YAYASAN PETRONAS is distributing devices with data connectivity to 12,000 students nationwide which will enable them to have better access to online learning as the education landscape in Malaysia shifts to one of hybrid teaching and learning.

The RM30 million worth of digital devices are being supplied to 81 schools in 69 districts, from May 17 until mid-June as part of Yayasan Petronas’ commitment to Cerdik.

Announced in Malaysia’s Budget 2021, Cerdik is a pioneering corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiative by government-linked companies (GLCs) and government-linked investment companies (GLICs), which is aimed at supporting lower-income families to better adjust to the new normal of online lessons, e-learning and other forms of remote teaching. Working in partnership with the Ministry of Education (MoE), the Ministry of Finance (MoF), and Yayasan Hasanah (the Secretariat), as well as other GLC and GLIC partners, Yayasan Petronas prioritised schools with a majority of students from B40 households.

The devices provided through CERDIK are designed to support the students’ learning requirements for three academic years, and are fitted with data services, maintenance, warranty and technical support.

“Through CERDIK, we want to provide equitable access to quality education for students as it is the first step to close the digital gap towards enriching their educational experiences and lives,” said Yayasan Petronas Chief Executive Officer Nelly Francis Shariah.

“With these devices and Internet service, we hope more students – especially those from underprivileged and rural communities – can better participate in online lessons.”

According to a survey of 900,000 students conducted by MoE last year, 37% indicated that they did not have appropriate devices at home to participate in online lessons last year.

“During these difficult times, we must help ensure that no one gets left behind in the pursuit of education,” Nelly added, recognising that many families are facing financial pressures from the Covid-19 pandemic restrictions.

“We thank Yayasan Petronas for their support to Cerdik, one of the most comprehensive pilot initiatives on digital learning in public schools nationwide. Despite logistics issues due to the movement restrictions around the world, we are still on track to deliver the devices based on the stipulated timelines,“ said Shahira Ahmed Bazari, Managing Director of Yayasan Hasanah.

The contribution to Cerdik complements Yayasan Petronas’ various education outreach initiatives benefitting students and teachers. These include the recent Back To School programme in March 2021, where school supplies and personal hygiene kits were distributed to 21,000 students from underprivileged families nationwide.

The foundation also rolled out its signature Program Duta Guru, a collaboration between Yayasan Petronas and MoE. Earlier this year, Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics teachers were provided with online teaching kits and guidance in delivering lessons for improved learning outcomes.

I APPLAUD the government’s plan to introduce targeted subsidies for RON95 petrol as announced in Budget 2025. In the long run, this approach will ensure that subsidies reach those who need them most.

This targeted move means funds can be better spent on essential services such as healthcare, education and infrastructure. It also avoids wasteful spending where the wealthiest and even foreign nationals currently benefit disproportionately from subsidies meant to help the average Malaysian.

However, the communication surrounding this important change has been a complete mess.

Since the announcement, various government figures have given conflicting messages, leaving the public confused and anxious.

For instance, while the prime minister mentioned that around 85% of Malaysians would still benefit from the subsidies, other officials have added confusing layers.

We have Economy Minister Rafizi Ramli suggesting a
two-tier pricing system that differentiates prices based on income, introducing the concept of a “T15” group. Days later, he conceded that the definition of T15 is still in the works.

Transport Minister Anthony Loke further added a suggestion of using MyKad at petrol stations to restrict subsidies to Malaysians only. Treasury Secretary-General Datuk Johan Mahmood Merican then weighed in, saying the government is “considering” a tiered subsidy similar to electricity. So, which is which?

Finance Minister II Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah has asked the public to avoid speculation as the income threshold is still undecided.

With these overlapping, sometimes contradictory statements, Malaysians are left wondering: What exactly is happening? Is there even a clear plan? Or is each ministry proposing its version, leaving the people in limbo?

These confusing signals do more harm than good. They create a sense of uncertainty and give the impression that there is no cohesive approach to implementing an important policy.

A unified, single message
is essential, especially when dealing with subsidies that affect people’s daily lives.

The government must assign a clear project leader to this subsidy reform. Is it the Finance Ministry, the Economy Ministry or the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry?

Once the lead is determined, all communications should flow directly from this designated ministry to avoid confusion.

A good example of effective communication was seen in the recent diesel subsidy rationalisation.

Information was straight-forward, easy to understand and delivered consistently. People knew what to expect and who to turn to for information.

If the government does not get its act together on communicating the RON95 subsidy reforms, it will only cause anxiety, confusion and distrust.

Getting communications right is not just a matter of public relations – it is crucial for gaining public support and making this beneficial change work smoothly.

