Pentas Flora Ushers in a New Era of Sustainable Lubricants with the Launch of RRBO Group II+ N150

September 13, 2024

From left to right: Dr. H. Ernest Henderson, YBhg Dato’ Mahamad bin Hussain, Ashley Chong, Datuk Mohammed Pintaz Badar and Ng Chai Heng during the official launch of Pentas Flora’s RRBO Group II N150.

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia – September 11, 2024 – Pentas Flora, a leading provider of sustainable base oil solutions, is proud to announce the official launch of its Re-refined Base Oil (RRBO) Group II+ N150. This groundbreaking product marks a significant milestone in the company’s journey towards a cleaner, greener future.

The launch event, held on September 11, 2024, at the prestigious EQ Hotel Kuala Lumpur, drew delegates from across the globe. Attendees witnessed firsthand the culmination of years of research, development, and innovation as Pentas Flora introduced its latest offering to the market.

Following the successful launch of its Group I Eco-Base oil in 2022, Pentas Flora has now mastered the process of producing Group II+ and Group III base oils, solidifying its position as one of the few RRBO producers in Malaysia capable of offering these higher-quality products.

Pentas Flora’s Re-refined Base Oil (RRBO) Group II+ N150.

RRBO Group II+ N150 is a premium base oil that offers exceptional performance, improved fuel economy, extended drain intervals, and reduced emissions. Its superior properties make it ideal for a wide range of lubricant applications, from automotive to industrial.

“We are thrilled to introduce RRBO Group II+ N150 to the market,” said Ng Chai Heng, Director of Pentas Flora. “This product represents a significant step forward in our commitment to providing sustainable and high-performance base oils. By utilizing advanced re-refining technologies, we are able to minimize our environmental impact while delivering exceptional quality.”

Ng Chai Heng, Director of Pentas Flora giving his opening speech during the ceremony.

The launch of RRBO Group II+ N150 highlights Pentas Flora’s dedication to sustainability and innovation. The company’s re-refining process helps reduce waste and emissions, contributing to a more circular economy. By choosing Pentas Flora’s products, customers can demonstrate their commitment to environmental responsibility.

Dr. H. Ernest Henderson enlightens the crowd with his technical talk on Re-refined Base Oil.

A key highlight of the launch event was a presentation delivered by Dr. H. Ernest Henderson, Technical Director of Base Oils and Lubricant Products at Pentas Flora. Dr. Henderson, a renowned expert in the field, shared valuable insights into the journey of base stocks and re-refining. His expertise further underscored the significance of Pentas Flora’s achievement in developing RRBO Group II+ N150.

Gunaprasath Bupalan, Corporate Communications Consultant for Pentas Flora giving his welcoming speech at the ceremony.

Another notable moment was the statement made by Gunaprasath Bupalan, Pentas Flora’s Corporate Communications Consultant. Bupalan emphasised the company’s commitment to responsible waste management and its innovative re-refining technology. He stated, “At Pentas Flora, responsible waste management isn’t just a service, it’s a core value Through our ‘Cradle to Cradle’ approach, we go beyond simply collecting waste. Our focus is on Re-refining, Recovery, and Beneficial Reuse of Oils (RRBO). This innovative technology allows us to transform potentially harmful waste into valuable resources, minimising environmental impact while creating a circular economy.”

As a grand finale to the event, Pentas Flora surprised attendees with a groundbreaking announcement. In addition to the successful launch of their Group II RRBO, the company revealed that they had also achieved the remarkable feat of producing Group III RRBO. This accomplishment, a testament to Pentas Flora’s technological prowess and commitment to innovation, positions Malaysia as a leader in sustainable base oil production. The company announced that along Group II+ RRBO, Group III RRBO production has already begun and is ready for commercialisation.

Prior to the launch event, Dr. Henderson and Gunaprasath also participated in the Joint ALIA/F&L Asia Lubricant Exhibition at Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre. Dr. Henderson’s talk focused on Re-refined Base Oil and Synthetic Base Stocks, while Gunaprasath’s talk was on Scheduled Waste Management for a Sustainable Malaysia.

From left to right: Gunaprasath Bupalan: Corporate Communications Consultant of Pentas Flora, Rizal Kamaruzzaman: Executive Director of Tindakan Strategi Sdn Bhd and Co-Founder of GoBarakah, Sashi Ambi: Head of Corporate Communications and Sustainability at BMW Group Malaysia, Nordin Abdullah: Founder of NewsHubAsia and Malaysia Global Business Forum, Davent Low: CEO of Mandrill Tech Sdn Bhd and Daniel Koh: Head of Plant Operations at Pentas Flora exploring the transition to a circular economy model and its implications for businesses and society during the Joint ALIA/F&L Asia Lubricant Exhibition at Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre.

