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VCI Global Limited (NASDAQ: VCIG) (“VCI Global”, or the “Company”) organised the “IPO Conference 2023” which was held at Grand Hyatt Kuala Lumpur from 25 to 26 October.

In line with the conference theme of “Journey to US Capital Market”, the key objective of the conference was to serve as a platform for companies, investors and industry professionals alike to gain in-depth knowledge on how to execute successful initial public offerings (“IPOs”) in the US capital market.

During the conference, which was attended by over 200 attendees, participants were given insights to the US capital market’s dynamics and opportunities, current capital market trends and cross border listing in the US, amongst others, by prominent speakers and panellists. The speakers and panelists include Tony Tian, Head of Capital Markets, US Tiger Securities; and Drew Bernstein, the Co-Chairman of Marcum Asia CPAs LLP, to name a few.

The congregation of such esteemed personalities provided a platform for the participants, who were C-suite and board members of listed companies globally, to foster strategic connections.

Some of the more prominent sponsors of the conference include US Tiger Securities, Boustead Securities, Hunter Taubman Fischer & Li LLC, Marcum Asia CPAs LLP, Sichenzia Ross Ference Carmel LLP, Winston & Strawn and Ortoli Rosenstadt Ye LLP.

“We are pleased that the conference is well received and more importantly fulfilled its purpose of providing the investment community insights of the US capital markets. On behalf of VCI Global, I would like to thank all the sponsors who undoubtedly contributed to the success of this conference,” said Dato’ Victor Hoo, Group Executive Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of VCI Global.

For more information on the Company, please log on to https://v-capital.co/.

During the 10th Anniversary McMillan Woods Global Awards, held at the Shangri-La Hotel, Executive Chairman of GV Corporate Advisory, Datuk Sri Dr. Shamir Kumar Nandy was bestowed with the Lifetime Achievement Award for Extraordinary Leadership of the Year. This prestigious accolade is presented to individuals who have made exceptional contributions to their respective industries, leaving a lasting impact on the global economy. It serves as a testament to their unwavering dedication, hard work, and visionary leadership.

Throughout a distinguished career spanning over three decades across diverse industries and business sectors, his vision and extensive experience in structured and alternative finance have played a pivotal role in driving global growth and recognition. His contributions have led to the establishment of diversified business entities and economic opportunities.

Notable recipients of the McMillan Woods Global Awards in previous years include figures such as Georgina Hope Rinehart, Executive Chairman of Hancock Prospecting, and Datuk Sri Siti Nurhaliza Tarudin, a renowned singer, actress, and entrepreneur. International movie stars like Jackie Chan, Ron Ng, and Tavia Yeung have graced the awards ceremony in past editions.

About Datuk Sri Dr. Shamir Kumar Nandy

Datuk Sri Dr. Shamir is a distinguished entrepreneur known for his innovative and disruptive approach to business. His ventures encompass a wide array of sectors, including asset management, property development, legal and financial services, and innovative investment structuring.

He is renowned for his exceptional business acumen, demonstrating unwavering determination and an innate ability to identify opportunities and synergies that drive value creation for his conglomerate and esteemed partners. His expertise in structured and alternative finance has been a key driver behind the global expansion and recognition of his diverse business ventures.

He holds full licensure from the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) of the United Kingdom and previously led Moncial Limited, a UK-based FCA-licensed financial services firm.

Datuk Sri Dr. Shamir brings together over a century of collective experience spanning diverse economic domains. His leadership shines as a beacon, guiding the way toward innovative growth and enduring success.

Maybank Asset Management Sdn Bhd (“MAM Malaysia”) has launched a Shariah-compliant, AI-powered Hyper-Customised Discretionary Portfolio Mandate (“DPM”), setting a new standard in the Malaysian investing landscape.

This partnership between MAM Malaysia and Arabesque AI marks a significant leap forward for Shariah-compliant investment solutions for Maybank Islamic Wealth Management’s High-Net-Worth investors in Malaysia.

