Kristie Lu Stout has had an illustrious career as a CNN anchor, news trailblazer and mentor since joining the Atlanta-headquartered network in 2001. Covering Hong Kong, China and Asia on the global stage, she reports from both the newsroom and the field on major news stories, including US-China relations, the rise of artificial intelligence and the aftermath of extreme climate events.

Taking the lead

After a major transformation and rebranding exercise last year, Avaland Bhd (KL:AVALAND) — formerly MCT Bhd — intends to expand by doubling its launches in the Klang Valley within the next three years. Its new CEO Apollo Bello Tanco said the company is in the process of stabilising the business and achieving sustainable growth. To do that, it will focus primarily on five locations in the Klang Valley — Bangi, Seputeh, Cyberjaya, Damansara and Subang Jaya.

Aiming for sustainable growth

Malaysia’s trade data will be the main focus this holiday-shortened week, with the Department of Statistics Malaysia expected to put out May export and import details on Thursday.

The Week Ahead: A focus on May exports, start of Najib’s IPIC trial and BoE rate decision

“This is our petroleum,” says the Real Madrid fan as he gazes at the sweeping, metallic curves of the giant structure that now encases the historic Santiago Bernabeu Stadium. He then explains: “In order to compete with oil money, you have to be a money-making machine.”

It’s sobering new...

Business Of Sports: Real’s high-octane performance outdoes oil-rich rivals

“History teaches us that the next pandemic is a matter of when, not if,” warned World Health Organization director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus earlier this year. He is right. That is why it is vital that the world’s governments successfully conclude their work of negotiating an accord on p...

Unconventional Economic Wisdom: How to protect the world from the next pandemic

Smart buildings are no longer just a visionary idea, they are fast becoming a game changer in the property management industry.

“Today, the smart city scenario is changing rapidly. We are witnessing the rise of smart buildings with interconnected technologies, where sensors communi...

Smart buildings the way forward

AmBank and its former group managing director Ashok Ramamurthy turned a blind eye to dubious 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB) transactions running into billions of dollars, which were being remitted to sham entities, former Bank Negara Malaysia governor Tan Sri Dr Zeti Akhtar Aziz testified last ...

1MDB-Tanore Trial: Zeti maintains that AmBank and its former MD Ashok broke rules; claims not alerted to breaches

THE total net earnings of the FBM KLCI’s 30 component stocks in the first quarter of this year came in at RM17.8 billion, 7.4% higher than the RM16.5 billion recorded in 1Q2023, with 20 companies reporting better earnings, led by Genting Bhd (KL:GENTING) (+500.9%), Sime Darby Plantation Bhd (KL:S...

Cover Story 2: Improved 1Q results priced in, 2H profit growth seen on track 

THE global semiconductor landscape is shifting rapidly, with geopolitical tensions and technological advancements creating both challenges and unprecedented opportunities.

As such, the industry was delighted with the road map launched by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim at Semico...

Cover Story 1: Opportunity knocks: Can Malaysia seize the moment?

Petrol subsidies have long been a staple of Malaysia’s economic policy, intended to keep fuel prices affordable for consumers and businesses alike. Historically, these subsidies were justified to support economic growth, stabilise transport costs and protect consumers from price volatility. Howev...

ECONtemplation: Cut in blanket diesel subsidy not a negative to the economy, in theory

The hard economic indicators suggest that there are enough bright spots in the world economy to justify guarded optimism about prospects in our region for the rest of this year. Against this, however, there are several potential perils around us that, if realised, would cause us grief. Regional e...

My Say: Global economic outlook is a glass half full, half empty

AS technological advancements and growing sustainability consciousness are poised to reshape the accountancy industry, the Malaysian Institute of Accountants’ (MIA) annual flagship event — the MIA International Accountants Conference 2024 — aims to prime participants to be future-ready to tackle ...

Priming the accountancy profession for new frontiers 

ONE can expect Bank of America Malaysia Bhd (BofA Malaysia), now in its 65th year of operations in the country, to be far more visible than it has been in the past as it wants to grow its business more aggressively, its chief says.

BofA, headquartered in North Carolina, was the first US...

Bank of America seeks stronger growth in Malaysia 

Both the government and private sector have made efforts to increase the supply of affordable homes, but many challenges still need to be addressed. Rehda Institute finds Malaysia’s affordable housing market fragmented and lacking coordination, and calls for new approaches to measure the housing ...

New approaches needed to measure housing affordability, says Rehda Institute

China’s industrial expansion slowed in May and retail spending beat forecasts, a sign that deep imbalances in the economic recovery may be easing at least a little.

Industrial production rose 5.6% in May from a year ago, the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) said on Monday. That compares with April’s increase of 6.7%, and a median forecast of 6.2% in a Bloomberg survey. Retail sales accelerated, climbing 3.7% compared to a forecast of 3%.

China's factory output cools, retail spending beats forecasts

The government has decided to reduce the retail prices of Grade A, B, and C eggs by three sen each across the country, in line with efforts to pass on the savings from targeted subsidies to the people.