In addition, Gunaprasath also moderated a Roundtable Discussion on Circular Economy at the said exhibition. The roundtable discussion featured renowned panelists from various industries, including Sashi Ambi: Head of Corporate Communications and Sustainability at BMW Group Malaysia, Nordin Abdullah: Founder of NewsHubAsia and Malaysia Global Business Forum, Rizal Kamaruzzaman: Executive Director of Tindakan Strategi Sdn Bhd and Co-Founder of GoBarakah, Davent Low: CEO of Mandrill Tech Sdn Bhd, Daniel Koh: Head of Plant Operations at Pentas Flora. The panelists explored the transition to a circular economy model and its implications for businesses and society.

For more information about Pentas Flora and its range of sustainable base oil solutions, please visit www.pentasflora.com or contact [Contact Information].

For media inquiries, please contact Carey Yap at [email protected] / +6012336378.

ABOUT PENTAS FLORA

Pentas Flora is Malaysia’s largest and most trusted comprehensive and consolidated waste management company. With more than 12 years of experience under our belt, we are well-known as specialists in managing scheduled waste for clients from various industries.

Our main goal is to provide an end-to-end solution for hazardous waste management with specialised re-refining services where we produce fuel oil and Re-refined Base Oil (RRBO) from waste oil, in order to create a sustainable green environment for the nation. To date, our proactive solution has recovered the vast majority of industrial waste in Malaysia.

Chinese state-sponsored espionage “Operation Crimson Palace” expands in South East Asia, Sophos report finds

News Hub Asia Reporter

September 12, 2024

Sophos, a global leader in innovative security solutions for defeating cyberattacks, today released its report, “Crimson Palace: New Tools, Tactics, Targets,” which details the latest developments in a nearly two-year-long Chinese cyberespionage campaign in South East Asia.

Sophos X-Ops first reported on what they named Operation Crimson Palace in June and detailed Sophos X-Ops’ discovery of three separate clusters of Chinese nation-state activity—Cluster Alpha, Cluster Bravo and Cluster Charlie—inside a high-profile government organisation.

After a brief hiatus in August 2023, Sophos X-Ops noted renewed Cluster Bravo and Cluster Charlie activity, both within the initially targeted organisation and in numerous other organisations within the region.

Cyber attack concept photo. Hacker in a hoodie sitting in front of multiples monitors. Photo by laddlajutt1722 from pixabay via Canva Pro / NHA File Photo — Photo for illustrative purpose only. | Photo by laddlajutt1722 from pixabay via Canva Pro / NHA File Photo

While investigating this renewed activity, Sophos X-Ops uncovered a novel keylogger that the threat hunters named “Tattletale”, which can impersonate users who have signed into the system and gather information related to password policies, security settings, cached passwords, browser information, and storage data.

Sophos X-Ops also notes in the report that, in contrast to the first wave of the operation, Cluster Charlie increasingly switched to using open-source tools rather than deploying the types of custom malware they developed in the initial wave of activity.

“We’ve been in an ongoing chess match with these adversaries. During the initial phases of the operation, Cluster Charlie was deploying various bespoke tools and malware,” said Paul Jaramillo, director of threat hunting and threat intelligence at Sophos.

“However, we were able to ‘burn’ much of their previous infrastructure, blocking their Command and Control (C2) tools and forcing them to pivot. This is good; however, their switch to open-source tools demonstrates just how quickly these attacker groups can adapt and remain persistent. It also appears to be an emerging trend among Chinese nation-state groups. As the security community works to secure our most sensitive systems from these attackers, it’s important to share the insights into this pivot,” continued Jaramillo.

Cluster Charlie, which shares tactics, techniques and procedures (TTPs) with the Chinese threat group Earth Longzhi, was originally active from March to August 2023 in a high-level government organisation in South East Asia. While the cluster was dormant for several weeks, it re-emerged in September 2023 and was active until at least May 2024.

During this second stage of the campaign, Cluster Charlie focused on penetrating deeper into the network, evading endpoint detection and response (EDR) tools and gathering further intelligence. In addition to switching to open-source tools, Cluster Charlie also began using tactics initially deployed by Cluster Alpha and Cluster Bravo, suggesting that the same overarching organisation is directing all three activity clusters.

Sophos X-Ops has tracked ongoing Cluster Charlie activity across multiple other organisations in South East Asia.

