Huawei Mate 10 Pro Receives Price Reduction, Now RM400 Less

(Image:
The Verge
)

Huawei Malaysia has announced a permanent price reduction for Huawei Mate 10 Pro, effective immediately. The reduction is quite significant, where the price has gone from RM3,099 to RM2,699.

As one of the company’s flagship smartphones from 2017, the price revision is to be expected, now that the Huawei Mate 10 Pro is now approaching a year old. Nevertheless, it still features powerful hardware – there’s a 6 inch no notch Full HD+ display (2160 x 1080) screen, as well as a generous 6GB of RAM and 128GB of storage. The Mate 10 Pro also runs on the Kirin 970 processor with a dedicated Neural Processing Unit for AI-assisted enhancements that extend the life of the device, and boasts a dual 20MP+12MP rear camera, along with an 8MP front camera.

The Huawei Mate 10 Pro’s new pricing is already reflected on the
official Huawei Store in Lazada at RM2,699
. However, this phone has been seeing some steep discounts from other retailers. As part of
11street’s Shocking Deals promotion
, a merchant is offering the
Mate 10 Pro for just RM2159
.

(Source:
SoyaCincau
)

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Brian Chung

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Alliance Bank’s AEIOU Challenge Returns, Encourages Schoolchildren To Cultivate Good Financial Habits

Alliance Bank has kickstarted the 5
th
 season of its AEIOU Challenge, themed “How Smart Spending Habits Help My Family Build Our Future”
.
This annual programme aims to encourage children to be money-smart through a fun learning experience.

Open to schoolchildren aged 9 to 12 all over Malaysia, the programme line-up consists of the usual Financial Comic Strip Challenge (“Comic Challenge”) and financial literacy education. In addition, a new digital game (“Game Challenge”) has been added to the fold, which enables children to increase and challenge their knowledge of financial literacy through e-games.

As part of its educational initiative, Alliance Bank is holding roadshows on financial literacy with sessions that will educate children on how to manage money well through saving and spending wisely. Furthermore, these children may also learn more on the same topic by reading comics on
Alliance Bank’s AEIOU Challenge website
.

Schoolchildren can also put their knowledge to the test by answering trivia questions in the Game Challenge or submitting their self-drawn comic booklet entries to the Comic Challenge and stand a chance to win cash prizes worth a total of RM20,000. In addition, the school with the highest participation in the Comic Challenge will also win a cash prize for its School Development Fund. Deadlines for submission are 20 October for the Game Challenge and 27 October for the Comic Challenge.

The AEIOU Challenge is in line with the
National Strategy for Financial Literacy 2019-2023
 launched by the government in July to increase the level of financial awareness among Malaysians.

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Principal Partners With TNG To Launch Malaysia’s First E-Wallet Investment Solution

Principal Asset Management Bhd has partnered with TNG Digital to launch its latest product, the Principal e-Cash Fund, in a bid to make investing more accessible to the public. The new fund is believed to be the industry’s first e-wallet investment solution in the country, and will be made available soon.

In a statement, the chief executive officer of Principal Asset Management, Munirah Khairuddin said that the long-term partnership with TNG Digital – which owns and operates Touch ‘n Go eWallet – is set to accelerate the development of e-wallet investment solutions for Malaysians. “Addressing the needs of Malaysians irrespective of their financial background, every Malaysian can now start to invest and inculcate the habit of investing, saving, and spending,” she added.

Munirah also said that Principal is committed to building holistic solutions that can help Malaysians “save enough, have enough, and protect enough to achieve their long-term financial goals.” Additionally, the company will also strive to unlock the full potential of digital solutions in addressing their consumers’ needs.

Prior to this partnership with TNG Digital
, Principal Asset Management had also introduced selected funds
 through the Employees Provident Fund’s (EPF) self-service online investment platform, i-Invest. In short,
i-Invest
 allows eligible EPF members to draw from their Akaun 1 savings and invest the money in various approved funds for their retirement needs.

Meanwhile, Touch ‘n Go e-Wallet had
obtained conditional approval
 from the Securities Commission to operate as a recognised market operator earlier this year, becoming the first e-wallet to do so. This means it is now able to directly distribute investment products, such as unit trusts, on its platform.

(Source:
The Edge Markets
)

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About THE AUTHOR

Alex Cheong Pui Yin

Alex Cheong Pui Yin

Previously covered recruitment-related stories and had a short stint as a copywriter for the property industry. She subsequently developed an interest in investment and robo-advisors.

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MAS Shares Preventive Measures Taken To Curb The Spread Of Covid-19 Outbreak

Malaysia Airlines (MAS) has revealed a list of Covid-19 preventative measures, in a move to assure passengers of its commitment to combat the spread of the outbreak. The extensive list covers several fronts, from on-the-ground efforts to onboard hygiene and catering hygiene, as well as cabin cleanliness and air quality.

“We uphold high standards in cleaning and disinfecting our aircraft and work closely with the Ministry of Health to ensure we follow their guidance on health precautions related to Covid-19,” said the airline in its statement. MAS stated that it is also guided by aviation health procedures imposed by the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the International Aviation Organisation (ICAO).

Among some of the measures that MAS has adopted to give all passengers better peace of mind and safer flights include:

Temperature screening

MAS is obeying directives from authorities to conduct temperature screenings for passengers and crew members travelling to and from countries identified as Covid-19 hotspots. These are carried out at the boarding lounge for flights travelling to and from China, as well as out of South Korea.

The Malaysian Health Authorities also conducts its own temperature for flights from Mainland China, Hong Kong, Taipei, Japan, and Korea. Once cleared, passengers will be given a Health Alert Card, which they must keep with them for the next 14 days.

Overall sanitisation and hygiene

MAS assured its passengers that it observes stringent sanitation standards. On the ground, crew members are required to attend pre-flight briefings on safety and hygiene practices. Hand sanitisers and masks are also provided at the flight crew centres. Additionally, the check-in counters, boarding lounge, and the Golden Lounge are regularly cleaned throughout the day, and are equipped with hand sanitisers for the convenience of both passengers and employees.

In terms of food hygiene onboard, gloves are provided for crew members who are handling food items and contaminated utensils. They has also begun using disposable equipment during flight services, such as cutleries and towels. MAS is also temporarily uplifting in-flight meals from Kuala Lumpur for flights out of China.

Aircraft interiors are also being regularly sanitised, especially for aircrafts that are servicing Mainland China routes, Taipei, Hong Kong, and Singapore. A special aircraft manufacturer-approved chemical disinfectant is applied to hard surfaces within the aircraft, including the armrests, chairs, table trays, galleys, and toilets. Also, if MAS has a Patient Under Investigation (PUI) onboard, the aircraft will be thoroughly sterilised, disinfected, and deep-cleaned with hydrogen peroxide solution.

Air quality

All MAS aircrafts are equipped with High-Efficiency Particle Filters (HEPA), which filter and recirculate air from the cabin and mix it with fresh air. In fact, the engineering team had upgraded the HEPA filters of the entire fleet to filters with better filtration capability during the onset of the Covid-19 outbreak.

Prior to this, MAS had also shared
several infographic advisories
 to help its passengers better understand how air is circulated in the aircraft and the role of HEPA in the process. The cabin air is filtered and circulated about 20 to 30 times per hour. As such, MAS claims that it is potentially cleaner than the air that you breathe in most office buildings.

***

Apart from carrying out such precautions, MAS also urges all passengers to play their part in the prevention of the spread of the virus by practising good personal hygiene. It outlined several safety recommendations, such as washing your hands frequently, practising proper cough and sneeze etiquette, maintaining a distance from ill persons, as well as avoiding wet markets and live animal farms in affected areas.

If you’re interested, you can check out the complete list of the
preventive measures and travel recommendations
 that MAS has shared.

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About THE AUTHOR

Alex Cheong Pui Yin

Alex Cheong Pui Yin

Previously covered recruitment-related stories and had a short stint as a copywriter for the property industry. She subsequently developed an interest in investment and robo-advisors.

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    Passport Overused

    3 years ago

Great post 😁

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Top 3 (Free) Fashion Apps To Release Your Inner Fashionista

If you’re among us non-Hollywood-superstar mortals, you’d understand the grieve and stress of waking up to not being able to decide on what to wear for the day – regardless of whether you’re fashion-conscious or not. You’ve probably heard the phrase ‘I have nothing to wear’ more times than you can possibly count; from friends, family, or even by yourself.

Now, what if we told you that you can just leave the what-to-wear decision making to a mobile app? These ingenious mobile apps are a dream come true for all you man and woman of fashion! You can bid adieu to the long hours spent on choosing which outfit to wear in the morning and even be a trendsetter among your peers (major plus point: longer sleep time!)

Let’s dive into the top three fashion apps and be prepared to be mind blown!

1. Ombrè

This marvelous app is truly a fashion-godsend. Ombrè is the world’s first personal stylist app which can help you find the best outfits to match your body shape, personal preference, height, and even your skin tone!

What’s more, this genius mobile app is homegrown! Yup, you read that right. Ombrè was
founded and developed by a team of young Malaysian entrepreneurs
 whose aim is to help Malaysians – and everyone in the world – find their own unique style. Their hashtag #dresslikeyourself says all about their passion to help you look your best without compromising on your own identity.

