Countdown to 2020!

[nazrey]

Talent Roadmap features triple strategic thrusts to rope in professionals


http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp...&if_height=690

Najib launches Talent Roadmap 2020
By Fauziah Ismail 24 April 2012 | Last updated at 06:28PM
http://www.nst.com.my/najib-launches...p-2020-1.77224



Putrajaya: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak launched today the Talent Roadmap 2020, which outlined three strategic thrusts for talent interventions and several new incentives to complement it.

The three strategic thrusts are to optimise Malaysian talent, attract and facilitate global talent and build networks of top talent.

The incentives include extending the tax incentive for a double deduction for approved structured internship programmes first announced in Budget 2012 to include companies under the Petroleum Income Tax Act 1967. This is to ensure that internships are also provided by leading companies in the oil and gas sector.

The government will also expand the tax incentive for double deduction on expenses incurred by companies participating in approved career fairs to include companies within the oil and gas sector involved in upstream activities when participating in such overseas fairs.

The government also agreed to extend the Residence Pass to successful entrepreneurs actively engaged in knowledge- intensive activities in the National Key Economic Areas.

The Residence Pass will also be made available to top expatriates with Malaysian ties, which, at any time, held a Malaysian passport; or is the child of a Malaysian. This enables them to maintain their linkage to Malaysia and provides greater flexibility to return.

In his speech at the Putrajaya International Convention Centre here, Najib said he believed that talent is the key ingredient to Malaysia’s success as a nation.

And, Malaysia cannot be on the road to a knowledge intensive and innovation led economy without talent to drive it.

“Malaysia has talent, indeed we have global talent. Over decades, consistent and substantial investments by the Government into human capital development have developed Malaysians of international standing. The only problem is that the world knows it and therefore, Malaysia has to compete for its own talent.

“We can ill afford to lose our talent. A country lacking talent would have industries impeded from investing and growing. This is turn dampens job opportunities which could then result in an exodus of talent, triggering a vicious cycle of fewer talent and a weakened economy.”

He said Malaysia will need to be globally competitive in its ability to produce, attract and retain talent. Addressing the underlying issues affecting the talent environment requires all stakeholders, public and private sector to play their part.

He also shared his dream of Malaysia being a global talent hub.

“I believe that Malaysia existing competitive advantage, coupled with the Government’s Structural Reforms as well as TalentCorp’s initiatives equals to a Global Talent Hub.

“However, I alone cannot realise this dream, and so I need each and every one of your to walk with me in this journey to bring transformation and the light of hope to all Malaysians.”

The Talent Roadmap 2020 is to articulate TalentCorp’s role and plan of action to scape up impact towards delivering greater talent availability, in line with the economic trans formation programme.

image hosted on flickr

http://www.flickr.com/photos/najibrazak/6962849520/
image hosted on flickr

http://www.flickr.com/photos/najibrazak/6962849094/
image hosted on flickr

http://www.flickr.com/photos/najibrazak/6962849306/
image hosted on flickr

http://www.flickr.com/photos/najibrazak/7108920943/

[nazrey]

http://www.bharian.com.my/bharian/PixFront/EDUtpm

TIMBALAN Perdana Menteri, Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin menerima cenderahati daripada, Pengerusi ASLI, Tan Sri Jeffrey Cheah (dua dari kiri) pada Persidangan Pendidikan Malaysia ke-16 anjuran Institut Kepimpinan dan Strategi Asia (ASLI) di Petaling Jaya, hari ini. - Foto Sairien Nafis
Apr 23, 2012 8:51 pm

[nazrey]

US trade chief sees Malaysia as investment magnet
By Rupa Damodaran Published: 2012/04/25
http://www.btimes.com.my/Current_New...cle/index_html



Putrajaya: US trade chief Ron Kirk described Malaysia as a magnet for investments and its ongoing economic transformation plan enhances its attractiveness. And, the benefit of that all is the Malaysian people, he said.

American businesses want to be in Malaysia as they are comfortable in this country, which is one of the reasons that the US wants to engage with Malaysia in the multilateral Trans Pacific Partnership free-trade agreement.

