Top Tycoon in Malaysia

KUALA LUMPUR: Tan Sri Robert Kuok, the Kuok Group patriarch who relinquished his “Sugar King” crown last year, still tops the list of 40 richest people in Malaysia, followed by telecommunication tycoon Tan Sri Ananda Krishnan.

Collectively, the country’s 40 richest people recorded an increase in their fortunes totalling RM156.7bil as at Jan 15, or 63% more than the RM96.3bil a year ago, on the back of a recovery in the stock market, aMalaysian Business survey reveals.

However, according to the fortnightly magazine’s survey results released in a statement yesterday, their combined wealth was still less than the RM171.9bil recorded in 2008.

The benchmark FBM KLCI rose 44.3% since its last survey as the world strives to get back on its feet following the global financial crisis.

The full list of the 40 tycoons and details of their wealth are published in the magazine’s Feb 16 issue.

As in the previous year, the wealth of the Top 40 was assessed based on the value of their stakes in listed companies as at Jan 15 this year.

The survey also revealed that close to half on this year’s list recorded jumps of 50% or more. There are also more billionaires — 22, eight more than last year.

Media-shy and telecommunication tycoon Ananda Krishnan ranked second, clocking in at RM27bil.

IOI Corporation Bhd’s Tan Sri Lee Shin Chen was third with RM11.92bil, followed by prominent banker Tan Sri Teh Hong Piow at RM10.86bil.

Genting Group’s Tan Sri Lim Kok Thay, valued at RM10.38bil, leapt a full 10 spots to No. 5. This was because he assumed a large chunk of the wealth of his late father, Tan Sri Lim Goh Tong.

Hong Leong Group’s Tan Sri Quek Leng Chan took the sixth spot at RM7.09bil while Tan Sri Syed Mokhtar Albukhary of the Albukhary Foundation, valued at RM6.01bil, was seventh.

Others in the Top 10 ranking were Lim Goh Tong’s widow Puan Sri Lee Kim Hua, Tan Sri Tiong Hiew King of Rimbunan Hijau Group and Tan Sri Vincent Tan of Berjaya Group.

There were five newcomers in the list — Lee Swee Eng of the KNM Group, brothers Datuk Shahril Shamsuddin and Shahriman of Sapura, Datuk Seri Nazir Razak of CIMB Group and OSK Holdings’ Ong Leong Huat, who makes a comeback to the list after a one-year absence

Kenshido & USM collaboration for I-teacher Development

PENANG, 31 Jan: In line with its mission of knowledge sharing, Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) today introduced the ‘I-Teacher’, to help school students in their learning process.

The ‘I-Teacher’ was produced after three years of research by Prof. Hanafi Atan, a lecturer from the School of Distance Education, USM. The ‘I-Teacher’ is expected to be marketed through collaboration with e-Educator Sdn. Bhd and Kenshido International Sdn. Bhd, two companies involved in education technology.

The internet-based product is equipped with software that is in accordance with the syllabus of the Ministry of Education. In addition, it is supported by interactive animation, elements of avatar guidance, slide shows and monitoring of the student’s progress.

Currently, the ‘I-Teacher’ has been designed to help students in Forms 4 and 5 prepare for the Sijil Peperiksaan Malaysia.

The ‘I-Teacher’ and ‘SCORE-A’, another educational product by Kenshido International Sdn. Bhd., were launched by the Governor of Penang, T.Y.T. Tun Dato’ Seri Utama (Dr.) Hj. Abdul Rahman bin Hj. Abbas. During his speech, he said that the launching of innovative products by any university for the benefit of society is always eagerly awaited.

”Furthermore, it involves educational products for school students. As we all know, education for adolescents is an important aspect in the development of the nation. As such, this is a great success,” he said.

He also said that the style of learning has to be reexamined and adapted to the current needs, requirements and environment of students in the ICT era.

“There is a new generation known as ‘Digital Natives’, born in the late ‘70s and who have grown up in an environment that is technologically developed. Any product or service that is offered must take into account the need to fulfill the requirements of these ‘Digital Natives’,” he added.