The offering provides an AI-driven approach to Shariah-compliant investing, achieved through a strategic collaboration with Arabesque AI, a leading investment advisory and technology company. Arabesque AI combines proprietary AI-driven alpha assessment with market-leading ESG data to deliver personalized and values-driven portfolios, at scale.

Arabesque AI uses the computational power of AI to provide fully active asset management, calculating expected returns for at least 25,000 listed equities using both financial and non-financial datasets, offering investors an unparalleled level of data-driven insights.

This partnership empowers investors to access Arabesque AI’s cutting-edge technology platform. The platform enables asset managers and investment professionals to craft hyper-customized Shariah-compliant portfolios, personalizing them to each investor’s unique preferences and objectives at a faster speed, as well as portfolio monitoring and rebalancing.

Ahmed Muzni, Chief Executive Officer of MAM Malaysia, commented, “In the ever-evolving landscape of asset management, innovation continues to be a driving force behind the transformation of investment offerings. The launch of our hyper-customized DPM puts us in a prime position to deliver cutting-edge Shariah-compliant investment opportunities to investors.

“Investors increasingly seek tailored investment insights and strategies that reflect their goals and values. By leveraging Arabesque AI’s platform, investors can now incorporate these factors seamlessly into their portfolios,” he added.

Omar Selim, CEO of Arabesque Group, commented, “Arabesque’s DNA is rooted in Islamic finance, and a decade ago, we set out with the vision to pioneer this space. Sustainable, responsible, and Islamic investment principles are all based on financial moderation and common sense. We firmly believe in the convergence of sustainability and technology as the driving force for a more sustainable future.

“It’s no longer sufficient for investments to yield returns; we must scrutinize how they’re generated. Arabesque leads the sustainable finance revolution, leveraging AI, ESG data, and digital technology. In a world where investors prioritize societal impact and values, the true power of AI lies in crafting highly personalized portfolios down to the individual stock level. This values-driven shift reshapes finance for a more sustainable future. We are delighted to have pioneers like MAM Malaysia use our technology to deliver high-performing, customized portfolios aligned with individual values, forging a future where finance is both profitable and purposeful.”

Dato’ Mohamed Rafique Merican, Chief Executive Officer of Maybank Islamic Berhad, said, “Maybank Islamic is committed to providing innovative and tailored solutions that meet the unique needs of our clients in the realm of Islamic wealth management. The launch of this hyper-customized portfolios solution by MAM Malaysia underscores our unwavering intention to deliver Shariah-compliant investment options that align with our clients’ financial objectives and are guided by ethical principles. This new offering marks an important milestone for Islamic wealth management, where cutting-edge technology and ethical finance converge to provide our clients with unparalleled customization and superior potential returns.”

The Hyper-Customized DPM is exclusively available at Maybank branches nationwide. For more information, please contact Maybank Asset Management’s Client Services.

Generali and United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) have announced the launch of  “Insurance Innovation Challenge Fund” (IICF) and are seeking proposals from participants nationwide focusing on innovative insurance solutions to build small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) resilience in Malaysia.

The submissions should offer long-term sustainable solutions to safeguard SMEs against climate and other risks, be it through scaling up existing solutions, or partnering with diverse distribution channels and integrating new technology solutions. Products can cover, for example, stock and machinery, business continuity, staff, specific or multiple risks.

The IICF will facilitate and incentivize the development of two or more solutions through an open selection process in the country. Winners will each be awarded up to US$40,000 including financial and technical assistance to support the development of their proposed solutions.

Excited by this joint endeavor with UNDP, Fabrice Benard, CEO of Generali Insurance Malaysia Berhad states that it is part of Generali’s broader commitment to raise awareness and promote insurance as a key tool to drive financial inclusion among SMEs who are highly vulnerable to risks.

“SMEs account for about 97% of total businesses in Malaysia¹ – they are not only the bedrock of the country’s economy, but also a priority to us at Generali. It is important for us, as a responsible insurer and citizen, to use our skills, resources and expertise to create opportunities for them to grow and empower them with access to insurance and risk mitigation solutions. Together with UNDP, we hope to bring in ideas through this meaningful initiative and source collective ways to boost the protection gap and drive resilience for the SMEs,” Fabrice adds.

