Malaysian Business articles from February 2012

Malaysian Business archives from February 2012

ACE market top-10 millionaires 2012.
February 16, 2012... Amid the current economy uncertainty, ACE Market Taipans are slowly but surely gaining their wealth back. As the world continues to face an uncertain economic climate, ACE Market players continue their slow struggle to salvage their...

Wealth list.
February 16, 2012... The global credit crisis and weak equity markets have taken a toll on Malaysia's richest individuals. Our survey of the '40 Richest Malaysians' shows that their combined wealth is down by some 7% in 2012 from last year. It also paints a...

SAS Malaysia achieves growth in 2011.
February 16, 2012... BUSINESS ANALYTICS SOFTWARE and services provider SAS Malaysia annual new software revenue grew over 21% in 2011, mainly driven by the demand for analytics for customer intelligence, data management, combating fraud and to mitigate risk. ...

HP streamlines partner programmes.
February 16, 2012... IN A MOVE TO ENABLE ITS networking channel partners to increase market competitiveness and revenue opportunities, HP had announced improvements to the HP PartnerONE and HP ExpertONE programmes, 'Channel partners operate in a complex and...

Customer support in the digital era.
February 16, 2012... THANKS TO SOCIAL MEDIA, customers have a voice like never before. When customers wanted to discuss a product or service in the past, they'd dial a call centre and their problem would be addressed behind closed doors. Only the customer and the...

Preparing for an ageing Malaysia.
February 16, 2012... Falling birth rates and rising life expectancies require a higher degree of healthcare. We need to start thinking and formulating a comprehensive healthcare system to face this pertinent issue. The proposed universal healthcare system being...

Internet enjoys good growth in Malaysia.
February 16, 2012... THE INTERNET HAS GROWN TO become a major Malaysian industry and one that contributes more to GDP than US or China. In fact, Malaysia has so far been successful in building its Internet infrastructure, according to a recent study by Google and...

Ekuinas' F&B Forays.
February 16, 2012... Ekuiti Nasional has been on a buying spree of late, especially in relation to the food and beverage sector. Are its acquisitions viable? SINCE IT WAS SET UP IN SEPTEMBER 2009, EKUITI NASIONAL Bhd or better known as Ekuinas has been prowling...

Not so rich.(Survey)
February 16, 2012... Our 40 Richest Malaysians survey this year shows a general drop in wealth levels following the lacklustre stock market and worry over global uncertainties. But on the bright side, we have three more billionaires on the list. MANY investors...

Impressive.
February 16, 2012... Investors looking for bargain stocks in the plantation sector may find undervalued TDM appealing. In the current economic environment, where financial markets are jittery and the risk of a double-dip global economic recession is rising,...

Windfall from asset sales.
February 16, 2012... Strategic divestments help the government's investment arm Khazanah Nasional reap record profits last financial year. The government's investment arm Khazanah Nasional Bhd reaped record profits from its strategic divestments, posting a...

China raises concerns over rail project.
February 16, 2012... The bid to upgrade the Gemas to Johor Baru rail link involving China contractors is slowly but surely brewing into a controversy over the appointment and award of the contract. THE AWARD OF THE PLUM Electrified Double Tracking Project (EDTP)...

Time to revisit.
February 16, 2012... Plantation stocks are back in the limelight. What is spurring this interest? OF LATE, THE MARKET has seen a number of plantation stocks, particularly the mid- and small-cap plantations stocks, receiving strong investment interest. In fact,...

Domestic strengths to combat external weaknesses.
February 16, 2012... External forces are exerting tremendous downward pressure on the growth prospects of the country. What's in store for the Malaysian economy in 2012 then? IT IS HARD TO RESIST FOLLOWING THE CROWD. It is the same in economic forecasting: going...

For management accountants in business.
February 16, 2012... The American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants have launched a new global accounting designation - the Chartered Global Management Accountant. THE American Institute of Certified...