Meanwhile, Prof. Ahmad Shukri Mustapa Kamal, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic and International Affairs) representing the Vice-Chancellor of USM said that the university has always given importance to efforts towards developing research products for commercialization.

“USM for example, has channelled research funding such as the ‘Research University’ Research Grant, Short-Term Research Grant, Incentive Grant and others to enable these efforts to be carried out. The Ministry of Higher Education too has been very helpful in this aspect.The commercialisation of research products is a KPI that has to be achieved so that funds can be channelled to academic staff. The development of the ‘I-Teacher’ through a research grant from USM and the Ministry of Science Technology and Innovation is an achievement that we are very proud of,” he said.

The launching ceremony also witnessed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between USM and e-Educator Sdn. Bhd as well as a MoU between e-Educator Sdn. Bhd and Kenshido International Sdn. Bhd.

Also present at the event were Assoc. Prof. Habibah Hj. Lateh, Dean of the School of Distance Education; Mr. Jason Kok, President and Group Chief Executive Officer of Kenshido International Sdn. Bhd; and En. Abdul Shukor, Director of e-Educator Sdn. Bhd.



Picture: INNOVATION FOR NATIONAL EDUCATION… T.Y.T. Tun Dato’ Seri Utama (Dr.) Haji Abdul Rahman Abbas pressing the key on the laptop to launch the ‘I-Teacher’ and ‘SCORE-A’ in USM today. Looking on are Prof. Ahmad Shukri (second, right), Assoc. Prof. Habibah (far right) and En. Abdul Shukor (left). Also present is Mr. Jason Kok.

Taiping BOOM

Hi All, 24th Sunday there will be a BOOM in Wisma Nadayson, 134 jalan kota, 34000 Taiping, Next to wet market. Time 2.00PM. All are invited to this Education preview.

We will be sharing the importance of E-learning and how this can help our students in daily life.Since Webucation as a new trend of education system, we will share how this program can really help our students to score straight A's in general examination.

Lets make this occasion specially to parents and fellow students.

Don't miss the golden opportunity and miss your A's. Together we achieve.

Kenshido to spread wing to asia market

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 3 (Bernama) -- Kenshido International Sdn Bhd, the first local company to venture into online education (webucation) in 1999, will score a first when it spreads its wings to seven Asian countries in the first quarter of 2010.

The company is optimistic its foray into the international market will be a fruitful venture as it will introduce an on-line English as a Second Language (E-esl) product early next year.

" The E-esl will be customised according to the syllabus of relevant countries we are penetrating into. We want to focus on the Asian market before expanding to other regions.

" We are in preliminary talks with Indonesia, Thailand, Singapore, Brunei, Philippines, Vietnam and Hong Kong.

" It should not be a problem for us to secure deals in these countries," said Kenshido President and Chief Executive Officer, Jason Kok Min Chong in an exclusive interview with Bernama.

He added that Kenshido was also eyeing Middle East markets for the E-esl product and was already in talks with several parties.

Besides its entry into the international market, Jason said Kenshido will promote the product aggressively in Malaysia as there is a huge demand for the language product.

The educational company sells its 'Score A' e-learning product for standard one to form five students through the multi-level-marketing (MLM) system and has more than 40,000 active distributors nationwide.

Kenshido's E-Learning programme prepares students to be exam ready and in the last 10 years have churned out thousands of straight A's students in the UPSR and PMR examinations.

The Score A programme portal is endorsed by the Ministry of Education and costs RM596 each, for a six-month subscription.

Explaining further, Jason said Kenshido would invest about RM20 million to set up offices under the first phase of its international expansion plan.

" We are confident of generating a monthly revenue of RM30 million from these countries in two years," he said.

On a related development, Jason said Kenshido recently acquired a three-storey building, Wisma Kenshido 2, for RM6.5 million to be used for training and seminar purposes.

It already owns a RM4.3 million three-storey building, Wisma Kenshido 1, which serves as its headquarters. Both buildings are located in Kota Damansara.

Jason also said the company would double the number of support centers nationwide to 30 by the middle of 2010.

" We are planning to invest in the range of RM100 thousand per centre. Todate, we have 30 centres running nationwide," he added.

