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New Straits Times
19-06-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
PEOPLElogy charts regional growth
KUALA LUMPUR: Integrated people development solution provider PEOPLElogy Bhd is charting an ambitious regional expansion plan, with the aim to transform 10 million digital talents in Southeast Asia. Founder and managing director Alan Lee said the company is planning expansions in Indonesia and the Philippines to create operational hubs via joint ventures or mergers and acquisitions. Lee also said Sabah and Sarawak present a golden opportunity for the group, considering their emphasis on digital talent. "I have spent more than nine months in 2023 exploring these markets. What I can say is that the response to PEOPLElogy's ecosystem was overwhelmingly positive. "It is a painful journey for small training firms with no branding, no capital, no processes. When we bring our 6D framework and technology, we help them scale and we do not just compete, but we also collaborate," he said in an interview. On top of that, Lee said its regional office in Singapore will serve as a business development hub to promote its solutions across Asean. "Through our Singapore office, we aim to forge stronger partnerships and deliver impactful learning solutions." DEVELOPING DIGITAL SKILLS Founded in 2001, PEOPLElogy has grown from a traditional training company to a tech-enabled human capital solutions provider. It has more than 1,500 corporate clients and has trained over 250,000 people. The company operates in Mid Valley City, Kuala Lumpur, with branches in Selangor, Penang and Johor. In the next five years, PEOPLElogy plans to train up to 10 million digital talents in Southeast Asia. According to Lee, the digital skills gap is a significant challenge for businesses in Southeast Asia, with more than 60 per cent reporting a large gap that hinders their digital transformation. Projections show that more than 800 million jobs worldwide may be taken over by automation by 2025. Therefore, Lee said there is an urgent need for lifelong learning and skills development. "We plan to carry out the training in stages, helping people acquire key skills, especially in the digital field. "Since 20 years ago, I have been keeping count how many people we have impacted. In 2016, I found out that the fastest and easiest way is to leverage technology. "That was the year I incorporated PEOPLElogy Digital. We decided to leverage technology to accelerate growth. So, in 2019, we got our mobile app ready. "I am pretty sure in the next three to five years, we should be able to impact 10 million people throughout Southeast Asia." STRONG MARKET FUNDAMENTALS PEOPLElogy was successfully listed on Bursa Malaysia, marking a historic milestone as Malaysia's first public-listed people development company, pioneering the future of digital workforce transformation. Lee is aware that there is market uncertainty, but remains optimistic about the company's outlook. He said the company has secured RM9.1 million in sales for the second quarter. It posted RM5.47 million in net profit in 2024, with revenue growing 18.2 per cent year-on-year to RM29.24 million. "Despite higher operational costs, our upward trend reflects growing demand and solid business fundamentals. "The tariffs do not affect us. I believe that there is no right time. We just need to work around the situation. We are still small compared to the market size, and with this listing, we are scaling to meet demand. To summarise, I think we are pretty confident," he said. CYBER RANGE LABORATORY A significant portion of the proceeds from the initial public offering (32.38 per cent) was allocated for a state-of-the-art Cyber Range laboratory in Kuala Lumpur. Lee said there is increased demand for cybersecurity programmes due to cyber threats and data breaches impacting individuals and organisations in Malaysia. According to him, the RM3 million facility will offer immersive, gamified cybersecurity training. "Just imagine, entering Cyber Range Laboratory is like stepping into a game. But it is a game that could save your company from a real cyber threat." The company has yet to identify a location for the simulation lab. Lee also said PEOPLElogy plans to launch Version 2 of its digital learning platform, building on its current business-to-business and business-to-consumer mobile apps. The platform supports the company's proprietary 6D methodology (discover, design, develop, deploy, digitise and deliver) which helps organisations identify talent, design learning journeys, train staff, monitor results and ensure behavioural change. "Unlike traditional training firms, we do not just give you the medicine but we also run a full diagnosis. We help organisations identify what they need, train their teams, monitor their progress and ensure long-term behavioural change through technology." COMPETITION IN THE INDUSTRY As it positions itself for regional growth, Lee said PEOPLElogy remains confident about its unique market position. "Looking forward, we do not see any firm in Malaysia as our direct competitor as we are not just a training services provider, but an end-to-end integrated people development solutions provider. "We believe that our 6D framework makes us a unique platform for customers looking to enhance their digital skills." PEOPLElogy was recently named one of the skills partners of "Program Akar", launched by PayNet and Microsoft as an AI-powered initiative to boost financial services industry talent development in Malaysia. "We are thankful for this opportunity to work with both PayNet and Microsoft to help develop financial services industry talent in Malaysia. This also establishes PEOPLElogy's standing among international players," Lee added.
