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Sanjay Sarma, our CEO, President, and Dean, recently spoke with CNN Indonesia about the rapidly changing world of artificial intelligence and its extensive implications. Tune in to gain a deeper understanding from his expert perspective.
Watch here.
Originally published by CNN Indonesia.
KERAJAAN Malaysia telah melaksanakan program rasionalisasi subsidi bahan bakar dengan menghapuskan subsidi diesel. Walaupun beberapa kategori pengguna diesel masih menerima subsidi, bagi kebanyakan yang menggunakan bahan bakar sebagai sumber penting, penghapusannya bermaksud peningkatan kos pengeluaran.
Nota ini menghujahkan rasionalisasi subsidi bahan bakar tidak semestinya bersifat inflasi dan penjimatan daripada peng hapusan subsidi tidak harus diperuntukkan untuk mana-mana program perbelanjaan tertentu. Pemahaman kesan makroekonomi ini adalah penting supaya polisi makroekonomi yang sesuai dapat dilaksanakan dan kritikan yang salah terhadap program rasionalisasi subsidi dapat dielakkan.
Peningkatan harga diesel akan mengubah harga relatif barangan dan perkhidmatan. Harga barangan dan perkhidmatan yang intensif diesel akan meningkat berbanding dengan yang lain. Sebagai contoh, perkhidmatan pengangkutan akan menjadi lebih mahal dan harg anya mungkin naik berbanding perkhidmatan perbankan. Ini boleh berlaku sama ada melalui peningkatan harga perkhidmatan pengangkutan sementara harga perkhidmatan perbankan kekal, atau penurunan harga perkhidmatan perbankan sementara harga perkhidmatan pengangkutan kekal sama.
Hasilnya bergantung kepada polisi kewangan yang dilaksanakan oleh Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) dan polisi fiskal kerajaan. Polisi sekatan BNM dan kerajaan boleh menahan kos pengangkutan daripada meningkat sambil menekan harga barangan dan perkhidmatan lain. Walau bagaimanapun, polisi ini akan mengorbankan aktiviti ekonomi dengan ketara. Kemungkinan senario yang berlaku dan yang lebih baik ialah peningkatan harga perkhidmatan pengangkutan tanpa penurunan harga perkhidmatan perbankan. Ini bukan inflasi tetapi perubahan dalam harga relatif.
Untuk pemahaman mudah: apabila harga bahan bakar meningkat di pam, indeks harga pengguna (CPI) akan naik dalam bulan kenaikan tersebut. Saiz kenaikan adalah sebanding dengan kepentingan bahan bakar dalam bakul CPI. Selepas kenaikan permulaan ini, tekanan permintaan yang mendasari yang menyebabkan semua harga meningkat lebih kurang selari akan menentukan trend inflasi masa depan. Tekanan permintaan ini boleh dipengaruhi oleh polisi ekonomi, terutamanya polisi kewangan. Bank pusat boleh mengekalkan tahap inflasi yang rendah dengan melaksanakan polisi yang sesuai.
Kesan peningkatan harga bahan bakar tidak terhad kepada harga di pam sahaja. Harga barangan yang menggunakan bahan bakar sebagai sumber pengeluaran juga mungkin meningkat dari masa ke semasa, menyebabkan tempoh pening katan CPI yang berpanjangan di atas kadar inflasi yang mendasa ri sementara harga relatif diselaraskan. Walau bagaimanapun, selagi bank pusat mengekalkan inflasi mendasar yang stabil, inflasi yang diukur akan kembali ke tahap tersebut.
Oleh itu, pelupusan subsidi bahan bakar di Malaysia tidak semestinya bersifat inflasi, dengan syarat BNM tetap komited untuk mengekalkan inflasi mendasar yang tetap. Rekod prestasi BNM menunjukkan bahawa ia boleh menghalang kejutan sementara daripada membawa kepada inflasi tinggi yang berpanjangan. Sepanjang 20 tahun yang lalu, kadar inflasi di Malaysia berpurata 2.2 peratus, menunjukkan kestabilan mengikut piawaian antarabangsa.