“We heard from businesses here that if we can do this well with the structured engagement that we have now, imagine how dynamic
it would be if it’s fully liberalised,” he said in an interview with Business Times yesterday.

“We understand that there are some sensitivities that have to be addressed. But we see extraordinary expansion of American businesses here, not only from energy and technology sectors, but also in retail.”

Malaysia attracted RM32.9 billion in foreign direct investments last year, of which the US contributed RM2.5 billion.

Kirk, who leaves for Singapore yesterday after a twoday working visit to Malaysia, said the Economic Transformation Programme makes it more attractive for more American investments.

“That is a win, not only for our businesses but also for the Malaysian people.”

Kirk who called on Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak at the latter’s office in Putrajaya yesterday, was impressed that the involvement of American businesses in one sector alone has provided 80,000 job opportunities.

Malaysians have often sought American attention, saying it is a small and growing nation.

“But when I sit here in your capital, it is like Disneyland! This place is incredible. Seeing is believing – the transformation of the economy as well as the investment in the people,” he quipped.

The view from the skybridge at the Petronas Twin Towers showed Malaysia has made itself a magnet (for investments) with the likes of buildings such as Exxon Mobil and Bank of China in its midst.

“You can feel the energy here that Malaysia is on to something special. Not many economies in an economic tsunami are blessed with such a structural ability, natural resources and intellectual property.”

Malaysia’s growth in the last 20 years and attractiveness in investment increased when it embraced an open market, rule of law, good governance without concerns of corruption.

And, on the path towards liberalisation, it would fuel growth further, he added.

Kirk said it was fun to watch the growth of economies such as Malaysia happening. “We have a big economy but it is good to have the energy and dynamics that you got right here … you got to let it go, you cannot restrain it.”

http://www.bharian.com.my/bharian/PixFront/pm

PERDANA Menteri, Datuk Seri Najib Razak bersama Ron Kirk (kiri) ketika menerima kunjungan Wakil Perdagangan Amerika Syarikat itu di pejabatnya di Bangunan Perdana Putra, Putrajaya, hari ini. Turut sama Duta Amerika Syarikat ke Malaysia, Datuk Paul W Jones (dua dari kiri) dan Duta Khas Malaysia ke Amerika Syarikat, Datuk Seri Dr Jamaluddin Jarjis (kanan). - Foto BERNAMA
Apr 24, 2012 3:42 pm

[nazrey]

Kyoto firms keen to invest in Malaysia
By Marina Emmanuel Published: 2012/04/25
http://www.btimes.com.my/Current_New...LABUR/Article/



JAPANESE companies operating in Kyoto have pledged to plough close to RM200 million via fresh investments and reinvestments into Malaysia this year.

Deputy Minister of International Trade and Industry Datuk Mukhriz Mahathir yesterday said the potential beneficiaries of these investments will include Selangor, Penang and Johor as the firms are engaged mainly in the electrical and electronics E and E) sector.

"It is our desire that the bulk of these (pledges) become a reality," he told Malaysian journalists here after opening a seminar of "Business Opportunities in Malaysia".

Mukhriz said for Japanese firms not engaged in E and E, his ministry had encouraged them to consider investing in the country's various economic corridors.

The day-long seminar, saw the participation of over 300 representatives of Japanese trade associations and sectors ranging from electronics, waste disposal, property development to software deve-lopment.

Also present was Northern Corridor Implementation Authority chief executive Datuk Redza Rafiq.

Mukhriz said from the discussions he had on Monday in Kyoto with some 200 Japanese firms, he had gleaned that they were on the lookout for alternative production bases, in the wake of the Japanese earthquake and tsunami last year.

"There continues to be concerns about the integrity of the just-in-time production strategy of many Japanese companies," he added, "and manufacturers and suppliers in the supply chain are weighing various options, include realigning production bases on a regional bases, to mitigate potential supply disruptions.

"Malaysia is ready to host Japanese companies that are examining offshore locations to site their production facilities," he said, adding that Japanese companies are bent on getting back on their feet following the two natural disasters, with no compromise on the quality of delivery of their products."

