The Iskandarian August Issue by The Iskandarian-WAVES Lifestyle

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Iskandar Malaysia’s Official Newspaper is an effort by True Soul Media PLT & Iskandar Regional Development Authority (IRDA)

ISSUE 96

AUG 2020

Johor Sultan Observes JCORP’s New Corporate Plans

Malaysia Singapore Borders to Restart Page 3

Page 17

Each students, seated one metre apart – Johor Education Department Deputy Director, Shaharuddin Sani demonstrates to MB Datuk Ir. Haji Hasni Mohammad of the students in the classroom

opening, and finally for the rest of the students nationwide on 22nd July. Seeing that COVID-19 is still far from over, the world is however, learning to live with the pandemic by practising the new normal which includes wearing a mask, washing hands often, social distancing and following many other guidelines as per requirement. It is no different

Body temperature station to check the students before entering the classroom at SKBBU2 www.facebook.com/theiskandarian

for schools, and strict SOPs were set by the Ministry of Education after consulting with the Ministry of Health and the National Security Council (NSC) to ensure the safety of staffs and students. Students and teachers with body temperature above the normal level are not allowed in school compounds as a major precaution. Johor Menteri Besar, Datuk Ir. Haji Hasni Mohammad paid a visit to Sekolah Kebangsaan Bandar Baru Uda 2 (SKBBU2) on the first day of the school reopening, and observed the vital needs of social distancing. While lessons were held online prior to this, many find the traditional methods of teaching and learning in a classroom from teachers as being more effective. “Looking at the careful and detailed arrangement in the school overall, I believe our children (students) are in good hands,” he said to the media after completing his visit.

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with Johnny Lau, General Manager

Page 14

Education vs COVID-19

chools’ reopening is a huge part of the Recovery Movement Control O r d e r ’s agenda. Initially opened in phases as announced by Senior Minister of Education, Dr Mohd Radzi Md where the first phase admitted students who’re sitting for public examinations. The second phase on 1st July saw preschools and kindergartens

Monthly Drill

Accumulating Wealth The Art of Profit Taking

Aina, 33, a midwife and a mother of 2 children in a primary school and a kindergarten said the schools for both her children were ready to receive students at the time of the reopening, and she said the parents were prompted with the guidelines from the school a few days before the opening day which also included sending in wholesome lunchboxes. As parents, they welcomed the reopening due to the nature of hers’ and husband’s work at a private hospital, as it was a little difficult for them to monitor the children’s progress via online learning. “The online lessons were feasible yet it depends greatly on the strength of the internet and parents availability. Not every home has strong net connection and at times the children got easily distracted during online learning,” said Aina. However, there are some parents who wished to be not named were quite worried about the reopening; thinking that it was too soon, and if hygiene and cleanliness especially in the toilets and social distancing will be maintained and monitored strictly in the school till even months to come. - by Norfy Shafeq TI

Page 5

1st August: Masks on!

tarting 1st August 2020, it will be compulsory to wear face masks in crowded public places and on public transport. According to Senior Minister (Security) Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob, if a person fails to do so, he/she would be issued with RM1000 compound notice under the Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases Act 1988 or prosecuted in court. “Ideally the masks should be changed every three hours but one face mask per day is also acceptable. The World Health Organisation (WHO) has ruled that people can make their own face masks following a strict set of specifications. In Malaysia, the Ministry of Health will issue the specifications,” said Ismail. Ismail reminds everyone to comply with wearing face masks and maintaining social distancing in preventing further spread of COVID-19. - by Priya Manikam TI

A banner to welcome and remind the students on the guidelines at SK Taman Impian Emas

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THE ISKANDARIAN

ISSUE 96 | AUG 2020

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NEWS

IJEC under Makmur Johor Positive on State’s Economic Recovery More initiatives will be added within Ihsan Johor to aid the people during RMCO

ohor Menteri Besar, Datuk Ir. Haji Hasni Mohammad had the initial Ibrahim Johor Economic Council (IJEC) meeting to provide guidance in preparing the Johor 2021 budget has expressed confidence on the state’s economic recovery after being hit by the COVID-19 pandemic. “Members of the IJEC have recommended that the state government seek an allocation of at least RM1 billion to support effective efforts to boost economic activities in the manufacturing sector.” He said in the press conference after the council meeting. He further added that the council will table and justify

the application to the Ministry of Finance (MoF) based on the state’s manufacturing sector robust development and high potential. The council has the intention to form units for the Implementation and Coordination of National Agencies on the Economic Stimulus Package (LAKSANA) and Special Task Force to Facilitate Business (PEMUDAH) to help the state government monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of their programme’s execution. Other agendas included SME, health and tourism sectors, ensuring inclusivity to people from urban and rural areas. The meeting was also attended by Johor State Secretary Datuk Azmi Rohani, former chief secretary to the government, Tan Sri Datuk Dr Ali Hamsa and Johor State Financial Officer Datuk A. Rahim Nin. Also in attendance were Johor

Corporation (JCorp) President and Chief Executive Datuk Syed Mohammad Syed Ibrahim, PETRONAS Executive VicePresident and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) downstream Datuk Md. Ariff Mahmood, Iskandar Regional Development Authority (IRDA) Chief Executive Datuk Ismail Ibrahim and Khazanah Nasional Bhd Managing Director Datuk Shahril Ridza Ridzuan.

Johor Menteri Besar chairing the IJEC meeting

Address Youth Unemployment Immediately – Says Former Youth & Sports Exco Gleneagles MEDINI

“In The Arms Of One Who Cares”

he state’s former Youth, Sports, Entrepreneurship Development and Cooperatives Exco and Paloh Assemblyman, Shaikh Umar Bagharib Ali calls for the government to look into youth unemployment issue that rose during the pandemic lockdown. Citing the statistics from the Department of Statistics Malaysia where 12.9% of youths from 15 to 24 years old are jobless and 9% of youth aged 15 to 30 years old are unemployed, making the percentage 5% higher than the average unemployment. “Youth unemployment is in a worrying state; the next generation that holds the country’s future has no opportunity to gain experience to make a living or to be ready to lead the country,” he said in his press statement. The factors include job mismatch. According to Malaysia’s Labour Market and Job Creation Report under the Economic Transformation Plan (ETP) 2011-2015, it has found that despite rising employment levels, employment opportunities within the country’s economic framework remains focused on low and mediumskilled jobs. Statistics from the Department of Statistics Malaysia and the estimates by Bank Negara Malaysia in 2015 shows that the workforce for Higher Education level is 51.2% while the job skills level involved in Higher Skilled Jobs is only at 20.2%. The disparity

EcoWorld Development Group Bhd Chairman Tan Sri Liew Kee Sin, Malaysian Institute of Research (MIER) Chairman, Tan Sri Dr Kamal Salih, Bank Rakyat CEO Datuk Rosman Mohamed, Bait Al-Amanah Founding director, Dr Abdul Razak Ahmad and Johor Deputy State Secretary (Development), Datuk Dr Badrul Hisham Kassim were also present. - by Norfy Shafeq TI

in the figures shows that there has been a series of other issues that have plunged the youth into unemployment such as salaries that are not in line with the positions applied for, lack of skills among new employees, lack of training programmes that are truly effective to meet the needs of the industry and so on. Shaikh Umar has extended his suggestions to curb the problem, by increasing the quality of education as well as academic restructuring that takes into account the emphasis in the field of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) to meet the needs of the industry that will contribute to the country’s development. Communication and collaboration between education and training should be intensified at community development, especially involving the youth. Efforts to identify and address the root causes of youth unemployment should be Malaysia’s top agenda. While it is not an easy task, it is not impossible to accomplish. - by Norfy Shafeq TI

Lucky Day for Land Tax Payers

ohor state government through the Pejabat Tanah dan Galian Johor (PTG) has organised a lucky draw as a part of its initiative to encourage land taxpayers to pay their duties online and also as a form of appreciation. The lucky draw was officiated by Johor Menteri Besar, Datuk Ir. Haji Hasni Mohammad at Dato ‘Jaafar Muhammad Building, Iskandar Puteri. Also present were Johor State Secretary, Dato’ Azmi Rohani; Johor State Financial Officer, Dato’ A. Rahim Nin and Director General of Johor PTG, Dato’ Haji Mohammed Ridha Dato ‘Abd. Kadir. According to Dato Ridha, the lucky draw campaign for online land taxpayers has been held since 2015. PTG also held a draw for the earliest taxpayers and gifted them some souvenirs. “This year, PTG is organising a “Lucky Draw Ceremony for the Main Draw” which was held on 8th July 2020 and the next one will be held in September,” he said in a statement. For the July draw, eligible taxpayers were those who paid their land tax payments from 12th January to 15th June 2020, where PTG Johor had received RM26,455,796 in land tax payment involving 79,021 ownerships. Whereas, the total land tax collection received by PTG Johor from 12th January till 8th of July lucky draw amounted to RM29,906,344.66 involving 83,791 titles. At the event, three online taxpayers were announced as winners. Fang See Ting from Johor Bahru won a Modenas motorcycle, Mordziakon Husnan from Kulai and Wong Foo Eng from Johor Bahru, respectively, won a Television each. - by Norfy Shafeq TI

Published by True Soul Media PLT [No.51-B, Jalan Impian Emas 5/1, Taman Impian Emas, 81300 Johor Bahru] Printed by Percetakan Osacar Sdn Bhd [No. 16, Jalan IDA 1a, Industrial Desa Aman, Taman Desa Aman, Kepong, 52200 Kuala Lumpur] Copyright of articles, contributions and photos which are published by The Iskandarian is the property of True Soul Media PLT. The Iskandarian does its best to ensure the authenticity and accuracy of its contents, the publisher cannot accept any responsibilities for errors, mistakes and inaccuracies. The publisher reserves the rights of this product and no part of this publication may be reproduced in any form or by any means without the permission of the publisher.

