Latest news with #RM800mil
The Star
07-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Star
Digital creative industry hits RM5.3bil in revenue
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia's digital creative industry recorded a strong performance in 2023, generating RM5.3bil in revenue with exports valued at RM800mil, says Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo (pic). More importantly, he said these achievements contributed to the creation of more than 10,000 high-value job opportunities across the ecosystem. 'Under the Digital Creative Ecosystem Roadmap (DICE) by the Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC), the government is showing a strong commitment to develop the digital creative sector with the objective of making Malaysia a regional and global hub for digital content creation by 2030. 'DICE is not just an initiative; rather, a holistic strategy to build a sustainable ecosystem that supports talent development, market access, investment, and innovation in this industry,' he said in his speech at the official launch of Upin & Ipin Universe video game here yesterday, Bernama reported. Also present were Les' Copaque Production managing director Burhanuddin Md Radzi, National Film Development Corporation of Malaysia (Finas) chairman Datuk Gerald Hans Isaac and Streamline Media Group chief executive officer Alexander Fernandez. Gobind said that riding the momentum of global digitalisation, the games sector is also booming. In this regard, the ministry is continuing to drive digital transformation by prioritising Animation and Games as a core component of the digital agenda. 'Recognising the importance of the Digital Creative industry, the ministry views it as a backbone of progress in the digital economy. 'To further strengthen this ecosystem, MDEC has launched two key programmes – Animated Shorts Challenge and Digital Games Testbed,' he said. Gobind said the launch of the Upin & Ipin Universe game is not just about unveiling a new game; it is a testament to the creativity, innovation, and collaborative spirit that define Malaysia's journey to becoming a regional hub for Animation and Games. The launch of the Upin & Ipin Universe game is a shining example of what Malaysia can achieve when creativity meets opportunity, he said. 'This game, developed by a cooperation between Les' Copaque Production and Streamline Studios, embodies the innovation and cultural richness that make Malaysian games stand out,' he said. Upin & Ipin Universe, developed by Streamline Studios, is an open-world adventure game inspired by South-East Asia's beloved Upin & Ipin series, will be available starting July 17. The game will be available for PC on Steam and Epic Game Store, PlayStation 4 and 5, and Nintendo Switch, marking a major milestone for the globally recognised franchise.
The Star
08-06-2025
- Politics
- The Star
Asean News Headlines at 10pm on Sunday (June 8, 2025)
Malaysia: * No travel ban for Fahmi Reza, confirms IGP / PM wants Deputy IGP to look into travel ban on Fahmi Reza * 'My freedom to travel was restricted', says Fahmi Reza, threatens to sue govt * MetMalaysia issues thunderstorm warning for eight states * Sukuk misuse case: Tan Sri to be quizzed soon following hospital discharge, says Azam * DAP backs judicial review on NFA over Teoh Beng Hock case * Nearly RM800mil allocated to states for water supply projects to address monsoon impact * Klang boat capsize: Victim's mother breaks down when identifying body * MCMC call data request from telcos to improve network, not invade privacy, says Fahmi * Telcos assure customer privacy in MCMC data initiative * Check before making further decision, Higher Education Ministry urges Harvard-bound Malaysians * Bursa Malaysia seen trading between the 1,500 and 1,530 level this week, pending fresh catalysts * Ringgit to continue its positive trend against US dollar this week, keen eyes on US economic data report * Badminton: Cheers to Wei Chong-Kai Wun for fighting on despite hostile atmosphere * Badminton: Pearly-Thinaah stretch China's world No. 1 pair before going down in final * Faster by train, not plane -- A train can never move faster than a plane, but a train ride can be faster than a flight Secretary of State Marco Rubio (right) meets with Singaporean Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan at the State Department in Washington.