| National Affairs
PMI for Asean region sees marginal increase in Sept NST Online 3rd Oct 2016
With the exception of Thailand, the Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI) saw at least two-month high record readings in the Asean region.
Malaysia's Budget 2017, Bank Negara rate cut key to stock market recovery the edge market 26th Sep 2016
Malaysia's Budget 2017 and Bank Negara Malaysia's recent interest rate cut are expected to support the economy and catalyse the stock market, according to Pacific Mutual Fund Bhd CEO and executive director Teh Chi-Cheun.
Budget 2017: Khazanah sees continuation of pro-growth, pro-society focus NST Online 26th Sep 2016
Khazanah Nasional Bhd sees a continuation of a pro-growth and pro-society focus in the upcoming Budget 2017.Managing Director Tan Sri Azman Mokhtar said the budget would also like to be fiscally responsible on the back of a challenging global economic environment.
Taxi group submits memorandum demanding PM ban Uber and Grab NST Online 26th Sep 2016
Kesepakatan Persatuan Teksi Se-Malaysia, a group representing 300 taxi associations nationwide, today submitted a memorandum to the Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak to ban Uber and Grab services immediately.
Court strikes out taxi drivers' lawsuit seeking ban on Uber, GrabCar NST Online 26th Sep 2016
The High Court today struck out a lawsuit by 102 taxi drivers who had sought to force the Land Public Transport Commission (SPAD) to ban ride-hailing services Uber, GrabCar and Blacklane.
Use of technology reduces dependence on foreign workers the star 25th Sep 2016
Industry players in the construction and handicraft sectors are recommended to optimise the use of the technology industry in efforts to reduce dependence on foreign workers.
Nations Budget 2017 wish list The Star 21st Sep 2016
Employment, taxes and social issues were among the popular concerns Malaysians hope Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak would address in Budget 2017.
Sultan Nazrin praised at 71st UN General Assembly NST Online 20th Sep 2016
Sultan of Perak, Sultan Nazrin Muizzuddin Shah was given a special mention for his role in co-chairing the High Level Panel on Humanitarian Financing at the 71st United Nations General Assembly here, yesterday.
KL wants UN action on migrant issue The Star 20th Sep 2016
Malaysia has expressed concerns at what it described as lingering problems in resettling migrants and refugees in third countries.Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said that while Malaysia had never shirked its humanitarian assistance over the years, it was facing problems in resettling the existing refugee population in Malaysia in third countries which had taken years.
Malaysia refutes Harvard study that haze killed 6,500 The Star 20th Sep 2016
Malaysia has refuted a Harvard and Columbia University study claiming that the 2015 South-East Asian haze caused 6,500 deaths in the country.
Malaysia remains competitive, companies continue to invest, says Tok Pa NST Online 20th Sep 2016
Despite the challenging economic environment, investors particularly those who are already here, continue to invest, expand and diversify their projects in the country.
Final date for submission of proposals for 2017 Budget extended to Sept 21 NST Online 19th Sep 2016
Those who wished to submit their suggestions or contribute ideas for the 2017 Budget can still do so until Sept 21 although it was announced that the last day for submission was Sept 15.
Foreign worker issue needs intervention The Star 17th Sep 2016
The announcement by the Immigration Department on Tuesday that it would freeze the assets and bank accounts of employers hiring illegal foreign workers has been described as costly and complicated for the business community.
Broadband wars: Fitch unit predicts Singapore newcomer may give Telekom run for money The Malaymail 14th Sep 2016
Singapore-based Internet Service Provider (ISP) Viewqwest which entered the Malaysian broadband market this month could prove a tough rival in future to local telecommunications giant Telekom Malaysia and spark a price war.