Apabila subsidi bahan bakar dilupuskan, ukuran perubahan CPI mungkin akan menjadi lebih tidak menentu, kerana harga minyak antarabangsa yang naik turun memberi kesan kepada ekonomi domestik dengan sepenuhnya. Walau bagaimanapun, BNM boleh menghalang perkara ini daripada menyebabkan ketidakstabilan dalam inflasi mendasar. Memastikan orang ramai bahawa peningkatan harga yang sementara tidak akan menggagalkan komitmen terhadap inflasi yang rendah dan stabil boleh membantu menambat jangkaan inflasi.
Persoalan ini akan menimbulkan pelbagai cadangan, dengan ramai yang mengesyorkan agar penjimatan dibelanjakan untuk projek tertentu. Satu cadangan yang kerap ialah menggunakan penjimatan tersebut untuk memperbaiki dan mengembangkan infrastruktur pengangkutan awam, mengujahkan bahawa harga bahan bakar yang lebih tinggi meningkatkan kos perjalanan dengan kereta, yang boleh dikurangkan dengan pengangkutan awam yang lebih baik.
Segelintir pihak mungkin mempertikaikan bahawa penjimatan itu harus disalurkan kepada penambahbaikan kesihatan awam dan pendidikan. Walaupun peningkatan perbelanjaan untuk pengangkutan awam, kesihatan dan pendidikan mungkin wajar, keputusan perbelanjaan awam tidak harus diikat kepada sumber pendapatan tertentu. Dana adalah sepiawai dan keputusan dalam perbelanjaan awam harus berdasarkan keutamaan dan bukannya sumber pendapatan.
Sebagai alternatif, penjimatan daripada rasionalisasi subsidi bahan bakar boleh digunakan untuk mengehadkan pinjaman awam, mengelakkan peningkatan hutang awam.
Pengurangan dalam pinjaman awam akan memudahkan akses kepada dana untuk sektor swasta domestik dan asing untuk pelaburan dalam teknologi dan inovasi, memupuk pertumbuhan ekonomi dan daya saing dalam jangka panjang. Peruntukan penjimatan sedemikian boleh memberikan manfaat ekonomi yang ketara, melengkapkan kestabilan makroekonomi yang dicapai melalui polisi kewangan yang berkesan.
PENULIS adalah Profesor Ekonomi di Asia School of Business dan Pengarah Kanan Program Perbankan Pusat & Kewangan
Originally published by Utusan Malaysia.
From left: Nurul A’in Abdul Latif, Executive Chair at PwC Malaysia, Professor Yi-Ren Wang, Associate Professor I of Organisational Behaviour at the Asia School of Business, Arien Zackary Ritzal, Chief Talent Officer of Gentari, Lai Pei-Si, Chief Executive Officer of GXBank, Professor Dr. Michael Frese, Professor of Management at the Asia School of Business, Abigail Tay, Deputy Dean and Faculty Chair at the Asia School of Business, and Pauline Ho, Assurance Partner and the Building Trust Programme Sponsor at PwC Malaysia.
(July 18): A workforce in a high-trust organisation is 13 times more likely to enable employees to believe that the company will reward efforts fairly in the future compared to a low-trust organisation, according to PwC Malaysia’s latest report in collaboration with the Asia School of Business (ASB).
The report entitled ‘Leading the leap: trust-driven strategies to shape reinvention’ surveyed over 11,000 employees in Malaysia. This survey was conducted between August 14 and September 8 last year among the finalists of PwC Malaysia’s Building Trust Awards 2023, as part of PwC’s Building Trust programme. It assesses the level of employees’ trust and their daily experiences with their workplace social relationships.
It also explores the attributes of a workforce in a high-trust organisation, one where employees are more willing to be open and vulnerable to leaders’ decisions. They are such as a fair rewards system, a culture of openness and respect and the diversity climate of the company.
