9resume: June 2008

Siswazah Tak Tahu ‘Resume’

Harian Metro 23 Jun 2008

BATU PAHAT: Kurang pengetahuan menyediakan ‘resume’ ketika memohon pekerjaan dikenal pasti antara kelemahan utama menyebabkan siswazah gagal mendapat pekerjaan sesuai dengan kelayakan mereka.

Malah lebih teruk lagi, ada di kalangan graduan di luar negara bukan saja tidak mengetahui maklumat yang perlu diisi, malah tidak mengetahui apa sebenarnya ‘resume’.

Timbalan Menteri Sumber Manusia, Datuk Noraini Ahmad, berkata beliau sendiri melalui pengalaman itu ketika bertemu beberapa graduan tahun akhir di sebuah universiti luar negara, beberapa tahun lalu.

“Ketika itu, saya bersama rakan dalam pertubuhan bukan kerajaan (NGO) berjumpa pelajar tahun akhir di luar negara dan kami mengadakan taklimat mengajar mereka bagaimana cara menyediakan ‘resume'.

“Amat menyedihkan apabila kita tanya, ada antara mereka yang tidak memahami apa itu ‘resume’ dan inilah kelemahan yang harus kita atasi,” katanya.

Beliau berkata demikian ketika berucap pada Majlis Perasmian Hari Terbuka dan Karnival Pekerjaan di Pusat Latihan Teknologi Tinggi (ADTEC), di sini, semalam.

Sehubungan itu, Noraini berkata, panduan mengenai cara penyediaan ‘resume’ yang betul menjadi keutamaan pihaknya dalam setiap karnival pekerjaan yang diadakan di seluruh negara.

“Selain itu, kita mahu pencari pekerja lebih banyak membaca akhbar untuk menambah ilmu pengetahuan am mereka kerana pernah juga berlaku, ada yang tidak tahu nama pemimpin negara ketika ditanya penemuduga,” katanya.

10 Myths of Choosing a Career

#1 Choosing a career is simple

It’s not as simple as you think. In fact, you should give it enough time it deserve as choosing a career is an involved process. Learning enough about yourself and the occupation you are considering are the key words in order to make an informed decision.

#2 Once I choose a career I'll be stuck in it forever

Simply not true. Don’t force yourself into something that you hate to do whereas you have the choice over it. If you are unfulfilled in your career for any reason, you can always change it.

#3 I should choose a career from a "Best Careers" list

Numerous articles and books that list what the experts predict will be 'hot jobs' would come out by beginning of a new year or a new decade. Of course you can look at the list but you shouldn't use the list to dictate your option. The predictions should be based on valid data through some research but sometimes things change. Not forgotten, your interest, skills and values need to be taken into consideration when choosing a career. Just because the perspective for a profession is good, it doesn't mean that profession is right for you.

#4 A career counselor/advisor can tell me what profession to pick

Career counselor or advisor, or any other career development professional can provide you with guidance in choosing a career but they CAN’T tell you what career is best for you. You know yourself better than any other person, so why you think other people can make a best decision for you.

#5 I can't create a living from my hobby

Says who? Never heard of someone who make a living out of a stone? Of course a painting stone. When choosing a career, it makes perfect sense to choose one that is connected to what you enjoy doing in your spare time, if that’s your wish. People tend to become very expert in their hobbies, which most of the skill is gained casually.

#6 Making a lot of money will make me happy

While cost of living is getting higher nowadays, remuneration is important when choosing a career. Though, it isn't the only factor you should look at. Surveys have shown that cash doesn't necessarily lead to job satisfaction. For many people enjoying what they do at work is much more important. Nevertheless, you should consider earnings, among other things, when assessing a job.

#7 All I have to do is pick an occupation... Things will get into place after that

Too good to be true. Choosing a career is only the beginning of a long journey. There's a lot more to do after that. Your journey might not be smooth that takes you to reach your long term career goals.

#8 If I change careers my skills will go to waste

Absolutely wrong. Your skills are your asset which are yours to keep. Skills can be gained from one job to another. Although they might not be used in the particular same way, probably they will make you becoming more creative. They won't go to waste.

#9 If my best friend (or brother,aunty, or neighbor) is happy in a particular field, I will be too

Everyone is unique. What works for one person won't necessarily work for another, even if that other person is someone with whom you have a lot in common. If someone you know has a career that interests you, look into it, but be alert of the fact that it may not necessarily be a good fit for you.

#10 There's very little I can do to learn about a job without actually working in it

First hand experience is the great source of learning a career. Besides, published material/articles on career could be a great ways to explore a job besides face-to-face interaction or interview with those working in that particular field.

How to Study for a Final

By the end of the term, that means final exams are alarming. How can you give the best out of yourself?