THE ISKANDARIAN

ISSUE 96 | AUG 2020

NEWS

Malaysia-Singapore Borders to Restart

n 17th August 2020, the cross-border travel between Malaysia and Singapore is expected to restart after both the countries have finalised on the SOPs for the implementation of the Reciprocal Green Lane (RGL) and Periodic Commuting Arrangement (PCA) travel schemes. Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein who was with Singapore Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) Vivian Balakrishnan at the Causeway borders said Malaysians

who are eligible for the two schemes can submit their applications to the Immigration Department beginning 10th August. The RGL scheme would enable cross-border travels for essential business and official purposes between both countries while the PCA scheme would allow residents of both Singapore and Malaysia with long-term immigration passes for business and work purposes in the other country, to enter either country for work. Hishammuddin said for the two

SUKMA XX Preparation Post-MCO: Johor is Ready!

Dato’ Mohd Noorazam Osman, CEO of KPRJ giving a briefing to Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Ir. Haji Hasni Mohamad on the Velodrom Johor’s progress in Iskandar Puteri, Johor

reparations are currently underway by the organisers of SUKMA XX Johor to ensure that all venues are ready before the start of the biennial games which is expected to be held in the first quarter of the year 2021. Youth and Sports Minister, Datuk Seri Reezal Merican Naina Merican has conducted an official visit to SUKMA XX Johor venues – the Larkin Aquatic Centre, Larkin Arena Indoor Stadium, and the Tan Sri Dato’ Haji Hassan Yunos Stadium, and is pleased to see the progresses made. When COVID-19 outbreak happened and Movement Control Order (MCO) took place since March, SUKMA XX Johor’s secretariat has nevertheless ensured that all preparations are meeting the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) set in regards to the pandemic. “Based on my observation, preparations for SUKMA XX Johor are 95 to 97% complete and pretty much in order. Almost all the venues are nearing completion. For example the Larkin Aquatic Centre is currently just lacking a warm-up pool which can be completed in less than a month,” he said. Kumpulan Prasarana Rakyat Johor Sdn Bhd (KPRJ), a leading property and sports developer in Johor, was handed the task of refurbishing new and existing sporting facilities with the aim of upgrading them into venues of

world class standard. “As we are in the recovery stage of the MCO which will end on 31st August, we will have a meeting soon to determine further SOPs. However, the SOPs implemented during the RMCO will be used as a guideline for us when we organise the SUKMA XX next year,” Datuk Seri Reezal added. Meanwhile, Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Ir. Haji Hasni Mohamad had a working visit to the SUKMA venues too starting from Kompleks Sukan Johor, Taman Mount Austin, where he and his delegation proceeded to visit the Rugby stadium, the multipurpose sports stadium, the Johor Shooting Centre and finally the Velodrome in Iskandar Puteri, Johor. Datuk Hasni is highly satisfied with the progress and preparations made thus far by all parties and he is proud to announce that Johor is ready to host a world-class sporting event. In SUKMA XX Johor venue’s progression report which was released on 16th June, almost 90% of the 39 selected venues are ready to be used for the upcoming Games. A total of 32 sports, including 16 compulsory sports, 15 optional sports and one demonstration sport (silambam), will be contested at SUKMA XX Johor. The proposed new date for SUKMA XX will be March 2021 which will also depend on local conditions then. - by Norfy Shafeq TI

other schemes proposed, namely for those who commute daily to Singapore for work (Category 3) and the total opening of the border (Category 4), both governments were still fine tuning various details before implementing them as COVID-19 is still prevalent. If RGL and PCA is successful with everyone adhering to the SOPs strictly, then both the countries may implement Category 3 and 4,” concluded Hishammuddin. - by Priya Manikam TI

Sungai Pulai Bridge Project on the Right Track

atuk Ir. Haji Hasni Mohammad, Johor Menteri Besar had recently visited the project site of Sungai Pulai Bridge which is scheduled for completion in October 2021. The public private project which costs approximately RM700 million will provide direct access from Pelabuhan Tanjung Pelepas, Gelang Patah to Tanjung Bin, Pontian, Johor. The 7.5 kilometres dual-lane, two-way bridge will reduce the travel time from an hour through the current land route to only 15 minutes. “This project started since September 2017 by MMC Engineering Sdn Bhd as the main contractor, in partnership with CHEC Constructions (M) Sdn Bhd and it is hoped to contribute to the socio-economic of the people in the surrounding areas,” said Dato’ Sri Che Khalib Mohamad Noh, Chairman of Seaport Worldwide Sdn Bhd in his speech. He also assured that the project will continue as per schedule by adhering to the Standard Operating Procedures, despite the COVID-19 that has affected the whole country followed by the Movement Control Order since March. Meanwhile Hasni in his speech congratulated MMC Corporation Berhad for their continuous effort which can inspire other developers who are currently striving to finish their projects in

Johor. “Sungai Pulai Bridge is a project that gives inspiration to the public in Johor. The project itself is a game changer to the people living in the surrounding areas since the travelling time from Pontian to Johor Bahru and vice versa, will reduce significantly,” he added. Among other features of the bridge includes a navigational clearance of 25 metres high and 100 metres width. The construction of the bridge will also ease the operation movement and logistics of the heavy industry and maritime industry. Seaport Worldwide Sdn Bhd is a master developer for Tanjung Bin Industrial Park and a project proponent for Sungai Pulai Bridge. - by Sarah Nur TI

Briefing from MMC Group to Johor MB

Census Data is Important for Rakyat Focused City Planning, Says Iskandar Malaysia

skandar Malaysia showcase of its data analytics platform, ‘Iskandar Malaysia Urban Observatory’ or ‘IMUO’, at the launch of CENSUS 2020 demonstrates the importance of census data in helping the relevant authorities to make better planning for cities development that will ultimately benefit the Rakyat. “Census data such as age, gender, household income and work skill level help the authorities to understand the general depiction and situation of the Rakyat. When these data are collated and analysed through a powerful data analytics platform such as the IMUO and churned out into more useful analysis such as grouped by location or household income, these can help the authorities to make interventions quickly in critical areas, for example, providing economic or entrepreneurship support to youth or single mothers in a particular area,” commented Datuk Ismail Ibrahim, Chief Executive, Iskandar Regional Development Authority (IRDA). In Iskandar Malaysia, the census data provided by the Department of Statistics Malaysia (DOSM) has

been very useful in helping the economic region to achieve its goal of holistic development in the economic, social and environmental aspects. For instance, analysed data on population household income in Iskandar Malaysia revealed a group of villagers in the region that needed to be transformed so that they are not left behind due to the region’s rapid development. Using DOSM data on unemployment rate and education level of the population in Iskandar Malaysia, interventions were also adequately done to attend to the economic needs of this population. Also, through IMUO, appropriate strategic moves and informed decisions targeting sustainable economic growth, environmental preservation planning and better quality of life for both the citizens and visitors to Iskandar Malaysia can be made. Apart from using data from the DOSM, IMUO also collate and analyse data from Smart City application such as sensors and data harnessing through mobile apps. - by The Iskandarian TI

THE ISKANDARIAN

ISSUE 96 | AUG 2020

NEWS

COVID-19 and Dengue Risk: KPJ Bandar Dato’ Onn Blasted Double Protection and Prevention! 20 volunteers from the Waqaf Brigade ensures the community that congregational spaces are safe for daily use

O COVID-19 sanitation work in progress around the interior of Surau Austin Perdana

3 Things to Remember n Your Way to a Job Interview Quick tips for jobseekers from the point of view of interviewers

nder the Recovery Movement Control Order (RMCO) that is set to rejuvenate the economy in the country, jobseekers are reportedly increased in numbers following businesses’ downsizing during the months of lockdown. As competition rises to grab the limited offers, Rita Harun of A Loft Affair who is a Human Resource practitioner with 15 years of experience has 3 tips on what interviewers would scan through for candidates. Punctuality This is the lasting impression that the interviewer would measure commitment and discipline from, so making it to the interview place early is vital. Rita also said that being early at an interview helps candidates to relax and stay calm before coming in to present themselves for the job that they dream of. “30 minutes early would help you as an interview candidate to be prepared because an interview session can be very intense and can make you nervous,” she said. Confidence Employers depend heavily on how one brings themselves during the interview to avoid hiring people that contradict with the company’s values. Rita advises candidates to portray a certain level of confidence to convince the interviewer that you are ready to take on the challenges that comes with the job that you are applying for. Attitude

