10 jenama tersohor bakal hilang
KUALA LUMPUR 3 Jan. - Rangkaian restoran makanan segera, A&W milik Yum! sebuah syarikat gergasi berpangkalan di Amerika Syarikat, merupakan antara jenama paling berpengaruh yang bakal hilang daripada pasaran dunia tahun ini.
Kajian yang dilakukan oleh 24/7 Wall Street. com menyenaraikan A&W merupakan antara 10 jenama yang bakal hilang pada tahun ini bersama-sama jenama-jenama tersohor lain yang turut disenaraikan di Bursa Saham New York.
Jenama-jenama lain ialah Sears, Sony Pictures, American Apparel, Nokia, Saab, Soap Opera Digest, Sony Ericsson, MySpace dan Kellogg's Corn Pops.
Yum! yang turut menguasai kepentingan KFC, telah bertekad untuk menjual A&W sejak Januari tahun lalu, tetapi tiada pembeli atau pihak berminat untuk memiliki jenama rangkaian makanan segera itu.
Rangkaian makanan segera itu diasaskan pada tahun 1919 telah berkembang pada kadar yang amat pantas.
Selepas peperangan dunia kedua, 450 francais telah dibuka dan ia merupakan pengasas kepada kaedah jualan secara pandu lalu.
A&W memulakan jualan minumannya dalam versi tin pada tahun 1971, yang kini dimiliki oleh Dr. Pepper/Snapple.
Berdasarkan perkiraan semasa, perniagaan restoran A&W adalah terlalu kecil dan tidak berdaya maju kerana mempunyai 322 cawangan di Amerika Syarikat (AS) dan 317 cawangan di luar AS sehingga akhir tahun lalu di mana kesemuanya dikendalikan secara francais termasuk yang dimiliki KUB Malaysia Bhd. (KUB).
Bagaimanapun, KUB ketika dihubungi berkata, sekiranya benar jenama itu bakal hilang dari pasaran dunia, ia tidak memberi kesan secara langsung kepada pemegang hak itu di Malaysia.
Sebagai perbandingan, Yum! yang turut memiliki KFC, mempunyai 5,055 cawangan di AS dan 11,798 cawangan di serata dunia, malah dua jenama rangkaian makanan segera terbesar lain turut memiliki cawangan yang banyak.
Subway, yang terkenal dengan rangkaian sandwich memiliki 35,000 lokasi di seluruh dunia dan juga McDonald's yang hampir memiliki jumlah yang sama.
Berdasarkan perkiraan yang ada, A&W tidak memiliki keupayaan untuk memasarkan jenama tersebut berbanding pesaingnya yang sudah lama bertapak, begitu juga mengatasi jenama-jenama baru lain seperti Burger King.
Berikutan kekangan itu, A&W juga tidak berupaya untuk mengendalikan pembelian makanan secara pukal, logistik dan pengangkutan berbanding pesaing-pesaing yang beberapa kali ganda besarnya.
Menurut 24/7 Wall Street. com, 10 jenama yang akan hilang itu dikaji menerusi beberapa pendekatan yang diambil di dalam memutuskan jenama mana yang akan hilang dari pasaran.
Kriteria utama yang diambil bagi menentukan kehilangan jenama itu adalah kejatuhan mendadak di dalam jualan selain mengalami kerugian yang besar.
Turut menyumbang kepada faktor kehilangan tersebut adalah pendedahan syarikat induk bahawa jenama itu mungkin mencari jalan keluar dari perniagaan asal dan kenaikan mendadak kos yang secara tidak langsung menyumbang kepada kenaikan harga.
Selain itu, 24/7 Wall Street turut menyenaraikan beberapa kriteria lain yang menyumbang kepada kehilangan jenama tersebut di pasaran seperti syarikat-syarikat yang akan dijual, syarikat-syarikat yang jatuh bangkrap, firma yang kehilangan majoriti besar para pelanggannya atau syarikat yang beroperasi dengan kejatuhan pasaran saham.
"Jika 10 jenama yang disenaraikan termasuk di dalam masalah-masalah yang disenaraikan itu, kebarangkalian atau satu persepuluh pasti akan hilang berdasarkan dari kajian kami dalam tempoh 18 bulan," kata laman web itu.
Source : Utusan Malaysia
Date : 3 January 2012
Afternoon Highlight (04/01/12/002/475)
Thursday, January 12, 2012
Today’s Pick (04/01/002/694) M'sian SMEs urged to look at markets apart from Europe and the US
M'sian SMEs urged to look at markets apart from Europe and the US
JOHOR BARU: Small and medium industries (SMEs) are told not to panic in view of the ongoing eurozone debt crisis and the US economic slowdown but to instead look for alternative markets.
South Johor SME Association chairman Teh Kee Sim said Asean, China and India offered good opportunities as they could expect positive economic growth albeit uncertainties in Europe and the United States.
“Economic slowdown is not something new to us and we (SMEs) are resilient and usually emerge stronger from every crisis,'' Teh told StarBiz.
However, he said, Asean, China and India would not provide instant solution to the SMEs as the European countries and the US were still important to the SMEs.
Teh acknowledged that 2012 would be a tough year not only for the SMEs but also multinational corporations (MNCs), but he said that should not stop them from performing well in their business undertakings.
He said other challenges for local SMEs this year included escalating prices of raw materials which could translate into higher operating cost and getting financial support from banks.
Teh said that instead of brooding on the current unfavourable economic situation in Europe and the US, SMEs should already have a business plan or strategies to overcome the negative impact.
“SMEs must be innovative and creative and able to identify and tap the market needs and keep up with the changes in the business world,'' he added.
Teh said that for instance, demand for hard disk drives, semiconductors and automotive parts and components from manufacturers affected by the recent floods in Thailand was on the rise.
He said local SMEs must take advantage of the situation instead of working on their own; those with capabilities and expertise to produce the products should work together as a group to cater for the demand.
Teh said SMEs in Muar had reported that demand for furniture, plywood panels and medium density fibre board from Japan was also rising following the earthquake and tsunami which struck Japan on March 11.
Separately, he said the Government should beef up its efforts to attract companies affected by the recent floods in Thailand and the earthquake in Japan to relocate their operations in Malaysia.
“Malaysia is in a better position to attract them as the country is relatively safe from natural catastrophes compared with other countries in the region,'' said Teh.
He said Johor has an added advantage due to its close proximity with Singapore and MNCs would benefit from the republic's position as an international trade and financial centre.
Source : New Straits Times
Date : 3 January 2012
Today’s Pick (04/01/002/693)
JOHOR BARU: Small and medium industries (SMEs) are told not to panic in view of the ongoing eurozone debt crisis and the US economic slowdown but to instead look for alternative markets.
South Johor SME Association chairman Teh Kee Sim said Asean, China and India offered good opportunities as they could expect positive economic growth albeit uncertainties in Europe and the United States.
“Economic slowdown is not something new to us and we (SMEs) are resilient and usually emerge stronger from every crisis,'' Teh told StarBiz.
However, he said, Asean, China and India would not provide instant solution to the SMEs as the European countries and the US were still important to the SMEs.
Teh acknowledged that 2012 would be a tough year not only for the SMEs but also multinational corporations (MNCs), but he said that should not stop them from performing well in their business undertakings.
He said other challenges for local SMEs this year included escalating prices of raw materials which could translate into higher operating cost and getting financial support from banks.
Teh said that instead of brooding on the current unfavourable economic situation in Europe and the US, SMEs should already have a business plan or strategies to overcome the negative impact.
“SMEs must be innovative and creative and able to identify and tap the market needs and keep up with the changes in the business world,'' he added.
Teh said that for instance, demand for hard disk drives, semiconductors and automotive parts and components from manufacturers affected by the recent floods in Thailand was on the rise.
He said local SMEs must take advantage of the situation instead of working on their own; those with capabilities and expertise to produce the products should work together as a group to cater for the demand.
Teh said SMEs in Muar had reported that demand for furniture, plywood panels and medium density fibre board from Japan was also rising following the earthquake and tsunami which struck Japan on March 11.
Separately, he said the Government should beef up its efforts to attract companies affected by the recent floods in Thailand and the earthquake in Japan to relocate their operations in Malaysia.
“Malaysia is in a better position to attract them as the country is relatively safe from natural catastrophes compared with other countries in the region,'' said Teh.
He said Johor has an added advantage due to its close proximity with Singapore and MNCs would benefit from the republic's position as an international trade and financial centre.
Source : New Straits Times
Date : 3 January 2012
Today’s Pick (04/01/002/693)
Afternoon Highlight (03/01/01/476) AIM sasar salur bantuan RM2.1 bilion
AIM sasar salur bantuan RM2.1 bilion
Langkah agresif dilaksana bagi melahirkan lebih ramai usahawan PKS menjelang 2015
AMANAH Ikhtiar Malaysia (AIM) menyasar menyalurkan pembiayaan berjumlah RM2.1 bilion pada 2012 ini sejajar usahanya melahirkan kira-kira 100,000 usahawan perusahaan kecil dan sederhana (PKS) menjelang 2015.
Pengarah Urusannya, Datuk Zabidah Ismail, berkata sejak penubuhannya 25 tahun lalu, sekitar 20 peratus atau 49,000 daripada 294,426 peminjam AIM telah mencapai status usahawan mikro dengan menjana pendapatan lebih RM3,500 sebulan.
Katanya, pada 2012 ini, tumpuan adalah bagi membantu usahawan mikro ini untuk mengembangkan perniagaan mereka.
“AIM bukan saja bermatlamat mengeluarkan kalangan peminjam daripada kepompong kemiskinan, tetapi kami juga berhasrat melahirkan lebih ramai usahawan yang berjaya sehingga mencapai tahap PKS.
“Inisiatif ini akan kami laksanakan secara agresif pada 2012 menerusi pelbagai program dan aktiviti keusahawanan yang berasaskan pengetahuan, kemahiran tinggi, inovasi dan pemasaran,” katanya kepada Berita Harian di Kuala Lumpur.
Beliau berkata, AIM turut merancang untuk meningkatkan had pinjaman yang ditawarkannya susulan kejayaan program latihan keusahawanan serta pembiayaan yang diberikan kepada peminjam.
Pada masa ini, AIM menawarkan pembiayaan dari RM3,000 hingga RM50,000 dengan tempoh bayaran balik antara setahun hingga lima tahun, menerusi kaedah bayaran balik secara mingguan.
Zabidah berkata, setakat ini, AIM telah menyalurkan pembiayaan berjumlah RM6.2 bilion kepada 294,426 peminjam.
Pada 2011 saja, sekitar RM1.4 bilion disalurkan bagi pelbagai aktiviti perniagaan kecil-kecilan.
“Ketika ini, lebih 60 peratus pembiayaan disalurkan bagi sektor peruncitan, manakala 40 peratus lagi membabitkan pengeluaran produk berasaskan pertanian dan perikanan selain perkhidmatan merangkumi perniagaan seperti spa dan salun, perkhidmatan komputer, serta menjahit baju yang dijalankan secara kecil-kecilan,” katanya.
Beliau juga berkata, sudah ada di kalangan peminjam AIM yang berjaya menembusi pasaran antarabangsa seperti Emiriah Arab Bersatu (UAE) dan Brunei menerusi produk ikan pekasam walaupun mereka hanya bermula dengan perniagaan secara kecil-kecilan.
Dalam pada itu, katanya AIM kini dalam perancangan menubuhkan akademi usahawan bagi melatih lebih ramai golongan miskin menceburi bidang perniagaan dan keusahawanan, seterusnya mewujudkan usahawan berdaya saing.
Katanya, akademi berkenaan akan menyediakan latihan serta memberikan bimbingan bukan saja untuk usahawan tempatan tetapi juga dari negara di rantau Asia.
“Kami kini masih mengenalpasti lokasi sesuai bagi akademi usahawan itu kerana memerlukan kawasan yang besar bagi menjalankan pelbagai program latihan keusahawanan ini,” katanya.
Beliau juga berkata, AIM yang ketika ini beroperasi menerusi 106 cawangan di seluruh negara, merancang memperluaskan capaiannya dengan membuka tujuh cawangan baru tahun depan khususnya di lokasi luar bandar di Sabah, Sarawak, Johor dan Negeri Sembilan.
Katanya, AIM menyasarkan memiliki 132 cawangan menjelang 2015.
Source : Berita Harian
Date: 3 January 2012
Afternoon Highlight (03/01/01/474)
Langkah agresif dilaksana bagi melahirkan lebih ramai usahawan PKS menjelang 2015
AMANAH Ikhtiar Malaysia (AIM) menyasar menyalurkan pembiayaan berjumlah RM2.1 bilion pada 2012 ini sejajar usahanya melahirkan kira-kira 100,000 usahawan perusahaan kecil dan sederhana (PKS) menjelang 2015.
Pengarah Urusannya, Datuk Zabidah Ismail, berkata sejak penubuhannya 25 tahun lalu, sekitar 20 peratus atau 49,000 daripada 294,426 peminjam AIM telah mencapai status usahawan mikro dengan menjana pendapatan lebih RM3,500 sebulan.
Katanya, pada 2012 ini, tumpuan adalah bagi membantu usahawan mikro ini untuk mengembangkan perniagaan mereka.
“AIM bukan saja bermatlamat mengeluarkan kalangan peminjam daripada kepompong kemiskinan, tetapi kami juga berhasrat melahirkan lebih ramai usahawan yang berjaya sehingga mencapai tahap PKS.
“Inisiatif ini akan kami laksanakan secara agresif pada 2012 menerusi pelbagai program dan aktiviti keusahawanan yang berasaskan pengetahuan, kemahiran tinggi, inovasi dan pemasaran,” katanya kepada Berita Harian di Kuala Lumpur.
Beliau berkata, AIM turut merancang untuk meningkatkan had pinjaman yang ditawarkannya susulan kejayaan program latihan keusahawanan serta pembiayaan yang diberikan kepada peminjam.
Pada masa ini, AIM menawarkan pembiayaan dari RM3,000 hingga RM50,000 dengan tempoh bayaran balik antara setahun hingga lima tahun, menerusi kaedah bayaran balik secara mingguan.
Zabidah berkata, setakat ini, AIM telah menyalurkan pembiayaan berjumlah RM6.2 bilion kepada 294,426 peminjam.
Pada 2011 saja, sekitar RM1.4 bilion disalurkan bagi pelbagai aktiviti perniagaan kecil-kecilan.
“Ketika ini, lebih 60 peratus pembiayaan disalurkan bagi sektor peruncitan, manakala 40 peratus lagi membabitkan pengeluaran produk berasaskan pertanian dan perikanan selain perkhidmatan merangkumi perniagaan seperti spa dan salun, perkhidmatan komputer, serta menjahit baju yang dijalankan secara kecil-kecilan,” katanya.
Beliau juga berkata, sudah ada di kalangan peminjam AIM yang berjaya menembusi pasaran antarabangsa seperti Emiriah Arab Bersatu (UAE) dan Brunei menerusi produk ikan pekasam walaupun mereka hanya bermula dengan perniagaan secara kecil-kecilan.
Dalam pada itu, katanya AIM kini dalam perancangan menubuhkan akademi usahawan bagi melatih lebih ramai golongan miskin menceburi bidang perniagaan dan keusahawanan, seterusnya mewujudkan usahawan berdaya saing.
Katanya, akademi berkenaan akan menyediakan latihan serta memberikan bimbingan bukan saja untuk usahawan tempatan tetapi juga dari negara di rantau Asia.
“Kami kini masih mengenalpasti lokasi sesuai bagi akademi usahawan itu kerana memerlukan kawasan yang besar bagi menjalankan pelbagai program latihan keusahawanan ini,” katanya.
Beliau juga berkata, AIM yang ketika ini beroperasi menerusi 106 cawangan di seluruh negara, merancang memperluaskan capaiannya dengan membuka tujuh cawangan baru tahun depan khususnya di lokasi luar bandar di Sabah, Sarawak, Johor dan Negeri Sembilan.
Katanya, AIM menyasarkan memiliki 132 cawangan menjelang 2015.
Source : Berita Harian
Date: 3 January 2012
Afternoon Highlight (03/01/01/474)
Today’s Pick (03/01/12/01/693) Businesses in Malaysia less optimistic:Grant Thornton
Businesses in Malaysia less optimistic: Grant Thornton
BUSINESSES in Malaysia are less optimistic about the economy this year, said global advisory firm Grant Thornton.
Managing partner of SJ Grant Thornton, Datuk N.K. Jasani, said there will be a polarisation of business confidence between Europe and the rest of the world in 2012.
However, he said the threat of total meltdown in the eurozone means business leaders remain uncertain about this year and that uncertainty is sapping confidence and choking business growth prospects.
"The business optimism results mirror the perilous position of the global economy, stronger results for key markets such as Brazil, China and the US being offset by the lack of a clear resolution to the sovereign debt crisis in Europe," he said in a statement last week.
According to Grant Thornton's International Business Report (IBR), the global business confidence was balancing on a knife edge into 2012.
It said with the global economic outlook dominated by the crisis in the eurozone, fears are increasing that business growth will become more difficult than in 2011.
The research also suggest global trade is suffering.
Having risen by 10 percentage points in third quarter, the proportion of businesses citing a shortage of orders rose again in fourth quarter, up five percentage points to 37 per cent globally.
This result was largely driven by an increase of nine percentage points across the eurozone, but businesses in North America and Brazil, Russia, India and China are also suffering.
Jasani said the prospects for growth are mixed around the world. Businesses have to work harder to maintain margins and competitiveness in the face of powerful economic headwinds.
"This threatens to undermine business prospects around the world, not just in Europe. Businesses in the higher growth economies such as China and Brazil remain positive for now but Europe is the world's largest single market and consequently a key trading partner.
"The effects of a further downturn will resonate even in these high growth markets and beyond," he added.
Source: New Straits Times
Date : 3 January 2012
Today’s Pick (03/01/12/01/692)
BUSINESSES in Malaysia are less optimistic about the economy this year, said global advisory firm Grant Thornton.
Managing partner of SJ Grant Thornton, Datuk N.K. Jasani, said there will be a polarisation of business confidence between Europe and the rest of the world in 2012.
However, he said the threat of total meltdown in the eurozone means business leaders remain uncertain about this year and that uncertainty is sapping confidence and choking business growth prospects.
"The business optimism results mirror the perilous position of the global economy, stronger results for key markets such as Brazil, China and the US being offset by the lack of a clear resolution to the sovereign debt crisis in Europe," he said in a statement last week.
According to Grant Thornton's International Business Report (IBR), the global business confidence was balancing on a knife edge into 2012.
It said with the global economic outlook dominated by the crisis in the eurozone, fears are increasing that business growth will become more difficult than in 2011.
The research also suggest global trade is suffering.
Having risen by 10 percentage points in third quarter, the proportion of businesses citing a shortage of orders rose again in fourth quarter, up five percentage points to 37 per cent globally.
This result was largely driven by an increase of nine percentage points across the eurozone, but businesses in North America and Brazil, Russia, India and China are also suffering.
Jasani said the prospects for growth are mixed around the world. Businesses have to work harder to maintain margins and competitiveness in the face of powerful economic headwinds.
"This threatens to undermine business prospects around the world, not just in Europe. Businesses in the higher growth economies such as China and Brazil remain positive for now but Europe is the world's largest single market and consequently a key trading partner.
"The effects of a further downturn will resonate even in these high growth markets and beyond," he added.
Source: New Straits Times
Date : 3 January 2012
Today’s Pick (03/01/12/01/692)
Afternoon Highlight (30/12/11/216/474) 2012 to be exciting year for M'sian car industry
2012 to be exciting year for M'sian car industry
KUALA LUMPUR: The local car industry is set to shift into high gear in 2012 despite having gone through a roller-coaster ride this year.
Both the national and non-national car companies have announced exciting model launches, facility and network expansion as well as upgrading programmes.
Some have received enquiries and bookings ahead of the Chinese New Year on Jan 23-24, 2012.
Proton Holdings Bhd will launch the new global car, P3-21A, in the first quarter of 2012 and two new variants of multi-purpose vehicle Exora by the second week of January.
UMW Toyota Motor Sdn Bhd plans to unveil a few models for both Toyota and Lexus, while
Naza Kia will accept bookings for its new Optima K5 in January.
Naza Kia will set up its second 3S (sales, service and spare parts) outlet Kia Red Cube and upgrade 27 existing outlets to incorporate its new identity.
Perusahaan Otomobil Kedua (Perodua) will ink a collaborative agreement with Proton on certain aspects early next year.
Perodua has revealed that both parties will make the announcement on the agreement either this year or next year.
On Khazanah Nasional Bhd plans to sell its stake in Proton to DRB-HICOM Bhd, most analysts reserved comments to await Khazanah's formal announcement.
Other factors that industry players need to keep close watch included the revision to the National Automotive Policy and exchange rates for the US dollar and yen.
The younger Malaysian population, which usually forms a large pool of first-time buyers, will propel the car industry towards achieving higher overall total industry volume (TIV).
Car analysts said effective business plans to tap growth opportunities, including strategies to cope with economic reality in view of Europe's debt woes and tight credit, are crucial.
Industry players and analysts expect TIV next year to record positive growth.
OSK Research Sdn Bhd said next year's TIV is expected to grow by 1.1 per cent on the back of a forecast gross domestic product growth of 5.2 per cent.
RHB Research Institute forecasts TIV to remain relatively flat at 607,000 units in 2012 versus 2011, which is estimated at 604,000 units.
MIDF Amanah Investment Bank Bhd predicts the TIV to grow by 0.5 per cent to 611,140 units from 608,100 units estimated this year.
Naza Kia expects sales volume to remain flat next year in view of the coming general elections and said that "maintaining sales at the current level is good enough for next year."
In 2010, the TIV hit a record 605,155 units, an increase of 12.7 per cent compared with 2009's 536,905 units.
As for this year, the Malaysian Automotive Association (MAA) forecasts industry sales to hit 608,000 units.
The market saw a momentum driven by stronger purchasing power and higher demand from customers this year but faced several challenges like earthquake and tsunami that hit Japan in March and the flooding in Ayutthaya, Thailand in the third quarter of the year.
As a result, some delays were seen in the launch of certain models and delivery of spare parts for companies like UMW Toyota Motor and Honda.
With 2011 turning out to be the year best fortotten by the car industry, most analysts agree that the parts production and delivery are nearly back to normal.
Total vehicle sales rose by 8.6 per cent to 48,702 units in November, from the 44,845 units sold in the same month last year.
According to MAA said sales volume for December is expected to moderate further, due to the preference of customers to wait and take delivery of 2012 production year stocks. - BERNAMA
Source : The Star
Date : 30 December 2011
Afternoon Highlight (30/12/11/216/474)
KUALA LUMPUR: The local car industry is set to shift into high gear in 2012 despite having gone through a roller-coaster ride this year.
Both the national and non-national car companies have announced exciting model launches, facility and network expansion as well as upgrading programmes.
Some have received enquiries and bookings ahead of the Chinese New Year on Jan 23-24, 2012.
Proton Holdings Bhd will launch the new global car, P3-21A, in the first quarter of 2012 and two new variants of multi-purpose vehicle Exora by the second week of January.
UMW Toyota Motor Sdn Bhd plans to unveil a few models for both Toyota and Lexus, while
Naza Kia will accept bookings for its new Optima K5 in January.
Naza Kia will set up its second 3S (sales, service and spare parts) outlet Kia Red Cube and upgrade 27 existing outlets to incorporate its new identity.
Perusahaan Otomobil Kedua (Perodua) will ink a collaborative agreement with Proton on certain aspects early next year.
Perodua has revealed that both parties will make the announcement on the agreement either this year or next year.