You can just follow these simple rules:

#1 Study
#2 Test yourself
#3 Discover your weak areas
#4 Study again
#5 Test yourself again

For really vast results on your finals do practice these:

Start Early

Gather together all the material you’ve received during the term. You probably have handouts, notes, old assignments, and old tests. Don’t leave anything out.
Read through your class notes twice. Some things will sound familiar and some things will sound so unfamiliar you’ll swear they were written by somebody else. That’s normal.

Build Up Your Class Notes

Sort out your notes by date and make note of any missing dates/pages and compare with your study group or partner. Then, review your notes for any key words and formula.

Establish a Study Group or Partner

Remember to schedule at least one meeting time with a study partner or study group. Get together with a study partner or group to compare notes and fill in any missing material. Study partner or group is a best way to know what are the things which you seems ‘understand’ from your notes but actually not. Don’t be surprised!

Use Past Year Tests

Make a sets of practice tests by collecting old exams papers from the year or semester and make a photocopy of each one. For best results, taking the tests until you achieve perfectly on each one. This is also a practical way to make sure the right answer glued to your mind after repeating the test again and again!

Old Assignments

Gather any old assignments and re-do the exercises. Review those until you can answer every question with no difficulty.

Career : Media Corporations in Malaysia

In just over a decade, Astro has become a leading cross-media operator with Direct-To-Home (DTH) satellite television services in Malaysia and Brunei. It also leads Malaysia’s commercial radio broadcast industry, is a major publisher of entertainment and lifestyle magazines, and is a top buyer and producer of television content within the nation.

ASTRO ALL ASIA NETWORKS plc is the region's leading cross-media operator with Direct-To-Home (DTH) satellite television services in Malaysia and Brunei. The Astro-branded TV service is also available in Indonesia under a trademark licensing arrangement.

ASTRO is also the leading commercial radio broadcaster in Malaysia, a major publisher of TV guide and lifestyle magazines and the largest buyer and producer of TV content, as well as the country’s premiere Malay film producer.

The ASTRO Entertainment Network produces over 20 television channels of original and aggregated content of various genres in multiple languages.

ASTRO’s subsidiary Celestial Pictures owns the world's largest Chinese Film library and its digitally remastered films are released internationally through theatrical, video, television and new media distribution, and the Celestial Movies channels.

The strength of these complementary brands has extended into interactive and multi-media services, including provision of content for mobile devices.

Incepted in June 1984, TV3 is Malaysia’s first, free-to-air television network that has maintained its leadership position over its 23 years of operations. Reaching over 4.5 million households and 21 million viewers all over Malaysia, TV3 focused on its viewers and advertisers, delivering bold and unique programming.

Incepted in June 1984, TV3 is Malaysia's first private free-to-air television network that has maintained its leadership position in its 23 years of operations. TV3 delivers bold and best-of-breed programming to viewers of all market segments.

The network reaches 4.5 million households and 21 million viewers all over Malaysia. TV3 focuses towards its viewers and advertisers, a strategy that has proven a phenomenal success. Media Prima Berhad, one of the largest media network catalyst in Asia, wholly owns TV3.

Passionate in building local, regional and global reputation throughout every level of its business, TV3 has twice reached 51 percent of audience, the highest audience share ever achieved by a Malaysian television station.

Under Media Prima Berhad, TV3’s financial performance has virtually grown by more than 40% since 2002 and the station is highly profitable.

An effective and relevant newspaper wears many hats. It has to inform, engage and intrigue without becoming sensationalistic. To educate while it entertains, so that what is important to know is also enjoyable to learn about. The Star has achieved most of this with considerable success and done its part to articulate the issues that really matter to the nation.

The Star has grown by leaps and bounds since its inception in 1971 and has become the most widely read English language daily, scoring many firsts and recording many remarkable achievements along the way.

As a leading media organisation that has undergone many changes, its core objective remains the same - to provide fast, accurate and credible news, views and information with relevant depth and breadth, but nowadays, in the most convenient and quickest manner.

Thus, The Star media group also distributes content via a mobile platform (SMS News Alert and mobile news), via The Star Online (3G and video streaming), radio and radio online, as well as print and periodicals. The Star aims to be a meaningful and committed media organisation, and an essential, intrinsic and unique part of our readers’ lives.

As The People’s Paper, The Star will continue to touch the hearts of the people, and play its nation-building role responsibly, sensitively and progressively in a multi-racial, multi-cultural and multi religious community.

Career : Airline Companies in Malaysia

Sometimes love is better the second time around, and this may well be the case for Malaysia Airlines as the national carrier works steadily to rebuild its brand position and reignite the brand’s relationships with customers and other stakeholders.

