Wednesday, March 31, 2010

Telekom Malaysia maintaining dividend payout this FY



KUALA LUMPUR: Telekom Malaysia is maintaining dividend payout this financial year but may rework it next year, said its managing director and group CEO Datuk Zamzamzairani Mohd Isa.

He said on Wednesday, March 31 the possible reworking for dividends in FY11 was necessary as investments for its recently-launched high speed broadband will peak this year.

YTL confident of higher earnings


DIVERSIFIED group YTL Corp Bhd (4677) is optimistic of better years ahead, helped by the recovery of the property market, its wireless broadband business, as well as its other businesses.

"For the full year results (ending June 30 2010), the absolute sum will be double that of our first-half numbers," said group managing director Tan Sri Francis Yeoh on the sidelines of Invest Malaysia in Kuala Lumpur yesterday.


"For the next financial year, it looks like it's getting better and better, driven by various factors ... WiMAX, property ... everything is moving," he added. YTL Corp posted a net profit of RM423.7 million on revenue of RM7.9 billion for the first half ended December 31 2009.

It also plans to launch its wireless broadband services at the end of this year, which the group has committed to invest RM2.5 billion over the next five years.

Meanwhile, Yeoh said the group will use the US$350 million (RM1.1 billion) raised via a five-year exchangable bonds to build its war chest. "We always make sure we have a war chest," he said, without giving details on what companies or sectors he is eyeing.

Tuesday, March 30, 2010

DONT GREEDY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


"Temple of prosperity" master allegedly cheats disabled man

KUALA LUMPUR: A man, who has been wheelchair-bound for the past 12 years, recently thought that he had a reversal in luck when he came across the master from a “temple of prosperity” who promised to help him win the lottery.

He was overjoyed when the man, known as Master Wong, said he would help him win RM1.5mil in a four-digit lottery game.

The man, only wanted to be known as Lu, said he came across an advertisement about a temple, which claimed it could predict the winning lottery numbers.

Lu, 37, telephoned the temple on March 21, and a man, who introduced himself as Master Wong, requested for him to buy a lamp to boost his prosperity.

“I banked in RM130 for the lamp to an account belongs to Chew Ah Kee,’’ said Lu, who suffered spinal injuries after he slipped and fell from a flight of stairs.

Three days later, Wong asked Lu to pay another RM100 for telephone charges to contact his “very powerful sifu (teacher)” in Thailand.

“He said the sifu would pray hard for me to strike lottery. So I believed him and did as he said. Wong then said he had helped me to buy RM500 big and RM500 small on one number and told me the next day that my number 8022 came out second in the Magnum’s Wednesday draw and I won RM1.5mil,” he said during a press conference at the MCA Public Services and Complaints Department on Tuesday.

He said Wong later sent him an MMS video clip of a man counting the cash to prove that he had helped Lu collected the money.

Convinced, Lu waited for the money to be banked into his account.

On Sunday, he suddenly realised that he had been cheated when Wong asked him for more money by claiming that a female ghost was stalking him.

“He said the woman committed suicide after I raped her in my previous life and now, she wanted to take revenge and kill me. He asked me to pay another RM6,800 to perform a ritual to cast aside the ghost’s grudge or he would give away my RM1.5mil for charity to wash my sins away,’’ he said.

Lu knew that he had been cheated and complained to the department’s head Datuk Michael Chong on Tuesday, who in turn said he would help Lu lodge a police report.

Meanwhile, on another alleged cheating case, Chong said he had received a total of 194 complaints against Andalas Travel and Tour.

The victims alleged they had engaged the service of the agency during Matta Fair and had paid for their respective overseas tours and had handed over their passports to the agency to make the necessary travel arrangements.

The agency was found to have not been operating since last week while only seven victims have obtained their passports.

IRCB falls after MMC cuts stake


KUALA LUMPUR: Integrated Rubber Corp Bhd's (IRCB) share price is falling on Tuesday, March 30 after MMC Corp Bhd said it had ceased to be a substantial shareholder in the glove maker.

At 4.12pm, IRCB was down 12 sen to RM1.05 with 22.7 million shares done.
The share price had also run up in recent weeks in tandem with the rally in the share price of glove makers.

MMC said on Tuesday its effective stake in IRCB fell below the 5% level after it disposed of the IRCB shares in the open market on Monday.


However, MMC did not state the number of shares disposed nor the pricing.
MMC owned 11.5% stake or 27.219 million shares of IRCB as of March 1.

Monday, March 29, 2010

Will Malaysia's "New Economic Model" deliver?


KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Serti Najib Razak will unveil initial details of a new economic model on Tuesday, March 30 to boost growth and win back foreign investment in this Southeast Asian country, according to Reuters.

The NEM aims to lift the country from a middle income economy that is heavily dependent on trade and commodities to developed nation status in 2020 through economic liberalisation and a greater focus on services.


After Tuesday's announcement there will be a period of public consultation before it is set in stone as the 10th Malaysia Plan in June.

WHY DOES MALAYSIA NEED A NEW MODEL?

Malaysia has fallen behind in the race for global investment and domestic investment rates are among the lowest in Asia, relative to the size of the economy.

Half of the foreign direct investment money that flowed into three countries, Malaysia, Indonesia and Thailand from 1990-2000 went to Malaysia. Now that figure is under a third, according to UN data.

Investment by Malaysia's private sector stands at around 10 percent of GDP, according to the World Bank.
Malaysia's education system churns out tens of thousands of graduates who are ill-equipped for high knowledge jobs.

A report from investment bank Morgan Stanley said its gross tertiary enrolment ratio and gross tertiary completion ratio are 7 percent and 6 percent lower than the average of economies with its level of GDP per capita.


WILL THE REFORMS BE CLEAR AND UNAMBIGUOUS?


Despite expectations among some fund managers and economists this is unlikely to be a radical proposal with great detail. PM Najib has shown he is an incremental rather than radical reformer since he took office in April 2009.

According to a draft of the plans seen by Reuters, there are no firm measures to be announced, just a raft of ambitions for growth and to re-orient the Malaysian economy to high-value services and to boost domestic investment and consumption.


The draft sees economic growth at 6.5 percent to 2020, after Malaysia's export dependent economy shrank 1.7 percent in 2009 and is expected by the central bank to expand 4.5-5.5 percent this year.

The draft also stresses the need to cut the budget deficit which hit a 22-year high of 7.4 percent of gross domestic product in 2009, although it does not specify how.

There are plans to cut subsidies and to introduce a goods and services tax. Both of these measures were recently delayed by the government.
Malaysia's subsidy bill accounted for 24.5 billion ringgit in 2009 out of 160.2 billion in federal government operating spending.

WHY WILL THE MEASURES DISAPPOINT?

