KUALA LUMPUR, 18 Mac — Vietnam mencatat satu perkembangan penting dalam usaha membendung penyakit tangan, kaki dan mulut (HFMD) apabila meluluskan penggunaan vaksin HFMD pertama di negara itu.

Vaksin tersebut, ENVACGEN®, dibangunkan oleh Medigen Vaccine Biologics Corp (MVC) dari Taiwan, telah menerima kelulusan pemasaran daripada Pentadbiran Dadah Vietnam. Pengedaran vaksin ini akan dikendalikan oleh Substipharm Biologics.

Kelulusan ini bukan sahaja signifikan bagi Vietnam, malah dilihat sebagai langkah awal ke arah pendekatan pencegahan yang lebih menyeluruh di rantau Asia Tenggara, khususnya dalam menangani jangkitan EV71 yang boleh menyebabkan komplikasi serius dalam kalangan kanak-kanak.

Cabaran kesihatan yang berterusan di rantau ini

HFMD kekal sebagai penyakit endemik di banyak negara Asia Tenggara, dengan wabak berulang yang memberi kesan besar kepada kanak-kanak kecil serta sistem kesihatan awam.

Di Vietnam, sekitar 180,000 kes dan 31 kematian direkodkan pada tahun 2023. Situasi bertambah membimbangkan pada 2025 apabila kes meningkat kepada lebih 107,000 — peningkatan hampir 29% berbanding tahun sebelumnya.

Dengan lebih 1.3 juta kelahiran setiap tahun, keperluan terhadap langkah pencegahan seperti vaksin HFMD menjadi semakin mendesak.

Keberkesanan tinggi dan perlindungan awal

ENVACGEN® menunjukkan prestasi klinikal yang memberangsangkan, dengan kadar keberkesanan dilaporkan sehingga 100% dalam tempoh pemantauan, tanpa kes jangkitan direkodkan dalam kalangan penerima vaksin.

Vaksin ini boleh diberikan kepada bayi seawal usia dua bulan dan mampu memberikan perlindungan jangka panjang melebihi lima tahun.

MVC juga menguasai lebih 97% pasaran vaksin EV71 di Taiwan, sekali gus mencerminkan rekod prestasi yang kukuh.

Pengembangan vaksin HFMD ke seluruh Asia Tenggara

Kelulusan di Vietnam dijangka menjadi pemangkin kepada peluasan vaksin HFMD ke negara-negara lain di rantau ini.

Ketua Pegawai Eksekutif MVC, Leo Lee, menyifatkan pencapaian ini sebagai satu “titik penting” dalam strategi pengembangan global syarikat, dengan kapasiti pengeluaran kini sedang ditingkatkan bagi memenuhi permintaan serantau.

Sementara itu, Substipharm Biologics akan memanfaatkan rangkaian serantaunya untuk mempercepatkan pengedaran serta kerjasama dengan pihak berkuasa kesihatan.

Implikasi kepada Malaysia dan ASEAN

Langkah Vietnam memperkenalkan vaksin HFMD berpotensi mempengaruhi negara jiran, termasuk Malaysia, untuk menilai semula pendekatan sedia ada dalam menangani HFMD.

Dalam usaha memperkukuh daya tahan sistem kesihatan dan kesiapsiagaan menghadapi wabak, strategi berasaskan vaksin dijangka memainkan peranan yang semakin penting di rantau ASEAN.

Kelulusan ini bukan sahaja menangani keperluan kesihatan semasa, malah mencerminkan peralihan ke arah pendekatan penjagaan kesihatan yang lebih proaktif dan berfokus kepada pencegahan. – NMH

The post Vaksin HFMD: Vietnam Luluskan Suntikan Pertama Tangani EV71 dalam Kalangan Kanak-Kanak first appeared on NMH.

KUALA LUMPUR, 18 March — Vietnam has approved its first HFMD vaccine, marking a significant breakthrough in the fight against hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) and signalling a broader shift towards preventive healthcare strategies across Southeast Asia.

The vaccine, ENVACGEN®, developed by Taiwan-based Medigen Vaccine Biologics Corp (MVC), received marketing authorisation from Vietnam’s Drug Administration, with Substipharm Biologics leading its distribution in the country.

The move positions Vietnam at the forefront of regional efforts to address EV71, a key virus responsible for severe HFMD complications among young children.

A long-standing regional health challenge

HFMD remains endemic across Southeast Asia, with recurring outbreaks affecting millions of children and placing sustained pressure on public healthcare systems.

Vietnam alone recorded approximately 180,000 cases and 31 deaths in 2023. In 2025, infections surged again to more than 107,000 cases — a 28.9% increase compared to the previous year.

With over 1.3 million births annually, the introduction of an HFMD vaccine could play a critical role in reducing severe infections, hospitalisations and fatalities.

High efficacy and early protection

ENVACGEN® has demonstrated strong clinical performance, with efficacy reported at up to 100% during follow-up periods, and no infections observed among vaccinated individuals in trials.

