SDB’s Jui Residences in Singapore selling like hot cakes with 40% snapped up

October 22, 2018

Selangor Dredging Berhad (SDB) Asia’s launch of the 117-unit Jui Residences along Serangoon Road in Singapore which was launched late last month has been selling like hot cakes with close to 40% already sold, it is learnt.

When contacted by Business Today, an industry analyst said that he was not surprised at the strong interest and take-rate.

“It’s a no-brainer. SDB is selling a ‘freehold development at leasehold prices’ at around SGD $1,700 per square foot, making this development excellent value for money,” he said.

Being freehold property, Jui Residences is advantageous from an investment point of view for aspiring property owners who are looking for longer term investments. This is because freehold properties generally see a more stable increase in value and is definitely an hedge against inflation. A freehold property stands the test of time as it is not subjected to depreciation of land value with time, unlike leasehold developments.

This is because freehold properties generally see a more stable increase in value and is definitely an hedge against inflation. A freehold property stands the test of time as it is not subjected to depreciation of land value with time, unlike leasehold developments.

What’s more, the project is also strategically located with a historical landmark within its premises and being backed by an internationally-acclaimed property developer with a solid track record in Singapore.

In fact, Jui Residences is currently the only freehold development in Serangoon.

Mostly importantly, Jui Residences is located in URA’s earmarked growth districts of Bidadari and Kampong Bahru areas. Plans to rejuvenated the iconic Kallang River is already underway. By 2030, another 100,000 residential homes will be built in that area, transforming the Kallang River into a lifestyle hub, with waterways, greenery and seamless park connectors. Jui Residences being right next to the Kallang River will stand to benefit from this major facelift and keen-eyed investors have identified this potential extraordinary return on investment. ( Source:https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/plans-to-turn-kallang-river-area-into-a-lifestyle-hub )

What makes Jui Residences a sound investment is its strategic location. The project is just minutes away from the Pan Island Expressway (PIE), Central Expressway (CTE) and Serangoon Road to areas such as the Kallang Basin Area, the Orchard Shopping District, the Central Business District in Raffles Places, Marina Bay as well as supper spots around the Geylang area. It is also located just 600m walk to Potong Pasir MRT Station and has access to numerous buses plying Serangoon Road.

Jui Residences is located on the same parcel of land on what was formerly the National Aerated Water Company (NAWC). Late last year, the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) announced that SDB would work closely with URA to keep the building as part of Singapore’s national history and the main building of the former bottling factory will be conserved.

In addition, the development is backed by the SDB Group which is world renowned for its commitment to design and aesthetics, uncompromising quality and a proven track record.

To date, the SDB Group has successfully completed five reputable projects in Singapore, including Hijauan on Cavenagh which won the World Silver Winner of FIABCI World Prix d’Excellence Awards 2018 in the Residential (Mid-Rise) category earlier this year. Another development, Village at Pasir Panjang won the Singapore Property Awards in the Residential (Low-Rise) category this year.

The concept of Jui Residences serves as a reflection of Singapore’s art deco heritage and to blend with the NAWC heritage building. Its art deco elements are apparent through the vertical flutes on the façade, arched detailing on the balconies and wide inset curves at the podium. An infinity lap pool at the raised facility podium deck provides for unobstructed views of the Kallang river.

Like other SDB properties this 18-storey tower presents contemporarily crafted units with excellent spatial planning. Homes are designed with comfortable living spaces and abundant natural lighting and ventilation throughout the unit. Subtle art deco features continue into the bedrooms, with herringbone timber flooring to provide a warm and restful ambiance. The carefully planned internal layout allows for unhindered spaces with natural lighting and ventilation.

Jui Residences also faces a wide frontage of the Kallang River and units at the development will have an unblocked view of the Kallang area as well as the Boon Keng area. The building design is put together by world class Architect, CarverHaggard of London with landscape and art works by Okashimo Pte Ltd.

Jui Residences is scheduled to be completed in mid-2022. For more information, please visit http://www.sdb.com.my/products/jui-residences

No Cash, No Pain: What if You Woke Up to No Paper Money?

BusinessToday

October 22, 2018

By Crypto Investor Asia

Singapore, SINGAPORE – What if we wake up one day and find that all the paper money that we are familiar with has disappeared? We might shake our empty wallets but it would do us no good. Yet all is not lost, we still have access to cryptocurrencies. Blockchain-based technology has already ushered in a myriad of cryptocurrencies that will soon fill the void left by paper money. One of the first victims of the death of cryptocurrency would be the bulky physical wallet, which would no longer be required. We would be able to carry out all our transactions through our smartphones. However, the real change would begin to happen soon after paper money disappears.

An era of social transformation

Cryptocurrency and its underlying blockchain technology would herald a new era. Now that transactions can be done on a global scale without barriers of paper currency, new systems would be built that allow for novel uses of digital cash. A student in Nicaragua would now be able get his scholarship directly in his cryptocurrency wallet. An author would be able to donate half of their royalties automatically to a charity of their liking in Canada. As cryptocurrencies gain universal usage and get paired up with technology like Internet of Things (IoT), a smart energy efficient air-conditioner would be able to transfer the savings it made directly to a mutual fund or a bank account.

At BlockShow Americas 2018, experts like Alex Mashinsky, Founder of Celsius Network lent his ideas about the usefulness of cryptocurrencies and how they can, among other, help the underprivileged. Alex’s Celsius Network is already working on a wallet that will help provide financial services to the underbanked.

No cash may mean no corruption… or may it?

Cash, as we know it today, is completely untraceable. According to the World Economic Forum (WEF), one of the greatest impediments to fighting corruption is cash.

“EVERY YEAR, HUNDREDS OF BILLIONS OF DOLLARS OF GOVERNMENT PAYMENTS AND TRANSFERS ARE MADE IN PHYSICAL CASH. THESE INCLUDE GOVERNMENT SALARIES, HEALTH PAYMENTS, PENSIONS, AND FINANCIAL SUPPORT FOR FAMILIES IN NEED. SUCH PAYMENTS ARE OFTEN DIFFICULT TO TRACE, INSECURE, AND INEFFICIENT. THE ANONYMITY OF CASH MAKES IT VULNERABLE TO SKIMMING OFF THE TOP, AND TO ‘GHOST’ RECIPIENTS WHO DON’T EXIST.”

“THIS IS NOT A MINOR ISSUE. IT CAUSES MORE THAN US$110 BILION IN LOSSES EVERY YEAR IN EMERGING ECONOMIES.” – WEF

Now that physical money has disappeared refugees can get their dues in digital currencies directly and better tracking can be enabled of what services have already been rendered to them. Homeless, destitutes and the less privileged can get benefits either in cash or kind and immutable blockchain technology can be used to track funds or goods transfers. This will eliminate pilferage and help in proper deployment of government subsidies. At BlockShow Asia 2018, we have a chance to discuss solutions that can be deployed to create a better world in the future whether we use cash or end up in a world with no paper money.

