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SHAH ALAM:  BEST Group officially launched its cargo network in Malaysia. In just two years, BEST Cargo has rapidly risen to become a major driver in Malaysia’s logistics industry, achieving 100% nationwide coverage. This comprehensive network has significantly contributed to the expansion of Southeast Asia’s logistics landscape. During this period, BEST Cargo business saw over 300% growth, a remarkable milestone that reflects the successful integration of global logistics networks with cutting-edge technology and innovation. The success of BEST Cargo operations is deeply rooted in its advanced technology-driven model. Over the past two years, the company has introduced intelligent logistics technology and fully automated sorting systems, drastically improving delivery efficiency and accuracy. With 100% nationwide coverage, BEST Cargo now serves key industries such as e-commerce, manufacturing, and retail, providing a full spectrum of logistics solutions from less-than-truckload (LTL) shipping to large-scale cargo handling. Whether handling domestic logistics demands or complex cross-border shipments, BEST Cargo’s intelligent network has effectively reduced delivery times, lowered operational costs, and optimized overall supply chain efficiency. Transforming Malaysia’s Logistics Sector The arrival of BEST Cargo in Malaysia has brought transformative changes to the local logistics industry. With over 200 service points and self-operated intelligent sorting centers, BEST Cargo has significantly enhanced the logistics infrastructure, fueling the growth of e-commerce and related industries. As Malaysia continues to strengthen its position as a key trade hub in Southeast Asia, the modernization and efficiency of its logistics sector are critical to supporting both domestic markets and cross-border trade. In recent years, Malaysia has witnessed rapid growth in e-commerce and manufacturing, driving a surge in demand for efficient logistics services. BEST Cargo, by integrating global logistics network resources, has provided personalized logistics solutions for these key industries, promoting innovation across the supply chain. In the e-commerce sector, BEST Cargo also partners with major international platforms such as Shopee, Cainiao, and TikTok, ensuring Malaysian businesses and consumers benefit from faster and more reliable logistics services. In addition, BEST Cargo has established strong partnerships with leading local brands, earning widespread market trust and recognition. Driving Bilateral Trade Between China and Malaysia The extraordinary achievements of BEST Cargo operations are powered by technological innovation and the seamless integration of a global logistics network. Commenting on this success, Gavin Lu, General Manager of BEST Inc Malaysia, stated, “Since the launch of BEST Cargo in Malaysia in 2022, we have experienced rapid growth, driven by advanced technology and the support of our global network. We are proud to have achieved nationwide coverage and 300% growth in just two years. This success would not have been possible without the hard work of our team and the trust of our partners. We remain dedicated to providing efficient and precise logistics services that meet diverse customer needs, from small parcels to large cargo.” Looking ahead, Gavin added, “BEST Cargo will continue to focus on technological innovation and enhancing customer experience. We plan to expand our cross-border logistics network across Southeast Asia, offering smarter and more flexible solutions for both local and international customers. We believe that through our technology-driven approach and continuous service upgrades, BEST Cargo will not only maintain its leadership in Malaysia but also become a major force in the global logistics industry.” Celebrating 50 Years of China-Malaysia Diplomatic Relations and Stimulating Bilateral Trade The year 2024 marks the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Malaysia, an important milestone that highlights the deepening economic ties between the two nations. The launch of BEST Cargo in Malaysia has undoubtedly injected new energy into the development of bilateral trade. Through its expertise in cross-border logistics and global network, BEST Cargo provides strong logistical support for trade between China and Malaysia. Aligned with the Belt and Road Initiative, BEST has opened new channels for Malaysian businesses to access the Chinese market and beyond, while also offering Chinese companies efficient and reliable logistics solutions as they expand into Southeast Asia. As economic cooperation between China and Malaysia continues to grow, BEST Cargo is playing a pivotal role in driving collaboration in logistics and supply chain development. Leveraging its intelligent logistics technology, BEST Cargo has accelerated the flow of goods between the two countries, contributing to steady growth in bilateral trade. Particularly in the cross-border e-commerce and manufacturing sectors, BEST Cargo offers flexible and efficient logistics solutions that enhance trade efficiency and market competitiveness. Technology-Driven Growth and Value-Added Services for the Future BEST Cargo is not just a logistics company but a seamless integrator of technology and service. In addition to its core logistics services, BEST Cargo offers various value-added services such as pre-shipment inspections, cash on delivery (COD), and cargo insurance, ensuring that every shipment is secure and reliable. This comprehensive service model has earned BEST Cargo the trust and loyalty of its customers. Moving forward, BEST Cargo will continue to drive the transformation of the logistics industry through technological innovation. With its extensive cargo network and “one-stop” cross-border services, BEST Cargo is breaking new boundaries and connecting the world. As China-Malaysia economic relations deepen further, BEST Cargo remains committed to promoting bilateral trade and driving regional economic cooperation.

