23 July 2024

The Biggest Shifts Transforming Your Work Life This Year and Beyond

Senior male worker drinking coffee and staring out the window
Mangostar / Shutterstock.com

What’s in store for workers and the labor market for 2024? MyPerfectResume surveyed nearly 1,900 U.S.-based workers and asked them to share their forecasts and trends for 2024. The study provided valuable insights into job opening trends, job burnout, and the future of remote work. Moreover, if you harbor concerns about a potential recession or job displacement due to artificial…



from Money Talks News https://ift.tt/KgJOTFq


A word from our sponsor:

Need Help With Your Personal Finance or need a coach to help you structure or just want to learn the financial skill to self manage your financial matters and retirement. iLearnFromCloud.com

Need to solve a problem quickly, now you can solve it by learning the art of problem solving Art Of Problem Solving

Feeling hungry. Latest food news from Best Restaurant To Eat Malaysian Food and Travel Blog

Memory loss. Need to organize better. Solve problem fast with Free Mind Mapping Software Mind Mapping 101

Need A Customized System Development for your business or Going Paperless XPERT TECHNOLOGIES - Empowering The Paperless Economy

22 July 2024

Tax Matters – IRB on track to implement e-invoicing on Aug 1

THE Inland Revenue Board (IRB) is working extremely hard to ensure that companies with annual turnover exceeding RM100 million will be able to comply with the e-invoicing requirements from Aug 1.

There is an earnest desire on the part of IRB to help these taxpayers through the issuance of guidelines, frequently asked questions, participation in numerous events and the willingness to reply to as many questions as possible posed by taxpayers.

Underlying principles

The first day of August is approaching soon, and businesses in each industry have their own problems; answers provided in general documents issued by IRB are not “one size fits all”.

To ensure compliance with IRB’s e-invoicing requirements, the first thing you should ask is: “Is an e-invoice required for the transaction?”.

For most cases, an e-invoice is needed if there is a transaction involving sale of goods or provision of services (including interest payments, rental payments or royalty payments). However, there are transactions where e-invoicing is not required (e.g. refundable deposits) or transactions specifically exempted by IRB (e.g. employment income, pensions, distribution of dividends in specific circumstances, transactions in listed securities, and disposal of unlisted shares by individuals).

Many related party transactions are currently documented through journal entries which needs to be reviewed and documented through the e-invoice documents.

The process

There are two parts to implementing e-invoicing: Mapping your business processes (frontend) and upgrading or customising your software to connect to the MyInvois portal (backend).

The frontend is equally important as the backend. In the course of mapping the business processes, you will need to follow the rules set out in the e-invoicing guidelines – such as reviewing your employment policy which allows documentation concessions on staff claims by your employees, identifying suppliers where the payments are subject to self-billed e-invoices, reviewing your internal operating procedures on onboarding your suppliers and customers to ensure that you are able to obtain the necessary information for the issuance of e-invoice, and developing an action plan to gather information for the mandatory data fields.

An important process would be to understand the supply chain and the transactions undertaken by the company to identify the types of e-invoice documents to be issued to IRB (i.e. standard e-invoice, consolidated e-invoice, self-billed e-invoice, etc.) based on the guidelines issued by the Board. If there are any gaps or shortfalls which are not addressed in the guidelines, this has to be resolved with IRB.

Where is the extra help from IRB?

In addition to the documents issued and events that IRB is participating in, there are other avenues for you to direct your questions to it – such as through customer feedback form, live chat helpdesk, or a 24-hour telephone helpdesk. The tax authority is ready to answer your questions and the 24-hour phone helpdesk is working.

When you have unique transactions, IRB is willing to listen to the way in which you are recording the transactions and try and help you accommodate those transactions into the e-invoicing system. Each industry will have unique requirements and IRB is willing to listen and provide solutions.

With all the assistance available from IRB, you cannot expect any extension or postponement of the Aug 1 implementation deadline. If you are unable to implement e-invoicing by then, you can still issue normal invoices, but you still need to convert all invoices into e-invoices within August, otherwise you could be penalised for non-compliance. Please take this seriously.

