In today’s digital world, scammers have moved from traditional methods to social media platforms such as LinkedIn and Facebook. On these platforms, criminals take advantage of the public’s trust to engage in various forms of fraudulent behaviour. The Hong Kong Computer Emergency Response Coordination Centre (HKCERT) herewith provides some ways to prevent fraud and protect users’ personal information and assets:
Be cautious of contact with strangers
Social media enables people to connect with others around the world easily. However, this also provides opportunities for scammers. If users receive contact from stranger accounts, especially those who suddenly show strong interest or offer attractive job opportunities, HKCERT suggests collecting strangers’ personal information to determine the credibility of their accounts. Users should also regularly review their accounts’ privacy settings, update their privacy and security settings*, or set the visibility of their accounts to the public to ensure the safety of their personal account privacy.
Do not share sensitive information Users should not share personal information, such as bank details and passwords, with anyone on social media platforms such as LinkedIn or Facebook. When falling into the wrong hands, this information could be used for identity theft or financial fraud.
Identify scam signals Criminals typically exhibit certain behaviours when targeting users. For example, they may be eager to establish an intimate relationship or offer seemingly attractive, yet false, job or money-making opportunities. They may also pressure users to take immediate action or request transactions through informal means. It is important to remain vigilant about these behaviours and to contact the administrators responsible for the relevant platform if necessary.
Apply multi-factor authentication
Multi-factor authentication (MFA) is an effective method for enhancing user account security. MFA requires users to provide two or more verification methods, usually the user’s password and a one-time verification code. This prevents scammers from accessing users’ accounts even if they obtain the users’ passwords.
5. Report suspected fraudulent behaviour
If users suspect they may be a target of fraud or they have been scammed, please report the incident to HKCERT, relevant social media platforms, and law enforcement agencies. Such organisations can help users take appropriate action and prevent others from becoming victims.
In summary, the public must recognise that social media platforms can also be targets for criminals and take appropriate preventive measures. Only in this way can we enjoy the convenience of social media while protecting our personal information and cyber security.
Photo for illustration purposes only | Photo by Fly :D/Unsplash/NHA File Photo
While the disruptive impact of the Russo-Ukrainian conflict on the cyber landscape has relatively reduced in recent months, the threat landscape has returned to a state of “normality.” This new normal is characterised by an increase in cyberattacks, as this report unravels the use of new evasive tactics, frequent hacktivism-based attacks, and a daily barrage of ransomware targeting numerous organisations. Despite the waning effect of the conflict on the cyber threat landscape, the persistence of these threats highlights the ongoing need for heightened vigilance and robust cybersecurity measures to counteract the relentless and evolving nature of cyberattacks.
Photo for illustrative purposes only. | Photo by Markus Spiske/Unsplash/NHA File Photo
In recent months, we have reported the unravelling of a Chinese-based APT which targeted governmental entities, hidden malware that was spotted behind legitimate-looking apps, a new version of Chinese espionage that was propagated through USB devices and malicious firmware implants discovered on internet routers. In addition, cybercriminals continue to leverage the latest AI revolution, by stretching the borders of generative AI chat platforms such as ChatGPT4.
Overall Global Attacks – Highest number noted by Check Point Research in the past 2 years
In Q2 2023, there was an eight per cent increase in global average weekly attacks compared to the previous year. The average number of attacks per organisation per week reached 1,258 attacks – the highest number noted by Check Point Research in the past two years.
Figure 1: Attacks per industry: Education / Research tops the list; Healthcare sees a significant rise in average weekly attacks. | Source: Check Point Research
During Q2 2023, the Education/Research sector experienced the highest number of attacks, with an average of 2,179 attacks per organisation per week, marking a six per cent decrease compared to Q2 2022. The Government/Military sector was the second most attacked, with an average of 1,772 attacks per week, which represents a nine per cent increase from the parallel period last year. The Healthcare sector followed closely behind, with an average of 1,744 attacks per week, reflecting a significant YoY increase of 30 per cent.