Cluster Bravo, which shares TTPs with the Chinese threat group Unfading Sea Haze, was originally only active in the targeted network for three weeks in March 2023. However, the cluster reappeared in January 2024, only this time targeting at least 11 other organisations and agencies in the same region.

“Not only are we seeing all three of the ‘Crimson Palace’ clusters refine and coordinate their tactics, but they’re also expanding their operations, attempting to infiltrate other targets in South East Asia. Given how frequently Chinese nation-state groups share infrastructure and tools, and the fact that Cluster Bravo and Cluster Charlie are moving beyond the original target, we will likely continue to see this campaign evolve—and in potentially new locations. We will be monitoring it closely,” said Jaramillo.

For details about Sophos’ threat hunting and other services for disrupting cyberattacks, go to Sophos Managed Detection and Response (MDR).

For an in-depth look at the threat hunting behind this nearly two-year-long cyber espionage campaign, register for the upcoming webinar, “Intrigue of the Hunt: Operation Crimson Palace: Unveiling a Multi-Headed State-Sponsored Campaign” on 24 September at 2 PM ET.

Source: Sophos (Press Release)

Tenable research uncovers thousands of vulnerable cyber assets amongst South East Asia’s financial sector

News Hub Asia Reporter

September 4, 2024

New research conducted by Tenable®, Inc., the exposure management company, has uncovered more than 26,500 potential internet-facing assets among South East Asia’s top banking, financial services and insurance (BFSI) companies by market capitalisation across Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam.

On 15 July 2024, Tenable examined the external attack surface of over 90 BFSI organisations with the largest market capitalisations across the region. The findings revealed that the average organisation possesses nearly 300 internet-facing assets susceptible to potential exploitation, resulting in more than 26,500 assets across the study group.

Stocks and shares concept photo. Photo for illustrative purposes only. | Photo by Marcus Millo/Getty Images via Canva Pro / NHA File Photo — Photo for illustrative purposes only. | Photo by Marcus Millo/Getty Images via Canva Pro / NHA File Photo

Singapore ranked the highest among the six countries assessed, with over 11,000 internet-facing assets identified across its top 16 BFSI companies. Over 6,000 of those assets are hosted in the United States. Next on the list is Thailand with over 5,000 assets. The distribution of internet-accessible assets underscores the need for cybersecurity strategies that adapt to the rapidly evolving digital landscape.

Country	Number of internet-facing assets amongst top 90 BFSI companies by market capitalisation
1. Singapore	11,000
2. Thailand	5,000
3. Indonesia	4,600
4. Malaysia	4,200
5. Vietnam	3,600
6. Philippines	2,600

Nigel Ng, senior vice president of Tenable APJ, said, “The results of our study reveal that many financial institutions are struggling to close the priority security gaps that put them at risk. Effective exposure management is key to closing these gaps.”

“By identifying and securing vulnerable assets before they can be exploited, organisations can better protect themselves against the growing tide of cyberattacks,” added Ng.

Cyber Hygiene Gaps

The Tenable study revealed many potential vulnerabilities and exposed several cyber hygiene issues among the study group, including outdated software, weak encryption, and misconfigurations. These vulnerabilities provide cybercriminals with easily exploitable potential entry points, posing potential risks to the integrity and security of financial data.

Weak SSL/TLS encryption

A notable finding is that among the total assets, organisations had nearly 2,500 still supporting TLS 1.0—a 25-year-old security protocol introduced in 1999 and disabled by Microsoft in September 2022. This highlights the significant challenge organisations with extensive internet footprints face in identifying and updating outdated technologies.

Misconfiguration increases external exposure

Another concerning discovery was that over 4,000 assets, originally intended for internal use, were inadvertently exposed and are now accessible externally. Failing to secure these internal assets poses a significant risk to organisations, as it creates an opportunity for malicious actors to target sensitive information and critical systems.

Lack of encryption

There were over 900 assets with unencrypted final URLs, which can present a security weakness. When URLs are unencrypted, the data transmitted between the user’s browser and the server is not protected by encryption, making it vulnerable to interception, eavesdropping, and manipulation by malicious actors.

This lack of encryption can lead to the exposure of sensitive information, such as login credentials, personal data, or payment details, and can compromise the integrity of the communication.

API vulnerabilities amplify risk

The identification of over 2,000 API v3 out of the total number of assets among organisations’ digital infrastructure poses a substantial risk to their security and operational integrity.

APIs serve as crucial connectors between software applications, facilitating seamless data exchange. However, inadequate authentication, insufficient input validation, weak access controls, and vulnerabilities in dependencies within API v3 implementations create a vulnerable attack surface.

