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

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

(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

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

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: 0:06 Five feedmillers ordered to pay RM415.5m fine for collusion as tribunal denies stay1:19 Vincent Tan-linked firm trims stake in Berjaya Food after emerging as substantial shareholder2:35 Restructuring plan not cancelled, just refined to leverage new opportunities, says LTAT4:14 Cypark partners Terengganu govt to develop 500MW hybrid hydro floating solar plant5:28 Sunview-backed Winstar's ACE Market IPO draws over RM400 mil retail interest

EVENING 5: Feedmillers ordered to pay record fines for collusion

As an art and research hub in Kampung Attap, The Zhongshan Building hosts an eclectic mix of creative offerings for visitors to explore. In this Jalan-Jalan episode, City & Country takes you to discover its arts and music options.

Discovering The Zhongshan Building’s creative offerings

Betamek, which has collaborated and worked with Perodua as well as Daihatsu, is keeping its eye on the EV market will likely increase demand for electronics and OEM services, according to MD Mirzan Mahathir.

NEWS: Betamek keeps its future focus on the EV market

South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol survived an impeachment vote on Saturday, as his ruling party refused to join an opposition bid to oust him after he shocked the nation by briefly declaring martial law.

South Korea’s Yoon survives impeachment after martial law fiasco

The Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) has forecast the onset of a second wave of floods within the next two weeks, starting from Sunday, with Pahang and Johor among the states expected to be affected this time.

Zahid: Second wave of floods from Sunday to hit Pahang, Johor

TikTok’s Chinese parent company faces a ban in the US next month as a result of a federal appellate court ruling on Friday, ratcheting up a political clash over the wildly popular video-sharing app.

TikTok faces US ban as appellate court refuses to block law

David Sacks, US President-elect Donald Trump’s surprise pick to guide policy on artificial intelligence (AI) and cryptocurrency, doesn’t have deep ties to either industry or an extensive track record of investing in them. What he does have, though, is even more important in the eyes of technology investors — a tech-friendly worldview and a long history of scepticism about government regulation.

Trump’s crypto-AI czar is long-time critic of tech regulation

UEM Group, the wholly owned infrastructure arm of Khazanah Nasional Bhd, has not given an interview to the press in more than a decade. Current managing director Datuk Amran Hafiz Affifudin who had been on the top job at UEM Group for 119 days at the time of the interview, explains that the long silence does not indicate inactivity at the diversified group, as there was also a change in direction at the company, brought about by the need for Khazanah to pursue green infrastructure ventures in a big way, and for the sovereign wealth fund to strengthen local investments, among other considerations.

Sleeping giant UEM Group stirs

The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) remanded a company director with the 'Datuk' title, and a civil servant on suspicion of corruption in return for securing construction projects in Sarawak worth about RM250 million.

MACC remands company director with 'Datuk' title, civil servant in connection with RM250m corruption case in Kuching

Global stocks advanced on Friday as investors raised their bets on the prospect of a US interest rate cut this month, after payrolls data showed strong job growth in November, while the euro dipped against the dollar as political turmoil gripped France.

Wall Street adds to stock, rate cut bets after 'Thanksgiving buffet' jobs data

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

Genting, JAKS Resources, KIP REIT, ITMAX, OSK Holdings, Kawan Food, Crescendo Corp, Cypark, FSBM, MMAG

US job growth surged in November after being severely hindered by hurricanes and strikes, but a rise in the unemployment rate to 4.2% pointed to an easing labour market that should allow the Federal Reserve to cut interest rates again this month.

US job growth rebounds in November but unemployment rate ticks up

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has given MyDigital ID and Digital Nasional Bhd (DNB) a mid-December deadline to tackle delays in the implementation of two national digital initiatives — MyDigital ID and the second 5G network.

MyDigital ID, DNB given till mid-December to address rollout delays — Fahmi

China’s central bank will deliver the biggest interest-rate cuts in a decade next year as policymakers intensify efforts to shore up growth and arrest deflation, in the view of a number of Wall Street lenders.

Wall Street banks predict biggest China rate cuts in decade

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

FBM KLCI down 0.15% to 1,613.25 on Dec 6, 2024

The Employees Provident Fund (EPF) has emerged as a substantial shareholder in KIP Real Estate Investment Trust (KL:KIPREIT) for the first time, after acquiring a 6.07% stake in the REIT, comprising 48.51 million units.