Figure 2: Overall Attacks per region: Africa and APAC top targeted regions | Source: Check Point Research
During Q2 2023, Africa experienced the highest average number of weekly cyber-attacks per organisation, with an average of 2,164 attacks. This signifies a significant year-on-year increase of 23 per cent compared to the same period in 2022. The APAC region also witnessed a substantial 22 per cent YoY increase in the average number of weekly attacks per organisation, reaching an average of 2,046 attacks.
The different regions, their weekly average of attacks per organisation and YoY change (per cent) as shown:
Africa: 2,164 (+23 per cent)
APAC: 2,046 (+22 per cent)
North America: 1,011 (+18 per cent)
Latin Americas: 1,745 (+9 per cent)
Europe: 1,013 (+5 per cent)
Ransomware Attacks per Region
In Q2 2023, one out of every 44 organisations worldwide experienced a ransomware attack, representing a decrease of nine per cent compared to Q2 2022, where one out of every 40 organisations suffered from such attacks. APAC and Europe sees significant Year Over Year increase in Ransomware attacks per organisation, with a 29 per cent and 21 per cent increase respectively. The North American region follows with a 15 per cent Year over year increase.
The different regions, organisation attacked ratio (1:X) and YoY change as shown:
APAC: 1 out of 26 (+29 per cent)
Europe: 1 out of 54 (+21 per cent)
North America: 1 out of 94 (+15 per cent)
Africa: 1 out of 30 (-30 per cent)
Latin Americas: 1 out of 26 (-12 per cent)
Global ransomware attacks per industry: Cybercriminals are after government and military organisations
In Q2 2023, the Government/ Military sector experienced the highest number of ransomware attacks, with one out of every 25 organisations impacted, marking a slight four per cent decrease compared to the previous year. The Healthcare sector was the second most affected, with one out of every 27 organisations experiencing such attacks, representing an increase of 16 per cent YoY. The Education/ Research industry followed closely behind, with one out of every 31 organisations affected by ransomware, indicating a decrease of two per cent over the past year.
The different industries, organisation attacked ratio (1:X) and YoY change as shown:
Consultant: 1 out of 38 (+128 per cent)
Insurance/Legal: 1 out of 47 (+71 per cent)
Utilities: 1 out of 37 (+60 per cent)
Transportation: 1 out of 49 (+43 per cent)
Leisure/Hospitality: 1 out of 55 (+41 per cent)
Finance/Banking: 1 out of 31 (+33 per cent)
Communications: 1 out of 37 (+24 per cent)
Healthcare: 1 out of 27 (+16 per cent)
SI/VAR/Distributor: 1 out of 41 (+15 per cent)
Software vendor: 1 out of 65 (+13 per cent)
Hardware vendor: 1 out of 73 (+7 per cent)
ISP/MSP: 1 out of 36 (+2 per cent)
Manufacturing: 1 out of 48 (+0.30 per cent)
Education/Research: 1 out of 31 (-2 per cent)
Government/Military: 1 out of 25 (-4 per cent)
Retail/Wholesale: 1 out of 60 (-11 per cent)
Cyber Safety Tips
Up-to-Date Patches: Keeping computers and servers up-to-date and applying security patches, especially those labelled as critical, can help to limit an organisation’s vulnerability to cyberattacks
Cyber Awareness Training: Frequent cybersecurity awareness training is crucial to protecting the organisation against cyberattacks. This training should instruct employees to do the following:
Do not click on malicious links
Never open unexpected or untrusted attachments
Avoid revealing personal or sensitive data to phishers
Verify software legitimacy before downloading it
Never plug an unknown USB into their computer
Strengthening User Authentication: Cybercriminals commonly use the Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) and similar tools to gain remote access to an organisation’s systems using guessed or stolen login credentials. Once inside, the attacker can drop ransomware on the machine and execute it, encrypting the files stored there. This potential attack vector can be closed through the use of strong user authentication. Enforcing a strong password policy, requiring the use of multi-factor authentication, and educating employees about phishing attacks designed to steal login credentials are all critical components of an organisation’s cybersecurity strategy.
Keep your software updated. Attackers sometimes find an entry point within your apps and software, noting vulnerabilities and capitalising on them. Fortunately, some developers are actively searching for new vulnerabilities and patching them out. If you want to make use of these patches, you need to have a patch management strategy in place—and you need to make sure all your team members are constantly up to date with the latest versions.
