03/04/2025

BIZ & FINANCE THURSDAY | APR 3, 2025

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CTOS event brings together experts and entrepreneurs

US tariffs expected to affect Apac economic growth: S&P Global KUALA LUMPUR: Rising US tariffs are expected to affect growth across Asia Pacific (Apac), according to S&P Global Ratings’ latest economic update. The tariffs, which target sectors such as automobiles, pharmaceuticals and semiconductors, are anticipated to put a strain on regional growth as trade relations continue to evolve. S&P Global Ratings chief economist for Apac Louis Kuijs said the tariffs will have a significant impact, especially on countries heavily reliant on trade with the United States. “As for Apac, we anticipate more tariffs, which are expected to affect growth, particularly through their impact on exports, investments, and overall economic uncertainty,” he said during the S&P Updates Economic Forecasts for Apac Economies webinar yesterday. There will also be some countries, such as the Philippines, Singapore, Australia and New Zealand, that are not expected to be significantly impacted by the tariffs directly, he said. “The impact on these countries is expected to be minimal, as they do not face significant tariffs or have substantial bilateral trade surpluses with the US,” he added, but they will still experience indirect impacts. “We also need to consider that when Chinese exporters face more challenges in the US market, they will focus more on selling within the region. This shift will place additional pressure on local exporters, particularly in some Southeast Asian markets,” Kuijs said. He added that despite rising tariffs and global trade tensions, the agency has only slightly revised its growth forecast for Apac economies, projecting 4.1% growth in 2025 versus 4.4% in 2024 due to strong regional domestic demand. “An important takeaway is that while the US tariff actions are challenging Apac economies, the robustness of domestic demand should prevent growth from faltering significantly,”he said. – Bernama Allianz Life unveils plan for SMEs KUALA LUMPUR: Allianz Life Insurance Malaysia Bhd (Allianz Life) has introduced Allianz EliteChoice, a competitive and comprehensive insurance plan for small and medium enterprises. In a statement yesterday, Allianz Life said the plan is designed to provide competitive coverage for employee groups ranging from three to 350 employees and offers flexibility to meet the diverse needs of modern businesses. “This includes extensive life and health coverage, ensuring SMEs provide their employees with essential financial and healthcare protection. “Allianz EliteChoice is a forward-thinking solution that reflects our dedication to helping businesses stay competitive while providing their employees with the best possible protection,” said Allianz Life chief executive officer Charles Ong. Allianz EliteChoice’s key features and benefits include group hospitalisation and surgical (GHS), group outpatient clinical (optional rider to GHS), group dental (optional rder to GHS), and group term life.

SME Biz Day will focus on three key areas – mastering e-invoicing, leveraging government incentives and miti gating risks with digital tools. This year’s CTOS SME Biz Day has secured an impressive lineup of pro minent speakers, in cluding representatives from the government, key industry leaders and successful entrepre neurs. Also present will be representatives from

o CTOS SME Biz Day 2025 aims to equip small, medium businessess with tools and knowledge to unlock their full potential and future-proof operations

