Category: Business

KUALA LUMPUR: The ringgit opened higher against the US dollar on Wednesday, building on gains as weaker United States jobs data fuelled expectations of interest rate cuts. At 8 am, the local currency stood at 4.2005/2170 versus the greenback, up from Tuesday’s close of 4.2025/2080. Bank Muamalat Malaysia Bhd chief economist Dr Mohd Afzanizam Abdul… Continue reading Ringgit opens higher on US jobs revision and rate cut hopes

KUALA LUMPUR: Chief financial officers must strive to be strategic operators in the current global climate, capable of guiding organisations through uncertainty and repositioning them for growth. Economic Club of Kuala Lumpur advisory council chairman Tan Sri Abdul Wahid Omar said CFOs must lead in reimagining finance itself, adding that the days when the finance… Continue reading Time for CFOs to show their mettle during current global volatility and uncertainty: Abdul Wahid

KUALA LUMPUR: Imagine a travel app that not only compares flight prices but alerts you the instant fares drop, recommends hotels you never knew you wanted and even helps you replace a lost passport overseas. For global online travel agency Trip.com, this future is already taking shape and Malaysia is playing a central role. The… Continue reading Trip.com looks to Malaysia to redefine future of travel service

ADDIS ABABA: Kemeriya Mehammed Abduraheman set her sights on an electric car four months ago, joining more than 100,000 Ethiopians who have made the green switch. While electric vehicle (EV) sales in Africa accounted for only 1% of the global market in 2024, according to the International Energy Agency, Ethiopia wants to change that. In… Continue reading Do Ethiopians dream of electric cars?

PHNOM PENH: Cambodia unveiled its prestigious RM6 billion (US$1.5 billion) infrastructure project the Techo International Airport, with flight operations beginning yesterday, marking a milestone in regional connectivity development. Situated in Kandal Province, an economic centre about 20km from Phnom Penh, the ultra-modern 4F class airport is designed to accommodate wide-body aircraft such as the Airbus… Continue reading Milestone in Cambodia aviation as new international airport starts ops

KUALA LUMPUR: Audit responses are vetted for authenticity before being uploaded to the AI powered, real-time Auditor General Dashboard, said Auditor-General Datuk Seri Wan Suraya Wan Mohd Radzi. Wan Suraya said she personally chairs the Audit Committee, which reviews the feedback responses and ensures they are genuine before being posted on the Auditor General Dashboard.… Continue reading Auditor-General: Audit responses vetted before they are uploaded to dashboard

KUALA LUMPUR: Nokia has signed a contract agreement with Extreme Broadband (EBB) and its wholly owned subsidiary Open DC to upgrade Open DC’s artificial intelligence (AI) data centres, ensuring superior security and network performance. This partnership supports Malaysia’s National Cloud Computing Policy and addresses the stringent requirements of the banking and financial services industry, positioning… Continue reading Nokia partners EBB on data centre security

PETALING JAYA: Thmy Holdings Bhd has signed an underwriting agreement with Affin Hwang Investment Bank Bhd for its proposed initial public offering (IPO) in conjunction with its upcoming listing on the ACE Market of Bursa Malaysia Securities, slated for the fourth quarter of 2025. Thmy, through its subsidiary, is involved in the provision of automated… Continue reading Thmy appoints Affin Hwang Investment Bank to underwrite IPO

JOHOR: Paragon Globe Bhd, a main market-listed property developer, through its wholly-owned subsidiary Paragon Bizhub Sdn Bhd, inaugurated the PGB Hostel Pekan Nanas at Pekan Nanas Industrial Park, marking a milestone as the first Provisional GreenRE Silver-certified worker hostel in Johor and the first purpose-built hostel in Pekan Nanas. The ceremony was officiated by Johor… Continue reading PGB inaugurates first GreenRE worker hostel in Johor

KUALA LUMPUR: The ringgit opened stronger against the US dollar on Tuesday, extending its gains as the greenback weakened on rising expectations of United States interest rate cuts. At 8 am, the local currency stood at 4.2070/2275 versus the dollar, up from Monday’s close of 4.2165/2205. Bank Muamalat Malaysia Bhd chief economist Dr Mohd Afzanizam… Continue reading Ringgit extends gains against US dollar on Fed rate cut expectations

PETALING JAYA: Carbon markets and sustainable financing instruments are set to play a pivotal role in helping Malaysian industries navigate rising energy costs while staying on track with the country’s net-zero ambitions. Bursa Carbon Exchange (BCX) assistant vice-president of business development and sales Muhammad Rizal Azmi said carbon credits and RECs (renewable energy certificates) were… Continue reading Carbon markets, sustainable financing set to fuel Malaysia’s energy transition

