Malaysia ranked 37th out of 121 countries in overall internet quality, up a spot from last year, but dropped to 26th from 16th in the corresponding period in terms of internet affordability, according to a new report by Surfshark.

The country performed best in internet quality, claiming...

Issues: Malaysia’s internet quality is 38% higher than global average

The mid-term review of the 12th Malaysia Plan (12MP) was tabled in the Dewan Rakyat on Sept 13, with fresh policies and strategies aimed at tackling the nation’s current challenges, emphasising the pivotal role of technology and digital-based industries in resolving these issues.

12MP review: Supercharging digitalisation and advanced technology

Like many of its Southeast Asian peers, Malaysia is striving to become the next Silicon Valley. For businesses, this signals a sizeable opportunity. However, there is the conundrum of whether investing in IT will deliver returns.

This is especially the case following the pandemic-induce...

Solutions: Powering Malaysia’s digital transformation with modernised mainframe app development

The heat is on for companies to go green as environmental, social and governance (ESG) disclosures are increasingly becoming mandatory globally. Keeping a sustainability score, however, is more complex without the right tools.

This is where sustainability platforms play an important rol...

Sustainability: Carbon disclosure made easy

Business leaders worldwide are having to reassess their operations as they face the multitude of implications of the new market cycle. While there are a few places to hide from global macroeconomic and geopolitical uncertainty, leaders in the Asia-Pacific (Apac) region are choosing to respond dif...

Trends: Why more challengers might be coming for your customers

In a thrilling leap into the future, Malaysia is set to revolutionise its transport landscape with the introduction of electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft. This cutting-edge aircraft promises to tackle the multiple challenges that have long plagued the country’s transport ecos...

Cover Story: Soaring to the future

In Malaysia, a stark contrast persists between traditional farming practices and the technologically advanced agricultural sector. While many farmers grapple with the laborious task of managing data, particularly in areas like accounting and crop cultivation, only a small fraction are well-versed...

Agritech: Cultivating the future

The immense popularity of generative artificial intelligence (AI) platforms like ChatGPT has once again raised pertinent questions about what it means to be human and whether technology can supplant humanity.

Similar questions have been raised since AI programmes beat the top players in...

Perspective: Being human in a digital world

NEWS

Automating customer communications and engagement

Local technology solutions provider CiMS Tech Sdn Bhd has just launched the country’s first omnichannel software that enables seamless customer communication across multiple messagin...

Bits + Bytes: A Miscellany of Technology

In my previous column, I discussed the ways to drive the country’s digital growth momentum. Today, I want to shed light on the importance of including every Malaysian in this journey. There seems to be a prevailing misconception that digital growth and transformation primarily benefit urban areas...

Insight: Digital adaptation: Breaking barriers, building inclusion

Private equity (PE) has great potential to achieve large-scale positive impact. PE firms have emerged as major players in the economy, with global assets under management projected to exceed US$11 trillion by 2026. With a business model that largely revolves around creating value in invested companies, PE firms are well placed to unlock the impact potential of their portfolio companies.

How to embed sustainability in a private equity fund

There are many similarities in the two strategic documents that were released in the last month and outline the country’s path forward in the low-carbon global economy.

The National Energy Transition Roadmap (NETR) highlights how Malaysia will reduce emissions from the energy sector in ...

Policy: NETR and NIMP a response to global trends

The late Kofi Annan, who was secretary-general of the United Nations (UN), surprised the world in 1999 when he began pitching for businesses to join the UN in a “creative partnership” that would benefit both parties.

Annan made his points clear: The UN cannot achieve its goals in peacek...

ESG 101: The origins of ESG

The question of whether oil and gas (O&G) companies should exist in an ESG (environmental, social and governance) portfolio almost always incites heated debate.

The sector is a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions and despite its investments in renewable energy (RE) assets ...

Ratings: Is it too risky to invest in the O&G sector?

An urban design movement to exert control has gained momentum. Known as “hostile architecture”, it is akin to a locked door disguised as an open invitation. It welcomes some while intentionally excluding others, quietly shaping public spaces into unwelcoming landscapes of division rather than uni...

Views: Building equity brick by brick

A boy sits on a swing, which rocks gently. The wind and natural elements around him influence how high the swing goes, alongside the momentum he generates with his body. Now, imagine a bully coming up from behind and pushing him aggressively. The boy grips the swing for dear life, fearful that he...

Science Matters: How El Niño and climate change impact the weather

Since Bursa Malaysia Bhd began making sustainability reporting mandatory for public-listed companies (PLCs) in 2016, one common feedback from industry players is that more support is needed to help them comply.