This app can help you choose the best outfits according to your own preference among various online stores, so there’ll be less chances of you buying clothes that don’t fit or don’t look good on you. The best part of it is that it can help you mix and match your existing clothes! So, not only can Ombrè help you to save more time and money, it’ll also help you to dress to the nines, every time. You can download Ombrè for free
here
!

2. Villoid

If you want to stay on top of what’s trending in the fashion world, then
Villoid
 is the perfect mobile app for you. Villoid is partially the brainchild of Alexa Chung, an international model and one of the most respected fashion icon in the world.

Read Also :
13 Popular Brands You Never Knew Were Malaysian

This app was carefully developed to be a platform for those who love fashion, and it allows users to upload pictures of clothing items, build your own style boards, see other user’s style boards, shop on selected online stores, and even interact and share fashion interests with other users!

It reminds you a little of Pinterest, except that you can buy the clothes you like right there and then. What’s more, you can even follow the fashion bloggers and big names like Alexa Chung and see what trend they’re into! You can download Villoid for free
here
.

3. Shoppr

Known as the Tinder of fashion and shopping world,
Shoppr
 lets you see carefully curated products that you might like based on your Facebook profile (you need to connect this app to your Facebook account for this to work) and your personal settings.

You just need to swipe left or right on the suggested clothing items – just like Tinder! And, the more you swipe, the more the app learns about you, which enables it to send more personalised product suggestions your way.

You can also shop for the products directly through the app, which cuts down the hassle of buying and shopping from different stores. What’s more, Shoppr will send you alerts on the latest sales and promotions to help you save more! Download Shoppr for free
here
.

Thank You, Technology! Sincerely, Fashion Lovers

Technology sure has come a long way, and with these fashion mobile apps, we can even revolutionise the way we spend time on dressing ourselves – and of course, shopping for outfits. We look forward to seeing what new features these mobile apps can offer us in the future, but for now, we hope you enjoy these time, money, and effort-saving fashion mobile apps!

To make your styling journey a lot more convenient minus the fuss, you may want to set your sights on a cashback credit card. Not sure where to look? Our
comparison tool
 is here to help you pick the one that fits your spending style best.

Have you tried these fashion mobile apps before? Do you have any suggestions on other mobile apps we can try? Share your thoughts and ideas in the comment section below!

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Syaza Abd Jani

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MyEG To Offer DeFi Products To Malaysians, Including Cryptocurrency Services

MyEG Services has revealed that it will be rolling out decentralised finance (DeFi) products for the Malaysian public soon. This includes providing cryptocurrency services to investors who currently carry out their transactions on digital asset exchanges (DAX) that are licenced as recognised market operators locally and abroad.

According to a statement by MyEG, the new service will allow cryptocurrency investors to tap into smart contracts when they wish to borrow cryptocurrency or lend against their cryptocurrency assets. To clarify, smart contracts are “digital” agreements that are embedded within a blockchain (in the form of computer codes), which will self-execute once predetermined conditions are met.

“As digital assets become increasingly mainstream and more widely-used, DeFi services will allow holders of cryptocurrency assets to maximise the returns on their investments. Leveraging on proven financial technology platform, DeFi uses blockchain technology – in particular, cryptocurrencies and smart contracts – to enable the provision and settlement of transactions such as borrowing and lending without the need for conventional intermediaries,” explained MyEG.

(Image: Utusan Malaysia)

Additionally, MyEG said that it may soon introduce more pioneering products and services that rely on blockchain technologies, in line with Malaysia’s digital agenda. This is because it believes that all types of assets will eventually be digitalised on a decentralised or multi-centred platform.

“Blockchain technology is especially suited to government services as it provides immutability and enables tracking and verification, thus ushering in the next generation of public service delivery,” the government’s digital service provider further said.

For context, there are currently
four recognised market operators for DAX
 that are registered with Securities Commission Malaysia, namely Luno Malaysia, SINEGY Technologies, Tokenize Technology, and MX Global.

(Source:
The Edge Markets
)

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About THE AUTHOR

Alex Cheong Pui Yin

Alex Cheong Pui Yin

Previously covered recruitment-related stories and had a short stint as a copywriter for the property industry. She subsequently developed an interest in investment and robo-advisors.

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You Can Now Get Your Water Bill From Air Selangor Via WhatsApp

(Image: The Star)

Air Selangor Sdn Bhd is enabling a new digital billing initiative that enables customers to get their monthly water bill to be sent to them via WhatsApp. This comes as the water concessionaire embarks on a journey to go digital, enabling its customers to get their water bills more conveniently.

According to Air Selangor, the WhatsApp e-billing is applicable to customers in Selangor, Kuala Lumpur, and Putrajaya. To switch to this e-billing method, you will need to register or update your information at the company’s
e-billing registration page
. Ensure that the phone number registered is correct and can receive messages through WhatsApp.

Air Selangor’s digital journey officially began in January 2018, when it introduced e-billing services through email and the
Air Selangor mobile app
. The app also lets you get updates on water disruptions and review your latest bills.

If you have any enquiries about the
registration for WhatsApp e-billing
, you can send your questions to Air Selangor via SMS at 15300, or through WhatsApp at 019-2800919 or 019-2816793. Alternatively, you can also check out the company’s
Facebook
,
Twitter
,
Instagram
, or
website
.

(Source:
The Star
,
Air Selangor
)

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Previously covered recruitment-related stories and had a short stint as a copywriter for the property industry. She subsequently developed an interest in investment and robo-advisors.

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    Arian Syahwira bin Adenan

    5 months ago

Is that a working number? Can’t seemed to send WhatsApps msg to any of them.

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Useless Kitchen Items You Should Never Buy, Ever

If you’re a fan of online shopping or group buying sites, you will notice all sorts of kitchen knick-knacks appearing. Some of them really are ingenious, but some are just bait to get you to spend your money on something you really don’t need. Some of these items are simply redundant and you can perform their tasks quite easily using old fashioned methods.

Some of these gadgets also come from television infomercials, which tend to convince people that they cannot live without making a purchase, only to result in disappointment and the item gathering dust in a forgotten corner of the kitchen cabinet. If you want to avoid cluttering up your kitchen, then try avoiding these kitchen items:

Pasta Measuring Tool

We’ve all seen it, they come in all sorts of designs, from cute to plain and practical. Usually these pasta measuring tools are flat with openings of different sizes, apparently to put your long pasta through. They claim to measure pasta according to how many people are eating, or the weight of the pasta.

One particular product even measures the amount of pasta according to the age and gender of person eating. Now, unless you are a completely new and helpless cook, you can estimate the amount of pasta to cook pretty easily. Plus, if you have leftovers,
you can always freeze or chill them for the next day
.

Banana Container

It’s yellow, it’s cute and it’s curvy, but do you really need a container specifically for a banana? Most people pack full meals, and bananas accompany it as a dessert so you can always pack your banana in your lunchbox or in a bag .

Bananas have their own protective skin, which means you don’t have to protect them further with a casing. Not to mention that some bananas just don’t fit into a banana container.

Tubular Garlic Peeler

Usually made of silicone, these cylindrical tubes are supposed to remove the skin from your garlic cloves when you press and roll your cloves through them.

Many users have complained that it isn’t as simple as portrayed in advertisements and actually takes more time and effort than peeling garlic the traditional way using fingers and a knife.

Butter Cutting Device

Looking like a miniature tall building, this item is supposed to make cutting butter easier. However, users have realized soon after purchase that the process can easily be carried out with a butter knife.

Not only is this item redundant, it isn’t very flexible either as it can only perform one function.

Omelette Makers

Let’s face it, why would you need a device specifically for making omelettes when you can just use a normal pan. Although most omelette makers claim they can make two omelettes at once, the truth is that frying an omelette doesn’t take up much time.

In fact you can do it in 3 minutes flat and making two omelettes one after the other is not going to make much of a difference where time is concerned.

Egg Cracker

Look, why would you even need a product that cracks an egg for you? Egg cracking really isn’t that hard and you can do it by hand all the time without needing to fit your egg on this cracker and pressing on a handle.

Anyone with well functioning fingers can crack an egg beautifully with practice and experience and no one is inept enough to need this device.

Garlic Press

According to the inventors, this device is meant to save you the effort of actually
mincing your garlic with a knife
. Unfortunately, you’ll find that a lot of garlic actually stays stuck to the press and there you are trying to scrape it off with a spoon or knife.

Take our advice, stick to mincing your garlic the old school way and you’ll be better off by far.

The next time you want to go shopping for kitchen items, make sure to make wise purchases as it can affect you daily or monthly expenditure. If you’re looking for the
best credit cards
 that you can take with you to the shops, have a look and compare what’s available. Have anything to contribute to this article? Share your thoughts and ideas with us in the comments section down below!

Image credits:
Home & Gadgets
,
Dhgate
,
AliExpress
,
The “One-Click” Butter Cutter
,
Coopers of Stordford
,
Amazon
, and
Wikipedia
.

