Friday, June 28, 2013

Today's Pick (28/06/13/1014/1039) SME Bank targets 6pc profit growth

SME Bank targets 6pc profit growth


SME Bank Bhd is targeting six per cent growth in profit for its financial year ending December 31 2013 from RM122.9 last year.

Managing director Datuk Mohd Radzif Mohd Yunus said the 2012 profit was slightly lower than the RM125.7 million recorded in the previous year that was achieved on a better debt recovery.

"It is the operating profit that matters to us as last year it increased twofold to RM146 million," he said at a press conference after announcing the company's 2012 financial results here yesterday.

Mohd Razif said SME Bank also expects to register eight per cent growth in loans this year. To date, it has disbursed some RM1.8 billion worth of loans.

In 2012, it approved RM2.9 billion worth of loans to 1,803 small and medium enterprises (SMEs) compared with RM1.7 million to 1,407 SMEs in 2011.

"More SMEs have benefited from our programmes and services like financing, entrepreneurial training and programmes in collaboration with other agencies," he said.

Mohd Radzif said this year, the bank is allocating about RM4 billion for the financing and development of SMEs.

Of the amount, RM2.25 billion will be channelled through its four programmes - SME Development Fund, Divestment Financing Scheme, Halal Industry Fund and Young Entrepreneur Fund.

On its RM3 billion fund-raising through Islamic papers, Mohd Radzif said the first tranche of RM500 million worth of sukuk has been launched.

The second tranche of the same value is expected to be issued by the third quarter of this year, he added.

Source : New Straits Times
Date : 27 June 2013
Today's Pick (28/06/13/1014/1039)

Thursday, June 27, 2013

Afternoon Highlights (27/06/13/108/786)Hamleys to open in KL by December

Hamleys to open in KL by December


KUALA LUMPUR (June 26, 2013): Iconic British toy store Hamleys is set to open its first Malaysian outlet in Kuala Lumpur by early December this year.

This follows the signing of a franchise agreement between Global Retail Venture (GRV) Toy Store and Perbadanan Usahawan Nasional Bhd to bring Hamleys to Malaysia.

GRV director Azlin Ishak said the company aims to open six to seven more stores over the next 10 years in Malaysia and Singapore.

"We are confident of being able to more than meet this goal and are currently looking at shopping malls for suitable space," she said.

In line with the Hamleys concept, the company is also looking at operations like stores or booth set-ups in certain venues for future outlets in Southeast Asia, she said, adding that a Hamleys outlet in Singapore Changi Airport and the KL International Airport in Sepang are a possibility.

"The investment for each outlet would be around RM6 million to RM7 million," she told reporters after the signing ceremony.

The event was witnessed by UK Minister of State for the Foreign Office Hugo Swire and British High Commissioner to Malaysia Simon Featherstone.

Azlin said revenue will grow by 50%, driven by new stores and brands for the next financial year, adding the company is eyeing one more new fashion brand by year-end.

"We are confident our partner GRV have demonstrated their expertise of the Malaysian market and experience in running several large franchises, including Blue Inc, Collezione, British Home Stores, Monsoon/Accessorize, Jane Norman, Peacocks, Sinequanone and Tape A L'oeil," Hamleys head of international franchise development Helen Barnish said.

Barnish noted the Hamleys management team continues to identify strong partners and viable markets for the continued growth of the finest toy shop in the world.

Hamleys is a global brand with 30 stores across 12 countries and territories including India, Russia, the United Arab Emirates and Scandinavia.

Source : The Sun Daily
Date : 26 June 2013
Afternoon Highlights (27/06/13/108/786)



Today's Pick (27/06/13/1013/1038)Mapem: TPP tambah derita usahawan baru

Mapem: TPP tambah derita usahawan baru


PERJANJIAN Perkongsian Trans-Pasifik (TPP) akan memberi kesan secara langsung kepada usahawan baru dan menyukarkan perniagaan mereka berkembang maju.

Presiden Majlis Perundingan Ekonomi Melayu Malaysia (Mapem), Tan Sri Rozali Ismail berkata (Gambar), ini kerana usahawan baru perlu bersaing dengan pasaran global.

"Ia akan beri kesan kerana persaingan hingga ke peringkat global akan menambah keperitan mereka.

"Dalam mesyuarat tadi (semalam) kita turut bincangkan perkara ini. Memang menjejaskan mereka jika (TPP) diteruskan," katanya ketika sidang media selepas mempengerusikan Mesyuarat Agung Mapem di Shah Alam, semalam.

Mesyuarat Agung Mapem yang pertama bagi tahun ini turut dihadiri 30 pertubuhan bukan kerajaan (NGO) yang terlibat isu ekonomi Melayu.

Mapem berfungsi sebagai penasihat dan perunding secara langsung kepada usahawan dan peniaga Melayu di setiap negeri di Malaysia.

Justeru, kata Rozali, beliau menyarankan kepada kerajaan supaya mengkaji semula berkenaan perkara tersebut.

"Kita berharap kerajaan adakan kajian mendalam mengenai TPP kerana ia akan beri kesan tidak baik," ujarnya.

Dalam perkembangan lain pada sidang media yang sama, Rozali turut menyatakan pandangannya supaya kerajaan menekankan isu ekonomi Melayu untuk dimuatkan dalam Bajet 2014.

"Tahap ekonomi Melayu masih di bawah 50 peratus, jadi kita kena buat perubahan dalam pendekatan ekonomi bagi mencapai 60 peratus.

"Perkara ini dapat dilihat melalui bantuan kepada peniaga kecil. Sudah masanya untuk kita lebih memfokuskan kepada pemasaran eksport sesuatu produk," kata beliau


Source : Sinar
Date : 26 June 2013
Today's Pick (27/06/13/1013/1038)





Afternoon Highlights (26/06/13/107/785)Proton eyes No. 1 spot in 2 years

Proton eyes No. 1 spot in 2 years


KUALA LUMPUR: Proton Holdings Bhd is confident of recapturing the top carmaker slot, in terms of sales volume, in Malaysia within the next two years.

Executive chairman Tan Sri Mohd Khamil Jamil said that the national carmaker was working very hard to introduce new car models with value-added advantages to the local market.

“We intend and are sure of making a comeback to the number one slot within the next two years,” he told reporters after Proton's Nama Siapa Hebat contest.

The contest is for Malaysians to contribute a name for the national carmaker's upcoming all-new compact.

Last year, Perusahaan Otomobil Kedua Sdn Bhd (Perodua) retained its number one position among other car manufacturers in terms of sales volume, with sales of 189,000 units, followed by Proton with 141,121.

Proton parent DRB-Hicom Bhd had earlier this year also set a target to sell 500,000 Proton vehicles within the next five years.

Mohd Khamil said the carmaker had been receiving huge support from Malaysians, seen by the level of interest in new models and announcements.

On the new compact car, he said it would be unveiled early next year, with the price and the assembling point to be announced by then.

“This car would be the starting point for a fresh range of cars by Proton. In this regard, we are looking at all segments of car production.

“We have to rationalise the utilisation of our plants before announcing where the new model would be assembled. But, as we have announced before, I think the new models would be assembled at the Tanjung Malim plant,” Mohd Khamil said.

Proton has two assembly plants, namely, in Shah Alam and Tanjung Malim.

Source : The Star

Date : 26 June 2013

Afternoon Highlights (26/06/13/107/785)

Today's Pick (26/06/13/1012/1037) Kerjasama Dubai bangun hab produk halal di Asia Barat

Kerjasama Dubai bangun hab produk halal di Asia Barat


Malaysia akan bekerjasama dengan kerajaan Dubai untuk membangunkan hab produk halal dan perkhidmatan kewangan Islam di rantau Asia Barat.

Halal Industry Development Corporation (HDC) berkata, kerjasama itu perlu kerana ia mampu mengatasi kekangan kos dan logistik Malaysia membabitkan aspek pemasaran dan penghantaran produk halal selain memudahkan penyediaan perkhidmatan kewangan Islam bagi industri halal dalam kalangan negara di rantau itu.

Sedia khidmat kewangan

“Kerjasama ini adalah bersifat menang-menang kerana ia membolehkan industri halal global berkembang lebih pantas. Jika peranan hab halal ini terhad kepada Malaysia, pelbagai kekangan yang perlu diatasi dan kita tidak boleh melakukannya secara bersendirian.

“Dalam kerjasama ini, Malaysia akan menyediakan kepakaran dan model kepada Dubai membabitkan aspek persijilan produk halal selain berkongsi kepakaran dalam menyediakan perkhidmatan kewangan Islam bagi peserta industri halal di rantau itu.

“Malaysia akan bertindak sebagai hab halal bagi rantau Asia, yang mana kita berperanan menjadi pusat penyumberan produk halal dari Asia selain memberikan perkhidmatan kewangan Islam yang berkaitan.

“Justeru, kami melihat kerjasama ini memanfaatkan semua pihak dan membantu meningkatkan pertumbuhan rantaian bekalan produk halal di seluruh dunia. Cara ini juga membolehkan penerokaan pasaran baru produk halal global dengan lebih pantas,” katanya pada sidang media selepas sesi padanan perniagaan Program Pembangunan Vendor Halal (HVDC) di Kuala Lumpur, semalam.

Rantaian bekalan

Antara pasaran yang masih tidak mempunyai rantaian bekalan membabitkan eksport produk halal adalah Eropah, Russia, India, Bangladesh serta Pakistan, yang rata-rata negara ini mempunyai jumlah penduduk beragama Islam yang meluas.

Source : Berita Harian
Date : 25 June 2013
Today's Pick (26/06/13/1012/1037)



Afternoon Highlights (25/06/13/106/784)HDC manfaat Dubai

HDC manfaat Dubai


KUALA LUMPUR 24 Jun - Perbadanan Pembangunan Industri Halal (HDC) akan memanfaatkan peluang untuk bekerjasama dengan Dubai, Emiriah Arab Bersatu (UAE) dalam mengedarkan produk dan perkhidmatan halal ke seluruh dunia.