“Education is important but so is attitude. If I were to choose between an academically qualified person and the one that shows a good attitude, I would pick the latter,” said Rita, referring to employers’ concern on training new employees to take in their values and system to achieve the goals they need. A Loft Affair is a social enterprise that aims to improve the community and empower women, actively organising events, giving talks and sharing knowledge. Catch up with their activities at https://www.instagram.com/loft_affair. - by Norfy Shafeq TI

n a Saturday morning, 11th July 2020, KPJ Bandar Dato ’Onn Specialist Hospital through its volunteer team, Waqaf Brigade has executed COVID-19 sanitation and dengue prevention activity at Surau Austin Perdana, Taman Austin Perdana as a part of its corporate social responsibility (CSR) for the community. About 20 volunteers in the Waqaf Brigade team, made up of the hospital

staff conducted three rounds of sanitation process around the mosque to ensure it is free of the COVID-19 virus. While sanitation is in progress, remaining members of the Waqaf Brigade went around the mosque to find and clear any Aedes mosquito breeding grounds as an effort to reduce the recent dengue cases in Johor Bahru. Joining in the team efforts were Executive Director of KPJ Bandar Dato ’Onn Specialist Hospital, Tuan Haji Asmadi Mohd Bakri; KPJ Bandar Dato ‘Onn Specialist Hospital Chief Executive Officer, Noor Haslina Harun; Chairman of Communication for Behavioral Impact (COMBI) Johor, Zahrin Saniman and Chairman of Surau Austin Perdana, Haji

Muhamad Khidir Ismail. The team then also served food packages for the congregation who performed the afternoon prayer at the surau that day. Executive Director, Tuan Haji Asmadi said the CSR programme was a collaboration with Surau Austin Perdana to foster closer relationship between the hospital and the local community. “We work together in this programme to bond with each other. In fact, this is the first CSR programme of Bandar Dato ‘Onn KPJ Specialist Hospital since the Movement Control Order,” he said. Bandar Dato ‘Onn KPJ Specialist Hospital has been operating for almost a year and a half since it opened its doors on 19th February 2019. - by Norfy Shafeq TI

FedEx One-Stop Solution for Dangerous Goods Shipment

edEx Express (FedEx), a subsidiary of FedEx Corp. has introduced a one-stop solution for dangerous goods shipment to further enhance connectivity of the southern Malaysia region to the world, now made available at Senai Gateway in Johor; the second newest facility by FedEx in Johor, following the Johor Station in Iskandar Puteri. The first of its kind solution in Malaysia allow customers the convenience of an end-to-end shipping experience with shipments packed, labelled and shipped through FedEx. With an exception of categories under class 1 explosives and class 7 radioactive materials, other classes of dangerous goods are accepted for this service too. SC Chong, Managing Director of FedEx Express Malaysia said, “As the first logistics provider in Malaysia to offer the dangerous goods one-stop solution, this serves as another way to highlight our long-term investment in the country. We are committed to meet the evolving needs of our customers by facilitating shipment of materials

required to propel their businesses. This facility has proven to be timely, as we are also playing our part in managing dangerous goods shipment for essential items such as hand sanitisers, in view of the COVID-19 pandemic. We also see this enhanced service as a way to support firms of all sizes, from micro-SMEs to large enterprises, as they expand their international footprint.” In order for customers to utilise the one-stop dangerous goods service, senders and recipients has to ensure that their dangerous goods are in full

compliance with the International Air Transport Association (IATA) dangerous goods requirement prior to shipment via the International Priority (IP) and International Priority Freight (IPF). The Senai Gateway will also provide one-day transit time improvement for TNT inbound Worldwide shipments to Johor and one-day transit time improvement for TNT Economy Express shipments on the Asia Road Network (ARN) from Thailand to Johor. - by The Iskandarian TI

FedEx Senai Gateway - Malaysia’s first one-stop solution for dangerous goods shipments

RM5000 Grant for Private Kindergarten Entrepreneurs under the MOE

he Ministry of Education Malaysia (MOE) has allowed the reopening of private kindergartens starting since 1st of July 2020 to meet the needs of preschool education in Malaysia. As an initiative to ease the burden of private kindergarten operators in reopening their operations, the Ministry of Finance (MOF) has agreed to approve the granting of one-off grants through the Economic Regeneration Plan (PENJANA). Through this initiative, private kindergarten operators registered under the MOE will receive a oneoff grant of RM5000 and in addition to that, kindergarten operators who are not registered with the MOE will

receive a one-off grant of RM3000 if the kindergarten makes their registration by 31st October 2020. The MOE is confident that the grant provided by the government will be able to help private kindergarten operators continue with their preschool operations and it may also encourage other private kindergartens that are yet to register with the MOE to do so before the set date. This move is seen as the answer to Private Education Recovery Proposal (PERP) tabled by The Private Education Entrepreneur Association (PEEAM) together with education associations namely, Persatuan Pendidik Professional Bahasa Malaysia (PPPBM), Persatuan Tadika Swasta Petaling

Perdana (PTSPP), Persatuan Tadika Islam Malaysia (PERTIM) and Persatuan Pengusaha Pendidikan Swasta Sabah (PPPSS) that has raised their concerns on private institutions wellbeing during the Recovery Movement Control Order. The proposal presented on private education entrepreneurs’ needs and challenges to the MOE based on the survey-based statistics from 1,125 respondents who are the operators of different education segments nationwide. - by Norfy Shafeq TI

ISSUE 96 | AUG 2020

THE ISKANDARIAN

NEWS

MONTHL

DRILL

Johnny Lau General Manager Fraser Place Puteri Harbour

Johnny Lau, 52, was appointed as the General Manager of Fraser Place Puteri Harbour, Iskandar Puteri, Johor, a hospitality division of Tiong Nam Logistics Holdings Berhad on 11th September 2018. He has more than 30 years of hospitality experience both locally and internationally in the areas of hotels, prestigious clubs, restaurants, and property management. Among his notable previous postings were at Pinetree Marina Resort Puteri Harbour (JB), Acmar Hotel Pre-Opening, Hotel Wind Xiamen (China), the Hatten Hotel Malacca, Pearl International Hotel and Brisdale Holdings Bhd. Additionally, Johnny was also responsible for managing members’ club such as The Royal Lake Club, Penang Swimming Club and Club OUG. He also has vast experience in Food & Beverage where he served in Kuala Lumpur as an independent consultant to various Food & Beverage restaurants. Johnny graduated from Educational Institute of American Hotel and Motel, East Lansing, Michigan and Stanford School of Hotel Catering and Management.

Tell us more about Fraser Place Puteri Harbour. Fraser Place Puteri Harbour is a 25-storey serviced residence and part of an iconic mixed-use development that stands out with its distinct nautical-themed design. We o f fe r 2 9 7 u n i t s o f contemporary accommodation to suit business travellers, couples, or families. Our guests can look forward to an oasis of style and comfort uplifted with natural pastel colours, rich brown timber tones and furnished with chic amenities to complement a luxurious lifestyle. We are situated in the western region of Johor and are located near the State Administration Offices as well as family-friendly theme park LEGOLAND Malaysia Resort (LMR). The property is also in the vicinity of Puteri Harbour International Ferry Terminal, Iskandar Studios, Extreme Park and EduCity Iskandar Malaysia, home to several facilities from renowned colleges and universities. Fraser Place Puteri Harbour is the preferred choice for both leisure and business travellers, whether you’re planning a short getaway or a longer stay. What are some of the unique selling points of this hotel? We always aim to make guests’ stay as smooth sailing and comfortable as possible with the conveniences of modern living at their disposal. Convenient facilities such as washer and dryer, well-equipped kitchenette, club lounge, and round-the-clock security and CCTV surveillance will also ensure their stay remains pleasant and safe. En suite bathroom comes with Malin & Goetz toiletries and the luxury bathtub is there to create memorable moments with your kids and loved ones! Our all-day dining restaurant allow guests the freedom of dining accompanied by our scenic sea view. As an added advantage, we also provide scheduled shuttle service to take guests to selected attractive locations.

How did Fraser Hospitality deal with the economic blow to the tourism industry during this COVID-19 pandemic? As our properties worldwide reopen with reinforced #FraserCares commitment, heightened health and safety initiatives are implemented for the well-being of our guests and staff. These include reservation flexibility, new cleaning regime, safe distancing protocols and redefined operational standards following local relevant authorities. These standards are put firmly in place to provide guests with peace of mind whenever they are ready to travel and stay again. We are fully aware that many of the travel plans may be affected as a result of the developing situation with COVID-19. During these uncertain times, we would like to work alongside guests to alleviate any concerns they may have with regards to their reservations with us. Given the dynamic nature of the situation and varied changing travel restrictions in many countries, we are continually reviewing our policies to keep pace with updates, and will continue to work with guests to find the best solutions for their accommodation needs during travel. Our property will endeavour to ensure flexibility in reservations. However, policies may vary from time to time as they are subjected to changes in local government regulations. What are some of the plans or promotions that Fraser Hospitality is rolling out post MCO? We value our customers loyalty and rewarding Fraser World members with additional 10% discounts, and with accumulated points, it can be exchanged for free stays, shopping vouchers, late checkout and 25% birthday discount. For our valued partners, we are offering our special Fraser Bonanza 2.0 promotion at RM150/ night and are giving away attractive freebies. We are also working with