This article is contributed by Thannees Tax Consulting Services Sdn Bhd managing director SM Thanneermalai (www.thannees.com).



Source: The Sun Daily

A word from our sponsor:

Need Help With Your Personal Finance / Money Issue or need a coach to help you structure or just want to learn the financial skill to self manage your financial matters and retirement. iLearnFromCloud.com

Need to solve a problem quickly, now you can solve it by learning the art of problem solving Art Of Problem Solving

Feeling hungry. Latest food news from Best Restaurant To Eat Malaysian Food and Travel Blog

Memory loss. Need to organize better. Solve problem fast with Free Mind Mapping Software Mind Mapping 101

Need A Customized System Development for your business or Going Paperless XPERT TECHNOLOGIES - Empowering The Paperless Economy

ADL: Malaysia must cultivate pool of advanced engineering talent to localise semicon industry

KUALA LUMPUR: While planning and preparing to localise the semiconductor industry, Malaysia needs to ensure the country has an adequate number of advanced engineering talent, said Arthur D. Little (ADL) Southeast Asia principal Daniel Chow.

He said engineering talent is required not only in research and development but also in advanced manufacturing, which will directly attract investments from major companies such as Intel, Infineon and Nexperia to set up their factories in the country.

“Educational programmes should be in place from university level through to PhD, to attract individuals to develop capabilities in specialised electronics, as attracting overseas talent appears to be difficult in the nation’s workforce industry,” Chow said in an exclusive interview with SunBiz.

He noted that Intel’s efforts to create its first advanced 3D chip packaging factory, along with Infineon’s commitment of €5 billion (RM23.4 billion) over five years to develop the world’s largest 200mm silicon carbide chip plant in Malaysia, have highlighted the nation’s potential to upscale talent building.

“ADL believes that the government needs to offer a range of incentives, including subsidies, tax exemptions, visa waivers and other benefits. This will enable Malaysia to compete on an equal footing with other countries that are also implementing similar measures to localise the supply chain,” Chow said.

Based on ADL’s research, he said, Malaysia holds a 13% share of the worldwide market in chip packaging, assembly, and testing and ranks as the sixth largest semiconductor exporter globally. “This shows that the chip industry is a significant economic pillar and ADL estimates that it accounts for about 25% of Malaysia’s gross domestic product. ADL believes the nation is keen on evolving its chip industry from its current focus on assembly and testing to encompass higher value processes.”

Chow praised the government’s National Semiconductor Strategy (NSS), which outlines a three-phase plan to modernise existing capabilities, advance towards cutting-edge logic and memory chip design and fabrication, and ultimately attract buyers of advanced chips to source their manufacturing in Malaysia.

“Malaysia is demonstrating its dedication to realising its chip ambitions, with significant efforts from the NSS, committing RM25 billion to advance aspects of the three-phase plan,” he added.

Addressing the collaboration between the government and industry stakeholders, Chow said that having the right infrastructure capabilities and foundational knowledge is critical, as building a solid foundation creates a conducive environment.

“Both sides can take additional measures in a phased approach to gradually build up more advanced capabilities and enabling infrastructure. This will allow them to scale up sustainably, into higher-value emerging frontier technologies over time. ADL believes this is the power of the government and industry stakeholders, when working together,” he said.

Chow suggested that the government examine the benefits of fiscal measures in areas such as job creation and developing end-user application industries, while navigating geopolitical complexities as alliances shift constantly.

“ADL also suggests that governments around the world continue to support and promote low-tariff or non-tariff trade, provide tax breaks, and implement export-oriented and domestic-consumption-related measures for relevant end-user application industries,” he said.



