(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 Best Managed & Sustainable Property Awards 2024

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

In today’s edition of Evening 5: 0:06 Parliament watchdog flags RM5b risk amid LTAT-Boustead restructuring halt1:30 Daim’s widow wants trial against her husband to proceed to clear his name2:48 Malaysia's IPO market remains in the lead in Southeast Asia — Deloitte4:27 Malayan Flour Mills 3Q net profit slumps 69.7% despite higher revenue5:39 Star Media's 3Q profit up as radio, property biz offset print media losses

EVENING 5: RM5b risk flagged amid LTAT-Boustead restructuring halt

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

Petronas Chem, Sime Darby Property, SD Guthrie, Perdana Petroleum, Sports Toto, Hap Seng Plant, RCE Capital, MyEG Services, Pos, UOA Devt, Amway, Formosa, Hextar Ind, Thong Guan, Kawan Food, RHB Bank, IFCA, Sapura Energy, Reservoir Link, Velesto, Zelan

Pos Malaysia Bhd (KL:POS) continued its quarterly streak in the red, posting a wider net loss for the third quarter on lower postal and freight volume, and higher other and tax expenses.

Pos Malaysia's 3QFY2024 net loss widens on lower postal and freight volume

Bitcoin rose to a record high above US$94,000 (RM419,916) as a report that Donald Trump's social media company was in talks to buy crypto trading firm Bakkt boosted expectations of a crypto-friendly regime under his incoming administration.

Bitcoin rises above US$94,000 for the first time

The Kuala Lumpur High Court has sided with Tokio Marine Life Insurance Malaysia Bhd in its dispute with RHB Bank Bhd (KL:RHBBANK) over their bancassurance business, but also ordered it to respond to the best offer that RHB Bank receives within 14 days after receiving it from the bank.

Court orders Tokio Marine to respond to RHB's best offer within 14 days

Here’s a quick look at some of the stories that made headlines today.

EVENING 5: Five things you need to know today

Below is a summary of how key Bursa Malaysia indices and the ringgit performed on Wednesday.

FBM KLCI down 0.26% to 1,598.18 on Nov 20, 2024

Lawyer Tan Sri Muhammad Shafee Abdullah on Tuesday claimed the media had failed to do its job during its reporting of former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak's SRC International Sdn Bhd trial — for which Najib was found guilty of abuse of power, criminal breach of trust, and money laundering involving RM42 million of SRC's money — and alleged that the press had left out certain facts of the case.

Shafee claims media failed to do its duty in Najib's SRC trial

The United States could impose nearly 40% tariffs on imports from China early next year, a Reuters poll of economists showed, potentially slicing growth in the world's second-biggest economy by up to one percentage point.

Poll: Trump to unleash nearly 40% tariffs on China in early 2025, hitting growth 

Speculative fever in Chinese stocks is running red hot and catching the attention of some global funds, who figure local money is worth following into market segments sheltered from tariffs and likely to ride an eventual economic recovery.

China's cashed-up crowd is back in the stock market

KUALA LUMPUR (Nov 20): Petronas Chemicals Group Bhd (KL:PCHEM) was sent into the red for the first time ever since its listing more than a decade ago on paper losses in the third quarter.

Petronas Chemicals reports first-ever quarterly loss since listing

There is a need to overhaul the entire implementation process of Phase 2 of the National Digital Network (Jendela) initiative to ensure effectiveness of the programme, according to Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil.

Fahmi wants ‘overhaul’ of Jendela Phase 2, lambasts telcos over non-operational towers

KUALA LUMPUR (Nov 20): SRC International Sdn Bhd has settled a suit against Parti Bumiputera Perkasa Malaysia president Datuk Ibrahim Ali, while the company and Umno continue to negotiate towards a settlement.

SRC settles suit with Ibrahim Ali, inches towards settlement with Umno

Shares of Malayan Flour Mills Bhd (KL:MFLOUR), or MFM, sank on Wednesday morning to their lowest in 10 months, after the company reported a nearly 70% drop in net profit in its third quarter.

Malayan Flour Mills shares sink to January low after sharp 3Q profit drop

KUALA LUMPUR (Nov 20): Shares of Cape EMS Bhd (KL:CEB) fell on Wednesday morning in highly active trade, after the electronic manufacturing services firm reported its first quarterly loss since its listing.

Cape EMS down in highly active trade after first quarterly loss since listing

Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) said on Wednesday it is prepared to deal with currency volatility while ensuring the orderly functioning of the foreign exchange market.

BNM stands ready to deal with currency volatility, ensure orderly forex market

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

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

Offshore marine services provider Perdana Petroleum Bhd (KL:PERDANA) reported a more than threefold jump in its third quarter net profit, as it enjoyed better charter rates and higher vessel utilisation, driven by a shortage of offshore support vessels for offshore production and operation activities during the July-September quarter.

Perdana Petroleum reports threefold jump in 3Q profit on higher charter rates, increased vessel use

Sime Darby Property Bhd (KL:SIMEPROP) said it has already hit 91% of its full-year sales target of RM3.5 billion for 2024 by September. Its unbilled sales stood at RM3.7 billion.

Sime Darby Property hits 91% of 2024 annual sales target in nine months

Hap Seng Plantations Holdings Bhd (KL:HSPLANT) logged its highest quarterly net profit in nearly three years boosted by strong palm oil prices and lower operating expenses but flagged rising costs ahead.

Hap Seng Plantations logs highest quarterly profits in nearly three years on strong prices, lower expenses

Kawan Food Bhd’s (KL:KAWAN) net profit for the third quarter ended Sept 30, 2024 (3QFY2024) fell 87.5% to RM960,000 from RM7.69 million in the same quarter last year (3QFY2023), dragged by unrealised foreign exchange (forex) losses due to the weakening of the US dollar against the ringgit, and a higher tax charge.