Choose Prevention over detection: Many claim that attacks will happen, and there is no way to avoid them, and therefore the only thing left to do is to invest in technologies that detect the attack once it has already breached the network and mitigate the damage as soon as possible. This is not true. Not only can attacks be blocked, but they can be prevented, including zero-day attacks and unknown malware. With the right technologies in place, most attacks, even the most advanced ones, can be prevented without disrupting the normal business flow.
Anti-Ransomware Solutions: Some ransomware operators use well-researched and highly targeted spear phishing emails as their attack vector. These emails may trick even the most diligent employee, resulting in ransomware gaining access to an organisation’s internal systems. Protecting against this ransomware that “slips through the cracks” requires a specialised security solution. To achieve its objective, ransomware must perform certain anomalous actions, such as opening and encrypting large numbers of files. Anti-ransomware solutions monitor programmes running on a computer for suspicious behaviours commonly exhibited by ransomware, and if these behaviours are detected, the program can take action to stop encryption before further damage can be done.
Apple has recently announced and patched three zero-day vulnerabilities for multiple software products. It was reported that attackers have been exploiting these vulnerabilities and might be able to compromise the whole system. Affected software versions include the versions before Safari 16.5.1, iOS 16.5.1, iPadOS 16.5.1, iOS 15.7.7, iPadOS 15.7.7, macOS Ventura 13.4.1, macOS Monterey 12.6.7, macOS Big Sur 11.7.8, watchOS 9.5.2, and watchOS 8.8.1.
Photo for illustrative purposes only. | Photo by Firmbee.com/Unsplash/NHA File Photo
As for the three zero-day vulnerabilities, they are CVE-2023-32434, CVE-2023-32435, and CVE-2023-32439. Since CVE-2023-32434 is related to the kernel, attackers could exploit the vulnerability to execute arbitrary code with kernel privileges. For CVE-2023-32435 and CVE-2023-32439, attackers could exploit these vulnerabilities by sending a phishing message to users and tricking them to visit a malicious website or install a malicious app.
There are reports that CVE-2023-32434 and CVE-2023-32435 are related to the Operation Triangulation attack campaigns. According to the research from international cyber security company Kaspersky, the attack mentioned in Operation Triangulation does not require any user interaction. The attacker simply sends a message with a malicious attachment to the victim’s device via the iMessage service to exploit the vulnerability to execute arbitrary code with root privileges, thereby implanting a payload into the device’s memory.
The research mentioned that successful exploit of vulnerabilities has been found in versions prior to iOS 15.7, but it can’t be guaranteed that other versions of iOS are not affected. Successful exploits can give attackers the capability to interact with the victim’s device file system, including the creation, modification, exfiltration and removal of files, dump the victim’s keychain items, and monitor the victim’s geolocation, etc.
The Hong Kong Computer Emergency Response Coordination Centre (HKCERT) of the Hong Kong Productivity Council calls on local Apple device users to have system updates as soon as possible to block malicious attacks caused by vulnerabilities. Programmes should be kept up to date. Also, programmes should only be downloaded from official app stores. Mobile device users can also install reliable antivirus applications to detect known malicious programmes and malicious websites; and set device password locks or screen locks to ensure that when the device is stolen or lost, the data will not be easily stolen by others. Finally, remember not to try to install more functions, unlock the mobile device (Jailbreak), and cancel the original security mechanism.
Businesses or members of the public who wish to report to HKCERT on information security-related incidents such as malware, phishing, denial of service attacks, etc. can do so by completing the online form at: https://www.hkcert.org/incident-reporting, or calling the 24-hour hotline at +852 8105 6060. For further enquiries, please contact HKCERT at [email protected].
Study reveals that male pattern hair loss can start in the late teens or early twenties. Commonly, it appears in the 50s with visible signs of hair thinning, balding or receding hairline. Male pattern baldness happens as hormone levels change over a person’s lifetime. Research has found that male pattern baldness is associated with male sex hormones called androgens. Unexpected or sudden hair loss may indicate a health condition and would require medical attention.
Male pattern baldness happens as hormone levels change over a person’s lifetime.
What is male pattern hair loss?