Malicious actors can exploit such weaknesses to gain unauthorised access, compromise data integrity, and launch devastating cyber attacks.

“The cybersecurity landscape is evolving faster than ever, and financial institutions must evolve with it, so they can know where they are exposed and take action to close critical risk” Ng added.

“By prioritising exposure management, these organisations can better protect their digital assets, safeguard customer trust, and ensure the resilience of their operations in an increasingly hostile digital environment.”

Source: Tenable (Press Release)

Malaysia and China Celebrate 50 Years of Diplomatic Ties with Grand Event

News Hub Asia Contributor

August 15, 2024

News provided by Emjay Communications

(From left to right) – Meer Nash, Husna Liang, Darren Chear, Muhammad Rastwin Stia, Ni QingJiu, Shi Yue, Manoharan Periasamy, Dato’ Lee Teck Hua, Hishamudin Bin Ahmad, Azry Bin Ahmad Mustafa Hadi, Latifah Huang, Ong Peng Chu and Katrina Rosan.

Malaysia and China commemorated a historic milestone of 50 years of diplomatic relations with a grand celebration at Sunway Velocity Mall on the 10^th of August 2024. The event, themed “Hi China: Discovering China Opportunities and Celebrating 50 Years of China-Malaysia Relationship,” aimed to deepen bilateral ties, enhance cultural understanding, and stimulate economic, tourism, and cultural growth.

Gracing the event as the Guest of Honor was Mr. Manoharan Periasamy, Director-General of Tourism Malaysia, who delivered a keynote address highlighting the significance of the Malaysia-China partnership. The event brought together key figures from both nations, including representatives from the China Media Group (CMG), the Federation of Chinese Associations Malaysia (Huazong), the Malaysia-China Business Council (MCBC), and the China Enterprises Chamber of Commerce in Malaysia (CECCM).

Ms Shi Yue, Director of the Sinhala Department of the Asian and African Languages Programming Center of China Media Group (CMG).

The celebration showcased the rich tapestry of Malaysian and Chinese cultures through vibrant performances, cultural displays, and interactive sessions. A highlight of the event was the road show of a special collaboration between China Media Group (CMG) and Radio Televisyen Malaysia (RTM), including the documentary “Cerita Antara Kita” and its theme song “Dua Dunia Satu Cinta.”

“We are honoured to celebrate 50 years of diplomatic relations with China,” said Mr. Manoharan Periasamy. “This partnership has been instrumental in driving economic growth, cultural exchange, and people-to-people ties between our two nations. We look forward to strengthening our collaboration in the years to come.”

The event concluded with a call to action to further deepen bilateral ties, foster cultural exchange, and explore new opportunities for economic cooperation between Malaysia and China.

About Tourism Malaysia

The Tourist Development Corporation of Malaysia (TDC) (Under Tourism Malaysia) was established on 10 August 1972 as an agency under the former Ministry of Trade and Industry by an Act of Parliament.

With the inception of the Ministry of Culture, Arts and Tourism on 20 May 1987, TDC was moved to this new ministry; and became the Malaysia Tourism Promotion Board (MTPB) through the Malaysia Tourism Promotion Board Act 1992. Popularly known as Tourism Malaysia, its full focus is on promoting Malaysia domestically and internationally.

About China Media Group (CMG)

China Media Group (CMG), formally established in 2018, is one of the largest media conglomerates in the world. It was created through the merger of China Central Television (incorporating China Global Television Network), China National Radio, and China Radio International.

CMG operates a vast broadcasting network. It has 51 television channels including nine international ones, 22 radio frequencies targeting domestic audiences, and programming in 80 languages targeting global audiences. Its online presence includes three major news websites. Also, CMG’s rapidly growing digital presence comprises Yangshipin.cn – the national-level 5G digital platform, CCTVNews App, Ethereal Sound App, and other multilingual mobile platforms, with continuously growing subscriptions and influence. CMG’s highly effective global news gathering and production network is supported by bureaus in 66 countries and regions.

For more information, contact +65 91376258 / [email protected]

Accelerating Sustainable Growth Through AI-Powered Solutions…with Mandrill Tech

News Hub Asia Reporter

August 1, 2024

By Gunaprasath Bupalan

In today’s dynamic business landscape, speed to market is paramount. Companies must innovate rapidly and adapt swiftly to stay ahead. This is where Mandrill Tech, a dynamic and forward-thinking firm, excels. Founded by the visionary Davent Low, Mandrill Tech has carved a niche by offering comprehensive, AI-powered solutions enabling businesses to achieve remarkable growth while upholding the highest sustainability standards.