Customs
Government formulating Malaysia Shipping Master Plan | theSundaily The Sun Daily 5th Oct 2016
The government is formulating a Malaysia Shipping Master Plan (MSMP) to address industry concerns and it will be ready by the end of the year. Deputy Transport Minister Datuk Ab Aziz Kaprawi (pix) said the government is currently engaging with the relevant stakeholders on the plan which will be for a five-year period. "The master plan is expected to be concluded by year's end. We are going to put up new measures and want to standardise the (maritime) rulings," he told reporters after opening the Malaysia World Maritime Day 2016 International Conference here yesterday. He said, for example, safety regulations for both cargo and fishing vessels will be standardised to ensure security in the Straits of Malacca. This is important as the Straits is a busy and congested trade route due to its strategic position, making it a meeting point between the East and the West, he said.
Johari: No plans to remove or reduce GST Free Malaysia Today 27th Sep 2016
Finance Minister II Johari Abdul Ghani says Putrajaya is investing up to RM150b on infrastructure projects to stimulate economy, especially for future generations.KUALA LUMPUR: The government has no plans to remove or reduce the GST at the moment, Finance Minister II Johari Abdul Ghani said today.
Stolen vehicles from Malaysia smuggled into Myanmar, Laos and Cambodia The Star Online 25th Sep 2016
Vehicle theft syndicates in Malaysia are not limiting their so-called ‘business’ just to the closest neighbouring country, Thailand, but are believed to have expanded even to Myanmar, Laos and Cambodia. A source who disclosed the syndicates’ modus operandi said, chances would be very slim to find back the stolen vehicles if they had reached those Indochina countries.
Brazil eyes Malaysia as entry point for Asean trade NST Online 20th Sep 2016
Brazil, Latin America’s largest market, is confident that its bilateral trade ties with Malaysia will strengthen in the years to come.Its Minister of Agriculture, Livestock and Food supply, Blairo Maggi, said Malaysia poses an opportunity for Brazil as a halal hub and entry point for the Asean market.
Former Customs DG Abdul Halil dies Astro Awani 17th Sep 2016
Former Royal Malaysian Customs Department (JKDM) director-general Tan Sri Abdul Halil Abd Mutalib died at Gleneagles Hospital here at about 10pm yesterday of liver cancer. He was 70. According to JKDM's Facebook, his remains will be buried at the Taman Kosas Muslim cemetery in Ampang before the Zohor (midday) prayers today after the funeral prayers at the Jamil Huda Mosque in Kampung Melayu Ampang here. Meanwhile, JKDM director-general Datuk Seri Khazali Ahmad described the demise of Abdul Halil as a big loss to the country. "The late Abdul Halil was a friendly person and he was highly dedicated and experienced as he had held various posts. "I last met him two months ago when paying him a visit at home," he told Bernama. On behalf of all JKDM personnel, Khazali conveyed their condolences to the family of Abdul Halil who leaves behind wife Puan Sri Nabiha Mahmur and three children.
Tighter duty-free rules from Nov 1: Customs NST Online 17th Sep 2016
The Customs Department will restructure the sales channels of duty-free cigarettes and liquor as well as tighten tax exemption for the usage of imported vehicles from the duty-free islands of Langkawi, Labuan and Tioman effective Nov 1. Its director-general, Datuk Seri Khazali Ahmad, said a quota system would be in place to monitor the sales of duty-free cigarettes and liquor, which would be limited to customers in approved duty-free shops only. “Previously, the whole island is duty-free, which places a burden on us to control. “We will now limit the sale of the quantity of cigarettes and liquor to a customer at approved duty-free shops,” he said after closing a customs basic training course at the Royal Malaysian Customs Academy here yesterday. Under the new ruling, each local customer is limited to purchase only three cartons of cigarettes, five litres of liquor and three crates of beers per month.
Defense & Security
Hishammuddin: US, Asean ministers on guard against Daesh threat the malaymail 3rd Oct 2016
The threat posed by Daesh, specifically fighters who returned home and self-radicalised “lone wolves”, featured in the just-concluded United States-Asean Defence Minister’s Informal Meeting in Hawaii.
Malaysia to discuss Sulu Sea security with Indonesia, Philippines tomorrow NST Online 27th Sep 2016
The Defence Ministry will discuss the issue of security at the Sulu Sea with Indonesia and the Philippines tomorrow.The discussion will be held on the sidelines of the Asean-US Defence Ministers Meeting (ADMM) in Hawaii.