In part at least because expectations among many fund managers and investment banks have been set too high. Many lauded Najib's earlier services and financial sector liberalisation, despite the fact that they were already contained in the country's "Financial Sector Master Plan".

Najib himself has promoted the NEM as a completely "new model" although many of the proposals such as shifting to an income based view of poverty from a race-based one have been around for years and were in the 9th Malaysia Plan..

Expectations that Najib will deliver a raft of privatisations that could cut the budget deficit are also likely wide off the mark. Government funds that own around half the market capitalisation of Bursa Malaysia are separate entities from the federal government, so money raised from stake sales will not go to the finance ministry.

IS NAJIB IS TOO WEAK POLITICALLY TO DELIVER RADICAL REFORM?

Although Najib has steadied the National Front coalition since he took office a year ago in the wake of national and state elections in 2008 where the coalition that has ruled Malaysia for 52 years fell to its worst ever losses, his coalition is weak.

Any plans to dismantle the extensive system of privileges for Malays and other indigenous peoples that account for 65 percent of the 28 million population may trigger popular discontent. A radical group called Perkasa has been formed to "defend" Malays and Islam.

A rising tide of Islam has seen Malaysia cane women under sharia law for the first time, seen a caning sentence for a woman who drank alcohol and a row over whether Christians can use the word "Allah" for god.


Some political analysts say that Najib will only be able to implement meaningful reforms after winning a new electoral mandate, although that is a risky process and Najib does not appear to be a risk-taker.


Although new polls do not need to be held until 2013 at the latest, they could come as early as next year. The later elections come, the later will be any reforms, allowing Malaysia's rivals in the battle for foreign investment more time to surge ahead.


If Najib called snap polls and the National Front was returned with a two-thirds majority in parliament, then he could probably reform as much as he liked. But with the Front's ethnic Chinese and Indian parties still in tatters, two-thirds looks like a tall target.

WHAT WILL BE THE MARKET IMPACT?


More of a whimper than a bang.
The ringgit currency has outperformed other Asian currencies this year, gaining 3.46 percent on the back of a Bank Negara Malaysia rate hike in March after underperforming most of emerging Asia in 2008 and 2009.

Flows have recently returned to the domestic bond market, which is one of emerging Asia's largest and most liquid.
If radical plans are unveiled all these assets could rally further, but if there is another round of promises but no firm time-frame for implementation, then any market rally could lose steam. Due to high levels of ownership by state funds in both equities and debt as well as by local banks, there is unlikely to be a big selloff if the measures do disappoint. - Reuters
GPACKET-WA 29-3-10

Sunday, March 28, 2010

Water for life

All you need to know about the various ‘treated’ waters that are available in the market.

WATER is the essence of life. All creatures evolved out of marine life. Even the creationist view of life does not exclude the importance of water. Our body is 55% to 75% water (depending on age and health, with decreasing percentage with increasing biological age), and our cells are 70% to 90% water. Dehydration is one major effect of ageing, and this can be clearly seen in the ageing skin.

Water is not only essential to the health of our bodies, but also to the health of our earth. The gaia concept views earth as a living organism which, like all living organisms, depends much on clean, health-giving water.

Unfortunately, our blatant neglect of the lakes, rivers, and oceans, and our persistent pollution of the environment has contaminated most of our water sources. Some of the rivers that flow through major cities around the world are so murky, only mutant fish can survive! As clean water sources are becoming scarce, in future, wars will be fought over water, and not just oil.
Alkaline water is good for drinking, while acidic water is excellent for skin health and beauty (skin pH is 5.5), and for feminine hygiene. – AP

Water for health

In the past, all we needed to do to drink a glass of clean water was to turn on the tap. Nowadays, nobody drinks from the home tap anymore, and for good reasons. The quality of the domestic water supply is suspect, and often obviously deficient and dirty (depending on where you live). We only drink boiled, filtered, or bottled water.

With the realisation that filtration was necessary, we were then bombarded by a whole array of water filtration and treatments systems. Some fantastic claims are being made about the health and healing powers of the treated water, so it would be good if I explain to you some of the terms used.

Purity and sterility

The gold standard for water purification is the distillation process, which involves boiling the water and then condensing the steam as distillate. In this way, pure water is obtained due to its specific boiling point. Boiling also sterilises the water (kills viruses, bacteria, and parasites).

Modern technology has enabled reverse osmosis (RO) technology to be equally as good. The best filtration membrane is so fine that only water molecules pass through, excluding even viruses. Pure, sterile water is the result. It is so reliable that even urine can be recycled (e.g. Singapore’s Nuwater). However, you will not get the benefits of urine therapy by drinking it, since it is just pure water.

All other methods of filtration (e.g. layered sand, fibre filters) do not give the same purity as the above two, although it can come close if multiple filter systems are used.

Besides distillation and RO, other methods used to sterilise include UV light and nano-silver. Do note that you can have sterile water that is not pure – e.g. if impurities are not filtered out before boiling (unless you collect only the distillate) or UV-irradiation.

Note that if it is not safe for drinking, then it is not good for bathing too, since the skin absorbs water and whatever it contains easily. Be sure to have an outdoor filter system for your whole house if you are serious about your health. For added safety, have a table-top unit in your kitchen to re-filter (and alkalinise, energise, etc.) for drinking.

Acidity and alkalinity

The pH of pure water is seven (neutral). However, distilled and RO water tends to be slightly acidic due to its readiness to absorb the carbon dioxide in the air, turning it to carbonic acid.

Impure water is acidic, and is not good for health. Our blood is always alkaline (pH 7.35 to 7.45), and the body has to maintain this at all cost to ensure homeostasis (optimum physiological conditions around the cells and organs) is maintained, allowing all cellular functions to continue.

The body does this through acid and alkaline buffers which are outside the blood. Thus, if you drink or eat too much acid foods, or produce too much acids (e.g. starvation diet leading to ketoacidosis), then your alkaline buffers will be used to maintain the alkaline blood pH, at the expense of your cells and organs. These will be surrounded by acidic conditions and their functions may be impeded.

Once the body runs out of alkaline buffers, then the blood pH becomes more acidic, and organ failure follows. A body that cannot restore its alkaline blood pH will die.

All the natural healing water (e.g. Lourdes, Zam-Zam) are alkaline. From my explanation above, you will understand why this is so. Our unhealthy diets and lifestyles tend to increase the body’s acidity, and alkaline water will neutralise this tendency.

My advice is for you to get a water treatment system that produces alkaline water. The best ones allow you to select precisely the pH that you require (most natural alkaline water are around pH 9), and also discharges acidic water which you can use for skin health. While alkaline water is good for drinking, acidic water is excellent for skin health and beauty (skin pH is 5.5), and for feminine hygiene.

