Category: events

Social Enterprises: Proven, Effective Poverty Eradication Partners, Ready for Nationwide Rollout

4 October 2024, Kuala Lumpur –

Over the past five years, social enterprises have been working closely with the government to
address absolute poverty in Malaysia, with rates has dropping from from 8.2% in 2021 to 6.2% in
2022.

Government initiatives including grants and programmes such as the MRANTI Impact Challenge
Accelerator (MICA), Social Enterprise Accreditation certification and the zero-interest loans from
the Hasanah Social Enterprise Fund (HSEF) and social procurement initiatives – are among the
key instruments that have enabled social enterprises to grow and strengthen their offerings to
serve the needy.

For example, since 2019, accredited social enterprises such as Pepper Labs have been entrusted
with piloting several B40 community projects – which have generated measurable, high impact.
To date, Pepper Labs has re-invested over RM 7 million in social projects, impacting over
4,000 beneficiaries. Over this period, we have grown to be a trusted partner and effective
operator and a creative social innovator, bridging the gap between policy and grassroots
economic enablement.

Caption: Dapur Digital at PPR Wangsa Sari, refurbished with fully-fitted kitchen

Dapur Digital: Cloud Kitchen Pilot Programme Ready To Scale Nationwide

Recently, we rolled out a unique initiative called Dapur Digital – Malaysia’s first public-private-
philanthropy project in partnership with the Ministry of Finance, Jabatan Wilayah Persekutuan,
DBKL and Yayasan Hasanah.

Dapur Digital’s pilot programme involves several aspects of economic enablement. In addition to
refurbishing five PPR flats in Kuala Lumpur into cloud kitchens within six months, 50
individuals have been trained with a Micro-Credential Programme on how to operate a cloud
kitchen business. Each of the five Dapur Digital locales which have a high concentration of the
urban poor, have been given a target of RM10,000 in monthly sales. Within a week from its launch,
Kampung Limau Kitchen participants under the Dapur Digital programme made RM3,000 in
business. Their products are promoted and delivered through three food delivery platforms –
altogether making this a uniquely designed programme for transforming livelihoods.

With Budget 2025 coming up, we would like to put forward some considerations to the
government, given Dapur Digital’s potential to serve in closing the gap on poverty nationwide:

1) Tax Incentives for Public-Private Partnership Investments
a) Tax exemptions to GLCs or corporations which invest in social enterprises such
as Dapur Digital which will enable it to scale to more locations, accelerate the
equipping programme, while reaching and benefiting more underserved
communities nationwide.
b) Tax reliefs are extended to organisations and individuals making bulk
purchases from Dapur Digital and other social enterprises which have
demonstrated their capability and capacity to deliver to requirements. This
provides a means for enterprises to track and report the impact of their social
contributions – particularly with Scope 3 ESG reporting requirements already
coming onstream.

2) Social Procurement Acceleration
The government could also include accredited social enterprises in its e-procurement
database and list, particularly as Malaysia takes on the ASEAN Presidency in 2025, with
an expected hike in commercial, tourism and social activities. Many social enterprises
serve in these areas to equip and enable underserved communities.

Stronger public-private-philanthropy partnerships and collaborations can turn the MADANI
aspirations and RMK-12 goals into reality for the rakyat. We have demonstrated this is achievable,
measurable, timely – and ready to scale.

08/10/2024
Pertama Digital Berhad Charts a Transformative Course: Key Strategic Partnerships and Growth Roadmap Unveiled
Kuala Lumpur, 3 October 2024 — Pertama Digital Berhad (“PDB”), a public-listed company at the forefront of Malaysia’s digital transformation, today provides a comprehensive update on its growth trajectory and strategic developments. While Executive Director Sabri Ab Rahman is unaware of the reasons behind the recent dip in stock prices, he assures stakeholders that PDB remains strong and well-positioned for sustainable growth.

These developments reflect the company’s solid financial standing, strategic partnerships, and innovative product offerings as it enters its next phase of growth.

Financial Fundamentals and Positive Trajectory

PDB is firmly anchored by strong financial fundamentals, supported by a capable team operating in a dynamic digital solutions space with significant growth potential. In recent months, the company successfully reversed its previous quarter’s negative results, with new product lines making a marked contribution to performance.

“We are proud to have moved into a positive trajectory, driven by our team’s hard work and the growing impact of our innovative digital offerings. We’ve also completed a strategic cost-cutting exercise and streamlined our operations to ensure healthy cash flow,” said Sabri Ab Rahman, Executive Director of Pertama Digital Berhad. “Today, PDB is operating more efficiently and is well-positioned to deliver sustainable growth without the need for external funding.”

Regularisation Plan and Acquisition Opportunity

PDB has received an extension of time (EOT) from Bursa Malaysia to submit its regularisation plan by the first week of February 2025. This extension allows PDB to finalise several key initiatives, including the proposed acquisition of a controlling stake in Kridentia Tech Sdn Bhd (KT). KT, a well-established company with strong government contracts, boasts impressive top-line performance, sound EBITDA, and consistent profitability.

“This acquisition is pivotal for our growth projections for 2025. KT’s proven track record and capabilities align seamlessly with PDB’s vision, and we’re eager to finalise this deal as part of our broader regularisation plan,” Sabri explained. “We expect to submit the full plan before the end of this year, well ahead of the extended deadline.”