Essential lessons.
February 16, 2012... BP's Deepwater Horizon tragedy has culminated in a courtroom drama which will be keenly watched by observers worldwide with more than a few key lessons to be learnt by all. THE National Commission on the BP Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill and...

In pursuit of the right talent.(Company overview)
February 16, 2012... Kelly Services' Melissa Norman is a veteran in the workforce solutions market. Here, she discusses the issues surrounding human resource in Malaysia. When terms like 'employers/employees' market', 'human capital' and 'workforce solution' are...

Stauff connects.
February 16, 2012... German engineering accessories manufacturer Stauff spreads its reach by making Malaysia a regional centre for its range of devices and measuring systems that are the lifeline of the hydraulics industry. THE name Stauff may not yet feature on...

A lack of foresight?
February 16, 2012... Timing of property measures in Singapore results in market volatility that hurts developers and shareholders, amidst a global downturn The latest moves to curb home ownership by foreigners and investment in property by locals came like a bolt...

How might a financial planner help me?
February 16, 2012... If you are looking for a financial planner, there are certain things you should bear in mind... Does this sound familiar? 'Financial planning is the process of meeting your life goals through the proper management of your finances.' If...

Waves from Europe won't sink Asia.
February 16, 2012... Europe is confronting difficult political and economic challenges. However, the risk on Asia would be manageable. Europe is confronting a complex set of political and economic challenges. Recent weakness in asset markets in Asia shows that...

Individual tax filing.
February 16, 2012... The tax filing deadline for individuals is approaching fast. What is the latest update? The tax filing deadline for individuals is fast approaching! Under the self assessment system (SAS), the important tax filing dates that individuals must...

MNCs & Tax Policy trends in Asia Pacific.
February 16, 2012... A process of fiscal consolidation is in store for the Asia-Pacific region. What can multinational corporations expect? IN general, multinational corporations (MNCs) operating in Asia Pacific will have to be prepared for a process of fiscal...

Tapping the power of positivity.
February 16, 2012... Journalist-turned-public relations consultant-turned-emcee Ishak Nengah has just recovered from cancer. But this hasn't slowed him down one bit, the trooper that he is. 'Is my head kilat (shiny) enough? I do have some polish in my bag,' jests...

Triple-star motoring.
February 16, 2012... Mercedes-Benz heralds the New Year offering sporty luxury from its dynamic coterie. MERCEDES-BENZ owners who eschew staid conformity in preference for sporty luxury can now usher in the 'Year of the Water Dragon' with a choice from its...

Safeguarding your name.
February 16, 2012... 'Manage Your Online Reputation', * By: Tony Wilson * Publisher: Advantage Quest Publications * Pages: 158 * Price: RM29.90 Manage Your Online Reputation is all about reputation management on the World Wide Web. Everyone knows...

Imagination fuels a better life.
February 16, 2012... "50 Best Business Ideas of the Last 50 years', * By: Ian Wallis * Publisher: Advantage Quest Publications * Pages: 275 * Price: RM34.90 50 Best Business Ideas of the Last 50 years details all the inventions and their importance in...

PIDM's two new board members.
February 16, 2012... Perbadanan Insurans Deposit Malaysia (PIDM) has announced the appointment of Datuk Dr Rahamat Bivi Yusoff and Mohamad Abdul Halim Ahmad as new members of its Board of Directors. Rahamat is currently the Director General of the Economic...

PJ community celebrates CNY at Jaya One.
February 16, 2012... Jaya One, a popular commercial and retail centre in Section 13, Petaling Jaya recently organised a Chinese New Year celebration for more than 200 members of its local community. To usher in the 'Year of the Dragon', Jaya One spared no expense...

BMW appoints Wearnes Autohaus as new BMW dealer.
February 16, 2012... BMW Group Malaysia has announced the appointment of Wearnes Autohaus, a wholly owned subsidiary of Wearnes Automotive, as the newest BMW dealer in the Klang Valley area. The new BMW dealership began its operations at its fully-fledged 4S (Sales,...

Toyota celebrates CNY with under-privileged kids.
February 16, 2012... Over 25 volunteers from UMW Toyota Motor played host to 30 children from the House of Joy, Puchong, Selangor, during a special shopping treat at Sunway Pyramid recently. This annual Festive Gathering was organised as part of the company's...

My book@ live duo personal cloud storage.
February 16, 2012... Western Digital has introduced My Book Live Duo, a personal cloud storage system that combines the benefits of shared storage and remote access with double-safe backup or increased capacity of a dual-drive system with RAID (Redundant Array of...

Canon innovation.
February 16, 2012... Canon has released the LV-8320 projector. The LV-8320 projects images at a high 1280 x 800 WXGA resolution, making it compatible with modern wide- screen laptops, and ensuring correct aspect ratios without any resolution adjustments. Images are...

Agent orange.
February 16, 2012... BOSS Orange has a new range of urban sunglasses and optical frames. Mixed styles are available. Urban Cool is seventies-inspired with a square or drop shape in lightweight steel, Vintage Mood convey a sporty appeal with an aluminium front while...

On transformation mode.
February 1, 2012... The country's twin transformation programmes, the Government Transformation Programme (GTP) and the Economic Transformation Programme (ETP), are rolling out well with positive outcomes. However, it is still early days and the programmes are...

Steadily growing and expanding.
February 1, 2012... Iskandar Malaysia - Malaysia's southern jewel - enters its second development phase with a strong footing ISKANDAR MALAYSIA, the country's most prominent economic corridor to date, has made a strong entry into the second phase of its...

Books go digital.
February 1, 2012... Reading books continues to be one of the most popular leisure-time occupations around the world, notwithstanding the increasing use and significance of the Internet in our daily lives. And today, e-books are becoming established as a further...

MyKris lists in New Zealand.
February 1, 2012... Internet services provider (ISP) MyKris Ltd, a subsidiary of MyKris International Sdn Bhd, has successfully been listed on the New Zealand Alternative Board (NZAX), making it the first Malaysian firm to be listed on the exchange. MyKris...

Landlordship in modern times.
February 1, 2012... Once upon a time, landlords could sit back, relax and count piles of cash every month. Not anymore... Contrary to popular belief, being a landlord is no longer a luxury where one bought a property and waited for the rental income to roll in....

Telekom partners BHL Group.
February 1, 2012... TELEKOM MALAYSIA AND BHL GROUP have inked a service agreement for the deployment and provision of Telekom's High Speed Broadband (HSBB) network infrastructure to BHL's new residential development projects in Klang Valley. Under this...

Minimising costs and investments.
February 1, 2012... MAJOR ADOPTERS OF PRIVATE CLOUD ENVIRONMENTS need to reduce upfront infrastructure investment levels, minimise internal IT infrastructure investment associated with 'bursty' or unpredictable workloads, lower and/or distribute ongoing costs...

ABN Partners Motorola Mobility
February 1, 2012... IN A MOVE TO ENSURE that its plan to offer services by second quarter of this year is on track, new cable television company Asian Broadcasting Network Sdn Bhd (ABN) has chosen Motorola Mobility Inc as its technology provider. As the main...

Time for Telco operators to cash in on mobile growth.
February 1, 2012... In 2009, the GSMA predicted six billion mobile phone connections worldwide by 2013. We're already just about there - and growing faster than ever. The GSMA expects more than 12 billion connections by 2020. Mobile phones are just the...

A softer market in early 2012.
February 1, 2012... There is a strong sentiment within the general market that prices have peaked over the last two years. Pressure for further price increase in 2012 may be subdued as the market becomes more aware of an influx of new spaces available in the coming...

Rethinking the aviation sector.
February 1, 2012... The union between Malaysia Airlines and AirAsia could run the risk of degenerating into a monopoly that jeopardises the larger interest of the nation in the aviation and tourism sectors. Before that happens, it would be best to be vigilant. ...