LEGOLAND theme park where our Fraser’s room promotion with LMR package for 2 persons is at a special price of RM488.00. Moreover, we’ve appointed foodpanda for our all day RM12 Bento Box delivery, and customers will get to enjoy our delicious hotel food at an affordable price. Recently, we have reopened our Absolute Hi-Tea “paradise on your plate, eat with no limit” buffet with an attractive price of RM108nett for 2 persons while adopting the new normal buffet SOP. What role does the hotel industry in particular have in rejuvenating the current state of the local economy? One of the biggest advantage hotels have now is time. But we need to approach this opportunity as a new game. In a downturn economy, choices are critical, and speed is indispensable. In many aspects, the hotel industry requires all businesses within it to work together. We are offering unique promotion on our room rates with attractive cancellation policy. This is to encourage local tourists to visit different states within Malaysia. We are also doing cross marketing with other hotels in other states too. With this strategy, it will encourage the number of tourists to prolong the length of their stay, and increase the daily average spending. Hotels are also connected with agents and Online Travel Agency (OTA). Developing partnerships with the right agent and OTA can have a significant impact on travellers to discover their destination. This will help

to boost the state’s economy. Hotels should invest in video marketing which offers guests an immersive glimpse into their destination which includes regional insight that highlights the most desirable aspects of the place and ultimately boost the hotel bookings as well as be highly advantageous to the local tourism industry, including places of interest and other food and beverage offerings. In your own words, what lesson can we take back from the COVID-19 experience? Resilience is the key and being able to survive during these challenging times and bounce back quickly when opportunity arises. On a personal note, how and why did you choose to venture into the hospitality industry? I am a passionate hotelier and have been in this industry for over 30 years, and risen from the ranks. I’m always offering my services to discerning guests and share my experiences with my fellow associates. Watching my associates grow gives me the satisfaction and strength to excel even further. What does Johnny Lau do in his free time? As a father of two, I enjoy cooking and gardening to fill up my family time and attend gymnasium session to keep myself fit and healthy. TI

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AUG 2020 | Page 2

The Iskandarian | WAVES Lifestyle

M u s i c U p d at e s

editor’s note

Introducing Alexander 23 Songwriter and record producer, Alexander been making music since the age of 12

By Universal Music Singapore

Priya Manikam waves.lifestyle@gmail.com

Hello August! Unfortunately Mulan didn’t take off as planned last month as Disney is taking a cautious approach (again) before releasing this mega movie due to the pandemic. Meanwhile, locally a much loved movie Sepet by Yasmin Ahmad is taking place in KL as a musical production by Liver & Lung. So, if you’re planning a trip to the capital city, read our Movie column to find out how you can purchase the tickets for this show. R ose continues to tack le on cyberbullying, and this is indeed a worrying growing trend especially now when almost everyone are online on the social media. Learn to be more empathetic instead of being a bully! On a sweeter note, if you’re planning to tap further into your baking skills, check out our recipe on Double-Baked Flourless Chocolate Meringue Cake by Singita. As domestic tourism unfolds, our colleague Jea decides to check-in to DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel JB for a much needed staycation. Flip over the page to know more about her trip. As always, for those wishing to share their fashion collection, travel tales, or like us to review your restaurant/hotel for a staycation, drop me an e-mail at waves. lifestyle@gmail.com and be featured. For more news, do access www.theiskandarian. com and https://waves-lifestyle.com/ The Iskandarian wishes every Malaysians a very Happy National Day!

or n Alexander Glantz, the Chicago native is the sole creative force behind Alexander 23. He writes, records and produces all of his music in addition to making the artwork for his singles and merchandise as well as animating his lyric videos. Writing and recording music since the age of 12, Alexander spent his teenage years refining his musical sensibilities playing in bands. In March 2019, he made his debut with “Dirty AF1s,” which premiered as Apple Music’s Bop of the Week and landed on Spotify’s highly-coveted New Music Friday playlist. Later in the fall, he shared his debut EP I’m Sorry I Love You, which finds him tapping into the deeply personal yet relatable pathos that has come to define his music and showcases his penchant for spontaneous

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“IDK You Yet” which is climbing up the chart in Singapore. Watch his MV - http://vevo.ly/tSwJFf Alexander wrote the song while in self-isolation and uploaded a demo to Tiktok on a whim. Immediately, fans began clamoring for the track’s official release. “This song is about feeling a void in your heart,” Alexander says. “I think especially with everything that’s going on in the world right now, people are feeling incomplete. I know I am.” 2020 is already shaping up to be a major year for Alexander 23, who recently shared “Loving You Gets Hard,” “I Hate You So Much” and his remix of Selena Gomez’s “Rare. TI

Gracie Abrams

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songwriting and thoughtful lyricism. The singer, songwriter and multiinstrumentalist Alexander 23 recently released a new self-produced track

ecently named as an artist to watch by Pigeons & Planes and Idolator and one of seven breakout female musicians by Vogue UK, Gracie Abrams who considers herself a songwriter, first and foremost fell in love with Joni Mitchell as a kid! “Her lyricism is very much what

compelled me to start writing when I was eight, which is also when I started playing piano,” says Abrams, who lists Tyler, The Creator, Carole King, and The 1975 among her other major influences. Over the years, she’s shared homespun clips of her songs on social media, amassing over 250k followers on Instagram before she’d even released her first song. Last fall, Abrams made her official debut with the release of “Mean It” — an intensely vulnerable track. Gracie Abrams premiered an emotionally potent new single called “I miss you, I’m sorry” in April. Watch ‘I Miss You, I’m Sorry’ lyric video here - https://smarturl.it/ImissyouImsorry . The gorgeously textured track was written by Abrams, with Blake Slatkin and Sarah Aarons, and showcases the 20-year-old artist’s understated yet powerful songwriting and quietly

commanding voice. As the slow-burning epic builds to a beautiful crescendo — its intensity amplified by a lush string arrangement and gently layered vocals — Abrams’s fine-spun lyrics perfectly capture the cruel confusion of heartbreak. Gracie Abrams has also released her EP – MINOR on 14th July 2020. TI

AUG 2020 | Page 3

The Iskandarian | WAVES Lifestyle

Triple-Award Winning Liver & Lung Revive Sepet The Musical Malaysian-British Theatre Company set to launch double bill in celebration of BOH Cameronian Win

Is Cyberbullying Our Culture? (Part 2) Recognise that our digital self is not separated from real life People who are engaging with cyberbullying may not be aware that their digital self is not separated from their actual self. How we portray ourselves behind the avatar comes from the same personality that is hardwired by the same brain. When we are engaging in cyberbullying, there is something dark about our personality that we’re ignoring. Our children pick up our personality and impersonate them. Take shaming for an example. How many times do we shame others for their weight or racial indifference? This same trait is often expressed in an ugly way in social media, and children do the same to their peers too. Can we see the similarity? Transforming the collective psyche and psychology into empathy An act of bullying affects our psyche and psychology on the individual level and collectively. Blaming, shaming and harming others with words can affect our subconscious mind by saying that we are not good enough, unworthy, helpless and that we do not deserve unity. Sadly, suicide cases among teenagers that were caused by cyberbullying have one trait in common – separating teenagers from unity. This causes our teenagers to feel lonely in facing shame and blame.

fter winning three BOH Cameronian Arts Awards recently, Liver & Lung, a critically acclaimed theatre company with Malaysian and British roots, is reviving its sold-out adaptation of Yasmin Ahmad’s masterpiece film, Sepet The Musical, this August. They will also be treating audiences to a preview of their brand-new original musical, Songs Inspired by A Little Life. This will be KL’s first live-theatrical production since the Movement Control Order. The double bill will be staged over three weekends in August from 7th to 9th, 14th to 16th, 21st to 23rd August (Fridays through Sundays) in partnership with GMBB, a creative community mall in Bukit Bintang, KL. Tickets are from RM110 and may be purchased via https:www. liverandlung.com/sepet. “Directing Sepet The Musical was a lifechanging experience,” said Shafeeq Shajahan, co-founder of Liver & Lung and recent recipient of the Boh Cameronian Arts Award for Best Direction. “Gaining recognition from Kakiseni was both humbling and deeply rewarding. We wanted to celebrate the win by reviving the show for new audiences and bring the hope that Yasmin Ahmad inspired to a post-COVID world. It’s time that Malaysia enjoys theatre again.” For the first time, Liver & Lung will be presenting Malaysians with a double bill teaming Sepet The Musical with a first look of at their new musical Songs Inspired by A Little Life. Inspired by Hanya Yanagihara’s awardwinning novel, the musical tells the story of brilliant and enigmatic, Jude, a successful lawyer who must learn to confront his past before it defines his life forever. “We wanted to go bigger and better!” says Hannah Shields, co-founder of Liver & Lung. “To thank our audiences for their continued support, we decided to treat them to a thirty-minute preview of our brand-new show complete with original songs, incisive storytelling and an immersive set up.” Liver & Lung have been working closely with their

We need to emphasise this to ourselves and our children that bullying in any forms is not acceptable! Participating in cyberbullying can be as simple as commenting on social media with an intention to humiliate and harm others be it emotionally, mentally, and physically. If we do not stop cyberbullying on the individual level, the effect on the collective level is greater. Are we allowing ourselves to be part of a blame and shame culture? Or are we empowering enough to make changes?

venue partner, GMBB, to ensure necessary SOPs are in place for the performance. “We want everyone to have a safe and enjoyable evening,” explains Hannah. “Of course, we’ll be adding some Liver & Lung magic to the social distancing protocols so they feel part of the overall experience. Who knows, Jason could be checking your temperature on your way into the venue?” With a run time of 2 hours 45 minutes, Sepet The Musical stars Joshua Gui and Badrika Bahadur as Jason and Orked respectively. Joshua will then be taking on the role of Jude St Francis in Songs Inspired by A Little Life with Badrish Isdin (also co-composer of Sepet The Musical) playing younger Jude. “We encourage everyone who comes to see ‘Sepet The Musical’ to dress in their best Sepet-inspired attire (cotton baju kurungs). Food will be served MCO-style. It’s going to be a fun, moving and heartfelt evening,” declared Shafeeq. Audiences can catch a preview of the performance by watching the Sepet The Musical trailer and a song from ‘Songs Inspired By A Little Life’ composed by and featuring Badrish Isdin here. For more information, visit Liver and Lung’s website at www.liverandlung.com or email them at liverandlungproductions@gmail.com or Whatsapp +6010 4029323. - by Waves Lifestyle TI

Learn and teach ourselves and children empathy and non-violence communication. As a human, communication is vital for our evolution and state of consciousness. Achieving unity is possible when we remove bullying from our social interaction, digitally or in real life. TI

Rose Osman is a Certified Human Design Professional. She’s a guide for Living Your Design Workshop and coaches others on self healing for anxiety via E-courses and group workshops yourpersonalmotivator BucketOfRoses www.roselifecoach.com Discover your True Self, Inner Power, Potentials and Purpose with Human Design. Visit Facebook Page : Human Design Malaysia for more info.