Malaysia, US Discuss Potential Transfer of Guantanamo Detainees BenarNews 26th Sep 2016
An Australian investigator inspects the site of one of the bombings in Bali, Indonesia, Oct. 17, 2002. Malaysia and the United States are discussing the de-radicalization process required to release at least one of two Malaysians linked to al-Qaeda and who are incarcerated at the U.S. military prison in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. Malaysian Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi met this week in New York with U.S. Ambassador Lee Wolowsky, the special envoy for the closure of Guantanamo, according to state-run news agency Bernama. Zahid said he was informed about the possibility of the release of detainee Mohamad Bashir Lap to his home country, but that Bashir would have to undergo a de-radicalization process in a Malaysian prison.
Malaysia co-sponsors resolution on aviation security at UN meeting Malaymail Online 23rd Sep 2016
Malaysia co-sponsors resolution on aviation security at UN meeting The minister said that the twin tragedies of Malaysia Airlines’ MH370 and the downing of MH17 over eastern Ukraine — while not ostensibly linked to terrorism — offered some instructive lessons. ― File picNEW YORK, Sept 23 — Malaysia has co-sponsored a resolution at the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) seeking to establish a better and stronger linkage between the Council’s ongoing counter-terrorism work with International Civil Aviation Organisation norm and standard-setting work.
Defence Ministry to set up camp, navy base in Bintulu NST Online 23rd Sep 2016
The Defence Ministry plans to set up a camp in Bintulu to strengthen the presence of its 31st Border Brigade and First Battalion Border Regiment stationed along the Malaysia-Indonesia border in the state.
Economics
Malaysia to pick up pace in 2017, says World Bank NST Online 5th Oct 2016
The World Bank has projected a better growth for the Malaysian economy in 2017 and 2018, backed by manufacturing growth and commodities. Sudhir Shetty, the chief economist for the bank's east Asia and Pacific region said the slight recovery will be mostly due to improving oil prices. But the growth pace will not be near the levels seen in 2014, he said in a video conference. "The World Bank predicts that Malaysia's economic growth in 2017 and 2018 will be better compared to the 4.0 per cent targeted this year." According to the World Bank's latest global outlook, growth in the region will be resilient over the next three years.
World Bank trims Malaysia's growth estimate on weak exports, low crude price Nikkei Asian Review 5th Oct 2016
The World Bank has trimmed Malaysia's economic growth estimate for this year to 4.2% from 4.4% tracking weak crude oil price and feeble demand for exports of manufactured products. Growth at Southeast Asia's third-largest economy this year will be driven primarily by private consumption, the World Bank said in a report. That growth engine, however, is expected to decelerate amid softer labor market and rising cost of living, it added. "Nevertheless, rising uncertainties over the global economic outlook could weigh on Malaysia's growth," the multilateral agency said in its latest edition of East Asia and Pacific Economic Update.
SME association signs MoU with crowdfunding company the star 30th Sep 2016
SME International Trade Association of Malaysia (SMITA) and Crowdo have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to reaffirm their commitment to assist Malaysian SMEs through crowdfunding to expand their business globally.
Johari: No one will be left behind in economic progress Free Malaysia Today 27th Sep 2016
Malaysia can only be a developed nation by 2020 when its diversity is taken into account and everyone has a seat at the table, said Finance Minister II Johari Ghani.
Johari: Malaysia on track to achieve 3.1pc fiscal deficit target this year malaymail 27th Sep 2016
Malaysia is on track to achieve the fiscal deficit target of 3.1 per cent this year, said Second Finance Minister, Datuk Johari Abdul Ghani.
Mida Beijing office seeks Chinese R&D investments NST Online 14th Sep 2016
MALAYSIAN Investment Development Authority (Mida)’s Beijing office is seeking Chinese companies to invest, value-add and delve into research and development (R&D)-based businesses in Malaysia.
