DDEC bantu PKS tingkat kualiti
Pusat penyelidikan sedia kemudahan pembungkusan, cipta jenama produk
SYARIKAT perusahaan kecil dan sederhana (PKS) yang mewakili 98 peratus komuniti perniagaan di negara ini, boleh menambah nilai produk mereka dengan bantuan daripada Design Development Centre (DDEC).
Ketua Eksekutif DDEC, Datuk Abd Rahim Hassan berkata, pusat itu menyediakan bantuan kepada peniaga untuk mencipta lambang jenama produk dan rekaan pembungkusannya bagi menjadikan produk mereka lebih berdaya saing dan menarik.
“Ramai peniaga yang tidak menitik-beratkan soal pembungkusan produk dan ia amat merugikan kerana jika produk dipersembahkan dengan baik, ia mampu meningkatkan permintaan.
“Malah dengan persembahan yang baik, lebih banyak produk tempatan dapat pergi ke pasaran antarabangsa,” katanya.
Beliau berkata, sepanjang kewujudan DDEC, sudah banyak produk yang menerima sentuhannya termasuk beberapa jenama terkenal seperti Simply Siti, Forest Secret, Chaky Black, Jonker Walk Kopitiam, Restoran Tu dia Pak Tam, dan Harrods Malaysia.
“Selain itu, Kit Pemasaran Diomoney Malaysia, penjenamaan Dunkin Donuts, Fresha Tea, penjenamaan identiti Kolej Poly-Tech MARA (KPTM), identiti korporat Glocal Link dan Koperasi Bumira juga menerima sentuhan kami.
“Maklum balas yang kami terima amat baik sehinggakan syarikat seperti Harrods Malaysia kembali untuk mendapatkan perkhidmatan selanjutnya kerana kualiti hasil sentuhan kami dalam penjenamaan dan pembungkusan produk mereka tanpa membabitkan kos yang tinggi,” katanya.
Abd Rahim berkata, kos perkhidmatan yang dikenakan adalah serendah RM500 bergantung kepada jenis perkhidmatan penjenamaan dan rekaan pembungkusan yang diperlukan.
“Harga yang kami tawarkan amat rendah berbanding menggunakan perkhidmatan jururunding jenama persendirian yang jauh lebih tinggi.
“Kami juga mempunyai hubungan rapat dengan Perbadanan Harta Intelek Malaysia (myIPO) dan bersedia membantu proses pendaftaran paten produk syarikat yang mendapatkan perkhidmatan kami,” katanya.
Source : Berita Harian
Date : 7 February 2012
afternoon highlight (08/02/12/022/497)
Tuesday, February 14, 2012
Today's Pick (08/02/12/019/713) New blueprint for auto sector
New blueprint for auto sector
It is to prepare the industry for global technological enhancements up to year 2025
PETALING JAYA: The Malaysia Automotive Institute (MAI) is developing a blueprint that will detail the development and enhancement of the local automotive industry up to year 2025.
Chief executive officer Madani Sahari said the blueprint, known as Malaysia Automotive Industry Roadmap 2025 (MAIR 2025), is to gear up the local automotive sector for the global technological enhancements that was expected to take place by 2025.
Within MAIR 2025, the roadmap will include technological, industry and market directions.
“We're developing a roadmap that will define the local automotive industry as a whole. Its scope ranges from the manufacturing sector right up to after-sales,” he told StarBiz.
Madani said MAIR 2025 would be different from the National Automotive Policy (NAP), which detailed policies that extend up to 2020.
“The NAP is from a policy angle but it doesn't really give you a blueprint. We have set a mission for 2015 and 2020 (under the NAP) but 2025 is another key milestone and important deadline.
“We need to adopt, adapt and innovate the right technology into our auto industry and we need to understand what is the technology, going forward,” he said.
Madani noted that the issue of “going green” had become an increasingly important factor in the global automotive scene.
“Globally, everyone is venturing into it, doing a lot of research on how to green the automotive industry in totality.”
Apart from developing its own technology, he said Malaysia also needed to be able to attract players that could supply green technology that could be applied locally.
“One of the ways to achieve the right technology in Malaysia is to have the right strategic foreign direct investment (FDI).
“We need to attract some strategic FDI and there is some domestic investment that we will need to do. There are players in Malaysia that want to invest domestically and this needs to be promoted and enhanced to complete the local automotive eco-system.”
Madani also said the blueprint was to cater to the “re-proliferation” of vendors and original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) come 2025.
“In the late 1990s, a lot of vendors came into the sector and a lot of proliferation (of vendors and OEMs) took place during that time. Then, from the year 2000 until now, there was a consolidation among the OEMs and suppliers.”
Citing research done by the MAI, Madani said there would be a re-proliferation of suppliers and at certain levels, OEMs, from 2015 onwards.
“But this re-proliferation is about suppliers coming in with a different business plan and the fundamentals of their business plan will involve the use of information technology and digital virtual reality concepts that are and will continue to move the automotive industry.
“This blueprint is to prepare Malaysia, moving ahead. We need to resolve our structural issues and enhance the eco-system. Then, the next step is to get the businesses ready to incorporate this new technology and that's what I mean by re-proliferation,” he said.
Madani also said the development of human capital was an important aspect of MAIR 2025.
Since last year, MAI had been collaborating with various local universities to develop talents for the Malaysian automotive industry.
“To create the manpower with the necessary skill and knowledge at each level of the (automotive) industry, we've started a customised human capital development programme.
These are for people already within the industry and it's a flexible initiative that can be done over the week or weekend.
“We want them to be enhanced in the skills and knowledge that they have to perform their existing jobs,” he said.
MAI has also commenced a “talent management programme” to cater to retirees with the relevant expertise in the automotive field.
“The local automotive industry is about 25 years old and there is now a large batch of retirees.
But this group of people have specific skills, knowledge and culture that we don't want to lose.
“So we have this talent management initiative where we get the retirees and we document their experiences to those that are willing to contribute. We take them in and make them our associates to advise companies that require their expertise,” Madani said.
MAI is also collaborating with the Higher Education Ministry to set up an industry centre of excellence to enhance the development of the different sub-systems (such as cooling, heating and suspension) involved in the development of a typical automobile.
An agency under the International Trade and Industry Ministry, MAI was established as the focal point and coordination centre for the development of local automotive industry.
“We need to do things in a manner that is different to quantum leap our improvement. This year, we are implementing a strategic, adaptive engagement and coordination approach to achieve our targets,” Madani said.
Source : The Star
Date : 7 February 2012
Today's Pick (08/02/12/019/713)
It is to prepare the industry for global technological enhancements up to year 2025
PETALING JAYA: The Malaysia Automotive Institute (MAI) is developing a blueprint that will detail the development and enhancement of the local automotive industry up to year 2025.
Chief executive officer Madani Sahari said the blueprint, known as Malaysia Automotive Industry Roadmap 2025 (MAIR 2025), is to gear up the local automotive sector for the global technological enhancements that was expected to take place by 2025.
Within MAIR 2025, the roadmap will include technological, industry and market directions.
“We're developing a roadmap that will define the local automotive industry as a whole. Its scope ranges from the manufacturing sector right up to after-sales,” he told StarBiz.
Madani said MAIR 2025 would be different from the National Automotive Policy (NAP), which detailed policies that extend up to 2020.
“The NAP is from a policy angle but it doesn't really give you a blueprint. We have set a mission for 2015 and 2020 (under the NAP) but 2025 is another key milestone and important deadline.
“We need to adopt, adapt and innovate the right technology into our auto industry and we need to understand what is the technology, going forward,” he said.
Madani noted that the issue of “going green” had become an increasingly important factor in the global automotive scene.
“Globally, everyone is venturing into it, doing a lot of research on how to green the automotive industry in totality.”
Apart from developing its own technology, he said Malaysia also needed to be able to attract players that could supply green technology that could be applied locally.
“One of the ways to achieve the right technology in Malaysia is to have the right strategic foreign direct investment (FDI).
“We need to attract some strategic FDI and there is some domestic investment that we will need to do. There are players in Malaysia that want to invest domestically and this needs to be promoted and enhanced to complete the local automotive eco-system.”
Madani also said the blueprint was to cater to the “re-proliferation” of vendors and original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) come 2025.
“In the late 1990s, a lot of vendors came into the sector and a lot of proliferation (of vendors and OEMs) took place during that time. Then, from the year 2000 until now, there was a consolidation among the OEMs and suppliers.”
Citing research done by the MAI, Madani said there would be a re-proliferation of suppliers and at certain levels, OEMs, from 2015 onwards.
“But this re-proliferation is about suppliers coming in with a different business plan and the fundamentals of their business plan will involve the use of information technology and digital virtual reality concepts that are and will continue to move the automotive industry.
“This blueprint is to prepare Malaysia, moving ahead. We need to resolve our structural issues and enhance the eco-system. Then, the next step is to get the businesses ready to incorporate this new technology and that's what I mean by re-proliferation,” he said.
Madani also said the development of human capital was an important aspect of MAIR 2025.
Since last year, MAI had been collaborating with various local universities to develop talents for the Malaysian automotive industry.
“To create the manpower with the necessary skill and knowledge at each level of the (automotive) industry, we've started a customised human capital development programme.
These are for people already within the industry and it's a flexible initiative that can be done over the week or weekend.
“We want them to be enhanced in the skills and knowledge that they have to perform their existing jobs,” he said.
MAI has also commenced a “talent management programme” to cater to retirees with the relevant expertise in the automotive field.
“The local automotive industry is about 25 years old and there is now a large batch of retirees.
But this group of people have specific skills, knowledge and culture that we don't want to lose.
“So we have this talent management initiative where we get the retirees and we document their experiences to those that are willing to contribute. We take them in and make them our associates to advise companies that require their expertise,” Madani said.
MAI is also collaborating with the Higher Education Ministry to set up an industry centre of excellence to enhance the development of the different sub-systems (such as cooling, heating and suspension) involved in the development of a typical automobile.
An agency under the International Trade and Industry Ministry, MAI was established as the focal point and coordination centre for the development of local automotive industry.
“We need to do things in a manner that is different to quantum leap our improvement. This year, we are implementing a strategic, adaptive engagement and coordination approach to achieve our targets,” Madani said.
Source : The Star
Date : 7 February 2012
Today's Pick (08/02/12/019/713)
Friday, February 3, 2012
afternoon highlight (03/02/12/021/496) Gold, Oil Prices To Rise This Year
Gold, Oil Prices To Rise This Year
KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 3 (Bernama) -- Gold and oil prices are set to rise this year on positive sentiment for both commodities amid global economic slowdown, said Standard Chartered Bank.
Its consumer banking group wealth management chief investment strategist, Steve Brice, said the gold prices were expected to touch an average of US$1,975 per ounce in the fourth quarter driven by four factors.
"They are high debt level in the West; negative real interest rate; high demand from China and India as well as central banks; and, limited supply for the precious metal," he said in a media briefing here today.
He said continuous uncertainty in global economy had boosted interest in gold as an hedging alternative against riskier investment.
He said the oil price was expected to rise to US$100 per barrel in the second half of this year driven by the geopolitical risks in the Middle East and strong demand from emerging market, expecially China.
"We didn't expect any significant decline in oil prices this year" he said.
On equities, he said, the bank was putting a 'neutral' call on Malaysia's equity market.
Brice said the country's equity market had posted a strong performance last year on a relative basis.
However, he said, the equity prices had gone up since then and were more expensive now.
"We are not bearish on Malaysian equity market but we think that some regional markets are better pick," he said.
Source: Bernama Date : 3 February 2012
KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 3 (Bernama) -- Gold and oil prices are set to rise this year on positive sentiment for both commodities amid global economic slowdown, said Standard Chartered Bank.
Its consumer banking group wealth management chief investment strategist, Steve Brice, said the gold prices were expected to touch an average of US$1,975 per ounce in the fourth quarter driven by four factors.
"They are high debt level in the West; negative real interest rate; high demand from China and India as well as central banks; and, limited supply for the precious metal," he said in a media briefing here today.
He said continuous uncertainty in global economy had boosted interest in gold as an hedging alternative against riskier investment.
He said the oil price was expected to rise to US$100 per barrel in the second half of this year driven by the geopolitical risks in the Middle East and strong demand from emerging market, expecially China.
"We didn't expect any significant decline in oil prices this year" he said.
On equities, he said, the bank was putting a 'neutral' call on Malaysia's equity market.
Brice said the country's equity market had posted a strong performance last year on a relative basis.
However, he said, the equity prices had gone up since then and were more expensive now.
"We are not bearish on Malaysian equity market but we think that some regional markets are better pick," he said.
Source: Bernama Date : 3 February 2012
Today's Pick (03/02/12/019/713)Jualan barang kemas meningkat
Jualan barang kemas meningkat
KETIDAKTENTUAN ekonomi dunia tidak menjejaskan pasaran barangan kemas di negara ini susulan minat berterusan rakyat Malaysia membeli barangan emas sebagai pelaburan selain sebagai kegunaan perhiasan diri.
Pengarah Urusan Habib Jewels, Datuk Meer Sadik Habib berkata, pasaran barangan kemas keluaran syarikatnya terus meningkat walau pun harga emas global semakin melonjak tinggi.
Malah, jelas beliau, kenaikan harga emas di pasaran dunia itu sebenarnya turut meyakinkan pembeli untuk membuat pelaburan emas termasuk membeli barangan kemas.
“Pembeli tidak hanya membeli barangan kemas sebagai perhiasan diri, malah mereka juga membelinya bagi tujuan pelaburan ekoran kenaikan harga emas yang begitu ketara sekarang,” katanya kepada media, selepas merasmikan Galeri Warisan Jawi Peranakan di Georgetown, Pulau Pinang.
Bagi memberi jaminan pelaburan kepada pelanggannya, katanya Habib juga mempunyai syarikat pajak gadai Islam Al Rahnu yang menerima gadaian barangan emas dan batu permata.
Beliau berkata, Habib Jewels juga telah mencapai jualan yang memberangsangkan pada tahun lalu dengan pendapatan jualan RM300 juta dan syarikat itu yakin dapat meningkatkan lagi jualannya tahun ini.
Meer Sadik berkata, kumpulan menyasar peningkatan pendapatan jualan antara 10 peratus hingga 20 peratus bagi tahun ini kerana menerima permintaan yang tinggi.
Bagi menampung permintaan tempatan itu, Habib bakal membuka cawangan barunya di Perak dan Pahang pada tahun ini dengan melaburkan RM4 juta bagi pembukaan setiap cawangan.
Katanya, Habib Jewels setakat ini belum bercadang membuka cawangannya di luar negara dan mahu memberi tumpuan terhadap pasaran tempatan namun, syarikat itu giat menjalankan promosi di luar negara sebagai usaha mempromosi jenama.
Mengenai Galeri Warisan Jawi Peranakan itu, beliau berkata, Habib melabur RM2 juta bagi kerja-kerja membaik pulih bangunan kedai asalnya di Jalan Masjid Kapitan Keling, Georgetown.
Galeri yang dirasmikan oleh Yang Dipertua Negeri Tun Abdul Rahman Abbas itu mempamerkan lebih 100 koleksi barangan kemas dan batu permata antik termasuk barangan kemas yang berusia lebih 100 tahun yang dipakai oleh kaum wanita Jawi Peranakan di Pulau Pinang. – BERNAMA
Tarikh : 2 Feb 2012
Sumber : Berita Harian
KETIDAKTENTUAN ekonomi dunia tidak menjejaskan pasaran barangan kemas di negara ini susulan minat berterusan rakyat Malaysia membeli barangan emas sebagai pelaburan selain sebagai kegunaan perhiasan diri.
Pengarah Urusan Habib Jewels, Datuk Meer Sadik Habib berkata, pasaran barangan kemas keluaran syarikatnya terus meningkat walau pun harga emas global semakin melonjak tinggi.
Malah, jelas beliau, kenaikan harga emas di pasaran dunia itu sebenarnya turut meyakinkan pembeli untuk membuat pelaburan emas termasuk membeli barangan kemas.
“Pembeli tidak hanya membeli barangan kemas sebagai perhiasan diri, malah mereka juga membelinya bagi tujuan pelaburan ekoran kenaikan harga emas yang begitu ketara sekarang,” katanya kepada media, selepas merasmikan Galeri Warisan Jawi Peranakan di Georgetown, Pulau Pinang.
Bagi memberi jaminan pelaburan kepada pelanggannya, katanya Habib juga mempunyai syarikat pajak gadai Islam Al Rahnu yang menerima gadaian barangan emas dan batu permata.
Beliau berkata, Habib Jewels juga telah mencapai jualan yang memberangsangkan pada tahun lalu dengan pendapatan jualan RM300 juta dan syarikat itu yakin dapat meningkatkan lagi jualannya tahun ini.