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Green Packet Partners With MMAG For Digital Salary Payment System For Foreign Workers

Green Packet Bhd is collaborating with ICT solution provider, MMAG Holdings Bhd, to establish a digital salary payment system for the latter’s migrant workers. Through the partnership, Green Packet will provide the use of its KiplePay e-wallet and Visa prepaid card to MMANTAP Sdn Bhd, a subsidiary of MMAG, so that the company can digitally pay and manage the salaries of its workers.

This move came following MMANTAP’s recent appointment as an agency to recruit, supply, and manage an estimated 2,000 foreign workers for China Communications Construction (ECRL) Sdn Bhd, involving the East Coast Rail Line (ECRL) megaproject. The partnership between Green Packet and MMAG is also spurred by the government’s decision to make it mandatory for the salaries of foreign workers to be credited into an e-wallet or a bank account.

(Image: Focus Malaysia)

In a statement, Green Packet said that its KiplePay e-wallet will reduce the costs and risks associated with cash handling for salary disbursement. The e-wallet also supports electronic know-your-customer (eKYC) technology, a paperless security and verification technology used to confirm the identity of customers for digital transactions. This ensures that the foreign workers are digitally onboarded with full security.

Additionally, the KiplePay e-wallet comes equipped with a variety of functions that foreign workers can use for their daily and financial needs. These include e-remittance, e-commerce, and e-services, such as mobile reloads and bill payments. On top of that, Green Packet will also issue Visa prepaid cards to the foreign workers, providing them with access to merchants and ATMs globally.

The chief executive officer of KiplePay Sdn Bhd (subsidiary of Green Packet), Kay Tan emphasised that digital payments of salary goes beyond providing convenience to employers; it also assures foreign workers that their salaries can now be easily presented, kept, and utilised.

Green Packet and MMAG’s newly signed agreement currently has a two-year tenure, and will be renewed for successive periods of one year each. Sources have said, however, that the digital salary payment system may be extended to the 2.5 million foreign workers that are managed by MMANTAP.

(Image: The Star)

“With this system in place, MMAG will propose to implement the same for all foreign workers, currently estimated at 2 million, in Malaysia as this will help eradicate social issues and crime relating to the presence of illegal foreign workers,” said the source.

Green Packet is not the only company to have ventured into providing digital salary payment services for foreign workers. Earlier this year, InstaPay Technologies has also partnered with Mastercard to launch an
e-wallet for migrant workers
.

(Source:
Green Packet
,
The Star
)

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About THE AUTHOR

Alex Cheong Pui Yin

Alex Cheong Pui Yin

Previously covered recruitment-related stories and had a short stint as a copywriter for the property industry. She subsequently developed an interest in investment and robo-advisors.

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Know Your Rights As a Consumer to Avoid Being Scammed

When you spend your money to make a purchase for goods or services for personal or domestic use, you’ve joined the rank of ‘consumer’! And as a consumer, you do have rights and are afforded protections under the
Consumer Protection Act 1999
.

Now what this means is that you can and should lodge a complaint if you feel something amiss about the way you’ve been treated as a customer. For instance, if you feel like you’ve been cheated or lied to by any business or if the product you have purchased is unsafe for use, there is somewhere you can turn – the Consumer Complaint Management Centre.

The center, under the Domestic Trade Cooperatives and Consumerism ministry, allows you to easily lodge a complaint online on their
Web Complaint Form
.

Your right to complain isn’t just something selfish you do to protect yourself from being swindled, it’s also part of your duty as a citizen to protect your community from being cheated by unscrupulous merchants. This means it’s important to know the kinds of complaints you can make and how to make them.

So what exactly can you complain about? Here’s a list of legitimate concerns for which you may lodge an official complaint:

You’ve been hit with surprise charges.
 You should be informed upfront about how much you need to pay or be reasonably advised about the potential excess. You should not be subject to hidden fees that suddenly pop up out of the blue.

The item you purchased is of poor quality.
 If an item falls apart just as soon as you leave the store or doesn’t meet its safety guarantees, in that it is faulty or dangerous to use, then it’s best to lodge a complaint.

You find an item extremely overpriced.
 If you know that the price of an essential item has been ridiculously jacked up (more than 30%), do consider lodging a complaint.

The item you purchased was not as advertised.
 If you have purchased something that doesn’t deliver as advertised or if the advertisement was misleading, you might have a reason to file a complaint.

Fake products.
 If you find out that an item you have purchased is an imitation and the store refuses to compensate you or return your money, it’s best to lodge a complaint.

You are in a dispute with the seller.
 When you can’t come to an agreement or are disputing a transaction with a merchant, then you can seek resolution by lodging a complaint.

You buy an item with misleading price tags.
 If a store refuses to honour the price tag on an item you are purchasing, do consider complaining.

Other Avenues to File Complaints

You may also file a complaint with the
Tribunal for Consumer Claims Malaysia
 that will look into cases for small claims up to RM25,000. To lodge a complaint here, you’ll first need to
register with the e-Tribunal
.

However, if you’re in doubt about which relevant agency to complain to regarding a specific problem, you can always turn to the
National Consumer Complaints Centre
. It’s the place that’ll basically tell you where to go, help to directly refer your complaint to the right agency or assist you in dealing with the other party. Just fill up the official form online (
E-Aduan
), detailing your complaint and wait for advice from the Centre.

Steps to Lodging a Consumer Complaint

Let’s take a look at what to do before lodging an official complaint:

Attempt to solve the problem amicably with the merchant or responsible business first. If no satisfactory resolution can be reached, then you can consider lodging a complaint.

Be sure to keep all documentation and proof related to your complaint such as invoices, receipts, email correspondences, etc.

Lodge your complaint in a timely manner and be sure to follow up periodically.

If dealing with a representative of a business that acts violently or in a threatening manner, don’t engage them directly any further. Instead, do lodge a police report.

Believe or not, credit cards are regulated to offer some of the best consumer protection for cardholders. Credit cards can protect against fraud and also offer purchase protections to replace faulty items if merchants refuse to. Find the right credit card for your needs on our super nifty
comparison page
 now and stay protected every time your swipe!

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    Chiew Eng Fei

    2 years ago

Thank you very much for this article in educating consumers like me. I have a complaint to make about an online seller who did not honour the price they advertised online. I tried to log-in to KPDNKK website via your given links and also directly but result came out “This site can’t be reached”. I tried the EZ Adu app on Android, the app infected with bugs, can’t even get myself registered. You know what, the NCCC e-aduan “Closed for MCO 3.0 till 30th June 2021 to protect the safety of their staff “. What a joke!!! They don’t even
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OctaFX Celebrates 11th Anniversary With A Star-Filled Rebranding

The interest in trading within the foreign exchange market has risen in recent years. While some prefer investing in stocks, there are plenty of people who enjoy the fast-moving forex market. With so many resources and tools made available to retail traders, it’s no surprise that people of all ages and backgrounds have grown interested and explored it as a means to invest and potentially earn extra money from currency fluctuations.

Although there are a number of platforms that make forex trading accessible, few are as notable as
OctaFX
. The global broker has been providing online trading services worldwide since over a decade ago. Amateurs and seasoned traders from all over the world come together and find strategies that help them reach their goals with OctaFX. This year, the broker celebrates its 11th anniversary.

Celebrating 11 Years In The Industry

Ever since its inception in 2011, OctaFX has successfully reached a number of impressive milestones. The global broker has served clients from over 150 countries, processed 8.8 million requests from customers, held 2,500 educational webinars, offered 8 educational formats, and has seen over 12 million accounts opened with it. On top of that, they have delivered 555,000 gifts, and have taught valuable lessons to more than 600 million traders on YouTube. OctaFX has also won its fair share of awards – 50, to be precise.

Over the past 11 years, OctaFX has managed to make forex trading more accessible by offering 28 languages of communication and virtual lessons to people from all over the world.

How OctaFX’s Core
 Philosophy
 Propelled Them Forward

In the saturated world of finance, a lot of factors need to work together in order for a broker to rise above its competitors. There are many factors that have led to OctaFX’s success, one of which being their brand philosophy and core elements.

The reason they are able to process 8.8 million requests, dedicate approximately 96.8 million minutes to resolving issues, and answer their clients’ questions in a timely manner is because OctaFX is always online. They are always around to provide support to their clients.

Apart from that, OctaFX continuously finds new ways to improve by analysing feedback from their users. This includes everything from technical difficulties to trading features users hope to find on the platform. They also practice agility and are constantly ready to transform and develop at all times.

As the trading landscape continues to evolve at high speed, OctaFX has to be dynamic and developing. This strategy has led to the creation of the broker’s own mobile trading and copy trading apps, the addition of a wide range of popular financial instruments ranging from cryptocurrencies  to  stock  indices, and developing a copy trading platform with unique features for finding and copying professional traders.

Being data-driven is also a big priority to OctaFX. Data has informed a number of research and analyses, constant learning about the latest tech in the financial markets to ensure clients can enjoy the best solutions with the latest technology.

Last but not least, OctaFX is client-centered, therefore its clients are able to realise their potential through a long-term relationship with a personalised approach.

A Joyous Rebranding

In celebration of 11 years in the financial markets, OctaFX has unveiled their brand new space-inspired visual branding. The concept behind the rebranding mirrors their mission.

The stars, made up of a unique combination of needs and desires, symbolise financial goals of an individual in the broad universe of finance.