EPF emerges as substantial shareholder in KIP REIT for first time

In October, the government announced incentives to jump-start the special economic zone in Forest City. One particular announcement that caught attention was the zero tax rate for family offices, a term rarely heard of in Malaysia as the regulatory framework for such firms did not exist. Essentially, family offices handle investment and wealth management for wealthy families.

Rise of the family office

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

Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zahid Hamidi announced that he would bring a proposal to return the name of Sekolah Jenis Kebangsaan Cina (SJKC) Gamuda Cove to its original name, SJKC Tun Omar Ong Yoke Lin, to the Cabinet's meeting.

Proposal to reinstate name of SJKC Tun Omar Ong Yoke Lin to be brought to Cabinet, says Zahid

Perbadanan PR1MA Malaysia (PR1MA) plans to enhance the value of its affordable housing projects by introducing smart homes with environmentally friendly concepts.

Nga: PR1MA to introduce smart homes with environmentally friendly concepts

Penang is set to train at least 500 integrated circuit (IC) design engineers, aligning with the National Semiconductor Strategic Plan (NSS) goal of producing 60,000 highly skilled engineers by 2030.

Penang to train at least 500 integrated circuit design engineers under new initiative

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim is set to launch the ‘Penang Silicon Design @5km+’ initiative on Saturday, aimed at driving economic growth through the development of the integrated circuit (IC) design industry in Penang, in line with the National Semiconductor Strategy (NSS).

PM to launch Penang Silicon Design @5km+ to boost integrated circuit design ecosystem

SNS Network Technology Bhd (KL:SNS) has signed a three-year memorandum of understanding with Mimos Bhd to enhance software testing processes and drive innovation in artificial intelligence (AI).

SNS Network, Mimos partner to boost AI innovation and software testing capabilities

The flood situation in the country continued to improve as the number of flood evacuees in relief centres dropped steadily, with Terengganu fully recovering from flooding.

Flood situation continues to improve with number of evacuees dropping

Tanco Holdings Bhd (KL:TANCO) announced that its 79%-owned subsidiary, Midports Holdings Sdn Bhd (MHSB), is exploring a potential collaboration with Hong Kong-listed Cosco Shipping Ports Ltd for the operation and management of MHSB's proposed "smart AI container port project" in Port Dickson, Negeri Sembilan.

Tanco unit and HK-listed Cosco Shipping explore partnership to manage proposed Port Dickson AI port 

Frozen food manufacturer Kawan Food Bhd (KL:KAWAN) is venturing into the supply and distribution of information technology equipment via a joint venture with several individuals, including its founder cum major shareholder, and its current chairman.

Kawan Food ventures into IT equipment business via JV  

Johor-based property developer Crescendo Corp Bhd (KL:CRESNDO) is selling more land for the development of data centres in Johor, this time for RM120.06 million in cash.

Crescendo seals seventh land sale in Johor, to data centre operator

Cypark Resources Bhd (KL:CYPARK) is partnering with the Terengganu state government to develop a 500 megawatt (MW) large hybrid hydro floating solar (HHFS) plant at Tasik Kenyir.

Cypark partners Terengganu govt to develop 500MW hybrid hydro floating solar plant

Investment philosophy of Tong’s Portfolio: Part 1 — Management integrity and capability

Malaysia’s becoming one of the global leaders in Islamic finance stands as a testament to decades of visionary planning, commitment and strategic alignment between the country’s public and private sectors.

MySay: Malaysia’s strategic path to global Islamic finance leadership

Sustainability has become a key topic in global development, especially when discussing infrastructure projects. In Malaysia, like in many other developing countries, sustainability has been actively promoted as part of national infrastructure planning. Slogans like “Green for the future” and “sustainable development” are frequently touted, reflecting the belief that sustainability is a crucial element in protecting future generations.

MySay: Sustainability: A noble goal but expensive to implement

THE recent bombshell that Khazanah Nasional Bhd and Permodalan Nasional Bhd had suffered a RM43.9 million loss on their investment in FashionValet Sdn Bhd has cast a harsh spotlight on the risks that government-linked investment companies (GLICs) take on when investing in private equity.

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Cover Story: The case for private market investments

WHEN Kumpulan Wang Persaraan (Diperbadankan) (KWAP) was established in 2007, with an initial fund of RM41.9 billion, the federal government’s pension and gratuity obligations stood at a mere RM8.25 billion, just 6.7% of its total operating expenditure (opex).