AUG 2020 | Page 4

The Iskandarian | WAVES Lifestyle

travel

Travel Domestically and Explore Malaysia through a Brand New Lens with Hilton By Najeeha Sadim waves.lifestyle@gmail.com

they book direct at www.hilton.com/en/ locations/malaysia/.

King Guest Room with City View

ith easing of restrictions and domestic travel as top priority, Hilton invites all citizens and residents in Malaysia to experience the country as local tourists with a limited-period offer in its 11 hotels across the nation. Hilton’s new “Dream Away” package invites all Malaysians and residents to stay at any of its hotels in the country at up to 30% off the Best Available Rate when

special offer, staying guests can enjoy up to 30% off all food and beverage! There is an array of gastronomic offerings to tickle the palate. Pop into The Food Store for delectable new lunch boxes featuring all-time favourite flavours such as Kung Pao Chicken, Sweet and Sour Fish, Nasi Ayam Penyet, Chicken Katsudon and more. The lunch box is priced at RM16 nett with soft drinks, available from Monday to Friday from 12pm – 3pm. Hi-tea aficionados would love the afternoon tea experience at Axis Lounge, where decadent delicacies and fine Dilmah teas are served. The hi-tea set is for 2 persons and available from Friday to Sunday, 12pm – 6pm, and you’d love the brownies! For an exquisite Malaysian fare, dine at Makan Kitchen, the hotel’s all-day dining restaurant be it for breakfast, lunch or dinner. Currently, there is the ‘Epicurean Journey’ promo that is priced at RM66 nett per person from Monday to Sunday,

Hilton cares through its Hilton CleanStay programme for a cleaner and safer stay moment you enter the hotel and will be present throughout every aspect of your experience, ensuring the wellbeing of guests and their staff without compromising the hospitality Hilton is known for. The offer for bookings at Hilton is ongoing and is applicable for stays until 31st December 2020. Priced reasonably and at a prime location, your stay at DoubleTree by Hilton Johor Bahru is only from RM181 nett per night. So get your bags packing! TI

I decided to check out this offer and had a fabulous staycation at DoubleTree by Hilton Johor Bahru with a city view to ease my mind off work and take some timeout over the weekend. It is no secret that DoubleTree by Hilton Johor Bahru is not only famed for its location and welcome cookie, but also for its food at the Makan Kitchen and their much loved Hi-tea at the Axis Lounge. As an added icing on the cake, through this

Guests’ favourite – Hi-tea for two at the Axis Lounge

Bask in Crabtree & Evelyn toiletries for a luscious bath time

6:30pm – 10:30pm, featuring exciting live cooking stations and unlimited-order spread of Chinese, Indian and Malay dishes. As health and safety issues is still on everyone’s mind, Hilton had recently launched a programme called “Hilton CleanStay” where all Hilton hotels will include new procedures to help guests enjoy an even cleaner and safer stay. From my experience, elements of Hilton CleanStay will greet you from the

Pop into The Food Store for delectable lunch boxes

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ISSUE 96 | AUG 2020

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Good Posture to Minimise Injuries Posture – Tips for healthy posture By Columbia Asia Hospital – Tebrau

e’ve all done it – nagged a friend, family member or a loved one to sit up straight, shoulders back, chin up and etc. Truth is; most of us have probably been on the receiving end of the exact same comments too. Countless hours spent hunched over desks, watching TV, on our computers or tablets, and carrying around heavy loads like backpacks and bags can take a toll on our bodies and, above all, our posture. What is posture? Posture is the position in which we hold our bodies while standing, sitting or lying down. Good posture is the correct alignment of body parts supported by the right amount of muscle tension against gravity. Without posture and the muscles that control it, we would simply fall to the ground. Normally, we do not consciously maintain normal posture. Instead, certain muscles do it for us, and we don’t even have to think about it. Several muscle

groups, including the hamstrings and large back muscles are critically important in maintaining good posture. While the ligaments help to hold the skeleton together, these postural muscles when functioning properly, prevent the forces of gravity from pushing us over forward. Postural muscles also maintain our posture and balance during movement. Why is good posture important? Good posture helps us stand, walk, sit, and lie in positions that place the least strain on supporting muscles and ligaments during movement and weightbearing activities. Correct posture: • Helps us keep bones and joints in correct alignment so that our muscles are used correctly, decreasing the abnormal wearing of joint surfaces that could result in degenerative arthritis and joint pain. • Reduces the stress on the ligaments holding the spinal joints together, minimising the likelihood of injury. • Allows muscles to work more

efficiently and the body to use less energy preventing muscle fatigue. • Helps prevent muscle strain, overuse disorders, and even back and muscular pain. To maintain proper posture, you need to have adequate muscle flexibility and strength, normal joint motion in the spine and other body regions, as well as efficient postural muscles that are balanced on both sides of the spine. In addition, you must recognise your postural habits at home and in the workplace and work to correct them, if necessary. Consequences of poor posture Poor posture can lead to excessive strain on our postural muscles and may even cause them to relax, when held in certain positions for long periods of time. For example, you can typically see this in people who bend forward at the waist for a prolonged time in the workplace. Their postural muscles are more prone to injury and back pain. Several factors contribute to poor

posture – most commonly, stress, obesity, pregnancy, weak postural muscles, abnormally tight muscles and high-heeled shoes. In addition, decreased flexibility, a poor work environment, incorrect working posture and unhealthy sitting and standing habits can also contribute to poor body positioning. Can I correct my posture? In a word, yes. Remember, however, that long-standing postural problems will typically take longer to address than shortlived ones, as often the joints have adapted to your long-standing poor posture. Conscious awareness of your own posture and knowing what posture is correct will help you consciously correct yourself. With much practice, the correct posture for standing, sitting, and lying down will gradually replace your old posture. This, in turn, will help you move towards a better and healthier body position. Here are some quick tips and tricks for maintaining ideal posture in sitting, standing, and while sleeping. TI

THE ISKANDARIAN

ISSUE 96 | AUG 2020

WORK

Section 17A of the Malaysian AntiCorruption Commission (MACC) Act 2009

ection 17A of the Malaysian AntiCorruption Commission (MACC) Act 2009 was introduced in April 2018 yet it only came into effect on 1st June 2020. The Government gave an extensive 2 year moratorium period for its implementation – but why was that so? Because Section 17A is the game-changer in combating corruption and bribery cases in Malaysia – its aim is to boost integrity and good governance within businesses. What do you need to know about Section 17A of the MACC Act 2009? Section 17A of the MACC Act criminalises a commercial organisation for corruptionrelated actions by associated persons done for the benefit of the organisation. The section states that a commercial organisation is legally liable and is deemed to have committed an offence if a person associated with it corruptly gives, offers or promises any gratification to any person with intent to obtain or retain business or a business advantage for the said commercial organisation. Accordingly, when an offence is committed by a commercial organisation; its

director, controller, officer, partner or any member in the management of the commercial organisation’s affairs will be deemed to have committed the offence, unless it can be proven that the offence was committed without the person’s consent and that organisation has “adequate procedures” in place. Upon conviction under Section 17A, a commercial organisation may be liable to a fine of not less than ten (10) times the value of the gratification in question or RM1Million, whichever is higher, or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding twenty (20) years, or both. What defence is available for commercial organisations? The burden of proof lies with the commercial organisation to prove to the court that “adequate procedures” have been implemented within the organisation. The Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) has issued Ministerial Guidelines on what would be “adequate procedures”. Fundamentally, the guidelines outline the “T.R.U.S.T” principles for the establishment of “adequate procedures”. T - Top Level Commitment Top level management

needs to ensure full compliance with the applicable laws and regulations regarding anti-corruption. Top level commitment is likely to include the communication (both internally and externally) of the organisation’s anti-bribery stance and an appropriate degree of involvement in developing anti-br iber y procedures compliance. R - Risk Assessment Commercial organisations need to conduc t risk assessments to identify and address potential risks and mitigate them. The PMO Guidelines recommend a full risk assessment in every three (3) years and the implementation of adequate policies for anticorruption and bribery. U - Undertake Control Measures Control measures should include appropriate due diligence and proper reporting channels. Due diligence should not only include measures carried out prior to entering into a relationship but may also involve continued monitoring of associated persons and existing relationships. A commercial organisation should have a dedicated

reporting channel within the company to specifically deal with complaints/reports of corruption or bribery acts in relation to the organisation. S-Systematic R e v i e w, Monitoring and Enforcement Regular reviews by top level management are necessary to monitor the efficiency and effectiveness of established policies and procedures. The reviews will not only help to improve its effectiveness, but also ensure that there is proper enforcement. T -Training and Communication Training is important to ensure that policies and procedures are understood and applied by employees within the company. Communication includes internal communication - focusing on the implementation of policies and procedures; and external communication such as providing policies and procedures to associated persons and to the general public. This is commonly done by having the existing policies and procedures available on the organisation’s official website. Conclusion There are possibilities that your company may go beyond

