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ASEAN commits to sustainable finance standards to attract long-term investment

3 days ago

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by HIDAYATH HISHAM

THE ASEAN Capital Markets Forum (ACMF) Action Plan and the ASEAN Taxonomy for Sustainable Finance reaffirm the region’s collective commitment to credible sustainability standards that align with global expectations and position ASEAN as a destination for responsible, long-term investment.

Finance Minister II Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan (picture) said the initiative reflects ASEAN’s ambition to link economic growth with integrity, accountability and resilience in its financial systems.

“We must ensure that capital supports productive sectors, empowers small businesses, accelerates the climate transition and reinforces resilience,” he said, on behalf of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, at the ACMF International Conference 2025 in Kuala Lumpur today.

He said the updated frameworks form part of ASEAN’s broader effort to build capital markets that drive sustainable growth while maintaining investor confidence and public trust.

He added that responsible investment has become a core measure of competitiveness, with global investors increasingly seeking transparency, ethical conduct and alignment with sustainability.

“Meeting this expectation is not optional, it is essential. By upholding fairness, clarity and good governance, we attract high-quality capital and ensure that investment into ASEAN strengthens both market confidence and public trust,” he said.

Amir Hamzah added that Malaysia’s initiatives, including the Malaysian ASEAN Business Entity Status (MyABE), are designed to encourage regional champions that promote good governance, innovation and cross-border talent mobility.

“Talent is the engine of innovation. Allowing skilled professionals to move across our markets will strengthen competitiveness and deepen ASEAN’s economic integration,” he said.

He said the ACMF and sustainable finance frameworks underline ASEAN’s determination to build stronger, fairer and more resilient economies while supporting the global transition toward responsible investment.

“In that effort, the ACMF and our capital markets play a vital role — not merely moving capital, but advancing confidence, opportunity and shared prosperity for our people,” he said.

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News

Getting silent calls? You might be up for a scam

3 days ago

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KUALA LUMPUR – The phone rings and you pick up the call. You hear nothing but silence. No voice, no background noise – just a few seconds of nothing before the line cuts off.

It might seem harmless, even accidental. But according to CyberSecurity Malaysia (CSM), that “silent call” could be the first step in a scam.

“Answering these calls might confirm your number as active, and that’s enough to land you on a target list for future scams,” said CSM Chief Executive Officer Datuk Dr Amirudin Abdul Wahab in an interview with Bernama.

He explained that scammers sometimes use such calls to collect voice metadata.

“Even if you keep quiet, the call can be recorded to identify your voice or background sounds. Once they know the number is active, it may be sold or used for further fraud,” he said.

A silent call typically ends less than 10 seconds after being answered. But it doesn’t always end there. Victims often receive follow-up messages or calls afterwards.

“In some cases, they’ll get an SMS saying their bank account will be suspended unless they call a number. Others receive WhatsApp messages with fake links or job offers.

“After a few rounds of silent calls, a scammer might call again pretending to be from a bank, courier service or government agency,” Amirudin said.

Scammers often go a step further by disguising their phone numbers to look local – a technique known as spoofing.

Silent or Accidental? How to Tell the Difference

However, not every silent call is a scam. Some are simply accidental calls or “pocket dials”, but there are clues that can help people tell the difference.

“If the calls come repeatedly, or from several different numbers, that’s suspicious. Scammers tend to use long or seemingly unusual international numbers, and there’s often no sign of a real person at the other end of the line. No breathing, no background chatter,” Amiruddin explained.

By contrast, genuine accidental calls usually have some background sound, or end quickly when the caller realises the mistake.

“Sometimes, the real giveaway is what happens next, such as a follow-up call from someone claiming to be from the bank, police or even the court,” he added.

What You Should Do

So what should a person do upon receiving a silent call?

Amirudin’s advice is simple: hang up immediately.

Ending the call right away prevents scammers or automated systems (known as robocalls) from marking your number as active.

Still, he understands why some people hesitate.

“Many worry that if they don’t answer, they might miss a call from a loved one in distress,” he said.

But if the call is truly important, he added, the caller will either try again or leave an SMS, WhatsApp or voice message.

