Economic benefits of MAFTA still strong but Slowing

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November 9, 2017

Action needed to get back on track says Connect Malaysia’s Joe Perri

Monday November 6, 2017. The post implementation economic benefits and fundamentals that underpinned the Malaysia Australia Free Trade Agreement (MAFTA) that became effective January 2013 are still very strong and will continue to be the basis for the long term bilateral trade relationship said Connect Malaysia’s principal consultant Mr. Joe Perri.

Commenting further, Mr. Perri said although the 5-year trend of Australian exports to Malaysia to 2016 is 3%, the -7.4% ‘softening’ between 2015 to 2016 should be a concern for the Australian government to address at next year’s Joint Trade Committee (JTC) ministerial meeting to be hosted by Malaysia.

Reflecting Australia’s situation, Malaysia exports to Australia over the 5 years to 2016 were a positive 2.2%, but also mirrored an equally substantial downturn of -8.3% between 2015 to 2016.

For both Malaysia and Australia, trade figures peaked the year following MAFTA and last year were in fact below 2013 levels – see table below

Australia’s Goods Exports to Malaysia 2011 to 2016

2011 $A13,046M 2012 $A14,717M 2013 $A15,069M

2014 $A17,394M 2015 $A15,997M 2016 $A14,807M

Malaysia’s Goods Exports to Australia 2011 to 2016

2011 $A8,555M 2012 $A9,641M 2013 $A9,508M

2014 $A11,299M 2015 $A10,163M 2016 $A9,315M

(source, Department of Foreign Affairs & Trade)

FTAs invariably attract negative media commentary and often the damage is self-inflicted by governments as the expectations and benefits (many of which will be only be realised over the long-term) are promoted loudly in an era of instant gratification.

Although there will be a myriad of reasons both governments will use to explain the 2015 – 2016 downturn, Mr. Perri points to one significant cause being the financial squeeze on the very limited resources, marketing and promotional budgets of Australia and Malaysia’s international trade agencies.

“FTAs only have a brief moment in the spotlight with much political fanfare and rhetoric supported by large scale trade missions before the two partners detach themselves and turn their attention to the next agreement waiting in the wings – at which point the hype will start all over again”, said Mr. Perri.

Unfortunately, the all-important missing link is the post launch marketing that is often left up to the under resourced, volunteer based business councils / chambers of commerce to fulfil the task of ongoing FTA promotion.

Many will argue that while governments and business associations can only do so much to promote the benefits of FTAs as facilitators of bilateral trade – ultimately, it’s up to businesses themselves to use the enabling factors of the FTAs to obtain commercial outcomes.

MAFTA was a natural and inevitable progression and reflection of the longstanding close relationship enjoyed by Australia and Malaysia.

Those all-important columns of strength being Malaysia’s pro-business infrastructure, growing affluence of the nation’s people, ease of access, strategic geographical position and Westminster based legal and political system – all combined to act as a beacon attracting Australian companies.

Similarly, Australia’s position as one of the world’s top ten most affluent economies has seen significant investment from Malaysia in the country’s constr

uction/property sector and imports of food, electronics and petroleum products. Interestingly, the current building boom has resulted in Australia being Malaysia’s fourth l

argest international export market for furniture.

Mr. Perri concluded, “The JTC has achieved much in the past with MAFTA being the undeniable ‘jewel in the crown’. Next year’s JTC should be seen as an opportunity for businesses and governments to share information and experiences gathered to date in order to improve the FTA and reinvigorate exports to post MAFTA highs.

“Furthermore, it provides a platform to reassess the JTC’s relevance, format and structure for 2018 and beyond”.

Issued by Connect Malaysia
www.connectmalaysia.com.au

Connect Malaysia was established in 2015 to assist Australian and Malaysian SMEs to connect and engage in international commercial and bilateral trade activities. Guided by principal consultant Mr Joe Perri, Connect Malaysia has quickly established itself as the ‘go to organisation’ for businesses seeking to find a JV partner or explore export/commercial opportunities in Malaysia.

iSee Taiwan Foundation and the Sayling Wen Cultural & Educational Foundation Creates a 21 Global Design Organizational Network

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News Hub Asia Reporter

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November 2, 2017

Innovation and Leadership, are the most significant factors for the future development of societies. Under the banner “Innovative Leadership x iSee Future”, the iSee Taiwan Foundation and the Sayling Wen Cultural and Educational Foundation are again jointly sponsoring the Taiwan International Student Design Competition (TISDC) this year as well as organizing the TISDC-affiliated Global Talent Design Festival (GTDF). In addition to inviting leading international design professionals to Taiwan for discussions, the 2017 TISDC will welcome representatives from 21 national design organizations in the United States, France, Germany, Japan, and other countries across 5 continents to Taiwan to establish a mutual solidarity and a global platform for design-related cooperation and knowledge-sharing. The GTDF is increasingly a global stage for promoting top design talents both from Taiwan and elsewhere, in addition to “passing the torch” of design innovation to a new generation of talented, ambitious young professionals. No wonder it is being heralded as this year’s “grand gathering” of the design world.

