AS we embark on a transformative era defined by technological progress, artificial intelligence (AI) is set to reshape industries and catalyse innovation on an unprecedented scale. This evolution presents remarkable opportunities for economic and societal growth. However, unlocking this potential goes beyond merely adopting new technologies; it requires visionary leadership that recognises AI’s broader implications.

Collaborative C-suite leadership in cyber can unlock AI-driven innovation for growth

A challenge most organisations face in cybersecurity is a lack of visibility into their network traffic, said Simon Lee, vice-president of Asia Pacific and Japan at Gigamon. Without an understanding of the happenings in a network, it is difficult for businesses to identify and address potential threats.

Cybersecurity: Dissecting imminent threats

What’s good for the goose is good for the gander. CEOs and leaders must get smart on adopting AI tools for their own use, as well as to empower their workers.

What’s next for AI and tech? Key trends to watch in 2025

Shamsul Izhan Abdul Majid, the chief technology and innovation officer (CTIO) at the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC), has been appointed as the head of the National Artificial Intelligence Office (NAIO).

In an interview with DigitalEdge on Tuesday, Digital Minister Gobind Singh said Shamsul will lead initiatives to harness AI to accelerate economic growth, enhance public services and ensure ethical and responsible AI implementation across sectors.

Shamsul Majid to head new National Artificial Intelligence Office

Southeast Asia's e-commerce market has undergone significant transformation over the past five years, reaching milestones earlier than expected.

The sector saw rapid growth during the pandemic, hitting US$200 billion in gross merchandise value by 2022 — three years ahead of schedule, according to Google, Temasek and Bain & Company.

Addressing the hidden costs of adaptability in Southeast Asia’s e-commerce and logistics

Malaysia’s workforce is evolving rapidly, thanks to technology and globalisation. Key sectors like technology, healthcare and financial services are driving demand for specialised skills such as artificial intelligence (AI), cybersecurity and data analytics.

Adapting to tech and talent demands

In the era of artificial intelligence (AI), where narratives are often shaped by external forces, Malaysia must assert its autonomy to protect its cultural identity and shape its future in the technology.

“Alarmingly, in the fully digital sphere that we live in, 30% of all new content c...

Spotlight: Defying the AI black box

The traditional insurance claims process, reliant on human inspections and subjective assessments, often faces delays and inconsistencies, frustrating stakeholders and increasing costs. Prudential plc is tackling these challenges with artificial intelligence (AI), aiming to streamline claims, cut...

Automation: Streamlining insurance workflow with AI

Malaysia is experiencing a data centre (DC) boom, ranking No 2 in Asean for live DCs with 280 operational, 159 under construction and a staggering 766 in the pipeline.

DC investments made up 76% of all digital investments approved from 2021 to early 2024, amounting to RM123.5 billion. K...

Solutions: Banking on cloud

Since its introduction in Malaysia’s 2013 education blueprint, STEM — science, technology, engineering and mathematics — has been the cornerstone of the nation’s academic priorities.

The objective was clear, to equip students with the technical skills demanded by a tech-centric economy....

Education: Shaping tech talent with the arts and STEM

China left its benchmark lending rates unchanged as expected at the monthly fixing on Friday.

China leaves rates unchanged, weak yuan limits easing

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

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

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In today’s edition of Evening 5: 00:00 ASB’s FY24 distribution at RM10.1 bil, highest since 2018 02:03 Amicorp Group denies alleged 1MDB fraud 03:23 Prolintas settles cost-sharing agreement dispute 04:28 BHIC shareholders approve stake sale in LCS subcontractor 05:41 Malaysia’s economy up 5.2% in 9M2024

EVENING 5: ASB’s FY24 distribution at RM10.1 bil, highest since 2018

[Branded] As theme parks adapt to a changing world, Sunway Theme Parks’ Executive Director, Calvin Ho, shares insights on its strengths, challenges, and focus on sustainability.

The future of fun with Sunway Theme Parks

[Branded] Although still new to the Malaysian market, China automobile manufacturer GWM is looking to make its mark on the country’s roads.

NEWS: GWM makes its mark on Malaysian roads

Wall Street's main indexes all closed higher on Tuesday, with gains in megacap and growth stocks bolstering benchmarks in a truncated Christmas Eve session.

