Latest news with #Khor
Business Times
25-07-2025
- Business
- Business Times
Sustainability must be top-led and embedded across organisation, say panellists at BT's inaugural Sustainability Impact Dialogue
Jeffery Tan, chief sustainability officer of Jardine Cycle & Carriage, shared how early water tracking at the company uncovered usage four times higher than expected. The culprit was an underground leak, which, once fixed, delivered significant cost savings. 'When we made the connection, the CFO got it, the ops manager got it, and suddenly (the business value of sustainability) became real to them – as opposed to just a concept being pushed down,' he said. In response, Dr Khor said companies whose core business is not sustainability often overlook waste and resource use. 'But when you start looking into these areas – energy flow, materials waste – you may uncover new revenue streams. Even if it's not a revenue stream, it's cost savings and that is really important.' Lim also underscored the need to simplify sustainability messaging, moving away from jargon-heavy or overly abstract language, such as 'Scope 3 emissions'. This refers to indirect emissions that occur outside a company's direct operations and may not resonate with business owners. 'Being able to convert the language of sustainability away from that non-human language and into real, operational business language – I think it's a great idea,' he said. Support for getting started To companies that are unsure of where or how to begin, both speakers stressed the importance of just taking the first step, no matter how small. Dr Khor said SMEs can start with measures such as switching to energy-efficient equipment, which qualifies for up to 70 per cent support under the National Environment Agency's Energy Efficiency Grant. She also highlighted other government schemes, such as the Economic Development Board's Resource Efficiency Grant for Emissions, which supports emissions reduction projects at manufacturing facilities and data centres, and the Monetary Authority of Singapore's Gprnt initiative, which helps businesses automatically convert their operational data into environmental, social and governance disclosures for free. 'There is a very rich ecosystem of sustainability support (offered by the government) in terms of grants and incentives… so much that SMEs tell us that there's too much,' said Dr Khor. To help navigate this, she encouraged companies to tap Enterprise Singapore's SME Sustainability Hub, a one-stop platform for resources, training and support. Lim similarly urged SMEs not to go it alone. Banks and government agencies, he said, can help companies assess where they are and connect them to solution providers. He noted that UOB's ecosystem platforms – such as U-Solar and U-Energy – bundle technology partners, financing and advisory support to ease adoption. '(SMEs) simply talk to the bank, the bank connects them within the ecosystem, and they can access financing at the same time,' he said. Beyond top-down directives, bottom-up initiatives were also spotlighted during the dialogue. Audience members, including representatives from industry groups and social enterprises, shared ideas such as developing simplified sustainability indices or certifications to help SMEs get started. In response, both Dr Khor and Lim welcomed such ground-up efforts, noting that these can complement government support schemes – and, if endorsed or recognised by the government, potentially gain greater traction through procurement requirements or green finance channels.