Whatever happens, he warned, do not keep the line open or reveal any personal details.

“As a precaution, report any suspicious numbers to the authorities,” he said.

Smartphones today may filter such calls are their operating systems may have apps like Truecaller or Whoscall pre-installed. These can help detect spam numbers.

He also advised the public to check with the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission or their telco provider to verify a number and report persistent spam activity.

Staying a Step Ahead

Blocking suspicious numbers is only one layer of defense. According to Amirudin, a proactive approach to safeguarding personal data is crucial. This includes:

Avoiding sharing personal phone numbers publicly
Educating family members, especially older relatives, on current scam tactics
Using separate numbers for personal and public use, where possible
Monitoring financial accounts regularly and verifying suspicious calls by contacting organisations through official channels

“Scammers are always finding new ways to reach you,” Amirudin warned. “Your best defense is awareness and caution before you answer.” — BERNAMA

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News Technology

Malaysia eyes global semiconductor leadership through R&D, technology push

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MALAYSIA is positioning itself as a high-tech, technology-led nation with a strategy to move beyond manufacturing into technology creation and global semiconductor leadership, Bernama reported.

Science, Technology and Innovation (MOSTI) Minister Chang Lih Kang said Malaysia’s competitiveness depends on its capacity to invest in research, talent and advanced technology, particularly in the semiconductor sector.

He was speaking at the seventh edition of the MOSTI Tech Talks at UCSI University on Wednesday.

“We are in a global race not just to make technology, but to master it. That race will be won by countries that invest in talent, innovation and courage,” he said.

Chang said the electrical and electronics (E&E) industry remains one of Malaysia’s strongest economic pillars, with semiconductor exports expanding from RM106 billion in 2015 to RM387 billion in 2023.

The sector contributes about a quarter of the nation’s gross domestic product (GDP) and supports around 100,000 jobs.

He said Malaysia aims to build a competitive and comprehensive semiconductor ecosystem through new investments, specialised training and strategic partnerships.

He said the National Science, Technology and Innovation Policy (NSTIP) 2021–2030 provides the strategic framework for Malaysia’s technology agenda through six main thrusts and 40 initiatives aimed at improving research and development (R&D) coordination.

Malaysia targets to raise R&D expenditure to 2.5% of GDP, with 70% to be driven by the private sector, alongside a goal of 200 researchers, scientists, engineers and technologists for every 10,000 workers.

Malaysia ranked 34th in the 2025 Global Innovation Index, while Kuala Lumpur climbed from 93rd to 86th among the world’s top science clusters.

Chang said MOSTI agencies, including the Malaysian Institute of Microelectronic Systems Berhad (Mimos), play a key role in supporting R&D, technology transfer and talent development.

Mimos’ Semiconductor Technology Centre now provides international testing and reliability facilities, while the Mimos Junior Academy promotes early science education among youth.

“This journey cannot be achieved by the government alone. Public–private collaboration is key, bringing together government policy, industry expertise and academic knowledge under one shared mission,” Chang said.

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News

Lim Hui Ying: ITOs must submit information to BNM before implementing premium readjustments

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KUALA LUMPUR — Insurers and takaful operators (ITOs) are required to submit all necessary information to Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) for review before implementing premium readjustments, said Deputy Finance Minister Lim Hui Ying (picture).

She said BNM does not allow ITOs to implement any premium readjustments if the proposal does not fully comply with the interim measures.

This is among the control measures during the interim period to assist policyholders who experience changes in Medical and Health Insurance and Takaful (MHIT) product premiums driven by medical cost inflation.

“For your information, the initial target set for the interim measures was that 80 per cent of policyholders would not experience a premium adjustment of more than 10 per cent due to medical inflation costs.

“Based on the latest data, more than 90 per cent of policyholders experienced a premium adjustment of less than 10 per cent in the first year. This is a better achievement than the initial target set,” she said during a question-and-answer session at the Dewan Rakyat today.

She said that for a small number of policyholders who experienced higher premium adjustments involving products that had not been reviewed for a long time, the ITOs had provided more affordable alternative plan options for policyholders to consider.

