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Focus Malaysia
10 hours ago
- Business
- Focus Malaysia
Sabah named most outstanding state, N. Sembilan recognised as most progressive at IBR ASEAN Awards 2025
SABAH and Negeri Sembilan have emerged as top performers in governance and development, earning national recognition for their strategic planning, economic progress and public service delivery. Their achievements will be formally recognised at the upcoming International Business Review ASEAN Awards (IBRAA) 2025 where both states are set to receive top honours for their exceptional contributions to Malaysia's growth story. Sabah will receive the 'Most Outstanding Malaysian State' award for 2024 while Negeri Sembilan has been recognised as the 'Most Progressive State'. The awards are part of a new initiative to acknowledge state-level excellence in governance and development in the prestigious IBR ASEAN Awards which sees participation from renowned companies and government agencies across Southeast Asia and beyond. Traditionally focused on honouring corporate leadership and achievements in public-private partnerships, IBRAA has expanded its scope this year to include state governments that have demonstrated exceptional performance and commitment to the people. The selection of award recipients was based on information collated from states that submitted the necessary documentation. Case studies were developed by Expert Advisors, a consultancy firm appointed to conduct this survey, which then compiled detailed reports on state-level initiatives. The final decisions were made by an adjudication panel consisting of experienced professionals and regional figures. Award with merit Sabah was selected as the 'Most Outstanding State' based on its achievements in economic growth, infrastructure, environmental sustainability, public welfare and good governance guided by the structured and far-reaching Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) development plan. Sabah is now firmly positioning itself as an industrial state by 2040 with available data backing that ambition. The state recorded the highest manufacturing sector growth rate in Malaysia at 4.4% in 2023, recovering from a contraction the previous year. Foreign direct investment (FDI) in Sabah saw exponential growth by soaring from RM132.7 mil in 2023 to over RM1.078 bil in 2024. A key industrial hub, the Kota Kinabalu Industrial Park is now operating at 90% occupancy, housing 288 investors and creating over 14,600 jobs for Sabahans. Major players such as South Korea's SK Nexilis (M) Sdn Bhd and China's SBH Kibing Solar New Energy (M) Sdn Bhd have invested more than RM7 bil in Sabah, drawn by the state's industrial potential and streamlined processes. 'These investors were able to obtain all the necessary approvals and begin construction within about seven months. This is something that has never been done before,' said Datuk Phoong Jin Zhe, Sabah's Minister of Industrial Development and Entrepreneurship. SBH Kibing Solar New Energy (M) Sdn Bhd chairman William Chen said the group's decision to invest in Sabah was due to its strategic logistics location at the heart of Southeast Asia, access to vital resources like silica sand and natural gas, and the incredible support provided by the state government. In terms of public development, Sabah has been proactive. The Rumah Mesra SMJ housing programme which targets the hardcore poor will see 3,000 units built this year. The state is also investing RM470 mil into the education sector this year with a clear focus on youth development. In environmental governance, 62% of Sabah or 4.6 million hectares, remains under forest cover. The state has also strengthened legislation and institutional frameworks, introducing 83 strategies and 295 actions to manage land and marine resources. 'Under Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor's leadership, long-term non-compliant licenses have been terminated and half a million hectares returned to the state government,' said Datuk Frederick Kugan, Chief Conservator of Forests of the Sabah Forestry Department. 'This is a major achievement for sustainable governance.' Sabah's conservation efforts are further supported by its progress on protected areas. It has expanded its Totally Protected Areas (TPAs) from 12% in 2007 to 27% in 2024, bringing it closer to the 30% global target under the Kunming-Montreal Biodiversity Framework. Apart from these achievements, the state had also signed a Commercial Collaboration Agreement (CCA) with state-owned oil giant PETRONAS which resulted in more than RM3 bil in oil and gas (O&G) payments in 2023. Tourism also showed a strong rebound with international arrivals and tourism receipts increasing by 47% following the pandemic. Meanwhile, the state has seen improved basic infrastructure with a rural electrification rate of 96.83% with full coverage targeted by 2030. To reinforce the rigour of the awards process, the IBRAA 2025 organisers have clarified that evaluation was based on independent case studies and verifiable performance data, not on paid submissions. 