As small and medium enterprises (SMEs) grapple with the complexities of cross-border payments in an increasingly digitalised world, fintech companies are stepping in to transform the landscape. These companies offer solutions that traditional banks may lack — for instance, covering payment servic...

Fintech: Helping SMEs with cross-border payments

The season for gifting and being jolly is here again. Sometimes, finding the right present can be stressful, especially when there isn’t much time left to make your purchases. Here are some simple, trendy and functional techy Christmas gifts to get for your loved ones.

Listicle: Tech the halls: Digital Edge’s 2024 gift guide

After years of navigating the fast-paced world of investment banking, Petrina Goh found herself struggling to strike a balance between numerous work trips and the demands of motherhood. The arrival of her first child marked a turning point. By the time her second child was born, she had first-han...

Interview: Easing the burden of mothers

Stockholm, with its blend of historical charm and modern innovation, is quietly becoming a tech powerhouse. It ranks second in the world for the number of unicorn tech companies per capita, just behind the US’ Silicon Valley. This success is driven not only by the city’s long-standing focus on in...

Bridging Ideas: Knowledge transfer pertinent to growth of innovation

In the last few weeks, start-up ecosystem social media chatter has been buzzing about Fashion Valet (FV). It started out because of a question asked in parliament about the losses of RM43.9 million incurred by Khazanah Nasional Bhd and Permodalan Nasional Bhd (PNB) from the divestment of their in...

The Pitch Deck: Navigating negativity: Harmful impact of unwarranted accusations on start-up ecosystem

The latest models in Google’s flagship series, the Pixel 9 and Pixel 9 Pro, hit the market this August with much fanfare. After some hands-on time with the Pixel 9, it’s clear it has standout features, but as with any device, it’s not without a few quirks.

Design and feel

Th...

Tech In Review: Keeping up with the Google Pixel 9

As a millennial who grew up googling every question and curiosity, discovering that Gen Z is turning to TikTok and Instagram as their go-to search engines elicited in me a mixed feeling of concern and fascination.

According to a Forbes report, for Gen Z, these social platforms have beco...

Geek Speak: Time to change the way we report the news to online communities

NEWS

Boost and UOB Asset Management offer shariah-compliant investments and rewards through BoostMyMoney

Boost and UOB Asset Management (UOBAM) Malaysia have launched BoostMyMoney, a shariah-compliant unit trust investment feature availa...

Bits + Bytes: A Miscellany of Technology

The gaming industry may be ruled by giant corporations and their blockbuster triple-A games, but there’s another side to it — one that thrives on creativity, innovation and daring new ideas. This is the indie scene, where developers, especially those in emerging markets such as Malaysia, are carv...

Cover Story: Forging the pixel path

(NOV 18): Have you ever considered how we expect round-the-clock protection at the organisations we work for or the businesses we rely on as customers?

As cyber threats, fuelled by advanced technologies, continue to evolve and become more sophisticated, organisations are ramping up defe...

Co-opetition: Collaboration is key to strengthening cybersecurity defences

CEO Action Network (CAN) introduced the Sustainability Leaders Apprentice for Youth (SLAY) programme last Sunday (Nov 24) in collaboration with Roots & Shoots Malaysia (RASMA) to develop youths into corporate sustainability professionals of the future.

CEO Action Network launches programme for youths

Ideas, initiatives and innovation form the basis of any effort to actualise goals and targets. Ideally, sustainability is embedded into the business case of every investment decision made by the company.

10 steps to frame your business case

Part of Malaysia’s climate action plan is to introduce a Climate Change Act to enhance Malaysia’s climate change governance at the international and domestic levels. However, the consultation paper for the proposed climate change bill (Ruupin), issued on Oct 4, has been criticised for being too v...

Policy: Not a people-centric climate change bill

Donald Trump’s re-election as US president on Nov 5 has reignited concerns about how it could impede the progress of climate action and the low-carbon transition.

During his previous term, he infamously pulled the US out of the Paris Agreement. He also claimed that climate change is a “...