The vaccine can be administered to infants as young as two months old and provides long-term immunity lasting more than five years.

MVC currently holds over 97% market share for EV71 vaccines in Taiwan, underscoring its established track record in this space.

HFMD vaccine expansion across Southeast Asia

The Vietnam approval is expected to serve as a springboard for wider regional expansion, as demand grows for more effective HFMD prevention measures.

MVC CEO Leo Lee described the approval as a “pivotal milestone”, adding that the company is scaling up production capacity to meet anticipated demand across Southeast Asia.

Substipharm Biologics, which operates in over 100 countries, will leverage its regional presence to accelerate distribution and engagement with healthcare authorities.

Its CEO, Fabrice Baschiera, highlighted the urgency of addressing recurrent outbreaks, noting that EV71 has remained a persistent threat to child health in Vietnam.

Implications for Malaysia and the region

The introduction of an HFMD vaccine in Vietnam may influence neighbouring countries, including Malaysia, to reassess their approach to HFMD prevention.

As ASEAN nations strengthen healthcare resilience and pandemic preparedness, vaccine-led strategies are expected to play an increasingly central role.

The approval of ENVACGEN® not only addresses an immediate public health need but also signals a broader regional shift towards proactive disease prevention. – NMH

The post HFMD Vaccine Breakthrough: Vietnam Approves First EV71 Jab for Children first appeared on NMH.

KUALA LUMPUR — Rangkaian minuman dan ais krim Mixue terus memperluas kehadirannya di Malaysia sambil memperkukuh hubungan dengan komuniti tempatan melalui model perniagaan yang menekankan keusahawanan rakyat tempatan, pembangunan tenaga kerja serta pelaburan domestik berterusan.

Mixue Malaysia menyatakan strategi pertumbuhannya di Malaysia memberi penekanan kepada penyertaan tempatan dalam pelbagai aspek operasi, termasuk pemilikan francais, peluang pekerjaan dan kerjasama rantaian bekalan.

Lebih 93% daripada pemegang francais Mixue di Malaysia merupakan rakyat tempatan, dengan lebih 300 pemilik kedai mengendalikan operasi di seluruh negara. Syarikat itu berkata sistem francaisnya direka bagi membantu usahawan baharu memasuki sektor makanan dan minuman dengan lebih teratur melalui latihan, panduan operasi serta sistem pengurusan piawai.

“Kerjasama dengan usahawan tempatan membolehkan kami berkembang seiring dengan komuniti di Malaysia,” kata Teh Hwa Chun, Area Manager Trainee Mixue Malaysia. “Matlamat kami adalah membina perniagaan yang bukan sahaja menawarkan produk mampu milik, tetapi juga menyumbang kepada pertumbuhan ekonomi tempatan.”

Mixue Bina Ekosistem Francais Tempatan

Menurut syarikat itu, rangkaian francaisnya turut membantu mewujudkan peluang pekerjaan dan keusahawanan di seluruh negara. Mixue memaklumkan bahawa kira-kira 4,000 pekerja telah dilatih setakat ini, manakala sekitar 2,900 rakyat Malaysia kini bekerja dalam pelbagai peranan operasi.

Selain menyediakan peluang pekerjaan, syarikat itu turut memberi tumpuan kepada pembangunan kerjaya melalui program latihan berstruktur dan laluan kenaikan pangkat dalaman, sekali gus membuka peluang kepada pekerja membina kerjaya jangka panjang dalam sektor makanan dan minuman.

Strategi penyetempatan Mixue turut melibatkan penyesuaian produk serta kempen pemasaran dengan cita rasa dan budaya tempatan. Antara inisiatifnya termasuk promosi yang diselaraskan dengan sambutan perayaan seperti Hari Raya dan Hari Kebangsaan.

Dalam masa sama, pematuhan terhadap keperluan halal turut menjadi keutamaan syarikat bagi mengekalkan kepercayaan pengguna. Setakat ini, sebanyak 157 cawangan Mixue di Malaysia telah memperoleh pensijilan halal, dengan pemantauan dilakukan oleh pasukan khusus yang memastikan pematuhan terhadap piawaian yang ditetapkan.

Bagi memastikan operasi yang konsisten di seluruh rangkaiannya, Mixue turut menggunakan pelbagai sistem digital termasuk analitik sistem jualan (POS), amaran pengurusan inventori serta papan pemuka prestasi bagi meningkatkan kecekapan operasi dan mengurangkan pembaziran.

Selain itu, pembinaan, pengubahsuaian kedai serta pengurusan logistik dan pengedaran dilaksanakan dengan kerjasama rakan logistik yang berpengalaman bagi memastikan bekalan produk dapat dihantar secara stabil ke seluruh negara.