The Star
14-07-2025
- Automotive
- The Star
Steady outlook for used car market
PETALING JAYA: Used car players expect year-on-year (y-o-y) sales to remain steady in 2025, on the back of a stable socio-political environment, favourable interest rates and aggressive promotional initiatives. Carsome Group chief business officer Aaron Kee said used car sales typically mirror new car sales quite closely. 'With the new car segment expected to moderate after a record year in 2024, used car sales are also expected to come in moderately lower y-o-y. 'That said, Carsome continues to grow as a platform, driven by market share gains,' he told StarBiz. Kee: Access to financing and interest rates remain accommodative, and we do not see a spike in non-performing loans. According to the Malaysian Automotive Association (MAA), new vehicle sales hit a record high in 2024, rising 2.1% y-o-y to 816,747 units, supported by a resilient economy and broad-based improvements across all key sectors. The MAA projects a slight slowdown to 780,000 units in 2025. Kee noted that the recent sales and service tax (SST) announcement has dampened sentiment slightly, with more consumers adopting a wait-and-see approach. 'The uncertainty surrounding RON95 fuel subsidy rationalisation is also likely to influence car-buying patterns in the near term.' Despite these headwinds, he said the local used car market remains relatively resilient compared with regional peers. 'In Thailand, new vehicle sales in the first five months of 2025 declined by around 3% y-o-y, while Indonesia saw a steeper drop with sales falling by approximately 5.5%. 'In contrast, Malaysia continues to benefit from a stable socio-political environment, favourable interest rates and a resilient domestic economy,' Kee said. Meanwhile, Federation of Motor and Credit Companies Association of Malaysia president Datuk Tony Khor believes used car sales in 2025 will likely be 'on par' with 2024 levels. 'Used car sales are down 3% y-o-y in the first six months of 2025 (1H25). With the recent overnight policy rate (OPR) cut, we are hopeful that this will help reduce the costs of borrowing and boost spending.' Khor: We expect used car companies' digitalisation efforts to boost car sales in the second half of the year. Bank Negara cut the OPR by 25 basis points to 2.75% at its July Monetary Policy Committee meeting. Khor also noted that many used car companies are accelerating their digitalisation efforts to drive sales. 'We expect these efforts to boost car sales in the 2H25. Hopefully, this will result in used car sales being on par with the levels achieved last year.' He added that smaller used car companies that have yet to adopt digital marketing face the risk of falling behind. 'Therefore, we have reached out to the government, especially the Malaysia Automotive Robotics and IoT Institute (MARii), to assist these smaller used car companies fast-track their digitalisation initiatives.' MARii is an agency under the Investment, Trade and Industry Ministry tasked with enhancing the competitiveness of the Malaysia's automotive sector. Citing Carsome data, Kee said used car sales in 1H25 were broadly flat y-o-y, reflecting a more measured consumption backdrop. 'This is in contrast to the new car segment, which is expected to moderate after reaching peak volumes in 2024. 'That said, access to financing and interest rates remain accommodative, and we do not see a spike in non-performing loans,' he added. This suggests that while consumers are more selective, credit availability and repayment capacity remain healthy, explained Kee. 'One area to watch is the spillover effect from new car competition into the used car market. We are seeing early signs of pricing pressure on younger used car vehicles in the one-to-three-year range due to heavy discounting in the new segment. 'Meanwhile, despite electric vehicle (EV) promotions intensifying in the new car market, we have not seen a material impact on used car demand. 'We expect the first wave of EV adoption to filter into the used market significantly over the next two years.' Commenting on sales trends in 1H25, Kee said top-selling models across both new and used segments continued to reflect what buyers value most: affordability, practicality and long-term usability. 'Nationally, the Perodua Bezza, Myvi and Axia led new car sales. 'These models consistently perform well not just because of their price points, but because they meet core consumer needs such as low running costs, fuel efficiency and easy maintenance. 'In a more selective spending environment, these qualities matter even more, especially for first-time buyers and value-driven households.' Kee emphasised that brand trust remains a key factor for buyers. 'Perodua and Proton have long established themselves as names that catered well to local conditions. Familiarity, strong resale value and access to service networks all contribute to sustained demand, particularly in the used car space.' He said consumer preference is also shifting toward Chinese brands like BYD and Chery, where perceived value-for-money is beginning to outweigh traditional brand recognition. Whether this trend will extend to the used car market remains to be seen, Kee added.
