AtOneGoFinancial Blog

05 May 2025

S Ecosystem takes digital engagement, rewards experience to new level

PETALING JAYA: In today’s fast-paced digital landscape, user engagement is the key to success for any e-commerce app – traditional loyalty programmes and static incentives are no longer enough to retain users and drive meaningful interactions.

The general manager of S Ecosystem (M) Sdn Bhd, a technology enabler specialising in customer relationship management and loyalty programmes for retail brands, Lew Wai Hoong, said its digital rewards ecosystem redefines engagement by offering dynamic, personalised and seamless reward experiences that keep users coming back.

“By integrating innovative reward mechanisms, our ecosystem empowers businesses to enhance user retention and boost app activity.

“Whether through gamification, blockchain-based rewards, or artificial intelligence-driven personalisation, we provide the tools to create compelling experiences that resonate with modern users.

“These advanced solutions ensure that every interaction feels rewarding, increasing long-term customer loyalty,” he told SunBiz.

Lew said the company’s platform supports a wide range of digital assets, from in-app credits to tokenised rewards that users can redeem across multiple platforms.

“This flexibility allows businesses to tailor incentives to their audience, fostering deeper connections and higher conversion rates. The seamless integration with existing apps ensures a frictionless user experience, eliminating barriers to engagement,” he explained.

Security and transparency are at the core of S Ecosystem’s digital rewards ecosystem, Lew said.

“Leveraging cutting-edge technology, we ensure that every transaction is secure, verifiable and trustworthy. Businesses can confidently offer rewards, knowing that their users are receiving fair, traceable, and valuable incentives, strengthening the overall app experience,” he added.

Beyond rewards, Lew highlighted that the company’s ecosystem provides valuable insights into user behaviour and engagement patterns.

“Businesses can leverage data-driven analytics to refine their strategies, optimise reward structures and drive higher levels of interaction. By understanding what motivates users, companies can craft experiences that truly engage and inspire.”
As the digital landscape continues to evolve, Lew said, S Ecosystem’s digital rewards ecosystem is at the forefront of innovation, helping businesses unlock new possibilities for engagement. “By combining technology, personalisation and seamless integration, we empower brands to create next-generation experiences that captivate users and drive sustained growth.”

Furthermore, he added, AI-driven personalisation is transforming how businesses engage with users by delivering tailored experiences that adapt to individual preferences and behaviours.

“By leveraging machine learning and real-time data analytics, apps can create hyper-personalised interactions that keep users engaged.

“Whether it is recommending relevant rewards, optimising content based on user activity, or predicting future behaviors, AI ensures that every interaction feels meaningful and intuitive. This level of personalisation not only enhances user satisfaction but also drives higher retention and conversion rates,” Lew explained.

Beyond personalisation, smarter AI-driven engagements enable businesses to automate and refine their engagement strategies, he said.

“AI-powered chatbots, predictive analytics and dynamic content delivery ensure that users receive the right message at the right time. By continuously analysing user patterns and preferences, AI helps brands craft seamless and interactive experiences that evolve with each user.

“This intelligent engagement fosters stronger customer relationships, increases app usage, and ultimately drives business growth in an increasingly competitive digital landscape.”
Lew said balancing digital and physical touchpoints is crucial for creating a seamless and engaging user experience.

“While digital interactions provide convenience, speed and scalability, physical touchpoints add a layer of trust, emotional connection, and real-world engagement.

“Brands that successfully integrate both can enhance customer journeys by offering a unified experience, whether through personalised app notifications that lead to in-store rewards, QR codes linking physical products to digital content, or AI-powered customer support that bridges online and offline interactions.

“This hybrid approach ensures users stay engaged across multiple channels, fostering deeper loyalty and a more cohesive brand experience,” he added.

Source: The Sun Daily

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Abdul Wahid’s tenure as Bursa Malaysia chairman defined by reform, innovation and resilience

PETALING JAYA: Tan Sri Abdul Wahid Omar concluded his five-year tenure as chairman of Bursa Malaysia on April 30, bringing to a close a period defined by reform, innovation and resilience.

Among the milestones that were achieved during his chaimanship of the exchange operator were the launch of Malaysia’s first syariah-compliant carbon market and a digital gold trading platform, besides overseeing a record-breaking year for initial public offerings (IPO).

“I must say it has been an honour, privilege and pleasure to serve Bursa Malaysia as chairman for the past five years,” Abdul Wahid, reflecting on the impact and legacy of his time at the helm, told SunBiz in an exclusive written interview.