Meer Sadik berkata, kumpulan menyasar peningkatan pendapatan jualan antara 10 peratus hingga 20 peratus bagi tahun ini kerana menerima permintaan yang tinggi.
Bagi menampung permintaan tempatan itu, Habib bakal membuka cawangan barunya di Perak dan Pahang pada tahun ini dengan melaburkan RM4 juta bagi pembukaan setiap cawangan.
Katanya, Habib Jewels setakat ini belum bercadang membuka cawangannya di luar negara dan mahu memberi tumpuan terhadap pasaran tempatan namun, syarikat itu giat menjalankan promosi di luar negara sebagai usaha mempromosi jenama.
Mengenai Galeri Warisan Jawi Peranakan itu, beliau berkata, Habib melabur RM2 juta bagi kerja-kerja membaik pulih bangunan kedai asalnya di Jalan Masjid Kapitan Keling, Georgetown.
Galeri yang dirasmikan oleh Yang Dipertua Negeri Tun Abdul Rahman Abbas itu mempamerkan lebih 100 koleksi barangan kemas dan batu permata antik termasuk barangan kemas yang berusia lebih 100 tahun yang dipakai oleh kaum wanita Jawi Peranakan di Pulau Pinang. – BERNAMA
Tarikh : 2 Feb 2012
Sumber : Berita Harian
afternoon highlight (02/02/12/020/495) Taking cue from banks
Taking cue from banks
Keropok lekor maker installs electronic numbering system to reduce chaos
KUALA TERENGGANU: Taking a cue from banks, a keropok lekor maker installed an electronic number display unit at his shop to solve the problem of customers lining up to buy the local delicacy.
The local residents now call the shop owned by entrepreneur Mohd Nazir Mohd Dagang at Bukit Tok Beng bank keropok lekor.
Mohd Nazir, 35, said he got the idea to install the electronic display unit after seeing his customers queuing up in a disorderly manner to buy the chewy fish sausage.
He was particularly worried about the senior citizens.
“In short, it was chaos before we started the numbering system,” he said when interviewed at his shop.
Mohd Nazir, who has four children aged six to 15, was previously in the food catering business.
He, however, decided to leave the business and open a keropok lekor stall to spend more time with his family.
“It turned out I am still kept busy,” he said, adding that while it started with just his family members, the keropok lekor business now employs about 40 workers.
The main ingredients used in his product are ikan tamban and ikan selayang, for which he travels 50km daily to Kampung Penarik in Setiu to get the freshest fish.
Mohd Nazir said the electronic numbering system allowed the customers to gauge how long they have to wait before they are served.
“In the meantime, they could go and settle other errands elsewhere and return later to the shop,” he said.
“People who asked about the shop often refers to it as kedai yang guna nombor (the shop that uses numbers).
He added that his customers had increased since he started using the system.
With sales of about 12,000 pieces of keropok lekor daily, one could say Mohd Nazir can afford to laugh his way to the bank now.
His shop opens from 9am to 6pm from Saturday to Thursday. Friday is the family's day off.
Source : The Star
Date : 30 January 2012
Keropok lekor maker installs electronic numbering system to reduce chaos
KUALA TERENGGANU: Taking a cue from banks, a keropok lekor maker installed an electronic number display unit at his shop to solve the problem of customers lining up to buy the local delicacy.
The local residents now call the shop owned by entrepreneur Mohd Nazir Mohd Dagang at Bukit Tok Beng bank keropok lekor.
Mohd Nazir, 35, said he got the idea to install the electronic display unit after seeing his customers queuing up in a disorderly manner to buy the chewy fish sausage.
He was particularly worried about the senior citizens.
“In short, it was chaos before we started the numbering system,” he said when interviewed at his shop.
Mohd Nazir, who has four children aged six to 15, was previously in the food catering business.
He, however, decided to leave the business and open a keropok lekor stall to spend more time with his family.
“It turned out I am still kept busy,” he said, adding that while it started with just his family members, the keropok lekor business now employs about 40 workers.
The main ingredients used in his product are ikan tamban and ikan selayang, for which he travels 50km daily to Kampung Penarik in Setiu to get the freshest fish.
Mohd Nazir said the electronic numbering system allowed the customers to gauge how long they have to wait before they are served.
“In the meantime, they could go and settle other errands elsewhere and return later to the shop,” he said.
“People who asked about the shop often refers to it as kedai yang guna nombor (the shop that uses numbers).
He added that his customers had increased since he started using the system.
With sales of about 12,000 pieces of keropok lekor daily, one could say Mohd Nazir can afford to laugh his way to the bank now.
His shop opens from 9am to 6pm from Saturday to Thursday. Friday is the family's day off.
Source : The Star
Date : 30 January 2012
Thursday, February 2, 2012
Today's Pick (02/02/12/018/712) Foreign workers giving local traders stiff competition
Foreign workers giving local traders stiff competition
MEMBERS of the local business fraternity have been losing sleep thanks to enterprising foreign workers who have started operating businesses illegally in many areas.
In some areas, the foreigners who either hold work permits or are illegal immigrants have outnumbered the locals and taken over their businesses.
StarMetro conducted random checks at several areas in Selangor and Kuala Lumpur and found that the situation had gone from bad to worse in some areas.
In some areas the foreigners were very bold, operating in groups or under “colonies” where there is a large number of foreign workers.
It is more rampant in parts of Klang, Shah Alam, Selayang, Rawang, Batu Caves and Kuala Lumpur.
Many of them are from Indonesia, Myanmar, Bangladesh and Nepal.
Most of them operate sundry shops and convenience stores while some sell foodstuff, vegetables, furniture and liquor.
Some of them also operate car wash businesses.
Local traders have complained that the situation is bad for their businesses.
The presence of these foreign workers in large numbers has not gone down well with the residents in these areas too.
A resident from Taman Menangan in Meru, who declined to be named, said these foreigners had formed a colony in the area and he was concerned over the non-action of the authorities.
The resident said he wondered how they were allowed to operate businesses from houses, stalls and makeshift structures on roadsides.
“My mother was selling some packet snacks and she was reprimanded by the Klang Municipal Council enforcement officers.
“They warned her against using the house for any form of business activities.
However, these foreigners are allowed to operate businesses all over the place in the housing estate,” he said.
Rusli Ahmad, 45, of Taman Kenangan in Meru said the housing estate was flooded with foreigners who operated various type of businesses.
He said they operated from houses, makeshift stalls and at roadsides.
“It has become a trend for the foreigners to rent several houses in a row so that they can form a colony.
“It is frightening to realise their dominat presence in our neighbourhood,” he said, adding that the foreigners also operated many businesses along the roadside in Taman Terantai, which is linked to Taman Kenangan.
Foreigners, especially Indonesians, are also found operating food outlets and sundry shops in Kampung Bukit Naga in Shah Alam.
Residents in the area have voiced their dissatisfaction and urged the Shah Alam City Council (MBSA) to act against the illegal businesses.
A resident who declined to be named said the area was flooded with Indonesians from Aceh.
“They have sundry shops, food outlets and even markets,” he said.
A sundry shop operator who is from Aceh said he had been operating in the area for several years now.
He said his customers were mostly locals and they had no problem visiting his shop.
“I have become part of the community here and there are many Indonesians doing businesses here,” he said.
StarMetro also discovered that a number of Myanmar nationals were seen selling fruits and vegetables at the Selayang market.
There is also a liquor shop operated by foreigners near Jalan Wellman in Rawang town near the KTM Komuter station.
It was learnt that foreigners were also operating a furniture shop in Jalan Rawang-Batu Arang and car wash centres in Bandar Baru Selayang and Bandar Country Homes in Rawang.
Malaysian Indian Entrepreneurs and Professionals deputy president Gunarajah R. George said it was sad that traditional businesses operated by the locals like barber shops, car wash centres, florist, fruit and vegetable outlets were now operated by foreigners.
“The locals are being robbed as goods sold or services rendered by foreigners are much cheaper because their overheads are less compared with local businessman’s.
“Many of these foreign traders just place a cloth or a table and sell their stuff without worrying about paying rental, assessment and licences.
“They will flee when they sense the presence of enforcement officers and this is a typical scenario at the Selayang market,’’ he said, adding there was a lack of enforcement by authorities againts businesses run by foreigners.
Gunarajah, who is also a Selayang Municipal Council councillor, said If this situation was allowed to continue the locals would be gradually deprived of business opportunities.
Kuala Lumpur Malay Chamber of Commerce Association president Datuk Syed Amin Al-Jeffri said Malaysians were to be blamed for creating a vacuum for the foreginers to operate businesses meant for the locals.
“We cannot entirely blame the foreigners for taking advantage of the situation. Malaysians should be more responsible in keeping Malaysia’s tradition and its businesses among Malaysians.
“We Malaysians are becoming lazy and taking the easy way out by renting out our business premises to foreigners,” he said
For example, Syed Amin said, the businesses in the bustling market in Jalan Chow Kit and its surrounding areas were mostly run by Indonesians.
He said businesses that were meant for bumiputras should not be given away to others.
“I feel those who do not want to continue with their business should give up their licences and let other Malaysians take up the opportunity instead of passing it to foreigners,’’ he said.
Source : The Star
Date : 30 January 2012
MEMBERS of the local business fraternity have been losing sleep thanks to enterprising foreign workers who have started operating businesses illegally in many areas.
In some areas, the foreigners who either hold work permits or are illegal immigrants have outnumbered the locals and taken over their businesses.
StarMetro conducted random checks at several areas in Selangor and Kuala Lumpur and found that the situation had gone from bad to worse in some areas.
In some areas the foreigners were very bold, operating in groups or under “colonies” where there is a large number of foreign workers.
It is more rampant in parts of Klang, Shah Alam, Selayang, Rawang, Batu Caves and Kuala Lumpur.
Many of them are from Indonesia, Myanmar, Bangladesh and Nepal.
Most of them operate sundry shops and convenience stores while some sell foodstuff, vegetables, furniture and liquor.
Some of them also operate car wash businesses.
Local traders have complained that the situation is bad for their businesses.
The presence of these foreign workers in large numbers has not gone down well with the residents in these areas too.
A resident from Taman Menangan in Meru, who declined to be named, said these foreigners had formed a colony in the area and he was concerned over the non-action of the authorities.
The resident said he wondered how they were allowed to operate businesses from houses, stalls and makeshift structures on roadsides.
“My mother was selling some packet snacks and she was reprimanded by the Klang Municipal Council enforcement officers.
“They warned her against using the house for any form of business activities.
However, these foreigners are allowed to operate businesses all over the place in the housing estate,” he said.
Rusli Ahmad, 45, of Taman Kenangan in Meru said the housing estate was flooded with foreigners who operated various type of businesses.
He said they operated from houses, makeshift stalls and at roadsides.
“It has become a trend for the foreigners to rent several houses in a row so that they can form a colony.
“It is frightening to realise their dominat presence in our neighbourhood,” he said, adding that the foreigners also operated many businesses along the roadside in Taman Terantai, which is linked to Taman Kenangan.
Foreigners, especially Indonesians, are also found operating food outlets and sundry shops in Kampung Bukit Naga in Shah Alam.
Residents in the area have voiced their dissatisfaction and urged the Shah Alam City Council (MBSA) to act against the illegal businesses.
A resident who declined to be named said the area was flooded with Indonesians from Aceh.
“They have sundry shops, food outlets and even markets,” he said.
A sundry shop operator who is from Aceh said he had been operating in the area for several years now.
He said his customers were mostly locals and they had no problem visiting his shop.
“I have become part of the community here and there are many Indonesians doing businesses here,” he said.
StarMetro also discovered that a number of Myanmar nationals were seen selling fruits and vegetables at the Selayang market.
There is also a liquor shop operated by foreigners near Jalan Wellman in Rawang town near the KTM Komuter station.
It was learnt that foreigners were also operating a furniture shop in Jalan Rawang-Batu Arang and car wash centres in Bandar Baru Selayang and Bandar Country Homes in Rawang.
Malaysian Indian Entrepreneurs and Professionals deputy president Gunarajah R. George said it was sad that traditional businesses operated by the locals like barber shops, car wash centres, florist, fruit and vegetable outlets were now operated by foreigners.
“The locals are being robbed as goods sold or services rendered by foreigners are much cheaper because their overheads are less compared with local businessman’s.
“Many of these foreign traders just place a cloth or a table and sell their stuff without worrying about paying rental, assessment and licences.
“They will flee when they sense the presence of enforcement officers and this is a typical scenario at the Selayang market,’’ he said, adding there was a lack of enforcement by authorities againts businesses run by foreigners.
Gunarajah, who is also a Selayang Municipal Council councillor, said If this situation was allowed to continue the locals would be gradually deprived of business opportunities.
Kuala Lumpur Malay Chamber of Commerce Association president Datuk Syed Amin Al-Jeffri said Malaysians were to be blamed for creating a vacuum for the foreginers to operate businesses meant for the locals.
“We cannot entirely blame the foreigners for taking advantage of the situation. Malaysians should be more responsible in keeping Malaysia’s tradition and its businesses among Malaysians.
“We Malaysians are becoming lazy and taking the easy way out by renting out our business premises to foreigners,” he said
For example, Syed Amin said, the businesses in the bustling market in Jalan Chow Kit and its surrounding areas were mostly run by Indonesians.
He said businesses that were meant for bumiputras should not be given away to others.
“I feel those who do not want to continue with their business should give up their licences and let other Malaysians take up the opportunity instead of passing it to foreigners,’’ he said.
Source : The Star
Date : 30 January 2012
afternoon highlight (31/01/12/019/494)OPR dijangka kekal tiga peratus
OPR dijangka kekal tiga peratus
KUALA LUMPUR 30 Jan. - Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) dijangka mengekalkan Kadar Dasar Semalaman (OPR) kepada 3.0 peratus pada Mesyuarat Dasar Monetari pertama pada tahun ini yang berlangsung esok.
Rata-rata penganalisis ekonomi berkata, jangkaan itu dibuat berdasarkan kedudukan ekonomi global yang lembap dan kedudukan kadar faedah yang akomodatif.
Ketua Ekonomi Bank Islam (M) Bhd., Azrul Azwa Tajuddin berkata, pertumbuhan ekonomi yang dijangka perlahan merupakan faktor yang diambil kira dalam pengekalan OPR.
Menurutnya, BNM tidak akan mengurangkan OPR dalam mesyuarat esok kerana situasi ekonomi sekarang adalah lembap dan bukan meleset seperti yang berlaku pada 2009.
Katanya, meskipun kadar inflasi menurun tetapi ia masih berlegar antara 2.0 hingga 3.0 peratus.
''Dasar monetari bergantung kepada tinjauan dan inflasi dan apabila melihat kepada kedua-duanya tidak ada sebab mengapa BNM akan menurunkan OPR, sebaliknya lebih wajar dikekalkan," katanya kepada Utusan Malaysia di sini hari ini.
Azrul berkata, sekiranya OPR diturunkan, dikhuatiri ia akan menyumbang kembali kenaikan inflasi.
Jumaat lalu, Gabenor BNM, Tan Sri Dr. Zeti Akhtar Aziz berkata, polisi monetari negara masih akomodatif di tengah-tengah pertumbuhan global yang sederhana pada tahun ini.
Tambah beliau, kadar semasa akan kekal akomodatif dan BNM akan membuat penilaian sesuai yang penting untuk mengekalkan pertumbuhan dan pekerjaan.
Sementara itu, Naib Presiden dan Ketua Penyelidikan Runcit Affin Investment Bank (AIB), Dr. Nazri Khan yang berpendapat bank pusat akan mengekalkan kadar faedah semasa disebabkan pertumbuhan global yang perlahan.
Selain itu, ia juga mengambil kira keputusan beberapa negara serantau yang masih mengekalkan OPR yang sama.
''Kami menjangka OPR 3.0 peratus dikekalkan tetapi OPR mungkin akan diturunkan sebanyak 50 mata asas lagi menjelang akhir tahun ini,'' ujar Nazri.
Sebelum ini, ECM Libra Investment Research turut meramalkan dasar monetari akan mengekalkan OPR pada 3.0 peratus sehingga kadar inflasi menurun.
Syarikat penyelidikan itu berkata, dasar monetari negara masih lagi menyokong pertumbuhan dengan bekalan wang November berkembang 12.8 peratus, tahun ke tahun, sementara OPR telah mewujudkan persekitaran kadar faedah sebenar yang rendah.
"OPR pada 3.0 peratus sendiri telah menjuruskan kepada kadar inflasi semasa 3.3 peratus, membayangkan kadar faedah sebenar yang negatif.
"Ini menjadikan OPR lebih akomodatif kepada pertumbuhan ekonomi kerana ia menjadikan perbelanjaan alternatif yang lebih menarik berbanding simpanan,'' katanya.
Source : Utusan Malaysia
Date : 31 January 2012
KUALA LUMPUR 30 Jan. - Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) dijangka mengekalkan Kadar Dasar Semalaman (OPR) kepada 3.0 peratus pada Mesyuarat Dasar Monetari pertama pada tahun ini yang berlangsung esok.