Kehadiran di Bazaar Ramadan

Kehadiran Mixue juga semakin ketara dalam ruang komuniti. Pada Ramadan tahun ini, gerai Mixue dilihat turut mengambil bahagian di beberapa lokasi Bazaar Ramadan, sekali gus menambah pilihan minuman dan pencuci mulut kepada pengunjung.

Walaupun peniaga tradisional kekal menjadi tarikan utama di bazaar, penyertaan jenama francais seperti Mixue mencerminkan perubahan landskap perniagaan makanan dan minuman yang semakin berkembang.

Bagi pengunjung bazaar, pilihan pembelian selalunya bergantung kepada cita rasa, harga dan kemudahan. Ramai yang tidak keberatan untuk membeli daripada kedua-dua jenis peniaga — sama ada gerai tradisional mahupun jenama yang sudah dikenali.

Pemerhati industri melihat situasi ini sebagai sebahagian daripada evolusi pasaran makanan dan minuman tempatan, di mana usahawan kecil dan perniagaan berasaskan francais semakin wujud secara bersama dalam ruang pasaran yang sama.

Ke hadapan, Mixue Malaysia menyatakan bahawa syarikat itu akan terus bekerjasama dengan agensi kerajaan, persatuan industri serta rakan tempatan bagi memperkukuh pertumbuhan mampan dalam sektor tersebut.

Syarikat itu juga merancang untuk memperluas rantaian bekalan domestik, membangunkan bakat tempatan serta memperkukuh keupayaan pengurusan tempatan dalam usaha memastikan pertumbuhan jangka panjang di Malaysia. – NMH

Baca juga:
Membina Usahawan Dari Akar Umbi — Transformasi Senyap UMEC

The post Mixue Perluas Jejak Komuniti di Malaysia, Perkasa Usahawan Tempatan first appeared on NMH.

KUALA LUMPUR — The rapid rise of Mixue outlets across Malaysia has been hard to miss — from neighbourhood shoplots to bustling commercial centres, and increasingly, Ramadan bazaars. But behind the snowman logo and affordable ice cream lies a broader ambition: embedding itself into local communities rather than simply expanding its footprint.

Mixue Malaysia says its long-term strategy in the country centres on local entrepreneurship, Malaysian talent and sustained domestic investment.

More than 93% of its franchisees are Malaysians, with over 300 local store owners currently operating nationwide. For many, the brand serves as a structured entry point into the competitive food and beverage sector, supported by systematic training, operational guidance and ongoing business support.

Mixue Builds a Local Franchise Ecosystem

The company says it has trained approximately 4,000 workers to date and currently employs about 2,900 Malaysians. Beyond job creation, Mixue emphasises career progression, offering structured development pathways aimed at building long-term employment rather than short-term placements.

“Our approach in Malaysia is about growing together — with entrepreneurs, employees and communities,” said Teh Hwa Chun, Area Manager Trainee of Mixue Malaysia. “We want to be seen as a brand that genuinely belongs to the people we serve.”

Localisation extends beyond ownership. Product offerings and promotional campaigns are tailored to Malaysian tastes and cultural moments, including national celebrations and Hari Raya festivities. The company has also prioritised halal compliance, securing halal certification for 157 stores — a key factor in building consumer trust.

Operationally, Mixue relies on standardised store systems, digital monitoring tools and regular supervision teams to ensure consistency. Logistics, construction and supply chain management are handled with established partners to support reliable nationwide distribution.

Modern Brands in Traditional Spaces

This Ramadan, Mixue booths have also appeared at selected Bazaar Ramadan locations, adding to the mix of food and beverage options available to visitors. While traditional vendors remain at the heart of the bazaar experience, the presence of established franchise brands reflects the evolving landscape of Malaysia’s informal retail economy. Ultimately, purchasing decisions rest with consumers — many of whom move fluidly between supporting long-time stall operators and choosing familiar branded offerings.

Industry observers note that such coexistence increasingly defines Malaysia’s modern marketplace, where small entrepreneurs and structured franchise systems operate side by side.

Looking ahead, Mixue Malaysia says it plans to deepen engagement with government agencies and industry associations, expand its domestic supply chain and further strengthen local management capabilities.

As Malaysia’s food and beverage sector continues to evolve, Mixue’s growth story suggests that scale and community integration need not be mutually exclusive — particularly when local participation remains central to expansion. – NMH

Also read:
Building Entrepreneurs from the Ground Up — Inside UMEC’s Quiet Transformation

The post Mixue Expands Community Footprint in Malaysia first appeared on NMH.

KUALA LUMPUR: Citaglobal Bhd has proposed to raise up to RM42.09 million via a private placement exercise to fund renewable energy expansion, complete its Gebeng land acquisition and strengthen working capital.

In a filing with Bursa Malaysia, the group said it intends to issue up to 46.77 million new shares — representing 7.05% of its enlarged share capital — to Berjaya Securities Sdn Bhd at a subscription price of 90 sen per share.