Energy
Najib and Brunei Ruler want maximum returns from O&G investment The Star Online 5th Oct 2016
Malaysia and Brunei want their respective national petroleum companies to see how best they can commercialise recent oil and gas finds to maximise their investment returns. Both Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak and Sultan of Brunei Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah want Petronas and PetroleumBrunei to explore the most commercially viable opportunity following recent discoveries in Block CA2 in the South China Sea. Besides collaboration in oil and gas, they want work to be expedited to conclude the joint demarcation and survey of the land boundary between the two countries, particularly in the joint priority areas.
Canada govt to announce Petronas LNG decision Wednesday the star 28th Sep 2016
The Canadian government will announce on Tuesday at 5:15 p.m. local time (0015 GMT Wednesday) whether it has approved a C$11 billion ($8.3 billion) liquefied natural gas plant proposed by Petroliam NAsional Bhd (Petronas) after a three year wait.
Canada approves $27 billion LNG complex; Petronas in no rush to start Reuters 28th Sep 2016
The Petronas logo is seen at one of its petrol outlets in Putrajaya outside Kuala Lumpur December 8, 2012. A logo of a Petronas fuel station is seen against a darkening sky in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia February 10, 2016. The green light for the Pacific NorthWest LNG project in northern British Columbia comes after a 3-year wait for Petronas and its partners, but analysts are skeptical about the project's prospects given low gas prices and cost-cutting at the Malaysian oil giant. The decision on the project was seen as a major test for Canada's Liberals, juggling the needs of an energy industry suffering from job losses and the concerns of environmentalists, courted by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in last year's election campaign. The approval came with 190 conditions that Petronas and partners in China, India, Japan and Brunei would have to meet, after a review found the project would have a significant environmental impact. "We need time to look at the conditions and then we will have a review of the project," Petronas CEO Wan Zulkiflee Wan Ariffin told reporters on the sidelines of an event in Kuala Lumpur.
MOGSEC offers good platform for O&G firms to showcase products, services NST Online 27th Sep 2016
Since it was first held in 2012, the Malaysian Oil and Gas Services Exhibition and Conference (MOGSEC) has become a prominent showcase for the local oil and gas (O&G) industry.
UPDATE 1-Canada gov't to announce Petronas LNG decision CNBC 27th Sep 2016
The Canadian government will announce on Tuesday whether it has approved a C$11 billion ($8.3 billion) liquefied natural gas plant proposed by Malaysian state oil firm Petronas after a three year wait. An official statement said Environment Minister Catherine McKenna and Natural Resources Minister Jim Carr would reveal the decision in the Pacific province of British Columbia at 5:15 p.m. local time (0015 GMT Wednesday).
Sarawak Energy gets go-ahead to build Baleh dam The Star 21st Sep 2016
Sarawak Energy Bhd (SEB) has been given the go-ahead from the state cabinet to build the proposed Baleh hydroelectric dam in the upper Rejang basin in central Sarawak.The dam would generate 1,285MW of renewable energy when completed in 2025.
Council draws RM4.5b potential investments from China The Star 15th Sep 2016
The East Coast Economic Region Development Council (ECERDC) has secured potential investments of RM4.5bil from China for the construction of renewable energy and advanced chemical factory in Malaysia-China Kuantan Industrial Park.
Laos, Malaysia and Thailand kick off ASEAN multilateral power trading- Nikkei Asian Review 26th Sep 2016
Laos, Malaysia and Thailand on Wednesday have inked an agreement that paves the way for multilateral trade in electric power by 2018. This represents a push for regional cooperation to enhance connectivity and sharing of resources. Under the Memorandum of Understanding signed by the three neighboring countries, Malaysia will import up to 100 megawatts of hydroelectric power from Laos, which will be transmitted on the existing power grid that passes through Thailand.
