More than a million Malaysians registered with the Central Database Hub (Padu) in the first week that online access was made available to allow updates of latest information from Jan 2 to March 31, 2024. The exercise forms part of Putrajaya’s efforts to minimise exclusion and inclusion errors in delivering cash aid and social assistance. According to Economy Minister Rafizi Ramli, the plan is to use household data, rather than just individual information, to better retarget subsidies in the second half of 2024. Here is an overview of what constitutes a household, according to data from the Department of Statistics Malaysia, and an example of how Padu can help better deliver aid to households that need more assistance.

What constitutes a household and why it matters under Padu

New research from Coda, the global leader in content monetisation solutions for gaming and digital publishers, and Niko Partners, the leading provider of market intelligence on the video game industry, looks into the evolving landscape of the gaming industry, and the opportunities in digital distribution and monetisation strategies for mobile game publishers. The white paper, titled ‘Access for All: Expanding Opportunities for Players and Publishers Worldwide’, highlights the fragmented payments landscape, differing market dynamics and the solutions that games publishers should consider to maximise returns by leveraging alternative monetisation strategies.

Taking a deep dive into game monetisation

In 2022, there were hardly any sustainability conferences that did not touch on the importance of including small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in the low-carbon transition. Many tools targeted at SMEs — for whom ESG reporting is not mandatory currently – were offered, with the goal of getting them started on the journey.

ESG resources for SMEs

Malaysia held its first auction of carbon credits this year via the Bursa Carbon Exchange (BCX), which is run by Bursa Malaysia Bhd. The regulator also introduced the Voluntary Carbon Market Handbook in October as a guide for those who are interested in becoming a carbon market project developer.

What is the voluntary carbon market?

Aiming to achieve net carbon zero by 2050, the government is stepping up its efforts to enhance electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure and encourage green adoption through increased investments and implementing preferential policies for EV manufacturers such as Tesla to set up shop in Malaysia. Just how far have the policies gone?

How far is Malaysia on its EV journey?

A major development that public-listed companies and professional investors should pay attention to this year is the launch of global sustainability reporting standards by the International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB).