KUALA LUMPUR (April 28): Bursa Malaysia retreated from its earlier gains to end the morning trading session marginally lower, with selling mostly seen among the heavyweights, led by the financial services and plantation counters.

At lunch break, the FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI (FBM KLCI) dropped 1.06 points to 1,416.99 from Thursday’s close of 1,418.05.

The barometer index opened 0.19 of-a-point better at 1,418.24, and moved between 1,414.71 and 1,420.50 throughout the session.

The market breadth was negative with decliners leading gainers 378 to 329, while 379 counters were unchanged, 1,193 untraded and 50 others suspended.

Turnover stood at 1.63 billion units worth RM702.69 million.

Malacca Securities Sdn Bhd said there could be a broad-based rebound with the return of buying interest in technology stocks following Wall Street’s rally overnight.

“Also, with investors brushing off recessionary fears, at least for the near term after mild growth was observed in the US gross domestic product, investors may take on some exposure within the banking sector,” the brokerage said in a note on Friday.

Among the heavyweight stocks, Malayan Banking Bhd erased four sen to RM8.66 and CelcomDigi Bhd was one sen lower at RM4.39.

Public Bank Bhd gained one sen to RM3.90, CIMB Group Holdings Bhd increased one sen to RM5.08, and Petronas Chemicals Group Bhd rose eight sen to RM7.12.

As for the actives, Jade Marvel Group Bhd was flat at 28 sen, Vinvest Capital Holdings Bhd gained one sen to 21 sen while Bintai Kinden Corp Bhd inched down half-a-sen to three sen.

On the index board, the FBM Emas Index erased 14.51 points to 10,397.31, the FBMT 100 Index deducted 14.43 points to 10,080.30 and the FBM Emas Shariah Index lost 15.88 points to 10,733.10.

The FBM ACE Index was 32.67 points weaker at 5,319.73 while the FBM 70 index dropped 47.70 points to 13,492.53.

Sector-wise, the Industrial Products and Services Index inched up 0.68 of a point to 171.54, the Energy Index went up 1.21 points to 848.55 and the Financial Services Index fell 19.07 points to 15,540.96.

The Plantation Index was 59.91 points weaker at 6,799.76.

<h1>Bursa ends morning session marginally lower</h1>KUALA LUMPUR (April 28): Bursa Malaysia retreated from its earlier gains to end the morning trading session marginally lower, with selling mostly seen among the heavyweights, led by the financial services and plantation counters.At lunch break, the FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI (FBM KLCI) dropped 1.06 points to 1,416.99 from Thursday’s close of 1,418.05.The barometer index opened 0.19 of-a-point better at 1,418.24, and moved between 1,414.71 and 1,420.50 throughout the session.The market breadth was negative with decliners leading gainers 378 to 329, while 379 counters were unchanged, 1,193 untraded and 50 others suspended.Turnover stood at 1.63 billion units worth RM702.69 million.Malacca Securities Sdn Bhd said there could be a broad-based rebound with the return of buying interest in technology stocks following Wall Street’s rally overnight.“Also, with investors brushing off recessionary fears, at least for the near term after mild growth was observed in the US gross domestic product, investors may take on some exposure within the banking sector,” the brokerage said in a note on Friday.Among the heavyweight stocks, Malayan Banking Bhd erased four sen to RM8.66 and CelcomDigi Bhd was one sen lower at RM4.39.Public Bank Bhd gained one sen to RM3.90, CIMB Group Holdings Bhd increased one sen to RM5.08, and Petronas Chemicals Group Bhd rose eight sen to RM7.12.As for the actives, Jade Marvel Group Bhd was flat at 28 sen, Vinvest Capital Holdings Bhd gained one sen to 21 sen while Bintai Kinden Corp Bhd inched down half-a-sen to three sen.On the index board, the FBM Emas Index erased 14.51 points to 10,397.31, the FBMT 100 Index deducted 14.43 points to 10,080.30 and the FBM Emas Shariah Index lost 15.88 points to 10,733.10.The FBM ACE Index was 32.67 points weaker at 5,319.73 while the FBM 70 index dropped 47.70 points to 13,492.53.Sector-wise, the Industrial Products and Services Index inched up 0.68 of a point to 171.54, the Energy Index went up 1.21 points to 848.55 and the Financial Services Index fell 19.07 points to 15,540.96.The Plantation Index was 59.91 points weaker at 6,799.76.