Molecular size

The terms micro-water, nano-water, clustered-water, structured-water and a host of other terms all describe the fact that pure, energised water molecules tend to form small clusters, and the water behaves better in dissolving, cleansing, and other functions, including healing. While all the physical actions of water can be proven in the laboratory, the healing effects of small water-molecule clusters have not been validated by scientific studies, although there are ample testimonies from those who have benefited.

It is not surprising at all that smaller water clusters should have better healing effects since all the functions are improved, and maintaining health (and healing) is a major function of water.

The smaller clusters result from the change in the angle between the two H (hydrogen) and O (oxygen) atoms that constitute the water molecule. This is possible through a change in its energy state, and is responsible for the improved properties and functions.

Mineral content

The best natural healing water is also rich in minerals. However, do not correlate this with all the mineral water that you drink. You must understand the difference between organic and inorganic minerals.

For example, the mineral water that contains minerals from dissolved rocks and stones (e.g. mineral pot) contains inorganic minerals that are not easily assimilated by the cells, and may be detrimental under certain conditions.

If there is dehydration, or changes in acidity, they tend to form stones in the body. Rock-derived minerals may form mini-rocks inside you!

Organic minerals are plant-derived. The natural water that contains organic minerals flow through earth layers that are rich in minerals formed from pre-historic plants, which have denatured.

When dissolved, these layer of organic minerals form colloidal minerals. The Hunza Valley water is especially rich in such minerals because the glaciers collect the organic minerals as they travel down the mountains.

It is best that you get your minerals from fruits, vegetables, and other foods and not worry if your water is sufficiently mineralised, unless you are sure that the minerals are organic. However, some mineral content is necessary if the water is to be ionised.

Ionised water

Charged or ionised H+ and OH- atoms and molecules can be obtained by splitting the water molecule, by passing an electrical current. However it is easier to charge the dissolved minerals. Since the body functions through subtle electrical currents, the availability of charged atoms and molecules can help in health and healing. For example, when you have an injury, the injured cells’ electrical charge is disturbed and this initiates the healing process.

Negatively-charged ions also act like antioxidants, neutralising free-radicals and thus help in fighting disease, ageing, and cancer. Thus ionised water is often called “antioxidant water”.

Energised water

You have seen how energised water can improve its healing power through a change of its molecular structure. But how is water energised? Most water-treatment systems do this though FIR (far infrared) obtained from treated ceramics or other materials. It can also be energised by scalar-energised volcanic minerals or metals.

Finally, it can also be energised by sending life-force (qi, reiki or prana, etc) to it. While FIR and other measurable energy-forms are easily understood, the effects of scalar and qi-enhanced water can only be shown through innovative means.

Secrets of water

Dr Masaru Emoto is the eminent water-scientist who revealed to the world the “Secret Life of Water”. He showed though scientific methods that water not only has memory, but also emotions.


When frozen under controlled conditions, pure and polluted water formed different crystal patterns. Water that had pleasant words and prayers recited formed beautiful patterns, while water that got negative words formed ugly patterns.

Scalar and qi-energised water also formed exquisite patterns. Watching the crystals slowly forming, with the accompaniment of music, is an unforgettable experience. Dr Emoto will be giving his much-awaited lecture on more secrets about water in Kuala Lumpur on 3rd April 2010. You should not miss this experience.

Dr Amir Farid Isahak is a medical specialist who practises holistic, aesthetic and anti-ageing medicine. He is a qigong master and founder of SuperQigong. For further information, e-mail starhealth@thestar.com.my. The views expressed are those of the writer and readers are advised to always consult expert advice before undertaking any changes to their lifestyles. The Star does not give any warranty on accuracy, completeness, functionality, usefulness or other assurances as to the content appearing in this column. The Star disclaims all responsibility for any losses, damage to property or personal injury suffered directly or indirectly from reliance on such information.

By DR AMIR FARID ISAHAK


Saturday, March 27, 2010

Proton holds on to gains

KUALA LUMPUR: The share price of PROTON HOLDINGS BHD [] is holding on its gains in late trade on Friday, March 26 as investors expect a much-needed collaboration to be sealed with Volkswagen.

At 4.13pm, Proton is up 26 sen to RM4.53 with 1.79 million shares done.

The FBM KLCI is up 2.04 points to 1,314.52. Turnover is 1.07 billion shares valued at RM1.37 billion. There are 464 gainers, 259 losers and 268 stocks unchanged.

Market sentiment is firmer, with glove makers among gainers. Hartalega and Supermax are up 22 sen each to RM8.43 and RM6.82 respectively while Kossan added 18 sen to RM8.06.

Alam Maritim secures RM39.96m contract

KUALA LUMPUR: ALAM MARITIM RESOURCES BHD []'s unit has secured a RM39.96 million contract to provide an accommodation vessel.

It said on Friday, March 26 its unit Alam Maritim (M) Sdn Bhd was recently awarded a contract by an established oil major to provide the vessel for three years with two extension options of one year each.

Alam Maritim said the contract started on March 1 and contract value at RM39.96 million, based on the primary period only, is expected to contribute positively to the earnings and net assets for FY ending Dec 31, 2010 and beyond.

EPF steps up acquisition of MRCB shares

KUALA LUMPUR: The Employees Provident Fund Board, which had proposed to take over MALAYSIAN RESOURCES CORP [] Bhd, stepped up its acquisition of MRCB shares.

A filing with Bursa Malaysia on Friday, March 26 showed the EPF had acquired 12.28 million shares at an average price of RM1.50.

On March 3, the EPF extended a conditional general offer (GO) of RM1.50 cash per share for the 66.2% of MRCB that it did not own after the rights issuance exercise.

Axiata XL share offer oversubscribed

THE sale of 1.53 billion shares in Indonesia's Axiata XL by its Malaysian shareholder has been oversubscribed with strong pricing, a brokerage source with direct knowledge of the matter said in Kuala Lumpur yesterday.

The bookbuilding exercise for the offer by Axiata, Malaysia's second-biggest telecoms company by market value, which owns 86.5 per cent of Axiata XL, closed yesterday.

Based on the indicative price range of 3,000-3,300 rupiah (100 rupiah = RM0.04), state-controlled Axiata could raise up to US$503 million from the offering.

"The books are looking hot, more than one time covered now and will probably strike towards the upper end of the indicative price range," said the source who did not want to be named because the information was not public. He was speaking before the close of the bookbuilding process.


Datuk Yusof Annuar Yaacob, chief financial officer of Axiata, did not answer a telephone call seeking comment.

This month, Axiata said the share offer was aimed at boosting the valuations and liquidity of Axiata XL, Indonesia's third-biggest mobile services provider. CIMB and Goldman Sachs are the joint bookrunners for the Axiata XL offer.

"They have to increase the free-float of Axiata XL. Since market sentiment has improved, this is the time for them to do what they are supposed to do," said Ang Kok Heng, who helps manage about US$125 million (US$1 = RM3.31) at Phillip Capital Management in Kuala Lumpur, and owns Axiata shares.

