By: Joey Lim, Lark Vice President of Commercial, Asia

The Covid-19 pandemic smashed a hard dent to economic markets in Southeast Asia and everywhere around the world. As the pandemic continues with seemingly no end in sight, and businesses struggle to cope with the economic fallout, the future appears gloomy for the local workforce. In August 2020, Malaysia witnessed the national unemployment rate a rise to 4.7%, with more Southeast Asian countries seeing the same trend.

However, a general rule would suggest that new problems are but opportunities for new solutions. Evidently, where some companies have folded, others are thriving from a shift to digital. Throughout the region, governments have implemented various stimulus measures to assist local businesses to go online. In line with supporting the local economy, the Malaysian government committed RM700 million toward grants and loans for the digital transformation of SMEs.

Attributed to: Vincent Tang, Regional Vice President, Asia, Epicor

Getting something from point A to point B is straightforward work. That's probably why many distributors still rely on human labour and paper tracking. While the distribution industry hasn't always been an early user of new technology, new tools are about to transform operations. And the future is exciting.

Artificial intelligence (AI) makes distribution faster and easier. Tools collect valuable data and suggest actions to streamline operations and boost profits. AI can predict consumer demand. And AI in distribution can give sales reps access to information to help them better serve their customers.

By using AI technology, distributors can grow their businesses in these three important areas.

Kuala Lumpur, 19 November 2020 – Permodalan Nasional Berhad (PNB) today launched Minggu Saham Digital (MSD) – a digital adaptation of Minggu Saham Amanah Malaysia (MSAM). MSD continues MSAM’s objective to educate and enhance public understanding on savings and investment in an edutainment format, whilst showcasing PNB’s portfolio of companies and their business operations.  

Minister of Finance and Deputy Chairman of Yayasan Pelaburan Bumiputra (YPB), YB Senator Tengku Dato’ Sri Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz, Group Chairman of PNB, Tan Sri Dr. Zeti Aziz, and President and Group Chief Executive of PNB, Ahmad Zulqarnain Onn, officiated the digital event at a virtual launch ceremony that was broadcasted live via MSD’s Facebook page and YouTube channel. The Prime Minister of Malaysia, YAB Tan Sri Muhyiddin Mohd. Yassin who is also the Chairman of YPB congratulated PNB on the initiative to bring its annual financial literacy event with the new digital format via a video address. 

Echoing the Prime Minister’s congratulatory note to PNB on the success of bringing MSAM to the digital platform, YB Tengku Dato’ Sri Zafrul said the initiative is in line with the Government’s push for the digital economy to expedite the country’s economic recovery plan amid the COVID-19 pandemic.