“There are also MHIT policyholders who experienced premium increases due to age transition. The premium adjustments due to age transition have been notified to policyholders at the time of purchase,” she said.

Lim said any issues related to this adjustment will be handled separately by the ITOs, and policyholders who have disputes regarding their premium adjustments are advised to refer to the relevant ITOs first.

“If policyholders are still not satisfied, they can contact BNM Link where any disputes will be resolved on a case-by-case basis,” she said.

Meanwhile, she said that, based on the latest data, BNM Link has received a total of 190 MHIT complaints from the public, of which 94 per cent, or 179, have been resolved by the ITOs.

“The government will continue to monitor the implementation of the interim measures during these three years and will not hesitate to take action against ITOs which do not meet the requirements of the interim measures,” she said in reply to a question from Sim Tze Tzin (PH-Bayan Baru) who asked the Finance Minister to state that since the interim measures were implemented, how many cases of insurance companies were found to have violated the interim measures, as well as the types of violations and what action BNM will take against these companies. — BERNAMA

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PR Newswire

Desert Control Releases Q3 2025 Report and Year-to-Date Company Update

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SANDNES, Norway, Nov. 6, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Desert Control AS (DSRT) announces its third-quarter report and interim financial results for the fiscal period ending 30 September 2025.

Operational Highlights:

Woodland Hills Country Club, Desert Control’s first Pay-As-You-Save (PAYS) client, achieved significant irrigation savings and improved turf quality in Q3.Estimated savings and potential incentives may exceed USD 100 000, underscoring LNC’s value.
Desert Control launched its first almond pilots in California to evaluate LNC’s impact on water-use efficiency and yield performance in this important permanent crop. The trial marks a key step toward scaling LNC across high-value crops such as pistachios, walnuts, vineyards, and citrus.
Partners in Saudi Arabia and the UAE advanced research and commercialization efforts. Saudi Desert Control confirmed over 2× water retention and 3× nutrient gains in field data, while Soyl secured a 4 million-liter commercial award for Al Reem Hills in Abu Dhabi, showcasing large-scale deployment of LNC in sustainable landscaping.

Financial Highlights:

Desert Control strengthened its balance sheet during the quarter through the completion of a fully subscribed NOK 75 million rights issue, legally finalized before quarter-end and registered in October 2025.
The transaction reinforced the Group’s equity position and extended liquidity runway into second half of 2026.

Revenue Outlook:

Revenue for the third quarter and the first nine months of 2025 remained modest compared to the same periods last year, reflecting the structure of the U.S. PAYS contract under which income is recognized only once measurable water savings have been verified by the customer.
While substantial application work was completed during the period, related revenues had not yet been recognized as of Q3 2025.
The Company expects revenue realization to begin in the fourth quarter, as customer validation milestones are achieved and invoicing commences under the PAYS framework

EBITDA Performance:

Total operating expenses increased during the quarter and the first nine months of 2025, resulting in a decline in EBITDA compared with the same periods last year.
The increase primarily reflects higher field activity in the U.S., production scaling to support upcoming commercial deliveries, and continued investment in organizational capacity to enable future growth.
The period also included approximately NOK 2.5 million in one-off restructuring costs, with limited remaining effects expected in the fourth quarter of 2025.
Excluding these temporary items, the underlying cost base remained broadly stable compared with prior periods, reflecting continued cost discipline.

Net Result Impact:

The net loss for the third quarter and first nine months of 2025 increased compared to the same periods last year. In addition to effects from the U.S. ramp-up and restructuring activities, the year-to-date result was influenced by foreign exchange movements totalling approximately NOK 9.5 million, mainly recognized earlier in the year. The impact was primarily driven by the strengthening of NOK against USD, resulting in both realised and unrealised losses on USD-denominated balances. These non-cash translation effects do not affect the Company’s underlying operations or liquidity position.