Jason said the opening of support were significant as the business was growing rapidly and it was important for Kenshido to provide back up facilities for their more than 40,000 distributors in order to expand the business.

--BERNAMA

Info

ime Darby completes Oriental-Hyundai buy
KUALA LUMPUR: Sime Darby Bhd said yesterday its subsidiary Hyumal Motor Sdn Bhd has completed the acquisition of the remaining 60% stake in Oriental-Hyundai Sdn Bhd (OHSB) from Oriental Holdings Bhd and Lim Tiong Boon.

Sime Darby said as such, OHSB became its subsidiary with effect from today.

Petra's subsidiary starts bareboat charters from Mount Santubong
KUALA LUMPUR: Petra Perdana Bhd's wholly owned subsidiary Perdana Mercury Ltd (PML) has taken delivery of a new anchor handling offshore support vessel from Mount Santubong LLC yesterday and commenced the bareboat chartering of the vessel for a 10-year period.

According to a Bursa Malaysia filing, Petra said the vessel would be registered as Petra Voyager and that PML had the option to call on the purchase of the vessel on the date falling 84 months, 96 months, 108 months or 120 months from delivery.

Kossan to buy land for RM794,880
KUALA LUMPUR: Kossan Rubber Industries Bhd’s unit Perusahaan Getah Asas Sdn Bhd (PGA) has entered into a sale and purchase agreement with one Tee Ah Kau to buy a 0.81ha of a 2.01ha parcel of agricultural land in Kuala Selangor for RM794,880.

In a statement to Bursa Malaysia today, Kossan said the acquisition would allow it to expand its business operations at the same location, as the land adjoined PGA’s existing premises.

What to expect on May 15, 2009

1. Opening ceremony of Invention, Innovation & Technology Exhibition 2009 to be officiated by Minister of Science, Technology & Innovation at Room 301, Level 3, KL Convention Centre at 10am

2. Cyberjaya celebrates its 12th anniversary by welcoming a new health clinic to the city at 48013-0-1, CBD Perdana, Jln Perdana, Off Persiaran Multimedia, Cyberjaya at 10am

3. F&N Dairies (M) Sdn Bhd flags off three mobile tow trucks of Magnolia Low Fat Calcium Plus, latest product introduction under Magnolia Pasteurised Milk at F&N Dairies Office, 70 Jln Universiti, PJ, Selangor at 10am

4. MTouche Technology Bhd AGM at Greens II, Tropicana Golf & Country Resort, PJ, Selangor at 10am

5. Loh & Loh Corporation Bhd AGM at Sime Darby Convention Centre, KL at 10am

6. Ministry of International Trade and Industry (Miti) programme on the meeting with foreign ambassadors and trade officers at MATRADE Hall, 3rd floor, Malaysian External Trade Development Corporation, Jalan Duta, KL at 10.30am

7. Handover of post of CCM CEO at Chinese Museum Restaurant, Level 9, The Legend Hotel, KL at 11am

8. Foremost Holdings Bhd AGM at Lot 5613 Sungai Ketapang, Gurun, Kedah at 12pm

9. Tong Herr Resources Bhd AGM at Safira Country Club, Perai at 2pm

10. Celcom launches its new XPax at Manhattan 2 & 3 Ballroom, Berjaya Times Square, KL at 2.45pm

11. Bar Council Malaysia EGM at Civic Hall, MPSJ, Jln Yong Shook Lin, PJ, Selangor at 3pm

12. GAB to announce Q3 FY09 results at 5.30pm

13. MasKargo Megatonners Award Presentation 2008, Kristal Ballroom 1, First Floor, West Wing, Hilton Petaling Jaya at 6.30pm

Know your rights

Arrested? Don't panic.

There have been an alarming number of arrests over the past week related to the detention of Wong Chin Huat and the Perak State Assembly. Ordinary citizens, protesters, and even lawyers have been hauled up. However, many are oblivious about their rights upon being arrested, which could lead one to be intimidated or abused by the police.

The Edge Malaysia gives readers a summary from the Bar Council's Red Book, which advises Malaysians what they should do if they are arrested by the police.