Strategic Leadership and Organisational Strength

As PDB charts its path forward, Sabri Ab Rahman has taken the helm as Executive Director, working closely with Joshua who played a pivotal role in developing the MVP for eJamin, the company’s flagship digital bail payment solution, which was launched in 2020.

Reflecting on the company’s leadership developments, Sabri noted, “Our leadership team is stronger than ever. Recent changes at the board, including Encik Mohd Reza Mohd Hatta’s departure before his confirmation period to pursue a lucrative opportunity, were part of a strategic move to align our leadership with PDB’s evolving needs. We continue to drive forward with a dedicated core team, including Joshua and our board, ensuring strategic continuity and positioning the company for future growth.

Product Highlights and Expansion

PDB is rapidly advancing its suite of digital products, with several exciting developments on the horizon:
- eJamin – The company is in the final stages of discussions with the Palace of Justice (POJ) to formalise a long-term contract for eJamin, a critically-needed digital bail payment platform. “eJamin has transformed bail payment in Malaysia, and we expect a positive outcome from POJ soon,” Sabri said.
- KOCEK – DVSB is expanding its coin conversion service, KOCEK, across Malaysia. The company is close to finalising a working collaboration with a leading local bank to increase service touchpoints nationwide.
- MyPay as a Business Solution – DVSB recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Gabungan Persatuan-Persatuan Penjaja dan Peniaga Kecil Melayu Malaysia (GPPPPKMM) ,representing 450,000 small traders and hawkers. Through MyPay, these members will gain access to digital business tools, financial assistance, and grants for business expansion, developed in partnership with financial institutions. “This partnership empowers small business owners across the country, helping them embrace digital transformation and gain access to financial support,” Sabri highlighted.
- PTPTN Student Loan Services – MyPay continues to be a trusted platform for PTPTN loan repayments, and DVSB is in discussions to further expand this mutually beneficial relationship. Recent enhancements have improved the platform’s user experience, streamlining loan repayment for borrowers.
- MyDigital ID – PDB, through DVSB, is actively assisting MyDigital ID in improving their existing product by enhancing user experience and ensuring seamless integration with high-traffic government agency platforms. Furthermore, PDB is supporting MyDigital ID in their onboarding efforts for the public, government and private businesses, reinforcing our commitment to driving digital inclusion.
  A Transformative Future for Pertama Digital Berhad
  
  As Pertama Digital Berhad navigates this transformative period, the company is committed to delivering long-term value for shareholders and the broader ecosystem. Sabri Rahman emphasised, “Our roadmap for growth, operational efficiency, and stakeholder value is clear. PDB is well-positioned to lead the digital solutions space in Malaysia, with innovation and inclusivity at the core of everything we do.”
  
  PDB remains dedicated to driving sustainable results through its strategic partnerships, innovative product portfolio, and continued operational excellence.
04/10/2024
RMFLS 2024: Malaysians’ Financial Well-being Improves, but Digital Financial Literacy Still Crucial

On 26 September 2024, RinggitPlus released the results of the 2024 Malaysian Financial Literacy Survey (RMFLS), an annual study examining Malaysians’ financial habits, challenges and outlook.

This year’s results found improvements across multiple key indicators, with signs of upward swings for financial security and well-being – but also underscored a continuous growing need for enhanced digital financial literacy nationwide.

Fewer Scam Attempts, but Vigilance Remains a Priority

In 2024, more than one-third of Malaysians (38%) reported encountering fewer financial fraud or scam attempts compared to last year, with the overall number of those who experienced such attempts dropping to 86% from the whopping 94% reported in 2023.

This marks a significant improvement, proving that the anti-scam awareness efforts driven by Malaysia’s governing bodies are bearing fruit. Indeed, 56% of respondents credited the nationwide Jangan Kena Scam awareness campaign for helping them avoid falling victim to financial fraud.

While this is a positive move in the right direction, more needs to be done to safeguard Malaysians. The RMFLS survey also found that up to 32% of Malaysians admitted to uncertainty or a lack of knowledge about what actions to take or whom to contact in the face of common financial scam scenarios, including impersonation scams or fraudulent transaction notifications.

This highlights an ongoing vulnerability that must be addressed, particularly as digitalization grows and Malaysians are increasingly embracing digital tools in their personal finances: 95% of respondents use at least one e-wallet (up from 91% in 2023 and 89% in 2022). Meanwhile, 45% hold an account with at least one digital bank, and 26% plan to open one in the near future. Online insurance and takaful purchases are also on the rise, with 29% preferring this method.

Notably, reliance on social media as a primary source of financial information is increasingly apparent, with trust scores for social platforms rising from 3.7 to 4.0 year-on-year. There is an urgent need to enhance digital financial literacy and ensure Malaysians have the resources they need to combat misinformation and fraud.

A Turning Point for Malaysian Financial Well-being

For the first time since COVID-19, three key metrics in RMFLS saw positive trends. The first is that Malaysians are starting to save more each month – with the number of respondents who save more than RM500 per month increasing to 33% (vs 29% in 2023). Additionally, 39% of respondents stated they could survive for four months or more in the event of income loss, up from 33% last year. Lastly, 47% of Malaysians reported better financial conditions than last year.