Knight Frank is pleased to announce the appointment of Craig Shute as CEO of Asia-Pacific (APAC), effective 1 April, 2025. Craig is currently CEO of the Greater China business and will be taking over from Kevin Coppel who will retire from the partnership in March 2025. Craig joined Knight Frank last year and has more than 25 years of experience in the real estate industry, having held senior leadership roles across Australia, Malaysia, Hong Kong SAR, and the USA. Prior to joining Knight Frank, Shute served as the managing director of JLL in Victoria, Australia, and previously led CBRE’s operations in Hong Kong SAR and Taiwan from 2008 to 2016.   Knight Frank’s Asia-Pacific region consists of 11,000 people in 300 offices across 16 markets.   William Beardmore-Gray, senior partner and group chair, Knight Frank commented: “With a proven track record of driving growth and delivering strong results across multiple markets, Craig’s leadership will play a key role in shaping the next phase of our APAC strategy. His appointment is testament to the partnership’s commitment to strengthening our presence across APAC, ensuring sustained and organic growth across the region.   “Kevin’s contributions to the success of our Asia Pacific operations have been significant. Under his leadership, the region has become one of the fastest growing and most dynamic areas of our global business, as illustrated recently by our acquisition of the McGrath business in Australia. As we look forward, I am confident that Craig’s extensive industry experience and strategic vision will help us continue our growth trajectory in this important region.”   Craig Shute commented: “I am honoured and excited by this opportunity to work with our valued clients, exceptional people, and businesses across Asia Pacific. We are different. Knight Frank’s entrepreneurial, unique partnership structure ideally positions us to provide superior services and advice to our clients and attract the best talent in the industry. This powerful combination will continue to see our brand expand throughout this diverse and ever-evolving region.”

Vietnam’s economic growth unexpectedly accelerated last quarter, buoyed by manufacturing and exports before a super typhoon last month caused widespread damage and prompted warnings of a challenging end to the year. GDP rose by 7.4 percent in the three months ended September from a year earlier, the General Statistics Office (GSO) of Vietnam said yesterday. That compares with a 6.1 percent median estimate in a Bloomberg survey and a revised 7.09 percent expansion for the second quarter. Vietnam’s economy has shown resilience this year as investment pours in, with Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh vowing to cut logistical costs and improve infrastructure. The government has sought to pull in capital from foreign tech giants such as Samsung Electronics Co and Intel Corp as the country emerges as a viable alternative to China in the production of electronics, from smartphones to basic semiconductors. Investment and industry, especially manufacturing, were among “the driving forces for growth” in the third quarter this year, the GSO said. Big gains in agriculture and other sectors in July and August helped limit the effect of serious damage to crop output from Super Typhoon Yagi last month, GSO head Nguyen Thi Huong said. Yagi battered Vietnam’s northern provinces, killing hundreds and wreaking economic damage that is estimated at more than US$3 billion. Factory activity in the trade-reliant economy contracted for the first time in five months last month, reflecting the severity of the storm, according to an S&P Global purchasing managers’ index report. The government’s latest GDP growth target of 6.8 percent to 7 percent for this year would be “a big challenge” as the impact of Yagi, geopolitical tensions and global economic concerns weigh on expansion, Huong said at a briefing in Hanoi. Authorities earlier predicted a hit of 0.15 percentage points to this year’s growth. The State Bank of Vietnam might “turn more dovish” by lowering interbank interest rates to aid the economy after Yagi, Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group Inc said. The IMF expects Vietnam to grow 6.1 percent this year, slightly faster than its previous estimate, supported by “continued strong external demand, resilient foreign direct investment and accommodative policies,” it said on Sept. 27.–BLOOMBERG