Davent Low Chan Phan, CEO of Mandrill Tech.

Mandrill Tech distinguishes itself as a one-stop solution provider, offering a suite of services encompassing every stage of a business’s lifecycle. From strategic planning and digital transformation to ESG compliance and financial performance optimisation, Mandrill Tech delivers a holistic approach. This comprehensive suite of offerings, coupled with their rapid implementation capabilities, has earned them a reputation as a trusted partner for businesses seeking to achieve sustainable growth.

At the heart of Mandrill Tech’s success lies its innovative product portfolio. Lestar ESG, a cutting-edge AI-powered platform, empowers businesses to navigate the complex ESG landscape with ease. By providing a centralised repository for ESG data and leveraging advanced analytics, Lestar offers unparalleled insights into environmental and social performance. Moreover, its intelligent dashboard, equipped with AI-driven alerts, helps businesses proactively identify potential risks and opportunities, ensuring compliance with evolving ESG regulations.

Mandrill Tech offers expert guidance on ESG compliance and regulatory requirements for businesses.

Another flagship product, CEO 360, is designed to provide C-suite executives with a comprehensive view of their organization’s performance. This AI-powered Big Data platform offers actionable insights into financial metrics, operational efficiency, and ESG impact. By identifying trends and anomalies, CEO 360 empowers leaders to make data-driven decisions and steer their businesses towards success. While other solution providers still focus on providing digitalisation products, Mandrill Tech has taken a leap to focus on providing AI-driven Big Data solutions instead. Mandrill Tech no longer just does digitalisation but focuses on AI and Big Data.

Mandrill Tech’s commitment to its clients goes beyond providing software solutions. The company acts as a trusted advisor, offering expert guidance on ESG compliance and regulatory requirements. This unique value proposition has positioned Mandrill Tech as a crucial partner for businesses seeking to navigate the complexities of the Bursa Malaysia listing process. By identifying potential issues early in the process, Mandrill Tech helps clients avoid costly delays and reputational damage.

The ESG market is experiencing explosive growth, with a projected value of USD 46.5 trillion by 2032 (as reported by AWS Marketplace, 2023). This surge is driven by increasing investor demand for sustainable investments and growing consumer awareness of environmental and social issues. Mandrill Tech, with its comprehensive ESG solutions and AI-powered platform, is well-positioned to capitalise on this burgeoning market.

Moreover, AI is revolutionising the business landscape, with its potential to boost efficiency by up to 40% (reported by McKinsey Global Institute, 2019). Mandrill Tech’s AI-driven solutions are at the forefront of this transformation, enabling businesses to optimise operations, reduce costs, and make data-driven decisions.

Davent Low, the insightful CEO behind Mandrill Tech, is a driving force behind the company’s success. His passion for technology and his deep understanding of business needs have been instrumental in shaping Mandrill Tech’s growth trajectory. Under his leadership, the company has established itself as a leader in the industry, known for its innovative solutions, exceptional customer service, and unwavering commitment to sustainability.

(From left to right) – Suhendra Arianto (CTO) , Davent Low Chan Phan (CEO), Kenneth Yong Khai Ling (COO) – Mandrill Tech Sdn Bhd

As Mandrill Tech continues to expand its reach and deepen its technological capabilities, the company is poised to become an even more dominant force in the market. With a strong foundation built on innovation, sustainability, and customer focus, Mandrill Tech is well-positioned to shape the future of business.

For further information on Mandrill Tech or to inquire about how Mandrill Tech can empower your business, please visit www.mandrill.com.my or call Vincent Low at +6016 222 6899.

Rotary Club of Klang Valley Conducts Free Multidisciplinary Health Screening

News Hub Asia Reporter

July 19, 2024

Non-communicable diseases can be a silent threat

Past Assistant Governor and Organising Chair Dr Raj Kumar and Shanthi Thiruchelvam, President of RCKV in a discussion at the event.

The Rotary Club of Klang Valley (RCKV) in association with the Malaysian Medical Association, Selangor branch drew more than 300 participants to a Free Medical Screening Camp held at Sekolah Jenis Kebangsaan Tamil, Taman PJS, Petaling Jaya on the 14^th of July 2024. This medical camp is a pivotal initiative to benefit the B40 needy and urban poor multiracial community in the surrounding locality of PJS 1, Petaling Jaya.

“This is RCKV’s second comprehensive community medical camp organised in a large scale providing high-quality care and medical services. The camp will help to identify non-communicable diseases at an early stage and the doctors at site will also provide free consultation on healthy lifestyle practices.

“With early detection of a disease, treatment can start early too. Conscious choices of prioritising one’s own health is essential. We are grateful to all our healthcare partners for their kind support in serving humanity,” said Shanthi Thiruchelvam, President of RCKV.

Shanthi Thiruchelvam, President Rotary Club of Klang Valley.

The event was organised in collaboration with Malaysian Medical Association, Selangor Branch. Participating organisations were the Nutrition Society of Malaysia, National Cancer Society Malaysia, Care Clincs, Siva Santa (Temple of Fine Arts), Triangles Psychiatry & Psychology Support, Rotary Action Group for Mental Health Initiatives, International Medical College Student Nurses, Best Hearing Centre, Sri Hartamas Eyewear, St Johns Ambulance, Hospital Pakar Skudai, Rotaract Club of Klang Valley, Interact Club of Regent International School, Backyard, Regent International School, Gardenia Bakeries, Fast Aid, Multiple Sclerosis Society Malaysia & Zurich Insurance.

The event featured more than 170 volunteers, which included Doctors – General & Specialists, Dentists, Psychologists, Counsellors, Coach, Paramedics, Rotarians, Rotaractors and Interactors. The volunteers were provided with Certificates, breakfast and lunch.

The Rotary Club of Klang Valley is honoured to have District Governor Arvind U Gopi Kumar as the Guest of Honor for this event. His presence underscores the importance of the medical camp and Rotary’s commitment to serving the community.

“The primary aim of the humanitarian camp is to create health awareness, whilst providing screening for non-communicable diseases within the lower income strata, offer doctor and dental consultation and treatment for common conditions.

National Cancer Society Malaysia helped screen for multiple cancers including clinical breast examination, Hepatitis B and C test, PSA test for Prostate Cancer, Stool for Occult Blood – screen for Colorectal Cancer, Smokelyser for smokers -assessing risk of lung cancers and HPV vaccination for girls between 9 to 30 years of age to prevent Cancer of Cervix,” said Past Assistant Governor and Organising Chair Dr Raj Kumar of RCKV.

Patients who needed further investigations and regular follow up and treatment were provided referral letters to Health Facilities as access to healthcare can be a challenge for the disadvantaged societies.

The medical camp also included screening for diabetes, blood pressure, hypertension, dental health, optometry, audiometry & video otoscopy, anthropometric, body fat measurements and mental health assessments.

Free medicines for common health conditions, prescription spectacles for students, reading glasses for adults and goody bags were given.

The Rotary Club of Klang Valley hopes that the significant medical camp will encourage and empower the community to prioritise their physical health and mental well-being.

About the Rotary Club of Klang Valley

The Rotary Club of Klang Valley is a part of Rotary International, a global network of 1.4 million neighbours, friends, leaders, and problem-solvers who see a world where people unite and take action to create lasting change – across the globe, in our communities, and in ourselves.

Hextar Industries Berhad Ascends to Bursa Malaysia Main Market, Poised for Continued Growth

News Hub Asia Reporter

June 28, 2024

ANNOUNCEMENT

Hextar Industries Berhad (“HIB” or the “Company”) kicked off the trading on the Main Market of Bursa Malaysia Securities Berhad (“Bursa Malaysia”) today, 28 June 2024.
This uplisting marks a significant ascent for HIB and a testament to the Company’s unwavering dedication to delivering long-term value for its stakeholders. The strategic acquisition of Hextar Fertilizers Limited in December 2022 played a pivotal role in securing this milestone.

The transformative acquisition catapulted HIB Group’s annual production capacity for compound fertiliser by eight-fold, solidifying HIB’s position as a leading fertiliser manufacturer in Malaysia. Leveraging this expanded capability, the Group delivered a stellar financial performance, boasting a revenue of RM1.29 billion and a profit after tax of RM98 million for the financial period ended 31 December 2022.

HIB’s relentless pursuit of growth continued in 2023 with the strategic acquisitions of Hextar Mitai Sdn Bhd and Pacific Office (M) Sdn Bhd. Hextar Mitai, a provider of engineering solutions across diverse sectors like oil and gas, food and beverage, aerospace and amusement parks, provides the Group with valuable engineering expertise. Together with Pacific Office, a leading stationery and office supplies distributor, broadens the Group’s revenue streams.

“We are thrilled to celebrate our uplisting to the Main Market of Bursa Malaysia. This remarkable achievement is a direct reflection of our entire team’s unwavering dedication and relentless pursuit of value creation for our shareholders. We are confident that this uplisting will propel us to even greater heights, enhancing our visibility and attracting a wider investor base to fuel our continued growth,” declared Mr Benny Ang Sui Aik, Group Managing Director of HIB.