Meanwhile, Redza yesterday announced that the northern states of Penang and Kedah will see a Japanese firm reinvest RM100 million over the next five years for the farming and export of fruits, vegetables and horticulture products.

"MRT Japan Co, Ltd which has branches in Hong Kong, Shanghai, Macau, Bangkok, Surabaya and Los Angeles in the US, will ink an agreement with Malaysian company JPB Asia-Pacific for the setting up of a joint-venture company," he said.

The company's produce such as melons, chillis and Japanese pumpkin are for export to Japanese markets in and outside of Japan.

The agreement, to be signed in Japan this July is also expected to see the establishment of a contract farming programme for local farmers in Kedah and mainland Penang and expected to see the employment of 250 people.

"The total investment," Redza noted, "will include the preparation of greenhouses and a packaging house for the products."

Ahead of the signing of the deal, Redza said a Japanese delegation comprising government officials and representative of the private sector will visit Malaysia in June.

[nazrey]

Home Ministry and TalentCorp ink MoU
Last updated on 26 April 2012 - 10:35am
http://www.thesundaily.my/news/360082

PETALING JAYA (April 25, 2012): The Home Ministry and Talent Corporation Malaysia (TalentCorp) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to streamline policies and initiatives aimed at attracting skilled expatriates.

A statement issued by minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein today, said the memorandum was signed to study and improve current policies involving expatriates.

"The memorandum also agreed that both parties would manage outreach programmes and promotions to raise awareness on the initiatives and services offered to expatriates," Hishammuddin said.

Among others, both the ministry and TalentCorp would continue to make recommendations on ways to improve the implementation of privileges enjoyed by expatriates such as employment passes, and resident and entry passes.

Hishamuddin said various efforts to lure in foreign talents to contribute to the nation's development has paid off.

"As of March, 636 resident's passes have been approved for highly skilled individuals for the 12 sectors outlined in the National Key Economic Areas. The positive impact from this move have clearly benefited the country as there is a transfer of skills and knowledge to the local workforce, especially for the critical sectors," he added.

The 12 NKEAs are oil and gas, palm oil and related products, financial services, tourism, wholesale and retail, information and communications technology (ICT), education services, electrical and electronics, business services, private healthcare, agriculture and the Greater Kuala Lumpur development plan.

The resident pass, which was introduced by the ministry and TalentCorp in collaboration with Immigration Department last April, allows skilled foreign workers to work and live in Malaysia for five to 10 years, and seek employment freely. However, bearers of the pass will not be able to stay and work indefinitely or apply to be permanent residents.

[nazrey]

100 global names by 2020
By Presenna Nambiar 26 April 2012 | Last updated at 02:07AM
http://www.nst.com.my/top-news/100-g...=false/Article



Media Prima Bhd chairman Datuk Johan Jaafar (right) and Branding
Association of Malaysia president Eric Choong (left) chat with some of the
association members during the Corporate Luncheon with BAM at Holiday Inn
Hotel, Glenmarie. NSTP/Sairien Nafis

SHAH ALAM: Branding Association of Malaysia (BAM) has initiated a programme to produce 100 internationally renowned brand names by 2020.

There are 20 such brands in Malaysia now.

“We are confident we will be able to achieve this target,” BAM president Eric Chong said.

BAM is setting up a 20-member advisory panel of internationally acclaimed Malaysian personalities to mentor small and medium enterprises (SME) to achieve international recognition.

"Our role now is to groom 'blue chip' SMEs to make up this line-up of global brand names," Chong said.

One of them was Pappa Rich, a home-grown Malaysian delights restaurant chain, he added.

BAM aims to increase its membership to 300 this year, up from 200.

"For the past six years, BAM had been focusing on SMEs. Now, however, we are taking a different angle and roping in the big boys because the SMEs need role models," Chong said at a networking luncheon hosted by Media Prima Berhad yesterday.

Present were Media Prima chairman Datuk Johan Jaaffar, group managing director Datuk Amrin Awaluddin and representatives of senior management of the group and subsidiaries.

[nazrey]

Malaysia is not afraid of IMF scrutiny
By Rupa Damodaran Published: 2012/04/26
http://www.btimes.com.my/Current_New...p250b/Article/

OPENING the financial books to scrutiny by the international organisations like the International Monetary Fund (IMF) or World Bank shows that Malaysia is not afraid to share the state of its finances with the rest of the world.