Wall Street ends higher as Santa rally begins

Social media platform TikTok recorded 2,606 requests from the Malaysian government to remove or restrict content on its platform in 1H2024, the highest among all governments in the period, according to its latest report on government removal requests.

Malaysia tops TikTok content, account removal requests in 1H2024 among govts

KUALA LUMPUR (Dec 24): Here is a brief recap of the business news and corporate announcements that made the headlines on Tuesday:

Boustead Heavy Industries Corp Bhd's (KL:BHIC) shareholders have approved the disposal of the fabrication and engineering company’s 51% equity stake i...

BHIC, Pharmaniaga, MMAG, Prolintas, Nestcon, Datasonic, PUC, KKB Engineering, Parlo 

Major banks and business groups sued the Federal Reserve on Tuesday, alleging the US central bank's annual "stress tests" of Wall Street firms violate the law.

Big banks, business groups sue US Fed over annual stress tests 

EVENING 5: Five things you need to know today

Boustead Heavy Industries Corp Bhd (KL:BHIC) shareholders have given the nod for the fabrication and engineering company to dispose of its 51% equity stake in Contraves Advanced Devices Sdn Bhd (CAD) to German defence firm Rheinmetall AG for RM54 million.

BHIC shareholders approve RM54m sale of 51% stake in LCS subcontractor

Prolintas Infra Business Trust (KL:PLINTAS) said it has settled its dispute with KL-Kuala Selangor Expressway Bhd (Latar) over a cost-sharing agreement, for an undisclosed amount.

Prolintas settles cost-sharing agreement dispute with Latar for undisclosed sum

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

FBM KLCI rises 0.43% to 1,602.99 on Dec 24, 2024

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co (TSMC) shares touched a record high, as the world’s largest contract chipmaker is poised to cap its best annual stock performance in 25 years.

TSMC shares touch record high, eyeing best year since 1999 on AI

Amanah Saham Nasional Bhd (ASNB), a wholly owned unit trust company of Permodalan Nasional Bhd (PNB), has declared a total income distribution of 5.75 sen per unit, amounting to a total income payout of RM10.1 billion for Amanah Saham Bumiputera (ASB) for the financial year ending Dec 31, 2024 (FY2024).

ASB's FY2024 distribution at RM10.1b or 5.75 sen per unit, highest since 2018

The government has removed the 85% demand capacity cap for non-domestic users under its self-consumption (SelCo) programme, and to allow the installation of solar panels on the ground and over bodies of water.

Quota abolished for solar panel installation under self-consumption mechanism — energy ministry

Donald Trump's surprise threat to retake control of the Panama Canal and his expansionist declaration that the US should own Greenland signals that the incoming US president will pursue a foreign policy unbound by diplomatic niceties.

Trump previews combative foreign policy with threats to Panama, Greenland

Malaysia’s producer price index (PPI) declined by 0.4% in November 2024, a slower decrease compared to the 2.4% drop in October 2024, mainly due to the continued contraction in the mining sector, according to the Department of Statistics Malaysia (DOSM).

DOSM: Malaysia’s November PPI records slower decrease of 0.4%

Amicorp Group said it would fight 1Malaysia Development Bhd’s (1MDB) claim of more than US$1 billion filed in the British Virgin Islands court.

Amicorp Group denies alleged fraud of over US$7b in 1MDB scandal

As global air traffic demand exceeds pre-Covid-19 pandemic levels this year, airlines are turning their attention to fleet expansion and about 10,000 more planes will operate by 2034, according to a new report published by global aviation advisory firm Alton Aviation Consultancy.

10,000 more planes to take to  the sky in 10 years, says Alton

The World Semiconductor Trade Statistics (WSTS) organisation unveiled its latest projections early this month, forecasting significant growth for the global semiconductor market in 2024 and 2025.

Global Semiconductor Market poised to sustain solid growth in 2025

Malaysian Rating Corporation Bhd (MARC) on Tuesday affirmed Malaysia's public information sovereign rating at AAA with a "stable" outlook.