Equity and Cash Position

Total equity improved slightly compared to the same quarter last year, supported by the completion of the fully subscribed NOK 75 million rights issue in September 2025.
The transaction was legally completed before quarter-end and recognized within equity as of 30 September, with proceeds presented under “Other paid-in capital pending registration.”
The shares were registered and cash proceeds received in early October, providing net funds of NOK 70.6 million after transaction-related costs.
These proceeds have significantly strengthened liquidity and are expected to fund operations well into 2026, supporting the Company’s continued scale-up and commercialization agenda.
Cash and cash equivalents decreased during the third quarter, reflecting planned investments in product development, commercial deployment, and organizational growth.
During Q3 2025, the Company also received a NOK 2.3 million SkatteFUNN grant, compared to NOK 1.5 million in the same period last year, related to approved R&D activities.

Q3 Report 2025:

The information enclosed is subject to the disclosure requirements pursuant to sections 5-12 of the Norwegian Securities Trading Act.

The report can be downloaded from the company webpage: https://desertcontrol.com/investors/

A webcast presentation for Desert Control’s Q3 2025 Report and Company Update will be held on Thursday, 6 November 2025 at 09:00 CET. Register: DSRT Q3 Webcast Registration

For more information, please contact:

James Thomas Chief Executive Officer
Email: [email protected]
Mobile (USA): +1 203 984 7658

About Desert Control:

Desert Control develops innovative solutions to enhance soil health, conserve water, and promote ecosystem resilience. Our proprietary Liquid Natural Clay (LNC) allows sandy, fast-draining soils to retain water and nutrients, improving soil health, crop yields, and ecosystem vitality while conserving water. Desert Control provides customized solutions to strengthen sustainability, profitability, and prosperity for agriculture, forests, and green landscapes. In collaboration with partners and clients, we aim to preserve natural resources, enhance food security, and ensure a climate-resilient future.

Important Notice:

This information is considered to be inside information pursuant to the EU Market Abuse Regulation (MAR) and is subject to the disclosure requirements pursuant to Section 5-12 the Norwegian Securities Trading Act. The stock exchange announcement was published by Leonard Chaparian, CFO in Desert Control AS, at the time and date stated above in this announcement.

Cautionary Note:

This release contains forward -looking information and statements relating to the business, performance, and items that may be interpreted to impact the results of Desert Control and/or the industry and markets in which Desert Control operates. Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical facts and may be identified by words such as “aims,” “anticipates,” “believes,” “estimates,” “expects,” “foresees,” “intends,” “plans,” “predicts,” “projects,” “targets,” and similar expressions. Such forward-looking statements are based on current expectations, estimates, and projections, reflect current views concerning future events, and are subject to risks, uncertainties, and assumptions, and may be subject to change without notice. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of any future performance, and risks, uncertainties, and other important factors could cause the actual business, performance, results, or the industry and markets in which Desert Control operates to differ materially from the statements expressed or implied in this release by such forward-looking statements. No representation is made that any of these forward-looking statements or forecasts will come to pass or that any forecasted performance, capacities, or results will be achieved, and you are cautioned not to place any undue reliance on any forward-looking statements.

For more information, visit https://www.desertcontrol.com/

This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com

https://news.cision.com/desert-control-as/r/desert-control-releases-q3-2025-report-and-year-to-date-company-update,c4262732

The following files are available for download:

https://mb.cision.com/Main/22706/4262732/3767191.pdf

DC_Q3_2025Report

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Economy News

Amir Hamzah: Government yet to finalise carbon tax rate

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KUALA LUMPUR — The government has yet to determine an appropriate rate for the carbon tax, which is scheduled for implementation next year, said Finance Minister II Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan (picture).

He said the rate would only be decided after the National Climate Change Bill (RUUPIN), to be tabled by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability, is presented and passed in Parliament next year.

“We have to wait for RUUPIN because we need a standard methodology to calculate emissions and establish a benchmark. Only when emissions exceed that benchmark will the carbon tax be applied.

“At present, the Ministry of Finance has not conducted an in-depth study to determine the appropriate carbon tax rate. The baseline under RUUPIN must first be established,” he told reporters after officiating the ASEAN Capital Market Forum International Conference today.

Amir Hamzah was responding to international media reports claiming Malaysia would impose a carbon tax rate of RM15 per tonne starting next year.

He dismissed the report as speculative, saying the government has not finalised any specific rate.