New Straits Times
29-05-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
Tropicana reverses Q1 2024 loss with RM1.3mil net profit in Q1 2025
KUALA LUMPUR: Tropicana Corporation Bhd posted a net profit of RM1.3 million for the first quarter to March 31 2025 to reverse its RM9.1 million net loss a year ago. The company's revenue, however, fell 10.6 per cent to RM260.4 million from RM291.3 million previously. Tropicana, in a statement today, said this was due to the completion of the divestment of several investment properties, resulting in a reduction of recurring income. On a positive note, its finance costs were lower in line with its ongoing strategy to reduce overall debt levels through asset monetisation initiatives. "We will continue to strive forward and strengthen our stakeholder engagements, focusing on value creation as well as establishing strategic marketing and sales campaigns across our online and offline platforms. "We believe that the demand for properties in Tropicana's established, mature and developing townships will persist and that the property market should maintain its positive momentum in 2025," it added. Tropicana said its unbilled sales stood at RM2.1 billion, placing the company in a comfortable position to deliver sustainable earnings. The company said 10 of its development across Malaysia achieved full take-up over the past few months, including Tropicana Miyu, Edelweiss Serviced Residences, Freesia Residences, Gemala Residences, Hana Residences and SouthPlace Residences in the Klang Valley. In the northern and southern regions, Assana and Merissa Serviced Suites in Langkawi, as well as Aster Heights and Summit Commercial Hub in Johor, posted full take-up. Tropicana Alam, the company's latest township at Puncak Alam, introduced its Avisa Residences show units, resulting in a positive 76 per cent take-up for the first phase. Tropicana's current landbank stood at 540.73 hectares, with a total potential gross development value of RM168.4 billion The company said the recent appointment of world-class architectural firm Skidmore, Owings & Merrill to lead the transformation of 65.97 hectares Lido Waterfront Boulevard (LIDO) will add more value, placing LIDO as its most prime piece of land in Johor. "This strong land portfolio positions the group to unlock significant value, drive growth and deliver sustainable performance in the next few years," it added.
The Sun
13-05-2025
- Business
- The Sun
ICT Zone Asia aims to raise RM26.6 million from IPO in transfer to ACE Market
KUALA LUMPUR: Technology financing solution company ICT Zone Asia Bhd aims to raise RM26.6 million through its initial public offering (IPO) in conjunction with its transfer from the LEAP Market to the ACE Market of Bursa Malaysia. The transfer is scheduled for June 3, and will involve a public issue of 133 million new shares, priced at 20 sen each. Group managing director and chief executive officer Tommy Lim Kok Kwang said the ACE Market listing will provide the company with the opportunity to grow its business organically by gaining access to funding from Malaysia's capital market. It will also enhance its capacity to meet the growing demands of stakeholders, supported by greater visibility in the broader market. 'Of the total RM26.6 million proceeds, RM21 million (or nearly 80%) will be allocated towards expanding our technology financing business. Another RM1.5 million will be used for sales and marketing efforts, while the remaining funds will cover listing-related expenses for the ACE Market transfer,' he said during the prospectus launch today. The company also aims to strengthen its position and focus on achieving a target of RM500 million in unbilled orders within three years. ICT Zone Asia has reported strong financial performance, with a record revenue of RM127.8 million and a profit after tax of RM9.1 million. 'The company's contractual business model, coupled with its revenue visibility and operational efficiency, provides investors with stable recurring cash flows and long-term earnings predictability. 'These attributes are especially valuable in today's market, where risk-adjusted fundamentals and consistent execution are essential,' the company stated. The IPO is now open for applications and will close on May 20. Malacca Securities Sdn Bhd is the principal adviser, sponsor, joint underwriter, and joint placement agent for the IPO. SCS Global Advisory (M) Sdn Bhd is the financial adviser, while Kenangan Investment Bank Bhd is a joint underwriter and joint placement agent. – Bernama
