LinkedIn crosses 50-million member mark in Asia Pacific

Top industries represented include IT & Services, Banking & Financial Services and Telecommunications Tech companies most followed by members in the region

Kuala Lumpur, MALAYSIA — 12 February 2014 — LinkedIn, the world’s largest online professional network with over 277 million members globally, today announced that it has crossed 50 million members in the Asia Pacific region.  Nine countries in the region now have over 1 million members - India (24+ million), Australia (5+ million), China (4+ million), Indonesia and the Philippines (2+ million each), Japan, Singapore, Malaysia, and New Zealand (1+ million each).

This 50-million member milestone represents nearly a tripling of LinkedIn’s member base in the region from May 2011, when it opened its regional centre in Singapore. In 2013, LinkedIn welcomed more than 7 million new members in India, while 2 million joined the network in Australia and New Zealand. In Southeast Asia, the number of members jumped more than 50 percent to exceed 9 million.

“The strong growth we are seeing in our member base is a great encouragement for us.  We still have much to do in terms of connecting all professionals around the world. Accordingly, we are looking to introduce more features to deliver even more value to our members and customers,” commented Hari Krishnan, MD of LinkedIn Asia Pacific and Japan.

Since 2011, LinkedIn has also added six Asian languages to its offerings to offer a more localised experience for members in these markets.  It also introduced several Asia-based influencers to enrich the professional knowledge on its platform, including top executives such as Tony Fernandes (Group CEO, AirAsia), David Thodey (CEO & Executive Director, Telstra), Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw (Chairman &  Managing Director, Biocon) and Nobuyuki Idei (Founder & CEO, Quantum Leaps, and Former Chairman & CEO, Sony).

As its member base continues to grow, LinkedIn was also able to help clients across the region reach out and engage with a broader audience.  These clients include Standard Chartered Bank, AirAsia, SingPost, Lenovo, University of Queensland and Van Heusen.

“Asia is a growth story. As the region increasingly consolidates its position as a key driver of the global economy, our aim is to help professionals and businesses in Asia become even more successful at what they do. Whether it’s expanding professional connections, tapping critical talent or marketing and selling to this influential audience, we’re excited to be able to help connect the dots and create economic opportunities for everyone,” Mr. Krishnan continued.

Some facts about LinkedIn’s 50 million members in Asia Pacific:

Top five companies followed   IBM Hewlett-Packard Accenture Google Tata Consultancy Services
In Singapore Google Standard Chartered Bank Hewlett-Packard Apple Shell   In Malaysia Shell Petronas AirAsia Schlumberger ExxonMobil	In Australia Google Rio Tinto Telstra Commonwealth Bank National Australia Bank   In New Zealand Air New Zealand Fonterra The University of Auckland Telecom New Zealand ANZ	In India Tata Consultancy Services IBM Accenture Hewlett-Packard Infosys In Indonesia Chevron Unilever BP TOTAL Shell	In Hong Kong HSBC Google Cathay Pacific Airways Standard Chartered Bank Apple   In Japan Google IBM DeNA Apple Microsoft

TM AND PETRONAS LEADERSHIP CENTRE COLLABORATE TO EXCHANGE KNOWLEDGE AND RESOURCES IN EMPOWERING ITS WORKFORCE

In strong support towards continuous human capital development, Telekom Malaysia Berhad (TM) today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with PETRONAS Management Training Sdn Bhd through PETRONAS Leadership Centre (PLC) for the exchange of knowledge and resources between both organisations.

Mohd Khalis Abdul Rahim, Chief Human Capital Officer, TM signed the agreement on behalf of TM while PLC was represented by Haji Yasir Abdul Rahman, Chief Executive Officer, Petronas Management Training Sdn Bhd. Dato’ Sri Dr. Halim Shafie, Chairman, TM and Md Arif Mahmood, Vice President, Corporate Strategic Planning of PETRONAS were also present to witness the momentous ceremony.