“Trust is a very important social fabric that allows a society to run smoothly and efficiently. [The survey] was done to get a good sense of how they [employees] trust their employer relative to other big entities,” said Professor Yi-Ren Wang, associate professor of organisational behaviour at ASB during her presentation on July 18 at the Khazanah Auditorium, ASB.
“Employees trust their employers and businesses the most (4.12 and 4.11 respectively), followed by non-governmental organisations (4.02), media (3.76) and the government (3.75) being the least trusted on average. Although all the scores are above the midpoint, employers and businesses played a particularly important role in establishing that trustful relationships with individual citizens allow society to run smoothly.”
Additionally, the report found behaviours around responding to innovations, in particular artificial intelligence (AI) adoption, intriguing. Employees in high-trust organisations were observed to be eight times more likely to adopt AI in the workplace and six times more likely to seek out new ways to learn and innovate, compared to employees in low-trust organisations.
Reiterating the report’s findings, Yi-Ren emphasised that there is no one-size-fits-all model for building trust. Business leaders must continuously refine their approach to earn their employees’ trust in a volatile environment.
“As the search for value and fairness intensifies, organisations also need to be mindful of interpersonal justice, that is, the degree of respect, dignity and sensitivity shown to employees. It is timely to explore the relationship between a high-trust organisation’s workforce and business reinvention, to pave the way for more meaningful discourse on trustworthiness among Malaysian organisations.” she said.
Small-holders make up 40% of Malaysia’s palm oil output and control around 26% of palm oil areas. How are they impacted by the sustainability imperatives of global supply chains? We discuss these themes in the context of independent smallholders in Johor with Dr. Asad Ata, Associate Professor at the Asia School of Business and Director at the Center for Sustainable Small-owners.
Listen to the full interview below.
Originally published by BFM.
Malaysia’s social entrepreneurship movement has untapped potential due to low awareness and cohesion. To address this, PurpoSE Malaysia and the Chamber of Social Entrepreneur Development (CSED) Malaysia have developed the Social Enterprise Malaysia Amplifying Impact (Semai) Summit.
The highlight of this year’s summit is the launch of the ASBhive-Hasanah Impact Challenge, in partnership with Yayasan Hasanah. The programme offers RM250,000 in grants to support social enterprises that focus on education, community development and the environment.
The grants aim to support social enterprises at both the seed and growth stages, providing accessible funding to enhance their capacity. This initiative is designed to sustain operations, boost fundraising efforts and raise public awareness of social innovation and scale solutions for positive social and environmental impacts. Applications for the grants opened on June 27 and will close on July 31.
The summit is organised by Asia School of Business in collaboration with the Ministry of Entrepreneur and Cooperatives Development, PurpoSE Malaysia and CSED.
The Semai Summit is a community-led movement dedicated to advancing social entrepreneurship, from grassroots initiatives to wide-reaching stakeholder involvement. The movement aims to create a supportive ecosystem for local and Malaysia-based social entrepreneurs through knowledge sharing, collaboration and access to resources.
For more information on the Semai Summit, visit iec@asb.edu.my.
Read the full article HERE.
Originally published by The Edge.
名家观点:汉斯·根伯格（亚洲商学院经济学教授）
马来西亚政府实施了燃油补贴合理化措施，取消了柴油补贴。尽管些许类别的柴油使用者能有持续获得补贴的资格，但对于多数使用柴油为燃油的使用者来说，取消补贴意味着生产成本的增加。
本文认为，燃油补贴合理化不一定会导致通货膨胀，而且取消补贴所省下的资金，不应专用于任何特定的支出项目。
了解这些宏观经济后果至关重要，以便制定适当的宏观经济政策，避免对补贴合理化计划的误解和错误批评。
Read the full article HERE.
Originally published by Nanyang Siang Pau.
As part of our quick founder questions series – or QFQs – we spoke to Chor Chee Hoe, Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Qarbotech, about photosynthesis, nanotechnology, and adaptability.
What was the catalyst for launching Qarbotech?
