SELANGOR'S ROBUST INVESTMENT PERFORMANCE FROM JANUARY - SEPTEMBER 2024 POSITIONS THE STATE AT THE FOREFRONT, OUTPACING OTHER STATES

Selangor’s Robust Investment Performance From January – September 2024 Positions The State At The Forefront, Outpacing Other States

SHAH ALAM, Dec 23 (Bernama) -- Selangor has once again reaffirmed its position as the leading state in investment performance, recording an impressive approved investment of RM66.8 billion between January and September 2024 as reported by Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA). This achievement positions Selangor at the top, followed by W.P. Kuala Lumpur with RM63.9 billion, Kedah at RM34.0 billion, Pulau Pinang with RM22.6 billion, and Johor at RM18.1 billion.
The approved investments in Selangor are made up of RM15 billion from manufacturing-related projects, RM51.7 billion from the services sector, and RM38.7 million from the primary sector. This reflects a significant 58.7% increase, compared to RM42.1 billion recorded during the same period last year.

Domestic investments accounted for the majority of the approved investments at 68.3% or RM45.6 billion, while foreign investments contributed 31.7% or RM21.2 billion. Both domestic and foreign investments demonstrated remarkable growth, with domestic investments surged 74%, from RM26.2 billion, and foreign investments increased by 68%, compared to RM12.5 billion in the same corresponding period last year. Top contributors to foreign investments in Selangor during the period included the USA (RM4.8 billion), Singapore (RM1.8 billion), the People’s Republic of China (RM1.76 billion), Japan (RM564.6 million) and Germany (RM421.3 million).

A total of 1,371 projects were approved in Selangor, comprising 253 manufacturing projects and 1,116 services projects. These projects are expected to create approximately 50,222 potential job opportunities, marking a substantial increase from 997 approved projects and 23,060 potential job opportunities recorded during the same period last year.

The services sector continues to be the key driver of Selangor’s investment performance, with major contributions from sub-sectors such as Information and Communication, Real Estate, Support Services, Transport Services, and Distributive Trade.

In the manufacturing sector, strong investment performance was contributed by leading sub-sectors such as Electrical & Electronics, Transport Equipment, Fabricated Metal Products, Non-Metallic Mineral Products, and Machinery Equipment. This underscores the manufacturing sector’s resilience and continued growth.

According to YB Tuan Ng Sze Han, Selangor State Executive Councillor for Investment, Trade & Mobility, “This remarkable investment performance recorded by the state of Selangor, showcases the vibrancy of its industrial ecosystem, cutting edge technological capabilities and its competitive strengths in manufacturing and services sectors. It has certainly validated its case as a premier and attractive destination for investors. The future looks bright for Selangor and we hope the upwards momentum to continue and yield positive full year result for 2024”.

About Invest Selangor Berhad:
Invest Selangor Berhad (ISB) is the state government agency responsible for promoting and facilitating investment in Selangor, Malaysia. With its commitment to providing investors with the ease of doing business, ISB ensures investors have a hassle-free investment journey. The agency offers a comprehensive suite of services, including site selection assistance, investment facilitation, and aftercare services. ISB is dedicated to providing investors with a conducive business environment, which includes streamlined procedures, efficient services, and access to industry insights and networks. This commitment to investor ease of mind has made Selangor an attractive investment destination for local and foreign investors. With ISB's support, investors can focus on their business operations and leave the administrative matters to the agency, giving them the peace of mind they need to grow their investments in Selangor.

For Selangor investment enquiries, please visit www.investselangor.my

SOURCE : Invest Selangor Berhad

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:
Name: Maryani Binti Mat Saad
Tel: +603 5510 2006
Email: maryani@investselangor.my

--BERNAMA

REPORT ON "KLCC PROPERTY SAID TO BE BUYING BANDAR MALAYSIA FOR OVER RM10 BIL" IN THE THE EDGE MALAYSIA, 23 DECEMBER 2024

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 23 (Bernama) -- KLCC Property Holdings Berhad (KLCCP) refers to the news report on “KLCC Property said to be buying Bandar Malaysia for over RM10 bil” in the The Edge Malaysia, dated 23 December 2024

KLCCP wishes to inform that we are not a party to this transaction. We are not the buyer as reported.


About KLCCP Stapled Group

KLCC Property Holdings Berhad (KLCCP) and KLCC REIT, collectively known as KLCCP Stapled Group is Malaysia’s largest self-managed stapled security that invests, develops, owns, and manages a stable of iconic and quality assets. KLCCP Stapled Group became the first ever Shariah compliant stapled structure in Malaysia upon the listing of KLCC Stapled Securities (KLCCSS) on 9 May 2013 and trades under the REIT sector of the index as a single price quotation.

KLCCP Stapled Group’s core business is in property investment and development, and provision of management services. The Group owns iconic prime assets, namely the PETRONAS Twin Towers, Menara ExxonMobil and Menara 3 PETRONAS under KLCC REIT and Suria KLCC, the premier shopping mall, Mandarin Oriental, Kuala Lumpur hotel and a vacant land (Lot D1) under KLCCP. KLCCP also has a 33% stake in Menara Maxis.

KLCCP Stapled Group redefines excellence in real estate. With decades of experience building the nation’s iconic landmarks, it has elevated industry standards and expectations, reinforcing its commitment to enriching lives and building a more sustainable future.

Issued by:
Group Strategic Communications and Investor Relations
23 December 2024

SOURCE : KLCC (Holdings) Sdn Bhd

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:
Name: Yasmin Abdullah
Head, Corporate Communications
Group Strategic Communications and Investor Relations
KLCC (Holdings) Sdn Bhd
Tel: +603-27837584
Email: yasmina@klcc.com.my



--BERNAMA

EMGA OBTAINS US$90 MLN FINANCING FOR BRAZIL-BASED CLIENT FROM EIB

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 20 (Bernama) -- Emerging Markets Global Advisory LLP (EMGA) has secured US$90 million in debt finance for its long-standing Brazil-based client, BTG Pactual, the largest investment bank in Latin America. (US$1=RM4.50)

According to a statement, the US$90 million senior unsecured loan was provided by the European Investment Bank (EIB) and the transaction follows on from a very recent transaction also advised by EMGA for US$210 million.

EMGA Managing Director and Head of Investment Banking, Sajeev Chakkalakal said this was a fantastic add-on transaction to the US$210 million green financing facility that the company raised for BTG from EIB.

“In this instance, this financing is aimed at funding BTG’s SME Lending portfolios and has an especially high development impact given that the finance will support small business development in disadvantaged regions of Brazil, and the additional focus on female entrepreneurs.

“EIB remains a key investor relationship for EMGA, and we are proud to have helped them increase their presence in Brazil as part of their broader EIB Global strategy,” added Chakkalakal.

Meanwhile, EMGA Managing Director and Head of Operations, Jeremy Dobson expressed pride in continuing the successful collaboration with BTG Pactual and EIB, reinforcing their commitment to arranging financing in Brazil and Latin America.

The EIB finances and invests both through equity and debt solutions and focuses on the areas of climate, environment, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), development, cohesion and infrastructure.

On the other hand, EMGA, with offices in London and New York, helps financial institutions and corporates seeking new debt or equity capital.

-- BERNAMA

ALLIANZ MALAYSIA FINANCIALLY SUPPORTS MISAR'S 2024 FLOOD RELIEF EFFORTS

The MISAR Capsule Relief Guard, launched in 2019 and supported by Allianz Malaysia, is equipped to aid up to 120 people with three mobile toilets, 30 tents, a complete hygiene kit, and a solar-powered digital communication tool with internet connectivity

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 20 (Bernama) -- Allianz Malaysia Berhad (Allianz Malaysia) via its corporate social responsibility (CSR) arm Allianz4Good, continues to support the Malaysia International Search and Rescue (MISAR) in its ongoing 2024 flood relief efforts. These efforts are focused on providing essential aids to communities across several flood affected states, including Terengganu, Kelantan, Pahang, Negeri Sembilan, and Melaka.

The devastating floods have caused disruption in these affected states and Allianz Malaysia’s contribution aims to alleviate the hardships faced by affected families. By partnering with MISAR, Allianz Malaysia seeks to support the relief efforts, ensuring that crucial resources reach those in urgent need.

Since October 2024, MISAR has been on the ground actively responding to the needs of flood-stricken areas. Their efforts have included the purchasing and packing of relief items, the deploying specialised response teams to affected locations, and distributing essential supplies such as dry food, hygiene products, pillows, towels, and diapers among others. These timely interventions are essential in providing immediate relief to those who have lost everything during the floods.

Head of Allianz4Good, Ng Siew Gek said, “We hope the contribution could provide needed assistance to those affected in flood and accommodates timely recovery.”

Founder of MISAR, Captain K. Balasupramaniam said, “Our commitment and consistency in providing flood relief aids have gained confidence among local communities in flood prone areas and this made our operation effective and successful.”

In addition to its relief support, Allianz Malaysia has been an ongoing partner in various MISAR initiatives throughout 2024. This includes the Public Flood Survival Programme, which educated and prepared 235 participants, aged 17 to 70 years with essential flood survivor knowledge and contributed a brand-new 4x4 Toyota Hilux ambulance that was specifically designed to handle the unique challenges of Malaysia's rugged terrains and flood-prone regions, thus enabling MISAR to access to geographically-challenging locations.

Allianz Malaysia’s continued support to disaster relief reflects its commitment to social responsibility and community support. Through these flood relief initiatives, Allianz Malaysia, together with MISAR, hope to help communities not only recover from this disaster but also build resilience for the future.

SOURCE : Allianz Malaysia Berhad

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:
Name: Shamala Gopalan
Group Head
Corporate Communications Department
Allianz Malaysia Berhad
Tel: 016.285.0685
Email: shamala.gopalan@allianz.com.my

Name: Gary Mark Nagan
Manager
Corporate Communications Department
Allianz Malaysia Berhad
Tel: 012.367.1450
Email: gary.nagan@allianz.com.my

--BERNAMA

SYNOPSYS AND SIMA.AI ANNOUNCE STRATEGIC COLLABORATION TO ACCELERATE DEVELOPMENT OF AUTOMOTIVE EDGE AI SOLUTIONS

Joint Solution to Speed SoC Development for Next-generation ADAS and IVI Applications

SUNNYVALE, Calif. & SAN JOSE, Calif., Dec 18 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- Synopsys (Nasdaq: SNPS) and SiMa.ai today announced a strategic collaboration to jointly deliver a new solution for automotive companies to accelerate the development of workload-specific silicon and software needed to power artificial intelligence-enabled features in next-generation automobiles. The solution will combine Synopsys' best-in-class EDA, automotive-grade IP, and hardware-assisted verification solutions with SiMa.ai’s leading machine learning accelerator (MLA) IP and complete ML software stack application development environment for maximum customization of IP, subsystems, chiplets, and SoCs.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: 
https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241217056520/en/

Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) and In-vehicle Infotainment (IVI) are emerging as key differentiators for automakers with a tremendous diversity in applications. The advent of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) features in these applications requires artificial intelligence (AI) at the edge to deliver real-time, multi-modal in-car experiences. However, current software-defined vehicle (SDV) architectures are not equipped to support related demands for the diversity of applications and the required compute, performance, and reliability. Automakers need AI-ready, workload-verified, power-efficient software architectures to compete in this new environment. Further, they need hardware-software co-design solutions, from silicon–to–systems, to reduce development costs and de-risk start-of-production timelines.

Synopsys is a trusted partner to the worldwide automotive ecosystem with more than 50 OEMs and Tier 1 suppliers using Synopsys virtual prototyping technologies, and more than 1,000 virtual models developed from SoC IP to board-level ICs and ASICs. SiMa.ai is the software-centric company that specializes in developing high performance, power-efficient machine learning system on chip (MLSoC) solutions for the embedded edge. The SiMa.ai tech stack emphasizes flexibility, offering support for the widest number of models, sensors and applications possible, and automatically optimizes them for peak performance. The integrated Synopsys and SiMa.ai solution will be designed to enable:

• Early architecture exploration: Capability to guide automotive design engineers to optimally-choose performance, power, and software application requirements for custom or 3rd party SoC development.
• Shift-left software development: The solution will be optimized for multi-modal functions and GenAI, as well as to provide an end-to-end workflow including virtual prototyping and emulation to accelerate software/hardware integration and speed time to market.
• Cost-effective and differentiated in-vehicle experiences: Silicon-proven building blocks and subsystems for high-performance automotive ML SoCs and chiplets that are fully customizable to support diverse workloads, integrating SiMa.ai’s leading, easy-to-use ML software and tools.
• Continuous upgradeability of automotive edge AI solutions: Applications with AI capabilities can be developed to support both current and future requirements. In addition, virtual prototypes can be used to develop and test over-the-air updates.

"Our collaboration with SiMa.ai will provide automotive companies a significant step forward in modernizing their hardware/software co-design processes to meet demand for advanced, in-car experiences that are increasingly costly and complex to deliver,” said Ravi Subramanian, head of the Synopsys Product Management and Markets Group. “Our leadership in architecture exploration, IP, and hardware-assisted verification, combined with SiMa.ai’s innovative performance and power-optimized ML capabilities, will enable customers to differentiate while continuing to meet stringent cost considerations and industry standards.”

"Collaborating closely with Synopsys allows us to provide automotive manufacturers with complete, optimized solutions that accelerate their development cycles," said Krishna Rangasayee, Founder and CEO, SiMa.ai. "The SiMa.ai MLSoC platform was designed for best possible performance at lowest power consumption across a diverse set of applications—that was the missing piece in the puzzle to make future cars so much smarter and safer than what we have today. When combined with Synopsys' industry-leading IP and software, we will deliver a powerful foundation for innovation across auto OEMs in autonomous driving and in-vehicle experiences."

Meet with Synopsys and SiMa.ai at CES 2025

Join Synopsys and SiMa.ai at CES 2025, January 7-10, 2025, to learn more about how we are collaborating to transform the development of automotive edge AI solutions. Contact SynopsysAutomotive@synopsys.com to schedule a meeting onsite.

About Synopsys

Catalyzing the era of pervasive intelligence, Synopsys, Inc. (Nasdaq: SNPS) delivers trusted and comprehensive silicon to systems design solutions, from electronic design automation to silicon IP and system verification and validation. We partner closely with semiconductor and systems customers across a wide range of industries to maximize their R&D capability and productivity, powering innovation today that ignites the ingenuity of tomorrow. Learn more at www.synopsys.com.

About SiMa.ai

SiMa.ai is the software-centric, embedded edge machine learning system-on-chip (MLSoC) company. SiMa.ai delivers ONE Platform for Edge AI that flexibly adjusts to any framework, network, model, sensor, or modality. Edge ML applications that run completely on the SiMa.ai MLSoC and Modalix product family see a tenfold increase in performance and energy efficiency, bringing higher fidelity intelligence to ML use cases spanning computer vision to generative AI, in minutes. With SiMa.ai, customers unlock new paths to revenue and significant cost savings to innovate at the edge across automotive, industrial manufacturing, retail, aerospace, defense, agriculture, and healthcare. Learn more at www.sima.ai.

Note: All trademarks and registered trademarks are the property of their respective owners. 

http://mrem.bernama.com/viewsm.php?idm=50052

WUXI SHUOFANG AIRPORT IS DESIGNATED AS A 240-HOUR TRANSIT VISA-FREE PORT IN CHINA

WUXI, China, Dec. 18, 2024 /Xinhua-AsiaNet/--

China further expanded its visa-free transit policy, extending the maximum amount of time foreigners are allowed to stay in the country under the policy to 240 hours from the previous 72 or 144 hours, the National Immigration Administration of China announced on Tuesday. Additionally, 21 ports have been newly added as entry ports for transit visa-free personnel, including Wuxi Shuofang Airport.

Currently, the aviation port in Wuxi has opened 8 international passenger routes to and from cities such as Osaka, Japan; Incheon, South Korea; Nha Trang, Vietnam; Singapore; and Bangkok, Thailand, with an average of 22 international flights per day.

The latest data shows that this year, Wuxi Immigration Inspection Station has inspected over 7,400 inbound and outbound flights, a year-on-year increase of 125%; and over 820,000 personnel, a year-on-year increase of 134%. The number of foreigners entering and exiting through Wuxi has reached over 91,000, a year-on-year increase of 245%. Among them, more than 10,000 foreigners entered without a visa and temporarily transited, 16.4 times more than last year, with tourism and visiting relatives and friends being the main purposes of entry.

At the beginning of this year, Wuxi introduced the "Ten Measures to Facilitate the Entry and Stay of Foreign Nationals in Wuxi," building six scenarios of convenience for foreign nationals, including entry and exit, payment, business work, living travel, consumption, and education and medical care.

After the formal implementation of the 240-hour transit visa-free policy, Wuxi will further improve the customs clearance guarantee services. Specific measures include scientifically adjusting the layout of the entry site, and delineating the transit visa-free procedure processing area. Wuxi will manage and serve the stay of foreigners in China, and coordinate the transition between the transit visa-free policy and port visa requirements. The city will publicize the 240-hour transit visa-free policy in multiple channels and languages, and promote the transit visa-free policy to foreign-funded enterprises, foreign chambers of commerce, travel agencies, and airlines in Wuxi. It will set up entry passenger service stations at entry ports, providing foreigners with services such as scenic spot reservation, mobile card processing, and mobile payment, and continue to facilitate foreigners' study, life, and work in Wuxi.

Source: Wuxi Immigration Inspection Station

--BERNAMA

SME BANK CONTINUES TO EXTEND ASSISTANCE TO FLOOD VICTIMS, POSITIVELY IMPACTING OVER 4,500 BENEFICIARIES IN KEDAH & KELANTAN

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 18 (Bernama) -- Small Medium Enterprise Development Bank Malaysia Berhad (“SME Bank”) continues to extend assistance to flood victims by activating its second flood relief mission, following SME Bank’s recent announcement to provide immediate assistance to its customers through tailored financing solutions and relief measures.

SME Bank reaffirms its commitment towards uplifting the lives and communities in need by extending support to individuals and families affected by the nationwide flood as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility (“CSR”) initiative, aligning with the Bank’s ESG agenda which is to create lasting impact on society. Under this initiative, SME Bank contributed food baskets and essential items as well as cash assistance to the flood affected victims within these two states.

Datuk Dr. Mohammad Hardee Ibrahim, Acting Group President/Chief Executive Officer of SME Bank said, “As one of the country’s leading development financial institutions (“DFI”) mandated in the value creation of the society, we are aware of the challenges faced by victims of the flood that hit our shores recently. Thus, we heed the Government’s call for all Government agencies and corporations to play a direct role in helping the Rakyat navigate through this difficult situation. Being agile and quick to address this nationwide crisis, we continue to extend the necessary assistance beyond financing by executing our flood-relief CSR initiative in Kedah and Kelantan, benefiting over 4,500 beneficiaries in view of the high number of flood cases in these two states.”

“We are pleased to collaborate with the Jabatan Kebajikan Masyarakat (“JKM”), under the Kedah State Government, where we contributed food baskets and essential items to 400 families within the district of Kubang Pasu, Kedah – comprising over 3,500 beneficiaries in total. Meanwhile, in Kelantan we are providing our support through cash contribution to two (2) primary schools; Sekolah Kebangsaan Teluk Jering and Sekolah Kebangsaan Bendang Pa’Yong, to support post-flood recovery, benefitting 1,000 students.”

“Beyond these, our very own employees were also involved in the preparation and distribution of the food baskets in Kedah, while our employees in Kelantan were involved in the restoration and cleaning of the two affected schools,” Datuk Dr. Mohammad Hardee Ibrahim elaborated.

A handover presentation ceremony was held recently in both states. In Kedah, the ceremony saw Dato’ Muslim Hussain, Chairman of SME Bank and Datuk Dr. Mohammad Hardee Ibrahim in attendance, along with Muhammad Mahazi Ibrahim, District Officer of Pusat Kawalan Operasi Bencana (“PKOB”), Kubang Pasu – the implementing body of JKM Kedah. Meanwhile, in Kelantan, SME Bank was represented by Zabidi Abdullah, Chief Business Officer; Zarina Nor Ismail, Chief Operating Officer and Mohammad Azam Ahmad, Group Chief Risk Officer, along with Zamri Muhammad, Headmaster of Sekolah Kebangsaan Teluk Jering and Roslan Mohamed, Headmaster of Sekolah Kebangsaan Bendang Pa’Yong.

Since 2022, SME Bank has mobilised nearly 20 CSR initiatives amounting to over RM3 million with emphasis on economic empowerment, community development, and environmental preservation, including the Flood Relief Aid for Students in Penampang, Sabah and the ‘Satu Pemimpin Satu Kampung’ (“Santuni Madani”) programme among others.

In addition to these efforts, SME Bank also supports MSMEs by mobilising the Bank Negara Malaysia’s Disaster Relief Facility (“DRF”). This facility offers financing of up to RM700,000 for SMEs and RM150,000 for micro-enterprises, with a competitive rate of 3.5% per annum and a tenure of up to seven years.

For further details on SME Bank’s programs and initiatives, please visit www.smebank.com.my, SME Bank's Facebook page, or contact SME Bank’s Contact Centre at 603-26037700. Please visit https://bit.ly/41BgAwJ.

Issued by:
SME Bank Group Strategic Communication

SOURCE : SME Bank

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:
Name: Arnee Ismail
Head, Group Strategic Communication
SME Bank
Tel: 03-2615 2954
Email: arnee.ismail@smebank.com.my

--BERNAMA