Latest news with #Johor-based
Barnama
10 hours ago
- Business
- Barnama
PGB Eyes Strong Growth from Industrial and Residential Developments After Record Profit Year
KUALA LUMPUR, June 23 (Bernama) -- Johor-based property developer Paragon Globe Berhad (PGB) is positioning itself for sustained growth in the industrial and residential sectors, supported by strategic projects and Johor's buoyant economic prospects, following a record-breaking financial performance in its recently concluded financial year. For the financial year ended March 31, 2025, PGB achieved a remarkable net profit of RM105.6 million, reversing a previous year's net loss of RM1.2 million. Revenue surged to RM306.3 million from RM51 million the year before, primarily driven by strategic land disposals and robust industrial property sales.
The Star
10-06-2025
- Business
- The Star
RM4,000 starting salary to retain Johorean talent
KULAI: While there is nothing to stop Johoreans from working in Singapore, job seekers should also look for opportunities within the state as its talent development council is teaming up with industry players to offer a basic salary of RM4,000, says exco member Aznan Tamin. The state education and information committee chairman said the Johor Talent Development Council (JTDC) has been collaborating with industry players in sectors such as manufacturing and data centres to offer salaries that are higher than the market rate. He said various companies have started offering a higher salary scheme since the initiative was mooted by Johor Mentri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi. 'We do not stop people from taking up jobs in Singapore, but we want them to know that there are opportunities for them to earn attractive salaries here without having to cross the border. 'During a premium job fair in Johor Baru recently, many companies offered starting salaries of RM4,000 and above for high-skilled degree holders. Some of the job seekers I met there also expressed their willingness to return to work in Johor. 'Besides the pay, they cited reasons such as convenience and time, as they do not have to commute across the border daily, as among the factors considered,' he said yesterday. JTDC, he added, is also involved when investors sit down with Invest Malaysia Facilitation Centre Johor, as a move to ensure the state government's vision of having high-paying jobs is realised. Aznan earlier witnessed the signing of a note of understanding between JTDC and Sun Bus Tech Sdn Bhd, a Johor-based bus manufacturing company. He added that the company has set a new benchmark for the industry with their willingness to accept the state government's call to offer a basic salary of RM4,000 to high-skilled workers. 'Through this initiative, JTDC and Sun Bus Tech will also offer on-site training to match the industry's needs. 'Their participation reflects how local industries can help to champion and build a stronger future for Johor's talent development,' he added. Meanwhile, the company's chief executive officer Shyan Phang said about 200 vacancies with the premium salary scheme are available, with around 40% already filled. 'Through this programme, we will welcome trainees into our workshops and assembly lines for immersive on-the-job training. 'They will learn directly from our engineers and technicians, mastering the skills that turn raw materials into buses that serve communities across the region,' she said, adding that the company's aim is to attract, groom and retain Johor talents.
New Straits Times
08-06-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
PR frenzy, poor fundamentals: Disappointing IPO darlings
KUALA LUMPUR: Over the past 18 months, Bursa Malaysia witnessed a surge in new listings, many accompanied by high expectations and polished narratives. Behind the scenes, public relations consultants and investment advisors played pivotal roles organising media briefings, analyst meetings and investor briefings to generate interest and drive early demand. However, as the dust settles, some of these companies have fallen short of their promises, with share prices slipping below IPO levels despite the initial fanfare. Here are three companies that illustrate the disconnect between pre-listing optimism and post-listing realities: Alpha IVF Group Bhd •Recent Price: 28 sen (as of June 6) Alpha IVF, a fertility services provider, made its debut on Bursa Malaysia with a compelling narrative centred around expanding fertility awareness and clinical capabilities. The company positioned itself as a beacon of hope for couples struggling to conceive, backed by cutting-edge technologies and a regional footprint. Public relations consultants heavily promoted the IPO, emphasising emotional branding - stories of successful IVF journeys, warm imagery of smiling babies - and reassuring interviews with founders and doctors. Investor briefings were held, reinforcing the company's regional growth story. The IPO was oversubscribed, and the stock saw a slight uptick upon listing. However, the honeymoon phase was short-lived. Analysts began to question the valuation multiples, especially given the thin margins and rising operational costs of running fertility centres. The company's expansion plans, initially perceived as bold, began to look like expensive bets in a niche and price-sensitive market. Despite the promotional efforts, Alpha IVF's share price gradually declined, slipping below its IPO price and staying there. Notably, the IPO price of RM0.32 corresponded to a price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio of 21.92x, based on a net profit of RM54.79 million and earnings per share (EPS) of 1.46 sen for the financial year ended May 31, 2023. This valuation was higher than the industry's average P/E ratio, raising concerns about the company's valuation amidst the optimism. CPE Technology Bhd •IPO Price: RM1.07 •Recent Price: 71 sen (as of June 6) CPE's entry into Bursa was anything but quiet. As a precision engineering company with