This was especially after the regulator introduced enhanced reporting requir...

Data: Why Bursa Malaysia wants a central sustainability reporting platform

The “alphabet soup” of sustainability reporting standards and frameworks is a common source of frustration for corporations. To outsiders, the slew of acronyms representing the different frameworks and standards is confusing and almost comical.

But global regulators and industry players...

Cover Story: A game changer for sustainability reporting?

KUALA LUMPUR (Sept 13): For all public-listed companies (PLC) in Malaysia to have 30% women on boards, 351 women are needed to join the boardroom, said Datuk Ami Moris, chair of 30% Club Malaysia and advisor of Maybank Group.

Over 300 women needed to have 30% women on boards of all PLCs

The viability of green assets should be considered in a similar lens with conventional assets by financial institutions, said United Overseas Bank (Malaysia) executive director and chief executive officer Ng Wei Wei at the Sustainability & Renewable Energy Forum (SAREF) 3.0.

Commercial angle of green projects must be considered

The Edge Centurion Club Corporate Awards 2023

The Edge Billion Ringgit Club 2023

The Edge ESG Awards 2023

The Edge Best Managed & Sustainable Property Awards 2023

The Edge Property Excellence Awards 2023

Apex Research favours Kronologi Asia for its gaining traction in sustainable income, promising industry outlook and robust balance sheet.

MORNING CALL: 25/9/23

In today’s edition of Evening 5 — DOSM says Malaysia’s inflation stayed at 2.0% in August, while core inflation grew 2.5%. Meanwhile, the cut-off date for the proposed disposal of a 33% stake in Boustead Plantations by LTAT to KLK is delayed for the second time.

EVENING 5: DOSM: Malaysia’s inflation stayed at 2% in August

Although separated by oceans and language, Brazil and Malaysia are more similar than most people will realise. We sit down with the Ambassador of Brazil to Malaysia Ary Norton de Mura Quintella to ask him about trade, culture and unexpected connections.

NEWS: Bringing Brazil and Malaysia closer together

Asian shares fell on Monday, dragged by China, after central banks last week reinforced the message that interest rates would stay higher for longer, while investors braced for inflation data from the US and Europe.

Asian shares slip after brutal central bank week, yen in focus 

Chinese property stocks tumbled the most in nine months as concern over a possible China Evergrande Group liquidation added to fresh signs of stress across the industry.

China developer slump deepens to US$55b as debt woes mount

Thailand’s baht may be poised for a rebound as analysts bet that growth measures announced by newly appointed Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin will bear fruit.

Worst may be over for Thai baht as Srettha prioritises economy

Singapore's key consumer price gauge rose 3.4% in August, almost matching economists' forecasts, and easing compared with July's figures due to lower inflation for services, food, retail and other goods, official data showed on Monday.

Singapore Aug core inflation rises 3.4%, seen easing

Bursa Malaysia ended Monday's morning trading session lower as traders sold heavyweight counters, particularly in financial services and industrial products and services.

Bursa lower at midday

(Sep 25): Nearly 15 years after the BRICS coalition of major emerging economies was established in 2009, the group has yet to achieve its ambition of ousting the US dollar as the dominant global currency, the New York Post reported.

But the alliance — originally comprising Braz...

Blame BRICS for the end of dollar’s global domination — reports

Investors are dumping equities at the fastest pace since December as the prospect of higher-for-longer interest rates raises the risk of a recession, Bank of America Corp strategists say.

BofA says rate worries spark biggest stock outflows this year

Across the ocean in the US, this year's Oct 1 is a critical day.

The world, including China, unwilling to lend to an empire that prints money — reports

Foreign buying of Malaysian equities swelled to RM550.9 million last week, which was 2.3 times higher than RM235.1 million the prior week.

Foreign buying of Malaysian equities swelled to RM550.9m last week, says MIDF

US small-cap and industrial stocks are dropping, typically signals of a recession, but in a year where equities have already beaten expectations some investors are dismissing the moves as little more than noise — for now.

Stocks flash recession warning as trouble spreads to industrials

Japan will start talks to store its captured carbon dioxide in Malaysia, the Nikkei newspaper reported, without saying where it obtained the information.

Japan to discuss carbon storage with Malaysia — Nikkei 

As more global companies expand into Malaysia or increase their existing investments, authorities must cut down on red tape and strive to improve ease of doing business, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

PM tells authorities to cut red tape, improve ease of doing business in Malaysia

One year since former prime minister Liz Truss’s spending plans drove the pound to a record low, markets are again turning against the British currency.