Since 2022, Generali has been working with UNDP to develop insurance and risk finance solutions globally. Continuing on the partnership, Generali and UNDP are currently developing a loss prevention framework for SMEs to harness the power of data, awareness and understanding of risks for businesses in vulnerable communities. In addition to IICF and the framework, there will also be an Asian edition of Generali’s flagship SME EnterPRIZE project, which has already successfully been running in Europe over the past 2 years.

Interested participants wishing to apply for the IICF can submit their application and supporting documents to  irff.challenge@undp.org by 27 November 2023. There will be two virtual Q&A briefing sessions held on 31^st October 2023 and 8^th November 2023, 3:30pm to answer any questions relating to the IICF. Kindly register here to attend the virtual session on 31^st October 2023. For more information, please visit https://irff.undp.org/challenge-fund/malaysia.

The Russian Energy Week (REW) International Forum took place for the sixth time on 11–13 October in Moscow. The Forum was attended by government officials from various countries, heads of major energy companies and organizations, scientists, and experts. This year’s central theme was ‘The New Reality of Global Energy: Building the Future’.

“REW features specialized, industry-specific, targeted discussions with experts from all over the world. It once again brought together everyone interested in the joint development of energy and people willing to work together for the future. It’s great that foreign countries were widely represented this year. I am confident that this platform will have a direct impact on international relations as a whole and on the energy sector in particular for many years to come,” Deputy Prime Minister of the Russian Federation Alexander Novak said in comments following the Forum.

“The Forum’s business programme and REW Youth Day included over 70 events that were attended by more than 225 speakers. In total, over 5,000 delegates from 84 countries and territories took part in REW 2023. Over 1,200 representatives of foreign and Russian businesses from more than 250 companies attended the Forum. There were also 36 heads of diplomatic corps. More than 2,000 participants took part in the Youth Day events,” Advisor to the President of the Russian Federation and Executive Secretary of the REW 2023 Organizing Committee Anton Kobyakov said.

A programme built on four pillars

The Forum programme was built on four pillars: ‘The International Agenda’, ‘The Development of the Fuel and Energy Sector’, ‘Scientific and Technological Development, and the Digital Transformation’, and ‘Sustainable Development and the Climate’. The Forum also included bilateral meetings, negotiations, and business breakfasts.

The key event in the Forum’s business programme was the plenary session, which was attended by President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin and Prime Minister of Iraq Mohammed Shia’ Al Sudani. The discussion was moderated by Al Ghad TV journalist Amr Abdelhamid.

The session ‘The Global Oil and Gas Market: Navigating a Period of Turbulence’, with the participation of Deputy Prime Minister of the Russian Federation Alexander Novak, generated significant attention among participants. It was also attended by Caretaker Federal Minister of Energy of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan Muhammad Ali, Prime Minister of the Republic of Srpska Radovan Viskovic, Minister of Petroleum of the Islamic Republic of Iran Javad Owji, Executive Vice President of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela Delcy Eloina Rodriguez Gomez, and Minister of Energy of the Republic of Azerbaijan Parviz Shahbazov.

Another key event was the Global Energy Association’s ‘Building the City of the Future’ session, which was attended by Moscow Mayor Sergey Sobyanin, Sberbank CEO and Chairman of the Executive Board Herman Gref, as well as foreign guests: Deputy Director for Information Technology of China’s State Grid Corporation Jiye Wang and Point Systems Zrt Founder and CEO Laszlo Kovacs.

The Joint Intergovernmental Russian-Saudi Commission held a meeting during Russian Energy Week. In addition, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Industry and Trade of the Russian Federation Denis Manturov and Deputy Prime Minister of the Russian Federation Alexander Novak held a meeting of the Coordinating Council under the Government Commission on Import Substitution on ways to substitute imports of oil and gas equipment.

‘Global Energy’ and ‘Energy of the Pen’ Prizes

An official ceremony was held during REW 2023 to present the Global Energy Prize for outstanding scientific research and scientific-technical developments in the field of energy. This year, the prize was won by scientists from China. Beijing Institute of Nanoenergy and Nanosystems Founding Director Zhong Lin Wang was awarded in the Non-Conventional Energy category. Ruzhu Wang emerged as the laureate in the New Ways of Energy Application category. During the ceremony, an Honorary Diploma was presented to Ljubivoje Popovic on behalf of the Global Energy Association.

