Latest news with #Vision2025
Express Tribune
a day ago
- Business
- Express Tribune
Pakistan for creating growth opportunities
Federal Minister for Communications Abdul Aleem Khan has emphasised the need for creating more opportunities for economic growth and mutual stability within the Economic Cooperation Organisation (ECO) region. "We believe in transforming challenges into opportunities," he stated while addressing an ECO ministerial meeting in Tehran on Monday. He was heading a delegation from Pakistan. The two-day huddle was attended by ministers from 10 member countries including Pakistan, Turkiye, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan and Kyrgyzstan. Delegates from Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, Afghanistan and host country Iran also participated. Abdul Aleem Khan said that Pakistan holds strategic importance in the region and was particularly committed to developing road networks, enhancing land connectivity and establishing trade corridors. He reiterated Pakistan's priority to strengthen ties among ECO member states while referring to the Vision 2025 established during the ECO summit held in Islamabad in 2017. The communications minister highlighted the ongoing efforts to integrate Pakistan's rail and road corridors with the broader ECO network. In that regard, he cited major projects such as CPEC and aligning with the Euro-Asian Transport Links and the Asian Highway Network as national priorities. He elaborated that Pakistan has connected its northern border at Khunjerab to the seaports of Gwadar and Karachi and has also developed road networks to create linkages with Iran and Afghanistan. "Pakistan is undergoing a digital transformation in the communications sector, which will bring substantial long-term benefits," he remarked.
Borneo Post
a day ago
- Health
- Borneo Post
Tuaran, Beluran Hospitals to pioneer digital healthcare transformation in Sabah
Dr Raymond Alfred KOTA KINABALU (June 2): Despite over three decades of dedicated service since its establishment in 1993, Tuaran Hospital has experienced limited progress in digital healthcare transformation. Recognizing the urgent need to modernize and optimize healthcare delivery, Allyssa Certification Sdn Bhd, under the platform of the BIMP-EAGA Business Council (Sabah), has taken a proactive step to address these systemic challenges. In June 2024, Allyssa Certification Sdn Bhd — an operating arm of the BIMP-EAGA Business Council (Sabah) — together with its technology partners, MQuest Malaysia Sdn Bhd and Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS), engaged in a strategic dialogue with the Chief Minister of Sabah to present proposed digital healthcare solutions. Following the meeting, the Chief Minister's Department recommended direct engagement with the Permanent Secretary (Datuk Maria Chong) of the Ministry of Community Development and People's Wellbeing to advance the initiative. As a result, a Proof of Concept (PoC) was successfully implemented at Tuaran Hospital and partially at Beluran Hospital, with endorsement and support from the ministry. This initiative aligns with the BIMP-EAGA (Brunei Darussalam–Indonesia–Malaysia–Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area) Vision 2025, which prioritizes digitalization as a catalyst for economic integration, innovation and regional resilience. Dr Raymond Alfred, chairman of BIMP-EAGA (Sabah) and CEO of Allyssa Certification Sdn Bhd, believes the digital healthcare initiative will position Tuaran and Beluran Hospitals for enhanced operational efficiency, improved patient outcomes, and readiness for advanced technologies, including Artificial Intelligence (AI). The technical report and outcomes of the PoC were formally submitted to Datuk James Ratib, Sabah's Minister of Community Development and People's Wellbeing, by the project team comprising Dr Raymond Alfred (Allyssa Certification), Prof Ts Dr Rayner Alfred (MIMOS), Dr Rayner Pailus (UMS), Lim Boon Seng (MQ Singapore), and Rayyan Radzwill Abdullah (MQuest Malaysia). James acknowledged the success of the initiative and affirmed the value it brings to Sabah, including (i) Improved access to healthcare for remote and underserved communities, (ii) Accelerated data-driven state-level health policy decisions, (iii) Enhanced efficiency and transparency in the allocation of healthcare resources and (iv) future-proof, autonomous digital healthcare ecosystem tailored to Sabah's unique needs He further recognized the tangible achievements of the PoC, including (i) Full integration of digital platforms across key hospital departments, (ii) Transition of critical workflows (e.g., triage, clinical encounters) from paper-based to digital, (iii) Real-time clinical and operational dashboards for informed decision-making, (iv) Integration of laboratory, radiology, and pharmacy modules with the Hospital Information System (HIS), (v) Deployment of AI-enabled tools to support clinical decision-making, (vi) Standards-based interoperability with the national health database 'This initiative represents a pivotal turning point for Tuaran and Beluran Hospitals,' said James. 'It is a low-risk, high-impact transformation that has the potential to set a new benchmark for smarter, more efficient healthcare delivery in the region. My ministry is fully committed to providing the necessary support to ensure the successful and timely implementation of this initiative.' Raymond extends his sincere appreciation to Permanent Secretary (Datuk Maria Chong) of the Ministry of Community Development and People's Wellbeing, Dr Primus John, Director of Tuaran Hospital, and Dr Aldasir B. Rudy, Director of Beluran Hospital, for their valuable suggestions, contributions, and close cooperation during the implementation of the Proof of Concept. Allyssa Certification Sdn Bhd, together with its technology partners, remains fully committed to supporting both hospitals in their journey to become the first fully digital hospitals in Sabah. This pioneering initiative is set to transform patient care and hospital operations, ushering in a new era of digital healthcare excellence within the BIMP-EAGA region.