Dzulfadhli Lamin Legal Adviser Meca Employers Consulting Agency Sdn Bhd dzul@meca.com.my

the guidelines provided by the PMO to ensure that the company and its management are well protected under the statutory defences in Section 17A. Establishing anti-corruption and bribery policies and procedures in your organisation may seem heavy to commit, but they are vital to protect the organisation, directors and management from being prosecuted and convicted for corruption. TI

56% of Millennials are Likely to Leave Their Jobs to be Entrepreneurs

andstad Malaysia’s latest Workmonitor survey revealed that 49% of employees in Malaysia are likely to leave their jobs to start their own business. 56% of respondents aged 25 to 34 years old shared this sentiment, as compared to 28% for those aged 55 to 67 years old. Jaya Dass, Managing Director, Malaysia and Singapore at Randstad said, “People tend to start their own business at an earlier age, due to fewer financial commitments and a more extensive future time perspective. With Millennials shown to bring about numerous tech skills due to their affinity with the digital world, employers are facing increased pressure in finding ways to attract and retain these valued employees. It is therefore, critical for companies to keep pace with their employees’ expectations and ensure they are

doing enough to maximise the positive employee experience. They can start by learning the employer branding factors that are important and attractive to Millennials, and understanding what they want out of their careers. In doing so, employers can make small and incremental changes to attract more talent and improve retention.” 75% feel that entrepreneurship would give them more opportunities Younger workers are more excited about the opportunities that being an entrepreneur would bring them. More than four in five Generation-Z (82%) and 76% of millennial respondents said that being an entrepreneur would give them more opportunities. On the contrary, even with the financial capability to do so, only 68% of those aged between 55

and 67 are keen on exploring entrepreneurship. “The start-up ecosystem in Malaysia is highly integrated with schools, public organisations, private companies and communities. Even before students graduate, they would know of the opportunities that lie ahead of them if they were to pursue a career in entrepreneurship. These ecosystems allow people to easily connect with experts and investors, as well as safely experiment their products and services in a controlled environment in the real marketplace. If given the opportunity at the right time, we encourage younger workers to take advantage of them to gain new experiences and skills, such as people management and effective communications that would be helpful in a corporate environment. These skills can

help them stand out from the crowd, which would give our younger candidates the power of negotiation during a job interview,” Dass adds. Younger workers feel they are not paid competitively Though 85% of respondents feel valued and appreciated in their jobs, one in four (25%) feel they are not being paid enough as compared to similar jobs in other companies. 31% of younger respondents (aged 18-24) echoed the same. Dass explains, “In a rapidly evolving and uncertain climate, younger workers need to be more marketable by equipping themselves with relevant technical and soft skills that would allow them to distinguish themselves from other job seekers. Graduates who have internship experiences or worked

in part-time roles while they were studying are more prepared for the working environment, as they know how to navigate the workspace and engage with stakeholders. It can also help them discover and decide what type of employers and work they prefer to do. Even though they have only recently graduated from school and equipped with the latest skills, it does not necessarily mean that the learning element stops there. Young job seekers who demonstrate a determination to learn are more attractive to companies, and employers would be willing to offer a higher salary for the perceived value that they will add to the organisation.” The 2020 R andstad Workmonitor Q1 survey was conducted from 13th to 30th March 2020 with a minimum sample size of 400 per market. by Randstad Malaysia TI

THE ISKANDARIAN

ISSUE 96 | AUG 2020

Accumulating Wealth Tips & Tricks

The Art of Profit Taking

ear 2020 has been a year of unexpected c h a l l e n g e s . Interestingly, it is also a year of opportunities for the stock market. Recently, a friend asked me how to take profits in such an unpredictable market? Yes, we are in a bull market, but the incidents that occurred are unprecedented. From public health, social and economy to natural disasters, geo-political and all the challenges on Earth; it’s all happening concurrently and are escalating! As we look back, it has been over eight months since the first COVID-19 case was discovered. Yet, the pandemic has not ended, and is still rising. At the time of writing, over 15 million of the population have been infected and more than half a million people have died. The recent rebound cases in the US have forced leaders in California, Florida and Texas to return to stricter lockdown measures. This makes investors wonder how the economy would recover if people are indoors. Anyway, the stock markets behave differently. Perhaps, the market reckons that

in gold. Gold price has moved above 1800 since 7th July 2020. It looks like the uptrend for gold would continue. So while we are in the bull market, with many uncertainties ahead, how would you take profit? How to Take Profit in this Market? Taking profit is never easy, as not only it involves strategy, one need to manage his emotion. In this part, we will discuss the strategy. If you buy to invest, only consider taking profit when the business has become overvalued (or reached its fair value). However, if you buy to trade, you need to set loss-cutting point before setting a profit target. You see, most people lost money because they only think how much money they want to make, and not the downside. Let us always ask: how much I can afford to lose in this trade – 5%, 10% or more? This is risk management, which is essential but most people have neglected it. Once you have taken care of the downside, you may consider the upside.

Tey Bin Yuen Binyuen is the founder of BY Enrich Resources and the author of ‘Life beyond the Comfort Zone’ and ‘Profit from Share Investment’. His books are available in major bookstores in Malaysia, Singapore or online http://www.teybinyuen.com/ profitfromshareinvestment

one to do so, he needs to buy at the support and sell at the resistance. There are at least six signs for us to see on the support and resistance such as previous highs and lows, moving average (MA) line, gap, Fibonacci line, prolonged similar price range and a round number. In addition, sometimes you would notice some resistances would tend to coincide with each other. For example, you bought

The companies or strategies mentioned in this article are meant for study purpose only. It doesn’t constitute any ‘buy’ or ‘sell’ recommendation. Please consult your financial professional if you want to make any decision. (Source: www.investing.com) things could get better in the longer term, as the Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) tells us. As we can see the DJIA chart on 14th July 2020, the candles have broken above the golden line (MA200) after consolidating for nearly a month. Moving forward, the index is closing the two big gaps that formed early June 2020. Should it succeed, the next resistances are 27000 followed by the 27600 level. As the index is going up, there is one caution: gold price is rising, too. Traditionally, gold is a safe haven when the market is unstable. Rising gold price means investors have sensed higher risk, hence have parked their funds

Set Profit Target There are at least two ways of setting a profit target. First, you set base on a percentage of return. If the market is unstable, make it lower (5-10%). It could be a rebound play. If the macro has turned more stable, increase it to 1015%, or more. You can adjust it based on the market sentiment and your own feel. Second, look at the technical chart and observe the support and resistance. Identify Support and Resistance You might have heard of ‘buying low and selling high’. It sounds very simple, but for

counter A at 1.2 and noticed the previous high is 1.5, it is likely that the potential resistance is at 1.5. Besides, you also discover that the moving average line of 50 (MA50) has appeared near 1.5. Moreover, 1.5 is a round number. If so many signs that have coincided at 1.5, it is likely that 1.5 is a strong resistance. Therefore, you may consider setting 1.5 as your profit target. Conclusion Taking profit is an art, especially in nowadays market. For one to master this art, he needs to have a clear mind, and be able to let go when the timing is right. TI

INVEST

UOB Malaysia Records a Net Profit after Tax of RM1.22 Billion in 2019 Bank continues to support its customers, colleagues and the community amid the challenges arising from COVID-19

nited Overseas Bank (Malaysia) Bhd (UOB Malaysia) has reported a net profit after tax of RM1.22 billion for the financial year ended 2019, relatively flat from the previous year. The solid, albeit slightly lower, performance was driven by higher net interest and non-interest income, but partially offset by an increase in operating expenses and allowances for expected credit losses. The Bank’s total operating income increased 3.2% to RM3.10 billion in 2019, contributed by higher interest income from loans and debt instruments at fair value through other comprehensive incomes. The growth in net interest income was partially offset by higher interest expense from net placements of financial institutions. Non-interest income growth was supported by higher trading and investment income. Net income from the Bank’s Islamic Banking business also increased by 2.9% to RM42.0 million during the year. UOB Malaysia’s cost-to-income ratio increased slightly to 40.9% in 2019 (2018: 39%), while total operating expenses increased 8.6% to RM1.27 billion as the Bank continued to invest in its talent and technology infrastructure to support business growth. Wong Kim Choong, Chief Executive Officer, UOB Malaysia, said the Bank’s performance in 2019 reflected the slower global economic growth amid weaker global manufacturing and trade activities.

global #UnitedForYou COVID-19 Relief Programme. “UOB Malaysia has a responsibility to help where it can, at a time when everyone is worried about their livelihoods, health and safety. The escalation of the COVID-19 contagion into a pandemic, in addition to ongoing trade disputes and geopolitical tensions, will significantly weaken global growth in 2020. COVID-19 lockdowns in many countries have disrupted supply and demand chains worldwide, resulting in material impact on the operations of many industries and businesses,” said Wong. To support communities affected by the pandemic, UOB Malaysia has launched the UOB Heartbeat COVID-19 Relief Fund to help alleviate the financial burden and distress many are facing during this difficult period through various initiatives. “We remain steadfast in support of our customers as their long-term financial partner, committed to serving them better through product innovation, technology and strategic partnerships to make banking safer, smarter and more convenient,” added Wong. “Having been in Malaysia for close to 70 years and in the region for more than 80 years, we have navigated through many challenges. We are positive of ASEAN’s long-term potential and are confident that we are wellpositioned to weather the current storm and to emerge stronger.” UOB Malaysia’s Annual Report 2019 is available at www.uob.com. my. TI

#UnitedforYou COVID-19 Relief Programme With the increasingly challenging operating environment due to the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, UOB Malaysia remains focused on suppor ting its customers, colleagues and the community as part of UOB Group’s

Wong Kim Choong, Chief Executive Officer, UOB Malaysia

ISSUE 96 | AUG 2020

THE ISKANDARIAN

Say “Hello” to your New Friendly Neighbourhood Cinema at Tasek Central!