Androgenetic alopecia is a common form of male hair loss.
A follicle is a tiny hole that each strand of hair sits in. Balding occurs when the hair follicle shrinks resulting in shorter and finer hair over time. This results in a follicle not being able to accommodate new hair growth, though it still remains alive and has the potential to grow hair with proper treatment.
A familial tendency to MAA and racial variation in the prevalence is well recognized, with heredity accounting for approximately 80% of the predisposition. Normal levels of androgens are sufficient to cause hair loss in genetically susceptible individuals.
The balding pattern tends to be a gradual process beginning in early adulthood in some cases. It usually starts off as a receding hairline, and or bald spot on the top of the head.
The most common hair loss in men is Male Androgenetic Alopecia (MAA). 30%-50% of men are affected by the age of 50 in this case. MAA usually occurs in the temples, vertex and mid-scalp. These are highly reproducible patterns.
Is hair thinning reversible?
Reversible is a difficult term to come to grips with if we are only focusing on natural remedies for hair loss prevention. It is definitely possible to slow down the rate of thinning hair though.
You may try these tips to help prevent hair loss in men:
Find ways to lower your stress levels.
Take care of your overall health with a healthy diet and exercise.
Avoid hairstyles that tug and pull on your hair.
Use hair products to prevent hair loss.
Avoid smoking.
Try scalp massages.
Can crown hair loss be treated?
Yes, by the following options. Each has its advantages and disadvantages. Ultimately, this is a personal choice and will depend on what your goal here is.
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP): While PRP is not a permanent solution, maintenance treatments can help you maintain results.
PRP can be used alone or given before a hair transplant to improve results.
If your dermatologist recommends PRP for you, here’s what you can expect. A small amount of your blood would be drawn and placed into a machine that separates your red blood cells from the plasma.
Your plasma is then injected into your scalp. This takes about 10 minutes.
You will need to return for more injections. For the first three months, you return once a month. Then you return once every three to six months.
Within a few months, PRP can help lessen hair loss. Soon after, some patients see a thickening of their hair or regrowth.
Hair transplant: If you’re looking for a permanent solution, you may want to consider a hair transplant. This procedure no longer involves moving plugs of hair from one part of your scalp to another. Today, a hair transplant can give you permanent, natural-looking results.
How can I regain my lost hair?
Nutrition and hair products are the two things that we need to look at closely to slow down the rate of hair thinning. The genetic factor is not something we can alter.
It is important to know that hair products should not be excessively rubbed into your scalp. There are certain hair oils that we use to massage the scalp, but apart from that, things like hair gel, mousse, and hair cream should be applied in a way that it does not sit on the scalp but rather just the hair.
Nutrition and hair products are the two things that we need to look at closely to slow down the rate of hair thinning.
What studies show: In clinical trials, minoxidil has been shown to reduce hair loss, stimulate hair growth, and strengthen existing strands of hair. While minoxidil can help, you’re unlikely to see full regrowth.
How to use: Apply to your scalp.
When to use: Minoxidil is applied twice a day, every day.
How long it takes to see results: Some men respond to minoxidil better than others, and some men fail to see any difference. If minoxidil works for you, it can take up to six to 12 months to see results. It’s important to follow directions, which includes applying minoxidil every day.
Possible side effects: When using minoxidil, some men develop an irritated scalp. The newer formulation, which is a foam, seems to reduce this risk. Other possible side effects include an itchy scalp or headaches.
If you stop using minoxidil: When you stop applying minoxidil, you lose its benefits. Because minoxidil helps you maintain your hair’s thickness, some hairs may look and feel thinner. You’ll also gradually notice that you’re shedding more hair.
What studies show: Finasteride has been shown to slow down further hair loss in about 80% to 90% of men taking it. Some men also see some hair regrowth, which tends to occur in men who start finasteride when they first notice signs of hair loss.
How to use: Take a pill.
When to take: Every day.
How long it takes to see results: If finasteride helps you, you will start to see results in about 6 months.