The catalyst for launching Qarbotech was the need to address the pressing global challenges of food security and climate change. Prof. Suraya Abdul Rashid’s research into photosynthesis enhancers revealed a unique opportunity to significantly boost crop yields and resilience. The potential of this technology, combined with the urgent need for sustainable agricultural solutions, inspired the founding of Qarbotech in 2018. When I was doing MBA at Asia School of Business, I had an opportunity to work with Prof. Suraya Abdul Rashid from Universiti Putra Malaysia on an academic project. We worked synergistically, and the chemistry between us was great. Then, she invited me to be the co-founder of Qarbotech to bring her research into commercialisation. Since then, we have made good progress for Qarbotech.
Tell me about the business – what it is, what it aims to achieve, who you work with, how you reach customers and so on?
Qarbotech is a pioneering nanotechnology and agritech company specialising in the development and manufacturing of photosynthesis enhancers. Our flagship product, QarboGrow, is a biocompatible organic compound that enhances photosynthesis efficiency, leading to increased crop yields, shorter growth cycles, improved fruit quality, and greater resilience to drought.
Our aim is to revolutionise agriculture by providing innovative solutions that promote sustainable farming practices, mitigate climate change, and ensure global food security. We collaborate with farmers, agricultural businesses, research institutions, and government bodies to implement our technology across various agricultural sectors.
We reach our customers through a combination of direct sales, partnerships with agricultural distributors, and online platforms. Our marketing strategy includes demonstrations, workshops, and collaborations with agricultural organisations to showcase the benefits of QarboGrow.
How has the business evolved since its launch? When was this?
Since its launch in 2018, Qarbotech has made significant strides in product development, commercialisation, and market penetration. Initially focused on gathering data and testimonials from home gardening customers, we have since expanded our product range and market reach.
Key milestones include the commercialisation of Harvast for the home gardening segment in 2020, the formulation and launch of QarboGrow in 2022, and various awards and recognitions, such as the Tech Planter Malaysia and Asia awards, and significant investments from Glocalink Singapore and 500 Global.
Tell us about the working culture at Qarbotech
At Qarbotech, we foster a collaborative and innovative working culture. Our team is driven by a shared commitment to sustainability and excellence. We encourage open communication, continuous learning, and a proactive approach to problem-solving. Our culture emphasises respect, integrity, and a passion for positively impacting the world.
How are you funded?
Qarbotech is funded through a combination of grants, investments, and awards. We have received market validation grants, angel investments, and funding from venture capital firms such as Glocalink Singapore and 500 Global. We have also won several innovation challenges, providing financial support and industry recognition.
What has been your biggest challenge so far and how have you overcome this?
Our biggest challenge has been scaling our technology from lab research to commercial application. This involved extensive field testing, data collection, and product refinement to ensure effectiveness and safety. We overcame this challenge by partnering with research institutions, leveraging funding opportunities, and maintaining a customer-focused approach to product development and feedback.
How does Qarbotech answer an unmet need?
Qarbotech addresses the unmet need for sustainable and effective agricultural solutions that enhance photosynthesis. Traditional farming methods often overlook the potential of optimising photosynthesis, focusing instead on soil and nutrient management. Our technology shifts the focus to the leaves, significantly boosting photosynthetic efficiency, which translates to higher yields, improved crop quality, and greater resilience to environmental stressors.
What’s in store for the future?
The future for Qarbotech includes expanding our market presence in Southeast Asia and beyond, further refining our product range, and developing new applications for our nanotechnology. We aim to form strategic partnerships with global agricultural leaders and continue our commitment to research and innovation. Our long-term goal is to be at the forefront of sustainable agricultural technology, contributing to global food security and environmental sustainability.
What one piece of advice would you give other founders or future founders?
One piece of advice for other founders or future founders is to remain resilient and adaptable. The journey of building a startup is fraught with challenges and uncertainties. Stay focused on your vision, be open to learning from failures, and continuously seek feedback from your customers and stakeholders. Building a strong network and fostering collaborative partnerships can also provide invaluable support and opportunities for growth.
And finally, a more personal question! What’s your daily routine and the rules you’re living by at the moment?