A future within our grasp

In a world where there is no longer any paper money targeted services like health care would become more efficient as fraud and supply chain losses are cut. Education funding would become easier and more economical as cost of remittances over long distances would fall. Students would be able to keep their degrees and diplomas safely in an electronic format which would be verifiable. People would also begin to notice an improvement in civic services as obtaining licenses, certificates and permissions from local, state and federal government would become faster, simpler and more convenient through blockchain based wallets. Savers and investors would enjoy a trust in the banking and non-banking financial sector as never before. The fact that most cryptocurrencies would not be subject to fiscal indiscipline by central banks would reinforce trust in the economic system and things like hyperinflation and bank runs would only be present in history books.

Let us create the future now

What would a world without paper money be like? Today it is not only imaginable but it is also practicable. BlockShow Asia 2018 at the Asia Blockchain Week is your chance to contribute to the maturity of Blockchain in its critical evolutionary phase. Blockchain is getting mature and you can witness it for yourself.

BlockShow is not only creating a venue for people to listen to the ideas of experts but also to participate in the building of a new society, where technology can do good. Our aim is to work together so that we can evolve a common vision to address the problems of future in the present. Whether you want to become a sponsor or to buy a ticket, now is the time to partiipate in BlockShow Asia 2018 and rub shoulders with the best, at the best Blockchain industry conference in the world.

A safe way to smoke? Tobacco heating devices obfuscate the issue for regulators

BusinessToday

October 22, 2018

Hot on the heels of e-cigarettes, tobacco heating devices are the latest way for smokers to get a nicotine fix, without the smoke. Manufacturers are hailing their benefits — obviously — but health experts say they may not be as safe as it seems.

Geneva – Ryan Sparrow puts a small stick of tobacco in his device, heats it up quickly by pressing a button and then places the filter to his mouth and inhales with obvious relish.

Sparrow has a clearer conscience than when he was still smoking regular cigarettes. These days, he gets his nicotine fix from his IQOS device, which is made by PMI, the international arm of Marlboro cigarette maker Philip Morris. Sparrow works for PMI in Switzerland.

The company hails its IQOS tobacco heating device as a brilliant invention. It has produced studies showing that heating tobacco, instead of burning it, eliminates nearly all cancer-causing substances.

The World Health Organization (WHO), however, is not convinced.

Other cigarette alternatives, such as electronic cigarettes, which heat liquid nicotine, have existed for years. “They are banned in about 30 countries and are regulated in 60 countries,” says Vinayak Prasad, who’s responsible for monitoring tobacco use for the WHO.

That means there are rules dictating where e-cigarettes can be used and to whom they can be sold. But heating tobacco, instead of burning it, is a relatively new concept, and countries are still trying to figure out how to regulate it.

“It’s the invisible elephant in the room,” says Prasad.

In Switzerland, for example, the tax on a pack of tobacco sticks meant for heating is 12 per cent, compared with 50 per cent on a pack of normal cigarettes.

The reason? The new product is taxed as pipe tobacco. However, the price for the two packs is about the same – which means the profit on the new product is 50 per cent higher than with normal cigarettes, says the WHO.

The organization estimates that profits from heated tobacco products will soar from 2.1 billion dollars in 2016 to 17.9 billion dollars in 2021. In addition to Philip Morris, other firms making the products include Japan Tobacco International and British American Tobacco.

There are an estimated 1 billion smokers around the world, with 7 million people dying every year due to smoking, according to the WHO.

“Our position is clear: All tobacco products are dangerous,” says Prasad.

Philp Morris doesn’t deny that. “Our products are not without risk and contain nicotine, which can be addictive,” says Moira Gilchrist, who’s responsible for “scientific and public communications” at PMI.

But PMI exclusively targets adult smokers. For them, the IQOS device is a healthier alternative to smoking and helps them to quit. “Compared with traditional cigarettes, the IQOS vapour contains far fewer harmful chemicals. Our products are smoke-free,” explains Gilchrist.

However, researchers led by Reto Auer at the University of Bern wrote in a 2017 study that the IQOS isn’t actually smoke-free. Auer explains that there’s no complete combustion, but instead carbonization.

He says his study found that the smoke produced by IQOS contains the same substances as cigarette smoke, albeit in smaller amounts. Philip Morris has responded by questioning the results and Auer’s expertise, and calling for the study to be retracted – but so far to no avail.

“Such devices are like transportable toasters: A blackened piece of toast also makes smoke and is unhealthy,” says Auer.

The WHO’s Prasad also sees it that way: “To say that there is no burning is simply false. It might be possible that people who heat tobacco instead of using cigarettes are exposed to fewer dangerous substances, but that doesn’t mean the product is not dangerous,” he says.

Elsewhere in Europe, the jury is also out on the new devices. In Britain, one cancer research foundation recommends e-cigarettes as a way to help people who want to stop smoking and who have had no luck with other quitting methods.

But the government is rather sceptical about tobacco heating devices. “The available evidence suggests that heated tobacco products may be considerably less harmful than tobacco cigarettes and more harmful than e-cigarettes,” wrote Public Health England in 2018.

New York museum showcases conspiracy theories through art

BusinessToday

October 21, 2018

The assassination of US President John F Kennedy, the attack on New York’s World Trade Center and the power of international oil cartels all have one thing in common: Conspiracy theories swirl around them.

And now these tales of trickery have made it into New York’s Metropolitan Museum of Art, as its offshoot, the Met Breuer, examines the theme of theories in the exhibition “Everything is Connected: Art and Conspiracy.”

Around 70 photos, paintings, installations and films by 30 artists from the past 50 years make up the show, which the museum says is the first big exhibition on the topic.

Some artists try to to stick to the facts in their pieces to uncover true webs of deceit, while others depict wildly sensationalist schemes fuelled by paranoia.

Whether fact or fiction, all the works on show aim to shine a light on how artists have used their work to oppose political corruption, consumerism and media manipulation.

The exhibit runs until January 6, 2019.

Malaysian women need to take charge of finances for sustainable financial stability, says FPAM chief

BusinessToday

October 21, 2018

There are a handful of personal finance challenges that are unique to women. From staying on top of her personal finance situation to surviving a divorce or the death of a spouse to planning for a longer life, women should learn how to prepare for a financially secure future.

Financial Planning Association of Malaysia (FPAM) chief executive officer Linnet Lee stressed the importance of women in taking an active role in managing money. Women, for one, tend to live longer than men and so may need to fund a longer retirement.

Many are taking a backseat approach to their finances, allowing someone else – be it husband or partner — to take control. Data shows that the literacy rate for Malaysian women is 96.3% but they are not taking charge of their finances.

“Women are empowered to seek financial knowledge and should make it a goal to learn about investing in order to take control of their finances and plan for a better future and to weather financial storms,” said Lee.

It is vital for women to have solid financial planning to achieve a secure financial future and they should start with taking control of and understanding finances.

Speaking at the InvestSmart® Fest 2018, Lee outlined some steps on how women can tune up or take charge and this includes creating an emergency fund enough to last at least 3-6 months, having clear life goals, managing debts well and investing to make their money grow.

