China’s Xidelang Sets to Raise RM58 from Bursa Listing

Established in 1993 and setting itself as the third chinese company to be listed on the Main Market of Bursa Malaysia, sportswear manufacturer based in Jinjiang, China- Xidelang Holdings Limited has launched an initial public offering (IPO) that will raise RM58 million with the issues of 100,000,000 new ordinary shares of US0.10 each at an issue price of RM0.58 per XiDeLang share.

Despite the global uncertainty this year, Xidelang’s profits accelerated remarkably 89% to RM38.2 million in the first six months to June 2009, while its revenue rose 70% to RM197 million.

According to Xidelang’s co-founder and managing director Mr. Ding Peng Peng, “Xidelang is set to ride on the growth of China’s booming economy and the with the help of growing popularity for homegrown sportswear brand”. Also present at the prospectus launch were, Xidelang’s executive Chairman Ding Li Hong and AmInvestment Bank Berhad Managing Director, Mr. Kok Tuck Cheong.

It is believed that part of the money raised from the listing, will be used to finance the construction of new plant, which enables Xidelang Holdings Limited to double its annual capacity of 4.8 million pairs of shoes when the first phase completed next year.

Xidelang is offering 100million shares in IPO, of which 90% million will be privately placed out and the remaining 10million for public application. The sale of the share will be closed on October 30th 2009 and the company will be listed on Bursa Malaysia on November 11th 2009.

Mercedes Benz Malaysia Charts Another Remarkable Sales Performance Amid Economic Gloom

It can be said every producer & distributor of premium passenger as well as commercial vehicles are ‘grasping’ for air to breath in this uncertain economic situations, but this does not appear the same to Mercedes Benz Malaysia. And it is not the first time that Mercedes-Benz Malaysia has performed beyond expectations, as its cars continue to produce better than expected sales for the first six months ending Jun 2009,  reflecting the optimism in  economy climate.  

 

 “Delivering 1869 passenger cars todate, leading the pack in premium passenger cars segment, the Mercedes-Benz C-Class has more than 850 units (accounted for 42.8% rise) sold, buoyed by its sleek & sporty C-Class C230 AVANTGARDE, and the Mercedes-Benz B-Class continues to sell 148 units registering 2.1 % rise”, briefed by Mr. Florian Mueller, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia’s Vice President for Sales and Marketing, at Menara TM this morning.

Famous for its elegance, comfort and safety, the E-Class has once again proved to be the most favoured car in its segment with 685 units delivered, while the S-Class managed a respectable sales of 143 units.

Briefing on the strong performance of Mercedes Benz Malaysia, Mr. MJ Lim, General Manager of Mercedes Car Group Operations, explained, “the Merz always keep the value of its vehicle, while, providing the positive effect on economy, as well as the commercial vehicle residue value, that is, how much the car cost in few years down the road. It also value the customer’s ownership, as resale of Merz is one of the selling point that works well for the people”. Mr. MJ Lim also added, “the Merz is more of a brand heritage, the brand is shifting towards customer service centric, with added features, user-friendly, and the safety features, that we championed, and as we add up to total brand conclusion, we are able tip the advantage”.

In providing a token of appreciation towards its loyal  customers and a safer environment to live in, Mercedes Benz Malaysia has initiated its Consumer Safety and Child Car Seat Campaign (February), Mercedes-Benz driving Experience (on April), Nationwide F1 Openhauses (April), Paddock visit to team Vodafone McLaren Mercedes Club and pitlanes at the Sepang F1 Circuit (April), Vodafone McLaren Mercedes F1 Party (April) and Mercedes trophy 2009.

As for its community initiatives, Mercedes Benz Malaysia has visited San Pedro Shelter Home, Old Klang Road, the Sinthamani Divine Life Ashram Home, Jinjang, Kepong and Rumah Amal Cahaya Ampuan Rahimah, Subang Jaya. It also played its part in sponsoring the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Festival (April), Mercedes-Benz Malaysia an Evening with Children (June), while, holding a Mercedes-Benz  Golf  Clinic for Juniors (June) and Mercedes-Benz Masters Malaysia (July)

Petronas Dagangan Berhad has posted a net profit of RM581 million

On its global outlook on recovery for aviation fuel and fuel bunkering businesses, which accounted for RM2.44 billion (10%) of the company’s total revenue for financial year ended March 31, 2009, Petronas Dagangan Berhad has posted a drop in its net profit of 12.88% to RM581.76 million from RM667.78 million a year ago, while its revenue has improved 9.27% to RM24.35 billion from RM22.29 billion.