Politics: What Trump’s re-election means for the climate

This International Men’s Day, let’s take a moment to reflect on men’s unique challenges: societal expectations, the myth of unyielding masculinity and the pressure to always have a plan (or at least pretend that there is one). Men, we see you.

Although the day centres on men’s well-bein...

Views: International Men’s Day reflections: What Kamala Harris’ leadership teaches us about equity in the corporate world

The short answer: Yes, it can be. The long answer: Yes, but it doesn’t have to be.

Diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) often parallels sustainability in corporate discourse. After all, it is the “S” in ESG (environmental, social and governance). As with sustainability, there is increa...

Views: Diversity-washing — is DEI the new corporate greenwashing?

The National Baseline Assessment on Business and Human Rights in Malaysia (NBA), which was published in August, highlighted the state of human rights in the country and what should be done to address the challenges.

One solution highlighted by Edmund Bon Tai Soon, the head of chambers (...

Human Rights: National report calls for a ministry of human rights and justice

Palm oil farmers who are independent smallholders (ISHs) have a lot to worry about. From monkeys and elephants that intrude into their farms and destroy their crops to weather conditions that are unfavourable, these farmers have their hands full.

ISHs have another thing to worry about a...

Palm Oil: Regenerative farming can benefit independent smallholders

Energy transition is a conversation about the redirection of capital, with more funding being needed to finance global renewable energy requirements.

However, since the Paris Agreement, the world’s 60 largest banks have channelled US$4.6 trillion (RM19.95 trillion) into the fossil fuel ...

Views: The case for Malaysian banks to phase out fossil fuels

Renewable energy certificates (RECs), which are issued when one megawatt-hour (MWh) of renewable energy (RE) is generated, are a common method for corporates to offset their Scope 2 emissions from electricity use.

In fact, some 400 global companies under the RE100 initiative, including ...

Cover Story: How to boost Malaysia’s REC market

The Edge Property Excellence Awards 2024

The Edge ESG Awards 2024

The Edge Billion Ringgit Club 2024

The Edge Centurion Club Corporate Awards 2024

The Edge Best Managed & Sustainable Property Awards 2024

In today’s edition of Evening 5: 00:00 Sapura Energy announces departure of chairman and group CEO 01:56 Public Bank 3Q net profit improves 12% 03:05 Currency gains help to boost RHB Bank’s 3Q earnings 04:42 Hextar Industries gets exclusive rights to bring in Luckin Coffee 06:17 Padini warns of tough retail as 1Q earnings halve

EVENING 5: Shake-up at Sapura Energy, chairman and group CEO step down

Supreme Consolidated at its listing on Friday discussed plans for expansion into the Sabah markets and possibly Kalimantan as well as product diversification

NEWS: Supreme Consolidated eyes Sabah and Kalimantan

Spritzer has quenched expectations and is set for further sales growth, says BIMB

MORNING CALL: 29/11/24

A Japan-inspired strategy of seeking to boost shareholder returns, corporate governance and market valuations is spreading like a wildfire across Asia.

From Seoul to New Delhi, governments and regulators are hurrying to implement their own versions of Japan’s decade-long program of structural reforms that helped drive its benchmark index to a record high this year.

Rush to ‘value up’ may be Asian stocks’ best defence from Trump

The flood situation in seven out of nine affected states has worsened on Saturday morning, with the number of evacuees at relief centres (PPS) surpassing 120,000, compared to 106,505 reported on Friday night.

Flood worsens, evacuees exceed 120,000

Much has been reported about the Sarawak government’s negotiations via Petroleum Sarawak Bhd (Petros) with Petroliam Nasional Bhd (Petronas) for the Bornean state’s rights to regulate the oil and gas (O&G) developments within its boundaries. Next door, however, information on Sabah’s progress has seemed scant by comparison, given that both states are on a similar quest.

Sabah’s O&G aspirations quietly brewing

US trade officials announced on Friday a new round of tariffs on solar panel imports from four Southeast Asian nations after American manufacturers complained that companies there are flooding the market with unfairly cheap goods.

US sets tariffs for solar panels from Southeast Asian nations

The S&P 500 and Dow Jones Industrial Average notched record closing highs in a shortened Black Friday session, lifted by technology stocks such as Nvidia, while retail was in focus as the holiday shopping season kicked off.