Malaysia, Thailand ink MoU to facilitate cross-border power trade The Star 21st Sep 2016
Malaysia, Thailand and Laos have inked a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to facilitate the implementation of a multilateral cross-border power trade up to 100 MW through Thailand. The Energy, Green Technology and Water Ministry said the MoU would pave the way for Malaysia to purchase up to 100MW of hydro power from Laos and transmitted through Thailand by 2018. “The multilateral power trade is the initial stage of the Asean Power Grid initiative which is a flagship project under the Asean Vision 2020. “The project is aimed at enhancing energy security in Asean through the establishment of a network of interconnections between Asean member states,” it said in a statement. The MoU was signed on Wednesday on the sidelines of the 34th Asean Ministers on Energy Meeting (AMEM) in Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar. Malaysian Energy, Green Technology and Water Minister Datuk Seri Dr Maximus Johnity Ongkili, Thai Energy Minister General Anantaporn Kanjanarat and Laotian Energy and Mines Vice-Minister Viraphonh Viravong represented their respective governments.
Financial Services
Local lenders on path to digital dominance NST Online 1st Oct 2016
The buzzwords “fintech” and “disruption” are gaining momentum in the commerce and banking space globally, and Malaysia’s financial sector has not been sitting idle.
Malaysian banks brace for profit hits as O&G firms restructure debt Reuters 26th Sep 2016
The problem mirrors pain playing out in neighboring Singapore, where the collapse of oilfield services firm Swiber Holdings Ltd has stoked concerns about the size of the city state's biggest lender DBS Group Holdings' exposure to the industry.
Governor spells out ‘clear the hurdle’ factors the star 24th Sep 2016
Niche institutions and alternative credit providers must meet the high bar and strict preconditions before the funding model for consumers can take root and flourish, said Bank Negara Governor Datuk Muhammad Ibrahim.
BNM, govt working on consumer credit law The Asian Banker 23rd Sep 2016
Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) is working with the government to introduce consumer credit legislation to protect businesses and households that deal with financial intermediaries that are not licensed financial institutions. BNM Governor Datuk Muhammad Ibrahim said on Friday the legislation will provide consistent protection to the businesses and households. “Appropriate arrangements are also being considered to drive and support the development of alternative financing vehicles to serve the financing needs of small businesses,” he said. He was delivering the keynote address “Future finance conference 2016” at the Sasana Kijang here.
Governor's Keynote Address at the Future Finance Conference 2016 Bank Negara Malaysia 23rd Sep 2016
This conference gathers the leaders of the industry to discuss opportunities and develop substantive ideas for the development of our financial sector relevant to Malaysia’s future. In the weeks leading up to today, some ideas have been exchanged among us and further refined. It is our intention that the industry can come to an understanding on implementing substantive and collective solutions to the four subjects that we had identified: going beyond access to promote financial inclusion, creating opportunities for underprivileged children, financing the new economy and improving insurance penetration. We will also have the opportunity to hear from international speakers and financial technology (fintech) companies on how the world around us is changing, and how the financial industry will need to evolve with it.
Malaysia’s leadership in Islamic finance a catalyst for ESG-driven investment The Star Online 22nd Sep 2016
RAM Ratings sees Malaysia’s leadership in Islamic finance as a catalyst for environmental, social and governance (ESG)-driven investment. Recently RAM was among the featured voices in the international research paper, Investor Obligations and Duties in Six Asian Markets, jointly published by Principles for Responsible Investment, the United Nations Environment Programme Finance Initiative and The Generation Foundation. The report also took into account the views of key institutions in Malaysia, such as Bursa Malaysia and the Employees Provident Fund, as well as other market players.
EPF Islamic fund allocation set to boost sukuk mart: says Moody’s The Star 21st Sep 2016
The Employees Provident Fund’s (EPF) explicit allocation of US$25bil to a new fund dedicated to syariah-compliant investment is set to boost the sukuk market, said Moody’s Investors Service.
Takaful: Fintech is coming to Islamic insurance in a big way Asia Insurance Review 20th Sep 2016
Huge developments in fintech are taking place in the UAE and Malaysia, which are takaful market leaders, heralding that financial innovation (and disruption) is looming on the horizon for Islamic insurance. This is evident too from strong regulators' support for fintech.