Source: The Sun Daily

A word from our sponsor:

Need Help With Your Personal Finance / Money Issue or need a coach to help you structure or just want to learn the financial skill to self manage your financial matters and retirement. iLearnFromCloud.com

Need to solve a problem quickly, now you can solve it by learning the art of problem solving Art Of Problem Solving

Feeling hungry. Latest food news from Best Restaurant To Eat Malaysian Food and Travel Blog

Memory loss. Need to organize better. Solve problem fast with Free Mind Mapping Software Mind Mapping 101

Need A Customized System Development for your business or Going Paperless XPERT TECHNOLOGIES - Empowering The Paperless Economy

Meta Bright sees opportunities to strengthen foothold in Australia

KUALA LUMPUR: Meta Bright Group Bhd (Meta Bright) aims to deepen its market penetration in Australia in the next few years by leveraging the country’s robust growth in the mining sector, particularly copper.

Executive director of corporate and strategic planning Derek Phang Kiew Lim said Australian copper mine production is projected to grow by 6.2% annually over the outlook period, reaching 1.160 million tonnes by 2028-29.

He said the projected growth presents significant opportunities for the company’s leasing and financing services to provide essential machinery and equipment to support the mining operations.

“Our strategy includes expanding our portfolio of leased assets to include a wider range of machinery, tractors, lorries, and other equipment, ensuring that we cater to diverse industry needs.

“We are also enhancing our leasing terms and conditions to be more flexible and attractive to potential lessees, thereby increasing our customer base and rental income,“ Phang told SunBiz.

Meta Bright via wholly owned Australian subsidiary Meta Bright Australia Pty Ltd, secured a new equipment leasing contract from Australian copper mining company Mt Cuthbert Resources Pty Ltd (MCR) in April.

The company, in a filing with Bursa Malaysia, said Meta Bright Australia will provide dry hire equipment rental services to MCR, supporting its copper mining operations in Australia with essential machinery and equipment valued up to RM24.82 million.

The filing said this contract is expected to generate substantial monthly recurring rental income, estimated at A$222,950 (about RM699,260) monthly, enhancing Meta Bright’s recurring revenue streams and reinforcing its presence in the Australian market.

In the same month, Meta Bright’s wholly owned subsidiary, Meta Bright Sdn Bhd, secured RM28 million in financing facilities from AmBank (M) Bhd.

The funding expands its business operations and solidifies Meta Bright’s capability to secure significant banking support within two years. The funds will be channelled to purchasing high-value equipment for Meta Bright Australia, a move set to solidify Meta Bright’s presence in the international market and ensure a steady stream of recurring income.

As for its leasing and financing services on the domestic front, Phang said Meta Bright offers tailored financing solutions in Malaysia, including short- to medium-term business and personal loans with competitive interest rates, aiming to attract new borrowers.

“Our financing division, licensed by the Housing and Local Government Ministry under the Moneylender Act 1951, is designed to deliver fast and effective financial solutions, supporting business growth and financial flexibility for our clients,“ he said.

When asked about Meta Bright’s plans or projects in the pipeline to maintain its growth trajectory, Phang said the key focus is on targeting high-demand sectors such as construction, agriculture, and logistics in Malaysia and Australia.

“By diversifying the types of equipment and machinery we lease, including tractors, lorries, and specialised construction equipment, we aim to attract a broader client base and secure long-term contracts that provide stable revenue streams.

“Our focus on maintaining an average effective interest rate of 18% ensures attractive returns while supporting the financial needs of our clients.

“We are also exploring digital financing solutions to streamline our loan application processes, making it easier and faster for clients to access funds. This digital transformation will enhance customer experience and operational efficiency, further driving growth in this segment,” Phang said.

He added that Meta Bright is diversifying its revenue streams across different business segments and this approach reduces dependency on any single market and mitigates risks associated with economic fluctuations.

Phang also said the group continues to capitalise on growth opportunities and maintains financial stability by expanding its presence in the energy-related, equipment leasing, and building materials sectors.

“In the equipment leasing business, Meta Bright has established strong relationships with key clients in Malaysia and Australia, particularly in the mining sector. These partnerships enable Meta Bright to secure long-term contracts, ensuring a steady revenue stream. The company is also exploring new alliances with industry leaders to expand its market reach and enhance its service offerings,” Phang said.



