Category: Business

PETALING JAYA: Packaging manufacturer and property developer Scientex Bhd reported higher earnings for the fourth quarter ended July 31, 2025 (Q4’25), with net profit rising 13.6% to RM154.3 million compared to RM135.9 million in the previous year’s corresponding quarter. Revenue increased 2.1% to RM1.19 billion in Q4’25 from RM1.17 billion in Q4’24. The property division… Continue reading Scientex posts higher Q4 net profit of RM154.3m, proposes 6 sen final dividend

PETALING JAYA: Advancecon Infra Sdn Bhd, a wholly owned subsidiary of earthworks and civil engineering services provider Advancecon Holdings Bhd, has accepted a letter of acceptance from JLG Technopark Sdn Bhd for the construction and completion of earthworks and ancillary works for Package 1, Phase 1, of Southern Ibrahim Technopolis (Ibtec) in Kulai, Johor, valued… Continue reading Advancecon accepts RM66.9mvcontract for works on Southern Ibrahim Technopolis

PETALING JAYA: Malaysia Airlines and Qantas yesterday announced a new codeshare partnership that will offer travellers greater connectivity, enhanced benefits and seamless travel experience across Australia, Malaysia and beyond. Building on their longstanding ties through the oneworld alliance, this collaboration will see Malaysia Airlines place its ‘MH’ code on 18 Qantas-operated domestic routes across Australia,… Continue reading Malaysia Airlines and Qantas enter into codeshare partnership

KUALA LUMPUR: A new study commissioned by IBM revealed that while Asia Pacific (Apac) organisations are increasing investment in AI and Industry 4.0 capabilities, many overestimate their actual maturity and struggle with fundamental challenges in holistic adoption. This stark disconnect highlights a pressing opportunity: with the right focus, many enterprises can turn ambition into action… Continue reading Apac’s AI ambitions outpace readiness

KUALA LUMPUR: Poultry producer and distributor Farmiera Bhd has inked an underwriting agreement with Malacca Securities Sdn Bhd for its initial public offering (IPO) and listing on the ACE Market of Bursa Malaysia. Malacca Securities will be the principal adviser, sponsor, underwriter and placement agent. The company said in a statement today that the IPO… Continue reading Farmiera signs IPO underwriting agreement with Malacca Securities for ACE Market listing

PUTRAJAYA: Malaysia must put in place a clear and robust regulatory framework to harness the growth of its emerging low-altitude economy or risk falling behind, Transport Minister Anthony Loke said today. Speaking at the launch of the new corporate identity of the Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM), Loke warned that drones, air taxis and… Continue reading Loke: Need for clear rules to enable low-level aviation services to take off properly

KUALA LUMPUR: Short-term rates are expected to remain stable today, following Bank Negara Malaysia’s (BNM) operations to absorb surplus liquidity from the financial system. Liquidity in the banking system is estimated at RM34.88 billion in the conventional market and RM13.81 billion in Islamic funds. Today, the central bank will conduct three reverse repo tenders, comprising… Continue reading Short-term rates stable as BNM absorbs surplus liquidity

KUALA LUMPUR: Bursa Malaysia kicked off the week on a positive note, buoyed by growing expectations of interest rate cuts ahead of the highly anticipated United States (US) Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) meeting later tonight. At 9.10 am, the benchmark FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI (FBM KLCI) gained 1.16 points to 1,601.29 from last Friday’s… Continue reading Bursa Malaysia opens higher ahead of US Fed interest rate decision

KUALA LUMPUR: The ringgit opened firmer against the US dollar on Monday, supported by a combination of external factors including expectations of a more accommodative policy stance by the United States (US) Federal Reserve (Fed), said an analyst. At 8 am, the local note stood at 4.1840/2140 per dollar, stronger than Friday’s close of 4.1975/2080.… Continue reading Ringgit opens higher against US dollar on softer Fed outlook

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia’s digital culture is built around a multi-platform and multi-language approach, shaped by the nation’s demographics and cultural mix, unlike the situation in many other countries where a single dominant platform defines online interaction. Therefore, when it comes to social media usage, Malaysians stand out for their adaptability and diversity of engagement. Facebook,… Continue reading Adaptability, diverse engagement unique to Malaysian social media landscape: Attitude Ideology

LONDON: Microsoft has announced a $30 billion investment plan for the United Kingdom over the next four years, with half dedicated to cloud computing and artificial intelligence infrastructure. This commitment represents the largest single pledge among several US tech investments totalling $42 billion, coinciding with President Donald Trump’s historic second state visit to the UK.… Continue reading Microsoft to invest $30 billion in UK AI and cloud infrastructure

KUALA LUMPUR: As Malaysia’s tourism and hospitality industry eyes a post-Covid pandemic boom, hotel investors are being urged to look beyond traditional profit measures or risk owning assets that could quickly lose value in an evolving marketplace. “Many investors assume that a profitable hotel automatically translates into value creation for owners. That assumption is flawed,”… Continue reading Embrace ESG and hire professional asset managers right from the start, hotel investors advised

KUALA LUMPUR: Amanat Lebuhraya Rakyat Bhd (ALR) aims to diversify its revenue stream and reduce traffic congestion in the short term to achieve greater business growth and expedite its RM5.5 billion sukuk repayment. The sukuk, which forms part of ALR’s financing structure, was issued to fund the acquisition and sustainable operation of four major Klang… Continue reading ALR aims to boost business growth, expedite repayment of RM5.5 billion sukuk

KUALA LUMPUR: Artificial intelligence-generated scams are fast emerging as a significant cybersecurity threat in Malaysia, with financial institutions, government agencies, SMEs and retail sectors among the most exposed, according to cybersecurity firm Fortinet. Fortinet Malaysia country manager Kevin Wong warned that financial institutions and public sector agencies are prime targets due to their sensitive data,… Continue reading Boost your cyber defences, AI-enhanced scam risks are escalating: Fortinet

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia has taken the right step in making hydrogen car technology a national priority of its clean energy initiatives under the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP) but the right policies, tariffs and incentives are key ingredients to make it work. Giving the thumbs up for the inclusion of hydrogen mobility in the country’s development… Continue reading MAA: Right policies, tariffs and incentives key to turning hydrogen car tech ambition into reality

PETALING JAYA: GMA Garnet Group, the industrial garnet business unit of diversified industrial conglomerate Jebsen & Jessen Group and the world’s largest and only fully integrated garnet company, is marking the first anniversary of the launch of its Malaysian distribution hub in Port Klang, Selangor. Serving GMA’s Asia-Pacific (Apac) market, since opening in June 2024,… Continue reading GMA Garnet marks first anniversary of Malaysian distribution hub in Port Klang

PETALING JAYA: Despite decades of policy focus and rising educational attainment, women’s participation in the labour force in Malaysia has only seen modest gains. Existing policy strategies emphasise increasing participation rates but overlook deeper structural factors including caregiving responsibilities, labour market barriers and social expectations. Khazanah Research Institute’s (KRI) latest discussion paper, “Interwoven Pathways: The… Continue reading KRI calls for recognition of housewives and unpaid caregivers in policies

KUALA LUMPUR: Tourism Malaysia recently welcomed China Eastern Airlines on the launch of its inaugural direct service connecting Taiyuan and Kuala Lumpur. As one of China’s major cities rich in cultural heritage and economic potential, Taiyuan’s connection to Kuala Lumpur is expected to encourage greater visitor flows and boost Malaysia’s visibility as a preferred destination… Continue reading China Eastern adds Taiyuan-KL to global network

SHAH ALAM: Sirim Bhd celebrates a monumental milestone – its 50th anniversary, marking five decades of relentless dedication to advancing Malaysia’s industry, technology and quality standards. Since its inception in 1975, Sirim has stood as a beacon of innovation and a trusted partner in shaping the nation’s industrial landscape and propelling Malaysia onto the global… Continue reading Sirim turns 50 – building the future

AS Malaysia celebrates Malaysia Day, we are reminded of how unity has shaped our nation and how it has grown stronger through the years. Just as the country continues to evolve to meet the changing needs of its people, insurance has also progressed, playing an important role in safeguarding lives, livelihoods, and futures. Looking back… Continue reading From independence to unity: The growth of insurance in Malaysia

DISCUSSIONS, debates, associations and businesses built around artificial intelligence (AI) or the desire to learn more about AI, have grown exponentially since the public release of ChatGPT on Nov 30, 2022. While AI itself was not a new concept or technology, mass access of powerful tools in the hands of the public-at-large for free marked… Continue reading How boards should tackle AI risks and rewards

How is MIDF (Malaysian Industrial Development Finance Bhd) leveraging Islamic finance to support Malaysia’s industrial transformation, especially in high-growth sectors? MIDF is strategically using Islamic finance as a catalyst to accelerate Malaysia’s industrial transformation, particularly in high-growth sectors such as advanced manufacturing, green technology, the digital economy, and halal industries. Through syariah-compliant financing solutions, we… Continue reading How MIDF harnesses Islamic finance

LONDON: Google said yesterday it would make £5 billion (RM29 billion) in new investments into Britain ahead of US President Donald Trump’s state visit to the country, which is expected to feature a flurry of business deals and partnerships. The US tech company also announced the opening of a new data centre close to London,… Continue reading Google announces £5 billion new investments in UK

LONDON: US President Donald Trump’s administration is on a mission to weaken China’s global network of ports and bring more strategic terminals under Western control, according to three sources familiar with the plan. The drive is part of the most ambitious effort to expand US maritime influence since the 1970s and is designed to address… Continue reading US moves to curb Chinese global port influence

LONDON: Google has announced a £5 billion investment in the United Kingdom over the next two years to support the country’s artificial intelligence development. This substantial funding will cover capital expenditure, research and development, and includes support for Google DeepMind’s pioneering AI research in science and healthcare. The technology giant is opening a new data… Continue reading Google invests £5 billion in UK AI ahead of Trump state visit

NEW YORK: Wall Street stocks advanced on Monday with the S&P 500 and Nasdaq Composite reaching new all-time highs amid growing anticipation of a Federal Reserve interest rate cut. Investor optimism was further bolstered by positive developments from US-China economic discussions held in Madrid. The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 0.1% to close at 45,883.45,… Continue reading S&P 500 and Nasdaq hit record highs ahead of Fed rate decision

PETALING JAYA: US tariffs and other short-term trade issues won’t affect Amazon Web Services’ (AWS) Malaysia strategy, said AWS managing director for Asean, Jeff Johnson. He also said AWS’s pricing philosophy is to “relentlessly drive efficiencies” in its own operations and pass those savings on to customers. “Our infrastructure strategy is built around long-term customer… Continue reading US tariffs and other short-term trade issues won’t affect Amazon Web Services’s Malaysia strategy

PETALING JAYA: Malaysia’s recommerce market is revving into high gear, projected to surge 14.7% in 2025, a pace that far outstrips the country’s gross domestic product growth. At the heart of this acceleration lies a surprising driver – pre-owned motorcycles. “With the rising cost of living, Malaysians are prioritising affordable, value-for-money purchases. Pre-owned items such… Continue reading Malaysia’s used motorbike market in high gear, reflects shift in recommerce sector: iMotorbike

PETALING JAYA: Germany’s X-FAB, a global leader in analog/mixed-signal and specialty semiconductor manufacturing, recently unveiled a RM3 billion expansion of its semiconductor manufacturing facility in Sarawak. The state-of-the-art expansion increases X-FAB Sarawak’s wafer production capacity from 30,000 to 40,000 units per month. This significant boost strengthens Malaysia’s position as a crucial hub in the global… Continue reading Germany’s X-FAB unveils new RM3 billion manufacturing line at Sarawak facility

PETALING JAYA: Datuk Francis Ng, a Malaysian business captain and controlling shareholder of Beverly JCG Ltd, a company listed on Singapore Exchange’s Catalist platform, announced that shareholders, at a recent extraordinary general meeting held in Singapore, unanimously voted in favour of a landmark acquisition of prime medical real estate valued at about RM42 million. The… Continue reading Francis Ng secures unanimous shareholder approval for RM42m medical real estate deal

KUALA LUMPUR: As Malaysia’s property stock matures, industry players are warning that funding shortfalls and outdated maintenance practices could erode asset values and impose hidden costs on homeowners and investors. This comes at a critical juncture with a significant share of high-rise condominiums in Kuala Lumpur and Selangor entering major refurbishment cycles without sufficient funds… Continue reading Funding gaps put ageing buildings at risk

How has your life experience shaped you into the leader you are today? My diverse career journey from legal practice to corporate communications, event management, and Aerospace MRO has instilled resilience, adaptability, and lifelong learning. Each transition requires me to adapt quickly, learn rapidly, and communicate clearly under pressure. These experiences deepened my commitment to… Continue reading Success: The Insight Story – Balance, authenticity key in work and life

LONDON: Britain and the United States will sign an agreement to accelerate the development of new nuclear power projects during President Donald Trump’s state visit. The partnership promises faster regulatory approval and several new private sector investment deals for nuclear projects as the UK strives to meet net zero and energy security targets. This announcement… Continue reading UK and US sign nuclear power deal to fast-track projects and cut Russian ties

LONDON: Back-to-back spectacles this month may have given the impression that Beijing’s superpower struggle with the US is all but over. First, India’s Narendra Modi and Vladimir Putin of Russia held hands as they walked to meet Xi Jinping at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation conference. Then China’s president projected the country’s military might at a… Continue reading China has yet to win global power struggle

SYDNEY: ANZ Group agreed to pay A$240 million (RM672 million), the Australian corporate regulator’s largest-ever penalties against a single entity, over systemic failures ranging from acting “unconscionably” in a government bond deal to charging dead customers. The penalties announced yesterday are a troubling milestone for Australia’s fourth-largest bank, which last week announced 3,500 job cuts… Continue reading Australia’s ANZ to pay A$240m over bond deal, customer violations

KOTA KINABALU: Batik Air has launched its new direct service between Kota Kinabalu International Airport, Sabah (KKIA) and Incheon International Airport, Seoul last Friday (Sept 12). Further strengthening the connection between East Malaysia and one of its most important tourism markets, the thrice-weekly service offers a convenient and seamless travel option for South Korean visitors… Continue reading Batik Air launches direct Seoul-Kota Kinabalu flight

WHEN Malaysia was formed on Sept 16, 1963, it symbolised more than a political agreement. It was a commitment to unity, shared progress, and the right of diverse people to chart a common future. Six decades later, that same spirit faces an unlikely test not on a battlefield or in the halls of diplomacy, but… Continue reading Malaysia Day and the gig economy

A CAPITAL statement is a summary of your assets and liabilities for a tax year to assess whether your declared income for that same period matches the increase in your wealth. This involves preparing a “balance sheet” of an individual each year, and determining the increase or decrease in his wealth which must be reconciled… Continue reading Tax Matters – Practical problems surrounding capital statements

KUALA LUMPUR: Liberty General Insurance Bhd is exploring product offerings for electric vehicle (EV) owners as Malaysia’s EV landscape continues to mature and diversify with European and Chinese brands entering the domestic market. CEO Puneet Pasricha (Pasha) said that while Liberty’s InsureMyTesla – a tailored product for Tesla vehicles – has been a success, the… Continue reading Liberty explores offering insurance products for EVs in addition to Tesla models

KUALA LUMPUR: Biodegradable products manufacturer ADA Biotech Sdn Bhd is strengthening production capacity through process optimisation and automation, enabling the company to scale up more efficiently and sustainably. “This is crucial as we continue serving established partners such as Hilton, Ritz-Carlton, Hard Rock and ZUS Coffee. Beyond Malaysia, ZUS Coffee’s 120 outlets in the Philippines… Continue reading ADA Biotech strengthens production capacity, supply chain partnerships to support growth