Another highlight is how Malaysian women have become less vulnerable financially, showing improvements year-on-year in important metrics: a 3% increase in women saving more than RM500 a month, an 8% increase in those who can survive without a job for four months or more, a 3% decrease in women living paycheck to paycheck, and a 6% increase in women who have started financially planning for retirement.

While gradual, these are promising indicators of change, though more effort is needed to sustain this trend and achieve greater financial parity between Malaysian women and men.

The survey also found that many are adopting responsible financial habits, cutting back on expenses and initiating retirement planning. Withdrawals from EPF Akaun Fleksibel are for essential needs, such as repaying debts and managing cost of living expenses.

Despite these improvements, 55% of respondents remain anxious or frustrated about their finances, highlighting the need for continued financial discipline. Nonetheless, these findings mark a potential turning point in financial well-being for many Malaysians, which will hopefully maintain an upward trajectory in the future.

“RMFLS 2024 reflects encouraging progress in Malaysians’ financial well-being and literacy levels, especially among women. However, as we advance toward becoming a high-income nation, it is essential that we equip the rakyat with the right knowledge and tools they need not just to survive, but thrive in this increasingly digital world,” said Yuen Tuck Siew, CEO of RinggitPlus.

“At RinggitPlus, we are committed to helping Malaysians tackle their unique financial challenges. Through collaborations with our RMFLS partners, we aim to create focused, relevant and timely content shaped by the survey insights, expanding our reach to educate more Malaysians. We are also enhancing our product and services to drive greater financial inclusivity and empowerment across the nation,” he concluded.

For more information on the 2024 RinggitPlus Malaysian Financial Literacy Survey, visit RinggitPlus or RinggitPlus’ social media channels (Instagram, Facebook and TikTok).

27/09/2024
MIHAS AWARDS 2024 RECOGNISES DIVERSE HALAL SECTOR CONTRIBUTIONS

KUALA LUMPUR, 20 SEPTEMBER 2024 – The Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE) celebrates another significant milestone with the 11th edition of the Malaysia International Halal Showcase (MIHAS) Awards, which recognise outstanding contributions to the global halal industry. These awards continue to set the benchmark for excellence, reflecting the growing importance of sustainability and innovation in today’s dynamic halal market.

This year’s MIHAS Awards introduce a new category focusing on sustainability, manifesting MATRADE’s dedication to supporting environmentally responsible and socially conscientious company practices. The Sustainability Award recognises industry players who have successfully integrated sustainable practices into their operations. It underscores MATRADE’s commitment to addressing climate change and fostering sustainable development, particularly within the Halal sector.

The MIHAS Awards recognise industry leaders who excel in sustainability and innovation across multiple sectors. Winners were selected by a distinguished panel of judges, comprising experts from various industries and academia. The evaluation process was rigorous, with candidates assessed on their commitment to sustainability, market impact and strict adherence to Halal standards, the criteria that ensure the awards highlight true trailblazers within the industry.

A notable increase in the 11th MIHAS Awards participation highlights the expanding and diversifying landscape of the halal economy. The awards attracted a broad spectrum of entries, with a strong representation from lifestyle halal and services sectors.

MATRADE’s Chairman, Yang Berhormat Dato’ Seri Reezal Merican Naina Merican, in his remarks said, “The impressive representation from Halal lifestyle products and services sectors in this year’s awards clearly indicates the dynamism and innovation that drive the Halal industry. Sectors such as cosmetics, personal care, pharmaceuticals and biotechnology are embracing halal principles and setting new benchmarks in the global market.”

Fourteen awards from three different categories such as the Product and Services Excellence Award, Products and Services Innovative Awards, and the Sustainability Awards were presented at the event.

Adabi Consumer Industries Sdn Bhd won the Product Excellence Award for its Halal pet food, PowerCat, while HYT Cross Border Sdn Bhd brought home the Services Excellence Award for its e-Commerce solutions.

Meanwhile, Callabio Manufacturing Sdn Bhd was recognised for its Halal certified syrups. Its brand, Baristar, launched in 2023, offers uniquely flavoured syrups that enhance drinks, foods and desserts with a Malaysian touch.

The Products Innovative Award was given to World Prominence Sdn Bhd for its Sudee brand dry pastes, while the Services Innovative Award went to AFM Fulfillment (M) Sdn Bhd for its advanced one-stop solution for e-commerce fulfilment.

The Sustainability Award was given to B-Crobes Marketing Sdn Bhd for its focus on research driven innovation and sustainability to improve gut health and manage non communicable diseases effectively.

MATRADE’s strategic focus on sustainability and sectoral diversity aligns with the National Halal Industry Master Plan, which seeks to position the country as a global leader in innovation. The diversity of Halal clusters at MIHAS represents the versatility and global appeal of Malaysia’s Halal industry, enhancing the nation’s standing as a pivotal hub in the international Halal ecosystem.

“We are immensely proud of the diversity and quality of entries in this year’s MIHAS Awards,” said Dato’ Seri Reezal Merican. “The broad range of products and services, combined with strong commitment to sustainability practices, will drive the growth of the global halal market, solidifying Malaysia’s role as a leader in global Halal industry.”