Securities / FX / Investment Trusts

Bursa ends morning session marginally lower

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Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia – Vero AI Sdn. Bhd. ("Vero AI"), a leader in AI solutions, and Asia Pacific University Sdn. Bhd. ("APU"), a premier educational institution in Malaysia, are thrilled to announce their groundbreaking joint venture. This collaboration is set to enhance the startup ecosystem and foster innovation across the ASEAN region.

Under the Memorandum of Understanding signed recently, Vero AI and APU have committed to combining their expertise and resources to cultivate a robust environment for startups. The initiative will focus on integrating real-world industrial projects into APU's Enterprise Startup Ecosystem, enhancing its proprietary technology modules, and deploying smart technologies across educational and industrial platforms.

Vero AI is renowned for its advanced industrial IT resources and ASEAN industry network. APU will contribute by integrating these technologies into their enterprise modules and supporting the creation of a vibrant startup culture on campus.

The joint venture will facilitate the development of smart campus initiatives and startup ecosystem development, leveraging both parties' strengths to fuel innovation and drive success in the digital transformation to enhance digital economy. This partnership not only aims to enhance the educational experience at APU but also to create substantial opportunities for budding entrepreneurs and tech innovators in the ASEAN region.

"We are excited to partner with Asia Pacific University to shape the future of the digital economy in Southeast Asia," said Koh Chen Tien, Cofounder &amp; Chairman of Vero AI. "This collaboration will bring together the best of both worlds – leading AI technology and top-tier educational resources, setting a new standard for innovation and entrepreneurship."

Prof Ho Chin Kuan, Vice Chancellor of APU, added, "This joint venture with Vero AI represents a significant step forward in our commitment to providing cutting-edge educational experiences that are directly tied to industry needs and future technological landscapes."

The partnership marks a pivotal moment for both institutions as they drive forward their shared vision for a thriving digital and entrepreneurial ecosystem in Malaysia and beyond.

The event was witnessed by Ravenna Chen and her team from TusStar Malaysia, further emphasizing the regional significance of this collaboration. TusStar Malaysia, a prominent startup incubator, expressed their enthusiasm for the joint venture and its potential to spur innovation across ASEAN Universities. They underscored the importance of such collaborations in building a robust and interconnected startup ecosystem.

In light of this momentous occasion, Vero AI and APU extend an open invitation to other regional universities to join this burgeoning ASEAN startup ecosystem. By bringing together educational institutions, industry leaders, and startup incubators, the partnership aims to create a dynamic and supportive environment for aspiring entrepreneurs. This collaborative approach will ensure that the ASEAN region remains at the forefront of technological innovation and digital transformation, driving economic growth and prosperity for all.

"We look forward to collaborating with other universities and stakeholders across the region," said Prof Ho Chin Kuan. "Together, we can create an unparalleled ecosystem that nurtures innovation, supports startups, and prepares the next generation of tech leaders."

As Vero AI, APU, and TusStar Malaysia embark on this exciting journey, they are committed to fostering a spirit of collaboration and innovation that will shape the future of the digital economy in Southeast Asia.

Local companies

Startups

SMEs

Vero AI Sdn. Bhd. and Asia Pacific University (APU) have announced a joint venture to enhance the startup ecosystem and foster innovation in the ASEAN region. This collaboration will integrate real-world industrial projects into APU's Enterprise Startup Ecosystem and deploy smart technologies across educational and industrial platforms. Vero AI, known for its advanced industrial IT resources, will work with APU to create a vibrant startup culture on campus.

The partnership aims to develop smart campus initiatives and support the digital transformation of the economy, providing substantial opportunities for entrepreneurs and tech innovators. The event, witnessed by TusStar Malaysia, emphasized the regional significance of this collaboration. Vero AI and APU also invited other regional universities to join the ASEAN startup ecosystem, aiming to build a robust and interconnected environment for aspiring entrepreneurs and ensure the region's leadership in technological innovation and economic growth.