He added that once RUUPIN is approved, the government will conduct a detailed assessment before setting the carbon tax rate.

The evaluation will include a review of major industries such as iron, steel, and utilities, which are among the country’s largest carbon emitters. — BERNAMA

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PR Newswire

Iris Indie International Showcases Award-Winning Slate at AFM 2025; Announces Completion of First Feature Produced at New North Carolina Studio

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LOS ANGELES, Nov. 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Iris Indie International will present a slate of completed, award-winning features at the American Film Market (AFM), taking place November 11–16, 2025 at the Fairmont Century Plaza in Century City, California, where Iris Indie International will be located in Suite 1037.

Iris Indie International develops, funds, produces, and distributes award-winning feature films and documentaries. The company collaborates with both emerging and established filmmakers and is recognized for its curated slate at major festivals and markets including Cannes, MIPCOM, and AFM, and attends additional events such as TIFF, EFM, and other major festivals as its film slate warrants.

Iris Indie International’s participation at AFM 2025 marks a milestone year for the company, following completion of its first in-house feature film produced through its North Carolina-based Iris Indie Studios.

The debut production, May and the Woodsman, was produced by veteran studio executive Hal Lieberman (Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines; Bridge to Terabithia) and Joshua Russell, and stars Percy Hynes White (Wednesday) and Cassady McClincy (The Walking Dead). The project inaugurates a new production pipeline in Burlington, North Carolina, where Iris Indie boasts a 20,000 square foot sound stage including a seventy foot wrap-around volume.

Through its partnerships with AMD, Mosys, AOTO & Qube, Iris hosts the largest LED volume in North Carolina. Topping out at a resolution of over 8K, generating final pixel results in-camera. Combined with multi-processing render solutions from AMD, Iris has brought the level of virtual production typically seen only in tentpole productions into the indie space.

“Our North Carolina facility was designed to give filmmakers everything they need to bring powerful, independent stories to life,” said Joshua Russell, Producer/Partner at Iris Indie International. “It’s a cornerstone of our creative vision — combining sustainable infrastructure with profile talent to produce multi-picture slates.”

Building on its production momentum, Iris Indie International is expanding its worldwide distribution network to serve buyers across all major markets and platforms. With a 20-title catalog, the company is closing partnerships across traditional, AVOD, SVOD, and TVOD channels, offering curated, high-quality independent films with guaranteed delivery and marketing support.

“We’re building an agile, multi-platform ecosystem that gives independent filmmakers global reach,” said Milena Rimassa, Partner/President, Distribution at Iris Indie International. “Our goal is to make high-quality, story-driven cinema accessible everywhere while supporting streamers and traditional buyers seeking exceptional independent content.”

Featured AFM Screenings

The Long Shot

(Comedy / Drama) | A down-on-his-luck coach leads a community underdog team toward redemption in this heartfelt story of grit, humor, and second chances.
AFM Screening:Tuesday, November 11 – 3:30PM – AMC 12
Director: Austin Nichols
Writer: Drew Mackintosh
Producers: Jennifer Kuczaj, Christian Sosa, Jon Wroblewski
Cast: Reggie Bush, Ryan Hansen, Adrianne Palicki, Dulcé Sloan, Justin Chatwin, Temple Baker
Awards: World Premiere – Dallas International Film Festival 2025; Official Selection – Austin Film Festival 2025. U.S. rights acquired by Vantage Media.

Warrior’s Journey

(Documentary) | The true story of a decorated U.S. Air Force pararescueman who turns trauma into purpose, guiding fellow veterans toward emotional and spiritual healing through psychedelic therapies.
AFM Screening:Tuesday, November 11 (Veterans Day) – 1:00 PM – AMC 11
Director: Kyle Bergquist
Producers: Nick Koskoff, Kyle Bergquist
Featuring: Roger Sparks
Awards: Official Selection Seattle Film Festival, Award winner San Diego Film Awards, Honorable Mention, LA Film & Documentary Award

In the Same Boat

(Documentary) | A powerful and deeply human portrait of Israelis and Palestinians who risked their lives to save others on October 7 and beyond, revealing shared courage and compassion amid conflict.
AFM Screening: Thursday, November 13 – 1:30 PM – AMC 12
Director: Aleksandra Petrova