Kerjasama kedua-dua negara itu dijangka dimeterai selewat-lewatnya pada tahun hadapan.

Ketua Pegawai Eksekutifnya, Datuk Seri Jamil Bidin berkata, Dubai berpotensi menjadi pintu masuk dan pusat sehenti produk dan perkhidmatan halal dari Malaysia ke negara-negara yang terletak di Eropah, Asia Barat, Afrika dan benua Amerika.

Katanya, sementara Malaysia pula berpotensi menjadi pusat pengedaran produk dan perkhidmatan halal di bahagian Asia Tenggara, Asia Selatan dan Timur Jauh.

Jelasnya, Dubai juga menjadi pusat pengedaran produk dan perkhidmatan halal ke benua-benua yang tidak dapat ditembusi oleh Malaysia sebelum ini.

"Kami menganggap Dubai sebagai rakan strategik yang akan mengembangkan lagi industri halal ke seluruh dunia sebagaimana permintaan terhadap produk-produk dan perkhidmatan halal lebih tinggi berbanding penawaran," katanya.

Beliau berkata demikian kepada pemberita selepas menghadiri program pembangunan vendor halal di sini hari ini.

Yang turut hadir pada majlis ialah Timbalan Ketua Pengarah, Bahagian Pembangunan Usahawan Majlis Amanah Rakyat (MARA), Datuk Hanisah Omar.

Pada Februari lalu, kerajaan Dubai telah mengumumkan perancangan untuk menjadi pusat produk halal dan sistem kewangan Islam dunia.

Tambah Jamil, sebuah jawatankuasa untuk pemeteraian kerjasama di antara Dubai dan Malaysia telah dibentuk dan sebuah pelan induk sedang dilaksanakan.

Mengenai syarikat-syarikat tempatan yang mengeksport produk halal ke luar negara, kata Jamil, setakat ini, sebanyak 740 buah syarikat daripada 2,886 syarikat yang mendapat persijilan halal telah berjaya mengeksport produk halal masing-masing ke luar negara pada tahun lalu.

Katanya, sebanyak 73 peratus daripada syarikat pengeksport tersebut merupakan syarikat perusahaan kecil dan sederhana (PKS).

"Sumbangan eksport di kalangan syarikat-syarikat multinasional adalah tertinggi iaitu 67 peratus daripada keseluruhan eksport produk halal dengan nilai RM21.9 bilion. Jumlah eksport produk halal tahun lalu adalah RM32.8 bilion.

"Hanya 10 peratus daripada jumlah pengeksport merupakan syarikat bumiputera yang mana sumbangannya adalah amat kecil iaitu 12.2 peratus kepada keseluruhan eksport halal," ujarnya.

Oleh itu, tegas Jamil, usaha perlu diperhebatkan untuk meningkatkan pengeluaran produk halal dan penglibatan rakyat supaya dapat bersama-sama memperoleh manfaat daripada pasaran global.

Source : Utusan Melayu

Date : 25 June 2013 Afternoon Highlights (25/06/13/106/784)

Today's Pick (25/06/13/1011/1036)Tubuh jawatankuasa khas pantau usahawan muda

Tubuh jawatankuasa khas pantau usahawan muda


Shahiruddin (dua kanan) menyerahkan replika cek berjumlah RM300,000 kepada Sallehhoddin pada Majlis Penyerahan Bantuan Modal Mula Program Inkubator GiatMara Pahang 2013, di Kuantan.

KUANTAN - Kerajaan negeri mencadangkan satu jawatankuasa khas ditubuhkan untuk memantau kumpulan usahawan muda melalui Kursus Pembudayaan Keusahawanan Teknikal (Putek) di bawah GiatMara.

Pengerusi Jawatankuasa Koperasi, Keusahawanan dan Kepenggunaan negeri, Datuk Shahiruddin Ab Moin berkata, jawatankuasa khas itu bagi memantau perkembangan usahawan muda terlibat untuk melihat prestasi perniagaan yang diusahakan.

“Melalui jawatankuasa khas itu, sebarang masalah dan bantuan tambahan akan dikenal pasti supaya mereka terus mendapat bimbingan sewajarnya.

“Kita mahu melihat mereka berjaya dan berdikari, dalam masa sama, kita pantau perkembangan mereka,” katanya kepada media pada Majlis Penyerahan Bantuan Modal Mula Program Inkubator GiatMara Pahang 2013, di sini.

Hadir sama, Pengarah Majlis Amanah Rakyat (Mara) Pahang, Salemi Yusof dan Pengarah GiatMara Pahang, Sallehhoddin Abu Bakar.

Shahiruddin berkata, GiatMara Pahang menyediakan peruntukan sebanyak RM2 juta untuk program itu membabitkan 235 peserta dalam tempoh dua tahun sehingga kini.

Beliau berkata, setiap pelatih menerima bantuan sebanyak RM5,000, iaitu RM1,000 sebagai modal mula perniagaan, manakala RM4,000 untuk bantuan peralatan.

“Bantuan modal ini sedikit sebanyak membantu usahawan muda memulakan perniagaan dengan ilmu dari kursus yang diikuti.

“Dalam masa sama menggalakkan golongan muda untuk berniaga dalam bidang seperti bengkel, kedai kek, jahitan dan kedai elektrik,” katanya.

Pada program itu, seramai 60 peserta menerima bantuan modal mula selepas mengikuti kursus selama tujuh hari.

Source : Sinar Harian
Date : 24 June 2013
Today's Pick (25/06/13/1011/1036)

(24/06/13/1010/1035) Mega Sale Carnival starts June 29

The Malaysian Reserve
14 June 2013

Today's Pick (21/06/13/109/1034)New legal set-up to pave way for syariah framework

New legal set-up to pave way for syariah framework


KUALA LUMPUR: The new legal framework for Islamic banking and takaful, that will come into force this year, will pave the way for the development of an end-to-end Syariah-compliant regulatory framework for the conduct of Islamic financial operations, said Bank Negara Malaysia Governor Tan Sri Dr Zeti Akhtar Aziz.

The new framework would provide clarity on the fundamental requirements of Syariah that must be adhered to for the contractual arrangements between the financial institution and the customer to remain enforceable, she said.“The framework also outlines the operational requirements for the effective application of Syariah principles in the conduct of Islamic financial institutions.“This aims to strengthen the risk management practices beyond the traditional credit, market and liquidity risks to also include inventory risk, ownership risk and Syariah compliance risk,” Zeti said at the opening of the Brunei Darussalam Islamic Investment Summit 2013.

The text of her speech titled, “Tapping and Expanding the Global Investment Opportunity in Asia’s Market”, was made available here today.

She said the legislation also provided for the resolution of Islamic financial institutions to be in line with distinctive elements of the relevant Islamic contracts, thus improving the legal and procedural aspects for the orderly resolution of Islamic financial institutions.

On the Islamic finance development, Zeti said the new wave of internationalisation for Islamic finance required increased collaboration across jurisdictions. to strengthen the international financial infrastructure of Islamic finance.“This is to ensure that the greater internationalisation of Islamic finance takes place in an environment of financial stability,” she added.

At the national level, Zeti said the first priority relates to trend for the domestic Islamic financial system to become more integrated, allowing for risks to be rapidly transmittal, across the financial system.“This requires the development of enhanced regulatory, supervisory and legal frameworks that are also adaptive and effective to the innovative dynamics and unique mix of risks in Islamic finance,” she said.

Zeti said the increased cross-border reach of Islamic finance has also underscored the importance of enhanced cross-border collaboration among the supervisory authorities.“Information-sharing and effective coordination among supervisors will enable a complete understanding of the entire risk spectrum of the risk taking activities undertaken across jurisdictions by the Islamic financial institutions,” she added.

Another key area is the evolution of the legal framework for Islamic finance to provide greater certainty and to build public confidence in the system as a whole, said Zeti.“This necessitates a legal framework that enforces end-to-end Syariah compliance in the Islamic financial services industry - through provisions and mechanisms that unambiguously define the conduct and governance of Islamic financial institutions,” she added.

Zeti also said with greater liberalisation, Islamic finance was increasingly supporting regional and international trade and investment flows, intermediating significant cross-border financial flows.“With its internationalisation, Islamic finance has become an increasingly more important channel for the efficient allocation of Asia’s surplus funds towards productive investments in the region,” she added.

Zeti also said efforts to strengthen the foundations for Islamic finance to ensure its continued resilience, amid the more challenging environment, must remain a priority going forward into the future.“Indeed, our commitment to act guided by this foresight will strengthen the prospect for Islamic finance to realise its potential in the region and beyond,” the governor added. — Bernama

Source : The Star

Date : 21 June 2013

Today's Pick (21/06/13/109/1034)




Today's Pick (20/06/13/108/1033)Vehicle sales down for 2nd consecutive month

Vehicle sales down for 2nd consecutive month


Sales volume in May slid by 8,667 units or 15% from a year ago

KUALA LUMPUR: Total industry volume (TIV) for vehicles declined for the second consecutive month with May's sales volume lower than April's by 2,855 units or 5.4%.

According to the Malaysian Automotive Association (MAA), sales volume in May slid by 8,667 units or 15% from a year ago.

“This is largely due to consumers adopting a wait-and-see attitude due to uncertainties in the market,” it said in a press release yesterday.

Nevertheless, the sales and production of passenger vehicles showed a growth for the first five months of this year against the corresponding period in 2012.

Both sales of passenger vehicles and production were up by 1.06% year-on-year.

On the other hand, sales of commercial vehicles and production were down by 1.08% and 0.91% respectively year-to-date compared with the first five-month of 2012.

On a positive note, the association expects sales to pick up this month due to the upcoming festive promotions.

Total vehicle sales in Malaysia grew 4.6% to hit a record high last year, with TIV at 627,753 units.

It was also the third consecutive year that the TIV had surpassed the 600,000-unit level, according to the MAA.

It has forecast the TIV to grow to 640,000 units this year.