Daily Express
27-06-2025
- Business
- Daily Express
Sabah kopitiam DOJO opens outlet in Papar
Published on: Friday, June 27, 2025 Published on: Fri, Jun 27, 2025 Text Size: Susan and her WSG team in a photo with Khor (third right) and Lo (far right) in front of DOJO Nanyang Kopi House in Papar. Kota Kinabalu: Well-known local brand DOJO Nanyang Kopi House officially launched a new outlet in the fast-growing Parklane City in Benoni here. The café will bring its signature Nanyang flavors to the local community and, in turn, expand dining options and strengthen the township's culinary appeal. Its presence adds diversity to the area's food and beverage (F&B) landscape and offers Papar residents another high-quality dining destination. DOJO Nanyang Kopi House Benoni branch Director Khor Boon Theng and operations and training manager Vicee Lo Vui Chee said this to WSG Group Managing Director Datuk Susan Wong Siew Guen. The outlet is strategically located at a corner lot opposite 10Star Cinemas and Majestic Banquet Hall. The premise features a spacious two-storey layout with both air-conditioned indoor dining and outdoor seating, capable of accommodating up to 120 patrons. To ensure excellent service, the branch has hired 50 staff, including over 30 kitchen crew, waiters and waitresses, as well as 20 administrative and management personnel. In line with the brand's philosophy, DOJO has prioritized hiring locals from Papar, in effort to create job opportunities within the community. Founded in 2017 in Tawau, DOJO Nanyang Kopi House blends authentic Nanyang-style cuisine with Sabah's local culture, setting it apart from typical West Malaysian Nanyang eateries. Since its inception, the brand has expanded across Sabah, including multiple outlets in east coast and Kota Kinabalu, and has gone international with a branch in Tarakan, Indonesia. 'Everything that's in Kota Kinabalu, you'll find here too. Benoni Parklane City is poised to thrive,' Khor said. He credited Susan for her instrumental role in transforming Papar into a booming township beyond Kota Kinabalu. With extensive facilities including shopping malls, hypermarkets, popular F&B chains, banks, cinemas, banquet hall, and upcoming developments like a sports arena and large petrol station, plus the newly opened Pan-Borneo Highway, Benoni Parklane City is set to become a key commercial hub. Susan praised the DOJO team's youthful energy and visionary mindset, noting that they bring fresh vitality to the township. 'DOJO adds more variety to our food scene and delivers top-notch service. We deeply appreciate DOJO's trust in choosing Benoni Parklane City for one of their key outlets. 'We will continue to support all investors, help create more jobs for locals, and uplift Papar's economy,' she added. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
See - Sada Elbalad
10-06-2025
- Business
- See - Sada Elbalad
Malaysian Jewelry Exports Surge, Boosted By Gulf ,Asian Markets
Waleed Farouk Both Singapore and the United Arab Emirates are experiencing a significant increase in their purchases of Malaysian gold jewelry, as rising global gold prices have dampened domestic demand, according to the Penang Jewellers Association. Josson Khor, an advisor to the association, said that foreign demand, coupled with strong prices, will push Malaysian gold jewelry exports this year beyond the $2.17 billion recorded in 2024. He noted that about 80% of Malaysian gold jewelry exports come from manufacturers and exporters based in Penang. Khor added, "There is stable demand from overseas markets for Malaysian gold jewelry, as the cost of local craftsmen remains competitive, despite the shortage of this specialized labor." It is worth noting that gold prices remain up more than 26% since the beginning of 2025, despite having retreated slightly from their record peak of $3,431 per ounce last month. According to data from the Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation, domestic gold jewelry exports reached $780 million (RM3.3 billion) during the period from January to April 2025, compared to approximately $6.6 million (RM2.8 billion) during the same period last year. The UAE recorded the highest purchase volume, importing jewelry worth $260 million (RM1.12 billion), a 7.4% increase, while Singapore increased its imports by nearly 16% to $240 million (RM1 billion). Conversely, domestic demand has suffered a significant decline due to high prices, with average