Ang does not expect Axiata to return cash to shareholders after the placement. "I think they will use the proceeds to repay some of the borrowings and they still need a lot of money for expansion in Indonesia."

Some analysts, including Nomura and ECM Libra, said Axiata may pay out cash dividends following the Axiata XL offer.

Axiata XL shares rose 4.48 per cent to 3,500 rupiah from 3,350 rupiah on the Jakarta stock exchange yesterday. - Reuters

Friday, March 26, 2010

Tan Chong Motor Holdings: Buy, target price RM5.10




AMRESEARCH has reaffirmed its "buy" call on Tan Chong Motor Holdings (4405) and raised the stock's fair value to RM5.10, from RM4.70 previously, after lifting its profit projection.

The stockbroker has revised up its earnings projections for fiscal year 2010 and 2011 by 10 to 12 per cent, driven by higher volume projections and stronger ringgit assumptions.

It now expects Tan Chong's earnings to rise by a strong 61 per cent year-on-year. More importantly, Tan Chong's earning this year is expected to test a previous high of RM246 million achieved in fiscal 2008, AmResearch said.


"We have turned more bullish on Tan Chong's prospects following a recent meeting with management," it said in a March 24 report. Besides, the company is breaking new grounds with its transformation into a regionally integrated auto supply chain manager, which elevates the company's long-term earnings prospect substantially, it noted.

The broker also likes Tan Chong's strategic effort to expand the model mix locally, which will lead to a structural market share expansion.
On top of that, the re-development of its 47-acre Segambut land bank will also lead to a revaluation gain of RM400 million to RM900 million, AmResearch said.

Thursday, March 25, 2010

TM to announce UniFi pricing today


KUALA LUMPUR: Telekom Malaysia Bhd (TM) will announce its much-anticipated pricing structure for its next-generation high-speed broadband service, “UniFi”, which was launched here last night with the promise of a “world of faster, richer and more reliable online experience”.

The gala launch event, which was graced by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak, featured broadband lifestyle showcases, interactive exhibitions and a live concert for members of the public.

In his speech, TM chairman Datuk Dr Halim Shafie said the pricing would be made available on TM’s website this morning.

TM is also scheduled to hold a press conference in the afternoon to unveil the HSBB retail offerings, packages and pricing.

“Now that UniFi, our next-generation Internet infrastructure and service has arrived for Malaysians, we anticipate it will be a digital lifestyle changer as well as enabler for the vast majority of our subscribers. I am truly excited at this next phase of growth for TM where we are aiming to take our services to the next level,” Halim said.

TM’s UniFi high-speed broadband packages comprises triple-play services of high-speed Internet, video (IPTV), and phone, with speeds of 5Mbps, 10Mbps and 20Mbps.

TM said the IPTV service, which makes up part of the value-add bundled service, would be delivered via an 8Mbps connection exclusively and in addition to the data speeds subscribed by the customers. It added that with IPTV, customers could enjoy 22 linear channels, video-on-demand and interactive services such as games, and tourism information.

The initial areas covered by TM’s UniFi are the four exchange areas of Shah Alam, Subang Jaya, Taman Tun Dr Ismail and Bangsar, and will be expanded to another 22 exchange areas by June and a further 22 by December. All in by year-end, it will cover 48 exchange areas with a total of 750,000 premises passed.

These will include key areas such as Putrajaya, Cyberjaya and Iskandar Malaysia.

As of yesterday, TM said it had completed 311,000 premises passed, surpassing the target of 300,000 premises passed by the end of March. “Premises passed” refers to the number of premises that are connected by UniFi and have the ready option to take up the service.

By the end of 2012, TM said about 1.3 million premises would be passed nationwide.

TM group CEO Datuk Zamzamzairani Mohd Isa said: “The building of the HSBB fibre-optic infrastructure was the first of its kind in the world with regards to its scope and time-to-build.

“Some 4,000 of our staff are involved in the project and have been working relentlessly since 18 months ago after we signed the public-private partnership (PPP) agreement with the government. This project also involved over 2,500 staff of our contractors,” he said.

Signed in September 2008, the RM11.3 billion national HSBB project is a PPP agreement between TM and the government to develop next generation HSBB infrastructure and services. TM is putting up RM8.9 billion while the government is co-investing RM2.4 billion on an incurred claims basis based on project milestones reached by TM.

Wednesday, March 24, 2010

Malaysian contractors making inroads abroad

MALAYSIAN contractors are making inroads abroad, having directly been involved in 614 construction projects worth US$24.34 billion (RM80.81 billion) in several countries, Works Minister Datuk Shaziman Abu Mansor said.

"Of these, 489 projects worth US$9.35 billion have been completed, while the remaining (125 projects worth US$14.99 billion, or RM49.77 billion) are under construction," he said at an industry forum on liberalisation in the construction sector in Kuala Lumpur yesterday.

He said local construction-based professional services companies have also shown remarkable performance globally, whereby out of 361 firms registered with the ministry's Professional Services Deve-lopment Corp, 109 have started to make inroads, being involved in 412 overseas projects.

"Of these, 208 projects that the local professional service providers are involved in have been completed," he said.


Shaziman urged local professional service players to further tap the opportunities available overseas. He suggested that local companies merge or operate under one multi-disciplinary entity, as well as set up a consortium to compete globally.

"This is because most clients are confident with companies that can offer a total solution to their respective projects," he said.

Speaking to reporters later, Shaziman said the ministry is studying details on the possibility of amending the existing laws, pertaining to professional services under the construction industry.

"This is to provide clarity and streamlined regulatory framework for foreigners who want to offer their professional services as the country moves towards a fully liberalised services sector by 2012," he said.

Three Acts, which are currently under study, are the Quantity Surveyors Act 1967, the Architects Act 1967 and the Regulatory Engineers Act 1967.

Shaziman said two of these Acts, namely the Quantity Surveyors and Architects, are now in the hands of the legal advisers and are expected to be tabled in Parliament by the end of this year.

"While the Engineers Act needs more time for implementation, we have no choice but to amend it so that we would be able to prepare ourselves to face the challenges following the full liberalisation of the services sector by 2012.

"We expect this Act to be presented in Parliament for approval by the first quarter of next year," he said.

He noted that the government has decided that the services sector will be fully liberalised within the next two years to attract more foreign direct investments into the country.

Last year, the construction industry contributed 3 per cent to the country's gross domestic product.

PM: M’sia will address needs of foreign fund managers


HONG KONG: Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak has given the assurance that Malaysia will address the needs of foreign fund managers for increased liquidity plus good and well-governed listed companies in making the local equity and capital markets more attractive to portfolio investors.

