Titling your autobiography The Most Famous Woman in China immediately tells your audience being “shy” and “retiring” are not part of your lexicon — a fact for which Yue-Sai Kan is completely unapologetic. At 77, in good health and still looking like a million bucks, the Emmy-winning TV host, producer and entrepreneur is, to borrow the popular Gen Z phrase, living her best life.

Middle Kingdom Maven

KUALA LUMPUR (Jan 12): Renowned cosmetics tycoon and newly minted executive chairman of The Body Shop, Mike Jatania, is setting his sights on revitalising the brand’s core values and reinstating its image as the face of sustainable beauty.

Once a trailblazer in ethical cosmetics, the co...

The biz of beauty

The end of a year is anything but the end. Life is a continuum, and this period is simply a merciful pause that allows us to reflect on the past — whether with pride in what we accomplished or remorse for the things we botched or left undone. Take a look at the year’s major events in our special Options Index this week.

Options 2024 Index

Among all precious gems, diamonds are one of the most sought after and prominent — for good reason. It is their rarity, durability and beauty that inspire the managing director of jewellery company Tomei, Datuk Ng Yih Pyng, to keep them as the focus of his star label, Le Lumiere. With over 30 years of experience under his belt, he has witnessed his fair share of industry evolutions. As technology progresses and diamond reserves begin to run dry, a new competitor — lab-grown stones — has entered the market. What does this mean for the stability of the natural gemstone trade, and what can consumers expect to see in the coming year? Ng gives us his thoughts.

Light fantastic

KUALA LUMPUR (Dec 15): In the heart of Paris’ 1st arrondissement, along rue Cambon, a young Gabrielle “Coco” Chanel fell in love with Hangzhou — albeit from a distance. It was the 1910s when the designer first chanced upon antique coromandel lacquer screens with her inamorato, Arthur “Boy” Capel....

Eastern evocation

Leow Puay Tin has written two kinds of texts over the years: linear and “tikam” — shuffle the scenes, take some cards out, and perform them in a different model. “Every time, no matter how you do them, you always come up with a meaningful [show],” says the playwright and actress known for work that delights, yet provokes.

Soft power

Former health minister Khairy Jamaluddin and Effendy Shahul Hamid, CEO of group consumer and digital banking at CIMB, both parents of neurodiverse children, are calling upon all Malaysians to recognise, champion and celebrate different abilities and diversity in all its forms and complexities, one individual at a time.

The other brothers

KUALA LUMPUR (Nov 24): William Dalrymple — scholar, detective, master storyteller and acclaimed historian — weaves together the various narratives and legacies of Ancient India in his latest book, The Golden Road, which trumpets the subcontinent’s impact as a primaeval superpower, the effects of which reverberate until today.

His story

The Hour Glass’ exceptional customer service is a key factor contributing to its reputation as one of the region’s most respected specialist watch retailers. While its extensive range of timepieces and brands is undeniably alluring, it is oftentimes the intimate connections forged through its personnel that cultivate multi-generational loyalty.

All in good time

Covid brought Leong Kwong Yee back to his adopted hometown, Penang, where he noticed there was no contemporary art space. In 2022, he opened Blank Canvas in the heart of George Town, which welcomes artists, curators, exhibitors and everybody to participate in bringing out art. The spirit with which he created the non-commercial space syncs with its name: People are free to pursue their art, exchange ideas, have conversations and collaborate, particularly across borders.

Homing in on art

To be the first takes daring commitment, a strong sense of purpose, and — as GXBank chief executive officer Lai Pei Si and chief of staff Hildah Hamzah will tell you — a little craziness.

Fortune favours the bold

Time is the great equaliser. Anne-Laure Pressat, an executive director of esteemed cognac line Louis XIII, knows this well. Crafted over a century, each bottle is the product of a 150-year legacy, commemorating generations who dedicated their lives to the maison. For Pressant, who has enjoyed 12 years with the Rémy Cointreau group, every day is carried out with the next 100 years in mind — and the future she imagines is bright. At The Chamber in The Starhill here, Pressat talks about her most memorable moments with the King of Cognacs, the key to creating a brand that stands the test of time and honouring those who live on with us in spirit.

Captain of the cru

Life’s a cinch, so the saying goes. It might surprise everyone, though, that the renowned landscape artist Inch Lim started working with gardens only at the age of 46. Today, with Inchscape firmly established, he turns his attention to the possibility of converting his celebrated country estate in Batu Pahat, Johor, into an eco-conscious retreat.

Nature and nurture

KUALA LUMPUR (Oct 13): Poignant best describes the year 1948. It began with the assassination of Indian pacifist leader Mahatma Gandhi by an extremist. Midway through, our tanahair (homeland Malaysia) was rocked by what would be the start of a guerrilla war between the military forces of the Federation of Malaya and the Communists, that would become known as the Malayan Emergency, or Darurat Tanah Melayu. Happening almost concurrently 8,000km away in the Middle East was what is now referred to as the Nakba.

Brave heart

ByteDance, the Chinese owner of TikTok, has earmarked over 150 billion yuan (US$20.64 billion or RM91.46 billion) in capital expenditure for this year, much of which will be centred on artificial intelligence (AI), two people briefed on the matter said.

TikTok owner ByteDance plans US$20b capex in 2025, mostly on AI, Reuters reports

J Sainsbury plc will cut 3,000 staff and close its remaining cafes, as Britain’s second-largest supermarket chain steps up a cost-saving drive after the government announced higher taxes on businesses.

The move will involve a restructuring of head office positions and a 20% reduction in senior management roles, Sainsbury said on Thursday.

Sainsbury’s to lay off 3,000 workers, close cafes in cost-savings measure

Volkswagen AG estimated it will take a €1.5 billion (US$1.6 billion or RM6.9 billion) hit this year from stricter European Union (EU) standards for car emissions that the manufacturer will struggle to meet.

Volkswagen sees €1.5b cost from EU emissions rules

Destini Bhd (KL:DESTINI) has managed to stay in the black for a second consecutive quarter as revenue more than doubled, mainly due to the delivery of trains and equipment by its mobility and aviation sectors, as well as cost-cutting measures undertaken by the company.

The engineering services provider reported a net profit of RM6.07 million for its second quarter ended Dec 31, 2024 (2QFY2025) compared with a net loss of RM3.93 million a year earlier.

Destini posts second straight quarterly profit in 2Q

Indebted property developer China Vanke Co Ltd is in advanced talks to sell a controlling stake in VX Logistics to Singaporean sovereign wealth fund GIC, a person with knowledge of the matter said.

China's Vanke in talks to sell controlling stake in logistics firm to GIC, Reuters reports

The chief executive of Norway's US$1.8 trillion (RM7.99 trillion) sovereign wealth fund, one of the world's largest investors, said on Thursday that inflationary pressure in the US posed a risk to financial markets this year.

Asked what were the biggest risks to markets in 2025, Nicolai Tangen said: "Inflationary pressure from what's going on in the US now."

Norway wealth fund CEO says US inflationary pressure a risk to markets in 2025

The government will introduce more incentives in the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP) to stimulate the economy that goes beyond the distribution of funds and projects, said Economy Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Rafizi Ramli.

Rafizi says 13th Malaysia Plan to introduce incentives based on policies to drive behavioural economics

Axis Real Estate Investment Trust (Axis REIT) posted a 15.39% year-on-year increase in net property income (NPI) for the fourth quarter ended Dec 31, 2024 (4QFY2024), contributed by its new acquisitions and new tenancies.

For the 4QFY2024, Axis REIT’s NPI rose to RM76.35 million, compared to RM66.16 million a year earlier, thanks to its newly acquired properties, new tenancies from its logistics warehouse Axis Mega Distribution Centre (Phase 2), as well as positive rental reversion from the existing portfolio.

Axis REIT’s 4Q NPI rises 15% on new acquisitions, new tenancies

Censof Holdings Bhd (KL: CENSOF) said on Thursday that it has secured a RM4.3 million contract from pension fund Kumpulan Wang Persaraan (Diperbadankan) or KWAP, to replace and implement a new cloud-based accounting system.

The system, dubbed the government resource planning (GRP) system, is designed to migrate operations from on-premises to cloud-based platforms, aiming to enhance efficiency, scalability, and accessibility while streamlining processes and improving adaptability.

Censof bags RM4.3 mil cloud-based accounting system contract from KWAP

The Securities Commission Malaysia (SC) has issued a statement to give the assurance that it is closely monitoring recent takeover activities in the Malaysian market to ensure compliance with relevant regulations, and to safeguard the integrity of the capital market, citing recent interest in such matters.

SC says it is keeping close watch on takeovers amid public interest in MAHB deal

KUALA LUMPUR (Jan 23): The High Court allowed the forfeiture of Ricky Wong Shee Kai’s luxury condominium unit at Four Seasons Place in Kuala Lumpur, as well as RM445,039.28 in the businessman’s personal fixed deposit account.

High Court allows seizure of Ricky Wong's luxury condo unit, fixed deposit

Nanyang-style coffeehouse chain operator Oriental Kopi Holdings Bhd (KL:KOPI) concluded its maiden trading day on the ACE Market of Bursa Malaysia with its share price almost doubled, following strong demand during its initial public offering (IPO).

Oriental Kopi serves a strong dose of caffeine on ACE Market debut

Café chain operator Oriental Kopi Holdings Bhd (KL:KOPI), which debuted on the ACE Market of Bursa Malaysia on Thursday, said the company is scaling up its product offerings in the fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) segment, targeting the launch of over 20 products by year end.