(From left to right:) Ariffin Rahmat, Head, Core Leadership Development, PETRONAS Management Training Sdn Bhd, Haji Yasir Abdul Rahman, Chief Executive Officer, PETRONAS Management Training Sdn Bhd, Md Arif Mahmood, Vice President, Corporate Strategic Planning of PETRONAS, Dato’ Sri Dr Halim Shafie, Chairman, TM,  Mohd Khalis Abdul Rahim, Chief Human Capital Officer, TM and Dr Zainal Abu Zarim, Vice President, Group Human Capital Management, TM at the recent Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signing with PETRONAS Management Training Sdn Bhd for the exchange of knowledge and resources between both organisations.


Leveraging on the unique strengths of both organisations, the collaboration will enable TM and PLC to jointly conduct mutually beneficial learning and development activities as well as other related areas which include:

a. the provisioning of specific learning programmes and solutions;

b. consultancy services in the design and development of learning intervention materials, programme evaluation, competency modeling, surveys and other learning and development works;

c. sharing of learning and training resources such as speakers, trainers, facilitators, experts and consultants as well facilities such as training venues;

d. organising joint learning and development activities such as learning programmes, seminars, workshops and human resource conferences.

Commenting on the collaboration, Dato’ Sri Dr Halim said, “TM has always placed a high level of commitment towards our human capital development and in providing our 27,000 strong workforce a workplace that fosters personal and professional development. As key assets, employees’ competencies are crucial in ensuring that TM remains competitive. In our effort to support employee career development, TM is always looking for new and different approaches to empower our staff. We provide various training programmes based on specific behavioural and functional competencies modules. TM is glad that today we are entering into this collaboration with Petronas Leadership Centre for joint human capital development initiatives and we believe that this will mutually benefit us in gaining world-class knowledge and resources in producing highly skilled and capable employees.”

“We are also happy to note that this collaboration sees the co-operation between two major GLCs which portrays our support of the Government’s aspirations of producing highly-skilled nation while at the same time further strengthening the relationship between GLCs,” added Dato’ Sri Dr. Halim.

In sharing his thoughts about the collaboration, Md Arif Mahmood said, "PETRONAS leaders have been developed internally. Over the years we have been able to provide the right development content and create opportunities for our people to develop as they progress through the leadership pipeline. Their transition from one leadership position to another is carefully managed, supported by appropriate learning interventions. This is without doubt the formula that brings PETRONAS from just managing the country's natural resources to become a renowned global company."

”To accelerate our learning curve, we have always believed in collaborations that support human capital development. As such over the years we have grown significantly through a learning and sharing process, by collaborating with like-minded strategic partners. These collaborations have enabled us to develop our people as high-performing, global professionals in the oil and gas industry," he added.

PLC has expanded its market to enable both Oil & Gas and Non-Oil & Gas players to have access to its leadership development programmes. The collaboration with TM through capacity building, life-long learning and training initiatives will be the catalyst in the strengthening of human capital development for both TM and PLC. This will not only improve the performance and productivity of the employees of both organisations, but will also prepare the workforce to step up its competency and embrace a high-performing work culture.

For further information on TM, visit www.tm.com.my. For further information on PLC, visit www.petronasleadershipcentre.com.my.

PETRONAS UNVEILS MOBILE APPLICATION AT COFFEE BREAK CAMPAIGN

Company to drive road safety message during Chinese New Year ‘Balik Kampung’ exodus

Kuala Lumpur, 16 January 2012 – PETRONAS Dagangan Berhad (PDB) today unveiled its latest innovation, the PETRONAS Pitstop application for iPhone users during the launch of the 2012 PETRONAS Coffee Break Campaign. The Campaign is aimed at educating, equipping and encouraging drivers to adopt road safety measures during the Chinese New Year ‘balik kampung’ exodus.