The next important step is proper protection so that women can start investing to achieve their life goals with peace of mind.

An investment process typically aims to hedge against inflation and Lee said it is important “to avoid putting all your eggs in one basket” and have an appropriate asset allocation to reap a variation in returns of a portfolio.

For a start, Lee said those requiring a better financial road map, could seek the services of a licensed financial planner to help crystallise their goals, prioritise them and draw up a plan on how to achieve it.

InvestSmart® Fest 2018, an investor education initiative by the Securities Commission Malaysia was held on October 12- 14, was aimed at promoting awareness and knowledge on the Malaysian capital market.

Themed “Investing for a Sustainable Future“, the event showcased 45 participating organisations comprising capital market intermediaries, regulatory and other agencies under one roof.

During the three-day event, 600 complimentary financial planning sessions were offered by more than 100 licensed financial planners.

Millennial and Gen Z Muslim Travelers driving a US$180 Billion (RM736 Billion) Online Travel Market

BusinessToday

October 21, 2018

The increasing reliance on the internet, social media and smartphones for place discovery and travel bookings by Muslim Millennials and Generation Z is driving the travel market with online travel expenditure by Muslim travelers expected to exceed US$180 billion (RM736 billion) by 2026.

The Mastercard-CrescentRating Digital Muslim Travel Report 2018 (DMTR2018) has revealed insights shaping the growth of online purchases by the next generation of Muslim travelers.

It is the first comprehensive report looking at the online travel patterns and attitudes of Muslim travelers across different demographic groups. It extends the research on the digital Muslim traveler population, as a larger subset of Muslim Millennial Travelers (MMTs) in the Muslim Millennial Travel Report 2017.

The Report was released at the Halal-In-Travel Asia Summit Hosted by CrescentRating at ITB Asia 2018.

Fazal Bahardeen, CEO of CrescentRating and HalalTrip, said “The DMTR2018 reveals important online behavior and preferences of Muslim Travelers. It will equip tourism destinations, tour operators, airlines and other tourism and hospitality stakeholders with insights of online platforms and social networking services to evaluate the potential within the Muslim market.”

“With the rapid proliferation of enabling online technologies and payment methods and the rise of Muslim digital natives, as a major segment within the Muslim travel market, the outlook for the digital space is very positive. Destinations need to ensure that their messages reach Muslim travelers through online channels. This report gives the industry a practical and ready segmentation criterion to empathize with different demographics.

Digital is real and transcends generations.” he added.

Devesh Kuwadekar, Vice President, Market Development, Mastercard, said, “The Halal travel market continues to be one of the fastest growing travel segments globally, with Muslim visitor arrivals representing about 10 percent of the entire travel industry globally in 2017.

Muslim travelers are spending more time online researching and comparing information before they finally choose and pay for their ideal travel experience. Mastercard works with like-minded partners to create tailored offerings for customers across a wide range of passion points. As consumers explore more countries and regions, Mastercard is also seeing an increase in the use of cashless and digital payments through prepaid and debit options as a safer, more convenient and reliable form of electronic payments for greater peace of mind when traveling.”

According to the DMTR2018, a key insight uncovered is the deeper role of online sites and tools in enabling Muslims in the tourism industry to better plan and experience their travels. While millennials led most of the usage, other generations are also using digital media and technologies in similar ways to improve travel experiences. Apart from using tools to book their tips, Muslim travelers are also tuning into social networking services to stay connected and share their stories with family and friends.

Other insights also highlight the significance of digital behavior and preferences for service providers and travel industry include the discovery that although MMTs are the largest segment of digital users, there is no distinct difference in widespread digital behaviour across generations.

Huawei unveils Mate 20 Pro with fingerprint sensor under the screen

Business Today Editorial

October 19, 2018

Huawei is back with two impressive new flagship smartphones: the Mate 20 and the Mate 20 Pro.

The Pro version has a high-resolution 6.4-inch OLED display (3120 x 1440 pixels), the Mate 20 is actually slightly bigger at 6.5 inches (2240 x 1080 pixels), and both have curved edges reminiscent of Samsung’s Galaxy models – although they are far from the only manufacturers with this feature nowadays.

The Mate 20 Pro is also one of the first smartphones to implement a widely anticipated piece of technology that allows for a fingerprint sensor underneath the screen rather than on the back. However the Mate 20 still features the same fingerprint sensor on the back as in previous models.

Both devices come with new facial recognition software that can be used to unlock the device, but the Pro version has additional depth sensors on the front for faster and more secure unlocking.

The Mate 20 has – as is the latest trend – three Leica camera lenses on the back that have 12, 16 and 8 megapixel sensors. The cameras also have an LED flash, which gives the phone a distinctive quadruple-block look.

The Pro is equipped with the same Leica triple camera setup that Huawei already presented with its high-end P20 Pro model. The setup consists of a wide-angle lens (40 MP colour sensor), an ultra-wide angle lens (20 MP sensor) and a telephoto camera (8 MP colour sensor).

If you care about headphone jacks, then the Pro might not be the one for you, as it only comes with a USB-C port for the charger. The smaller Mate 20 model, however, does come with a 3.5mm headphone jack.

If you do use Bluetooth headphones, and find that they constantly need recharging, then the Pro could be a game changer for you, as the phone can wirelessly charge other devices – such as headphones or even other people’s phones – by simply placing the device on the back of the phone. The Mate Pro has wireless charging enabled for itself as well.

The Mate 20 comes with a sizeable 4,000mAh battery, the Pro has a slightly larger 4,200mAh one. The Mate 20 is available in 4GB and 6GB RAM versions, which will set you back around 800 euros (920 dollars), the Pro only exists with 6GB RAM and costs 1,000 euros (1,150 dollars).

Both devices have 128 GB of storage capacity and run the latest Android version (Pie). They are available in some places already, but Huawei will be rolling the phones out to other markets at the end of October. An official launch date for the US market is far-off at best, amid US government fears that Huawei has been sharing user data with Chinese officials, which Huawei has denied.

ACCA launches “Doing the Right Thing” i-Pledge Campaign for Global Ethics Day

Business Today Editorial

October 19, 2018

ACCA (The Association of Chartered Certified Accountants) Malaysia will lead the way in creating awareness among Malaysians and to encourage the practice of good ethics via a month-long nationwide “Doing the Right Thing” i-Pledge Campaign. Themed “Doing the Right Thing”, the campaign will include a series of interactive activities and events that will be focused on creating and building awareness on ethics and to reinforce that understanding by asking fellow Malaysians to make their own personal pledge on doing the right thing.

ACCA Malaysia held a Breakfast Event at Grand Hyatt Kuala Lumpur for 80 invited guests to come together in celebration of Global Ethics Day and to discuss a number of issues about trust, ethics and professionalism.