Source: The Sun Daily

A word from our sponsor:

Need Help With Your Personal Finance / Money Issue or need a coach to help you structure or just want to learn the financial skill to self manage your financial matters and retirement. iLearnFromCloud.com

Need to solve a problem quickly, now you can solve it by learning the art of problem solving Art Of Problem Solving

Feeling hungry. Latest food news from Best Restaurant To Eat Malaysian Food and Travel Blog

Memory loss. Need to organize better. Solve problem fast with Free Mind Mapping Software Mind Mapping 101

Need A Customized System Development for your business or Going Paperless XPERT TECHNOLOGIES - Empowering The Paperless Economy

21 July 2024

Advance estimate puts Malaysia’s Q2 economic growth at 5.8%

PETALING JAYA: Based on advance estimates, Malaysia’s economy expanded 5.8% in the second quarter of 2024, up from 4.2% in the previous quarter.

The Q2’24 growth, according to the Department of Statistics Malaysia (DoSM), would be the highest since the fourth quarter of 2022 (7.4%).

For the first half of 2024, it said, GDP increased by 5% compared to 4.1% in the same period last year.

Malaysia’s economy is expected to continue its growth momentum, supported by domestic and export-driven factors, with a positive outlook for the remainder of the year.

The increase in household consumption expenditures was spurred by the festive and school holidays as well as the payment of Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah Phase 2 in April. Furthermore, contributors withdrew a total of RM6.98 billion from Account 3 (Flexible Account) of the Employees Provident Fund (EPF) as of June to support short-term financial needs.

According to the Chief Statistician of Malaysia, Datuk Seri Dr Mohd Uzir Mahidin, the estimated growth for the second quarter is in line with the latest indicators such as the Industrial Production Index, which rose 6.1% and 2.4%, respectively in April and May compared to the previous year.

Meanwhile, the sales value of wholesale and retail increased 6.6% in April and 7.1% in May on a year-on-year basis.

In the external sector, total trade, exports and imports experienced increases compared to the same period last year. Other factors include increases in tourist arrivals as well as oil palm production, and the progress of mega projects.

Mohd Uzir said, “The economic performance in this quarter was driven by the services sector, with most key sectors showing better growth compared to the previous quarter. The services sector further increased to 5.6% (Q1’24: 4.7%), bolstered by wholesale & retail trade, transportation & storage and finance & insurance sub-sectors.”

The manufacturing sector grew to 4.7% from 1.9% in the last quarter, supported by growth in all sub-sectors, mainly non-metallic mineral products, basic metal & fabricated metal products and Petroleum, chemical, rubber & plastic products.

Furthermore, the construction sector maintained double-digit growth in Q2’24, with expansion of 17.2% (Q1’24: 11.9%), which was driven by strong performance across all sub-sectors, notably in civil engineering and specialised construction activities.

“The griculture sector rose 7.1% (Q1’24: 1.6%) in this quarter, contributed by remarkable growth in the oil palm sub-sector. Meanwhile, the mining and quarrying sector eased to 3.3% as against 5.7% in the previous quarter, attributed to a moderation in the natural gas sub-sector,” said Mohd Uzir.



Source: The Sun Daily

A word from our sponsor:

Need Help With Your Personal Finance / Money Issue or need a coach to help you structure or just want to learn the financial skill to self manage your financial matters and retirement. iLearnFromCloud.com

Need to solve a problem quickly, now you can solve it by learning the art of problem solving Art Of Problem Solving

Feeling hungry. Latest food news from Best Restaurant To Eat Malaysian Food and Travel Blog

Memory loss. Need to organize better. Solve problem fast with Free Mind Mapping Software Mind Mapping 101

Need A Customized System Development for your business or Going Paperless XPERT TECHNOLOGIES - Empowering The Paperless Economy

20 July 2024

26 Hazardous Products That Were Recalled This Week

Stop sign
Bjoern Wylezich / Shutterstock.com

Advertising Disclosure: When you buy something by clicking links on our site, we may earn a small commission, but it never affects the products or services we recommend. We expect manufacturers to know what they’re stocking the shelves with. We trust those products to be safe. But things have a way of slipping through the cracks. Fortunately, several federal regulatory agencies monitor for…



from Money Talks News https://ift.tt/vPWicXo


A word from our sponsor:

Need Help With Your Personal Finance or need a coach to help you structure or just want to learn the financial skill to self manage your financial matters and retirement. iLearnFromCloud.com

Need to solve a problem quickly, now you can solve it by learning the art of problem solving Art Of Problem Solving

Feeling hungry. Latest food news from Best Restaurant To Eat Malaysian Food and Travel Blog

Memory loss. Need to organize better. Solve problem fast with Free Mind Mapping Software Mind Mapping 101

Need A Customized System Development for your business or Going Paperless XPERT TECHNOLOGIES - Empowering The Paperless Economy

9 Rose Wines Under $15 to Sip This Summer

A group of friends drinking rose wine at an outdoor party in summer
FreeProd33 / Shutterstock.com

If you haven’t noticed — and unless you’re living in the proverbial cave, certainly you have — it’s hot out there this summer. And will this summer heat up just as much as the last? According to the University of Maine’s Climate Change Institute, on July 4, 2023, it was the hottest day on Earth in 125,000 years. The global temperature reached 62.92 degrees Fahrenheit, as cities around the world…



from Money Talks News https://ift.tt/NmVSvBP


A word from our sponsor:

Need Help With Your Personal Finance or need a coach to help you structure or just want to learn the financial skill to self manage your financial matters and retirement. iLearnFromCloud.com

Need to solve a problem quickly, now you can solve it by learning the art of problem solving Art Of Problem Solving

Feeling hungry. Latest food news from Best Restaurant To Eat Malaysian Food and Travel Blog

Memory loss. Need to organize better. Solve problem fast with Free Mind Mapping Software Mind Mapping 101

Need A Customized System Development for your business or Going Paperless XPERT TECHNOLOGIES - Empowering The Paperless Economy

19 July 2024

This Is the World’s Most Affordable Country for Expats — for 3 Years in a Row Now

Traveler in front of Da Nang Cathedral in Vietnam.
Jo Panuwat D / Shutterstock.com

Looking for a change of scenery? If you plan to go abroad, the expatriate networking membership site InterNations released its 2024 Expat Insider survey, which ranks the best and worst countries for expats. InterNations ranked 53 countries, which needed at least 50 respondents per country to be considered. To determine which countries are most affordable, InterNations asked expats about three…



from Money Talks News https://ift.tt/O3UBQv0


A word from our sponsor:

Need Help With Your Personal Finance or need a coach to help you structure or just want to learn the financial skill to self manage your financial matters and retirement. iLearnFromCloud.com

Need to solve a problem quickly, now you can solve it by learning the art of problem solving Art Of Problem Solving

Feeling hungry. Latest food news from Best Restaurant To Eat Malaysian Food and Travel Blog

Memory loss. Need to organize better. Solve problem fast with Free Mind Mapping Software Mind Mapping 101

Need A Customized System Development for your business or Going Paperless XPERT TECHNOLOGIES - Empowering The Paperless Economy

18 Big Myths and Misconceptions About Financial Planning

Skeptical financial advisor
voronaman / Shutterstock.com

Here are the worst financial and retirement planning misconceptions and easy steps you can take to overcome them today.



from Money Talks News https://ift.tt/v8yOZJp


A word from our sponsor:

Need Help With Your Personal Finance or need a coach to help you structure or just want to learn the financial skill to self manage your financial matters and retirement. iLearnFromCloud.com

Need to solve a problem quickly, now you can solve it by learning the art of problem solving Art Of Problem Solving

Feeling hungry. Latest food news from Best Restaurant To Eat Malaysian Food and Travel Blog

Memory loss. Need to organize better. Solve problem fast with Free Mind Mapping Software Mind Mapping 101

Need A Customized System Development for your business or Going Paperless XPERT TECHNOLOGIES - Empowering The Paperless Economy