PETALING JAYA: Internationalisation will be a defining feature of Malaysia’s next phase of capital market development, said Securities Commission Malaysia (SC) chairman Datuk Mohammad Faiz Azmi, as the regulator prepares to launch its Capital Market Masterplan 4 (CMP4) by the end of the year. “Internationalisation is a central pillar of our strategy, including in the… Continue reading Internationalisation central pillar in SC’s upcoming Capital Market Masterplan 4

PETALING JAYA: Recognised for its leadership in driving sustainable and future-ready industrial development, NCT Land Sdn Bhd, the wholly owned subsidiary of NCT Group of Companies (NCT Group) and developer of the NCT Smart Industrial Park (NSIP), was conferred the Industry Excellence in Smart Industrial Solutions Award at the Malaysia Top Achievers 2025 (MATA 2025).… Continue reading NCT Group earns recognition at Malaysia Top Achievers 2025

PETALING JAYA: Verdant Solar Holdings Bhd, a provider of engineering, procurement, construction and commissioning (EPCC) and operations and maintenance (O&M) services for solar photovoltaic (PV) systems in Malaysia, has taken a significant step towards its initial public offering (IPO) journey. The group signed an underwriting agreement with Mercury Securities Sdn Bhd for its listing on… Continue reading Verdant Solar signs IPO underwriting agreement with Mercury Securities for ACE Market listing

PETALING JAYA: SME Corporation Malaysia is introducing a new financing programme through the Business Accelerator Programme (BAP) Alternative Financing Programme 2025 for small and medium enterprises in the country. A total of RM35 million has been allocated for the scheme, which offers syariah-compliant financing of up to RM400,000 to eligible SMEs at a competitive profit… Continue reading SME Corp partners microLEAP to offer RM35m grant-convertible financing scheme

KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysia Retail Electronic Cigarette Association (MRECA) considers the report by the Health Parliament Special Select Committee (PSSC) on vaping in Malaysia to be biased, as it recommends a blanket ban on the sale and use of e-cigarettes without engaging all relevant stakeholders in the decision-making process. MRECA president Datuk Adzwan Ab Manas… Continue reading MRECA calls for inclusive consultation on vape regulations

KUALA LUMPUR: i-Care Marketing Sdn Bhd, the sole distributor of See Young scalp care products in Malaysia, is targeting double-digit growth as it strengthens the brand’s presence in the country and aims for regional leadership. The personal care products company is projecting 10% year-on-year sales growth, with ambitions to capture the top spot in the… Continue reading i-Care Marketing aims to make See Young top scalp care brand in Southeast Asia

THE date of incorporation of a company is commonly misinterpreted to be synonymous with the commencement of the business for income tax purposes. Once the business has been established to have commenced for income tax purposes, the business will be able to claim deduction on the expenses incurred in the production of the business income.… Continue reading Tax Matters – Importance of determining business commencement date

KUALA LUMPUR: Sandwich cafe chain O’Briens is charting ambitious growth plans in Malaysia and the wider Asia-Pacific region with CEO Brian Pua revealing that a potential Bursa Malaysia listing is on the horizon as the company looks to double the number of outlets over the next two years. Pua, who brought the Irish brand to… Continue reading O’Briens Malaysia eyes regional expansion, potential Bursa listing

KUALA LUMPUR: Businesses in Malaysia will be expected to comply with nationwide e-invoicing by 2027, a transformation that will reshape how companies manage their finances. For small and medium-sized enterprises, the challenge is not simply one of compliance but of adapting to a digital tax environment that demands accuracy, transparency and efficiency. Many SMEs, especially… Continue reading Taxpool aims to be ‘go-to partner’ in navigating Malaysia’s digital tax landscape

PETALING JAYA: Axis Real Estate Investment Trust’s (Axis-REIT) trustee RHB Trustees Bhd has entered into a sale and purchase agreement with Barry Callebaut Malaysia Sdn Bhd to acquire industrial property in Kawasan Industri Bandar Sultan Suleiman, Port Klang, for a cash consideration of RM50 million. The property is a plot of leasehold industrial land measuring… Continue reading Axis-REIT to acquire industrial property in Port Klang for RM50 million

KUALA LUMPUR: Scammed! For many, despite the numerous reports and news, it is usually the case of “this is something that happens to others.” Until it happens to you. Despite having strong confidence in spotting scams, many Malaysians still fall victim, revealing a troubling gap between awareness and prevention. According to the newly released 2025… Continue reading Malaysians think they can outsmart scammers but 73% still fall victim