The Prime Minister also told top-notch fund managers at the Credit Suisse investment conference yesterday that there were huge prospects for them in equity and capital markets as well as for foreign direct investors, given the ongoing and unprecedented transformation of the Malaysian economy.

He cited how Malaysia’s quest to transform itself into a high-income and developed nation by 2020, and its liberalisation initiatives – Government Transformation Plan and the New Economic Model (NEM) – offered immense opportunities, making it more positive for them to invest.

“We are committed to (economic) reforms and overcoming structural problems facing the economy,” he told a press conference after addressing a luncheon session at the conference, attended by regional fund managers.

The event was moderated by former British prime minister Sir John Major, who is also special adviser to Credit Suisse.

Najib said he was pleased with the outcome of discussions with regional fund managers earlier and the luncheon moderated by Major, as he was able to expound on Malaysia’s investment attributes.

“The purpose of my visit to Hong Kong is to tell the Malaysian story, which is a good story to tell, so that it would be seen as an attractive destination for equity and capital market investment and foreign direct investment,” he said. — Bernama

Tuesday, March 23, 2010

TM reveals HSBB access rates


Telekom Malaysia Bhd (TM) (4863), the country's dominant fixed-line operator, has finally revealed the pricing for its High Speed Broadband (HSBB) access to industry players, more than one year after the project was first announced.

This means that service providers, including mobile operators, broadband service providers and pay-TV operators will now know how much it will cost them to ride on TM's fibre optics network to offer services like video-on-demand, Internet protocol television (IPTV), voice call and Internet surfing.


TM met with some 100 industry players in Kuala Lumpur yesterday evening, which lasted over two hours. Besides revealing the prices, TM also made its indicative terms and conditions (ITC) documents available to the players.


It is believed that most of the industry players came away feeling that the pricing offered by TM was "good" and "reasonable", but remained concerned on how the prices will affect them in the long run. "I am concerned over the prices five years down the road.

(That's because) the HSBB access pricing is not in the official access list under the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC).

This means that TM may increase the pricing significantly in the future (if it wants to).
"If it was in the access list, then there's a little bit more control," said an industry player who declined to be named.

Meanwhile, TM executive vice-president Rafaai Samsi gave an assurance that the company would not abuse its "power".
"From our understanding, the government/regulator will only step in when there's a market failure.

So it is in our best interest to keep the pricing reasonable to all, to avoid a market failure," Rafaai told Business Times in an interview yesterday.
Still, some industry players feel that the HSBB access pricing was complicated.

The pricing comes in two forms: a one-time charge and a monthly recurring charge. It charges service providers one-time fees of between RM100 and RM200 for activation of each Internet port.

On a monthly basis, it charges the service providers between RM50 and RM550 per megabit per second (Mbps) for bandwidth subscription. Different monthly charges are catered for different type of usage.
"The pricing we got was too broad.

We will need another discussion with them (TM) personally to get more clarity on the pricing, the timeline as well as the roll-out locations," said an official from Packet One Networks Sdn Bhd.
Still, Rafaai believes that customers will see value in its pricing after studying it in detail.

TM held its first briefing with the industry players March last year to reveal the ITC of the HSBB Transmission service. However, it did not reveal its pricing then. The launch of the HSBB consumer retail service is on schedule: in March this year in Bangsar, Taman Tun Dr Ismail, Shah Alam and Subang Jaya.

Monday, March 22, 2010

PM to launch National Broadband Initiative Wednesday


KUALA LUMPUR, March 22 (Bernama) -- Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak will launch on Wednesday the National Broadband Initiative and High Speed Broadband (HSBB) that aim to drive the social and economic transformation towards achieving the high-income nation objective.

During the launch at Dataran Merdeka here, Najib is expected to make several important announcements related to the progress of the HSBB and extension of broadband services to rural areas, including those in Sabah and Sarawak.

In the run-up to the launch, Information, Communications and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Rais Yatim had said that the NBI would also help the country to become more competitive through innovation, creativity and improved flow of information.

As part of government's move to further enhance the usage of broadband among the "rakyat", Najib had announced during his 2010 Budget presentation last October that tax relief would be provided for broadband subscription fees up to RM500 a year from 2010 to 2012 while civil servants could apply for computer loans once in three years from five years previously up to a maximum of RM5,000.

In line with efforts to further improve the education system, Budget 2010 also provided for PC Netbook packages with broadband capability to ensure easy accessibility to such tools for about 100,000 students in higher learning institutions.

According to Telekom Malaysia Bhd (TM) group chief executive officer Datuk Zamzamzairani Mohd Isa, it has so far spent about RM1.9 billion and the government about RM990 million in rolling out the HSBB.

The RM11.3 billion project is a public-private partnership initiative between TM and the government to develop next generation HSBB infrastructure and services for the nation.

TM is putting up RM8.9 billion while the government is contributing RM2.4 billion on an incurred claims basis based on project milestones reached by TM.

The HSBB retail offering will comprise the triple-play services of voice, video (IPTV and video-on-demand), and high-speed Internet starting from speeds of 10 megabits per second (Mbps) and upwards.

The initial four areas that will be covered by the TM HSBB services, at the time of service launch, are Shah Alam, Subang Jaya, Taman Tun Dr Ismail and Bangsar.

As of March 3, 2010, the household penetration rate stood at 33.2 per cent and the government is targeting 50 per cent broadband penetration by year-end.

The government and private sector are combining their efforts to boost broadband penetration as well as tackling obstacles in achieving the 50 per cent target.

The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) said the main challenge was to educate folks in the suburban, rural or remote areas on the benefits of being connected to the online world.

"The public should be aware that the situation today is very much like that faced by the mobile phone industry in its early days," said its director of the MyICMS Directorate, Nor Akmar Shah Minan.

"Today, everyone, including someone in the remotest area, will understand how much difference a mobile phone can make to their lives but in the early days, most people were reluctant to take up phones," she said.

Nor Akmar wrote in the commission's ".my convergence" magazine that though service providers should service less profitable areas, they did not want to venture into these areas as the demand did not justify building expensive infrastructure. (By Mohd Noor Firdaus Mohd Azil/ Bernama)

TM inks pacts with 20 IPTV content providers

Telekom Malaysia Bhd has signed agreements with 20 content partners to provide a diverse mix of programming and content for its soon-to-be launched, Internet Protocol Television (IPTV) service.

TM Executive Vice-President of Consumer Jeremy Kung said the IPTV service is part of the company's triple-play offering, that serves as a value-added service for its High Speed Broadband (HSBB) customers.

"TM's IPTV service is Internet Protocol (IP)-based, where the content is delivered digitally through a high speed internet connection," Kung told reporters after a signing agreement with the 20 content providers, here today.

Among them are Arkib Negara, Bernama TV, BBC Worldwide, Star TV Group, Channel News Asia, Deutsche Welle, Travel Channel International and El-Kahfi Sdn Bhd.


The service is similar to cable TV but utilises a broadband connection instead of cable, for delivery of video services.

According to Kung, TM has at present signed on with more than 30 content providers, locally and internationally.

He said local broadcast channels that can be viewed via the service are RTM 1, RTM 2,Bernama TV, TV3, NTV7, 8TV, TV9 and Hikmah, while for international, it is BBC Knowledge, BBC Lifestyle, CBeebies, Channel News Asia, DWTV Asia +, Travel Channel International, Star Chinese Movies 2, Star Chinese Channel, Channel [V] Taiwan, Euronews, FTV HD and LUXE.TV.

TM is also partnering with Hit Entertainment and major Hollywood studios like CBS, Disney-ABC International Television and Sony Pictures Television to bring IPTV viewers, the latest movies and TV series through video-on-demand (VOD).

In addition, he said TM will introduce exclusive interactive channels like Malaysian history, Malaysian football, tourism and games.

Kung said the IPTV service is available to all its HSBB and HSBC subscribers, who get to enjoy a trial period for IPTV channels and VOD, without any additional cost till June 2010.

Initially, the IPTV service will be offered within four HSBB coverage areas, Taman Tun Dr Ismail, Subang Jaya, Shah Alam and Bangsar and expanded to other areas soon.

In order to enjoy the service, users require a set-top box with a HSBB connection, to experience crystal clear high-definition TV programmes and also subscribe to the VOD for movies and TV series.

The shares of TM rose the most in a month in Kuala Lumpur trading after signing the agreements.

The stock rose 1.9 per cent to RM3.29 at 4:40 pm local time, set for its biggest gain since Feb. 22. -- Bernama, Bloomberg

Sunday, March 21, 2010

Big oil field find by Petronas

KUALA LUMPUR: Petronas has discovered a huge tract of oil reserves that could significantly reduce oil prices, claimed former Petronas chairman Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah.

“I was told it is the biggest oil field this part of the world, and enough to depress oil prices,’’ he told a forum titled “Oil Royalty: A Constitutional Right?” yesterday.

The forum was organised by the Bar Council to discuss the constitutional aspects of the oil royalty payment.

Razaleigh said it was the prerogative of the Prime Minister to give Petronas the green light to start extracting oil from the newly-discovered field.

He hoped part of the earnings would be channelled to a national heritage trust fund for the future generation and that Petronas would manage the resources well.

“We hope there is no ‘leakage’, and the money goes back to the people,’’ he added.

Razaleigh also hoped misunderstandings over the law pertaining to oil royalty payment to Kelantan would be resolved soon, adding the Government should be advised properly.

Meanwhile, another panellist, Datuk Dr Shad Saleem Faruqi, said parts of the Petroleum Deve­lopment Act were unconstitutional.

“For example, if oil is found inland, it is unconstitutional for the federal government to stake claim on it. But according to the Act, it gets 5%, which is unconstitutional,” he said.

Friday, March 19, 2010

PM upbeat on car sector growth


DATUK Seri Najib Razak is optimistic that the automotive sector will grow healthily in tandem with the expansion of the domestic economy this year.

The prime minister said Malaysians will surprise themselves with an economic growth of between 5 and 6 per cent. But this will only be achieved with commitment to innovation, creativity and promotion of key areas of the economy.


"If the growth rate is healthy, the automotive industry will grow accordingly. I am confident that the industry will post healthy growth this year," Najib told reporters after launching DRB-HICOM Bhd's (1619) Audi showroom and Audi R8 V10 sports car in Kuala Lumpur yesterday.

The country's gross domestic product grew 4.5 per cent in the fourth quarter of 2009. The automotive sector echoed the trend, with 20,753 more vehicles sold in the final quarter of 2008.

The Malaysia Automotive Association has forecast new vehicles sales to increase 2.5 per cent to 550,000 units for 2010. Najib urged the private sector to emerge as the key engine of growth.

They can help by investing more and increasing trade and stimulating domestic demand.
Meanwhile, DRB-HICOM managing director Datuk Seri Mohd Khamil Jamil said the group is budgeting RM20 million for three new Audi sales and service outlets including the Audi KL this year.

DRB-HICOM plans to open an after-sales service centre at Jalan Chan Sow Lin in Kuala Lumpur in May and a 3S (sales, services and spare parts) centre near Queens Bay Mall in Penang later this year.

Thursday, March 18, 2010

FBMKLCI


Wah Seong bids for Italian firm Socotherm



Wah Seong Corp Bhd (5142) said it has made a bid to buy troubled Italian pipe-coating company, Socotherm SpA, to expand into the lucrative South American market. “We made a proposal about three weeks ago and we should know the result by the end of April,” its deputy managing director Giancarlo Maccagno told pressmen in Kuala Lumpur yesterday.

He declined to disclose the offer price but said it will be funded internally as the company has RM400 million in cash reserves. “We are confident (of our proposal). We believe, we will be the best acquirer for this group.

They are a pipe-coating group that we know well and in a business that we know well.
The synergistic value will be tremendous,” he said. If it succeeds, Wah Seong will become the world’s second-largest pipe-coating company, after US firm Bredero Shaw. However, Wah Seong’s presence will be bigger than its rival.

Maccagno believes that Socotherm’s revenue could return to their previous heights of between ?250 million to ?300 million in two to three years from under ?130 million (?1 = RM4.55) presently. “Potentially, Socotherm can add RM1 billion to our top line in our core business,” he said.

About US$170 billion (RM561 billion) is expected to be spent on deepwater exploration and production in the next five years, of which 75 per cent will be invested in West Africa, Brazil and the Gulf of Mexico, Maccagno said.
Alternatively, Wah Seong is also in talks with several US-based oil and gas companies to market its deepwater pipe-coating technology in that region.

“We are keeping all our options open. If we are successful then this will put us in a very good position in a very niche and lucrative market,” he added.
Meanwhile, Wah Seong’s managing director and group chief executive officer Chan Cheu Leong said the company is actively evaluating takeover targets to enhance its core business.

The plan is to grow the group’s market value to RM3 billion from RM1.8 billion now, through acquisitions.
Wah Seong is also in talks with the Orleans group of West Africa to buy a stake in the latter’s pipe-coating business in Nigeria. Wah Seong has an order book of RM1.4 billion as at February with some 60 per cent related to its pipe-coating business.

It is bidding for projects worth about RM5.3 billion, which will include major pipe-coating projects in Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, China and Australia.

Wednesday, March 17, 2010

SUNWAY

TM scores deal with FA of England


TELEKOM Malaysia Bhd (4863)has signed its second promotional deal in just weeks, banking on Malaysia's football craze, to spur sales of its products. Yesterday, it signed a one-year deal to be the official England telco licensee in Malaysia.

This means that TM has exclusive rights to use the Football Association of England crest and pictures of England players in its products like its iTalk prepaid calling cards.


TM group chief executive officer Datuk Zamzamzairani Mohd Isa said the contract began on January 1 and ends on December 31.


"It's a lucrative deal and it involves some amount of money but we are not going to disclose the amount because it's not our policy to do so," he said after the signing ceremony between the English FA business development manager Marcus Bennett and himself on behalf for TM.


TM has started selling these prepaid cards and it has sold over 400,000 iTalk cards over the last one month. The Fifa World Cup finals tournament, which happens once every four years, will take place in June this year.

The England football team, which is widely supported in Malaysia, is regarded as one of the favourites to win the cup.
The signing ceremony was witnessed by Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Shabery Cheek. On March 11, TM signed a five-year sponsorship deal with Manchester United football club.

Wah Seong bidding for RM5.3b projects

Wah Seong Corp Bhd is bidding for projects worth about RM5.3 billion which will include major pipe coating projects in Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, China and Australia.

Its managing director and group chief executive officer Chan Cheu Leong said the company's order book now stood at RM1.4 billion, with the bulk in pipe-coating business.

Speaking at a media briefing today, he said Wah Seong's oil and gas business is expected to benefit from the increase in oil and gas projects especially in the second-half of the year.

He said the company also saw great opportunities for its oil and gas operations in the deepwater of the "Golden Triangle" that makes up Brazil, the Gulf of Mexico and West Africa.


Chan said the company was also looking strongly at merger and acquisitions (M&A) to enhance its future growth.

It has a healthy cash reserve to fund any M&A exercise, he added.

As at end of last year, Wah Seong''s cash flow stood at RM471.894 million.

Meanwhile, Wah Seong's deputy managing director Giancarlo Maccagno said the company has submitted a proposal to acquire the entire stake of Socotherm SpA, an Italian supplier of pipe coatings which is in the midst of a debt restructuring.

He said the acquisition of Socotherm would make Wah Seong the world’s second-largest pipe-coating company.

"They are evaluating our proposal and we expect the result will be out by end of April."

Wah Seong today also unveiled its new logo, which will be adopted by the group's 25 subsidiaries. -- Bernama

Wah Seong may buy into Nigerian pipe-coating firm

Wah Seong Corp (5142) , Malaysia's third-biggest oil and gas services provider, is in talks to acquire a pipe-coating business in Nigeria to tap demand for its products amid increased exploration.


The company may provide technical assistance and later take up an equity stake in Orleans Group in the West African nation, deputy group managing director Giancarlo Maccagno said in an interview yesterday. Details will be known by the end of April, he said.

"The time is right now for us to look more aggressively at acquisition opportunities," Maccagno said.

Oil and gas exploration is poised to increase as the economic recovery spurs demand for energy. The International Energy Agency last week raised its forecast for global oil demand this year for a second month, led by rising consumption in emerging nations.

About RM564 billion is set to be spent on deepwater exploration and production in the next five years, of which 75 per cent will be invested in West Africa, Brazil and the Gulf of Mexico, Maccagno said. - Bloomberg

Tuesday, March 16, 2010

Coca-Cola to invest RM1 billion in Malaysia


NILAI: Coca-Cola Co plans to invest RM1 billion in Malaysia over the next five years to further boost its growth in the South East Asian market.

Glenn Jordan, the company's Pacific Group president, said on Tuesday, March 16, the investment represented Coca-Cola's strong commitment to Malaysia and its consumers in delivering refreshing beverage choices, creating job opportunities and helping to build a better community.

The investment, which includes land and a facility to be built at the Enstek Industrial Park here, would see Coca-Cola Bottlers (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd taking over the bottling and distribution operations, once the existing franchise with its local partner expires.

"With the new plant we will be able to support our core brand of Coca Cola and Sprite in the coming years," Jordan said at the ground breaking ceremony for its eco-friendly bottling plant here today.

The ceremony was graced by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak.

Jordan said the company would bring new beverages to Malaysian consumers in the coming month.

The new investment will directly create 600 to 800 new jobs at the bottling plant and is expected to create between 6,000 and 8,000 jobs with local suppliers.

It is also expected to benefit more than 100,000 retail customers in Malaysia.

The 123,024 sq m facility will be built on land purchased from TH PROPERTIES [], the developer of Enstek Industrial Park.

The new plant is expected to commence operations before end-2011. — Bernama

Monday, March 15, 2010

CIMB Research retains Outperform on Kenanca


KUALA LUMPUR: CIMB Equities Research is maintainings its Outperform on KENCANA PETROLEUM BHD [] as it maintains its forecasts and target price of RM2 as its continues to apply its target market price-to-earnings of 15 times to the stock.

It said on Monday, March 15 that Kencana remains an OUTPERFORM, with the potential re-rating catalysts being active order book replenishment, and mergers and acquisitions. "Kencana's 2QFY7/10 results are scheduled to be announced on March 25.

We expect the company to deliver a net profit of around RM31 million (flat growth YoY and QoQ), bringing 1H bottomline to RM62 million (+3% YoY) or 47% of its full-year forecast. But the results are likely to be 9% lower than consensus estimates," it said.


CIMB Research said Kencana is gunning for contracts in Malaysia and India worth a collective RM4.5 billion.

The company is also in the running for a contract for Australia’s Gorgon project.
"If successful, Kencana would be the second company from Malaysia to be involved in the Gorgon project, after Wah Seong.

We maintain our forecasts and target price of RM2 as we continue to apply our target market P/E of 15 times to the stock," it said.

Saturday, March 13, 2010

MU deal may boost sentiment for TM’s broadband launch

PETALING JAYA: The five-year agreement between Manchester United (MU) and Telekom Malaysia Bhd (TM) is expected to boost sentiments for the TM’s upcoming maiden launch of high-speed broadband (HSBB) related services.

According to an analyst with AmResearch, besides the right to advertising, the partnership was expected to enhance the image of TM ahead of the HSBB launch on March 24.

“We do not expect much direct financial benefit as a result of this tie-up,” he noted.

An analyst with OSK Research said the partnership deal could have cost TM millions of pounds, but the amount would not have been too strenuous to the telco giant when compared with other similar deals.

“I would not read too much into this deal. MU would probably supply the content for the upcoming launch of TM’s video services (HSBB related services), which would include a sports channel,” he added.

Meanwhile, an analyst with a bank-backed brokerage said it was not immediately clear how this tie-up would benefit TM. “Besides the sponsor space and some complementary synergies, it is difficult to gauge how TM would benefit from this deal.”

The partnership deal to link the two brands in marketing campaigns and promotional activities was announced at Old Trafford on Thursday by TM group chief executive officer Datuk Zamzamzairani Mohd Isa and MU chief executive officer David Gill. The financial commitments, however, were undisclosed.

