The state-of-the-art facility showcases Konica Minolta’s unique print technologies in one central location, supporting the needs of customers in the Asia Pacific region.

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach – 23 February 2021 – Konica Minolta Business Solutions Asia will be launching its new Customer Engagement Center (CEC) at Wisma Kemajuan in Petaling Jaya, Selangor in Malaysia. The new 8,106 square-foot center signals its continued strategic investment into the company’s industrial printing business.

With more professionals turning to digital printing, the new CEC enables customers to experience Konica Minolta’s printing solutions that can meet their ever-changing needs.

They can view first-hand how these machines bring their works from the digital workspace to life through real-time printing of decorative embellishments, labels and digital metallic colours on traditional print applications such as book jackets, direct mails, cards and more.

During the initial launch, customers can take a virtual tour of the Center from the comfort of their own homes or offices with a Konica Minolta representative, and in-person through scheduled appointments with its Virtual Showroom platform to create a new immersive experience for customers and prospects as part its holistic approach in the “new normal”.

Brimming with interactive features without any software download, customers will receive immersive one-to-one demonstrations from our experts focusing on the key product features and applications and how these bring many benefits to their business.

Digital print will continue to grow as it allows a greater variety of print customised to the recipient to be produced economically, and fundamentally the content can be determined much closer to the end-user. Digital’s share of the whole market increases in value terms from 15.7% in 2017 to 19.3% by 2022, as the next generation of presses pushes productivity and quality to boost the competitive position of digital technology.

A Word from Mr Osafumi Kawamura, Managing Director of Konica Minolta Business Solutions Asia

‘With this new center, we will be able to demonstrate the unique digital print capabilities of our industrial printers such as KM-1, AccurioPress C14000 and MGI JETvarnish range. On top of that, we are able to host virtual sessions directly from the center via the virtual showroom website so customers are able to experience the products without needing to be physically present. We hope that our customers will leverage on this technology hub to add value to their business needs.’ said Mr Osafumi Kawamura, Managing Director of Konica Minolta Business Solutions Asia.

With the new APAC CEC, Konica Minolta is underlining the commitment to customers in the professional and industrial printing markets. The new CEC gives customers hands-on experience through live and virtual demonstrations.

About Konica Minolta Business Solutions Asia

Konica Minolta Business Solutions Asia is transforming the workplace of the future with its customer-centric solutions and hardware for the digitally connected world. We are committed to create new values for the society with our expertise. From information management to technology enabling tools, the solutions help businesses improve time to information, support mobility, and optimise business processes with workflow automation. Konica Minolta, Inc. has also been named to the Dow Jones Sustainability World Index, one of the most prestigious global indices of ESG investment, for eight years in a row. For more information, please visit http://www.konicaminolta.sg/business/

• Lowest valuation among the peers
• Net cash company with strong growth momentum
• To offer cloud-based solutions for business sustainability and recurring income

KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA – Media OutReach – 23 February 2021 – In the past three financial years, ARB Berhad (“ARB” or “Group”) has not only staged a very successful turnaround but has also consistently registered substantial net profit growth. As recent as the fourth quarter of the financial year 2020, the Group achieved a massive leap of 55% in the bottom line.

ARB Berhad’s Executive Director Dato’ Sri Larry Liew Kok Leong at a monthly business plan review meeting

The Group’s success in breaking away from its decade-long losses lies in its strategic diversification into the field of enterprise resource planning (ERP) and Internet of Things (IoT) solutions.

To date, ARB is amongst the lowest in terms of valuations when compared to its peers in the technology sector. The Group had also managed to deliver meaningful growth to its shareholders despite facing the negative influence of the pandemic.

ARB is in a net cash position, with cash and cash equivalents worth RM24.5 million against zero borrowings as of 31 December 2020.

Looking ahead into 2021 and beyond, ARB’s upward growth momentum is poised to continue, underpinned by the immense potential in digitalisation among businesses and the Industry 4.0 agenda.

After posting its record-high net profit in the financial year of 2020 (FY20), the Group is confident of achieving a more robust performance in the current FY21.

ARB’s Executive Director Dato’ Sri Larry Liew Kok Leong said that the Group aims to expand its geographical presence and access various new industry sectors by taking advantage of cross-border business opportunities in 2021.

“In line with our regional expansion plan, we intend to collaborate with local partners to extend our footprint in our information technology (IT) Segment in other countries through the acquisition of business and technologies,” he said.

A key growth strategy for 2021 would be ARB’s move in providing more cloud-based product offerings, which would be achieved through the execution of partner-ecosystem in growing industries.

At the domestic front, Dato’ Sri Liew said ARB plans to work closely with government-linked companies, multinational corporations and public listed companies as envisaged under its 2021 business plan.