Speaking to medias, at its AGM held at Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre, Datuk Anuar Ahmad, Chairman of PetDag Bhd said,”that both aviation fuel and fuel bunkering businesses had been affected by effects of the slowing down of global economy and other external factors”. Datuk Anuar added,”the aviation industry is seeing less people travelling due to economic downturn and the H1N1 virus, while the bunkering businesses, affected by economic slowdown, sees less movement of vessels, cargo and trade, causing less demand for bunkers (bunker fuel is used in the maritime sector to power large, ocean-going vessels)”.

With a current 920 retail stations located across the nation, the company which is 69.86% owned by Petroliam Nasional Berhad as of May29, 2009, its Managing Director/CEO Mohamad Sabarudin Mohamad Amin said, “we plan to set up another 30 stations by end FY10 while RON95 fuel will be available nationwide by September this year”. Also present at the media briefing were, En. Md Arif Mahmood, Vice President Oil Business, PetDag Berhad and En. Mohamad Fadzlan Abdul Samad, Senior General Manager Retail Business Division, PetDag Berhad.

RHB is Set to Maintain its Growth in Coming Years

Given the present economic outlook, RHB Capital Berhad is set to deliver another improved performance of its portfolios & financial growth, in its 14th Annual General Meeting report, which was  held at Prince Hotel, Kuala Lumpur today.

RHB’s pre-tax profit of RM1,422.4 million for financial year ended 31 December 2008 has marked an improvement of 25% increase, as compared to RM1,136.9 registered last year. This improved performance was attributed by higher net income by RM56.6 million lower allowances for losses on loans, financing and other losses by RM74.5 million and lower impairment loss by RM51.9 million.

The higher net income was driven by an increase in gross loans and advances by 11.2% or RM6.3 billion to RM63.2 billion as well as benefits from capital management exercise. Net profit for the Group increased by 47% from RM712.9 to RM1,048.7, bolstered by the Group’s acquisition of the minority in RHB Bank Berhad.

As the fourth largest fully integrated financial services group in Malaysia, the Group intends to continue its aim towards becoming a leading financial institution in ASEAN.

The 12th Meeting of the ASEAN Cocoa Club (ACC) to Enhance intra-ASEAN Cocoa Trade

Aiming to strenghten as well as to improve the intra-ASEAN trade on cocoa and cocoa based products, the ASEAN Cocoa Club (ACC) held its 12th Meeting of National Focal Point, at Renaissance Hotel Kuala Lumpur recently.

The two-days meeting were held to highlight the formulation of ASEAN Cocoa Contract on the Tariffs and Non-Tariff Barriers of Cocoa Beans and Cocoa Products, based on the formation of Technical Working Group on Food Safety (TWGFS), on bean quality, report by Codex Committee on cocoa products and chocolate, cooperation on Cocoa Progeny and clones trials, and activities sector’s involvement.

Officiated by Y.B Datuk Hamzah Zainuddin, Deputy Minister of Plantation Industries and Commodities, who said in his opening address,”…the ASEAN countries ranked as the third largest grower and producer of cocoa beans in the world and the largest in Asia. With an estimated cocoa production of 547,900 tonnes, ASEAN accounted for about 16% of the world total cocoa production 2008/09. In terms of total cocoa grinding in ASEAN is estimated at 520,000 tonnes, accounting for about 14% of the total world cocoa grinding in 2008/09. Therefore, we need to work closely to address the decline in demand for chocolate and chocolate products in our traditional markets like United States of America and Europe by strenghtening our efforts to develop new markets, such as, encouraging the People’s Republic of China and India to consume more cocoa…”.

