PETALING JAYA (Oct 11): Gamuda Bhd (KL:GAMUDA) has launched the Gamuda AI Academy aimed at cultivating the local talent pool for artificial intelligence (AI) to support Malaysia’s digital transformation.

Gamuda AI Academy opens courses for AI coding

Malaysia made history at the Hangzhou Asian Games in China last year, securing a silver medal — its first ever for e-sports — in the Arena of Valor competition. This achievement was followed by an invitation to a prestigious pro league with a US$10 million (RM43.3 million) prize pool. Despite sur...

Gaming: Levelling up

Gone are the days when scammers relied on basic editing software like Adobe Photoshop, which itself is rapidly becoming a relic of the past as we enter the era of deepfakes — hyper-realistic videos generated using artificial intelligence (AI) that are capable of deceiving even the most discerning...

Cybersecurity: Beyond the naked eye

In April 2022, Bank Negara Malaysia issued five digital banking licences, signalling a step towards financial inclusion in the country. Three of the digital banks — AEON Bank (M) Bhd, GX Bank Bhd and Boost Bank Bhd — have since launched their platforms, saying they aim to cater to the underserved...

Cover Story: Banking for the underserved 

GRANTS

MDEC opens applications for 2024 digital grants

The Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC) has announced the opening of applications for three key grants: the Digital Content Grant (DCG) for 2024/2025, the Malaysia Digital Ca...

Bits + Bytes: A Miscellany of Technology

Buy now, pay later (BNPL) has emerged as an instrument for financial inclusion, by providing simplified and often instantaneous credit approval. Yet, concerns have been raised about the overextension of credit to less financially literate populations.

This is because the integration of ...

Issues: Breaking down instant gratification

Inequality in the workplace is a tale as old as time. Inequality across genders, ethnicities and beliefs remains a significant challenge in the country, says Randstad’s Employer Brand Research Report. But adding to these issues is a new form of inequality — generational disparity.

Reforming the workplace

Concerns over taste and nutrition have led some consumers to shun prepared meals for takeout, which can be a costly and unhealthy habit. To change the perception of frozen meal kits, Meals in Minutes seeks to make cooking more convenient for busy individuals and offer quick, efficient solutions f...

Takeout: From fridge to fork

Microsoft announced Wave 2 of Microsoft 365 Copilot, an update to its generative artificial intelligence (AI) tool that introduces new features focused on work productivity and collaboration on Sept 16.

One of the new feature is Copilot Pages, a platform that creates a persistent collab...

Rollout: Microsoft launches new productivity-boosting AI features

Cybercriminals continue to target healthcare services, which can cripple critical infrastructure and services. In 2024, Cybersecurity Malaysia reported 2,518 security incidents including spam, fraud, malicious attempts and intrusion, among many others. A cybersecurity report by the National ICT A...

Toolkit: Cyber threats loom over healthcare industry

Discussions on how waste should be managed used to stop at recycling, but this has been superseded by the concept of the circular economy.

This concept ensures that materials are not wasted and remain useful through reuse, repair and designs that prevent waste from being created in the ...

Circular Economy: A better way to manage waste in Asean

In tropical countries like Malaysia, the surface seawater is much warmer than deep seawater. This temperature difference can become a source of renewable energy, called blue energy.

Most people might think of blue energy as that generated from the movement of waves and tidal flows, but ...

Energy: Tapping into the power of the ocean

A company that adopts sustainability practices has opportunities to increase profits and unlock future growth. This is a result of the wider world’s progress towards a lower-emission and more socially equitable economy, and the opportunities will differ by sector, geography, technology adoption and company strength.

How to identify sustainability opportunities

The idea to launch a Home Solar Subscription programme came after Raj Ridvan Singh, founder and CEO of Sols Energy, paid a visit to the US as a Ford Fellow many years ago.

“I got to study at Columbia University in New York and Yale University for about six weeks [in] this fellowship, an...