“Our diverse fertiliser portfolio, coupled with our robust customisation capabilities, empowers us to deliver comprehensive solutions for a wide range of crops. We are at the forefront of sustainability, pioneering environmentally friendly products like plant-based organic fertilisers. Furthermore, we are actively developing solutions to address critical industry challenges like fertiliser leaching and nutrient run-off,” elaborated Mr Ang.
Looking towards market expansion, Mr Alex Sham, Executive Director of HIB, revealed that “the Group is implementing strategic plans to establish partnerships with local distributors in neighbouring countries with robust agricultural sectors like Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam, and Myanmar. This targeted approach will significantly drive export growth, solidifying HIB’s position as a regional leader.”

About Hextar Industries Berhad (“HIB”)
HIB is listing on the Main Market of Bursa Malaysia Securities Berhad and through its subsidiary companies, is involved in the manufacturing and formulation of bulk blend, mixture and compound fertilisers, trading of various fertilisers as well as providing crop management solutions. In addition to the fertiliser business, HIB Group also supplies a wide range of industrial products such as machinery, spare parts, conveyor belts, forklifts, industrial batteries, lighting, manufacturing of quarry crusher screens for use in the quarry industry and providing outdoor equipment rental services for chillers, tents and power generators. HIB Group is also involved in the provision of office supplies such as stationaries, papers, computers, printers and office furniture.

The Company’s head office is located in Bayuemas Klang, Selangor. It also owns and operates fertiliser manufacturing facilities in Port Klang, Bintulu, Lahad Datu and Pasir Gudang.

For further information, please contact Sean Lee, Chief Financial Officer of HIB at sean.lee@hextar .com
To find out more about HIB, please visit www.hextarindustries.com

(News provided by Emjay Communications)

CSCEC Eighth Engineering Division Celebrates China-Malaysia Ties with Regional Labor Competition Launch

News Hub Asia Reporter

June 19, 2024

Group photo of the conference delegates.

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia – In a ceremony coinciding with the 50th anniversary of China-Malaysia diplomatic relations on the 18th of June, China State Construction Engineering Corporation (CSCEC) Eighth Engineering Division hosted a launch event for a regional labour competition encompassing nine key construction projects in Malaysia. The event, organised by CSCEC’s South China Company, reflects its commitment to high-quality development in the Malaysian market and celebrates its longstanding partnership with the country.

With 2024 marking a significant year for China and Malaysia, CSCEC Eighth Engineering Division emphasised a problem-oriented, results-oriented, and value-oriented approach for participating projects. This initiative aims to contribute to the excellence of the company’s overseas endeavours in Malaysia and solidify its dedication to delivering exceptional construction projects. Leaders presented competition responsibility agreements to participating projects, further solidifying their commitment, and distributed summer cooling gifts to acknowledge the hard work of 100 workers. The ceremony also featured inspiring speeches by two model workers and a heartfelt performance of the song “Overseas Sky” by project builders.

CSCEC Eighth Engineering Division has established a strong presence in Malaysia since entering the market in 2012. Their diverse portfolio encompasses various fields, including super high-rise buildings, high-end residential projects, and infrastructure development.

China State Construction Engineering Corporation (CSCEC) Eight Bureau provided refreshing summer gifts to the project workers.

The company boasts a series of landmark achievements, including the Kuala Lumpur Landmark Tower (the tallest building constructed by a Chinese enterprise overseas), the ASTAKA project in Johor Bahru, the Kota Kinabalu Twin Towers (Sabah’s tallest building), and the Genting Skyworld Apartments (Malaysia’s highest altitude building).

Currently, 18 projects are underway, showcasing their dedication to the Malaysian market. CSCEC Eighth Engineering Division’s commitment to quality and safety is evident through its impressive record, which includes one Luban Award, one China National Quality Engineering Award, 42 Malaysian Occupational Health and Safety Awards, and five International Safety Management Awards.

For further information on CSCEC Eight Engineering Division, please contact Zhao Hupo at [email protected] or call +6014 7188 110 or surf to https://english.cscec.com

Most geo-distributed companies encounter network problems at least once a month, Kaspersky reports

News Hub Asia Reporter

May 23, 2024

Kaspersky has found that 59 per cent of geo-distributed businesses experienced network problems related to their multi-site structure at least once a month. Among the most common challenges were network outages, lost connections and poor performance of services and applications.

