Latest news with #Masa
The Star
4 days ago
- Business
- The Star
Only 40% of Malaysians believe country is on the right track, says survey
PETALING JAYA: Public satisfaction with the government's performance and the country's direction has declined in recent months, according to a new public opinion survey by the Institut Masa Depan Malaysia (Masa). The think-tank group said the survey, conducted between June 14 and July 19, involved 1,605 respondents aged 18 and above across Peninsular Malaysia through telephone interviews. 'Respondents were selected via stratified random sampling based on ethnicity, gender, age and geographic distribution. 'Only 40% of respondents believed that Malaysia is currently on the right track, a notable drop from 54% in Dec, 2024,' it said in a statement on Friday (July 25). Masa added the survey also found that the cost of living remained the most pressing concern among the public, with 53% of respondents citing it as their top worry—up from 48% in the previous poll conducted in December last year. The survey also found that public sentiment towards the country's economic performance has also turned more negative with just 37% of respondents said they were satisfied with the current state of the economy, down from 57% previously. Masa added that based on their survey as for personal income, only 34% said their financial situation was satisfactory, compared to 52% in December 2024. They said that on the proposed rationalisation of RON95 fuel subsidies, only 34% of respondents supported the move, while a majority of 51% opposed it. 'Among the reasons cited for rejecting the subsidy rationalisation were concerns that it would lower their standard of living (32%), lack of confidence in the government's ability or mechanisms to implement the plan effectively (11%), insufficient explanation from the authorities (7%) and perceptions that the plan was being rushed (4%). 'When asked about the performance of the current administration, only 41% of respondents said they were satisfied with the Madani government—down from 56% in the previous survey,' it added. Masa also added that public approval for Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim also fell, with only 33% expressing satisfaction with his performance, compared to 57% in December 2024. 'In contrast, Perikatan Nasional chairman Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin received a 41% approval rating, followed by Barisan Nasional chairman Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi (15%) and Opposition Leader Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin (16%). 'As for their preferred candidate for prime minister in the 16th General Election, 33% of respondents chose Muhyiddin, followed by Anwar (25%), Ahmad Zahid (14%) and Hamzah (13%),' it said. Masa said the negative sentiments captured in the survey reflected growing public unease over several new government policies, including the expansion of the sales and services tax (SST), electricity tariff hikes, the rationalisation of subsidies, and persistent concerns about the rising cost of living.
The Star
22-07-2025
- Business
- The Star
Tariffs, uncertainties weigh on shipping in 1H25
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia's shipping industry navigated cautiously in the first half of financial year 2025 (1H25), as industry players assessed market conditions and challenges, operating in a complex environment that demanded a measured and deliberate strategy. Ongoing talks between Petroliam Nasional Bhd (PETRONAS) and Petroleum Sarawak Bhd (Petros), relatively stagnant freight rates, and geopolitical tensions affecting maritime routes dominated the sector. However, it was encouraging to note that ports performed well, recording increased cargo volumes. Malaysia Shipowners' Association (Masa) chairman Mohamed Safwan Othman said while the impact of the United States reciprocal tariff rate, set to take effect on Aug 1, is minimal on industry players, the sector continues to monitor potential medium-term consequences depending on decisions made after the 90-day pause. He added that domestic activity remains slow, with close attention paid to the ongoing negotiations between PETRONAS and Petros, which had dragged on for more than two years. 'Prolonged issues have resulted in lower demand in the oil support vessel market in our domestic waters. 'However, PETRONAS and TNB Fuel Sdn Bhd have awarded long-term vessel provision and contract of affreightment contracts, respectively, this year. 