Latest news with #George Town
Malay Mail
5 days ago
- Business
- Malay Mail
CM: Penang eyes digital economy leadership as GDP, tech sector surge
GEORGE TOWN, Aug 14 — Penang state government said today it is in a great position to lead the way to contribute towards the country's digital economy. Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said Penang contributed seven per cent of the country's total GDP last year with RM121 billion, with the services sector contributing 48 per cent of those and manufacturing at 46.5 per cent. 'The digital economy expected to contribute 25.5 per cent of Malaysia's GDP by year-end, Penang is in great position to lead the way,' he said in his speech at the official launch of AMD's new office at GBS by the Sea here. The new office of the chipmakers spans 209,000 square feet and is designed to support over 1,200 employees. Chow said the opening of AMD's office and the Agilent Lighthouse Celebration earlier today are two big milestones that showed Penang's strength as a global technology hub. 'As AMD celebrates its over five-decade presence in Penang, this milestone stands as a strong testament to Penang's position as a sustainable and thriving investment destination, where companies not only establish a foothold but also grow and flourish,' he said. He said the state government, through InvestPenang, will continue to support investors like AMD in AI and technology fields. AMD's new office at GBS by the Sea, Penang spans 209,000 square feet and is designed to support over 1,200 employees. — Picture by Opalyn Mok AMD's new office is part of the Penang IC Design and Digital Park under the Penang Silicon Design @ 5km+ initiative that was launched last year. Chow said AMD has been a strong partner in talent development by running GBS courses in universities, and yesterday signed a memorandum of understanding with the Digital Ministry to give Malaysian researchers free access to its AI infrastructure. Meanwhile, Malaysian Investment Development Authority chief executive officer Datuk Sikh Shamsul Ibrahim Sikh Abdul Majid said AMD's new facility in Penang is a testament to the enduring and evolving partnership between Malaysia and a global technology leader. 'By anchoring R&D and advanced capabilities here, AMD is not only creating high-quality jobs but also fostering a dynamic ecosystem where local talent and firms can thrive alongside global innovators,' he said in his speech.
Free Malaysia Today
28-07-2025
- Business
- Free Malaysia Today
No registration for RM100 cash aid, beware of scams, warns govt
Deputy finance minister Lim Hui Ying said the ministry has received complaints about fake links and messages claiming that registration is required to receive the cash aid. (Bernama pic) PETALING JAYA : The government has urged the public to be cautious of scams and other fraud attempts over the one-off RM100 cash assistance under the Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA). Speaking at an event in George Town, Penang, today, deputy finance minister Lim Hui Ying said the assistance does not require any application or registration whatsoever, Bernama reported. She said the amount will be credited directly into the MyKad of all Malaysians aged 18 and above starting Aug 31. 'We have received numerous inquiries about how to register for the RM100 SARA assistance. There have also been complaints about fake links and messages claiming that registration is required to receive the aid. 'These claims are false and dangerous. Do not click on any such links, they are scams. 'I want to stress that there is no need to apply or register for the RM100 cash aid, as it will be automatically credited to the recipients' MyKad,' she said. Lim, who is the MP for Tanjung, reassured the public that there is no cause for concern as everyone aged 18 and above will receive the cash aid. 'Only if they do not receive it after Aug 31 will we take further action and inform them accordingly,' she said. On July 23, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim announced several major initiatives by the government, including the one-off RM100 cash aid, the postponement of toll rate hikes on 10 highways, and a drop in the price of RON95 fuel to RM1.99 per litre. Lim also said the government is open to considering the inclusion of wet goods such as chicken, meat and fish under SARA. 'We continue to listen to feedback and suggestions regarding the list of items under SARA. There have been proposals to include wet items such as fish, meat and chicken. We will consider expanding the list when the time is right,' she told reporters. She said the government expanded the SARA initiative on May 1 to include household cleaning products, such as laundry detergent and dishwashing liquid. These are in addition to the existing categories covering basic food items, medicines, school supplies, and personal hygiene products. Their inclusion increased the number of product categories from 13 to 14, covering 90,000 types of goods. This decision was based on feedback received during the implementation of SARA earlier this year, she said.