Meanwhile, Y.B. Dato’ Dr. Azhar Ismail, Director General of Malaysian Cocoa Board, elaborated the purpose of the meeting by saying,”…Despite facing many challenges such as stringent requirements imposed on food safety by EU and Japan as well as the Maximum Residue Limits (MRLs) permitted on cocoa of which is technically impossible to comply. Most of the importing countries have been implementing their own food safety standards which are not imline with the CODEX Standard. Therefore, the ASEAN countries as a group should request that the importing countries to use the CODEX Standard as reference for food safety regulations…”.

Tesco Slashes Prices of its 200 Essential Grocery Products

Set as one of its most important benchmark to help its loyal consumers to save money and reduce daily expenditure costs, Tesco Malaysia has kicked-off this year’s price cuts campaign on its 200 essential grocery products. This year, the ongoing price reduction will eventually be part of its iniatives in RM50 million price cuts of its grocery and fresh wet market products, which are to be held at all Hypermarket Tesco Stores nationwide.

Speaking at Tesco’s price cut launch, which was held at its head office at Mutiara Damansara recently, Mr. Chris Bush, Chief Executive Officer of Tesco Malaysia,said, “…this is part of our ongoing quarterly commitment to help customers spend less…and it is Tesco’s first Price Cut for this year, which builds on the RM25 million invested last year’s reducing prices…Tesco’s price cut will also benefit the ‘Buy Malaysian Products’ campaign that the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs is championing as almost all products involve are homegrown…”.

Tesco  Malaysia Marketing Director, Mr. Paul Morris said,”being the only hypermarket with our own loyalty card, Clubcard, that allows us to track customer purchase behavior and trends. We have seen a significant change in our stores as customers focus their hard earned salaries more and more on essential groceries”. Mr. Morris added,”Tesco continues to put focus on its Everyday Low Price items particularly on fresh food and groceries as well as to continue to have the price cut  initiative as a long term price reduction strategy for customers”. Officiating the Price Cut campaign were Tuan Daud bin Tahir, Deputy Secretary General of Domestic Trade and Dato’ Mohd Elias Abu Bakar.

Looming with global’s financial uncertainty, Tesco is looking forward to its expansion plans, as it has allocated RM500 to RM700 million in recruiting additional 18,000 workforce in Malaysia.

Tele Dynamics Has Sealed its Partnership with McDonald’s Malaysia

Certified with ISO9001:2000, a testament to its commitment and assurance of highest standard of quality and in providing total business systems as well as  solutions provider in Information & Communication Technology (ICT) for over 28 years, Tele Dynamics Sendirian Berhad has signed its partnership with Golden Arches Restaurants Sendirian Berhad representing McDonald’s Malaysia for the provision of  in-bound call centre management services for its McDonald’s Malaysia nationwide 24-Hour  McDelivery Service.

Strategically located on 27th Floor of Wisma Lee Rubber, Kuala Lumpur, the 148-seat call centre occupies 6,200 square feet of office space, runs on a 24-hour basis, and is capable of handling more than 20,000 calls per day.

Speaking at the press briefing which was held at Wisma Lee Rubber, Kuala Lumpur yesterday, Tele Dynamics, Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Takashi Watanabe, said, “our aim is to build and maintain a strong customer relationship well past; our business dealings and we ensure that the service provided to McDonalds is of the best-in-class capacity”. Meanwhile, Mr. Azmir Jaafar, Managing Director of McDonald’s Malaysia, said,”…this new call center is designed for expansion and Tele Dynamics is investing heavily in ICT infrastructures to support McDonald’s operations, further demonstrates our commitment in developing and improving our delivery business…”. Mr. Azmir also added, “currently McDelivery contributes about 8.5% total revenue and McDonald’s has projected a growth rate of 40% this year. We have 88 restaurants nationwide offering this service and we’re committed to growing this business for the long-term as we see many untapped opportunities”. Also present at the signing event were, Mr C.K Chong, Executive Director of Tele Dynamics, Mr. Azman bin Ahmad, Director of Tele Dynamics, Miss Lee May Yin, Senior Director for Finance, Supply Chain & IS of McDonald’s Malaysia, Mr. Christopher Charles, Senior Brand Manager of McDonald’s Malaysia, Mr.Richard Syrkiewics, IT Manager of McDonald’s Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa,  Mr. Paul Ting, Senior General Manager of Tele Dynamics, and Mr. Steven Lim, Assistant Senior Manager of Tele Dynamics.