“Our cloud solutions have proved to improve management efficiency and accelerate a business’ digitalisation initiatives. At the same time, the solutions would also help to achieve cost-effectiveness,” according to Dato’ Sri Liew.

Moving forward, the Group also intends to expand into new horizontal markets such as providing cloud-based solutions to facilitate the new norm of business needs.

“As part of the growth strategy driven both organically and through strategic acquisitions, we are delivering innovative solutions in new categories, including Big Data analysis, e-commerce solutions, IoT platform for 5G and data cybersecurity, and expect to continue grow these businesses in the future,” said Dato’ Sri Liew.

He added further that the Group will accelerate rolling out IoT platform-based smart home solutions that have been gaining traction, especially among households in the urban area.

ARB’s IoT platform would be able to integrate a wide range of electrical appliances, allowing multi-connection and readiness of artificial intelligence learning features for the ease of use of home occupants.

According to Dato’ Sri Liew, ARB’s growth prospects are intact as it is well-positioned in two promising operating segments, namely, ERP and IoT. Our ERP and IoT segments will drive alignment, focus and growth while sharpening our partners’ focus. In addition, we are excited to see our IoT solutions business return to growth by serving more enterprises, further building on our annualised recurring revenue.

Based on the statistics by Frost & Sullivan, the Malaysian IoT market is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 24.7% from US$2.2 billion in 2019 to reach US$10.3 billion by 2026.

Meanwhile, the Malaysian ERP market is projected to grow from US$120 million to reach US$255 million in 2026, growing at a CAGR of 11.4% in the same period.

“ARB’s unique cloud-based ERP business model reduces the Group’s dependence on external technology vendors and allows it to capture a bigger share of the value pool generated from the collaborations.

Dato’ Sri Liew expects the ERP segment to remain as the main revenue contributor for ARB in FY21, with continued recurring income potential.

The ERP segment is expected to deliver 65% of total turnover, while the remaining will be contributed by the IoT business. Both segments are expected to be in line with the global initiative in advancing into the new era of Industry 4.0.

“We create value by providing a tailor-made solution for our JV partners, designed to generate an immediate impact on sales and profits. At the same time, it also improves our business as we allow our JV partners to cross-sell their products and upsell packages to end customers, hence creating a synergistic relationship,” he added.

“The Group will continue to look for opportunities that might open up amidst the crisis, observe the market situation and adapt to what is needed in the current market to ensure the sustainable growth to the Group,” Dato’ Sri Liew said.

In FY20, the Group’s net profit grew by nearly 25% year-on-year (y-o-y) to RM43.46 million, on the back of a 114% surge in revenue to RM219.45 million. It staged a turnaround in FY18 with a net profit of 4.23 million and continued to grow its bottom line to RM32.8 million for FY19. The Group has continually achieved its steady three-year earnings growth in revenue and net profit since 2018.

With 2021 set to be a year of recovery, underpinned by an improvement in business sentiment, ARB’s outlook appears to be positive.

ARB would be a key beneficiary of an increase in capital expenditure among businesses to digitalise their internal operations.

Currently, the Group has one of the lowest price-to-earnings ratios in the technology sector at just 4.6 times as of 22 February 2021 as compares with other technology industry players such as Mi Technovation Bhd (64.4 times), Inari Amerton Bhd (63.5 times) and ViTrox Corp Bhd (88.8 times).

About ARB Berhad

ARB Berhad (“ARB” or “Company”) is incorporated in Malaysia under the ACT in October 1997 and was listed on the Main Market of Bursa Malaysia Securities Berhad in February 2004.

The Company is primarily an IT software and platform provider company.

It’s business operates predominantly in two (2) business areas:

1. Enterprise Resource Planning (“ERP”) — designing and reselling of customised ERP solutions

2. Internet of Things (“IoT”) — integrated solutions in the systems, engineering, procurement, commissioning, and management of IoT systems

Its expertise lies in empowering businesses through digital transformation and technology integration

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach – 23 February 2021 – Loanhere announced today the launch of its website, a one-stop destination platform to apply for a personal loan in Singapore and receive multiple quotations and offers from licensed money lenders instantly.

Widely recognised as one of the most expensive cities in the world to live in, having the financial liquidity to cope with Singapore’s high cost of living is not an easy thing. Coupled with an ongoing global pandemic, a significant number of locals are finding it difficult to cope and necessary to take out loans to cover living expenses and other payment obligations.

According to a recent report by Finder.com, almost 1 in 3 Singaporeans have taken out a personal loan in the last 12 months, largely to cover basic expenses, consolidate their debts or pay off credit card liabilities.