25/09/2024
TikTok Shop Summit Set to Unleash New Growth Opportunities for Malaysian MSMEs Through Strengthened #JomLokal Initiatives

KUALA LUMPUR, 24 SEPTEMBER 2024 — TikTok Shop Summit, an annual e-commerce
seller empowerment event by the e-commerce platform, will return this year to redefine the
future of online shopping in Malaysia. Local micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs)

are expected to be the the biggest beneficiary from the summit as TikTok Shop will heighten
its #JomLokal support and share key insights ahead of the upcoming year-end sale season.

At TikTok Shop Summit this year, homegrown brands will discover new growth opportunities
to realise their full business potential via unique matchmaking sessions with top creators,
such as Khairul Aming, Pinn Yang, Dear Carynn, Almiyaz, TulipPetals, and more. Local
entrepreneurs will also learn from experts and top sellers during the knowledge-sharing
sessions on Shoppertainment strategies

to tap into evolving consumer behaviour, including best practices for content, community
engagement, livestreaming, ads solutions, and store performance optimisation. New support
will also be introduced to help local MSMEs scale and build an active customer base, in
addition to generating revenue.

Yang Berhormat Datuk Armizan bin Mohd Ali, Minister of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living,
emphasised: "As part of KPDN’s strategic pillars, we are committed to driving the
contribution of domestic trade to the gross national income, fostering an innovation-based
economy, and creating a conducive market environment that empowers the rakyat to
manage cost of living effectively. E-commerce has proven to be a key catalyst to achieve
these aspirations, considering Malaysia’s digital economy now contributes around a quarter
of our national GDP. Leading platforms like TikTok Shop are pivotal partners for the
government in supporting and upskilling local MSMEs to facilitate inclusive participation from
all levels of society. I encourage local entrepreneurs nationwide to take full advantage of the
resources and opportunities accessible during this upcoming TikTok Shop Summit to
transform digitally and build alternative sources of income, thus realising the vision of the
MADANI Economy to improve Malaysians' quality of life.

TikTok Malaysias Head of Public Policy, Anuar Fariz Fadzil, echoed the sentiment:
"We are fully committed to supporting the government’s efforts through continuous public-
private partnerships aimed at accelerating the growth of Malaysia’s digital economy. TikTok
Shop's comprehensive ecosystem provides MSMEs with a distinct opportunity to not only
sell online, but also empower them to scale. By equipping them with the tools and training
needed to build communities through content, affiliate creators, and full-funnel solutions,
TikTok Malaysia is uniquely positioned to help homegrown brands grow nationwide and even
penetrate international markets. Together, let's pave the way for Malaysia to transform into
an inclusive, digitally-enabled, technology-driven, and high-income nation.

TikTok Shop Malaysias Director of Strategic Partnerships, Nur Azre Abdul Aziz,
underscores that: Our #JomLokal initiative is at the heart of TikTok Shop’s ambition to
empower Malaysian entrepreneurs. This year alone, we have trained over 100,000 local
MSMEs to date through government partnerships. But, we're only getting started. At the
upcoming TikTok Shop Summit, we are thrilled to unveil enhancements to our #JomLokal
support and help MSMEs unleash new growth opportunities. Our upcoming creator-
matchmaking and knowledge-sharing sessions are designed to provide practical insights
and meaningful connections that can inspire homegrown brands. We hope this summit will
cultivate the rise of more local champions like Khairul Aming, Amir Mohsin, Shiffa Enterprise,
Empat Beranak ，HYGR and others.

About TikTok Shop
TikTok Shop is a one-stop e-commerce solution for driving brand growth and sales directly
on TikTok. With TikTok Shop, sellers can tap into a full-commerce experience with the
capability to upload products and manage everything from shipping to fulfillment and point of
purchase. Products are recommended to TikTok audiences through shoppable content
formats such as in-feed short videos (embedded with product links), live shopping events, as
well as a marketplace through the new Shop Tab.

25/09/2024
Alibaba Cloud Unveils New AI Models and Revamped Infrastructure for AI Computing

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, September 19, 2024 – Alibaba Cloud, the digital technology and intelligence backbone of Alibaba Group, today announced it has released over 100 of its newly-launched large language models, Qwen 2.5, to the global open-source community. This significant contribution was revealed at the Apsara Conference, its annual flagship event.

In addition, Alibaba Cloud has unveiled a revamped full-stack infrastructure designed to meet the growing demands for robust AI computing. This new infrastructure includes innovative cloud products and services that enhance computing, networking, and data center architecture, all aimed at supporting the thriving development and wide-range applications of AI models.

“Alibaba Cloud is investing, with unprecedented intensity, in the research and development of AI technology and the building of its global infrastructure. We aim to establish an AI infrastructure of the future to serve our global customers and unlock their business potential,” said Eddie Wu, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Alibaba Cloud Intelligence.

100 Open-sourced Models Unveiled

The newly released open-source Qwen 2.5 models, ranging from 0.5 to 72 billion parameters in size, feature enhanced knowledge and stronger capabilities in math and coding and are able to support over 29 languages, catering to a wide array of AI applications both at the edge or in the cloud across various sectors from automobile, gaming to science research.

The Qwen model series, Alibaba Cloud’s portfolio of proprietary large language models, has achieved remarkable traction since its debut in April 2023. To date, the Qwen models have surpassed 40 million downloads across platforms such as Hugging Face and ModelScope, an open-source community initiative by Alibaba. Furthermore, these models have inspired the creation of over 50,000 models on Hugging Face.