In addition to offering practical road safety tips, complimentary beverages and snacks at 32 participating PETRONAS Service Stations nationwide, this year’s Coffee Break Campaign also offers the convenience of locating these stations at the fingertips of the customers via PETRONAS Pitstop. The PETRONAS Pitstop mobile application, which is downloadable free of charge, enables users to monitor fuelling expenses, check Mesra membership points, receive updates on ongoing promotions and connect to PDB’s Mesralink customer service. Plans are underway to expand the application to the Android platform.The PETRONAS Pitstop Iphone Application brings fuelling convenience to customers' fingertips.

At the event, Amir Hamzah bin Azizan, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of PDB said, “I am very pleased to introduce the PETRONAS Pitstop as it marks PDB’s commitment to continuous improvement for our valued customers. The incorporation of the latest technology as a platform to enrich our customers’ experience is one of the many exciting innovations we will be rolling out in the year ahead.”

“As PDB continues to drive the Coffee Break Campaign for the 13th consecutive year in support of the Ministry of Transport’s effort to curb road accidents, we want to offer our valued customers creative channels to remain connected with PETRONAS,” he added.
The PETRONAS Pitstop Iphone Application brings fuelling convenience to customers' fingertips.

The Coffee Break Campaign will kick-start with the first phase between 20 and 22 January while, the second phase resumes post Chinese New Year between 26 and 29 January, in all the 32 selected PETRONAS Service Stations.

Apart from the introduction of PETRONAS Pitstop this year, motorists can expect servings of aromatic Old Town Coffee and refreshing Tropicana Twister fruit beverages as well as Julie’s Love Letters tasty snacks and Oriental Food’s Green Pea Snacks. In addition to the refreshments, the Campaign will also offer additional activities including free fifteen-point vehicle inspections by its partner, Perusahaan Otomobil Kedua Sdn Bhd (PERODUA) at 3 of its participating stations.
The PETRONAS Pitstop Iphone Application brings fuelling convenience to customers' fingertips.

“The Coffee Break Campaign is also a way for us to show our commitment in keeping our customers’ best interest at heart. By providing the necessary safety measures, all under the roof of our PETRONAS Service Station, coupled with the PETRONAS Pitstop application, we sincerely wish our customers’ journey will be made safer and more pleasurable,” said Amir.

“We will keep up this commitment to enrich our customers’ experience in the year ahead as we go ‘All The Way’ to ensure they continue to select PETRONAS as the Brand of 1st Choice,” he added.

PDB again ropesin PETROSAINS to deploy its PETRONAS StreetSmart team to share road safety tips through a series of fun-filled road safety interactive games that will involve motorists and their families as well.

For further information on the PETRONAS Coffee Break Campaign and details of the participating PETRONAS Service Stations, download the free PETRONAS Pitstop application via App Store.

GE signs Memorandum of Collaboration with Tune Hotels for sustainable development globally

General Electric (GE), a global innovative, high-tech infrastructure and financial services company, and Tune Hotels, the pioneering value hotel brand, sign an agreement to explore collaborative opportunities

KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA – September 9, 2011 – General Electric International Inc (NYSE:GE) and Tune Hotels, the pioneering value hotel chain under Tune Group, signed a Memorandum of Collaboration (MoC) today to explore opportunities on sustainable developments. The MoC was signed by Chief Executive Officer of GE ASEAN, Stuart Dean, and Group Chief Executive Officer of Tune Hotels, Mark Lankester, to identify opportunities for collaboration with the aim of achieving cost savings and energy efficiency in Tune Hotel’s operations globally.
From left: Chief Executive Officer for Asia, GE Lighting - Mohamed Butt; Chief Executive Officer of GE ASEAN - Stuart Dean; Minister of Energy, Green Technology and Water Dato’ Sri Peter Chin; Group Chief Executive Officer of Tune Hotels - Mark Lankester; and Chief Financial Officer of Tune Hotels - Mitul Lakhani.

