In a move aimed at bolstering bilateral relations, China is hosting a series of high-profile meetings with Southeast Asian foreign ministers, underlining its efforts to solidify cooperation with regional allies.
Yanchang Petroleum International Announces 2023 Annual Results Achieved Profit Turnaround of HK$580 Million
Novus’ operation continued to improve with net profit reaching CAD2.82 million Revenue of downstream oil and by-products trading in China amounted to RMB 24.94 billion
Results Highlights:
- The Group’s overall revenue amounted to approx. HK$27.74billion (2022: approx. HK$29.94 billion), down by 7% year-on-year (YoY);
- With continuous improvement in oil and gas production in Canada, and the profitable refined oil and by-products trading business in China, the Group achieved profit turnaround of approx. HK$580 million (2022: loss of approx. HK$619 million);
- Novus achieved sales volume of oil and gas products of 1,093,500 barrels, an increase of 39.62% YoY; Revenue reached approx. CAD86.37 million, representing an increase of 11.50% YoY; net profit reached CAD2.82 million;
- Cumulative sales volume of oil and by-product trading business in China amounted to approx. 3,418,000 tonnes. Sales revenue amounted to approx. RMB24.94 billion, net profit was RMB 9.14 million.
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 3 April 2024 – Yanchang Petroleum International Limited (“Yanchang Petroleum International” or the “Company“, together with its subsidiaries, the “Group“; Stock code: 346.HK) today announced its audited annual results for the year ended 31 December 2023 (“year under review“).
In 2023, global oil demand experienced a recovery growth despite a slowdown in the global economy post-pandemic. The international oil and gas market remained in a tight balance state. During the year under review, amid the fluctuation of oil prices, the Group adhered to its principle of sound and stable operation, and achieved an overall revenue of HK$27.74 billion. Excluding the impairments in well and notwithstanding the provision for bad debts, both the oil and gas production business in Canada and the refined oil trading business in China recorded profits during the year. As a result of the gain on deconsolidation of Yanchang Zhejiang from the Group, the Group recorded a profit of approx. HK$580 million for the year under review. (2022: loss of approx. HK$619 million)
Upstream Oil and Gas Production Business in Canada
In 2023, Novus Energy Inc. (“Novus”) overcame unfavourable conditions such as the downward swing of international crude oil prices and accelerated the construction progress, resulting in continuous improvement in the oil and gas operation. During the year under review, a total of 1,076,000 BoE were produced, respresenting an increase of 33.12% YoY. A total of 1,093,500 BoE were sold, representing a year-on-year increase of 39.62%. Revenue reached CAD86.37 million, representing an increase of 11.50% YoY. Excluding the impairments in wells, Novus recorded a net profit of CAD2.82 million and an operating cash flow of CAD43.12 million.
During the year under review, Novus ensured materials supply for drilling construction. It also made use of technological advances to organize the construction to overcome the impact of snowfall on production and transportation. By the end of August, Novus had completed 94.73% of the annual target in the drilling of wells. Production and operation efficiency of Novus significantly improved, coupled with further strengthened management of oilfields with better controls in budgets and costs, leading to a a profitable operation for Novus.
In terms of reserve, Novus acquired a land area of 47.93 square kilometers in Plato, Court, Major, Marengo and other blocks through mergers and acquisitions and leases. Among them, 11.5 blocks, accounting for 60.05% of the new land area, were acquired through multiple bids and acquisitions in the Major block. In addition, Novus completed the drilling of 5 wells in the Court block and achieved excellent oil testing results. Novus will continue to expand the land well reserve in the Court block and will develop the area as one of its core assets in the future.
Downstream Oil and By-product Trading Business in China
In 2023, facing a complicated and acute market situation, Henan Yanchang Petroleum Sales Co Ltd (“Henan Yanchang”) earnestly implemented its strategic decisions and achieved new results in safety and environmental protection, market research and business expansion. During the year under review, Henan Yanchang recorded total cumulative sales of 3,418,000 tonnes in oil products. Notwithstanding the provision of bad debts, Henan Yanchang recorded ales revenue of RMB24.94 billion with a net profit of RMB 9.14 million.
Henan Yanchang achieved remarkable results in business expansion. During the year under review, Henan Yanchang further deepened its cooperation with major regional companies such as Sinopec Northwest (中石化西北) and Sinopec Central China (中石化華中). In 2023, a total of 1,978,000 million tonnes of oil products were sold to Sinopec cumulatively, marking a record high in sales to Sinopec since the establishment of Henan Yanchang. Meanwhile, Henan Yanchang started cooperation with Hubei State Oil Reserve (湖北國儲) in oil product storage, as well as reaching a cooperative intention with Sanyuan Oil Depot (三原油庫) and Logistics Group (物流集團). It actively implemented and completed the construction and planning of charging infrastructures in Xinzheng City, continuously advancing project negotiations.
During the year under review, the court formally accepted the bankruptcy reorganization application of Yanchang Petroleum (Zhejiang Free Trade Zone) Co Ltd (“Yanchang Zhejiang”) which would be subject to bankruptcy procedures. The Board resolved to deconsolidate the financial results of Yanchang Zhejiang from the Group’s financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2023.
Mr. Feng Yinguo, Chairman of Yanchang Petroleum International, said, ” In 2024, the international oil and gas market outlook presents both challenges and opportunities. The market is expected to remain in a state of tense equilibrium, influenced by a variety of factors, with the potential for further intensification of oil price volatility. The demand for international crude oil is expected to rise continously, albeit at a slower pace. The Company will adhere to the general working principle of seeking progress while maintaining stability, continuously consolidating and enhancing the competitive advantages in our existing business sectors. Simultaneously, the Group will actively explore opportunities to achieve business diversification and sustainable development, strive to cultivate new growth drivers for the Company, and create long term and stable value for its shareholders.”
Hashtag: #YanchangPetroleumInternational
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About Yanchang Petroleum International Limited (Stock code: 346.HK)
Yanchang Petroleum International is principally engaged in the following activities (i) exploration, exploitation, and operation of oil and gas; and (ii) fuel oil trading and distribution. In its upstream operations, Yanchang Petroleum International possesses operating oilfields in Saskatchewan and Alberta, Canada, through its wholly owned subsidiary Novus Energy Inc., a Canadian enterprise. Novus engages in the business of acquiring, exploring for, developing and producing crude oil and natural gas. In its downstream operations, Yanchang Petroleum International is principally engaged in wholesale, retail, storage and transportation of oil products through its 70% owned subsidiary, Henan Yanchang Petroleum Sales Co., Limited, and which has been granted valid licenses for distribution and sales of oil products in China.
For details, please refer to 
http://www.yanchanginternational.com
ONYX Hospitality Group Announces Expansion to the Shama Portfolio: Shama Rayong: The first Shama in Thailand outside of Bangkok, Capitalising on the Demand for Serviced Apartments in Key International Business Areas
BANGKOK, THAILAND – Media OutReach Newswire – 3 April 2024 – ONYX Hospitality Group, the leading hospitality management company, is delighted to announce the expansion of its renowned Shama brand with the launch of Shama Rayong, capitalising on the demand for serviced apartments.
The signing ceremony took place on 1st April 2024 at Amari Bangkok, with the new property expected to welcome its first guests from Q1 2026. Shama Rayong marks a significant milestone for the brand and expanding its footprint in Thailand. The company recognises the increasing demand for serviced apartments, particularly in the post-pandemic era, and is confident that this new addition will be a welcome hub catering primarily to meet the needs of both long-stay expatriates working in the nearby industrial estates, business parks and those visiting for short-stay business purposes. The new addition is a continuation of the Shama brand’s success in Thailand. There are currently 6 Shama properties in Thailand, whilst the brand also operates in Hong Kong, mainland China and Malaysia.
Rayong is a city on the east coast of the Gulf of Thailand and the capital of Rayong province. Southeast of Bangkok, it is an important industrial area in Thailand. Rayong emerges as a pivotal player in Thailand’s transformative Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC), joining forces with other Thai provinces, Chonburi and Chachoengsao, to spearhead the nation’s manufacturing, research, and service sectors. Situated at the heart of this ambitious initiative, Rayong is poised to become a bustling hub, intricately linked with its ASEAN counterparts and global markets.