The placement price represents a marginal 0.55% discount to the last traded price of 90.5 sen. However, it is priced at a premium to key historical benchmarks, including a 1.16% premium to the five-day volume-weighted average price (VWAP) and a 7.04% premium to the 12-month VWAP.

Citaglobal And Gebeng Land Acquisition

Of the total expected gross proceeds, RM13.5 million will be allocated to the Gebeng land acquisition in Pahang. The sum will reimburse earlier payments and settle the remaining cash portion of the RM90 million acquisition, which was largely satisfied through the issuance of irredeemable convertible preference shares (ICPS).

A further RM18.5 million has been earmarked for expansion and investment in existing businesses, particularly renewable energy initiatives. These include acquiring controlling stakes in hydropower assets, development costs for a 200MW large-scale solar (LSS) project under the LSS PETRA 5+ programme in Kuantan, as well as a bio-compressed natural gas upgrading facility across Pahang, Kelantan and Terengganu.

Another RM8.6 million will be used for working capital, while RM1.49 million will cover expenses related to the private placement.

Berjaya’s Stake

Upon completion, Berjaya Securities is expected to hold an 8.66% stake based on the current issued shares, or 6.59% on a fully diluted basis assuming full conversion of all convertible securities.

As at Sept 30, 2025, Citaglobal has 12.37 million Warrants B, 85.09 million Warrants C, 2.4 million ICPS A and 69.90 million ICPS B outstanding. The proposed exercise is expected to be completed by the second quarter of financial year 2026.

Citaglobal said the private placement enables the group to raise funds expeditiously without incurring interest costs or principal repayment obligations associated with bank borrowings, thereby preserving cash flow.

As at Sept 30, 2025, the group’s outstanding order book stood at RM1.1 billion, while its property segment carries an estimated remaining gross development value of RM449 million.

Looking ahead, the group expects Malaysia’s construction sector to remain stable in 2026, supported by strategic investments and infrastructure rollouts under the 13th Malaysia Plan.

Also read:
Building Entrepreneurs from the Ground Up — Inside UMEC’s Quiet Transformation

The post Citaglobal to Raise RM42mil for Solar, Hydropower and Land Deal first appeared on NMH.

Kuala Lumpur, 09 May 2025 – In a significant move to enhance Malaysia’s digital upskilling agenda, GKK Consultants Sdn Bhd (GKK Malaysia) has announced a groundbreaking partnership with the IIT Madras Pravartak Technologies Foundation (IITMPTF). This collaboration marks the first time a Malaysian company has joined forces with an Indian tech innovation hub, aiming to address the country’s growing demand for advanced digital skills.

Bridging the Digital Skills Gap

The partnership is set to support Malaysia’s National Artificial Intelligence Office (NAIO) and other digital initiatives by offering certified technology education programs. These programs will focus on emerging technological areas such as Artificial Intelligence, semiconductor design, green energy, and Industry 5.0 applications.

Dr. Gajendra Balasingham, Managing Director of GKK Malaysia, emphasized the importance of this collaboration: “The digital economy contributed 23.5 percent to Malaysia’s GDP in 2023, amounting to RM427.7 billion. However, companies are still struggling to find suitable employees for roles in cloud computing, AI, and data analytics. This partnership will empower underserved communities and develop a future-ready workforce for Malaysia’s tech sector.”

Comprehensive Training Programs

The first program under this partnership will involve 550 final-year students at Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM). In collaboration with IITMPTF and GKK Malaysia’s ecosystem partners, both lecturers and students will receive comprehensive training in Data Analytics, Java Full Stack Programming, Cyber Security, and AWS Cloud Practitioner. This initiative aims to equip Malaysian talent with globally recognized, industry-relevant skills.

Mr. Balamurali Shankar, Chief Knowledge Officer of IITMPTF, remarked, “This partnership will bridge the skill gap by preparing more tech professionals in cutting-edge technologies, especially in Cybersecurity, AI, and Machine Learning. Students will gain invaluable hands-on experience and real-world insights, enhancing their employability both in Malaysia and internationally.”

Strategic Alignment with National Goals

The partnership aligns with Malaysia Digital’s focus on AI governance and NAIO’s strategic priorities, ensuring the workforce remains competitive in the Industry 5.0 era. His Excellency Mr. B.N. Reddy, India’s High Commissioner to Malaysia, expressed his congratulations: “The Indian High Commission is delighted to learn that GKK Malaysia has established a framework to promote advanced courses in Malaysia through IITMPTF. IITMPTF is a renowned innovation hub in India, and its advanced courses will enhance the competitive advantage of many Malaysian companies.”

Addressing Digital Industry Challenges

A recent survey conducted by Randstad Malaysia and published in its ‘2025 Job Market Outlook & Salary Guide’ indicates that 59 percent of Malaysian companies want to increase their headcount by an average of 10 to 15 percent this year. However, many are facing challenges in sourcing skilled professionals, particularly in AI, cybersecurity, and software development.