PETALING JAYA: Citaglobal Bhd announced that a consortium comprising subsidiary Citaglobal Renewable Energy Sdn Bhd, Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company PJSC (Masdar) and Tiza Global Sdn Bhd, received a letter of notification from the Energy Commission of Malaysia (EC) that the group has been selected as a shortlisted bidder for the development of a large-scale… Continue reading Citaglobal in consortium shortlisted to develop solar project in Kuantan

MOST businesses in the country are currently grappling with the widening digital skills gap. According to data, an alarming 83% of the Malaysian workforce has minimal digital skills. Because of this skills gap, SMEs struggle to fully utilise digital marketing, a key driver of growth in today’s competitive landscape. This gap is regarding existing approaches… Continue reading M’sia’s digital marketing gap: Why 83% of teams lag behind

LONDON: Uncertainty loomed over what Saudi Arabia, Russia and six other key members of the Opec+ alliance would decide on crude output in their meeting yesterday, with analysts saying a production boost was also being considered. The meeting by the group of eight oil-producing countries known as the “Voluntary Eight” (V8) comes as oil prices… Continue reading Uncertainty builds as Opec+ holds crucial talks

KUALA LUMPUR: Some may argue that the approved investments reported by the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (Mida) and the foreign direct investment (FDI) figures from the Department of Statistics Malaysia (DoSM) for the first half of 2025 (1H’25) appear contradictory. Truth is, both Malaysia’s RM190.3 billion in approved investments and the RM1.6 billion in FDI… Continue reading Approved investments, FDIs reflect Malaysia’s growth path

How has your life experience made you the leader you are today? In my career, I have seen uplifting successes and debilitating failures. During this time, I had the good fortune of working with mentors who have been authentic, and have taken personal interest in my development. At the same time, they have challenged me,… Continue reading Success: The Insight Story – Lessons that shape modern leaders

PETALING JAYA: Agmo Holdings Bhd, a homegrown digital solutions and application development specialist, through wholly owned subsidiary Agmo Studio Sdn Bhd, has been appointed as the exclusive distributor and authorised reseller of Glem.AI in Malaysia. Glem.AI, a full-stack artificial intelligence (AI) platform developed locally by InfinitiLab Sdn Bhd, is designed to empower enterprises by automating… Continue reading Agmo secures deal to distribute InfinitiLab’s GlemAI in Malaysia

PETALING JAYA: The Associated Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Malaysia (ACCCIM)’s Malaysia’s Business and Economic Conditions Survey (M-BECS) indicated a weakening trend in Malaysian business conditions and sentiment, driven by the US tariffs policy uncertainty, rising costs, and cooling global demand. The half-yearly survey conducted between July 10 and Aug 11 covering business… Continue reading M’sian business sentiment weakening: ACCCIM survey

KUALA LUMPUR: In collaboration with the World Gold Council (WGC), the Malaysia Gold Association (MGA) took a significant step recently to advance the local gold industry by hosting a strategic engagement session, focusing on Advancing Best Practice Principles for Malaysia’s gold industry. During the engagement session, WGC market structure and innovation global head Mike Oswin… Continue reading MGA, WGC join forces to advance local gold industry

KUALA LUMPUR: As Malaysia accelerates efforts towards cleaner energy alternatives and improved waste management, waste-to-energy (WTE) solutions are emerging as a compelling option, particularly for islands such as Pulau Langkawi, Pulau Redang and Pulau Tioman. According to GreenRE chairman Datuk Seri FD Iskandar, the success of WTE initiatives hinges on one often-overlooked but critical factor… Continue reading Malaysia must change mindset to embrace next-gen waste and nuclear solutions

PETALING JAYA: Hengyuan Refining Company Bhd is moving forward with plans to raise up to RM300 million through a renounceable rights issue, which involves offering up to 300 million new shares, along with up to 150 million accompanying warrants. The rights issue will be made on the basis of one new rights share for every… Continue reading Hengyuan Refining proceeds with plans to raise up to RM300 million via rights issue

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia’s construction industry is expected to grow 9.6% year-on-year (y-o-y) in 2025, driven by the building sector, said BMI, a Fitch Solutions company. Meanwhile, long-term infrastructure construction growth would be spurred by the energy and utilities investments, with regional integration driving the transport infrastructure development, it said. In a note on Thursday, BMI… Continue reading BMI: Malaysian construction industry to grow 9.6% year-on-year in 2025

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia Airlines, the national carrier under Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG), will resume flights to Chengdu in January 2026, its seventh destination in China, after a nine-year break. MAG managing director Datuk Captain Izham Ismail said the move is part of the group’s strategy to streamline operations and expand its network in line with… Continue reading Malaysia Airlines, Firefly widen reach across Asia and beyond