Possible side effects: Some men who take finasteride have developed side effects. These include loss of libido (desire to have sex), inability to get or keep an erection, swelling and tenderness in their breasts, and depression. It’s been reported that sexual side effects can continue after a patient stops taking finasteride. Due to the seriousness of these side effects, your dermatologist will want to know more about you before prescribing finasteride. Your dermatologist will give you a complete exam and ask you about preexisting conditions and medications you take.
Can be used alone: If finasteride is part of your treatment plan, you may take it alone or use it along with minoxidil.
If you stop taking finasteride: To maintain results, you must continue taking one pill every day. Once you stop taking this medication, hair loss returns.
SNS Network (M) Sdn Bhd, a subsidiary of SNS Network Technology Berhad (Bursa: SNS, 0259), a leading provider of ICT systems and solutions, is pleased to announce a collaboration with Persatuan Kebajikan 88 Kapten Pulau Pinang (88 Captains) under the “5G Digital Library Programme” to equip schools in Penang with wireless 5G broadband connectivity.
YB Dato’ Seri Dr. Ooi Eng Hock, Chairman of Penang 88 Captains
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As part of the collaboration, SNS will sponsor 264 units of JOI Classmate 10 totaling RM342,936 to 88 select schools in Penang as part of a pilot project enabling students to have better access to their school’s Digital Library anytime and anywhere through provided high-speed, uninterrupted 5G broadband. Each of these school will receive a Content Access Server that can keep thousands of e-books, a modem with 5G broadband, and three units of laptops.
88 Captains is also aiming to expand the programme to all schools in the state and SNS is prepared to fully support its efforts in developing a thriving talent ecosystem in Penang. SNS believes that broadband speed is vital in today’s education system while a Digital Library is important as a platform to house all the digital content for students and encourage collaboration among teachers through the Intel-based Content Access Server.
Managing Director of SNS, Ko Yun Hung said, “As a technology provider, our JOI(R) devices add value to education across the spectrum that makes the education journey more engaging, dynamic, richer, and fulfilling. We are always committed in driving positive changes in education transformation and we believe this initiative will be an effective educational foundation that will revolutionize the digital learning environment.”
Chairman of Penang 88 Captains, YB Dato’ Seri Dr. Ooi Eng Hock said, “Collaborations like these are the next logical step and comes on the heels of our previous cooperation with local universities to secure funding for deserving students in the state. The current 5G programme is a synthesis of the collective efforts of the respective bodies in bringing education in the state to the forefront of Industry 4.0. We are honoured to coordinate these efforts to fast-track 5G broadband connectivity in Penang’s schools, and we appreciate top technology leaders such as Intel and YTL, collaborating with Penang Science Cluster, to create new and improved learning opportunities to accelerate digital transformation in education.”
Themed Crack the New Codes of Beauty, Taylor’s University students from the Faculty of Innovation and Technology emerged as National Champions of L’Oréal Brandstorm 2023.
L’Oréal Brandstorm
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With over 900 student registrations and defeating more than 60 teams from universities across Malaysia, Team F’Oréal comprised third-year Bachelor of Computer Science (Hons) students Brandon Tan Qi Loong and Caresse Tan Zhi Nie, and Bachelor of Electrical and Electronic Engineering (Hons) student, Teoh Wei Ean.
A platform to develop students’ entrepreneurial and creative skill sets, L’Oréal Brandstorm is an annual international innovation competition that presents a new business case to solve each year, offering competitors the chance to develop unconventional solutions for the beauty sector.
This year competitors were given the task of developing beauty-related services, solutions, and experiences through cutting-edge technologies including augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), artificial intelligence (AI), and the Metaverse.
Team F’Oréal created a sustainability-oriented innovation for a technological future that would benefit the beauty field.
“Driven to learn and explore innovative ideas, we spent 3 weeks refining our business idea while mindful of meeting the judging criteria of innovation, technology, sustainability, inclusivity, feasibility, and scalability. Condensing our idea into a 1-minute pitch video together with a 3-page presentation slides proved to be a challenge, but we were determined to create a winning submission,” said Brandon, Team Lead and Taylor’s World Class Scholarship 2020 recipient.
Teoh Wei Ean added, “I am grateful for Taylor’s Multidisciplinary Learning Experience that gave us a head start which was instrumental in our achievement. We were able to apply our analytical skills from different backgrounds and understanding of industries’ best practices to develop a comprehensive strategy with innovative solutions.”