Dr. Gajendra concluded, “The demand for such professionals has surged, but the nation’s workforce is still lacking the necessary expertise to meet immediate industry standards. This partnership will play a crucial role in addressing these challenges and ensuring Malaysia’s workforce is equipped with the skills needed for the future.”

This partnership between GKK Malaysia and IITMPTF represents a significant step forward in Malaysia’s digital upskilling agenda, promising to equip the workforce with the skills needed to thrive in the rapidly evolving tech landscape. – NMH

The post GKK Malaysia, IIT Madras Pravartak Partner to Advance Digital Skills first appeared on NMH.

Overarching Strategy

At the core of the strategic direction of the Employee Provident Fund (EPF) is its commitment to assist its members in achieving a better future through adequate and sustainable retirement income. This commitment is focused on five key priorities – improving adequacy, extending coverage, enhancing customer experience, delivering optimal yield and strengthening trust, which is reviewed annually to respond to members’ evolving needs.

EPF Facts at a Glance – 2023

Members = 16,073,317
Active members = 8,524,975 or 53%
Number of Contributing Employers = 606,187
Annual contributions received from Employees and Employers = RM97.56b
Total Withdrawals & Refunds = RM50.57b
•Operational & Business Efficiency is 22.9sen per RM100 AUM

•Retirement Well-being = 33% of active members meet basic savings by age.
•No of Branches = 68: 52 at Peninsula Malaysia, 9 at Sabah and Labuan and 7 in Sarawak
•Number of Staff = 5,537
•Total Employee Expenses = RM1.29 billion
•Total Operating Expenditures = RM1.81 billion
•EPF is the World’s 14th Largest Pension Fund.

Investment Performance

FY2023 witnessed significant global events that impacted the global economy, financial and currency markets. The Russian invasion of Ukraine added to inflationary pressures to the existing global supply chain disruption, causing a simultaneous food and energy crisis.

The global equity markets’ performance were mixed with indexes FTSE World Developed at +21.59%, FTSE ASEAN -2.09%, APAC Ex-Japan +4.60% n FBM KLCI -2.73%.

Higher inflation that led to higher interest rates, routed the bond market in most countries.
Despite these investment challenges, EPF diversification strategy continues to pay off with total gross investment income of RM67.39b up 21.80% fm 2022.

Dividend for Simpanan Konvensional (Conventional Savings) was 5.50% and Simpanan Shariah (Shariah Savings) at 5.40%, a commendable performance under these circumstances.

Total Assets of EPF

2019 – RM924.882b
2020 – RM1,003.372b
2021 – RM1,012.032b
2022 – RM1,008.312b
2023 – RM1,141.898b

Gross Investment Income

2019 – RM49.756b
2020 – RM55.743b
2021 – RM67.723b
2022 – RM51.909b
2023 – RM66.988b

Dividend Credited to Members

2019 – RM45.817b
2020 – RM47.642b
2021 – RM56.725b
2022 – RM51.138b
2023 – RM57.806b

Simpanan Konventional Dividend

2019 – 5.45%
2020 – 5.20%
2021 – 6.10%
2022 – 5.35%(RM45.4b)
2023 – 5.50%(RM50.33b)

Simpanan Shariah Dividend

2019 – 5.00%
2020 – 4.90%
2021 – 5.65%
2022 – 4.75% (RM5.70b)
2023 – 5.40% (RM7.48b)

Return on Investment

2019 – 5.71%
2020 – 6.13%
2021 – 6.50%
2022 – 6.20%
2023 – 6.36%

Total Withdrawals

2019 – RM44.776b
2020 – RM58.284b
2021 – RM131.078b
(i-Lestari, i-Sinar & i-Citra schemes)
2022 – RM91.025b**
(Special Withdrawal Facilities)
2023 – RM50.57b

Strategic Asset Allocation (SAA)

46% Fixed Income
42% Equities (plus PE)
7% Real Estate and Infra
5% Cash & Money Market

Fixed Income comprises MGS and Equivalent, Loan n Bonds. In 2023, FI contributed RM19.74b or 30% of total investment income yielding an ROI of 4.41%.

Equity portfolio comprises listed and private equity, contributing RM39.05b or 58% of income.

Equities portfolio achieved a strong ROI of 8.77%. Listed equity write downs for 2023 were minimal at RM0.40bil, compared to d RM3.43bil recorded in 2022.

Private equities ROI outperformed public equities and had a higher ROI of 9.69%. Overall ROI was 7.92%. Write down was RM3.43b for this asset class.

RE & Infrastructure recorded an investment income of RM6.03b or ROI of 5.04%.
Money market instruments totaled returns was RM2.17b or an ROI of 4.93%.

Domestic SAA = 62% or 702.48b
Overseas SAA = 38%
Domestic Income = 47% or 31.61b
Overseas Income = 53% or 35.28b
Overall ROI = 6.36%
Deployment of new money into domestic market is more that 80% of of 2023 investment allocation.