Rata-rata penganalisis ekonomi berkata, jangkaan itu dibuat berdasarkan kedudukan ekonomi global yang lembap dan kedudukan kadar faedah yang akomodatif.
Ketua Ekonomi Bank Islam (M) Bhd., Azrul Azwa Tajuddin berkata, pertumbuhan ekonomi yang dijangka perlahan merupakan faktor yang diambil kira dalam pengekalan OPR.
Menurutnya, BNM tidak akan mengurangkan OPR dalam mesyuarat esok kerana situasi ekonomi sekarang adalah lembap dan bukan meleset seperti yang berlaku pada 2009.
Katanya, meskipun kadar inflasi menurun tetapi ia masih berlegar antara 2.0 hingga 3.0 peratus.
''Dasar monetari bergantung kepada tinjauan dan inflasi dan apabila melihat kepada kedua-duanya tidak ada sebab mengapa BNM akan menurunkan OPR, sebaliknya lebih wajar dikekalkan," katanya kepada Utusan Malaysia di sini hari ini.
Azrul berkata, sekiranya OPR diturunkan, dikhuatiri ia akan menyumbang kembali kenaikan inflasi.
Jumaat lalu, Gabenor BNM, Tan Sri Dr. Zeti Akhtar Aziz berkata, polisi monetari negara masih akomodatif di tengah-tengah pertumbuhan global yang sederhana pada tahun ini.
Tambah beliau, kadar semasa akan kekal akomodatif dan BNM akan membuat penilaian sesuai yang penting untuk mengekalkan pertumbuhan dan pekerjaan.
Sementara itu, Naib Presiden dan Ketua Penyelidikan Runcit Affin Investment Bank (AIB), Dr. Nazri Khan yang berpendapat bank pusat akan mengekalkan kadar faedah semasa disebabkan pertumbuhan global yang perlahan.
Selain itu, ia juga mengambil kira keputusan beberapa negara serantau yang masih mengekalkan OPR yang sama.
''Kami menjangka OPR 3.0 peratus dikekalkan tetapi OPR mungkin akan diturunkan sebanyak 50 mata asas lagi menjelang akhir tahun ini,'' ujar Nazri.
Sebelum ini, ECM Libra Investment Research turut meramalkan dasar monetari akan mengekalkan OPR pada 3.0 peratus sehingga kadar inflasi menurun.
Syarikat penyelidikan itu berkata, dasar monetari negara masih lagi menyokong pertumbuhan dengan bekalan wang November berkembang 12.8 peratus, tahun ke tahun, sementara OPR telah mewujudkan persekitaran kadar faedah sebenar yang rendah.
"OPR pada 3.0 peratus sendiri telah menjuruskan kepada kadar inflasi semasa 3.3 peratus, membayangkan kadar faedah sebenar yang negatif.
"Ini menjadikan OPR lebih akomodatif kepada pertumbuhan ekonomi kerana ia menjadikan perbelanjaan alternatif yang lebih menarik berbanding simpanan,'' katanya.
Source : Utusan Malaysia
Date : 31 January 2012
afternoon highlight (30/01/12/018/493) Retail space challenge
Retail space challenge
Growth of retail sector depends on balance in demand and supply of retail space
IT might be the year of the dragon – a Chinese astrological symbol that is said to be synonymous with power and good fortune – but for property developers of new shopping malls in the country, the ongoing uncertainty in the global economy and oversupply of retail space might just douse their burning business plans.
According to Henry Butcher Retail managing director Tan Hai Hsin, about 10 new shopping malls are expected to be opened this year in the Klang Valley alone.
“The total retail space for Klang Valley in 2011 was more than 52 million sq ft. For this year, it is expected to increase by at least 3.5 million sq ft, he tells StarBizWeek.
“This sub-sector is growing, based on the number of new shopping centres that will be completed.
However, it will be a challenge to fill up all the retail shops upon opening. It will take them at least a year to do so.”
Tan says the growth of this sub-sector is highly dependent on consumers’ spending power this year.
Khong & Jaafar Sdn Bhd managing director Elvin Fernandez points out that this sub-sector was relatively strong in 2011 and will likely continue to be strong based on continued robust consumer spending and support from tourism spending.
“Despite the global turmoil, consumer spending has not slowed down.
Oversupply for the retail sector is usually less of a concern because owners or developers usually do a lot of pre-development research and planning before bringing a shopping centre into the market.
“However, it is still important for more information flow through the media to ensure that the numbers hitting the market are known by all – investors, developers, regulators and the general public and this critical flow of information in itself helps to balance supply and demand.”
Elvin says that there are “shadows of looming oversupply” in the next two to five years as more of the bigger property projects, many of them under the Economic Transformation Programme (ETP), get under way.
“Lenders and regulators should continuously insist on detailed market and feasibility studies and updates of those studies from time to time and not dispense with them for reasons of cost.
“They must also be perused by the user of the reports and not done just as a matter to satisfy compliance,” he says.
Elvin adds that in the retail industry, a shopping centre maintains its attractiveness by sustained astute mall management over a long period of time.
“Location is important but it is not everything. Mall management is more important.
Positioning the mall, (having) the right tenant mix and the myriad of small details count in drawing shoppers in.”
Tan reckons that the success of a shopping mall is not location-specific but, project-specific.
“For example, Suria KLCC, Mid Valley Megamall, Pavilion KL, Plaza Sungei Wang, Berjaya Times Square, One Utama, Sunway Pyramid and a few more will remain as popular shopping centres in Klang Valley.
“At the same time, shopping centres that have been suffering from low shopping traffic will continue to face challenges in attracting crowds,” he says.
Tan says that there is still a clear disparity between success and failure.
“Popular shopping centres throughout the country continue to attract shoppers and quality tenants despite intense retail competition and weak economy.
On the other hand, poorly occupied shopping centres continue to suffer.
“Last year, some shopping centres were giving long rent-free period to their retailers,” he says.
According to Tan, average rental growth for Klang Valley shopping-centre market should be not more than 5% this year.
“Average occupancy rate for Klang Valley shopping centres should remain at around 85%,” he says.
Elvin says the continued economic growth will underlie the growth of the retail sector.
“Will the global economy sink further? The European sovereign debt crisis continues and there is sluggish economic growth in the US despite a prolonged period of pump-priming.
“Will China and India slow down, although inflation in both countries is abating, which will allow them to stimulate further their economies.
Elvin notes that with Malaysia being an open economy and dependent on exports, he says that “it would not look good for us” if the global economy does not recover.
“The economy will have knock-on effects on the property market and may affect consumer spending.
“The authorities are also trying to slow or bring down household debt and this may crimp to an extent consumer spending.
On the positive side, the rollout of the ETP projects may add buoyancy to consumer spending and this may also be an election year, which usually results in increased activity and spending.”
Tan concurs that the unresolved eurozone debt crisis, the potential US double dip recession and the recent decline in China export market will affect the Malaysian economy in 2012.
“When export-oriented manufacturing sector slows down due to low external demand, it will affect local employment market.
Some Malaysians may be out of jobs this year, many will not get salary increments and graduates will not be able to find jobs. All these will affect retail spending.
“In addition, the uncertain world economy will indirectly lead to Malaysian consumers being cautious in their spending because they are worrying about their future job prospects.
They will wait for a sale before they buy. They will look out for value-for-money promotions.”
Tan notes however that the 1.2 million government servants that were given salary increment and bonus recently will boost consumer spending.
“RM100 cash for the purchase of school books and related items has been given out to each student from standard one to form five in Malaysia.
A one-off RM500 has also been given out in phases to families with income of less than RM3,000 per month.
“These will boost retail spending to a certain extent this year.”
According to the Valuation and Property Services Department’s Property Market Report for the first half of 2011, the retail market recorded substantially increased take-up space of 258,462 sq meters during the period.
All states except Kelantan recorded positive take-up, with Kuala Lumpur leading the take-up with 54,653 sq meters.
“As at end-June 2011, the country has nearly 2.05 million sq meters of space available for occupation,” the report said.
On the construction front, there were 15 completions in the first half of 2011 with 191,078 sq meters of new retail space entering the market, bringing up the country’s total existing space to 10.78 million sq meters.
The report also said rentals in shopping complexes in most states were generally stable in the first half of 2011.
It said rentals of retail space of shopping complexes in Kuala Lumpur were largely stable with isolated movements recorded in few buildings.
“Suria KLCC obtained premium rentals at RM592 to RM753 per sq meter for its lower ground floor units while retail units in KL Pavilion breached more than RM1,000 per sq meter.
“Bukit Bintang Plaza recorded a double digit increase of 11.5% for its ground floor units but those in the lower ground and second floor recorded slight decreases of 3.6% and 3.0% respectively.”
In Selangor, it was disclosed that rentals of retail space in shopping complexes were also stable with increases recorded in selected buildings.
“The Curve saw the rental of its ground and first floor units increased by 12.4% to 36.6% due to rental review, with rentals ranging from RM79.11 per sq meter to RM114.74 per sq meter.
“Rental in AEON Taman Equine recorded gains of 4.5% to 11.8% while AEON Bukit Tinggi in Klang saw higher gains of 7.6% to 40.0% in the review period.
However, there were slight declines of 2.8% to 3.6% in the latter for its second floor units,” said the report.
Source : The Star
Date : 30 January 2012
Growth of retail sector depends on balance in demand and supply of retail space
IT might be the year of the dragon – a Chinese astrological symbol that is said to be synonymous with power and good fortune – but for property developers of new shopping malls in the country, the ongoing uncertainty in the global economy and oversupply of retail space might just douse their burning business plans.
According to Henry Butcher Retail managing director Tan Hai Hsin, about 10 new shopping malls are expected to be opened this year in the Klang Valley alone.
“The total retail space for Klang Valley in 2011 was more than 52 million sq ft. For this year, it is expected to increase by at least 3.5 million sq ft, he tells StarBizWeek.
“This sub-sector is growing, based on the number of new shopping centres that will be completed.
However, it will be a challenge to fill up all the retail shops upon opening. It will take them at least a year to do so.”
Tan says the growth of this sub-sector is highly dependent on consumers’ spending power this year.
Khong & Jaafar Sdn Bhd managing director Elvin Fernandez points out that this sub-sector was relatively strong in 2011 and will likely continue to be strong based on continued robust consumer spending and support from tourism spending.
“Despite the global turmoil, consumer spending has not slowed down.
Oversupply for the retail sector is usually less of a concern because owners or developers usually do a lot of pre-development research and planning before bringing a shopping centre into the market.
“However, it is still important for more information flow through the media to ensure that the numbers hitting the market are known by all – investors, developers, regulators and the general public and this critical flow of information in itself helps to balance supply and demand.”
Elvin says that there are “shadows of looming oversupply” in the next two to five years as more of the bigger property projects, many of them under the Economic Transformation Programme (ETP), get under way.
“Lenders and regulators should continuously insist on detailed market and feasibility studies and updates of those studies from time to time and not dispense with them for reasons of cost.
“They must also be perused by the user of the reports and not done just as a matter to satisfy compliance,” he says.
Elvin adds that in the retail industry, a shopping centre maintains its attractiveness by sustained astute mall management over a long period of time.
“Location is important but it is not everything. Mall management is more important.
Positioning the mall, (having) the right tenant mix and the myriad of small details count in drawing shoppers in.”
Tan reckons that the success of a shopping mall is not location-specific but, project-specific.
“For example, Suria KLCC, Mid Valley Megamall, Pavilion KL, Plaza Sungei Wang, Berjaya Times Square, One Utama, Sunway Pyramid and a few more will remain as popular shopping centres in Klang Valley.
“At the same time, shopping centres that have been suffering from low shopping traffic will continue to face challenges in attracting crowds,” he says.
Tan says that there is still a clear disparity between success and failure.
“Popular shopping centres throughout the country continue to attract shoppers and quality tenants despite intense retail competition and weak economy.
On the other hand, poorly occupied shopping centres continue to suffer.
“Last year, some shopping centres were giving long rent-free period to their retailers,” he says.
According to Tan, average rental growth for Klang Valley shopping-centre market should be not more than 5% this year.
“Average occupancy rate for Klang Valley shopping centres should remain at around 85%,” he says.
Elvin says the continued economic growth will underlie the growth of the retail sector.
“Will the global economy sink further? The European sovereign debt crisis continues and there is sluggish economic growth in the US despite a prolonged period of pump-priming.
“Will China and India slow down, although inflation in both countries is abating, which will allow them to stimulate further their economies.
Elvin notes that with Malaysia being an open economy and dependent on exports, he says that “it would not look good for us” if the global economy does not recover.
“The economy will have knock-on effects on the property market and may affect consumer spending.
“The authorities are also trying to slow or bring down household debt and this may crimp to an extent consumer spending.
On the positive side, the rollout of the ETP projects may add buoyancy to consumer spending and this may also be an election year, which usually results in increased activity and spending.”
Tan concurs that the unresolved eurozone debt crisis, the potential US double dip recession and the recent decline in China export market will affect the Malaysian economy in 2012.
“When export-oriented manufacturing sector slows down due to low external demand, it will affect local employment market.
Some Malaysians may be out of jobs this year, many will not get salary increments and graduates will not be able to find jobs. All these will affect retail spending.
“In addition, the uncertain world economy will indirectly lead to Malaysian consumers being cautious in their spending because they are worrying about their future job prospects.
They will wait for a sale before they buy. They will look out for value-for-money promotions.”
Tan notes however that the 1.2 million government servants that were given salary increment and bonus recently will boost consumer spending.
“RM100 cash for the purchase of school books and related items has been given out to each student from standard one to form five in Malaysia.
A one-off RM500 has also been given out in phases to families with income of less than RM3,000 per month.
“These will boost retail spending to a certain extent this year.”
According to the Valuation and Property Services Department’s Property Market Report for the first half of 2011, the retail market recorded substantially increased take-up space of 258,462 sq meters during the period.
All states except Kelantan recorded positive take-up, with Kuala Lumpur leading the take-up with 54,653 sq meters.
“As at end-June 2011, the country has nearly 2.05 million sq meters of space available for occupation,” the report said.
On the construction front, there were 15 completions in the first half of 2011 with 191,078 sq meters of new retail space entering the market, bringing up the country’s total existing space to 10.78 million sq meters.
The report also said rentals in shopping complexes in most states were generally stable in the first half of 2011.
It said rentals of retail space of shopping complexes in Kuala Lumpur were largely stable with isolated movements recorded in few buildings.
“Suria KLCC obtained premium rentals at RM592 to RM753 per sq meter for its lower ground floor units while retail units in KL Pavilion breached more than RM1,000 per sq meter.
“Bukit Bintang Plaza recorded a double digit increase of 11.5% for its ground floor units but those in the lower ground and second floor recorded slight decreases of 3.6% and 3.0% respectively.”
In Selangor, it was disclosed that rentals of retail space in shopping complexes were also stable with increases recorded in selected buildings.
“The Curve saw the rental of its ground and first floor units increased by 12.4% to 36.6% due to rental review, with rentals ranging from RM79.11 per sq meter to RM114.74 per sq meter.
“Rental in AEON Taman Equine recorded gains of 4.5% to 11.8% while AEON Bukit Tinggi in Klang saw higher gains of 7.6% to 40.0% in the review period.
However, there were slight declines of 2.8% to 3.6% in the latter for its second floor units,” said the report.
Source : The Star
Date : 30 January 2012
Today's Pick (30/01/12/018/710)Program TUKAR mampu jana ekonomi peniaga kedai runcit
Program TUKAR mampu jana ekonomi peniaga kedai runcit
Tesco Stores komited bantu kerajaan modenkan kedai kecil
TESCO Stores (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd komited untuk membantu kerajaan memodenkan perniagaan runcit di negara ini menerusi Program Transformasi Kedai Runcit (TUKAR), yang dijangka mampu menjana pertumbuhan ekonomi.
Ketua Eksekutifnya, Sung-Hwan Do, berkata Tesco amat berbesar hati dapat membantu pemilik kedai runcit kecil untuk beroperasi dengan lebih baik dan setakat ini, mengubah wajah 101 kedai seluruh Semenanjung Malaysia di bawah program itu.
Bercakap kepada Bernama selepas pelancaran semula Pasar Mini Harvest Packaging, iaitu antara peserta di bawah program TUKAR, kelmarin, Do berkata, Tesco akan mengubah wajah 100 lagi kedai tahun ini.
Pelancarannya disempurnakan Timbalan Perdana Menteri, Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin. Turut hadir, Menteri Perdagangan Dalam Negeri, Koperasi dan Kepenggunaan, Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob.
Program TUKAR dimulakan untuk membantu kedai kecil meningkatkan daya saing mereka menerusi penggunaan teknologi moden.