On Khazanah Nasional Bhd plans to sell its stake in Proton to DRB-HICOM Bhd, most analysts reserved comments to await Khazanah's formal announcement.
Other factors that industry players need to keep close watch included the revision to the National Automotive Policy and exchange rates for the US dollar and yen.
The younger Malaysian population, which usually forms a large pool of first-time buyers, will propel the car industry towards achieving higher overall total industry volume (TIV).
Car analysts said effective business plans to tap growth opportunities, including strategies to cope with economic reality in view of Europe's debt woes and tight credit, are crucial.
Industry players and analysts expect TIV next year to record positive growth.
OSK Research Sdn Bhd said next year's TIV is expected to grow by 1.1 per cent on the back of a forecast gross domestic product growth of 5.2 per cent.
RHB Research Institute forecasts TIV to remain relatively flat at 607,000 units in 2012 versus 2011, which is estimated at 604,000 units.
MIDF Amanah Investment Bank Bhd predicts the TIV to grow by 0.5 per cent to 611,140 units from 608,100 units estimated this year.
Naza Kia expects sales volume to remain flat next year in view of the coming general elections and said that "maintaining sales at the current level is good enough for next year."
In 2010, the TIV hit a record 605,155 units, an increase of 12.7 per cent compared with 2009's 536,905 units.
As for this year, the Malaysian Automotive Association (MAA) forecasts industry sales to hit 608,000 units.
The market saw a momentum driven by stronger purchasing power and higher demand from customers this year but faced several challenges like earthquake and tsunami that hit Japan in March and the flooding in Ayutthaya, Thailand in the third quarter of the year.
As a result, some delays were seen in the launch of certain models and delivery of spare parts for companies like UMW Toyota Motor and Honda.
With 2011 turning out to be the year best fortotten by the car industry, most analysts agree that the parts production and delivery are nearly back to normal.
Total vehicle sales rose by 8.6 per cent to 48,702 units in November, from the 44,845 units sold in the same month last year.
According to MAA said sales volume for December is expected to moderate further, due to the preference of customers to wait and take delivery of 2012 production year stocks. - BERNAMA
Source : The Star
Date : 30 December 2011
Afternoon Highlight (30/12/11/216/474)
Today's Pick (30/12/11/229/691) Agensi tunggal urus dana
Agensi tunggal urus dana
- Kerajaan kaji elak pertindihan fungsi program pembangunan usahawan
KERAJAAN akan menjalankan kajian bagi meletakkan semua dana pembiayaan serta program pembangunan keusahawanan Bumiputera yang kini ditawarkan menerusi pelbagai kementerian, di bawah satu agensi tunggal.
Ia bagi memastikan objektif pelaksanaan program atau penyediaan dana pinjaman itu lebih jelas, selain mengelak berlakunya pertindihan fungsi.
Sumber berkata, kajian yang akan dilaksanakan mulai tahun depan itu akan turut melihat kemungkinan beberapa dana pembiayaan dan program pembangunan usahawan yang memiliki ciri, fungsi serta matlamat sama digabung dan diberikan nama baru.
Katanya, jika hasil daripada kajian itu mendapat reaksi positif dan dipersetujui kementerian dan agensi terbabit, jumlah peruntukan serta sektor liputan perniagaan yang akan dibiayai akan turut diperluaskan.
“Bagi mempercepatkan kajian pelarasan itu, Unit Peneraju Agenda Bumiputera (TERAJU) dan badan berkepentingan lain sedang mengadakan perbincangan dengan semua kementerian serta agensi yang terbabit untuk mencari formula terbaik bagi menyelesaikan masalah pertindihan fungsi pinjaman serta program pembangunan usahawan Bumiputera di bawah kelolaan mereka.
“Tujuannya adalah bagi memastikan objektifnya lebih jelas selain mengelak berlakunya ketirisan atau penyalahgunaan pinjaman,” katanya kepada Berita Harian di Kuala Lumpur.
Sumber berkenaan berkata, langkah menyelaraskan semula semua dana serta program memajukan usahawan Bumiputera itu juga bertujuan mewujudkan mekanisme lebih telus untuk memastikan hanya instrumen pembiayaan sesuai ditawarkan dan hanya usahawan yang layak menerimanya.
Ketika ini pelbagai program pembangunan dan skim bantuan kewangan dilaksanakan kerajaan bagi membantu usahawan Bumiputera.
Antara kementerian yang terbabit ialah Kementerian Kewangan, Kementerian Perdagangan Antarabangsa dan Industri (MITI), Kementerian Sains, Teknologi dan Inovasi, Kementerian Pembangunan Luar Bandar dan Wilayah, Kementerian Perdagangan Dalam Negeri, Koperasi dan Kepenggunaan dan Kementerian Pertanian Industri dan Asas Tani.
Agensi yang diamanahkan bagi menguruskan dana itu pula termasuk Tabung Ekonomi Kumpulan Usaha Niaga (TEKUN), Majlis Amanah Rakyat (MARA), Perbadanan Usahawan Nasional Bhd (PUNB) dan Tabung Ekonomi Belia.
Sumber itu berkata, jika pelarasan berkenaan dilaksanakan, semua dana pembiayaan dan program akan diurus dan diletakkan hanya di bawah sebuah kementerian atau agensi yang dikhususkan dalam pembangunan usahawan Bumiputera.
“Menerusi langkah itu, ia akan memastikan kementerian atau agensi yang diamanahkan itu dapat menguruskan dana pinjaman dan program secara lebih cekap dan berkesan, sekali gus dapat memastikan agenda pembangunan dan penyertaan usahawan Bumiputera dalam ekonomi negara diperkukuhkan lagi,” katanya.
INFO:
MARA
Skim Pembiayaan Peningkatan Perniagaan
Skim Pembiayaan Komersial
Skim Pembiayaan Kontrak Ekspres
Skim Jaminan Usahawan MARA.
TEKUN
Peruncitan & Perniagaan, Perkhidmatan, Pertanian, Penternakan dan Akuakultur, Pembuatan, Pendidikan, Pengangkutan, Pelancongan dan rekreasi, Pemborongan, Pembinaan kecil.
PUNB
Membantu usahawan Bumiputera dalam bidang peruncitan dan Perusahaan Kecil dan Sederhana (PKS).
Tabung Ekonomi Belia
Memiliki dua jenis skim iaitu Skim Belia Negara (SBN) dan Skim Belia Tani (SBT).
Source : Berita Harian
Date : 29 December 2011
Today's Pick (30/12/11/229/691)
- Kerajaan kaji elak pertindihan fungsi program pembangunan usahawan
KERAJAAN akan menjalankan kajian bagi meletakkan semua dana pembiayaan serta program pembangunan keusahawanan Bumiputera yang kini ditawarkan menerusi pelbagai kementerian, di bawah satu agensi tunggal.
Ia bagi memastikan objektif pelaksanaan program atau penyediaan dana pinjaman itu lebih jelas, selain mengelak berlakunya pertindihan fungsi.
Sumber berkata, kajian yang akan dilaksanakan mulai tahun depan itu akan turut melihat kemungkinan beberapa dana pembiayaan dan program pembangunan usahawan yang memiliki ciri, fungsi serta matlamat sama digabung dan diberikan nama baru.
Katanya, jika hasil daripada kajian itu mendapat reaksi positif dan dipersetujui kementerian dan agensi terbabit, jumlah peruntukan serta sektor liputan perniagaan yang akan dibiayai akan turut diperluaskan.
“Bagi mempercepatkan kajian pelarasan itu, Unit Peneraju Agenda Bumiputera (TERAJU) dan badan berkepentingan lain sedang mengadakan perbincangan dengan semua kementerian serta agensi yang terbabit untuk mencari formula terbaik bagi menyelesaikan masalah pertindihan fungsi pinjaman serta program pembangunan usahawan Bumiputera di bawah kelolaan mereka.
“Tujuannya adalah bagi memastikan objektifnya lebih jelas selain mengelak berlakunya ketirisan atau penyalahgunaan pinjaman,” katanya kepada Berita Harian di Kuala Lumpur.
Sumber berkenaan berkata, langkah menyelaraskan semula semua dana serta program memajukan usahawan Bumiputera itu juga bertujuan mewujudkan mekanisme lebih telus untuk memastikan hanya instrumen pembiayaan sesuai ditawarkan dan hanya usahawan yang layak menerimanya.
Ketika ini pelbagai program pembangunan dan skim bantuan kewangan dilaksanakan kerajaan bagi membantu usahawan Bumiputera.
Antara kementerian yang terbabit ialah Kementerian Kewangan, Kementerian Perdagangan Antarabangsa dan Industri (MITI), Kementerian Sains, Teknologi dan Inovasi, Kementerian Pembangunan Luar Bandar dan Wilayah, Kementerian Perdagangan Dalam Negeri, Koperasi dan Kepenggunaan dan Kementerian Pertanian Industri dan Asas Tani.
Agensi yang diamanahkan bagi menguruskan dana itu pula termasuk Tabung Ekonomi Kumpulan Usaha Niaga (TEKUN), Majlis Amanah Rakyat (MARA), Perbadanan Usahawan Nasional Bhd (PUNB) dan Tabung Ekonomi Belia.
Sumber itu berkata, jika pelarasan berkenaan dilaksanakan, semua dana pembiayaan dan program akan diurus dan diletakkan hanya di bawah sebuah kementerian atau agensi yang dikhususkan dalam pembangunan usahawan Bumiputera.
“Menerusi langkah itu, ia akan memastikan kementerian atau agensi yang diamanahkan itu dapat menguruskan dana pinjaman dan program secara lebih cekap dan berkesan, sekali gus dapat memastikan agenda pembangunan dan penyertaan usahawan Bumiputera dalam ekonomi negara diperkukuhkan lagi,” katanya.
INFO:
MARA
Skim Pembiayaan Peningkatan Perniagaan
Skim Pembiayaan Komersial
Skim Pembiayaan Kontrak Ekspres
Skim Jaminan Usahawan MARA.
TEKUN
Peruncitan & Perniagaan, Perkhidmatan, Pertanian, Penternakan dan Akuakultur, Pembuatan, Pendidikan, Pengangkutan, Pelancongan dan rekreasi, Pemborongan, Pembinaan kecil.
PUNB
Membantu usahawan Bumiputera dalam bidang peruncitan dan Perusahaan Kecil dan Sederhana (PKS).
Tabung Ekonomi Belia
Memiliki dua jenis skim iaitu Skim Belia Negara (SBN) dan Skim Belia Tani (SBT).
Source : Berita Harian
Date : 29 December 2011
Today's Pick (30/12/11/229/691)
Afternoon Highlight (29/12/11/215/473) Malaysia retail sales likely to grow 6.5pc this year
Malaysia retail sales likely to grow 6.5pc this year
Kuala Lumpur: Malaysia’s retail industry is expected to grow 6.5 per cent this year, from last year’s 8.4 per cent growth.
The Malaysia Retailers Association (MRA), in its latest report, also anticipates the industry to grow 6.0 per cent next year.
For the fourth quarter this year, retailers in the country expect their sales to increase by 10.4 per cent, with specialty retail stores anticipated to record biggest sales growth at 15.9 per cent.
This is followed by fashion and fashion accessories at 14.9 per cent, department store-cumsupermarkets at 9.4 per cent and department stores at modest 3.7 per cent.
The specialty stores include retailers selling photographic equipment with photo processing services, optical products, sportswear and sporting equipment, fitness equipment, golf equipment, toys, souvenirs as well as touristrelated products.
Despite the optimism of these retailers, who are MRA members, the association itself estimates the retail sales to grow 5 per cent in the last quarter this year.
It said in the third quarter, the retail industry recorded a slower growth rate of 7.0 per cent in sales compared with 9.8 per cent expansion in the same period in 2010.
“Based on the latest retail results, Retail Group Malaysia still maintains its retail industry growth rate at 6.5 per cent for the whole of 2011,” the MRA said in its December 2011 report.