retail gold jewelry sales halving from around 10 kg per month, according to Khor. The Penang Jewellers Association has approximately 650 members, more than 60% of whom are small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with an annual turnover of less than RM25 million. Khor warned that continued high gold prices could lead to a further contraction in domestic retail sales, predicting they will fall to around 4 kg per month by 2027. read more CBE: Deposits in Local Currency Hit EGP 5.25 Trillion Morocco Plans to Spend $1 Billion to Mitigate Drought Effect Gov't Approves Final Version of State Ownership Policy Document Egypt's Economy Expected to Grow 5% by the end of 2022/23- Minister Qatar Agrees to Supply Germany with LNG for 15 Years Business Oil Prices Descend amid Anticipation of Additional US Strategic Petroleum Reserves Business Suez Canal Records $704 Million, Historically Highest Monthly Revenue Business Egypt's Stock Exchange Earns EGP 4.9 Billion on Tuesday Business Wheat delivery season commences on April 15 News China Launches Largest Ever Aircraft Carrier Sports Former Al Zamalek Player Ibrahim Shika Passes away after Long Battle with Cancer Lifestyle Get to Know 2025 Eid Al Adha Prayer Times in Egypt News Prime Minister Moustafa Madbouly Inaugurates Two Indian Companies Business Fear & Greed Index Plummets to Lowest Level Ever Recorded amid Global Trade War Arts & Culture Zahi Hawass: Claims of Columns Beneath the Pyramid of Khafre Are Lies News Flights suspended at Port Sudan Airport after Drone Attacks News Shell Unveils Cost-Cutting, LNG Growth Plan Videos & Features Video: Trending Lifestyle TikToker Valeria Márquez Shot Dead during Live Stream Technology 50-Year Soviet Spacecraft 'Kosmos 482' Crashes into Indian Ocean
New Paper
08-06-2025
- Sport
- New Paper
Sweet Love hands Khor 1st feature win in Ipoh
Ipoh trainer Khor Peng Hwa has won his first trophy in Malaysia after Sweet Love's tenacious win in the RM26,000 (S$7,900) Mitavite Asia Cup 2025 (1,100m) in Ipoh on June 8. For good measure, Khor also pulled off his first training double in Malaysia when Crazy Love ($21) scored in the penultimate Sage Hill Northwest Stake (1,200m). More popularly known as Ah Lek, the Malaysian handler - who received his trainer's licence only in April 2025 - opened his account when King Ravana saluted in Ipoh on May 24. One week later on May 31, Khor sent his first and only runner, Golden Peach, to the final meeting held at Penang Turf Club. Golden Peach finished last in a Class 4A race (1,400m) then, but Khor quickly made his way back to the winner's circle on June 8. However, he did not expect the photo finish to be in his favour in Ipoh's feature race. Sweet Love, a seven-year-old son of Outreach, assumed his usual front runner's role under Hafis Saari in the Cosmo C event and led for most of the way, until the Peter Lee-trained Wilamara (Jackie Chuah) closed in strongly on his inside past the 200m. The four-year-old debutant lunged where it mattered. For a moment, it looked to be Wilamara's winning debut in Malaysia, but the photo finish proved otherwise. It was two-time winner Sweet Love ($22) who doggedly held off Wilamara by a nose in the end. Gold Eighty-Three (Syafifie Zailuddin) finished third. Khor's two other runners, Black Thorn (Salee Saad) and King Ravana (Lim Shung Uai), ran unplaced in eighth and 10th respectively. He was relieved the Lim Chun How-owned gelding won, but Khor admitted he thought Sweet Love had lost because the runner-up looked like he was gaining momentum on the leader. "He (Sweet Love) looked like he was beaten, but I'm very lucky he won by a nose," said Khor. "I thought he lost because the horse on the inside came from behind, and looked like he was stronger in the finish. "The ground is good, and the barrier (1) is good for him today. There's only one way to ride this horse, and that's to go in front. I told the jockey to sit up there and don't pressure him. "We'll take one step at a time with him and maybe see if he can back up next week." Riden by Harmeet Singh Gill, Crazy Love also won from barrier to box in the Class 5A contest, albeit he was clearly a length ahead of the second-placed Modric at the finishing post. Khor said the drop in class helped the Outreach five-year-old at his second win. "He was in a Cosmo C race last time (May 24). He's down in class today, so it was easier for him. "I'm very happy with my double today." sharonzhang@
