Category: Business

SINGAPORE: Malaysia’s economy continues to demonstrate resilience in 2025, underpinned by strong domestic demand, robust investment activity and favourable labour market conditions, despite pressures from global trade tensions and policy uncertainty. Asean+3 Macroeconomic Research Office (Amro) chief economist Dong He stated that if the United States’ reciprocal tariffs take effect from Aug 1 at the… Continue reading Domestic demand will remain key driver of Malaysia’s economic growth: Amro

PETALING JAYA: CGS International Securities Pte Ltd, through subsidiary CGS International Securities Malaysia Sdn Bhd, has introduced its latest Islamic structured investment offerings specifically designed for sophisticated investors in Malaysia. The newly launched products – the Islamic Equity Linked Investment Notes and the Islamic Autocallable Equity Structured Investment Notes – mark a significant milestone for… Continue reading CGS launches Malaysia’s first Islamic equity-linked structured investment products

KUALA LUMPUR: Bursa Malaysia-listed food and beverage (F&B) player Oasis Harvest Corporation Bhd announced that European Credit Investment Bank Ltd (ECIB) has become a substantial shareholder in the company. ECIB, a Labuan Financial Services Authority (Labuan FSA)-regulated investment bank, has acquired a 5.78% interest in Oasis, equivalent to 1,392,800 shares, through an open-market transaction on… Continue reading ECIB becomes key investor in Oasis Harvest with 5.78% stake

KUALA LUMPUR: The Wawasan Institute for Policy Excellence (Wawasan) is urging a more con-structive and collaborative approach to discussions surrounding Malaysia’s digital commerce landscape. The association said that at a time when local micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) face mounting competition, platforms that actively invest in enabling seller success must be recognised and supported.… Continue reading ‘Empower MSMEs in digital commerce’

PETALING JAYA: Fertility care specialist Alpha IVF Group Bhd has opened its second satellite clinic in Surabaya, Indonesia, its second in the country. The expansion forms part of the group’s initial public offering roadmap to establish four satellite clinics in Indonesia, strengthening its regional growth strategy and deepening its footprint in the country, which is… Continue reading Alpha IVF opens satellite clinic in Surabaya, its second in Indonesia

KUALA LUMPUR: As Asean grapples with intensifying demand for housing and global economic volatility, Malaysia is stepping forward with a bold urban leadership agenda. Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming said the region is now at the crossroads of three critical challenges – the intensifying housing trilemma, persistent geoeconomic shocks and a looming… Continue reading Nga spells out Malaysia’s vision for Asean urban, housing transformation

Ch’ng looks forward to a close collaboration, tapping into ECIB insights to accelerate Oasis’ strategic plans and create greater value for our shareholders. KUALA LUMPUR: Bursa Malaysia-listed food and beverage (F&B) player Oasis Harvest Corporation Bhd announced that European Credit Investment Bank Ltd (ECIB) has become a substantial shareholder in the company. ECIB, a Labuan… Continue reading ECIB emerges as substantial shareholder in Oasis Harvest with 5.78% stake

HERSHEY has told retailers it will be taking a double-digit price increase on average across its confection portfolio due to a surge in costs of cocoa, a company spokesperson said on Tuesday. The maker of Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups declined to comment on the specifics of the pricing action as discussions with its retail partners… Continue reading Hershey raises chocolate prices due to high cocoa costs

HONG KONG: Tokyo’s stock market led a broad Asian rally on Wednesday after Japan and the United States finalized a trade agreement that significantly reduces tariffs on key exports, including automobiles. The deal, announced by former US President Donald Trump, lowers levies on Japanese cars to 15%, down from a previously threatened 25%, sparking a… Continue reading Tokyo stocks surge as Japan-US trade deal slashes auto tariffs

KUALA LUMPUR: The ringgit opened firmer against the US dollar on Wednesday, supported by cautious optimism ahead of the looming Aug 1 tariff deadline. At 8.03 am, the local currency strengthened to 4.2195/2375 against the greenback, up from Tuesday’s close of 4.2300/2370. Bank Muamalat Malaysia Bhd chief economist Dr Mohd Afzanizam Abdul Rashid said the… Continue reading Ringgit strengthens against US dollar amid tariff deadline concerns

PETALING JAYA: UEM Sunrise Bhd has revealed the name of its flagship project in Subiaco East, with One Oval marking a key step forward in the transformation of the historic Subiaco Oval precinct. The announcement coincides with the opening of early registrations for those interested in purchasing apartments in what will be the first residential… Continue reading UEM Sunrise unveils residential project One Oval in Western Australia

KUALA LUMPUR: Residents of Perumahan Awam (PA) Jalan Hang Tuah are celebrating a meaningful milestone – two years since the transformation of their multipur-pose park. What was once an underused space is now a lively green sanctuary that has redefined daily life for over 800 residents. The park upgrade, completed in 2023 through PNB Merdeka… Continue reading PA Jalan Hang Tuah marks two years of park renewal

KUALA LUMPUR: Bursa Malaysia is on track to achieve its target of 60 initial public offerings by the end of 2025, with 37 companies already listed this year despite ongoing global uncertainties, said CEO Datuk Fad’l Mohamed. He noted that the Malaysian stock exchange continues to serve as a robust platform for capital raising, with… Continue reading Bursa Malaysia IPO pipeline healthy, on track to hit 60 new listings target for 2025

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia is setting the stage for an artificial intelligence-driven future, beginning with Kuala Lumpur as the flagship city for smart urban governance and seamlessly integrated digital infrastructure. As the nation’s capital transforms into a model of intelligent city planning, it signals the country’s broader commitment to harnessing AI for sustainable, efficient, and citizen-centric… Continue reading Plan to transform Kuala Lumpur into Malaysia’s flagship AI-driven smart city

PETALING JAYA: KIP Real Estate Investment Trust (KIP REIT) has received unitholders’ approval for its latest strategic expansion plan, which includes the acquisition of four retail properties in Selangor and Kuantan for RM118 million, alongside a private placement exercise to raise RM132 million. The newly approved assets – KIPMall Desa Coalfields, Lotus’s Indera Mahkota, and… Continue reading KUP REIT unitholders approve RM118 million acquisitions, private placement

WASHINGTON: AstraZeneca plans to spend US$50 billion (RM212 billion) to expand manufacturing and research capabilities in the US by 2030, it said on Monday, the latest big investment by a pharmaceutical company reacting to President Donald Trump’s tariff policy. The investment will fund a new drug manufacturing facility in Virginia and expand research and development… Continue reading AstraZeneca plans US$50b US move amid tariff threat

KUALA LUMPUR: Meta Bright Group Bhd’s 51%-owned subsidiary Meta Bright ChargeSini Sdn Bhd has signed novation agreements with ChargeHere EV Solution Sdn Bhd – effectively assuming full rights, operations, and revenue streams for four primary electric vehicle (EV) charging station projects. This marks a significant step forward in Meta Bright’s foray into the EV charging… Continue reading Meta Bright speeds up EV growth through tie-up with ChargeHere

KUALA LUMPUR: Generator rental services provider, Express Powerr Solutions (M) Bhd signed an underwriting agreement with Mercury Securities Sdn Bhd for its upcoming initial public offering (IPO) on the ACE Market of Bursa Malaysia. Express Powerr managing director Lim Cheng Ten said the company is entering a new phase of growth, and this underwriting agreement… Continue reading Express Powerr inks underwriting agreement with Mercury Securities for ACE Market IPO

KUALA LUMPUR: DagangHalal.com, the world’s largest halal-verified B2B e-marketplace, is accelerating its global expansion strategy by deepening its presence in key Asean markets while forging new trade pathways into emerging frontier economies. A core focus of this expansion is Central Asia, where DagangHalal aims to tap into the region’s rapidly growing halal sector, valued at… Continue reading DagangHalal accelerates global growth with strategic entry into Central Asia

KUALA LUMPUR: The Rubber Production Incentive (IPG) has provided financial support to 239,053 smallholders, with total payouts reaching RM523.4 million from September 2015 to June 2025, the Ministry of Plantation and Commodities (KPK) confirmed. The incentive, designed to stabilise smallholder incomes when rubber prices drop below a set threshold, was raised to RM3 per kilogramme… Continue reading Rubber production incentive benefits 239,053 smallholders with RM523.4 mln payout

KUALA LUMPUR: The ringgit appreciated against the US dollar in early trade, tracking US dollar softness as markets price in uncertainty ahead of the Aug 1 tariff decision by the United States (US). At 8.01 am, the ringgit rose to 4.2230/2450 against the greenback, compared to Monday’s close of 4.2320/2365 Bank Muamalat Malaysia Bhd chief… Continue reading Ringgit rises against US dollar in early trading

UALA LUMPUR: CIMB Thai Bank PCL, a 94.83%-owned indirect subsidiary of CIMB Group Holdings Bhd, saw its net profit fall 21.8% year-on-year (y-o-y) to 1.01 billion baht (RM132 million) in the first half ended June 30, 2025 (H1’25). In a filing with Bursa Malaysia today, CIMB Thai president and CEO Wut Thanittiraporn said the lower… Continue reading CIMB Thai first-half net profit slips to 1 billion baht

PETALING JAYA: The regulatory functions of the Malaysian Aviation Commission (Mavcom) will officially be transferred to the Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM) effective Aug 1, as part of the government’s ongoing aviation sector rationalisation plan. This transition, announced by the transport minister on June 23, follows the enactment of the Malaysian Aviation Commission (Dissolution)… Continue reading Mavcom’s regulatory functions to transition to CAAM from Aug 1

KUALA LUMPUR: Meta Bright Group Bhd’s 51%-owned subsidiary, Meta Bright ChargeSini Sdn Bhd, has signed novation agreements with ChargeHere EV Solution Sdn Bhd, effectively assuming full rights, operations, and revenue streams for four primary electric vehicle (EV) charging station projects. This marks a significant step forward in Meta Bright’s foray into the EV charging sector.… Continue reading Meta Bright fast-tracks EV expansion, securing prime charging sites from ChargeHere JV

KUALA LUMPUR: Southern Cable Group Bhd is well-positioned to secure a substantial share of the MRT3 cable supply package, building on its strong track record in MRT2, comprehensive product range, and established market leadership. In a recent report, Apex Securities Bhd estimated that, assuming a cable supply package valued at RM600 million, with 60% market… Continue reading Southern Cable in line to win MRT3 deals: Apex Securities

KUALA LUMPUR: Kenanga Investment Bank Bhd (Kenanga IB) expects Malaysia’s economy to maintain steady growth in the second half of 2025 (H2’25) led by services and construction, particularly following final government approval for the Mass Rapid Transit Line 3 mega infrastructure project. In a research note yesterday, the bank said the outlook is supported by… Continue reading M’sian economy set for steady growth in H2’25: Kenanga IB

PETALING JAYA: Integrated engineering solutions provider Oxford Innotech Bhd (OXB) has seen strong demand for its initial public offering (IPO), with shares oversubscribed by 3.42 times ahead of its listing on the ACE Market of Bursa Malaysia. Managing Director Ng Thean Gin described the oversubscription as a clear vote of confidence in the company’s future… Continue reading Oxford Innotech IPO oversubscribed 3.42 times ahead of ACE Market debut

PETALING JAYA: The Malaysia Co-Investment Fund (MyCIF) has surpassed RM1 billion in total co-investments since its inception, marking a significant milestone in supporting the growth of micro, small, and medium enterprises in the country. MyCIF, set up by the Ministry of Finance under Budget 2019, has been a pivotal force in the financing landscape, utilising… Continue reading MyCIF co-invesments since inception surpass RM1 billion mark

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia is laying the groundwork to establish itself as a regional leader in digital trust architecture with the launch of Malaysia Blockchain Infrastructure (MBI). This national initiative establishes the foundation for a future where public services are tamper-proof, halal products are traceable from farm to fork and businesses operate with full transparency and… Continue reading Malaysia Blockchain Infrastructure set to catalyse systemic digital transformation

SHAH ALAM: Hygr, a cult-favourite Malaysian personal care brand under Tradr Sdn Bhd, is eyeing expansion into Southeast Asia in 2026, driven by its seven-figure monthly revenue and growing retail presence. Co-founder Chew Hoi Meng said the company has already made initial inroads into Singapore and Brunei, with its next targets being Indonesia, Thailand and… Continue reading Malaysia’s personal care brand Hygr eyes regional expansion in 2026

PETALING JAYA: The long-term success of the Johor–Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ) will depend on how well it aligns with real market demand and supports entrepreneurial innovation, according to Centre for Market Education CEO Dr Carmelo Ferlito. While tax incentives and strategic planning play a role, he cautioned that lasting economic development can only be… Continue reading Market forces, not mandates, will decide JS-SEZ’s future: CME CEO

PETALING JAYA: Cradle Fund Sdn Bhd, the lead agency under the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (Mosti), has launched Cradle Innovation Advisory – a strategic partnership initiative aimed at accelerating technological transformation among corporates and small and medium-sized enterprises in Malaysia. The initiative is designed to address long-standing structural challenges in the national innovation… Continue reading Cradle launches initiative to drive Malaysian SME innovation

PETALING JAYA: Malaysian Rating Corporation Bhd (MARC Ratings) has assigned a sub-sovereign credit rating of AA+ with a stable outlook to Perak, based on its sub-sovereign rating scale. The rating, although unsolicited, reflects the state’s prudent fiscal management, its strong commitment to strategic, development-focused spending, and a notably low debt burden – all supported by… Continue reading MARC Ratings assigns AA+ credit rating to Perak, cites low debt, healthy reserves

PETALING JAYA: Globetronics Technology Bhd’s wholly owned subsidiary, Globetronics (KL) Sdn Bhd, has acquired a significant stake in Mpire Global Bhd for RM45.05 million. The investment involves acquiring 30.85% of Mpire’s ordinary shares and a substantial holding of Mpire warrants, positioning Globetronics as a strategic associate in Mpire. The acquisition aligns with Globetronics’s long-term transformation… Continue reading Globetronics Technology acquires significant stake in Mpire Global for RM45 million

TOKYO: Japan is making a bold move into ultra-thin, flexible solar panels, aiming to revolutionise renewable energy while reducing reliance on China’s solar industry. The country sees perovskite solar cells as a game-changer, especially given its mountainous terrain and abundant iodine reserves—a key component in these panels. “Perovskite cells are our best card to achieve… Continue reading Japan bets on ultra-thin perovskite solar panels for energy future

KUALA LUMPUR: The recent reduction in Malaysia’s Overnight Policy Rate (OPR) is expected to stimulate moderate property demand in the second half of 2025, particularly in the mid-range segment, while the high-end market remains strong, analysts say. Bank Negara Malaysia’s decision to lower the OPR to 2.75 per cent on July 10 has already led… Continue reading OPR rate cut to boost Malaysia property demand, say analysts

KUALA LUMPUR: Enproserve Group Bhd, a provider of plant maintenance and engineering services, is charting a strategic expansion into the heavy lifting and equipment rental segment – a move the company views as a scalable, recurring income stream beyond its traditional contract-based operations. While the group remains firmly anchored in its core offerings – plant… Continue reading Enproserve makes ACE Market debut, steps up diversification to secure recurring income

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia is sharpening its focus on becoming a regional hub for healthcare innovation and trade, as its medical-related exports continue to climb and strategic opportunities in Asean expand. Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (Matrade) deputy CEO (export acceleration) Mansor Shah Wahid shared Malaysia’s progress in healthcare-related exports, stating that in 2024 alone, the… Continue reading Malaysia positioning itself to become Asean healthcare innovation and trade hub

SEPANG: Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd (MAHB) is optimistic of achieving its target of 62 million passenger movements by year-end, a milestone that would mark its return to pre-pandemic levels. Group managing director Datuk Mohd Izani Ghani said the positive trajectory is being driven by a series of strategic upgrades and service transformations across its network,… Continue reading MAHB says 62 million passenger movements by year-end target ‘very achievable’