The MRA said in the first nine months of this year, the industry registered a growth rate of 6.8 per cent. Similar to the first half of this year, retailers still had to absorb the rising cost of goods and offer very attractive bargains to attract shoppers, it said.
While Bank Negara Malaysia is projecting an economic growth rate of between 5 and 6 per cent next year, MRA is anticipating the retail industry to moderate to 6 per cent.
The MRA said the unresolved eurozone debt crisis, the potential US double-dip recession and the recent decline in China export market will affect the country’s economy in 2012.
“When the export-oriented manufacturing sector slows down due to low external demand, it will affect local employment market. Some Malaysians may be out of jobs next year, many will not get salary increments and graduates will not be able to find jobs.
"All these will affect retail spending,” it said. Concerns about job prospects may make consumers keep a tight hold on their purse strings and only spend during sales or value-for-money promotions.
Source : New Straits Times
Date : 28 December 2011
Afternoon Highlight (29/12/11/215/473)
Kuala Lumpur: Malaysia’s retail industry is expected to grow 6.5 per cent this year, from last year’s 8.4 per cent growth.
The Malaysia Retailers Association (MRA), in its latest report, also anticipates the industry to grow 6.0 per cent next year.
For the fourth quarter this year, retailers in the country expect their sales to increase by 10.4 per cent, with specialty retail stores anticipated to record biggest sales growth at 15.9 per cent.
This is followed by fashion and fashion accessories at 14.9 per cent, department store-cumsupermarkets at 9.4 per cent and department stores at modest 3.7 per cent.
The specialty stores include retailers selling photographic equipment with photo processing services, optical products, sportswear and sporting equipment, fitness equipment, golf equipment, toys, souvenirs as well as touristrelated products.
Despite the optimism of these retailers, who are MRA members, the association itself estimates the retail sales to grow 5 per cent in the last quarter this year.
It said in the third quarter, the retail industry recorded a slower growth rate of 7.0 per cent in sales compared with 9.8 per cent expansion in the same period in 2010.
“Based on the latest retail results, Retail Group Malaysia still maintains its retail industry growth rate at 6.5 per cent for the whole of 2011,” the MRA said in its December 2011 report.
The MRA said in the first nine months of this year, the industry registered a growth rate of 6.8 per cent. Similar to the first half of this year, retailers still had to absorb the rising cost of goods and offer very attractive bargains to attract shoppers, it said.
While Bank Negara Malaysia is projecting an economic growth rate of between 5 and 6 per cent next year, MRA is anticipating the retail industry to moderate to 6 per cent.
The MRA said the unresolved eurozone debt crisis, the potential US double-dip recession and the recent decline in China export market will affect the country’s economy in 2012.
“When the export-oriented manufacturing sector slows down due to low external demand, it will affect local employment market. Some Malaysians may be out of jobs next year, many will not get salary increments and graduates will not be able to find jobs.
"All these will affect retail spending,” it said. Concerns about job prospects may make consumers keep a tight hold on their purse strings and only spend during sales or value-for-money promotions.
Source : New Straits Times
Date : 28 December 2011
Afternoon Highlight (29/12/11/215/473)
Today's Pick (29/12/228/690) Matrade to boost bumiputra contributions to country’s exports
Matrade to boost bumiputra contributions to country’s exports
KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysia External Trade Development Corp (Matrade) plans to increase bumiputra and women entrepreneurs’ contribution to the country’s total exports to more than 20% by 2015.
Deputy chief executive officer Datuk Zakaria Kamarudin said currently, the contribution from both bumiputras and women entrepreneurs was less than 20%.
“We are hoping that the Government, under the 10th Malaysia Plan, would allocate more funds to boost the contribution from these entrepreneurs towards our exports.
“We are targeting 200 new exporters from the two groups by 2015,” he told a press conference prior to graduation ceremony of Matrade’s bumiputra and women entrepreneurs programmes yesterday.
Zakaria said the two programmes to develop more bumiputra and women exporters had an annual fund of RM5mil but Matrade was hopeful that the Government would increase the fund to RM30mil by 2015.
He said one of the reasons for the small contributions by the bumiputra and women entrepreneurs was limited funds to support their business activities.
Nineteen companies have participated in the Matrade programmes for the bumiputra and women entrepreneurs from 2008 to 2010, and they have taken part in 106 trade promotion activities to the overseas markets.
Among the companies that have participated in programme are Myvac Technology (M) Sdn Bhd, Noraini Cookies Worlwide Sdn Bhd and Syarikat Hang Tuah Sdn Bhd.
Source : New Straits Times
Date : 28 December 2011
Today's Pick (29/12/228/690)
KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysia External Trade Development Corp (Matrade) plans to increase bumiputra and women entrepreneurs’ contribution to the country’s total exports to more than 20% by 2015.
Deputy chief executive officer Datuk Zakaria Kamarudin said currently, the contribution from both bumiputras and women entrepreneurs was less than 20%.
“We are hoping that the Government, under the 10th Malaysia Plan, would allocate more funds to boost the contribution from these entrepreneurs towards our exports.
“We are targeting 200 new exporters from the two groups by 2015,” he told a press conference prior to graduation ceremony of Matrade’s bumiputra and women entrepreneurs programmes yesterday.
Zakaria said the two programmes to develop more bumiputra and women exporters had an annual fund of RM5mil but Matrade was hopeful that the Government would increase the fund to RM30mil by 2015.
He said one of the reasons for the small contributions by the bumiputra and women entrepreneurs was limited funds to support their business activities.
Nineteen companies have participated in the Matrade programmes for the bumiputra and women entrepreneurs from 2008 to 2010, and they have taken part in 106 trade promotion activities to the overseas markets.
Among the companies that have participated in programme are Myvac Technology (M) Sdn Bhd, Noraini Cookies Worlwide Sdn Bhd and Syarikat Hang Tuah Sdn Bhd.
Source : New Straits Times
Date : 28 December 2011
Today's Pick (29/12/228/690)
Afternoon Highlight (28/12/11/214/472) Cosway sets aside RM10m for new concept stores
Cosway sets aside RM10m for new concept stores
COSWAY Corp Ltd has set aside RM10 million to introduce a new retail concept in Malaysia next month to incorporate pharmacies within its Cosway stores.
It is understood that an existing Cosway store can add a pharmacy within its premises or an existing pharmacy may have a Cosway store.
Alternatively, a new branch that incorporates both can also be set up.
Cosway, Berjaya Group’s direct-selling company, sells its products via its vast nationwide network.
Its products range from health and nutrition to skincare and kitchenware.
Minister of Domestic Trade, Co-operatives and Consumerism Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob officiated at the grand opening of Cosway’s first Free Drugstore here in Japan on Monday.
Also present at the ceremony were Berjaya Corp’s chairman Tan Sri Vincent Tan, Cosway Corp chief executive officer Al Chuah and Cosway Japan president Sean Macdonald.
In a statement released from Japan, the minister praised Cosway for its innovative achievement in creating the world’s first Free Drugstore model.
Of the 2,000 products sold in the shop, more than 400 products are made in Malaysia.
“This is one way to export our products to Japan.
With Cosway, owned by Malaysians, we can actually bring in more Malaysian products into Japan,” he said.
Since pioneering the free store concept in 2007, Cosway has opened almost 2,000 free stores in 14 countries, including Australia, New Zealand, South Korea and the US and the UK.
Currently, Cosway has opened 35 stores in Japan.
Cosway’s free store concept empowers many enterprising individuals with a risk-free, turnkey business opportunity.
They learn business and entrepreneurial skills, while earning a sustainable income without the usual costs and risks associated with traditional business models.
This is because Cosway bears the cost of renovations, equipment, IT systems, rent, utilities and promotion materials and products are supplied on a consignment basis.
Chuah expressed confidence that the new Free Drugstore will contribute to the Japanese economy by generating new jobs, improving consumer spending and creating more entrepreneurs.
Source : New Straits Times
Date : 28 December 2011
Afternoon Highlight (28/12/11/214/472)
COSWAY Corp Ltd has set aside RM10 million to introduce a new retail concept in Malaysia next month to incorporate pharmacies within its Cosway stores.
It is understood that an existing Cosway store can add a pharmacy within its premises or an existing pharmacy may have a Cosway store.
Alternatively, a new branch that incorporates both can also be set up.
Cosway, Berjaya Group’s direct-selling company, sells its products via its vast nationwide network.
Its products range from health and nutrition to skincare and kitchenware.
Minister of Domestic Trade, Co-operatives and Consumerism Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob officiated at the grand opening of Cosway’s first Free Drugstore here in Japan on Monday.
Also present at the ceremony were Berjaya Corp’s chairman Tan Sri Vincent Tan, Cosway Corp chief executive officer Al Chuah and Cosway Japan president Sean Macdonald.
In a statement released from Japan, the minister praised Cosway for its innovative achievement in creating the world’s first Free Drugstore model.
Of the 2,000 products sold in the shop, more than 400 products are made in Malaysia.
“This is one way to export our products to Japan.
With Cosway, owned by Malaysians, we can actually bring in more Malaysian products into Japan,” he said.
Since pioneering the free store concept in 2007, Cosway has opened almost 2,000 free stores in 14 countries, including Australia, New Zealand, South Korea and the US and the UK.
Currently, Cosway has opened 35 stores in Japan.
Cosway’s free store concept empowers many enterprising individuals with a risk-free, turnkey business opportunity.
They learn business and entrepreneurial skills, while earning a sustainable income without the usual costs and risks associated with traditional business models.
This is because Cosway bears the cost of renovations, equipment, IT systems, rent, utilities and promotion materials and products are supplied on a consignment basis.
Chuah expressed confidence that the new Free Drugstore will contribute to the Japanese economy by generating new jobs, improving consumer spending and creating more entrepreneurs.
Source : New Straits Times
Date : 28 December 2011
Afternoon Highlight (28/12/11/214/472)
Today's Pick (28/12/11/227/689) Work on Family Entertainment Centre in Johor progressing well
Work on Family Entertainment Centre in Johor progressing well
KUALA LUMPUR: The Family Entertainment Centre (FEC), a four-storey indoor theme park which will be home to the first Hello Kitty Town in southern Asia, is 80 per cent complete.
Themed Attractions and Resorts Sdn Bhd managing director and chief executive Tunku Ahmad Burhanuddin said work on the FEC is progressing well and it is slated for opening by the end of next year.
“At present, progress for the FEC is well under way and has reached 80 per cent completion. We are looking forward to its opening end of 2012,” Tunku Ahmad said in a statement.
According to the statement, Sanrio Co Ltd top executives recently visited Puteri Harbour, Johor, to view the progress of the FEC, which will house Sanrio’s first Hello Kitty Town in southern Asia.
Besides Hello Kitty Town, FEC will house popular global children’s characters under The Little Big Club, showcasing Thomas and Friends, Barney the Friendly Dinosaur, Bob the Builder, Pingu the Penguin and Angelina Ballerina.“We are proud to bring the Hello Kitty Town experience to Malaysian families in continuing our vision of providing the best family entertainment for both our local and international visitors,” Tunku Ahmad said.
Besides the Hello Kitty character as well as My Melody and Little Twin Stars, Hello Kitty Town offers Hello Kitty merchandises, stage shows, songs and dance as well as the Hello Kitty Tea Party.
It will introduce a unique Malaysian touch with the opening of LAT’s World, conceptualised by popular local cartoonist Lat, and featuring elements of his well-loved cartoon character, Kampung Boy.
The restaurant there will feature authentic Malay cuisine in a “kampung” setting.
Puteri Harbour is a mixed hotel, retail and entertainment complex along the Johor coastline.
The 275.2ha development combines entertainment and culture with the experience of waterfront living and dining in a natural setting.