In addition, REW 2023 hosted an award ceremony for the winners of the ‘Energy of the Pen’ international media competition. A total of 262 applications from Russia and 23 other countries were received. The winners were selected by a panel of judges.

Selangor’s 2025 Low Carbon Smart City Vision, Synergy ESCO is furthering its commitment to sustainable practices through the introduction of the “Light Source in Darkness” program. This initiative aims to help strata buildings in Selangor conserve energy and reduce carbon emissions by facilitating the installation of Synergy ESCO’s energy-efficient LED lights at no upfront cost.

The Green Initiative Program symposium, a pivotal part of this event, where the Green Pioneer Recognition Awards were presented to Alex Mathew, the Building Manager at Geo Bukit Rimau, and Ken Teo, the Principal at Gather Building Management for 3 Elements for their exceptional contributions to promoting and implementing the Green Initiative program in Selangor.

Alex shared his first-hand experience and positive feedback about participating in the program.  “From my experiences of managing the building for the past 8 years, it was just unbelievable that we can further reduce our energy consumption with Synergy. So, to progress further, they came with the equipment to do the testing in our condo. From that, it was evident that we were using our 18 watts and 22 watts LED light, and we could actually bring it down to 5 watts, and the brightness was still maintained.”

The newly appointed Selangor State Executive Councillor for Housing and Urban Wellbeing, YB Borhan Aman Shah emphasized the crucial role of collective efforts in achieving Selangor’s vision for a sustainable future in his welcoming speech. He stated, “The State Government has set a goal to install 10% of LED lights across Selangor by December 2023. This goal can contribute to energy savings equivalent to preserving 1.3 million trees every year and reducing carbon dioxide emissions by 51 tons annually. These figures represent a significant contribution to mitigating the impact of climate change and can only be achieved with the commitment of Joint Management Bodies and Strata Properties Management Corporations across Selangor.”

Synergy ESCO’s LED lights are patented and durable, with a lifespan of up to 10 years and no maintenance required. They consume only 5 watts while delivering 210 lumens, as opposed to traditional LED lights that use 18 watts. This translates to energy savings of up to 80% compared to other LED lights on the market. Synergy ESCO’s green technology contributes to lowering global temperatures and reducing CO2 emissions.

Initially focused on commercial buildings, Synergy ESCO now aims to extend the program to strata buildings, encompassing all 6,000 strata buildings in Selangor. Ally Tai, the Chief Operating Officer of Synergy ESCO, explains, “Our mission is to implement energy-saving protocols capable of saving 100 million trees over a decade. This mission aligns with our goal to benefit the community, as mentioned earlier by YB Tuan Haji Borhan Aman Shah.”

The “Light Source in Darkness” program offers strata buildings in Selangor an opportunity to reduce energy consumption and associated costs without any upfront payment. By joining this initiative, participants not only make a significant impact on energy conservation but also contribute to a greener environment. This echoes the call to ‘Go Green Now, No Plan B!’ as there is no alternative plan for addressing environmental challenges and combating climate change, and the time for action is now.

Learn more about the program at https://synergy-group.com.my/green-initiative.html

iElder.asia, a leading e-commerce company, sets its sights on the US, Korea, Arab Saudi, Singapore, Brunei, and Australia in its 2024 market expansion strategy, aligning with the evolving e-commerce landscape. With a forward-looking approach, it aims to improve tech-driven elderly care solutions for seniors’ essential service accessibility while closely partnering with healthcare professionals such as doctors, nurses, and home nursing providers who handle product inquiries.

“The elderly are the most vulnerable population in the world, and they are especially affected by the pandemic. Malaysia is officially categorised as an ageing nation because the proportion of individuals aged 65 years and older is projected to reach 7.3% of the total population this year. To further address these critical needs, we also have plans to establish iElder in Penang and Johor for the domestic market,” said Founder of iElder Asia, Dr. Kong Why Hong.

“With this realisation, iElder Asia provides a safe and secure online environment for senior citizens to access the services they need without stepping out of their homes. Through the company’s e-commerce website, users can compare prices of various elderly care items, book appointments for medical consultations, and purchase supplies while enjoying convenience and affordability. In a time when the elderly are often the forgotten demographic, we wanted to make sure their needs are not overlooked,” elaborated Dr. Kong.

iElder Asia was founded with the vision of providing elderly people with access to the necessary resources, support, and assistance for a better life. Its web platform is a one-stop solution for providing everything for elderly care, including new products, short-term rentals, and selling used medical equipment. The platform helps customers find new buyers for equipment they no longer need through their second-hand collection page, iElder.

The icing on the top is that iElder Asia also offers customer service support to ensure all users’ queries and concerns are duly addressed. The team is committed to providing the best user experience by evaluating and responding to individual customer needs. iElder Asia actively caters to B2B and B2C segments, including supplying to hospitals, clinics, pharmacies, nursing homes, and corporate companies as well as end users.

Besides, iElder Asia has established a loyalty-focused membership program, and the product range has expanded to include disposable items, enhancing customer relationships. The company also offers flexible payment plans, with instalments up to 24 months.

“Our tagline is – Elderly Care Made Simple! With our solutions, your loved ones will enjoy a higher quality of life and mental well-being,” enthused Dr. Kong.

In a heartfelt revelation, Co-Founder Olivia Quah shared her journey that inspired the creation of iElder.asia’s e-commerce division, saying, “A few years ago, my Mom’s shower fall triggered my dedication. Her hour-long struggle to contact me, coupled with my father’s dementia, emphasised the need for tech-driven, accessible solutions for senior citizens.”

“My father’s inability to recall my contact number intensified the situation. When the call came, it became a race against time to return home and provide my mother with the necessary medical attention.” This personal experience forms the core of iElder.asia’s dedication to enhancing elderly care.

“iElder Asia is playing an increasingly important role in improving the lives of elderly people across the country. By combining traditional elderly care services with the power of technology, they are able to bridge gaps in elderly care and improve the quality of life for many senior citizens. Our commitment extends beyond iElder, encompassing an omnichannel strategy that involves supplying hospitals and distributing to pharmacies and medical stores,” Olivia added.

iElder has been shortlisted as a top E-commerce Merchant in 2021, 2022, and 2023. Additionally, the Co-Founder achieved the title of Winner for The Resilience 30 Women Awards in 2022 and secured the third-place position in the NAWEM Women Entrepreneur Award for 2023.

At a time when the world is rapidly changing, iElder Asia is leading the way in providing innovative services to the elderly throughout Asia. For more information about iElder Asia, please visit www.ielder.asia.

Generali Malaysia launched its first model branch located at Pusat Komersial Saujana, Seremban 2 Heights. As Generali’s first model branch, the Seremban branch provides an integrated insurance experience to better serve customers. It offers a full suite of General and Life Insurance from medical and health, to savings and life protection, motor and home, travel and personal accident, as well as business and commercial insurance, all under one roof. Both Generali’s General and Life Insurance branches at Seremban have also relocated to this new premise, effective 25 September 2023.

With the relocation and launch, Generali has reinvented the design of its model branch to provide more experiential spaces and customer focused experiences through phygital ((physical plus digital) advisory and solutions. The contemporary new look and setup are curated with elements of functionality, inclusiveness, and technology, which highlight Generali’s ongoing commitment to sustainability, innovation, and customer-centricity.

Chief Executive Officer of Generali Insurance Malaysia Berhad and Country Head for Generali Entities in Malaysia, Fabrice Benard, shared that this is part of Generali’s brand refresh strategy to support the transformation of its branches nationwide and cater to customers’ increasing demand for holistic yet personalised experience.

“Having served the locals here at Seremban for decades, we are very proud to continue on this meaningful journey to support the city with a unique yet integrated insurance experience, serving both general and life insurance solutions under one roof and at the same time advancing our sustainability commitment and providing job opportunities to the locals,” said Fabrice.