-- AP Photo/Kevin Wolf Singapore: * My husband arranged for five men to rape me. I have to live for my children: Victim in Singapore wife-rape ring case * 'I want women to know that this kind of thing really happens': Wife-rape survivor in Singapore on telling her story * Man who let snakes bite him 200 times spurs new antivenom hope * Singapore to send delegation led by Foreign Affairs Minister Vivian Balakrishnan to UN Ocean Conference * Over 20,000 devotees attend Sri Sivan Temple consecration in Singapore, crowd almost breaks through barricades * 15 people in Singapore to be charged with theft; food, medicine, clothing among items stolen from shops * Mum of six who juggles three jobs starts free breakfast club for children in Ang Mo Kio, Singapore * Woman arrested at Changi Airport check-in area for abusing public servant * Megan, half-Singaporean member of Katseye, comes out as bisexual * Who is Megan Skiendiel? Katseye's half-Singaporean teen member in the limelight for being bisexual but she also loves her laksa Indonesia: * Indonesia and Russia are among the major economies with lowest dependence on exports, as according to calculations * Five nabbed for murder of Indonesian in Kluang * Indonesia and EU are close to finalising major trade pact * Badminton: Dane Antonsen ends bane of being second best at Indonesian Open * Former Indonesian president Jokowi signals interest in leading PSI over PPP * Indonesian National Police Commission urges sanctioning Makassar officers for alleged extortion, assault * Prabowo sends Gerindra officials to meet Megawati, deliver confidential message Volunteers pick up trash during a coastal clean-up drive ahead of World Oceans Day, in Pasay City, Metro Manila, Philippines. -- Photo: REUTERS/Lisa Marie David Thailand: * Thai and Cambodian forces to resume previous positions on border, Thailand says * Thailand cuts border crossing hours with Cambodia over security * Embassy hosts Aidiladha celebration for Malaysians in Bangkok * Thai DPM Phumtham cancels Paris trip to monitor three key developments * Thai authorities seize 346 tonnes of smuggled chicken feet amid bird flu concerns * Thailand enforces border controls to safeguard communities amidst rising tensions Philippines: * UN Ocean Conference sets sail in France on World Oceans Day * Philippine and Singapore expand cooperation in prioritised areas * Chinese ship runs aground off Philippines-occupied island in the disputed South China Sea * Mass actions pressing for Sara Duterte trial set for June 9 to June 11 * Philippine Bureau of Investigation nabs yakuza boss in Angeles * Marcos, Machiavelli, and martial arts A saleswoman uses her phone as she waits for customers at a home appliance store in Hanoi on June 6, 2025. Vietnam's exports rose sharply last month, official figures showed June 6, as the communist country tries to negotiate relief from swingeing tariffs threatened by US President Donald Trump. -- Photo by Nhac NGUYEN / AFP Vietnam * Many opportunities for Asean amidst US' tariff tantrum, says Asean-BAC head * Vietnam PM attends Blue Economy and Finance Forum in Monaco; event aims to help countries tackle financial challenges * US imposes anti-dumping duty on Vietnamese shrimp exporters * Vietnam exports up as US tariff threat lingers * Vietnam inks deals to buy US$3 Billion US products before talks * Smaller families still in favour for Vietnam young couples Myanmar: * US cuts Chinese medicine purchases threefold in April, according to customs data * Trump's travel ban on 12 countries goes into effect early Monday; Myanmar among countries on top of list * One minor, two micro earthquakes hit Myanmar on Sunday morning * China urges citizens to flee Myanmar conflict zone * Junta protests UN labour violations resolution South Korea's Kim Won-ho and Seo Seung-jae celebrate on the podium following their victory against Indonesia's Sabar Karyaman Gutama and Moh Reza Pahlevi Isfahani during their men's doubles final match at the Indonesia Open badminton tournament at Istora Senayan in Jakarta on Sunday, June 8, 2025. -- Photo by BAY ISMOYO / AFP Cambodia: * Thailand reduces opening days for major border crossings with Cambodia; chaos at border gate as workers rush to go across * United Nations and Asean urge global community to protect oceans under threat * Chinese banana group expands Cambodian operations by 50% * Cambodia, Thailand hope for peaceful settlement of border dispute Laos: * Lao central bank governor, ministers reshuffled in major cabinet overhaul * Laos seeks to improve health system resilience * Road accidents claim 70 lives in Laos in May Brunei: * Bruneian on mission to conquer seven Central Java mountains * Fact-checking platform set to strengthen Brunei response to fake news, digital scams * QuickCheck: Can Singapore dollars be used in Brunei and vice versa? People walk on the sea promenade ahead of the UN Ocean Conference in Nice, French Riviera. -- AP Photo/Laurent Cipriani AseanPlus: * Kerala woman, accused of marrying 10 men and duping them, arrested before latest wedding * China committed to building South China Sea into sea of peace, friendship and cooperation, says report * K-pop sensation BTS' new single 'On' surpasses 500 million streams on Spotify * US to resume processing Harvard visas * Japan flexes its military muscle at China, and Trump * A classical music festival is giving historic Melaka a fresh dose of culture * China vice premier to meet US delegation for trade talks: Beijing * Australia seeks stronger trade ties after unjustified US tariffs * Foreign politicians urged to stop interfering in Hong Kong affairs * Japan, EU to form Competitiveness Alliance to strengthen trade ties * Secret Russian intelligence document shows deep suspicion of China * A Brazilian medal for a Japanese princess * Restive Indian state orders curfew after fresh violence * With G7 on horizon, Lee Jae-myung races to fill key posts in South Korea * Chinese man defies demolition orders to build madcap rural home * Naver to establish US subsidiary for investment in local startups * Civilians in Gaza face heavy attacks while seeking food at aid centres, says UN agency * Paid less than unskilled labourers, community health workers in India go on strike * Taiwan scholars mark 80th anniversary of victory in war against Japanese aggression * UK and India discuss 'counter-terrorism' cooperation after Pakistan ceasefire * Faulty prostate cancer tests leave 406 Hong Kong patients with nervy wait * Is China's Tiandu-1 first to enter resonant Earth-moon orbit? US raises doubts * Why Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area is a must-watch for global businesses * Leo, the first US pope, criticises nationalist politics at Sunday Mass * Still starving in Gaza -- When can Palestinians get any food aid? * Is China's Tiandu-1 first to enter resonant Earth-moon orbit? US raises doubts * Cricket-Australia's Hazlewood does not want to miss WTC final again * Aidiladha joy for muay thai exponent Nor Iman in ONE C'ship * Tennis-Gauff continues American renaissance by stunning Sabalenka for French Open glory * Swimming - Canadian teen McIntosh shatters 400 metres freestyle record
The Star
20-05-2025
- Business
- The Star
Astaka-Kimlun JV begins construction of RM800mil Arden skyscraper in Johor Baru
From left: Astaka Kimlun Sdn Bhd director Abdul Hakim Kamaludin, Astaka Holdings Limited CEO and Director Allen Khong, Johor Bahru City Council mayor Datuk Mohd Haffiz Ahmad, Kimlun Corp Bhd CEO and executive director Pang Khang Hau and Kimlun executive director Sim Tian Liang. KUALA LUMPUR: Johor-based property developer Astaka Holdings Limited, together with its joint venture (JV) partner Kimlun Corp Bhd , has commenced construction of Arden — a premium serviced residence under Phase 3 of One Bukit Senyum, the group's flagship development. In a statement, Astaka said the 68-storey Arden is envisioned as a prominent international landmark within the newly announced Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ). Standing 260 metres above ground, it will be the second tallest building in Johor Bahru. Notably, Astaka also developed Johor Bahru's tallest building — The Astaka — completed in 2018 as part of Phase 1 of the One Bukit Senyum development. Arden is a freehold development with a gross development value (GDV) of RM800mil, comprising 618 units of premium serviced residences. Unit sizes range from 797 to 1,700 square feet, with prices estimated between RM1,300 and RM1,500 per square foot. Targeted for completion by 2030, the project reflects the group's vision of delivering an iconic and prestigious development that will reshape Johor Bahru's skyline. Astaka and its JV partner have appointed GDP Architects Sdn Bhd — the firm behind landmark projects such as Pavilion Kuala Lumpur, TRX Residence, EQ Hotel Kuala Lumpur, and The Astaka — as the project's architect. Astaka executive director and chief executive officer Allen Khong said that following the successful official launch of Arden in March 2025, the company was thrilled to commence construction of the landmark development. 'We are pleased to share this milestone with Kimlun, our longstanding partner on projects including Menara MBJB and Aliva Mount Austin. I am proud to highlight that this project brings together two renowned, Johor-based real estate players dedicated to world-class developments that deliver exceptional value to residents and investors,' he said. Meanwhile, Kimlun chief executive officer Pang Khang Hau said: 'Kimlun is proud to partner with Astaka once again as a JV partner and the main contractor on another transformative project that will redefine Johor Bahru's skyline. 'Our proven track record in delivering high-quality engineering and construction solutions aligns perfectly with the vision for Arden and One Bukit Senyum. Together, we look forward to delivering an iconic project that will be the city's newest landmark.'
The Star
18-05-2025
- Politics
- The Star
Safe Internet drive eyes secondary, tertiary students
JOHOR BARU: The Safe Internet Campaign by the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) will target secondary schools and public universities next month to create awareness on becoming responsible Internet users. 'This is a programme by MCMC, which was launched in April. 'So far, we have held the campaign in nine primary schools including vernacular schools in the country,' said Deputy Communications Minister Teo Nie Ching. She said the campaign will help educate people in protecting their privacy and funds from online culprits. The campaign is meant to raise awareness especially among future generations on how to use the Internet, social media and apps safely, she told reporters after launching the Kita Madani carnival at PPR Sri Stulang here yesterday. To ensure that the campaign reaches out to as many people as possible, Teo said the MCMC is training individuals to become trainers. She said the government will also deal with issues related to cyber bullying and data protection during the campaign. 'The campaign will help educate the public on how not to fall prey to any get-rich-quick schemes they found online, which has become very serious lately. 'Based on police records as of April, the first four months of this year saw almost RM800mil in losses recorded with more than half of those cases involving non-existing investment schemes,' she added. Teo said the Safe Internet Campaign will be held on the sidelines of Rakyat Madani Program (PMR) 2025 at Toppen Shopping Centre here for three days from May 23 to 25. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim will launch the event, she added. 'Many agencies will set up booths during PMR 2025,' she said. 'It will provide an opportunity for the people to have a better understanding of government policies and initiatives.'
The Star
17-05-2025
- Politics
- The Star
MCMC's Safe Internet Campaign aims to help educate society to protect privacy, browse safely
JOHOR BARU: The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission's (MCMC) Safe Internet Campaign will help educate society in protecting their privacy and money from irresponsible parties online, says Teo Nie Ching. The Deputy Communications Minister added that the campaign was launched last month to educate the public, in particular future generations, on how to properly use the Internet and social media including apps safely 'This is a new programme by MCMC, which was launched for the first time in April. So far, we have held the campaign in nine primary schools including vernacular schools across the country. 'We are hoping to enter secondary schools and public universities to hold the Safe Internet Campaign by next month to create awareness on becoming a responsible Internet user,' she said. Teo, who is also the Kulai MP, said this to pressmen after officiating at the Kita Madani carnival held at PPR Sri Stulang here on Saturday (May 17). She added that to ensure that the campaign able to reach out to as many people as it can, MCMC was in the midst of training individuals to become trainers. Teo also said that through the campaign, the government was aggressive in tackling issues such as cyber bullying, protecting data and personal information online and not abusing technology such as artificial intelligence. 'The campaign will also help educate the public on not to fall prey to any get rich schemes they found online, which has become very serious lately. 'Based on the records by police, until April, which is the first four months, almost RM800mil in losses have been recorded with more than half of those cases are non existing investment schemes,' she added. Teo said scam cases should be looked upon seriously not only by authorities but by everyone including members of the public so that people would not lose their savings anymore. She added that the Safe Internet Campaign would be held during the sidelines of Rakyat Madani Program (PMR) 2025, which will be held at Toppen Shopping Centre here for three days from May 23 and May 25. 'Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim will be launching the event on next Friday (May 23) at around 3pm. 'Many agencies will set up booth during the PMR 2025 where it would provide an opportunity for the people to have a better understanding on the Madani government's policies and initiatives for them,' she said.