“Being ethical is about doing the right thing even when no one is watching. Upholding good ethics is the responsibility of all, and together we can make a difference in the world, starting with ourselves and our country. As the leading global body for professional accountants, it is even more crucial because ethics and professionalism are the foundations of the accountancy profession. Having strong ethical principles is at the heart of the ACCA Qualification, and we hope that it will provide our students, affiliates and members a clear moral compass to guide the business decisions they make on a daily basis,” said Dato’ Merina Abu Tahir, Chair of ACCA Malaysia Advisory Comittee.

‘Today, we are here to advocate to individuals and businesses of their ethical responsibilities and highlight why doing the right thing is so important. And this is why ACCA is supporting Global Ethics Day 2018, working with Carnegie Council and CFA Institute in the UK to shine a spotlight on all things ethical.’

The event featured a panel discussion on the topic “What it means to be ethical and professional” with distinguished panelists namely Devanesan Evanson, CEO of MSWG; Dato’ Merina Abu Tahir, Head, Group Internal Audit, Malaysia Airlines Berhad and Sharath Martin, Regional Consultant, Professional Insights at ACCA, ASEAN and ANZ.

“It is our hope that we can encourage our colleagues, friends, stakeholders and families to take a moment to think about ethics and what it means to them. Most importantly, to join hands with us as we strive for a better Malaysia by doing our part in promoting good ethics in our spheres of influence,” added Dato’ Merina.

The “Doing the Right Thing” i-Pledge Campaign will run from October 17, 2018 till November 16, 2018. ACCA Malaysia targets to collect 5,000 pledges from ACCA students, affiliates, members and business partners as well as Malaysian of all walks of life. Make your pledge today here!

For more information about ACCA’s activities and efforts to promote 2018 Global Ethics Day, please log on to the official website. Do remember to hashtag #globalethicsday2018.

Exploring Kuching with Hilton: A Once-In-A-Lifetime Experience with Nature

Business Today Editorial

October 19, 2018

Sunset along river in Kuching, Borneo — Sunset along the river in Kuching

A land rich with culture and history, Kuching is an alluring enigma to locals and tourists. The capital city of Sarawak is one of two states situated on the island of Borneo, renowned globally for its natural beauty. The fairly populous city, although modern, is uniquely diverse with interesting heritage of its indigenous people (each with its own practices, language, food, and traditions) that are not found in other parts of Malaysia.

Fondly referred to as Cat City by locals, and for good reason. Yet, the drawing factors to visit the largest city in Borneo extend far beyond its feline features; chiefly among them is its range of once-in-a-lifetime experiences. With Hilton, your travel stories are about to get a whole lot better. Here’s why:

Monkey business at Semenggoh Orangutan Sanctuary
With their uncanny human-like disposition and ability to learn sign language, orangutans, considered one of the world’s smartest primates are predominantly native to the island of Borneo. Recent years saw the disastrous decline of the species due to massive deforestation.

A visitor hands a banana to an orangutan at Tanjung Harapan, located inside Tanjung Puting National Park on the island of Borneo in Kalimantan, Indonesia. (March 2017)

Visiting an orangutan sanctuary not only affords you with an unforgettable time in Kuching, but also a chance to support the conservation efforts to protect one of Earth’s most intelligent residents.

Located just 12 miles from Kuching, Semenggoh Orangutan Sanctuary is the best place to get up close and personal with the creatures. Unlike zoos, the primary mission of Semenggoh is to reintroduce orangutans back into the wild. The gangly animals are allowed to roam freely while visitors are given the opportunity to join a group and hire a ranger for a forest tour during the daily feeding times (twice a day) for a chance to spot the shy primates.

Cruise along the Sarawak River in a sampan
For travellers who are lovers of nature or have a few hours to spare in between business meetings, hiring a sampan to meander down the Sarawak River just before sunset is the best introduction to the urban city. Set against a backdrop of distant mountains, you will come across picturesque Malay kampong-s (villages), a golden-domed mosque, a Victorian fort, a fleet of 19th century Chinese shop houses, and an imposing wooden-roofed palace.

Pay a visit to the city’s namesake, The Cat Museum
Etymologically speaking, the word kucing means cat in Bahasa Malaysia, the national language, which explains where the city’s cat obsession stems from. Housed in the North Kuching City Hall, the Cat Museum is the place to visit to learn all about felines and their history, as well as relationship, with this city.

As visitors will soon observe, references to the sometimes-aloof animal are ubiquitous – the city’s crest is of a pair of justice scales and a golden cat with four white cats flanking the bottom, there is a learning institution named I-CATS (International College of Advanced Technology Sarawak), and the city’s local radio station called Cats FM.

To round up your purr-fect day out, drop in to Meow Meow Cat Café, just a few doors away from the Cat Museum for a cuppa’ and a chance to cuddle the lovable felines.

Take in the spectacular view of the Kuching Waterfront from the comfort of your room
Hilton Kuching is a mere 20 minutes’ drive from the airport, and is where all Kuching journeys should begin. Strategically located facing the tepid Sarawak River, the hotel’s floor-to-ceiling windows ensure guests can partake the calm cityscape within the lovely confines of their room. Famed for its hospitality, each stylish room features modern amenities including high-speed internet access, an LCD TV, and even special touches such as an indulgent pillow menu and Japanese cotton kimono for its Suites and Executive Rooms respectively.

Room prices start from USD66nett per night.

If you like to participate in any of the memorable activities listed, simply call ‘0’ for MAGIC (a one-touch button to whatever you need) and share your request with Hilton’s lovely personnel, or speak to anyone from the front desk, who are ever ready to assist you with any arrangements you might need.

Travel the world and get rewarded
Be sure to sign up for Hilton Honors® when you book directly and earn Hilton Honors Points with every stay. From staying at any one of over 5,400 hotels and resorts to dining at restaurants and making purchases with Hilton Honors credit cards, there are thousands of ways to earn Hilton Honors Points. With so many options to choose from, you will never run out of great ways to use them.

Every cash spent will be converted to Points, which can then be used for Redemption Experiences like concerts, amazing travel excursions, and more.

For more information about Hilton Kuching, call +608 2223 888 or drop them an email at [email protected]

Climate change set to double beer prices, researchers say

BusinessToday

October 19, 2018

Global temperatures are rising, and the prices of beer with them, so new research shows.

Amid all the forest fires, severe weather and rising water levels linked to climate change, nobody quite saw this consequence coming: more expensive beer.

But precisely this is the conclusion of an international team of researchers who recently published the findings of a study in the journal Nature Plants. They predict that an unchecked rise in temperatures would see beer prices double on average globally.

That is because of the likely impact of more frequent droughts and heat waves on one of the essential ingredients in beer: barley.

And yet scientists say rising prices for booze should be the least of our worries.

“The world is facing many life-threatening impacts of climate change, so people having to spend a bit more to drink beer may seem trivial by comparison,” said Steven Davis, the study’s co-author and an associate professor of Earth system science at University of California, Irvine.

“But there is definitely a cross-cultural appeal to beer, and not having a cool pint at the end of an increasingly common hot day just adds insult to injury.”