BusinessToday
27-05-2025
- Business
- BusinessToday
BIMP-EAGA Triples Priority Projects As Sub-Regional Cooperation Deepens
The number of priority infrastructure projects (PIPs) under the Brunei Darussalam–Indonesia–Malaysia–Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA) has tripled to 129 as of October 2023, with a combined value of US$38.87 billion. This marks a sharp increase from the 57 projects recorded in 2017 when Vision 2025 was first adopted. The BIMP-EAGA economy grew by 7.7% in 2022, with gross domestic product at current prices reaching US$392.1 billion, accounting for 18.9% of the combined GDP of the four participating countries. The sub-region covers over 60% of land area among the member states, yet accounts for only 18.8% of their population and 18.4% of the labour force. Philippines President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. highlighted these figures at the 16th BIMP-EAGA Summit, held in Kuala Lumpur, which he chaired. He emphasised that the initiative has been instrumental in reducing development disparities within the sub-region. 'These efforts have been particularly impactful in connectivity, trade and investment facilitation, as well as food and energy security,' said Marcos. Other areas showing significant progress since BIMP-EAGA's launch in 1994 include ecotourism and green development, he said. 'As we convene today, let us take this opportunity not only to celebrate these milestones but also to affirm our shared vision for a more integrated, prosperous and resilient BIMP-EAGA,' Marcos added. 'The path ahead calls for even greater synergy, innovation and political will. I am confident that through our cooperation, we will continue to transform these aspirations into a lasting impact for our people.' Marcos noted that this year's summit holds special significance as it commemorates eight years of progress under Vision 2025. Since 2017, cooperation among BIMP-EAGA members has delivered tangible benefits across communities in the region. 'Together, we have laid down stronger foundations for inclusive, sustainable and innovation-driven growth.' BIMP-EAGA promotes growth in trade, investment and tourism through new intra-regional shipping routes, air connectivity and power interconnection projects. Its cooperation portfolio also includes agribusiness, tourism, environmental initiatives and socio-cultural education. Also in attendance at the summit were Malaysia's Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, the Sultan of Brunei Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah, Indonesia's President Prabowo Subianto, Malaysia's Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan, and Economy Minister Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli. The BIMP-EAGA sub-region includes all of Brunei; Kalimantan, Sulawesi, Maluku and West Papua of Indonesia; Sabah, Sarawak and Labuan of Malaysia; and Mindanao and Palawan in the Philippines. Despite being far from national capitals, these areas are strategically close to one another, underpinning regional cooperation. Related
New Straits Times
27-05-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
BIMP-EAGA Summit pushes for stronger regional cooperation
KUALA LUMPUR: The 16th Brunei Darussalam-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines East Asean Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA) Summit seeks to promote stronger collaboration, innovative approaches, and firm political commitment to create a meaningful and lasting impact on the lives of the people. Philippine President Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos Jr., who is chairing the summit, said this year's BIMP-EAGA Summit is especially meaningful as it commemorates significant progress since the launch of Vision 2025 "Since 2017, our cooperation has deepened, our partnerships have delivered tangible benefits for our people. "Together, we have laid down stronger foundations for inclusive, sustainable and innovative-driven growth," he said in his opening remarks at the summit. Marcos said joint efforts in connectivity, trade, investment, food and energy security, ecotourism, and green development have seen significant progress. He said this reflects a strong commitment to bridging the development gap within the sub-region. "As we convene today, let us take this opportunity to not only celebrate these milestones, but to also affirm our shared vision for a more integrated, prosperous and resilient BIMP-EAGA. "The path ahead calls for even greater synergy, innovation and political will," he added. BIMP-EAGA is a cooperation initiative established in 1994 to spur development in remote and less developed areas in the four participating Southeast Asian countries.
IOL News
19-05-2025
- Business
- IOL News
Vodacom achieves five-year strategy targets and increases the 2025 dividend by 5. 1%
Vodacom hopes to grow its customer base to 260 million people using its network by 2030, this after reaching 211.3 million customers in its 2025 financial year. Image: Supplied Vodacom Group met five-year targets and lifted its full-year dividend 5.1% to 620 cents a share, even though it served 9.2 million fewer customers in the year to March 31. South Africa's second biggest mobile network operator has also upgraded its medium-term operational earnings growth targets. CEO Shameel Joosub said Monday normalised earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation increased 7.8% to R55.52 billion in the past year and that the five-year target for this metric had been adjusted to double-digit figures from high single-digit figures. 'As we draw the curtain on our Vision 2025 strategy, I am proud of the progress we made over five years to deliver on our targets. This was despite a challenging environment marked by a global health crisis, currency volatility, geopolitical tensions, inflation pressures and energy disruptions in South Africa,' Joosub said in a statement. He said they finished the second half strongly, despite currency volatility, which had since stabilised, particularly in Egypt. Group revenue increased 1.1% to R152.2bn, despite big foreign exchange headwinds. Group service revenue fell by 0.1% in rands, but increased 11.2% on a normalised basis, above the medium-term target. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Financial services revenue increased 17.6% on the same basis to R14bn, contributing 11.6% to group service revenue. The group now serves a combined 211.3 million customers and 87.7 million financial services customers, including Safaricom on a 100% basis. 'Over the five-year period, we significantly expanded geographic and product diversification resulting in the number of customers using our networks increasing from 115.5 million to 211.3 million, while financial services customers rose from 53.2 million to 87.7 million, including Safaricom, over the same period,' said Joosub. Headline earnings a share for the past year increased 1.3% to 857 cents, reflecting strong growth in the second half. Operating profit was up 10.9% to R35.79 billion. 'We now seek to ensure we deliver against our Vision 2030 ambitions, which include growing our customer base to 260 million and financial services customer base to 120 million,' he said. Group service revenue from beyond mobile was targeted to increase to 30% from 21% currently. Group service revenue and EBITDA targets were upgraded from high single-digit to double-digit growth. He said the performance in South Africa over the past year had been resilient, and there was outstanding, continued growth in Egypt and Tanzania. The businesses in Mozambique and DRC were impacted by post-election tensions and conflict, but with momentum behind peace efforts in both countries, the group was hopeful of improved prospects. The South African business saw service revenue growth of 2.3%, led by a recovery in the prepaid segment, sustained data traffic growth of over 36.4%, and the increasing contribution of beyond mobile services. 'These services, encompassing financial and digital services, fixed and IoT, contributed R11.2bn, or 17.8% of South Africa's service revenue,' he said. The International business spanning DRC, Lesotho, Mozambique and Tanzania achieved 7.1% normalised service revenue growth. Tanzania saw service revenue growth of 20.5% and EBITDA increased 25.2% in shillings. Lesotho and DRC grew service revenue by 10.4% and 8.2% respectively, in local currency. M-Pesa, Africa's largest mobile money platform, processed over $450.8bn in transaction value, reflecting an 18.3% increase. In Ethiopia, a 103.2% increase in customer base to 8.8 million was driven by growing demand for connectivity and a growing commercial trajectory. Service revenue in local currency increased 238.9%. 'As the second most populous country in Africa, Ethiopia remains integral to our long-term growth ambitions, and we are encouraged by the market's response to our entry and the regulatory strides being made,' said Joosub. Egypt delivered service revenue of R27.7bn, contributing 23% to the group. Service revenue for the year was up 45.2%, accelerating to 47.7% in the fourth quarter, supported by a strong commercial campaign and price adjustments across mobile and fixed services in December. The group has lodged an appeal at the Competition Tribunal following a decision to prohibit Vodacom's proposed acquisition of a stake in Maziv, the parent of Vumatel and Dark Fibre Africa. Visit:
