Malaysia’s workforce is evolving rapidly, thanks to technology and globalisation. Key sectors like technology, healthcare and financial services are driving demand for specialised skills such as artificial intelligence (AI), cybersecurity and data analytics.

Adapting to tech and talent demands

In the era of artificial intelligence (AI), where narratives are often shaped by external forces, Malaysia must assert its autonomy to protect its cultural identity and shape its future in the technology.

“Alarmingly, in the fully digital sphere that we live in, 30% of all new content c...

Spotlight: Defying the AI black box

In the rapidly evolving world of tech and innovation, Malaysia has made strides but still grapples with inclusivity. Ranked 114th in the World Economic Forum’s Global Gender Gap Report 2024, the country is far from gender parity, especially in tech entrepreneurship. Women make up a small fraction...

Empowering Growth: Malaysia needs gender-inclusive tech start-up ecosystem

The pandemic reshaped business operations and, three years after the Movement Control Orders (MCOs), its impact remains significant — especially in the surge in remote and flexible working. To cater for this growing trend, co-working spaces have emerged in greater numbers, providing open and adap...

Spaces: Where collaboration meets flexibility

Cross-border payments have emerged as the fastest-growing segment for Touch ‘n Go eWallet (TNG eWallet) in the past 12 to 24 months, surpassing all projections, according to Alan Ni, CEO of TNG Digital Sdn Bhd (TNGD).

This comes as a surprise given the inherent challenges of cross-borde...

Transactions: Enabling seamless cross-border transactions

The traditional insurance claims process, reliant on human inspections and subjective assessments, often faces delays and inconsistencies, frustrating stakeholders and increasing costs. Prudential plc is tackling these challenges with artificial intelligence (AI), aiming to streamline claims, cut...

Automation: Streamlining insurance workflow with AI

Malaysia is experiencing a data centre (DC) boom, ranking No 2 in Asean for live DCs with 280 operational, 159 under construction and a staggering 766 in the pipeline.

DC investments made up 76% of all digital investments approved from 2021 to early 2024, amounting to RM123.5 billion. K...

Solutions: Banking on cloud

The phrase “take a Grab” has become ubiquitous in most major cities in Malaysia and much of the region, reflecting the company’s dominance in the e-hailing space. Since it acquired Uber’s Southeast Asia operations six years ago, Grab Holdings Inc has enjoyed the biggest market share, solidifying ...

Cover Story: E-hailing market heats up with fresh competition

Advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) have blurred the line between human and machine interactions, underscoring the growing need to verify human identity in the digital world. As AI continues to evolve, ensuring that users are indeed humans becomes essential to prevent the misuse and expl...

Authentication: Bot or human?

Since its introduction in Malaysia’s 2013 education blueprint, STEM — science, technology, engineering and mathematics — has been the cornerstone of the nation’s academic priorities.

The objective was clear, to equip students with the technical skills demanded by a tech-centric economy....

Education: Shaping tech talent with the arts and STEM

CEO Action Network (CAN) introduced the Sustainability Leaders Apprentice for Youth (SLAY) programme last Sunday (Nov 24) in collaboration with Roots & Shoots Malaysia (RASMA) to develop youths into corporate sustainability professionals of the future.

CEO Action Network launches programme for youths

Ideas, initiatives and innovation form the basis of any effort to actualise goals and targets. Ideally, sustainability is embedded into the business case of every investment decision made by the company.

10 steps to frame your business case

Part of Malaysia’s climate action plan is to introduce a Climate Change Act to enhance Malaysia’s climate change governance at the international and domestic levels. However, the consultation paper for the proposed climate change bill (Ruupin), issued on Oct 4, has been criticised for being too v...

Policy: Not a people-centric climate change bill

Donald Trump’s re-election as US president on Nov 5 has reignited concerns about how it could impede the progress of climate action and the low-carbon transition.

During his previous term, he infamously pulled the US out of the Paris Agreement. He also claimed that climate change is a “...

Politics: What Trump’s re-election means for the climate

This International Men’s Day, let’s take a moment to reflect on men’s unique challenges: societal expectations, the myth of unyielding masculinity and the pressure to always have a plan (or at least pretend that there is one). Men, we see you.