'What impressed us most about Sabah's transformation was the sheer depth and structure of the SMJ plan,' said Datuk Seri Azman Ujang who is chairman of the Adjudication Panel. 'It's not just a vision, it's a detailed, well-monitored strategy that touches on nearly every facet of development.' He added: 'Sabah submitted one of the most comprehensive dossiers we've ever received. That level of care and preparation speaks volumes about the calibre of leadership and governance in the state.' 'Most Progressive State' Meanwhile, Negeri Sembilan was recognised as Malaysia's Most Progressive State for its long-term development planning and consistent growth efforts. The state's transformation is anchored by the Rancangan Struktur Negeri Sembilan 2045 (RSNS 2045) and Malaysia Vision Valley (MVV) 2.0, both of which aim to strengthen regional connectivity and economic diversity. Negeri Sembilan is currently home to more than 60 industrial parks, many of which are nearing full capacity, with over 900 companies from more than 20 countries currently operating in these parks. When contacted, Negeri Sembilan Tourism, Arts and Culture executive councillor Nicole Tan Lee Koon said she was proud that her state had been recognised as Malaysia's Most Progressive State. 'This recognition is a testament to the state leadership that saw the successful implementation of RSNS 2045 and MVV 2.0 which is expected to contribute up to 15% of Malaysia's GDP and create over 600,000 jobs,' revealed Tan who is also the two-term Bukit Kepayang state assemblywoman. The awards will be presented at a gala event scheduled to be held on July 19 at the Sabah International Convention Centre (SICC). Themed Reimagining ASEAN, the event coincides with Malaysia's ASEAN Chairmanship for 2025 and is expected to attract government leaders, diplomats, business executives and other distinguished guests from the region. The IBRAA 2025 gala is expected to be attended by key government and corporate figures from across ASEAN. As it is, Sabah seems to be on the brink of a major transformation. If the current momentum continues, we can expect to see a new Sabah which is strong, strategic and firmly anchored in its promise to the rakyat. With continuity and time, Sabah can become one of the region's most dynamic success stories. – June 17, 2025 Post-script: The IBR ASEAN Awards secretariat serve not only to celebrate past achievements but also to inspire continued excellence among ASEAN's public and private sector leaders. Nominations are still open for other categories in the IBRAA 2025, including corporate excellence, public-private partnerships and leadership awards. Organisations across ASEAN are invited to submit their entries by June 30. Nominations can be submitted online at For more information, the organisers can be reached at 012-861 9126 or 012-433 9914. Main image credit:
Time Business News
5 days ago
- Business
- Time Business News
The Rise of Algorithmic Trading in the Retail Forex Market
For years, algorithmic trading was a tool reserved for institutional investors, hedge funds, and high-frequency trading firms. These organizations had access to sophisticated infrastructure, exclusive market data, and custom-developed trading algorithms. Today, however, algorithmic trading is no longer the privilege of large institutions. Thanks to advancements in technology and the growth of online trading platforms, retail forex traders now have the opportunity to use automated strategies once considered out of reach. This shift has transformed the dynamics of the forex market, giving individual traders access to powerful tools that can enhance decision-making, reduce emotional trading, and increase efficiency. The rise of algorithmic trading in the retail space marks a significant development in how forex markets operate and how traders participate in them. Algorithmic trading, often referred to as algo trading, is the process of using computer programs to execute trades based on predefined criteria. These criteria can include price levels, technical indicators, volatility patterns, or economic events. Once programmed, the algorithm monitors the market and places trades automatically when conditions are met. Unlike manual trading, algorithmic systems operate with speed and accuracy, processing data and executing trades in milliseconds. They can monitor multiple instruments simultaneously, manage risk parameters in real time, and react to market changes faster than a human ever could. Although algorithmic trading takes many forms, it generally includes strategies such as: Trend following Mean reversion Arbitrage News-based trading Market-making Each of these strategies can be translated into a set of rules and then coded into a trading algorithm. The expansion of algorithmic trading into the retail sector has been driven by several key factors. First and foremost is the accessibility of trading platforms that support algorithmic functionality. MetaTrader 4 (MT4) and MetaTrader 5 (MT5), two of the most widely used platforms, allow retail traders to use Expert Advisors (EAs) or custom-built scripts written in MetaQuotes Language (MQL). This development brought automation capabilities to the average trader's desktop. Another factor is the