TWO MALACCA SCHOOLS MAKE CLEAN SWEEP OF MPMA-DOW SCHOOL ENVIRONMENTAL CHALLENGE 2020
PETALING JAYA, 15 December 2020: Two schools in Malacca – Sekolah Kebangsaan Bandar Hilir and Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Naning capped off this extraordinary school year with a clean sweep in the individual categories of the recent Malaysian Plastics Manufacturers Association (MPMA)-Dow School Environmental Challenge 2020.
Primary school winners of the MPMA-DOW School Environmental Challenge 2020 (L-R): Muhammad Fayreel Bin Rashid, Muhammad Daiyan Hakimi Bin Maszly and Haqmal Mukhris Bin Abdullah.
Secondary school winners of the MPMA-DOW School Environmental Challenge 2020 (L-R): Azriel Eiyman Bin Azli, Ruthreshwari A/P Muguntan and Muhammad Irfan Bin Mohd Fairuz.
The top three individual winners for primary were all from Sekolah Kebangsaan Bandar Hilir and the top three individual winners for secondary were all from Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Naning.
In the overall school category based on total average scores, Sekolah Kebangsaan Air Baruk emerged as champions for primary level, and Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Naning won in the secondary school category. A total of 27 schools in Malacca and a participating pool of 2,479 students across the state took part in the challenge which ran from 12 October to 20 November 2020.
The winning schools and individuals took home approximately RM26,000 worth of prizes in laptops, tablets, smartphones and cash awards.
At the virtual closing ceremony on 15 December, MPMA President, Datuk Lim Kok Boon said this year’s competition was conducted as an online quiz in response to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. “Despite the challenges posed by COVID-19, we are of the view that it is important to continue with the footprint of MPMA and Dow in Melaka on sustainability issues for the students for the fifth consecutive year. The MPMA-Dow School Environmental Challenge 2020 has therefore utilised technology in the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic to reach out to students and teachers via an online quiz competition.”
This year’s challenge was a hotly contested online quiz based on an educational module made possible with the collaboration between PETRONAS Chemicals Group, Pusat STEM Negara under the Ministry of Education, MPMA and Solid Waste Corporation. The module, entitled ‘Plastic, Sustainability and You’ is designed to complement existing school curricula and emphasize the role everyone has to play in proper waste management, reducing global warming and marine litter.
Datuk Lim stated that the pandemic has made public education on proper plastics waste disposal even more critical. “Plastics has become a material that is heavily intertwined with our daily lives. One clear example is that during the current Covid-19 pandemic, we need lots of personal protective equipment, or what is more popularly known as PPEs. However, the higher utilisation of plastics products such as PPEs and food packaging has resulted in higher plastics waste. It is therefore even more important now than ever to create awareness on responsible plastics management amongst students through the practice of waste separation at source and the 3Rs (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle).”
MPMA hopes to expand its programme to other states across the country. Said Datuk Lim, “We’ve had great success with this programme in Malacca over the last four years and hope that in 2021 we will be able to expand it to other schools across Malaysia, if not physically, but at least virtually to spread the awareness on responsible plastics management nationwide. MPMA believes this is the way forward to address plastics pollution and waste management issues in the country amongst the youth.
Initially developed in 2016 as a response to the Malacca State Government’s state-wide plastics bag ban, the MPMA-DOW School Environmental Challenge has expanded from a district to state-wide programme that is supported by the Malacca State Education Department. The programme focuses on raising awareness of anti-littering, understanding the importance and value of plastics and the need for responsibly managing them via post-usage separation at source and the 3Rs.
MALAYSIAN GENOMICS REDUCES LOSSES ON REOPENING LAB AFTER CONDITIONAL MOVEMENT CONTROL ORDER (CMCO)
KUALA LUMPUR, 30 November 2020: Reopening its laboratory after COVID-19 movement restrictions were relaxed helped Malaysian Genomics Resource Centre Berhad post a smaller first quarter loss of RM833,000, compared to the preceding quarter.
The 69 percent reduction in losses followed on a RM87,000 revenue for the quarter ended 30 September 2020, the genomics and genetics testing company said in a filing with Bursa Malaysia. The nationwide lockdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic saw private clinics and medical centres closing temporarily or diverting their resources towards COVID-19 screening.
Earlier today, shareholders approved Malaysian Genomics’ proposed diversification into biopharmaceutical and healthcare products and services at its virtual Extraordinary General Meeting.
The diversification will provide a new income stream for Malaysian Genomics as it seeks to create a long-term advantage with the development of its own cell laboratory to drive future commercialisation of various cancer immunotherapy products and services.