Energy: Home solar subscription, a game changer for accessibility?

Initially drawn to forensic and crime science because of her passion for criminology, Yap Jo Leen shifted gears after her first job as a scientific officer at the Dark Cave conservation site. This experience ignited her dedication to championing the cause of one of Malaysia’s endangered species, ...

Profile: Restoring nature, one monkey at a time

For years, the view on my commute was a blur of passing billboards. Those giant, dusty advertisements feel like relics of a bygone era. But lately, things have become a bit more interesting. Digital billboards have started popping up, replacing the static ones with bright, colourful displays. I o...

Cooler Conversations: How sustainable are billboards?

More Malaysians are opting for vapes as seemingly less harmful alternatives to cigarettes. Vapes generate vapour instead of smoke, and the waste is less of an eyesore. In comparison, cigarette butts are littered, which could leach toxic contaminants into the environment.

But the environ...

Circular Economy: Dealing with vape waste

Chua SengTeong, managing director of ChargEV, reflects that career-wise, he has always been at the forefront of uncharted territory, in the sectors of telecommunications, financial technology (fintech) and now, mobility. “To me, that’s fun … where there [are] endless possibilities.”

Cha...

Mobility: ChargEV’s road map for becoming a regional leader

With the European Union (EU) imposing the carbon border adjustment mechanism (CBAM) on imports into the region, Malaysia has also started considering carbon pricing schemes to accelerate decarbonisation efforts and counter the impact of carbon taxes in other jurisdictions.

While this ma...

Coverstory: How to do carbon pricing right

The merger of Celcom and Digi two years ago to form CelcomDigi Bhd (KL:CDB) made it the largest telecommunications company (telco) in Malaysia. Now, the merged entity with 20 million network subscribers is also integrating its environmental, social and governance (ESG) strategies.

At it...

Technology: CelcomDigi’s ESG resolution

The Edge Billion Ringgit Club 2024

The Edge Centurion Club Corporate Awards 2024

The Edge Best Managed & Sustainable Property Awards 2024

The Edge Property Excellence Awards 2024

The Edge ESG Awards 2023

Gamuda Gardens has some happening places to check out. For those who love speed, water or a lazy ride this place has something for everyone. In this Jalan-Jalan episode, City & Country checks out all it has to offer.

Fun under the sun

In today’s edition of Evening 5: 00:00 TikTok lays off hundreds globally, including in M’sia01:21 Analysts call the Public Bank-LPI deal ‘fair and reasonable’ 03:27 Kerjaya Prospek files fresh lawsuit against Yong Tai and CEO 04:40 Barakah Offshore chairman Zaid Ibrahim resigns 05:59 Pharmaniaga unit secures Mosti grant for vaccine R&D

EVENING 5: TikTok lays off hundreds globally, including in M’sia

Recently UOB held its 2024 UOB Painting of the Year awards ceremony, putting a prominent spotlight on local artists and celebrating the vibrancy and passion of Malaysia’s art scene.

UOB Painting of the Year 2024 continues to celebrate local artists

TikTok's move to reduce its employees will not affect its operations and the company is cooperating with the authorities in this country, especially in the aspects of research and screening of content and live sessions.

Fahmi: TikTok's operations in Malaysia not affected by staff lay-offs, cooperating with authorities

The government is expected to allocate a higher development expenditure (DE) of RM94.5 billion in Budget 2025, from RM88.5 billion in 2024’s forecast, to boost infrastructure play, said Kenanga Investment Bank Bhd (Kenanga IB).

Kenanga IB expects govt to raise development expenditure in Budget 2025

The King and Queen of Malaysia, Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar and Raja Zarith Sofiah, will undertake a state visit to Brunei on Sunday until Oct 15, marking the Agong’s inaugural state visit to the sultanate since ascending the throne on Jan 31 this year.