Social Media revenue on the rise.
February 1, 2012... Worldwide social media revenue reached US$10.3 billion in 2011, a 41.4% increase from 2010 revenue of US$7.3 billion, according to Gartner, Inc. Additionally, the research firm forecasts that the worldwide social media revenue is in for a...

What is there to fear?
February 1, 2012... Both our politicians and corporate big wigs have a long way to go where transparency regarding their assets is concerned. Why the insecurity? THE REQUIREMENT FOR MINISTERS AND DEPUTY ministers to declare their assets to the Prime Minister is...

How will the market fare in 2012?
February 1, 2012... A key concern of foreign portfolio investors is the highly anticipated general election and its effect on government policies. FOREIGN funds in emerging markets including Malaysia are slowly switching from government bonds to equities. 'We...

A new roadmap.
February 1, 2012... Now that DRB-HICOM has taken over Proton Holdings, what's in store for the latter? AFTER DRB-HICOM Bhd brings Proton Holdings back to its fold, the top questions on many investors' and analysts' minds are the national carmaker's new direction...

Ruling the rooster.
February 1, 2012... Turnaround poultry player DBE Gurney Resources sparks interest in the small-cap segment. Could a poultry producer be a good stock pick in an uncertain market? If local research house Kenanga Research has its call right, then turnaround...

Surfing the waves of uncertainty.
February 1, 2012... In a volatile investing climate, investors should aim for certain segments of the market. What are they? THIS year is likely to be volatile for the equity market, and the analysts' consensus upside for the benchmark index, FTSE Bursa Malaysia...

Transformation in action.
February 1, 2012... Malaysia's much heralded twin programmes - the GTP and the ETP - promise exciting changes for the country, including taking it to high-income status by 2020. How are things working out? TWO years since its launching, Malaysia's Government...

Reaching for the future.
February 1, 2012... With the future firmly envisaged, Pemandu chief Datuk Seri Idris Jala sets in motion the process that will take Malaysia from vision to reality. TO SAY Datuk Seri Idris Jala has been busy for the last two years is surely an understatement....

Engaging the world.
February 1, 2012... How delegates from 14 countries got a first-hand look at Malaysia's transformation methodology. LATE LAST YEAR, PEMANDU TOOK the unprecedented step of sharing Malaysia's transformation methodology with an international audience comprising 50...

One too many.
February 1, 2012... Is Malaysia's many public holidays impacting its productivity? WITH the Chinese New Year festivities traditionally coming on the heels of Christmas, some employers are beginning to feel the heat of long breaks taken by employees for January...

On a growth path.
February 1, 2012... Government-led infrastructural projects and the residential market are likely to fuel growth domestically in the midst of a global downturn. Malaysia's construction sector looks set for a strong 2012, with growth increasingly led by...

A tablet for company.
February 1, 2012... Long-distance bus travel may never be the same again with BlueICE's touch- screen tablet as a travelling companion. The onboard infotainment system also presents marketers with yet another option to reach the consumer. PRINT media, TV, radio,...

Stopping deceptive airfares.
February 1, 2012... According to a new rule introduced by the US Department of transportation, airlines operating in the United States will soon have to advertise exact fares including taxes and surcharges. Asia should follow suit. FROM Jan 24, it will be...

Asia's digital consumer lifestyle comes of age.
February 1, 2012... This is the final of a two-part series on growing trends of the online and mobile landscape in Asia, and the challenges Asian companies are facing to realise the potential of this digital market. The emerging digital consumer lifestyle in...

The power of auto-suggestion in salesmanship.
February 1, 2012... The art of master salesmanship for you and your business. One of the most important attributes that entrepreneurs always credit to their success is the salesmanship skill of self-belief which results in making their products or services a...

The economics of fidelity and sport.
February 1, 2012... While sports respects and honours past greats, a country - in the economic sense of the word - necessarily doesn't, especially when it comes to freedom of speech. BY the time this piece is published, January would have been all but over. But...