Under a tripartite licensing agreement signed earlier in June with ICARTAB Biomedical Co Ltd (iCARTab) and Advanced Immune Therapeutics Sdn Bhd (AIT), Malaysian Genomics will have exclusive rights to offer the Chimeric Antigen Receptor (CAR) T-Cell cancer immunotherapy treatment to Malaysia and Southeast Asia for up to 20 years.
“We expect our immunotherapy business to kick off in December this year. Biopharma and healthcare will potentially contribute 25 percent or more of Group net profits by as early as December next year,” said Sasha Nordin, Chief Executive Officer of Malaysian Genomics.
Malaysian Genomics will be among the first companies in Southeast Asia to offer such cutting-edge healthcare services and making CAR T-cell immunotherapy specifically for solid cancer an accessible and viable option under compassionate use.
“Cancer immunotherapy based on CAR T-cells will enhance our portfolio of personalised healthcare products and services for doctors and medical centres. This will bring us a step closer towards achieving our vision to become a leader in innovative and accessible healthcare products,” he said.
“We have been in genomics services and genetics testing for more than 15 years, and we have the necessary strengths to support the healthcare community’s drive towards personalised care. This is a great opportunity to contribute our genomics and genetics experience towards improvements in fighting cancer,” he said.
Solid cancers include lung cancer and liver cancer, two of the most common solid cancers in Southeast Asia. Solid cancers of the liver, pancreas, oesophagus, brain and central nervous system, stomach, and mesothelioma in the lungs are among the 10 cancers with the lowest 5-year survival rates.
About Malaysian Genomics Resource Centre Berhad (Malaysian Genomics)
Malaysian Genomics is a pioneer in genome sequencing, bioinformatics analysis and genetic screening services. Since 2004, Malaysian Genomics has developed extensive pipelines in the sequencing and analysis of human, animal, plant and microbial genomes for clients locally and globally. It operates one of the largest computational centres for genomic and genetic analysis in the Asian region and was listed on Bursa Malaysia in 2010.
MALAYSIAN GENOMICS SHAREHOLDERS APPROVE DIVERSIFICATION INTO BIOPHARMACEUTICAL BUSINESS WITH CANCER IMMUNOTHERAPY
KUALA LUMPUR, 30 November 2020: Shareholders of genomics and genetics testing company, Malaysian Genomics Resource Centre Berhad, today approved its proposed diversification into biopharmaceutical and healthcare products and services at its virtual Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM) today.
The diversification will provide a new income stream for Malaysian Genomics as it seeks to create a long-term advantage with the development of its own cell laboratory to drive future commercialisation of various cancer immunotherapy products and services.
Under a tripartite licensing agreement signed earlier in June with ICARTAB Biomedical Co Ltd (iCARTab) and Advanced Immune Therapeutics Sdn Bhd (AIT), Malaysian Genomics will have exclusive rights to offer the Chimeric Antigen Receptor (CAR) T-Cell cancer immunotherapy treatment to Malaysia and Southeast Asia for up to 20 years.
“We expect our immunotherapy business to kick off in December this year. Biopharma and healthcare will potentially contribute 25 percent or more of Group net profits by as early as December next year,” said Sasha Nordin, Chief Executive Officer of Malaysian Genomics.
Malaysian Genomics will be among the first companies in Southeast Asia to offer such cutting-edge healthcare services and making CAR T-cell immunotherapy specifically for solid cancer an accessible and viable option under compassionate use.
“Cancer immunotherapy based on CAR T-cells will enhance our portfolio of personalised healthcare products and services for doctors and medical centres. This will bring us a step closer towards achieving our vision to become a leader in innovative and accessible healthcare products,” he said.
“We have been in genomics services and genetics testing for more than 15 years, and we have the necessary strengths to support the healthcare community’s drive towards personalised care. This is a great opportunity to contribute our genomics and genetics experience towards improvements in fighting cancer,” he said.
Solid cancers include lung cancer and liver cancer, two of the most common solid cancers in Southeast Asia. Solid cancers of the liver, pancreas, oesophagus, brain and central nervous system, stomach, and mesothelioma in the lungs are among the 10 cancers with the lowest 5-year survival rates.
About Malaysian Genomics Resource Centre Berhad (Malaysian Genomics)
Malaysian Genomics is a pioneer in genome sequencing, bioinformatics analysis and genetic screening services. Since 2004, Malaysian Genomics has developed extensive pipelines in the sequencing and analysis of human, animal, plant and microbial genomes for clients locally and globally. It operates one of the largest computational centres for genomic and genetic analysis in the Asian region and was listed on Bursa Malaysia in 2010.