RAM Holdings' chief economist Dr Yeah Kim Leng said the move should be welcomed as it raised transparency which will lead to better governance.

This would, in turn, lead to increased public confidence, he said.

International lending bodies like the World Bank, he said, are concerned when government debt rise above 60 per cent of the gross domestic product.

According to the IMF, the Financial Sector Assessment Program assesses three key components in all countries: the soundness of banks and other financial institutions, including through stress tests; the quality of bank, insurance, and financial market supervision; and the ability of supervisors, policymakers, and financial safety nets to respond effectively in case of a crisis.

For 2012, the financial health of Malaysia and 17 other countries are being scrutinised to spot potential troubles on the horizon.

The IMF will then produce a detailed report that includes recommendations for the country on how to improve its financial stability.

Although, Malaysia does not have much borrowing from the International Monetary Fund or the World Bank, an indication of its good financial health at the moment, it must watch out for any growing risks.

Recent studies by both international organisations have underlined the risks if Malaysia does not address the structural issues, said Tan Sri Ramon Navaratnam who is the Asli Centre of Public Policy Studies chairman.

"Our balance of payments is not in deficit and we are not in a dire need of IMF's assistance now but we have to watch out for the early symptoms unless structural changes are made."

In February the IMF, in its annual Article IV consultation with Malaysia, said that while the country is well-positioned to face the challenging environment, public finances and structural reforms were crucial for a more balanced growth.

Although there are no signs of overheating or asset price excesses, household debt, however, has continued to climb, with growth in unsecured personal lending particularly strong.

The IMF warned that the significant increase in household indebtedness needs close monitoring and towards this end, welcomed the prudent measures taken recently, including the introduction of guidelines to ensure that borrowers' debts are in line with their incomes.

On reducing high public debt, the IMF also recommended further efforts to better target expenditure, broaden the tax base, and enhance the country's fiscal transparency.

In addition, the World Bank also said recently that the challenge was to expedite the implementation of structural reforms which was key to transforming the economy into a high-income one.

Implementation can be assisted by increasing the coordination of related reform efforts such as safety nets and education, building capacity within the civil service to lead reforms, and working towards consensus in key areas such as educational reform, subsidy rationalisation and broadening the tax base.

[nazrey]

Lim calls on HK to make M’sia its Asean hub
Thursday April 26, 2012
http://biz.thestar.com.my/news/story...&if_height=522



Tsang: ‘I believe that the most significant opportunities will come from our
collaboration in establishing a dual hub for Islamic finance.’ — Reuters

KUALA LUMPUR: Hong Kong should consider making Malaysia its financial hub in the Asean region given its positive attributes, said Deputy Finance Minister Senator Datuk Donald Lim Siang Chai.

He said Malaysia had created a conducive environment for foreign investors with some of its reforms aimed at improving the efficiency of government and creating a safe destination for foreign investment.

“Hong Kong plays a unique role in the global financial market, facilitating the free-flow of financial capital in a stable business environment. It is also the gateway to mainland China,” Lim said in his luncheon speech on financial cooperation between Hong Kong and Malaysia.

Meanwhile, John C.Tsang, Financial Secretary, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region government, said the future was bright for even closer business and economic collaboration between both countries.

“While there may inevitably be an element of competition for Islamic finance in Asia, I believe that the most significant opportunities will come from our collaboration in establishing a dual-hub for Islamic finance. This way Hong Kong and Malaysia can make the most of their respective advantages,” Tsang said at the luncheon.

Last month, Hong Kong launched a consultation exercise on the proposed legislative amendments to pave the way for the development of an Islamic bond market in Hong Kong. — Bernama

[lohxy]

I just realised that we're close to developed country based on our GDP per capita: USD9699(from wikipedia).
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Malaysia
Maybe I'm wrong?

[patchay]

Originally Posted by lohxy

I just realised that we're close to developed country based on our GDP per capita: USD9699(from wikipedia).
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Malaysia
Maybe I'm wrong?

Our statistics (latest IMF April 2012)

GDP current prices/nominal per capita: US$ 9,699.70
GDP purchasing power parity per capita: US$ 15,567.93
Inflation change, end of period consumer prices: 3.2%
Unemployment rate of total labor force: 3.2%

As of now, we need to have US$15,000 in GDP nominal per capita and about US$30,000 in PPP per capita to meet the definition of High Income Nation (by World Bank).

[FNNG]

Originally Posted by patchay

Our statistics (latest IMF April 2012)

GDP current prices/nominal per capita: US$ 9,699.70
GDP purchasing power parity per capita: US$ 15,567.93
Inflation change, end of period consumer prices: 3.2%
Unemployment rate of total labor force: 3.2%

As of now, we need to have US$15,000 in GDP nominal per capita and about US$30,000 in PPP per capita to meet the definition of High Income Nation (by World Bank).

We are basically outpaced other developing countries but haven't reach the requirement of advanced country.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Developing_country

[nazrey]

'KL rally an effort to topple the govt'
By Sulaiman Jaafar, Bernama 04 May 2012 | Last updated at 01:42PM
http://www.nst.com.my/top-news/kl-ra...e-govt-1.80659



Pix by Fathil Asri.

GUA MUSANG: The gathering organised by non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and supported by the opposition parties near the Dataran Merdeka in Kuala Lumpur last Saturday was an attempt to topple the government which was elected by the people through a democratic system, said Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak.

The Prime Minister said the rally showed that the groups involved did not respect the government which was elected by the people through a valid process.

"They had the intention to take over Dataran Merdeka, not to gather for two or three hours but for two or three days or even longer, to show that the government cannot control the situation.

"They wanted to make Dataran Merdeka like the Tahrir Square in Egypt," he said when launching the Kelantan State 1Malaysia Community Carnival at the Civic Centre Hall, here today.

The Prime Minister, who is on a one-day working visit to the state, was addressing more than 30,000 people who had started to wait for his arrival since 7am at the Civic Centre hall.

Among those attending the event were Information Communication and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Dr Rais Yatim, International Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Seri Mustapa Mohamed, Deputy Finance Minister Datuk Dr Awang Adek Hussin and Gua Musang Member of Parliament Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah.

The Prime Minister said the government would not compromise with the group in their attempt to bring down the government which was legally chosen by the rakyat.

He said during their attempt to win over Dataran Merdeka, the group had injured a policeman and media personnel, as well as destroyed public property.

The Prime Minister said the rioters also blamed the police for allegedly instigating chaos at the rally.

Najib, who is also Barisan Nasional chairman, challenged the group to compete in the election.

"If they are man enough, let's compete through votes in the election," he added.

"I don't deny there may have been some police brutality, but it could be avoided if rally participants obeyed the law approved by Parliament," he said.

The Prime Minister said the government had offered a suitable location for them to demonstrate peacefully, including the Merdeka Stadium, but they had declined.

"They rejected the Mederka Stadium because of their intention, should the country be in harmony and everything is fine, they cannot rule Putrajaya," he said.

Meanwhile, Najib was proud of the public including residents of Gua Musang, who turned out in large numbers at the Civic Centre field, for a peaceful demonstration without creating pandemonium.

"I salute the people of Gua Musang, we can tell those who rallied near Dataran Merdeka that Gua Musang residents are more civilised than them.

"They (Gua Musang residents) portray a community that respects the law and its principles for order in the world," he said.

[lohxy]

That's a really funny one...

[nazrey]

Originally Posted by nazrey

'KL rally an effort to topple the govt'
By Sulaiman Jaafar, Bernama 04 May 2012 | Last updated at 01:42PM
http://www.nst.com.my/top-news/kl-ra...e-govt-1.80659

'KL rally an effort to topple the govt'
UPDATE
http://www.thesundaily.my/news/368589



Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak at the Kelantan State
1Malaysia Community Carnival. BERNAMA

At a news conference after the event, Najib said there were efforts online by certain quarters to show the police using excessive force and the government would clarify the matter to the public.

