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IIB and Kilsa Global collaborate to unlock SEA market opportunities

  IIB’s Tech Medini initiative is committed to providing opportunities for Korean startups and SMEs to thrive, offering comprehensive support and fostering a collaborative ecosystem for innovation and growth in Southeast Asia. Iskandar Investment Berhad (IIB) is excited to announce a strategic partnership with KILSA Global to accelerate the entry of Korean startups and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) into Southeast Asia.  This collaboration not only aims to position Medini and Iskandar Puteri as key hubs for Korean innovators but also to attract global talent, investment, and innovation to Johor, contributing to the state’s economic growth and development. IIB, a catalyst for the transformation of Iskandar Malaysia, continues to develop Medini as a sustainable urban hub with a focus on technology, innovation, and business services.  Medini and Iskandar Puteri offer a robust ecosystem that supports cutting-edge industries.  Situated just 45 minutes from Sing...

MYDCF Biz Day 2024: Celebrating Southeast Asia’s digital creative talent

  From left: Yang Berbahagia Datuk Ts. Fadzli Abdul Wahit (Head of Digital Transformation, MDEC), Mr. Justin Berenbaum (Vice President Strategy & General Manager, Xsolla Funding Club), Yang Berusaha Mr. Anuar Fariz Fadzil (CEO MDEC), YB Tuan Syed Ibrahim Syed Noh (Chairman MDEC), and YB Tuan Gobind Singh Deo (Minister of Digital) officiating the event. The Malaysia Digital Content Festival (MYDCF) Biz Day 2024 brought together key players in animation, digital games, XR, the metaverse, and creative technology.  Over three action-packed days, the event featured insightful workshops, business meetings, and international collaborations, positioning Malaysia as a regional digital creative hub. Officiated by YB Tuan Gobind Singh Deo, Minister of Digital, and YB Tuan Syed Ibrahim Syed Noh, Chairman of MDEC, the MYDCF Biz Day 2024 highlighted Malaysia’s ambition to become a leading regional digital creative hub by 2030.  The event attracted over 1,000 participants from co...

Tensions escalating in West Asia after Iran's missile strike on Israel

  Iran’s recent missile attack on Israel, launched on October 1, 2024, marks a significant escalation in tensions across West Asia.  With over 180 missiles fired toward Israeli cities like Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, the attack caused considerable alarm but relatively limited physical damage.  Israel's defense systems intercepted many of the missiles, though some did reach civilian areas, causing injuries and structural damage.  This Iranian strike, dubbed "Operation True Promise 2," was reportedly in retaliation for the assassinations of key figures including Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh and Hizbullah’s Hassan Nasrallah, events linked to Israeli operations earlier in the year. Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned the attack, warning that Iran had made a "big mistake" and promising that it would "pay for it" at a time of Israel’s choosing.  Iran, however, has threatened even more severe retaliation if Israel mounts a counterattack.  Thes...

Ringgit's struggle against the US dollar

  Source: xe.com The Malaysian ringgit has experienced significant volatility against the US dollar in recent times, reflecting broader global economic trends and domestic factors.  As of late 2024, the ringgit has been under pressure, trading at one of its weaker levels compared to previous years.  Several factors have contributed to this trend, ranging from global macroeconomic conditions to specific challenges within Malaysia. Globally, the US dollar has remained strong due to the Federal Reserve’s continued policy of high interest rates to combat inflation.  This has attracted more foreign investment into the US, leading to a higher demand for the dollar and thus, weakening other currencies like the ringgit.  Moreover, geopolitical tensions and global economic uncertainty, particularly involving key trade partners like China, have contributed to the flight of capital towards safer assets denominated in US dollars. Domestically, Malaysia faces several challen...

DALIA 2024 turbocharges MSMEs for next-level productivity

  The Malaysia Productivity Corporation (MPC) proudly introduced the AI for Productivity – DALIA Turbocharge All'Spark 2024 Program, a transformative initiative aimed at empowering Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) with AI technology solutions.  This Bootcamp, held on 24th September, marks a significant milestone in a three-month program designed to help 12 MSMEs embrace AI technology to enhance productivity and drive sustainable growth.  This initiative builds upon the success of last year's Digital Acceleration for Learning and Industry Adoption (DALIA) program, which focused on accelerating digital adoption among MSMEs.   The AI for Productivity initiative seeks to advance productivity and technological innovation among businesses, particularly MSMEs, enabling them to thrive in the digital era.  Through the Digital Productivity Nexus (DPN) and collaboration with Brand Geeks Inc., MPC is equipping participants with the knowledge to select technology...

Metro inks underwriting agreement with MIDF Amanah

  From left: Mr. Lim Wai Khong (Managing Director of Metro Healthcare Berhad), Dr. Tee Swi Peng (Executive Vice-Chairman of Metro Healthcare Berhad), Datuk (Dr.) Joseph Dominic Silva (CEO of MIDF Amanah Investment Bank Berhad), Encik Azizi Mustafa (CEO of MIDF Berhad) Petaling Jaya, 27th September 2024 – Metro Healthcare Berhad has signed an underwriting agreement with MIDF Amanah Investment Bank for the latter to underwrite a total of 34,261,800 ordinary shares in conjunction with the transfer of Metro’s listing from the LEAP Market to the ACE Market of Bursa Malaysia Securities Berhad. Metro’s initial public offering (IPO) on the ACE Market of Bursa Malaysia entails a public issuance of 156,625,000 new ordinary shares, representing 16.0% of the Group’s enlarged share capital of 978,905,000 shares.  Of the 156,625,000 new shares, 3.5% of the enlarged share capital are made open for application to the Malaysian public and pink form and 12.5% of the enlarged share capital to Bu...

Malaysian's financial well-being improves - RMFLS 2024

  RinggitPlus released the results of the 2024 Malaysian Financial Literacy Survey (RMFLS) yesterday , an annual study examining Malaysians’ financial habits, challenges and outlook.  This year’s results found improvements across multiple key indicators, with signs of upward swings for financial security and well-being – but also underscored a continuous growing need for enhanced digital financial literacy nationwide. Fewer Scam Attempts, but Vigilance Remains a Priority In 2024, more than one-third of Malaysians (38%) reported encountering fewer financial fraud or scam attempts compared to last year, with the overall number of those who experienced such attempts dropping to 86% from the whopping 94% reported in 2023.  This marks a significant improvement, proving that the anti-scam awareness efforts driven by Malaysia’s governing bodies are bearing fruit. Indeed, 56% of respondents credited the nationwide Jangan Kena Scam awareness campaign for helping them avoid falling...