'Malaysian shipowners were the majority recipients of both contracts,' he told Bernama when contacted. Mohamed Safwan said other shipping segments were broadly neutral, with freight rates remaining largely stagnant over the past six months. On geopolitical tensions affecting major maritime routes, Mohamed Safwan said apart from a few global players such as MISC Bhd , most Malaysian shipping operators are focused on the regional market, expanding east to China and west to India. 'In terms of cost, delays in key maritime routes such as the Suez Canal and the Strait of Hormuz have increased the dependence on Asean vessels operating within the region. This has led to an uptick in charter rates,' he said. He noted that South-East Asia remains relatively stable, with routing largely unaffected. However, delays are expected in the transhipment of cargo intended for Malaysian consumption. On the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) decarbonisation targets, Mohamed Safwan said Masa members are well aware of the regulations, but the shift towards decarbonisation requires significant effort and substantial funding. 'Regarding the new targets outlined in the IMO net-zero greenhouse gas emissions Strategy 2050, Masa members are currently evaluating (their) options. 'The global maritime industry continues to debate current solutions at the IMO. 'For us, Malaysian shipowners are focusing on improving efficiency within existing regulations. 'This is also because most Malaysian vessels are ageing, and any re-fleeting must consider new alternatives such as alternative fuel or dual-fuel ships,' he added. On the outlook, he said instabilities arising from geopolitical tensions had prompted industry players to capture increased demand from re-routed cargo movements. 'Key risks remain, particularly the escalating tensions between global powers closer to home, such as the rift between China and the United States, and Taiwan's position, which has heightened regional uncertainty. 'These issues affect freedom of movement and stability in South-East Asia.' Transport Minister Anthony Loke Siew Fook recently expressed hope that ongoing negotiations with the United States government, ahead of the potential imposition of a 25% tariff on Malaysia from Aug 1, would help mitigate the impact on the maritime industry and preserve its competitiveness. He said the maritime sector is currently performing well, buoyed by increased trade volumes at ports operated by MMC Corp Bhd and Westports Holdings Bhd . Maritime analyst Nazery Khalid said the sector, which facilitates the bulk of trade among Asean members and between Asean and other regions, plays a critical role. 'The goal of boosting regional connectivity and trade in South-East Asia to make it a global economic powerhouse cannot be achieved without adequate port infrastructure, efficient logistics, strong intra-and inter-regional connectivity, and robust shipping services,' he added. He also stressed the importance of a facilitative regulatory environment, investment incentives, digital and physical infrastructure, and alignment with international standards across the maritime supply chain. 'Sustainability, climate change, competition, intellectual property, consumer protection and taxation must be addressed to ensure cargo moves seamlessly, efficiently, securely and sustainably, while maintaining cost competitiveness and profitability for ports, shipping lines, logistics providers and other stakeholders,' he said.
Daily Maverick
10-07-2025
- Business
- Daily Maverick
Daily Maverick's Marketing Masterclass Series 2 is under way — here's what's next
This nine-part webinar series brings together South Africa's most respected marketers, creatives and strategists to tackle what it really takes to lead in an industry that's being reshaped by AI, shrinking budgets and shifting audience expectations. Series 2 of the Daily Maverick Marketing Masterclass is now live, with one webinar already in the archive and eight more to come. This nine-part webinar series brings together South Africa's most respected marketers, creatives and strategists to tackle what it really takes to lead in an industry that's being reshaped by AI, shrinking budgets and shifting audience expectations. Presented in partnership with eatbigfish, the Marketing Association of South Africa (Masa) and the Association for Communication and Advertising (ACA), the series explores three essential themes: Capability, Value and Impact. A series led by bold thinkers Hosted by well-known marketing and brand strategy consultant David Blyth (Africa Partner at eatbigfish) and joined by Khaya Dlanga — award-winning marketer, bestselling author, seasoned storyteller and managing partner