King, Queen of Malaysia to undertake state visit to Brunei on Sunday

China pledged on Saturday to "significantly increase" debt to revive its sputtering economy, but left investors guessing on the overall size of the stimulus package, a vital detail to gauge the longevity of its recent stock market rally.

China flags more fiscal stimulus for economy, leaves out key details on size

Boeing will cut 17,000 jobs — 10% of its global workforce — delay first deliveries of its 777X jet by a year and record US$5 billion (RM21.44 billion) in losses in the third quarter, as the US planemaker continues to spiral during a month-long strike.

Boeing to cut 17,000 jobs, delay first 777X jet as strike hits finances

The acquisition of MASwings Sdn Bhd by the Sarawak government is expected to be finalised soon, said Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.

Abang Johari: Acquisition of MASwings to be finalised soon

Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Federal Territories) Dr Zaliha Mustafa held discussions with two prominent global companies, Huawei Technologies Co Ltd and BYD, to explore smart collaboration aimed at fostering sustainable development within the Federal Territories.

Federal Territories to explore smart collaboration with Huawei, BYD, says Zaliha

The main focus in Malaysia this week will be on Budget 2025, which is scheduled to be tabled by the prime minister on Friday. Many economists expect the overall budget to remain expansionary, with supportive measures to address the elevated cost of living, improve the people’s quality of life, enhance rural development and transform the economy at a sustainable pace.

The Week Ahead: Attention on Budget 2025, China data and major economies’ monetary policies

The S&P 500 and the Dow scored record closing highs on Friday, with the big boosts from financial stocks after banks reported strong quarterly results while the latest inflation data fuelled expectations for a US Federal Reserve (Fed) rate cut in November.

S&P 500, Dow hit records, boosted by bank earnings surprise

The acronym MBI if spelt backwards is IBM, the US-based computer main frame technology company with a global reach.

Tedy Teow Wooi Huat, the prime figure behind the disgraced MBI, wanted a global reach similar to IBM.

Picking up the pieces from MBI’s collapse

Here is a brief recap of some business news and corporate announcement that made the headlines on Friday.

Alliance Bank, Press Metal, WMG, Pertama Digital, Pharmaniaga, Fajarbaru, Steel Hawk, Petronas Gas, Barakah Offshore, Gadang, Kerjaya Prospek, Yong Tai 

China's government said on Friday that employees of Taiwan's Foxconn, the world's largest iPhone assembler, are being investigated for suspected taking of bribes and embezzlement, after Taiwan reported their detention.

China says Foxconn employees probed for bribery, embezzlement

Google was negotiating to spend US$110 million (RM471.99 million) to support California’s struggling journalism industry, but the search giant had a demand: taxpayers would need to contribute tens of millions of dollars as well.

Google used influence, ultimatum to cut deal on California news

EVENING 5: Five things you need to know today

In a matter of weeks, Budget 2025 will be upon us. Research houses have started rolling out their predictions, anticipating areas of focus that the government will zero in to continue to support and bolster the economy.

A look at the previous four national Budgets

Malaysia’s capital market remained resilient in 2023 amid global headwinds from diverging expectations of monetary policies in major economies and geopolitical turmoil, posting a 5.6% growth during the year to RM3.8 trillion from RM3.6 trillion in 2022, according to the Association of Corporate Finance Advisers (ACFA).

Independent Corporate Finance Advisers strengthening their roles in Malaysian capital market

US rate cuts are closely watched because monetary easing by the world’s largest economy has financial repercussions worldwide. While conventional wisdom is that lower interest rates stimulate economic activity, which tends to benefit the stock market, it may not be that clear cut.

How equity markets have reacted after rate cuts by the US Federal Reserve

A total of 7,448 job placements for Sabah residents have been successfully implemented as of Sept 27, thanks to various efforts by the government through the Social Security Organisation (Perkeso) and other involved agencies.