His departure, first announced on March 27, took effect at the close of business on April 30. He previously served on Bursa’s board as an independent director from 2004 to 2011.

Abdul Wahid guided the exchange through the Covid-19 pandemic Movement Control Order period, when Malaysia’s economy came to a near standstill.

During that period, Bursa Malaysia maintained uninterrupted market operations.

The exchange’s resilience during that time helped preserve investor confidence and ensured companies could still raise funds through the capital markets.

The pandemic led to a spike in new Central Depository System account openings, with many first-time investors entering the market.

Bursa also experienced historic high daily trading volumes during the pandemic. It reported a 62.2% increase in operating revenue in 2020 compared to 2019 driven by high retail participation and market volatility.

“The team at Bursa Malaysia (Warga Bursa) have certainly gone through a lot together navigating through the Covid-19 movement control order period and ensuring the market continues to operate in a fair and orderly manner notwithstanding the volatility and surge in trading volume,” Abdul Wahid said in the interview.

Just weeks before his departure, Abdul Wahid was honoured with the Saleh Kamel Award for Islamic Economy in Madinah, a recognition he dedicated to Bursa staff and the broader Malaysian Islamic finance community.

“I am indeed honoured to have received the Saleh Kamel Award for Islamic Economy from HRH the Governor of Madinah two weeks ago on April 16, 2025. The award is indeed a recognition for the people in various organisations I have worked with including our Warga Bursa and the Malaysian Islamic finance fraternity,” he remarked.

Other notable achievements during his tenure include the launch of the PLC Transformation Programme to boost corporate performance, the introduction of waqf-featured exchange traded funds, and the establishment of Bursa RAM Capital for debt market fundraising.

In 2024, Bursa Malaysia emerged as the most vibrant IPO market in Southeast Asia, with 55 new listings raising RM7.4 billion and contributing RM31.4 billion in market capitalisation. This followed a joint initiative with the Securities Commission Malaysia to reduce listing application processing time to under three months.

Abdul Wahid also oversaw the exchange’s transition towards a more independent regulatory structure with the formation of the Regulatory and Conflicts Committee, and initiated the payment of business zakat starting from the 2020 financial year.

Abdul Wahid signed off with a personal, light-hearted yet pointed reminder: “No cryptos please.”

“As I sign off, I urge the board and management team to continue doing their best for Bursa Malaysia, their families and the nation. And to continue fulfilling our mission of Creating Opportunities, Growing Value towards achieving our vision of becoming Asean’s leading, sustainable and globally connected marketplace,” he said.

It is worth noting that Bursa Malaysia under Abdul Wahid’s leadership has maintained a firm and cautious stance towards cryptocurrencies, a position he voiced publicly on several occasions.

At the 63rd World Federation of Exchanges general assembly and annual meeting on Nov 20, 2024, Abdul Wahid made an unscheduled intervention during a panel session on cryptocurrencies.

Abdul Wahid, who was not listed as a speaker, stood up to express his opposition to supporting crypto assets.

“At Bursa Malaysia, although we are moving to become a multi-asset exchange ... we choose which assets will be traded,” he said. “At the end of the day, we are clear about our purpose ... to serve as a marketplace where businesses come to raise capital to grow.

“For other asset classes, there is this concept of creating opportunities and growing value. But we fail to see that in cryptocurrencies.”

Abdul Wahid said cryptocurrencies lack any underlying value, and backed up his concern with internal data.

An internal analysis made earlier in 2024 showed that while gold had a one-year volatility rate of 15% and bonds 11%, cryptocurrencies recorded a staggering 72.9%.

“That’s gambling. Bursa Malaysia will not be supporting it, even if it means missing out on revenue because it causes more harm than good,” he said bluntly.

Abdul Wahid also cited a case in Malaysia where a company was targeted by a ransomware attack, with the ransom specifically demanded in Bitcoin.

“I’m just amazed that we spend so much time and effort on anti-money laundering, Amla, and all those in the real world. But yet, in cryptocurrency world, there’s that complexity that we overlooked.”

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04 May 2025

Proton re-enters Singapore with its first EV vehicle, e.MAS 7

PETALING JAYA: Proton Holdings Bhd is re-entering Singapore with its first electric vehicle (EV), Proton e.MAS 7, which was showcased at The Car Expo 2025 in the island republic over the weekend.

