Latest news with #YAPCHEEHONG
The Star
5 days ago
- Automotive
- The Star
Hot wheels expo set to rev up with art and music
Porsche 911 GT3 RS cars wrapped to replicate the Hot Wheels vehicles that will be showcased at Art of Speed Malaysia 2025 at MAEPS in Serdang, Selangor from July 26 to 27. — YAP CHEE HONG/The Star BRENDON Vetuskey, a celebrated toy designer from the United States, is set to energise the Hot Wheels Collectors Convention Malaysia at Art of Speed Malaysia (AOS) 2025. AOS is an annual event showcasing various artwork formats in an automotive setting. AOS 2025 – which takes place on July 26 and 27 at Malaysia Agro Exposition Park Serdang (MAEPS) – marks the third year of collaboration with Hot Wheels, a popular scale model car series. More than 20 international guests from the custom vehicle and creative media scene would be making appearances at the event, continuing the organiser's efforts to promote knowledge- sharing and community building. AOS this year will feature a diverse showcase of custom culture exhibitions, global guests and activities suitable for all ages. New additions to this year's event include a World of Wheels exhibition presented by a special outdoor photo studio for cars and an indoor photo studio for motorcycles — with the latter two offering a chance for owners to have their vehicles professionally photographed. 'This year, we've replaced the usual lucky draw with a 'Kembara Passport' game, in which participants need to complete activities, collect stamps and spin the wheel for a prize,' said AOS Malaysia founder Asep Ahmad Iskandar. Asep says AOS creates a bridge that connects automotive, music and art communities. 'This way, everyone goes home with a gift. 'Some lucky participants will even win trips abroad to countries such as Indonesia, Japan and Thailand,' he said during a press conference at Bukit Kiara Equestrian and Country Resort, Kuala Lumpur. Asep said AOS started in 2012 as a small show aimed at bringing like-minded communities together. 'We wanted to create a bridge between different communities. 'Since then, we have built a space that connects the dots from motorcycles to music to art, bringing these different creative communities under one roof. 'We believe art exists in everything and through that, we found a way to bring people together and that is how the name Art of Speed was created.' A 'SoundCircus Takeover' music event will be held at Hall A as part of the two-day AOS 2025. It will feature performers such as Noh Salleh and Restore Iboe, Romantic Echoes, Ruffedge, Luqman Podolski, Fugo and Langkawi Dub Club Sound-System. An online early bird special for AOS tickets is available for a limited time, with the weekend pass priced at RM35 and Sunday pass at RM40. Both passes are priced at RM50 each for walk-ins. Entry is free for children below 12 years old and disabled (OKU) card holders. For tickets and details, visit
The Star
20-06-2025
- Business
- The Star
New FINEXUS platform to boost momentum of startups
Leading innovation: Loh speaking at the Malaysia Digital SME Digitalisation Initiatives Event at Finexus MyXaaS Innovation Centre, Cyberjaya. — YAP CHEE HONG/The Star CYBERJAYA: With the government pushing for more startups as part of its Asean Startup Year 2025, local technology company Finexus Group is hoping to give back to the nation by providing the necessary support through its new platform. With the MyXaaS Innovation Platform, startup entrepreneurs will be provided access to tried and tested Application Programming Interface (API) and Software Development Kit (SDK) while riding on Finexus' infrastructure, licences and technical expertise. Startups will first undergo an assessment to understand their product and idea, according to Finexus Strategy and Transformation Group director Jo-Anne Loh. She explained that this data is transformed into actionable insights, guiding the startup from concept to launch – covering everything from software design and API integration to testing, regulatory approvals and launch. This accelerates the path to market while cutting costs and saving time. 'Clients can choose to develop their product by integrating with our platform of services as our experienced team of engineers and product managers provide guidance and consultancy where needed. 'Finexus offers a ready-to-use payment solution platform equipped with APIs and SDKs, enabling startups to accelerate their launch timelines. 'This allows startups to build and scale their solutions efficiently without the need to develop the infrastructure from scratch,' she said in her speech at the Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation SME Digitalisation Initiatives event at the MyXaaS Innovation Centre here on Wednesday. She said many startups do not realise they may be non-compliant when they build fintech applications, only to later run into trouble when questioned by authorities. With the MyXaaS Innovation Platform, she said these concerns can be easily mitigated through their attested infrastructure, which is PCI DSS compliant, RMiT compliant, ISO 27001 certified and Tier III Design certified by Uptime Institute. In addition, the platform provides dedicated support teams to assist startups navigate regulatory requirements, ensuring compliance with industry standards and enabling them to operate with confidence. 