Category: Business

Cambodia has urged Japan to invest more in Cambodia, especially in agriculture, processing industry, textiles and manufacturing, tourism, technology, and education.

The call was made by H.E. Mrs. Cham Nimul, Cambodian Minister of Commerce, during a meeting with H.E. Saito Ken, Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry of Japan, in Tokyo, Japan, on Dec. 18.

H.E. Mrs. Cham Nimul emphasised the significance of the Japanese private sector’s participation in Cambodia’s economic development, particularly in job creation, trade, and industrial diversification in the country.

H.E. Mrs. Cham Nimul and H.E. Saito Ken noticed the two-way trade flow so far and exchanged views to further promote businesses and bilateral trade.

Both sides also pledged to foster the implementation of the ASEAN-Japan Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement and the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) in order to broaden relations and economic collaboration between the two countries.

Source: Agence Kampuchea Presse

The government has allocated RM35.8 million to the Social Welfare Department (JKM) to deal with floods during the north-east monsoon in 2023 and 2024.

Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri said JKM has also allocated RM3 million for the purchase of retort packaging technology (food can last 24 months without refrigeration) to supply food to flood victims within 24 hours.

‘In addition, a total of 5,167 officers and staff are ready to be mobilised at any time with the help of 157 counsellors and 864 psychological support teams (PST).

‘To launch operations at PPS, a total of 8,543 JKM volunteers are also ready to be mobilised,’ she said after visiting the Community Welfare Department’s (JKM) Storage Depot near Pengkalan Chepa here today.

Nancy said for the evacuation centre operation, a total of 47,635 collapsible tents have been prepared to provide comfort for flood victims, involving 8,481 PPS identified across the country and capable of accommodating as many as 2.15 million evacuees at any one time.

‘Thus far, JKM has eight depots, 137 stores in districts, 60 mini-container depots and 580 forward bases to accommodate the basic needs of flood victims,’ she said.

Meanwhile, when asked to comment on the alleged fraud of a few flood victims registered at PPS, Nancy said the matter would be handed over to the Disaster Operations Control Centre (PKOB) for further action.

‘This matter involves several agencies under PKOB and surely they know more about the situation during floods in the areas where it happened.

‘Therefore, we hope that community leaders also play an important role in helping government and state agencies to submit true and authentic reports about flood victims,’ she said.

Source: BERNAMA News Agency

Putrajaya, Malaysia – Universiti Tenaga Nasional (UNITEN) has reported a remarkable 96.8 percent marketability rate for its graduates, attributed to its robust cooperation with industry players. This success rate highlights the university’s strong emphasis on aligning its academic programs with industry needs.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the impressive employment rate of UNITEN graduates within six months of graduation is a testament to the effective collaboration between the university and various industry sectors. Dr. Mohd Zamri stressed that UNITEN’s curriculum, which integrates two-week industry inputs for every subject and involves industry professionals as lecturers, is a key factor in making its graduates highly sought after by employers.

Dr. Mohd Zamri further explained that UNITEN prioritizes the holistic development of its students, ensuring they excel not only academically but also in interpersonal, leadership, and communication skills. The university mandates active involvement in co-curricular activities, which is evaluated through its Students Activities Online Reporting System. This system encompasses areas like spirituality, sports, arts, communication, entrepreneurship, and intellectual leadership.

UNITEN’s approach is closely aligned with the Malaysian government’s initiatives towards digitization and green technology, equipping students with skills and knowledge crucial for contemporary industries. The university also boasts international collaborations with institutions in France, Ireland, Germany, China, among others, and has appointed 80 world-renowned professors as visiting professors to provide global exposure to its students.

Graduate Chong Jin Yang, a Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering and recipient of the Chancellor’s Gold Award, attributed his success to teamwork and motivation from his parents. Chong, now employed at a Japanese multinational company, emphasized the importance of good friends and collaborative study.

Ooi Khel Shiao, a Bachelor of Electrical Power Engineering graduate and Chancellor’s Silver Award recipient, highlighted her journey in a field with low female participation. Her interest in physics was a driving force behind her persistence in the course.

Lim Swee Keong, who graduated in Bachelor of Computer Science (Software Engineering) and received the Chancellor’s Bronze Award, chose UNITEN influenced by his father, an employee of Tenaga Nasional Bhd (TNB). Lim believes that ICT can significantly enhance productivity and contribute to Malaysia’s transition to a high-income economy.

The convocation ceremony was officiated by Penang Yang Dipertua Tun Ahmad Fuzi Abdul Razak, Chancellor of UNITEN. The event saw 1,373 graduates, including 136 international and 19 Hufaz Professional graduates, receiving their scrolls.

Additionally, Datuk Abdul Razak Abdul Majid, Chairman of TNB, was announced as Pro-Chancellor, recognizing his crucial role in driving the university’s performance forward.

Phnom Penh, Cambodia – The Techo Startup Centre has organized a Digital Business Expo at Sofitel Phnom Penh Phokeethra, focusing on ‘Startup, Innovation, and Technology in the Context of the Digital Economy and Society’. The event, supported by the Ministry of Economy and Finance and the Capacity Building Research and Development Fund of the Ministry of Post and Telecommunications, was held from November 22 to 23.

According to Agence Kampuchea Presse, the expo aimed to achieve five primary objectives: enhancing digital transformation in enterprises, raising awareness about startup development, promoting understanding of business registration processes and related support services, expanding the supportive network for startups, and connecting entrepreneurs with innovation specialists. The event drew representatives from various sectors, including government ministries, entrepreneurial support organizations, banking institutions, startups, educational institutions, and development partners.

Over the two days, the expo showcased products and services from various institutions and included presentations and discussions on topics such as the digital economy, technology strategies in business operations, and government and stakeholder services to support enterprises in digital adaptation. This initiative is part of a broader effort to strengthen the startup ecosystem in Cambodia and to facilitate the digital transition of businesses in the country.

Tokyo, Japan – Cambodia and Japan have conducted their first Senior Officials’ Talks to bolster the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, as stated in a press release from the Cambodian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MFAIC). The meeting took place in Tokyo on November 20, 2023, chaired by H.E. Ms. Tuot Panha, Secretary of State at the MFAIC, and H.E. Funakoshi Takehiro, Senior Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan.

According to Agence Kampuchea Presse, the talks highlighted the strong growth of Cambodia-Japan relations, which have reached new heights with the elevation of their ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership earlier this year. The discussions focused on enhancing cooperation in various fields, including politics, economy, defence, security, digital development, and people-to-people ties. Both sides expressed satisfaction with the frequency of high-level visits and interactions, especially the recent summit between Cambodian Prime Minister Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet and Japanese Prime Minister H.E. Fumio Kishida, which deepened mutual trust and broadened bilateral relations.

The meeting also reviewed the current state of economic cooperation, noting stable bilateral trade and significant Japanese investment in Cambodia. The two sides explored measures to boost trade and attract more Japanese investment. The Cambodian side acknowledged Japan’s crucial role in the country’s peace process and socio-economic development, while the Japanese side confirmed its ongoing support for Cambodia’s development efforts in line with its Pentagonal Strategy-Phase I and Japanese official development assistance policy. Furthermore, both countries agreed to strengthen multilateral cooperation within ASEAN-Japan relations and Mekong-Japan Cooperation, and exchanged views on regional and international issues. The Japanese side also appreciated Cambodia’s commitment to the ASEAN Commemorative Summit marking 50 years of ASEAN-Japan Friendship and Cooperation.