The new Seremban branch houses a customer service area on the ground floor with several functional private discussion rooms. Customers are welcome to walk in for over-the-counter services or engage in conversations privately with their dedicated servicing officer in the discussion rooms. The open concept is also designed to provide a collaborative setting for Generali’s employees and agents to work and engage together.

Fabrice added, “Despite the digital age that we are in, we believe that insurance is one of the many services that still require the warmth of a human touch. Hence we are determined to advance our omnichannel strategy to better serve customers in their preferred manner, be it through their servicing agent, branch, or digital platform. In the coming year, our branches nationwide will model after the Seremban branch and progressively transform into multi-functional spaces to foster greater engagement and long-lasting relationships with our customers. We will also continue to invest in our digital touchpoints for customers’ easy accessibility and convenience.”

The Seremban branch is now open and ready to serve from Monday to Friday, 8:45 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. (excluding public holidays).For more information, please visit the branch locator on Generali Malaysia’s official website.

Export-Import Bank of Malaysia Berhad (“EXIM Bank”) announced today a country dialogue with Djibouti under the newly formed “Malaysia Global Connect” platform. The platform aims to foster dialogue, collaboration and knowledge sharing on critical topics shaping the world of international trade. The Malaysia-Djibouti talk included a briefing by the Director General of Djibouti National Investment Promotion Agency (NIPA), a talk by Chairman of Waafi Bank about business opportunities in Djibouti and a briefing by EXIM Bank’s Chief Business Officer on the Bank’s Trade Finance Solutions.  MATRADE presented the reality of doing business with Djibouti together with the honest discussion with Malaysian participants by MATRADE. Attended by over 50 export-ready companies, this initiative underscores EXIM Bank’s commitment in facilitating international trade and economic growth.

This initiative is a collaboration with Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE) with the aim to strengthen Malaysia’s presence in international markets through targeted trade promotion activities, capacity building, and market access support. The collaboration leverages MATRADE’s extensive global network and EXIM Bank’s financial expertise to provide comprehensive support to Malaysian exporters and investors.

EXIM Bank President and Chief Executive Officer Arshad Ismail stated: “We are excited about the Malaysia – Djibouti Business Forum as it aligns perfectly with our mission to promote Malaysia’s trade interests globally. Africa, with its dynamic economies and emerging markets, presents an array of opportunities for Malaysian businesses. EXIM Bank is committed to assisting Malaysian enterprises in their quest for success in Djibouti and beyond.”

MATRADE Senior Director, Mr. Amran Yem stated: “Through this collaboration with MATRADE, we aim to provide holistic support to Malaysian exporters, enabling them to tap into new markets, establish international partnerships, and contribute to Malaysia’s economic growth is aligned with the agenda of National Trade Blueprint (NTBp).

EXIM Bank has consistently played a pivotal role in enhancing Malaysia’s global trade footprint. With a focus on fostering partnerships and supporting international trade ventures, the Bank has been instrumental in connecting Malaysian businesses with the world, by fostering dialogue, collaboration and knowledge sharing on critical topics shaping the world of international trade.

The country dialogue provides a briefing about the Malaysia – Djibouti Business Forum that is scheduled to take place in Djibouti on 29 to 30 November 2023. It will bring together key stakeholders, including government officials, business leaders, and industry experts, to discuss strategies for enhancing bilateral trade relations and investment prospects. The forum will deliver a special address by Djibouti’s Minister of Economy and Finance, the Chamber of Commerce and also a presentation from the Ports and Free Zones Authority.

The Malaysia – Djibouti Business Forum is set to be a milestone event, showcasing MATRADE and EXIM Bank’s commitment to nurturing trade and economic relations between Malaysia and Djibouti. As Malaysia continues to expand its global footprint, EXIM Bank stands as a key facilitator, offering tailored financial solutions and comprehensive support to empower Malaysian businesses in their international endeavours.

Any companies interested to attend the Malaysia – Djibouti Business Forum in Djibouti from 29 to 30 November 2023, can register their interest with EXIM Bank Malaysia at https://forms.office.com/r/upRPv6EJjC.