Source : New Straits Times
Date : 28 December 2011
Today's Pick (28/12/11/227/689)
Afternoon Highlight (27/12/11/213/471) ICT sector expected to spend RM31.5b next year
ICT sector expected to spend RM31.5b next year
MALAYSIA’S information, communications and telecommunications (ICT) sector is expected to spend RM31.5 billion in 2012.This will be a 6.1 per cent expansion over 2011, riding on the region’s recovery from natural disasters and high usage of personal devices such as laptops and smart phones.
In a statement, Cisco managing director for Malaysia Yuri Wahab said amid the looming global uncertainties, ICT sector in Malaysia and the Asia Pacific region is expected to stay upbeat, with the latter’s enterprise ICT spending to grow 8 per cent, exceeding US$367 billion (RM1.2 trillion), next year.
“Last year was a difficult year for our community as we struggled with the economic recovery from the previous years and in our region the wrath of nature in Japan, Thailand and the Philippines,” he added.
Yuri said the focus in the next 12 months would be on personal devices, cloud computing and network security. As a result, 2012 will be a year where decision-makers need to balance innovation with business reality.
He added that by 2013, there will be 566 million knowledge workers around the world, of which half will be from Asia Pacific, which will push businesses to start implementing solutions. In a Cisco survey entitled “Connected World Technology Report 2011” which analyses behaviour and expectations of the world’s next generation of 3,000 workers, one out of three believed the Internet is as important as air, water, food and shelter.
Yuri said the consumerisation of ICT had resulted in a record number of personal devices at the workplace.Three out of four employees own multiple ICT devices and more than half of employees surveyed want access information over corporate network using their home computers and personal mobile devices.Due to this, businesses need to manage these devices on the corporate network, providing secure access and remote control in the case of a device loss.
Source : New Straits Times
Date : 27 December 2011
Afternoon Highlight (27/12/11/213/471)
MALAYSIA’S information, communications and telecommunications (ICT) sector is expected to spend RM31.5 billion in 2012.This will be a 6.1 per cent expansion over 2011, riding on the region’s recovery from natural disasters and high usage of personal devices such as laptops and smart phones.
In a statement, Cisco managing director for Malaysia Yuri Wahab said amid the looming global uncertainties, ICT sector in Malaysia and the Asia Pacific region is expected to stay upbeat, with the latter’s enterprise ICT spending to grow 8 per cent, exceeding US$367 billion (RM1.2 trillion), next year.
“Last year was a difficult year for our community as we struggled with the economic recovery from the previous years and in our region the wrath of nature in Japan, Thailand and the Philippines,” he added.
Yuri said the focus in the next 12 months would be on personal devices, cloud computing and network security. As a result, 2012 will be a year where decision-makers need to balance innovation with business reality.
He added that by 2013, there will be 566 million knowledge workers around the world, of which half will be from Asia Pacific, which will push businesses to start implementing solutions. In a Cisco survey entitled “Connected World Technology Report 2011” which analyses behaviour and expectations of the world’s next generation of 3,000 workers, one out of three believed the Internet is as important as air, water, food and shelter.
Yuri said the consumerisation of ICT had resulted in a record number of personal devices at the workplace.Three out of four employees own multiple ICT devices and more than half of employees surveyed want access information over corporate network using their home computers and personal mobile devices.Due to this, businesses need to manage these devices on the corporate network, providing secure access and remote control in the case of a device loss.
Source : New Straits Times
Date : 27 December 2011
Afternoon Highlight (27/12/11/213/471)
Today's Pick (27/12/11/226/688) Retail sales in Malaysia expected to grow 6pc next year
Retail sales in Malaysia expected to grow 6pc next year
RETAIL sales growth is expected to expand by six per cent in 2012, the slowest growth in three years.
The six per cent increase will ring in sales to the tune of RM86.9 billion.
The expansion this year is 6.5 per cent, representing RM82 billion in retail sales.
The growth takes into account inflation. Inflation in 2011 is likely to be around 3.2 per cent but is expected to ease to below three per cent next year.
Uncertainties in the global economy and the possibility of job losses and fewer increments and jobs would put less money into the consumers’ pockets as confidence level erodes.
This is expected to prompt consumers to look for bargains before they part with their money.
The retail numbers are projected by Retail Group Malaysia (RGM) Sdn Bhd on behalf of Malaysia Retailers Association (MRA) but
does not take into account bulk items like cars and houses.
“The unresolved eurozone debt crisis, the potential double dip recession in the United States and the recent decline in China’s export market will affect the Malaysian economy in 2012,” said RGM managing director Tan Hai Hsin.
He said when export-oriented manufacturing sector slows down due to low external demand, it would affect the local employment market.
“Some Malaysians may be out of jobs next year, many will not get salary increments and graduates will not be able to find jobs. All these will affect retail spending,” he said.
Malaysian consumers will start being cautious about their spending as they will worry about future job prospects.
“They will wait for a sale before they buy. Grocery retailers need to continue to keep prices low in order to attract shoppers to their stores regularly.
“Department stores and fashion retailers need to use discounts and promotions to attract shoppers.” Purchasing power will be further dampened as the costs of retail goods are expected to rise due to increases in raw material and transportation costs.
On a more positive note, 1.2 million government servants were given salary increment and bonuses recently.
A one-off payment of RM500 will also be given out to families with income of less than RM3,000 per month starting from next month. “All these moves will boost retail spending to a certain extent next year,” Tan said.
Source : Business Times
Date : 27 December 2011
Today's Pick (27/12/11/226/688)
RETAIL sales growth is expected to expand by six per cent in 2012, the slowest growth in three years.
The six per cent increase will ring in sales to the tune of RM86.9 billion.
The expansion this year is 6.5 per cent, representing RM82 billion in retail sales.
The growth takes into account inflation. Inflation in 2011 is likely to be around 3.2 per cent but is expected to ease to below three per cent next year.
Uncertainties in the global economy and the possibility of job losses and fewer increments and jobs would put less money into the consumers’ pockets as confidence level erodes.
This is expected to prompt consumers to look for bargains before they part with their money.
The retail numbers are projected by Retail Group Malaysia (RGM) Sdn Bhd on behalf of Malaysia Retailers Association (MRA) but
does not take into account bulk items like cars and houses.
“The unresolved eurozone debt crisis, the potential double dip recession in the United States and the recent decline in China’s export market will affect the Malaysian economy in 2012,” said RGM managing director Tan Hai Hsin.
He said when export-oriented manufacturing sector slows down due to low external demand, it would affect the local employment market.
“Some Malaysians may be out of jobs next year, many will not get salary increments and graduates will not be able to find jobs. All these will affect retail spending,” he said.
Malaysian consumers will start being cautious about their spending as they will worry about future job prospects.
“They will wait for a sale before they buy. Grocery retailers need to continue to keep prices low in order to attract shoppers to their stores regularly.
“Department stores and fashion retailers need to use discounts and promotions to attract shoppers.” Purchasing power will be further dampened as the costs of retail goods are expected to rise due to increases in raw material and transportation costs.
On a more positive note, 1.2 million government servants were given salary increment and bonuses recently.
A one-off payment of RM500 will also be given out to families with income of less than RM3,000 per month starting from next month. “All these moves will boost retail spending to a certain extent next year,” Tan said.
Source : Business Times
Date : 27 December 2011
Today's Pick (27/12/11/226/688)
Afternoon Highlight (23/12/11/212/470) HDC expects slowdown in halal investment
HDC expects slowdown in halal investment
BANDAR ENSTEK: Halal Industry Development Corp (HDC) expects to attract RM1 billion investments from local and foreign investors for all eight halal parks in the country next year.The target is smaller than this year's RM2.4 billion investments due to global economic uncertainties.All the halal parks, which are located throughout the country, has so far attracted a total of RM7.2 billion in investment."We are cautious with the target next year due to the gloomy economic outlook globally, so we expect a slowdown in investment," chief executive officer Datuk Seri Jamil Bidin said.
On the corporatisation of the HDC, Jamil hopes that the HDC Statutory Bill could be tabled in Parliament next year."The draft has been completed and presented to relevant authorities and industry players to ensure that we do not overlap in terms of activities, scope and empowerment," he told reporters after a visit by International Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Seri Mustapa Mohamed to techpark@enstek, Bandar Enstek.
techpark@enstek is the HALMAS status halal park, where players within the park can benefit from HDC incentives.
HDC accorded HALMAS status to halal park operators who complied with the requirements under the HDC Designated Halal Park Development Guidelines.Under the accreditation, the halal operators, industry players and logistic companies can enjoy incentives provided by HDC.
techpark@enstek is managed and developed by TH Properties Sdn Bhd (THP), a subsidiary of Lembaga Tabung Haji.
The halal park is projecting RM80 million investments next year from eight companies involved in various industries which include biotechnology, pharmaceutical and education.
Due to the growing demand for halal industrial parks, THP will be launching the second phase of techpark@enstek next year. This phase will offer 160ha of industrial land with a gross development value of RM200 million.
The first phase of techpark@enstek, spanning 209.6ha, is almost taken up with only about 12ha left for development.Mustapa said the ministry and Malaysian Investment Development Authority need more industrial land with good location and infrastructure to cope with the growing demand from local and international investors.
"techpark@enstek is attractive due to its location, which is near the airport, Putrajaya and Cyberjaya and due the state's (Negri Sembilan) aggressive investment promotion," he added.
Mustapa, Jamil and THP group managing director Datuk Roszali Othman visited three factories yesterday - Coca-Cola Bottlers Sdn Bhd, biotech group Pure Circle Sdn Bhd and NAZ Medical Supplies Sdn Bhd.
Source : New Straits Times
Date : 23 December 2011
Afternoon Highlight (23/12/11/212/470)
BANDAR ENSTEK: Halal Industry Development Corp (HDC) expects to attract RM1 billion investments from local and foreign investors for all eight halal parks in the country next year.The target is smaller than this year's RM2.4 billion investments due to global economic uncertainties.All the halal parks, which are located throughout the country, has so far attracted a total of RM7.2 billion in investment."We are cautious with the target next year due to the gloomy economic outlook globally, so we expect a slowdown in investment," chief executive officer Datuk Seri Jamil Bidin said.
On the corporatisation of the HDC, Jamil hopes that the HDC Statutory Bill could be tabled in Parliament next year."The draft has been completed and presented to relevant authorities and industry players to ensure that we do not overlap in terms of activities, scope and empowerment," he told reporters after a visit by International Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Seri Mustapa Mohamed to techpark@enstek, Bandar Enstek.
techpark@enstek is the HALMAS status halal park, where players within the park can benefit from HDC incentives.
HDC accorded HALMAS status to halal park operators who complied with the requirements under the HDC Designated Halal Park Development Guidelines.Under the accreditation, the halal operators, industry players and logistic companies can enjoy incentives provided by HDC.
techpark@enstek is managed and developed by TH Properties Sdn Bhd (THP), a subsidiary of Lembaga Tabung Haji.
The halal park is projecting RM80 million investments next year from eight companies involved in various industries which include biotechnology, pharmaceutical and education.
Due to the growing demand for halal industrial parks, THP will be launching the second phase of techpark@enstek next year. This phase will offer 160ha of industrial land with a gross development value of RM200 million.
The first phase of techpark@enstek, spanning 209.6ha, is almost taken up with only about 12ha left for development.Mustapa said the ministry and Malaysian Investment Development Authority need more industrial land with good location and infrastructure to cope with the growing demand from local and international investors.
"techpark@enstek is attractive due to its location, which is near the airport, Putrajaya and Cyberjaya and due the state's (Negri Sembilan) aggressive investment promotion," he added.
Mustapa, Jamil and THP group managing director Datuk Roszali Othman visited three factories yesterday - Coca-Cola Bottlers Sdn Bhd, biotech group Pure Circle Sdn Bhd and NAZ Medical Supplies Sdn Bhd.
Source : New Straits Times
Date : 23 December 2011
Afternoon Highlight (23/12/11/212/470)
Afternoon Highlight (23/12/11/226/688) Inflation set to moderate
Inflation set to moderate
PETALING JAYA: Malaysia's inflation rate is expected to moderate in the coming months due to an easing of international commodity prices and a slowdown in growth on the back of the weak global economic conditions, according to HSBC Global Research.
