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Business Recorder
20-05-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
Vohra urges KCCI to share proposals for Federal Budget
KARACHI: Member National Assembly (MNA) Arshad Abdullah Vohra has called on the Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) to share its comprehensive proposals for the upcoming Federal Budget 2025–26. He also urged the Chamber to guide the Muttahida Business Forum (MBF) in formulating policies that align with the economic interests of Karachi, Sindh, and Pakistan as a whole. Speaking during a visit of the MBF delegation to KCCI, MNA Vohra stated, 'While the MQM has prepared and submitted its own set of budget proposals, this year we are specifically seeking strategic input from KCCI to ensure that critical and genuine issues are effectively raised at the national level. The National Assembly's Finance Committee is scheduled to meet on May 22, and MQM intends to submit KCCI's proposals as formal support to bolster our advocacy for inclusive and business-friendly reforms.' The meeting was attended by Chairman BMG Zubair Motiwala, President KCCI Jawed Bilwani, Senior Vice President Zia ul Arfeen, Vice President Faisal Khalil Ahmed, former Presidents Junaid Makda, Muhammad Idrees, and Iftikhar Ahmed Sheikh, as well as members of the KCCI Managing Committee. The MBF delegation included MNA Arshad Vohra, MNA Syed Hafeezuddin, MNA Jawed Hanif, MNA Hassan Sabir, MPA Taha Haider, MPA Maaz Mehboob, MPA Shariq Jamal, and former KCCI President Saeed Shafiq. MNA Arshad Vohra commended KCCI's unwavering commitment to highlighting the city's most urgent challenges. 'KCCI has consistently raised a strong voice on critical issues, including shortages of electricity, gas, and water, as well as taxation, deteriorating infrastructure, and industrial decline. We acknowledge both the scale and urgency of these problems and are determined to work together toward sustainable solutions.' He underscored Karachi's immense contribution to the national economy, noting that the city accounts for over 67% of federal revenue, contributes more than 90% to Sindh's revenue, and is responsible for 54% of Pakistan's exports. 'Despite this, Karachi's business environment continues to decline. The SITE Area, Pakistan's largest industrial zone, has suffered from a persistent water crisis for over three decades, with similar conditions in other industrial zones', he noted. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Express Tribune
19-05-2025
- Business
- Express Tribune
Vohra urges KCCI to submit budget proposals
Member of National Assembly (MNA) Arshad Abdullah Vohra has urged the Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) to submit its comprehensive proposals for the Federal Budget 202526 and guide the Muttahida Business Forum (MBF) in aligning policies with the economic interests of Karachi, Sindh, and Pakistan. During a visit of the MBF delegation to KCCI, Vohra said that although MQM had submitted its own proposals, input from KCCI was vital. "The National Assembly's Finance Committee meets on May 22, and MQM will submit KCCI's proposals to support inclusive and business-friendly reforms," he stated. Vohra commended KCCI's consistent advocacy on issues like electricity, gas, and water shortages, taxation, infrastructure decay, and industrial decline. He noted Karachi's substantial economic contributionover 67% of federal revenue, more than 90% of Sindh's revenue, and 54% of national exportsyet lamented the city's worsening business environment. He highlighted SITE Area's decades-long water crisis and called for fairer taxation. "Salaried individuals are the highest taxpayers. With enforceable tax measures for the retail and undocumented sectors, we can ease their burden," Vohra said. Chairman BMG Zubair Motiwala, addressing via Zoom, praised the MBF's formation and said unemployment was Karachi's deepest crisis. "Industries are shrinking or shutting down. No new investment is coming in," he said. He urged the government to offer regionally competitive energy rates and create an investor-friendly climate.