Davis and his team modelled scenarios based on current and expected future levels of fossil fuel burning and carbon dioxide emissions.

In the worst case scenario, the regions where barley is grown – including the northern Great Plains, Canadian prairies, Europe, Australia and the Asian steppe – are likely to see more frequent concurrent droughts and heat waves, causing declines in crop yields of between 3 and 17 percent.

The beer industry is already notorious for depending on massive amounts of water. However, scientists have already begun developing artificial hops for beer with the hope of reducing the environmental impact of the brewing process.

A pint of craft beer can require 50 pints of water merely to grow the hops, according to Charles Denby, one of two researchers who in March set out a way to create the flavours and aromas of hops without the need to use the dried flowers of the climbing plant.

Three Things CEOs Should Know About the Use of Artificial Intelligence in Decision-Making

BusinessToday

October 19, 2018

By Kamal Brar, Vice President and General Manager of Asia Pacific, Hortonworks

Early this year, Alibaba Group launched its AI platform ‘City Brain’ in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Run by the Alibaba Cloud division, it plans to make live traffic predictions and recommendations to increase traffic efficiency in Kuala Lumpur by consolidating data gathered from video footage, traffic bureaus, public transportation systems and mapping apps.

It will partner with state agency Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC) and the Kuala Lumpur city council to roll out the technology.

The hype around the use of artificial intelligence in decision-making might make you think it could pilot your company automatically, talk to your suppliers, chase late invoices, and open parcels arriving in the mail room, all while making you a nice cup of tea.

Consequently, until CEOs understand the implications and requirements surrounding the use of artificial intelligence in decision-making, enterprises will not be ready to jump into machine learning in a systematic way. Here are three things that every CEO should understand before they tackle AI at the strategic level.

AI must be aligned with your goals

AI can help your business by automating relatively simple tasks that would take humans 30 seconds or less to complete. It can also look more deeply at data to find patterns that humans may never catch.

These are two very different capabilities, and CEOs must learn how to map them to their businesses by understanding their goals for AI.

Is your goal to reduce bottom-line expenses by automating simple tasks like sorting cucumbers on a production line or reading basic loan agreements?

Or perhaps you are a hospital executive hoping to improve medical outcomes. You might monitor patient movements using wearable devices to predict the immediate risk of a fall. Or you might assist doctors in spotting and diagnosing potential health problems on MRI images.

The use of artificial intelligence in decision-making must fit workflows and formats that make sense for users. This brings user interface, business analysis, and workflow design into play.

Your organization must be data-centric

AI thrives on data.

Data resides in different systems that don’t talk easily to each other.

Power structures can exacerbate this problem, creating political tensions that cause people to hold onto their data.

Breaking down these human and technological barriers takes a mixture of leadership and investment in technology.

A CEO committed to strategic AI will lead from above, enlisting key allies in the organization to help unify its data architecture. A more fluid exchange of data throughout the organization can help with many projects other than AI. It’s a foundational practice for the modern, digital-first organization.

You should pursue strategic partnerships

Understanding which information you need in order to train your machine-learning models requires multiple kinds of expertise. The first is domain knowledge. You need people with an intimate understanding of your organization’s operations and how it uses different kinds of information to achieve specific outcomes. The second kind of expertise involves data science. Data scientists work with data engineers to extract, manipulate, and prepare data for AI workloads.

Partnering with product and service providers that have a track record of navigating the AI design, development, and deployment process is a proven way to help overcome these AI hurdles and drive your business to success. Good partners will have the technical and business understanding to assist with the use of artificial intelligence in decision-making

In such a nascent and fast-moving field, it pays to have specialist expertise to help guide you in your journey. The results could get your business well ahead of the curve, while others try to grapple with the problem in-house.

Source:

https://hortonworks.com/blog/three-things-ceos-should-know-about-the-use-of-artificial-intelligence-in-decision-making/

Rentable electric scooters: The new transport trend in US cities

BusinessToday

October 19, 2018

By Peer Kuni, dpa

They’re quick, cheap, environmentally friendly and easy to park – rentable electric scooters are the latest transport craze to sweep US cities. Critics say they can be dangerous and need better regulation, but others say the benefits outweigh the risks.

Forget driving your car. Forget riding a bike. You can even forget walking. When it comes to getting around city centres these days, rentable electric scooters are all the rage – at least judging by some North American cities.

Thousands of city dwellers in metropolises such as Washington are ditching their cars and public transport every day for battery-powered scooters they can rent out from operators like Lime and Bird.

Anyone who wants to rent a scooter out can download an app onto their smartphone to unlock one. Several different businesses are already offering the scooters in US cities, each charging around 2.50 dollars for 10 minutes.

“I mostly use a scooter for short distances, to get to from the subway to the office,” says Robert Price from Washington.

Indeed, reaching speeds of up to 24 kilometres per hour (km/h) and weighing around 11 kilograms, the scooters are designed mainly for shorter trips, and can cover between 11 and 23 kilometres on a full charge.

It’s not just commuters, but also tourists that like the idea of buzzing around on scooters. “The whole concept is cool,” says John Lawrence, a British-German tourist visiting Washington.

Users like having an alternative to buses and cars. The scooters allow them to avoid traffic and free them from having to find a parking space. And when you’ve reached your destination, you just park the scooter on the side of the path for the next person to rent it out.

Once you’ve unlocked the scooter with your smartphone, two or three pushes with your foot and you’re on your way. Then, all you need to keep yourself moving is a lever on the handlebars. Once you’re done, there’s a handbrake and kickstand so it doesn’t fall over.

“Today, 40 per cent of car trips are less than two miles long,” Travis VanderZanden, founder and chief executive of Bird, one of the biggest electric scooter companies, recently told the Washington Post.

“Our goal is to replace as many of those trips as possible so we can get cars off the road and curb traffic and greenhouse gas emissions.”

Now that companies like Bird and Lime have taken off in several North American cities, the e-scooters also look set to conquer European cities like Vienna and Paris.

“We’re already sharing new mobility options with citizens in Berlin and Frankfurt by making our bicycles and electric bicycles available,” says Gauthier Derrien from Lime.

The phenomenon has been broadly been welcomed in the US. Around 70 per cent of the population see electric scooters as an improvement for cities and a supplement to public transport, according to a survey of 7,000 people conducted by pollster Populus.

The scooter companies also offer between 5 and 20 dollars to anyone willing to collect a scooter, charge it overnight and put it back in a popular spot.

But not everyone is happy about the rapid rise of the new form of mobility. One problem is that once people have finished with the scooters, they just leave them anywhere. In San Francisco, scooters are being found dumped in the bay, and even in trees.

“It’s annoying when they stand in the middle of the sidewalks or block exits,” says Zhihao Yun, a student from China.

When on the go, they can also pose risks for both riders and pedestrians. Riders are supposed to stay on the road, but many also choose to go on the pavement, against the advice of operators.

People whizzing past you at 20 km/h on the pavement is bound to be disconcerting for many people.