availability of educational resources and online communities. Today, traders can learn coding, backtesting, and strategy optimization through free or low-cost tutorials. Forums and knowledge hubs provide access to code libraries, debugging advice, and shared algorithms, making it easier than ever to get started. Cloud computing and affordable Virtual Private Servers (VPS) have also made it practical to run trading bots around the clock. This ensures that retail traders can keep their algorithms running with minimal downtime, maintaining speed and efficiency without needing their local device to stay online. Algorithmic trading offers a wide range of advantages that make it appealing for individuals trading forex on a smaller scale. One of the most significant is the elimination of emotional decision-making. Emotions such as fear, greed, and hesitation can lead to poor trades or missed opportunities. Algorithms, by contrast, execute trades purely based on logic and data. Another benefit is the ability to backtest strategies. Traders can evaluate how their algorithms would have performed in the past using historical data. This helps refine strategies before applying them to live markets and offers insights into performance metrics such as drawdown, win rate, and risk-reward ratios. Time efficiency is another key factor. Algorithmic systems can run continuously without the need for constant monitoring. This is especially valuable for traders with full-time jobs or limited screen time. It also allows participation in markets during all trading sessions, including those in different time zones. Furthermore, automation allows for complex strategies that would be difficult or impossible to execute manually. Some algorithms are designed to monitor dozens of currency pairs at once, scanning for correlations, divergences, or statistical anomalies that can lead to profitable trades. Retail traders commonly implement several types of algorithmic strategies. These vary in complexity and risk, but each has its own unique appeal. Trend-following algorithms are designed to enter trades in the direction of market momentum. These systems typically use moving averages or breakout signals to determine entry points and follow the trend until signs of reversal appear. Mean reversion strategies assume that prices will return to their average over time. When a currency pair moves significantly away from its recent mean, the algorithm enters a position expecting a correction. These systems often rely on indicators like Bollinger Bands or Relative Strength Index (RSI). Scalping bots make multiple small trades throughout the day, capitalizing on brief price fluctuations. These algorithms require high execution speed and are typically paired with low-latency environments like VPS hosting. News-based algorithms analyze economic calendar events or price reactions to unexpected data releases. These bots may use natural language processing to interpret headlines or respond to sudden changes in volatility. Grid and martingale systems are also used by some retail traders. However, these come with increased risk and require careful management to avoid significant drawdowns during prolonged trends. While the advantages are compelling, algorithmic trading also comes with challenges and risks that traders must be prepared to manage. One of the main risks is over-optimization, also known as curve fitting. This occurs when a strategy is too finely tuned to past data, making it ineffective in live conditions. Another concern is technical failure. Algorithms depend on stable internet connections, uninterrupted platform access, and consistent data feeds. Any disruption in these components can lead to missed trades or unintended positions. To minimize such risks, many traders host their algorithms on VPS solutions rather than local devices. Changes in the financial markets also pose a threat to algorithm performance. A strategy that works well in a trending market might underperform during consolidation. Algorithms lack the ability to adjust their logic unless they are manually updated or designed with adaptive features. There is also the issue of lack of oversight. Traders may be tempted to 'set and forget' an EA or script without regularly reviewing its performance. This can result in small losses accumulating unnoticed or sudden market changes triggering major drawdowns. As algorithmic trading grows in popularity, regulatory bodies have increased their oversight of how these systems are used. While retail traders typically operate at a smaller scale than institutional firms, regulators still expect transparency and responsible use of automation. Traders must ensure that their systems do not engage in manipulative practices, generate excessive order flow that impacts server performance, or violate the trading rules of the brokerage. Many platforms offer guidelines on the acceptable use of EAs and require compliance with execution and risk management policies. The trajectory of algorithmic trading in the retail space points toward further expansion. As technology continues to advance, tools once considered complex or exclusive are becoming easier to use. Platforms