MALAYSIAN GENOMICS RECORDS TURNAROUND NET PROFIT TO RM17.1 MILLION
KUALA LUMPUR, 21 August 2020: Malaysian Genomics Resource Centre Berhad (Malaysian Genomics), which has recently ventured into cancer immunotherapy products, posted a full-year net profit of RM17.1 million mainly due to a one-off gain from the sale of its pathology lab chain.
Revenue for the year ended 30 June 2020 jumped by 60.6 percent to RM951,000 due to strengthening demand seen in its core genetic screening segment, after reflecting the disposal of pathology lab subsidiary MPath Group Sdn Bhd on 24 December 2019.
“We have a lot planned for our pipeline as part of our strategy to maintain this profitability. We are looking to contribute towards further improvements in healthcare, starting with improving quality of life in the fight against cancer,” said Chief Operating Officer, Sasha Nordin.
Malaysian Genomics announced the addition of companion diagnostics and cancer immunotherapy based on CAR T-cells to its portfolio of products and services in Southeast Asia earlier in June. The product is a result of a tripartite licensing agreement with ICARTAB Biomedical Co Ltd (iCARTab) and Advanced Immune Therapeutics Sdn Bhd (AIT).
“We will be among the first companies to offer such cutting-edge services in Southeast Asia and we are confident that our long experience in genetic testing proves our capabilities. This new addition will enhance our portfolio of personalised healthcare products and services for doctors and medical centres in the region,” said Sasha.
“In the longer run, we are looking to explore this area further by expanding our portfolio of immunotherapy products and services, and also identifying applications in market segments beyond oncology,” he added.
For the fourth quarter, Malaysian Genomics posted a pre-tax loss of RM2.6 million following a 98 percent drop in revenue to RM3,000 due to the Movement Control Order implemented in response to the Covid-19 pandemic.
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Malaysian Genomics is a pioneer in genome sequencing, bioinformatics analysis and genetic screening services. Since 2004, Malaysian Genomics has developed extensive pipelines in the sequencing and analysis of human, animal, plant and microbial genomes for clients locally and globally. It operates one of the largest computational centres for genomic and genetic analysis in the Asian region and was listed on Bursa Malaysia in 2010.
DAMANSARA REALTY POSTS RM96.2 MILLION IN FIRST HALF REVENUE
KUALA LUMPUR, 27 August 2020: Damansara Realty Berhad (DBhd) or the Group posted RM96.3 million in revenue for the six months period ended 30 June 2020 (1HFY2020).
The Group saw a net loss of RM4.3 million for the first half of financial year 2020, against a net profit of RM6.2 million in the same period a year ago.
This is attributable to the nationwide lockdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which affected the Group’s operations, especially for Metro Parking Group. Its businesses in Malaysia, Philippines, and Singapore were under restrictions during the lockdown as per the respective governments’ directions, it said in its filing with Bursa Malaysia today.
“We are continuing as planned with our group wide corporate rationalisation initiatives to safeguard our financial resilience in dealing with the changing market conditions brought about by COVID-19. This will ensure that we have sufficient cash reserves for the rest of the year and beyond,” said DBhd’s Group Managing Director, Azman bin Haji Tambi Chik.
He added that the initiatives are focussed on financial prudence and a disciplined approach for better cost management and operational cash flow.
“Our Property and Land Development (PLD) segment still remains a crucial driver of contributions to the Group’s profit as there is still market demand for housing despite the property downturn,” said Azman.
For its 1HFY2020, the Group’s PLD segment recorded a revenue of RM9.61 million compared to RM5.74 million in 1HFY2019. The PLD segment also posted a profit of RM3.54 million compared to RM3.41 million for 1HFY2019.
The good performance was mainly due to higher units sold from its projects in Johor Bahru and Pahang.
“Meanwhile, our Integrated Facilities Management (IFM) segment has proven to be a recession proof with recurring income as the driver in maintaining our long-term sustainable profitability. We expect the segment to be the largest revenue contributor for DBhd in the coming years as the property market recovers. This will help us solidify our position as a key player in the IFM industry.” he said.
WHEN SILENCE ISN’T GOLDEN – NO NEWS MEANS BAD NEWS DURING UNCERTAIN TIMES
WHEN SILENCE ISN’T GOLDEN
No News Means Bad News During Uncertain Times
Uncertain times brought by the global COVID-19 pandemic has changed investor engagement as we know it. As we continue on in this era of social distancing, people are consuming vast amounts of news and information to stay informed whilst staying safe indoors. This has created a huge opportunity for companies to engage a captive audience using the tools and channels that are still conveniently accessible such as online media and news channels.