S&P 500, Dow close at record highs on tech, retail in focus

An investment vehicle linked to Berjaya Group’s Tan Sri Vincent Tan Chee Yioun has emerged as a substantial shareholder in Berjaya Food Bhd (KL:BJFOOD) with a 8.09% stake.

Vincent Tan-linked vehicle emerges as substantial shareholder in Berjaya Food with 8.09% stake

KUALA LUMPUR (Nov 29):  Here is a brief recap of some corporate announcements that made news on Friday.

Public Bank Bhd (KL:PBBANK), Malaysia’s third-largest bank by assets, posted a 12% increase in net profit to RM1.91 billion for the third quarter ended Sept 30, ...

Public Bank, RHB Bank, Padini, QL Resources, LBS Bina, IGB, AAX, Panasonic, Velesto Energy, Sapura Energy, Phamarniaga and Hextar Industries

European and American carmakers are set to lose up to 17% of their combined annual core profits if the US imposes import tariffs on Europe, Mexico and Canada, S&P Global said in a report on Friday, warning of potential credit downgrades.

Trump's tariffs could cost carmakers up to 17% of combined core profits, S&P says

A nationwide strike in Italy on Friday disrupted air traffic, public transport, schools and hospitals, in a protest by two of the country's largest unions against Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's government budget plans.

Italy's unions vow to turn country 'upside down' after national strike

EVENING 5: Five things you need to know today

Low-cost, medium-haul airline AirAsia X Bhd (KL:AAX) reported a surge in net profit for the third quarter, as currency gains and higher revenue offset a jump in operating expenses.

Net profit for the quarter ended Sept 30, 2024 (3QFY2024) was RM121.64 million, a 22-time jump when compared to the same quarter last year, AirAsia X said in an exchange filing. The company booked RM125.29 million from both realised and unrealised net foreign exchange gains.

AirAsia X reports 22-fold jump in net profit on currency gains

Muar Member of Parliament Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman said on Friday that he will immediately file an appeal against the conviction and sentence handed down to him by the High Court in his criminal breach of trust (CBT) and money-laundering case, after finally receiving the full written judgement.

Syed Saddiq to immediately file graft appeal after finally receiving written judgement

IGB Bhd (KL:IGBB) has declared a dividend payout of 12 sen per share for FY2024 — comprising an interim dividend of seven sen and a special dividend of five sen — as its latest third quarter net profit jumped 27% from the corresponding quarter last year, driven by higher contributions from its retail, commercial and hotel segments.

IGB pays 12 sen dividend for FY2024, including a five-sen special, as 3Q profit jumps 27%

TSMC's founder Morris Chang asked Nvidia's Jensen Huang to consider becoming the chief executive of the Taiwanese chip giant more than a decade ago, but was turned down in just 10 minutes, Chang says in a new volume of autobiography.

TSMC founder Morris Chang offered top job to Jensen Huang, memoir shows

Even as birth rates fell further in South Korea and Singapore, where less than one baby is born to every woman of reproductive age, Malaysia’s total fertility rate (TFR) surprisingly inched higher to 1.7 in 2023 from a record low of 1.6 in 2022.

Demographic squeeze : Declining birth rates and the rising burden of eldercare

While Malaysia is consolidating returns on previous infrastructure investments, leveraging its established expertise in electronics, semiconductors and data centres, political shifts and the gradual outflow of talent could impact future economic progress, according to the 9th edition of e-Conomy SEA by Google, Temasek and Bain & Co.

A survey of Malaysia’s digital economy

The Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) on Saturday issued a continuous rain warning until Sunday (Dec 1) involving Kelantan, Terengganu and Perak.

MetMalaysia warns of continuous rain in Kelantan, Terengganu and Perak until Sunday

Legal experts are suggesting that the Malaysian government should consider introducing laws to prevent children and teenagers under 16 from using social media platforms, following the example set by Australia.

Lawyers suggest govt should consider law banning children from social media

Human Resources (Kesuma) Minister, Steven Sim Chee Keong called on employers to empathise and compromise with employees affected by disasters such as floods.