Continued sponsorship of the TISDC by the iSee Taiwan Foundation and the Sayling Wen Cultural and Educational Foundation has made this year’s event bigger and better than ever. TISDC has accepted 18,932 entries from 910 departments and institutes of design in 71 countries and regions worldwide. All will compete for the NT$4.8 million in total cash prizes on offer. The GTDF will subsequently keep the momentum going in late November with a series of activities held under the theme “Innovative Leadership x iSee Future”.

Innovative Leadership – Top Global Design Professionals Converge on Taiwan, Set Sights on Exciting New Possibilities

Hoping to further boost Taiwan’s influence on the global design stage, the two sponsor foundations, which have long promoted local culture and substantive talent-training initiatives in Taiwan, have planned a series of constructive activities for this year’s Global Talent Design Festival under the banner “Innovative Leadership x iSee Future”. To kick things off, a set of “Innovative Leadership” events opened in October, with 21 global design organization representatives invited to central Taiwan to join several of the country’s leading design professionals in a specially tailored cultural tour and “industry meetup”. Topics addressed included how to effectively use design as an engine for upgrading domestic industry and quality of life and how to leverage cultural diversity and intergenerational sharing to create new and innovative approaches to design and, ultimately, to pass the torch of design excellence to future generations.

GTDF Main Event – Registration to Open Soon for the 11/26 Global Design Leadership Forum

The Global Design Leadership Forum, the main event of this year’s GTDF, will take place on November 26^th, when top design professionals will take the stage to share their ideas on innovative leadership, their own leadership roles in the design industry, and their thoughts about the rising importance of “exquisite lifestyle” trends. The regional adviser of ICSID and GK Design Group CEO Kazuo Tanaka and former ICSID President and current CEO of Good Design Australia Dr. Brandon Gien are expected to make a rare appearance onstage together to share their respectively rich perspectives on the philosophy of good design, cultural creativity, and trends in aesthetic design. Online registration for the Design Leaders Forum will be opening soon! Please click on the following link to visit the Forum registration page: http://topic.cw.com.tw/event/2017leadershipforum/index.html

Alice Chang	Peggy Fu
+886-2-7745-1688	+886-2-2729-6633
[email protected]	[email protected].

SOURCE iSee Taiwan Foundation

Budget 2018: “Shaping the Future of Healthcare”

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News Hub Asia Reporter

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October 27, 2017

The Malaysia Global Business Forum as part of its series on the Budget 2018 spoke with key opinion leader, Rizal Kamaruzzaman the Executive Director of Tindakan Strategi Sdn Bhd for his views on the upcoming budget.

“Malaysia stands equal or above regional standards for public healthcare delivery, as the nation continues to develop and move towards a future as stated in TN50 the ability for individuals to access healthcare will become increasingly important, especially given the demographic shifts that the country will see in the coming decades. To do so key elements need to be in place building on existing strengths and responding to future demands.”

“Cost of living and affordable healthcare have been key issues, it is expected that the government will use this budget to take greater steps in addressing current issues while investing in the required facilities to address longer term requirements.”

“To ensure high levels of human capital retention in the medical care services sector a special income tax relief for medical practitioners and operations staff including nurses to motivate them to remain in Malaysia should be considered. This will minimise the high turn-over rates and talent drain due to individuals taking up international opportunities after the government has spent considerable money on training and skills development.”

“Inflationary pressures on medical services that have a negative impact on individuals or family’s disposable income and their ability to remain healthy and productive remain a threat to the nation’s future development. Having said that, the government has been able to keep the cost of primary care constant over the last 12 months.”

“The government should consider boosting TERAJU and UKAS grants from the current rate of 15% and 10% respectively to a flat 20% of total construction cost to ensure that private sector investors in healthcare infrastructure projects can offset development cost against inflation and longer gestation periods for larger projects.”

“These steps would be in line with the government’s stated goal of improving the quality of life for the people and improving productivity that will ensure future economic growth of the country.” Stated Rizal Kamaruzzaman when commenting on the upcoming budget 2018.

Rizal Kamaruzzaman is the Executive Director of Tindakan Strategi Sdn Bhd, a leading Bumiputera consultancy firm focusing on sustainable and strategic development, at the same time he currently is a council member of the Research and Development Foundation the strategic think tank of the Malaysia Malay Chamber of Commerce (YKPD-DPMM) and sits on the Advisory Board of FELCRA Training and Consultancy Sdn Bhd.