at eatbigfish Africa — the series aims to unpack what it really takes to stay relevant, build value and deliver impact in a world where the rules are being rewritten in real time. What's happened so far? The second series launched on 3 July with The Marketer of the Future, featuring: Elizabeth Mokwena, Executive Marketing Director, HomeCare Africa at Unilever and Masa Board Member Sechaba Motsieloa, Founder of Kansy Group and Masa Board Member Missed it? Catch the replay here → The Marketer of the Future What's Next? We've set the tone — now we dig into the forces reshaping modern marketing. Over the next eight episodes, Daily Maverick's Marketing Masterclass unpacks across three themes: 1. Capability What you bring to the table Marketing today demands more than clever ideas — it takes adaptability, curiosity, and a sharp set of evolving skills. This theme explores how marketers can build the mindset, tools, and resilience needed to grow careers, strengthen teams, and lead through complexity. 17 July — Building a Career in Marketing → Register here 31 July — Nurturing Creativity → Register here 2. Value What your work is worth It's not enough to do good work — you have to prove it in an environment where attention is fleeting and trust is hard earned. This track focuses on how brands and marketers define, create, and defend their value across platforms, categories and cultures. 14 August – Building Brand Power 11 September – Creating Value Perceptions 25 September – Staying Locally Relevant 3. Impact What you leave behind Great marketing doesn't just make noise — it makes change. These sessions explore the kind of creativity that connects with people, shapes culture, drives results and earns its place in the world. 9 October – Creativity & Business Impact 23 October – Using Humour for Impact 6 November – Break Through the Clutter Each session is free to attend, CPD-accredited, and designed to offer practical, real-world insight for marketers navigating complexity, career growth and creative leadership. Attendees can earn six Designated Marketer CPD points. (CMSA Level + for AMSA & MPSA Designated Members | CPD Approval Number: MA DM 25001) A partnership with purpose The Marketing Masterclass series is made possible through an innovative partnership between Daily Maverick, eatbigfish, Masa and the ACA — a collective effort to remove barriers to top-tier thought leadership and support the growth of South Africa's marketing and media community. In a landscape that's moving faster than most teams can keep up, these sessions create space to pause, reflect, and recalibrate — together. To register and join the conversation visit Daily Maverick Events. Explore the first series Revisit insightful conversations from Series 1 Daily Maverick Masterclass: Spotlight on Marketing Effectiveness Daily Maverick Masterclass: Creativity in Marketing Daily Maverick Masterclass: The Changing Expectations of Marketing This article was first published on the Daily Maverick Blog. Media Enquiries: Saskia Falken [email protected] About Daily Maverick Founded in 2009, Daily Maverick is an independent national news and investigative journalism publisher. Daily Maverick covers pressing issues across politics, business and the environment, providing in-depth reporting and insightful commentary on the topics affecting the lives of South Africans. With seven million unique browsers monthly, Daily Maverick is one of South Africa's largest publishers and is available online and in a weekly print edition, DM168. Its voluntary membership community programme is designed to keep journalism free for all, and it has a community of civic-minded readers who participate actively through contributions to ensure this access continues for all. Founders: Branko Brkic, former editor-in-chief, and Styli Charalambous, CEO. About eatbigfish eatbigfish is a global strategic consultancy specialising in the challenger mindset for brands and business. About Masa A successor to the old Society of Marketers started in the 1950s, later Asom (Association of South African Marketers), and then the MFSA (Marketing Federation South Africa) up to 2005, reborn as Masa in 2006, is the member association and Saqa recognised professional body for the South African client-side marketing community and the representative voice for organisations and individuals in the marketing industry. For more information, visit About the ACA We are the change we want to see. We therefore support the concept of self-regulation in advertising, and abide by the Advertising Regulatory Board Code that seeks to regulate advertising in the public interest.