Vero AI and Asia Pacific University Launch Pioneering MOU to Boost Startup Ecosystem

Crescendo is thrilled to
announce the resounding success of its recent Swan Lake performances at KLCC
Plenary Hall in Kuala Lumpur on 22 May 2024 and at The Theatre of Mediacorp in Singapore
on 24 &amp; 25 May 2024. As the organizer of these exclusive ballet shows,
Crescendo expresses heartfelt gratitude to all attendees and supporters for
their overwhelming response.

Both the Kuala Lumpur and
Singapore shows witnessed full houses with all 6,000 tickets sold out well in
advance, demonstrating the immense popularity and appreciation for classical
ballet in the region. Audiences were captivated by the exquisite performances
of our talented ballerinas, who delivered an enchanting rendition of Tchaikovsky’s
timeless masterpiece, Swan Lake.

"We are incredibly grateful
for the enthusiastic support from our audience," said Marco Rios, CEO of
Primuse Group. The sold-out performances across the three shows and the
positive feedback highlight the enduring appeal of Swan Lake for both ballet
enthusiasts and first-time viewers. These particular performances of Swan Lake
were magical moments, marked by the dedication of our exceptional performers
and the enthusiastic response from the audience.

Crescendo is committed to
continuing its tradition of bringing world-class ballet performances to
audiences across Asia. Plans are already underway for more exclusive ballet
shows in the near future, promising even more unforgettable cultural experiences.

Nikolas Tskhvitariia, Event
Manager of Crescendo, has committed to expanding Crescendo’s repertoire of
ballet shows to cater to audiences of diverse ages and backgrounds. 

For more information about
upcoming events and ticket availability, please visit <a href="https://www.crescendo.asia/">https://www.crescendo.asia/</a> or follow us on Instagram
@crescendo_asia.

Art Culture

Event

Crescendo is thrilled to announce the resounding success of its recent Swan Lake performances at KLCC Plenary Hall in Kuala Lumpur on May 22, 2024, and at The Theatre of Mediacorp in Singapore on May 24-25, 2024. As the organizer of these exclusive ballet shows, Crescendo expresses heartfelt gratitude to all attendees and supporters for their overwhelming response.

Crescendo Celebrates Success of Swan Lake Performances in Kuala Lumpur and Singapore, Announces Future Ballet Shows

Recently, a shocking incident occurred that resulted in the disruption of immigration services and various other public services. The disruption stemmed from a cyberattack carried out by Brain Cipher Ransomware.

The&nbsp;Pusat Data Nasional (PDN)&nbsp;was the main target of this attack since June 20. The cyberattack has crippled essential services like immigration services, leading to another impact on 210 instantiations. Although some services have been restored, the impact is still felt.

The&nbsp;Badan Siber dan Sandi Negara (BSSN)&nbsp;and related institutions immediately responded to this incident. Emergency measures were taken by sending an assistance team to the data center in Surabaya. The PDNS was built as an alternative because the main&nbsp;Pusat Data Nasional (PDN)&nbsp;is not yet completed.

The responsible party for this attack demanded a ransom of USD 8 million (approximately Rp 131 billion) to restore access to the system.

For context, PDN is managed by Telkom Group through Telkom Sigma. Telkom Indonesia’s Network &amp; IT Solution Director, Herlan Wijanarko, confirmed the ransom demand. However, the compensation process is still under evaluation.

In parallel with the recent events, the Brain Cipher Ransomware is an emerging threat actor currently focusing on organizational targets. The following analysis details the methods, indicators of compromise (IOCs), and tactics used by this ransomware group.

Brain Cipher Ransomware is delivered primarily through phishing campaigns. These campaigns often use deceptive emails to trick recipients into downloading and executing malicious files.

SHA1: 935c0b39837319fda571aa800b67d997b79c3198

- SHA256: eb82946fa0de261e92f8f60aa878c9fef9ebb34fdababa66995403b110118b12

- SSDEEP: 3072/5qUpfDT6zT73Ew8Ym9wV9JyknP7SAy

- IP Addresses: 199.232.214.172 (US), 224.0.0.252

- Web: http://mybmtbgd7aprdnw2ekxht5qap5daam2wch25coqerrq2zdioanob34ad.onion

- VirusTotal:<a href="https://www.virustotal.com/gui/file/eb82946fa0de261e92f8f60aa878c9fef9ebb34fdababa66995403b110118b12">VirusTotal Link</a>

- T1204.002: User Execution Malicious File

- T1555.003: Credentials from Web Browsers

The Brain Cipher Ransomware employs sophisticated techniques to infiltrate, propagate, and encrypt data within targeted networks. Its primary delivery method is through phishing emails, which often contain malicious attachments or links leading to malware downloads.