Source : The Star

Date : 19 June 2013

Today's Pick (20/06/13/108/1033)

Monday, June 17, 2013

Afternoon Highlights (17/06/13/102/780 Deloitte projects Malaysia's GDP to maintain 5%-6% in 2Q

The Malaysian Reserve
7.6.2013

Today's Pick (17/06/13/105/1030)Promoting multi-racial business environment

Promoting multi-racial business environment


KUALA LUMPUR: The Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Kuala Lumpur and Selangor (KLSCCCI) inked an agreement with Nanyang Siang Pau and the New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd (NSTP) for its two upcoming projects, namely "Successful Chinese Business Leader" and "My Hero Award".

KLSCCCI president Datuk Ter Leong Yap said the projects aim to encourage multi-racial business environment and promote social harmony, good business ethics as well as universal values.

Ter said the projects will start in October and end in May 2014.

The projects are also in conjunction with the 110th anniversary of the establishment of the KLSCCCI, he told a press conference after the signing ceremony here yesterday.

Under the pact, Nanyang Siang Pau and NSTP's two newspapers, the New Straits Times and Berita Harian, will be the official media and media partners for the projects.

The agreement was signed by Ter on behalf of KLSCCCI and NSTP was represented by Berita Harian deputy group editor Mahfar Ali, while Nanyang Siang Pau was represented by its chief executive Chan Aun Kuang.

The "Successful Chinese Business Leader" project is mainly to share the successful stories of entrepreneurs who uphold the spirit of multi-racial cooperation with the public.

This may help the public to discover and understand the success of these entrepreneurs as a result of joint efforts of all races, Ter said.

He added that "My Hero Award" project, meanwhi-le, is to acknowledge the helpfulness and supportiveness among races.

Moving on, Ter said, KLSCCCI is planning to work with NSTP in other areas later.

"We also plan to continue this cooperation in future to strengthen the relationship between KLSCCCI and NSTP," he said.

Source : New Straits Times
Date : 13 June 2013
Today's Pick (17/06/13/105/1030)

Afternoon Highlight (14/06/13/102/780) RM100j perluas ladang tebu

RM100j perluas ladang tebu

Presiden Kumpulan FGV, Tan Sri Sabri Ahmad (kiri) menunjukkan laporan

tahunan MSM sambil diperhatikan Chua dan Ketua Pegawai Kewangan,

Raja Faridah Raja Ahmad di Kuala Lumpur, semalam. - Foto Surianie Mohd Hanif

MSM laksana pengambilan strategik tanah di Asia Tenggara

MSM Malaysia Holdings Bhd, pengeluar gula terbesar negara memperuntukkan sehingga RM100 juta bagi melaksanakan pengambilalihan strategik di beberapa negara di Asia Tenggara tidak lama lagi.

Ia termasuk mengambilalih tanah bagi penanaman tebu sebagai langkah memastikan kapasiti pengeluarannya pada masa depan akan terus mampan.

Difahamkan, antara negara yang sedang dipertimbangkan kumpulan bagi melaksanakan pengambilalihan strategik itu termasuk Indonesia, Myanmar dan Kemboja.

Kini, cabang perniagaan gula Felda Global Ventures Holding Bhd (FGV) itu yang beroperasi menerusi kilang penapisan di Prai, Pulau Pinang, dan Chuping memiliki gabungan kapasiti pengeluaran tahunan sebanyak 1.1 juta tan.

Ketua Eksekutifnya, Chua Say Sin, berkata peruntukan pelaburan itu adalah dijana daripada tawaran awam permulaan (IPO) syarikat pada 2011.

“Kami sedia maklum bahawa jalinan kerjasama adalah antara cara untuk membantu mengembangkan lagi kawasan penanaman tebu kumpulan di Asia Tenggara. Justeru, kami memperuntukkan RM100 juta khusus bagi merealisasikan langkah ini.

“Bagaimanapun, satu kajian terperinci sedang dibuat kerana kami masih konservatif mengenainya (untuk membuat pengambilalihan pada masa ini) berikutan unjuran penurunan harga gula dunia,” katanya kepada media selepas mesyuarat agung tahunan (AGM) kumpulan itu di Kuala Lumpur semalam.

MSM menjalankan perniagaan gula menerusi dua anak syarikatnya iaitu Malayan Sugar Manufacturing Syarikat dan Kilang Gula Felda Perlis Sdn Bhd.

Tahun lalu, kumpulan itu mengeluarkan 900,620 tan produk gula halus, mencakupi kira-kira 57 peratus daripada jumlah pengeluaran gula di Malaysia.

Walaupun rancangan pengambilalihan itu masih dalam penelitian, syarikat, kata Chua tidak akan berdiam diri, sebaliknya membuat beberapa penambahbaikkan untuk kemudahan pengeluarannya bagi meningkatkan lagi skala kapasiti pengeluaran gula.

“Kami menjangkakan operasi pengeluaran kami akan meningkat kepada 4,600 tan gula mentah cari setiap hari daripada 3,600 tan ketika ini sejajar dengan peningkatan permintaan domestik dan antarabangsa.

“Berikutan itu, kami menaik taraf dua kemudahan kilang penapisan kami di Prai dan Chuping membabitkan beberapa kerja pemodenan seperti melaksanakan sistem automatik sepenuhnya selain menghubungkan kemudahan pembungkusan, pergudangan dan pengedaran kami.

Source : Berita Harian
Date : 13 June 2013
Afternoon Highlight (14/06/13/102/780)

Today's Pick (14/06/13/104/1029) Proton-Honda joint venture finalised, details expected in couple of months

Proton-Honda joint venture finalised, details expected in couple of months


Proton executive chairman Tan Sri Mohd Khamil Jamil with a Preve at the launch of the model in Jakarta yesterday.

JAKARTA: Proton Holdings Bhd has finalised the details of its collaboration with Japanese automotive giant Honda Motor Co.

“We are unable to disclose any detail for now. This is Honda's first collaborative agreement with another original equipment manufacturer and it would like to keep thing under wraps as details are trade secrets,” Proton executive chairman Tan Sri Mohd Khamil Jamil told reporters on the sidelines of the Preve launch in Jakarta yesterday.

He said the market should expect the first variant of the agreement in a couple of months.

This confirms a StarBiz report recently on the joint venture between Proton and Honda in which the former would be using the Honda Accord chassis for the new product, touted to be the Perdana replacement model.

He dismissed speculation that Proton would be shifting its Shah Alam operations to the plant in Tanjung Malim.

“It is not practical, not economical and neither does it make much business sense to do that immediately,” he said. The Shah Alam plant produces about 160,000 cars annually.

Deputy CEO Datuk Lukman Ibrahim said the Tanjung Malim plant would be on full utilisation by the second half of next year.

The plant is capable of producing 150,000 cars a year, and is just running on 60% of its full capacity.

The unused capacity had attracted many OEMs to collaborate with Proton to penetrate the Asean market. However, Lukman skirted the question on whether the improved utilisation would be a result of the Honda collaboration.

He also mentioned that the Preve hatchback was planned for launch after the Hari Raya celebrations, confirming the same StarBiz report.

Meanwhile, Proton is still pushing ahead with its vendor rationalisation programme, in a bid to reduce its cost by 30% in five years.

“We have reduced our vendors from 240 to 213, and those who don't meet our criteria will be withdrawn from our vendor list,” he said.

He also said Proton was on track with its attention on the export markets, which in its five-year business plan would be Asean, China, the Middle East and North Africa.

He is also eyeing the UK market to export the Preve and Exora.

“Proton will continue efforts to develop the Global Small Car, codenamed the P230A.

“We will also continue research and developmentwork on the energy efficient vehicle concept, with the first prototype scheduled to be unveiled next year,” he added.

Khamil also said DRB-Hicom had cleaned up the books of Lotus and was on a clean slate to move on from its financially troubled state of affairs.

“We are coming up with variants of the Evora, Exige and Elise based on improved technological innovation and upgraded performance,” he said.

He said the new Lotus model was expected to be unveiled in three years following the scrapping of the five year-five car plan conceived by the previous management.

“Up to May, we achieved encouraging sales of 80 Lotus cars, which is more than the 70 units for the whole of last year,” he said.

Source : Business Times
Date : 14 June 2013
Today's Pick (14/06/13/104/1029)


Afternoon Highlight (13/06/13/101/799) Wanita perlu langkau geografi

Wanita perlu langkau geografi


KUALA LUMPUR 9 Jun - Tiada cara lain untuk menjadi usahawan yang berjaya dan bertahan pada hari ini kecuali dengan mengembangkan pasaran berasakan geografi, demikian menurut dua pengeksport wanita yang berjaya.

Pengurus Besar Megam Capital dari Sepanyol, Maria Eugenia Giron berkata, dari sebuah negara yang kecil, beliau tidak mempunyai cara lain untuk mengembangkan perniagaannya kecuali mengeksport.

Giron, yang juga Pengarah Eksekutif IE Business School Premium and Prestige Business Observatory berkata, sebagai Ketua Pegawai Eksekutif mana-mana perniagaan, seseorang itu perlu bermula dengan melihat dunia sebagai sasaran.

"Semua jenama yang saya bekerjasama, pasaran utama bukan negara asal mereka.

"Membeli-belah masa kini membabitkan emosi pengguna dan hubungan. Rangkaian sosial telah mengubah segala-galanya.

"Jika Facebook adalah sebuah negara, ia akan menjadi pasaran kedua terbesar selepas China," katanya pada sesi Menjejak Keusahawanan pada Sidang Kemuncak Wanita Global 2013 di sini, semalam.

Sidang kemuncak tiga hari itu berakhir semalam.

Giron mempunyai lebih 18 tahun pengalaman dalam perniagaan barang mewah, antaranya jenama Loewe, Carrera y Carrera, Silvercloud dan Le Chameau.

Beliau berkata, selain mengintegrasikan budaya pasaran, rundingan untuk faedah kedua-dua pihak dan mendapatkan nasihat undang-undang melalui komunikasi adalah suatu yang penting.

"Berkomunikasi dalam setiap cara yang boleh supaya orang merasakan anda berada di sana," katanya.