With the deal, TM becomes MU’s official integrated telecommunications partner in Malaysia with licensing, intellectual property and dealership rights to produce and distribute merchandises bearing the club’s crest and team images. TM’s brand and association with MU will be showcased to 4.2 million fans in Malaysia and more than 330 million fans and football followers worldwide.

This deal would the second tie-up between TM and MU, the first being the Manchester United Asian Tour 2009 sponsorship.

TM, which has spent RM1.8bil in capital expenditure for HSBB, is set to launch its next-generation HSBB retail service on March 24 where it will also be unveiling the new branding for this service as well as its tiered packages and pricing. The HSBB retail packages will comprise triple-play services of voice, video (Internet-Protocol TV and video on demand) as well as high-speed Internet.

AmResearch in a report said demand for TM’s upcoming video services would largely hinge on pricing and contents offered.

“We foresee HSBB having a take-up rate in the region of 20,000 by year-end. This will further expand to 110,000 by the end of 2011. Our main assumption hinges on the RM100/month package – the lowest package on offer,” the report added.

Friday, March 12, 2010

Green strategy for construction sector to be developed


A GREEN strategy approach tailored to suit the country's construction industry is expected to be developed at an upcoming carbon neutral conference. This is in line with the Prime Minister's commitment for a 40 per cent Greenhouse gas reduction by 2020.

Among the suggestions that will be put forward are to encourage buildings to incorporate solar panels, water harvesting and other shading materials, monitor earth work, cutting and replanting initiatives.

"We hope buildings will incorporate as many solar panels to harness solar energy because this is the way forward in doing our part to curb the global warming," said Eastern Regional Organisation for Planning and Human Settlement (Earoph) Malaysia deputy president and Rehda Institute chairman of the board of trustee, Datuk Eddy Chen Lok Loi, in Kuala Lumpur yesterday.

Rehda, Earoph Green Technology Innovation and Sime Darby Property are jointly organising Malaysia's first carbon neutral real estate conference: "The Green Solutions Property Conference 2010", which will be held on April 6 in Kuala Lumpur.


The conference is aimed at bringing together property developers, architects, project managers and green technology inventors to share crucial information on green strategies and the implication of green development.

It will also explore various means and measures the industry can adopt to play a more active role in being more environmentally responsible.

Chen said the conference is timely and vital to Malaysia's building industry.

He hopes that it will be a platform for participants to share their experience and knowledge in the pursuit to meet the international sustainability standards.





Man U, TM sign deal


MANCHESTER: Telekom Malaysia Bhd and English football champions Manchester United yesterday announced a five-year agreement uniting the two brands in marketing campaigns and promotional activities.
The agreement makes TM the "official integrated telecommunications partner" of Manchester United in Malaysia.

It was signed at the football club's Old Trafford stadium grounds yesterday.

Representing TM was its group chief executive officer Datuk Zamzamzairani Mohd Isa while Manchester United chief executive officer David Gill signed on behalf of the club.

Present were team manager Sir Alex Ferguson, Manchester United commercial director Richard Arnold and TM group marketing vice-president Sherene Azura Azli.



The deal enables TM to exercise various licensing rights, intellectual property (IP) and dealership rights to produce and distribute selected merchandise bearing the Manchester United crest and team images.

The mood was jubilant as both parties celebrated the victory of the Red Devils against Italian football giants AC Milan the previous night, earning them a spot in the quarterfinals of the UEFA Champions League.

Zamzamzairani described the partnership as "a union of two great brands".

"Just like Manchester United, winning and being the best at what we are at is our business, and that is why we believe this partnership will benefit both entities.

"This agreement also goes to show that anything is possible when we connect, communicate and collaborate," he said.

Zamzamzairani said TM would work with a marketing team from the club to "develop innovative ideas to support the partnership".

TM customers will get the opportunity to win trips to Man-chester to watch the team in action.

TM customers will also get access to rich football content associated with the Red Devils such as the latest news, MUTV online, fan videos, team profiles and an online contest.

"Anyone who went on our tour of the Far East last summer knows the strength of feeling Malaysians have for the club.

"More than 40,000 people attended our training session and 60,000 came to the second match in Kuala Lumpur, despite only having 48 hours' notice of the fixture," said Gill.


"We know this partnership will help the Club to speak to the millions of fans in Malaysia and we are delighted that a company as reputable as Telekom Malaysia has developed from the sponsor of our tour match into a full-fledged partner." -- NST

Thursday, March 11, 2010

TM’s latest broadband retail service out March 24

TELEKOM Malaysia Bhd (TM) is set to launch its next-generation High Speed Broadband retail service on March 24 at a launch event cum celebration in Dataran Merdeka, Kuala Lumpur.

In a statement yesterday, TM said a simultaneous launch event will be held at Menara TM in Bangsar, Kuala Lumpur, including a live crossover feed to a an undisclosed location in Sarawak.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak will be the guest of honour at the main event in Dataran Merdeka, and he is also expected to launch the new National Broadband Initiative, of which highspeed broadband is the flagship project.

At the launch, TM will also be unveiling the new branding for its highspeed broadband service as well as announce its tiered packages and pricing.

Wednesday, March 10, 2010

Palm oil may hit RM3,300 per tonne


The price of palm oil may rise to as high as RM3,300 per tonne in the second half of the year, as the global supply of vegetable oils struggle to meet burgeoning consumer demand, industry experts predict.


"Vegetable oils supply is under pressure. For the first time in history, Malaysia's palm oil production will fall for two years in a row, and this year it is likely to be 17.2 million tonnes.

"My reasons are already well-known - the prevailing El Nino (weather conditions), the government's ongoing replanting scheme and most biological cycle of palm trees," said India's Godrej Group director Dorab Mistry.

The El Nino can bring glo-bal weather chaos such as droughts and floods, damaging agriculture crops.

"It looks as though the El Nino 'induced damage' to the palm oil output will be felt in the second half of this year, just as the biological cycle turns from high to low," he said.


"From March to July, I would expect palm oil futures to trade in the range of RM2,600 to RM2,800 per tonne," he added.

Mistry also said that a strong US dollar in the next few months acts as a calming influence on commodities prices.

However, he expects the greenback to weaken around July, prompting commodities to move ahead strongly.

"Post-July, I expect palm oil futures to scale new heights in the range of RM2,800 to RM3,200 per tonne in order to ration demand," he said.

Apart from Mistry, analysts Anne Frick of Prudential Bache Commodities LLC and Nagaraj Meda of Transgraph Consulting Pvt Ltd also presented bullish price forecast to some 1,800 vegetable oil traders at the Palm and Lauric Oils Conference 2010 in Kuala Lumpur yesterday.

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