Partnering with its newly appointed authorised distributor Vincar Group, the Malaysian carmaker is returning to an export market that is ranked number two globally for per-capita gross domestic product in terms of purchasing power parity. Looking to the future, Vincar will spearhead retail operations of Proton’s EV lineup under the e.MAS brand, offering Singaporean drivers high-quality EVs designed for urban lifestyles.

Notably, Proton’s return to Singapore is timely, aligning with the country’s accelerating transition to green mobility. The market share of EVs in Singapore has steadily increased from 12% to 18% of the total automotive industry volume between 2022 and 2023, with projections reaching 55% by 2027.

To support this shift, Singapore aims to establish at least 12,000 EV charging points in about 2,000 Housing and Development Board car parks by 2025, and 60,000 by 2030. Additionally, the government targets 100% of vehicles to run on cleaner energy by 2040, contributing to Singapore’s net-zero emissions goal by reducing land transport emissions.

Boasting an aerodynamic silhouette with a drag coefficient of 0.275, a futuristic design, and cutting-edge features, the e.MAS 7 sets a new benchmark for electric SUVs in its class.

In Malaysia, more than 6,000 bookings have been received, demonstrating an increasing number of Malaysians who are willing to make the switch to EVs with Proton, provided the overall package meets their expectations.

“The debut of the Proton e.MAS 7 in Singapore marks a significant step in our international expansion and our commitment to bringing high-quality, technologically advanced EVs to the region,” said Proton CEO, Dr Li Chunrong. “We are confident that the e.MAS 7, with its compelling features and suitability for urban environments, will resonate well with Singaporean drivers as the nation embraces electric mobility.”

Rakuten Trade revises fee structure for retail investors to make equity trading more affordable

PETALING JAYA: Rakuten Trade Sdn Bhd, Malaysia’s first fully digital broker, launched a newly revised brokerage fee structure, setting a new benchmark for affordability and accessibility for retail traders.

With the new structure, clients can enjoy the lowest brokerage fees for trades valued up to RM9,999.99 when trading in ringgit and up to US$990 (RM4,230) for US market trades when trading in US dollar.

“We believe every Malaysian should be able to participate in the stock market without worrying about high fees,” said Rakuten Trade CEO Kazumasa Mise.

“As a digital broker, our role is to remove friction for investors, especially in today’s volatile market environment, it’s crucial that traders and new investors alike can manage their portfolios without being burdened by brokerage fees. This new brokerage revision reflects our continued focus on putting our customers first and making trading stocks more accessible.”

As global markets continue to grapple with persistent volatility and shifting investor sentiment, Malaysian retail investors are seeking smarter, more cost-efficient ways to manage their portfolios.

With the local stock market showing mixed signals amid external uncertainties – from the United States’ global implementation of reciprocal tariffs to existing geopolitical tensions – retail participation has remained cautious.

However, Rakuten Trade equity sales head, Vincent Lau opines that the local stock benchmark index is not expected to see new lows, unless the tariff war between the United States and China escalates further.

“There is not much negative news for Malaysia now, so the FBM KLCI should remain stable or trade sideways. The index is unlikely to see another sharp drop unless new catalysts emerge,” Lau said.

He added that selected initial public offering (IPO) stocks that have dipped below their listing prices could present some opportunities, “As we know, the IPO market is currently quite depressed, with many recent listings trading below their IPO prices. It may be worth looking into some of these names that are now undervalued.”

The new brokerage rates, together with the recently launched amalgamated trades for the New York Stock Exchange and Nasdaq, are expected to significantly lower trading costs for Rakuten Trade clients

and solidify the company as the ideal choice for a wide variety of investors, from day-traders to new investors.

Rakuten Trade’s dedication to uplifting retail investors extends beyond lower fees, by providing services ranging from educational resources and licensed analysts’ trading calls from their equity sales team and research team to daily reports for market opportunities and webinars for exclusive insights into local companies.

Sunway REIT proposes to dispose of university campus for RM613m

PETALING JAYA: Sunway REIT Management Sdn Bhd, the manager of Sunway Real Estate Investment Trust (Sunway REIT), announced that RHB Trustees Bhd, the trustee of Sunway REIT, has entered into a conditional sale and purchase agreement with Sunway College (KL) Sdn Bhd, to dispose of the Sunway University and College campus for a consideration of RM613 million.