Sementara itu, ahli perniagaan Malaysia, Hooi Lai Lin yang juga Ketua Pegawai Eksekutif Ken-Rich Chemical Production Sdn. Bhd. berkata, meskipun usahawan secara semula jadinya mahu berkembang dekat dengan tempat asal, seseorang itu tidak boleh memandang rendah mengenai kepentingan tingkah laku pengguna.

"Risikan pasaran adalah amat penting. Singapura hampir sama dengan Kuala Lumpur tetapi tingkah laku pengguna berbeza sekali.

"Malah di Asia, kita begitu pelbagai. Dapatkan banyak maklumat sebelum ke sesuatu tempat," katanya.

Hooi menerajui Ken-Rich, pengeluar produk penjagaan diri dan produk pencuci rumah yang boleh didapati di lebih 16 negara.

Source: Utusan Melayu
Date: 9 June 2013
Afternoon Highlight (13/06/13/101/799)

Today's Pick (13/06/13/103/1028) eBay Malaysia berwajah baru

eBay Malaysia berwajah baru

Lee (kanan) bersama Pengurus Kanan Komunikasi Asia Tenggara eBay, Gene Cleckley.

Portal membeli-belah dalam talian eBay melancarkan beberapa ciri baru serta peningkatan untuk laman web eBay Malaysia sekali gus memberikan perubahan segar kepada laman itu.

Menurut eBay, laman baru itu mempunyai rupa lebih kemas dan moden serta direka bagi memberi kemudahan kepada pelanggannya untuk melayari pelbagai pilihan barangan daripada produk elektronik sehingga pakaian yang disediakan di laman itu.

eBay, pusat membeli belah dalam talian terbesar di dunia dengan jumlah peniaga paling ramai turut memastikan laman webnya kekal selamat dan mudah untuk digunakan dengan memberi pilihan kepada penjual beberapa cara pembayaran berbeza termasuk kad kredit, kad debit serta pemindahan wang dalam talian.

"Laman web terbaru ini mempunyai ciri baru untuk membantu pengguna membina pencarian peribadi yang dipanggil Feed. Ciri ini menyediakan pengguna dengan pengalaman seperti menggunakan pembantu peribadi melalui padanan minat pelanggan dengan inventori global eBay.

"Selain itu, laman baru ini juga memberikan pengguna lebih banyak pilihan dan penjimatan dengan mengakses lebih banyak diskaun harian untuk pelbagai jenis barangan," menurut eBay dalam satu kenyataan.

Pengarah Rantau Asia Tenggara dan Timur Tengah eBay, Jason Lee berkata, laman web baru itu menggambarkan perdagangan masa depan.

"Dalam beberapa tahun akan datang, pasaran runcit global yang bernilai AS$10 trilion (RM31 trilion) akan berubah dalam aspek kelajuan, akses dan pengalaman dengan pertumbuhan pesat akan berlaku di Asia Tenggara dan eBay berada di hadapan dalam perubahan ini," katanya.

Source: Sinar Harian
Date: 4 June 2013
Today's Pick (13/06/13/103/1028)

Afternoon Highlight (12/06/13/100/798) Sasar 100 usahawan dilatih syarikat Korea

Sasar 100 usahawan dilatih syarikat Korea


KUALA LUMPUR 10 Jun - Pusat pembangunan sumber manusia, Might-Meteor Advanced Manufacturing Sdn. Bhd. (Might-Meteor) menyasarkan 100 pemimpin perniagaan tempatan akan dilatih oleh perunding latihan dari Korea sehingga hujung tahun ini.

Latihan dan bimbingan itu bagi meningkatkan produktiviti PKS tempatan dalam bidang-bidang teknikal dan kejuruteraan.

Pengarah Urusannya, Jasmin Baba berkata, pihaknya telah bekerjasama dengan syarikat perunding latihan, InCoaching Co. Ltd. (InCoaching) bagi menjalankan program latihan dan bimbingan yang dinamakan Coaching For You@SME.

Katanya, kumpulan ahli perniagaan tempatan pertama yang akan dilatih adalah seramai 20 orang dalam kursus selama dua hari setengah di sini.

"Ini merupakan kerjasama pertama kali di antara Might-Meteor dengan InCoaching yang berpengalaman dalam mengendalikan latihan dan bimbingan perniagaan kepada ribuan syarikat di Korea dan di beberapa buah negara yang lain,’" katanya.

Beliau berkata demikian kepada pemberita selepas menghadiri majlis menandatangani perjanjian dan pelancaran kursus latihan dan bimbingan InCoaching Malaysia di sini hari ini.

Majlis itu disaksikan oleh Ketua Pegawai Eksekutif SME Corp., Datuk Hafsah Hashim, Ketua Might International, Dr. Raslan Ahmad serta Pengasas dan Ketua Pegawai Eksekutif InCoaching, Grace Eu Sook Hong.

Might-Meteor merupakan sebuah anak syarikat Kumpulan Kerajaan Industri Untuk Teknologi Tinggi Malaysia (MIGHT).

Tambah Jasmin, pihaknya menyasarkan impak yang akan diperoleh daripada kursus latihan tersebut menerusi kelahiran tenaga kerja yang mempunyai ciri-ciri global.

Katanya, pihaknya mahu lebih banyak pengusaha kecil dan sederhana (PKS) di negara ini memiliki ciri-ciri penting untuk membangunkan syarikat.

"Dalam kursus latihan yang dikendalikan InCoaching ini, kami mahu menyuntik pematuhan syariah dalam pengurusan sebagai satu nilai tambah," ujarnya.

Dalam pada itu, Hafsah menambah, kursus yang dijalankan dapat mengukur prestasi PKS tempatan.

Katanya, pihaknya juga berharap kursus tersebut dapat memupuk budaya melatih di kalangan PKS tempatan.

"Kita menyasarkan penambahan 10 peratus PKS tempatan memperoleh sijil inovasi InnoCert setiap tahun," ujarnya.

Source : Utusan Melayu
Date : 10 June 2013
Afternoon Highlight (12/06/13/100/798)


Today's Pick (12/06/13/102/1027) More bumiputra companies should be listed on Bursa

More bumiputra companies should be listed on Bursa


KUALA LUMPUR: The participation of bumiputra companies in Bursa Malaysia Securities Bhd should be stepped up to ensure their competitive edge internationally.

“We hope bumiputra companies will actively take part in the stock market not only to increase their capitalisation but also grab opportunities to expand abroad,” Deputy Finance Minister Datuk Ahmad Maslan told reporters after visiting the local bourse yesterday.

“If we bring local companies which are not listed on the stock exchange overseas, foreign investors may think they are small companies.

“If they are listed companies, they would be viewed as competent, transparent and capable companies, factors which are necessary for a listed company,” he said.

Ahmad said the majority of the 914 companies listed on the stock exchange were non-bumiputra companies.

The deputy minister also said there were many bumiputras who lacked sufficient knowledge on Bursa Malaysia’s activities.

“As such, more exposure and knowledge, in simple layman language, should be disseminated on the workings of the stock exchange among public and private institutions of higher learning,” he added.

He said bumiputra equity participation was still around 20% and had yet to reach the government’s target of 30%.

As such, bumiputra involvement must be stepped up and efforts must be doubled to reach the set target as soon as possible.

“Thirty per cent is not much but if that level is achieved, it is a major achievement for us,” he added.

Meanwhile, Bursa Malaysia Bhd chief executive officer Datuk Tajuddin Atan said the bull run on the FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI Index since last year showed the strength of the local capital market, which offers investment opportunities for local and foreign institutions.

Tajuddin said the rally of the Bursa Malaysia main index had been helped by the active involvement of foreign investors who have become net buyers in the last 13 months.

“Their involvement is confirmation that government programmes like the Economic Transformation Programme and Government Transformation Programme are bearing fruit,” he said, adding he expected the positive momentum to continue until year-end. – Bernama


Source : The Star
Date : 7 June 2013
Today's Pick (12/06/13/102/1027)

Afternoon Highlight (11/06/13/99/797) Opening of KLIA2 to boost Brahim’s revenue

Opening of KLIA2 to boost Brahim’s revenue


KUALA LUMPUR: Leading local halal food and beverage (F&B) group, Brahim's Holdings Bhd, expects its F&B division to contribute between 10% and 20% next year towards the group's revenue following the opening of KL International Airport 2 (KLIA2).

Executive chairman Datuk Ibrahim Ahmad Badawi said the company would enlarge its footprint in the airport food and beverage business.

“Host Sdn Bhd, our 51% subsidiary, was successful in its bid to secure a five-year contract to open new outlets in the KLIA2 terminal,” he told reporters after the company's AGM here yesterday.

He said it secured 2,572.60 sq m of space on the international departure mezzanine floor and another 133.76 sq m of F&B outlet space at the airside area, making it the main tenant and operator of a food court at KLIA2.

Ibrahim said the outlets would offer a variety of Asian and international cuisine ranging from chicken rice, noodles, satay, Japanese fare, Indian cuisine to kebab, bread and pastries in addition to a Burger King and specialty chicken F&B outlet.

He was optimistic that Brahim's operations in its first year at KLIA2 would contribute positively to the company's bottom line next year especially with passenger traffic at the new terminal expected to grow between 10% and 15%.

Ibrahim said Malaysia Airport Holdings Bhd would hand over the food court to the company in August or September.

“After the handover, we will renovate the food court for RM9mil and this will take three to four months. The food court will start operations in January 2014,” he said.

Ibrahim also said the company had secured in-flight catering contracts from five leading airlines recently that would boost revenue and net profits for this year.

Its 70% subsidiary, Brahim's Airline Catering Sdn Bhd, secured the contracts from Air France, Philippines Airlines, Turkish Airlines, Nas Air of Saudi Arabia and Xiamen Airlines. Bernama

Source : The Star
Date : 7 June 2013
Afternoon Highlight (11/06/13/99/797)


Today's Pick (11/06/13/101/1026)AIM unveils 58 business plans

AIM unveils 58 business plans


PETALING JAYA: Agensi Inovasi Malaysia (AIM) has launched 58 new innovation business opportunities (IBOs) which have a potential to generate RM1.9bil in revenue.