Study shows that consumer electronic brands in Hong Kong win trust for their product quality and efficacy over their counterparts in mainland China, but fail in communication and rewards

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News Hub Asia Reporter

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October 23, 2017

Study shows that consumer electronic brands in Hong Kong win trust for their product quality and efficacy over their counterparts in mainland China, but fail in communication and rewards

ICLP study reveals that consumers want brands to respond to them on social media

17 October 2017 – Hong Kong has long been a prime destination for keen-eyed shoppers of high-quality, low-priced consumer electronics. But aside from competitive pricing, what else can brands do to differentiate themselves from their competitors, attract returning customers and create top-of-brand-awareness? According to a recent study conducted by global loyalty marketing agency ICLP, consumer electronic brands in Hong Kong deliver in terms of quality and efficacy of products, allowing them to win the trust of consumers. However, Hong Kong shoppers find their favourite electronic brands trail their counterparts in mainland China when it comes to communication and offering tailor-made rewards, which are vital for customer loyalty.

“Fostering a loyal relationship with customers goes beyond providing good products. To maintain competitiveness, electronic brands in Hong Kong have to put more emphasis on communicating the latest products and trends specific and relevant to a customer’s preferences, responding to them instantly and rewarding them with special and exclusive events and offers,” comments Mary English, Executive Vice President – APAC at ICLP.

Consumers want brands to respond to them on social media

Hong Kong consumers believe that electronics brands perform well in the delivery of quality and efficacy, which helps win their trust. Brands also do well in the area of reliability such as providing an after-sales service and product guarantee.

Nearly half of Hong Kong consumers (47%) trust the quality and efficacy of the brands’ products.
Half say that they can rely on the brands to take care of an issue with a product.

However, brands have room for improvement in terms of communication and rewards if they are to build long-term relationships with customers, according to the ICLP study.

Only 17% of Hong Kong consumers received something in return for sharing their personal information compared with 36% in mainland China.
Only 20% are rewarded with personalised offers compared with 33% in mainland China.
Under a quarter (23%) are offered exclusive experiences compared with 36% in mainland China.
Less than a third (27%) receive responses on social media compared with 39% in mainland China.
Less than a third (27%) are kept up to date on the latest trends compared with 45% in mainland China.

The study also revealed that 51% of mainland Chinese shoppers expect to grow and improve their relationship with brands as they learn more about each other compared with only 27% of shoppers in Hong Kong. The higher expectations of developing a long-term relationship with brands are reflected in the levels of reciprocity in the survey findings: close to 40% shoppers in mainland China feel that they are appreciated as regular customers by their favourite brands (versus only 27% in Hong Kong) and 36% report receiving rewards from brands in return for sharing their personal information.

Mary English commented, “These findings reveal that consumers, whether in Hong Kong or mainland China, expect more from consumer electronics brands than they are currently delivering. Brands in Hong Kong need to focus on communicating with their customers; in particular, actively listening and responding to them in real time on social media, which is becoming increasingly crucial to tap into digitally savvy consumers.

While many loyalty programmes stick with only traditional forms of communication such as SMS or email, social media broadens a brand’s reach in providing consumers updates on products and trends and is recommended for use with associated social data analytics that allows brands to understand their customers’ behaviour. It also provides the opportunity to identify key opinion leaders (KOLs) to represent the brand. Meanwhile, in view of the competitive pricing of this sector, rewarding shoppers with special offers and exclusive experiences is becoming important for attracting and retaining their custom.

Brands in mainland China, on the other hand, are performing better in terms of communication and rewards, which can be explained by the popularity of WeChat and Weibo and online customer servicing. It is also not uncommon for brands in the mainland to offer a wider choice of gifts and personalised offers to reward shoppers for their purchase, instead of providing a standard premium for customers as brands in Hong Kong do. However, brands in the mainland need to beware of the lower trust placed in product quality and efficacy compared with Hong Kong and make efforts to improve consumer perception of product reliability by taking responsibility when there are issues.

Consumer electronic brands in Hong Kong are not losing their lustre, but they do need to be more active in creating emotional connections through an engaging loyalty programme in order to build stronger relationships with their customers.”

– ENDS –

Methodology

*Deeply Devoted Research undertaken by Survey Sampling International across 750 Hong Kong consumers and 1008 Mainland Chinese consumers, on behalf of ICLP, July 2016. Random error on a sample of this size is +/- 2.2% at the 95% confidence level.

About ICLP

ICLP is a leading end-to-end loyalty agency that drives customer devotion for clients across multiple sectors, including retail, travel and technology. ICLP transforms customer relationships into personalised, profitable and emotional connections.

Blending data analytics, strategy, technology and creative expertise, ICLP delivers customer-centric engagement strategies that help brands to drive acquisition, repeat purchase and advocacy.

With over 25 years of experience and 26 global offices across Europe, the United States, Middle East, Asia and Australia, ICLP drives devotion for global brands including Dunhill, Harrods, L’Oréal, Estee Lauder, Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group, Esprit, Cathay Pacific and Guess.

ICLP is part of the Collinson Group, a global leader in influencing customer behaviour to drive revenue and value. Collinson Group offers a unique blend of industry and sector specialists who together provide market-leading experience in delivering products and services across four core capabilities: Loyalty, Lifestyle Benefits, Insurance and Assistance.