Abdul Latiff Abdul Hakim

MY state, Johor, is seeing a big rise in data centres. Many well-known companies from the United States, China and Singapore are choosing to set up their facilities here.

As a Johorean, I am proud to see the state becoming a bigger part of the digital economy. This did not happen by accident. Thanks to the efforts by leaders like Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, who understands our local needs, Johor and Malaysia are becoming a key part of the digital economy.

This growth is bringing more businesses, improving infrastructure and offering new job opportunities, with benefits that can reach places like Segamat and Jementah too. Based on feedback from my constituents, they are excited with these developments.

Big gains, big potential

This is because data centres clearly bring benefits to Johor and the country. They are boosting our economy with big investments, which reached RM31 billion last year, funding new facilities, improving infrastructure.

The Investment, Trade and Industry Ministry, including its Deputy Minister Liew Chin Tong, who is also Iskandar Puteri MP, has played a key role in bringing in these investments to Johor.

These projects do not just benefit greater Johor Bahru; smaller towns like Segamat and Jementah have also seen gains through improved infrastructure, new business opportunities and enhanced social benefits.

When big companies such as Microsoft and others start major projects in Johor, it helps put our state and the nation on the map as a global tech hub. This can attract more savvy investments and businesses in the future, creating more growth that reaches different parts of the state.

Challenges to consider

However, we cannot ignore the downsides. Data centres consume a lot of energy and water, potentially straining our resources, especially since Johor has faced water shortages before. We need to grow in a way that does not harm the environment or local communities.

We must also balance land use carefully. Data centres take up a lot of space, and over-allocating land to them could limit growth in other sectors like agriculture or housing. It may also result in lower revenue and fewer job opportunities compared to if the land had been used for other economic activities.

As we know, data centres do not create as many jobs as we hope. Once they are built, they usually do not require too many staff on site.

We need to make sure that these centres generate as many good-paying jobs for the locals, whether directly or otherwise.

Mitigating drawbacks

To make sure this data centre boom benefits the people in the long-run, the government needs to take action. I am gratified to learn that the Finance Ministry and Investment, Trade and Industry Ministry are coming up with plans to make sure data centre investments bring long-term benefits.

The Finance Ministry has suggested the introduction of a “scorecard” to push companies to create good jobs, support local businesses and prioritise sustainability.

The Investment, Trade and Industry Ministry’s guidelines for energy and water use are another positive step toward our zero-carbon goal for 2050.

Programmes like the Corporate Renewable Energy Supply Scheme will help data centres use more renewable energy, making operations cheaper in the long run. These are all good efforts.

Learning from our neighbour

As we move forward, we can look to Singapore’s experience with data centres, as our neighbour has had a head start in the sector.

It has leveraged technology transfer to build a strong, knowledge-based workforce, boosting its digital economy. By setting robust environmental standards, such as energy and water usage guidelines, Singapore has also pushed for greener practices in the industry.

Our current data centre boom should be a reminder for us to keep investing in our people and infrastructure for long-term growth.

We need to equip our youth with skills in cloud computing, cybersecurity and artificial intelligence, and upgrade infrastructure like high-speed internet and reliable power supply. This will lay the foundation for lasting success.

For now, let us embrace this boom in data centre opportunities, but stay aware of the challenges. With careful planning, we can make Malaysia and Johor a tech hub that benefits everyone, and build a better future for our children.

Ng Kor Sim

State Assemblywoman for Jementah

Johor

DONALD Trump’s victory in the 2024 US presidential election has raised global concerns about how his economic policies may impact countries like Malaysia.

With an “America First” approach focused on protecting domestic interests, the Trump administration is expected to reshape international trade, shift investment flows and influence geopolitical relationships.

For Malaysia, this outcome presents not only challenges but also opportunities in key economic sectors, including trade, foreign investment and commodities.

Trump is anticipated to continue protectionist policies that prioritise US jobs and domestic production. His proposal to impose a 10% import tariff on all goods entering the US aims to reduce reliance on foreign products and bolster domestic manufacturing.

Additionally, Trump’s plan to impose tariffs as high as 60% on Chinese products could have significant implications for Malaysia, one of the major exporters of electronic products and components to the US. If high tariffs are applied to Chinese goods, Malaysian products incorporating Chinese components could also be impacted, potentially diminishing US demand for Malaysian exports.

While this situation presents risks, it also provides opportunities as companies diversify supply chains away from China. Malaysia benefitted from the “China+1” strategy during Trump’s first term, as exports to the US increased amid US-China trade tensions.