Ia juga menggalakkan pemindahan pemilikan daripada generasi lama kepada generasi baru.
Sementara itu, Pengarah Hal Ehwal Korporat dan Kerajaan Tesco, Azlam Shah Alias, berkata pasar raya besar itu melabur RM150,000 untuk transformasi perintis membabitkan dua kedai di Shah Alam dan Puchong.
"Ini adalah kali pertama di dunia, yang mana pasar raya besar membantu mentransformasikan perniagaan kecil. Ia tidak pernah dilakukan di mana-mana juga di dunia," katanya.
Beliau berkata, Tesco memperuntukkan lebih 100 kakitangannya untuk program TUKAR, yang mana mereka bertindak sebagai perunding dengan pekedai runcit dari segi reka letak kedai, rangkaian produk, tempat peraga serta latihan untuk pengurusan operasi kedai moden.
“Transformasi ini amat berjaya sekali sehinggakan semua kedai yang menyertainya mencatatkan purata pertumbuhan 40 peratus dari segi pendapatan.
"Sebuah kedai di Gombak mencatatkan pertumbuhan jualan 94 peratus. Pemiliknya begitu gembira melihat kedainya begitu moden dan mudah diakses.
Hasilnya, ia mencatatkan peningkatan dalam kekerapan dan pembelian pengguna," tambahnya.
Pemilik Pasar Raya Harvest Pac-kaging, Jessica Wong, berkata tiga bulan selepas kedainya dibuka semula, ia mencatatkan kenaikan 30 peratus dalam aliran pengguna dan lonjakan 60 peratus untuk jualan.
Source : Berita Harian
Date : 30 January 2012
Tesco Stores komited bantu kerajaan modenkan kedai kecil
TESCO Stores (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd komited untuk membantu kerajaan memodenkan perniagaan runcit di negara ini menerusi Program Transformasi Kedai Runcit (TUKAR), yang dijangka mampu menjana pertumbuhan ekonomi.
Ketua Eksekutifnya, Sung-Hwan Do, berkata Tesco amat berbesar hati dapat membantu pemilik kedai runcit kecil untuk beroperasi dengan lebih baik dan setakat ini, mengubah wajah 101 kedai seluruh Semenanjung Malaysia di bawah program itu.
Bercakap kepada Bernama selepas pelancaran semula Pasar Mini Harvest Packaging, iaitu antara peserta di bawah program TUKAR, kelmarin, Do berkata, Tesco akan mengubah wajah 100 lagi kedai tahun ini.
Pelancarannya disempurnakan Timbalan Perdana Menteri, Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin. Turut hadir, Menteri Perdagangan Dalam Negeri, Koperasi dan Kepenggunaan, Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob.
Program TUKAR dimulakan untuk membantu kedai kecil meningkatkan daya saing mereka menerusi penggunaan teknologi moden.
Ia juga menggalakkan pemindahan pemilikan daripada generasi lama kepada generasi baru.
Sementara itu, Pengarah Hal Ehwal Korporat dan Kerajaan Tesco, Azlam Shah Alias, berkata pasar raya besar itu melabur RM150,000 untuk transformasi perintis membabitkan dua kedai di Shah Alam dan Puchong.
"Ini adalah kali pertama di dunia, yang mana pasar raya besar membantu mentransformasikan perniagaan kecil. Ia tidak pernah dilakukan di mana-mana juga di dunia," katanya.
Beliau berkata, Tesco memperuntukkan lebih 100 kakitangannya untuk program TUKAR, yang mana mereka bertindak sebagai perunding dengan pekedai runcit dari segi reka letak kedai, rangkaian produk, tempat peraga serta latihan untuk pengurusan operasi kedai moden.
“Transformasi ini amat berjaya sekali sehinggakan semua kedai yang menyertainya mencatatkan purata pertumbuhan 40 peratus dari segi pendapatan.
"Sebuah kedai di Gombak mencatatkan pertumbuhan jualan 94 peratus. Pemiliknya begitu gembira melihat kedainya begitu moden dan mudah diakses.
Hasilnya, ia mencatatkan peningkatan dalam kekerapan dan pembelian pengguna," tambahnya.
Pemilik Pasar Raya Harvest Pac-kaging, Jessica Wong, berkata tiga bulan selepas kedainya dibuka semula, ia mencatatkan kenaikan 30 peratus dalam aliran pengguna dan lonjakan 60 peratus untuk jualan.
Source : Berita Harian
Date : 30 January 2012
Friday, January 27, 2012
afternoon highlight (27/01/12/017/492) Malaysia's ties with S. Africa start on good footing
Malaysia's ties with S. Africa start on good footing
SOUTH Africa, which is Malaysia's largest trading partner in Africa, makes a "flying" start to boost bilateral ties in 2012.
Thanks to Prime Minister Datuk Najib Razak's visit in the beginning of the year, albeit brief, the vistas for trade and investment opportunities are expected to broaden.
But the rates can be improved over the next decade based on the 15 per cent two-way annual growth rate for the past decade, said South African High Commissioner Thami Mseleku.
"As Malaysia's largest trading partner on the African continent, South Africa continues to offer the best investment destination for Malaysian business," he said.
Following Najib's visit, there is work underway to take the bilateral relations to a new level, which includes a visit by the Malaysian business community to meet their counterparts in South Africa.
"Malaysian businesses should take advantage of opportunities presented through his country's world-class infrastructure and sophisticated economic environment.
"Furthermore, South Africa is well positioned as a global business partner and serves as a gateway not only for the Southern African (SADC) region, but also Africa as a whole."
South Africa is Malaysia's 25th largest trading partner. Total trade amounted to RM5.2 billion last year.
For South Africa, Malaysia is its largest export destination in the Asean region with total bilateral trade increasing over four-fold to about RM 5.83 billion in 2010 - the balance of trade in Malaysia's favour.
Malaysian goods such as palm oil, telephone sets, monitors and projectors, automatic data processing machines and rubber are finding their way into the South African market, while Malaysian imports comprise mainly commodities - mineral fuels, iron and steel, aluminium but also an array of agricultural products.
According to the Malaysian External Trade Development Corp (Matrade) Malaysia's trillion ringgit trade volume in 2010 was contributed by significant increases in exports from South Africa, where exports jumped by 40.7 per cent, thanks to the palm oil uptake.
South Africa's significance as a member of the G20 major economies has earned further international recognition in the group of emerging countries with it joining the BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) grouping.
Highly ranked in the 2011 World Bank Report for Ease of Doing Business, South Africa was ranked number two in the ease of obtaining credit and 10th in investor protection out of 183 countries.
The World Economic Forum's Global Competitiveness Report ranked South Africa 54th in terms of overall competitiveness, ahead of countries such as Russia, Brazil and Mexico.
South Africa was also ranked 38th in business sophistication and 24th in business sector innovation.
"As an investment destination South Africa presents a number of very lucrative opportunities, especially in business process outsourcing and IT enabled services, electro-technical industries, automotives and components and metal fabrication, capital and transport equipment," Mseleku said.
The South African government offers various attractive investment incentives, targeted at specific sectors or types of business activities.
"Among others, foreign investment and training grants and significant tax deductions for qualifying projects are available," he said, adding that South Africa has no general restrictions on inflows and outflows of foreign capital under exchange controls.
"Local borrowing for the purpose of genuine FDI may be undertaken without restriction, while foreign companies may also raise capital in the local equity and bond markets (inward listings) with prior approval."
Also, there are no restrictions on property ownership by non-residents provided that there is compliance with procedures.
"Currently, Malaysian investment in South Africa is found in the petroleum sector, as well as in the leisure and housing sectors," Mseleku said.
Petronas is the majority shareholder of the South African Engen oil company, which operates 1,600 service stations in 17 countries on the African continent.
Important South African business activities in Malaysia include the establishment of the hugely popular and successful Nandos peri-peri chicken franchise, with 35 outlets currently in operation.
"To give further momentum to the business relationship between the two countries, the South African High Commission will be arranging several events in the next few weeks and months.
The High Commission will soon join forces with the Malaysian Institute of Accountants in hosting a special seminar "Business and Investment Opportunities in South Africa".
South African firms in the arms manufacturing and security industry will be showcasing their products and engage in business enterprises during the forthcoming Defence Services Asia Fair and Exhibition at the Putra World Trade Centre.
The efforts of the High Commission to enhance business relations between Malaysia and South Africa are augmented through the support given by the Malaysia-South Africa Business Council.
Mseleku said the recent visit to South Africa by Najib underlines the significance of the strong relationship between the two countries, which evolved during Malaysia's support for the liberation movement, and were further cemented through the personal friendship between the countries' iconic statesmen, Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad and former president Nelson Mandela.
To Malaysia, Najib's visit signalled close relations between both countries and Malaysia's consistent foreign policy of supporting South Africa and the struggles of its black people for their rights.
Najib was in South Africa at the invitation of South African president Jacob Juma, along with 45 other heads of state to gather in Bloemfontein, to witness the historic moment of the centenary celebration of the ruling party, the African National Congress.
Source : New Straits Times
Date : 26 January 2011
SOUTH Africa, which is Malaysia's largest trading partner in Africa, makes a "flying" start to boost bilateral ties in 2012.
Thanks to Prime Minister Datuk Najib Razak's visit in the beginning of the year, albeit brief, the vistas for trade and investment opportunities are expected to broaden.
But the rates can be improved over the next decade based on the 15 per cent two-way annual growth rate for the past decade, said South African High Commissioner Thami Mseleku.
"As Malaysia's largest trading partner on the African continent, South Africa continues to offer the best investment destination for Malaysian business," he said.
Following Najib's visit, there is work underway to take the bilateral relations to a new level, which includes a visit by the Malaysian business community to meet their counterparts in South Africa.
"Malaysian businesses should take advantage of opportunities presented through his country's world-class infrastructure and sophisticated economic environment.
"Furthermore, South Africa is well positioned as a global business partner and serves as a gateway not only for the Southern African (SADC) region, but also Africa as a whole."
South Africa is Malaysia's 25th largest trading partner. Total trade amounted to RM5.2 billion last year.
For South Africa, Malaysia is its largest export destination in the Asean region with total bilateral trade increasing over four-fold to about RM 5.83 billion in 2010 - the balance of trade in Malaysia's favour.
Malaysian goods such as palm oil, telephone sets, monitors and projectors, automatic data processing machines and rubber are finding their way into the South African market, while Malaysian imports comprise mainly commodities - mineral fuels, iron and steel, aluminium but also an array of agricultural products.
According to the Malaysian External Trade Development Corp (Matrade) Malaysia's trillion ringgit trade volume in 2010 was contributed by significant increases in exports from South Africa, where exports jumped by 40.7 per cent, thanks to the palm oil uptake.
South Africa's significance as a member of the G20 major economies has earned further international recognition in the group of emerging countries with it joining the BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) grouping.
Highly ranked in the 2011 World Bank Report for Ease of Doing Business, South Africa was ranked number two in the ease of obtaining credit and 10th in investor protection out of 183 countries.
The World Economic Forum's Global Competitiveness Report ranked South Africa 54th in terms of overall competitiveness, ahead of countries such as Russia, Brazil and Mexico.
South Africa was also ranked 38th in business sophistication and 24th in business sector innovation.
"As an investment destination South Africa presents a number of very lucrative opportunities, especially in business process outsourcing and IT enabled services, electro-technical industries, automotives and components and metal fabrication, capital and transport equipment," Mseleku said.
The South African government offers various attractive investment incentives, targeted at specific sectors or types of business activities.
"Among others, foreign investment and training grants and significant tax deductions for qualifying projects are available," he said, adding that South Africa has no general restrictions on inflows and outflows of foreign capital under exchange controls.
"Local borrowing for the purpose of genuine FDI may be undertaken without restriction, while foreign companies may also raise capital in the local equity and bond markets (inward listings) with prior approval."
Also, there are no restrictions on property ownership by non-residents provided that there is compliance with procedures.
"Currently, Malaysian investment in South Africa is found in the petroleum sector, as well as in the leisure and housing sectors," Mseleku said.
Petronas is the majority shareholder of the South African Engen oil company, which operates 1,600 service stations in 17 countries on the African continent.
Important South African business activities in Malaysia include the establishment of the hugely popular and successful Nandos peri-peri chicken franchise, with 35 outlets currently in operation.
"To give further momentum to the business relationship between the two countries, the South African High Commission will be arranging several events in the next few weeks and months.
The High Commission will soon join forces with the Malaysian Institute of Accountants in hosting a special seminar "Business and Investment Opportunities in South Africa".
South African firms in the arms manufacturing and security industry will be showcasing their products and engage in business enterprises during the forthcoming Defence Services Asia Fair and Exhibition at the Putra World Trade Centre.
The efforts of the High Commission to enhance business relations between Malaysia and South Africa are augmented through the support given by the Malaysia-South Africa Business Council.
Mseleku said the recent visit to South Africa by Najib underlines the significance of the strong relationship between the two countries, which evolved during Malaysia's support for the liberation movement, and were further cemented through the personal friendship between the countries' iconic statesmen, Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad and former president Nelson Mandela.
To Malaysia, Najib's visit signalled close relations between both countries and Malaysia's consistent foreign policy of supporting South Africa and the struggles of its black people for their rights.
Najib was in South Africa at the invitation of South African president Jacob Juma, along with 45 other heads of state to gather in Bloemfontein, to witness the historic moment of the centenary celebration of the ruling party, the African National Congress.
Source : New Straits Times
Date : 26 January 2011
Today's Pick (27/01/12/017/709) Pelaburan domestik diutamakan
Pelaburan domestik diutamakan
TAHUN 2012 diunjur sebagai tempoh yang sangat mencabar kepada semua negara termasuk Malaysia berikutan krisis ekonomi global yang berterusan.
Sehubungan itu, Wartawan Utusan Malaysia, NORLAILI ABDUL RAHMAN telah menemubual Menteri Perdagangan Antarabangsa dan Industri, DATUK SERI MUSTAPA MOHAMED untuk mendapatkan pandangan tentang usaha-usaha dilakukan dalam memastikan ekonomi Malaysia kekal berkembang di sebalik apa yang berlaku. Berikut adalah temu bual tersebut:
UTUSAN: Umum mengetahui ekonomi global sememangnya bermasalah, apakah usaha yang dilakukan untuk meningkatkan pelaburan termasuk pelaburan asing?
MUSTAPA: Kita akui bahawa tahun ini lebih mencabar untuk mencapai angka pelaburan yang sama seperti mana tahun 2010 dan 2011. Namun, harus diingat, pertumbuhan negara bukan bergantung kepada pelaburan langsung asing (FDI) semata-mata sebaliknya pelaburan domestik (DDI) juga menjadi penyumbang utama kepada perolehan Malaysia. Jadi pada tahun 2012 ini, MITI dan kerajaan mahu memberi lebih tumpuan kepada DDI. Ini bukan bermakna kami menidakkan sumbangan pelabur asing, tetapi strategi ini bertujuan memastikan pertumbuhan negara tidak terjejas.
Sejauh mana prestasi pelaburan kita tahun lalu?
Malaysia terus kekal sebagai destinasi pelaburan yang menarik bagi pelabur asing.
Dari Januari hingga November 2011, Malaysia telah menarik pelaburan yang besar dalam sektor perkilangan, perkhidmatan dan sektor-sektor utama dengan pelaburan yang diluluskan sebanyak RM120.4 bilion daripada 3,825 projek.
Angka ini melepasi sasaran purata pelaburan tahunan yang disasarkan di bawah Rancangan Malaysia Ke-10 sebanyak RM115 billion.
Dari jumlah ini pelaburan domestik adalah sebanyak RM69.2 bilion atau 57.5 peratus manakala pelaburan asing pula sebanyak RM51.2 billion. Apabila projek-projek tersebut dilaksanakan, kita menjangkakan sebanyak 118,384 peluang pekerjaan akan dijana kepada rakyat tempatan.
Apakah negara-negara yang menjadi pelabur utama FDI di negara ini?
Prestasi Pelaburan Januari hingga November 2011 menunjukkan Jepun, Amerika Syarikat, Singapura, Arab Saudi dan Republik Korea adalah sumber utama pelaburan asing dalam projek-projek yang diluluskan bagi sektor perkilangan dengan pelaburan sebanyak RM14.4 bilion atau 56.2 peratus daripada jumlah pelaburan asing yang diluluskan.
Bolehkah Datuk Seri ceritakan dengan lebih terperinci, sektor manakah yang telah menerima pelaburan paling tinggi pada tahun lalu?
Bagi Januari hingga November 2011, Industri elektrik dan elektronik (E & E) kekal sebagai industri yang tertinggi diikuti dengan keluaran logam asas, kimia dan produk kimia, kelengkapan pengangkutan dan produk logam yang direka. Kelima-lima industri ini menyumbang RM33.1 bilion atau 72.7 peratus daripada jumlah pelaburan yang diluluskan.