For more information, please visit http://www.iclployalty.com.

Additional Information:

Study parameters: The study was based on seven components of loyalty – recognition, rewards, reciprocity, reliability, respect, trust and communication, where primary data was combined with Sternberg’s Triangular Theory of Love, a prominent theoretical model in psychology and human relationships.

From these, we have extracted six key types of relationships with brands, which match the types (or a combination of types) of human relationships identified by Sternberg:

o Empty relationship: Loyalty to the brand due to trust in the quality of products and services, but no engagement

o Liking relationship: Consumers in this type of relationship like the brand or retailers because they offer consistent quality and value for money, but are not engaged and likely to switch when the next best offer comes along

o Casual relationship: A little bit of passion, intimacy and commitment, and consumers in this type of relationship like the retailer, but are not overly excited about it and avoid getting too engaged

o Romantic relationship: Consumers in this type of relationship are enthusiastic about a brand, but are not very loyal and will not shy away from shopping with other retailers on occasion

o Companionate relationship: Consumers in a companionate relationship with their preferred brands or retailers are more loyal and willing to share information with the brand, but not out of passion – this is out of commitment

o Devoted relationship: Enthusiastic about a brand or retailer, engaged, very loyal and strong advocates

Consumers’ relationships with brands are fluid and can change from one type to another. It is also worth noting that these are not linear relationships.

Components of human relationships and how they relate to brand relationships:

o Intimacy – Willingness to share information and interest to get information about the brand

o Passion – Brand enthusiasm

o Commitment – Loyalty

¹Sternberg’s Triangular Theory of Love

This press release was distributed by Strategic Communications Consultants Limited (SCC) on behalf ofICLP. For further media enquiries, please contact:

Strategic Communications Consultants Limited (SCC)

Terence Lo

Tel: (852) 2114 4985 / 9820 4996

Fax: (852) 2114 0880

Email: [email protected]

Serena Tang

Tel: (852) 2114 4348 / 61515507

Fax: (852) 2114 0880

Email: [email protected]

COMPO EXPERT Enters Strategic Partnership in China with Leading Chinese Fertilizer Company Xinyangfeng

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News Hub Asia Reporter

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October 17, 2017

Comprehensive cooperation in terms of technology development, localized production and commercialization

COMPO EXPERT GmbH (COMPO EXPERT), a leading manufacturer of specialty fertilizers for commercial use and portfolio company of the London-headquartered global private equity firm XIO Group, is entering a strategic partnership for the brands Blaukorn^® and NovaTec^® with Hubei Xinyangfeng Fertilizer Co., Ltd (Xinyangfeng), a leading fertilizer manufacturer in the People’s Republic of China. In the future, the two companies will engage in close and comprehensive cooperation in technology development, localized production and joint commercialization of highly efficient, environmentally friendly fertilizers for the growing Chinese market.

Comprehensive cooperation in terms of technology development, localized production and commercialization for highly efficient and environmentally friendly fertilizers under the brands Blaukorn^® and NovaTec^®
Strengthening product series of nutrients for cash crops and high value crops that deliver considerable benefits for Chinese farmers
COMPO EXPERT with significantly extended access to growing Chinese market
Efficient local production with improved ecological footprint
COMPO EXPERT CEO Thomas H. Ahrens: “This strategic partnership is a key milestone in the consistent implementation of our global growth strategy.”
Xinyangfeng President Bin Huang: “Xinyangfeng’s decades of experience and our extensive distribution network in China are perfectly complemented by the great technology and production expertise of COMPO EXPERT.”

Thomas H. Ahrens, the CEO of COMPO EXPERT said: “China is a key building block on our way to become the leading manufacturer of specialty fertilizer for commercial use worldwide. Xinyangfeng is an outstanding fit for us as a strategic partner and the partnership agreement we signed today is a key milestone in the consistent implementation of our global growth strategy. I am firmly convinced that our cooperation will be a success and will create value for both companies as well as Chinese agriculture as a whole.”

Through the cooperation, Xinyangfeng will become COMPO EXPERT’s exclusive partner for the brands Blaukorn^® and NovaTec^® in China. With its extensive nation-wide distribution network through 30 sales offices and approximately 4,100 wholesalers and 60,000 retailers, Xinyangfeng has a very strong position in the Chinese fertilizer market, which will benefit COMPO EXPERT. Both companies will offer a product series of nutrients for cash crops and high value crops that meet the rising expectations of Chinese farmers in terms of crop yields and sustainability. For that purpose, Xinyangfeng will establish a local manufacturing facility in Zhonglin in the Hubei province. The resulting short transport routes will ensure efficient and environmentally friendly production.