“The journey towards the investment goal isn’t always easy—there are many obstacles on the way. To overcome them, traders need an optimal set of both analytical and financial instruments, as well as a reliable partner. We are here to provide them with everything necessary to make effective trading decisions and achieve their investment goals,” shared the OctaFX press office.

The two orbits that make up OctaFX’s new logo represent the all-encompassing assistance it offers traders on the journey toward their goals. The orbits overlap to form the word ‘fx,’ which emphasises a key component of the corporate name.

The new visual identity is constructed around centre-oriented forces and objects, such as orbits and rays, indicating the broker’s continuous focus on its clients’ financial goals. The colour palette’s deep blues and intense oranges reflect OctaFX’s confidence, dynamism, and readiness to change.

The new visual branding also reflects the ever-evolving financial world where new challenges emerge each day, in which OctaFX is ready to meet and exceed the expectations of its clients.

***

Having won 50 awards and provided clients from over 150 countries with state-of-the-art services, OctaFX is evidently the preferred broker for many traders across the globe. Clients’ goals are always prioritised and when any concerns arise, the broker is always online to provide support. On top of that, OctaFX utilises data to continuously innovate and improve their operations in order to better meet clients’ expectations.

If you’re interested in OctaFX,
click here to find out more.

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TNG eWallet Rolls Out Travel Insurance, SafeTrip

Touch ‘n Go (TNG) eWallet has once again collaborated with AIA Malaysia, this time to launch a travel insurance, dubbed SafeTrip. Available for both domestic and international travel, it offers coverage for travel inconvenience, medical expenses, and personal accidents – and also comes with extra Covid-19 protection.

Specifically, SafeTrip will offer you the following benefits:

Items
Coverage
Travel inconveniences (such as travel cancellation and curtailment, as well as travel and baggage delay)
Up to RM25,000
Medical expenses for treatment of accidental injuries, unexpected sickness, and Covid-19
Up to RM110,000
Emergency medical evacuation and repatriation
Unlimited
Death/Serious injuries/Permanent and total disability (due to accident)
Up to RM200,000
Death/Hospitalisation/Required quarantine (due to Covid-19)
Up to RM22,000

On top of these coverage, those who are travelling abroad will also have the option to top up their coverage for Covid-related medical expenses up to RM250,000, so that they may satisfy the travel requirements of their destination countries. For context, certain countries now require inbound travellers to
possess travel insurance with a specific amount of coverage
 for medical expenses related to Covid-19.

As for the premiums of these plans, the domestic plan will cost you RM3 per day, while the international plan starts from as low as RM10 per day – all subject to applicable government tax and stamp duty. If you’re purchasing for five or more individuals under the same order (maximum 10 persons per purchase), you can also tap into a group discount of 5%. There is also a rebate of up to 25% on the premiums for domestic plans and selected international destinations.

Note that the SafeTrip insurance plan is only available on the TNG eWallet app, and is open to individuals aged between 30 days to 70 years old. Additionally, only Malaysian citizens, permanent residents, and foreigners who are legally employed or residing within the country can purchase the plan.

Upon purchasing, TNG eWallet will send the e-policy of the SafeTrip insurance plan to your email within the same day. Meanwhile, coverage is effective from the start of your trip; you can purchase the plan as early as 90 days before your trip.

The group chief executive officer of Touch ‘n Go Group, Effendy Shahul Hamid said that the introduction of SafeTrip is a timely one, particularly with the approaching Raya festivities as people are eager to travel – both domestically and internationally – to reunite and make up for lost time with loved ones. “Moreover, SafeTrip is affordable and convenient to sign up,” he said.

Meanwhile, the chief executive officer of AIA Malaysia, Ben Ng remarked that SafeTrip is yet another innovative and personalised solution meant to benefit TNG eWallet’s users. “SafeTrip could not have come at a more appropriate time as many are looking to resume travel plans with the reopening of borders. We believe this product is set to provide our partner’s users with the much-needed peace of mind when they go on their trips, in line with AIA’s purpose of helping people live healthier, longer, and better,” he stated.

TNG Group and AIA are currently in a long-term strategic partnership, and had introduced their first insurance product,
WalletSafe
, back in October 2021. WalletSafe offers a six-month protection of up to RM25,000 for any loss of credits stored within your TNG eWallet, as well as a 10x coverage of your eWallet balance in the unfortunate event of death caused by accidental death or Covid-19.

(Source:
TNG eWallet
)

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About THE AUTHOR

Alex Cheong Pui Yin

Alex Cheong Pui Yin

Previously covered recruitment-related stories and had a short stint as a copywriter for the property industry. She subsequently developed an interest in investment and robo-advisors.

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Enrich, Plaza Premium Group Collaborate To Offer Enhanced Travel Perks For Members

(Image: New Straits Times)

Malaysia Airline’s (MAS) loyalty programme, Enrich, has entered into a partnership with Plaza Premium Group that will enable both brands to offer a superior travel experience and wider variety of benefits for their Enrich and Smart Traveller members, respectively. These include allowing members of both brands to convert their points seamlessly.

According to the chief executive officer of loyalty and travel solutions for Malaysia Aviation Group, Philip See, Enrich and Smart Traveller members will be able to convert their points as per the following rate:

Enrich members: 1,800 Enrich Points for 500 Arrture Points

Smart Traveller members: 2,000 Arrture Points for 1,000 Enrich Points

In addition to points conversion, the partnership will also allow Enrich members to access over 250 Plaza Premium Lounges across more than 70 airports worldwide. This is on top of being eligible for first-rate airport concierge services for an elevated level of comfort, convenience, and personalised services throughout the member’s journey.

Meanwhile, Smart Traveller members will be allowed to enjoy flight and seat upgrades on MAS flights, along with exclusive entry to the national carrier’s Golden Lounge. They can also tap into exclusive hotel stay and five-star dining offers.

“As we continue to leverage digitalisation to transform the future of travel, this partnership will allow us to increase stickiness among travellers for both brands, especially in today’s mobile-based world,” said the deputy chief executive officer of Plaza Premium Group, Bora Isbulan.

(Source:
New Straits Times
)

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About THE AUTHOR

Alex Cheong Pui Yin

Alex Cheong Pui Yin

Previously covered recruitment-related stories and had a short stint as a copywriter for the property industry. She subsequently developed an interest in investment and robo-advisors.

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Samsung Galaxy M20 Is Samsung's First Smartphone Sold Exclusively Online in Malaysia

As e-commerce continues to grow in Malaysia, Samsung is evolving its device strategy to tap into this huge market. The Galaxy M20 is the first Samsung smartphone to be an online-exclusive device, in partnership with Shopee.

The Samsung Galaxy M20 follows the trend started by Chinese smartphone makers that sell devices on a “high specs, low price” basis. By selling the Galaxy M20 exclusively online, Samsung can keep costs down and sell it at a lower price.

“There is a shift in retail paradigm and consumers are shopping online now more than ever before. Taking this into consideration, we decided to go fully-digital in our sales approach for the new Galaxy M series,” said Yoonsoo Kim, President of Samsung Malaysia Electronics.

At RM799, the Samsung Galaxy M offers plenty of value compared to previous Samsung devices at that price point. Its outstanding feature is a massive 5,000mAh battery – the first on a Samsung smartphone, and even larger than that on the Galaxy Note 9 (at “just” 4,000mAh). The Galaxy M20 also has USB-C fast charging, and a power management feature built into the device for lower power consumption.

Other notable hardware specs include an Exynos 7904 octa-core processor with 4GB of RAM, a huge 6.3-inch FHD+ “Infinity-V” teardrop notch display, and 64GB of internal storage (expandable with microSD cards). As for the cameras, there’s a dual rear camera comprising of a 13MP f/1.9 main sensor and a 5MP f/2.2 120-degree ultra-wide angle sensor. The front camera is a 8MP sensor embedded in the notch.

Samsung is working with Shopee Malaysia to offer the Galaxy M20 exclusively on the e-commerce platform. Shopee will be holding a “
Samsung Brand Day
” on 20 March, where the Galaxy M20 will be available for sale starting 9am for both colours: Charcoal Black and Ocean Blue.

The first 2,000 buyers will receive a Logitech X50 Bluetooth speaker and a JBL T450 worth a combined RM227, while the next 2,000 buyers will receive the Logitech X50 speakers only. On top of that, Shopee will also offer a voucher for an additional RM100 off any product sold in the Samsung Official Store on Shopee – but this voucher is limited to the first 100 buyers only.

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Pang Tun Yau

Pang Tun Yau

A seasoned tech journalist who now focuses on his other passion, Pang is a firm believer in old-school DCA and optimised spending.

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Win The New Apple iPad or Apple Watch 7 With These Credit Cards!

We’re heating July with the latest from Apple, along with vouchers and gadgets!

For those who are new, the Unbox This Week Campaign is a weekly campaign where we present the best deals from our featured bank partners. All you have to do is apply for selected credit cards from these banks through RinggitPlus and you’ll receive exclusively selected gifts!

For this week (18 July – 25 July 2022), our featured bank partners include
Citibank, HSBC, Standard Chartered Bank, Alliance Bank, and Ambank
 – if you have considered applying for any of these banks, check out our latest deal below!

