Following is the 20 most popular Malaysia-based websites, accessed from within the country, according to the Alexa rank.

Alexa rank is a statistical tools provided by Alexa Internet Inc., a subsidiary of popular online bookstore, Amazon.com, which provides web traffic information to users. The data changes on daily basis.

While the accuracy of Alexa’s statistics has always been somewhat of a debate due to discrepancies of its data, many people still continue to use Alexa statistics as benchmark or yardstick, especially when making relative comparison between different websites. The company introduced a so-called New Alexa Ranking System on April 2008, which takes into account more data sources and improve its ranking methodology.

The ranking is based on statistics as of 19 June 2008.

1. Maybank2u

Maybank is presently the largest and most profitable bank in the country, with the company recently starting to expand its wing overseas, under the leadership of the new CEO, Datuk Wahid Omar. It became the first bank in Malaysia to introduce online banking portal, Maybank2u in June 2000 which today is also the largest bill payment portal.

2. Lowyat

Founded in 2002, Lowyat.Net has grown at unprecedented rate and today has become the largest and most popular discussion board in Malaysia. Users and forumers can also sell, buy and bid items in the portal as well as getting themselves acquainted with the latest news on technology, gadgets and reviews. There are myriads of topics available in the forum that encompass technology, career, gossip, trading and coffee-talk.

3. The Star Online

The most popular online news in the country, with the hard copy news having one of the largest circulations around. The online news was launched more than 10 years ago in 1995 and to date has undergone 3 major rounds of redesigning as to accommodate better user experience and added functionality. The Star Online is an online news with one of the fastest updates in the country.

4. Cari

Cari is the first and most successful homegrown search engine, with most of the pages and sections today are maintained by Malaysians. It was originally established to provide a search engine platform for Malaysians and now has grown to provide services for users in other countries too. Cari also has one of the country’s most popular forum boards.

5. MalaysiaKini

MalaysiaKini was established a year after the 1999 political turmoil to spearhead the fighting cause for natural and independent news and voice. It remains independent until today and is considered the country’s most credible news source. In the 2008 General Election the website broke down crashing after more than 1 million visitors flocked the portal on the midnight for the election result.

6. Utusan Malaysia

Two years after The Star introduced its online news version, Utusan, which started in Singapore way back in the 30s, followed suit with the launching of its interactive portal, Utusan Online. Today Utusan Online is the country’s most visited Malay news source.

7. JobStreet

The country’s most popular job portal. JobStreet is not only popular in Malaysia but is already making wave in other countries including Philippines, Indonesia, Singapore, India and Bangladesh. JobStreet is the first job and recruitment company in the country to go public listing.

8. Berita Harian

Berita Harian was born on the same year the country achieved its independence, 1957. Its hardcopy version has a circulation of more than 200,000, and more than a million daily readerships. The news is published in 5 different editions, catering for different market regions and segments.

9. Lelong

Established in 1998, Lelong today is a household name for many and prides itself as a successful and one of the biggest online auction sites in the country. You can bid and get computers, hand phones, cars, antique goods, jewellery, software and all of other stuff in the portal at surprisingly good deals.

10. Malaysia Today

One of the most daring political blogs, Malaysia Today grew by leaps and bounds, and was also made famous with its controversial revelations, one after another. The editor, the famous Raja Petra Kamaruddin or RPK will not stop short of baring it all, even that means he had to be thrown into jail.

11. Harian Metro

Where tabloid news is mentioned, often, Harian Metro will come into mind. The newspaper was established in 1991 and holds reputation with its frequent ability to reveal news and happenings which often caught the public interest and eyes. The hardcopy news is circulated in the afternoon.

12. Harakah Daily

Harakah Daily is a political website that belongs to and is run by the Parti Islam Se-Malaysia, PAS. It is backed by a number of smart webmasters and IT experts who have been working hard to prevent outside activities that expose the website to security loopholes. Updated on frequent basis.

13. Air Asia

To get cheap tickets, where else you go? That’s right. It’s Air Asia. The portal, which provides online ticketing platform, has not been providing the best of user experience the team behind it is working hard to improve it from time to time. The company is also now wary of its rival, Malaysia Airlines who has been quietly catching up, especially after their cheap ticket offerings in the recent run.

14. Mudah

One of the newcomers in the online classified industry. Established in 2007, the company has undergone a meteorite rise due to its aggressive paid marketing online and offline. Users can post and view goods and properties according to the location which makes it somewhat convenient. The business model used by Mudah website still remains a mystery to many as the portal does not charge commission to users.

15. CIMB Clicks

The second most popular online banking after Maybank2u. As one of the fastest growing banks, driven by recent mergers and acquisition, it is only natural for its online users to grow. It won’t be much of a surprise if CIMB Clicks sits at the top of the ranking one day, eclipsing its close rival Maybank.