However, MARC flagged challenges from a high fiscal deficit and debt levels, as well as the tax revenue-to-gross domestic product (GDP) ratio of 12.6% in 2023, which remains below the peer average despite recovering to pre-pandemic levels.

MARC flags Malaysia's debt position as it keeps AAA, stable rating

OCBC Bank (Malaysia) Bhd (OCBC Bank) has been named Malaysia’s “Bank of the Year” by London-based publication The Banker for the second consecutive year.

OCBC Bank named top Malaysian bank for second year running

During their inaugural meeting on Monday, Malaysia and the Kyrgyz Republic committed to exploring collaboration and exchanging information on the latest advancements in agriculture.

Malaysia, Kyrgyz Republic set to explore agriculture collaboration

Any attempts to sow division or actions that trigger racial discord must be avoided, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

In a Facebook post on Tuesday, in conjunction with Christmas, which will be celebrated by Christians on Wednesday, Anwar emphasised that all Malaysians need each other and complement one another, particularly in efforts to build a successful and distinguished national identity.

Any attempts to incite racial discord must be avoided — PM

Nestcon Bhd’s (KL:NESTCON) wholly owned subsidiary Nestcon Infra Sdn Bhd is set to develop a large-scale solar photovoltaic plant (LSSPV) with 14.99 megawatts of alternating current (MWac) in Bongawan, Kimanis, Sabah.

Nestcon wins bids to develop 18.99 MWac LSS power plant projects in Sabah

The Road Transport Department (JPJ) has initiated a comprehensive investigation and safety audit on the vehicle companies involved in the fatal accident at KM204 of the North-South Expressway (PLUS) northbound in Melaka on Monday night.

JPJ launches investigation, safety audit over KM204 fatal crash

KKB Engineering Bhd (KL:KKB) has initiated adjudication proceedings under the Construction Industry Payment and Adjudication Act against a contractor over outstanding claims amounting to RM10.1 million.

KKB Engineering sues glove factory project contractor over unpaid claims

Permodalan Nasional Bhd (PNB) remains optimistic about the outlook for Malaysia's economy and the local bourse next year, underpinned, among others, by clear economic policies and steady inflows of foreign direct investments (FDIs).

PNB remains optimistic about Malaysian economy, KLCI next year

Registered paddy farmers nationwide are encouraged to join the Paddy Crop Takaful Scheme (STTP) as protection against unforeseen disasters.

In a statement on Tuesday, Agrobank highlighted that the STTP is crucial for farmers, especially when facing natural disaster risks such as floods or drought and pest and disease infestations.

Agrobank urges paddy farmers to join takaful scheme

The Madani government will continue to fully support efforts to safeguard the safety and well-being of children and will not tolerate any crimes that threaten their future, said Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil.

Madani govt stays committed to protecting child safety — Fahmi

Investment philosophy of Tong’s Portfolio: Part 3 — Strategic thinking with a helicopter view

JAPANESE financial group Nomura, which recently commemorated its 50th year of operations in Malaysia, sees strong opportunities to expand its business here amid a positive outlook on the country.

The group has three operating entities in Malaysia, namely Nomura Asset Management Malaysia...

Nomura sees more opportunities in Malaysia amid positive outlook  

IN a bid to accelerate the adoption of renewable energy (RE) and ahead of the upcoming fifth large-scale solar (LSS5) programme, the government has opened up the installation of battery energy storage systems (BESS) to third parties, under concession agreements, according to documents sighted by ...

BESS programme: A game changer for the Malaysian energy landscape?

In the late 1980s and 1990s, Subang Parade was the shopping centre to hang out at. Many who grew up during that period would have fond memories of outings to the mall.

Opened in 1988, it is located in Subang Jaya’s SS16 commercial centre and is a 25-minute drive from Kuala Lumpur via th...

Cover Story: Shaping new experiences and spaces in Subang Parade

MANULIFE Holdings Bhd (KL:MANULFE), one of the leading life insurers in Malaysia, sees the need for consumer education to ensure a sustainable increase in medical insurance premiums and the insurance penetration rate in the country. This is crucial as only 40% of Malaysians are insured, offering ...

Manulife stresses importance of consumer education as key to sustainable growth amid rising costs 

Banks

Overweight (maintain)

RHB RESEARCH (DEC 10): We think market volatility will likely persist amid uncertainties with respect to US policies and the US federal funds...