Health & Happiness Festival to be Launched at Grand Millennium Hotel, Kuala Lumpur

In creating a bridge between allopathic medicine and complementary treatment options to contribute overall health for all Malaysians, the upcoming First Malaysian Health & Happiness Festival 2009 which is to be held on 21st & 22nd of  March, 2009 at Grand Millennium Hotel, Kuala Lumpur, will be used as a platform to allow public from all races and religions to make educated choices and alternative options for appropriate  health treatment.

 

On top of that, this unique upcoming Festival, will also showcase an innovative concept of exhibitions such as, live stage as well as music demonstration. Over 50 different workshops will converge to promote health products and equipments, healers, therapists, doctors, clinics, health screenings  and etc (todate only 12 booths left to be rented).

 

Presenting the Health and Wellness informative talks and workshops are, Tan Sri Datuk Dr Hj Mohd Ismail Merican – Director General of Health, Dr Rajen, DR Lee, Datin Zam ,Dr T. Selva , Andrew Fretwell from Thailand, The “Greenest Man on Earth” – Matthias Gelber from Germany, Babak Sorkhpour from Iran, Ruth Eedy from Australia , Hindranata Nikolay from Indonesia, Jason Moriarti from Ireland, and Sandra Sweetman  from Canada.

Present at the media briefing which was held Grand Millenium recently, were Myriam Oliveres Abdullah, Organizer of  “the Health & Happiness” and Her Royal Highness Sultanah of Pahang, Sultanah Hajjah Kalsom.

 

Roger Fisk Thoughts on how to win over the peoples

How to win people’s heart? At his recent speech which was held at PJ Hilton, Roger Fisk, the former National Director of Special Events for Barack Obama’s presidential campaign, said,”…there are 4 main criterias namely, locals-free media components that ables to allocate all different kinds ethicity with the presidential candidate on the frontpage of newspaper, organic- peoples’ concern, ownership-working with local in the sense of ownership and traction- feel natural towards the community, listen to what the community wants to say, & feed into the peoples’ feel of the story. To win a campaign in every states the major needs to do are, the traditional setup that has the organic flavor, reaching out for the people, the traction- story augment for the event, expand narratively, the meaning of the visit to the city, backdrop of the people, head on shot that comes with a punctuate fund raising numbers, listen to people attentively vice versa conveying message to create a crystalization of relationship, an organic site such as community courtyard that is designed with concept of people, a post super Tuesday strategy ones willingness to compete everywhere even though minority area & engage whatever is accessible, ‘close & cultural connection with people’ that base on future understanding, and ‘listening & learning’ to people is part of everyday’s process.

 

The one-day event organised by Marketing magazine and The London Speaker Bureau witnessed almost 400 participants from marketing, advertising, politics, business as well as media.

Mr. Roger Fisk pointed out, “…before the candidate got into the ground, he must able to create an invaluable free media, stay very focus & relax, always engage connecting with people, bring in community’s attention to a common site within a city, ‘live life’ in community in the process…”.

On the other hand, Fisk said, Obama’s wilingness to embrace new media (online media) started a whole new chapter in American history because it has the potential to reach out to people, to listen attentively what they want and  to create a relationship with them, but a good campaign can be stronger with new media but new media alone cannot make a strong campaign.

Lastly, during the Obama-Magic in KL Seminar, Fisk added “i don’t think anyone in future can run their campaign without (new Media), the use of Facebook has contributed to Obama’s victory”.

Berjaya University College of Hospitality Debuts at Kuala Lumpur

George Soros, the famous guru in the financial industry, has said that he sees no bottom for the collapse in the present global financial situation, but Berjaya Group sees otherwise in hospitality education, amid the current economic directions, by introducing its first Berjaya University College of Hospitality(Berjaya UCH) at 11th & 14th floor, Berjaya Times Square recently.

Newly established on January 2009, with an overwhelmed area size of about 100,000 square feet, Berjaya UCH was set up as an institution of higher learning to converge hospitality, tourism and services management standards to a higher or professional level as well as to meet demand for more highly skilled hospitality professional.