Kawan Food’s 3Q profit drops over 80%, dragged by forex losses and higher tax expense

An AeroDarat Services (ADS) staff member, who allegedly mistreated a passenger issued with a Not to Land (NTL) notice at Kuala Lumpur International Airport Terminal 1 (KLIA1), has been given a show-cause letter and suspended from duty, said Transport Minister Anthony Loke.

He said that the decision was made to allow ADS, the ground handling service provider, to conduct a thorough investigation into the incident.

KLIA 1 altercation: AeroDarat worker suspended from duty

The Human Resources Ministry (Kesuma) has outlined various initiatives to enhance the skills of Malaysian workers as they face the challenges of an increasingly competitive job market.

Its minister Steven Sim Chee Keong said the ministry has allocated RM3 billion for skills training management in 2025, aimed at preparing the workforce for potential disruptions driven by advancements in Artificial Intelligence (AI).

RM3 bil fund, various initiatives to boost workers' skills — Steven Sim

Packaging material maker Thong Guan Industries Bhd’s (KL:TGUAN) net profit shrank nearly one-third to RM15 million in the third quarter ended Sept 30, 2024 (3QFY2024), from RM21.9 million a year ago, dragged by lower contribution from its plastic packaging products' segment.

Thong Guan 3Q profit drops 32% on lower contribution from plastic packaging products

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

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

Crypto bros have a reason to cheer. Last month’s SCxSC Fintech Summit came with a surprise announcement by the Securities Commission Malaysia (SC) to create a sandbox to spur innovation. This comes on the heels of the crypto-leaning sandboxes launched by several countries this year (see chart). B...

Shadow Crypt: Crypto’s choice between a sandbox and an airport

As we enter the final two months of 2024, what are the expectations for the semiconductor industry? TechInsights’ 2025 semiconductor manufacturing outlook estimated that integrated circuit (IC) sales will witness increases of 17% and 14% in silicon demand and semiconductor capital expenditure res...

Condivergence: Outlook for semiconductor manufacturing equipment market remains fair

LAST Monday, Datasonic Group Bhd (KL:DSONIC) announced that it had bought 51% equity interest in Innov8tif Holdings Sdn Bhd for RM40 million in cash from Revenue Group Bhd (KL:REVENUE).

Innov8tif Holdings and its subsidiaries Innov8tif Solutions Sdn Bhd, Xendity Sdn Bhd and Innov8tif So...

The tale of Innov8tif and five public-listed companies

Big tech edged lower in afterhours trading following a disappointing revenue forecast from Nvidia Corp.

An exchange-traded fund tracking the Nasdaq 100 (QQQ) slipped 0.2% while shares of the world’s most valuable company fell 1.7% in late trading after its outlook failed to meet expectations.

Tech weakens in late trading after Nvidia earnings

Wall Street's main indices dropped on Wednesday, as continued escalation of Russia-Ukraine tensions worried investors, while megacap Nvidia lost ground ahead of quarterly results.

Stocks dipped after a report Ukraine fired long-range British Storm Shadow missiles into Russian territory.

Wall St falls as Russia-Ukraine tensions raise concerns ahead of Nvidia earnings

The United States on Wednesday vetoed a UN Security Council resolution for a ceasefire in Gaza, drawing criticism of the Biden administration for once again blocking international action aimed at halting Israel's war with Hamas.

US vetoes UN Security Council resolution on Gaza ceasefire

A record-breaking crypto rally born in the US is leaving its mark on Asia, including a jump in the value of bitcoin held by Bhutan to more than US$1 billion and a surge in digital-asset trading volumes in South Korea.

Asia crypto hotspots gain from US$800 billion rally led by US

Before Donald Trump’s election, Redfin Corp projected mortgage rates would average 6.1% next year. But three days after the election, they revised their estimate upward to 6.8% — basically unchanged from today’s high levels.

American homebuyers brace for rate pain in Trump era

Hello Kitty is famously the height of just five apples. But these days, the more striking statistic is that she’s worth more than ¥1 trillion (RM28.97 billion) — or US$6.5 billion.

Hello Kitty at 50 is a cute little cash bonanza

Property tycoons are lending their support to the Hong Kong IPO market for the first time in years, a move that could help fan the flames of a nascent recovery.

Billionaire Robert Ng’s Sino Land Co is one of the largest cornerstone investors in the US$793 million (RM3.54 billion) Hong Kong listing from courier service SF Holding Co that kicked off this week.

Hong Kong tycoons plow money into rebounding IPO market

Archegos Capital Management founder Bill Hwang will be sentenced on Wednesday for fraud and market manipulation tied to the stunning 2021 collapse of his US$36 billion (RM160.89 billion) family office, capping a case that riveted Wall Street.

Archegos’ Hwang faces sentence for crimes that shook Wall Street

Comcast Corp plans to spin off cable-TV channels including MSNBC, CNBC and USA, following through on plans first announced last month.

The NBC broadcast network and Peacock streaming TV business will remain with the parent company, the Philadelphia-based cable provider said in a statement on Wednesday.

Comcast to spin off cable channels MSNBC, USA

The Danish military is staying near a Chinese ship that may be linked to damaged data cables in the Baltic Sea.

A high-speed fibre optic cable connecting Finland and Germany was cut early on Monday by what was likely an external impact and a nearby link between Lithuania and Sweden was damaged on Sunday. It was the second such incident in the Baltic Sea in just over a year.

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