Category: Business

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia’s leading index (LI) maintained its positive annual growth at a rate of 0.5 per cent, registering 113.6 points in April 2025 versus 113.0 points in April 2024, according to the Department of Statistics Malaysia (DOSM). The LI is used to provide an early indication of turning points in the business cycle and… Continue reading Malaysia’s leading index rises 0.5% in April 2025

KUALA LUMPUR: The government has approved new venture capital (VC) tax incentives to include a five per cent concessionary tax rate for up to 10 years for eligible fund entities investing at least 20 per cent in local startups, said Finance Minister II Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan. He said the new VC tax incentive… Continue reading Malaysia approves VC tax incentives to boost startup investments

TOKYO: Asian shares gained and oil prices were down Tuesday, as fears of an energy market shock eased following US President Donald Trump’s announcement of a ceasefire between Iran and Israel. Investors were relieved that Iran did not retaliate to a US attack on its nuclear facilities by throttling oil transport through the strategic Strait… Continue reading Asian stocks up as Trump announces Iran-Israel ceasefire

KUALA LUMPUR: The ringgit opened higher against the US dollar on Tuesday on the rising possibility of military de-escalation in the Middle East as United States (US) President Donald Trump announced a tentative ceasefire between Iran and Israel, said an analyst. At 8 am, the local note rose to 4.2770/2980 against the greenback from Monday’s… Continue reading Ringgit gains vs US dollar as Middle East tensions ease

PETALING JAYA: Raising capital is a pivotal milestone for any startup, but securing investment requires more than a compelling idea – it demands a nuanced understanding of what investors are looking for. Experts, corporate advisers, wealth managers, seasoned entrepreneurs and private investors share insights on the critical elements investors prioritise and how founders can effectively… Continue reading Beyond the pitch – importance of authenticity and execution

HOUSTON/CALGARY: The Shell-led LNG Canada facility has produced its first liquefied natural gas for export in Kitimat, British Columbia, a spokesperson for the project confirmed on Sunday. The new production, which will go mainly to Asia, comes amid concerns over disruptions to the 20% of global gas supply coming from Qatar, due to the Israel-Iran… Continue reading Shell-led LNG Canada produces first LNG amid global supply concerns

KUALA LUMPUR: Taiwan-based tech innovators Datavideo Technologies (S) Pte Ltd and Jian Ling Technology Co Ltd are eyeing expansion in the Malaysian market. At Taiwan Expo 2025, Datavideo Technologies managing director (Asia-Pacific) Frank YC Lin said the company is tapping into Malaysia’s rising demand for video content. “Malaysia is still a relatively new market for… Continue reading Taiwan-based tech innovators eye expansion in Malaysian market

SEPANG: AirAsia X (AAX) announced today a new route to Tashkent, Uzbekistan, commencing on Oct 15 with a frequency of three times a week. Following AAX’s entry into the region with Almaty, Kazakhstan in early 2024, with a consistently strong load factor and increased flight frequencies, the Tashkent route is aimed at further facilitating air… Continue reading AirAsia X expands Central Asia reach with new route to Tashkent, Uzbekistan

KUALA LUMPUR: Taiwan Expo 2025, the largest edition in the series to date, has commenced at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre, with artificial intelligence (AI) and healthcare technologies taking centre stage. Organised under Taiwan’s flagship global exhibition platform, Taiwan Expo aims to deepen international business ties and promote its strengths in innovation and advanced manufacturing.… Continue reading Taiwan Expo 2025, largest edition in series, showcases latest innovations

PUTRAJAYA: The Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM) will transition into an independent statutory body effective Aug 1, with separate remuneration and exemption from the government. Transport Minister Anthony Loke Siew Fook said the government has strengthened the regulatory structure and development of the national aviation industry by transitioning CAAM into a Statutory Body with… Continue reading CAAM to become statutory body, absorb Mavcom effective Aug 1

KUALA LUMPUR: The ringgit opened higher against the US dollar and a basket of major currencies on Monday despite a strong US Dollar Index (DXY) as ongoing geopolitical tensions, with the United States’ (US) involvement in the Israel-Iran conflict, in focus, said an analyst. At 8 am, the local note rose to 4.2420/2655 against the… Continue reading Ringgit higher at opening amid ongoing geopolitical tensions

ALL businesses will be affected directly or indirectly by the significant expansion of the Sales and Service Tax (SST) regime which will become effective from July 1. This will flow through to the businesses either through the removal of about 3,400 items from the sales tax exemption list to the 5% and 10% categories, and… Continue reading Tax Matters – How should businesses prepare for Sales and Service Tax expansion?