Bin Huang, the President of Xinyangfeng: “We are pleased with our strategic partnership with COMPO EXPERT. It combines two outstanding companies that are an excellent fit for one another. Xinyangfeng’s decades of experience and our extensive distribution network in China are perfectly complemented by the great technology and production expertise of COMPO EXPERT. Together we are now well positioned to meet the growing demand of Chinese farmers for modern fertilizers.”

COMPO EXPERT, Europe’s leading manufacturer of special fertilizers, offers a broad portfolio of high-quality innovative fertilizers for commercial use. The strategic partnership is centered around two products: granular NPK branded as Blaukorn^® and stabilized, granular NPK under the NovaTec^® brand. The Chinese market offers great growth potential especially for high quality and environmentally friendly fertilizer products with high efficiency. While China accounts for about ten percent of the world’s cropland, the fertilizers used there represent almost one third of global consumption.

Murphy Qiao, Partner and Head of Asia of the XIO Group, the London-headquartered owner of COMPO EXPERT: “Since the beginning of 2015 we have been supporting the management of COMPO EXPERT in the development and implementation of a value-generating global growth strategy. The company has expanded its leading position in Europe as well as in Latin and South America. The strategic partnership with Xinyangfeng is a win-win-cooperation for both companies. It provides COMPO EXPERT with extended access to the growth market of China, while Xinyangfeng will significantly expand its production know-how and product range.”

Joseph Pacini, CEO and Partner of XIO Group added: “COMPO EXPERT’s strategic partnership with Xinyangfeng exemplifies XIO Group’s strategy to identify and invest in market-leading and high-performing businesses located across Europe and North America and to help these companies in capitalizing on untapped opportunities in fast growing markets, particularly those in Asia.”

About COMPO EXPERT
COMPO EXPERT GmbH, with headquarters in Munster in the German region of Westphalia, is an international company with locations in Europe, North and South America, Asia and South Africa. The Company produces and sells special fertilizers and biostimulants for all areas of plant cultivation. COMPO EXPERT offers a broad range of high quality, innovative special fertilizers for commercial use. Its product range includes innovative slow-release fertilizers, special mineral fertilizers, coated fertilizers, nutrient salts, liquid fertilizers, trace nutrients and soil treatments. With those products, COMPO EXPERT is a market leader in Europe.
COMPO EXPERT was acquired in 2015 by XIO Group, a global alternative investments company, and now has approximately 600 employees. For more information, visit: http://www.compo-expert.com.

About XIO Group
XIO Group is a global alternative investments firm headquartered in London with more than $3.2 billion of committed capital that employs an international team of more than 70 professionals. Representing more than 15 nationalities among its employees and its network of advisors, the firm has operations in the United Kingdom, Germany, Switzerland, Hong Kong and mainland China. With a seasoned international investment team that includes professionals with experience working at many of the world’s leading private equity firms, XIO Group seeks to deploy its capital for global transactions. XIO Group’s strategy is to identify and invest in market-leading businesses located across North America and Europe and help these companies to capitalize on untapped opportunities in fast growing markets, particularly in Asia. XIO Group is led by its four founders: Athene Li, Joseph Pacini, Murphy Qiao and Carsten Geyer. For more information, visit: http://www.xiogroup.com.

About Xinyangfeng
Established in 1982, Hubei Xinyangfeng Fertilizer Co., Ltd. is headquartered in Jingmen, Hubei Provinceand Beijing, People’s Republic of China. After more than three decades’ development, the Company has an asset of 7 billion Chinese Yuan in fertilizer main business, and 7,000 employees in total. With a production capacity of 2.6 million tons phosphate compound fertilizer per year, the Company has developed into a large scale phosphate chemical company publicly listed in the Shenzhen Stock Exchange (Stock Code: 000902) and a State-level high and new technology company, integrating the research, production and distribution of high density phosphate compound fertilizer and new-type fertilizers. During the “13th National Five-Year Plan” period, the Company will stick to the innovation-driven development concept and open synergy spirit, focus on two major business units of fertilizer and modern agriculture, further explore two types of key resources from technology and distribution channels, form four platforms of internationalization, industrial cooperation, finance and investment, as well as digitalization, so as to realize a strategic transformation and upgrade of the Company, becoming a leading modern agricultural solution provider. For more information, visit: http://www.xinyf.com.

Media Contact
FTI Consulting
Marietta Weiss
Tel.: +49(0)-699-2037-118
[email protected]om

Steffi Susan Kim
Tel.: +49(0)-699-2037-115
[email protected]

SOURCE COMPO EXPERT GmbH

WORLD FOOD DAY: “Change the future of migration. Invest in food security and rural development ”.

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News Hub Asia Reporter

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October 17, 2017

CHANGE THE FUTURE OF MIGRATION. INVEST IN FOOD SECURITY
AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT

World Food Day (WFD) is a day of action dedicated to tackling global
hunger. It is celebrated on the 16th of October. The day is observed every
year around the world in honor of the date of the founding of the Food and
Agriculture Organization of the United Nations in 1945. It is also the
Food Engineer day and has been observed in more than 150 countries,
raising awareness of the issues behind poverty and hunger.