The Qwen 2.5 release will see over 100 models being made open-source. This extensive range includes base models, instruct models, and quantized models of various precision levels and methods, spanning different modalities such as language, audio, and vision, along with specialized code and mathematical models.

“Today marks a significant milestone as we launch our most expansive open-source initiative to date,” said Jingren Zhou, Chief Technology Officer of Alibaba Cloud Intelligence. “This initiative is set to empower developers and corporations of all sizes, enhancing their ability to leverage AI technologies and further stimulating the growth of the open-source community. We remain committed to investing in advanced AI infrastructure to foster the widespread adoption of generative AI technologies across different industries.”

Alibaba Cloud also announced an upgrade to its proprietary flagship model Qwen-Max. The enhanced Qwen-Max model demonstrates performance on par with other state-of-the-art models in areas such as language comprehension and reasoning, math, and coding.

Qwen2.5-Max demonstrates strong performance in various areas such as math and coding compared with other state-of-the-art models.

Expanding the Frontier in Multimodal

In addition to its extensive suite of large language models, Alibaba Cloud also unveiled a new text-to-video model as part of its image generator, Tongyi Wanxiang large model family. The new model is capable of generating high-quality videos in a wide variety of visual styles from realistic scenes to 3D animation. The model can generate videos based on Chinese and English text instruction and transform static images into dynamic videos. The model features advanced diffusion transformer (DiT) architecture to enhance video reconstruction quality.

The cloud leader is also deploying a significant update to its vision language model with the introduction of Qwen2-VL, capable of comprehending videos lasting over 20 minutes and support video-based question-answering. Equipped with sophisticated reasoning and decision-making capabilities, Qwen2-VL is designed for integration into mobile phones, automobiles and robots, facilitating the automation of specific operations.

For computer programming, Alibaba Cloud has also launched an AI Developer, a Qwen-powered AI assistant designed to support programmers automate tasks such as requirement analysis, code programming and identifying and fixing software bugs. This enables developers to concentrate more on essential duties and further their skills.

A Full-Stack AI Infrastructure Upgrade

The cloud pioneer has also announced a slew of innovative updates to its full-stack AI infrastructure covering green datacenter architecture, data management, model training and inferencing:

Next-Gen Data Center Architecture for Surging AI Development: To meet the increasing and diverse demand for high-performance computing power driven by the global AI boom, Alibaba Cloud has revealed its next-generation data center architecture, CUBE DC 5.0. The new CUBE architecture increases energy and operational efficiency with a set of advanced and proprietary technologies such as wind-liquid hybrid cooling system, all-direct current power distribution architecture and smart management system and reduces deployment times by up to 50% compared to traditional data center builds through prefabricated modular designs.

Open Lake Solution to Maximize Data Utility: As organizations face challenges in managing vast amounts of data amidst the growing demand for generative AI, Alibaba Cloud introduces Alibaba Cloud Open Lake which can seamlessly integrate big data engines into a unified solution, maximizing data utility especially for generative AI applications. By integrating workflows, performance optimization, and robust governance in a single platform, it achieves efficient resource usage through compute-storage separation, clear data governance, and significant cost and time savings.

AI Scheduler with Integrated Model Training and Inference: Alibaba Cloud has launched PAI AI Scheduler with integrated model training and inference, a proprietary cloud-native scheduling engine designed to enhance computing resource management. Through utilizing intelligent integration of diverse computing resources, flexible resource scheduling, real-time tasks adjustments, and automatic fault recovery, it can achieve over 90% of effective compute utilization rate.

DMS for Unified Management of Metadata: To help organizations efficiently manage their data and unleash values, Alibaba Cloud introduced DMS: OneMeta+OneOps, a platform that enables a unified management of over 40 types of data sources in database, data warehouse, and data lake across multiple cloud environments. The platform will boost data utilization rate by 10 times, significantly enhancing the efficiency of transforming data into valuable intelligence.

More Powerful Elastic Compute Service: Alibaba Cloud also introduced the 9th Generation Enterprise Elastic Compute Service (ECS) instance during the conference. The latest generation of ECS instances has notable performance enhancements, including a 30% increase in search recommendation speed and a 17% improvement in the effectiveness of reading and writing Queries Per Second (QPS) when applying to database products compared to the previous generation.

These updates are designed to provide more comprehensive support for customers and partners to maximize the benefits of the latest technology has to offer for building even more efficient, sustainable and inclusive AI applications.

About Alibaba Cloud

Established in 2009, Alibaba Cloud (www.alibabacloud.com) is the digital technology and intelligence backbone of Alibaba Group. It offers a complete suite of cloud services to customers worldwide, including elastic computing, database, storage, network virtualization services, large-scale computing, security, big data analytics, machine learning and artificial intelligence (AI) services. Alibaba has been named the leading IaaS provider in Asia Pacific by revenue in U.S. dollars since 2018, according to Gartner. It has also maintained its position as one of the world’s leading public cloud IaaS service providers since 2018, according to IDC.

20/09/2024
Zurich Malaysia Earns Recognition for Digital Innovation and Customer-Centric Initiatives

KUALA LUMPUR, 11 September 2024 –Zurich Malaysia has been recognised with six prestigious
awards at the Insurance Asia News Awards and the Asia Insurance Awards, showcasing the
company’s commitment to digital innovation and customer-centric initiatives. These accolades
highlight Zurich Malaysia’s leadership in the insurance and takaful sectors.

Celebrating excellence at the Insurance Asia News Awards
Zurich Malaysia was named Best Life Insurer, a testament to its dedication to providing exceptional
life insurance and family takaful solutions. The company’s focus on sustainability, community
engagement, and innovative product offerings has set it apart.

Under the leadership of Junior Cho, Country CEO/Head of Zurich Malaysia, the company has
prioritised customer needs and digital transformation. Junior expressed his gratitude for the
Outstanding CEO Award, stating, “These awards are not just an acknowledgement of our past
efforts but a motivation for us to continue pushing boundaries. This award is for the 1,500 Zurich
employees across Malaysia who dedicate their efforts and hard work to putting our customers first.
We remain dedicated to providing innovative solutions that meet the diverse needs of Malaysians,
ensuring they are protected and empowered in all aspects of their lives.”

Zurich Malaysia’s dedication to customer service was further recognised with the Outstanding
Claims Management award. The company’s emphasis on swift, fair, and seamless claims processing
has enhanced customer experience and fostered strong customer relationships.

Showcasing customer-centricity at the Asia Insurance Awards
Zurich Malaysia’s commitment to digital innovation has been a key driver of its success. The
introduction of the Straight-Through Processing (STP) system has transformed how customers
manage their investment-linked plans, enabling real-time adjustments and greater transparency. This
initiative earned the Customer Service Initiative of the Year award, exemplifying Zurich Malaysia’s
approach to making protection more accessible and user-friendly.

Additionally, the company’s effort in improving the travel insurance claims process was acknowledged
with the Travel Insurance Initiative of the Year award. By leveraging technology to reduce claims
turnaround time, Zurich Malaysia ensures a seamless and efficient experience for customers.

Zurich Malaysia’s “Care For What Matters” brand campaign, which bagged the Marketing Initiative
of the Year, underscores the company’s dedication to supporting Malaysians during challenging
times. The campaign not only resonated with the community’s desire for a brighter and more secure
future but also reflected Zurich Malaysia’s deep understanding of the pressures faced by individuals
and families, such as rising living costs and emotional stress.

Junior Cho, Country CEO/Head of Zurich Malaysia said “Moving forward, we will continue building
on these achievements by focusing on digital innovation, customer experience, and community
engagement, ensuring that these priorities remain at the forefront of the insurance and takaful
landscape in Malaysia. Our mission is to support Malaysians through thick and thin, helping them care
for what matters most.”

About Zurich Malaysia
Zurich Malaysia is a collective reference term for the Zurich Insurance Group (Zurich) business
subsidiaries operating in Malaysia: Zurich General Insurance Malaysia Berhad, Zurich Life Insurance
Malaysia Berhad, Zurich General Takaful Malaysia Berhad and Zurich Takaful Malaysia Berhad.
Zurich Malaysia offers a broad range of comprehensive insurance and takaful solutions; helping
individuals as well as business owners understand and protect themselves, their businesses and their
assets from risk. Zurich Malaysia has an integrated branch network in major cities nationwide as well
as dedicated agency and distribution channels nationwide to serve the needs of its customers. For
further information on Zurich Malaysia, visit www.zurich.com.my.

13/09/2024
Tanco Strengthens Ties with Chinese Partners to Accelerate Development of Malaysia’s First Smart AI Port in Negeri Sembilan

KUALA LUMPUR, 10th SEPTEMBER 2024 – Tanco Holdings Berhad (“Tanco” or “the Group”), a Emerging Malaysian Mid Cap company, has recently participated in the “Malaysia-China Entrepreneurs Exchange Conference” held in Kuala Lumpur on 9th September 2024, in conjunction with the 50th anniversary of China-Malaysia diplomatic relations.

The event was a collaborative initiative to foster deeper economic cooperation between Malaysia and China, focusing on transformative infrastructure projects such as Tanco’s highly anticipated Smart AI Container Port in Negeri Sembilan.

The conference brought together prominent organisations, including the Shanghai Overseas Economic and Technical Promotion Association, Malaysia Overseas Economic and Technological Industrial Development Association and the Malaysia-China Business Council. It served as a platform for promoting bilateral investments, particularly on sustainable development and digital economic cooperation.

Tanco’s Smart AI Container Port was highlighted as a key infrastructure project that will enhance Malaysia’s international trade capabilities. The port, boasting state-of-the-art technology and backed by a 480-acre landbank, will feature natural deep-water access exceeding 21 meters, allowing it to accommodate the world’s largest container ships. This positions Negeri Sembilan as a pivotal maritime hub in Southeast Asia, unlocking significant economic potential for Malaysia’s logistics and industrial sectors.

YB Teo Kok Seong, Negeri Sembilan State Executive Councilor, underscored Negeri Sembilan’s competitive investment environment, citing its geographic advantage as pivotal for Tanco’s port development.

Mr. Qi Quansheng, Chairman of the Shanghai Federation of Overseas Chinese, emphasised the important role overseas Chinese businesses play in the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).

Tan Sri Datuk Seri Panglima Dr. Goh Tian Chuan (Tan Sri T.C. Goh), Chairman of the Executive Committee of the Malaysia-China Business Council, commended the growing partnership between Malaysia and China over the past five decades.

During the event, Dato’ Sri Andrew Tan Jun Suan, Group Managing Director of Tanco Holdings Berhad, expressed the Group’s vision to create a world-class port that will drive economic growth and technological advancement in Malaysia.

The project’s strategic location, coupled with Negeri Sembilan’s competitive land prices, makes it an attractive investment destination for both local and international enterprises. The state has already seen over RM2 billion in foreign investments, including notable players like Nezha Automobile, Lee Kum Kee, and Kibing Glass.

The successful completion of the Smart AI Container Port will mark a significant milestone in Malaysia’s infrastructure development, offering advanced logistics capabilities while promoting sustainable practices. It will also serve as a catalyst for the growth of industrial zones and green technology investments in the region.

As Malaysia and China celebrate five decades of diplomatic relations, the Smart AI Port project underscores the long-standing partnership between the two nations and paves the way for future economic collaborations. Tanco Holdings remains committed to driving innovation and economic growth through strategic partnerships, sustainable practices, and technological advancement.

12/09/2024
The Haven Resort Announces its Collaboration with TUI Blue

On 9 September 2024, The Haven Resort announced its strategic collaboration with TUI BLUE, a leading international hotel chain, to improve the marketing and management of its esteemed property. This marks a new chapter for The Haven Resort in its efforts in delivering exceptional hospitality experiences. This collaboration merges The Haven Resort’s commitment to personalised luxury and TUI BLUE’s innovative approach to modern hotel management. Guests can expect the same warm and welcoming atmosphere, now enhanced by TUI BLUE’s signature touches, including a focus on exceptional services, sustainability, and tailored guest experiences.

The collaboration with TUI BLUE will elevate the quality and service of The Haven Resort and enhance it as a destination that meets the growing demands of today’s global travellers. The partnership with TUI BLUE brings a wealth of expertise, with an emphasis on high-quality service, outstanding dining, and a broad range of leisure activities.

Mr. Peter Chan, CEO of The Haven, says, “I am pleased to announce the collaboration of The Haven with TUI BLUE, Germany. This has come about after 2 years of discussion. With The Haven Resort, we have thus far attracted more than 140,000 foreign tourists from over 100 countries to stay with us in Ipoh. With the branding and expertise of TUI BLUE, we can comfortably expect extensive growth in the years to come.”

Mr. Artur Gerber, CEO of TUI BLUE, says, “It is with immense gratitude and excitement that I stand before you today at this grand opening of TUI BLUE The Haven Ipoh. Today marks a significant milestone and landmark occasion for the TUI BLUE brand as we proudly launch our first TUI BLUE hotel in Malaysia, right here in the enchanting city of Ipoh. I extend my heartfelt thanks to Mr. Chan, whose unwavering belief in our brand has been instrumental in bringing this vision to life. As we embark on this exciting journey together, I am confident that TUI BLUE The Haven Ipoh will set new standards of excellence in hospitality.”

Mr. Jan Noether, Executive Director of The Malaysian-German Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MGCC), says, “”I had in the past passed by Ipoh three times on my way to Penang. It is my first time in Ipoh and I am in heaven! It is really fantastic. I had the pleasure to spend the first hour here with Mr. Chan. This place is really really remarkable.” Regarding TUI, he provides the following information, “TUI is the biggest tour operator in the world. They have 19 million customers a year, 400 over hotels and resorts, 17 cruise ships, 5 airlines with 130 aircrafts, 1,200 travel agencies, and employees all over the world for its operation spans over 140 countries. We are very proud to have TUI BLUE in Ipoh, their very first venture in Malaysia. And I am certain, as part of the Malaysian-German Chamber of Commerce and Industry, that there are more ventures to come. I wish you all the success in your future endeavours.”

Dato’ Rumaizi bin Baharin @ Md Daud, The Mayor of Ipoh, says, “I am pleased to confirm that this partnership marks TUI BLUE’s inaugural entry into Malaysia and Singapore. I am confident that the collaboration between TUI BLUE and The Haven will be highly successful and will pave the way for TUI BLUE’s rapid expansion across Malaysia and Singapore, while The Haven extends its presence to Bintan, Indonesia. I would like to commend TUI BLUE for its astute choice. The Haven Ipoh is an exceptional resort, and Ipoh’s location is unmatched for such a development. Tourist arrivals to Ipoh have been increasing, and with TUI BLUE’s extensive network and connectivity, we anticipate a significant rise in tourism to Ipoh and Malaysia in the coming years.”

He adds, “I fully endorse Mr. Peter Chan’s view that Ipoh is an ideal resort destination. I extend my congratulations to The Haven and TUI BLUE for recognising these benefits and choosing this location to promote your resort globally.”

About TUI BLUE
TUI BLUE offers experience-oriented lifestyle travellers a hotel product tailored to their individual needs – for adults, families or holidaymakers interested in local culture and authentic experiences. BLUE Guides provide great hospitality with a personal touch and the BLUE App offers guests lots of activities at their choice. The experiences are tailored for all ages and range from entertainment in a relaxed atmosphere to a holistic fitness and well-being programme as well as a variety of excursions. TUI BLUE hotels stand for food experiences with a local touch, including authentic regional dishes while also catering for all dietary needs or nutrition plans. The hotel brand has more than 90 hotels worldwide and expanding its portfolio with a strong focus on Asia, the Middle East and Africa. TUI BLUE is a global brand of TUI Hotels & Resorts‘ leading leisure hotel portfolio. This collaboration with The Haven Resorts is the first maiden project into Malaysia and Singapore.

About TUI Group
The TUI Group is one of the world’s leading tourism groups and operates worldwide. The Group is headquartered in Germany. TUI shares are listed in the MDAX index of the Frankfurt Stock Exchange and in the regulated market of the Lower Saxony Stock Exchange in Hanover. TUI Group offers its 19 million customers integrated services from a single source and forms the entire tourism value chain under one roof. The Group owns over 400 hotels and resorts with premium brands such as RIU, TUI BLUE and Robinson and 16 cruise ships, ranging from the MS Europa and MS Europa 2 in the luxury class and expedition ships in the HANSEATIC class to the Mein Schiff fleet of TUI Cruises and cruise ships operated by Marella Cruises in the UK. The Group also includes Europe’s leading tour operator brands and online marketing platforms, for example for hotel-only or flight-only offers, five airlines with more than 130 modern medium- and long-haul aircraft and around 1,200 travel agencies. In addition to expanding its core business with hotels and cruises via successful joint ventures and activities in vacation destinations, TUI is increasingly focusing on the expansion of digital platforms. The Group is transforming itself into a global tourism platform company.

About The Haven
The Haven is an award-winning and unique resort-style hotel situated on the edge of a virgin forest, with an ever-flowing lake and a 280-million-year-old limestone outcrop 15 minutes from the city center of Ipoh, Malaysia. The luxurious resort consists of 150 suites with lavish facilities, including a specially designed seahorse-shaped 5-level swimming pool, 600m jogging track, clubhouse, restaurant, spa, sports facilities and helipad. A place with everything for everyone, The Haven is a sanctuary for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life with activities that cater to families, couples, outdoor enthusiasts, foodies and more.

About The Haven Group
The Haven development is the brainchild of Peter Chan and Amy Lau of The Haven Group of Companies. Boasting over 20 years of experience in property development and operations, they are committed to excellence and building and maintaining relationships. The concept of The Haven is an informal family resort, catering to all ages, all races and nationalities. Security, service, facilities and food are its main emphasis. With its one-of-a-kind location, specially curated offerings and future expansion plans, The Haven aims to champion Perak and Malaysian tourism and boost the local economy by attracting tourists from all over the globe.

11/09/2024
ACCA and Johor Corporation Sign Letter of Collaboration to Enhance Talent Development and Professional Qualification

JOHOR BAHRU, Friday, 6 September 2024: The Association of Chartered Certified Accountants
(ACCA) and Johor Corporation (JCorp) have formalised a strategic partnership with the signing of a
Letter of Collaboration (LoC) aimed at advancing talent recruitment and capacity building within JCorp’s
group. The signing ceremony was held during the visit of ACCA’s Chief Executive, Helen Brand, as part
of her tour of Singapore and Malaysia in celebration of ACCA’s 88th anniversary in this region.

The LoC, signed by Andrew Lim, Portfolio Head of ACCA Maritime Southeast Asia, and Rozaini Mohd
Sani, Chief Financial Officer of Johor Corporation, outlines an agreement to work together on a broader
talent agenda. This partnership focuses on quality recruitment and upskilling initiatives to produce more
professionally qualified accountants within JCorp and its group of companies.

This partnership builds on the decade-long relationship between ACCA and JCorp and continues to
support the development of a skilled and job-ready workforce, positioning JCorp as a leader in talent
development within Malaysia’s dynamic business landscape.

Helen Brand, Chief Executive of ACCA, said: “This collaboration with Johor Corporation reflects our
shared commitment to building a robust pipeline of talent that will drive positive change in the country.
Together, we are nurturing future-ready finance professionals who are equipped with both technical
proficiency and a deep understanding of sustainability and ethical leadership.”

Key areas of collaboration include joint efforts to develop strategies that promote continuous professional development preparing future leaders for successful careers in accountancy and finance. The partnership also emphasises leveraging ACCA’s learning resources and professional networks to support these objectives.

Rozaini Mohd Sani, Chief Financial Officer of Johor Corporation, said: “Our partnership with ACCA
is an important step in enhancing our ability to attract and develop top-tier finance professionals who are
ready to meet the evolving demands of the industry. This aligns with our broader commitment to
excellence in financial management and sustainable business practices.”

About ACCA
We are ACCA (the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants), a globally recognised professional
accountancy body providing qualifications and advancing standards in accountancy worldwide.

Founded in 1904 to widen access to the accountancy profession, we’ve long championed inclusion and
today proudly support a diverse community of over 252,500 members and 526,000 future members in
180 countries.

Our forward-looking qualifications, continuous learning and insights are respected and valued by
employers in every sector. They equip individuals with the business and finance expertise and ethical
judgment to create, protect, and report the sustainable value delivered by organisations and economies.

Guided by our purpose and values, our ambition is to lead the accountancy profession for a changed
world. Partnering with policymakers, standard setters, the donor community, educators and other
accountancy bodies, we’re strengthening and building a profession that drives a sustainable future for
all.

Find out more at: www.accaglobal.com

09/09/2024