Acquired by Sunway REIT on April 15, 2019 for RM556 million, the REIT has spent additional capital expenditure of RM8 million over the years to refurbish and enhance the asset.

Accordingly, the campus has since appreciated in value with the latest valuation of the property as of December 2024 being RM586 million, translating to fair value gains of RM20 million for Sunway REIT over the years. The disposal price of RM613 million represents a premium of 4.6% over its latest valuation and Sunway REIT will record additional gains on disposal of RM21 million (including estimated incidental costs on disposal) in its current financial year upon the completion of the transaction, which is expected to be in the second half of 2025.

The proposed disposal forms part of Sunway REIT’s strategic asset recycling initiative aimed at optimising portfolio yield and unlocking capital for future growth. This move is expected to be positive for unitholders by enhancing financial flexibility and enabling Sunway REIT to explore new investment opportunities with higher yields. Additionally, it will help ease Sunway REIT’s gearing position to approximately 37.8%, allowing Sunway REIT to explore further portfolio acquisitions.

Sunway REIT Management Sdn Bhd CEO Clement Chen said, “The proposed disposal aligns with our proactive portfolio management strategy to unlock the underlying value of our assets and recycle capital into investments with higher yield or growth potential. Coupled with the current uncertainties in the global economy, we believe the proposed disposal is a timely and prudent step to firstly, strengthen our balance sheet and secondly, to give Sunway REIT substantial financial flexibility in pursuing acquisition opportunities should they arise in such volatile times.”

Proceeds from the disposal have been earmarked for potential acquisitions, asset enhancements, and debt repayment, reinforcing Sunway REIT’s commitment to maintaining a resilient and diversified portfolio.

Shell is studying merits of buying BP, Bloomberg News reports

SHELL PLC is working with advisers to evaluate a potential acquisition of rival BP Plc , though it is waiting for further stock and oil price declines before deciding whether to pursue a bid, Bloomberg News reported on Saturday citing people familiar with the matter.

The oil major has been more seriously discussing the feasibility and merits of a takeover with its advisers in recent weeks, the report said, adding that any final decision will likely depend on whether the rival's stock continues to slide.

For several years, BP and Shell were almost equal in size, but over the past few years Shell has grown to almost twice the size of BP, with a market value of about 149 billion pounds. On Friday, when asked about a possible takeover bid for BP, Shell's, Chief Executive Wael Sawan told the Financial Times he would rather buy back more Shell stock. A Shell spokesperson confirmed the comments.

When asked on an earnings call about Shell's capacity to launch sizable acquisitions, he said “we have to have our own house in order” and have “more work to do” despite progress over the last couple of years.

A takeover of its cross-town London rival would make Shell an even bigger force in the global energy industry, giving it scale to rival the likes of Exxon and Chevron. A merger would also likely certainly invite regulatory scrutiny, considering the size of the deal.

Shell this week reported strong first-quarter results surpassing profit expectations and launched a $3.5 billion share buyback.

Shell may also wait for BP to reach out or for another suitor to make a first move, and its current work could help it get prepared for such a scenario, some of the people told Bloomberg News.

Deliberations are in the early stages and Shell may opt to focus on share buybacks and bolt-on acquisitions rather than a megamerger, the report added. “As we have said many times before we are sharply focused on capturing the value in Shell through continuing to focus on performance, discipline and simplification,“ a Shell spokesperson said when asked about the report. BP declined to comment. Under pressure to improve profitability and cut costs, BP chief Murray Auchincloss has announced plans to sell $20 billion of assets through to 2027, reduced spending and share buybacks. It also announced the departure of its strategy chief as it tries to shore up investor confidence.

Activist investor Elliott Investment Management had wanted a change of strategy chief as it seeks higher free cash flow through deeper cuts to spending and costs, sources familiar with the matter told Reuters. It has increased its stake in BP to just over 5%, placing it between top shareholders BlackRock and Vanguard, according to a regulatory filing.

03 May 2025

8 Daily Habits That Could Extend Your Life

Middle-aged woman taking care of her older mother — GBALLGIGGSPHOTO / Shutterstock.com

Forget anti-aging supplements and other hocus pocus: The key to a longer life more likely lies in developing a few everyday habits. Research shows that some surprisingly simple practices can improve your health and extend your lifespan. Best of all, these habits cost you little or no money. Following are a few things you can do every day that may help you to live longer.

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Kevin O Leary Warns Social Security May Not Exist for Future Generations

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