Hajiji: Over 7,000 jobs created for Sabah residents

The Agriculture and Food Security Ministry (KPKM) guarantees that the rice supply in local markets will not be affected despite the flood situation in Kedah and Perlis, impacting approximately 6,000 hectares of the country's paddy production areas.

Agriculture Ministry assures country's rice supply is sufficient

The Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry (Motac) has launched an investigation to identify Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) agents responsible for spreading misinformation regarding the programme.

Motac launches investigation to identify agents spreading wrong info about MM2H programme

Avaland Bhd (KL:AVALAND) officially opened the sales gallery of Avenue25 and previewed Tower B of Alora Residences serviced apartments in Subang Jaya, Selangor, on Saturday.

Avaland opens Avenue25 sales gallery in Subang Jaya, previews Alora Residences Tower B

The Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC) said it expects to attract export opportunities worth RM300 million from its participation at this year's Gulf Information Technology Exhibition (GITEX) Global and Expand North Star (ENS) in Dubai.

MDEC eyes RM300 mil in export opportunities at GITEX Global tech event in Dubai

Educational leaders and administrators are urged to harness the latest technological advancements, particularly artificial intelligence (AI), to avoid falling behind and to equip students for success in a rapidly evolving global landscape.

Education leaders urged to embrace AI in preparing future generations

Kerjaya Prospek Group Bhd (KL:KERJAYA) has filed a new lawsuit against Yong Tai Bhd (KL:YONGTAI) and its chief executive officer Datuk Boo Kuang Loon over an alleged unpaid contract sum of RM105.14 million related to a construction project in Melaka.

Kerjaya Prospek files fresh lawsuit against Yong Tai and CEO over RM105m contract dispute

Glostrext Bhd (KL:GLXT) has proposed diversifying its business to include the trading of electrical appliances, generators, alternators and related products through the acquisition of a 70% stake, or 3.5 million shares, in Powertecs System Sdn Bhd.

Glostrext diversifies into power supply system with RM4.2m acquisition 

Construction company Fajarbaru Builder Group Bhd (KL:FAJAR) has proposed to dispose of its 44.44% stake in an Australian property development company in a related party transaction.

Fajarbaru to sell 44.44% stake in Australian property company

Press Metal Aluminium Holdings Bhd (KL:PMETAL) executive director Datuk Koon Poh Kong has offloaded 6.3 million shares, representing 0.08% in the aluminium company, for a total of RM32.04 million.

Press Metal founder sells 6.3 mil shares for RM32.04m 

Robust increase in sales and prices for residential properties with improvement in affordability

European companies are calling for stronger European Union (EU) engagement in Southeast Asia. In fact, the latest EU-Asean Business Sentiment Survey reveals a record 59% of European businesses polled felt that the EU is not doing enough to support their interests in Southeast Asia, marking the hi...

My Say: Europe must raise the tempo to strengthen EU-Asean ties

Malaysia’s landscape is dotted with special economic zones (SEZs) — such as the Northern Corridor Economic Region (NCER), East Coast Economic Region (ECER), Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ), Sabah Development Corridor (SDC) and Sarawak Corridor of Renewable Energy (SCORE) — each des...

Trust In Resilience: Boosting TVET opportunities in Budget 2025

Founded in 1927, the US-based Marriott International has more than 30 brands and nearly 9,000 properties as well as 149 restaurants in 141 countries today. In a roundtable media discussion in Kuala Lumpur on Sept 10, Marriott International chairman of the board David S Marriott revealed that the ...

Marriott International’s expansion plans in Malaysia backed by positive market outlook

STRONG investment inflows into Penang’s electrical and electronics segment have fuelled its industrial sector growth, but left the state with a palpable infrastructure headache.

Roads leading to the island are regularly congested, as are those on the island and those going into the indu...

Cover Story: Penang’s infrastructure playing catch-up with its industrial boom 

MALAYSIA’s rush to produce 60,000 highly skilled local engineers in the next five years to address the talent shortage in the electrical and electronics (E&E) industry underscores the opportunities available now for skilled employment.