Claimed to possess the state of art facilities which is worth RM50 million and is on par of a five-star hotel, Berjaya UCH offers courses such as; Foundation in Hospitality, Diploma in Culinary Arts, Diploma in Hospitality Management, Diploma in Tourism Management and Diploma in Travel Management, Bachelor of Hospitality Management (Honours) and Bachelor of Tourism Management (Honours) at respectable price of RM38,000 and above (for the whole course duration).

Present at the press briefing, were Berjaya Higher Education Sendirian Berhad, Chief Operating Officer Mae Ho and Berjaya University College of Hospitality (Berjaya UCH), Vice-Chancellor/Chief Executive Officer, Tan Sri Prof Emeritus Dr. Abu Hassan Othman.

The 4th World Halal Forum to Stage its International Halal Global Standard in May

 

Built as a platform to unify a fragmented Halal industry and to enhance the level of global Halal intergrity, this upcoming 4th edition of  World Halal Forum will set itself as an “umbrella” to globalise an international halal standard.

Speaking at the media briefing which was held at Mandarin Oriental recently, WHF Secretariat Chairman, Datuk Seri Sheikh  Saleh Abdullah Kamel said the drafted halal standards will be tabled at the Organisation of Islamic Conference (OIC) and Islamic Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI) General Assembly. And after it has been conceptualised, the halal standards will be adhered by OIC countries as well as non-OIC countries which export to OIC nations. As a consequence, manufacturers of halal products need not possess two accreditations, when, International Halal Integrity Alliance will authorise the national halal certification body in each respective Islamic country.

This year’s theme “Achieving Global Halal Integrity”, the forum will be held in Kuala Lumpur on May 18th & 19th. Meanwhile, KasehDia Sendirian Berhad, Managing Director, Jumaatun Azmi said this year’s event is expected to draw over 2,500 delegates.

A Roaring Start to the Lunar New Year at Menara Hap Seng

As this coming lunar new year greets the year of Ox, Hap Seng Land Sendirian Berhad has celebrated its Chinese New Year at the company’s 22-storey Menara Hap Seng by organising lively lion dance performance and stunning acrobatics.

Attended by unfortunate community of PJ Lovely Nursing Center, handicapped children of Pusat Penjagaan Kanak-Kanak Cacat Taman Megah as well as the members from the media, Dato’ Paul Ng Kee Seng, Chief Executive-Property Division, Hap Seng Land Sendirian Berhad said, “…we would like to kick off the year on a positive note for all our stakeholders who have contributed to the success of Menara Hap Seng…”. Dato’ Paul also added that, though the present economy situation looks uncertain, Menara Hap Seng’s office tower has managed to achieve 100% occupancy and The Podium, which is the building’s unique lifestyle and commercial three-level block has successfully rented out to restaurants, retail shops, eateries and banking facilities.

Historically, Hap Seng Land bought Menara Hap Seng from MUI Properties in 2004 for RM 167 million converted into integrated office-cum-retail building and in 2007, a total of RM60 million has been pumped to refurbish the building recently.

Honda Malaysia Brings Glittering Night to Medias at Luna Bar

It was a night that has given throngs of  pressmen a great occasion of entertainment to enjoy, an absolute fulfilling varieties of unlimited food and beverages as well as loads of Honda’s funfilled activities that have brought a smile to each and everyone of  them.

This year’s theme “Power of Dreams” associates with ‘water elements’ which means clarity and transparency, has enabled Honda Malaysia to set its pace by unveiling another challenging year to debut Beyond Limits Media Gathering 2009 at Luna Bar, Wisma PanGlobal.

Speaking at the momentous event, Mr. Atsushi Fujimoto, Managing Director & CEO of  Honda Malaysia, said, “Last year, Honda has had a pleasant year by recording a total sales of 32,466 units (slightly below the targeted 33,000 units), facing with global financial crisis, we still manage to achieve an annual growth of 14%…”. Mr. Atsushi also added, “though this year’s uncertain economic climate, Honda remain firm and confident to achieve sales of 35,000 units”. Also present at event were, Mr. Azman Idris, Chief Operating Officer of Honda Malaysia Sendirian Berhad and Miss Andrea Fonseka, MC for the night.