Citibank – Apple iPad A13 Bionic

Grab the chance to win the popular Apple iPad!

Multitask like a pro with the powerful A13 Bionic chip that loads even more performance and capability, with all-day battery life. Featuring a 10.2-inch Retina display with True Tone, and a 12MP Ultra Wide front camera with Center Stage, your video calls will look sharp and engaging. Don’t miss out on winning this essential for working, learning, and communicating.

To get your hands on the Apple iPad, all you need to do is apply, get approved, and spend with a Citibank Credit Card. The offer is limited to only 10 units. Other successful applicants will otherwise be guaranteed to receive a pair of Apple AirPods.

To be eligible, applicants must apply for a Citibank credit card, get approved, and spend a minimum of 8 retail transactions on their new card within 60 days upon gaining approval.

However, note that current cardmembers and individuals who cancelled their Citibank credit cards within a year before this campaign do not qualify for this promotion. Otherwise,
apply for a Citi credit card here.

HSBC – Apple Watch Series 7

Health is wealth, and it should be convenient and simple to monitor it throughout the day. The Apple Watch Series 7 allows you just that with breakthrough health innovations. Keep up with your heart rate, and blood oxygen levels, and even get reminded to stand up every 20 minutes.

Get a chance to complete the Activity Rings when you win an Apple Watch Series 7. Just apply, get approved, and spend with a new HSBC Credit Card. The offer is limited to only 10 units. Other successful applicants will receive RM600 Touch n’ Go eWallet Credits.

Remember that current cardholders and applicants who were denied or have cancelled their HSBC credit cards within 6 months before this campaign are not eligible to participate. Otherwise, you can
apply for your HSBC credit card here.

Standard Chartered Bank – RM200 Shopee e-Voucher or URBANlite Trapez 24” Luggage

Are you in need of a little pick-me-up with the help of retail therapy? Or are you looking for an all-new luggage bag for your next flight out of the country?

Apply, get approved, and activate your new Standard Chartered Credit Card to choose between the RM200 Shopee e-Voucher to check out your cart or the URBANlite Trapez 24” 8-Wheel Spinner Hard Case Luggage for your travels in the next 10 years!

Applicants are still required to activate their card within 30 days upon approval to be eligible for this prize.

Lastly, be aware that existing cardholders and individuals who have held a Standard Chartered credit card in the past 6 months are not eligible for this campaign. If you qualify, then you can
apply for your new Standard Chartered credit card here
.

Alliance Bank – JBL Live Free NC+ Earbuds or Tune 710BT Headphones

Enjoy powerful and immersive sounds wherever you go with any of these gifts from JBL.

Worth RM799, grab the JBL Live Free NC+ Earbuds to experience ultimate Active Noise Cancellation as well as clear, sharp, and complete sounds to whatever you’re listening to. While the  Tune 710BT Headphones give you true bass sound that’s just right for your ears with 50 hours of playback time!

Those who apply for a new Alliance Credit Card with Bank Transfer will receive the JBL Live Free NC+ Earbuds while others will get the Tune 710BT Headphones. Apply, get approved, and activate your new Alliance Credit Card, with or without the 0% p.a. Balance Transfer, to take home either one of these audio devices. Just make sure to activate your Alliance Credit Card upon approval to be eligible.

Existing cardholders of any Alliance Bank credit card and individuals who have held or cancelled an Alliance Bank credit card in the past six months are not eligible for this campaign.
Apply for an Alliance Bank Credit Card here.

Ambank – Morgan Air Fryer

Did you know that you could bake a cake in the air fryer? Try it out with the Morgan Air Fryer! Even if it’s not a cake, whip up all your favourite meals with less cooking time and without the cooking oil.

With a rapid air circulation system to ensure your dishes are well cooked, you’ll also enjoy cleaning the air fryer in less than 5 minutes with its convenient cleaning tray.

To score the Morgan Air Fryer, you must apply, get approved, and activate your Ambank credit card within 30 days of approval to be eligible for this prize.

Existing cardholders and individuals who have held or cancelled an Ambank credit card in the past year are not eligible for this campaign.
Apply for an Ambank Credit Card here.

***

Finally, just as a reminder, be sure to start your application with our WhatsApp chatbot so that your eligibility is guaranteed and we can always be at hand to help you if you need us.

While this week’s flash deal ends on 25 July 2022 (11am), you can also follow us on our
Facebook page
 to receive the latest Unbox This Week offers as we refresh the deals every week.

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Katrina Balan Quiroz

Katrina Balan Quiroz

Copywriter. Katrina is fueled by a need to turn a confusing wall of text into something comprehensible, and drip coffee.

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Malaysians Are Reselling Their McDonald’s BTS Meal Packaging

Popular Korean boyband BTS entered into a collaboration with McDonald’s to craft the “BTS Meal”, a special meal set made available only in 49 countries in the world. Yesterday, Malaysia became the first country in Asia to begin offering the meal – and Malaysians are already putting the used BTS Meal packaging up for sale on various e-commerce sites.

The BTS Meal consists of 10-piece Chicken McNuggets, medium-sized fries, a medium Coca-Cola drink, and special sweet chilli and cajun dipping sauces whose flavours are chosen by the band members. In Malaysia, the box for the chicken nuggets, cup for the soft drink, and paper bag are all branded with a purple theme and the BTS logo. The branding design differs from country to country – in the US, for example, the cup and the McNuggets box provided are the ordinary McDonald’s ones – which is perhaps why some local sellers on online shopping platforms begin to tout the used purple-themed packaging and sealed dipping sauces.

It’s also worth noting that there are
actual
McDonald’s x BTS merchandise
 that are sold as part of this collaboration, but unfortunately they won’t officially be available in Malaysia – we’ll just have to make do with what we have. Some local BTS fans we’ve spoken to informed us that most of them have kept their BTS Meal packaging for keepsake. Others speculated that it might actually grow in value over time since they are a limited run.

We’ve found multiple listings on popular online marketplaces including Shopee, Carousell, and Facebook Marketplace. While most sellers are selling their used packaging, some are claiming theirs to be brand new – and selling them at slightly higher prices. One seller on Shopee is offering the used packaging from the set at RM21.90, whereas another seller has aimed for a more ambitious selling price of RM59.90, oil stains and all. Meanwhile, sellers on Carousell are also offering the items piecemeal starting at RM5 per item, although we did spot someone selling the set meal at RM99. For reference, the price of the BTS Meal at McDonald’s is RM15.70.

While it is surprising to think that Malaysians might consider buying used food packaging online, the demand for the BTS Meal on the first day of sales was considerably high. Social media saw videos and images of long queues at both takeaway counters and drive-through lanes at various McDonald’s outlets throughout the day. As for those who tried to order online via McDelivery, both the McDonald’s app and website were troubled with
access problems
 due to the high amount of traffic.

Fortunately, the BTS Meal is not just a one-day-only offer; McDonald’s will continue to carry the meal “for a limited time”. Therefore, if you’re not keen on buying the used BTS packaging online, you can try your own luck at ordering the meal from McDonald’s – hopefully, your odds may be better now the first-day craze has died down.

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Jacie Tan

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LIAM, MTA Extend Deferment Of Premium Payment Until End Of Year

The Life Insurance Association of Malaysia (LIAM) and Malaysian Takaful Association (MTA) have extended the Covid-19 Relief Programme until 31 December 2021. This programme, which was first introduced in
April 2020
, allows policy or certificate holders who are financially affected by the Covid-19 pandemic to defer the payment of their premium or takaful contribution for a grace period of three months.

This includes individuals who have suffered a loss of income and small and medium enterprises (SMEs) which have suffered a loss of income due to Covid-19. Examples of events recognised as loss of income include retrenchment, shorter working hours, and salary or commission reductions for individuals; and loss of business income for the self-employed and SMEs.

The following assistance is available to affected persons:

The deferral of premiums/contributions for up to 3 months has officially been extended to the end of 2021;
Policy/certificate holders who have been granted the deferral benefit earlier in 2020 and have been timely in making payments may apply to defer again for another three months. A six-month interest-free instalment repayment option is also available;
Additionally, policy/certificate holders can contact their plan operator to understand other individual options available to help maintain their coverage during this time.

Over 1.2 million life insurance policyholders and half a million family takaful certificate holders have benefitted from the deferment option as at 17 May. The value of the deferment amounted to over RM2.6 billion for life insurance and RM0.8 million for family takaful.

On top of that, insurance providers have taken additional proactive steps since early 2020 which include extending cash relief efforts for those diagnosed with Covid-19 (hospitalisation allowance and lumpsum death benefits) and RM10 million in contribution towards the Covid-19 Test Fund that was fully utilised in May 2021 and benefitted over 65,000 policy/certificate holders.

From April to December this year, life insurers and family takaful operators have pledged additional fresh funds in the form of medical assistance for Covid-19 treatment in government or private hospitals, as well as serious vaccine side effects under the National Immunisation Programme. You can contact your insurance company directly to find out more about assistance offered for serious vaccine side effects.

(Image: Berita Harian Online)

Meanwhile, Persatuan Insurans Am Malaysia (PIAM) also announced that all general insurers will continue to offer additional relief measures until 31 December for affected policyholders. However, policyholders are advised to check with their insurers regarding these relief measures as consideration will be granted on a case-by-case basis based on the insurer’s underwriting provisions.

