DESTINI Annual Report 2020

In response to these challenges, the Government took immediate action to revive the economies with financial relief measures which provided financial assistance to households and businesses as well as a blanket moratorium on the repayment of bank loans. Heightened volatility and uncertainties in most business environments saw the emergence of new ways of working as businesses and individuals adapted to the realities imposed by the pandemic. New technologies were embraced to overcome restrictions of basic physical distancing guidelines and other standard operating procedures (“SOP”) aimed at reducing the infection rate of the virus. The year saw the greatest adoption of digital communication in which Destini had embraced with its first Virtual Annual General Meeting with its shareholders who were able to successfully exercise their rights. Like many businesses, Destini was not spared operationally and financially by the impact of the pandemic. Many strategies were planned out and executed to ensure that the Group remains sustainably operational throughout the year. The Group also took on numerous precautionary measures to alleviate the impact of the pandemic financially and non- financially. Precautionary measures were taken to safeguard our operations and employees which starts with a screening process when entering office premises. The Group had also made the decision to primarily work from home during the first half of the year to secure continuity of critical functions while preserving the health and safety of employees. In addition to that, Destini contributed to the well-being of the nation through the donation of personal protective equipment which addressed the supply shortage in the country at that time. Facial masks and hand sanitizers were donated to the pandemic defence line who were tasked to keep the movement restrictions in order. The Group had also donated facial masks and hand sanitizers to school children at rural areas who were in need of this current basic necessity. Further details of Destini’s operations during the year and it’s plans for the future will be discussed in the Management Discussion and Analysis of this Annual Report on page 34 to 41. Meanwhile, as the global containment of the COVID-19 pandemic is still uneven and fragile, it remains to see how key economic indicators will continue to be influenced in 2021 as the Malaysian economy is expected to grow between 6.5% and 7.5% in 2021 from a decline of 5.6% in 2020 from a rebound in trade figures, a decline in unemployment and a recovery in private consumption in the second half of the year in review. It will take time for global normalcy to return and businesses to operate in an environment like before, despite these challenges, business will remain as usual for the Group to ensure that it remains sustainable and to ensure that it is also able to service its clients as promised. Tan Sri Dato’ Sri Rodzali Bin Daud Independent & Non-Executive Chairman 33 ANNUAL REPORT 2020 DESTINI BERHAD