16. Maxis

Maxis is an interactive portal that provides general information, online billing features, shopping and customer service platform to its customers. Users can view and pay their bills online through Maxis portal, as well as edit their account and personal information, at the convenient of their fingertips.

17. TV3

Another interactive website with full of entertainment news, discussion boards, gossips, TV guide, and all the related sources you will need. Special privileges will also await for those who become their members. Visitors can also watch previews as well as a number of past TV3 programs online. A graphic-intense website.

18. Golden Screen Cinema (GSC)

The days have gone where you join that long queue to get your cinema tickets. Today, you can book your movie tickets online, and pick them up at the cinema’s door before its showing. You can also get to know which hot movies are coming to town, check show times, and download some cool stuffs.

19. Chedet

Chedet.com belongs to no other than the former Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad and in the process of breaking into the rank, it becomes one of the only 2 blogs (the other being Malaysia Today) to make it to the top 20. Another remarkable fact is that the blog was less than 2 months old and with the current growth rate, it will continue to rise to the top rank faster than people can imagine.

20. Malaysia Airlines

Malaysia Airlines is the country’s national airlines whose popularity has been eclipsed by Air Asia in the recent years. The airline is in the come back mode to achieve profitability and restore order, and the appointment of Idris Jala as the Managing Director a few years back is starting to bear fruit.

1. Mobile car wash

If you’re living outside of the campus, chances are you’re staying in or close to a densely populated area, with many of them working full time. These people are busy with their daily job and routine that some of the not-so desired tasks such as car washing are not on their priority list. There is this portable machine that can produce high-pressured water stream which will be ideal for your small car washing business. Get one.

2. Fast food & delivery

You are no Jamie Oliver or Martha Steward but food does not have too be too complicated especially your target market is the fellow students in campus. You can make do with self-made burgers, hot dogs, or even food you don’t have to cook such as crackers and cookies. Be mobile and market your food around the hostel or their apartments. Just like Ross Geller in the Friends sitcom, your name will quickly gain popularity and you may end up with a new nick name, “Cookie Dude”.

3. Text book agents/seller/rental

Being a student, every purchase should be economic. And that includes (or especially) the text books. In fact, in certain college, selling text books to juniors has become somewhat of a tradition, probably due to discovery that new text books don’t make you any cleverer. You can either sell your own books, or become and agent to your classmate who can’t be bothered with a selling job (since the father just won a lottery last week). Negotiate for a handsome commission structure.

4. Typing

Since you are blessed with that ultra ability in churning 150 words per minute with your laptop, don’t let it go for waste. Raise the eye browse of your prospective clients by showcasing your skills live to them. Just in case you don’t know, more than half of the students still feel awkward when it comes to typing. You will get your first customer pretty soon, and before you realize it, the queue is long, waiting for their turn.

5. Translation service

Translation is one of the best services you can offer not only to fellow students, but also to your tutors, lecturers or even small companies. There are too many things to be translated out there that there is a shortage for good translators. It’s time to raise your sleeves and show them the real daddy. Text books, novels, movies, websites, brochures are just some examples of materials your work on for your translation service.

6. Research assistant

While your Professor Jones seems happy with only has only 3 classes to teach every week, behind the scene there are truck loads of research work, assignments, papers and publications to be completed, and he is running out of time. It’s time to approach him and ask politely if you can be one of his research assistants. Who knows with your powerful research skills you help him for a new, breakthrough discovery and perhaps won him a Nobel prize.

7. Home tutor

One of the most convenient, yet lucrative part time jobs. Home tutoring is also a convenient way for the parents in their quest to upgrade their children’s education. The fact that they do not have to commute in sending their children away making the arrangement much more appealing. Because you go to their place and not the other way round, you get to charge a higher rate.

8. Tourist Guide

If your college is not very far away from historical places and tourist attractions such as Pluto, Guantanamo Bay or the Bermuda Triangle, here is another chance for you to make money. Familiar yourself with the places, and when you’re ready, begin your world domination by offering guide services to local and foreign tourists. The fact that your roommate is a webmaster and an SEO specialist will allow you to produce cool websites that will attract even more foreigners.

9. Design service

Pretty, attractive and cool logos, banners, websites and animation are very much sought after, and especially if it comes with attractive price. Who else can offer best if it is not a student? Yes, that’s you. You can still live with it since you’re not buying a condo by the beach soon. Since you’re living in moderate means, you will be surprised at how much you accumulate in a short space of period. Try it.

10. Baby sitting

Probably more suitable for girl students. Show your love and tender care for kids by spending your days pampering and spoiling them. Don’t worry, spoilt children are blamed on parents not the baby sitter. It is also time to learn more about the bigger responsibilities in life and raising kids is one of them. You will appreciate life more. You’re not gonna stay single for too long aren’t you?

The Nielsen Company is a global media and information company and holds reputation to providing quality marketing information, media research, online intelligence, mobile measurements, business publication and international trade shows.