The Collaborator

(Drama) | A haunting coming-of-age story set in 1990s Kashmir, where a young man must choose between loyalty and survival in the shadow of war.
AFM Screening: Wednesday, November 12 – 11:00 AM – AMC 11
Director / Writer: Travis Hodgkins | Based on the novel by Mirza Waheed
Cast: Rudi Dharmalingam, Nitin Ganatra, Nikhil Singh Rai
Awards: World Premiere – San Diego International Film Festival (Official Competition); UK Premiere – UK Asian Film Festival 2025.

Do No Harm

(Psychological Thriller) | A dedicated home-health nurse makes a seemingly simple mistake that results in a patient’s death. As the system closes in, he is forced into a web of institutional pressure, career-shattering expectations and the secrets we tell ourselves to survive
AFM Screening: Friday, November 14 – 3:30 PM – AMC 10
Writer / Director: Chris Hartwell
Cast: Harry Shum Jr., Rosaline Elbay, Ronny Chieng
Awards: Opening Night – Dances With Films LA 2025; Cannes Market Screening 2025.

Live Video on Demand (LVOD) Events

In addition to traditional licensing models, Iris Indie International continues to develop curated, time-specific screenings that merge streaming accessibility with the excitement of a live premiere. These events further the company’s mission to create deeper audience engagement and high-impact global visibility for filmmakers.

About Iris Indie International

Iris Indie International develops, funds, produces, and distributes award-winning feature films and documentaries. The company collaborates with both emerging and established filmmakers and is recognized for its curated slate at major festivals and markets including Cannes, MIPCOM, and AFM, and attends additional events such as TIFF, EFM, and other major festivals as its film slate warrants.

With principal offices in Los Angeles and North Carolina, Iris Indie International delivers exceptional independent films with both creative and commercial appeal.

Co-founded by Mark Goldberg and Joshua Russell, Iris Indie International is led by a partnership team that also includes Sean Carey, Kip Konwiser, and Milena Rimassa. Goldberg is a serial entrepreneur whose leadership drives the company’s strategic growth. Russell, a former academic, writer, and producer, oversees creative and production strategy across Iris Indie’s studio operations. Carey and Rimassa are industry veterans with longstanding relationships with buyers across traditional and emerging platforms worldwide. Konwiser, an Emmy-winning filmmaker, leads the company’s financing initiatives, securing production capital and strategic investment. Together, the partners guide Iris Indie’s mission to connect powerful, story-driven films with audiences and buyers globally.

Screening at AFM 2025 on Tuesday, November 11 @3:30PM - AMC 12. Iris Indie International at Booth 1037.

Screening at AFM 2025 on Veterans Day. Tuesday, November 11 @1PM - AMC 11. Iris Indie International at Booth 1037.

Screening at AFM 2025 -- Thursday, November 13 @1:30PM - AMC 12. Iris Indie International at Booth 1037.

Screening at AFM 2025 on Wednesday, November 12 @11AM - AMC 11. Iris Indie International at Booth 1037.

Screening at AFM 2025 on Friday, November 14 @3:30PM - AMC 10. Iris Indie International at Booth 1037.

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SOURCE Iris Indie International, LLC

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Money News

Banks accelerating AI adoption to strengthen financial crime defences

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SymphonyAI are exploring how AI and new technologies can help analysts use information more effectively and make better decisions, says Shane (centre) — Pic credit: MEDIA MULIA

THE use of artificial intelligence (AI) in Malaysia’s banking sector is gaining momentum, particularly among second- and third-tier institutions modernising legacy systems and strengthening financial crime controls.

SymphonyAI llc head of strategy and innovation for financial services Jason Shane said banks in Malaysia and across ASEAN are deploying AI-based solutions in compliance and fraud-monitoring processes.

He said a key focus is the “50/50 compliance model” which combines human expertise with AI agents to manage transaction alerts and screening.

“We are looking at how new technologies and AI agents can be integrated into these processes so analysts can use information more effectively and deliver higher-quality decisions,” he said, as reported by Utusan Malaysia.