HONG KONG: Vantage Data Centers, a leading global provider of hyperscale data center campuses, today announced that Jeremy Deutsch had joined the company as president, APAC. In his new role, Deutsch will drive Vantage’s regional growth, including strategy, market development, sales, construction and operations. He will report to Jeff Tench, executive vice president, of North America and APAC. Deutsch brings over 20 years of experience as a leader in the information and communication technology (ICT) industry to Vantage’s executive team. He joins the company from Equinix, a global digital infrastructure company, where he served in various roles over the last 20 years, most recently as president of APAC since 2019. In this role, Deutsch spearheaded the company’s business and growth strategies, aligning with broader global initiatives and driving expansion across APAC, scaling into five new countries over five years while delivering strong core business growth. Previously, Deutsch held positions at leading ICT companies, including Unwired Australia, a SingTel Optus company, and Pihana Pacific before it was acquired by Equinix in 2002. “As we move into our next phase of AI-fueled growth in the Asia-Pacific region, we are fortunate to welcome Jeremy to our team and look forward to working with him to continue meeting the demands of our customers across APAC,” said Tench. “Jeremy is an industry veteran who brings a breadth of knowledge and expertise that will be critical as we rapidly scale our APAC platform.” “I am thrilled to join Vantage to lead the company’s fast-growing APAC division,” said Deutsch. “The Vantage APAC platform is poised for explosive growth, and I am excited to have the opportunity to help the team further scale and support customers who need best-in-class sustainable digital infrastructure.” Well known in the region, Deutsch served as the inaugural chair of the Asia-Pacific Data Centre Association (APDCA), an organization Vantage helped launch in addition to holding a seat on its board of directors. Vantage’s APAC business has grown significantly over the past two years, driven largely by demand for AI and cloud services, to include eight campuses across the region that are operational or under development. Most recently, Vantage announced that it has broken ground on its developing 256MW Cyberjaya campus, which will be the company’s largest APAC campus to date once complete and its second in Malaysia.

PETALING JAYA: Dialog Group Bhd has promoted its chief operating officer (COO) Mustaffa Kamal Abu Bakar to the position of chief executive officer. In a filing with Bursa Malaysia, Dialog said Keith Collins, who was the managing director of upstream oil and gas and a member of the executive leadership team, had assumed the role of COO with effect from Oct 7. Mustaffa Kamal, 60, was formerly with PETRONAS Carigali Sdn Bhd for five years and with other oil and gas-related companies in design consultancy, construction and fabrication, and maintenance and specialised services. He is also a Council Member of the Malaysian Gas Association. Collins, a Briton aged 63, has more than 41 years of oil and gas experience and has considerable expertise in upstream management, drilling and field development activities abroad and in Malaysia.–THE STAR

HO CHI MINH CITY: Vietnam’s economy could reach a value of US$2 trillion by 2050, says professor Klaus Schwab in a talk show by the Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee. Schwab, founder and chairman of the World Economic Forum (WEF), said that it was based on a large market size with more than 100 million people. Gross domestic product (GDP) this year was expected to reach US$430bil and GDP growth rate ranges from 6% to 7%. The talk show, under the theme “Knowledge Economy – The Foundation for a Prosperous Future and Youth Action”, featured about 1,200 leaders of departments, businesses and outstanding young citizens in Ho Chi Minh City. Schwab said that the world was changing rapidly, the globalisation process and Industry 4.0 were taking place more and more strongly, requiring countries and localities to constantly develop. They agreed that Ho Chi Minh City, a leader in the field of innovation, has been actively and proactively transforming the growth model to a green, digital and sustainable economy. Each citizen of the city should equip themselves with new and appropriate knowledge and skills to be ready to adapt to the rapid changes in technology and information. “Building and developing a market economy is not only a trend but also an urgent requirement that needs to be carried out in parallel with the industrial transformation process, to equip workers with necessary knowledge and skills to seize opportunities and face challenges of the times,” he said. He said that the shift from a traditional economy to a market economy required a comprehensive restructuring process that must be realised not only simultaneously but also in a harmonious and reasonable manner. In particular, human resources will be the main target and driving force to enhance the market economy. Speaking at the talk show, the chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee Phan Van Mai said that the city is on track to achieve the dual goals of green transformation and digital transformation to push up growth. The city is the centre of talent from the whole country, a fertile land for nurturing and developing high-quality human resources. Every year, science and technology innovation competitions are held, attracting thousands of ideas and projects from students of all levels to university students and young scientists, including many initiatives related to technology, new materials and environmental engineering. The explosion of scientific and technological innovation affirms that the youth in Ho Chi Minh City have capacity, courage and creativity to build a market economy – a key factor in sustainable development and international integration. Mai hopes that the youth will work together to build a stronger city. The market economy was the future, and drastic actions of the young generation would be the decisive factor for the success, he said. Also attending the talk show, associate professor Vo Thi Ngoc Thuy, Principal of the Hoa Sen University, added that the market economy required young people not only to have professional knowledge but also to have enthusiasm, innovative thinking and a spirit of dedication. She said, “More than anyone else, the young generation is the core force, playing a decisive role. Every step of the young people, every startup idea, every innovation initiative contributes to the common prosperity”. — Viet Nam News/ANN