My daily routine involves starting the day with a clear focus on priorities and goals. I dedicate time to strategic planning, team meetings, and engaging with our partners and customers. Continuous learning is also a key part of my routine, whether through reading, attending industry events, or exploring new innovations.
The rules I live by include maintaining a balance between work and personal life, staying committed to our mission of sustainability, and fostering a culture of respect and collaboration within the team. I believe in leading by example and staying true to our values of integrity, innovation, and impact.
Chor Chee Hoe is the Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Qarbotech.
Originally published by Maddyness.
The Asia School of Business (ASB) recently kicked off the SEMAI Summit aiming foster learning, support, and networking among key players in the social enterprise ecosystem.
The summit, organized by ASB in collaboration with the Ministry of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives, PurpoSE, and the Chamber of Social Entrepreneur Development (CSED), was inaugurated by the Minister of Entrepreneurship and Cooperative Development, YB Datuk Ewon Benedick.
PurpoSE Co-founder & Managing Partner, Wan Dazriq noted that, “Malaysia as a nation has vast potential that has yet to be properly unlocked with respect to the social entrepreneurship movement. From an ecosystem-building standpoint, government support through accreditation, grants, and incentives are already in place. What is lacking are the mass awareness, understanding, and cohesion in the Malaysian social entrepreneurship space. This is what we aim to bridge – the gaps in awareness and buy-in from private and public sector stakeholders through the SEMAI Summit movement.”
ASBhive Impact Challenge Partnership with Yayasan Hasanah
A key highlight of this year’s SEMAI Summit was the launch of the ASBhive-Hasanah Impact Challenge, in partnership with Yayasan Hasanah. This initiative offers RM250,000 in grants to support social enterprises that are focused on education, community development, and the environment.
The grants aim to support social enterprises at both the seed and growth stages by enhancing their capacity with funds that are easier to access. This initiative is designed to sustain operations, improve fundraising efforts, increase the public’s awareness of social innovation, and scale solutions for positive social and environmental outcomes. Applications for the grants were opened on June 27 and will close on July 31.
Yayasan Hasanah Head of Social Enterprise, Stanley Siva said, “Yayasan Hasanah is dedicated to empowering social enterprises and driving their scalability through the Hasanah Social Enterprise Fund. We are committed to expanding our capacity-building efforts through strategic partnerships, network development, and active support for the social enterprise ecosystem in Malaysia. Our collaboration with the Asia School of Business on the ASBhive-Hasanah Impact Challenge is a testament to our dedication to broadening our reach and amplifying our impact in this sector.”
ASB Deputy CEO Professor Joseph Cherian added, “ASBhive is our commitment to play a part in the development of social enterprises in Malaysia and thread into the myriad of issues confronting societies across the world. ASBhive may not be able to solve all the world’s social problems. But we endeavour to make a difference through our efforts as we host action-based Social Innovation Challenges that tackle urgent global issues but with a keen focus on making a local impact. Our collaboration with Yayasan Hasanah, through the ASBhive Social Impact Challenge provides grants to Social Enterprises aiming to scale their impact and attain sustainability”
The SEMAI Summit brought together representatives from corporations, government agencies, and social entrepreneurs, making it a meaningful opportunity for diverse sectoral engagements and innovation, and driving forward the social enterprise agenda in Malaysia.
Originally published by Disruptr MY.
The removal of fuel subsidies in Malaysia need not be inflationary, provided BNM remains committed to maintaining constant underlying inflation.
Read the full article HERE.
Originally published by The Malaysian Reserve.
Where do our perceptions of refugees come from, and are they based in truth? How do these stereotypes influence refugee-related policies in Malaysia, and what steps can be taken to address negative stereotypes both in public discourse and at the policy level? On this episode of #ConsiderThis Melisa Idris speaks to Dr Melati Nungsari, Associate Professor of Economics at the Asia School of Business and Faculty Director at the ASEAN Research Center, and Rachel Decruz Senior Research Associate at the ASEAN Research Center, about their research on understanding refugee stereotypes.
Watch here.
Originally published by Astro AWANI.
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