The team was mentored by Taylor’s University’s startup incubator, Bizpod, part of the university’s Taylor’sphere ecosystem that aims to nurture students’ intellect, creativity, and practical wisdom. Eventually, Team F’Oréal was able to form ideas from conception and developed an impactful pitch deck.
“This competition gave us industry exposure and practical skills experiences which is a game-changer for students stepping into the working world, as it not only boosts our confidence and motivation when participating in competitions and beyond but it presents an opportunity for us to connect with professionals and build our networks,” shared Caresse.
With this national win under their belt, Team F’Oréal has been presented an opportunity to compete with 40 other teams in the International Semi-Finals. Additionally, the team has been offered Management Trainee positions with L’Oréal Malaysia.
The International Final winning teams will be announced in Paris this June where they will get an opportunity to engage in an Intrapreneurship opportunity at the L’Oréal Global Headquarters, bringing their concepts to life.
Since 1992, L’Oréal Brandstorm has been a true innovation catalyst that has drawn more than 600,000 student participants from hundreds of educational institutions across 65 nations.
As Coolblog, the beloved Malaysian dessert and beverage brand, launched its new Indulgence beverage series, what better way to celebrate than with a journey of exploration and passion? Together with over 100 bikers, Coolblog embarked on a 143KM indulgence ride through some of Peninsular Malaysia’s most picturesque routes, while giving back to communities in need.
Lew Sue Li (right), Chief Executive Officer of Coolblog Malaysia preparing to flag-off the 143KM indulgence ride with a group of bikers for a ride of passion.
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Coolblog believes that indulging in your passion is what makes life sweet, as everyone has their own unique way of finding joy and satisfaction. As such, Coolblog, a homegrown company which is dedicated and passionate about producing the best dessert drinks for almost two decades, together with a community of bikers who embody the same sense of passion and freedom in spirit, joined forces to inspire Malaysians to pursue their passion(s) with the same heartfelt level of enthusiasm and dedication as them.
Coolblog’s passion in creating quality beverages is truly reflected in their Indulgence series. With four tantalising flavours to choose from, each drink is topped with a decadent mix of salted caramel sauce, creamy cheese mousse, and crunchy Lotus Biscoff cookie crumbs. Every sip of The Indulgence series is a celebration of the richness and depth of flavour that is put into every Coolblog creation. Whether you are a fan of the Cookies & Cream Indulgence, the Triple Coffee Indulgence, the Lattecino Indulgence, or the Choctiramisu Indulgence, you will find a way to indulge yourself for a sweet treat with this wholesome, satisfying series.
The bikers had an enjoyable ride with Coolblog as they indulged in their passion while reminding Malaysians to enjoy the journey of finding and pursuing their passion.
Coolblog and the bikers also teamed up for a charitable cause to help children in need toencourage them to pursue their own passions and make a difference in their communities. For every biker who participated in the ride from R&R Awan Besar KESAS to Aeon Bandaraya Melaka, Coolblog pledged to donate RM100 to Teach For Malaysia, Yayasan Munarah, and Pertubuhan Kebajikan Anak-Anak Harapan.
Tunku Ali Redhauddin, Chairman of Coolblog Malaysia, said that passion is at the core of this well-loved homegrown brand, and that this passion extends beyond the storefront.
Coolblog introduced The Indulgence series which comes with four tantalising flavours including Cookies & Cream Indulgence, Triple Coffee Indulgence, Lattecino Indulgence, and Choctiramisu Indulgence.
“We are thankful for the opportunity to be able to support organisations that strive to uplift the lives of the underprivileged. This commitment of ours to contribute positively to society, combined with our passion in what we do, pushes us to help empower others to realise their full potential and pursue their own passions in life.”
Coolblog’s commitment to enlivening Malaysians’ lives with quality, affordable product offerings that uplift their spirits and ignite their passions, remains strong as ever, and the company looks forward to continunously inspiring Malaysians on their own individual life journeys.