There have also been teething problems with regulation. In March 2018, operators spread hundreds of scooters across San Francisco overnight for a big launch event – but in June they had to collect them all back up again while city authorities decided on regulation.

Even in the US capital, regulation on proper use is still lacking, which is why a pilot project has been extended for several months to collect more data and work on problems.

Cities in Europe are experiencing similar troubles, albeit with rented bicycles, which are increasingly crowding inner city pavements in cities, where they can be parked virtually anywhere.

Nevertheless, the idea remains broadly popular with the public and politicians. A pilot project in the US capital has been pushing since September 2017 to get more people to rent bicycles, and more recently also electric scooters.

The authorities have documented some 625,000 journeys with electric bicycles and scooters. In May 2018 alone, around 55,000 people used these new means of transport for 140,000 trips.

Lime, for one, believes the scooters are here to stay, describing them as “smart, affordable mobility.”

Online Bookings Now Open For The Proton X70

Business Today Editorial

October 18, 2018

Booking a brand new SUV from PROTON has become easier than ever with the launch of the Company’s online booking platform. Accessed via PROTON’s corporate website, the new platform went live on 17 October to allow customers to book the Proton X70 from anywhere using any device with Internet access.

Visiting a virtual showroom
Following the preview of its connectivity and technology features to the media, the Proton X70 set another benchmark by being the first Proton model that can be booked online. With an embedded eSIM card, Wi-Fi connectivity, preloaded apps offering services like online radio, online music, navigation and weather forecasts as well as advanced voice recognition software, Proton’s first SUV is perfectly suited to launch the service.

Customers who want to book a unit are required to provide their personal details, preferred model and colour choice as well as the city and state where they wish to collect their car. Following payment of the booking fee, also done online, a system-generated receipt will be sent to the customer’s email. PROTON then assigns a sales advisor to handle the order who contacts the customer within seven days to process the booking. As with bookings made at any PROTON outlet, a full refund is given should a customer change their mind.

In conjunction with the launch of the online booking portal PROTON will also feature full details of the Proton X70 on its website, including full specifications for each model variant. The information helps customers to make a decision, especially with regards to variant and colour choice, and is akin to visiting a showroom and viewing a full sales presentation.

As this is a new sales tool for the Company, PROTON is holding a ‘flash sale’ from 17-19 October to promote the use of its new platform. During the three-day promotional period, customers who book the Proton X70 via the platform only need to pay a booking fee of RM99.

“After studying consumer preferences and market trends, PROTON believes the time is right to offer an online booking facility to our customers. The platform allows bookings to be made from anywhere a customer is as long as there is an Internet connection available. The Company has also decided to reward those who make a booking prior to the launch of the Proton X70. This will come in the form of special gifts for all early birds regardless of whether they booked their unit online or at our outlets,” said Abdul Rashid Musa, Chief Executive Officer of Proton Edar.

Customer previews continue to East Malaysia
The Proton X70 customer previews have now crossed the South China Sea to East Malaysia with sessions held in Kuching on 15-16 October. Following on from the second media preview, the events focussed on the connectivity and technology functions offered by the SUV while also explaining about the styling elements used for the exterior and interior. The previews will continue in Kuantan and Ipoh with the final session due to be held in Kota Kinabalu.

“The customer response to the Proton X70 has been overwhelming. Attendance at our preview sessions has been very high with the majority of attendees saying they are impressed by the quality and specification offered on the first model to be jointly developed by PROTON and Geely. It will be a game changer for PROTON and customers acknowledge this, judging by the strong pre-launch booking numbers. Therefore we are working hard to ensure the cars delivered meet the heightened expectations of our customers,” added Abdul Rashid.

For more information, visit Proton’s official website.

Total Oil Introduces the Startupper of the Year Challenge in Malaysia to Support Young Entrepreneurs

Business Today Editorial

October 18, 2018

Webp.net-resizeimage (3) — Frederic Laplanche, French Ambassador to Malaysia

Following the success of the first Startupper of the Year Challenge by Total Oil in 2015, the multinational oil and gas company is bringing back the challenge this year in almost 60 countries worldwide, including Malaysia. The previous edition of this challenge was held in more than 30 African countries and it proved to be a huge success.

Frederic Laplanche, French Ambassador to Malaysia

The 2018 – 2019 Startupper of the Year Challenge will support and reward local entrepreneurs below the age of 35 years old, who have a project or business that is less than two years old in any business sector. The candidates’ projects will be assessed based on their innovative nature, positive impact on society and community as well as feasibility and potential for development.

An experienced lineup of jury members comprising of Norhizam Kadir, Vice President, Growth Ecosystem Development of Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC), Fadzarudin Shah Anuar, Chief Executive Officer of Fashion Valet, Leon Foong, Chief Executive Officer of Socar Malaysia, Dinesh Ratnam, Director of the CEO’s Office of Catcha Group and Sachin Singh, Managing Director of Total Oil Malaysia have been appointed for this year’s challenge.

“Total Oil Malaysia is delighted to be organising this challenge for Malaysians and we are excited for the participants. We are committed towards helping local entrepreneurs succeed in their careers by providing them with the right tools to kickstart a successful startup business”, said Sachin Singh, Managing Director of Total Oil Malaysia.

Registration for the challenge is currently open and the top 100 participants will be shortlisted by mid-November, after which there will be an online voting period by the public. From December 2018 to January 2019, the panel of jury will review the votes by the public and the top 15 participants with the most votes will be selected. All 15 shortlisted participants will be required to present their business proposals to the panel of jury and from there, the jury members will then select the top three winners in February 2019. The top three winners will be announced in the first week of March 2019 during a celebratory event.

The top three winners will be awarded with the “Startupper of the Year by Total” title and receive financial support of over RM100,000.00 collectively, including professional coaching from the respective jury members as well as marketing support to advertise their project.

As a new category addition to the 2018 – 2019 challenge, the jury members will also have a special award for the Top Female Entrepreneur to encourage participation from women entrepreneurs in the country. This special award is a way for Total Oil Malaysia to encourage and motivate more women to take part in this business challenge.

On a global level, there will be a grand jury appointed to meet and subsequently select six overall grand winners from among the first-prize winners of each country.

Other than being just a business challenge, the 2018-2019 Startupper of the Year challenge also reaffirms Total Oil’s commitment to nurture young talent in the countries where their business operates in, including here in Malaysia. Participants may register for the 2018-2019 Startupper of the Year challenge via this website.

Candidates will have until November 13 to submit their applications.

MTV Goes ‘On-Demand’ With WebTVAsia In Landmark Short-form Content Collaboration Deal For China

Business Today Editorial

October 18, 2018

WebTVAsia, a leading Asian media entertainment group with production studios and digital networks, today announced a new MTV short-form content collaboration deal with Viacom International Media Networks, a division of Viacom Inc. (NASDAQ: VIA, VIAB), aimed at delivering short-form videos to engage China’s Generation Z today. This was jointly announced at a signing ceremony at MIPCOM today.