Although the day centres on men’s well-bein...

Views: International Men’s Day reflections: What Kamala Harris’ leadership teaches us about equity in the corporate world

The short answer: Yes, it can be. The long answer: Yes, but it doesn’t have to be.

Diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) often parallels sustainability in corporate discourse. After all, it is the “S” in ESG (environmental, social and governance). As with sustainability, there is increa...

Views: Diversity-washing — is DEI the new corporate greenwashing?

The National Baseline Assessment on Business and Human Rights in Malaysia (NBA), which was published in August, highlighted the state of human rights in the country and what should be done to address the challenges.

One solution highlighted by Edmund Bon Tai Soon, the head of chambers (...

Human Rights: National report calls for a ministry of human rights and justice

Palm oil farmers who are independent smallholders (ISHs) have a lot to worry about. From monkeys and elephants that intrude into their farms and destroy their crops to weather conditions that are unfavourable, these farmers have their hands full.

ISHs have another thing to worry about a...

Palm Oil: Regenerative farming can benefit independent smallholders

Energy transition is a conversation about the redirection of capital, with more funding being needed to finance global renewable energy requirements.

However, since the Paris Agreement, the world’s 60 largest banks have channelled US$4.6 trillion (RM19.95 trillion) into the fossil fuel ...

Views: The case for Malaysian banks to phase out fossil fuels

Renewable energy certificates (RECs), which are issued when one megawatt-hour (MWh) of renewable energy (RE) is generated, are a common method for corporates to offset their Scope 2 emissions from electricity use.

In fact, some 400 global companies under the RE100 initiative, including ...

Cover Story: How to boost Malaysia’s REC market

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In today’s edition of Evening 5: 0:06 Five feedmillers ordered to pay RM415.5m fine for collusion as tribunal denies stay1:19 Vincent Tan-linked firm trims stake in Berjaya Food after emerging as substantial shareholder2:35 Restructuring plan not cancelled, just refined to leverage new opportunities, says LTAT4:14 Cypark partners Terengganu govt to develop 500MW hybrid hydro floating solar plant5:28 Sunview-backed Winstar's ACE Market IPO draws over RM400 mil retail interest

EVENING 5: Feedmillers ordered to pay record fines for collusion

As an art and research hub in Kampung Attap, The Zhongshan Building hosts an eclectic mix of creative offerings for visitors to explore. In this Jalan-Jalan episode, City & Country takes you to discover its arts and music options.

Discovering The Zhongshan Building’s creative offerings

Betamek, which has collaborated and worked with Perodua as well as Daihatsu, is keeping its eye on the EV market will likely increase demand for electronics and OEM services, according to MD Mirzan Mahathir.

NEWS: Betamek keeps its future focus on the EV market

KUALA LUMPUR (Dec 8): The government will continue to give affirmation to social media platform providers to take action based on the set age limit guidelines.

Fahmi: Social media platforms must enforce age limit guidelines strictly

AMMAN/BEIRUT/CAIRO (Dec 8): Syrian rebels declared President Bashar al-Assad's ouster after seizing control of Damascus on Sunday, forcing him to flee and ending his family's decades of rule after more than 13 years of civil war in a seismic moment for the Middle East.

Syrian rebels topple President Assad, his whereabouts unknown

(Dec 8): The US government has approved the export of advanced artificial intelligence (AI) chips to a Microsoft-operated facility in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) as part of the company's highly-scrutinised partnership with Emirati AI firm G42, Axios reported on Saturday (Dec 7), citing two people familiar with the deal.

US clears export of advanced AI chips to UAE under Microsoft deal, Axios says

KOTA TINGGI (Dec 8): The Royal Commission of Inquiry (RCI) into the handling of matters related to the sovereignty of Batu Puteh (also known as Pedra Branca), Middle Rocks, and South Ledge was conducted to examine the decision not to pursue a review of the International Court of Justice's (ICJ) ruling.

Batu Puteh RCI conducted to examine decision not to pursue review of ICJ ruling — defence minister

(Dec 8): The leader of South Korea’s ruling People Power Party (PPP) leader said on Sunday that Prime Minister Han Duck-soo will manage the nation’s affairs, as the country deals with the fallout from a political crisis sparked by President Yoon Suk Yeol’s bungled martial law.
The party will prepare an orderly exit plan for Yoon, PPP leader Han Dong-hoon said in a prepared statement after meeting with the prime minister.

South Korea’s ruling party vows ‘orderly exit’ for Yoon

KUALA LUMPUR (Dec 7): The significant increase in investments, especially in the cutting-edge technology sector, should be utilised by local companies so that the people will continue to be given the appropriate opportunities.

PM: Significant increase in tech sector investments should benefit local firms

SEOUL (Dec 8): South Korean prosecutors on Sunday arrested ex-defence minister Kim Yong-hyun over his alleged role in President Yoon Suk Yeol's declaration of martial law on Tuesday, Yonhap News Agency said.

South Korea arrests ex-defence minister over martial law, Yonhap News says

Leow Puay Tin has written two kinds of texts over the years: linear and “tikam” — shuffle the scenes, take some cards out, and perform them in a different model. “Every time, no matter how you do them, you always come up with a meaningful [show],” says the playwright and actress known for work that delights, yet provokes.

Soft power

The cover story of the Dec 9 issue of City & Country features an interview with boutique developer Puncakdana Sdn Bhd.

Exploring new opportunities

The Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) has forecast the onset of a second wave of floods within the next two weeks, starting from Sunday, with Pahang and Johor among the states expected to be affected this time.

Zahid: Second wave of floods from Sunday to hit Pahang, Johor

TikTok’s Chinese parent company faces a ban in the US next month as a result of a federal appellate court ruling on Friday, ratcheting up a political clash over the wildly popular video-sharing app.

TikTok faces US ban as appellate court refuses to block law

David Sacks, US President-elect Donald Trump’s surprise pick to guide policy on artificial intelligence (AI) and cryptocurrency, doesn’t have deep ties to either industry or an extensive track record of investing in them. What he does have, though, is even more important in the eyes of technology investors — a tech-friendly worldview and a long history of scepticism about government regulation.

Trump’s crypto-AI czar is long-time critic of tech regulation

UEM Group, the wholly owned infrastructure arm of Khazanah Nasional Bhd, has not given an interview to the press in more than a decade. Current managing director Datuk Amran Hafiz Affifudin who had been on the top job at UEM Group for 119 days at the time of the interview, explains that the long silence does not indicate inactivity at the diversified group, as there was also a change in direction at the company, brought about by the need for Khazanah to pursue green infrastructure ventures in a big way, and for the sovereign wealth fund to strengthen local investments, among other considerations.

Sleeping giant UEM Group stirs

The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) remanded a company director with the 'Datuk' title, and a civil servant on suspicion of corruption in return for securing construction projects in Sarawak worth about RM250 million.

MACC remands company director with 'Datuk' title, civil servant in connection with RM250m corruption case in Kuching

In October, the government announced incentives to jump-start the special economic zone in Forest City. One particular announcement that caught attention was the zero tax rate for family offices, a term rarely heard of in Malaysia as the regulatory framework for such firms did not exist. Essentially, family offices handle investment and wealth management for wealthy families.

Rise of the family office

Even as birth rates fell further in South Korea and Singapore, where less than one baby is born to every woman of reproductive age, Malaysia’s total fertility rate (TFR) surprisingly inched higher to 1.7 in 2023 from a record low of 1.6 in 2022.

Demographic squeeze : Declining birth rates and the rising burden of eldercare

PUTRAJAYA (Dec 8): Malaysia is closely monitoring the evolving situation in Syria and its potential implications for regional stability.

Ministry closely monitors situation in Syria, prioritises safety of Malaysians there

KUALA LUMPUR (Dec 8): Malaysia emphasised fairness and security in global trade and called for timely World Trade Organization (WTO) reforms, including restoring the dispute-settlement mechanism and promoting inclusive dialogue to address concerns, especially from developing nations.

Malaysia calls for WTO reforms to restore fairness and security in global trade

KUALA LUMPUR (Dec 8): The Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) has the potential to be a huge catalyst to spur economic growth, innovation and connectivity in the Asia Pacific, said Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob.

RCEP has potential to strengthen regional economies — Ismail Sabri 

PHNOM PENH (Dec 8): Cambodia and Sarawak have expressed their intentions to enhance commercial relations and leverage key economic sectors between the two resource-rich states.