Stop!

If stopped by a police officer not in uniform, one should ask the officer to produce his/her Police authority card, which denotes the officer's rank and name:

Types of police authority cards

Red: Suspended police officer, who has no authority to do anything to you.

Blue: Inspector and above

Yellow: Below rank of inspector

White: Reserve police

Always note the name and ID of the police officer.

On being stopped, you are only obliged to give Personal Particulars: full name, age, address, and occupation.

Am I under arrest?

If the officer continues to ask for more, you can ask “Am I being arrested?” before proceeding. You are arrested if the officer says yes, doesn't allow you to leave, wants to take you to the police station, or handcuffs you.

Before arresting you, however, the officer must give a reason for the arrest. Also, the officer cannot arrest you if you are only deemed a potential witness or want to take a statement.

Post-arrest

If you are arrested, you do have several rights that you should exercise. The first thing you should do is make a call to inform a relative or friend, as well as find legal counsel.

The Legal Aid Centre (details below) is an alternative resource should you not have a personal lawyer to contact.

Inform the following details of the time, place, and reason for the arrest, as well as the Police station that you are taken to.

Once a presence of a lawyer is requested, you have a right to consult the lawyer before giving a statement to the police.

Other Rights

- You are allowed to have one set of clothing with you in lock-up

- Personal belongings are to be recorded, placed in safe custody, and returned upon release.

- You are allowed to bathe twice a day, and have access to medical attention, food and water.

Doing time

The police can detain you for up to 24 hours only.

For any period longer than that, the police have to obtain a Remand Order from a Magistrate, to whom the police must give reasons why it is necessary to detain you for more than 24 hours.

Questioning

A person under arrest does have a right to remain silent by answering the questioning officer “I will answer that in court.”

In giving a statement (known as a 112 Statement), it is advised that you have a lawyer present. You also have the right to refuse to answer a question if the answer is likely to incriminate yourself.

The statement given here can/will be used against you in court to prove that you have admitted or confessed to committing the criminal offense charged, or admitted to certain facts that tend to show you are guilty of the offense charged.

During this time, the Bar Council advises you to do the following:

- Bring along a notebook or writing paper, writing down every question asked. If you don't have a notebook and/or pen, request for them.

- After carefully considering each question, write down your answers before reading them to the police officer.

- Before signing to confirm the 112 Statement, compare it against what you have written down in your personal notes. You have to right to correct or change the statement before signing it.

- If you have been threatened, beaten or forced to make a statement, it's within your rights to lodge a police report against the offending officer.

- What you have said in the statement can/will be used against you in court to prove that you have admitted or confessed to committing the criminal offense charged, or admitted to certain facts that tend to show you are guilty of the offense charged.

Body Search

A police officer can perform a body search upon arrest if they suspect you have evidence relating to a suspected offense.

However, it is advised that you request the body search be done while accompanied by a lawyer. The search must be done in a confined place, and it is within your rights to be searched in private. Only a female police officer can conduct a body search on females.

There are four types of body searches:

1. Pat down search, where only the outer clothing is searched

2. Strip search, which is done to search for concealed evidence, object, contraband or weapon. This can only be conducted with the authorisation of an officer ranked inspector and above ( i.e., those with blue Police Authority Cards).

3. Intimate search, where a search is conducted beyond the mouth, nose, and ears. This can only be conducted with the authorisation of an officer ranked Assistant Superintendent and above.  

4. Intrusive search, which is done to find objects in the body. This can only be conducted with the authorisation of the Officer in charge of the Police District and must be carried out by a Government Medical Officer or Medical Officer. 

Seeking help: Legal Aid Centres

Kuala Lumpur Tel: 03-2691 3005 / 2693 2072

Selangor 03-5510 7007

Negeri Sembilan 06-6013 844

Melaka 06-2845 519 / 06-2864 514

Johor 07-2235 698

Perak 05-2550 523

Kedah & Perlis 04-7333 467

Kelantan 04-7448 660

Pahang 09-5159 244 / 09-2969 410

Pulau Pinang 04-2617 451 / 04-3316 830