SHARES of Lululemon Athletica plunged more than 17% in premarket trading on Friday after the athletic wear maker slashed annual profit and sales forecasts, hurt by tepid U.S. demand and tariff costs. The firm cut its annual profit forecast for the second straight quarter on Thursday as it grapples with pressure from losing market share… Continue reading Lululemon shares tumble on weak US demand, tariff woes

PETALING JAYA: Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) has maintained the Overnight Policy Rate (OPR) at 2.75% as the central bank’s indicators point towards continued expansion in global growth, supported by sustained consumer spending and front-loading activities. OCBC Global Market Research senior Asian economist Lavanya Venkateswaran, in a report, said BNM’s assessment of growth risks is more… Continue reading Bank Negara keeps OPR at 2.75%, cites resilient demand and global growth

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia’s furniture industry must urgently diversify its export markets and not rely too heavily on traditional hubs, said Deputy Plantation and Commodities Minister Datuk Chan Foong Hin. He said there is a need to explore emerging markets where demand for sustainable, high-quality furniture is increasing and business ties are less exposed to geopolitical… Continue reading Furniture industry urged to diversify beyond traditional export hubs

PETALING JAYA: Malaysia’s aviation sector is on track for full recovery, with monthly passenger trafï¬c reaching 9.3 million in July 2025, the Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM) said today. This represents a 3.9% month-on-month (MoM) increase from June and a 5.3% year-on-year (YoY) rise compared to July 2024. The ï¬gure now stands at 96.8%… Continue reading CAAM: Malaysia’s aviation sector heading towards full recovery

CYBERJAYA: DXN Holdings Bhd, a leading global manufacturer of nutraceutical products, announced that its wholly-owned subsidiary, Daxen Middle East Food Manufacturing LLC, signed a sale and purchase agreement (SPA) to acquire a residential apartment unit at Burj Khalifa, Dubai, United Arab Emirates, for AED6.4 million (approximately RM7.4 million). The acquisition, financed entirely through internally generated… Continue reading DXN invests in Dubai property for leadership and training hub

KUALA LUMPUR: reNIKOLA Holdings Sdn Bhd has been shortlisted for 400 MWac/618 MWp of solar capacity under Malaysia’s Large Scale Solar 5+ (LSS 5+) programme, a flagship initiative of the National Energy Transition Roadmap (NETR). This recognition places reNIKOLA at the forefront of the nation’s renewable energy transformation. The award comprises two projects in Kemaman,… Continue reading reNIKOLA shortlisted for 618 MWp in Malaysia’s LSS 5+ programme

KUALA LUMPUR: The government is confident that RON95 petrol subsidy rationalisation will not trigger a sharp rise in inflation, Ministry of Economy secretary-general Datuk Nor Azmie Diron said. Inflation is expected to remain manageable within the government’s target range of 2% to 3% even as subsidy rationalisation progresses, he added. “This is the aspiration we… Continue reading Government confident RON95 rationalisation won’t trigger spike in inflation

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia is in talks with China on rare earth (RE) cooperation to expand local refining capacity, following the government’s ban on unprocessed exports. Ministry of Economy secretary-general Datuk Nor Azmie Diron said discussions with Beijing are difficult, as China’s policy is to only import raw materials and not allow its processing plants or… Continue reading Malaysia in talks on rare earth cooperation with China to expand local refining capacity

PETALING JAYA: Tropicana Corporation Berhad reported that it has redeemed another tranche of the Sukuk Wakalah Programme worth RM100 million, which was due on Sept 3, 2025. The Company has also successfully redeemed a tranche of RM123.5 million on June 30, 2025 under the Sukuk Wakalah Programme. The redemption of sukuk reflects Tropicana’s prudent financial… Continue reading Tropicana redeems RM100m Islamic bond

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia is determined to advance regional cooperation in digital trade and this is clearly seen with the country hosting the inaugural Asean E-Commerce Conference 2025 in November, said Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Deputy Minister Datuk Dr Fuziah Salleh. “The participation of all stakeholders in this conference is vital to strengthening the… Continue reading Malaysia determined to advance regional cooperation in digital trade

JOHOR BAHRU: Cape EMS Bhd, a leading Malaysian-based electronic manufacturing services (EMS) solutions provider with global presence, signed a strategic cooperation agreement with Shanghai Sermatec Energy Technology Co Ltd, a Bloomberg NEF-certified Tier 1 global energy storage manufacturer. This partnership formally initiates a joint commitment to localising battery energy storage solutions in Malaysia and establishing… Continue reading Cape EMS, Sermatec forge strategic alliance to localise battery storage for Asean