As a part of their dedication to promoting road safety, ParkCity Medical Centre (PMC) has collaborated with Masjid Al-Imam Al-Ghazali (MAIAG), Kepong Police Station, Road Transport Department Malaysia (JPJ) Bandar Manjalara, Kepong and Duke Consortium to organise a Road Safety Campaign called “Selamat Pulang ke Kampung Berhari Raya”. The objective of this campaign is to emphasise the importance of safe driving during the festive season, especially during Hari Raya celebrations. The Minister of Youth and Sports Malaysia and Member of Parliament of Segambut, Yang Berhormat Hannah Yeoh, also participated in this campaign. Her presence in the campaign demonstrated her commitment to ensuring the safety of Malaysians on the roads.
Photo 02: From R to L: Yang Berhormat Hannah Yeoh, Minister of Youth and Sports Malaysia and Member of Parliament of Segambut, Encik Rumaizi bin Ahmad Sanusi, Chairman of Masjid Al- Imam Al-Ghazali, Tan Sri Datuk Seri Lim Keng Cheng, Chairman of Konsortium Lebuhraya Utara-Timur (KL) Sdn Bhd, and Tuan Norshahman Ismail, Head of JPJ Bandar Menjalara, Kepong.
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“Selamat pulang ke kampung, berhati-hati ketika memandu dan semoga selamat sampai ke destinasi. I applaud this wonderful joint initiative by the public and private sector in the Segambut community to encourage safe driving this festive season,” quipped Yang Berhormat Hannah Yeoh.
The representatives presented around 300 goodie bags to road users which included first aid kits, bottles of mineral water, and sweet dates along the Duke Highway 2, Toll Plaza Segambut Exit (United Point Kepong). They wished them all a happy holiday and to take precautions for a safe journey.
“We believe that road safety is a crucial aspect of our daily lives, and it is even more essential during festive seasons when roads are congested with holidaymakers. According to the Royal Malaysian Police (PDRM), road accidents and fatalities increase during the festive period. Hence, PMC, together with our collaborative partners and Yang Berhormat Hannah Yeoh have come together to create a Road Safety Campaign to raise awareness and educate the public on the importance of safe driving practices.This initiative also helps PMC maintain a positive relationship with the community as well as the respective authorities,” said Ms Yap Sim Bee, Interim Chief Executive Officer of PMC.
Encik Rumaizi Ahmad Sanusi, the Chairman of Al-Imam Al-Ghazali Mosque in Manjalara Kepong, expressed gratitude to their strategic partners and Yang Berhormat Hannah Yeoh for the success of the campaign. “We hope this community programme will help create awareness among drivers who are travelling back to their hometowns during the festive season to drive safely. We would like to take this opportunity to wish everyone a happy and safe Selamat Hari Raya Aidilfitri.”
Representatives from the local authorities who joined the campaign include Inspector Mohamad Fadhil Ab Wahab, Police Chief of Kepong Police Station, Tan Sri Datuk Seri Lim Keng Cheng, Chairman of Konsortium Lebuhraya Utara-Timur (KL) Sdn Bhd and Tuan Norshahman Ismail, Head of JPJ Bandar Menjalara, Kepong.
Dato’ Robert Teo is the founder of professional practice firm RSM Malaysia PLT, a member of the RSM International network of professional firms providing audit, tax, and consulting services. He has more than 40 years of experience in the fields of corporate taxation, audit assurance and corporate restructuring. His specialised industry knowledge lies in property development and construction with a focus on tax planning.
This comes amidst the growing need for businesses to promote ESG compliance amongst their stakeholders.
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Teo had his early career with Turquand Barton Mayhew, London, which subsequently merged to become Ernst & Young.
Apart from his professional practice, he is actively involved in the Boards of various Chambers of Commerce. Teo is also a member of the Board of Trustees of the Malaysian Nature Society, which is Malaysia’s foremost non-profit organisation dedicated to the protection and conservation of the country’s natural heritage.
Teo provided his insights to Asian Business Review on the performance of Malaysia’s business landscape in the past year. According to him, export-centric industries will take the lead in view of the disruptions in the global chip supply chain – this highlights the manufacturing sector, which includes electrical and electronics, furniture, and metal-related segments.
This analysis comes as the recently announced Budget 2023 by the Malaysian government announced that the domestic manufacturing sector is expected to grow at 3.9% this year.