To date, the general insurance industry has mobilised relief measures to a total value of RM69 million. These measures include deferments and instalment payments of premium extension of the 60-day premium warranty period and allowing short-term renewals. In spite of restrictions applicable to Cash Before Cover (CBC) and tariff policies, some PIAM members have also allowed premium deferments for non-CBC/tariff policies on their own initiative to assist policyholders in need.

(Source:
The Sun Daily
)

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Jacie Tan

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5 Accommodation Alternatives for a Cheaper Holiday

Are you planning a holiday on a limited budget? Beyond the flight tickets, the next big spend item on your list will be accommodation. Taking up a huge chunk of your vacation budget – you want to be comfortable on holiday but not resort to five-star prices. What is a budget traveller to do?

We scoured the internet and asked friends for tips on ways to save on accommodation by avoiding the fancy hotels.

1. AirBnb (Because we had to!)

It’s impossible at this point to not have heard of
AirBnb
. The website offers rooms and apartments rented out by individuals to prospective holiday makers and thus offer great locations, properties and rooms for a cheaper price than commercial properties such as hotels or bed and breakfast inns. Not all rooms listed are cheap though, so a little sifting is important.

More than cheap, AirBnb offers value. You might pay the same price at a 2-star hotel but score a 5-star quality place. Some hosts go the extra mile of providing food and tips on the town/city’s best kept secrets. The devil is in the details so do read all the terms and reviews to make the best decision.

2. Couchsurfing

Couchsurfing
 used to be extremely popular in the early days until a lot of bad press bogged it down. But if you’re lucky, you can still find great hosts in countries all over the world willing to provide you free lodging and even play tour guide in exchange for your company. Couchsurfing does recommend that it’s members buy hosts meals and/or gifts in return for the free stay but this cost is still miles cheaper than booking a room.

Couchsurfing works on the concept of ‘exchanging hospitality’ so good hosts are often willing to go the extra mile to make your visit memorable by showing you around the city or giving you tips on the best places to go.

However, do take note of Couchsurfing’s
safety recommendations
 when staying at the home of a stranger especially if you are a single lady traveller.

3. Short Term Apartment Rentals

If you are planning to stay a few weeks in a town – you can always check out the local classifieds. Many landlords are open to the idea of renting their serviced apartment or condo to travellers during periods when they have no tenants as some rent is always better than none!

However, do be clear with the landlord that you are only interested in a short lease and make sure your agreement is sufficiently documented.

4. Social Media ‘Couchsurfing’

If staying with strangers isn’t something you fancy doing – why not hit up the hundreds of people on your friend list who may be staying in the town/city you are planning to visit? With many people choosing to live and work overseas, you may be surprised to find a long-lost school mate in the country you’re travelling to.

Some Malaysians have started posting shoutouts on their social media searching for hosts among their friends willing to host them in exchange for a meal or a bottle of wine. Considering that these are people in your social circle, the risk is vastly reduced when compared to stranger couchsurfing. The feasibility of the situation will also depend on how wide your social circle.

5. Academic Housing and Hostels

Many students go home for the summer or during other long breaks. If you happen to be travelling at that time – it’s worth checking out if the hostels are available for rent. The rooms will not be fancy but they are sure to be safe, comfortable and cheap. They will also tend to be close to public transport and towns where you can easily find food, bars and entertainment spots.

Finding a suitable place may be more tedious. You will need to do some research on hostels and campus housing in the area you are visiting and then giving them a call/dropping an email. A quick Google should help as well but sites may not have the full list of available rooms/hostels.

If all else fails and you find yourself booking into the same old hotel – don’t worry. You can still save a killing by inquiring about seasonal promos or those linked to your
credit card
.
Many credit cards offer percentage discounts or free night stays
 at select hotels but you won’t know this unless you ask!

Happy trails.

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Diana Chai

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New Year New You: Take Your Career to the Next Level in 2019

Who says you can’t enjoy a career that is mentally, emotionally and financially fulfilling? It is in fact, completely possible! However, so many of us feel disengaged or largely unmotivated at work. Unsurprisingly, when these feelings go unchecked, it comes at the expense of our careers and consequently, our income.

So if you are concerned that your career is not leading toward a gratifying path, however you define it, then there’s no time like the present to get in front of your issues! After all, it is a brand-new year and your career could certainly benefit from the surge of momentum a fresh start brings.

Give your career prospects the push that it deserves with these five constructive tips.

Get Organised

Knowing that you are on top of your work will aid with work-self confidence and also support your progress toward improving the quality of your efforts. This is the first step, especially if you’re coming back from a long leave with an unappealing pile a work on your desk (or desktop).

Be sure to put your tasks in order before you get started. And yes, this can be quite a challenge when your back-from-holiday mood lends zero motivation.

A to-do list is always helpful to make sure you don’t miss out on anything, but more importantly, to help identify which duties are to be prioritised. If you need a little extra help with your workflow productivity, try free apps like
any.do
 and
Evernote
.

Learn Something New

In the spirit of improvement, challenge yourself to advance a necessary career skill of which you may be lacking. Now if you are new to the workforce, then there’s probably a lot to learn, so it’s best to find a willing mentor to coach and guide you.

However, if you’ve been working for some time, take a moment to evaluate the missing pieces of your career pie. What is holding you back from being the best that you can be, from reaching your professional goals in terms of proficiency and knowledge?

Perhaps you need to master a new software system or develop your language skills for better communication.

Once you’ve nailed down what you need to take your career to the next level, identify a course of action, and don’t let insufficient financial resources stand in your way. Google really is your BFF; just go online to find free courses, seminars, and tools to effectively and inexpensively develop your professional skills (
FutureLearn
 is a great free source for online education from top international universities).

Get Your Own Website

Does everybody need their own website? Yes, for the most part and this is because aside from supporting the job-hunting process, having your own virtual space is a great way to build a credible internet presence without solely relying on social media.

There are tons of free resources online to help you build one of your own (check out ‘
How to Make a Website
‘, a quick and easy guide by developer and designer, Robert Mening).

Now if cost is of concern, don’t worry, you can find affordable domain and hosting services for under RM100 per year! Moreover, if you have no experience whatsoever with running your own website, you can go ahead and chalk this challenge as a two-for-one (see No. 2)

Maintain Your Savings

Let’s face it, sometimes, the only way up is out – and if this is your predicament in 2019, it’s important to have a stock of savings to support you in the interim.

You may be planning to jump ship or even strike out on your own, but the difference of whether you sink or swim in your new venture is largely tied to your level of savings prior to the shift.

It will give you a little piece of mind if an employment offer falls through, or as means to roll as your new entrepreneurial efforts get underway, but how much do you need? The consensus is six months times your current salary being supposedly sufficient, but financial guru
Suze Orman
 advocates a larger store, along the lines of 8 months’ worth.

However, if that seems like too grand an amount, do consider getting an
emergency credit card
 to aid your finances as you find your footing.

Dress the Part

Superficial as it may sound, clothes really do maketh the man or woman, in most instances anyway. And while not every job will require you to suit up, overly slack appearances almost never fly in offices. When in doubt, dress like your boss – it doesn’t hurt to take inspiration from your superiors and infuse a little of your own style.

What’s the saying? Dress for the job you want and not the job you have.

If you’re on a tight budget (who’s not these days) but in severe need of a work wardrobe update, don’t forget to bookmark our
fashion promotions
 page to enjoy awesome clothing and accessories discounts available with your credit card.

Don’t have a credit card or looking for a better deal? Check out our
credit card comparison page
 to easily find and apply for one that suits you best.

New You, Brave You in 2019

Fortune favours the brave; let this be your career mantra for the New Year. Boldly use the promise of the New Year to be plucky and courageous enough to open doors for yourself!

While you’re at it, take this important piece of advice to heart – networking is a must! While it’s probably been beaten to death by career advice columnists around the world, it still holds true.

So if you’ve spent most of last year chained to your desk– unshackle yourself and get to know the people around you first. Not just for the sake of “networking”, but more importantly, to source like-minded professional connections, some of which, may just be your entry into exciting career opportunities in 2019!

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Gibraltar BSN Launches GoGuarantee Plus Endowment Plan, Available Until December 2021

Gibraltar BSN Life has launched GoGuarantee Plus, an endowment plan that offers policyholders a maturity benefit of up to 120% the total premium paid, as well as insurance protection including death, total and permanent disability, and other benefits.

Besides the maturity benefit, GoGuarantee Plus also offers a guaranteed cash payout of 3% every 5th policy year, and a unique Golden Age Disability (GAD) benefit, which offers a payout of 100% of the sum assured if the policyholder is struck with a disability between 70 to 80 years of age.

Here’s a summary of the key features of GoGuarantee Plus:

Guaranteed maturity benefit of up to 120% of total premium paid upon maturity
Guaranteed cash payout of 3% of sum assured on every 5th policy year before maturity
Hassle-free enrolment with no medical check-ups required
Sum assured up to RM300,000
Additional accidental death benefit of up to 200% on top of death benefit
Accelerated terminal illness benefit, where lump sum is paid upon diagnosis of terminal illness
Death and total & permanent disability (TPD) benefit with lump sum payable

GoGuarantee Plus is available in two coverage terms (20 years or 30 years), and is dependent on the age of entry. There are also three premium payment options, where policyholders can choose to pay the premiums every five years, ten years, or across the full policy term.