KUALA LUMPUR: After four decades of shaping Malaysia’s economic and social policies, the Malaysian Institute of Economic Research (MIER) is now struggling to stay afloat. MIER chairman Tan Sri Effendi Norwawi said MIER – one of the country’s two independent think tanks alongside ISIS Malaysia – is now sustained not by public funds, but by… Continue reading MIER struggling to stay afloat, says chairman

PETALING JAYA: SD Guthrie Bhd and Sime Darby Property Bhd have signed a joint venture agreement to develop up to 2,000 acres of land on Carey Island, Selangor, to support sustainable economic growth and innovation. The joint venture agreement is a culmination of discussions which began in 2023, and is driven by a shared vision… Continue reading SD Guthrie, Sime Darby Property to develop industrial and logistics hub on Carey Island

PETALING JAYA: Malaysian eyewear distributor Skyline Optical Group Sdn Bhd has appointed MCI Capital Sdn Bhd as financial adviser for a proposed initial public offering (IPO) on the Singapore Exchange (SGX). Skyline Optical Group founder Frian Lin said the proposed listing represents a pivotal milestone in the company’s strategic expansion plans as it seeks to… Continue reading Skyline Optical Group appoints MPI Capital as financial adviser for proposed SGX listing

PETALING JAYA: Malaysia’s trade maintained its growth momentum in May 2025, driven by continued global economic growth and changes in demand for the country’s goods in international markets, the Department of Statistics Malaysia reported. Total trade exhibited a 2.6% increase to RM252.5 billion from RM246.1 billion in the previous year, primarily driven by a 6.6%… Continue reading Malaysia’s total trade in May grows to RM252.6 billion, surplus enters 61st month

TASHKENT: Malaysia is optimistic about a potential increase in trade with Uzbekistan, as both countries work to deepen cooperation in new areas such as halal certification, Islamic finance, tourism and green technology. In an interview with Bernama and RTM, here, Malaysian ambassador to Uzbekistan Ilham Tuah Illias acknowledged a recent drop in trade volume, mainly… Continue reading Malaysia optimistic trade with Uzbekistan will pick up, says envoy

KUALA LUMPUR: The ringgit is expected to stay defensive within a tight range next week, as traders and investors will continue to observe the military conflict in the Middle East, said an analyst. Bank Muamalat Malaysia Bhd chief economist Dr Mohd Afzanizam Abdul Rashid said that the Israel-Iran war continues to take centre stage as… Continue reading Ringgit expected to stay defensive due to Middle East conflict

KUALA LUMPUR: Malacca’s tourism sector is poised for robust growth this year, fuelled by a remarkable 74% surge in visitor arrivals in 2024 that underscores the state’s resilience and expanding appeal. This growth signals a vibrant market trajectory, positioning Malacca as a destination ready to capitalise on new tourism-related offerings and sustain its upward momentum… Continue reading Dusit Princess Melaka sets new benchmark for hospitality in Malacca amid robust tourism growth

SEPANG: Laura Mercier will serve as the official cosmetics brand for Malaysia Airlines’ cabin crew, Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG) announced at a ceremony to mark the partnership today. MAB Academy COO Aida Salfaraz Ahmad Fadzil said the collaboration will eventually be extended to other frontline staff, ensuring a consistent and professional appearance at all customer… Continue reading Laura Mercier is official cosmetics brand for Malaysia Airlines cabin crew

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia’s timber exports may gain a competitive edge in the US market due to higher tariffs imposed on regional rivals such as Vietnam and Indonesia. Vietnam, once a leading furniture exporter in the region, now faces tariffs as high as 46% compared with Malaysia’s import levy of 24%, Forest Research Institute Malaysia (FRIM)… Continue reading Malaysian timber exports may gain edge in US market, says FRIM forest products director

PETALING JAYA: Bursa Malaysia Bhd has formed a dedicated industry working group to enhance cyber resilience across the Malaysian stockbroking ecosystem. The establishment of the industry working group is a coordinated action, moving forward from the unauthorised trades incident on April 24. Bursa Malaysia CEO Datuk Fad’l Mohamed said the industry working group represents a… Continue reading Bursa Malaysia forms industry working group to strengthen cyber resilience in stockbroking ecosystem

BRUSSELS: The European Union (EU) yesterday banned Chinese firms from government medical device purchases worth more than €5 million (RM25 million) in retaliation for limits Beijing places on access to its own market. The latest salvo in trade tensions between the 27-nation bloc and China covers a wide range of healthcare supplies, from surgical masks… Continue reading EU bars China firms from major medical equipment deals