The consumer price index had eased to 3.3% year-on-year in November from 3.4% the prior month, primarily led by a decline in food price inflation.
However, HSBC Global Research noted that inflation remained a bit too high for comfort.
The research unit said the steady core inflation reflected the resilience of domestic demand, which is keeping underlying inflation pressures in place.
“While food inflation has eased, there is still a risk that it could creep up in response to the supply impact as a result of the floods in Thailand and the domestic farmland labour shortages related to the crack-down on illegal foreign workers,” it said
Inflation would need to decline more notably before the central bank would embark on a “mini” easing cycle during the first half of 2012, said HSBC Global Research.
Source : The Star
Date : 23 December 2011
Afternoon Highlight (23/12/11/226/688)
PETALING JAYA: Malaysia's inflation rate is expected to moderate in the coming months due to an easing of international commodity prices and a slowdown in growth on the back of the weak global economic conditions, according to HSBC Global Research.
The consumer price index had eased to 3.3% year-on-year in November from 3.4% the prior month, primarily led by a decline in food price inflation.
However, HSBC Global Research noted that inflation remained a bit too high for comfort.
The research unit said the steady core inflation reflected the resilience of domestic demand, which is keeping underlying inflation pressures in place.
“While food inflation has eased, there is still a risk that it could creep up in response to the supply impact as a result of the floods in Thailand and the domestic farmland labour shortages related to the crack-down on illegal foreign workers,” it said
Inflation would need to decline more notably before the central bank would embark on a “mini” easing cycle during the first half of 2012, said HSBC Global Research.
Source : The Star
Date : 23 December 2011
Afternoon Highlight (23/12/11/226/688)
Afternoon Highlight (22/12/211/469) Financial Sector Blueprint focuses on 9 areas of improvement
Financial Sector Blueprint focuses on 9 areas of improvement
KUALA LUMPUR: The Financial Sector Blueprint will focus on achieving nine areas of improvement, taking into account expected changes in the global and domestic economies and demands on the financial system in the coming decade.
The nine areas include the effective intermediation for a high value-added and high income economy; development of deep and dynamic financial markets; greater shared prosperity through financial inclusion; strengthening regional and international financial integration; internationalisation of Islamic finance; safeguarding the stability of the financial system; achieving greater economic efficiency through electronic payments; empowered consumers and talent development for the financial sector.
Launched yesterday and set for implementation through to 2020, the blueprint has now a strengthened banking sector with increased linkages between various sub-sectors in the financial system to leverage off.
Bank Negara governor Tan Sri Dr Zeti Akhtar Aziz said the blueprint, themed “Strengthening Our Future”, builds on and reinforces the solid foundations that had been achieved in the past decade via the first Financial Sector Masterplan.
“A national consumer credit law and improved arrangements for combating financial crime are also included in the recommendations,” she said, adding that another important agenda was “the migration from paper-based payment to electronic-payments to generate significant economic efficiencies from more expedient, secure and cost-effective means of moving funds”.
With the blueprint, the financial system is expected to expand from the current 4.3 times to six times of gross domestic product (GDP) by 2020. The financial sector contribution to nominal GDP is projected to rise from 8.6% to between 10% and 12% in the same period.
More than half of total financing will continue to increase in prominence, growing at a faster pace to account for 40% of total financing.
Zeti also noted that emerging economies were projected to account for 60% of total world output from the current 40%, even though they would continue to be affected by global developments.
The preceding masterplan, implemented from 2001 to 2011 bolstered an annual growth of 7.3% in the local financial sector.
“The bond market, comprising conventional and sukuk markets, has tripled in size, providing businesses with alternative access to financing solutions including multicurrency to meet a diverse range of risk and maturity preferences,” Zeti said, adding that the establishment of the regulatory and supervisory framework in Islamic finance have positioned the country at the frontier.
“Malaysia has an effective financial safety net that includes a comprehensive deposit insurance system and institutional arrangements that provide avenues for advisory, redress and rehabilitation,” Zeti said of the improvements.
Source : The Star
Date : 22 December 2011
Afternoon Highlight (22/12/211/469)
KUALA LUMPUR: The Financial Sector Blueprint will focus on achieving nine areas of improvement, taking into account expected changes in the global and domestic economies and demands on the financial system in the coming decade.
The nine areas include the effective intermediation for a high value-added and high income economy; development of deep and dynamic financial markets; greater shared prosperity through financial inclusion; strengthening regional and international financial integration; internationalisation of Islamic finance; safeguarding the stability of the financial system; achieving greater economic efficiency through electronic payments; empowered consumers and talent development for the financial sector.
Launched yesterday and set for implementation through to 2020, the blueprint has now a strengthened banking sector with increased linkages between various sub-sectors in the financial system to leverage off.
Bank Negara governor Tan Sri Dr Zeti Akhtar Aziz said the blueprint, themed “Strengthening Our Future”, builds on and reinforces the solid foundations that had been achieved in the past decade via the first Financial Sector Masterplan.
“A national consumer credit law and improved arrangements for combating financial crime are also included in the recommendations,” she said, adding that another important agenda was “the migration from paper-based payment to electronic-payments to generate significant economic efficiencies from more expedient, secure and cost-effective means of moving funds”.
With the blueprint, the financial system is expected to expand from the current 4.3 times to six times of gross domestic product (GDP) by 2020. The financial sector contribution to nominal GDP is projected to rise from 8.6% to between 10% and 12% in the same period.
More than half of total financing will continue to increase in prominence, growing at a faster pace to account for 40% of total financing.
Zeti also noted that emerging economies were projected to account for 60% of total world output from the current 40%, even though they would continue to be affected by global developments.
The preceding masterplan, implemented from 2001 to 2011 bolstered an annual growth of 7.3% in the local financial sector.
“The bond market, comprising conventional and sukuk markets, has tripled in size, providing businesses with alternative access to financing solutions including multicurrency to meet a diverse range of risk and maturity preferences,” Zeti said, adding that the establishment of the regulatory and supervisory framework in Islamic finance have positioned the country at the frontier.
“Malaysia has an effective financial safety net that includes a comprehensive deposit insurance system and institutional arrangements that provide avenues for advisory, redress and rehabilitation,” Zeti said of the improvements.
Source : The Star
Date : 22 December 2011
Afternoon Highlight (22/12/211/469)
Today's Pick (22/12/11/225/687) A big leap in warehouse management
A big leap in warehouse management
WAREHOUSE is the core of supply chain which become more global to manage logistics and distribution centers.
Large numbers of warehouse companies practise multi-site distribution and experience real challenges in productivity and profitability.
"This requires core competency. Traditional warehousing is not able to control location efficiently, item tracking, discrepancies, inventory losses, order fulfillment and many more," said Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM) Associate Professor Hatim Mohamad Tahir.
Together with team members Mohamad Amir Abu Seman and Mohammad Nuruzzaman, from UUM's School of Computing, College of Arts and Sciences, the researchers came up with a solution called "Real-Time Warehouse Management System with Radio Frequency Technology Operation", or e-GUDANG.
"e-GUDANG is a real-time warehouse management system with radio frequency and bar code technology.
"It is an organised solution with software and communications devices that enables fewer people to do many tasks with better information. Goods stored in a way that is easy to organise without taking too much space, quick orders fulfilled with minimum labour and fuel cost," Hatim explained.
He said e-GUDANG also helps to control inventory in real time, reduce aging stock and real-time reporting.
"The warehouse is the core of the supply chain management operation. All day long, materials are moving in and out of this central business area.
"Large numbers of warehouse companies currently practise multi-site distribution and experiencing real challenges in this area impacting productivity and profitability," he said.
Hatim said this required core competency. Efficiency of warehouse processes is the key to business metrics - affecting the number of orders to shipped, inventory availability and customer service levels.
It becomes more and more complex and competitive with profits pressured by rising labour and fuel costs, offshore manufacturing and difficulties associated with managing global supply chain.
Hatim said the traditional warehouse is not able to control location efficiently, inventory losses, item tracking and discrepancy, order fulfillment and products lifeless inside inventory.
He said the traditional reaction to new and changing customer demands has been "thrown warehouse people at the problem."
"Today, we plan to develop an organised flexible facilities with software and communications devices that enable fewer people to do many more, diverse tasks with better information, goods stored in a way that is organised and efficient without taking up too much space," he said.
In addition, the facilities can perform fast and accurate orders fulfillment with minimum labour cost.
The other part of the equation is improving the administration to provide a payoff for their increased effectiveness with real-time warehouse reporting.
"Our aim is to provide customer with a high level of commitment and impeccable services through sourcing of products for them and better invoices according to their logistics and support needs," Hatim said.
Source : New Straits Times
Date : 22 December 2011
Today's Pick (22/12/11/225/687)
WAREHOUSE is the core of supply chain which become more global to manage logistics and distribution centers.
Large numbers of warehouse companies practise multi-site distribution and experience real challenges in productivity and profitability.
"This requires core competency. Traditional warehousing is not able to control location efficiently, item tracking, discrepancies, inventory losses, order fulfillment and many more," said Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM) Associate Professor Hatim Mohamad Tahir.
Together with team members Mohamad Amir Abu Seman and Mohammad Nuruzzaman, from UUM's School of Computing, College of Arts and Sciences, the researchers came up with a solution called "Real-Time Warehouse Management System with Radio Frequency Technology Operation", or e-GUDANG.
"e-GUDANG is a real-time warehouse management system with radio frequency and bar code technology.
"It is an organised solution with software and communications devices that enables fewer people to do many tasks with better information. Goods stored in a way that is easy to organise without taking too much space, quick orders fulfilled with minimum labour and fuel cost," Hatim explained.
He said e-GUDANG also helps to control inventory in real time, reduce aging stock and real-time reporting.
"The warehouse is the core of the supply chain management operation. All day long, materials are moving in and out of this central business area.
"Large numbers of warehouse companies currently practise multi-site distribution and experiencing real challenges in this area impacting productivity and profitability," he said.
Hatim said this required core competency. Efficiency of warehouse processes is the key to business metrics - affecting the number of orders to shipped, inventory availability and customer service levels.
It becomes more and more complex and competitive with profits pressured by rising labour and fuel costs, offshore manufacturing and difficulties associated with managing global supply chain.
Hatim said the traditional warehouse is not able to control location efficiently, inventory losses, item tracking and discrepancy, order fulfillment and products lifeless inside inventory.
He said the traditional reaction to new and changing customer demands has been "thrown warehouse people at the problem."
"Today, we plan to develop an organised flexible facilities with software and communications devices that enable fewer people to do many more, diverse tasks with better information, goods stored in a way that is organised and efficient without taking up too much space," he said.
In addition, the facilities can perform fast and accurate orders fulfillment with minimum labour cost.
The other part of the equation is improving the administration to provide a payoff for their increased effectiveness with real-time warehouse reporting.
"Our aim is to provide customer with a high level of commitment and impeccable services through sourcing of products for them and better invoices according to their logistics and support needs," Hatim said.
Source : New Straits Times
Date : 22 December 2011
Today's Pick (22/12/11/225/687)
Afternoon Highlights (21/12/11/210/468) Services sector is new engine of growth
Services sector is new engine of growth
THE services sector is overtaking manufacturing as the main contributor to economic growth. This will have vast implications on where people are going to find work and what skills they will need to get employed.
The government's growth target is very clear: To become a developed nation by 2020. Using a World Bank definition, that means having a per capita income of RM49,500 (US$15,000) by the end of the decade. The per capita income level in 2010 was RM23,100 (US$7,000).
This is an ambitious target and requires gross domestic product (GDP) growth of at least 7 per cent per year.
Historically, the country's growth had been led by manufacturing. But when the government reviewed its economic policy last year, it realised that this may not be the case for much longer.
For two reasons. In developed economies, the services sector is usually the biggest contributor to economic output.