KUCHING: Sarawak Energy Bhd (SEB) has appointed Gabungan Parti Sarawak’s Satok state assemblyman Datuk Ibrahim Baki as its chairman effective Oct 1. Ibrahim succeeds Datuk Amar Abdul Hamed Sepawi, who has been with the company since 2005, leading its transformation into a major regional player in renewable energy and sustainability. “Ibrahim brings over three decades of experience across industries, such as property development, shipping, and media,” SEB said in a statement on Thursday. A legal professional by training, Ibrahim started his career as a legal officer at Petroliam Nasional Bhd (Petronas) in 1984, before co-founding a law firm in Sarawak. SEB also acknowledged the lasting legacy of Amar Abdul Hamed, noting that under his leadership, the company grew from a traditional utility with 2,042 employees and a generation capacity of 849 megawatts (MW) in 2005, to over 6,000 employees and a capacity of 5,745MW at present day. “During his tenure, the company achieved 99.5% electrification across the state, up from 80% in 2009,” it said. Amar Abdul Hamed’s contributions earned him numerous accolades, including the Sarawak State Entrepreneur of the Year Award in 2004 and 2005, and the BrandLaureate “Man of the Year” Brand ICON Leadership Award in 2015. In 2022, he received the Outstanding Global Muslim Entrepreneur Lifetime Achievement Award at the Global Muslim Business Forum. Most recently, in 2023, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim appointed Amar Abdul Hamed to a special advisory body of professionals and economic experts to advise the prime minister in his role as finance minister. Meanwhile, SEB also extended its gratitude to Tan Sri Mohd Hassan Marican, who served as its independent non-executive director from June 9, 2010, until Aug 1, 2024.–BERNAMA

SINGAPORE: Venture Corporation has appointed Wong Chee Kheong as its group CEO. Wong will effectively take on the role from Nov 1. Wong joined the Venture Group in 2003 and has led several of the group’s businesses including product development and manufacturing to IT and global supply base management. He was the group’s chief operating officer (COO) from January 2022 to May 2023 and became the CEO for its advanced manufacturing and design solutions business in June 2023. At the same time, Venture’s CEO for technology products & solutions, Lee Ghai Keen, has resigned due to personal reasons. His last day will be on Oct 31. However, Lee will remain with the group “for a period of time” to facilitate a smooth transition. “On behalf of the board, management and staff, I would like to express our deep appreciation to Ghai Keen for his invaluable contributions to the Group over the past years, and we wish him well,” says executive chairman Wong Ngit Liong. “As Venture continues on our transformative journey and in developing innovative and differentiated capabilities in various technology domains, we are confident that Chee Kheong, with his substantial technical knowledge, close relationship with key customers and alignment with Venture’s values, will drive the continued success of the group,” he adds. “I am honoured to have the opportunity to lead Venture in our next phase of growth. Together with my colleagues and the leadership team, we will continue to deliver the highest quality of service to our customers. I look forward to building on our strong foundation to maximise long-term value creation for all stakeholders,” says CEO Wong. “I would like to thank the Executive Chairman Mr Wong Ngit Liong and the Board for their trust and confidence in me to be the new Group CEO and I look forward to the wise counsel of the Board in the next phase of the Venture journey into the future. I commit to give of my best to build the next level of excellence for the Venture Group.”