The company was formed more than 40 years ago after two Dutch publishing companies merged in 1964 and today operates in more than 100 countries worldwide, with its headquarters located in Haarlem, Netherlands and New York, United States. Nielsen has total employees of 42,000.

Nielsen’s Malaysia operation is based in Petaling Jaya, Selangor.

The Nielsen Graduate Induction Program is a program designed exclusively for fresh graduates with passion in market research and intelligence. Ideally, these graduates would be Degree holders in the field of Business, Marketing, Economics or Communications. The application is open and short listing process is underway, where successful applicants will be joining the next intake on 1 August 2008.

The main objective of the Induction Program is to absorb young and aspiring executives to the team, and nurture them to become future leaders in the company. Running for 3 months, it is also designed to expose the participants and develop all-round, multi-skilled workforce. And upon the completion of the program, the incumbent will be placed in designated business unit in Nielsen, assuming the assigned roles, responsibilities and position.

Under the guidance of a manager or a team leader, the graduates will be attached with Quantitative and Retail Measurement functions. The detail responsibilities are as per explained below:

Quantitative

• Assist in proposal writing including obtaining background information and understanding of client’s business and marketing issues
• Develop questionnaires with client’s objectives in mind
• Coordinate fieldwork setup including preparation of stimulus materials, determining control variables and conducting fieldwork briefing
• Prepare tabulation plan for data analysis and developing of code frames
• Assist in setting up of presentation templates
• Data analysis and report writing
• Maintain and develop existing client relationship

Retail Measurement

• Drive client satisfaction by providing insights and actionable recommendations during client presentations that improve their profitability and market growth
• Develop client relationships through understanding their business and marketing/branding requirements
• Service and develop client relationships in the FMCG industry
• Ensure that the data provided to clients are timely and in accordance to clients’ business and marketing requirements

Throughout the program, the graduates will also be entitled for remuneration package which will commensurate with the qualification and experience.

To apply for Nielsen Graduate Induction Program, submit a detailed resume to: Human Resources Department, The Nielsen Company (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd, 20/F Menara MBPJ, Jalan Tengah, 46200 Petaling Jaya, Selangor. Closing date is 2 July 2008. Alternatively, interested candidates can also apply online through JobStreet.com (click here to apply online).

Mydin is a household name in wholesale market and today one of the largest supermarket chains in the country.

The company started with a humble beginning way before the independence of Malaya when a hawker by the name of Mydin Mohamed started a small business in Penang selling merchandise and toys to customers in the nearby area.

Sensing an opportunity in the eastern coast due to inflow of goods from the neighbouring country Thailand, Mydin moved to Kelantan on the year the country achieved its independence, 1957, to set up his very first shop. While the business was steadily growing, there was little to be proud of as Mydin was only able to operate and maintain one outlet.

That, however changed after 20 years when his eldest son, Murad, jumped on board and opened up their second outlet in Kuala Terengganu. A number of Mydin’s family members also came for help. And after another 10 years passing by, their 3rd branch was opened in the crowded Jalan Masjid India, Kuala Lumpur, and was joined by an investor and a businessman, Dato’ Ameer Ali.

The move started to prove revolutionary as Mydin began its charge in conquering the country’s wholesale market. Mydin was quickly gaining popularity mainly due to its ability to offer goods at very reasonable prices. People from all walks of life began to make Mydin their supermarket of choice. But Mydin, the owner did not want to stop there. He knew he wanted to achieve more, and he knew his company can make it.

From merely a sole proprietorship, a limited liability corporation, Mydin Mohamed Holdings Sdn Bhd was set up and Mydin himself was appointed Chairman. Dato’ Ameer, on the other hand, took helm as the Managing Director. The running of the company was spearheaded by 4 of Mydin’s sons. Their stores continue to offer a wide range of products to the customers ranging from Muslim equipment, electronic goods, travel, appliances, toiletries, toys, watches, perfumes, costume jewelleries, bags, stationery, shoes, kitchenware and so on, at very reasonable prices. For many, Mydin is just the perfect place for economic purchase.

From just 3 outlets, Mydin grew at unprecedented pace and the company today prides themselves with having more than 40 outlets operating nationwide.

The mushrooming of foreign wholesale hypermarkets such as Tesco, Carrefour and Giant, which began to infiltrate the local market left Mydin unfazed. They instead continue to flourish.

At the peak of its achievement, Mydin opened up its biggest store in the country in Kuala Terengganu in January 2007 which has changed the landscape and the life style of the town folks.

The hypermarket is equipped with 24-hour restaurant, huge parking area, as well as around the clock wireless internet facility. In the same year Mydin’s Managing Director, Dato’ Ameer was accorded with the Malaysia’s Master Entrepreneur of The Year award.

(Image: wahdi.blogspot.com)