Located on a convenient route connecting Rayong City Center and the Map Ta Phut Industrial Estate, Shama Rayong is within close proximity to major industrial estates and business parks like WHA Rayong 36 and CPGC, allowing for a seamless commute within a 15-20 minute drive. Ideal for expatriates with school-aged children, international schools such as St. Andrews International School, Green Valley, and Singapore International School, Rayong are all within a 20-minute drive. A tranquil area, Shama Rayong’s location offers a peaceful atmosphere, a welcome respite after a busy day. When it comes to exploring during downtime, the vibrant Rayong City Center is just a 30-minute drive away. The property will feature over 150 room keys encompassing Studio, One-Bedroom and Two-Bedroom apartments, a restaurant, swimming pool, gym and meeting rooms, alongside all the welcoming signature touches guests have come to expect from the Shama brand.
Shama, a serviced apartment brand, provides its residents with a combination of comfort, style, and luxury. Each Shama apartment has been thoughtfully designed to cater to the discerning tastes of executives and travellers who seek more than just contemporary lodging, instead creating a cosy, homely haven. Shama is more than just a residence; it’s a hub for building relationships with the local community and fostering an environment that promotes socialising and sharing among residents and community members, alike. Whether a brief visit or settling in for an extended stay, everyone is embraced as part of the Shama family.
Shama Social Club is an essential component of Shama’s portfolio proposition and a key differentiator, inspiring community spirit and connecting guests to each of Shama’s distinct locations. The Shama Social Club enhances guest experiences by connecting them to each unique neighbourhood. It is built on Shama’s three main pillars: Contemporary living, featuring bespoke interior design that is both practical and stylish; Without boundaries, offering activities and programs to acclimate residents to the locale; and Thoughtful gestures, including considerate touches that help residents connect to the environment and feel at home from the first day of their stay.
Commenting on launch of Shama Rayong, CEO of ONYX Hospitality Group, Mr. Yuthachai Charanachitta stated,
“We are thrilled to unveil Shama Rayong, marking a pivotal moment for the Shama brand, in response to the growing demand for serviced apartments, particularly in the business travel segment. Shama Rayong will cater to a diverse clientele, offering a seamless blend of comfort, convenience, and local immersion for both business travellers and expatriate families. We are confident that Shama Rayong will become a vibrant hub for residents and a testament to the exceptional experiences the Shama brand consistently delivers.
As part of our broader vision, ONYX Hospitality Group aims to solidify its position as ‘The Best Medium-sized Hospitality Management Company in Southeast Asia,’ reflecting our commitment to excellence and continuously elevating the standards of hospitality in the region. As Thailand’s leading company specialising in the management of hotels, resorts, serviced apartments, and luxury residences, featuring renowned brands such as Amari, OZO, Shama, and Oriental Residence, we have an exceptional track record in managing hotels, resorts, and serviced apartments across diverse countries in the Asia Pacific region. Shama Rayong is another key development showcasing our dedication to expansion in Southeast Asia, whilst simultaneously ensuring we provide exceptional guest experiences and foster sustainable practices.”
Commenting on the launch of Shama Rayong, Owner of Dream D Co. Ltd, Mr. Damrong Pitaksit stated,
“We are pleased to be working with the team at ONYX Hospitality Group in developing a new upscale serviced apartment in Rayong with a strong hospitality brand like Shama. Our development expertise combined with ONYX Hospitality Group’s international experience and strong network in the hospitality sector with the Shama brand will produce a unique product and experiences in Rayong. We have witnessed and been impressed with the focused expansion of ONYX Hospitality Group across Thailand and the Southeast Asian region, and look forward to working with them. I believe this is the beginning of a strong and long-lasting business partnership with ONYX Hospitality Group in the future”.
With a profound commitment to ‘A Tailored Approach to Hospitality,’ ONYX Hospitality Group’s distinctive vision of being ‘the best medium-sized hospitality management company in Southeast Asia’ sets it apart from competitors. This ethos permeates every facet of ONYX Hospitality Group’s operations, ensuring guests receive unmatched service and experiences that surpass expectations.
ONYX Hospitality Group is committed to expanding the Shama brand whilst continuously evolving and striving to provide guests with the exceptional service and amenities that they have come to expect. ONYX Hospitality Group currently operates 16 Shama properties in the prominent locations of Hong Kong, Bangkok, Hangzhou, Changchun, and Daqing, with another 5 properties under construction. Additional upcoming openings include:
– Shama Medini – Malaysia
– Shama Suasana Johor Bahru – Malaysia
– Shama Hub Metro South – Hong Kong
– Shama Hub Qiantang Hangzhou – China
– Shama Rayong – Thailand
For more information on ONYX Hospitality Group, visit www.onyx-hospitality.com.
