Malaysian Dollar Store Eco-Shop Sets IPO Price at Lower End of Range, Sources Say
Eco-Shop operates over 290 outlets across Malaysia, selling affordable household products spanning from groceries to baby products.
Photo: mohd rasfan/Agence France-Presse/Getty Images
Malaysian discount-store retailer Eco-Shop is set to price its initial public offering at the lower end of its guidance range, valuing the company at close to $1.5 billion, people familiar with the situation said.
The company is likely to price shares at 1.13 ringgit each, the people said. That would be equivalent to 27 U.S. cents.
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Why upcoming 'Thug Life' will be bigger than Nayakan: Kamal Haasan gives insight into his most ambitious film yet
KUALA LUMPUR, June 2 — Indian movie icon Kamal Haasan has set the bar high for his upcoming film Thug Life, declaring it an evolution of his craft that will surpass his iconic 1987 masterpiece Nayakan. The actor, who came to Malaysia on Saturday to promote the film, which is slated for theatrical release on June 5 by DMY Creation, shared his insights during an exclusive interview with Malay Mail. Reflecting on the challenge of living up to his past success of Nayakan directed by the genius Mani Ratnam who is a close friend, Kamal said their shared goal was always to push boundaries. 'The demography has expanded, and we, as technicians, I as an actor, and he (Mani) as a director, have evolved over time. 'Our first challenge is to surpass Nayakan many times over. To prove our evolution, the starting point must be that it has to be better than Nayakan,' he said. Kamal and Mani's collaboration on Thug Life marks their first project together in 38 years, raising hopes among fans for yet another cinematic milestone from the legendary duo. When asked about moments of synergy with his team, especially with Mani, Kamal said: 'Every day, when something to be proud of on set happens, we don't show it. We keep a cold face,' he said with a laugh. 'You can't keep applauding your work because you'll lose focus. Instead, you have to review it again, even if it's bitter criticism. You accept it and try to make it better.' For Kamal, collaboration is the lifeblood of filmmaking. 'Without co-efficient traction, there wouldn't be any kinetic movement forward; that's why collaboration is essential. I can't become a fan of my ideas. 'There has to be critique. Whether it's costumes, the way a character's hair is parted, or camera angles, everyone contributes to the process—from the director to the editor and the technicians,' he said. Kamal Haasan's unwavering passion for cinema shines through, especially when discussing what's next on his journey with Malay Mail. — Picture by Raymond Manuel A potential reunion with Rajinikanth Discussing Mani's approach to filmmaking and how he selects his cast, Kamal praised the director's unwavering dedication to storytelling. 'If Mani Ratnam finds a compelling story and feels either of us or both of us—is the right fit, he will consider it,' 'He doesn't craft stories for stars; he crafts them for the characters. That's what I admire most about him.' When asked about the possibility of a reunion with Rajinikanth under Mani's direction, Kamal reflected on the director's ethos. 'A good director should never be compelled to do anything beyond his passion,' he said. 'Mani Ratnam should continue to create the kind of cinema he believes in, not what others expect of him.' RKFI's legacy of innovation As the founder of Raj Kamal Films International (RKFI), Kamal takes immense pride in the production house's groundbreaking contributions to Indian cinema. 'Tell me, how many production companies run by a star have introduced first-time heroes?' he asked. 'Sathyaraj broke into the industry as a hero through us. RKFI takes pride in introducing talents like him, who started in villain roles.' Kamal also cited the 1994 film Magalir Mattum, where women were the protagonists. 'We take pride in that,' he said. 'I played a small role in it, more like a sticker you put on your product in that film. As the visionary behind Raj Kamal Films International, Kamal Haasan takes pride in the studio's transformative impact on Indian cinema. — Picture courtesy of DMY Creation A love for cinema Kamal's passion for cinema remains his driving force — this was evident when he was asked about his immediate next. 'First, let me enjoy the fruit or applause you're going to give me. 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The Honourable Jaimie Lency VOKIA, Minister of Commerce, Industry, Labour and Immigration and Member of Parliament, stated: "This MOU marks the beginning of a strategic public-private partnership. SI Group's global reach and sector expertise will help attract serious international investors to the SEZ, aligning with our national goals for economic diversification and regional integration." A Government-Led SEZ for National Development The Special Economic Zone, officially launched by the Government of the Solomon Islands, is a flagship initiative aimed at stimulating broad-based economic transformation. 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Implementation Roadmap: From Vision to Execution SI Group and the Solomon Islands Government have agreed on a structured implementation roadmap to realize the SEZ through phased development: Short-Term (0–6 months) Formalization of the SEZ Investment Agreement and submission to the Government Caucus Establishment of SI Group's office in Honiara Launch of initial pilot projects in healthcare, aquaculture, and logistics Engagement of anchor investors and technical consultants Finalization of the SEZ's legal and regulatory frameworks Long-Term (1–3 years) Full-scale development of SEZ sub-zones across targeted provinces Infrastructure deployment and utility integration Public-private partnerships for job creation and capacity building Significant growth in FDI and economic diversification Establishment of the Solomon Islands as a model for sustainable SEZ development in the Pacific SI Group – Strategic Adviser and Priority Investor Under the terms of the MOU, SI Group will serve as a strategic adviser and priority investor on major investment opportunities within the zone. SI Group's role includes: Advising on SEZ development strategy, structure, and international best practices Promoting the SEZ to global investors and multilateral institutions Facilitating capital mobilization and technical partnerships Supporting legal, financial, and regulatory alignment to attract long-term investment About SI Group Established in 2001 as ESPECO (H.K) Limited and now headquartered in Vietnam, SI Group is a global advisory and investment firm specializing in: Investor migration and post-settlement solutions Government advisory and international business development Infrastructure, real estate, and hospitality investment Strategic partnerships and trade facilitation With active operations in over 20 countries and a proven track record of delivering high-impact projects, SI Group is committed to supporting the Solomon Islands in realizing its SEZ ambitions through sustainable and inclusive development. MEDIA CONTACT Nguyen Huu Tri (Kannie) CMO & Director of Global Business Development – SI Group Email: Phone: +84 904 605 065 Website: View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE SI Group Sign in to access your portfolio
Bloomberg
44 minutes ago
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Telkom Indonesia Is Said to Weigh Sale of Health-Care Firm AdMedika
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