Telegraph
01-07-2025
- Business
- Telegraph
Zohran Mamdani wants to abolish billionaires. He might as well abolish New York
Perhaps he will hunt them down at the tables of Masa, where sushi can go for almost $1,000 a head. Or maybe he'll track them to the bar at the Plaza hotel, or else evict them from their penthouses overlooking Central Park. It is not yet clear how the radical Democrat nominee for mayor of New York, Zohran Mamdani, intends to act on his apparent desire to cleanse the city of billionaires if he wins power. But one point is surely clear. If he succeeds, he will find it impossible to pay for almost any of his expensive promises. And what might be termed the Mamdani Fallacy will be painfully exposed. Mamdani certainly does not mince his words. During a TV interview, he argued that nobody should have 10 zeroes or more on their bank statement: 'I don't think that we should have billionaires because, frankly, it is so much money in a moment of such inequality, and ultimately, what we need more of is equality across our city and across our state and across our country.' Of course this is a perfectly legitimate point of view for someone who describes himself as a socialist. Most of the major Left-wing thinkers of the last couple of hundred years have staked out very similar positions. And yet there is a catch. While he wants the billionaire class to be abolished, he also effectively wants them to pay for all his expensive campaign pledges. He wants free childcare right across the city, government-run grocery stores to lower the cost of food, and rent controls and subsidies to reduce the price of somewhere to live. How is it all going to be paid for? With higher taxes on the rich apparently, including an extra 2 per cent city income tax, on top of federal and state taxes, for anyone earning more than $1 million a year, and a higher rate of corporate tax as well. While this would also punish many of the merely wealthy, the reality of the income distribution is that he would be relying on large sums being raised from New York billionaires, too. So Mamdani wants to have his billionaire cake and eat it. The plutocrats should be wiped out, but at the same time they should cheerfully pay extra taxes to fund extravagant social programmes. It is a view that is increasingly common across the Western world. In Britain, the governing Labour Party both wants to get rid of non-doms (as wealthy foreigners with a special tax exempt deal are known), while also raising billions in extra taxes from the rich. In France the radical Left wants greater equality, but it also wants wealth taxes to pay for some of the world's most generous social benefits. The message is always the same. The rich are to be destroyed, but also pay for everything. We all know what will happen. Mamdani will get half of what he is arguing for. The rich will indeed be driven out of New York. After all, it is hard to see that many billionaires, or even mere millionaires, will want to stick around in a city that plans to tax them to extinction. They can easily move to low tax Miami or Dallas, or if that is too far then Boston is only a short flight away. They will all leave very quickly. But the other half of what Mamdani wants – all that extra tax revenue he is relying on to pay for his spending – will flee New York along with the private jets. His agenda will have been exposed as crude populism. And it is the New Yorkers with only a couple of zeros on their bank statements who will suffer the most as the experiment collapses in failure.
Time Out
17-06-2025
- Business
- Time Out
One of the world's best sushi restaurants is coming to London
Sushi heads, you're in for a treat. Chef Masayoshi Takayama – the man who launched one of New York's most influential sushi restaurants, Masa – is set to open his first ever proper London restaurant. Tobi Masa will open at Mayfair's Chancery Rosewood hotel – aka the former US Embassy – in September. It'll be serving up some of Masa's signature dishes such as Masa toro tartare and peking duck tacos, as well as a host of brand new dishes, unique to the London opening. You can currently get a little taste of things to come at Sushi by MASA in the Harrods dining hall, but this outpost is set to close in the autumn. Masa opened in New York in 2004 and is one of the most expensive restaurants in America, with the omakase offering set at $750 (£553) per person (and that's before drinks, tax and tip!). It also offers a chef's table experience for $950 (£701) per person. Oof. Masa has held three Michelin stars since 2009, which maybe justifies the cost. Maybe?! Prices for Tobi Masa have yet to be confirmed, but we can't imagine it'll be cheap. 'I'm so proud to be partnering with a creative and innovative brand like Rosewood. We are very excited to embark on this new adventure together, and especially in such a historic landmark building in the middle of Mayfair,' said Takayama of the new opening. Tobi means 'to fly' and draws its inspiration from the 10-foot high, 30-foot wide eagle on top of the building, which has been there since the site, built by architect Eero Saarinen, opened in 1960. The Chancery Rosewood hotel is set to open on September 1. It'll feature 139 rooms, five retail spaces and a 750-guest ballroom. It's also set to be home to a London edition of legendary New York dining spot Carbone. The best sushi restaurants in London, according to Time Out.