Sudoku

DO follow the SOPs to bring covid-19 cases in malaysia to zero!

Scan QR Cod e for the solution

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TGV’s latest outlet at Tasek Central

GV is delighted to announce the opening of the latest addition to its national network of multiplex cinemas in Johor. Opening in Tasek Central, the first shopping mall located in Skudai, this TGV is set to raise the bar of outof-home entertainment within the area. The newest TGV cinema comes with 7 halls offering a range of cinema-going concepts and experiences that are sure to please guests of all ages and tastes. Among these 7 halls comes the fresh new Plushy hall for that plushy feel. Making its debut by introducing seats that allow you to quite literally, sink in! This new extension to TGV’s specialty halls comes equipped with 3 extremely cushy seat selections. The plushy hall concept is all about providing the best possible comfort for cinemagoers. Coupled with expansive legroom, guests are assured to have

pleasantly cosy cinematic moments in this hall with your personal near-limitless space. The cinema halls are also equipped with Glide seats that allow guests to slide out in comfort and deluxe seats which are a triumph of form and function offering affordable luxury to cinemagoers. The friendly cinema would be incomplete without TGV’s reputable family friendly hall and playroom. TGV cinemas continue to not only provide new experiences and offers but also keeping guests’ safety as their priority. Guests and staffs can be rest assured knowing they’re in a safe environment. It is without a doubt TGV is following the government guidelines, practicing social distancing and its staffs are wearing masks at all times maintaining their personal hygiene. - By Moazan Emran TI

Hand sanitizers ready at the ticket kiosks

The Iskandarian ISSUE 96 | AUG 2020

iProperty.com.my Consumer Survey reveals that property purchasing interest was not adversely affected by the MCO as the number of home seekers looking to buy properties after 18 the announcement of the MCO increased slightly to 45% pg 17

PROPERTY

PROPERTY INSIGHT

@ home

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APARTMENTS

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Country Garden’s Smart Home Technology is the Answer to Millennial’s Tech Savvy pg 19 Home Buyers

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ISSUE 96 | AUG 2020

Encouraging Property Seeking Trends among Malaysians despite COVID-19

Property.com.my, Malaysia’s No. 1 property portal, has announced the results of its latest consumer survey in understanding Malaysians in their property seeking journey

during the MCO period. The survey conducted from 11th May – 1st June 2020 also analyses the purchasing desire of homebuyers before, during and after MCO where:

• 4 4 % of survey respondents were looking to purchase a property before the announcement of MCO. • Pr o p e r t y seeking interest was not adversely affected by the MCO as the number of home seekers looking to buy properties after the announcement of the MCO increased to 45%. • 90% of proper t y seeking respondents named easy entry options as the

Johor Sultan Observes JCORP’s New Corporate Plans

YMM Sultan Johor, Sultan Ibrahim Ibni Almarhum Sultan Iskandar had recently paid a visit to Johor Corporation (JCORP) headquarters at Menara KOMTAR, Johor Bahru City Centre. Greeted by Menteri Besar of Johor and Chairman of JCORP, Datuk Ir. Haji Hasni Mohammad, President and CEO of JCORP, Datuk Syed Mohamed Syed Ibrahim along with JCORP’s members and senior officers, His Majesty spent 2 hours to observe the conglomerate’s updates and upcoming corporate plans. A corporate brief by Datuk Syed Mohamed Syed Ibrahim was conveyed

to His Majesty, covering JCORP’s transformational plan and business sustainability which includes corporate and financial restructuring to ensure success during this challenging period. The President and CEO of JCORP has also briefed on the core business development involving plantation, health professionals, property development and food companies under the group’s umbrella as well as its plan to bring in specific products into the regional market. A new JCORP’s logo has also gotten an approval by His Majesty and will be officially launched to the public within Q3 of the year 2020. - by Norfy Shafeq TI

DYMM Sultan Johor, Sultan Ibrahim Ibni Almarhum Sultan Iskandar at JCORP headquarters in Menara KOMTAR, Johor Bahru City Centre (JBCC)

PROPERTY top factor that will ease their transaction decision. This positive consumer survey highlights the timeliness of the reintroduction of the Home Ownership Campaign (HOC) under the government’s recent Economic Recovery Plan (PENJANA) package. The HOC initiative which features significant stamp duty holidays would help alleviate the financial burden of aspiring home buyers.

Co m m e n t i n g o n t h e consumer survey, Wong Siew Lai, General Manager of Marketing and Communications, iProperty. com.my said, “The findings from this consumer survey revealed something very encouraging on Malaysian property seekers purchasing desires despite the COVID-19 pandemic. Overall, volume of demand didn’t significantly change and people are still looking for properties.” - by The Iskandarian TI

UMLand Seri Austin in the New Norm

e’ve now reached the final month of the Recovery Movement Control Order (RMCO), and UMLand Seri Austin has already opened its gallery and construction site in compliance with the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) in place. The move is expected to stimulate and boost the economy especially in the property industry. In line with that, Seri Austin has welcomed the government’s decision to allow construction sites to resume operations albeit with precautions. Both, developer and contractors are responsible for ensuring the implementation of and compliance with post COVID-19 rules and other applicable requirements issued by the government. Therefore, priority is given for tool sanitisation, hand-washing stations and mandatory face coverings as well as social distancing between the site workers, contractors and other employees. “After a period of time where billions of people have endured quarantine and limited social interaction, we believe it is time to hit the restart button. Although the pandemic has reshaped industries and the market, apart from empowering employees to be responsible for overall health and welfare of the work environment whether in an office or construction site, our top priority next would be to generate adequate liquidity to manage business

Temperature checks are done daily and regularly for the workers and contractors visiting the site operations and cash flows”, said KK Wong, Group Director of UMLand Townships cum CEO of Seri Austin. “We have made adequate preparations to maintain our commercial discipline in order to keep our heads above water. Once the economy revives, we will be better placed to find new opportunities and quickly recover while less-capable competitors flounder,” continued Wong. Construction is already a well-regulated industry and now UMLand Seri Austin will put in place more measures to curb the spread of the pandemic while ensuring development can still be completed on time. - by Priya Manikam TI

Sunway iLabs Launches New Super Accelerator Programme

unway Innovation Labs (Sunway iLabs) have launched the Super Accelerator programme. The four-month programme is for early-stage start-ups. Supported by Sunway Group, SunSEA Capital and Gobi Partners, a regional Venture Capital firm, the programme will provide the startups with capital, mentorship and market access. Led by Sunway Group chief innovation officer and Sunway iLabs Director Matthijs Van Leeuwen, the Super Accelerator programme focuses on delivering value within five key verticals – Smart Cities, Edutech, Digital Health, Food and Agritech and eCommerce.

The programme will provide selected start-ups up to RM100,000 of seed funding and assist them in getting a follow-up funding after graduation. Embracing and leading the new normal due to COVID-19, the programme will be mostly delivered virtually through iLabs Dojo – a newly developed online learning and training platform. I n t e r v i e w s, p i t c h i n g, mentoring and business meetings will be conducted via video conferencing. Participating start-ups can also look forward to academic support from Sunway University in talent recruitment and research and development opportunities. “The first month of the

accelerator will see us filtering start-ups to find the right fit with our programme,” Van Leeuwen said. Evan Cheah, Executive Vice President of President’s Office, Sunway Group, said, “As Sunway iLabs is closely connected to the start-up ecosystem around the region, start-ups can gain direct access to our large network of investors, entrepreneurs and industry experts.” In the post-COVID-19 period, according to Gobi Partners Chairman and Founding Partner Thomas Tsao, “Gobi is helping early-stage Malaysian start-ups embrace innovation and compete in this new environment”. Jamaludin Bujang, Gobi

Partners Managing Director, Malaysia, reckoned “It is important for start-ups to adopt a global mindset when building their businesses and we have the resources to help open doors for companies to enter new markets”. “Gobi Partners will also support the subsequent financing through the Malaysia SuperSeed Fund II to give select start-ups the necessary funds they need,” Jamaludin added. More than 25 start-up companies graduated from Sunway iLabs in a previous accelerator batch, including Red Dino, Ezyspark, Jobworks and JomRun. JomRun has since grown to become the largest running

platform in Malaysia, having also expanded regionally into Indonesia, Cambodia and Singapore. Its founder Chang Yi Hern, a graduate from Oxford University, was recently recognised as one of Malaysia’s top entrepreneurs by Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia in 2020. Malaysian start-ups with a minimal viable product or market-ready products or services are strongly encouraged to apply for the programme. Registration is currently ongoing until the 21st August 2020. To register, or for more information, visit https:// innovationlabs.sunway.edu. my/accelerator/ - by The Iskandarian TI