Malaysia’s semiconductor industry, a focus of large investments from multinational companies such as Intel and Infineon, may continue to attract interest as a stable manufacturing base.

Currently, Malaysia holds around 13% of the global market in chip packaging and testing, making it a favourable location for companies seeking to expand operations outside of China. These conditions indicate Malaysia’s potential to further establish itself as a manufacturing hub if it can maintain political stability and investor-friendly economic policies.

The energy sector is also likely to be affected. Trump’s pro-oil stance could lead to increased US production and exports of fossil fuels. Should global oil prices rise, Malaysia, as an oil exporter, stands to benefit from higher national revenue.

However, rising oil prices also carry inflationary risks, as increased energy costs could drive up production costs and consumer prices domestically. While the energy sector may gain, higher energy costs could pressure consumer purchasing power and escalate operational costs for local industries.

To maximise these potential gains, Malaysia will need to balance these impacts on the consumer sector and ensure monetary policies support price stability.

The Malaysian commodity sector, particularly palm oil, faces potential challenges as well. During Trump’s first term, the US imposed import restrictions on Malaysian palm oil companies such as FGV Holdings and Sime Darby Plantation over allegations of forced labour. These restrictions affected Malaysian palm oil exports to the US, reducing revenue and harming the country’s image as a responsible producer.

Should similar policies persist, Malaysia will need to strengthen sustainable labour practices and meet international standards to retain access to global markets and protect its reputation as an ethical producer.

Trump’s policies could bring added uncertainty to Malaysia’s capital markets and the ringgit’s value. With US interest rates currently at 4.75%-5.00%, any influence Trump may exert on the Federal Reserve to raise rates could lead global investors to favour US assets, potentially causing capital outflows from Malaysia.

In 2023, Malaysia saw a 6.8% decline in foreign equity inflows, and the ringgit depreciated by around 8% against the US dollar. This shift reduces liquidity in local capital markets, and foreign investors may approach Malaysian equities with greater caution, especially if Trump’s policies introduce additional tariffs or trade restrictions.

As demand for the US dollar rises, the ringgit may face continued downward pressure. A weaker ringgit could increase import costs, particularly in vital sectors like food and technology, compounding domestic inflationary pressures, which currently stand at 2.8%.

To address these challenges, Malaysia needs a strong risk management strategy to maintain market stability and support the ringgit amid growing uncertainties.

In addition, Trump’s protectionist stance may directly impact Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) into Malaysia. As a manufacturing hub in Southeast Asia, Malaysia could see reduced FDI if the US pursues an aggressive stance on countries with significant trade surpluses.

Trump’s emphasis on protecting US jobs and domestic economic interests may lead to decreased investment from US companies in Malaysia.

Concurrently, prolonged US-China trade tensions could make investors more cautious about Malaysia, which may be perceived as politically and economically vulnerable. Any decline in FDI could affect job creation, technology growth and Malaysia’s long-term economic stability.

Furthermore, Trump’s victory raises concerns about the future of the US-led Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (Ipef). Trump has previously expressed a desire to withdraw from trade agreements like Ipef, which he sees as “another TPP”. If this happens, Malaysia may face challenges in maintaining market access and regional economic integration.

To prepare, Malaysia must diversify its trade partnerships, strengthen local industries and foster growth in resilient sectors. Malaysia’s involvement in Ipef reflects its commitment to regional economic integration, which could help mitigate the negative effects of US protectionist policies.

In summary, Trump’s victory could have significant implications for Malaysia’s economy. Protectionist policies and prolonged trade tensions could disrupt global supply chains, increase market uncertainty and challenge Malaysia’s economic growth.

Malaysia must be prepared with sustainable and adaptable strategies to tackle these challenges while capitalising on emerging opportunities to maintain economic resilience amid an increasingly complex global landscape.

The writer is a researcher and Islamic Finance consultant.
Comments: letters@thesundaily.com

SIBU: An elderly man lost RM136,000 after being duped in an online business transaction scam, said Sibu District police chief ACP Zulkipli Suhaili.

He said the victim, in his 60s and unemployed, fell victim when he clicked on a link on Facebook on Oct 9 and was taken to an e-commerce platform which used the WhatsApp application.

“The victim was offered a business opportunity selling branded cosmetics items online exclusively, on the condition that he provides the capital first to enjoy the profits.

“The victim agreed and was then told to download the ‘ask-oshop’ application for confirmation of sales and to increase the capital for the stock of sales items,“ he said in a statement today.

He said that from Oct 13 till Nov 7, the victim made 32 cash transactions into 11 bank accounts on the instruction of the suspect, purportedly to increase the stock of sales items in the app.