"First of all, they didn't keep their promise. Initially the government also wanted to avoid untoward incidents, that's why they were offered the Merdeka Stadium. They wanted a fight and when it happened they highlighted police brutality and the government not being considerate...it is made political. That is why they rejected the Merdeka Stadium...despite them wanting that very venue in the earlier rally," he said.

He said rally participants were made up of two groups, of which the first wanted a peaceful demonstration while the second wanted to hijack the event for political purposes and planned to win over Dataran Merdeka until Labour Day.

"Rational individuals would know the effect it would have and not support the demonstration. They know that things can be difficult to control at such events...some people will not respect the law and act like gangsters," he added.

The Prime Minister said the government had no problem in allowing peaceful rallies to take place, including those by opposition parties and non-government supporters, but it must be based on existing laws.

"Actions must be based on our country's laws. Our laws approve of peaceful assembly...as long as it meets the stated requirements," he said. – Bernama

[nazrey]

TNB belanja RM9.7 bilion tambah kapasiti penjanaan
2012/04/30
http://www.bharian.com.my/bharian/ar...janaan/Article

HULU TERENGGANU: Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB) akan membelanjakan kira-kira RM9.7 bilion bagi menambah kapasiti penjanaan elektrik di negara ini bagi tempoh lima tahun akan datang.

Presiden dan juga Ketua Pegawai Eksekutif (CEO) TNB, Datuk Seri Che Khalib Mohamad Noh, berkata antara pelaburan besar sehingga 2017 ialah bagi membina beberapa stesen janakuasa elektrik yang dikenalpasti lokasinya.

Beliau berkata antara stesen yang sedang dalam pembinaan ialah Stesen Jana Kuasa Elektrik Sultan Azlan Shah Manjung, Perak, melibatkan peruntukan RM6
bilion, janakuasa hidro elektrik di Hulu Terengganu (RM1.6 bilion) dan Hulu Jelai di Pahang (RM2.1 bilion).

Satu lagi projek janakuasa elektrik arang batu yang dirancang oleh penjana tenaga bebas untuk disiapkan pada 2016 iaitu di Tanjung Bin di Johor melibatkan peruntukan RM6 bilion.

"Ini bermakna bagi tempoh lima tahun akan datang, jumlah projek baru yang akan memberi penambahan janakuasa kepada TNB iaitu sebanyak 2,000 megawatt dengan menggunakan arang batu manakala 630 megawatt menggunakan hidro yang jumlah keseluruhan berjumlah 2,630 megawatt.

"Purata TNB membelanjakan hampir RM2 bilion setahun untuk penjanaan elektrik negara dan ia tidak termasuk projek lain seperti penghantaran dan sebagainya," katanya.

Beliau berkata demikian kepada pemberita pada majlis Pelencongan Air Sungai Terengganu untuk projek Hidroelektrik Hulu Terengganu di sini hari ini.

Turut hadir Pengarah Eksekutif/Ketua Pegawai Operasi TNB, Datuk Dr Azman Mohd, Naib Presiden (Penjanaan) TNB, Datuk Ir Mohd Nazri Shahruddin dan Pengurus Besar TNB Negeri Terengganu, Ir Md Yuslan Md Yusof.

Che Khalib berkata kapasiti semasa tenaga elektrik TNB ialah 20,000 megawatt iaitu 12,000 megawatt melalui gas, 7,000 megawatt dari arang batu dan 1,500 megawatt melalui hidro.

Mengenai projek hidro Hulu Terengganu itu, Che Khalid berkata, projek yang mampu menjana sehingga 250 megawatt melibatkan peruntukan keseluruhan sebanyak RM1.6 bilion dan dijangka siap menjelang akhir 2015.

Katanya, dengan projek hidro kedua di Hulu Terengganu itu, ia sedikit sebanyak dapat membantu mengawal air daripada berlakunya banjir sebagaimana kegunaan projek Hidro Elektrik Sultan Mahmud, Kenyir.

Che Khalid berkata, pembinaan empangan baru ini dilaksanakan dengan sebaik mungkin di mana TNB berusaha mengelak daripada sebarang pembersihan atau penebangan kawasan hutan yang tidak perlu.