The theme for this year is “Change the future of migration. Invest in food
security and rural development”. The world is on the move. More people
have been forced to flee their homes than at any time due to increased
conflict and political instability. But hunger, poverty, and an increase
in extreme weather events linked to climate change are other important
factors contributing to the migration challenge.

Large movements of people today are presenting complex challenges, which
call for global action. Many migrants arrive in developing countries,
creating tensions where resources are already scarce, but the majority,
about 763 million, move within their own countries rather than abroad.
Three-quarters of the extreme poor base their livelihoods on agriculture
or other rural activities. Creating conditions that allow rural people,
especially youth, to stay at home when they feel it is safe to do so, and
to have more resilient livelihoods, is a crucial component of any plan to
tackle the migration challenge.

At the World Assembly of Youth (WAY), we highlight areas needed for action
and contribute in the recommendation for the eradication of Hunger and
Poverty in accordance with the common focus stipulated by the United
Nations. We believe rural development can address factors that compel
people to move by creating business opportunities and jobs for young
people that are not only crop-based (such as small dairy or poultry
production, food processing or horticulture enterprises). It can also lead
to increased food security, more resilient livelihoods, better access to
social protection, and reduced conflict over natural resources and
solutions to environmental degradation and climate change.

By investing in rural development, the international community can also
harness migration’s potential to support development and build the
resilience of displaced and host communities, thereby laying the ground
for long-term recovery and inclusive and sustainable growth.
Happy World Food Day!

-END-

World Assembly of Youth
World Youth Complex,
Lebuh Ayer Keroh,
Ayer Keroh, 75450 Melaka,
Malaysia
Tel: +606 2322711 / 2321871
Fax: +606 2327271
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.way.org.my

Etihad Airways Awards IBS Software a Multi-year Contract

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News Hub Asia Reporter

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October 17, 2017

IBS Software (IBS) has been selected by Etihad Airways for implementing its award-winning cargo management solution, iCargo. The multi-million dollar, multi-year contract was signed in Abu Dhabi last week. The engagement will see iCargo system manage the airline’s air cargo sales and operations worldwide, automating its network-wide booking, pricing and capacity management functions with real-time revenue management-based evaluation capabilities. iCargo will also perform real-time shipment status monitoring and quality management as shipments traverse its extensive network.

David Kerr, Senior Vice President, Etihad Cargo, and VK Mathews, Executive Chairman, IBS Group at the signing ceremony in Abu Dhabi (PRNewsfoto/IBS Software (IBS))

David Kerr, Senior Vice President, Etihad Cargo, said: “iCargo will enable us to be available to our customers 24 hours a day through a fully integrated online booking portal. This will significantly enhance our customer service offering. We are also working with IBS to develop the functionality to support our customers with our product provision, loyalty programme and incentives programme. The development of this platform will allow Etihad Cargo to implement end-to-end integration of processes, provisioning for real-time data and greater operational efficiencies.“

“To be chosen yet again by a leading airline is a reiteration that iCargo is the most definitive air cargo management solution in the world today. We welcome Etihad Airways to the growing list of iCargo customers and expect to be a transformational partner in their quest to achieve increased operational efficiencies, cost optimisation and growth. This alliance is a testimony to our capability, professionalism and commitment to add value to the business requirements of global airlines. This is a strategic milestone for IBS and heralds the beginning of a long and productive business relationship,“ said VK Mathews, Executive Chairman, IBS Group.

IBS was selected to replace Etihad Cargo’s existing system after an intense selection process that spanned several months. Once implemented, iCargo will connect an international team of users across the business and will interface seamlessly with a host of other system applications within the IT landscape of the airline. The real-time availability of operational information through iCargo will help generate actionable intelligence, vastly improving and streamlining the selling process, revenue generation and quality of service. In addition, through its online booking capability, Etihad Cargo will enable an additional channel that will allow it to be open for business 24 hours a day.

Etihad has chosen iCargo as part of its move to a futuristic and fully integrated platform. In the new business model, where IT becomes the enabler, iCargo will address the airline’s need for a solution to manage their inventory sales and operations.

Etihad Cargo is the cargo division of Etihad Airways, the national airline of the UAE. From its hub at Abu Dhabi International Airport, it operates a fleet of 10 freighters, which is complemented by the bellyhold capacity on its passenger fleet of more than 100 aircraft, to Europe, North America, Asia, Australia, the Middle East, the Indian Subcontinent and Africa. The business serves various industries, offering specialised products and services covering general and premium freight, as well as valuable cargo including live animals.

More information on IBS is available at http://www.ibsplc.com.