After years of financial uncertainty, the national carrier has turned the corner and is working steadily to reignite the brand’s relationship with customers and other stakeholders. At the end of 2005, its Business Turnaround Plan was implemented to restore the company to financial health and transform the airline into a strong and vibrant institution, while maintaining its reputation for excellence in efficiency and customer service.

Malaysia Airlines has won many awards, the most recent being the 2007 Award for World’s Best Cabin Staff from Skytrax, United Kingdom, and 5 Star Airline, also from Skytrax. The airline has since then returned to profitability, having reported 4 consecutive quarters of net profit from the third quarter of financial year 2006.

For the full year 2006, MAS recorded a 10% revenue increase to RM13,490 million while its market capitalisation was up 83% at RM5,865 million. The RM246 million net profits posted for the first half of 2007 alone exceeded the airline’s entire target profit for the year 2007. Malaysia Airlines will announce its Business Transformation Plan in 2008 which builds on the Business Turnaround Plan.

The aim is to become a 5 Star Airline @ LCC Cost without compromising safety or quality. The plan will spell out the environment and industry challenges, business strategy, key business activities and priorities, and financial results.

The brand AirAsia made its true arrival when it was reborn in 2001 as a new acquisition by Tune Air Sdn Bhd, a company jointly founded by Dato’ Tony Fernandes, together with founding partners Dato’ Pahamin, Dato’ Kamarudin Meranun, and Abdul Aziz Bin Abu Bakar. The history of AirAsia may have started a few years earlier, but this is where the romance began.

AirAsia is a low-cost airline based here in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. It operates scheduled domestic and international flights and is Asia’s leading low fare, no frills airline. It is also the first airline in the region to implement fully ticketless travel and unassigned seats.

AirAsia has been expanding rapidly and is very popular among the travelling public thanks to its frequent low fare deals. The airline was established in 1993 and started operations on 18 November, 1996. It was originally founded by a government-owned conglomerate DRB-Hicom.

On the 2nd December, 2001, the heavily indebted airline was purchased by former Time Warner executive Tony Fernandes’s company Tune Air Sdn Bhd for the token sum of one ringgit. Fernandes proceeded to engineer a remarkable turnaround, turning a profit in 2002 and launching new routes from its hub in Kuala Lumpur International Airport at breakneck speed. AirAsia has grown rapidly from operating only two Boeing 737-300s in 2001 to commanding a fleet of 62 aircraft today.

Recently, it has taken a delivery of 26 A320s and has 124 on order for delivery until 2013. AirAsia currently serves over 86 routes and operates in 10 countries. AirAsia’s financial performance in 2006 includes an increase of 27% in sales while market capitalisation was at RM 3,764 million.

Career : Automotive Companies in Malaysia

As one of the country’s foremost car producers, Perodua has emerged as a key player with its highly successful launch of the MyVi. While the success caught even the brand’s leaders by surprise, it is indeed a key factor in rebuilding Perodua’s position and image with Malaysian car users. Hafiz Syed Abu Bakar, Managing Director of Perodua shares the secret behind the company’s success.

Perusahaan Otomobil Kedua Sdn Bhd (PERODUA) was established in 1993. The joint venture partners/shareholders of Perodua and their respective shareholding are UMW Corporation Sdn Bhd (38%), Daihatsu Motor Co. Ltd. (20%), MBM Resources Berhad (20%), PNB Equity Resources Corporation Sdn Bhd (10%), Mitsui & Co. Ltd (7%) and Daihatsu (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd (5%).

The company’s operations commenced early 1994 and the first vehicle, the ever so popular, Perodua Kancil was introduced to the Malaysian market in August 1994. Up to end of October 2007, Perodua has successfully sold approximately 1,331,455 units of vehicles of various models both locally and abroad.

Perodua car sales gained the highest market share of 38.4% in June 2007. In 2006, the Myvi was named the Supermini Car of the Year by Autocar Asean Magazine and in 2007, it won the Best Model of the Year Award from Frost & Sullivan.

This year, the Viva too, received the Supermini Car of the Year award from Autocar Asean. As indicated by Interbrand’s survey, Perodua’s financial performance in 2006 includes a 58% sales increase with marginally increased operating profit margins at 5% of revenues while market capitalisation rose 58% at RM 5,084 million.

Malaysia’s national car manufacturer, Proton has brought the country forward by leaps and bounds in the automobile industry. From its first ever production, the Proton Saga, to today’s Persona, the brand has indeed grown into success.

PROTON, established in 1983, is Malaysia's largest manufacturer of automobiles. With operations in key market centers from UK and Western Europe to the Middle East, and across South-East Asia and Australasia, PROTON produces cars to suit a range of consumer demands and preferences.