New ‘RENTAS’ adopts global standards, connects with SWIFT The Star 20th Sep 2016
A new Real-time Gross Settlement and Debt Securities Depository (RENTAS) System that was launched on Sept 19 has adopted global standards.In a statement, Bank Negara’s wholly-owned subsidiary, MyClear, said the new RENTAS is also connected to the Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunication’s (SWIFT) worldwide messaging network.
Food & Agriculture
Malaysia to persuade France not to hike tax on palm oil imports BorneoPost 14th Sep 2016
Malaysia, as a major palm oil producer, will try and persuade France not to hike duties on Malaysian palm oil which currently attracts 21 per cent import tax, said Plantation Industries and Commodities Minister Datuk Seri Mah Siew Keong. “We are engaged in high-level discussions with French parliamentarians. Malaysia is concerned as the proposal is to increase the import tax on palm oil only and not other vegetable oils. The tax must be fair and apply to similar vegetables oils,” said Mah, adding that the review on the vegetable oils tax was expected to be deliberated in the French Parliament in November. Saying that the proposed tax was discriminatory, the minister, who just returned from a working visit to Belgium, France and the United Kingdom, added that if France were to increase the tax, then the European Union would also do the same.
Health & Life Sciences
Dr Subra: Regional meet best avenue to discuss disease the malaymail 2nd Oct 2016
Zika would be a talking point at the 67th World Health Organisation Regional Committee for the Western Pacific meeting in Manila on Oct 10 as the number of cases in the region continues to rise, said Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr S. Subramaniam.
UEM Edgenta to buy top healthcare facilities manager for RM565mil the star 26th Sep 2016
UEM Edgenta Bhd is set to become the country’s biggest facilities management provider servicing the private healthcare and hospital segments through its proposed acquisition of Asia Integrated Facility Solutions Pte Ltd for S$185.9mil (RM565.2mil) in cash.
Health Ministry, Fatwa Council yet to decide on Zika abortions Malay Mail Online 29th Sep 2016
Health Ministry, Fatwa Council yet to decide on Zika abortions 3 killed, more than 100 injured in New Jersey Transit train crash The Health Ministry gave medical and scientific input on the Zika virus including the incidence of infection to pregnant women, to the National Fatwa Council yesterday. Its minister Datuk Seri Dr S.Subramaniam said there was, however, no final decision reached on the abortion of foetus for mothers infected with the Zika virus, at the High-Level Committee meeting on Zika yesterday. The meeting was chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, with members of the Fatwa Council also present.
Study: Only one psychiatrist per 100,000 mental patients in Malaysia NST Online 17th Sep 2016
Malaysia has an average ratio of one psychiatrist for every 100,000 mental patients. Announcing this today, Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr S Subramaniam said there are currently only 360 registered psychiatrists in the country; 190 are in government hospitals while 170 are in private hospitals. Of the total, only 13 are clinical psychiatrists. "The number is definitely not enough to meet the optimal demand of the mental patients in country. However, Malaysia has made progress by offering wider mental health treatment in 48 hospitals compared to before where only three or four hospitals in the country offered treatment and counseling," he told a press conference today.
Early detection for poor mental health a must NST Online 17th Sep 2016
Early detection of poor mental health and early treatment are important to prevent further complications and the higher risk of developing mental illnesses, said Malaysian Mental Health Association deputy president Datuk Dr Andrew Mohanraj Chandrasekaran. He said a significant number of Malaysians suffered from some form of psychological distress, but might not realise they were facing such problems. Failure to treat the problem at an early stage or if left untreated, he said, could lead to disastrous consequences for one’s self and to the society. “Globally, one in five adults will suffer from one episode of depression in their lifetime and those suffering from depression may become suicidal. “Those with anxiety disorders may stop functioning although they know the fear of imminent danger or death is not real.
ICT
Globalisation strategy by MDEC the star 4th Oct 2016
Going global to build presence is never an easy feat for any company – especially with the growing economic uncertainties currently.