For media enquiries, please contact:
Bratati Ghosh
Chief Marketing Officer
[email protected]

Siobhan Bardet
Manager Corporate Affairs
[email protected]

SOURCE IBS Software (IBS)

Wirecard Provides IKEA Southeast Asia With Payment Eco-system for its New Online Business

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News Hub Asia Reporter

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October 16, 2017

– IKEA online stores in Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand now benefit from state-of-the-art digital payments

– Partnership strengthens IKEA online shop launch in Southeast Asia

The global technology group Wirecard provides a regionally managed payment gateway solution for online IKEA shops in Southeast Asia.

Through its cooperation with Wirecard, IKEA Southeast Asia is now able to provide online customers with multiple payment options. Shoppers will be able to select between credit, debit and alternative payment methods while also being able to make use of installment plans. The payment service covers IKEA stores in the Asian countries of Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand.

The digital payment eco-system by Wirecard is based on a single integration point for all payment methods across the region, enabling IKEA Southeast Asia to profit from simplified integration and faster rollout. Through the use of the so-called tokenization solution, the international furnishings retailer is also able to build up a positive customer experience at checkout and to support its operating environment in conformance with global PCI DSS security requirements.

“We want all our customers to have a great shopping experience — whether they are in a big blue box IKEA showroom or in our online shop,” says Koen Besteman, Head of E-Commerce for IKEA Southeast Asia. “Customer convenience is key. So we are really happy to have a partnership with Wirecard that makes it easy to shop online with IKEA in Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand. Wirecard will enable our customers to choose from a range of payment options for products and services — safe in the knowledge that every transaction is secure.”

Jeffry Ho, Regional Managing Director at Wirecard, points out: “We are very happy to enter into this new cooperation with IKEA. Developing this regional payment gateway exclusively for the needs of IKEA Southeast Asia shows our innovative power in digital payments and our ability to react quickly to our customers’ requirements.”

The cooperation is rounded off by Wirecard’s Enterprise Portal WEP, which allows IKEA Country Finance and IKEA Southeast Asia finance to check card payment transactions in real-time. Thus, the solution also provides an option to use the risk management system FPS (Fraud Prevention Suite) by Wirecard which identifies suspicious data and behavior patterns in real time and effectively prevents fraud by using technologies such as machine learning and artificial intelligence.

IKEA is the world’s largest home furnishing retailer with more than 400 stores across the globe. Eleven different companies own and operate IKEA stores. Wirecard is working with the franchisee that owns and operates IKEA stores in Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand. While IKEA Southeast Asia has ambitions to expand in the region, it is not involved in e-commerce developments in other markets.

About Wirecard:

Wirecard AG is a global technology group that supports companies in accepting electronic payments from all sales channels. As a leading independent supplier, the Wirecard Group offers outsourcing and white label solutions for electronic payments. A global platform bundles international payment acceptances and methods with supplementary fraud prevention solutions. With regard to issuing own payment instruments in the form of cards or mobile payment solutions, the Wirecard Group provides companies with an end-to-end infrastructure, including the requisite licences for card and account products. Wirecard AG is listed on the Frankfurt Securities Exchange (TecDAX, ISIN DE0007472060, WDI). For further information about Wirecard, please visit http://www.wirecard.com or follow us on twitter @wirecard.

Wirecard Media Contact:

Wirecard AG
Jana Tilz
Tel.: +49(0)89-4424-1363
E-Mail: [email protected]

SOURCE Wirecard AG

MAJLIS PROFESOR NEGARA PARTNERS WITH THE MALAYSIAN PROPERTY PRESS AWARDS

By

News Hub Asia Reporter

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September 18, 2017

Recognising responsible developers and promoting inclusive home ownership

PUTRAJAYA, 15 September 2017 — The Malaysian Property Press Awards (MPPA) 2016/2017 — an annual awards ceremony by strategic property content provider, Terra Value Sdn Bhd, which recognises the outstanding achievements of participants within the property industry — will be held in Q4 this year.

To mark the 2016/2017 accolades, Terra Value has tied up with marketing arm Emjay Communications and strategically partnered with the Malaysian Global Business Forum (MGBF), Majlis Profesor Negara (MPN), under the Prime Minister’s Department, and stakeholder relations and communications counsel, Perception Management Sdn Bhd, to escalate the awards to greater heights.

At a press conference held this morning, Malaysian Property Press Awards chairman and Terra Value Sdn Bhd executive director Gunaprasath Bupalan said that with the Awards was tying up with MPN for the first time this year to put the spotlight on the issue of inclusive home ownership.

“This year, we are giving recognition to the Malaysian Government, for its efforts in delivering key infrastructure projects and housing for Malaysians over the past several decades. When you think about how far the country has come, it is heartening to see how the lives of people have improved through these projects,” said Gunaprasath.

“As the world advances into a more digitalised and connected world, Malaysia has to move forward with smart cities, green development and wealth creation through property ownership. Honouring responsible developers is key to making it happen,” he added.

The press conference was held to announce the tie-up between MPN and MPPA. During the event, the Malaysian Global Business Forum and MPN shared their findings on housing that the government has provided to the public and how much has been spent to help Malaysians with their housing needs.