The offerings include versatile and reliable four-door family vehicles, two-door hatchbacks for the young-at-heart, luxurious and stylish executive sedans, as well as the world-renowned sports cars from Lotus.

PROTON’s inception as a key driver of national development has seen the brand accelerate its learning curve through technology transfer with strategic partnerships and technical collaborations.

PROTON cars are now steadily on track to achieving the mission for the future, gearing up to achieve the promise of a marquee which build cars with passion and soul; cars which are a delight to drive and a pleasure to own.

Career : Insurance Companies in Malaysia

In 1991, a failing, insolvent insurer with 56 staff called Industrial and Commercial Insurance was bought over and named Kurnia Insurans by its current owners. Today it employs over 1,800 staff, collects over rm1 billion in annual premiums, and controls over 23 percent of the Malaysian motor insurance market in terms of both gross and net premiums.

Kurnia Insurans (M) Bhd, the largest general insurer in Malaysia in terms of gross premium income, believes that where insurance is concerned, size does matter. When it comes to protecting your needs, you’ll want a company with the resources, expertise and track record to be there for you when you need it most.

Kurnia Insurans' success is founded on fair business practices, which protects the legitimate interests of its policyholders and offers its service providers lucrative and honest income opportunities. It is the reflection of its financial strength and stability that Kurnia Insurans is able to uphold its 16 years track record and crossed the “One Billion Ringgit” gross premium mark in the country and Asean. Since year 1999, Kurnia Insurans has attained the MS 9001:2000 International Quality Standard Certification.

Kurnia Insurans’ continuing business growth and unprecedented achievementwas made possible through the collaborative efforts, teamwork and commitment ofits people, agents, business partners and customers. This historical milestone is a testament to the quality of its people, the diversity of its product portfolio, the soundness of its corporate values as well as the acceptance and confidence in Kurnia as the insurer of choice from its nearly 4 million valued customers.The Kurnia Group has recently embarked on its regional expansion programme, with entry into Thailand in 2001 and into Indonesia in 2007. It aims to become a leading insurance and financial services group in the ASEAN region.

A trusted insurance brand operating in Malaysia, Indonesia and Philippines, Malaysian Assurance Alliance (MAA Assurance) remains one of Malaysia’s top-of-mind-brands when it comes to protecting your family and loved ones.

Malaysian Assurance Alliance Berhad (MAA Assurance) was incorporated in September 2, 1968 and is a subsidiary of MAA Holdings Berhad. MAA Assurance’s strength and success as a leading Malaysian-controlled company is a result of doing what it’s really good at, which is, operating a life and general insurance company, managing innovative and profitable products and actively managing investments. With a bold vision that one day, every Malaysian will be protected by an MAA Assurance insurance policy, MAA have gone about to set new standards for operating efficiency and product innovation which will deliver peace of mind for its customers. MAA core competencies are the introduction of products that help preserve, grow and protect their customer’s wealth supported with efficient, personal and reliable service.

MAA Assurance is a trusted insurance brand operating in Malaysia, Indonesia and the Philippines, and remains one of Malaysia’s top-of-mind-brands when it comes to protection and investment. The group’s principal activity, Life Insurance, has an average of 19 percent growth per year since 2002. It is one of Malaysia’s largest insurance brands, commanding a 13 percent and 5 percent share of the life insurance and general insurance markets respectively.

MAA Assurance allocates an annual budget of RM9 million for branding, advertisements and sponsorships. Its charitable involvement within Malaysia includes the establishment of 11 dialysis centres nationwide through MAA-Medicare and 8 homes for underprivileged children through The Budimas Charitable Foundation. MAA Assurance’s financial performance in 2006 included a 9% increase in Asset Growth to RM6.5 billion.

Career : Retail Stores in Malaysia

A brand that calls itself “Giant” is anything but modest or coy about its ambitions; the test is in living up to such a moniker. This most ubiquitous name in the local retailing sector has fulfilled that promise and brought mammoth transformations to the Malaysian shopping experience.

In Malaysia, the name Giant has become synonymous with everyday low prices, big variety and great value.

Owned by Dairy Farm International (DFI), Giant is a 60-year old Malaysian brand built on its ability to deliver low prices everyday to consumers.

As its reputation grew, so did its business. DFI, which acquired Giant in 1999, recognised that the key to Giant’s success had been its ability to continuously offer value for money products. It retained this core principle even as it began transforming Giant into a national and international brand.

Giant has supermarkets and hypermarkets in Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia and Vietnam. It is also the largest hypermarket and supermarket retail chain in Malaysia, holding 9% of the market share. Giant’s financial performance in 2006 includes a 10.4% increase in market capitalisation at RM 17,899 million.