HR minister calls on employers to empathise with employees affected by floods

The number of flood victims in eight affected states has continued to rise, while the situation in Perak remained unchanged. As of 8 pm Friday, the total number of evacuees taking shelter in temporary relief centres (PPS) stood at 106,505.

Flood evacuees total over 100,000 as Kelantan records highest number of victims

Sarawak needs a high-quality workforce to support its mission to become Malaysia’s hub for the aerospace industry.

Abang Jo: Sarawak needs quality workforce to support aerospace industry

EG Industries Bhd (KL:EG) on Friday posted an over threefold jump in its July-September quarter net profit from the same period a year ago, driven by higher sales and better margins — particularly from 5G wireless access and photonic-related products.

EG Industries upbeat on prospects as it kicks off FY2025 with record profit 

Syarikat Air Darul Aman Sdn Bhd (SADA) has temporarily ceased operations at seven of its water treatment plants (WTPs) after the water levels at their intake points reached a critical stage.

Seven water treatment plants in Kedah forced to cease operations

Selangor Agricultural Development Corporation’s (PKPS) Ehsan Rose Onion Crop project has managed to produce 28 tonnes of the small red onion in the first phase of its harvest involving 3.2 hectares (ha) of land.

First phase of PKPS Ehsan Rose Onion project yields 28 tonnes

Bursa Malaysia has approved Practice Note 17 (PN17) company Pharmaniaga Bhd’s (KL:PHARMA) regularisation plan, which was revised to adjust its capital reduction and exclude warrants from its rights issue, exactly a year after the initial iteration was announced.

A year on, Pharmaniaga finally gets Bursa nod on regularisation plan

Nextgreen Global Bhd (KL:NGGB) saw a more than fourfold increase in its net profit for the third quarter ended Sept 30, 2024 (3QFY2024), driven by strong performance in its manufacturing segment.

Nextgreen Global's 3Q net profit quadruples on strong manufacturing performance

Is ‘rent-seeking’ corruption? And an unorthodox suggestion to fight corruption

Recently, Malaysians and Americans shared a striking political moment. In Malaysia, former Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak issued a rare apology for his role in the multibillion-dollar 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB) scandal. Responses from Malaysians to Najib’s apology have been sharply divided.

MySay: Najib’s apology and Trump’s return to the US presidency: What is happening to normal and truth?

While it is looking increasingly likely that the deadline for the European Union’s Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) will be postponed by a year, this does not solve the inherent problems caused by the regulation. Complying with the EUDR is extremely difficult, costly and damaging to sustainable producers due to a factor that is missing in most discussions: logistics

MySay: The fundamental flaw in the EU deforestation regulation

Whenever the world’s financial and political leaders convene — whether at the G20 summit, the UN General Assembly, or the International Monetary Fund and World Bank annual meetings — the most urgent development challenges are nearly always on the agenda. Increasingly, the solution these leaders propose to such problems, from poverty alleviation and public health crises to climate change and the energy transition, is more financing.

Sustainability: Where financial innovation meets sustainable development

In the suburban neighbourhood of SS12 in Subang Jaya, residents’ needs are met by the mini commercial area on Jalan SS12/1B. Each of the 14 two-storey shophouses measures 1,320 sq ft and has a built-up area of 2,300 sq ft. The commercial area is quiet during weekdays and busy on weekends, often l...

Streetscapes: A cosy enclave in SS12, Subang Jaya

AMID a pickup in the award of contracts on the local oil and gas (O&G) scene, some market observers worry that volatility in global crude oil prices could heighten next year.

While geopolitical risks have always been a tailwind for oil prices, uncertainties in US-China relations fol...

Cover Story: Local O&G sector buoyed by contracts, but oil price volatility looms

The incoming president of the US is playing golf with two associates. They all tee off and while his flight-mates hit straight down the middle, Donald Trump hits into the pond. When they arrive to play their second shots, two of them are surprised to find three balls on the grass. “Yours went into the water — I saw the splash,” says one. “Well, that’s my ball,” says Trump, pointing to a third sitting on the fairway. “It must have been the tide.”