clients in the semiconductor, life sciences, and industrial automation sectors, it was touted as a proxy for Malaysia's high-tech ambitions. The IPO narrative leaned heavily on its global supply chain connections, particularly its exports to the US, Europe and China. In the weeks leading up to its listing, CPE's name was everywhere. PR consultants rolled out a carefully staged campaign: glossy investor kits were circulated, media interviews were arranged with top executives, and photos of high-tech assembly lines flooded financial pages. There were even organised tours for analysts and key fund managers to CPE's Johor-based facilities, complete with safety helmets, walkthroughs, and sales pitch presentations over coffee. The message was clear: CPE was not just another component maker - it was a growth story in a fast-evolving tech ecosystem. Investors initially responded with enthusiasm. The IPO was oversubscribed, and there was buzz about CPE being well-positioned to ride the next wave of industrial demand. But reality, as it often does, proved more complicated. Just a few quarters in, cracks began to appear. Order flows from major clients slowed as the global tech sector cooled. Margins came under pressure, not least due to rising raw material costs and a strong US dollar. Earnings missed early projections, and suddenly, the glow around CPE started to fade. The same analysts who had attended the factory tours began to revise their outlooks. Despite the polished communications campaign and well-managed listing strategy, CPE's share price drifted below its IPO level. The company had a credible story - but not enough momentum to keep the market convinced. DXN Holdings Bhd •IPO Price: 70 sen •Recent Price: 50 sen (as of June 6) DXN's return to the stock market after years in private hands was framed as a rebirth. PR consultants spoke of a "new chapter" for the direct-selling giant, with aggressive outreach to media and investor groups. Yet, cracks began to appear when earnings underwhelmed and overseas sales growth slowed. Despite the well-orchestrated relisting campaign, investors began to question whether DXN's golden era was behind it. Conclusion: Hype Fades, Fundamentals Remain Industry observers said new IPOs often arrive on a wave of excitement, backed by slick presentations, aggressive PR campaigns, and promises of untapped potential. But investors must learn to separate story from substance. Just because a stock is trending or being heavily marketed doesn't mean it's a good buy. PR blitzes can create temporary buzz, but they can't sustain valuations if earnings disappoint and growth stalls. The observers said the message is clear: don't get carried away by headlines or hype, and stick to fundamentals, scrutinise the financials and invest with discipline.
Daily Express
05-06-2025
- Business
- Daily Express
Malaysia ahead in stingless bee farming
Published on: Thursday, June 05, 2025 Published on: Thu, Jun 05, 2025 By: Bernama Text Size: Dr Mohd Khairuddin said Unison's hive technology offers durable and secure habitats for stingless bees, a native pollinator species vital to Malaysia's ecosystem. Kuala Lumpur: Unison Technology & Manufacturing (M) PLT is introducing modular hive systems and training initiatives to strengthen stingless bee farming and rural livelihoods in Malaysia in line with the country's participation in Expo 2025 Osaka. In a statement, the Johor-based company said it has developed patented beehive structures made of concrete composite materials, which are designed to improve hive durability and reduce long-term maintenance. Senior lecturer at Azman Hashim International Business School, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) and lead innovator at Unison Technology & Manufacturing Dr Mohd Khairuddin Ramliy said the global decline in bee population threatens biodiversity and food security, as bees are responsible for pollinating about 75 per cent of crops consumed worldwide. 'In response, Unison is reimagining stingless bee farming by developing patented bee modular boxes and concrete composite beehives designed to improve honey yields and simplify hive management. 'By modernising traditional apiculture, Unison is linking ecological restoration with economic opportunity, positioning Malaysia as a sustainability-driven innovator ahead of Expo 2025 Osaka,' he said. Dr Mohd Khairuddin said Unison's hive technology offers durable and secure habitats for stingless bees, a native pollinator species vital to Malaysia's ecosystem. 'The use of concrete composite materials reduces the need for frequent replacement, cutting down environmental waste and increasing the lifespan of each hive,' he said. He added that the innovation supports higher pollination rates for crops, native plants, and fruits, ultimately boosting agricultural yields. 'In line with the United Nations Environment Programme's call for nature-based solutions, Unison's technology directly contributes to climate adaptation, biodiversity protection, and ecosystem resilience. 'Tailored for Malaysia's tropical climate, the hive design demonstrates how engineering and ecology can work hand in hand to support both productivity and environmental sustainability,' he said. He also said Unison's bee farming model goes beyond ecology by supporting rural livelihoods through training, equipment, and tools that lower entry barriers for aspiring beekeepers. 'The model is intentionally inclusive, providing women, youth, and marginalised groups with opportunities to earn sustainable incomes through honey harvesting and the production of value-added products such as propolis, bee pollen, and beeswax items. 'This diversification supports financial resilience and long-term self-sufficiency while revitalising traditional ecological knowledge and enabling communities to adopt climate-resilient practices that are both economically viable and socially inclusive,' he said. Dr Mohd Khairuddin further said Unison's modular hive system is engineered for ease of use, consistency, and scalability, with a standardised structure that ensures optimal hive conditions, supports bee health, and improves productivity for users ranging from backyard farmers to large-scale producers. 