Aggregating loan quotes from licensed money lenders

Although there are platforms in the market that provide aggregated information on personal loan and sme business loan, almost all of them are focused only on bank financing. There isn’t a similar platform that exists in the market for borrowing from a licensed money lender perspective.

Loanhere is launched in response to this and seeks to be the one-stop destination platform for all information related to borrowing from licensed moneylenders in Singapore.

More importantly, Loanhere provides potential borrowers with instantaneous loan quotes aggregated from a curated selection of established and experienced licensed money lenders throughout Singapore.

Loanhere saves borrowers time and hassle by prequalifying all the partner lenders in its network, to be operating with a valid moneylender license issued by Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS), are of good standing with relevant authorities and have excellent customer reviews.

Simply by providing basic personal information such as name, contact details, and the sum of money desired to borrow, Loanhere matches the loan request via its proprietary process with suitable offers from its network of licensed lenders and sends the corresponding loan quotes and offers to the requestor’s email inbox instantly. The service is automated and entirely free to use by all Singapore citizens and permanent residents (PRs).

While banks have been the traditional lenders of personal loans, more and more Singaporeans and permanent residents have been increasingly turning to licensed money lenders as the alternative – or even the preferred – channel to take out a loan from.

With evaluation criteria generally more favourable to borrowers, shorter application processing and cash disbursement time, as well as the possibility of negotiating customised loan repayment plans, more and more locals are finding the licensed moneylender route an attractive option for personal financing.

Clearing the air on licensed money lending

Nevertheless, there remains a certain degree of misconception and an absence of clarity in the market when it comes to licensed moneylenders, such as how do they work, how to differentiate the good ones from the bad, what is considered legitimate and what is not, among other doubts and concerns.

Beyond providing borrowers loan quotes fast, Loanhere also strives to raise the public’s general awareness and understanding of borrowing from licensed moneylenders, through regular publishing of articles on the website that covers various aspects of the subject, including the clear distinction between licensed money lending and other unsavoury forms of lending.

“Taking up loans from licensed money lenders in Singapore is a viable and oftentimes more appealing option than borrowing from banks. We believe more Singaporeans can better alleviate their financial situations with a clear understanding and proper use of licensed moneylenders as a practical and legitimate source of funds, and are committed in our mission to deliver the most efficient loan quote aggregation service in the market”, explained a spokesperson from Loanhere.

Visit the Loanhere website and receive instant loan quotes with a simple submission at https://loanhere.co/.

About Loanhere

Loanhere provides useful and relevant information about loans and alternate financing options via licensed moneylenders to help Singaporeans and permanent residents (PRs) alleviate their financial challenges.

Loanhere is committed and dedicated to be the number 1 destination site in Singapore for loans and financing through licensed moneylenders.

To find out more about Loanhere, please visit https://loanhere.co/.

Inventor of Ceiling Fan Expands HVLS Product Offerings for International Market Needs

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach – 23 February 2021 – Hunter Industrial Fans – the industrial division of Hunter Fan Company – launched its international fan line known as “DDI.” The DDI is a high volume, low speed (HVLS) industrial fan built for powerful air circulation. The HVLS fan is designed for simplicity while providing significant airflow due to its custom-built, direct-drive motor and three aerodynamically efficient blades.

“Hunter Industrial has grown significantly over the last six years, and we’re proud to offer a product that meets the demand for our international customers across the globe,” said Mark D’Agostino, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Hunter Industrial. “The DDI fan will offer competitive pricing with unmatched performance in the industry.”

Available in two sizes – including 20- and 24-foot diameter models–the DDI fan is ideal for any facility looking to provide greater air movement in large spaces, such as warehouses, manufacturing centers, shipping, or dock and door areas.

“We have seen an increased demand for an international product line that is reliable, easy to install and affordable. DDI is the solution, and I look forward to partnering with companies across the world to meet their facilities’ needs,” said Borja Chavarri, International Director of Sales for Hunter Industrial.

The DDI fan features a five-year warranty on the motor and electronic control, and a Limited Lifetime Warranty on all other components. For international sales inquiries, contact Borja Chavarri at bgiralt@hunterfan.com.

About Hunter Industrial Fans

Since 1886, Hunter Fan Company’s focus has been on providing and enhancing comfort for consumers. Hunter’s commitment to quality, craftsmanship and innovation is why the company remains unrivaled today–and why Hunter’s fans last for generations. Hunter Industrial is part of that heritage, and the industrial division’s high-volume, low-speed fans embody Hunter’s passion for pioneering breakthroughs in ceiling fan technologies. Hunter Industrial’s fans are designed with every person in the process in mind–from installer to owner. Based in Nashville, Tenn., Hunter Industrial’s designers, engineers and technicians work together to test, prototype and manufacture every fan to perfection. For more information, visit www.hunterfan.com/industrial.