Malaysia focuses on building a data driven Asean Digital News Asia 21st Sep 2016
Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC) and Olygen Sdn Bhd officiated the start of Big Data Week Asia 2016. The week long congregation will host over 3,500 participants from across the region, 84 world-class speakers, 38 leading exhibitors, 41 sponsors and 17 satellite events focused on building a data driven Asean. Kuala Lumpur is the 2016 city partner of Global Big Data Week and the congregation has been officially recognised as the biggest in Asia this year. BIGIT Technology Malaysia 2016, the anchor event for Big Data Week Asia 2016, is being held on Sept 19 and 20 at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC). The event will also feature Pepper, a robot that is capable of reading emotions and feelings. The two-day event is part of MDEC’s efforts to catalyse digital innovation ecosystems in expanding opportunities in the area of Big Data and Analytics (BDA). Speakers include Professor Karim R. Lakhani (Harvard Business School), Daniel Castro (Director of Centre for Data Innovation, US), Amr Awadallah (Co-founder and CTO of Cloudera) and Lutz Finger (Data Scientist, Cornell University) along with a host of regional and local speakers.
Malaysian pension fund eyes more tech investments after Uber NST Online 21st Sep 2016
Malaysia's $30-billion pension fund, Kumpulan Wang Persaraan (KWAP), is looking to pump in more money into technology firms, following its recent foray into the sector with an investment in what sources have identified as ride-sharing service Uber.
Chinas digital economy giants to converge in KL The Star 21st Sep 2016
The Malaysia-China Digital Economy Forum will be held in Kuala Lumpur on Oct 26 to shape the collaboration in the digital economy industry between the two countries, said Tan Sri Ong Ka Ting.
Big telco stake sale in Malaysia The Star 20th Sep 2016
Two foreign shareholders of large stakes in leading Malaysian telecommunications companies (telcos) are exploring the possibility of divesting their stakes, indicating that the industry could be maturing here.
Big Blue Taxi takes on Grab, Uber in M’sia with e-hailing, delivery app Digital News Asia 19th Sep 2016
AS the saying goes, if you can’t beat them join them. In Malaysia, a Kuala Lumpur based taxi company Big Blue Taxi Services is set to compete against ride-sharing services Uber and Grab with its own mobile application ZeptoBlue, co-developed with online delivery service platform ZeptoExpress. Claiming to be more than just an e-hailing app for Big Blue Taxis, the app also doubles up as an on-demand delivery service powered by ZeptoExpress where Big Blue Taxis will offer same-day delivery services within three hours. “We chose to partner with ZeptoExpress because of their experience in software development and because they were on board with our vision to revolutionise the local taxi industry,” explains Big Blue Taxi’s founder Shamsubahrin Ismail, who has been among the most vocal critics of the two services. In various media statements made, Shamsubahrin had among others, slammed the Land Public Transport Department (SPAD), accusing it of being brainless and biased towards helping the two ride sharing companies get into the market rather than to regulate them.
Safety Guidelines For Telco Sub-contractors Bernama 14th Sep 2016
Local telecommunications companies and edotco Group have teamed up to standardise the industry's health, safety and environment (HSE) requirements for sub-contractors undertaking network infrastructure work at any of the telco sites. Celcom, Digi, Maxis, U Mobile and edotco, in a joint statement today, said that they have agreed to a single common set of HSE requirements for the sub-contractors, which was implemented on Sept 1, 2016.
Infrastructure
Budget 2017 MCPF hoping for RM4 million grant from Government astro awani 3rd Oct 2016
The Malaysia Crime Prevention Foundation (MCPF) is hoping to receive an annual grant of RM4 million from the government in the 2017 Budget.Its senior vice-chairman, Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye said the provision was important as the MCPF needed funds to implement various community programmes including crime awareness campaigns.
Budget 2017 IRDA hopes for more infrastructure development funding astro awani 26th Sep 2016
The Iskandar Regional Development Authority (IRDA) hopes the government will allocate more funding for infrastructure development in the upcoming 2017 Budget.Chief Executive Datuk Ismail Ibrahim said a larger allocation for affordable housing, public transportation and connectivity would benefit the public tremendously.