Last year, services contributed to 77 per cent of the US's GDP; 71 per cent of Germany's; 74 per cent of Japan's; 63 per cent of Singapore's and 92 per cent of Hong Kong's. In Malaysia, the figure was 58 per cent. This means there is plenty of room for the services sector to grow as the nation's economy becomes more developed.
The second reason is more prosaic. Increasingly, many of Malaysia's traditional competitive advantages in manufacturing - such as our low cost and the availability of skilled workers - are being matched by many emerging economies.
The solution for us is to migrate to higher value-added and more technology and capital-intensive industries. That is happening, but will take time.
Meanwhile, new sources of growth will have to be found and the government has targeted the services sector to drive future growth. It is projecting that the sector's share (inclusive of government services) of GDP will grow to 67.3 per cent by 2020.
The government envisages that this growth will take place across the board, especially in oil and gas, construction, business and professional services, education and training, ICT, healthcare and tourism sectors.
Particular attention will be given to the development of so-called "backbone services". These are the ones that contribute important inputs for the production and export of other services. Think software tools that we use to manage our airports; or the digital networks that enable us to use our handsets.
To accelerate growth of the services industry, the government has opened up a number of important services sub-sectors to foreign participation. Allowing foreigners to own businesses here or in partnership with locals can help to upgrade the skills of Malaysians and also assist them to establish business links overseas.
Some of the liberalisation measures undertaken also meet obligations the country has signed up to under various trade agreements.
Upon joining the World Trade Organisation in 1995, for example, we committed ourselves to liberalising a wide range of sectors in the services industry. Currently, we are in the Doha Round and once the round is concluded we would have liberalised 11 out of 12 major sectors.
Our Asean commitments have also required us to progressively open up our domestic services market to participation from other Asean countries.
The targets and timelines we follow are according to the blueprint mapped out to establish the Asean Economic Community by 2015. To date, we have made liberalisation commitments in 96 services sub-sectors.
The government has also acted unilaterally to accelerate the pace of services liberalisation. In April 2009, 27 services sub-sectors were opened up.
More substantive moves were announced in Parliament recently in the Prime Minister's budget speech. An additional 17 sub-sectors will be opened up to foreign ownership in 2012. These changes allow foreigners to own up to 100 per cent of their local business. (See table)
The government has conducted extensive consultations with public and private stakeholders. Additionally, Ministry of International Trade and Industry is preparing a roadmap on the implementation of the liberalisation of the services sector.
And for the first time, higher foreign equity participation in service areas, such as architecture, engineering, taxation and accounting services will be allowed.
How is all this going to work out?
An overseeing body, known as the Malaysia Services Development Council (MSDC), has been set up to monitor and coordinate the work of ministries implementing the liberalisation programme.
The MSDC will review rules and regulations that impede the growth of the industry and assist local players, mostly SMEs, to develop and export their services.
The export potential of our services sector should not be underestimated. Last year, our services exports totalled a massive RM105 billion.
Tourism is a significant contributor to this total. In 2010, 24.6 million tourists visited Malaysia, bringing in receipts amounting to RM56.5 billion. If we can attract more tourists from China, Europe and the Middle East, tourism's contribution to GDP will grow.
Last year, our construction sector contributed exports valued at RM3.44 billion. The Middle East has been a favoured destination for Malaysian construction companies, and over the past few years, seven leading Malaysian companies have undertaken projects in Saudi Arabia, Sudan, Qatar, the UAE, Bahrain, Syria and also Oman, Yemen, Morocco and Yemen.
We also expect that medical tourism will become an expanding industry in the years to come will have spillover effects on other sectors of the economy.
Our Islamic financial sector, too, is well developed and should continue to attract investors. Overall, we now have in place various initiatives to accelerate the pace of development of the services sector. Mida is working hard to bring in foreign investment in this sector while Matrade is helping our companies to export their services in selected industries.
Locally, our own companies must take better advantage of the opportunities that are emerging in key services sectors of our economy as we roll out our Economic Transformation Programme.
If we can keep this pace up and stay focussed, I am confident we can meet the growth targets we have set for ourselves. - by Datuk Seri Mustapa Mohamed, Minister of International Trade and Industry.
Source : New Straits Times
Date : 20 December 2012
Afternoon Highlights (21/12/11/210/468)
THE services sector is overtaking manufacturing as the main contributor to economic growth. This will have vast implications on where people are going to find work and what skills they will need to get employed.
The government's growth target is very clear: To become a developed nation by 2020. Using a World Bank definition, that means having a per capita income of RM49,500 (US$15,000) by the end of the decade. The per capita income level in 2010 was RM23,100 (US$7,000).
This is an ambitious target and requires gross domestic product (GDP) growth of at least 7 per cent per year.
Historically, the country's growth had been led by manufacturing. But when the government reviewed its economic policy last year, it realised that this may not be the case for much longer.
For two reasons. In developed economies, the services sector is usually the biggest contributor to economic output.
Last year, services contributed to 77 per cent of the US's GDP; 71 per cent of Germany's; 74 per cent of Japan's; 63 per cent of Singapore's and 92 per cent of Hong Kong's. In Malaysia, the figure was 58 per cent. This means there is plenty of room for the services sector to grow as the nation's economy becomes more developed.
The second reason is more prosaic. Increasingly, many of Malaysia's traditional competitive advantages in manufacturing - such as our low cost and the availability of skilled workers - are being matched by many emerging economies.
The solution for us is to migrate to higher value-added and more technology and capital-intensive industries. That is happening, but will take time.
Meanwhile, new sources of growth will have to be found and the government has targeted the services sector to drive future growth. It is projecting that the sector's share (inclusive of government services) of GDP will grow to 67.3 per cent by 2020.
The government envisages that this growth will take place across the board, especially in oil and gas, construction, business and professional services, education and training, ICT, healthcare and tourism sectors.
Particular attention will be given to the development of so-called "backbone services". These are the ones that contribute important inputs for the production and export of other services. Think software tools that we use to manage our airports; or the digital networks that enable us to use our handsets.
To accelerate growth of the services industry, the government has opened up a number of important services sub-sectors to foreign participation. Allowing foreigners to own businesses here or in partnership with locals can help to upgrade the skills of Malaysians and also assist them to establish business links overseas.
Some of the liberalisation measures undertaken also meet obligations the country has signed up to under various trade agreements.
Upon joining the World Trade Organisation in 1995, for example, we committed ourselves to liberalising a wide range of sectors in the services industry. Currently, we are in the Doha Round and once the round is concluded we would have liberalised 11 out of 12 major sectors.
Our Asean commitments have also required us to progressively open up our domestic services market to participation from other Asean countries.
The targets and timelines we follow are according to the blueprint mapped out to establish the Asean Economic Community by 2015. To date, we have made liberalisation commitments in 96 services sub-sectors.
The government has also acted unilaterally to accelerate the pace of services liberalisation. In April 2009, 27 services sub-sectors were opened up.
More substantive moves were announced in Parliament recently in the Prime Minister's budget speech. An additional 17 sub-sectors will be opened up to foreign ownership in 2012. These changes allow foreigners to own up to 100 per cent of their local business. (See table)
The government has conducted extensive consultations with public and private stakeholders. Additionally, Ministry of International Trade and Industry is preparing a roadmap on the implementation of the liberalisation of the services sector.
And for the first time, higher foreign equity participation in service areas, such as architecture, engineering, taxation and accounting services will be allowed.
How is all this going to work out?
An overseeing body, known as the Malaysia Services Development Council (MSDC), has been set up to monitor and coordinate the work of ministries implementing the liberalisation programme.
The MSDC will review rules and regulations that impede the growth of the industry and assist local players, mostly SMEs, to develop and export their services.
The export potential of our services sector should not be underestimated. Last year, our services exports totalled a massive RM105 billion.
Tourism is a significant contributor to this total. In 2010, 24.6 million tourists visited Malaysia, bringing in receipts amounting to RM56.5 billion. If we can attract more tourists from China, Europe and the Middle East, tourism's contribution to GDP will grow.
Last year, our construction sector contributed exports valued at RM3.44 billion. The Middle East has been a favoured destination for Malaysian construction companies, and over the past few years, seven leading Malaysian companies have undertaken projects in Saudi Arabia, Sudan, Qatar, the UAE, Bahrain, Syria and also Oman, Yemen, Morocco and Yemen.
We also expect that medical tourism will become an expanding industry in the years to come will have spillover effects on other sectors of the economy.
Our Islamic financial sector, too, is well developed and should continue to attract investors. Overall, we now have in place various initiatives to accelerate the pace of development of the services sector. Mida is working hard to bring in foreign investment in this sector while Matrade is helping our companies to export their services in selected industries.
Locally, our own companies must take better advantage of the opportunities that are emerging in key services sectors of our economy as we roll out our Economic Transformation Programme.
If we can keep this pace up and stay focussed, I am confident we can meet the growth targets we have set for ourselves. - by Datuk Seri Mustapa Mohamed, Minister of International Trade and Industry.
Source : New Straits Times
Date : 20 December 2012
Afternoon Highlights (21/12/11/210/468)
Today's Pick (21/12/11/224/686) Al-Ikhsan to set aside RM40m for 12 new stores
Al-Ikhsan to set aside RM40m for 12 new stores
SPORTS goods retailer Al-Ikhsan Sports Sdn Bhd aims to open 12 new outlets with an investment of RM40 million in the first half of next year to improve its earnings.
The company, set up in 1993, is targeting to achieve RM300 million in sales in 2012 and RM500 million in 2015.
"We are quite bullish on the outlook, hence we are planning to open 100 new stores from now until 2015," acting country manager Yuremi Mohd Nor said last week at the opening of the company's 100th outlet in Malaysia in Bukit Bintang Plaza, Kuala Lumpur.
For fiscal 2011, the firm anticipates RM215 million in sales, he said.
Yuremi said Al-Ikhsan will be using its internally generated funds for the expansion.
Al-Ikhsan carries multi-brand concepts such as Nike, Adidas, Puma, Lotto, Umbro and Reebok.
Its existing 100 stores are segmented into four categories - flagship, which carries the highest grade or branded products; urban for the medium income group; rural with products priced below average; and factory outlets.
"We went through a series of transformation in the last six months and came up with a strategy to make available sporting goods for all income groups and it has augured well for us," he said.
On overseas expansion, Yuremi said Al-Ikhsan has been invited by several retailers including Jusco, to set up shop overseas but there is currently nothing on the table.
"We do have intentions to go overseas. Vietnam is on our radar. It is an emerging market which nobody wants to miss, but our current focus is to expand in Malaysia first," he said.
Yuremi said the company has a close working relationship with Jusco. "If need be, we will go where they are currently," he added.
On plans to list Al-Ikhsan, Yuremi said the company's founder, Ali Hassan Mohd Hassan, has no intention to float the company's shares at the moment.
Source : New Straits Times
Date : 20 December 2011
Today's Pick (21/12/11/224/686)
SPORTS goods retailer Al-Ikhsan Sports Sdn Bhd aims to open 12 new outlets with an investment of RM40 million in the first half of next year to improve its earnings.
The company, set up in 1993, is targeting to achieve RM300 million in sales in 2012 and RM500 million in 2015.
"We are quite bullish on the outlook, hence we are planning to open 100 new stores from now until 2015," acting country manager Yuremi Mohd Nor said last week at the opening of the company's 100th outlet in Malaysia in Bukit Bintang Plaza, Kuala Lumpur.
For fiscal 2011, the firm anticipates RM215 million in sales, he said.
Yuremi said Al-Ikhsan will be using its internally generated funds for the expansion.
Al-Ikhsan carries multi-brand concepts such as Nike, Adidas, Puma, Lotto, Umbro and Reebok.
Its existing 100 stores are segmented into four categories - flagship, which carries the highest grade or branded products; urban for the medium income group; rural with products priced below average; and factory outlets.
"We went through a series of transformation in the last six months and came up with a strategy to make available sporting goods for all income groups and it has augured well for us," he said.