The Hindu
19-05-2025
- Business
- The Hindu
NIE announces development of AI-focused lab
The National Institute of Engineering (NIE), Mysuru, in collaboration with Lenovo and Maker Bhavan Foundation (MBF), has announced the development of ALPHA (Advanced Laboratory for Programming, Hardware, and Analytics) Innovation and Tinkerers' Lab – described as one of its kind AI-focused labs built on the Tinkerers' model. Reckoned to be a first-of-its-kind initiative at NIE in Mysuru, marking Lenovo's first CSR partnership with a higher education institution in India and the MBF's first tie-up beyond IITs and BITS. It is also NIE's first CSR-backed lab, according to NIE. Located on the north campus, the lab will provide round-the-clock access and feature high-performance computing systems, advanced prototyping tools, and resources for AI, ML, IoT, and digital fabrication. NIE principal Rohini Nagapadma said it promotes hands-on interdisciplinary learning and innovation. She added that through MBF's LEAP (Learn Engineering by Activity and with Products) programme and Lenovo's Professor of Practice (PoP) model, the lab will integrate industry programmes into the curriculum, helping students across departments build real-world solutions that combine hardware, software, and data. According to a press release here, the lab is supported under Lenovo's CSR by Lenovo Global Technology India Private Limited and Motorola Mobility India Private Limited, with mentorship and curriculum support from Lenovo's India R and D Teams. Balaji V., assistant professor and project head, ALPHA, and others were present.
The Star
14-05-2025
- Business
- The Star
Tech-savvy approach to collecting
COLLECTORS and enthusiasts were treated to an interesting showcase at the 8th Penang International Malayan Banknote and Stamps Fair, where a wide range of items – from vintage stamps to rare debenture certificates – were on display. The event in George Town was touted as the largest in Penang. Organised by Malayan Banknote Fair (MBF), the three-day fair featured 34 exhibitors from around the world including Australia, China, Hong Kong, Myanmar, Vietnam and the United Kingdom, as well as various states in Malaysia. Richard showing the white paper sheet once used by the British to print currency for the Reserve Bank of India during the early 1900s. MBF founder Richard Lim said one of the highlights was a piece from his personal collection – a copy of the front page of the Daily Mail continental edition dated Sept 28, 1944, featuring a striking image of an Allied soldier during World War II. 'I bought this newspaper several years ago from a shop at Chowrasta Market for RM10 each, and picked up several copies at the time. 'I later sold some to a collector for RM1,000 each, but I decided to keep one copy for myself and had it framed,' he said. A visitor admiring Richard's framed copy of the front page of the Daily Mail Continental edition dated Sept 28, 1944 and other vintage items on display at the fair. (April 25, 2025) — ZHAFARAN NASIB/The Star. Richard said another notable item on display was a white paper sheet once used by the British to print currency for the Reserve Bank of India during the early 1900s. What made it particularly unique, he explained, was that the sheet had already received its first layer of currency print and was en route to India when the ship carrying it was bombed by German forces during World War I. The 8th Penang International Malayan Banknote and Stamps Fair featured 34 local and international exhibitors. Some of the vintage stamps belonging to philatelist Beng Yeong. Among the prized pieces in his collection are the 1930 Malayan Tiger series. — Photos: ZHAFARAN NASIB/The Star Some of the old coins on display and available for purchase at the fair held at the mall in Penang. A visitor taking a closer look at a framed copy of the front page of the Daily Mail continental edition dated Sept 28, 1944 and other vintage items. Richard said his personal collection also included a debenture certificate from Penang Chinese Chamber of Commerce, a 5,000 won banknote from North Korea and a RM2 Malaysian currency note. Philatelist Lim Beng Yeong has amassed thousands of stamps over the past 40 years, dating from the British colonial era. Penang International BanknoteStamp Fair at 2nd floor event hall, 1st Avenue Mall in George Town, Penang. (April 25, 2025) — ZHAFARAN NASIB/The Star. Among the prized pieces in his collection are the 1930 Malayan Tiger series, 1948 British Malayan Administration issue, rare Johore Postage and Revenue stamps and Kelantan Postage and Revenue stamps dating back to the 1900s. 'I bought these stamps from other collectors; some were given to me as gifts,' said Beng Yeong, adding that the collection is kept at his house in Alor Setar, Kedah. To preserve his stamps, especially the older and vintage ones, Beng Yeong stores them in albums and protective plastic sleeves to maintain their condition and ensure their longevity. Some of the collectors' items on sale at the fair, including memorabilia of current US president Donald Trump and his wife Melania. Collecting stamps is not an expensive hobby and can be a good starting point for children, he said. 'Sometimes, a set of stamps only costs around RM5 to RM10. 'Of course, rare and vintage ones are priced higher, but they are not overly expensive,' said Beng Yeong. 