Hashtag: #ONYXHospitalityGroup
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
Laos Faces Uphill Battle Against Wildlife Hunting, Expert Urges Action
Wildlife hunting remains a significant challenge in Laos, despite ongoing efforts by the Lao government and non-governmental organizations (NGOs).
According to a wildlife expert, who goes by the pseudonym “Ben” to protect his identity due to his involvement in national policy making, a significant factor driving illegal hunting is the demand for exotic dishes featuring wildlife. Ben noted that this demand primarily stems from tourists from neighboring Vietnam and China.
Tourism-driven Demand Fuels Illegal Hunting
The expert highlighted the role of organized tour groups in promoting the consumption of wildlife meat among tourists. These tour groups offer luxury banquets featuring exotic products, including pangolin and bear paws, contributing to the perpetuation of illegal hunting practices, underscoring the need for targeted interventions to address this concerning trend.
Numerous restaurants across Laos, often with ties to poachers and middlemen, capitalize on tourists’ quest for unique culinary experiences by offering dishes made from wildlife. This practice not only sustains but also exacerbates the demand for wildlife products, perpetuating illegal hunting in the country.
Despite this being a widespread issue, Laos has established laws aimed at combating these activities. According to the Penal Code, initial offenders responsible for minimal damage can undergo “re-education” rather than facing immediate penalties. However, assessing the value of the animal in question presents a significant challenge, often relying on fluctuating market prices.
For repeat offenders or individuals engaged in organized hunting endeavors, stricter repercussions are enforced. These penalties may include fines of up to LAK 10 million (equivalent to approximately USD 472.22) and imprisonment for a maximum duration of five years.
Enforcement Challenges in Rural Areas
Enforcement of wildlife protection laws, however, poses significant challenges, particularly in rural areas where illegal hunting has long been a cultural norm.
“In rural areas, hunting has never been seen as a crime,” Ben said. He also highlighted the difficulties faced by authorities in enforcing laws against individuals who hunt for food or to sustain their livelihoods.
Limited resources and the inability of offenders to pay fines further complicate enforcement efforts, creating a complex landscape for conservationists and law enforcement agencies alike.
Uncertainty Surrounding Conservation Rules
The Wildlife Conservation Society, a United-States nonprofit organization with conservation programs in Laos, highlighted the strict prohibition against hunting protected species in Laos. However, the uncertainty surrounding hunting seasons and areas complicates efforts to educate the public, ultimately resulting in the unintended hunting of animals meant for conservation.
Central to the challenge of wildlife conservation in Laos is the classification of animals into three distinct groups: protected species, managed species, and those that can be hunted in community areas.
Protected species, including majestic animals like elephants, tigers, and bears, are strictly off-limits for hunting. Managed species, such as pigs and deer, are subject to regulation, allowing for their controlled harvest by rural villages for subsistence purposes. However, the complexity arises from the lack of clarity regarding the specific seasons and areas where hunting is permitted, leading to inadvertent violations of conservation rules.
International Cooperation and Online Trade
The rise of online wildlife trade also presents an additional challenge for authorities, as it allows for the anonymous sale of protected species on social media platforms.
“Every day, protected species like pangolins, bear cubs, cats, monkeys, and turtles are being sold on Facebook,” Ben observed, pointing to the need for enhanced monitoring and enforcement measures to curb this illicit trade.
International organizations, such as the ASEAN Wildlife Enforcement Network, have also joined the fight against the illegal wildlife trade in Laos. While some progress has been made, major wildlife traffickers, known as kingpins, remain elusive.
“Members of the networks have been arrested in Thailand and Vietnam, but none of the kingpins or the major wildlife terminals have ever been arrested in Laos,” the expert revealed, highlighting the need for greater international cooperation to apprehend these elusive criminals.
Furthermore, Laos serves as a convenient gateway for trafficking wildlife from Africa to consumer markets in countries like Vietnam and China. While these products are not used in Laos, the country’s geographical location makes it vulnerable to smuggling activities. This international dimension adds complexity to conservation efforts, as it requires strong international cooperation to combat wildlife trafficking effectively.
Ben further noted the difficulties of enforcing wildlife protection laws in Laos, citing the country’s extensive porous borders and the high demand for wildlife products in neighboring nations. Notably, Laos shares its borders with five countries, two of which are significant consumers of wildlife products. This geographical proximity poses challenges in regulating trade. Ben highlighted the necessity of international cooperation to effectively investigate smuggling networks that span across borders and involve individuals residing in other countries.