THE ISKANDARIAN

ISSUE 96 | AUG 2020

PROPERTY

What Makes Sunway Emerald Boulevard 88 a Vibrant Commercial and Lifestyle Hub

Education centres blooming in Sunway Emerald Boulevard 88

unway Emerald Boulevard 88, a prominent retail hub, is set to become the first retail shops in the integrated Township in Sunway Iskandar. Located just next to Sunway International School and Sunway Big Box, with a walking distance to Sunway Citrine Residences and Sunway Emerald Lake, the hub is well-known for its Insta-worthy cafes like the first zero-waste cafe in Johor – Starkers, Miyakori, Brazzo, Burger Bandit and Korean restaurants. Currently rising as the

most popular avenue as a choice for those who are looking to invest or expand their business opportunities here in Sunway Iskandar, the commercial hub stood by the development’s five core elements namely Connectivity, Amenities, Security, Community, and Environment & Sustainability. Amenities An array of educational institutions, entertainment, recreation, and leisure amenities are ready for the community with Sunway

Emerald Lake, Sunway International School, X Park Sunway Iskandar, Sunway Big Box Retail Park and the upcoming Sunway Big Box Hotel. Connectivity Sunway Iskandar is 5km away from Singapore via the Coastal Highway Southern Link (CHSL) and it’s also partnered with Causeway Link to provide bus services from Johor to Singapore, SoCar, TRYKE e-scooter, and free Iskandar Puteri shuttle bus services. Safety and Security

Sunway Iskandar ’s special and armed security personnel and auxiliary police are committed to create a safer and secure environment for the community, conducting 24 hours patrolling around the development’s vicinity. Besides security personnel and auxiliary police, Sunway City Iskandar Puteri’s safety and security measurement also includes the Police Patrol Station, and Night vision CCTVs. Community S u nw ay Iskandar is expected to have a population of 140,000 upon completion, and the communities are encouraged to “live every dream, learn without limits, have work-life balance, and play beyond imagination in a safe, healthy and connected environment. Thus, since 2014, annual community events such as World Environment Day, Sunway Iskandar Viper Challenge, Sunway Iskandar Night Half Marathon and the 5KM

Unicorn Fun Run has been held continuously. Environment Sustainability

and

The art of building a township entails a balancing mastery between development and nature. Sunway Iskandar led the ambition by becoming the first township in Johor to receive the Green Building Index (Silver). Aiming to deliver the first Nature’s Capital City in Malaysia,

comes forth its beautiful six precincts – The Lakeview, The Parkview, The Marketplace, The Capital, The Riverside and The Seafront. Each precinct is equipped with a cycling and jogging track and a park that connects people in the area. A fully integrated real estate value chain is utilised to provide the developer with the capability and capacity to build, own and operate the community it builds. TI

Burger Bandit – one of the prominent F&B outlets at the avenue

THE ISKANDARIAN

ISSUE 96 | AUG 2020

Post Moratorium – AKPK Ready to Provide Assistance to Affected Borrowers

he six-month moratorium that began in April 2020 is one of the COVID-19 incentives by the government which have benefited borrowers, especially those affected by loss of income or salary cut. Although only temporary, the granting of the moratorium was implemented at the right time and was able to help individuals ease their financial burden in times of crisis. To date, many households were able to survive without having to worry about debt commitment for this period. The moratorium that has been implemented will soon end on 30th September 2020. For those whose incomes have not been affected by the pandemic but still choose to accept the moratorium, they will not have difficulties paying back the loan post moratorium. However, those who are still financially challenged and are struggling to make end meets are urged to seek help early either by contacting their respective financial institutions or Agensi Kaunseling dan Pengurusan Kredit (AKPK). AKPK is ready to provide financial counselling and debt management services to affected individuals. The following are some of the useful tips to assist individuals preparing for post-moratorium financial challenges: 1. Be mentally and emotionally prepared that there will be no extension of moratorium after 30th September 2020. Borrowers need to make preparation for repaying their debts as usual. 2. Do not wait until the last minute. Fulfil your obligation as a borrower. Plan your loan repayment before the moratorium ends. Contact AKPK for money and debt management advice. Don’t hold back because the longer we wait, the less options we’ll have in finding a solution. 3. Find out the latest loan monthly instalments – Remember to contact your financial institution for information on the latest monthly instalment postmoratorium. There may be some increase in the monthly loan repayments. 4. Review your current financial position by updating your financial statements such as net worth and cash flow statements. The net worth statement provides a clear picture of your debt position as well as existing assets, whereas the cash flow statement shows the source of income and cash outflows. These financial statements can help us plan the necessary actions that

Gunasegaran Munusamy Head, AKPK JB Branch need to be taken such as liquidating an asset in time of need. 5. Review Monthly Budget and manage your cash flow. It is important to review the post-moratorium monthly budget to ensure we are able to meet debt repayment requirement postmoratorium. Prioritise expenses such as debt repayments, utility bills and rentals Avoid unnecessary expenses such as eating out and entertainment to generate positive cash flow. We are in an unprecedented time that demands financial management to be carried out even more prudently. 6. Start to plan on how to secure future income. Try new ways of generating income or revenue to replace income loss. 7. Explore retraining and upskilling. Consider free online courses to increase knowledge in existing / new areas that allow us to have better job opportunities. 8. COVID-19 incentive package Don’t forget to explore the available COVID-19 compensation fund or incentive packages provided by the government such as one-off cash assistance, assistance for employees asked to take unpaid leave during MCO or assistance for small and medium sized enterprises. 9. Scam alert. Be vigilant always. There are reported scams on jobs recruitment and investment involving compensations received or retirement funds. For further enquires, AKPK can be reached at 03-26167766 or via its website www.akpk.org.my and bit.ly/ AKPKdmp2020 link. For the latest tips on financial management and online financial management, go to power. akpk.org.my or AKPK social media sites. TI

PROPERTY

BCB Berhad Presents a Total Value of RM380k to Frontliners

CB Berhad recorded a total of RM380k as a form of appreciation to Malaysian frontline workers for their tireless efforts in combating the COVID-19 pandemic. “Be it the doctors, nurses, medical professionals, cleaners, IT professionals, grocery/supermarket workers, delivery partners and government officials, without all of them the nation may not be able to go through this pandemic together. On behalf BCB group of companies, I extend our deepest appreciation for the hard work and priceless contributions shown by frontliners in managing this pandemic well. You took risks in facing what’s unprecedented. You’re our forever hero,” said Group Managing Director, Tan Sri Dato’ Tan Seng Leong. The sacrifices and contributions of the nation’s brave frontliners working tirelessly around the clock to contain the COVID-19 virus from further escalating in the country has caught the attention of many. BCB appreciates the frontliners’ effort and hard work in keeping the nation safe in tackling the pandemic well. Now, the frontliners have time to meet their family members, and thank their families for understanding their situation and work. As per the statement released by the Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, BCB would like to promote local tourism, as it is one of the biggest growing industries in Malaysia. Therefore, it is very much encouraged to kick start the recovery of the country’s economy which will lead to an increase in local employment. By taking this

step, there could be a spill over effect to the surrounding businesses as well. In line with that, BCB proudly presents one of the most luxurious stay at Alia Premier Medini located in the heart of Medini, Iskandar Puteri, Johor. Offering comfortable condotel with excellent facilities, the property is surrounded by key landmarks and attractions such as LEGOLAND Malaysia Resort, EnerG X Park, One° 15 Marina Puteri Harbour, TJ Gold Club and Gleneagles Hospital. Moreover, Alia is encircled by awardwinning park called Mahkota Park which features the iconic Sultan’s crown-fountain perched at the top of the hill park. As a way of thank you to the frontliners, BCB Berhad presented free stay vouchers to the frontliners as a token of appreciation. “Despite working tirelessly, the frontliners appeared excited, healthy and spirited to continue working to stop the spread of COVID-19,” said Executive Director, Lindy Tan. - by Priya Manikam TI

Country Garden’s Smart Home Technology is the Answer to Millennial’s Tech Savvy Home Buyers

illennials are the target generation of homebuyers for many property developers today. They are the ones who are more likely to look for new homes, and studies have found that this new generation of homebuyers wants their property purchases to be equipped with smart home technology to ensure safety, convenience and sustainability. A recent survey jointly conducted by The Star and Forest City found that Millennials’ show a major interest in homes that are equipped with high-tech security such as AI and facial recognition network systems. Picking up on this trend, a number of property developments in Malaysia have made strides towards introducing smart security solutions in their latest projects. Country Garden’s developments in Malaysia, like Forest City and Central Park in Johor, and Diamond City in Semenyih have adopted high-tech approaches in security systems with AI-supported locking systems, facial recognition networks and multi-tiered security. Forest City is switching gears to meet modern home buyers’ requirement for people-oriented, high-tech security solutions and the city seeks innovative ways to develop sustainably with the goal of contributing to greater economic vitality to

create a stable and healthy city development ecosystem. Meanwhile, with the advancement of smartphone technology comes the emergence of property mobile applications, or “prop-apps”. Seen as an inevitable replacement for traditional security monitoring and neighbourhood intercom systems, many property developers are working with tech companies to move towards managing their developments through a single smartphone app. I-Neighbour Smart Community app created by local company TimeTec Group has an array of Internet of Things (IOT) functions, including a visitor management system, inapp intercom and so on. Forest City also has a community app for its residents called Forest Life, which provides a comprehensive range of digital services to enhance the community’s safety and enrich their lives. These services include online medical consultation, community news and traffic updates. It is inevitable that homebuyers’ demand for intelligent high-tech solutions, including security, will continue to increase. Property developers will have to continually improve and grow their high-tech services in order to meet these requirements by the group that makes up the largest number of homebuyers today. - by Norfy Shafeq TI

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