So although the Covid-19 pandemic has hit most businesses negatively, making the knee jerk reaction to stay quiet and lay low may be detrimental to your business. People are wary to buy from companies they no longer see or hear from. If your company has not been consistently engaged with your clients, investors or stakeholders recently, this is the best time to engage and connect, to prove that your company is post-Covid future ready.
Here’s why..
- Keeping your presence in the marketplace: Your company needs to stay relevant to your stakeholders. This means maintaining trust and letting them know how the company is doing. An absence of communications will leave your audiences with questions and perhaps lead to incorrect conclusions.
- Less noise in the marketplace means more attention space: A lull in the marketplace signals a good opportunity to reach out and gain more mindshare from your stakeholders and the investment community.
- Own your narrative or someone else will: Uncommunicative companies often give ground for competitors to take control of their narratives freely without checks.
- Set a platform for future success: Communicating well, frequently, transparently and thoughtfully with stakeholders sets your company apart during uncertain times. Meaning more stakeholder confidence and higher chance that your company will still be in the standing when the crisis ends.
So when the time comes for your company to announce how the company is doing in its quarterly earnings, a press release may prove to be the critical differentiator for your company.
Bearing in mind that the earnings press release is for all investors, not just the media, your company will need to ensure it gets the most value to make your press release count.
Here’s how..
- Think critically about how to tell your story: The earnings press release is the first glimpse investors will get of your company’s performance. Use it as a platform for your company to build your brand story that matches your brand identity and values.
- Present your company performance in the best light: Even though business performance is affected by the Covid-19 economic downturn, leveraging on the earnings releases to provide honest representations of your company’s position and key messages in the most accurate and beneficial manner possible will bring reassurance to your stakeholders.
- Give guidance for the future: Use the earning press release to engage clients, and to influence your investors and the public about the vision of your company and its plans in the upcoming year or quarter. This guidance is important because it lets your stakeholders know what they can expect from the company in the near future.
- Seek expert advice to carefully craft your press releases: Working with an effective public relations agency is also (of course) a good idea. They can bring a more objective view of your story angles and key messages.
Sooner or later, the Covid-19 pandemic will end. Ultimately, your communication strategies should align to what your company wants to achieve in the post-COVID future.
DAMANSARA REALTY APPOINTS AZMAN HAJI TAMBI CHIK AS GROUP MANAGING DIRECTOR
KUALA LUMPUR, 3 AUGUST 2020: Damansara Realty Berhad (DBhd) has announced the appointment of Azman bin Haji Tambi Chik as its Group Managing Director (GMD), effective 1 August 2020.
Appointed as DBhd’s Group Chief Executive Officer on 11 May 2020, Azman brings more than 30 years of experience to the Board. He has extensive knowledge in corporate strategy, planning, business development, legal, procurement, operations, as well as the acquisition of new business within the fields of Integrated Facilities Management (IFM), technology, food & beverages, and hospitality.
DBhd’s Chairman, Dato’ Ahmad Zahri said, Azman’s array of expertise in marketing, business development, business strategic planning, corporate financing, investment, strategic communications and stakeholder management makes a strong addition to the Board and will contribute positively to DBhd’s next phase of business sustainability, expansion, and growth.
“Having Azman as the member of the Board will not only help facilitate business and operations executive decisions through the new normal in the current industry but also lead the Group in its next growth initiatives,” he said.
DAMANSARA REALTY’S EXECUTIVE VICE CHAIRMAN RESIGNS
DAMANSARA REALTY’S EXECUTIVE VICE CHAIRMAN RESIGNS
KUALA LUMPUR, 14 July 2020: Damansara Realty Berhad (DBhd) Executive Vice Chairman (EVC) Haji Abdullah Md Yusof is stepping down from the Board to focus on other commitments effective 13 July 2020, the Company announced today.
Abdullah, 54, has been a director of DBhd since 2014. He was re-designated as EVC in March 2020 to oversee operations and the Group’s strategic direction while the appointment of Azman Tambi Chik was pending.
“I am confident that I leave DBhd in good hands, and its strong management team will continue to build on the successes that DBhd has built over the years,” said Haji Abdullah.
“I would like to thank the Board for the opportunity to serve the Group and everyone that I have worked with over the years,” he added.
DBhd thank Haji Abdullah for his leadership and years of services and wish him every success in his future endeavours.