In 1970, almost 5½ decades ago, the scenario wa...

Cover Story: Chet Singh reflects on Penang’s industrial transformation 

FOR those in the electrical and electronics (E&E) sector, Penang is arguably the place to be for career development and the opportunity to work with numerous well-known multinational and home-grown companies.

Unfortunately, even after more than five decades since the pioneer batch o...

Cover Story: Engineering the future 

Hurrah! The ringgit is the best performing currency in the world. This is a sign that we are heading towards economic recovery; our export earnings have improved with higher commodity prices, we are attracting more foreign direct investments in our manufacturing and technology sectors, Bank Negar...

Edunation: Economy, education and political power play

Chip design and fabrication companies such as Apple, Microsoft, Nvidia and TSMC are the major drivers of the US tech stock market. TSMC market cap size alone is 43 times larger than the leading Taiwanese packaging company with US listing, Advanced Semiconductor Engineering (ASE), which has a mark...

Condivergence: The rising tide of advanced chip packaging

THE Vistage-MIER CEO Confidence Index has risen since 2Q2023, with figures increasing each quarter until 114.6 in the current 3Q2024. This reflects a relatively optimistic outlook about the nation’s economic prospects among Malaysian CEOs. It also marks an increase of 7.7 points compared with 2Q2...

3Q2024 Vistage-MIER CEO Confidence Index: Positive trends in CEO Confidence Index

China is studying further trade measures against Taiwan, China's Ministry of Commerce said on Saturday, two days after Beijing denounced a speech by Taiwan President Lai Ching-te.

China threatens Taiwan with more trade measures after denouncing president's speech

China urged the European Union on Saturday not to conduct separate negotiations over the price of China-made electric vehicles sold in the EU, warning that this would "shake the foundations" of bilateral tariff negotiations.

China warns EU against separate electric vehicle price negotiations

Executives of some of Britain’s most valuable and fast-growing financial technology firms warned the Labour government that London could fall behind in the fintech world if the UK fails to address some of the industry’s key concerns, including the challenges they see with share listings and regulators’ speed in decision-making.

UK’s fintech darlings push govt to back growth, IPO dreams

Hong Kong’s leader is set to announce measures to bolster the city’s standing as a global financial hub when he makes a key policy address next week, the South China Morning Post reported, citing unidentified sources.

HK’s Lee to unveil steps to boost financial hub role, SCMP says

Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba said on Saturday he would not intervene in monetary policy affairs, as the central bank is mandated to achieve price stability.

Japan PM Ishiba says he won't intervene in BOJ's rate policy

India has surged to become the second-biggest supplier of restricted critical technologies to Russia, US and European officials said, highlighting the challenge in efforts to choke off exports fuelling President Vladimir Putin’s war machine.

India is now Russia’s No 2 supplier of restricted technology

BYD Co, China’s bestselling car brand, may initially offer electric vehicles (EVs) in Germany for between €25,000 (US$27,340 or RM117,386) and €30,000, executive vice president Stella Li said in a newspaper interview.

BYD to woo European electric vehicle buyers, but not for less than €25,000

New Zealand’s government said it will loosen investment rules in a bid to attract more foreign capital and boost productivity growth.

The Overseas Investment Act will be amended next year to reverse the presumption that putting money into New Zealand is a privilege and that investors must justify their transaction to the government, Associate Finance Minister David Seymour said Saturday in Wellington.

New Zealand will ease foreign investment laws to attract capital

When millions of Chinese flew abroad for the Golden Week holiday, not all plans involved visiting museums, high-rolling in casinos or relaxing on a beach — many ended up touring university campuses in Singapore.

Singapore colleges are new travel hotspot for China’s tiger moms

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) reduced borrowing costs for some of the world’s most indebted nations, making a concession to partners that have ramped up criticism of fees that they see as unjustly punitive at a time of higher interest rates.

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