Looking back at its 2008’s launch, the All-New-Accord (launched in April 2008), a sophisticated performance luxury sedan that comes with advanced technology, has received Autocar Asean Car of the Year Awards 2008 for Large Sedan Category and Asian Auto-VCA Auto Industry Awards 2008 for Best Local Assembly Luxury Sedan, managed to sell 7310 units (52% beyond its initial target of 4800 units); the All-New Jazz (which was launched in August 2008), the premium 5-door compact hatchback with class-leading performance, space and style, has registered a total sales of 870 units, has received accolades like Autocar Asean Car of the Year Awards 2008 for Compact Sedan/Hatchback Category and New Straits Times/Maybank Car of the Year 2008  Awards for Premium Small Car; the All-New City that comes with dynamic stylish design, class-leading performance, and ingenious practicality as well as value-for-money of a modern car has received booking of more than 4,500 units, 3 weeks after its debuts.

On the other hand, despite its annual busy schedule, Honda has done its part in giving back to the society in its Corporate Social Responsibility program, such as, organising Honda Dreams Fund Year 2 - a non-binding full scholarship for eligible underprivileged youth based on their dreams, Rhino Rescue Project in its 3rd Year-a project that enhanced environment conservation in collaboration with WWF, signing MOU with Road Safety Department that allows Honda Malaysia stands out to become the first non-national car manufacturer in its commitment to support the government move for safer road, safer cars and safer drivers in Malaysia and lastly the launch of ASIMO – Advanced Step in Innovative Mobility, the world’s first humanoid robot that has inspired all Malaysian to reach for their dreams.

Mercedes-Benz Malaysia Reveals a Historical Record-Breaking News on its Total Vehicle Sales for Year 2008

World financial as well as economic situation across the region looks gloomy at this moment, but not for Mercedes-Benz Malaysia, which has reported for the first time in the first 11 months  this year, that it managed to achieve total vehicle sales of 5626 units (surpassing the 5000 units since its debut in Malaysia more than 50 years ago).

Sales of its passenger car segment grew by 15%, which accounted to its 1570 units of C-Class, 1430 units of E-Class, part of  its newly  introduction of C230 Avantgarde, S 500L “V8″, R280L new generation SL-Class and the unveiling of  its new B-Class series. Meanwhile, its  commercial vehicles managed to sell over 400 units (an improvement of 17%), while, its Fuso line had achieved a surprising 1380 units of sales todate.

However, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia opines the sales to shrink as much as 10% to 20% next year. Speaking at the media briefing which was held at Le Bouchon Restaurant yesterday, Mr. Peter Honegg, President & CEO of Mercedes-Benz said, “…this year is an exceptional year but 2009 will be a year that we need to prepare, to plan to accommodate the unforeseen scenarios, to think how to overcome it…”. On the other hand, Mr. Peter also said “…confidence could return in the first quarter of 2010,  if the stock market as well as global economic situations were to recover by third quarter of next year…”.

On relating to the quantum of economic effect on its vehicle, Mr. Florian Mueller, Vice President of Sales & Marketing Passenger Cars Mercedes-Benz Malaysia said,”…the effect will be a minimal, due to the nature financing of cars, and the Mercedes always maintain a good residue value…”. Also present at the media briefing were, Mr. Mohd Tahir Kader Mohideen, Senior Manager & Controlling, Mr. Richard Goh, General Manager Legal, Compliance & Administration, Mr. Raymond Chow, Senior Manager of Sales Mitsubishi Fuso and Mr. Lim Meng Jiak, General Manager of Mercedes-Benz Commercial.

As a responsible corporate citizen, Mr. Peter said, “Mercedes-Benz Malaysia will extend its obligation to participate and aid in the development of the community in which it operates”.

Throughout 2008, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia has invested in various activities to cover arts and culture, charitable causes and education, namely, Penang Island Jazz Festival, the Malaysian Aids Council’s Red Ribbon Media Awards and Red Ribbon Gala and Mondialogo School Contest. Sports development such as Mercedes Trophy 2008 and the Mercedes-Benz Malaysia 2008 which inclued a golf clinic for junior golfers.