Under the agreement, WebTVAsia will have exclusive streaming rights to select made-in-China short-form content from the MTV library to be streamed on WebTVAsia’s partner platforms in Mainland China. At this initial stage, the made-in-China content is made available first on Tencent’s recently-launched Yoo Video, a short-form video app.

L-R: Mark Whitehead, President & Managing Director, Viacom International Media Networks Asia Pacific; Pierre Cheung, Senior Vice President & General Manager – Greater China, Viacom International Media Networks; Lee Hua Ling, CEO – Greater China of WebTVAsia; Fred Chong, Group CEO of WebTV Asia

This marks the first time made-in-China MTV content and other clips with a youth and music focus, is made available on an on-demand video platform in China. The leading youth entertainment brand will deliver MTV made-in-China music-based programming content including MTV music charts, brief artists’ interactions under MTV Star Explorers, music genres’ showcase, MTV News, pop culture features, while delivering new short-form content over time. Prior to this deal, MTV content was available only via the MTV China channel.

“The young generation is clearly watching more and more video via mobile, which is driving the popularity of short-form video apps in China, along with the growing demand for original short-form content,” said Pierre Cheung, Senior Vice President and General Manager, Greater China, Viacom International Media Networks. “Hence, as part of our strategy with Viacom Digital Studios International, we’re bringing the power and scale of Viacom’s global content engine to support the Chinese industry, starting first with our original made-in-China content for the Chinese.”

Fred Chong, Group CEO of WebTVAsia remarked, “As a content creation company reaching audiences in China and Asia since 2005, we understand the culture and consumption trends of these markets. Hence, our unique leading position bridging China partners like Tencent, Baidu, Toutiao, NetEase, Weibo, Youku and iQIYI to global content partners. I’m pleased to be partnering VIMN in expanding business together in China.”

MATTA looking forward to Budget 2019 for its wishlist to be granted

Business Today Editorial

October 18, 2018

The Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (MATTA) is looking forward to the tabling of Budget 2019 by the Minister of Finance, YB Tuan Lim Guan Eng on 2 November 2018.

MATTA has again submitted proposals as in previous years and is hoping that some of the incentives and funding needed to spur the travel industry forward would be granted.

MATTA President Datuk Tan Kok Liang said, “We understand from the various recent press releases from the Treasury, the government’s ability to roll out new tax incentives is limited.”

“Accordingly, we propose the government consider focusing on incentives that do not incur any incremental costs to the government, such as: Accelerated Capital Allowances (ACA) for tourism vehicles, website development/upgrades and Information Communication Technology (ICT) / automation tools. These incentives merely concentrate the tax savings to one year instead of being spread over 4-5 years; thus, do not impact overall tax collections.”

Proposals for consideration in future
1. Tour vehicles

“We have sought tax incentives (including Accelerated Capital Allowance) to encourage modernisation of tourism vehicles for attracting more high-spending tourists with safe and comfortable tour vehicles. This includes reducing import duty for luxury tour vehicles, excise duty exemption be extended to all classes of tourism vehicles and lower insurance premiums for tour vehicles.”

2. Matching grants

“In order for travel agencies to compete effectively, dedicated incentives such as scope of matching grants to the tourism sector and relaxing the qualifying conditions on the tax deduction for cost of developing and improving websites are needed for effective advertising and promotions in the tourism business.”

3. Homeport / cruise development

“Amongst our wish list for the tourism industry are incentives to develop Malaysian ports such as in Penang to become a ‘home port’ for cruise ships in the region for travel agencies selling cruise packages. Such tax and other fiscal incentives will lure cruise ships to homeport in Malaysia instead of neighbouring countries.”

4. Duty-free shopping zones

“To further enhance Malaysia’s position as a premier holiday and shopping destination, we are also proposing destinations such as Sabah and Sarawak to be designated with duty free zones as tax free shopping is indeed a lucrative component of Malaysia’s tourism industry. The availability of duty free outlets will encourage more tourist arrivals, thus uplifting the domestic socio-economic activities and growth of tourism industry.”

Digi announces healthy third interim dividend of 5.0 sen per share or RM389 million

Business Today Editorial

October 17, 2018

Digi.Com Berhad (Digi) announced steady Q3 2018 performance today, recording RM1,475 million in service revenue and a healthy EBITDA of RM725 million or 46% margin. Increasing data consumption on its network remains the key contributor to its performance, fuelling growth across its postpaid and prepaid internet business as well as new digital businesses, and contributing to the company’s expanded 11.8 million subscriber base this quarter.

Data traffic grew 60% y-o-y during Q3 2018 driving overall internet revenue up by 18.4% y-o-y and 1.5% q-o-q to RM817 million, which now constitutes 55.4% of service revenue. The company also reflected strong 4G LTE customer growth to 7.5 million and increased smartphone adoption at 77.4%, with customers using 9.1GB on average each month on its network.

In driving increased internet and digital services uptake among customers, the MyDigi self-serve app has steadily recorded 21.9 million in upsell transactions over a broader base of 2.8 million monthly active users. Building on its analytics capabilities, Digi introduced the app’s new Rewards and Box of Surprise features to better serve its various customer segments with personalised offers and rewards from over 500 brands at 7,000 locations. MyDigi will serve as an important enabler for growth moving forward.

Digi’s CEO Albern Murty said, “This was a busy quarter for us as we focused on capturing data demand on our network while maintaining margins in the current market environment. Our strategy is to focus on our postpaid, internet and digital capabilities to efficiently deliver high-quality services to customers while being financially disciplined. And we remain deeply committed to enable more Malaysians and businesses to benefit from relevant, affordable mobile and digital services across the country.”

Key Highlights (Y-o-Y)

Service revenue at RM1,475 million driven by strong postpaid and prepaid internet revenue growth
Internet revenue climbed 18.4% y-o-y to RM817 million anchored by 9.0 million internet subscriber base consuming an average 9.1GB of data each monthly
Postpaid revenue grew 14.9% y-o-y to RM640 million over a stronger 2.7 million subscriber base
Prepaid revenue trimmed 9.1% y-o-y to RM835 million due to intense prepaid data price competition, and moderating demand for legacy voice and messaging services
OPEX to service revenue 33.1% from continued focus on operational efficiencies
Earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) stable at RM725 million with EBITDA margin at 46%
Profit After Tax (PAT) steady at RM368 million with 23% margin
Ops cash flow increased 4.0% y-o-y to RM598 million or 38% margin
Net debt to EBITDA ratio remained sturdy at 0.7 times while conventional debt over total assets steady at 21%, well within the Shariah threshold
Healthy third interim dividend of 5.0 sen per share or RM389 million, payable to shareholders on 20 December 2018

Innovating easy, affordable access to quality network and digital services in Q3 2018:

Adding to RM328 million capex invested in H1 2018, we invested RM127 million capex for network capacity upgrades and coverage expansion for 4G LTE: 89% and LTE-A: 61% respectively. Our capex commitment for FY2018 is between 11% – 12% of service revenue.
MyDigi app recorded steady increase in upsell transactions of 21.9 million, with over 2.8 million monthly active users on the self-serve platform.
Introduced all-new MyDigi Rewards and Box of Surprise features offering personalised offers and rewards to customers from over 500 brands at 7,000 locations.
To enable more digitised businesses, unveiled two new offerings:
OMNI, an affordable, enterprise-level virtual phone system for SMEs simply controlled by a smartphone app and a web dashboard.
Industrial Valet, an exclusively customised e-commerce solution for Sime Darby Industrial, providing SDI’s customers the convenience of buying heavy equipment parts in just a few clicks.
Launched new high value postpaid plans – RM120, RM160, RM190 – with device bundles and Borderless Roaming benefits.
Continued driving internet adoption and usage with affordable prepaid bite-sized internet passes, one-time Internet Cili Padi passes and more internet access via biGBonus and Super Tererrr plans.