Local Efforts to Combat Threats to Wildlife
The expert emphasized the importance of community involvement alongside enforcement and education efforts. He suggested that empowering local communities to responsibly manage and derive benefits from wildlife resources could play a pivotal role in mitigating illegal hunting and trade.
Despite ongoing challenges, authorities are actively engaged in efforts to combat threats to wildlife, as demonstrated by the recent rescue of 16 bear cubs by Free the Bear in the Sikhottabong district of Vientiane Capital on 17 March. Although the origins of these bears remain unknown, reports indicate that they are currently receiving medical care at a center in Luang Prabang and are slated for eventual release into the wild.
Splash into the Fun: Unforgettable Songkran Experiences Await at OZO Hotels, Thailand
BANGKOK, THAILAND – Media OutReach Newswire – 3 April 2024 – OZO Hotels invites guests to splash into the jubilant spirit of Songkran, immersing themselves in Thailand’s beloved cultural extravaganza brimming with exhilarating water-filled festivities. Songkran, also referred to as the Thai New Year, stands as one of Thailand’s most revered festivals, symbolising fresh beginnings and community bonds. Traditionally observed from 13th – 15th April, it heralds the commencement of the Thai lunar calendar.
At the heart of Songkran festivities lies the exuberant water fights, where locals and visitors joyously drench each other as a form of cleansing and renewal. The spirit of the festival permeates across the nation, fostering unity and merriment. Originally centred around the gentle sprinkling of water infused with blessings for prosperity, Songkran’s origins were more serene. Over time, this tradition has metamorphosed into the spirited water battles witnessed today, yet the essence of communal joy and spiritual rejuvenation remains unchanged, whilst also being a great way to cool down and beat the heat of the balmy Thai temperatures.
OZO is the fun and playful hotel brand, with properties in popular spots in Thailand: Pattaya, Phuket and Koh Samui. To arrive at OZO is to unpack good vibes and enjoy the excitement of the destination, meaning there’s nowhere better to embark on an unforgettable Songkran experience. From exhilarating water fights with all the staff and guests getting involved, to nights filled with endless festivities and dining experiences, Songkran is the ultimate memory-making adventure. Local temples also offer blessings for those looking to experience more of the serenity side of the tradition.
After a long day of merriment, guests can step inside their cosy, welcoming room to discover functional design, practical layouts, space to reunite and play, and sleep-inducing beds to ensure a deep slumber. Guests will wake revitalised for the next day, wherever that may take them.
OZO North Pattaya:
OZO North Pattaya offers modern and stylish accommodation nestled in the heart of Pattaya, with easy access to the beach, shopping, dining, and entertainment venues. With comfortable rooms, vibrant dining options, and thoughtful amenities, OZO Pattaya ensures a memorable stay for every guest. Ensuring the water fun is present throughout Songkran and beyond, OZO Pattaya features a large pool and thrilling slide. In celebrations of Songkran, OZO North Pattaya is hosting a “Songkran Grill & Chill Buffet” evening on 13th and 14th April, featuring a fun and flavoursome of buffet with mouth-watering delights including fresh seafood. The buffet starts from £16 per person. Prices in April 2024 start from £45 per room, per night on a bed and breakfast basis, based on two sharing a room. Book online and stay before 30th September 2024 to receive a 15% discount on food and non-alcoholic beverages. To book and for more information visit: www.ozohotels.com/pattaya
OZO Phuket:
Situated just a 5-minute walk from Kata Beach, OZO Phuket offers 255 guest rooms and suites designed for ultimate comfort and restful nights. The resort features two outdoor pools, including a dedicated children’s pool, and an EAT restaurant serving delicious cuisine. Its prime location near Kata Beach and the vibrant night market provides easy access to nearby attractions, making it an ideal choice for families seeking a beachfront retreat with ample amenities. Prices in April 2024 start from £80 per room, per night on a bed and breakfast basis, based on two sharing a room. To book and for more information visit: www.ozohotels.com/phuket
OZO Chaweng Samui:
Located along Chaweng Beach Road, the beachfront resort offers proximity to both the vibrant energy of the town and the tranquillity of the beach. Just a 15-minute drive from Samui International Airport and a leisurely stroll to central Chaweng, guests find themselves perfectly situated for exploration. With a fun outdoor pool catering to both adults and kids, a fitness centre, and two restaurants, the resort provides an ideal balance of convenience and relaxation. Prices in April 2024 start from £58 per room, per night on a bed and breakfast basis, based on two sharing a room. Book online and stay before 31st December 2024 to receive a 10% discount. To book and for more information visit: www.ozohotels.com/chaweng-samui
For more information about OZO, please visit https://www.ozohotels.com
For more information about ONYX Hospitality Group, please visit http://www.onyx-hospitality.com/
Hashtag: #ONYXHospitalityGroup
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
Deep tech start-up SECTA5 doubles the speed of cybersecurity threat analysis and response
SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 3 April 2024 – Singapore deep tech start-up SECTA5 has launched its flagship product–Cartographer–a revolutionary platform powered by Artificial Intelligence aimed at helping companies speed up their cybersecurity threat analysis, prioritisation and subsequent response in a single platform.