'I believe that stamp collecting not only preserves history, but also offers insights into a nation's identity and heritage.' He encouraged the younger generation to take up the hobby, suggesting that schools and community centres host philately workshops or exhibitions to spark interest. Beng Yeong lamented that children nowadays were more inclined towards video games, rather than hobbies such as stamp collecting. 'Stamp collecting teaches patience, research skills and an appreciation for culture. Visitors and collectors browsing through items on display at the three-day event. 'It is more than a hobby; it is a journey through time,' he pointed out. In addition to old coins, banknotes and rare stamps, the event also featured the world's first polymer banknote from Australia. Australian exhibitor Rick Coleman said the banknote was released in 1988 to commemorate the bicentenary of the arrival of the First Fleet Down Under. 'The note is the AUD10 bill, which features an image of (18th century) explorer Captain James Cook,' he said, adding that the polymer banknote is now valued at around AUD50 (RM140). A passionate collector for over 40 years, Coleman is a familiar face at international banknote fairs in Malaysia and around the world. He also has a collector shop in his hometown of Bundaberg, Queensland. Some of the old coins that were on display and on sale at Penang International BanknoteStamp Fair at 2nd floor event hall, 1st Avenue Mall in George Town, Penang. (April 25, 2025) — ZHAFARAN NASIB/The Star. At the fair, collectors were introduced to the mobile technology behind a trusted coin and banknote authentication system – an app developed by the Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS). PCGS business development assistant manager Vincent Lee said the app marked a step forward in helping Malaysian collectors verify and manage their prized collections with ease and confidence. 'It is important for collectors to have their coins and banknotes graded and verified,' he said. 'With this app, people no longer need to second-guess the authenticity or market value of their collectibles,' said Lee. Coleman holding the world's first polymer banknote from Australia. He was one of the international exhibitors at the three-day event. The PCGS Cert Verification app allows users to scan a barcode or QR code on a PCGS label, or manually enter the seven- or eight-digit certification number, to instantly access critical information. These include the item's denomination, date, mint mark, grade, mintage, holder type, PCGS population statistics and price guide value. For an extra layer of security, the app also features C Gold Shield technology that allows collectors to securely verify the coin's details and makes it almost impossible to forge. 'Collectors spend years, sometimes decades, building their collections. 'Tools like the PCGS app help preserve that investment while enhancing its transparency, especially for buyers, sellers and even historians,' said Lee. The event also featured a talk titled 'Scammers and Cyber Crime' by DSP Pang Meng Tuck, deputy head of the Penang police's Commercial Crime Investigation Department (Intelligence/ Operations).
Trade Arabia
02-04-2025
- Business
- Trade Arabia
MBF and ZESTAS sign deal to accelerate zero-emission shipping
The Maritime Battery Forum (MBF) and the Zero Emission Shipping Technology Association (ZESTAs) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to formalise their collaboration in advancing zero-emission shipping technologies. The signing ceremony took place on onboard Yinson GreenTech's Hydromover during the WATTS UP APAC conference, an event focused on maritime energy transition, held in Singapore. The partnership between MBF, a leading organisation promoting battery-powered maritime solutions, and ZESTAs, a global advocate for zero-emission shipping technologies, marks a significant step forward in the industry's collective efforts to decarbonise and achieve sustainable shipping. The MOU outlines a framework for joint initiatives, knowledge sharing, and advocacy to accelerate the adoption of clean energy solutions in the maritime sector. Sharing a common interest in promoting electrification as a means to decarbonisation in the maritime sector, this partnership will focus on fostering collaboration and innovation among their respective members and exchanging information for mutual benefit as well as establishing a framework for cooperation that promotes joint objectives, enhances member experiences, and advances the sustainable development of the port and maritime sectors. 'This partnership with ZESTAs represents a powerful alignment of our missions to drive the maritime industry toward a sustainable future. By combining our expertise in battery technology with ZESTAs' leadership in zero-emission advocacy, we can accelerate the transition to cleaner, more efficient shipping solutions' says Syb Ten Cate Hoedemaker, Managing Director, Maritime Battery Forum. 'An absolute zero emissions vessel is an electric vessel. Batteries and energy storage systems are fundamental to achieving the International Maritime Organisation's GHG strategy. Formalising what has always been a positive relationship between our organisations will allow us to increase the breadth and speed of our combined impact.' added Madadh MacLaine, Secretary-General of ZESTA s. -TradeArabia News Service