“Our target is to get bids for at least half of these IBOs,” chief executive officer Mark Rozario told a media briefing.

He said 41 of the IBOs were from local public universities, six from public research institutes and 11 from private companies.

“I'm glad to see more private companies using the IBO platform to push their innovations to the market and I hope to see more in the future,” he added.

This is the fourth edition of the initiative since it was rolled out in April 2012.

The second batch of IBOs was introduced in October 2012 and the third in January this year.

A total of 142 IBOs had been launched since the first batch the latest roll-out raises the number to 200. IBOs are innovations by Malaysian researchers and inventors, universities and companies chosen by AIM based on their commercialisation potential.

AIM would then help match the intellectual property owners and investors through a series of due diligence.

Of the 142 business opportunities announced previously, 119 attracted bidders.

“Fourteen agreements were signed while 42 other are still under various stages of negotiation,” he said.

He said the latest deal sealed was a five-in-one paddy field preparation machine which the investor wanted to manufacture on a bigger scale.

Another notable IBO with great potential is the Ductacrete, a new type of concrete mixed with high quality rice husk ash that aims to achieve the ductility quality comparable to structural steel.

Rozario said most of the bidders for the IBOs were small and medium enterprises but some of them had also attracted interest from listed companies and foreign entities.

Investors can bid for the IBOs on AlM's web portal at http://www.innovation.my.

Source : New Straits Times
Date : 5 June 2013
Today's Pick (11/06/13/101/1026)


Afternoon Highlight (10/06/13/98/796) Better than forecast retail sales in the first quarter

Better than forecast retail sales in the first quarter


PETALING JAYA: Malaysia’s retail industry recorded sales growth of 7.5% in the first quarter of this year, which was better than retailers’ initial forecast of 5.9%, according to Retail Group Malaysia.

“This latest quarterly result is 27% higher than the earlier estimate compiled by Malaysia Retailers Association (MRA) in February as well as 8.7% better than the estimate given by Retail Group Malaysia (at 6.9%).

“This latest quarterly growth rate is also higher than the growth rates of the first quarter (6.9%) and last quarter (4.7%) in 2012,” said Retail Group Malaysia in a statement.

It said the various cash and voucher handouts given by the Government since the middle of January are among the main contributors of higher retail sales for this quarter.

“These monetary incentives had benefited more than 12 million Malaysians.”

Separately, Retail Group Malaysia said members of the retailers’ association expect a 7.7% increase in their businesses during the second quarter.

“Once again, small growth forecasts from the grocery as well as furniture and furnishing sub-sectors led to the lower overall estimate. Department store cum supermarket operators are expecting to maintain their growth rate at 9.8% for the second quarter of this year.

“Department store operators remain optimistic and expect their businesses to grow by 11.5% for the second three-month period of this year.”

On the outlook for the third quarter, it said Ramadan and Hari Raya during the period would boost spending.

“The retail industry is anticipated to enjoy a strong performance at 6% (in the third quarter). The last quarter of 2013 is expected to have a sustainable growth at 5.8% due to the school holidays, year-end sales and festivals.

“For the whole year of 2013, Retail Group Malaysia has revised slightly upwards its growth forecast of the retail industry from 6% to 6.4%.”

Source : New Straits Times
Date : 6 June 2013
Afternoon Highlight (10/06/13/98/796)

Today's Pick (10/06/13/100/1025) Too much office space in the Klang Valley?

Too much office space in the Klang Valley?


KL’s accumulated office space rose to 100.7million sq ft by the end of 2012.

SERENA Yeong of Essel Properties has been an office market specialist for the Klang Valley the last 12 years. She is aware of the hike in office space come 2015/2016.

We can still make a living when companies migrate from old buildings to new ones. Owners of older buildings will be worried, though,” she says.

Landlords of older buildings are already feeling the heat, offering several months of free rent and more car parking bays. It is a tenant's market in the Klang Valley. Property professionals highlighted the situation as far back as two years ago.

Last year, Savills Rahim & Co founder and executive chairman Datuk Abdul Rahim Rahman called for prudence and suggested the imposition of stricter rules when granting development permits to curb overbuilding, which results in congestion, in the Klang Valley. The problem of city congestion has resulted in companies relocating to fringe city locations and suburban area with some form of public transport connectivity. For sectors like banking and oil and gas, this may not be possible.

Property consultancy Jones Lang Wootton drew attention to the office stock in March when senior vice-president and head of research David Jarnell said the supply of office space prime and secondary stock in the Klang Valley had surpassed 100 million sq ft.

He called it “a historic milestone”. Saying the situation was “manageable”, he nevertheless cautioned this could lead to a consolidation of rental levels for the rest of the year.

In the last quarter of 2012, seven office buildings in the Golden Triangle bordered by Jalan Ampang, Jalan Sultan Ismail and Jalan Raja Chulan, the decentralised area of KL Sentral in Bangsar Pantai, Petaling Jaya and Putrajaya, totalling 2.23 million sq ft, were issued with certificates of completion and compliance. Accumulated office stock rose to 100.694 million sq ft.

Jarnell also compared the Klang Valley with metropolitan areas of Bangkok, Singapoore and Jakarta. Greater Bangkok has the second-highest office stock, totalling 87.85 million sq ft, followed by the Special Capital Region of Jakarta with 65.66 million sq ft. Singapore's office stock is slightly less than Jakarta at 64.01 million sq ft.

Greater Bangkok's population is 8.2 million, Jakarta 10 million and Singapore about 5.1 million. The Klang Valley has a population of about 7.2 milion.

The fact that Bangkok and Jakarta have more people but 12 million sq ft and 34 million sq ft office space less respectively is something to think about. Singapore also has about a third of office space less. Has the Klang Valley over-built?

Don't call it glut
Six out of eight property professionals are reluctant to use the word “glut” as it is “far too simplistic”.

“The issue is not whether there is a glut or not; the issue is there are increasingly more prime office space entering the market and this is affecting the rental market,” says Elvin Fernandez, managing director of Khong & Jaafar group of companies.

He says in order for a free market to work, it is best to make known the facts regarding the office market to the various stakeholders and the public.

“Only then can the market correct itself,” he says.

How did the Klang Valley get into this situation?

Jones Lang Wootton attributes the strong supply growth to steady and sustainable economic growth, a vastly growing services sector and integrated mixed use developments, and improvement in the public transport system when the light rail transit (LRT) came into service in the mid- to late-1990s.

Office stock has grown at an average of 3.62 million sq ft per annum since 1998, Jarnell says. The average annual take-up rate is 1.5 million to 2 million sq ft, another consultant says.

Simply put, as new buildings enter the market, tenants moved from the old to the new, leaving the former vacant.

Greater Kuala Lumpur or the Klang Valley's office market is not a homogenous one. It is a tapestry comprising different sizes, locations, green versus prime grade A stock, and older buildings. The prime office market has splintered into different sub-segments - the normal grade A, grade A plus and super prime category. Certified green buildings may fall into any of these.

The lack of focus on redevelopment some quarters call it regeneration may have lent itself to today's massive office market. Instead of leaving pockets of green here and there, the easier route and the more profitable one for both developers and the local authorities seems to be building new offices.

That does not mean regeneration or refurbishment have not been carried out successfully. The Intermark is a result of redevelopment of what was then the Empire Tower, City Square, Crown Princess and Plaza Ampang in 2007 by an Australian-based fund MGPA. Another successful refurbishment is Menara Standard Chartered, previously Shahzan Insas Tower by Government Investment Corp (GIC) of Singapore.

Says DTZ Nawawi Tie Leung executive director Brian Koh: “Most of the buildings coming up today are Grade A which means that most of them are in Kuala Lumpur. But the oversupply situation is an issue that affects the office space market across the board.

“It is a concern to landlords and those in the property profession given that occupancy is likely to go downward because of oversupply. Landlords will have to give more competitive terms to tenants which will affect their bottomline.

“It also affects the banking and finance sector because banks are funding the development and construction of these properties. That means the banking sector will have to be more cautious and there may need to be restraints on funding,” Koh says.

Size and locality are not the only defining qualities of office buildings which come with varying degrees of “greenness” and technological features known as MSC (multimedia super corridor) status.

The range of offices available is as diverse as its rental per sq ft. Office space rental is priced as low as 87 sen per sq ft in Kampung Baru to RM12 per sq ft at the Petronas Twin Towers in the Kuala Lumpur City Centre (KLCC), according to property websites. There is a huge middle segment priced between RM4 and RM6 per sq ft available in prime locations like Damansara Heights, Mid Valley, Petaling Jaya and in the Ampang area.

It is this diversity that makes it difficult to tar the sector with one stroke that a glut exists.

A property website estimated that office rental rates have dropped by between 20% and 25%. Buildings in the category of G Tower, a green building, used to be RM8-RM8.50 per sq ft initially. A property consultant says buildings in the same category may be rented out at RM6.50-RM7 per sq ft effectively with rent-free incentive for a few months.

Regeneration Vs new projects

Savills Rahim & Co James Goh says there are three issues excess space, old buildings that do not meet international standards and rental pressure. The general office yield today is 6%. Some put it at between 6.5% and 7% net for average grade A buildings.

“Landlords need to bite the bullet and upgrade or risk becoming obsolete,” he says. “Landlords have to accept the new market reality. Those who adapt quickly will fill up their buildings faster,” says Goh.

The Petronas Twin Towers are fully occupied, Menara Maxis is about 90% occupied but some KL downtown offices priced at above RM7 per sq ft are half filled.

Says Serena Yeong of Essel Properties: “There are many downtown buildings that are struggling. There is a lot of migration to outside KL city.” This accounts for the 80%-90% occupancy enjoyed in Bangsar South, Petaling Jaya and Subang Jaya.

The average occupancy level today in the Klang Valley is about 75%. Anything below that should set off warning bells.