are increasingly offering drag-and-drop EA builders, AI-powered strategy testers, and real-time performance dashboards. Machine learning and artificial intelligence are expected to play a larger role, particularly in strategies that adapt to changing market conditions. These tools may allow for smarter risk assessment, more nuanced decision-making, and deeper pattern recognition across multiple assets. Mobile applications are also improving, enabling traders to monitor and manage their algorithms on the go. As connectivity and user interfaces evolve, the gap between professional and retail trading tools is likely to shrink even further. Algorithmic trading has moved beyond the domain of large institutions and is now a vital part of the retail forex landscape. Empowered by accessible platforms, powerful tools, and an ever-growing base of knowledge, individual traders can automate strategies, manage risk with precision, and operate with a level of consistency that manual trading rarely provides. However, automation is not a magic solution. Success still depends on thoughtful strategy development, thorough testing, and responsible oversight. Traders who approach algorithmic systems with a combination of curiosity and caution stand to benefit the most from this powerful evolution in the trading world. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
Khaleej Times
10-04-2025
- Business
- Khaleej Times
NRDX positions itself as the industry's go-to US stock broker
NRDX moves into the future by onboarding a new C-suite member, leveraging low-cost access to US stocks and the industry's most powerful platforms NRDX is going through an exciting period filled with announcements and updates. This current phase is being marked by changing market dynamics, new additions to its leadership, increasing client numbers, and a turn towards a specific market, that if you're unaware, you might want to keep reading. Finally, discover what NRDX offers its traders and investors to deliver an industry-leading experience. Meteoric Growth and Strategic Positioning NRDX has seen an almost vertical rise in new clients due to a rapidly growing interest in US stocks. Since NRDX offers direct access to US stock markets, it has become a dependable gateway to some of the world's biggest, most active, and exciting company stocks. It is also a competitive, low-cost alternative to institutional solutions that require a minimum deposit amount and account capital, making its brokerage services much more accessible for practically all budgets and skill levels. According to company representatives, this effect is largely driven by extremely favourable conditions - lower stock prices in combination with a weaker US dollar (at the time of writing). Although the general market picture seems to be less positive, there are specific stocks that are experiencing exponential growth, creating very dynamic opportunities for traders who have access to the right analytical tools. And NRDX, with its proven track record, low barrier to entry, market-leading conditions, low fees, and amazing product offering, is perfectly positioned to give these clients market access. It is therefore no surprise that the company received one of the highest ratings of 4.6 on Trustpilot - a testament to NRDX's commitment to providing the best possible trading experience. Powerhouse Platform Offerings Metatrader 5 and NRDX Trader are an unbeatable offering. Not only do they give traders an intuitive interface to invest and trade on, but they also give them advanced analysis tools. On the same screen, NRDX clients can create a strategy, plot chart indicators, perform both technical and fundamental analysis, trade and invest. MT5 also leverages advanced machine learning that provides investors with algorithm trading. If you are unfamiliar, algo trading also known as robo-trading enables you to automate your trading with apps called Expert Advisors (EAs). These can be purchased, and some are even offered at no cost. Strategic Expansion Through Experience and Leadership NRDX recently announced the appointment of Nicolas Morphitis as its new Chief Revenue Officer (CRO). In this role, he will lead the firm's expansion and growth by designing an ambitious, yet achievable, strategic roadmap. His addition to the NRDX team underscores the broker's dedication to expanding its already significant footprint in the market and doing so in a way that is both innovative and viable. The financial service industry is extremely competitive, and to remain relative, you must offer an unparalleled investing and trading experience. Full Speed Ahead for the Future of NRDX With new leadership, plans are in place to drive development. Combine that with a surge in interest in US stocks, and the firm's strong market positioning, NDRX appears to be moving into the future at lightning speed. Surprisingly, though, this is just the tip of the iceberg because NRDX is already working on more exciting updates that will continue to keep the firm at the forefront of the industry. To find out more, visit NRDX 's official website or feel free to get in touch with them via Telegram, WhatsApp, live chat or email to support@