With 20 years in the department store business, Parkson is synonymous with these words: quality, service with excellence and a leader in its own right. From its first store opening in 1987, Parkson has over 30 stores nationwide as well as stores in China and Vietnam, making the brand a truly Malaysian icon.

Established in 1987, Parkson Corporation Sdn Bhd - the retailing arm of the Lion Group - has rapidly progressed to be one of the largest retail chains in Malaysia.

A leader in providing shoppers with quality customer service, extensive shopping offerings and innovative marketing programmes, the group focuses on strategic development of business units, acceleration of productivity and cost improvements, enhancements of its core competencies and the penetration of new markets as it progresses in the new millennium.

With 20 years in the department store business, Parkson currently has over 30 stores nationwide.

Today, it is also a triumphant brand name in China and Vietnam, carrying the Malaysian success across borders. An award-winning department store, Parkson clinched the KLCC Retail Awards of Excellence 2004/2005 and Platinum Winner under Department Store of the Year Award at the Retail World Excellence Awards 2006/7. A true Malaysian success, Parkson is indeed flying the country’s flag proud with all its endeavours.

Career : Developers in Malaysia

In 1910, young Scottish adventurer William Sime and middle-aged English banker Henry Darby formed a company to manage the Malaysian plantations of companies based in London. Since then, Sime Darby has become a household name in Malaysia.

Sime Darby Berhad is Malaysia’s leading multinational and one of Southeast Asia’s largest conglomerates. Founded in 1910, the Company has grown from a single company offering a single product and service in one country into a strong and dynamic international Group with a comprehensive range of business activities carried out by more than 30,000 employees in over 300 companies in more than 20 countries.

Known for its financial and management capabilities, Sime Darby is listed on the Main Board of Bursa Malaysia Securities Berhad with a market capitalisation of RM24 billion as at 29th June 2007.

Today, in addition to plantations, its original core business activity, Sime Darby is also a major player in the motor vehicle, heavy equipment, property, and energy & utilities industries.

While the core businesses are located in Malaysia, the People’s Republic of China (including Hong Kong SAR and Macau SAR), Singapore and Australia, the Group also operates in Negara Brunei Darussalam, Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam, the Philippines, United Kingdom, New Zealand, the Solomon Islands, Papua New Guinea and New Caledonia.

With humble beginnings, YTL Corporation today has emerged as one of the most pioneering brands in the nation as well as in the international market. What is the secret behind its success? The foresight of its founders and leaders as well as making sure its employees live out the brand philosophy. We speak to the enigmatic Tan Sri Dato’ Dr Francis Yeoh to learn the key to the brand’s success.

YTL Corporation Berhad is one of the largest companies listed on the Bursa Malaysia and together with its five listed subsidiaries has a combined Market Capitalisation of about RM29 billion.

The company was listed in 1985, has also had a secondary listing on the Tokyo Stock Exchange since 1996. YTL was the first Asian non-Japanese company to be listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange.

The YTL Group's core businesses are ownership and management of regulated utilities and other infrastructure assets, serving 10 million customers in three continents. YTL has built up an excellent track record of building high quality houses, apartments and condominiums with attractive and innovative designs. YTL also owns and manages a collection of internationally renowned, award-winning hotels and resorts throughout Malaysia. The YTL name commands a premium and stands for innovation, impeccable attention to detail, as well as responsible corporate citizenship.

YTL’s financial performance in 2006 included an 11% sales increase with much higher operating profit, while market capitalization increased 1.7% at RM 14,950 million.

As one of Malaysia’s foremost, well-diversified conglomerates, the Sunway Group stands out as a leader in several industries. It has created waves continuously, achieving excellence in every field of its operations. Touching lives on the home front and internationally, the Sunway Group is an example of excellence, as it reaches out for the stars of success.

The Sunway Group stands as one of Malaysia’s foremost well-diversified conglomerates in leading position in several industries. Since its foundation in 1974 as a tin mining company, The Sunway Group has continuously aimed at excellence in every field of its operations as it diversifies and grows in tandem with national progress.

This, the Group has made possible through strategic alliances with the government and private sector both on the home front and internationally. To date, the total shareholders' fund for the Group is around RM1.5 billion.

The group’s flagship Bandar Sunway development has received awards and international recognition as a tourism landmark that it is today.

Sunway was awarded “Builder of the Year 2005”, one of the most prestigious titles in the Malaysian Construction Industry Excellence Awards. Its financial performance in 2006 includes a 5% increase of operating profits while market capitalisation was up by 40% at RM 351 million.

Career : Food Companies in Malaysia

Decades after their introduction to the market, Dutch Lady products continue to be a hit with Malaysians. Few brands are as trusted as this long-time milk product manufacturer, and it is this confidence that keeps the customers coming back time and again, generation after generation.

Dutch Lady Milk Industries Berhad is a leader in the quality branded dairy business in Malaysia. It was incorporated in 1963, and was the first milk company in Malaysia to be listed on Bursa Malaysia, the local Stock Exchange in 1968.

Its holding company is Royal Friesland Foods, a Dutch multinational corporation and one of the largest milk companies in the world.

The Company constantly strives to improve its processes in order to deliver nutritious products of high quality to its consumers. Since it commenced manufacturing in 1963, DLMI has steadily expanded its operations in Malaysia.

Today, Dutch Lady is the undisputed leader in growing-up milk, sterilised milk, UHT milk and yoghurt drinks. Dutch Lady Milk Industries’ financial performance in 2006 includes a 9% sales increase with stable operating margins at 8% of revenues while market capitalisation was up by 54% at RM 762 million.

If there is one thing Malaysians love doing ‘round the clock, it’s eating and for years, they have grown up nibbling on Mamee-Double Decker snacks and convenience foods. The company’s brands continue to stand strong today, attracting new consumers throughout the nation and beyond.

MAMEE-DOUBLE DECKER'S unique brand of good quality and taste underscores the success they enjoyed today.

The company, which incorporated in year 1971, and product commenced in year 1972; which is currently listed on the Main Board of the Kuala Lumpur Stock Exchange. They began with a single product but have consistently grown to our current range of round 50, and it's one that's still growing.

MAMEE DOUBLE-DECKER received the Melaka Industry Award 2003 of “Promising Local Company Award” and was featured in the “Top 100 Listed Companies Year 2005”.

MAMEE’s sales increased 11.4% to RM 340 million in 2006 where as its market capitalization increased 72% at RM 202 million.

Career : Telcos in Malaysia

Spearheading the development of Malaysia’s mass-acceptance for mobile telecommunications devices, Maxis and the other players in its category are heavily dependent on the strength of their brands to keep sales going, and going, and going… (up).

Maxis is Malaysia's leading telecommunications company and market leader with a total combined mobile phone subscriber base of more than nine million or 39% of the market share in Malaysia, as at the time of this valuation.

Maxis recently won the Wall Street Journal award for “Malaysia’s Most Admired Company”.

Maxis started commercial operations in 1995, aspires to be a regional communications operator, and has made acquisitions in India and Indonesia.

Its financial performance in 2006 includes a 19% sales increase to over RM 7.5 billion while market capitalisation rose 40% to RM 30,514 million.

The fastest network coverage, the best rates ever — in this highly competitive mobile provider industry, Celcom connects with consumers through energetic campaigns, tying back to what matters most — connection with one another.

Celcom (Malaysia) Berhad is now the country’s most experienced and premier mobile cellular telecommunications company with 6.4 million customers.

It currently has the widest network coverage covering 97% of the populated areas in the country.

They were the first to launch the 3G services in Malaysia and has the widest 3G coverage in the country.

Celcom also offers international roaming service in 120 countries over 317 networks worldwide. It currently offers mobile telephony services in Malaysia for postpaid and prepaid products under the 019 and 013 access codes.

Positioned as “Always the Smarter Choice”, this maverick is not just clever in its branding strategy, but also effective at reminding its competitors’ subscribers that there’s always an alternative — and its name is DiGi.

DiGi is a leading mobile communications company providing a comprehensive range of affordable, convenient and easy to use mobile services to simplify and enrich the lives of its customers.

Known widely as the challenger brand, DiGi established its presence as a leader in voice and data services with a number of firsts that set industry benchmarks for creativity and innovation. These services are offered under DiGi Prepaid.

The services under the DiGi Postpaid deliver high quality voice as well as value-added mobile content and data services to both individual and corporate customers. DiGi markets itself “Always the Smarter Choice” with a daring, different and dynamic brand persona.

Currently, it has a mobile subscriber base of 6.1 million in Malaysia in Q3, 2007, representing a market share of 24%. After a lull in advertising, Quarter One 2007 saw DiGi’s brand campaign, Yellow Coverage Fellow, enjoying the top unaided recall in the country, breaking industry wide communication benchmark and recognised with regional marketing effectiveness accolades as the sole Malaysian brand ever to achieve this recognition.

DiGi grew faster than the market in 2006, with a growing revenue market share from 16% in 2003 to 25% in 2006. DiGi’s financial performance in 2006 included a 27% sales increase with a markedly improved operating margin.

Career : Banking Institutions in Malaysia

As Malaysia’s most prominent financial institution, Maybank strives in its brand philosophy to be part of Malaysian lives. Being the first in many endeavours, it is the largest bank in Malaysia, reaching out to all levels of society. We speak to Datuk Amirsham A Aziz, President and CEO of Maybank, to learn about the branding success behind this financial institution.

Maybank strives in its brand philosophy to be part of Malaysian lives. We are dedicated to progress, innovation and excellence. The Maybank Group has been leading the Malaysian banking industry for over four and a half decades.

Maybank was incorporated in Malaysia in 1960 and was listed on Bursa Malaysia (formerly known as Kuala Lumpur Stock Exchange) in 1962. Today it is one of the largest company by market capitalisation on the Malaysian Bourse. Maybank is ranked 153 among the world’s top 1,000 banks (Source: The Banker, July 2007).

Maybank is the largest financial services group in Malaysia. The Maybank Group offers a comprehensive range of financial services and products ranging from commercial banking, investment banking, Islamic banking, offshore banking, leasing and hire purchase, insurance, factoring, trustee services, asset management, stock broking, nominee services, discount-house business, venture capital and Internet banking.

Maybank has the largest service network in Malaysia which is complemented by branches in key international financial centres worldwide. In Malaysia alone, the Group has over 480 branches including trade finance centres, business centres and insurance offices. The Group has 22 branches in Singapore, 45 branches in Philippines, three branches in Brunei and Indonesia, two in Vietnam and Papua New Guinea, one each in Hong Kong SAR, London, New York, Bahrain, Phnom Penh, and Shanghai as well as a representative office in Beijing. It also has four offices in Pakistan and one office in Uzbekistan.

Many organisations pay lip service to being visionary, dynamic and forward looking. For CIMB, the presence of these ingredients is the litmus test of the brand. Its steady growth and far-reaching ambitions attest to its professed brand values and define its approach in new markets.

CIMB Group is Malaysia’s second largest financial services provider and one of Southeast Asia’s leading universal banking groups.

It offers consumer banking, investment banking, Islamic banking, asset management and insurance products and services.

Headquartered in Kuala Lumpur, its key regional offices are located in Singapore, Indonesia and Thailand.

CIMB Group operates its business through three main brand entities, CIMB Bank, CIMB Investment Bank and CIMB Islamic. CIMB Group is also the majority shareholder of PT Bank Niaga in Indonesia.

CIMB Group is owned by Bumiputra-Commerce Holdings Bhd, which is listed on Bursa Malaysia with a market capitalisation of over US10 billion. The Group has over 20,000 employees located in 12 countries.

Now in its forty-first year, Public Bank is one of Malaysia’s premier commercial banks. Public Bank continues to secure strong market share and customer loyalties in its domestic market, while pursuing aggressive expansion within Southeast Asia, particularly in Hong Kong and China, Cambodia, Vietnam, Laos and Sri Lanka.

Public Bank is currently the second biggest domestic bank in Malaysia by shareholders' funds. It focuses on retail customers and small- and medium-sized enterprises.

The Hong Piow, who was then general manager of Malayan Banking, founded the bank in 1966. The bank was listed on the Malaysian Stock Exchange in 1967.

Public Bank has grown to embody both stability and profitability for customers and shareholders through consistent, efficient financial management and unified realizations of group strategies. Public Bank won the Asset Magazine’s 2006 “Best Domestic bank in Malaysia” for the fifth consecutive year and its chairman and founder, Tan Sri Dr The Hong Piow, was named “Asia’s Banker of High Distinction”.

Public Bank Group is selectively expanding its regional operations in Hong Kong, Cambodia, Vietnam, Laos and Sri Lanka. Public Bank’s financial performance in 2006 included a 15% increase in sales with marginally stronger operating profit margin while its market capitalization increased 37% at RM 31,512 million.

A public listed company on the Malaysian Stock Exchange, Hong Leong Bank has been providing financial services to Malaysians since 1905, when it was known then as Kwong Lee Mortgage and Remittance Company. Today, Hong Leong Bank is a well-recognised banking institution known and respected for its extensive banking knowledge and experience and for its entrenched customer base.

Hong Leong Bank is a member of the Hong Leong Group Malaysia (the Group). Headquartered in Malaysia, the Group has been in the financial services industry since 1968 through Hong Leong Finance Berhad and since 1982 through Dao Heng Bank Ltd in Hong Kong. Dao Heng Bank Ltd has since been sold to another banking institution.

Hong Leong Bank is a member of the Hong Leong Group’s global network, which has diversified interests worldwide in financial services, property investments and development including hotels, manufacturing and distribution to global clients, and food-related industries.

With more than 100 years of banking knowledge and experience, Hong Leong Bank has a strong market position and is a well-recognized business franchise. Hong Leong Bank, one of the leading local banks in Malaysia, has also won many recognitions and accolades over the years, including the Finance Asia 2002 Asia’s Best Companies Award, the KPMG 2003 Shareholder Value Award, the CGC Top SMI Supporter Award 2004, the Asian Banker’s Best Credit Card Product Award 2006, the 2006 JPMorgan Chase MT202 Elite Quality Recognition Award and the Top 3 Treasury ranking for market presence & position among the 9 local banks in 2007. Hong Leong Bank has the number 1 fastest growing credit cards brand in the country, is ranked fourth in Mortgages overall and is among the top 3 in Wealth Management Business (the fastest growth brand year-on-year in this segment).

Hong Leong Bank’s financial performance in 2006 included a 12% increase in sales to RM 2,338 million while market capitalization increased 42% at RM 6,192 million.

Convenience. Flexibility. Professionalism. RHB Capital Berhad is all this and more. It is a homegrown financial service group that strives to give only the best to its customers.

The RHB brand only came into being with the incorporation of Rashid Hussain Securities Sdn Bhd in 1983, the RHB Banking Group’s journey actually began in 1913 when Kwong Yik Bank was established as Malaysia’s first local bank.

In 1966, the Development and Commercial Bank (later D&C Bank and subsequently renamed DCB Bank) was established, and in 1990, RHB acquired a stake in the bank. DCB Bank merged with Kwong Yik Bank during the first round of banking consolidation in 1997 to form RHB Bank.

In 1999, it acquired Sime Bank and in 2003 merged with the Utama Banking Group to form the RHB Banking Group.

Today, the RHB Banking Group – majority owned by the Employees Provident Fund – offers the entire range of financial products and services, covering commercial banking, investment banking and insurance, as well as Islamic banking.

It is the fourth largest financial services group in Malaysia.

With its bright colours of red and golden yellow, Malaysians have come to know the AmBank Group as a trusted financial institution. Chairman Tan Sri Dato’ Azman Hashim, the founder of the bank who is still very much active in its current progresses, shares his ideals for this progressive brand in an ever-changing Malaysian society.

The AmBank Group is one of Malaysia’s premier financial services group with leadership positions in the retail banking, commercial banking, investment banking and insurance sectors. With an established history and a track record of innovation and customer focus philosophy, the AmBank Group continues to serve its customers with a wide range of innovative products and services.

The Group has also won an impressive amount of awards from international financial press and major rating agencies such as the 8th CCAM Annual Contact Centre Awards 2007, “No. 1 Automobile Lender in Asia Pacific, Gulf States and Central Asia” in the Asian Banker’s Excellence in Automobile Lending Award 2007, “Best Equity House” from FinanceAsia Country Awards for Achievement 2007, and I-REIT and Mudharabah categories in Deals of the Year 2006 Awards from Islamic Finance News.

The Funds Management Division of AmInvestment Bank Group was recognised by the Employee Provident Fund’s External Portfolio Managers Awards with "Best Overall Fixed Income Portfolio Manager" and "Best Three-Year Realized Returns Fixed Income Manager". AmBank Group’s financial performance as at 31 March 2007 includes an increase of RM1.15 billion, or up by 24% in operating revenue while market capitalisation was up by 33% to RM 8,033 billion.

With its rebranding exercise in 2005, Affin Bank has emerged as one of Malaysia’s top banking institutions. Its tagline — Banking Without Barriers — is the best description to the brand’s philosophy, which is allowing its customers to enjoy hassle-free banking services.

Affin Bank Berhad (AFFINBANK) was incorporated in 1975 under the name Perwira Habib Bank Malaysia Berhad. It started as a joint venture between several Malaysian parties including Lembaga Tabung Angkatan Tentera (LTAT), Syarikat Permodalan Kebangsaan Berhad and Habib Bank Limited of Pakistan.

In 1991, the Bank embarked on a capital restructuring resulting in the emergence of Affin Holdings Berhad as its largest shareholder in 1992. It later changed its name to Perwira Affin Bank Berhad and then AFFINBANK. In August 2000, the Bank merged with the former BSN Commercial (M) Berhad and pursuant to the amendment to the BAFIA Act 1989, in June 2005, it once again merged with the former Affin-ACF Finance Berhad. To date, it has a network of 82 branches nationwide.

AFFINBANK serves both retail and corporate customers. The business units of the Bank comprise Enterprise Banking, Consumer Banking, Treasury and Hire Purchase. Consumer Banking provides credit cards, personal loans, mortgages and deposit taking services to individuals. Meanwhile Enterprise Banking offers corporations, institutional clients and SMEs services in corporate banking, contract financing and trade finance. Enterprise Banking serves as an important feeder to the other business units by way of contacts and opportunities.

Affin Bank’s pre-tax profit increased by 18.7% to RM272.3 million in 2006 while operating income grew by 2.3% to RM862.9 million. Deposits and gross loans grew by 26% and 3.8% respectively while asset quality improved with net NPL ratio recorded at 11.72% as at 31/12/2006.