Once inside a network, the ransomware utilizes various tactics to escalate privileges, evade defenses, and gain access to sensitive information. For instance, it uses Windows Command Shell for execution and bypasses user account control for privilege escalation.

The ransomware's discovery tactics include querying the registry, discovering system information, and software discovery. These actions allow the ransomware to map out the infected environment and identify high-value targets for encryption.

Credential access is a significant aspect of Brain Cipher's methodology. It steals web session cookies, credentials from web browsers, and credentials stored in files, providing the attackers with the necessary information to further infiltrate the network or exfiltrate data.

Finally, the ransomware's impact tactic is data encryption, which renders the victim's data inaccessible until a ransom is paid. This tactic is effective in causing significant disruption to organizational operations, as seen in the recent attack on Indonesia's National Data Center.

To mitigate the threat posed by Brain Cipher Ransomware and similar attacks, organizations should adopt a multi-layered security approach. This includes:

- Email Security: Implementing robust email security solutions to detect and block phishing attempts.

- User Training: Regularly training employees to recognize and report phishing emails.

- Endpoint Security: Deploying advanced endpoint protection to detect and prevent malware execution.

- Network Segmentation: Segregating critical systems and data to limit the spread of ransomware.

- Backup Solutions: Maintaining regular backups of critical data and ensuring that backups are stored securely and offline.

- Incident Response Planning: Developing and regularly updating incident response plans to ensure a swift and effective response to ransomware attacks.

Enhancing Your Cybersecurity with Peris.ai

As cyber threats continue to evolve, it becomes increasingly important for organizations to stay ahead of potential attacks. Peris.ai offers advanced cybersecurity solutions designed to anticipate and defend against such threats. One such measure is&nbsp;<a href="https://www.peris.ai/product-services/ganesha/phisland">Peris.ai's Phisland</a>, a sophisticated phishing simulator designed to safeguard your digital frontier.

Phisland is a comprehensive phishing simulator that provides your organization with the tools to stay ahead of cyber threats. By simulating phishing attacks via email, websites, and WhatsApp, Phisland helps enhance your team's security awareness and overall cybersecurity posture.

Realistic Simulations: Phisland offers a suite of realistic phishing simulations that mimic real-world attacks. By tracking user interactions with these simulations, Phisland enables organizations to identify vulnerabilities and opportunities for improvement in real-time.

Enhance Security Awareness: Phisland stands out with its ability to analyze and interpret user responses intelligently. Through advanced algorithms and customizable analytics, Phisland distils vast amounts of data into actionable intelligence, helping organizations create targeted and effective strategies to enhance their security awareness and resilience against cyber threats.

Embrace Phisland to proactively strengthen your cybersecurity measures and protect your organization from potential phishing attacks.

The recent ransomware attack on Indonesia's National Data Center underscores the escalating threat of ransomware and the profound impact such incidents can have on public services. The emergence of threats like Brain Cipher Ransomware further emphasizes the necessity for robust cybersecurity measures to guard against evolving cyber threats.

Organizations must remain vigilant, continually updating their security practices and staying informed about the latest threat intelligence to effectively combat ransomware attacks.

For comprehensive solutions to enhance your cybersecurity posture and protect against these threats, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://www.peris.ai/">Peris.ai Cybersecurity</a>. Explore our wide range of products and services designed to keep your organization secure in an ever-changing digital landscape. Don't wait—safeguard your digital assets with Peris.ai today!

Peris.ai, a group of practitioners with professional experience in cybersecurity, revealed in more detail about the Cipher Brain ransomware that has attacked the Temporary National Data Center since last June 20.

Peris.ai Analysis: Brain Cipher Ransomware Attack on Indonesia’s National Data Center

The award ceremony was presented by Dato Seri Dr. Micheal Tio, CEO of Malaysia Book of Records, and was witnessed by MAG’s top dealers and staff, whose hard work had collectively contributed to the achievement.