If the various mega projects announced by the Government were to go ahead, the amount of space is expected to swell further. Among which are the Tun Razak Exchange, KL Metropolis area near the Matrade Centre, the former Pudu prison redevelopment and Bandar Malaysia in Sg Besi. KL Sentral, a government-initiated project, is almost complete.

How much is enough?

In a nation striving for developed nation status and building liveable cities, how much is enough?

There is no straight-forward answer, because unlike Britain, where the London mayor's office regulates developments, in the Klang Valley, approval is given by the local authorites based on compliance with by-laws, and not according to demand and supply and market feasibility studies.

“So lenders have to be the regulators' because they are funding the projects. In the past, Bank Negara insists applications for project financing come with market and feasibility studies but this has changed. There is no property regulatory body to oversee developments based on demand and supply, how much space is needed and over what period of time,” says a property consultant who declined to be named.

This may be one of the reasons contributing to the Klang Valley's burgeoning developments far exceeding neighbouring cities like Singapore, Jakarta and Bangkok.

Property consultant Henry Butcher chief operating officer Tang Chee Meng says: “This is an area of concern as the potential increase in supply of office space from these mega projects is significant and will lead to an oversupply situation, unless the Government can attract overseas companies to take up the additional space.

“At the current projected pace of economic growth, it is unlikely the normal organic growth in demand for office space can take up the additional space being created by these mega projects.”

It is part of the Government's plans to attract 100 of the world's largest multinationals from the Fortune 500 or Forbes Global 2000 to invest in Greater KL by 2020.

As important as developments that meet international standards may be, it takes more than bricks and mortar to attract investments and people to Kuala Lumpur. There are factors such as the city's liveability and infrastructure, which includes both public transport and utility needs, security, green and open space, air quality, to name a few.

Location branding

There are certain sectors of the economy that need the branding that a city location offers. Sectors such as financial services (banks, insurance, fund management) and oil and gas may need to remain in the city.

Professional services such as accounting, architectural, engineering, valuation and real estate may prefer to decentralise to take advantage of lower rents or better transportation links and less traffic congestion.

Accenture and international law firm Wong & Partners, which is part of Baker & McKenzie International, are today in the Mid Valley Mega Mall area while British Telecoms has expanded to KL Sentral, says YY Lau of YY Property Solutions Sdn Bhd.

Head hunters Korn/Ferry International and Michael Page International may be in the city because of their clientele. Data centres may want to be in Cyberjaya because of the MSC status, although that is now possible outside Cyberjaya, says Lau.

“When a company chooses a location, factors under consideration includes branding, perception, budget and talent retention. Sg Buloh will not be an address for a multinational company, but it could be the back office for a bank,” she says.

Consultants polled say the emphasis on development changed more than a decade ago with the entry of the government versus entrepreneur-style private sector. Among them being Malaysian Resources Corp Bhd (MRCB) for KL Sentral, 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB) for the Tun Razak Exchange, Sime Darby group, Permodalan Nasional Bhd (PNB) and S P Setia Bhd. The ones leaning towards commercial developments would be MRCB, 1MDB and PNB.

Says Koh of DTZ Nawawi Tie Leung: “(It goes back to) risk management by the respective stakeholders. Unlike Singapore, where the government releases land as and when needed to control the property market, we don't have that sort of mechanism. So the banking sector has to come in because they are the ones financing the projects.”


Source : The Star
Date : 1 June 2013
Today's Pick (10/06/13/100/1025)

Afternoon Highlight (07/06/13/97/795) Angry Bird Theme Park to open by May 2014

The Malaysian Reserve
5 June 2013

Today's Pick (07/06/13/99/1024) Nestle to raise product prices up to 8% soon

The Malaysian Reserve
5 June 2013

Afternoon Highlight (06/06/13/96/794) KLIA2 may be delayed more than 6 month

The Malaysian Reserve

Today's Pick (06/06/13/98/1023) Construction industry on upswing with high-impact projects

The Malaysian Reserve
29 May 2013

Afternoon Highlight (05/06/13/95/793) Nor Mohamed takes charge of Khazanah's exco

The Malaysian Reserve
5 June 2013

Today's Pick (05/06/13/97/1022) Lamy launches new concept store in Bangsar

The Malaysian Reserve
29 May 2013

Afternoon Highlight (04/06/13/94/792) 5 year plan for car price cut is right, says expert

The Malaysian Reserve
30 May 2013

Today's Pick (04/06/13/96/1021) Malaysia should not delay the implementation of GST

The Malaysian Reserve
29 May 2013

Afternoon Highlight (03/06/13/93/791) Competitive scene for Malaysian SMEs through Tukar programme

The Malaysian Reserve
31.5.2013

Today's Pick (03/06/13/95/1020) MDeC urges businesses to adopt digital marketing

MDeC urges businesses to adopt digital marketing



BUSINESSES in Malaysia should start adopting digital marketing mechanism in order to reach out to a larger and more segmented audience.

Multimedia Development Corporation (MDeC) vice-president Vijayratnam T. said business players who neglect the importance of digital marketing will lose out in today's era of digital economy.

"We are moving towards a digital economy at some level. Businesses today that neglect digital marketing will probably have a problem in a few years," he said in an interview, here, recently.

Vijayratnam said the Internet, being the tool of digital marketing, can help businesses reach out to the right group of people more effectively as opposed to traditional marketing tools, such as the newspaper and television.

"The Internet can target people based on behaviour, as opposed to before, where we had to rely on statistical data based on the readership of a publication, for example," he said.

Vijayratnam said though digital marketing is seen as more sophisticated than traditional marketing, the core value remains the same, which is understanding and fulfilling the customers' needs.

As a body that has been entrusted by the government to drive the country's digital economy, he said MDeC has identified three strategic thrusts that need to be carried out.

"The three thrusts are moving people from consumers to producers; supply to demand, or creating demand; and lastly, from low-knowledge advertisement to high-knowledge advertisement.

"In doing this, we are looking primarily at four communities and initiatives, namely youths, digital entrepreneurs, small and medium enterprises, and the bottom 40 that is the lower percentile of earners," Vijayratnam said.

To further promote digital marketing in Malaysia, he said MDeC has collaborated with the Association of Accredited Advertising Agents Malaysia, to organise a seminar on digital marketing.

The day-long seminar, themed Digital Malaysia - Future of Digital Marketing, was held on Tuesday at the Matrade Convention Centre in Kuala Lumpur. It was the first time such a seminar was held in Asia.

Vijayratnam said the seminar aimed to take digital marketing strategists on a fast-forward tour of the tactics and technologies that will change the way they engage with their audiences.

Source : Business Times
Date : 31 May 2013
Today's Pick (03/06/13/95/1020)

Afternoon Highlight (31/05/13/92/790) Pendekatan serampang dua mata industri automotif

Pendekatan serampang dua mata industri automotif

Kenderaan cekap tenaga, pelaburan asing berkualiti teras utama NAP

Pembangunan kenderaan cekap tenaga (EEV) secara besar-besaran serta pembukaan industri automotif domestik kepada lebih banyak pelaburan asing berkualiti, akan menjadi komponen utama Dasar Automotif Negara (NAP) yang dikaji semula.

Pendekatan ‘serampang dua mata’ itu adalah komponen penting bagi membolehkan Malaysia menyaingi negara ASEAN lain dalam sektor automotif memandangkan rantau ini adalah kawasan pertumbuhan seterusnya industri berkenaan di peringkat dunia.

Ketua Eksekutif Institut Automotif Malaysia (MAI), Madani Sahari, berkata kajian semula NAP mendapati langkah membangunkan subsektor EEV adalah komponen paling mustahak dalam menentukan hala tuju industri automotif Malaysia menuju 2020 sambil tidak mengenepikan usaha meningkatkan daya saing peserta industri.

Beliau berkata, industri automotif domestik juga perlu terus diliberalisasikan untuk menarik lebih banyak pengeluar kenderaan antarabangsa menubuhkan kemudahan pengeluaran di negara ini yang membolehkan Malaysia berfungsi sebagai hab eksport bagi rantau ASEAN.

“Selama ini, kita terlalu memberi tumpuan untuk menarik pelaburan yang hanya menampung penggunaan domestik.

Hab eksport ASEAN

“Kita sepatutnya mampu mendapatkan angka yang disasarkan dengan membawa masuk pengeluar kenderaan yang mahu menggunakan Malaysia sebagai hab eksport ASEAN,” katanya kepada media selepas berucap pada Forum ‘Business Times Insight-Dasar Automotif Negara’ anjuran sisipan perniagaan akhbar New Straits Times (NST), Business Times di Kuala Lumpur, semalam.

Dalam kajian semula NAP, pelbagai pihak dalam industri automotif dirujuk bagi mendapatkan maklumat terperinci dan amalan terbaik daripada sektor swasta, pertubuhan dan agensi kerajaan.

Sasaran utama kajian semula NAP adalah untuk memastikan peningkatan keupayaan dan daya saing industri automotif tempatan dalam jangka panjang dengan mengambil kira perkembangan terkini pada peringkat serantau serta antarabangsa di samping menawarkan kenderaan yang lebih selamat, mesra alam dan berteknologi tinggi kepada pengguna.

Madani berkata, jumlah pengeluaran industri (TIV) ASEAN dijangka mencecah 5.5 juta unit menjelang 2020, berbanding TIV semasa sekitar 3.5 juta unit.

“Kedudukan rantau ASEAN yang semakin menarik dan berdaya saing menyebabkan banyak pengeluar peralatan tulen (OEM) serta pengeluar alat ganti serta kenderaan global meninjau pasaran yang sesuai di sini untuk dilabur.

“Mengapa tidak mereka memilih Malaysia. Inilah yang sedang dirangka dalam NAP supaya memastikan kita tidak tertinggal di belakang dalam tempoh tujuh tahun akan datang,” katanya.