One year since Truss-powered crash, ghost of weak pound is back 

Singapore became the biggest investor in Japan’s real estate sector this year, lured by the yen’s weakness and growing demand in logistics and hospitality industries, according to Knight Frank LLP.

Singapore is Japan’s top property investor in 2023, report says

Thailand's Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin said on Sunday the country expected to receive investment of at least US$5 billion (RM23.4 billion) from Tesla, Google and Microsoft.

Thailand expects Tesla, Google, Microsoft to invest US$5b — PM

Among the top Asean countries, Malaysia has committed to achieving the largest emission reduction target of 45% by 2030, underpinned by initiatives in the 12th Malaysia Plan, to foster a green economy by promoting low-carbon industries, decarbonisation, a circular economy and the clean energy transition. There has been growing interest from foreign and domestic investors in the country’s green economy.

Deals and opportunities in ESG in Malaysia

KUALA LUMPUR (Sept 25): Solarvest Holdings Bhd said it has secured rooftop solar installation projects totalling 12.8 megawatt peak (MWp) in Vietnam, with another 100MWp being tendered in the country.

Solarvest gets 12MWp solar installation works in Vietnam, explores wind energy project opportunities

PublicInvest Research has kept its Malaysia headline inflation target range for 2023 at 3% to 3.5%, based on potential revisions to retail oil price caps and the rollout of pricing regulation measures.

PublicInvest Research says price adjustments unlikely this year due to targeted subsidy programme in 2024, sticks to 3%-3.5% inflation target for 2023

KUALA LUMPUR (Sept 25): The Securities Commission Malaysia (SC) has updated its Investor Alert List.

SC adds four entities to Investor Alert List, one being a potential clone

The Court of Appeal on Monday (Sept 25) reimposed the ban on a 2013 publication titled “Gay is Okay! A Christian Perspective” that was ordered by the Home Ministry in 2020, after the High Court had on Feb 22, 2022 lifted the prohibition on the book.

Appellate court bans gay book again after govt appeal

KUALA LUMPUR (Sept 25):  The reduction in broadband internet price, following the new Mandatory Standard on Access Pricing (MSAP) after September 2023, is not expected to significantly impact Telekom Malaysia Bhd (TM)’s upcoming third quarter results, according to PublicInvest Research.

PublicInvest: Telekom Malaysia braces for lower broadband prices, minimal impact on 3Q results

KUALA LUMPUR (Sept 25): CGS-CIMB Securities Sdn Bhd said it is maintaining its consumer price index (CPI) projection for Malaysia at 2.8% this year, as it believes the impact of the rising price of rice is “still negligible on the index as the weightage is only at 1.1%”.

CGS-CIMB keeps CPI forecast at 2.8%, sees impact of rising price of rice as negligible

PUTRAJAYA (Sept 25): The Court of Appeal (COA) has reinstated a nine-month jail sentence against independent preacher Wan Ji Wan Hussin for his seditious comments involving the Sultan of Selangor, made more than ten years ago.

Preacher gets nine months in jail for seditious comments against Selangor ruler

Known as one of Kuala Lumpur’s major suburbs, Wangsa Maju has witnessed significant growth over the years. Surrounded by scenic hills and lush greenery, the vibrant, bustling township now offers a mix of residential and commercial properties.

MCL Land Transforming Wangsa Maju’s Skyline

The Election Commission (EC) has set Nov 4 as the polling day for the by-election for the Jepak state constituency in Sarawak.

EC: Jepak by-election on Nov 4

ALOR SETAR (Sept 25): Langkawi PAS division chief Zubir Ahmad was chosen as Speaker at the first meeting of the 15th Kedah State Legislative Assembly held at Wisma Darul Aman here.

Langkawi PAS chief selected as Kedah Assembly Speaker

‘Greedflation’, stock prices and the policy implications

THE local stock market has gained traction over the past two months, with the focus mainly on big- and mid-cap stocks. Since touching a low of 1,377.67 points in early July, the benchmark FBM KLCI has risen 5.5%, while the FBM Mid 70 Index has added 4.8%.

The ACE Market, however, has in...

ACE Market yet to see strong interest despite optimism in broader market

Handal Energy Bhd has been without a substantial shareholder since Aug 9. The company has seen boardroom changes, however, and proposed a placement that would result in its existing shareholding rising 40% and the issuance of warrants.

