities to traditional exchanges.

Cboe to launch cash-settled Bitcoin ETF options as crypto booms

French defence and technology firm Thales said on Friday it was denying unspecified allegations after Britain's Serious Fraud Office (SFO) announced a joint investigation with French authorities into suspected bribery and corruption.

Thales denies wrongdoing as Anglo-French bribery probe hits shares

A weekly round-up of tanker and dry bulk market (Nov 22, 2024)

Baltic Exchange shipping updates: Nov 22, 2024

The S&P 500 and the Dow touched over one-week highs on Friday after data showed a still robust economy, while small-cap stocks outperfomed large-cap indexes.

The S&P flash PMI showed manufacturing activity stood at 48.8 in November, in line with estimates from a Reuters poll of economists.

S&P 500, Dow touch over one-week highs after business activity data

A measure of US business activity raced to a 31-month high in November, boosted by hopes for lower interest rates and more business-friendly policies from President-elect Donald Trump's administration next year.

US business activity gauge rises to 31-month high in November

The COP29 climate summit presidency released a draft finance deal on Friday that would have developed nations take the lead in providing US$250 billion (RM1.11 trillion) per year by 2035 to help poorer nations — a proposal that drew criticism from all sides.

COP29 climate summit draft proposes rich countries pay US$250 bil a year

Volkswagen labour representatives have formally voted for limited strikes in Germany from early December, their union said on Friday, after talks over wages and plant closures failed to achieve a breakthrough.

VW labour representatives vote for strikes from early December

British police said on Friday that a suspicious package left outside the US embassy in London, which was blown up in a controlled explosion, was a hoax device, according to its initial indications.

Police had earlier carried out a controlled explosion near the embassy building, a 12-storey purpose-built glass cube in Nine Elms, south London, and cordoned off some areas.

‌‌

‌
‌