On overseas expansion, Yuremi said Al-Ikhsan has been invited by several retailers including Jusco, to set up shop overseas but there is currently nothing on the table.
"We do have intentions to go overseas. Vietnam is on our radar. It is an emerging market which nobody wants to miss, but our current focus is to expand in Malaysia first," he said.
Yuremi said the company has a close working relationship with Jusco. "If need be, we will go where they are currently," he added.
On plans to list Al-Ikhsan, Yuremi said the company's founder, Ali Hassan Mohd Hassan, has no intention to float the company's shares at the moment.
Source : New Straits Times
Date : 20 December 2011
Today's Pick (21/12/11/224/686)
Afternooon Highlight (20/12/11/209/467) SME Bank to focus on loans for NKEA jobs, i-Programme
SME Bank to focus on loans for NKEA jobs, i-Programme
KUALA LUMPUR: SME Bank aims to disburse close to RM1 billion in loans to small- and medium-scale enterprises (SMEs) next year despite forecasts of a weaker economic environment.
Its managing director, Datuk Mohd Radzif Mohd Yunus, said loan disbursements will focus on projects under the National Key Economic Areas (NKEAs) and three financing packages under SME Bank's i-Programme.
"We plan to raise RM3 billion of sukuk in the next three years to fund the SMEs," he said at the launch of the i-Programme by SME called, "i-Surf", "i-Reach" and "i-Splash" at Plaza Sentral here yesterday.
Mohd Radzif said to date, since its inception six years ago, the bank has RM4.4 billion of loans.
Deputy International Trade and Industry Minister, Datuk Mukhriz Mahathir, who was present at the launch, said SMEs will be showing better growth than bigger companies next year despite talk of an economic downturn.
"Next year, SMEs are expected to grow by 7.5 per cent and they have been keeping to that momentum for the last two three years.
"Ironically the bigger companies grow in the same pace of GDP (gross domestic product), which would be 5.3 per cent next year and lower than the SMEs," he said.
However, Mukhriz reiterated that SME companies will not be having difficulties obtaining loans or other sort of assistance from the government but said that there may be in for a challenge or two in the coming year.
Mukhriz had earlier launched i-Surf - financing scheme for SME Bank's existing clients with good repayment record; i-Reach - contract financing for the construction sector; and i-Splash - supply contracts financing.
Meanwhile, Mohd Radzif said SME Bank also plans to expand its branch network from 19 to 22 by opening a branch each in Batu Pahat, Kajang and Klang.
"We also plan mini branches in Sungai Petani, Kemaman, Rawang, Pasir Gudang, Lahad Datu, Bintulu and Sandakan," he said, adding that the bank will spend a total of RM1.5 million to set up these branches. By June Ramlee
Source : New Straits Times
Date : 20 December 2011
Afternooon Highlight (20/12/11/209/467)
KUALA LUMPUR: SME Bank aims to disburse close to RM1 billion in loans to small- and medium-scale enterprises (SMEs) next year despite forecasts of a weaker economic environment.
Its managing director, Datuk Mohd Radzif Mohd Yunus, said loan disbursements will focus on projects under the National Key Economic Areas (NKEAs) and three financing packages under SME Bank's i-Programme.
"We plan to raise RM3 billion of sukuk in the next three years to fund the SMEs," he said at the launch of the i-Programme by SME called, "i-Surf", "i-Reach" and "i-Splash" at Plaza Sentral here yesterday.
Mohd Radzif said to date, since its inception six years ago, the bank has RM4.4 billion of loans.
Deputy International Trade and Industry Minister, Datuk Mukhriz Mahathir, who was present at the launch, said SMEs will be showing better growth than bigger companies next year despite talk of an economic downturn.
"Next year, SMEs are expected to grow by 7.5 per cent and they have been keeping to that momentum for the last two three years.
"Ironically the bigger companies grow in the same pace of GDP (gross domestic product), which would be 5.3 per cent next year and lower than the SMEs," he said.
However, Mukhriz reiterated that SME companies will not be having difficulties obtaining loans or other sort of assistance from the government but said that there may be in for a challenge or two in the coming year.
Mukhriz had earlier launched i-Surf - financing scheme for SME Bank's existing clients with good repayment record; i-Reach - contract financing for the construction sector; and i-Splash - supply contracts financing.
Meanwhile, Mohd Radzif said SME Bank also plans to expand its branch network from 19 to 22 by opening a branch each in Batu Pahat, Kajang and Klang.
"We also plan mini branches in Sungai Petani, Kemaman, Rawang, Pasir Gudang, Lahad Datu, Bintulu and Sandakan," he said, adding that the bank will spend a total of RM1.5 million to set up these branches. By June Ramlee
Source : New Straits Times
Date : 20 December 2011
Afternooon Highlight (20/12/11/209/467)
Today's Pick (20/12/11/223/685) Motosikal elektrik dijual bulan depan
Motosikal elektrik dijual bulan depan
Eclimo juga akan masuki pasaran Eropah Jun
MOTOSIKAL elektrik keluaran Eclimo Sdn Bhd (Eclimo) yang berpangkalan di Pulau Pinang akan berada di pasaran tempatan pada akhir bulan depan, sebelum memasuki pasaran Eropah pada Jun 2012.
Model pertama motosikal jenis skuter jenama Eclimo adalah ES11 yang mempunyai kapasiti 125 cc dan digerakkan menggunakan bateri ion litium.
Pengerusi Eksekutifnya, Datuk Dennis Chuah, berkata pihaknya menyasar untuk menjual sehingga 20,000 unit tahun depan iaitu penguasaan empat peratus pasaran motosikal tempatan.
Sehubungan itu, syarikat itu menjalin kerjasama dengan Dewan Perniagaan Melayu Malaysia (DPMM) dengan membentuk satu program keusahawanan untuk pengedar motosikal jenama Eclimo.
Menerusi kerjasama itu, syarikat berkenaan melantik Nexus Technopreneur Sdn Bhd sebagai ‘Peniaga Utama’ Eclimo.
Syarikat itu dan DPMM juga akan membangunkan 10 peruncit Bumiputera yang akan menjual, menyediakan perkhidmatan dan aksesori untuk pemilik motosikal Eclimo pada tahun depan.
“Dengan pelaksanaan program ini, kami percaya setiap peruncit akan memperoleh sekurang-kurangnya RM800,000 setahun dan ini akan memberi sinar baru dalam industri automotif elektrik,” katanya.
Beliau berkata demikian selepas majlis memeterai perjanjian pelantikan Nexus Technopreneur Sdn Bhd sebagai ‘Peniaga Utama’ Eclimo, yang disaksikan Menteri di Jabatan Perdana Menteri, Tan Sri Nor Mohamed Yakcop di Georgetown, baru-baru ini.
Pada majlis itu, Eclimo dan Nexus Technopreneur Sdn Bhd, diwakili oleh pengarah urusan masing-masing, Liew Chung Pang dan Amilka Nazim.
Model Eclimo ES 11 boleh dicaj penuh dalam tempoh tiga setengah jam dengan jarak perjalanan sejauh 100 kilometer. Kelajuan maksimum skuter dilengkapkan dengan bateri ion litium adalah 100 kilometer sejam.
Bagi meringankan pembeli, Eclimo bekerjasama dengan Hong Leong dan Mastercard International menyediakan skim bayaran mudah. Pembeli hanya perlu membayar pendahuluan RM100 dan bayaran ansuran RM199 sebulan selama 60 bulan.
Eclimo juga menawarkan jaminan lima tahun bagi alat ganti dan kos buruh dan servis percuma empat kali setahun sepanjang tempoh jaminan.
Dennis berkata, model ES11 akan dikeluarkan di kilang di Pulau Pinang tetapi jika permintaan mencecah 40,000 unit, pihaknya akan bekerjasama dengan Kumpulan NAZA untuk memasang di Shah Alam, Selangor.
Mengenai pasaran antarabangsa, beliau berkata, skuter itu juga akan dieksport ke Itali dan Jepun.
"Sebagai permulaan, kami akan mengeksport beberapa ribu unit ke Itali pada pertengahan tahun depan," katanya.
Eclimo ditubuhkan pada Jun 2008 adalah syarikat tempatan yang terbabit dalam penyelidikan dan pembangunan (R&D) bidang teknologi kuasa mesra alam, terutama untuk sektor pengangkutan.
Source : Berita Harian
Date : 19 December 2011
Today's Pick (20/12/11/223/685)
Eclimo juga akan masuki pasaran Eropah Jun
MOTOSIKAL elektrik keluaran Eclimo Sdn Bhd (Eclimo) yang berpangkalan di Pulau Pinang akan berada di pasaran tempatan pada akhir bulan depan, sebelum memasuki pasaran Eropah pada Jun 2012.
Model pertama motosikal jenis skuter jenama Eclimo adalah ES11 yang mempunyai kapasiti 125 cc dan digerakkan menggunakan bateri ion litium.
Pengerusi Eksekutifnya, Datuk Dennis Chuah, berkata pihaknya menyasar untuk menjual sehingga 20,000 unit tahun depan iaitu penguasaan empat peratus pasaran motosikal tempatan.
Sehubungan itu, syarikat itu menjalin kerjasama dengan Dewan Perniagaan Melayu Malaysia (DPMM) dengan membentuk satu program keusahawanan untuk pengedar motosikal jenama Eclimo.
Menerusi kerjasama itu, syarikat berkenaan melantik Nexus Technopreneur Sdn Bhd sebagai ‘Peniaga Utama’ Eclimo.
Syarikat itu dan DPMM juga akan membangunkan 10 peruncit Bumiputera yang akan menjual, menyediakan perkhidmatan dan aksesori untuk pemilik motosikal Eclimo pada tahun depan.
“Dengan pelaksanaan program ini, kami percaya setiap peruncit akan memperoleh sekurang-kurangnya RM800,000 setahun dan ini akan memberi sinar baru dalam industri automotif elektrik,” katanya.
Beliau berkata demikian selepas majlis memeterai perjanjian pelantikan Nexus Technopreneur Sdn Bhd sebagai ‘Peniaga Utama’ Eclimo, yang disaksikan Menteri di Jabatan Perdana Menteri, Tan Sri Nor Mohamed Yakcop di Georgetown, baru-baru ini.
Pada majlis itu, Eclimo dan Nexus Technopreneur Sdn Bhd, diwakili oleh pengarah urusan masing-masing, Liew Chung Pang dan Amilka Nazim.
Model Eclimo ES 11 boleh dicaj penuh dalam tempoh tiga setengah jam dengan jarak perjalanan sejauh 100 kilometer. Kelajuan maksimum skuter dilengkapkan dengan bateri ion litium adalah 100 kilometer sejam.
Bagi meringankan pembeli, Eclimo bekerjasama dengan Hong Leong dan Mastercard International menyediakan skim bayaran mudah. Pembeli hanya perlu membayar pendahuluan RM100 dan bayaran ansuran RM199 sebulan selama 60 bulan.
Eclimo juga menawarkan jaminan lima tahun bagi alat ganti dan kos buruh dan servis percuma empat kali setahun sepanjang tempoh jaminan.
Dennis berkata, model ES11 akan dikeluarkan di kilang di Pulau Pinang tetapi jika permintaan mencecah 40,000 unit, pihaknya akan bekerjasama dengan Kumpulan NAZA untuk memasang di Shah Alam, Selangor.
Mengenai pasaran antarabangsa, beliau berkata, skuter itu juga akan dieksport ke Itali dan Jepun.
"Sebagai permulaan, kami akan mengeksport beberapa ribu unit ke Itali pada pertengahan tahun depan," katanya.
Eclimo ditubuhkan pada Jun 2008 adalah syarikat tempatan yang terbabit dalam penyelidikan dan pembangunan (R&D) bidang teknologi kuasa mesra alam, terutama untuk sektor pengangkutan.
Source : Berita Harian
Date : 19 December 2011
Today's Pick (20/12/11/223/685)
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