Brokers Digest: Local Equities - Banks, Inari Amertron Bhd, SkyWorld Development Bhd, Dialog Group Bhd

Notable filings

Over the week of Dec 2 to 6, among the notable changes in shareholding for companies listed on Bursa Malaysia were those at auto parts manufacturer and distributor EP Manufacturing Bhd (KL:EPMB).

Bermaz Capital Sdn Bhd (formerly Bermaz Anshin...

Insider Moves: EP Manufacturing Bhd, Eastern & Oriental Bhd, Aurelius Technologies Bhd, Central Global Bhd, Yinson Holdings Bhd, RHB Bank Bhd 

IT will be another busy week at Bursa Malaysia with the initial public offerings (IPOs) of four companies on the ACE Market, which appear to be the last flotation exercises for the year.

The IPOs will kick off with that of Top­Vision Eye Specialist Bhd (KL:TOPVSN), a provider of ambulat...

IPO Watch: Four new listings to keep IPO market vibrant this week

WINSTAR Capital Bhd (KL:WINSTAR), which has been in the midstream and downstream segments of the aluminium industry for two decades, will be the final initial public offering (IPO) on Bursa Malaysia this year.

Winstar converts billets into extruded aluminium profiles used in fabricating...

IPO Watch: Final 2024 IPO Winstar has big ambitions

Andy Gove, the long-serving CEO of Intel, wrote of how only the paranoid will survive. Such are the times we live in that his advice is probably a helpful starting point as we think about what Singapore will be like in coming years.

No one should underestimate the enormity of the challe...

My Say: Singapore’s prospects in turbulent times

The new frontiers facing the world today are, firstly, tantamount to a historical crossroads for humanity. They are that significant. Secondly, they are most cogently considered as philosophical and anthropological, as well as geopolitical and geo-economic. And by that, I mean to denote more than...

Picking On The Present: Historical task of realising a global human community has just begun

France’s new premier Francois Bayrou vowed to sharply narrow the nation’s deficit to close to 5% of GDP, a plan that threatens a repeat of the stand-off which toppled the last government.

French premier seeking budget cuts that toppled the previous cabinet

Salesforce Inc says it’s taking multiple large customers from former partner Veeva Systems Inc in a mounting rivalry to sell software to the pharmaceutical industry.

Salesforce fights with Veeva by snagging drug customers

Iranian authorities have lifted a ban on Meta's instant messaging platform WhatsApp and Google Play as a first step to scale back internet restrictions, Iranian state media reported on Tuesday.

Iran lifts ban on WhatsApp and Google Play, state media says

American Airlines Group Inc said a technical vendor glitch was the cause of a brief groundstop on all US flights on Christmas Eve, one of the busiest days of the holiday travel season.

American Air says Christmas Eve delays caused by tech glitch

European natural gas prices fluctuated above €45 (RM210.32) a megawatt-hour amid persistent supply concerns, with just a week left until a key transit deal between Russia and Ukraine expires.

European gas swings with one week left before key transit deal expires

European shares edged up on Tuesday, though moves were subdued in a holiday-curtailed week, while the US dollar held near a two-year high helped by elevated US treasury yields as investors bet on fewer Federal Reserve rate cuts in 2025.

European shares rise, dollar supported by higher bond yields

Coffee prices have been on a tear and for the traders who buy, sell and ship beans around the world this means navigating additional risks. They are turning to alternative ways to hedge prices and avoid or delay the cash crunch caused by volatile moves.

Coffee’s rally forces traders to seek alternative hedging plans

Indonesia’s anti-graft agency has identified a close aide of former president Megawati Soekarnoputri as a suspect in a bribery case.

Indonesia probes ex-leader Megawati’s aide for graft

The UK government is giving carmakers eight weeks to submit views on the phase-out of new gasoline and diesel cars, as ministers consider easing sales quotas that electric vehicle (EV) manufacturers are struggling to hit.

UK launches review of EV sales mandate criticised by industry

GDS Holdings Ltd is considering an initial public offering (IPO) for a real estate investment trust (REIT) of its data centre assets in China, according to people familiar with the matter.

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