Apakah inisiatif-inisiatif lain yang bakal diperkenalkan bagi mendorong lebih banyak pelaburan masuk ke negara ini.
Pelbagai inisiatif untuk memastikan bahawa negara ini kekal sebagai destinasi yang menarik bagi aliran FDI global. Inisiatif-inisiatif ini dikaji semula dari semasa ke semasa dan dipantau secara berterusan untuk memastikan keberkesanan mereka dalam usaha mengekalkan daya saing, Kerajaan sentiasa berusaha untuk memperbaiki persekitaran perniagaan di negara ini termasuk penyediaan insentif-insentif yang menarik untuk menarik pelaburan yang berkualiti dari kedua-dua pelabur tempatan dan asing kerana ia tidak lagi mempromosikan projek-projek yang nilai tambahnya rendah dan projek-projek yang berorientasikan buruh.
Menyentuh mengenai Perjanjian Perdagangan Bebas (FTA) yang merupakan salah satu cara untuk meningkatkan perdagangan Malaysia, jadi berapa banyakkah FTA yang bakal ditandatangani Malaysia pada tahun ini?
Kita sedang berunding FTA dengan Australia, Kesatuan Eropah, Turki selain Pakatan Trans-Pasifik (TPP) yang melibatkan sembilan buah negara. Selepas ini, Malaysia juga mungkin akan menandatangani FTA dengan Majlis Kerjasama Teluk (GCC). Keempat-empat FTA tersebut kecuali TPP diyakini mampu dimuktamadkan pada tahun ini.
Bolehkah Datuk Seri jelaskan lebih lanjut tentang FTA dan kelebihan yang boleh dinikmati oleh Malaysia menerusinya?
Malaysia mengamalkan dasar ekonomi terbuka dan banyak bergantung kepada perdagangan antarabangsa sebagai jentera pertumbuhan ekonomi yang penting, terutamanya dari segi eksport.
FTA banyak membantu Malaysia untuk mendapatkan akses pasaran yang lebih baik bagi barangan dan perkhidmatan selain mempromosi dan memudahkan perdagangan dan pelaburan melalui langkah-langkah fasilitasi serta kerjasama ekonomi.
Apakah faedah-faedah lain yang boleh dinikmati oleh Malaysia melalui FTA?
Ia mewujudkan peluang-peluang akses pasaran bagi pengeksport dan pembekal perkhidmatan Malaysia. Bagi barangan, akses kepada pasaran rakan FTA dipertingkatkan melalui layanan keutamaan (preferential treatment) yang dinikmati oleh barangan eksport Malaysia berbanding eksport negara-negara lain yang tidak mempunyai FTA dengan negara tersebut.
FTA juga menjadi memberikan kelebihan kepada pengeksport-pengeksport Malaysia di pasaran-pasaran yang dilindungi, contohnya tekstil dan pakaian di Amerika Syarikat.
Berapa banyakkah perjanjian FTA yang telah di meterai termasuk melalui ASEAN dan apakah hasil yang telah diraih?
Sebanyak 10 perjanjian FTA telah dimeterai dan dilaksanakan yang hasilnya menyaksikan pembukaan pasaran oleh rakan FTA Malaysia, sekali gus meningkat prestasi perdagangan. Sebenarnya banyak hasil yang telah diraih, contohnya di bawah perjanjian Malaysia-Japan EPA (MJEPA) yang mula dilaksanakan 13 Julai 2006 menyaksikan jumlah perdagangan antara kedua-dua negara telah meningkat sebanyak 14 peratus kepada RM133 bilion pada tahun 2010, berbanding RM113.3 bilion pada tahun 2005.
Malah eksport Malaysia ke Jepun telah meningkat sebanyak 32 peratus kepada RM66.8 bilion bagi tahun 2010, berbanding RM50.5 bilion pada tahun 2005.
Manakala FTA Malaysia-Pakistan CEPA (MPCEPA) yang dilaksanakan 1 Januari 2008 pula memperlihatkan eksport ke Pakistan mencatatkan peningkatan sebanyak 69 peratus kepada RM7.3 bilion bagi tahun 2010, berbanding RM4.3 bilion pada tahun 2007.
Datuk Seri telah memperjelaskan kelebihan daripada perdagangan, bagaimanapun manfaat dari segi pelaburan?
Dari segi pelaburan pula, dengan adanya FTA pelabur Malaysia akan diberi layanan yang sama dengan pelabur tempatan (national treatment) dan pelaburan mereka dilindungi di bawah undang-undang tempatan dan pelbagai lagi kelebihan yang ada.
MITI telah mengambil alih peranan oleh Kementerian Pembangunan Usahawan dan Koperasi (MECD) dalam membangunkan usahawan, apakah usaha dilakukan untuk memantapkan mereka?
Kami juga turut memperkenalkan satu program baharu yang berkaitan dengan keusahawanan sosial di kalangan pelajar-pelajar di peringkat institusi pengajian tinggi (IPT). Program yang dikenali 1Malaysia Young Entrepreneur Challenge (1MYEC) berperanan mempromosi bakat dan kemahiran keusahawanan di kalangan pelajar. Seramai 260 peserta daripada 31 IPT menyertai program ini pada 2011.
Bagi program peningkatan produk dan pemasaran, sejumlah 11 program telah berjaya dilaksanakan pada tahun 2011. Program-program tersebut adalah Showcase SDSI peringkat Nasional 2011, penyertaan pameran perdagangan domestik di MIHAS 2011, Ekspo Perdagangan Regatta Sarawak, HalFest 2011, Pameran Produk di Showcase Pelancongan Sabah 2011.
Untuk program-program di bawah outreach/turun padang pula, lima siri program MITI Bersama Usahawan (Karnival Usahawan), tiga program Transformasi Halal, 21 lawatan kilang, lima seminar dan tiga dialog bersama NGO Bumiputera telah berjaya dilaksanakan.
Bagaimanakah pula program lain?
MITI telah melaksanakan banyak program termasuk program SIFE World Cup 2011, di mana Kuala Lumpur telah terpilih sebagai tuan rumah bagi program ini yang diadakan mulai 3 hingga 5 Oktober 2011. Sejumlah 2,800 pelajar dari 37 negara seluruh dunia menyertai program ini. Negara-negara yang terlibat antaranya ialah Jerman, Amerika Syarikat, Jepun, Korea, negara-negara Afrika seperti Zimbabwe, Afrika Selatan dan juga negara-negara daripada Amerika Selatan dan Timur Tengah.
Adakah MITI akan memperkenalkan program baharu tahun ini?
Program yang dirancang oleh MITI bagi tahun 2012, salah satunya adalah usaha bagi memantau projek rintis di bawah Lab Bumiputera. Sejumlah 20 projek rintis telah dikenalpasti melalui Lab Bumiputera yang dilaksanakan oleh BPU pada 2011. Setakat ini, satu projek rintis MY MRT telah diluluskan oleh Teraju Delivery Committee bagi pelaksanaan 2012. MITI juga dipertanggungjawabkan untuk memantau pelaksanaan projek-projek ini.
Apakah kekangan yang dihadapi oleh MITI dalam melaksanakan program Bumiputera?
Berbeza dengan MECD dahulu, MITI mempunyai peruntukan yang amat terhad sehingga tidak mampu untuk melaksanakan program keusahawanan secara agresif dan memenuhi kehendak pelanggan yang ramai terdiri daripada pelbagai lapisan masyarakat. Sungguhpun begitu, MITI kerap melaksanakan program-program kerjasama dengan pihak-pihak luar seperti dialog, seminar dan latihan serta telah mewujudkan saluran Khidmat Nasihat Keusahawanan melalui Business Advisory Centre (BAC) yang dilancarkan secara rasmi pada 29 Mac 2010.
Sungguhpun begitu, MITI telah memainkan peranan yang agak menonjol berbanding agensi-agensi lain yang juga ‘mewarisi’ peranan dan tanggungjawab berikutan pembubaran MECD.
Apakah hasrat Datuk Seri pada tahun ini?
Sebagai menteri yang bertanggungjawab di dalam hal-hal berkaitan dengan pelaburan dan perdagangan terutamanya, apa jua kami lakukan di MITI, Petunjuk Prestasi Utama (KPI) saya menjurus kepada pelaburan dan perdagangan negara. Paling penting kita dapat menyediakan iklim pelaburan dan perdagangan yang konduksif untuk pelabur-pelabur tempatan dan luar negara sekaligus dapat menjana peluang pekerjaan yang baik dan berkualiti kepada rakyat Malaysia.
Source : Utusan Malaysia
Date : 26 January 2012
TAHUN 2012 diunjur sebagai tempoh yang sangat mencabar kepada semua negara termasuk Malaysia berikutan krisis ekonomi global yang berterusan.
Sehubungan itu, Wartawan Utusan Malaysia, NORLAILI ABDUL RAHMAN telah menemubual Menteri Perdagangan Antarabangsa dan Industri, DATUK SERI MUSTAPA MOHAMED untuk mendapatkan pandangan tentang usaha-usaha dilakukan dalam memastikan ekonomi Malaysia kekal berkembang di sebalik apa yang berlaku. Berikut adalah temu bual tersebut:
UTUSAN: Umum mengetahui ekonomi global sememangnya bermasalah, apakah usaha yang dilakukan untuk meningkatkan pelaburan termasuk pelaburan asing?
MUSTAPA: Kita akui bahawa tahun ini lebih mencabar untuk mencapai angka pelaburan yang sama seperti mana tahun 2010 dan 2011. Namun, harus diingat, pertumbuhan negara bukan bergantung kepada pelaburan langsung asing (FDI) semata-mata sebaliknya pelaburan domestik (DDI) juga menjadi penyumbang utama kepada perolehan Malaysia. Jadi pada tahun 2012 ini, MITI dan kerajaan mahu memberi lebih tumpuan kepada DDI. Ini bukan bermakna kami menidakkan sumbangan pelabur asing, tetapi strategi ini bertujuan memastikan pertumbuhan negara tidak terjejas.
Sejauh mana prestasi pelaburan kita tahun lalu?
Malaysia terus kekal sebagai destinasi pelaburan yang menarik bagi pelabur asing.
Dari Januari hingga November 2011, Malaysia telah menarik pelaburan yang besar dalam sektor perkilangan, perkhidmatan dan sektor-sektor utama dengan pelaburan yang diluluskan sebanyak RM120.4 bilion daripada 3,825 projek.
Angka ini melepasi sasaran purata pelaburan tahunan yang disasarkan di bawah Rancangan Malaysia Ke-10 sebanyak RM115 billion.
Dari jumlah ini pelaburan domestik adalah sebanyak RM69.2 bilion atau 57.5 peratus manakala pelaburan asing pula sebanyak RM51.2 billion. Apabila projek-projek tersebut dilaksanakan, kita menjangkakan sebanyak 118,384 peluang pekerjaan akan dijana kepada rakyat tempatan.
Apakah negara-negara yang menjadi pelabur utama FDI di negara ini?
Prestasi Pelaburan Januari hingga November 2011 menunjukkan Jepun, Amerika Syarikat, Singapura, Arab Saudi dan Republik Korea adalah sumber utama pelaburan asing dalam projek-projek yang diluluskan bagi sektor perkilangan dengan pelaburan sebanyak RM14.4 bilion atau 56.2 peratus daripada jumlah pelaburan asing yang diluluskan.
Bolehkah Datuk Seri ceritakan dengan lebih terperinci, sektor manakah yang telah menerima pelaburan paling tinggi pada tahun lalu?
Bagi Januari hingga November 2011, Industri elektrik dan elektronik (E & E) kekal sebagai industri yang tertinggi diikuti dengan keluaran logam asas, kimia dan produk kimia, kelengkapan pengangkutan dan produk logam yang direka. Kelima-lima industri ini menyumbang RM33.1 bilion atau 72.7 peratus daripada jumlah pelaburan yang diluluskan.
Apakah inisiatif-inisiatif lain yang bakal diperkenalkan bagi mendorong lebih banyak pelaburan masuk ke negara ini.
Pelbagai inisiatif untuk memastikan bahawa negara ini kekal sebagai destinasi yang menarik bagi aliran FDI global. Inisiatif-inisiatif ini dikaji semula dari semasa ke semasa dan dipantau secara berterusan untuk memastikan keberkesanan mereka dalam usaha mengekalkan daya saing, Kerajaan sentiasa berusaha untuk memperbaiki persekitaran perniagaan di negara ini termasuk penyediaan insentif-insentif yang menarik untuk menarik pelaburan yang berkualiti dari kedua-dua pelabur tempatan dan asing kerana ia tidak lagi mempromosikan projek-projek yang nilai tambahnya rendah dan projek-projek yang berorientasikan buruh.
Menyentuh mengenai Perjanjian Perdagangan Bebas (FTA) yang merupakan salah satu cara untuk meningkatkan perdagangan Malaysia, jadi berapa banyakkah FTA yang bakal ditandatangani Malaysia pada tahun ini?
Kita sedang berunding FTA dengan Australia, Kesatuan Eropah, Turki selain Pakatan Trans-Pasifik (TPP) yang melibatkan sembilan buah negara. Selepas ini, Malaysia juga mungkin akan menandatangani FTA dengan Majlis Kerjasama Teluk (GCC). Keempat-empat FTA tersebut kecuali TPP diyakini mampu dimuktamadkan pada tahun ini.
Bolehkah Datuk Seri jelaskan lebih lanjut tentang FTA dan kelebihan yang boleh dinikmati oleh Malaysia menerusinya?
Malaysia mengamalkan dasar ekonomi terbuka dan banyak bergantung kepada perdagangan antarabangsa sebagai jentera pertumbuhan ekonomi yang penting, terutamanya dari segi eksport.
FTA banyak membantu Malaysia untuk mendapatkan akses pasaran yang lebih baik bagi barangan dan perkhidmatan selain mempromosi dan memudahkan perdagangan dan pelaburan melalui langkah-langkah fasilitasi serta kerjasama ekonomi.
Apakah faedah-faedah lain yang boleh dinikmati oleh Malaysia melalui FTA?
Ia mewujudkan peluang-peluang akses pasaran bagi pengeksport dan pembekal perkhidmatan Malaysia. Bagi barangan, akses kepada pasaran rakan FTA dipertingkatkan melalui layanan keutamaan (preferential treatment) yang dinikmati oleh barangan eksport Malaysia berbanding eksport negara-negara lain yang tidak mempunyai FTA dengan negara tersebut.
FTA juga menjadi memberikan kelebihan kepada pengeksport-pengeksport Malaysia di pasaran-pasaran yang dilindungi, contohnya tekstil dan pakaian di Amerika Syarikat.
Berapa banyakkah perjanjian FTA yang telah di meterai termasuk melalui ASEAN dan apakah hasil yang telah diraih?
Sebanyak 10 perjanjian FTA telah dimeterai dan dilaksanakan yang hasilnya menyaksikan pembukaan pasaran oleh rakan FTA Malaysia, sekali gus meningkat prestasi perdagangan. Sebenarnya banyak hasil yang telah diraih, contohnya di bawah perjanjian Malaysia-Japan EPA (MJEPA) yang mula dilaksanakan 13 Julai 2006 menyaksikan jumlah perdagangan antara kedua-dua negara telah meningkat sebanyak 14 peratus kepada RM133 bilion pada tahun 2010, berbanding RM113.3 bilion pada tahun 2005.
Malah eksport Malaysia ke Jepun telah meningkat sebanyak 32 peratus kepada RM66.8 bilion bagi tahun 2010, berbanding RM50.5 bilion pada tahun 2005.
Manakala FTA Malaysia-Pakistan CEPA (MPCEPA) yang dilaksanakan 1 Januari 2008 pula memperlihatkan eksport ke Pakistan mencatatkan peningkatan sebanyak 69 peratus kepada RM7.3 bilion bagi tahun 2010, berbanding RM4.3 bilion pada tahun 2007.
Datuk Seri telah memperjelaskan kelebihan daripada perdagangan, bagaimanapun manfaat dari segi pelaburan?
Dari segi pelaburan pula, dengan adanya FTA pelabur Malaysia akan diberi layanan yang sama dengan pelabur tempatan (national treatment) dan pelaburan mereka dilindungi di bawah undang-undang tempatan dan pelbagai lagi kelebihan yang ada.
MITI telah mengambil alih peranan oleh Kementerian Pembangunan Usahawan dan Koperasi (MECD) dalam membangunkan usahawan, apakah usaha dilakukan untuk memantapkan mereka?
Kami juga turut memperkenalkan satu program baharu yang berkaitan dengan keusahawanan sosial di kalangan pelajar-pelajar di peringkat institusi pengajian tinggi (IPT). Program yang dikenali 1Malaysia Young Entrepreneur Challenge (1MYEC) berperanan mempromosi bakat dan kemahiran keusahawanan di kalangan pelajar. Seramai 260 peserta daripada 31 IPT menyertai program ini pada 2011.