Oriental Kopi aims to launch over 20 fast-moving consumer goods by year end

Gamuda Land, in collaboration with Meaningfull Life, is launching Malaysia’s first integrated eldercare facility within its twentyfive7 township, setting a new benchmark for multi-generational community living.

Gamuda Land unveils Malaysia’s first integrated eldercare facility in twentyfive7

Sime Darby Property Bhd (KL:SIMEPROP) has signed five anchor tenants for its upcoming KLGCC Mall, marking a significant milestone in the company's retail expansion strategy.

The tenants include Jaya Grocer, Serai Group’s flagship concept, ACE Hardware, Asia Ballet Academy, and the first HarborLand kids playland in Malaysia.

Sime Darby Property secures five anchor tenants for KLGCC Mall

BYD Co has beaten out Toyota Motor Corp to take the title of most popular car brand in Singapore for the first time.

BYD outsells Toyota to becomes Singapore’s most popular car

KUALA LUMPUR (Jan 23): KIP Real Estate Investment Trust (KL:KIPREIT) unitholders have approved the acquisition of four industrial properties associated to its largest shareholder Datuk Eddie Ong Choo Meng, for a total purchase price of RM98.3 million.

KIP REIT unitholders approve RM98m industrial properties buy from Eddie Ong

YTL Corp Bhd (KL:YTL) and YTL Power International Bhd (KL:YTLPOWR) have each proposed a bonus issue of free warrants, on the basis of one free warrant for every five shares held in the respective companies. The warrants are planned to be exercised at a discount to the share prices of each company —&nbsp;at 37% discount for YTL Corp, and a 39.5% discount for YTL Power based on their closing prices on Thursday&nbsp;— bourse filings showed.

YTL Corp, YTL Power plan free warrants; exercise prices at discount to market prices

Kepala Batas Member of Parliament Dr Siti Mastura Muhammad has settled the payment of RM830,034.75 in damages and legal costs (including interest) to three DAP stalwarts.

PAS MP Siti Mastura settles payment of RM830k to Kit Siang, Guan Eng and Teresa Kok pending defamation appeal

The share price of Gadang Holdings Bhd (KL:GADANG) may rally on the back of strong earnings growth, following a better-than-expected quarter, TA Securities said.

Gadang shares may rally on strong earnings growth, says TA Securities in upgrade to 'buy'

China announced plans on Thursday to channel hundreds of billions of yuan annually into shares from state-owned insurers, in the government's latest effort to support equity markets.

China pushes insurers to invest billions in latest move to support market

KUALA LUMPUR (Jan 23): Aeon Co (M) Bhd (KL:AEON) is set to deliver another strong performance in the final quarter of the financial year 2024, with a projected net profit of RM57.3 million, according to CIMB Securities.

Aeon poised for strong 4Q performance on festive season, reopening of stores — CIMB Securities

(Jan 23):&nbsp;Saudi Arabian Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman told President Donald Trump that the kingdom wants to put US$600 billion (RM2.66 trillion)&nbsp;into expanded investment and trade with the United States over the next four years, the Saudi state news agency said early on Thursday.

Saudi Arabia plans US$600 bil in new US investment, trade over four years

Malaysian Resources Corp Bhd (KL:MRCB) is partnering Ipoh Sentral Sdn Bhd (ISSB) to jointly develop the Ipoh Sentral project, with an estimated gross development value of RM6.25 billion.

MRCB to jointly undertake RM6.25b GDV Ipoh Sentral development project

Binastra Corporation Bhd (KL:BNASTRA) may introduce a dividend payout earlier than expected in FY2025, according to Phillip Capital.

Binastra could issue dividend as early as FY2025 — Phillip Capital

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the government is working on a more targeted approach for the provision of toll exemptions during festive seasons.

Govt working on targeted toll exemptions for festive seasons, to benefit only B40, M40 — PM

KUALA LUMPUR (Jan 23): KIP Real Estate Investment Trust (KL:KIPREIT) said it remains in acquisition mode, aiming to expand its portfolio with more retail and industrial properties.

KIP REIT remains in acquisition mode, says CEO

KUALA LUMPUR (Jan 23): Westports Holdings Bhd (KL:WSPRTS) reported a record-high net profit of RM256.7 million for the fourth quarter ended Dec 31, 2024 (4QFY2024), a 25% increase from RM206.1 million a year ago, driven by higher container revenue.

Westports books record revenue and profit for FY2024, declares 10.86 sen dividend

Former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak on Thursday sought to portray a contrast between his leadership style with the 'work-in-silo' culture in 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB).

1MDB-Tanore trial: Work-in-silo not my leadership style, says Najib

Constitutionalism and the independence of the judiciary took centre stage in the speech of The Right Honourable the Chief Justice of Malaysia, Tun Tengku Maimun Tuan Mat, at the opening of the legal year on Jan 8, 2025.

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