“Partnering with Terra Value and the Malaysian Global Business Forum for the upcoming Malaysian Property Press Awards makes perfect sense. Our research has shown that over the past decades, there have been many housing initiatives brought forward by private developers as well as the government to benefit people from many walks of life and the economy at large. This Awards highlight many of these initiatives and the personalities behind the companies involved. It’s quite appropriate for us to be part of this endeavour,” said MPN president and chief executive officer Prof Datuk Dr Raduan Che Rose.

“The MPPA stands out as an award programme that recognises significant contributions made by property developers on individual merit, those who have contributed to the long term sustainable development of the industry and the nation as a whole, and we are proud to be part of this initiative,” said MGBF founding chairman Nordin Abdullah.

Making up the majority of the judging panel for The Malaysian Property Press Awards 2016 / 2017 are editors who are involved in the daily preparation of property articles, which provides them with the depth and breadth to observe and comment on projects, personalities or companies that they feel have excelled or contributed significantly to the betterment of the industry over the year.

Their collective effort, opinions and perspectives will culminate in 15 accolades being presented to deserving winners at The Malaysian Property Press Awards 2016 / 2017 gala awards ceremony to be held in Kuala Lumpur in Q4 this year.

Amongst the winners this year are Hatten Group Sdn Bhd, Mah Sing Group Berhad, The Haven Sdn Bhd, Far Capital Sdn Bhd, M101 Sdn Bhd, PKNS Real Estate Sdn Bhd (PREC), Andaman Group and Gila Hartanah.

The team of experts and judges have also shortlisted several projects for this year’s edition, which are in the process of being judged. Among which are UMLand Bhd for their township Seri Austin in Iskandar Malaysia; Mitraland for Gravit8 in Klang; UDA Holdings Bhd for their special project Legasi Kampong Bharu; and Macly Equity (from Singapore) for The Luxe by Infinitum.

This year, the event will also see a special award being presented to Datuk Ng Seing Liong JP, current Mapex organising chairman and past president and patron of Rehda, for his countless contributions to the property industry.

ET Energy and Vivant Corporation Begin Partnership to Develop Rooftop PPA Markets

By

News Hub Asia Reporter

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September 7, 2017

MANILA, Philippines, Sept. 5, 2017 /PRNewswire/ — ET Energy, a leading global clean energy developer and operator, and Vivant Corporation, a leading energy solutions provider based in the Philippines, sign an agreement to enter into a Joint Venture (JV) – ET Vivant Solar (EVC). The JV came about following initial introductions of the two parties made by Primeiro Partners, who also advised them on the formation of the JV, in December 2016.

ET Energy and Vivant Corporation Begin Partnership to Develop Rooftop PPA Markets

Under the JV, ET Energy and Vivant Corporation, through its wholly-owned subsidiary Vivant Renewable Energy Corporation (VREC), will complement and expand their respective expertise in technology, project development, operations, power generation and retail electricity supply. Furthermore, EVC will be dedicated to providing turn-key solutions through Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs), covering every step of a solar plant’s life cycle, helping businesses secure savings on electricity payments and insulating them against price surges for over 20 years.

“ET Energy firmly believes that clean energy is the future. That’s why we are dedicated to providing green electricity for customers all over the globe,” said Dennis She, President and CEO of ET Energy. “Our global experience in project development and operations is a perfect match with Vivant’s energy delivery experience. We are ideal partners to help Filipino businesses get their own solar rooftop power plants through customized PPAs.”

EVC aims to develop solar power plants that provide lower electricity rates directly to the end-user. For commercial and industrial sites across the Philippines, the investment in solar provides a tailored, cheaper and better alternative to regular utility power sources.

Arlo G. Sarmiento, COO of Vivant Corporation, said, “The Vivant group of companies has made a mark with our breadth of offers, being one of the few Filipino companies with investments in distribution, generation and retail in the energy sector, which includes renewable, traditional and off-grid power projects. Our partnership with ET Energy allows us to add a new option to the solutions we offer our customers, partners and communities, allowing us to be more adaptable to the changing needs in the market.”

About VREC and Vivant Corporation

VREC holds the renewable energy portfolio of Vivant Corporation, a publicly-listed company listed on the Philippine Stock Exchange. Vivant is an electricity stalwart with investments that have been providing reliable and steady power solutions in Philippine communities for close to a century. It has investments in power generation, distribution and retail of both renewable and traditional energy sources. To learn more about the Vivant group of companies, please visit http://www.vivant.com.ph.

About ET Energy

ET Energy is a leading global clean energy developer and operator. With innovative solar technologies and tailored financial solutions, ET Energy provides professional one-stop solutions across the entire solar power plant lifecycle including development, financing, engineering, procurement, construction and operations & maintenance. To learn more about ET Energy, please visit http://www.etsolar.com.