Bagi program peningkatan produk dan pemasaran, sejumlah 11 program telah berjaya dilaksanakan pada tahun 2011. Program-program tersebut adalah Showcase SDSI peringkat Nasional 2011, penyertaan pameran perdagangan domestik di MIHAS 2011, Ekspo Perdagangan Regatta Sarawak, HalFest 2011, Pameran Produk di Showcase Pelancongan Sabah 2011.
Untuk program-program di bawah outreach/turun padang pula, lima siri program MITI Bersama Usahawan (Karnival Usahawan), tiga program Transformasi Halal, 21 lawatan kilang, lima seminar dan tiga dialog bersama NGO Bumiputera telah berjaya dilaksanakan.
Bagaimanakah pula program lain?
MITI telah melaksanakan banyak program termasuk program SIFE World Cup 2011, di mana Kuala Lumpur telah terpilih sebagai tuan rumah bagi program ini yang diadakan mulai 3 hingga 5 Oktober 2011. Sejumlah 2,800 pelajar dari 37 negara seluruh dunia menyertai program ini. Negara-negara yang terlibat antaranya ialah Jerman, Amerika Syarikat, Jepun, Korea, negara-negara Afrika seperti Zimbabwe, Afrika Selatan dan juga negara-negara daripada Amerika Selatan dan Timur Tengah.
Adakah MITI akan memperkenalkan program baharu tahun ini?
Program yang dirancang oleh MITI bagi tahun 2012, salah satunya adalah usaha bagi memantau projek rintis di bawah Lab Bumiputera. Sejumlah 20 projek rintis telah dikenalpasti melalui Lab Bumiputera yang dilaksanakan oleh BPU pada 2011. Setakat ini, satu projek rintis MY MRT telah diluluskan oleh Teraju Delivery Committee bagi pelaksanaan 2012. MITI juga dipertanggungjawabkan untuk memantau pelaksanaan projek-projek ini.
Apakah kekangan yang dihadapi oleh MITI dalam melaksanakan program Bumiputera?
Berbeza dengan MECD dahulu, MITI mempunyai peruntukan yang amat terhad sehingga tidak mampu untuk melaksanakan program keusahawanan secara agresif dan memenuhi kehendak pelanggan yang ramai terdiri daripada pelbagai lapisan masyarakat. Sungguhpun begitu, MITI kerap melaksanakan program-program kerjasama dengan pihak-pihak luar seperti dialog, seminar dan latihan serta telah mewujudkan saluran Khidmat Nasihat Keusahawanan melalui Business Advisory Centre (BAC) yang dilancarkan secara rasmi pada 29 Mac 2010.
Sungguhpun begitu, MITI telah memainkan peranan yang agak menonjol berbanding agensi-agensi lain yang juga ‘mewarisi’ peranan dan tanggungjawab berikutan pembubaran MECD.
Apakah hasrat Datuk Seri pada tahun ini?
Sebagai menteri yang bertanggungjawab di dalam hal-hal berkaitan dengan pelaburan dan perdagangan terutamanya, apa jua kami lakukan di MITI, Petunjuk Prestasi Utama (KPI) saya menjurus kepada pelaburan dan perdagangan negara. Paling penting kita dapat menyediakan iklim pelaburan dan perdagangan yang konduksif untuk pelabur-pelabur tempatan dan luar negara sekaligus dapat menjana peluang pekerjaan yang baik dan berkualiti kepada rakyat Malaysia.
Source : Utusan Malaysia
Date : 26 January 2012
afternoon highlight (26/01/12/016/491) GLC patut 'ambil' kuota bumi
GLC patut 'ambil' kuota bumi
KUALA LUMPUR 25 Jan. - Syarikat-syarikat milik kerajaan yang bergiat dalam sektor hartanah dan unit amanah hartanah wajar membeli kediaman kuota Bumiputera untuk mengelak aset berkenaan 'bertukar tangan'.
Pensyarah Kanan Jabatan Pengurusan Hartanah Fakulti Seni Bina, Perancangan dan Ukur Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM), Shahrom Md. Ariffin berkata, pendekatan itu dilihat sebagai cara terbaik dan lebih praktikal dalam usaha menyelamat hartanah yang diperuntukan kepada Bumiputera.
Beliau berkata, masalah kediaman tidak terjual itu disebabkan pembeli Bumiputera berminat tetapi masih belum membelinya.
Justeru, katanya, sekiranya kediaman-kediaman berkenaan dibeli oleh GLC , sekurang-kurangnya hak yang diperuntukan kepada Bumiputera terjamin.
''Siapa kata Bumiputera tidak berminat untuk memiliki kediaman, banyak yang masih mencari-cari dengan tumpuan terhad kepada kediaman berkos rendah dan sederhana. Jumlah Bumiputera yang mampu memberi rumah sederhana mewah dan mewah begitu kecil.
''Oleh itu, saya syorkan Permodalan Hartanah Bhd., Permodalan Nasional Bhd., Majlis Amanah Rakyat, AmanahRaya Bhd. atau Lembaga Tabung Haji mengambil alih hartanah-hartanah tersebut.
''Kalau Bumiputera secara individu tidak mampu, saya yakin agensi-agensi ini berupaya kerana mereka memiliki dana yang besar,'' katanya kepada Utusan Malaysia ketika dihubungi di sini hari ini.
Beliau berkata demikian ketika mengulas cadangan Persatuan Pemaju Hartanah dan Perumahan Malaysia (REHDA) supaya status hartanah lot Bumiputera ditukar secara automatik kepada bukan Bumiputera jika gagal dijual dalam tempoh masa tertentu.
Cadangan itu dibuat bagi mengatasi kerugian yang didakwa terpaksa ditanggung oleh pemaju ekoran gagal menjual hartanah berkenaan, selain perlu melunaskan kos tertentu untuk mengubahnya ber dasarkan undang-undang semasa.
Presidennya, Datuk Seri Michael K C Yam berkata, kaji selidik yang dilakukan REHDA mendapati masalah kegagalan menjual hartanah lot Bumiputera merupakan punca paling utama kerugian ditanggung oleh pemaju untuk empat tahun berturut-turut.
Mengulas mengenai tersebut, Shahrom mengakui REHDA tidak boleh dipersalahkan berhubung cadangan yang dilontarkan.
Ini kerana isu berkenaan adalah perkara lapuk yang dibincangkan hampir setiap tahun oleh para pemaju tetapi ia tidak dilihat secara serius oleh mana-mana pihak.
Akibatnya, kata beliau, isu itu bersifat bermusim tanpa tidak diketahui bilakah jalan penyelesaiannya mampu dilaksanakan.
Bagaimanapun, tegas beliau, jalan penyelesaian perlu dilihat secara teliti oleh kerajaan untuk mengelakkan para pemaju hartanah tempatan rugi dan pada waktu yang sama pertahankan hak Bumiputera.
Shahrom menambah, cadangan menukar hak milik hartanah yang diperuntukan itu tidak wajar dipertimbangkan kerana dikhuatiri keistimewaan itu akan hilang secara perlahan-lahan.
''Mekanisme yang betul perlu dibincang, diteliti dan dilaksanakan. Tetapi saya berpendapat kuota kediaman Bumiputera boleh diselamatkan oleh agensi-agensi terbabit,'' katanya.
Beliau berkata, di sebalik tumpuan agensi-agensi berkaitan kepada hartanah komersial, mereka boleh menambah hartanah kediaman sebagai portfolio baharu terutama di kawasan-kawasan utama yang berpotensi besar dan berdaya saing.
''Contohnya di kawasan Mont Kiara dan tengah-tengah kawasan segi tiga emas Kuala Lumpur kerana kediaman di kawasan ini tidak akan jatuh dan baik untuk pelaburan jangka panjang.
''Dengan pembelian kediaman, entiti-entiti terbabit bukan sahaja membantu menangani masalah pemaju, pada masa sama GLC mampu mempertahan dan menyelamatkan hak milik Bumiputera.
''Mungkin kediaman yang mahal itu tidak mampu dimiliki Bumiputera pada masa sekarang, tetapi mungkin boleh dijual pada tahun-tahun mendatang. Siapa tahu ketika itu banyak Bumiputera yang mampu,'' katanya.
Source : Utusan Malaysia
Date : 26 January 2012
KUALA LUMPUR 25 Jan. - Syarikat-syarikat milik kerajaan yang bergiat dalam sektor hartanah dan unit amanah hartanah wajar membeli kediaman kuota Bumiputera untuk mengelak aset berkenaan 'bertukar tangan'.
Pensyarah Kanan Jabatan Pengurusan Hartanah Fakulti Seni Bina, Perancangan dan Ukur Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM), Shahrom Md. Ariffin berkata, pendekatan itu dilihat sebagai cara terbaik dan lebih praktikal dalam usaha menyelamat hartanah yang diperuntukan kepada Bumiputera.
Beliau berkata, masalah kediaman tidak terjual itu disebabkan pembeli Bumiputera berminat tetapi masih belum membelinya.
Justeru, katanya, sekiranya kediaman-kediaman berkenaan dibeli oleh GLC , sekurang-kurangnya hak yang diperuntukan kepada Bumiputera terjamin.
''Siapa kata Bumiputera tidak berminat untuk memiliki kediaman, banyak yang masih mencari-cari dengan tumpuan terhad kepada kediaman berkos rendah dan sederhana. Jumlah Bumiputera yang mampu memberi rumah sederhana mewah dan mewah begitu kecil.
''Oleh itu, saya syorkan Permodalan Hartanah Bhd., Permodalan Nasional Bhd., Majlis Amanah Rakyat, AmanahRaya Bhd. atau Lembaga Tabung Haji mengambil alih hartanah-hartanah tersebut.
''Kalau Bumiputera secara individu tidak mampu, saya yakin agensi-agensi ini berupaya kerana mereka memiliki dana yang besar,'' katanya kepada Utusan Malaysia ketika dihubungi di sini hari ini.
Beliau berkata demikian ketika mengulas cadangan Persatuan Pemaju Hartanah dan Perumahan Malaysia (REHDA) supaya status hartanah lot Bumiputera ditukar secara automatik kepada bukan Bumiputera jika gagal dijual dalam tempoh masa tertentu.
Cadangan itu dibuat bagi mengatasi kerugian yang didakwa terpaksa ditanggung oleh pemaju ekoran gagal menjual hartanah berkenaan, selain perlu melunaskan kos tertentu untuk mengubahnya ber dasarkan undang-undang semasa.
Presidennya, Datuk Seri Michael K C Yam berkata, kaji selidik yang dilakukan REHDA mendapati masalah kegagalan menjual hartanah lot Bumiputera merupakan punca paling utama kerugian ditanggung oleh pemaju untuk empat tahun berturut-turut.
Mengulas mengenai tersebut, Shahrom mengakui REHDA tidak boleh dipersalahkan berhubung cadangan yang dilontarkan.
Ini kerana isu berkenaan adalah perkara lapuk yang dibincangkan hampir setiap tahun oleh para pemaju tetapi ia tidak dilihat secara serius oleh mana-mana pihak.
Akibatnya, kata beliau, isu itu bersifat bermusim tanpa tidak diketahui bilakah jalan penyelesaiannya mampu dilaksanakan.
Bagaimanapun, tegas beliau, jalan penyelesaian perlu dilihat secara teliti oleh kerajaan untuk mengelakkan para pemaju hartanah tempatan rugi dan pada waktu yang sama pertahankan hak Bumiputera.
Shahrom menambah, cadangan menukar hak milik hartanah yang diperuntukan itu tidak wajar dipertimbangkan kerana dikhuatiri keistimewaan itu akan hilang secara perlahan-lahan.
''Mekanisme yang betul perlu dibincang, diteliti dan dilaksanakan. Tetapi saya berpendapat kuota kediaman Bumiputera boleh diselamatkan oleh agensi-agensi terbabit,'' katanya.
Beliau berkata, di sebalik tumpuan agensi-agensi berkaitan kepada hartanah komersial, mereka boleh menambah hartanah kediaman sebagai portfolio baharu terutama di kawasan-kawasan utama yang berpotensi besar dan berdaya saing.
''Contohnya di kawasan Mont Kiara dan tengah-tengah kawasan segi tiga emas Kuala Lumpur kerana kediaman di kawasan ini tidak akan jatuh dan baik untuk pelaburan jangka panjang.
''Dengan pembelian kediaman, entiti-entiti terbabit bukan sahaja membantu menangani masalah pemaju, pada masa sama GLC mampu mempertahan dan menyelamatkan hak milik Bumiputera.
''Mungkin kediaman yang mahal itu tidak mampu dimiliki Bumiputera pada masa sekarang, tetapi mungkin boleh dijual pada tahun-tahun mendatang. Siapa tahu ketika itu banyak Bumiputera yang mampu,'' katanya.
Source : Utusan Malaysia
Date : 26 January 2012
Today's Pick (26/01/12/016/708) Peluang usahawan wanita ke pasaran Greece
Peluang usahawan wanita ke pasaran Greece
KUALA LUMPUR 25 Jan. - Sekali lagi Malaysia bakal membuka mata dunia dengan penyertaan yang lebih ramai di Sidang Kemuncak Wanita Global di Greece, yang akan berlangsung pada 31 Mei - 2 Jun 2012. Tahun ini merupakan kali ke-22 forum ekonomi global ini dianjurkan bagi menemukan tokoh serta pemimpin wanita daripada sektor awam dan swasta dalam pelbagai bidang dari seluruh dunia.
Dijangkakan lebih daripada 80 delegasi antarabangsa yang terdiri daripada usahawan wanita, profesional dan pemimpin- pemimpin kerajaan akan mengambil bahagian dalam Sidang Kemuncak Wanita Global 2012 di Greece, dengan bertemakan Women: The Engine of Economic Growth.
Pada tahun lepas, Sidang Kemuncak Wanita Global 2011 telah diadakan pada 5 - 7 Mei 2011 di Istanbul, Turki. Malaysia dihadiri oleh seramai 64 delegasi yang diketuai oleh Datin Seri Paduka Rosmah Mansor. Satu sesi networking di antara usahawan wanita Malaysia dan usahawan wanita Turki turut diadakan dengan penglibatan seramai 35 usahawan wanita Malaysia dan 33 usahawan wanita Turki.
Sesi networking tersebut telah menjadi landasan pertama untuk usahawanita Malaysia dan Turki berkongsi pengalaman, amalan perniagaan terbaik serta maklumat mengenai petua-petua perniagaan terkini. Seramai 69 orang usahawanita telah menyertai sesi tersebut, 35 dari Malaysia dan 34 dari Turki.
Para usahawanita yang hadir dalam sesi tersebut adalah terdiri daripada usahawan wanita dari pelbagai sektor seperti pendidikan, pengiklanan dan media, kesihatan, teknologi maklumat dan tekstil. Maklumbalas daripada peserta menyatakan bahawa mereka berpeluang mengenali, berkongsi pengalaman serta bekerjasama dengan para usahawanita bukan sahaja dari Turki, tetapi juga di kalangan usahawanita Malaysia sendiri
Bagi tahun ini, persidangan berprestij ini akan menyediakan pelbagai aktiviti sepanjang penganjurannya dan antara aktiviti yang disediakan dalam sidang kemuncak ini adalah termasuk Sesi Pra-persidangan meja bulat untuk Women Government Ministers berdialog dengan pemimpin-pemimpin korporat mengenai amalan terbaik di sektor awam/swasta dalam memajukan pertumbuhan ekonomi wanita.
Apa yang lebih menarik di persidangan ini adalah sesi plenari yang membincangkan mengenai arah aliran perniagaan serantau dan global serta strategi praktikal untuk pembangunan perniagaan. Terdapat juga sesi pembangunan Kemahiran yang menyentuh aspek pembangunan kepimpinan, keusahawanan dan isu-isu lain yang dihadapi oleh usahawan wanita abad ini. Peserta juga mempunyai peluang yang luas untuk mengadakan jaringan perniagaan dengan usahawan dari pelbagai negara.
Selain daripada itu, ia juga menawarkan perkongsian maklumat mengenai peluang perniagaan untuk memasuki ekonomi eropah serta bagaimana wanita memacukan pembangunan perniagaan di benua serantau sebagai pengguna dan pemimpin perniagaan. Terdapat juga perkongsian mengenai amalan terbaik di antara kerajaan dan perniagaan untuk memajukan wanita dan mengalakan 'inisiatif hijau' serta peluang menjalankan perniagaan di Greece dan Balkan.
Dengan menyertai sidang kemuncak ini, ianya dapat memberi pendedahan berkesan kepada usahawan wanita Malaysia untuk memupuk hubungan dengan usahawan dari negara lain. Di samping itu, peserta juga dapat mempelajari strategi kreatif, pendekatan terkini, kepakaran, pendapat dan idea dalam pelbagai bidang dengan kehadiran penceramah yang terdiri daripada pemimpin korporat antarabangsa.