The comment was made at a media roundtable held in conjunction with the 15th International Conference on Financial Crime and Terrorism Financing (IFCTF) at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC) yesterday.

Shane said agentic AI now performs much of the initial analysis, reducing manual workloads and allowing analysts to focus on more complex tasks requiring human judgment.

“It helps streamline processes and significantly cuts the time analysts need to complete their daily assignments,” he said.

Beyond compliance, the technology is used in sanctions screening and post-processing of data to minimise false positives and identify emerging risks.

“We help banks reduce system disruptions and focus on genuine threats,” he added.

Shane said AI adoption across banking tiers has shown positive results, with more institutions expressing confidence in the technology’s ability to improve operations and bolster anti-financial crime frameworks.

He noted that Malaysia’s AI adoption rate currently stands at about 50%, roughly matching the regional average.

“When institutions respond to surveys on AI usage, many are cautious about claiming they have reached ‘full adoption’ because they remain unsure what that term truly means.

“What matters more is awareness and readiness, and Malaysian banks are investing in technology and talent to prepare for full-scale AI adoption,” Shane said.

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News Technology

Malaysia advances AI, robotics professional recognition through MBOT

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by NURNABIHAH DINI

MALAYSIA is stepping up efforts to strengthen and formally recognise talent in emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics, aligned with other professional fields like engineering and medicine.

Science, Technology and Innovation (MOSTI) Minister Chang Lih Kang (picture) said this is being implemented through the

(MBOT) under the Technologist and Technicians Act 2015 (Act 768), which grants professional recognition to technologists and technicians across multiple and cross-disciplinary fields.

“As of Oct 2025, MBOT has registered 107,423 technologists and technicians across 24 technology fields, expanding recognition to new and emerging technologies,” he told Dewan Rakyat today.

He was responding to Julau MP Datuk Larry Sng, who asked about the ministry’s efforts to empower and professionalise emerging technology talents so that they are recognised on par with other professions such as engineering and medicine.

Chang added that MBOT also accredits academic programmes related to AI, offered by universities such as Universiti Kuala Lumpur (UniKL), University College of Yayasan Pahang (UCYP) and Universiti Malaysia Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah (UMPSA).

To promote lifelong learning, MBOT accredits Professional Development Certificate (PDC) short courses in advanced technologies, including integrated circuit (IC) design, semiconductors and Internet of Things (IoT) automation, ensuring the quality of training and instructors meets comprehensive technical standards.

He said these initiatives enable skilled individuals to continuously upgrade their competencies and attain professional status compared to other recognised professions.

Responding to a supplementary question, Chang said MBOT is a full signatory of the Seoul Accord, an international agreement that ensures mutual recognition of computing and IT-related qualifications across member countries such as Australia, Canada, Japan, the US and the UK.

“Through this recognition, graduates from MBOT-accredited programmes are recognised by other Seoul Accord member countries and vice versa,” he said.

He added that MBOT also collaborates with the British Computer Society (BCS) and the Chartered Association of Building Engineers (CABE) to strengthen international accreditation pathways.

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News World

Malaysia extends deepest condolences to Philippines over Typhoon Kalmaegi tragedy

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KUALA LUMPUR — Malaysia has expressed its deepest condolences to the people of the Philippines following the tragic loss of lives and destruction caused by Typhoon Kalmaegi.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said he was deeply saddened by the extensive devastation caused by the typhoon, which resulted in severe flooding, landslides and the destruction of homes and infrastructure.

“On behalf of the government and people of Malaysia, I extend our deepest condolences to the families of the victims and to all those affected by this tragedy,” he said in a Facebook post today.

Anwar said Malaysia’s thoughts and prayers are with the people of the Philippines as they begin to rebuild their communities.

Media reported yesterday that a total of 706,549 people in 24 provinces were affected by the typhoon, including 436,911 forced to flee their homes, according to the disaster agency.

The Philippines is hit by an average of 20 tropical cyclones per year. One of the strongest storms to ever hit the country was Super Typhoon Haiyan in November 2013, which killed more than 6,300 people. — BERNAMA

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