JAKARTA: To strengthen AI literacy across ASEAN, the ASEAN Foundation, with support from Google.org, officially launched the AI Ready ASEAN initiative today at the AI Opportunity Southeast Asia Forum. Supported by a USD 5 million cash grant from Google.org, the ASEAN Foundation will implement AI Ready ASEAN over the next 2.5 years, aiming to equip 5.5 million ASEAN citizens with essential AI skills. The programme’s goal will enhance AI literacy in all ten ASEAN Member States through a combination of train-the-trainer approach, creation of a regional AI resource hub with localised content tailored to youth, teachers, parents, and research on AI literacy and ethics, and awareness raising campaigns. Through this programme, the ASEAN Foundation aims to train 2,000 master trainers, who will, in turn, deliver in-depth AI literacy training to over 800,000 end-beneficiaries in local communities. To ensure the training addresses the specific needs of impacted communities, the ASEAN Foundation will work with local partners across the region to tailor the training curriculum for each country’s unique context. “At the ASEAN Foundation, we are thrilled to launch the AI Ready ASEAN initiative with support from Google.org, which will empower millions of individuals across the region with the knowledge and skills to thrive in the digital age,” said Dr. Piti Srisangnam, Executive Director of ASEAN Foundation. “Enhancing AI literacy in ASEAN is not just about preparing our youth, educators, and communities for the future of work—it’s about ensuring that every citizen has the tools to navigate and shape the rapidly evolving technological landscape. By investing in AI education, we are building a stronger, more resilient ASEAN that can harness the power of innovation for sustainable growth and development,” he concluded. The AI Ready ASEAN will also contribute to achieving the goal of the ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement by equipping millions with AI skills to drive the region’s digital transformation. It fosters local expertise to help build an inclusive and sustainable digital economy. At the same time, the initiative will also follow the ASEAN Guide on AI Governance and Ethics, ensuring AI is adopted responsibly, with a focus on transparency, fairness, and inclusivity. The AI Ready ASEAN builds on the success of the previous digital empowerment initiative, ASEAN Digital Literacy Programme, that ran from 2021 to early 2024. Supported with a USD 1.5 million grant from Google.org, the programme addressed misinformation in ASEAN by facilitating access to media and information literacy materials for youth, teachers, parents, and the elderly. Commenting on why Google.org chose to support the ASEAN Foundation again, Marija Ralic, Lead for Google.org, APAC shared, “Our $5M grant support to ASEAN Foundation’s AI Ready ASEAN initiative underscores our commitment to help ensure everyone, especially people in marginalised communities, can access the digital, technical and AI skills to pursue opportunities in the digital economy. Building on the success of our previous support in 2021, through which the ASEAN Foundation has helped hundreds and thousands of individuals across ASEAN to develop essential digital skills, we are excited to continue this journey supporting the ASEAN Foundation to bridge the digital divide and ensure that everyone can benefit from the transformative power of AI.” H.E. Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, Secretary-General of ASEAN, welcomed the AI Ready ASEAN initiative to uplift the AI literacy baseline and empower the region’s digital literacy and create opportunities for ASEAN youth to thrive in the digital age. He remarked, “I commend the ASEAN Foundation and Google.org for spearheading this initiative and for their commitment to advancing digital skills and literacy in our region…I strongly encourage the ASEAN Member States to seize this opportunity as we transform the region into a robust and resilient digital economy, guided by the ASEAN Community Vision 2045.” The AI Opportunity Southeast Asia Forum was co-organised by the ASEAN Foundation and Google, with the goal of connecting regional stakeholders to drive discussions and develop recommendations for AI policies and regulations suited for ASEAN adoption. The forum was opened by remarks from Dr. Piti Srisangnam, Ruth Porat, President and Chief Investment Officer of Alphabet and Google, and H.E. Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, Secretary-General of ASEAN. The forum hosted two expert panels that brought together leaders from fields such as economics, public policy, health, agriculture, and STEM in ASEAN. The first panel explored the prospects and impacts of AI in Southeast Asia, while the second panel focused on adoption opportunities within the region. Both discussions underscored the potential of AI to drive responsible and sustainable innovation across sectors, including the economy, education, health, and agriculture. A key highlight of the forum was the launch of the AI Ready ASEAN initiative and a new grant support from Google.org to EduFarmers, announced by Ruth Porat. The event also featured an AI booth showcasing Google and Google.org’s grantees’ contributions to digital empowerment in ASEAN.

SINGAPORE: The Manpower Ministry (MoM) has met with consumer electronics giant Dyson to work on an “amicable solution”, after the company gave a labour union just one-day’s notice of its retrenchment exercise. MoM said early yesterday that it received a request from the United Workers of Electronics and Electrical Industries (Uweei) for a conciliation session with Dyson. MoM met with Dyson on Wednesday and will also meet with the Uweei “to understand the concerns of both parties and to explore an amicable resolution”, the ministry said. It comes after Uweei executive secretary Patrick Tay reiterated on Wednesday that the union is disappointed that it was informed of the retrenchment exercise only a day before Dyson laid off an undisclosed number of workers on Tuesday. “This is unacceptable as it does not give sufficient time for discussion between Dyson and Uweei to ensure not just a fair, but also a responsible and progressive, retrenchment exercise,” Tay said, adding that more time for discussion would allow affected workers to be better supported. MoM in its statement yesterday said that under the Tripartite Advisory on Managing Excess Manpower and Responsible Retrenchment, unionised companies should give unions early notice when informing employees of retrenchments. “For Dyson, while the company is unionised, the retrenched professionals, managers and executives (PMEs) are not unionised, and they are not part of the scope of the union’s collective representation,” MoM noted. “Hence the period of notice to inform Uweei is negotiable,” it said. MoM added that the formula adopted for computing retrenchment benefits for PMEs does not have to be based on that used for a rank-and-file employee, and is negotiable between the union and the company. — The Straits Times/ANN