Some 16 years later, the fu...

Cover Story: The pension conundrum: KWAP pushes for thoughtful reform amid growing charges

Bid rigging, as the term implies, is a form of collusion where competing entities conspire to manipulate the bidding process, often resulting in inflated prices and diminished competition. It is worth noting that bid rigging is expressly prohibited under the Competition Act 2010.

MySay: Bid rigging: A silent disease with a long history

As the shock of Donald Trump’s victory sinks in, pundits and politicians are mulling what it means for the future of the US and global politics. Understanding why such a divisive, unqualified figure won again is crucial for the Democrats. Did they go too far left and lose the moderate Americans who make up the majority? Or did centrist neoliberalism — pursued by Democratic presidents since Bill Clinton — fail to deliver, thus creating a demand for change?

Unconventional Economic Wisdom: The Democrats’ only option

BETWEEN 1800s and early 1900s, a bunch of powerful financiers dominated America through their political networking or guanxi, making a ton of money in the process through — what we might in this day and age call — questionable practices. They were dubbed “robber barons”, a term first used in the ...

Tech: Trump, Musk and a new era of robber barons

INCORPORATED in 2013, ACE Market-listed Sedania Innovator Bhd (KL:SEDANIA) may be seen as a newcomer to the consumer products landscape, but it has big ambitions.

The company, which has a market capitalisation of some RM52 million, aspires to be a disruptor in the fast-moving consumer g...

Sedania aims to disrupt FMCG giants’ hold on market 

IN September, Ekuiti Nasional Bhd (Ekuinas) finally received all the necessary approvals to start providing private credit (PC) to companies, almost a year after talks surfaced that the state-owned private equity firm was exploring other programmes on top of its private equity (PE) mandate.
...

Ekuinas eyes first private credit disbursement by the end of the year

LGMS Bhd (KL:LGMS) is on an aggressive hiring spree that has seen it raise its team of cybersecurity specialists by more than 40% in less than a year as it looks to better position itself to take a larger slice of the growing cybersecurity business. This is despite a short-term dent to the group’...

LGMS endures ‘growing pains’ in quest for organic long-term gains

Singapore police said they didn’t arrest a Chinese national accused of money laundering, because they were not asked to do so by authorities in China, even though an Interpol Red Notice had been issued for him.

No request from China to arrest national accused of money laundering — S'pore police

In a town-hall meeting on Nov 29, Hong Kong billionaire Henry Cheng introduced his new chief executive officer pick to the hundreds of employees gathered virtually, pledging that Echo Huang would help the ailing property developer cut debt and rebuild its residential property pipeline.

Revolving door of CEOs at Hong Kong's New World shows succession challenge

eToro is working with Goldman Sachs Group Inc on a potential initial public offering (IPO) in the US, according to people familiar with the matter.

The trading and investment platform is considering going public as soon as the second quarter, though that timeline is subject to change, the people said. The company has said it could seek a valuation in a listing above the US$3.5 billion (RM15.5 billion) figure it achieved in a private funding round last year.

Trading platform eToro tapped Goldman Sachs for US IPO — Bloomberg

Wall Street's main indexes edged higher on Friday, with the S&P 500 and the Nasdaq touching intraday record highs as traders increased bets on a Federal Reserve rate cut this month following robust November payrolls data.

Wall Street climbs after monthly jobs data boosts December rate-cut bets

Things were already looking bad for Intel Corp shares this year. But the chipmaker’s sudden ouster of its chief executive officer has led to even more investors throwing in the towel.

Intel’s lack of a clear plan makes Wall Street even more bearish

Shareholders of Ubisoft Entertainment SA are considering how to structure a possible buyout of the Assassin's Creed video game maker without reducing the founding family's control, two people familiar with the matter told Reuters.

Ubisoft shareholders in talks over possible buyout terms — Reuters

The European Union (EU) and the South American Mercosur bloc clinched a long-sought trade deal over the vehement objections of France, which has pledged to lead a charge to obstruct its ratification.

EU reaches long-sought Mercosur deal despite French objections

A weekly round-up of tanker and dry bulk market (Dec 6, 2024)

Baltic Exchange shipping updates: Dec 6, 2024

Australian police said on Friday they were looking for two people suspected of deliberately starting a fire at a Melbourne synagogue that injured one and caused widespread damage.

The fire at the Adass Israel synagogue began early on Friday and police said the suspects were wearing masks.

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