As at December 2023, EPF holds about 28% of the outstanding MGS and GII issuances and about 12% of the FTSE Bursa Msia Top 100 Index market capitalisation.

EPF participation in the Bursa Malaysia in terms of value was 23% for FBM100 stocks and 31% for FBMKLCI stocks. This includes trading by domestic external fund managers.

Active Members Savings Range as at 31 December 2023

•2.574m members have savings below 10k totaling RM12.0 billion
•2.567m members have savings between 10-50k totaling RM62.3 billion
•1.166m members have savings between 50-100k totaling RM84.2 billion
•1.372m members have savings between 100-250k totaling RM217.5 billion
•541,382 members have savings between 250-500k totaling RM186.4 billion
•217,223 members have saving between 500k-1m totaling RM147.5 billion
•90,334 members have savings above 1m totaling RM157.3 billion
•⁠ ⁠Total active members is 8,524,975 with savings totaling RM867.249b
•⁠ ⁠Male active members 4,646,149 and female 3,878,826.

EPF 2024 Performance

EPF declared a dividend rate of 6.30% for Simpanan Konventional, with a total payout of RM63.05 billion; and 6.30% for Simpanan Shariah, with a total payout of RM10.19 billion, bringing the total payout amount for 2024 to RM73.24 billion.

For the year ended 31 December 2024, the EPF recorded a total investment income of RM74.46 billion, 11% higher than the RM66.99 billion recorded in 2023.

EPF’s investment assets grew to RM1,249.71 billion, an increase of 10% fm RM1,135.82 billion in 2024. This increase was driven by portfolio income and net contributions of RM108.22 billion, an 11% increase fm RM97.56 billion in 2023.

This strong performance was driven by recovering global n domestic markets, resilient economic growth, and sound portfolio management.

The Malaysian economy expanded at 5.1% vs 3.6% in 2023 and FBM KLCI registered double-digit growth of 12.9% vs -2.7% in 2023.

Investment Portfolio Performance

The Equities asset class contributed RM49.79 billion, accounting for 67% of total investment income with an ROI of 9.90%.

Private Equity investments, which represents close to 10% of the equity investments, generated an ROI of 11.33%.

Fixed Income instruments contributed RM22.91 billion, or 29% of the total investment income, yielding an ROI of 4.27% vs RM19.74 billion in 2023, in line with the growing asset size.

Real Estate and Infrastructure registered an income of RM1.64 billion, recording an ROI of 5.13% on a constant currency basis.

Income from Money Market Instruments was RM1.12 billion, delivering an ROI of 1.89%, impacted by the Ringgit strength against US Dollar.

Fixed Income instruments made up 46.2% of investment assets, while Equities comprised 43.5%. Real Estate n Infrastructure as well as Money Market Instruments made up 6.3% and 4% of EPF assets, respectively.

Of the RM1,249.71 billion investment assets, 63% was invested domestically, generating RM37.02 billion, or 49.7% of total investment income. Global assets generated income of RM37.44 billion, or 50.3% of d total investment income recorded.

A total of RM63.59 billion out of d RM74.46 billion total investment income was generated for Simpanan Konvensional, and RM10.87 billion for Simpanan Shahriah.

Operationally, EPF recorded strong membership growth registering new members of 475,752, bringing EPF membership to 16.22 million, of which 8.78 were active members. This represents 51% of Malaysia’s 17.32 million labor force.

Total contributions in 2024 rose 11% to RM108.22 billion, reflecting increased number of members, wage growth and sustained trust in the EPF. New employer registrations stood at 71,471, bringing total registered employers to 614,563. – NMH

About the writer:

WKWA has more than 40 years working experience in the Malaysian financial markets as a currency trader, money broker, fund management and pension fund. He is currently the Chairman at MBSB Bank and MBSB Group. His was also the former CEO of KWAP, a Malaysian government pension fund. His favourite sign-off is: Once a trader always a trader!

The post EPF Investment Performance 2023|2024 – Highs And Lows first appeared on NMH.

On the other hand, social media has changed the way we experience the world. It has offered up new opportunities for activism, and forever altered the ways and means that we use to access information from parts of the world that are invariably different to those we live in. From the onset of Israel’s bombardment in October 2023: the young aspiring journalists of Gaza took to social media to share footage and stills of the devastation around them. Just as the images of Shani Luok’s broken body and videos of seemingly terrified Israelis being forced onto the backs of motorbikes by Hamas militants came to symbolise the horrors of 7 October, the suffering of Gaza’s people would be captured in the faces and cries of the individuals who featured in viral posts. The fact that such individuals—a terrified toddler still shaking in fear after his home had been bombed and his family killed, a grandfather opening his granddaughter’s eyes one last time as he bids her goodbye—would become the subjects of placards at anti-war protests is a testament to just how powerful this imagery has been. The reign of terror unleashed by Israel upon the population of Gaza is frequently referred to as the first genocide that occurred right before our eyes, enabled by social media platforms. It is incredibly telling that so many of those who have taken to the streets to oppose governmental inaction, and orchestrated other protests such as the university encampments, belong to the generations most active on Instagram and TikTok.