SMEs Scored High In Computerisation But Lacking In Digital Presence

Business Today Editorial

October 17, 2018

The Digitalisation Survey of SMEs commissioned by Huawei Technologies and SME Corp. Malaysia recently revealed that usage of ICT among SMEs predominantly comes from personal devices as opposed to back-end business processes, such as Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) and Customer Relationship Management (CRM). Likewise, limited usage of social media and e-Commerce also showed that SMEs have achieved high computerisation but some finding it difficult to cross the digitalisation gap which could significantly enhance business and productivity gains. Following the Survey, a ‘Whitepaper on Accelerating Malaysian Digital SMEs: Escaping the Computerisation Trap’ will be published and launched by SME Corp. Malaysia and Huawei Technologies in a next few months.

The Survey is one of the highlights of the SME Annual Report 2017/18 released by SME Corp. Malaysia recently with the theme: A Connected World – Digitalising SME. This is the 13th report issued by the National SME Development Council (NSDC) with the aim to disseminate information on the performance of SMEs, policies for SME development, programmes conducted by the government for SMEs as well as to share inspiring stories of successful SMEs. Apart from that, this year’s report also revealed poor linkage between SMEs and large firms as evident from SME Input-Output Study commissioned by SME Corp. Malaysia. The Study on the SME Input-Output Table, being a pioneer in this field, serve as important policy-making tool, particularly in promoting the linkage between SMEs and large firms.

With regards to SME performance in 2017, the Report cited that SMEs contributed RM435.1 billion to the economy during the year with a higher GDP growth of 7.2% against 5.2% in 2016. As a result, GDP contribution of SMEs increased further to 37.1% from 36.6% in the previous year. Similarly, SME contribution to overall employment also increased to 66% from 65.3% in 2016. Despite recording an increase in the export value to reach RM167.4 billion in 2017, SME contribution to the total exports was lower at 17.3% (2016: 18.6%) due to higher export growth by large firms. During the year, a total of RM10.5 billion was spent to implement 168 SME development programmes which have benefited around 600,000 SMEs across all sectors.

More information can be found SME Corp. Malaysia’s website and SMEinfo portal.

GHD appoints Jeroen Temmerman as CEO

Business Today Editorial

October 17, 2018

Jeroen Temmerman has been appointed Chief Executive Officer of ghd. He joins ghd with a wealth of professional beauty experience and will lead the global expansion of ghd, the UK’s number 1 recommended styling brand, within the Coty Professional portfolio.

Jeroen spent the past twenty-one years working across the world in the Professional Beauty sector, holding a variety of positions with L’Oreal Professional. Most recently he was the Managing Director for Latin America, while his previous roles include markets such as Hispanic America, Netherlands, France, Nordics and others.

Sylvie Moreau, President of Professional Beauty at Coty, says, “I am delighted to
have Jeroen in the team as the ghd CEO. He brings over 20 years of experience
within the professional beauty sector, combined with a deep passion for our industry,
brands and people. With Jeroen as its leader, I’m confident that ghd will reach new
heights as further develop this beautiful, iconic brand together with our customers.”

The newly appointed CEO is recognized for his strategic thinking, creativity, entrepreneurial spirit and his ability to drive change, build efficient organizations, and develop talent, brands and customer programs across channels.

“I am honoured and delighted to be CEO of ghd – an iconic and leading global hair
brand that is anchored in the salon professional industry and fuelled by innovation
and professional endorsement. I have admired ghd since the beginning and I am
excited about our great future together, strengthening the heritage of ghd,
engaging with consumers and stylists, and creating the best salon professional tool
brand in the world.” said Jeroen Temmerman.

ghd is the global leader in hair tools and the UK’s number recommended styling brand. ghd is globally distributed in over 30 countries and is available in more than 50,000 of the best salons worldwide, premium retail stores and e-commerce sites. The brand has won over 200 beauty awards globally and proudly sells 4 stylers every minute across the globe.

Forbes experiments with Civil blockchain platform

Business Today Editorial

October 17, 2018

Forbes has just announced a partnership with blockchain journalism network Civil, making it the first major international media brand to test the waters and publish content to the Civil decentralised platform.

The partnership will see Civil’s blockchain publishing tools integrated into ‘Bertie’, Forbes’ content management system (CMS). The integration of the blockchain into Bertie will provide transparency for authorship and content rights as well as permanent archiving in the ledger, and is expected to begin as early as Q1 of 2019 with crypto-related news pieces. Forbes will also have access to Civil’s community-curated whitelist of newsrooms, hailed as the ‘Civil Registry’ which runs on the Civil protocol.

This partnership bodes well for the future of editorial as it allows one of the biggest names in international publishing to experiment with the blockchain and increase audience trust through a decentralised ledger. Founded in 1917 in the United States, Forbes has a readership of more than 120 million people globally.

Salah Zalatimo, Senior Vice President of Product & Technology at Forbes remarked on the partnership:

“WE ARE RELENTLESSLY FOCUSED ON RAPID EXPERIMENTATION AND IMPLEMENTATION SO THAT WE CAN DETERMINE WHAT’S IN THE BEST INTEREST OF OUR AUDIENCE AND WHAT IS NEXT FOR OUR INDUSTRY.”

“FORBES AND CIVIL BELIEVE PASSIONATELY IN THE MISSION OF JOURNALISM, AND TOGETHER WE CAN PROVIDE AUDIENCES WITH A LEVEL OF UNPRECEDENTED TRANSPARENCY AROUND OUR CONTENT. WE’LL ALSO BE ABLE TO EXPAND THE REACH OF OUR WRITERS AND IDENTIFY NEW REVENUE CHANNELS OVER TIME.”

Civil has previously announced a partnership with major news agency Associated Press (AP). The global media agency plans to use blockchain for intellectual rights, tracking its content usage, and supporting ethical journalism. This association with Civil marks Forbes longstanding legacy of innovation to retain journalistic integrity and relevance over the past century since its founding. Over the past year, Forbes editorial team have rapidly expanded their coverage of the crypto-sphere as well as introducing Forbes CryptoAsset & Blockchain Advisor which pertains exclusively to crypto and blockchain related news and updates.