In line with this, he noted that the services industry like the food-related segment will benefit from higher private consumption and improvements in the tourism industry as Malaysia is now opening fully for businesses.
He added that the construction industry is improving, but is going to continue facing challenges of lacking foreign workers, increased logistical and material costs; the agricultural industry has been growing due to better commodity pricing and demands for food due to war, conflicts and climate changes; whilst, the oil and gas sector will continue to grow due to global demands of energies and Russia-Ukraine wars.
“Struggling industries should continue to invest in talents, re-invent themselves in business models and acquire new technologies to continue increasing productivity. Promote innovations too in order to survive in this ever-increasing global competition,” Teo said.
On the other hand, as more companies explore digital transformation, Teo said that companies also need to change to survive and to improve efficiency, increase productivity and customer experience.
“Companies need to have solutions or invest in cybersecurity measures in facing new challenges in cybersecurity, data security and privacy. Due to shortage of talents, this limits the capability of companies to meet the challenges of intensified global competition and their capacity for technology management and knowledge acquisition,” he explained.
Promoting ESG compliance
With increased demands for the adoption of sustainability, social responsibility, and ESG compliance, Malaysian businesses are expected to prioritise these values into their respective strategies as these initiatives are crucial to ensuring their long-term success and impact.
The RSM leader noted that businesses should establish clear goals and objectives for their ESG and sustainability initiatives, including measurable targets and timelines. He mentioned this can be done by developing ESG policies and procedures, setting targets, and measuring progress towards achieving these targets.
“Regular monitoring and evaluation of ESG and sustainability initiatives can help businesses in Malaysia to identify areas for improvement and make adjustments as needed,” Teo said.
He also pointed out that organisations should communicate their performance to stakeholders, including customers, investors, and employees, and they should also engage with these stakeholders regarding issues surrounding ESG.
“Engaging with stakeholders is important to maintaining ESG and sustainability initiatives over time. This includes ongoing communication, consultation, and collaboration with stakeholders to understand their needs and expectations and to build relationships based on mutual trust and respect,” Teo said.
As one of the judges for this year’s Malaysia International Business Awards and National Business Awards, he noted that sustainability and social responsibility are some of the key qualities that need to be considered.
“[Innovative companies] recognise the importance of balancing profit with a commitment to the environment and society, and seek to create products and services that are both innovative and socially responsible,” Teo said.
FedEx Express, a subsidiary of FedEx Corp. (NYSE: FDX) and one of the world’s largest express transportation companies, celebrated its anniversary by lighting up the Kuala Lumpur Tower, one of the tallest structures in Southeast Asia, in shades of the official FedEx colors purple and orange on April 17.
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This year marks the 50th anniversary of FedEx worldwide and the 30th anniversary of FedEx in Malaysia. To celebrate this significant milestone, the company had the Kuala Lumpur Tower lit up to express its commitment to its customers and its gratitude for being welcomed as a member of the community for decades.
FedEx began its operations on April 17, 1973, in Memphis, Tennessee, with 389 team members and 14 aircrafts. On that first night, the company delivered 186 packages to 25 cities across the United States. Now, the company employs nearly 530,000 employees worldwide and ships 16.5 million packages daily across the globe.
Over time, FedEx expanded its services to include international destinations, launching its first international services in Asia and Europe in 1984. In 1993, the company introduced direct services to customers in Malaysia, further expanding its global reach and capabilities. FedEx in Malaysia launched a transpacific next day service for Penang in 1997 and opened a facility in Batu Kawan to strengthen the network and meet local customer demand in 2020.
At this important milestone, FedEx is committed to stay ahead of the supply chain curve by focusing on best-in-class innovations that will pave the way for the future.
FedEx team members across Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa (AMEA) including Malaysia came together with those across the globe to celebrate the company’s 50th anniversary through 50 Days of Caring. Team members supported the communities they serve every day by volunteering their time and donating items to agencies in need. Whether it was through refurbishing schools and hospitals or cleaning up parks and beaches, giving back is part of the company’s culture. FedEx also recently announced it exceeded its FedEx Cares 50 by 50 goal of helping 50 million people by its 50th birthday.