PM announces three sen reduction in Grade A, B and C egg prices

The German business chamber said the European Union (EU) should invest to become more competitive instead of hiking tariffs on China-made electric vehicles (EVs), adding to Berlin’s efforts to avert or soften the trade curbs.

German chamber in China says tariffs won’t protect European automakers

Japan has been one of the fastest countries to embrace the use of new artificial intelligence (AI) tools, and has the potential to accelerate its economy and tech sector by going further, according to Microsoft Japan president Miki Tsusaka.

Microsoft’s Japan chief sees country accelerating use of AI

[Branded] Sime Darby Plantation has now rebranded itself as SD Guthrie. COO Haris Arshad talks about why now is the perfect time to come out with its new identity, the rationale behind it, and where they intend to go moving forward.

SD Guthrie steps into the sun

Bill Gates said he is prepared to plough billions of dollars into a next-generation nuclear power plant project in Wyoming to meet growing US electricity needs.

Bill Gates says he’s ready to put billions into nuclear power

China’s central bank left a key interest rate steady for the 10th straight month, displaying caution on monetary easing given abundant liquidity and pressure to prevent the yuan from weakening further.

China leaves key rate unchanged on currency pressure, liquidity

Asian share markets were mostly softer on Monday, ahead of a slew of Chinese economic news, while political uncertainty in Europe soured risk appetites, and kept the euro on the defensive.

Asian shares brace for China data, euro pressure

Melaka Friendship Tourism Ambassador 2024 Fan Bingbing described the role as a heavy responsibility to bear and also a stroke of luck.

Fan stated that Melaka is a unique tourist destination, unlike most famous tourist spots.

Melaka tourism ambassador role a heavy responsibility and stroke of luck, says Fan Bingbing

More companies from China have expressed their intention to learn about the halal industry in Malaysia, said One Belt One Road Chamber of Commerce president Datuk Seri Tan Thian Lai.

Chinese companies eyeing to learn about Malaysia's halal industry, Bernama told

The government has decided to reduce the retail prices of Grade A, B, and C eggs by three&nbsp;sen each across the country, in line with efforts to pass on the savings from targeted subsidies to the people.

Melaka Friendship Tourism Ambassador 2024&nbsp;Fan Bingbing&nbsp;described the role as a heavy responsibility to bear and also a&nbsp;stroke of luck.

Fan stated that Melaka is a unique tourist destination, unlike most famous tourist spots.

More companies from China have expressed their intention to learn about the halal industry in Malaysia, said One Belt One Road Chamber of Commerce president Datuk Seri Tan Thian Lai.

Asian share&nbsp;markets&nbsp;were mostly softer on Monday, ahead of a slew of Chinese economic news, while&nbsp;political uncertainty&nbsp;in Europe soured risk appetites, and kept the euro on the defensive.

China’s central bank left a key interest rate steady for the 10th straight month, displaying caution on monetary easing given abundant liquidity and pressure to prevent the yuan from weakening further.&nbsp;

The German business chamber said the European Union (EU) should invest to become more competitive instead of hiking tariffs on China-made electric vehicles (EVs), adding to Berlin’s efforts to avert or soften the trade curbs.&nbsp;

Bill Gates said he is prepared to plough billions of dollars into a next-generation nuclear power plant project in Wyoming to meet growing US electricity needs.

Japan has been one of the fastest countries to embrace the use of new artificial intelligence (AI) tools, and has the potential to accelerate its economy and tech sector by going further, according to Microsoft Japan president Miki Tsusaka.

Find a forever home against a backdrop of verdant landscapes and a tranquil lake at Eka Heights — Matrix Concepts Holdings Bhd’s new township development west of Seremban and minutes away from the developer’s established 6,800-acre Bandar Sri Sendayan.

Eka Heights - The emerging gem within the Malaysia Vision Valley (MVV) Conurbation

For companies, changing their name can be both a bittersweet and complicated process.

For one as well-known and as long-tenured as Sime Darby Plantation Bhd, it can be all that, but more importantly for the plantation group now known as SD Guthrie Bhd, it would represent an opportunity to step away from the familiar and explore much more than it has in the past.

SD Guthrie is ready for its close-up

Globally, the imperative of sustainability is shaping industries, and corporations are under mounting pressure to align their practices with environmental, social and governance (ESG) principles.

TOYOTA’S MULTIPLE ROADS TO A GREEN AUTOMOTIVE ECONOMY

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The pace of technological advancements, such as artificial intelligence (AI), automation and digitalisation, is reshaping industries and job markets at an unpreced...

NTW 2024: Driving innovation and economic growth through lifelong learning

I remember listening to the opening remarks of Professor Virginia Cha during the launch of Sunway Innovation Labs at Sunway University (iLabs Foundry) in 2018. Cha spoke about “restorative innovation” — an economic model underpinning innovation-driven growth that safeguards our health, humanity and the environment.

From The Edge

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From The Edge

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