The chief executive officer of Gibraltar BSN Life Berhad, Lee Kok Wah said that GoGuarantee Plus is aimed at helping the public to safeguard their retirement. “Good health and financial freedom is key to retirement security. In today’s challenging times and the fact that Malaysia will become an aging society by 2030, we felt compelled to help our customers safeguard their golden years by offering a competitive product to grow their retirement funds and at the same time, equip them with solid life protection,” he said.

GoGuarantee Plus is available only for a limited time until the end of the year. The plan is open to anyone aged between 16 to 60 years old.

(Source:
Gibraltar BSN
)

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    Jauhari

    1 year ago

Good plan, pse elevarate more info

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Apple Pay Is Now Officially Available In Malaysia

Apple users can now rejoice as the long sought-after feature, Apple Pay, has finally made its way to Malaysia. As you can expect, this means you’ll be able to make convenient contactless payments using your iPhone and Apple Watch.

At the time of writing, Apple Pay is confirmed to accept cards that are issued by three banks:
Maybank
,
AmBank
, and
Standard Chartered
. Specifically, Maybank’s debit, credit, and prepaid cards are compatible with Apple Pay, along with AmBank and Standard Chartered credit cards. You’ll have the option to add your bank payment cards to Apple Pay either manually through your iPhone, or through each bank’s mobile banking app.

It is not yet confirmed if other banks in Malaysia will also enable the ability to link their payment cards to Apple Pay – we will update this article when they do.

How To Add Payment Cards To Apple Pay

For those who are adding their payment cards manually through iPhone, simply follow these few steps:

Launch your Wallet app, and tap on the + sign on the top right corner
Select “Debit or credit card”
Key in your card details (you can also scan your card, if you prefer!)
Verify your card either through OTP or a phone call

Once you’ve completed the verification process, your card will be successfully linked to your Apple Wallet.

If you wish to link your payment cards to Apple Pay via your bank’s mobile banking app, the steps will vary (of course). In most cases, however, you should be able to find an “Add to Apple Wallet” function within the app that will allow you to do so conveniently.

Note as well that your cards can also be linked to Apple Pay via your Apple Watch, and activating the cards on your Watch will require another round of verification process.

How To Use Apple Pay

(Image: The Star/Angelin Yeoh)

Once your cards are linked, you’re ready to give Apple Pay a go and enjoy the convenience as well as security that it brings! We’re able to confirm that Apple Pay can already be used at offline stores as it works on NFC-enabled payment terminals that accepts Visa PayWave or Mastercard PayPass transactions. Here are Apple’s video guides on how you can pay for your purchases using Apple Pay at stores, using either Face ID or Touch ID (depending on your iPhone model):

As you can see from the videos, you’ll need to verify your identity with Face or Touch ID each time you wish to perform any transactions. This offers an added layer of security, especially in the event of your iPhone being stolen.

On the Apple Watch, the payment process is similarly seamless, if not even more so. You’ll be required to verify your identity each time you put on your Apple Watch, but once that’s done, you can go ahead and pay for your purchases with a tap on the payment terminal – no further verification needed.

Aside from brick-and-mortar stores, Apple Pay can also be used for online payments on supported apps and websites. A check by our team has confirmed that you can use Apple Pay to make payments on e-commerce platform Shopee (but not Lazada or Zalora); just change your payment option to Apple Pay during the checkout process, and you’ll be able to do so. Aside from that, the Apple Pay option was also seen on the Adidas online store and the Klook travel platform.

***

Apple users in Malaysia have waited a long time for the arrival of Apple Pay to Malaysian shores, with some even going through the effort of
signing petitions
 to support their request for the feature. It wasn’t until the last few weeks that the community began seeing hints that their request may be granted, such as an
SMS from AmBank that was (accidentally) sent to a cardholder
, as well as
Apple Pay showing up on Shopee
 as a payment option.

With this, Malaysia will become the second market in Southeast Asia
to have Apple Pay enabled
, with the first being Singapore back in 2016.

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Alex Cheong Pui Yin

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Previously covered recruitment-related stories and had a short stint as a copywriter for the property industry. She subsequently developed an interest in investment and robo-advisors.

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MOF: Private Organisations May Submit Proposals For Budget 2021

The Ministry of Finance is inviting private and non-governmental organisations to share any suggestions they may have for the upcoming Budget 2021. The relevant parties can submit their ideas on issues and recommendations for consideration on the ministry’s official Budget Memorandum website.

“MOF is currently formulating strategies for 2021 Budget,” said the
Ministry of Finance
 on its Twitter account. “Private organisations and NGOs are cordially invited to share ideas by submitting issues and proposals latest by Friday, 22 May 2020.”

In order to submit a recommendation on the website, you’ll need to log in with an existing username or key in your private organisation details to register. You can then submit issues and proposals for the upcoming Budget that are relevant to your selected topic.

Budget 2021 is expected to be announced in Parliament on 2 October 2020. Finance Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz had previously said that the 2021 Budget will be taking into account current economic factors
brought about by the Covid-19 pandemic
, with emphasis on the revival of the country’s economy. It is likely that the government will have to consider the dip in the global price of oil as well, as the Finance Minister had also acknowledged the possibility of
reprioritising its expenditure
 when commenting on the declining oil prices.

Interested private and non-governmental organisations can submit their recommendations on the
Budget Memorandum website
 here.

(Source:
Malay Mail
)

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UOB Kay Hian: New Digital Banks Will Complement The Role Of Traditional Banks

(Image: The Malaysian Reserve)

Research house and brokerage firm UOB Kay Hian has commented that the upcoming arrival of new digital banks will not jeopardise the position of traditional banks in the near to medium term. In fact, the new players will even complement the incumbent banks to provide financial products and increase financial inclusivity for the underserved market.

To justify its statement, UOB Kay Hian said that digital banks are essentially limited by their asset cap in the foundational years and the fact that they can only focus on underserved market. “Based on the combined RM15 billion asset size cap, this equates to less than 1% of total system loans and deposit base. As such we opine that the disruption from the five new digital banking players is likely to be muted, and these banks should be able to exist together with the traditional banks to help enhance the range of financial products and financial inclusion of the underserved market,” it said.

(Image: New Straits Times)

For context, Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) had previously said that it intends to issue a total of
five digital banking licences
 to qualified applicants. The
licencing framework for digital banks
 that was subsequently published dictated that these new digital banks are only allowed to have an asset threshold of not more than RM3 billion each. They are also required to abide by a simplified regulatory framework during the initial three to five years of operation (the foundational phase), with a focus on the unserved and underserved groups within Malaysia.

UOB Kay Hian further noted that most traditional banks seemed to have opted out from applying for the licence, preferring to focus on their own existing digital initiatives. The Covid-19 pandemic has prompted the banks to fast-track their digital banking transformation progress as consumers show a growing preference for online banking following the onset of the new normal. This includes an accelerated adoption of the electronic-Know-Your-Customer (eKYC) technology, allowing the onboarding of customers without requiring them to visit bank branches.

(Image: Amanz)

Aside from that, UOB Kay Hian said that many banks are also likely to refrain from applying because their existing licences already allow them to compete in the same space as digital banks. It said that as of now, only
RHB has expressed clear interest
 in the licence, having submitted a joint-bid alongside Axiata Group. CIMB, meanwhile, is said to be still in the midst of considering; if it does join the race, it will probably do so through its subsidiary, Touch ‘n Go.

Application for the digital banking licence is slated to end on 30 June 2021, and the results are expected to be announced by the first quarter of 2022. As of April 2021, BNM said that as many as
40 parties
 have registered their interest in applying for a digital banking licence, including
BigPay
,
AirAsia, Grab, Razer
, and
Sunway
. Since then, more parties have expressed their intentions to bid, such as
Pertama Digital
.

(Source:
The Star
)

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Alex Cheong Pui Yin

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Previously covered recruitment-related stories and had a short stint as a copywriter for the property industry. She subsequently developed an interest in investment and robo-advisors.

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8 Hidden Gems To Uncover On The Ultimate Malaysian Road Trip

How much of Malaysia have you really seen? If you want to take a trip away from the mainstream and tick some lesser-known local destinations off your bucket list, we’ve got a plan for you to make that dream a reality. Just book some time off work, grab your road trip buddies, and get behind the wheel for a 10-day trip discovering eight hidden gems in eight different states across Peninsular Malaysia.

#1 Start in Selangor at Dark Cave, Batu Caves

Kick off your road trip early at the first destination on the itinerary – Dark Cave at Batu Caves, Malaysia. Most Malaysians have been to the Temple Cave at Batu Caves before, but many miss out on the chance to explore the Dark Cave through an educational tour.

For RM33 with a discount for MyKad holders, you get a 45-minute guided tour conducted in the total darkness of the cave. Headgear and flashlights are provided as you learn more about the cave ecosystem. After your tour, hit the North-South Highway for a two-hour drive north to your next road trip stop.

#2 Up north to Kellie’s Castle in Batu Gajah, Perak

Travel off the beaten path by taking a short detour off the highway to Kellie’s Castle. It is an unfinished mansion built by a Scottish planter named William Kellie-Smith in the early 20
th
 century. With British, Moorish, and Indian elements of Gothic architecture, it is a must-visit for history and architecture buffs, as well as Instagrammers on the hunt for that perfect romance-tinted shot.

Kellie’s Castle is open to visitors at a fee of RM10 for tourists and RM5 for locals. After your visit, take the 30-minute drive to Ipoh where you can stop for the night. Ipoh is known for its traditional
kopitiam
fare as well as its signature bean sprout and chicken dishes, so you can ensure that you’ll be feasting well during your time there.

#3 Journey east to Pasar Besar Siti Khadijah, Kota Bahru, Kelantan

Leave Perak in the morning and settle in for a long drive across the Peninsula to eastern Kelantan. Here, the gem for you to uncover is the four-storey Siti Khadijah Market in Kota Bahru. In honour of its traders, who are mostly female, the name of the market was changed to that of the Prophet Muhammad’s wife, who was a successful businesswoman.

The market is open daily from 7am to 6pm. You can get everything here from fish, vegetables, and poultry to authentic Kelantanese dishes and non-food items; this market is the pulse of Kota Bharu’s business scene.

#4 Drive down along the east coast to Bukit Keluang, Terengganu

The next day, take a leisurely drive down to the lesser-known seaside hill of Bukit Keluang in Kampung Raja, Terengganu. Bukit Keluang is a true hidden gem which boasts stunning views of the South China Sea from its hilltop and wooden walkway along the coastal cliff edge. The hike up the hill is an easy one and you will be richly rewarded with the sea breeze and scenery.

You can easily spend the day drinking in the breath-taking views or exploring the beaches and sea caves of the area. For accommodation, you can settle in for the night in Kampung Raja itself or a nearby town.

#5 Release baby turtles at Cherating, Pahang

(Image:
Club Med
)

Our next stop is a four-hour drive away at Cherating, Pahang. A beach town on the eastern coast, it offers all the benefits of sea and sand without the hassle of journeying out to an island by boat. From little hostels to Asia’s first Club Med, there is a range of hotels to choose from, so ta
ke your pick and relax here for a couple of nights.

One of the main highlights of Cherating is that it is home to a turtle sanctuary. Baby turtles inhabit little pools here until they are old enough to be released to the sea. At night between June and September, you can book ahead to participate in releasing the baby turtles to the sea.

#6 Seek adventure in Endau-Rompin National Park, Johor

Buckle up for the next part of your drive and probably the most challenging one. The Endau-Rompin National Park is a true jewel for anyone who wants to experience the flora, fauna, and waterfalls of the jungle in natural form. Spend two nights here to make the most of your visit – you can stay in the chalets run by the park or pitch your own tent at the dedicated campsites.

There are three entrances into the park; for this trip, you can either enter through the Pahang entrance or the west entrance near Bekok. Make sure to plan your route well in advance as some roads leading into the park are only accessible by four-wheeled drive vehicles.

#7 Travel back west to Pantai Klebang, Melaka

(Image:
Sini
)

After roughing it out in the jungle, it’s time to get back to some proper Instagram business on the western coast at Pantai Klebang, Melaka. This is not your average beach; Pantai Klebang is a terrain of sand dunes that form a desert-like landscape unlike any other place in Malaysia. Coupled with the sun setting on the horizon, you’re guaranteed a perfect background for your new profile picture.

You can get your fill of food and drink at Pantai Klebang from the food stalls around the area or the famous Klebang Original Coconut Shake. You can also venture to some of the nearby restaurants to try out the regional Nyonya and Peranakan cuisine before spending your last night of the road trip in the quaint, historical city of Melaka.

#8 Wrap up with Astaka Morocco in Putrajaya

(Image:
Tourism Malaysia
)

Before you head back to the state where you first started, don’t miss out on the opportunity to swing by this beautiful building in the Federal Territory of Putrajaya. It’s less than two hours’ drive away from your previous stop, so don’t miss out on grabbing this last photo opportunity before you end your road trip.

Astaka Morocco is a Moroccan pavilion located within the Putrajaya Botanical Garden and costs RM3 to enter. The pavilion features colourful terracotta tiles, grand courtyards, and intricate ceilings, and was built to symbolise strong diplomatic ties between the Malaysian and Moroccan governments.

Safety checklist before your road trip

Check your car

Your car is probably the most important thing you’ll be relying on for a road trip. Get it serviced ahead of your journey, making sure that the mechanic conducts the proper checks on the battery, brakes, and engine. Your windshield wipers, car lights, and air conditioning should all be in perfect condition too.

Equip yourself with knowledge

You really shouldn’t take off on a long road trip without arming yourself with any prerequisite knowledge! Plan properly and study your route closely, taking into consideration any contingency plans. If you don’t know how to change a flat tire or jump start a car, you should learn how to do so before the road trip.

Stock up

Don’t find yourself caught short of the necessary items for your trip. Make sure your phone is in good working condition with the right chargers and cables, and that your GPS is working fine. Also, don’t forget the basics in the form of a bottle for drinking water, lots of snacks, and an emergency kit just in case!

Be insurance-ready

When it comes to insurance-related matters, you should make sure that you have your insurance card and insurance on-the-road assistance number on you for the trip. You may also want to contact your insurance agent to review your insurance coverage and liability limits.

So, what insurance will you need to protect you on your road trip?

Review your
motor insurance
to ensure that you’re getting the best coverage for your vehicle should an accident, fire, or theft occur; comprehensive plans also cover third-party liabilities such as injury or death to another party or damage to their vehicle. You can also look into adding on optional benefits to your policy such as coverage for your vehicle’s windscreen and named secondary drivers.

Since you’re going on a trip, it would be fitting to get
travel insurance
to save yourself any potential headaches on your holiday. A travel insurance plan is not only useful in the case of serious incidents like accidents or the need for medical attention, but also offers compensation for travel inconveniences such as trip cancellations or travel delays.

Personal accident insurance
compensates you in the event of untoward incidents such as death, permanent disability, and so on. It may be a grim thing to think about when you’re about to go off on a holiday, but it’s always best to opt for maximum peace of mind on your trip. Your insurance plan could also offer additional benefits over a lifelong policy to cover various financial obligations.

Let RHB cover you as you cover Malaysia

If you’re thinking of getting yourself any of the insurance plans above, want to switch providers, or simply wish to extend your insurance coverage, have a look at the services RHB Insurance has to offer. RHB Insurance has covered Malaysia for four decades and is launching a travel-oriented Dah Cover campaign in conjunction with its 40
th
 year anniversary.

The campaign encourages you to discover the secret wonders of Malaysia as you embark upon your road trip to hidden local travel destinations – and you can do it under the protection of RHB’s motor, travel, and personal accident insurance coverages. The promotions offered under the Dah Cover campaign include free personal accident insurance when you sign up for any policy with RHB Insurance and a 40% premium discount on a second policy sign-up.

You can head over to the
Dah Cover website
 to discover more hidden travel destinations in Malaysia and other useful road trip tips. While you’re there, find out more about the Dah Cover campaign and get yourself the right insurance coverage for a worry-free road trip uncovering the hidden gems of Malaysia.

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Maybank Listed Among The World’s Best Banks By Global Finance

Maybank has been listed as one of the world’s best banks in year 2020 by the Global Finance magazine, a monthly publication that selects the best financial institutions around the world each year.

The bank is also joined by other notable banks within the Asia Pacific (APAC) region, including Commonwealth Bank (Australia), ICBC (China), Bank Mandiri (Indonesia), DBS Bank (Singapore), and Hana Bank (South Korea).

According to the magazine, APAC banks were able to post a steady performance despite facing a challenging landscape, including the onslaught of fintech backed by “super apps” and the ongoing trade war between US and China.

The publication further noted that the stability of these banks is rooted in ample capital buffers, a low cost of credit, funding largely by deposits rather than capital markets, and a willingness to meet the challenges of digitisation with innovation. It also said that close observers see this as a good sign for the banks in the post-Covid-19 era.

“Banks in APAC are well positioned, and we believe that after the crisis, most highly rated banks in Asia will return to profitability and continue to merit high ratings,” the managing director of Moody’s Financial Institutions Group (Hong Kong), Graeme Knowd, also commented in the magazine report.

Maybank, the country’s largest financial services group, has presence throughout ASEAN, Greater China, as well as US and UK. It offers both conventional and Islamic banking services, and also has a brokerage arm, Maybank Kim Eng.

Maybank was also rated A by MSCI ESG Research for the sixth consecutive year since 2014. Additionally, it was the only Malaysian organisation to be included in the Bloomberg Gender Equality Index in 2018 and 2019. Last year, Maybank was named by the Global Finance magazine as the
safest bank in Malaysia
, and one of the safest in Asia as well.

The New York-based Global Finance magazine was founded in 1987, and its
annual lists of the world’s best banks
 have become a recognised and trusted standard of excellence.

(Source:
Malay Mail
)

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Alex Cheong Pui Yin

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Previously covered recruitment-related stories and had a short stint as a copywriter for the property industry. She subsequently developed an interest in investment and robo-advisors.

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