Towards equitable rewards.
February 1, 2012... For the sake of the majority, the current lop-sided system of reward distribution must be overhauled to take cognisance of human rights and civil society demands. IN the midst of the global economic conundrum, people are talking about...

Personal and personal net worth growth!
February 1, 2012... Making two environmental changes - one physical and the other mental - will raise your odds of succeeding. JUST over 21 years ago, while on assignment as a staff writer for this very magazine, I had the privilege of meeting and interviewing...

Re-looking sunset industries.
February 1, 2012... Without innovation, old businesses are bound to find it hard to keep up with the competition. Being creative is the key. Kodak, the legendary film company, has been reported (at the time of writing) to be filing its Chapter 11 bankruptcy...

Man of many talents.
February 1, 2012... Idol finalist Ash Nair has decided he can sing, make music, act and direct. He likes wearing many hats, writes WILSON HENRY. Idol finalists don't necessarily fade away, especially when they don't win the coveted prize. Some, in fact, go on to...

Fit for a Prince.
February 1, 2012... The five-star Prince Hotel in Kuala Lumpur comes with a full range of amenities to make your stay a happy one. THE five-star Prince Hotel & Residence Kuala Lumpur is strategically located in the heart of Kuala Lumpur, mere minutes away...

The golden touch.
February 1, 2012... 'Midas Touch - Why Some Enterpeneurs Get Rich and Why Most Don't. * By Donald Trump & Robert Kiyosaki * Publisher: Plaza Publishing LLC * Pages: 224 * Price: RM94.90 Midas Touch - Why Some Entrepreneurs Get Rich and Why Most...

Information is King.
February 1, 2012... 'The Master Switch: The Rise and Fall of Information Empires'. * By By: Tim Wu * By Publisher: Vintage Books * Pages: 356 * Price: RM59.90 The Master Switch: The Rise and Fall of Information Empires is a historical review of the...

New Regional CEO for Allianz Asia Pacific.
February 1, 2012... David Fried has become Regional CEO of Allianz Asia Pacific. He will be reporting to Manuel Bauer, member of the Board of Allianz SE, responsible for insurance growth markets. He succeeds Kamesh Goyal who will take over as Head of Group Planning...

Sarawak minister visits Samsung Digital City.
February 1, 2012... On Jan 13, a team of delegates led by Sarawak Minister of Public Utilities and Industrial Planning, Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali, paid a visit to the Samsung Digital City in Suwon, Korea, to promote Sarawak as a strategic location for the...

Gift of hope with groupon and UNICEF.
February 1, 2012... Groupon Malaysia recently presented a cheque worth RM152,730 to UNICEF Malaysia in conjunction with its recent 'Groupon for Children' initiative held over the New Year's period. 'Since we put up the donation, we have collected over RM152,730...

RHB appoints new group managing director.
February 1, 2012... RHB Banking Group has appointed Kellee Kam Chee Khiong as its Group Managing Director with effect from Jan 9, 2012. As Group Managing Director, Kellee will lead and provide strategic direction as well as ensure execution of the group's...

The dragon - a limited edition piece.
February 1, 2012... Skagen Denmark has introduced a limited edition piece, the SKAGEN Dragon watches Collection, to kick-start the year. Exclusive to Malaysia and Singapore, there are only 120 each of the men's and ladies' design. Drawn by the edgy contours and...

Kaspersky's new protection.
February 1, 2012... Kaspersky Lab has released the Kaspersky Endpoint Security 9 for Windows and Kaspersky Security Centre. These new endpoint protection products have been engineered to deliver a new level of deep enterprise-wide threat protection, comprehensive...

New Evolta rechargeable battery.
February 1, 2012... Panasonic Malaysia Sdn Bhd has launched the full range of EVOLTA Rechargeable batteries that are ready to use, available in AA and AAA that can be recharged 1,600 times. These batteries are also equipped with Charger Kits for both battery sizes...