Sarawak, Cambodia exploring economic, commercial synergy

KUALA LUMPUR (Dec 8): The Malaysian Communications and Multimemdia Commission (MCMC) is preparing to deal with coverage problems in flood-affected areas during the second wave expected to start on Sunday.

Fahmi: MCMC ready to handle telecommunications issues due to second wave floods

SUNGAI BESAR (Dec 8): The government is working to establish nine permanent evacuation centres (PPK), to mitigate the damage to schools that were being used as temporary evacuation centres (PPS) during the disaster.

Floods: One permanent evacuation centre to be established in each high-risk state, says Ahmad Zahid

BUTTERWORTH (Dec 8): The Ministry of Education (MOE) has taken note of the proposal to restore the original name of Sekolah Jenis Kebangsaan Cina (SJKC) Tun Omar Ong Yoke Lin, in Dengkil, Selangor, which was changed to SJKC Gamuda Cove.

Fadhlina: MOE takes note of proposal to restore school’s name to SJKC Tun Omar Ong Yoke Lin

PUTRAJAYA (Dec 8): The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) has introduced the Guidelines on Information and Network Security for the Communications and Multimedia Industry (INSG) to enhance the information and network security and resiliency of the communications and multimedia industry in the country.

MCMC introduces guidelines on info and network security to strengthen cybersecurity

KOTA BHARU (Dec 8): About 19 villages located within a five-kilometre radius of Sungai Nenggiri and Sungai Kelantan are expected to be hit by flood from Tuesday to Friday this week.

Flood expected to hit 19 villages in Machang, Gua Musang this week — Irrigation Dept

Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zahid Hamidi announced that he would bring a proposal to return the name of Sekolah Jenis Kebangsaan Cina (SJKC) Gamuda Cove to its original name, SJKC Tun Omar Ong Yoke Lin, to the Cabinet's meeting.

Proposal to reinstate name of SJKC Tun Omar Ong Yoke Lin to be brought to Cabinet, says Zahid

Investment philosophy of Tong’s Portfolio: Part 1 — Management integrity and capability

(Dec 8): Allianz SE has temporarily halted talks with Amundi SA over combining its Allianz Global Investors (AGI) asset management arm with the French company.

Allianz pauses talks with Amundi over control of asset manager — Bloomberg

(Dec 8): VinFast Auto Ltd’s new electric-vehicle (EV) manufacturing plant in Vietnam’s central province of Ha Ting will start operating by July next year, according to an emailed statement.

VinFast’s new EV plant to start operation in Vietnam by July 2025

ACCRA (Dec 8): Ghana's former president John Dramani Mahama has staged a political comeback by winning the West African nation's presidential election after his rival Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia conceded defeat on Sunday.

Ghana's former president Mahama wins election

(Dec 8): UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer is set to travel to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Saudi Arabia this week, in a push to get a free trade deal with Gulf countries over the line.

UK’s Starmer to push for Gulf trade deal on UAE, Saudi trip

(Dec 8): Ant Group Co’s president Cyril Han will take on the role of chief executive officer (CEO) from March 2025.

Ant Group president Cyril Han to assume CEO role from March 2025

(Dec 8): Tickets for a voyage on board Walt Disney Co’s first Asia-based cruise ship go on sale next week, as the entertainment giant takes advantage of a tourism boom in Singapore to realize ambitious goals for its cruise business.

Disney’s largest cruise ship targets Asia with Marvel heroes

South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol survived an impeachment vote on Saturday, as his ruling party refused to join an opposition bid to oust him after he shocked the nation by briefly declaring martial law.

South Korea’s Yoon survives impeachment after martial law fiasco

Singapore police said they didn’t arrest a Chinese national accused of money laundering, because they were not asked to do so by authorities in China, even though an Interpol Red Notice had been issued for him.

No request from China to arrest national accused of money laundering — S'pore police

In a town-hall meeting on Nov 29, Hong Kong billionaire Henry Cheng introduced his new chief executive officer pick to the hundreds of employees gathered virtually, pledging that Echo Huang would help the ailing property developer cut debt and rebuild its residential property pipeline.

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