DAMANSARA REALTY POSTS RM49.4 MILLION IN Q1 REVENUE
DAMANSARA REALTY POSTS RM49.4 MILLION IN Q1 REVENUE
KUALA LUMPUR, 25 June 2020: Damansara Realty Berhad (DBhd) posted RM49.4 million in revenue for the first quarter (Q1) ended 31 March 2020.
The Group saw a net loss of RM2.2 million for the first quarter, against a net profit of RM2.3 million in the same quarter a year ago.
The Group saw its revenue heavily impacted due to the nationwide lockdown resulted from the COVID-19 pandemic, which affected the operations of its subsidiary Metro Parking Group the most. Its businesses in Malaysia, Philippines, and Singapore were under restrictions during the lockdown as per the respective governments’ directions.
As a reactive measure, the Group has put in place a Groupwide corporate rationalisation plan to safeguard its financial resilience to deal with changing market conditions, it said in its filing with Bursa Malaysia today.
Among the measures taken are reducing capital spending and non-essential operating costs, reassessing its value chain, applying for rebates, moratorium, or concessions from the government and its vendors as well as halting all launch events and freezing recruitment till year-end.
“We have cut back on spending to make sure we have sufficient cash reserves for the remaining part of the year and beyond,” said DBhd’s Group Chief Executive Officer, Azman Tambi Chik.
“We will remain financially prudent, focussing on disciplined management of costs and operational cash flows while continuing to deliver quality services for all of our stakeholders,” he said.
“As our operations gradually return to full service, we understand that they will be operating in a changed world of stringent health standard operating procedures (SOPs) and of higher dependency on automation and technology. How well we anticipate and adapt to this new normal is crucial in keeping our clients and employees safe and healthy as well as position our business to bounce back and capitalise on the opportunities ahead.” Azman said.
THE ARRIVAL OF VIRTUAL AGMS
THE ARRIVAL OF VIRTUAL AGMS
As businesses adjust to the shaky times brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic, corporate Malaysia has been encouraged to turn their annual general meetings (AGMs) into virtual events.
Some of us will welcome this change, some of us won’t. What is certain is that with the advancement of technology and globalisation in corporations, virtual meetings is a step towards a certain future that was perhaps, merely fast forwarded by the pandemic.
Regardless of circumstance, corporate Malaysia should be sitting up and paying attention to the ins and outs of a virtual AGM. Coordinating a virtual or even a hybrid AGM is similar to directing a movie whereby you select the main actors, scenes, script, as well as ensuring quality audio and visual. The mission is ensuring the ‘show’ is run as smoothly and efficiently as possible, while delivering the right messages to your audience.
Here are some things to keep in mind:
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Infrastructure
Ensure a stable platform and practical setup i.e. feasible & user-friendly software, strong internet connection especially at broadcast venues. Technical support personnel should be present at the broadcast venue for any required assistance. For example, TNB recently announced a virtual AGM which will be conducted via a platform specialised for AGMs – Lumi AGM.
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Moderator
The right moderator makes a huge difference – A sharp, alert, unbiased moderator with a strong grasp on the organisation’s goals and objectives would be able to direct the conversation in the right direction.
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Familiarity / Technology-savviness
All presenting parties should be familiar with the system / software to ensure smooth presentation and reduce lagging time.
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Roles & SOPs
Clearly assign roles i.e. assigning Chairman / CEO as main and supporting presenter. Provide clear and direct instructions to ensure shareholders are well informed of the SOPs for their remote participation, questioning and voting.
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Screen time
Ensure time is allocated between main screen and alternative screens, well rehearsed and everybody is aware of the allocated screen time.
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Visuals
Portray a clean and polished visual – ensure that there is sufficient space and social distancing amongst the presenting parties.
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Teamwork
Ensure there is good communications between the team on the screen and behind the scenes.
With the AGM season underway many, the Securities Commission (SC) has issued a guidance note for public listed companies (PLC) on the conduct of fully virtual general meetings. The guidelines include:
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Virtual meetings should be conducted with as few individuals physically present as possible
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There should not be more than 8 essential individuals physically present at the broadcast venue
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This should include the Chairperson of the general meeting, Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, company secretary, auditor as well as audio-visual support
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Those present must observe all social distancing SOPs and guidelines as provided by the government
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Companies can submit an application to the SC for a time-limited travel exemption for the essential individuals to travel to the broadcast venue for the fully virtual meetings
As we continue on in this era of social distancing, maximise the tools and channels that are still accessible to you. A good strategy and successful execution of AGM may go a long way in delivering your company’s messages to your shareholders.
Written by: Atiq Safirah (June 2020)