Bagi tahun 2013, Malaysia telah dipilih untuk menjadi tuan rumah bagi sidang kemuncak ini. Adalah diharapkan agar Malaysia mampu membuktikan kepada delegasi antarabangsa bahawa Malaysia juga mempunyai pengalaman, kepakaran, prasarana dan kemudahan yang lengkap dalam mengendalikan acara sebegini sekaligus meningkatkan jenama Malaysia di peringkat antarabangsa.
Untuk pertanyaan lanjut mengenai Sidang Kemuncak Wanita Global 2012 di Greece, sila hubungi Cik Murniati Mokhtar di 03-27756000 atau email murniati@smecorp.gov.my
Source : Utusan Malaysia
Date : 26 January 2012
KUALA LUMPUR 25 Jan. - Sekali lagi Malaysia bakal membuka mata dunia dengan penyertaan yang lebih ramai di Sidang Kemuncak Wanita Global di Greece, yang akan berlangsung pada 31 Mei - 2 Jun 2012. Tahun ini merupakan kali ke-22 forum ekonomi global ini dianjurkan bagi menemukan tokoh serta pemimpin wanita daripada sektor awam dan swasta dalam pelbagai bidang dari seluruh dunia.
Dijangkakan lebih daripada 80 delegasi antarabangsa yang terdiri daripada usahawan wanita, profesional dan pemimpin- pemimpin kerajaan akan mengambil bahagian dalam Sidang Kemuncak Wanita Global 2012 di Greece, dengan bertemakan Women: The Engine of Economic Growth.
Pada tahun lepas, Sidang Kemuncak Wanita Global 2011 telah diadakan pada 5 - 7 Mei 2011 di Istanbul, Turki. Malaysia dihadiri oleh seramai 64 delegasi yang diketuai oleh Datin Seri Paduka Rosmah Mansor. Satu sesi networking di antara usahawan wanita Malaysia dan usahawan wanita Turki turut diadakan dengan penglibatan seramai 35 usahawan wanita Malaysia dan 33 usahawan wanita Turki.
Sesi networking tersebut telah menjadi landasan pertama untuk usahawanita Malaysia dan Turki berkongsi pengalaman, amalan perniagaan terbaik serta maklumat mengenai petua-petua perniagaan terkini. Seramai 69 orang usahawanita telah menyertai sesi tersebut, 35 dari Malaysia dan 34 dari Turki.
Para usahawanita yang hadir dalam sesi tersebut adalah terdiri daripada usahawan wanita dari pelbagai sektor seperti pendidikan, pengiklanan dan media, kesihatan, teknologi maklumat dan tekstil. Maklumbalas daripada peserta menyatakan bahawa mereka berpeluang mengenali, berkongsi pengalaman serta bekerjasama dengan para usahawanita bukan sahaja dari Turki, tetapi juga di kalangan usahawanita Malaysia sendiri
Bagi tahun ini, persidangan berprestij ini akan menyediakan pelbagai aktiviti sepanjang penganjurannya dan antara aktiviti yang disediakan dalam sidang kemuncak ini adalah termasuk Sesi Pra-persidangan meja bulat untuk Women Government Ministers berdialog dengan pemimpin-pemimpin korporat mengenai amalan terbaik di sektor awam/swasta dalam memajukan pertumbuhan ekonomi wanita.
Apa yang lebih menarik di persidangan ini adalah sesi plenari yang membincangkan mengenai arah aliran perniagaan serantau dan global serta strategi praktikal untuk pembangunan perniagaan. Terdapat juga sesi pembangunan Kemahiran yang menyentuh aspek pembangunan kepimpinan, keusahawanan dan isu-isu lain yang dihadapi oleh usahawan wanita abad ini. Peserta juga mempunyai peluang yang luas untuk mengadakan jaringan perniagaan dengan usahawan dari pelbagai negara.
Selain daripada itu, ia juga menawarkan perkongsian maklumat mengenai peluang perniagaan untuk memasuki ekonomi eropah serta bagaimana wanita memacukan pembangunan perniagaan di benua serantau sebagai pengguna dan pemimpin perniagaan. Terdapat juga perkongsian mengenai amalan terbaik di antara kerajaan dan perniagaan untuk memajukan wanita dan mengalakan 'inisiatif hijau' serta peluang menjalankan perniagaan di Greece dan Balkan.
Dengan menyertai sidang kemuncak ini, ianya dapat memberi pendedahan berkesan kepada usahawan wanita Malaysia untuk memupuk hubungan dengan usahawan dari negara lain. Di samping itu, peserta juga dapat mempelajari strategi kreatif, pendekatan terkini, kepakaran, pendapat dan idea dalam pelbagai bidang dengan kehadiran penceramah yang terdiri daripada pemimpin korporat antarabangsa.
Bagi tahun 2013, Malaysia telah dipilih untuk menjadi tuan rumah bagi sidang kemuncak ini. Adalah diharapkan agar Malaysia mampu membuktikan kepada delegasi antarabangsa bahawa Malaysia juga mempunyai pengalaman, kepakaran, prasarana dan kemudahan yang lengkap dalam mengendalikan acara sebegini sekaligus meningkatkan jenama Malaysia di peringkat antarabangsa.
Untuk pertanyaan lanjut mengenai Sidang Kemuncak Wanita Global 2012 di Greece, sila hubungi Cik Murniati Mokhtar di 03-27756000 atau email murniati@smecorp.gov.my
Source : Utusan Malaysia
Date : 26 January 2012
Wednesday, January 25, 2012
afternoon highlight (25/01/12/015/490) Sekretariat khas perkukuh agenda TERAJU
Sekretariat khas perkukuh agenda TERAJU
Tubuh TERAJU@KORIDOR mantap strategi serampang 3 mata UNIT Peneraju Agenda Bumiputera (TERAJU) akan menubuhkan sekretariat khas di semua koridor pembangunan di negara ini sebagai strategi serampang tiga mata untuk memantapkan lagi agenda pengukuhan ekonomi Bumiputera tahun ini.
Penubuhan sekretariat itu bermatlamat untuk memberi penerangan lanjut kepada masyarakat mengenai program sedia ada yang dikendalikannya dan membentuk kerjasama dengan pihak berkuasa tempatan bagi melahirkan lebih banyak inisiatif baru kepada Bumiputera.
Ia juga akan mencari beberapa syarikat berpotensi untuk diserap di bawah program Perusahaan Kecil dan Sederhana Bumiputera Berprestasi Tinggi (TERAS).
Unit di bawah Jabatan Perdana Menteri itu akan menubuhkan sekretariat tetapnya di Wilayah Pembangunan Iskandar, Wilayah Ekonomi Koridor Utara (NCER), Wilayah Ekonomi Pantai Timur (ECER), Koridor Sarawak Bagi Tenaga Boleh Diperbaharui (SCORE) dan Koridor Pembangunan Sabah (SDC).
Ketua Eksekutifnya, Husni Salleh, berkata sekretariat itu yang akan dikenali sebagai TERAJU@KORIDOR membolehkan TERAJU bekerjasama rapat dengan kerajaan negeri serta pihak berkuasa tempatan untuk meninjau mana-mana peluang pertumbuhan di wilayah pembangunan terbabit yang boleh dimanfaatkan syarikat Bumiputera.
“Selepas setahun ditubuhkan, TERAJU kini sudah mempunyai program sendiri yang akan diterapkan kepada kumpulan sasar.
“Perancangan tidak semestinya dibuat pada peringkat Persekutuan, malah ia akan dikembangkan pada peringkat negeri, justeru kami mengenal pasti potensi koridor pembangunan negara sebagai antara pemangkin kepada pelaksanaan semua program itu,” katanya ketika ditemui Berita Harian di Petaling Jaya, baru-baru ini. TERAJU akan genap setahun beroperasi 8 Februari ini.
Buat masa ini, unit itu menyandarkan kepada tiga inisiatif utamanya iaitu TERAS, Dana Mudahcara dan Dana Yayasan Peneraju Pendidikan. TERAJU juga membentuk 53 inisiatif kecil hasil daripada pelaksanaan makmal pembangunan Bumiputera tahun lalu, yang hampir separuh daripada inisiatif berkenaan mula dilaksanakan.
Mengenai perkembangan TERAS, Husni berkata, pihaknya telah menghantar senarai kumpulan pertama 30 syarikat Bumiputera dalam program itu kepada kumpulan berkepentingan yang dapat menyokong agenda menjadikannya kumpulan syarikat berdaya maju di peringkat domestik dan antara-bangsa.
Senarai syarikat itu, katanya, telah dihantar kepada bahagian pemerolehan di Kementerian Kewangan, syarikat berkaitan kerajaan (GLC), syarikat senaraian awam utama negara, agensi yang mengendalikan dana pemudah cara serta kerajaan negeri.
Source : Berita Harian
Date : 23 January 2012
Tubuh TERAJU@KORIDOR mantap strategi serampang 3 mata UNIT Peneraju Agenda Bumiputera (TERAJU) akan menubuhkan sekretariat khas di semua koridor pembangunan di negara ini sebagai strategi serampang tiga mata untuk memantapkan lagi agenda pengukuhan ekonomi Bumiputera tahun ini.
Penubuhan sekretariat itu bermatlamat untuk memberi penerangan lanjut kepada masyarakat mengenai program sedia ada yang dikendalikannya dan membentuk kerjasama dengan pihak berkuasa tempatan bagi melahirkan lebih banyak inisiatif baru kepada Bumiputera.
Ia juga akan mencari beberapa syarikat berpotensi untuk diserap di bawah program Perusahaan Kecil dan Sederhana Bumiputera Berprestasi Tinggi (TERAS).
Unit di bawah Jabatan Perdana Menteri itu akan menubuhkan sekretariat tetapnya di Wilayah Pembangunan Iskandar, Wilayah Ekonomi Koridor Utara (NCER), Wilayah Ekonomi Pantai Timur (ECER), Koridor Sarawak Bagi Tenaga Boleh Diperbaharui (SCORE) dan Koridor Pembangunan Sabah (SDC).
Ketua Eksekutifnya, Husni Salleh, berkata sekretariat itu yang akan dikenali sebagai TERAJU@KORIDOR membolehkan TERAJU bekerjasama rapat dengan kerajaan negeri serta pihak berkuasa tempatan untuk meninjau mana-mana peluang pertumbuhan di wilayah pembangunan terbabit yang boleh dimanfaatkan syarikat Bumiputera.
“Selepas setahun ditubuhkan, TERAJU kini sudah mempunyai program sendiri yang akan diterapkan kepada kumpulan sasar.
“Perancangan tidak semestinya dibuat pada peringkat Persekutuan, malah ia akan dikembangkan pada peringkat negeri, justeru kami mengenal pasti potensi koridor pembangunan negara sebagai antara pemangkin kepada pelaksanaan semua program itu,” katanya ketika ditemui Berita Harian di Petaling Jaya, baru-baru ini. TERAJU akan genap setahun beroperasi 8 Februari ini.
Buat masa ini, unit itu menyandarkan kepada tiga inisiatif utamanya iaitu TERAS, Dana Mudahcara dan Dana Yayasan Peneraju Pendidikan. TERAJU juga membentuk 53 inisiatif kecil hasil daripada pelaksanaan makmal pembangunan Bumiputera tahun lalu, yang hampir separuh daripada inisiatif berkenaan mula dilaksanakan.
Mengenai perkembangan TERAS, Husni berkata, pihaknya telah menghantar senarai kumpulan pertama 30 syarikat Bumiputera dalam program itu kepada kumpulan berkepentingan yang dapat menyokong agenda menjadikannya kumpulan syarikat berdaya maju di peringkat domestik dan antara-bangsa.
Senarai syarikat itu, katanya, telah dihantar kepada bahagian pemerolehan di Kementerian Kewangan, syarikat berkaitan kerajaan (GLC), syarikat senaraian awam utama negara, agensi yang mengendalikan dana pemudah cara serta kerajaan negeri.
Source : Berita Harian
Date : 23 January 2012
Today's Pick (25/01/12/015/707) EKUINAS perluas sektor makanan, minuman
EKUINAS perluas sektor makanan, minuman
Ambil alih rangkaian restoran milik Revenue Valley
Ekuiti Nasional Bhd (EKUINAS), pengurus dana ekuiti persendirian milik kerajaan mengembangkan pelaburannya dalam sektor makanan dan minuman (F&B) dengan membeli 85.76 peratus kepentingan dalam Kumpulan Revenue Valley, sebuah syarikat F&B yang sedang pesat berkembang di Malaysia dan Singapura, membabitkan pelaburan RM64.7 juta.
Revenue Valley adalah pemilik dan pengurus rangkaian francais restoran Manhattan Fish Market, Tony Roma’s Malaysia dan Popeyes.
Dana persendirian itu dalam kenyataannya berkata, pelaburan itu adalah sebahagian strategi EKUINAS untuk membentuk sebuah Kumpulan F&B Malaysia terkemuka yang mempunyai portfolio jenama F&B tempatan dan global merangkumi semua segmen pasaran.
Katanya, pelaburan itu membabitkan pembelian ekuiti daripada pemegang saham sedia ada Revenue Valley, terutama Sweet Benefit Sdn Bhd dan Creative Goal Sdn Bhd, serta suntikan modal tambahan bagi membiayai program penambahan cawangan secara agresif.
Cadangan pelaburan itu adalah tertakluk kepada syarat terdahulu dan dijangka dimuktamadkan suku pertama 2012, katanya.
Manhattan Fish Market adalah restoran makanan laut kasual popular, manakala Tony Roma’s Malaysia ialah restoran layanan penuh (FSR) kasual yang terkenal dengan menu stik dan daging rusuk, sementara Popeyes adalah rangkaian restoran layanan pantas (QSR) yang menawarkan hidangan sajian ayam dan makanan laut yang beroperasi di Malaysia dan Singapura.
Revenue Valley ditubuhkan pada 2002 oleh usahawan George Ang dan Dickson Low, yang mana selepas kemasukan EKUINAS itu akan kekal dalam syarikat sebagai pemegang saham minoriti.
Ia berkembang pesat sehingga kini dengan 47 cawangan merangkumi ketiga-tiga jenama di Malaysia, Singapura dan Thailand, selain bakal memperkenalkan jenamanya ke seluruh rantau ini dan peringkat global.
Kumpulan terbabit mencatatkan jualan hampir RM100 juta bagi tahun kewangannya berakhir 30 September 2010.
Pengerusi EKUINAS Tan Sri Raja Arshad Raja Tun Uda dalam kenyataan mengumumkan pelaburan itu berkata, menerusi pelaburan itu, EKUINAS sudah membuat lapan pelaburan setakat ini sekali gus memperluaskan portfolio F&B kepada lima jenama popular dengan jumlah jualan terkumpul mencecah hampir RM200 juta menerusi 97 cawangan seluruh Malaysia, Singapura dan Thailand.
Setakat ini, katanya, jumlah komitmen pelaburan EKUINAS adalah sebanyak RM659.64 juta, selain membantu kemasukan modal menerusi rakan pelaburnya yang berjumlah RM779.28 juta ke dalam ekonomi Malaysia.
“Kami gembira dengan pelaburan di dalam Kumpulan Revenue Valley kerana ini dapat mengukuhkan lagi rancangan kami untuk membina sebuah kumpulan F&B ternama di Malaysia dengan portfolio pelaburan yang merangkumi pelbagai jenama.
“Dengan lebih 20 cawangan restoran di Singapura dan Thailand, Kumpulan Revenue Valley serta-merta menempatkan kami di pasaran serantau dan berupaya menjadi pemangkin bagi pelan perkembangan Kumpulan F&B EKUINAS pada masa depan,” katanya.
Raja Arshad berkata, pelaburan terbaru ini adalah susulan kepada pelaburan EKUINAS sebelum ini dalam rangkaian francais restoran makanan segera, Burger King dan San Francisco Coffee.
Sementara itu, Ketua Eksekutif EKUINAS, Datuk Abdul Rahman Ahmad berkata, Kumpulan Revenue Valley adalah syarikat berpotensi tinggi dengan kumpulan pengurusan mantap selain mempunyai rekod prestasi kukuh dalam penjanaan pertumbuhan.
“Dengan memiliki lima jenama di bawah Kumpulan F&B kami, EKUINAS berpeluang memanfaatkan sinergi seluruh rangkaian dari segi perkembangan cawangan, pemasaran dan komunikasi, serta operasi pentadbiran,” katanya.
Source : Berita Harian
Date : 20 January 2012
Ambil alih rangkaian restoran milik Revenue Valley
Ekuiti Nasional Bhd (EKUINAS), pengurus dana ekuiti persendirian milik kerajaan mengembangkan pelaburannya dalam sektor makanan dan minuman (F&B) dengan membeli 85.76 peratus kepentingan dalam Kumpulan Revenue Valley, sebuah syarikat F&B yang sedang pesat berkembang di Malaysia dan Singapura, membabitkan pelaburan RM64.7 juta.