In his address, the CEO of MAG, Jimmy Low emphasized the values of dedication, innovation, and relentless pursuit of excellence that underpin the company's success. He expressed gratitude to the entire MAG team and dedicated dealers, whose unwavering commitment and tireless efforts contributed to the record-breaking feat.

Low also highlighted the significance of the achievement beyond mere numbers, emphasizing its real-world impact on enhancing safety and security for end-users. He credited the collective efforts of the team and the trust bestowed upon MAG by its customers for this remarkable milestone.

Acknowledging the challenges posed by the pandemic 3 years ago, MAG successfully navigated through this difficult period without sacrificing performance, and even rewarded its team members with bonuses. Low expressed confidence in the team's ability to build upon this success to further grow and strengthen its presence in 13 countries including Philippines, Indonesia and Australia. MAG is looking to expand its international market presence this year, leveraging the weak ringgit for an advantage.

MAG's vision extends beyond this accolade, with aspirations to become a leading security and automation solution provider in Southeast Asia. With a comprehensive range of software and hardware products, MAG is uniquely positioned to deliver secure and seamless building experiences, ensuring peace of mind for customers.

For more information about MAG and its range of security and automation solutions, please visit mag.com.my.

Hardware / Electronics / Peripherals

Magnet Security & Automation Sdn Bhd (MAG), a leading provider of security and automation solutions, celebrated a historic milestone today as they were officially recognized by the Malaysia Book of Records for selling the Most Barrier Gates in a Year. 



MAG BREAKING BARRIERS TO RECEIVE MALAYSIA BOOK OF RECORDS FOR MOST BARRIER GATES SOLD IN A YEAR

In the world of sports, top-notch performance is the ultimate goal for professional athletes. When athletes engage in intense exercise, it can lead to the production of something called reactive oxygen species (ROS), which can throw off the body's natural balance and create oxidative stress. This increased ROS can damage cell membranes and mess with cellular mitochondria, which in turn can make athletes feel more tired and perform less effectively.

Because of this, many athletes are turning to certain substances to help their bodies counteract these effects. These substances can boost the body's antioxidant defenses and improve both aerobic (oxygen-based) and anaerobic (without oxygen) metabolism. Ultimately, this helps athletes perform better overall. One of the latest trends gaining attention among athletes worldwide is something called hydrogen water.

Hydrogen is a powerful antioxidant because it can quickly enter our body's tissues and cells. What sets it apart from many other antioxidant supplements is its ability to easily get through the protective barriers of our cells and reach important places like the mitochondria and the nucleus. There are different ways to get hydrogen into our body, like inhaling hydrogen gas or drinking hydrogen-infused water. However, the easiest and safest way is to simply drink hydrogen water.

How Does Hydrogen Water Benefit Athletes?

1.&nbsp;Improved Exercise Performance

Hydrogen water has positive improvements in endurance, strength and athletic performance.

~ Dr. Rafael Timon from Universidad de Extremadura, Spain~

Rafael Timón and his team conducted an experiment to see how drinking hydrogen water for a week affects people's physical performance. They tested both trained athletes and people who weren't as used to exercise. The participants drank hydrogen water every day during the study, and the researchers looked at things like how long they could keep going, how strong they were, and how well they performed in sports.

What they found was that drinking hydrogen water had a positive impact on physical performance for both groups. It seemed to improve things like endurance, strength, and overall athletic abilities. This could be because hydrogen water has antioxidants that help reduce stress and inflammation in the body. So, it suggests that even just drinking hydrogen water for a short time could be good for your physical performance.

2.&nbsp;Improved Recovery Time

Hydrogen water enhances an athlete’s power output during exercise and improves heart rate recovery.

~ Gengxin Dong from Beijing Sport University, Beijing, China~

For athletes, recovering well is super important because it affects how they perform and helps prevent injuries. In a small study led by Gengxin Dong and his team, they checked how drinking hydrogen water for a short time affected the performance and recovery of dragon boat athletes. What they found was that drinking hydrogen water made these athletes more powerful during their workouts and helped their hearts recover faster after exercise. This might be because hydrogen water has antioxidants that reduce stress in the body and make recovery quicker. So, it suggests that hydrogen water could be a helpful thing for these athletes.