MUMBAI: Half a dozen global trading giants, from Citadel Securities and IMC Trading to Millennium and Optiver are ratcheting up their presence in India’s booming derivatives markets – fuelling a hiring spree and pushing exchanges to improve technology. The firms’ hiring plans, being reported for the first time, come amid expectations that large domestic consumer… Continue reading Derivatives trading boom in India

TOKYO: Japan’s core inflation hit a more than two-year high in May and exceeded the central bank’s 2% target for well over three years, keeping it under pressure to resume interest rate hikes despite economic headwinds from US tariffs. The data underscores the challenge the Bank of Japan (BOJ) faces in juggling pressure from sticky… Continue reading Japan May inflation at two-year high

PETALING JAYA: Malaysia’s capital market is experiencing a notable upswing in 2025 as Bursa Malaysia is forecasting a significant increase in new public listings, with expectations set at 60 initial public offerings and a targeted total market capitalisation of RM40.2 billion. According to Baker Tilly Asia Pacific’s latest publication Pathways to the APAC Capital Markets,… Continue reading Sector diversity, regulatory strength fuel Bursa Malaysia IPO pipeline: Baker Tilly

LONDON: British retail sales volumes recorded their sharpest drop since December 2023 last month, as demand fell back after shoppers splurged on food, summer clothes and home improvements the month before, official figures showed on Friday. Retail sales volumes dropped by 2.7% in May, the Office for National Statistics said, a much sharper decline than… Continue reading UK retail sales record biggest monthly drop since 2023

LONDON: An influx of taxes paid by businesses put Britain’s budget deficit on track to meet official forecasts at the start of the 2025/26 financial year, welcome news for finance minister Rachel Reeves as she seeks to repair the public finances. Official data on Friday showed public sector borrowing for May was 17.686 billion pounds… Continue reading Tax hikes put UK budget deficit on track against official forecasts

SINGAPORE: Oil prices fell on Friday after the White House delayed a decision on U.S. involvement in the Israel-Iran conflict, but remained on course for a third consecutive weekly rise. Brent crude futures fell $2, or 2.5%, to $76.85 a barrel by 0648 GMT but still looked set to gain more than 3% on the… Continue reading Oil prices fall as US delays decision on direct Iran involvement

WASHINGTON: The World Bank said Thursday it is worried that some countries are less and less transparent about their public debt and use complex borrowing tools, making it harder to measure how much they owe. To remedy this the bank called for a fundamental change in the way debtor and creditor countries report and disclose… Continue reading World Bank seeks more transparency in debt practices

KUALA LUMPUR: The ringgit opened higher against the US dollar on Friday as investors remained in cautious mode amid the escalating conflict in the Middle East, said an analyst. At 8 am, the local note rose to 4.2490/2700 against the greenback from yesterday’s close of 4.2590/2625. Bank Muamalat Malaysia Bhd chief economist Dr Mohd Afzanizam… Continue reading Ringgit opens higher against US dollar, trading on cautious mode

KUALA LUMPUR: Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Malaysia and Singapore are expected to transform into agile, technology-driven organisations over the next five years, thriving in an increasingly digital landscape. Cloud adoption will shift the SME landscape from being a strategic advantage to an essential foundation for survival and scalable growth. These businesses will build… Continue reading CKP, OA Group collaborate to support SMEs

KUALA LUMPUR: Local sugar producer MSM Malaysia Holdings Bhd remains confident in its competitive position despite the influx of imported sugar from Thailand. The group is well positioned to compete with imported products, leveraging its established domestic scale and operational capabilities and will continue to maintain its market presence and deliver value to customers in… Continue reading MSM Malaysia unfazed by influx of sugar imported from Thailand

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia and other Asean member countries should collectively establish a minimum wage standard to prevent the bloc from undercutting one another with lower salaries. “It is important that Malaysia and Asean economies collectively set a floor to ensure there is no race-to-the-bottom in wage suppression as women will be most hurt,“ Investment, Trade… Continue reading Asean urged to set minimum wage standard, provide stronger support to keep women in workforce

PETALING JAYA: NanoMalaysia Bhd and Cement Industries of Malaysia Bhd (CIMA) have entered into a partnership to drive the development of graphene-enhanced concrete, aiming to transform Malaysia’s construction industry by addressing critical environmental and performance challenges. The partnership also aims to pioneer the integration of nanotechnology into the construction industry, focusing on delivering concrete solutions… Continue reading NanoMalaysia, CIMA team up to develop graphene-enhanced concrete