Beliau berkata, penyusunan hala tuju industri menerusi semakan semula NAP itu akan meletakkan Malaysia sebagai hab serantau bagi EEV dengan penggunaan teknologi tinggi dalam kalangan peserta industri sama ada bagi penggunaan domestik mahu pun eksport pasaran serantau dan antarabangsa.

“Memperkatakan mengenai EEV, ia bukan sekadar kenderaan hibrid dan elektrik semata-mata. Kenderaan cekap penggunaan bahan bakar juga termasuk dalam kategori cekap tenaga dan permintaan yang tinggi dapat disaksikan bagi kenderaan sedemikian,” katanya.

Semakan semula NAP

Dalam tempoh tujuh tahun lagi, Madani berkata, industri automotif Malaysia disasar mengeluarkan sehingga 1.35 juta unit kenderaan dengan 1.15 juta unit terdiri daripada EEV.

“Daripada jumlah itu, 1.1 juta unit akan dijual dalam pasaran domestik manakala selebihnya untuk pasaran eksport,” katanya.

Dalam perkembangan sama, Madani berkata, semakan semula NAP akan diumumkan Menteri Perdagangan Antarabangsa dan Industri, Datuk Seri Mustapa Mohamed dalam tempoh yang terdekat.

“Pendapat peribadi saya, NAP perlu didedahkan secepat mungkin supaya rakyat dan peserta industri mendapatkan gambaran yang jelas berhubung dasar kerajaan dalam sektor ini,” katanya.

Bagi memastikan kelancaran pelaksanaan NAP, beliau berkata kerajaan akan menubuhkan Majlis Automotif Malaysia (MAC) yang dipengerusikan sendiri oleh Mustapa.

MAC akan berkuat kuasa sebaik saja NAP diumumkan secara rasmi.

Source : Berita Harian
Date : 30 May 2013
Afternoon Highlight (31/05/13/92/790)

Today's Pick (31/05/13/94/1019) Usahawan Pantai Timur Perlu Keluar Dari "Zon Selesa" Dan Bersedia Ambil Risiko Teroka Pasaran Luar- Matrade

Usahawan Pantai Timur Perlu Keluar Dari "Zon Selesa" Dan Bersedia Ambil Risiko Teroka Pasaran Luar- Matrade


Oleh Kamaliza Kamaruddin

KUALA TERENGGANU, 29 Mei (Bernama) -- Usahawan-usahawan tempatan, terutama di Pantai timur, perlu keluar dari "zon selesa" dan bersedia meneroka pasaran luar.

Pengarah Wilayah Timur Perbadanan Pembangunan Perdagangan Luar Malaysia (Matrade) Hasziah Mohd Yazid berkata mereka dilihat masih berada dalam "zon selesa" dan tidak mahu mengambil risiko untuk meneroka pasaran luar walau pun ia peluang terbaik untuk menempa lebih banyak keuntungan dan kejayaan dalam membangunkan satu-satu jenama.

Katanya antara kekangan yang dihadapi usahawan tempatan ialah masalah pengeluaran barangan yang tidak dapat memenuhi permintaan dalam skala besar ekoran pengeluaran di kilang yang masih kecil.

"Banyak produk jenama tempatan yang bagus dan berkualiti tinggi serta diterima ramai, malangnya ia masih gagal menembusi segmen pasaran luar negara secara konsisten."

"Namun, ada juga usahawan tempatan yang berjaya membina jenama mereka dan mendapat sambutan baik dari negara luar dan Matrade menjadikan mereka ini sebagai ikon berjaya untuk diikuti usahawan lain," katanya.

Beliau berkata demikian kepada Bernama di sini hari ini pada bengkel bertajuk "Pelan Pemasaran Eksport" yang disertai 54 usahawan dari Kelantan, Terengganu dan Pahang.

Hasziah berkata kesemua usahawan itu mewakili 36 sektor perniagaan pelbagai bidang termasuk pembuatan makanan seperti makanan sejuk beku, air berkarbonat dan kopi pra-campuran, tekstil, kayu dan perabot, perkhidmatan yang merangkumi kejuruteraan, hartanah dan latihan.

"Penganjuran bengkel ini bertujuan memberi pendedahan terhadap usahawan mengenai peluang dan perkembangan pasaran eksport yang masih luas untuk mereka terokai."

"Usahawan juga akan diajar bagaimana untuk menjadi seorang pengeksport yang berjaya terutamanya dalam mengendalikan hal ehwal perniagaan di dalam dan luar negara melalui bengkel ini," katanya.

Matrade Wilayah Timur ditubuhkan pada Jun 2008 sebagai jaringan tempatan untuk memastikannya hadir secara fizikal dan menjadi penghubung pengeksport di Pantai Timur ke pasaran antarabangsa.

Bengkel pelan pemasaran itu disampaikan oleh seorang pensyarah kanan salah sebuah universiti di Kuala Lumpur, A B Teoh. Beliau juga menulis buku bertajuk "Exporting and International Trade" serta penulis rencana tetap Trademart, iaitu satu majalah untuk pengeksport yang diterbitkan oleh Matrade.

Hasziah berkata Matrade turut memberi nasihat bagi perkara yang berkaitan promosi eksport global dan membantu pendaftaran sebagai pengeksport dan bakal pengeksport melalui Pendaftar Eksport Matrade (MER).

"Kami juga mengadakan lawatan ke kilang milik syarikat yang berpotensi bagi memantau perkembangan eksport, seterusnya memastikan syarikat itu mampu berdaya saing dan bertahan di pasaran luar negara."

"Matrade tidak bersendirian dalam hal seperti ini dan bagi usahawan di Terengganu, kerjasama yang dijalinkan dengan Yayasan Pembangunan Usahawan (YPU) Terengganu sangat signifikan dalam pembangunan perniagaan sesebuah syarikat untuk mereka menembusi pasaran global," katanya.

Banyak program yang akan diadakan oleh Matrade Wilayah Timur sepanjang tahun ini antaranya termasuklah penganjuran bengkel Pelan Pemasaran Eksport di Kuantan pada September depan dan Seminar Eksport Batik dan Kraftangan ke Pasaran Global di Kota Bharu pada November depan.

Satu lagi seminar Mengembangkan Perniagaan Melalui E-Niaga juga akan diadakan di Kelantan serta Program Kenali Matrade di Kuantan pada Disember depan.

Source :BERNAMA
Date : 29 May 2013
Today's Pick (31/05/13/94/1019)

Afternoon Highlight (30/05/13/91/789) Govt assures SMEs on TPP


The Malaysian Reserve
29 May 2013

Today's Pick (30/05/13/93/1018) MDeC calls for more SMEs to go into digital marketing

MDeC calls for more SMEs to go into digital marketing

KUALA LUMPUR: Multimedia Development Corp (MDeC) hopes that more small and medium enterprises (SMEs) will engage in and benefit from digital marketing, moving forward, as the growth in digital technology makes the move to adopt such technology possible.

Chief executive officer Datuk Badlisham Ghazali pointed out that large organisations such as AirAsia Bhd and CIMB Group Holdings Bhd have leveraged on the digital platform.

He said the agency would assist and support more SMEs that want to utilise digital technology, as not many organisations were aware of the digital marketing value and opportunity.

Speaking at the Digital Malaysia The Future of Digital Marketing 2013 conference, he said that through digital technology utilisation, new sources of income would be created; Government, business and citizens' productivity would be enhanced and innovation would be encouraged, and this would enable them to expand into the global market.

“Digital technologies from smart objects and mobile technology is causing a seismic shift in marketing, forcing marketers to rebuild on how brands must go to market in every dimension,” he said.

Badlisham expects the ICT industry to contribute 17% or RM294bil to the country's gross national income by 2020.

Keynote speaker Gerd Leonhard, a media futurist who has a diverse client list which includes YouTube, Nokia, The Guardian, Google, Sony-BMG, Telkom Indonesia, Siemens, the BBC, The Financial Times, Ogilvy and the European Commission, compared data to oil.

In his presentation on The Reset of Marketing, Branding and Media the next 5 years, he said data would be more powerful than oil. “The future of the economy is data,” Leonhard opined.

He added that the future of marketing lay in recurring data identifying consumer behaviour, but this would need a human interface to humanise the data so that it became meaningful information.

“I call it humanrithm. We in the creative business use big data in a meaningful way and use it for marketing strategy,” he said.

On another note, he also shared that consumer behaviour is influenced by technology.

We have this transformation from digitalisation, the transition of consumers that is moving from product to service to experience.

“All brands have a problem with this, as they want to sell a product such as a publisher wanting to sell a book,” he said.

Econsultant director of research and education Jake Hird said consumers these days wanted to feel special and unique. They want to be seen as individuals instead of “just another customer”.

“We no longer have control on our brand, now it is the consumer's choice,” he said.

In his presentation on The New Customer Journey, he said companies needed to deliver an outstanding and seamless customer experience across all channels and touch points, and it must be personalised.

Source : The Star
Date : 29 May 2013
Today's Pick (30/05/13/93/1018)


Today's Pick (29/05/13/92/1017) MRT Corp serah dua pakej kerja RM54.25j

MRT Corp serah dua pakej kerja RM54.25j


MASS Rapid Transit Corporation Sdn Bhd (MRT Corp) berkata, ia sudah menyerahkan dua kontrak pakej kerja sistem pengesanan dan perlindungan api untuk projek MRT Lembah Klang Sungai Buloh ke Kajang (SBK), bernilai RM54.25 juta.

Dalam kenyataannya semalam, syarikat itu berkata, OSPC memberi kontraknya untuk pembekalan, pemerolehan, pemasangan, ujian dan penyerahan sistem pengesanan dan perlindungan api untuk stesen bertingkat bagi Pakej V1 dan V2, serta, Depoh Sungai Buloh kepada PJ Indah Sdn Bhd dengan nilai kontrak sebanyak RM31.97 juta.

“Kontrak yang sama bagi stesen bertingkat Pakej V7 dan V8, serta Depoh Kajang, dianugerahkan kepada Mecomb Malaysia Sdn Bhd, dengan nilai kontrak sebanyak RM22.28 juta," katanya.