PETALING JAYA: Private credit reporting agency CTOS Data Systems Sdn Bhd is connecting industry experts and entre preneurs, giving them access to valuable resources, and discovering new opportunities to elevate their business through the upcoming CTOS SME Biz Day 2025. From enhancing credit health to securing finances to embracing digital transformation, CTOS SME Biz Day highlights real, actionable strategies for SMEs to future-proof their operations. Group CEO Erick Hamburger ( pic ) said CTOS is not just a credit score provider but is committed to empowering SMEs to unlock their full potential and expand their businesses both locally and globally. “As a key player in the industry, we tap into our wealth of data and connections to empower businesses with better credit risk KUALA LUMPUR: OCK Group Bhd does not anticipate any major long-term impact on its operations or business performance in Myanmar following the magnitude 7.7 earthquake that struck last Friday. The telecommunications network solutions provider said about 90% of OCK Myanmar’s tower sites are located in suburban and rural areas, which were significantly less affected by the seismic activity compared to urban centres. “This geographical positioning has greatly minimised the potential for disruptions to our network and operations,” it said in a filing with Bursa Malaysia yesterday. According to OCK’s 2023 annual report, the group owns more than 1,200 sites in Myanmar. The company also noted that its operations team has been proactive in conducting a PETALING JAYA: Ravin Vickneswaran ( pic ) has been appointed chief operating officer of EdgePoint Towers Sdn Bhd, a subsidiary of EdgePoint Infrastructure Sdn Bhd, a leading Asean-based independent telecommuni cations infrastructure company. Ravin has been with EdgePoint since 2021 and has extensive experience spanning over 25 years in the local and international telecommunications industry. As the chief operating officer, he will work closely with teams across the organisation to drive the company’s vision across various departments, including engineering and implementation, property and permitting, and operations and maintenance. He will also lead teams towards enhancing service offerings, boosting customer satisfaction, ensuring the successful implementation of environmental, social and governance practices, strengthening partnerships and driving the

management. We want to build a strong financial ecosystem for the nation by ensuring that SMEs have the tools and support they need to thrive in an ever-evolving market,” he said in a statement. With a nationwide tour across Kuala Lumpur, Johor Bahru, Penang and Kuching, these com

plimentary sessions aim to equip SMEs with the knowledge, tools, and networks to unlock their full business potential, with the theme “Future-forward SMEs, Digitalise, Transform, Innovate”. Set to be one of the largest SME events of the year, the kick-off session in Kuala Lumpur will be happening on May 6 at Nexus, Bangsar South. To help SMEs stay ahead of the curve and capitalise on new opportunities, this year’s

the Small and Medium Enterprises Asso ciation, SME Corp Malaysia, Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation, Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation, Credit Coun selling and Debt Management Agency, Inland Revenue Board, Montigo, Mydin, Zus Coffee, Anjoe Raw Beaute, BloomThis, Unifi Business, U Mobile, Mochi, AutoCount, AWS and Maxis Business. Former health minister Khairy Jamaluddin will also be present at the event.

OCK: No huge long-term impact on Myanmar operations expected from recent earthquake

thorough inspection of its tower infra structure. “As of today, we have inspected 95% of our sites, and the results are largely favourable. Only four towers have been identified as requiring dismantling due to damage sustained from the earthquake. “Importantly, none of the ground-based towers that have been assessed so far have shown any significant damage that would impact their functionality or the network’s performance,” it said. OCK said that further inspections will continue over the next few days to ensure that all sites are thoroughly evaluated. “The group’s regional presence and diverse tower portfolio continue to provide resilience, and we remain confident in our ability to maintain service continuity in

Myanmar,” it said. The company also noted that all OCK Myanmar staff are safe and accounted for. – Bernama Ravin Vickneswaran appointed EdgePoint Towers chief operating officer

Ravin has served as vice in-building coverage and inno-vation at EdgePoint since 2021 and has been instrumental in growing the company’s IBC and small cells portfolio. Prior to joining EdgePoint, he held key senior positions in telecommunications com president of

adoption of new technologies. In addition, Ravin will retain his previous portfolio in EdgePoint, continuing to lead the innovations team. “As Malaysia accelerates its 5G rollout, Edgepoint Towers remains committed to deli vering future-ready infra structure that enables seamless connectivity. Collaboration with our customers is at the heart of our strategy, ensuring we provide innovative and reliable solutions that support their evolving needs.

panies in Malaysia and Myan mar, namely, head of 5G ente rprise business at Celcom Axiata Bhd, director of Apac operations at Flexenclosure AB, and manager at Maxis Communications Bhd. Currently, EdgePoint Towers is the second largest independent telecommunications infrastructure company in Malaysia, with 1,800 sites in its portfolio.

“Continuing to work alongside my talented colleagues, we aim to foster strong partnerships, drive operational excellence, and play a key role in advancing the nation’s digital transformation,“ he said.