Social media has allowed us a direct relationship of sorts with the people of Gaza. Frequently this relationship is cited as a cause of distress, and this is a legitimate point: the suffering of children is and has always been incredibly unsettling. But more unsettling is the broader sense of apathy that we are faced with. In some cases, we have witnessed the expulsion of those who dare to speak up: think of (think of Senator Fatima Payman, Antoinette Lattouf). We have watched as those in power have not only refused to take action but dismissed our calls for them to show some semblance of humanity as trivial and lacking information. We are being gaslit. Worse still, protesters and those who support them are being accused of conjuring violence, of anti-Semitism. Police presence at protests continues to increase and become more heavy-handed. Every time a politician speaks on the issue it feels as though they are telling people who have taken a stand and spoken out against Israel to pipe down, and just let the people of Gaza die quietly. It’s as if our political leaders cannot rush to denounce us fast enough. Even White settler-Australians who are speaking up about Palestine are being treated with disdain. For those of us who are new to activism or have not faced significant social disadvantage, being treated as a political football is probably new, and jarring. But if White people should take anything from this, it’s that even as the favourite children of the settler-colonial state, we are not safe from its punitive reprimand.

The knock-on effect of this systemic indifference is cognitive dissonance and apathy in our communities. It is the averted eyes and shifting discomfort of when Palestine is mentioned. It is the routine claims from our friends and family that they simply cannot look at such horrors, and the advice to disconnect, take a break or look away. After watching eight months of genocide live on our phones, perhaps it is time that we ask ourselves who we are actually serving by defaulting to individualist notions of self-care as a solution to indifference and despair. Who are we really prioritising by turning away from settler-colonial brutality? The brilliant work of Saira Rao and Regina Jackson has highlighted the critical importance of the niceness of White women to maintaining White supremacy. They urge us to choose kindness when faced with a choice of remaining ‘nice’ or using our privilege to challenge the status quo. Now more than ever, we should take heed of such words of wisdom. After all, we are not left with a sense of despair because we ‘are not supposed to see’ such atrocities, as so many would have us believe, but because such atrocities are not supposed to happen. This anguish is compounded by the fact that our government, our media and so many in our communities are insisting that we just shut up and think of something else.

On a personal note, as someone who has lived with a mental illness since my teens, my despondency does not improve when I turn away from the war crimes that are being perpetrated upon the people of Gaza on a daily basis. These horrors continue whether I bear witness to them or not—whether anyone does. If your heart is bleeding because of that, it should be, for the pain of having been alive while this happened lives there, and it always will. The humanity that we as a collective have lost in the decimation of Gaza and the Palestinian people cannot ever be reclaimed. It is only by sitting with and accepting this reality, by sharing it with those around us and by being compelled to action and solidarity that we are likely to find any sustained sense of relief.

We would do well to find inspiration in the words of the remarkable Gunditjmara writer and activist Sissy Austin, who writes that ‘Palestinians will forever have First Nations peoples’ from not just so-called Australia, but across the world, for generations to come, walking and fighting by their side’. Rather than finding comfort in switching off and turning away, I feel liberation in a newfound sense of connectedness with my brothers and sisters in Palestine and elsewhere in the world. I am solaced by having joined a global movement of fellow mothers whose activism is fired by our maternity rather than existing in spite of it. There is true hope in this sense of unity. As the Black Canadian writer and mother Bee Quammie tells us, ‘Lives have been taken, but beautiful children exist. The solidarity of motherhood is a global effort, and we carry each other’s pain and joy’. We cannot possibly wish for a better tomorrow for our own children unless that tomorrow also offers a safe and more loving world for ALL children.

The many Australians who have stood up for Palestine have an opportunity to continue on this journey, to cast aside the indoctrination that leads us to understand indifference as freedom and silence as comfort. For White settler-Australians like myself, who historically have been bystanders to imperialist violence, this feels particularly poignant. In humanising others (including the Indigenous people of this land we ourselves occupy), we honour own humanity. Now that we have come this far, we simply cannot go back. Like Sissy Austin, I would urge us to take hope from the words and music of Uncle Archie Roach, who once so beautifully compelled us to ‘Let Love Rule’:

Oh we hear the children crying

And we don’t know what to do

Gotta hold on to each other

And love will see us through

Let love rule, let it guide us through the night

That we may stay together and keep our spirits calm.

Free Palestine. And then the world.

About the author

Lora Chapman

Lora is a writer and practicing social worker. She holds a PhD in anthropology and is passionate about social issues that impact children and young people.

This article was originally published in Arena Online on 23 August 2024

The post Policing Protest In An Age Of Hypervisible Genocide: Lessons For Settler-Australia first appeared on NMH.

KUCHING – About 300 delegates from Sabah and Sarawak attended the Borneo States Symposium II held here recently as a follow-up to the first symposium that was held in Kota Kinabalu last year. The main resolution adopted was the call to get back the 35% share of Parliamentary seats as provided for in the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA’63).

“The 35% proposal by Sarawak must be implemented as the federal cabinet agreed to this during the Ismail Sabri Administration. There is no reason why Anwar can reject this,” said Prof Dr James Chin, advisor to the Sarawak Initiatives (TSI), co-organiser of the event together with Sabah Action Body Advocating Rights (SABAR).

“When we get the 35%, it will fundamentally change federal-state relationship. It means Putrajaya cannot ignore Sabah or Sarawak constitutionally. If we don’t get the 35%, then we do not have real leverage as Malaya alone can change the federal constitution at will, as is the situation now,” he added.

Some Sabah and Sarawak NGOs Oppose

Prof Chin also warned that many local NGOs opposed the move to grant Sabah and Sarawak 34% of the seats in parliament.

“There are many well meaning local NGOs here in Sarawak who are influenced by Malayan NGOs who argue about the “one man, one vote” rule. They do not realise they are being manipulated by Malayan NGOs to promote this idea which means we cannot get the 1/3 seats. Another idea they are actively promoting is to grant 1/3 of Dewan Negara seats to Sabah and Sarawak.”

“All this will not work because without a constitutional amendment to grant Sabah and Sarawak 35% of the seats, there is no guarantee that future Putrajaya governments will honour this ad hoc agreement. Hence, we must insist that 35% be written into the Constitution,” added Prof Chin.

Prof Chin is Professor of Asian Studies at the University of Tasmania and is widely regarded as the leading authority on political change in Sabah and Sarawak.

Resolutions

The symposium adopted several resolutions after a full day of presentations and panel discussions.

The seven resolutions are:

1. That the Borneo States be allocated at least 35% of the Parliamentary seats.

2. That representatives from the Borneo States be included in all fiscal and monetary policy making agendas.

3. That the Federal Government pay Sabah the 40% rebate as stated in the Malaysia Agreement 1963.

4. That full devolution of power on education to the Borneo States be carried out immediately with full funding from the Federal Government.

5. That the Governments of the Borneo States collaborate to create the “Borneo School of Economics & Political Science” to educate and train the next generation of leaders.

6. That all Federal funds for the Borneo States be transferred to their consolidated funds to implement projects independently.

7. That equal funding be given to all religious bodies in Sarawak & Sabah. – NMH

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PENANG – QNET, a global lifestyle and wellness company, recently concluded its five-day bi-annual international event which drew 8,000 participants from key global markets.

Held at the SPICE Convention Center here, the 26th year bi-annual V-Malaysia event, aptly themed ‘Unstoppable’ began on 12 May with a spectacular opening ceremony which featured a vibrant display of more than 30 national costumes and cultural traditions from around the world, emphasising the global unity and inclusive spirit of the QNET community.

Several innovative products designed to enhance consumer lifestyles across wellness, personal care, and homecare were launched at this year’s V-Malaysia. Notable launches included the HomePure Rayn showerhead with Amezcua filter, the Amezcua E-Guard X for electro-smog protection, and a new line of luxury watches from the Bernhard H. Mayer collection.

Trevor Kuna, Chief Marketing Officer at QNET, highlighted the importance of the V-Convention in promoting global entrepreneurship. “The V-Convention is a crucial platform that enhances interaction among our distributors and showcases the vibrancy of our flagship event. We are thrilled to introduce new products in the global Household Goods & Durables and Wellness categories, which together represent over 40% of the global direct selling market, valued at more than USD $186.1 billion.

“These new offerings provide our distributors with innovative products designed to improve their customers’ daily lives and promote better health. Additionally, our event at the SPICE Arena reflects our commitment to sustainability. The arena’s efforts to minimize the environmental impact of large-scale gatherings align perfectly with QNET’s Green Legacy programme, which emphasises our dedication to leaving a better planet behind,” Kuna noted.

Throughout the event, attendees participated in various training workshops led by renowned entrepreneurs and leadership experts, gaining valuable insights into business strategies and personal development.

QNET also demonstrated its commitment to social responsibility through its sustainability and community initiatives, including efforts against single-use plastics, promoting vegetarian catering options, and supporting tree planting campaigns globally – all part of QNETs Green Legacy programme.

QNET’s V-Convention continues to be a beacon of innovation and community engagement, driving the direct selling industry forward while promoting a sustainable and inclusive business environment.

The convention was graced by the presence of distinguished leaders including QI Group Executive Chairman Datuk Seri Vijay Eswaran and Deputy Chairman Joseph Bismark, among other executives andinternational business partners. A special speaker at this event was R. Madhavan, an award-winning Indian actor, director and writer who has appeared in predominantly Tamil and Hindi films. – NMH

The post QNET Shines Again With Unstoppable V-Malaysia 2024 first appeared on NMH.