'The company's work is supported by training, technical assistance, and collaboration with agricultural institutions, enabling Unison to refine its products based on real-world feedback and adapt them to various environments and farming needs. 'By offering a reliable and scalable system backed by rigorous product development, Unison is supporting the growth of a structured, high-quality apiculture sector in Malaysia while advancing national goals in food security, biodiversity restoration, and regenerative agriculture,' he said. Additionally, he said the company's work aligns with Malaysia's participation in Expo 2025 Osaka, which focuses on designing a future society that balances progress with sustainability. 'Unison's approach demonstrates that pollinator protection is not only an ecological responsibility but also a strategic opportunity to drive prosperity, empower communities, and foster harmony between people and nature. 'As Malaysia prepares to present its sustainability vision on the global stage, Unison stands as a proud example of how local innovation can deliver global relevance,' he said. Expo 2025 Osaka, a world expo organised and sanctioned by the Bureau International des Expositions (BIE), will be held in Osaka, Japan, for the second time from April 13-Oct 13, 2025. It hosted Expo 1970. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
New Straits Times
29-05-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
JCorp actively redefining Johor's economic architecture, according to its chief
JOHOR BAHRU: Johor Corporation (JCorp) is actively redefining Johor's economic architecture beyond traditional sectors by shaping the next wave of industry platforms, from advanced manufacturing and food tech to digital infrastructure, circular economy systems and artificial intelligence (AI)-enabled agriculture. President and chief executive Datuk Syed Mohamed Syed Ibrahim said that through these, the state government-owned company is building industries and shaping a responsible, future-ready economy. "JCorp is focused on execution-building ecosystems, enabling capital flows and driving long-term growth aligned with Maju Johor 2030." "We are not waiting for growth to happen, we are shaping its direction through bold investments, system-level design and long-term execution," he told Bernama in an interview recently. He said as Johor accelerates into a new economic chapter shaped by global megatrends and catalysed by the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ), JCorp is strategically placed to function as an enabler of growth and collaboration. "We are leveraging the JS-SEZ to position Johor as a high-value innovation corridor. With Singapore on our doorstep, Johor has the advantage of proximity and potential, making it ideal for next-generation industries such as electrical and electronics, digital economy, green economy, halal industry, food technology, agritech and renewable energy. "Our single most strategic initiative within the JS-SEZ, Ibrahim Technopolis (IBTEC), is poised to generate strong multiplier effects, particularly in job creation and business opportunities," he said. He said IBTEC is designed to support infrastructure development, innovation clusters and platforms in line with sustainability principles and the New Industrial Master Plan (NIMP) 2030. Syed Mohamed said JCorp is also working closely with agencies such as the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA) and Invest Johor to streamline investor facilitation and enable regulatory alignment. He said JS-SEZ provided a foundation for inclusive industrialisation and JCorp is prioritising initiatives that create entry points for local talent and businesses within this framework while also attracting high-impact global players. "JCorp sees both tracks as essential. We are investing in the growth of Johor-based companies to scale regionally while building the infrastructure and conditions to attract high-impact global players," he said. He said JCorp's role is to develop industrial ecosystems that allow Johor-based companies to scale by connecting them to international markets as well as enabling infrastructure and collaborative platforms. Elaborating further, he said these environments are designed not just to host businesses but to help them grow through co-location, shared services and innovation-driven partnerships. "At the same time, we are curating environments where foreign investors don't simply extract value but contribute meaningfully to the local economy through technology transfer, supplier integration and talent development "Foreign partnerships matter but scaling local champions is how Johor wins," he said. Syed Mohamed said JCorp is also actively participating in talent development to ensure an ample supply of workforce. "Critically, we are ensuring that talent development keeps pace. Johor Skills Development Centre and our partnership with the Johor Talent Development Council (JTDC) are building a robust talent pipeline through targeted technical education and cross-border industry immersion programmes. He said Johor Skills is delivering modular programmes focused on sectors such as advanced manufacturing, renewable energy and data infrastructure. "In collaboration with Republic Polytechnic and the Institute of Technical Education Singapore, we aim to upskill or reskill 10,000 workers per year by 2027 to support sector-specific workforce readiness in the JS-SEZ," he said. JS-SEZ is a joint initiative by Malaysia and Singapore to create a dynamic and competitive economic hub in Johor by leveraging synergies between both countries with the aim of attracting investment, enhancing connectivity and fostering inclusive growth through tax incentives, infrastructure development and streamlined business processes.