Revenue Valley adalah pemilik dan pengurus rangkaian francais restoran Manhattan Fish Market, Tony Roma’s Malaysia dan Popeyes.
Dana persendirian itu dalam kenyataannya berkata, pelaburan itu adalah sebahagian strategi EKUINAS untuk membentuk sebuah Kumpulan F&B Malaysia terkemuka yang mempunyai portfolio jenama F&B tempatan dan global merangkumi semua segmen pasaran.
Katanya, pelaburan itu membabitkan pembelian ekuiti daripada pemegang saham sedia ada Revenue Valley, terutama Sweet Benefit Sdn Bhd dan Creative Goal Sdn Bhd, serta suntikan modal tambahan bagi membiayai program penambahan cawangan secara agresif.
Cadangan pelaburan itu adalah tertakluk kepada syarat terdahulu dan dijangka dimuktamadkan suku pertama 2012, katanya.
Manhattan Fish Market adalah restoran makanan laut kasual popular, manakala Tony Roma’s Malaysia ialah restoran layanan penuh (FSR) kasual yang terkenal dengan menu stik dan daging rusuk, sementara Popeyes adalah rangkaian restoran layanan pantas (QSR) yang menawarkan hidangan sajian ayam dan makanan laut yang beroperasi di Malaysia dan Singapura.
Revenue Valley ditubuhkan pada 2002 oleh usahawan George Ang dan Dickson Low, yang mana selepas kemasukan EKUINAS itu akan kekal dalam syarikat sebagai pemegang saham minoriti.
Ia berkembang pesat sehingga kini dengan 47 cawangan merangkumi ketiga-tiga jenama di Malaysia, Singapura dan Thailand, selain bakal memperkenalkan jenamanya ke seluruh rantau ini dan peringkat global.
Kumpulan terbabit mencatatkan jualan hampir RM100 juta bagi tahun kewangannya berakhir 30 September 2010.
Pengerusi EKUINAS Tan Sri Raja Arshad Raja Tun Uda dalam kenyataan mengumumkan pelaburan itu berkata, menerusi pelaburan itu, EKUINAS sudah membuat lapan pelaburan setakat ini sekali gus memperluaskan portfolio F&B kepada lima jenama popular dengan jumlah jualan terkumpul mencecah hampir RM200 juta menerusi 97 cawangan seluruh Malaysia, Singapura dan Thailand.
Setakat ini, katanya, jumlah komitmen pelaburan EKUINAS adalah sebanyak RM659.64 juta, selain membantu kemasukan modal menerusi rakan pelaburnya yang berjumlah RM779.28 juta ke dalam ekonomi Malaysia.
“Kami gembira dengan pelaburan di dalam Kumpulan Revenue Valley kerana ini dapat mengukuhkan lagi rancangan kami untuk membina sebuah kumpulan F&B ternama di Malaysia dengan portfolio pelaburan yang merangkumi pelbagai jenama.
“Dengan lebih 20 cawangan restoran di Singapura dan Thailand, Kumpulan Revenue Valley serta-merta menempatkan kami di pasaran serantau dan berupaya menjadi pemangkin bagi pelan perkembangan Kumpulan F&B EKUINAS pada masa depan,” katanya.
Raja Arshad berkata, pelaburan terbaru ini adalah susulan kepada pelaburan EKUINAS sebelum ini dalam rangkaian francais restoran makanan segera, Burger King dan San Francisco Coffee.
Sementara itu, Ketua Eksekutif EKUINAS, Datuk Abdul Rahman Ahmad berkata, Kumpulan Revenue Valley adalah syarikat berpotensi tinggi dengan kumpulan pengurusan mantap selain mempunyai rekod prestasi kukuh dalam penjanaan pertumbuhan.
“Dengan memiliki lima jenama di bawah Kumpulan F&B kami, EKUINAS berpeluang memanfaatkan sinergi seluruh rangkaian dari segi perkembangan cawangan, pemasaran dan komunikasi, serta operasi pentadbiran,” katanya.
Source : Berita Harian
Date : 20 January 2012
afternoon highlight (20/01/12/014/489) Mier raises growth forecast for 2011 to 4.9pc
Mier raises growth forecast for 2011 to 4.9pc
KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Institute of Economic Research (Mier) has raised its growth forecast of Malaysia for 2011 to 4.9 per cent from 4.6 per cent previously.
Executive director Dr Zakariah Abdul Rashid, however, expects 2012 to hold dimmer growth prospects compared to 2011.
These are underpinned by downside risks from developments in the euro zone, weak US recovery, hard-landing of the Chinese economy and growing Middle East tensions.
Speaking at a media briefing on the fourth quarter 2011 performance, yesterday, Zakariah said Mier's results of various indices showed that the Malaysian economy was already in a contractionary mode.
"We can only conclude that fourth quarter 2011 real GDP (gross domestic product) growth moderated both year-on-year and quarter-on-quarter and that economic growth will likely get bumpier in the months ahead.
"The results of Mier's fourth-quarter Business Conditions Survey indicate declining manufacturing sector sentiments.
The business conditions index ended below the 100-point threshold level while consumer sentiments have also fallen during the fourth quarter, which indicates a marginal worsening of sentiments.
Its CEO Confidence Index, which compiles opinions and projections from chief executives of mostly small- and medium-sized companies, also ended the fourth quarter below the 100-point threshold level.
They were pessimistic about the near-term economic outlook.
Zakariah said big-ticket items are being postponed as the business community preferred to wait and see the general election results before proceeding.
Mier expects the economy to decelerate markedly to 3.7 per cent in 2012.
Source : New Straits Times
Date : 20 January 2012
KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Institute of Economic Research (Mier) has raised its growth forecast of Malaysia for 2011 to 4.9 per cent from 4.6 per cent previously.
Executive director Dr Zakariah Abdul Rashid, however, expects 2012 to hold dimmer growth prospects compared to 2011.
These are underpinned by downside risks from developments in the euro zone, weak US recovery, hard-landing of the Chinese economy and growing Middle East tensions.
Speaking at a media briefing on the fourth quarter 2011 performance, yesterday, Zakariah said Mier's results of various indices showed that the Malaysian economy was already in a contractionary mode.
"We can only conclude that fourth quarter 2011 real GDP (gross domestic product) growth moderated both year-on-year and quarter-on-quarter and that economic growth will likely get bumpier in the months ahead.
"The results of Mier's fourth-quarter Business Conditions Survey indicate declining manufacturing sector sentiments.
The business conditions index ended below the 100-point threshold level while consumer sentiments have also fallen during the fourth quarter, which indicates a marginal worsening of sentiments.
Its CEO Confidence Index, which compiles opinions and projections from chief executives of mostly small- and medium-sized companies, also ended the fourth quarter below the 100-point threshold level.
They were pessimistic about the near-term economic outlook.
Zakariah said big-ticket items are being postponed as the business community preferred to wait and see the general election results before proceeding.
Mier expects the economy to decelerate markedly to 3.7 per cent in 2012.
Source : New Straits Times
Date : 20 January 2012
Today's Pick (20/01/12/014/706) MCCM: RM1b fund to be ready this year
MCCM: RM1b fund to be ready this year
KUALA LUMPUR: The Malay Chamber of Commerce Malaysia (MCCM) aims to mobilise a RM1 billion investment fund for the development of entrepreneurship, especially among the Bumiputeras and Malays, its president Syed Ali Alatas said.
"We expect to have the fund ready within this year. We have already drawn up a working paper and hope to complete the proposal within two weeks," Syed Ali told reporters here yesterday.
He said the chamber is currently finalising the mechanism and structure of the proposed fund, including identify who is the best to manage the fund.
"Twelve years ago, the chamber and various non-governmental organisations and associations have managed to raise RM700 milllion to invest in Dana Johor within 15 months.
"But somehow, we (those who chipped in to collect RM700 million) have not gained any returns. Where has the money gone to?" he questioned.
It was learnt that Dana Johor, which is under Johor Corp, has incurred heavy losses.
As such, Syed Ali said the chamber needs to find the best people to manage its proposed fund for entrepreneurs.
"We need to be very careful, so as not to be trapped in hiring corrupted or irresponsible managers," he said, in reference to the current situation in several government-linked companies and government agencies.
In this regard, Syed Ali has called on the agencies and GLCs to refocus or revert to their original objectives and roles in helping to develop entrepeneurship among the Bumiputeras.
Source : New Straits Times
Date : 20 January 2012
KUALA LUMPUR: The Malay Chamber of Commerce Malaysia (MCCM) aims to mobilise a RM1 billion investment fund for the development of entrepreneurship, especially among the Bumiputeras and Malays, its president Syed Ali Alatas said.
"We expect to have the fund ready within this year. We have already drawn up a working paper and hope to complete the proposal within two weeks," Syed Ali told reporters here yesterday.
He said the chamber is currently finalising the mechanism and structure of the proposed fund, including identify who is the best to manage the fund.
"Twelve years ago, the chamber and various non-governmental organisations and associations have managed to raise RM700 milllion to invest in Dana Johor within 15 months.
"But somehow, we (those who chipped in to collect RM700 million) have not gained any returns. Where has the money gone to?" he questioned.
It was learnt that Dana Johor, which is under Johor Corp, has incurred heavy losses.
As such, Syed Ali said the chamber needs to find the best people to manage its proposed fund for entrepreneurs.
"We need to be very careful, so as not to be trapped in hiring corrupted or irresponsible managers," he said, in reference to the current situation in several government-linked companies and government agencies.
In this regard, Syed Ali has called on the agencies and GLCs to refocus or revert to their original objectives and roles in helping to develop entrepeneurship among the Bumiputeras.
Source : New Straits Times
Date : 20 January 2012
Thursday, January 19, 2012
afternoon highlight (19/01/12/013/488) M'sian firms miss opportunities by avoiding international fairs
M'sian firms miss opportunities by avoiding international fairs
FRANKFURT: Frankfurt-based Matrade senior trade commissioner Sabri Abdul Rahman is disappointed that Malaysian companies are missing out on the “big opportunities” by not showcasing their products at international trade fairs that provide an excellent window to the world market.
He cited the just-concluded HeimTextil Fair of Frankfurt, the world’s biggest trade fair for the home-textile industry, where Malaysians had lost “big opportunities”.
“It is here (in Frankfurt) that buyers from around the world, and not just from Germany, descend on the HeimTextil fair to buy from the entire world.
"Asian companies make a beeline here to vie for international buyers,” he told BERNAMA while taking stock of the just-ended Heimtextil Fair, which saw large contingents of exhibitors from Asian countries.
Sabri was particularly concerned by the fact that Malaysians were not strengthening their marketing efforts by participating in specialised trade fairs following strong exports growth registered by Malaysia’s textile and clothing industry.
Malaysia’s global textile and clothing exports totalled RM9.872 billion between January and November last year, up 4.3 per cent, over RM8.455 billion in 2010.
Textile and clothing exports to Germany surged to RM404 million last year, up 43.1 per cent as compared to RM282 million in 2010.
"Such growth can be sustained only by flanking marketing efforts, including participating in trade fairs and exhibitions, which are excellent marketing tools,” Sabri said.
Malaysia’s absence at the Heimtextil Fair was conspicuous as exhibitors from a number of Asean member countries made a strong pitch for their products at the fair. - BERNAMA
Source : New Straits Times
Date : 18 January 2012
afternoon highlight (19/01/12/013/488)
FRANKFURT: Frankfurt-based Matrade senior trade commissioner Sabri Abdul Rahman is disappointed that Malaysian companies are missing out on the “big opportunities” by not showcasing their products at international trade fairs that provide an excellent window to the world market.
He cited the just-concluded HeimTextil Fair of Frankfurt, the world’s biggest trade fair for the home-textile industry, where Malaysians had lost “big opportunities”.
“It is here (in Frankfurt) that buyers from around the world, and not just from Germany, descend on the HeimTextil fair to buy from the entire world.
"Asian companies make a beeline here to vie for international buyers,” he told BERNAMA while taking stock of the just-ended Heimtextil Fair, which saw large contingents of exhibitors from Asian countries.
Sabri was particularly concerned by the fact that Malaysians were not strengthening their marketing efforts by participating in specialised trade fairs following strong exports growth registered by Malaysia’s textile and clothing industry.
Malaysia’s global textile and clothing exports totalled RM9.872 billion between January and November last year, up 4.3 per cent, over RM8.455 billion in 2010.
Textile and clothing exports to Germany surged to RM404 million last year, up 43.1 per cent as compared to RM282 million in 2010.
"Such growth can be sustained only by flanking marketing efforts, including participating in trade fairs and exhibitions, which are excellent marketing tools,” Sabri said.
Malaysia’s absence at the Heimtextil Fair was conspicuous as exhibitors from a number of Asean member countries made a strong pitch for their products at the fair. - BERNAMA
Source : New Straits Times
Date : 18 January 2012
afternoon highlight (19/01/12/013/488)
Today's Pick (19/01/12/013/705) Malaysia in talks with eco-friendly carmakers
Malaysia in talks with eco-friendly carmakers
The Malaysian government is in the midst of negotations with foreign car makers for the latter to set up electric and hybrid vehicle assembly and distribution points here, says Deputy Minister of International Trade and Industry, Datuk Mukhriz Mahathir.
He said this is in line with the government's aspiration to transform Malaysia into an electric and hybrid vehicle hub in the region.
"The discussion is at several stages and we will wait for the respective companies to make the announcement, some companies are serious and some want to think about the idea.
"The manufacturers are from many countries, but I cannot reveal the details for now," he told reporters after launching the BMW Vision Efficient Dynamics Showcase in Kuala Lumpur today.
Mukhriz said there were issues during the negotations such as whether the Malaysian market is big enough for the companies to come here.
"We are trying to look at it from the standpoint of the Asean market rather than just the Malaysian market alone," he added.
He said the government is also talking to several automotive parts and component makers to establish their plant here.
"We understand also that there are a number of different components in the car manufacturing industry including in the hybrid business.
"So once we are talking wih the automotive sector, we are also talking to the parts and components suppliers to convince them to look at Malaysia as a serious destination for their investment while at the same time supporting the industry as a whole," he said.
Mukhriz said it is very encouraging to learn that more Malaysians are taking the effort to reduce carbon emissions by buying electric and hybrid cars, adding this will be another reason for foreign car makers to invest in Malaysia.
Asked on the future of Proton Holdings Bhd's electric vehicle initiative once foreign auto companies enter the local market, Mukhriz said the national auto maker has its own niche in the hearts of Malaysians as well as the local automotive segment.
"I am quite confident that Proton has an advantage in terms of proximity and reliability as the green auto market is not as mature as other segments of the economy yet.
"Proton will come out with competitive cars and they will also have a major role in realising Malaysia's aim of reducing carbon emissions," he said. -- BERNAMA
Source : New Straits Times
Date : 18 January 2012
Today's Pick (19/01/12/013/705)
The Malaysian government is in the midst of negotations with foreign car makers for the latter to set up electric and hybrid vehicle assembly and distribution points here, says Deputy Minister of International Trade and Industry, Datuk Mukhriz Mahathir.
He said this is in line with the government's aspiration to transform Malaysia into an electric and hybrid vehicle hub in the region.
"The discussion is at several stages and we will wait for the respective companies to make the announcement, some companies are serious and some want to think about the idea.
"The manufacturers are from many countries, but I cannot reveal the details for now," he told reporters after launching the BMW Vision Efficient Dynamics Showcase in Kuala Lumpur today.
Mukhriz said there were issues during the negotations such as whether the Malaysian market is big enough for the companies to come here.
"We are trying to look at it from the standpoint of the Asean market rather than just the Malaysian market alone," he added.
He said the government is also talking to several automotive parts and component makers to establish their plant here.
"We understand also that there are a number of different components in the car manufacturing industry including in the hybrid business.
"So once we are talking wih the automotive sector, we are also talking to the parts and components suppliers to convince them to look at Malaysia as a serious destination for their investment while at the same time supporting the industry as a whole," he said.
Mukhriz said it is very encouraging to learn that more Malaysians are taking the effort to reduce carbon emissions by buying electric and hybrid cars, adding this will be another reason for foreign car makers to invest in Malaysia.
Asked on the future of Proton Holdings Bhd's electric vehicle initiative once foreign auto companies enter the local market, Mukhriz said the national auto maker has its own niche in the hearts of Malaysians as well as the local automotive segment.
"I am quite confident that Proton has an advantage in terms of proximity and reliability as the green auto market is not as mature as other segments of the economy yet.
"Proton will come out with competitive cars and they will also have a major role in realising Malaysia's aim of reducing carbon emissions," he said. -- BERNAMA
Source : New Straits Times
Date : 18 January 2012
Today's Pick (19/01/12/013/705)
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