The signing was witnessed by Dato’ Sri Peter Chin, Minister of Energy, Green Technology and Water, with Mohamed Butt, Chief Executive Officer for Asia, GE Lighting and Mitul Lakhani, Chief Financial Officer of Tune Hotels also present at the ceremony.

Stuart Dean expressed GE’s commitment to working with local partners to develop environmentally driven business strategies that will help drive Malaysia towards becoming a high income nation.

“Our partnership with Tune Hotels demonstrates GE's commitment to accelerate the development and deployment of innovative technologies through open collaboration. Using our ecomagination & GE Sustainable Cities approach, we have been building sustainable developments certified by various Green Building Certification programs in multiple jurisdictions across the globe, powered by our new technologies and solutions. We hope to contribute and share our expertise across the spectrum of products and services we offer and work with Tune Hotels to achieve the desired impact for its operations,” he said.

“This collaboration is a testament of GE’s commitment to support the Malaysian Government’s aspirations to promote efficient green solutions,” he added.

Under the agreement, GE’s role will be to assist Tune Hotels in reviewing, planning and designing properties by contributing its knowledge and expertise in the areas of low-cost operational modeling, sustainable development, cost-saving infrastructure, energy efficiency and green technology. The collaboration will also help Tune Hotels work towards achieving relevant eco-building certifications such as with Malaysia’s Green Building Index, the Singapore Building and Construction Authority’s BCA Green Mark and the US Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design rating system.

The agreement will also explore the development and implementation of sustainable energy solutions within Tune Hotels’ operations and allow them to leverage GE’s ecomagination™ line of products and cutting-edge technologies in creating environmental solutions for both their existing and upcoming projects.

GE has previously announced collaborative agreements with local partners in Malaysia including top public and private companies from a diverse range of industries. Some more notable partnerships include NAZA, PETRONAS, TNB, Malaysia Airlines, AirAsia, and Sapura.

Tune Hotels’ Group CEO Mark Lankester said: “Tune Hotels has been in consistent pursuit of green technologies and eco-friendly approaches to ramp up our service and business efficiency. Having pioneered the pay-as-you-use concept that has gained huge popularity amongst travellers and holidaymakers from across the world, we are proud to be working with GE on exploring environmentally driven business strategies. This will not only benefit our business but more importantly our guests who can look forward to enjoying further savings and convenience.”

Tune Hotels, which is part of the lifestyle conglomerate Tune Group currently has 13 hotels in its global network. Its 10th Malaysian hotel is opening in Kulim, Kedah later this month, on top of 2 hotels in Bali, Indonesia and one in London, England. More Tune Hotels are scheduled for opening in Thailand, the Philippines, Indonesia, the UK, India and Malaysia from Q4 this year through 2012.

Known for innovation and technological exploit, Tune Hotels was recently named among Top 20 Most Innovative Brands in Indonesia by MIX magazine, the country’s leading marketing communication publication. Standing at number nine, Tune Hotels was the only hotel brand on the list. Tune Hotel Westminster in London was awarded a Certificate of Excellence by the world’s largest travel website TripAdvisor, as a “result of consistently great feedback” from the hotel guests while the guide portal About.com ranked Tune Hotel Westminster at No 1 among Top 10 Cheap London Hotels.

Tune Hotels is part of the lifestyle business conglomerate Tune Group that was founded by Tan Sri Tony Fernandes and Dato’ Kamarudin Meranun. Tune Group seeks to innovate and revolutionize the way services are made available and has employed efficient web-based technologies to reach and engage its customers, presenting a unique lifestyle offering ranging from value hotel stays, personal finance solutions and affordable prepaid mobile services. Tune Group of Companies are Tune Air, Tune Hotels, Tune Money, Tune Talk, Tune Box, Tune Studios, Tune Tones, Team Lotus, ASEAN Basketball League, Queens Park Rangers Football Club (QPR) and Kuala Lumpur Education City (owner of Epsom College in Malaysia).