"Kita mahu mengelak penebangan hutan seminimum yang mungkin. Kita mahu mengekalkan kehijauan kawasan hidro berkenaan supaya alam sekitar masih kekal seperti sedia ada," katanya. - BERNAMA

[nazrey]

Ministry Targets To Reduce Dropout Rate Among Orang Asli To 15 Per Cent By 2015
April 30, 2012 17:41 PM
http://www.bernama.com/bernama/state...=662917&cat=ct

BANGI, April 30 (Bernama) -- The dropout rate among Orang Asli pupils has gone down to 25.9 per cent this year from 29 per cent last year, Rural and Regional Development Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal said.

Through the Orang Asli Development Strategic Plan 2011-2015, the ministry, in collaboration with various agencies, has set a target to further reduce the rate to 15 per cent by 2015, he said.

Speaking to reporters after presenting the Orang Asli Excellent Students Award here Monday, he said, the community had shown strong resolve towards achieving progress in education, which can be seen from the increase in the number of students scoring good results each year.

He said last year, seven Orang Asli students obtained excellent Sijil Tinggi Persekolahan Malaysia results with a cumulative grade point average of 2.8 and above, while 42 others obtained 6As and above in Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia.

Ninety students scored 5As and above in Penilaian Menengah Rendah and another 48 obtained 4As and above in Ujian Pencapaian Sekolah Rendah (UPSR), Shafie said.

-- BERNAMA

[nazrey]

Thumbs up for cost of living NKRA initiatives
Monday April 30, 2012
http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp...&if_height=710

PETALING JAYA: The government’s effort under the Cost of Living NKRA, which is designed to ease the financial burden of the public in face of the rising living costs, have garnered positive responses and the support of many.

Introduced by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak, the Government Transformation Programme’s (GTP) seventh NKRA has benefited millions of Malaysians who received various financial aids through its various initiatives.

Retired school clerk Sally Gan said she received RM500 from the Bantuan Rakyat 1Malaysia (BR1M) scheme in addition to receiving the RM500 special payout for civil service pensioners last year.

She expressed her gratitude to the government because as a pensioner, every little financial contribution counts.

Housewife Jamiah Doragi who also received the BR1M aid, said it helped her with the expenses of her daughter’s studies in a private university.

Meanwhile, self-employed Lim Hock Seng said the cash handout took the burden off paying bills and groceries.

Nur Aqillah Mohd Asri and Syuhada Othman, both diploma students, were among the 1.3 million tertiary education students who received RM200 book vouchers under the NKRA.

They said the vouchers allowed them to purchase expensive textbooks required for their studies.

Syuhada said this showed that the government cared for the people.

[nazrey]

Detik ties up with S. Korean firm
By June Ramlee Published: 2012/05/07
http://www.btimes.com.my/Current_New...detik/Article/



PETALING JAYA: Detik Aturan Sdn Bhd, a Biomass pellet complete system provider and manufacturer, has inked a deal with Eco Front Co Ltd, a South Korean company, to supply its biomass pellets from now on.

Its managing director Khairil Annuar Khalid said the Korean company, which produces boilers and burners, will be buying almost all its produce from now on.

"We just opened the first biomass factory in Tanjung Karang in Selangor, in April. It has the capacity to produce 60,000 tones of biomas pellets in a year.

Almost all of it will be for the export market for places like South Korea, Japan and Europe," he told reporters after the signing of the memorandum of understanding between the two companies here yesterday.

He said the factory will produce as much as 20,000 tones this year and would be selling each tonne at RM330.

"We believe we can break even this year after spending close to RM16 million to come up with a plant. Most of the technology for the factory was transferred from China and the US," he said.

Khairil added that the company currently holds the largest market share in the business as it was among the pioneers of the biomass pellet business, which started way back in 2006.

He said that the company is now looking for farmers or traders to supply them with bio-waste.

"We are in the midst of inking a deal with a Felda settlement in Selangor in the next few weeks to transfer their waste into our plants which can then be developed into pellets. We probably will ink deal with them after their listing exercise is completed," he added.

Malaysia terima FDI RM3.5b dalam sektor biomass
2012/05/05
http://www.bharian.com.my/articles/M...omass/Article/

MALAYSIA bakal menerima dua pelaburan langsung asing (FDI) dalam sektor biomass bernilai kira-kira RM3.5 bilion.

Penasihat Teknikal Inisiatif Pengeluaran Biomass Lestari EU-Malaysia (Biomass-SP), Datuk Leong Kin Mun, berkata pelaburan pertama bernilai AS$300 juta (RM912 juta) dijangka diterima daripada syarikat kimia terkemuka Amerika Syarikat (AS) bagi mendirikan kilang gula biomass.

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Bose Corp to build plant in Malaysia
Published: 2012/05/07
http://www.btimes.com.my/Current_New...cle/index_html

Bose Corporation, a US-based company that specialises in audio equipment, is to build a manufacturing facility in Malaysia, marking its first big venture into the Asian region.

Its Vice President Manufacturing and Global Supply Chain, Bryan Fontaine said the facility to be located in Batu Kawan, Penang, on 9.2 hectares of land, will cater to its Asia-Pacific (APAC) business.

"Scheduled for opening in mid-2013, the new facility will manufacture and distribute Bose products for the company's APAC business which includes Australia, China, India, Japan, the United Arab Emirates and the Asean countries," he added.

He was speaking to reporters at the announcement of the project at the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA) office here today. Also present was MIDA Chairman Tan Sri Dr Sulaiman Mahbob.


Fontaine, who declined to disclose the total investment in Malaysia, said it would be multi-phased and multi-layered, and eventually see the plant expand to 600,000 square feet.

"We know that Malaysia is the right place for our investment as the country knows how to protect it. "We also know that intellectual property (IP) protection for our products
and confidence from our customers, will be safeguarded here in Malaysia," he said, when speaking on the rationale of choosing the country.

Bose Corporation has at present five manufacturing facilities in Framingham (Massachusetts), Columbia (South Carolina), San Luis R.C.(Mexico), Tijuana(Mexico) and Carrickmacross (Ireland).

When asked about a news report that Bose Corporation was closing one of its manufacturing facilities in the United States to move to Malaysia, Fontaine said: "We have not closed any operation in the US. We are reconsidering our footprint in the country but have not closed any operation."

Bose Corporation was founded in 1964 by Dr Amar G Bose, then professor of electrical engineering, at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). As an MIT graduate student in the 1950s, Bose decided to purchase a new stereo system.

He was disappointed to find that the speakers with impressive technical specifications failed to reproduce the realism of a 'live' performance. The quest for better sound was on.

The company, which has over 9,000 employees, recorded over US$2.5 billion in annual sales for 2011. -- Bernama

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'Malaysia has manageable debt'
By Presenna NambiarPublished: 2012/05/10
http://www.btimes.com.my/Current_New.../pykl/Article/



FOREIGN ratings agencies are unlikely to downgrade Malaysia which has "manageable" debt and commitment to reducing fiscal deficit, a senior economist said.

Ratings Agency Malaysia (RAM) chief economist Dr Yeah Kim Leng said at 53.5 per cent, Malaysia's debt--to-GDP (gross domestic product) ratio is considered moderate.

The government is committed to cutting deficit to 4.7 per cent from 5.1 per cent.

"While higher government spending does pose a risk, after the elections this should consolidate," Yeah said after RAM's annual general meeting yesterday.

He was commenting on Standard & Poor's (S&P's) recent negative outlook on Malaysia due to high government spending in election year.

Yeah said with continued growth in the economy, price stability and full employment, a downgrade is unlikely.

A downgrade in S&P's "A-" rating of Malaysia could hamper its ability to get loans as well as higher cost of borrowings.

However, Yeah pointed out that this was not the case in recent downgrades of other countries' ratings.

Meanwhile, executive director and deputy group chief executive officer Datuk Govindan Kunchamboo said RAM is looking at growth prospects in other Asean countries as well as introducing new products locally.

The new products include covered bonds or new bonds backed by loans, and bonds for local government.

Govindan will become RAM chief executive officer with the retirement of Tan Sri C. Rajandram on June 1 2012.

RAM maintains a target of between RM80 billion and RM85 billion bonds issuances this year.