'We guide startups to build licensed e-wallets with card issuance, electronic Know-Your-Customer (eKYC) and DuitNow services, while also enabling them to accept major payments (methods) like DuitNow, Mastercard, Visa and Alipay with competitive merchant discount rates. 'This will enable startups to focus on their core business model and scale,' she said. Loh added that startups will be provided with co-working spaces, meeting rooms, gym and prayer rooms as well as free-flow food and drinks at the MyXaaS Innovation Centre here. She added that free shuttle services would also be provided from the Cyberjaya MRT station to the Innovation Centre and back multiple times a day. 'Finexus Group's roots are in entrepreneurship, so the Madani Economy's national agenda of propelling Malaysia into the ranks of the world's top 30 largest economy and top 12 in the Global Competitiveness Index resonates with us. 'We are also spearheading the group's transition into the era of artificial intelligence to solve longstanding inefficiencies and pain points in the financial services industry such as overly manual work and fraud detection.' Loh added that they are targeting to have more than 100 startups join the MyXaaS Innovation Platform by the end of this year. Startups interested in using Finexus Group's services can call their headquarters at 03-4051 9900 or visit
The Star
10-06-2025
- Health
- The Star
Value-based healthcare
Medical advances: Dzulkefly (third from right) attending the APHM International Healthcare Conference and Exhibition at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre. — YAP CHEE HONG/The Star KUALA LUMPUR: The introduction of basic medical and health insurance/takaful (MHIT) products will mark the first step in the implementation of the diagnosis-related group (DRG) payment model, says Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad. He said MHIT products would steer private healthcare towards a value-based healthcare model with fairer rules for those with pre-existing conditions. 'Introducing DRGs to pay for healthcare services in phases, beginning with this base MHIT product, will be a key driver for value-based healthcare. 'DRGs incentivise efficiency and we expect this will drive innovations in ambulatory and day case surgery, and expand the use of health technologies, which will demonstrate strong cost effectiveness in improving health outcomes while reducing costs,' said Dzulkefly. He added that the Health Ministry is working with the Finance Ministry, Bank Negara and the Employees Provident Fund (EPF) to transform private health insurance and takafuls by developing a base MHIT product. Speaking during the launch of the Association of Private Hospitals Malaysia's (APHM) International Healthcare Conference and Exhibition 2025, he said the Health Ministry has made healthcare financing reform and digitalisation of healthcare services its priority. 'We are also exploring a more diversified health financing ecosystem that combines tax-based allocations, social contributions, employer-based schemes and targeted subsidies, all under a progressive and equitable framework,' he added. Speaking to reporters after the launch, Dzulkefly said the Health Ministry is hoping to introduce the DRG payment model by the end of the year. He said the proposed DRG scheme can start with a simple mechanism in its initial stage. 'Start simple first and after the momentum is developed, go for a complex one,' he added. He also said that Malaysia, especially the APHM and Finance Ministry, have experience in implementing the DRG model. DRG is a payment system that involves paying an amount predetermined by the DRG, instead of paying for each service received. Other countries that have implemented this system include Sweden, Canada and Australia. Dzulkefly was responding to news reports claiming that the government's plans to introduce the DRG system at private hospitals are being put on hold. Commenting on a separate issue, he said the review of consultation fees for private general practitioners (GPs) has been raised to an executive task force chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi. Dzulkefly said that after a meeting between the Health Ministry and the National Action Council on Cost of Living (Naccol), it was decided that this issue should be raised to the task force led by Ahmad Zahid. Dzulkefly added that there are no deadlines for finalising the review of consultation fees for private GPs. 'No, but we will tackle this issue at the soonest time possible. 'The Deputy Prime Minister, who chairs the executive task force, will look into the final touches of this,' said Dr Dzulkefly. On May 3, he had said the review of consultation fees for private GPs would be finalised within a month. Yesterday, the Medical Practitioners Coalition Association of Malaysia (MPCAM) had proposed raising private GP fees to a minimum of RM50 and a maximum of RM80. MPCAM had said GP consultation fees have stagnated between RM10 and RM35 for more than three decades since 1992.