On Sunday (Nov 10), the suspect was told that the ‘ask-oshop’ app had been frozen and was instructed to make an additional payment of RM70,000.

“Realising that he has been cheated, the victim lodged a police report at the Commercial Crime Investigation Division of the Sibu District Police Headquarters here yesterday,” he said, adding that the case is being investigated under Section 420 of the Penal Code for cheating.

Opinion piece: submitted by SAP Concur For the past few months, most companies have focused their energy on how to adapt to a remote work environment and keep the business moving forward. But, what happens when shelter-in-place restrictions are eased...

PETALING JAYA: The Cisco 2024 AI Readiness Index revealed that only 14% of organisations in Malaysia are fully prepared to deploy and leverage artificial intelligence-powered technologies, up slightly from 13% a year ago.

This underscores the challenges companies face in adopting, deploying, and fully leveraging AI. Given the rapid market evolution and the significant impact AI is anticipated to have on business operations, this readiness gap is especially critical.

The Index is based on a double-blind survey of 3,660 senior business leaders from organisations with 500 or more employees across 14 markets in Asia-Pacific, Japan, and China (APJC). These leaders are responsible for AI integration and deployment within their organisations. The AI readiness index is measured across six pillars – strategy, infrastructure, data, governance, talent, and culture.

AI has become a cornerstone for business strategy, and there is increasing urgency among companies to adopt and deploy AI technologies. In Malaysia, 98% of companies report an increased urgency to deploy AI in the past year, driven primarily by the CEO and leadership team. Additionally, companies are committing a significant amount of resources towards AI, with 55% reporting that as much as 10% to 30% of their information technology (IT) budget is being allocated to AI deployment.

Despite significant AI investments in strategic areas such as cybersecurity, IT infrastructure, and data analytics and management, many companies report that returns on these investments are not meeting their expectations.

“As companies accelerate their AI journeys, it’s critical they adopt a comprehensive approach to implementation and connect the dots to link AI ambition with readiness,” said Cisco Malaysia managing director Hana Raja.

“This year's AI Readiness Index reveals that to fully leverage the potential of AI, companies need a modern digital infrastructure capable of meeting evolving power needs and network latency requirements from growing AI workloads. This must be supported with the right visibility to achieve their business objectives.”

Anupam Trehan, vice-president, people and communities APJC, at Cisco, said: “As the race to adopt AI picks up pace, talent will be a key differentiator for companies. There is already a shortage of skilled talent across various aspects of AI. This means companies will need to invest in their existing talent pool to meet the growing demand. At the same time, it is crucial that all stakeholders – the private and public sectors, educational institutions, and governments – work together to develop local talent so that the entire ecosystem can benefit from the immense potential that AI offers.”

CONTINENTAL has launched its Mini Program on the TNG eWallet, allowing Malaysian drivers to purchase Continental tyres with ease through their mobile phones. This launch is celebrated with exclusive promotions from 7 November to 30 November, coinciding with the 11.11 Mega Sale. Customers can enjoy up to RM1 million in cashback, with an average of 15% per transaction.

Additionally, any customer spending a minimum of RM300 from 7 November 2024 to 31 January 2025 will be entered into a lucky draw, with one entry for each RM300 spent. The grand prize includes a gold bar worth RM10,000, with other prizes like three iPhone 16 Pros, two PS5 consoles, two Huawei MatePad 11.5” PaperMatte Editions, and two Trapo Vouchers. Weekly winners can also receive cashback, a Limited-Edition Continental x Touch ‘n Go NFC Card, and more.

Andrea Somorova, Managing Director of Continental Tyre Malaysia, shared that this partnership reinforces Continental’s commitment to digital innovation and customer convenience in Malaysia, expanding their reach through the TNG eWallet alongside existing platforms like Shopee and Lazada. Alan Ni, CEO of TNG Digital, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the TNG eWallet’s role as a lifestyle app, which, with over 22 million verified users, now offers a streamlined, digital tyre purchase and installation experience.

The Mini Program simplifies tyre shopping by helping users find the right tyre pattern and size, apply promo codes, select dealers, and schedule installations at over 120 Continental outlets across Malaysia. Once payment is confirmed, customers can proceed to their selected dealer for free installation, with balancing and optional alignment services.

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Have you ever been browsing a website and then later received an email from the company even though you didn’t provide your email address? Or maybe you added items to your cart on a shopping website but decided not to follow through with the purchase. Then you get an email asking whether you forgot to […]

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In a groundbreaking discovery, researchers at the University of Bergen in Norway have identified the comb jellyfish , a ctenophore species, as a potential candidate for biological...

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