Compared to conventional manual methods of cyber risk management – also known as cyber risk triage – where teams must manually trawl through tens of thousands of disclosed vulnerabilities and assess them individually, ranking them in importance for their companies to address, Cartographer can do it at twice the speed with greater precision.
This solution will greatly help companies which are increasingly at risk of cyber attacks to prioritise their cyber security efforts and resources – saving time and money while lowering risk to business operations and information systems.
Last year, there was almost a four-fold surge of disclosed vulnerabilities – weak points where a company’s information security system can be breached or compromised – 26,447 reports when compared to 2013.
As reported by American enterprise cyber risk & security platform Qualys, this huge spike in software vulnerabilities shows that the conventional gold-standard practice is becoming increasingly ineffective against the backdrop of growing workloads and a shortage of seasoned security professionals.
To tackle these issues, SECTA5 was founded by two alumni from the Nanyang Technological University, Singapore (NTU Singapore), and their partners, who possess strong expertise in ethical hacking such as red teaming and attack simulations against large organisations.
With support from the venture building team from NTUitive, the innovation and enterprise company of NTU Singapore, SECTA5 successfully automated the cyber risk analysis and prioritisation processes with the help of Machine Learning and Generative AI and has successfully tested it in real-life trials.
Clients that trialled Cartographer were able to speed up their cyber risk triage while being able to have continuous threat and exposure management (CTEM), which blends business context, threat intelligence, automation, and prioritisation into a cohesive system.
Mr Sky Seah, Co-founder of SECTA5, said their flagship product gives organisations a powerful and easy tool to navigate the complexities of modern cybersecurity challenges, especially for Chief Information Officers and Chief Information Security Officers who have to make key decisions in a fast-paced environment.
“Cartographer enables organisations to swiftly identify the most critical cyber risks and prioritize their remediation efforts accordingly. In the analogy of a ship, it is no longer just about patching whatever leaks that spring up in the hull, but to systemically prioritise the patching of major leaks and reinforcement of areas where it will have the largest risk of leaks before the leak happens,” explained Mr Seah.
“It is like proactively reinforcing the defences of a castle. By centralising vulnerability management processes around Cartographer, businesses can enhance their cybersecurity defences autonomously, strengthen their overall infrastructure and prepare countermeasures before an enemy breach.”
Cartographer VM Features
- Curation of vulnerability pipelines – Choose data that is relevant for the organisation, ingest outputs from industry-leading vulnerability scanners, penetration test reports, agent-based sensors, and more
- Auto-triage with context – Rationalise vulnerability data in consideration of what is critical for specific businesses, including environment and regulatory obligations
- Enrichment with threat intelligence – Incorporate industry-leading threat intelligence feeds when triaging each vulnerability to validate if there is indeed actual impact to an organisation
- Prioritisation at scale – Automate time-consuming triage across multiple platforms so that security professionals can prioritise higher-value strategic work
Enterprises Must Prioritise To Optimise Limited Resources
According to Gartner®:
“”Continuous threat exposure management is a pragmatic and effective systemic approach to continuously refine priorities and walk the tightrope between two modern security realities. Organisations can’t fix everything, nor can they be completely sure what vulnerability remediation they can safely postpone.””*
“At the core of Cartographer’s development was a simple question: How can we make exposure and risk-based vulnerability management more effective and inherently smarter? The answer is our Software-as-a-Service platform that not only automates triage but does so with a precise understanding of each organisation’s environment, unique risk profile and real-life threat intelligence. We aim to help IT teams zoom in on the cyber risks that really matter, and mitigate them faster and more effectively,” added Mr Seah.
