Category: Business

TOKYO: Japan’s top tariff negotiator Ryosei Akazawa said he planned to visit Washington from Tuesday to press the United States to have President Donald Trump sign an executive order to bring an agreed 15% tariff rate on automobiles into effect. The U.S. last month agreed in a trade deal with Japan to lower existing tariffs… Continue reading Japan trade negotiator to push US for auto tariff deal implementation

KUALA LUMPUR: The ringgit extended its gains to open higher against the US dollar today, as investor sentiment on risk assets rebounded amid talk of a possible United States (US) interest rate cut, an economist said. At 8 am, the local note climbed to 4.2260/2395 against the greenback from yesterday’s close of 4.2350/2385. Bank Muamalat… Continue reading Ringgit strengthens vs US dollar amid US rate cut speculation

PETALING JAYA: The government’s announcement of a “victory” in reducing the United States’ tariffs on Malaysian exports from 25% to 19% has drawn cautious reactions from economists, who argue that the move may not deliver the relief many are expecting. While the revised rate is lower, experts point out that the new figure is still… Continue reading Economists strike cautious tone over impact of US’s 19% tariff on Malaysian products

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia has officially launched the Asean Energy Business Forum 2025 (AEBF 2025), setting the stage for the region’s most significant clean energy platform ahead of the Asean Ministers on Energy Meeting in October. The forum will focus on advancing the Enhanced Asean Power Grid and mobilising the massive investment needed for the region’s… Continue reading Malaysia launches Asean Energy Business Forum ahead of ministers’ meeting in October

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia does not sacrifice national interests to obtain special treatment, Investment, Trade and Industry Ministry Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz said, adding that bilateral negotiations with the United States recently maintained the country’s unique policies. He said preserving the country’s unique policies includes protections for strategic industries and Bumiputera provisions. “The United… Continue reading Malaysia does not sacrifice national interests for special treatment: Tengku Zafrul

PUCHONG: Oasis Home Holding Bhd expects to generate more than RM10 million in yearly revenue from its new halal health supplement and wellness product line developed under a joint venture with livestream marketing agency GIMCare (M) Sdn Bhd. CEO Datuk Jaden Teoh Yee Seang said the figure is based on performance benchmarks from GIMCare and… Continue reading Oasis Home targets RM10 million plus annual revenue from new halal health and wellness product line

KUALA LUMPUR: ClientEarth, a non-governmental organisation focused on climate justice and clean energy transition, has launched Guide on Climate Action for Boards in Southeast Asia. The guide, co-published by Climate Governance Malaysia and Earth on Board, aims to provide corporate directors with insights to address the increasing complexity of climate-related legal risks, regulations, and governance… Continue reading ClientEarth launches climate guide

KUALA LUMPUR: Riding high on its recent win as Company of the Year (Energy Solutions) at the CSR Malaysia Awards 2025, Wasco Berhad is looking to scale up its global sustainability efforts, with a strong focus on deepening community engagement and driving forward Malaysia’s energy transition goals. The group is expected to accelerate initiatives aligned… Continue reading Wasco scales up global sustainability efforts

PETALING JAYA: In a strategic leap to supercharge innovation across Southeast Asia, Sunway iLabs, the innovation arm of Sunway Group, is partnering with Cradle Fund Sdn Bhd to launch the Startup Deep Tech Ventures Lab (DTVL) – a transformative six-month co-creation programme dedicated to building and scaling high-impact artificial intelligence (AI) and deep technology startups.… Continue reading Sunway iLabs, Cradle Fund team up to launch Startup Deep Tech Ventures Lab

PETALING JAYA: Payments Network Malaysia Sdn Bhd (PayNet) has become the sole Malaysian founding member of MIT CSAIL’s research initiative, FinTechAI@CSAIL, reinforcing its leadership in artificial intelligence-driven financial innovation. “The rise of AI presents both an opportunity and a responsibility. As Malaysia’s national payments infrastructure provider, we’re committed to shaping technology that safeguards trust and… Continue reading PayNet joins MIT CSAIL’s research initiative to advance AI-driven financial innovation

THE ringgit opened stronger against the US dollar on Monday as renewed expectations of a Federal Reserve rate cut emerged following weaker-than-expected US labour market data. At 8 am, the local currency rose to 4.2350/2550 against the greenback, up from Friday’s close of 4.2750/2815. Bank Muamalat Malaysia Bhd chief economist Dr Mohd Afzanizam Abdul Rashid… Continue reading Ringgit strengthens against US dollar amid US rate cut expectations

ALTHOUGH stamp duty has been present since 1949, compliance has not been the top focus of taxpayers since the tax authorities have been relaxed over the years in enforcing the law. However, recently, there is clearly a noticeable focus by the Inland Revenue Board (IRB) on raising awareness of taxpayers through visits to taxpayers and… Continue reading Tax Matters – Timely for businesses to review their stamp duty position

PETALING JAYA: Malaysia’s bold plan to become an AI-driven nation by 2030 unveiled under the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP) has drawn cautious optimism from both industry and academia, who agree the roadmap is ambitious but achievable if executed effectively. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s 13MP positions AI (artificial intelligence) as a key driver of… Continue reading Cautious optimism over Malaysia’s ambition to become AI-driven nation

PETALING JAYA: The 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP) is ambitious and its goals can only be delivered with strong execution and clear funding plans, analysts say. Berjaya Mutual Bhd chief investment officer Datuk Dr Nazri Khan said the government’s 4.5–5.5% gross domestic product (GDP) growth target is challenging but not impossible to achieve. “Given the current… Continue reading 13th Malaysia Plan ambitious, needs strong execution and clear funding plans: Analysts