Business of Sports: World of sport braces for Trump’s high tide

ON an evening in June 1995, at an upmarket restaurant in Jalan U Thant, Ampang, Kuala Lumpur, a slightly built, not very tall man walked in with a lady, presumably his wife, and was fawned upon by the owner of the establishment, an ambitious, young woman who seemed to know the older couple.
...

Special Report: Daim’s meteoric rise and his legacy

OVER the past few weeks, contracts from Petroliam Nasional Bhd (Petronas) and its production sharing contract partners have been coming in, largely for maintenance, construction and modification (MCM) as well as hook-up commissioning (HUC) services, benefiting a number of local oil and gas (O&...

Cover Story: O&G jobs coming in, more expected

Donald Trump won. He will be the next president of the US despite one conviction and several outstanding court cases against him. So much speculation has emerged as to what it would mean for the world. His previous term as president made many countries around the world grimace at this prospect.

MySay: Trump returns — should Malaysia be fearful?

MALAYSIA’s push towards digitalisation is drawing keen interest from global tech giants, with Amazon Web Services Inc (AWS), Microsoft Corp, Google and Oracle Corp committing a combined investment of US$16.9 billion (RM75 billion) through to 2038.

These investments reflect Malaysia’s po...

Oracle: US$6.5 bil investment in Malaysia ‘more than a data centre’

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau met with President-elect Donald Trump on Friday, according to people familiar with their plans, as the incoming US leader threatens to implement fresh tariffs on neighbouring countries unless they halt the flow of illegal drugs and undocumented migrants across borders.

Canada’s Trudeau holds crucial meeting with Trump at Mar-a-Lago — Bloomberg

The prevalence of corruption, mismanagement, abuse of power, and breaches of trust are akin to cancerous cells eroding the nation’s anatomy, placing immense burdens on its people, said the Sultan of Perak, Sultan Nazrin Shah.

Sultan Nazrin: Corruption, leakages and abuse of power are akin to cancerous cells in nation's anatomy

Five Canadian news media publishers have sued OpenAI Inc for breaching copyright by scraping content to train artificial intelligence products like ChatGPT — opening another front against the US$157 billion (RM698.22 billion) startup.

OpenAI sued by top Canadian news publishers over copyright

China's factory activity expanded modestly for a second straight month in November, an official survey showed on Saturday, adding to a string of recent data suggesting a blitz of stimulus is finally trickling through the world's second-largest economy.

China November factory activity expands for second month as Trump threats loom

Bank of Japan (BOJ) Governor Kazuo Ueda said the timing of the next interest rate hike was "approaching" as the economy was moving in line with the central bank's forecasts, the Nikkei newspaper reported, leaving open the chance of a December rate increase.

BOJ's Ueda says rate hike timing 'approaching' — report

Global stock markets rallied on Friday, with Wall Street crowning November with its biggest monthly gain in a year on post-election growth hopes, while the dollar eased amid prospects for firmer rates in Japan and easing in Europe.

Stocks rally, dollar droops in abbreviated session

Oil prices edged lower on Friday and posted a weekly decline of more than 3%, pressured by easing concern over supply risks from the Israel-Hezbollah conflict and the prospect of increased supply in 2025 even as Opec+ is expected to extend output cuts.

Oil settles down as ease of supply risks drives weekly loss

The finance chief of India's Adani Group on Friday rejected US allegations that executives, including Chairman Gautam Adani, were part of a US$265 million (RM1.2 billion) bribery scheme, while the Indian government said it has not received any US request on the case.

Adani Group CFO rejects bribery allegations, India says no US request yet on case

Quality Care India Ltd, the Indian hospital chain backed by Blackstone Inc, agreed to combine with Aster DM Healthcare Ltd in an all-stock deal that will create one of India’s largest hospital chains.

Blackstone deepens India push with US$5 bil hospital deal

The Canadian economy eked out a small gain last month after a weaker-than-forecast third quarter (3Q), keeping the Bank of Canada on track to keep cutting rates.

Preliminary data suggest gross domestic product (GDP) rose 0.1% in October, Statistics Canada said on Friday.

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