MRT Corp berkata, pemilihan itu dibuat oleh Jawatankuasa Pemerolehan Sehenti (OSPC) pada satu mesyuarat yang dipengerusikan oleh Ketua Setiausaha Perbendaharaan Datuk Seri Dr Mohd Irwan Serigar Abdullah.

Ketua Eksekutif MRT Corp, Datuk Azhar Abdul Hamid, berkata terdapat 19 pakej lagi yang belum dianugerahkan daripada sejumlah 86 pakej untuk projek itu.

"Dalam tempoh 18 bulan, kami sudah selesai mengagihkan kerja sivil utama dan semua pakej kerja sistem.

"Kini, kami sedang mengagihkan pakej kerja selebihnya, dengan baki kontrak untuk tempat letak kereta bertingkat, pencahayaan LED, perabot, papan tanda dan tangga bergerak untuk stesen bawah tanah," katanya dalam satu kenyataan.

Source : Berita Harian
Date : 28 May 2013
Today's Pick (29/05/13/92/1017)

Afternoon Highlight (28/05/13/89/787) Aeon plans Rm700mil capex

The Malaysian Reserve
27.5.2013

Today's Pick (28/05/13/91/1016) SC reveals framework for unlisted market

SC reveals framework for unlisted market


BUILDING THE FOUNDATION: Online trading to allow enterprises to access risk capital

THE Securities Commission Malaysia (SC) unveiled a conceptual framework for an unlisted market yesterday, taking it a step closer towards establishing a trading platform for unlisted companies.

The unlisted market, first announced in July last year and operates in an electronic manner, will be the country’s first online platform to trade unlisted securities and alternativeinvest ment products (MyULM).

In a statement yesterday, SC said the online trading platform for unlisted market is one of the measures identified under the Capital Market Masterplan 2 to address the need of an unlisted securities platform to supply long-term risk capital and expand the financing base for local enterprises.

Such a platform will allow enterprises to access risk capital without the formalities and rigours of the listed market and for them to later graduate to the listed market.

Internationally, online social game maker Zynga and networking giant Facebook went through the unlisted market phase before going public.

SC said the online trading platform is being developed in consultation with key stakeholders, including government agencies and the private sector.

More than 100 market participants attended an industry briefing held here yesterday.

The SC said the platform envisions to be a one-stop gateway in raising capital and trading of securities of start-up companies and SMEs.

“Under this platform, fundraising by these SMEs will be conducted in a more efficient, organised, and transparent manner,” it said.

The SC had carried out jurisdictional studies and conducted a series of engagement sessions with stakeholders last year.

“The conceptual framework has been internally approved and currently, the SC is conducting further indepth engagements with
stakeholders,” it said.

The platform will be expanded depending on market readiness to include other alternative asset classes like unlisted bonds and
unlisted business trusts.

The SC has also called upon interested parties to submit their proposals to operate the platform.

Source: New Straits Times
Date : 28 May 2013
Today's Pick (28/05/13/91/1016)



Afternoon Highlight (27/05/13/89/787) Communications And Multimedia Ministry Allocates RM50 Million For GMBO Scheme

Communications And Multimedia Ministry Allocates RM50 Million For GMBO Scheme


HULU TERENGGANU, May 25 (Bernama) -- The Ministry of Communications and Multimedia has allocated RM50 million for the entrepreneur development programme under the Get Malaysian Business Online (GMBO)scheme.

Its Deputy Minister Datuk Jailani Johari said the assistance is specifically for women between the ages of 18 to 65 and having their own business product.

"Those with such a business product will be given a one-off assistance of RM1,000.

"The support, available from Jan 1 to Dec 31, is part of the allocation by the government under the Budget 2013 through the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission(MCMC)," he added.

He was speaking to reporters after officiating the annual general meeting of the Manir/Belara Area Farmers Organisation here Saturday.

Jailani said despite the GMBO scheme having begun in January, there were still a lot of women entrepreneurs throughout the country who did not know about the assistance being offered.

The Hulu Terengganu Member of Parliament said to date, about RM20,000 in GMBO assistance had been channeled to applicants.

"More details on the scheme are available at gmbo.skmm.gov.my and all applications can be made online," he added.

Jailani said the assistance is being offered as a means of encouraging women entrepreneurs to expand their business through the internet.

"Among the conditions for assistance is that the women applicants must be undertaking a business with an annual income of less than RM200,000, and there are no restrictions on the type of product being traded," he added.

He said the government wished to see not just the conventional way of doing business, but also the use of the internet as a positive means of expanding business networking.

Source :BERNAMA
Date : 25 May 2013
Afternoon Highlight (27/05/13/89/787)





Today's Pick (27/05/13/90/1015)Kurang Pendedahan ICT

Kurang Pendedahan ICT


Penggunaan teknologi maklumat dan komunikasi (ICT) dalam kalangan usahawan perusahaan kecil dan sederhana (PKS) di Malaysia masih dianggap rendah sedangkan ia adalah antara medium yang paling mudah untuk menjana keuntungan dan berhubung dengan pelanggan atau bakal pelanggan.

Menurut kaji selidik yang dijalankan mengenai penggunaan ICT dalam PKS baru-baru ini, 90 peratus daripada mereka tidak menggunakan ICT dalam operasi masing-masing. Ini merangkumi operasi syarikat masih menggunakan cara tradisional yang lazimnya menggunakan kertas dengan kos lebih tinggi.

70 peratus PKS juga masih tidak mempunyai laman web mereka sendiri dan ini secara tidak langsung membayangkan perkembangan kurang baik untuk PKS apabila kehadiran secara dalam talian penting untuk pertumbuhan jualan mereka.

Penggunaan ICT untuk operasi PKS penting untuk membantu operasi lebih berkesan khususnya dalam mengawal pelbagai aliran keluar masuk perniagaan sepanjang masa.

Kajian dijalankan Bank Dunia di 56 negara termasuk Malaysia mendapati semua syarikat yang menggunapakai ICT menunjukkan pertumbuhan baik dalam operasi secara keseluruhan.

Bergantung kepada jenis perniagaan dijalankan, ada syarikat mencatatkan peningkatan jualan sehingga 80 peratus dan ada syarikat yang mengurangkan kos operasi 50 peratus.

Malah, ada syarikat yang menunjukkan peningkatan dari aspek kepuasan pelanggan dan penghantaran produk kepada pelanggan mereka dengan lebih berkesan.

Hasil kajian menunjukkan pelanggan dalam talian memilih perkhidmatan dalam talian untuk menjimatkan masa, membantu mereka mendapat kepelbagaian produk, mudah untuk membandingkan harga dan mereka tidak perlu pergi ke pusat membeli-belah yang biasanya sesak dan seterusnya menjimatkan petrol.

Majoriti juga mengatakan mereka mendapat harga yang lebih rendah dalam talian.

Di Asia, kita mempunyai lebih daripada 1.07 bilion pengguna Internet bersamaan satu daripada empat penduduk Asia adalah pengguna Internet. Kira-kira 83 peratus pengguna dalam talian telah melakukan sekurang-kurangnya satu pembelian Internet.

Menurut kajian FactFinder, pengguna Internet di Malaysia menghabiskan 20 jam seminggu dalam talian berbanding 40 jam waktu bekerja rasmi dalam seminggu. Ini adalah hampir 50 peratus daripada jumlah jam kerja rasmi.

Mesejnya jelas menunjukkan mana-mana PKS yang tidak mempunyai strategi dalam talian akan kehilangan jumlah pelanggan yang sangat besar dari Internet.

Di Malaysia, usahawan PKS menjalankan operasi di kawasan bandar menunjukkan penggunaan ICT yang baik, namun apabila dilihat dari lokasi luar bandar, penggunaan ICT bukan sesuatu yang lazim.

Masih banyak syarikat PKS yang tidak mempunyai laman web rasmi sebagai identiti korporat mereka. Antara isu yang menyebabkan masalah ini berlaku adalah usahawan ini tidak mendapat pendedahan sewajarnya mengenai ICT sedangkan mereka sebenarnya mahu mengguna pakai ICT dalam menguruskan syarikat.

Sesi penerangan secara bersemuka perlu dilakukan lebih kerap bagi menyuntik keinginan mereka dalam penggunaan ICT.

Sehubungan itu, inisiatif ‘PKS Untuk Pertumbuhan’ yang dijalankan Persatuan Usahawan Tekno Malaysia (TeAM) satu daripada platform untuk usahawan berkongsi pengalaman mereka membina perusahaan berjaya.

Seminar itu bermula dengan pemahaman mengenai bagaimana nilai unik perniagaan membantu sesebuah perniagaan berkembang sehingga menjadi jenama terkemuka.

Ia juga antara lain membantu usahawan meningkatkan operasi melalui penggunaan ICT dan bagaimana teknologi Cloud membolehkan usahawan mengawal syarikat mereka pada bila-bila masa di mana saja dengan mudah dan pada kos yang sangat berpatutan.

Usahawan yang berhasrat menggunakan ICT untuk perniagaan mereka tidak perlu bimbang mengenai pelaburan tambahan yang perlu dikeluarkan kerana kerajaan memberikan sokongan kepada PKS dengan menyediakan insentif dan sokongan untuk mereka dalam pelbagai bentuk.

Baru-baru ini kerajaan melancarkan inisiatif Dapatkan Perniagaan Online Malaysia (GMBO) di mana PKS digalakkan membina kehadiran dalam talian mereka selain kedai secara tradisi. Inisiatif GMBO adalah inisiatif geran apabila kerajaan menyediakan geran RM1,000 bagi PKS yang membina laman web sendiri.

Satu lagi geran bagi penggunaan perkomputeran cloud apabila usahawan digalakkan menggunakan aplikasi berasaskan itu bagi menguruskan syarikat mereka seperti perakaunan, gaji atau sumber manusia.

Penulis adalah Presiden Persatuan Usahawan Tekno Malaysia (TeAM)

Sumber : Harian Metro
Tarikh: 2013/05/27
Today's Pick (27/05/13/90/1015)