Frankly Speaking: Who is in control at Handal?

The country has been rocked by yet another situation where the price of a food item — this time, it’s rice — has shot up. This problem is a multi-layered one and must be unpacked properly in order for us to understand and eliminate the threat that comes with it.

In the case of the sharp...

My Say: What we can do about escalating rice prices

Last week, Penang-based Ewein Bhd announced that it was buying a 3.9ha piece of vacant freehold land in Seberang Perai Tengah, Penang, from two individuals, Tan Hong Soon and Tan Kean Hock, for RM39.77 million, which works out to about RM94 psf.

Frankly Speaking: Ewein’s purchase needs clarity

Opcom Holdings Bhd’s purchase of an 18.03% stake in Binasat Communications Bhd seems to suggest that there could be more to what has been announced.

Frankly Speaking: Opcom’s baffling buy into Binasat

Malaysia today is filled with the sound and fury of a trapped tiger. The unravelling of its economic dynamism following the Asian financial crisis (AFC) has eroded political stability by reducing the amount of patronage power available, and worsened social polarisation by reducing opportunities f...

My Say: Release the trapped tiger economy by allowing SMEs better access to capital

Indonesia’s parliament approved a US$216 billion budget for 2024 last week — the last budget under President Joko Widodo (Jokowi), who is stepping down next year after two terms in power.

Frankly Speaking: Petrol subsidy cuts: If others can, why can’t we?

Last Tuesday, Dataprep Holdings Bhd and five of its directors were reprimanded for breaching listing requirements over the company’s reply to an unusual market activity (UMA) query in March 2021.

Frankly Speaking: Bursa disclosures are a serious matter

In 1968, a 15-year-old boy in Kluang, Johor, embarked on a transformative journey inspired by his science teacher, Ms Marion Teo. Her captivating story of a cousin at the prestigious Royal Military College Malaysia (RMC) ignited a burning ambition in Datuk Seri Michael Yam. He navigated the fiercely competitive RMC admission process, underlining the institution's commitment to building character alongside academic prowess and sporting excellence. This young cadet thrived in the regimented RMC life, which instilled discipline, leadership and a strong sense of responsibility, moulding him into a remarkable individual. His post-RMC life saw him excel in the construction and real estate industry.

Fostering camaraderie

To the dismay of many economists, US President Joe Biden’s administration has retained most of its predecessor’s tariffs and trade barriers. In fact, contrary to most analysts’ expectations, the US has imposed additional protectionist measures, such as Biden’s “buy American” policies, resulting i...

Making globalisation work: From trade war to subsidy war

Hong Kong’s relaxation of mortgage rules for first-time buyers of homes under construction is unlikely to lift a property market that’s been burdened by high borrowing costs, according to analysts.

Hong Kong mortgage rule easing seen doing little to lift market

Rising debt payments are eroding the spending power of Indian households and threatening to choke off the funds that fuel the fastest-growing major economy.

Household savings at 16-year low threaten India’s growth

A senior banker at Nomura Holdings Inc has been barred from leaving China in a move connected to a long-running investigation of a top dealmaker in the country, the Financial Times reported.

Senior Nomura banker barred from exiting China — FT 

Most Asian currencies struggled for direction on Monday, with the Indonesian rupiah leading losses, after hawkish comments from the US Federal Reserve last week set the stage for further rate hikes and bolstered strength in the US dollar.

Most Asian currencies fall on Fed's hawkish rhetoric

Oil prices rose on Monday as investors focused on a tighter supply outlook after Moscow issued a temporary ban on fuel exports while remaining wary of further rate hikes that could dampen demand.

Oil climbs with tight supply back in focus

SoftBank Corp will decide as early as Monday to raise as much as ¥120 billion (US$809 million or RM3.79 billion) via Japan’s first public offering of bond-type class shares, according to people familiar with the situation.

SoftBank Corp to seek over US$800m via bond-type stock

Ford Motor said on Sunday that despite progress in some areas, it still has "significant gaps to close" on key economic issues before it can reach a new labour agreement with the United Auto Workers (UAW) union.

Ford says 'significant gaps' remain in UAW labour contract talks

China Evergrande Group's latest trouble in firming up a long-pending debt restructuring plan led to a sell-off in its and peers' shares on Monday, as worries resurfaced about the crisis-hit property sector after a brief respite.

Evergrande's debt revamp roadblock hits China property investors' sentiment

The European Union’s chief trade negotiator warned China on Monday during his trip to the nation that the bloc will be more forceful in upholding fair competition and defending its interests.

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