The latest Kaspersky report ‘Managing geographically distributed businesses: challenges and solutions’ provides a deeper insight into the network security challenges faced by geo-distributed companies while building and maintaining their multi-site infrastructure. It also highlights problems related to comprehensive information protection of all their offices.^[1]

Graphic depicting network connectivity in a business setting. | Source: Kaspersky — Image by Kaspersky / NHA File Photo

According to this report, 46 per cent of geo-distributed companies encountered network problems between one and three times per month, while 13 per cent stated they experienced network challenges every week. The remaining 40 per cent of businesses said they faced these problems only a few times per year or did not face them at all.

Source: The latest Kaspersky report titled ‘Managing geographically distributed businesses: challenges and solutions’.

Regarding the most common challenges, network failures or outages were the most widespread issue among companies (55 per cent). Loss of connectivity and poor performance of services and applications was experienced by 45 per cent of respondents. Among other network problems respondents also named inadequate connection capacity (37 per cent) and complete or partial network shutdown (32 per cent).

Maxim Kaminsky, business development manager of secure access service edge at Kaspersky, commented, “As we can see, geo-distributed organisations encountered network problems quite often. Given the importance of network infrastructure for modern businesses, any network downtime and IT issues carry a huge risk that can lead to reputational and financial losses.”

He added, “Therefore, it’s important to take timely measures to secure company’s networks and implement solutions that enable centralised and automated network management, providing businesses with a clear view of what’s happening in their multi-site IT infrastructure.”

Maxim Kaminsky, Business Development Manager, Secure Access Service Edge, Kaspersky | Photo by Kaspersky / NHA File Photo

To minimise the possibility of network problems, Kaspersky experts recommend the use of dedicated solutions like Kaspersky SD-WAN, which manages the entire corporate network from a single console. This product converges separate communication channels and network functions across companies, making the construction of reliable networks easier and enabling the connection of new branches with a zero-touch experience.

References:

[1] Within this research, Kaspersky questioned 1,000 respondents from 20 countries: Brazil, Chile, Columbia, Mexico, USA, France, Germany, the UK, Spain, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, Russia, Singapore, China, Japan, India, Indonesia, Malaysia.

Source: Kaspersky

Local threats continue to haunt businesses in South East Asia, says Kaspersky

News Hub Asia Reporter

April 3, 2024

According to the latest data from global cyber security company, Kaspersky, nearly 43 million local threats targeted organisations in South East Asia last year. To be exact, Kaspersky stated that its business solutions blocked 42,700,000 local infections from January to December 2023.

E-connection engineering technology. Working Engineer. Image by Kaspersky / NHA File Photo — E-connection engineering technology. Working Engineer. | Image by Kaspersky / NHA File Photo

Statistics on local infections of user computers are an important indicator of the overall cyber threat landscape. They include objects that penetrated the target computer through infecting files or removable media or initially made their way onto the computer in non-open form (for example, programmes in complex installers, encrypted files, etc.).

These statistics are produced by Kaspersky security solution’s scans of files on the hard drive when they were created or accessed, as well as the results of scanning removable storage media.

Even though global threats were on the rise over the past year (individual and business segments combined), all South East Asian countries registered an insignificant decline in the number of local threats detected and blocked on corporate devices with Kaspersky business solutions, except Singapore.

Singapore logged a 67 per cent year-on-year increase, from 300,000 local incidents in 2022 to 500,000 last year.

Overall, businesses in Vietnam, Indonesia, and Thailand experienced the highest number of this threat in 2023.

Country	Number of Local Threats
Vietnam	17,100,000
Indonesia	16,400,000
Thailand	4,700,000
Malaysia	2,500,000
Philippines	1,500,000
Singapore	500,000
Total:	42,700,000

Local threats in South East Asia in 2023

“South East Asia shows a solid potential to become a major manufacturing hub globally. The region is also consistent in charting steady digital economic growth through the years. To be able to continue these feats, organisations, whether operating on IT or OT systems, should build their cyber defences against sophisticated attacks that use the same old techniques and tactics,” comments Adrian Hia, Managing Director for Asia Pacific at Kaspersky.

Protection against local attacks requires a security solution capable of treating infected objects and a firewall, anti-rootkit functionality and control over removable devices.

By scanning systems with robust security solutions, organisations can prevent the spread of malware through files or removable media. Kaspersky Endpoint Security for Business allows organisations to scan removable drives that are connected to your computer for malware.

Through the Kaspersky Unified Monitoring and Analysis Platform (KUMA), Kaspersky also offers an integrated software solution that includes a set of functions for event monitoring and management.

A unified console for monitoring and analysing information security incidents, KUMA can be used as a log management system and a full-fledged SIEM system.

Source: Kaspersky

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