The Star
01-06-2025
- General
- The Star
Special packets of care
From the heart: Over 1,000 dumplings being handed out to the elderly and homeless in Petaling Street. Some recipients were waiting in line as early as 6am. — YAP CHEE HONG/ The Star KUALA LUMPUR: While many marked the Duan Wu Festival with feasts of rice dumplings, the Petaling Street Kawasan Rukun Tetangga (PS KRT) celebrated it in a different spirit, by sharing the festive joy with the less fortunate. As the sun rose over Petaling Street yesterday, a heartwarming scene unfolded as a long line of homeless individuals and senior citizens, some arriving as early as 6am, gathered to receive gifts of festive cheer. At least 1,000 traditional rice dumplings were distributed, alongside 500 dragon fruits, red-dyed hardboiled eggs, coconut buns and chicken rice packets, all part of a charitable food giveaway organised and sponsored by PS KRT. The event, now an annual tradition, was the brainchild of Melvin Chan, PS KRT treasurer and fourth-generation owner of the Fung Wong Biscuit shop. Nearly a decade ago, he witnessed the struggles of the homeless and elderly outside his shop and decided to take action. 'That's when I decided that, as a business owner here, I had to do something for these people. I wanted to give back to society and that's how this annual giveaway began,' said the 44-year-old. The initiative, which also takes place during Chinese New Year, has become a beacon of compassion in the area, drawing a diverse group of recipients from all walks of life. Among them was 70-year-old Janet, who said she felt blessed to receive the gifts each year. 'Every year, I look forward to this day as it's the one day I can enjoy dumplings thanks to this charitable giveaway. It's been a great help in my situation,' she said. Paul Gobi, 46, who is currently unemployed, expressed his gratitude despite not being familiar with the festival. 'Even though I don't celebrate or even know much about the festival, they welcomed me without hesitation. It shows how much they care for everyone, regardless of our background.' Yen Wong, 48, came not only for herself but for her elderly family members. 'My parents and older relatives are in their seventies and can't make the trip, but they always look forward to these dumplings.' Seventy-two-year-old Choo Yew Kong appreciated the improved distribution and festive atmosphere. 'With such a variety of food for so many people, it really makes me feel like I'm celebrating the festival with my relatives. 'I'm also glad they decided to organise everyone into a single line this time. Last time, it was very crowded around the stall and dangerous as it was right beside the road,' he said. Chan was especially moved by the reception, noting the unity it reflected. 'Seeing so many happy faces walk away reminded me that we truly are one big family,' he said, adding that he plans to give out 1,500 dumplings next year. The Duan Wu Festival, also known as the Dragon Boat Festival, is traditionally celebrated with boat races and sticky rice dumplings wrapped in bamboo leaves. It falls on the fifth day of the fifth month in the Chinese lunar calendar, which landed on May 31 this year.
The Star
28-05-2025
- Business
- The Star
RHB Bank maintains growth with 1Q net profit of RM750.03mil
RHB Banking Group's group managing director/ group chief executive officer Mohd Rashid Mohamad —YAP CHEE HONG/The Star KUALA LUMPUR: RHB Bank Bhd sustained earnings growth in the first quarter of 2025 (1QFY25) with cost optimisation efforts and a focus on asset quality yielding results. 'Our new 3-year strategic roadmap, PROGRESS27, sets a clear course toward becoming the best in service, enhancing profitability, and reinforcing our purpose-driven commitment. "With focused execution priorities, from simplifying customer journeys to advancing our sustainability ambitions, we are well-positioned to deliver near-term value while unlocking long-term value for all stakeholders,' said group managing director and CEO Datuk Mohd Rashid Mohamad in a statement. During the quarter under review, RHB recorded a net profit of RM750.03mil, up from RM730.17mil in the year-ago quarter. The group reported revenue of RM4.39bil, which was slightly lower than RM4.4bil in the comparative quarter, while earnings per share rose to 17.2 sen from 17.03 sen previously. According to the bank, net fund-based income increased 7.3% year-on-year (y-o-y)to RM1.5bil, on the back of higher gross loans. Net interest margin improved from 1.83% to 1.84% over the one-year period. "The group continued to proactively manage its funding costs through active liability management initiatives. Taking this into account, the effective NIM for the quarter was 1.91%," it said. Non-fund based income, however, fell 20.2% y-o-y to RM600mil, mainly owing to lower net gain on forex and derivatives, and net trading and investment income. On an annualised basis, the group's gross loans grew 2.4% to RM239bil, supported by growth in the group community banking and commercial segments, respectively. Customer deposits was RM249bil, with current account savings account (Casa) composition improving to 28% from 27.6% In December 2024.