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* Gartner Article, How to Manage Cybersecurity Threats, Not Episodes, By Kasey Panetta, August 21, 2023. GARTNER is a registered trademark and service mark of Gartner, Inc. and/or its affiliates in the U.S. and internationally and is used herein with permission. All rights reserved.
Hashtag: #business #technology #cybersecurity
https://www.secta5.com
https://www.linkedin.com/company/secta5/
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
ABOUT SECTA5
SECTA5 is a cybersecurity company built by former cyber attackers for today’s cyber defenders. Our mission is to empower organisations by predicting and neutralising security breaches with our cutting-edge, autonomous security orchestration platform.
Founded by a group of former attackers and defenders, SECTA5 was founded to harness the collective experience of simulating and defending against attacks end-to-end, and present a unique solution to secure organisations.
For more information, please visit the website at https://www.secta5.com/.
Malaysian small businesses post best growth results since pandemic
- Confidence in economy high
- Cost of doing business remains a key concern
- Strong returns tied to technology spending
KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 3 April 2024 – Sixty-six per cent of Malaysian small businesses grew in 2023 with 2024 expected to be an even better year, a new survey by CPA Australia shows.
The annual Asia-Pacific Small Business Survey found seventy-eight per cent expect to grow in 2024, the country’s best result since 2012 and higher than the survey average of 70 per cent.
The upbeat sentiment is pegged to the confidence in the economy with nearly three quarters expecting it to grow this year, above the survey average of 65 per cent.
Fifty-nine per cent sought external funding for business growth in 2023 reflecting a shift from business survival in 2022.
The increasing cost of doing business, however, remains a key concern with materials, utility costs, staff costs and rent being the costs that impacted businesses the most last year. Close to 50 per cent said increasing cost negatively impacted their business.
“Young entrepreneurs are driving the momentum on innovation and technology uptake. The survey results have shown over many years that small business with younger entrepreneurs are more likely to be growing, innovating, using emerging technologies and exporting,” said Surin Segar, President of CPA Australia Malaysia Division.
Strong returns from online sales through a wider choice of new digital and payment technologies and greater social media presence are driving technology spending. Mobile apps remain the most popular technology for Malaysian small businesses to invest in 2023, with almost 50 per cent reporting their technology investment improved profitability.
Thirty-two per cent said they will introduce a new product, process or service to Malaysia or the world in 2024. This will support long-term growth and improved competitiveness of Malaysia’s small businesses.
“With many small businesses being risk averse, it is imperative for policymakers to support potentially inexperienced young people owning or in key positions to seek business advice.”
Fearing cyber risks from the increased use of technology, 52 per cent of small businesses owners reviewed their cybersecurity in the last six months compared to 48 per cent in 2022.
“It is encouraging to see the increase in cyber risk awareness as the government continues to strengthen regulatory frameworks with the new Cyber Security Bill tabled in Parliament. This is aligned with the Communications and Digital Ministry’s call for collective action and global coordination to counter cyber threats,” said Surin.
ESG focus for small businesses centred on staff health and safety, supply chain sustainability, diversity and inclusion policies.
“We hope to see increased investment in advanced ESG practices such as renewable energy and the adoption of green and sustainable finance opportunities.”
Access the Malaysia summary and infographic
Hashtag: #cpaaustralia #smallbusiness #businessowners #Malasyianbusinesses
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The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About CPA Australia
CPA Australia is one of the largest professional accounting bodies in the world, with more than 173,000 members in over 100 countries and regions, including more than 10,500 members in Malaysia. CPA Australia has been operating in Malaysia since 1956 and opened our Malaysian office in 1994. Our core services include education, training, technical support and advocacy. CPA Australia provides thought leadership on local, national and international issues affecting the accounting profession and public interest. We engage with governments, regulators and industries to advocate policies that stimulate sustainable economic growth and have positive business and public outcomes. Find out more at cpaaustralia.com.au
Taiwan’s Strongest Earthquake in Nearly 25 Years Damages Buildings, Causes Small Tsunami
TAIPEI, Taiwan (AP) — Taiwan’s strongest earthquake in a quarter century has killed at least four people.