PETALING JAYA: U Mobile, Malaysia’s Next Gen 5G network provider, has launched three new U Biz Bundles designed to accelerate digital adoption and enhance cybersecurity for Malaysian micro, small and medium enterprises. The new U Biz Bundles are offered in support of the government’s Geran Digital Perusahaan Mikro, Kecil dan Sederhana Madani (GDPM) campaign. Under… Continue reading U Mobile introduces U Biz Bundles with enhanced cybersecurity for MSMEs

PETALING JAYA: CAB Cakaran Corporation Bhd’s wholly owned subsidiary CAB Cakaran Sdn Bhd has signed a conditional share purchase agreement to acquire a 100% equity interest in Cargill Feed Sdn Bhd for RM231 million. Upon completion, the deal will enable the CAB group to own all of Cargill Feed’s four feed mills in Malaysia, transforming… Continue reading CAB Cakaran buys Cargill’s Malaysian animal feed business for RM231 million

PETALING JAYA: Malaysia is set to welcome global halal industry leaders to the 21st edition of the Malaysia International Halal Showcase (Mihas 2025), which will take place from Sept 17 to 20 at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre in Kuala Lumpur. Hosted by the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (Miti) and organised… Continue reading French buyers to participate in flagship event at Mihas 2025 in September

KUALA LUMPUR: Market regulators must operate with integrity and a facilitative approach to drive value creation and expand capital markets, particularly amid evolving challenges, said Securities Commission Malaysia (SC) chairman Datuk Mohammad Faiz Azmi. He emphasised that trust in fair treatment by regulators is essential for maintaining orderly markets. Mohammad Faiz highlighted the need for… Continue reading Regulators must uphold integrity to grow capital markets says SC

KUALA LUMPUR: The ringgit is expected to trade between 4.25 and 4.26 against the US dollar next week, following weaker-than-expected United States (US) Nonfarm Payrolls (NFP) data for July, which may prompt the US Federal Reserve (Fed) to consider an interest rate cut at its September meeting. The NFP data for July fell short of… Continue reading Ringgit to trade at 4.25-4.26 vs greenback on Fed rate cut optimism

PETALING JAYA: As US-led semiconductor chip restrictions tighten and regional energy costs rise, Malaysia faces a defining moment in its artificial intelligence (AI) and data centre ambitions. Industry leaders say these global disruptions could either stall the nation’s progress or become the very trigger that accelerates its push for AI self-reliance and digital sovereignty. National… Continue reading Defining moment for Malaysia’s AI, data centre ambitions

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia has declined requests from the United States to eliminate excise duties on automobiles, tobacco and alcohol, as well as to waive import licensing requirements and fully liberalise equity ownership in strategic sectors during recent tariff negotiations. Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz said the outcome of the… Continue reading Malaysia holds firm in tariff talks with US, no red lines crossed

KUALA LUMPUR: UMS Integration Ltd is ramping up its push into the artificial intelligence (AI) and high‑performance computing supply chain, eyeing higher‑value precision components and expanding its Penang facilities as part of a five‑year growth roadmap following its landmark secondary listing on Bursa Malaysia today. CEO Luong Andy said the Singapore‑headquartered precision engineering specialist, which… Continue reading UMS Integration moving up supply chain, expanding Penang operations

PETALING JAYA: Renewable energy players Kinergy Advancement Bhd (KAB) and Northern Solar Holdings Bhd have expressed strong support for the government’s commitment to enhance the renewable energy landscape under the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP). Northern Solar managing director SK Lew welcomed the government’s efforts to create a more transparent and competitive electricity market in Malaysia.… Continue reading KAB, Northern Solar eye opportunities in renewable energy reforms under 13MP

HONG KONG: Fintech companies are rushing to raise equity in Hong Kong to fund expansions in cryptocurrencies, capitalising on investor fervour as the city started accepting applications for stablecoin issuer licences yesterday. At least 10 Hong Kong-listed companies raised a total of more than US$1.5 billion (RM6.4 billion) from share placements in July to be… Continue reading Fintech firms rush to raise equity in HK to tap crypto frenzy

SAN FRANCISCO: Tech giants Amazon, Apple, Meta and Microsoft this week eclipsed earnings expectations, cashing in on artificial intelligence (AI) while navigating economic waters roiled by US tariffs. “Massive results seen by Microsoft and Meta further validate the use cases and unprecedented spending trajectory for the AI Revolution on both the enterprise and consumer fronts,”… Continue reading US tech giants ride AI wave amid rough economic waters

WASHINGTON: US job growth likely slowed in July, with the unemployment rate forecast rising back to 4.2%, but that probably would be insufficient to spur the Federal Reserve (Fed) to resume cutting interest rates soon as tariffs are starting to fan inflation. The anticipated slowdown in nonfarm payrolls in the Labour Department’s closely watched employment… Continue reading Slower US job growth in July likely, unemployment seen at 4.2%

TOKYO: Asia’s factory activity deteriorated in July as soft global demand and lingering uncertainty over US tariffs weighed on business morale, private sector surveys showed yesterday, clouding the outlook for the region’s fragile recovery. The surveys were taken before Japan and South Korea clinched trade deals with Washington, offering some hope that receding uncertainty could… Continue reading Asia factory activity slump deepens

KUALA LUMPUR: DagangHalal.com, the world’s largest halal-verified B2B e-marketplace, warmly welcomes the announcement under the 13th Malaysia Plan, which outlines national targets to increase Malaysia’s halal exports to RM80 billion and increase the sector’s GDP contribution to 11% by 2030. The establishment of a dedicated Halal Commission and the development of Halal Industrial Parks in… Continue reading DagangHalal welcomes Malaysia’s halal initiative under the 13th Malaysia plan