Korea ready for Kuala Lumpur-Singapore railway project Koreatimes 25th Sep 2016
South Korea has a small, open economy with heavy dependence on external trade. Over the past decades, its economic growth has been powered by robust exports to China, Korea's largest trading partner. However, with China losing growth momentum, Asia's fourth-largest economy is seeking a breakthrough in the ASEAN region as the launch of the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) brings huge infrastructure opportunities for Korean firms. As the first step, Korea is paying keen attention to the multibillion-dollar Malaysia-Singapore high-speed railway project before an international tender early next year. In July, the two nations signed a memorandum of understanding to develop the 350km line.
Malaysia’s transport binge to spur sukuk sales NST Online 23rd Sep 2016
Despite the challenging economic environment, investors particularly those who are already here, continue to invest, expand and diversify their projects in the country. "Malaysia’s highly diversified economy, strong manufacturing foundation, developed infrastructure and connectivity, proactive government policies and multilingual workforce are among the reasons investors continue to view Malaysia as their profit centre," Minister of International Trade and Industry Datuk Seri Mustapa Mohamed told a media conference held at the Equatorial Hotel, Penang, today.
China, Malaysia Mull Dispute Resolution for ‘Belt and Road’ Countries The Diplomat 20th Sep 2016
This week, Malaysia’s special envoy to China proposed a way for the two countries to address disputes that arise among countries along China’s ‘One Belt One Road’ (OBOR) initiative and to provide better legal protection for future projects. Since 2013, China has been promoting OBOR – comprising the Silk Road Economic Belt and the Maritime Silk Road – as a way to boost connectivity between China and Eurasia through infrastructure development, trade liberalization, financial integration, policy coordination and stronger people-to-people ties. Though the idea has become central to China’s regional economic diplomacy, it continues to face obstacles due to lingering disputes among countries that could hamper future cooperation.
Malaysia starts work on second subway to boost economy- Nikkei Asian Review 20th Sep 2016
Malaysia has kicked off the construction of a second subway connecting the country's capital to the suburbs. The 32 billion ringgit ($8 billion) Sungai Buloh-Serdang-Putrajaya line is part of the government's plan to splurge on infrastructure to stimulate the flagging economy and to ease traffic jams in urban areas.
SSP MRT ground breaking marks another milestone for KL The Star 15th Sep 2016
The ground breaking of the RM32bil mass rapid transit (MRT) Sungai Buloh-Serdang-Putrajaya (SSP) line today marks another milestone for Greater Kuala Lumpur to achieve 40% of public transport model share within the next 15 years.
Manufacturing
Another wave of retrenchments hits Penang manufacturing sector NST Online 27th Sep 2016
Another wave of retrenchments has apparently hit Penang’s manufacturing sector, with a sudden announcement to over 200 employees that they are out of jobs.
TPP
Matrade CEO to highlight key details of TPPA at SMEBiz conference the star 30th Sep 2016
The Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement (TPPA) has been hotly debated among many parties from across different parts of the world.Malaysia, being one of the 12 countries involved in the negotiations, has also received mixed feedback from various parties and stakeholders.
'TPP pact important for US' NST Online 26th Sep 2016
The Trans Pacific Partnership (TPP) agreement is crucial to the United States to forge stronger economic ties with Southeast Asian countries such as Malaysia.
Malaysia on track to meet TPPA's 2018 ratification deadline the star 25th Sep 2016
Malaysia is on track in meeting the 2018 deadline for the ratification of the Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement (TPPA).
(UPDATE) Malaysia amending 18 laws in preparation for TPPA ratification NST Online 24th Sep 2016
The Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement (TPPA) will come into force even without ratification from the United States, as long as six countries accounting for 85 per cent of the signatories' GDP ratify the agreement, says International Trade and Industry Ministry secretary-general Datuk J. Jayasiri.
|
