Category: Business

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’

PETALING JAYA: Southeast Asia’s leading fully integrated chemical group Ancom Nylex Bhd registered revenue of RM1.87 billion for the financial year ended May 31, 2025 (FY25) compared to RM2 billion a year ago. The drop was attributed mainly to softer contributions from the industrial chemicals segment, due to lower selling prices and volumes. Meanwhile, FY25… Continue reading Ancom Nylex posts RM63.5 million net profit for FY25 – a ‘demanding’ year

TOKYO: Small and medium-sized firms (SME) like Mitsuwa Electric that form the backbone of Japan’s economy have weathered many storms over the decades, and company president Yuji Miyazaki is hopeful they will also withstand Donald Trump. As part of a campaign against friend and foe, the US president has threatened 25 % tariffs on imports… Continue reading Japan’s SMEs ready to adapt to Trump tariffs

PETALING JAYA: 3REN Bhd, a provider of automation solutions and engineering services, announced that its wholly owned subsidiary, Sophic Automation Sdn Bhd, has signed an agreement with Invest-In-Penang Bhd (InvestPenang) to accept an incentive package aimed at strengthening its integrated circuit (IC) design and development capabilities. This agreement solidifies the partnership between the parties, following… Continue reading 3REN secures incentives from InvestPenang to boost IC capabilities

BEIJING: China has a “plentiful” toolbox to avoid an economic slump in the second half of the year, its commerce minister said yesterday as he admitted it faced a “very severe and complex situation”. Growth hit 5.2% in the second quarter, official data showed Tuesday, but analysts have warned that more must be done to… Continue reading China eyes new measures to boost economy

BEIJING: China’s Commerce Minister Wang Wentao told Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang on Thursday that he hoped multinational companies including Nvidia, would provide high-quality and reliable products and services to Chinese customers, the ministry said in a statement. Huang said the Chinese market was very attractive, and Nvidia was willing to deepen cooperation with Chinese partners… Continue reading Nvidia CEO and China commerce minister discuss AI, investment

WASHINGTON: US Republicans yesterday approved President Donald Trump’s plan to cancel US$9 billion (RM38 billion) in funding for foreign aid and public broadcasting, vowing it was just the start of broader efforts by Congress to slash the federal budget. The cuts achieve only a tiny fraction of the US$1 trillion in annual savings that tech… Continue reading Congress approves US$9b Trump cuts to foreign aid, media

MALAYSIA is accelerating towards AI leadership. The recent launch of Southeast Asia’s first sovereign, full-stack AI infrastructure signals a strategic shift, bringing compute, data, and digital sovereignty under national control and placing the country at the forefront of regional digital transformation. But as momentum builds, so do demands on the systems supporting it. One of… Continue reading Rethinking cooling in AI era

KUALA LUMPUR: The government is developing a National Technology Investment Framework to tap into growing investor interest in the green economy and to position Malaysia as a key player in sustainable, future-focused sectors. Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (Mosti) deputy secretary-general (technology development) Datuk Dr Mohd Nor Azman Hassan said a major challenge lies… Continue reading Mosti: National Technology Investment Framework in the works

KUALA LUMPUR: AmBank Group expects Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) to maintain the Overnight Policy Rate (OPR) at 2.75% for the remainder of the year, citing current economic conditions as supportive of the existing rate. AmBank Group chief eonomist Firdaos Rosli said the current OPR level is appropriate and no adjustments are anticipated in the near… Continue reading Bank Negara likely to maintain OPR at 2.75% for rest of year: AmBank chief economist

PETALING JAYA: Malaysia is set to benefit from a landmark memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed between the Singapore Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCCI) and Maybank Singapore Ltd. The MoU aims to enhance cross-border business collaboration and stimulate investments across Southeast Asia, with a strategic focus on Singapore, Malaysia and the Johor-Singapore Special Economic… Continue reading SCCCI, Maybank in pact to drive investments in Southeast Asia, with focus on JS-SEZ

KUALA LUMPUR: The US dollar is expected to weaken in the next six to 12 months, and Standard Chartered Wealth Solutions Chief Investment Office (CIO) outlines a constructive, albeit volatile second half of 2025 in its recently published Global Market Outlook report. The bank views the weakening greenback outlook as a key market driver alongside… Continue reading StanChart expects US dollar to weaken in H2

KUALA LUMPUR: iCents Group Holdings Bhd has targeted a 10% growth in revenue for 2026, driven by an expected rise in contribution from its manufacturing operations. Managing director Ong Mum Fei said the group’s manufacturing of cleanroom fixtures and related products accounts for 10% to 15% of overall revenue, with contribution expected to rise as… Continue reading iCENTS eyes 10% rise in revenue for 2026

KUALA LUMPUR: Eastern & Oriental Bhd (E&O) is banking on sustained demand for luxury residences among foreign buyers, with more than 70% of its landmark Conlay by E&O development already taken up by international purchasers, led by investors from Taiwan, China, Singapore, Japan and Western countries. The Conlay Signature Suites, the upper-tier second phase of… Continue reading E&O launches Conlay Signature Suites, optimistic on foreign demand for luxury residences

PETALING JAYA: U Mobile, Malaysia’s next-gen 5G network provider, has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Melaka ICT Holdings Sdn Bhd (MICTH), the state-backed company of Malacca, to accelerate the deployment of its Next Gen 5G network in the state. The MoU reinforces U Mobile’s ability to achieve its target of 80% nationwide coverage… Continue reading U Mobile teams up with Melaka ICT to accelerate 5G rollout in Malacca

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia has a 55 per cent chance of securing lower US tariffs in the range of 15 to 19 per cent, down from the current 25 per cent, if successful trade negotiations take place, according to Apex Securities Bhd. The stockbroking firm pointed to the recent US-Indonesia trade agreement, which reduced tariffs from… Continue reading Malaysia may cut US tariffs to 15-19% with trade deal – Apex Securities

KUALA LUMPUR: FPT has officially been named a Select Tier Partner by Databricks, reinforcing its position as a leader in data and artificial intelligence (AI) solutions across the Asia-Pacific region. This recognition highlights FPT’s expertise in modern data platforms, scalable AI solutions, and enterprise analytics. The Select Tier is the second-highest level in Databricks’ partner… Continue reading FPT becomes Databricks Select Tier Partner, boosting AI leadership

OIL prices rose in early trade on Thursday, reversing the previous session’s losses, buoyed by stronger-than-expected economic data from the world’s top oil consumers and signs of easing trade tensions. Brent crude futures rose 27 cents, or 0.39%, to $68.79 a barrel at 0000 GMT. U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude futures were up 31 cents,… Continue reading Oil rises as demand hopes and economic data lift sentiment

KUALA LUMPUR: The ringgit rebounded this morning, opening higher against the US dollar amid reports of a softer stance by United States (US) President Donald Trump towards China. At 8 am, the ringgit rose to 4.2335/2550 against the greenback, compared to Wednesday’s close of 4.2400/2490. Bank Muamalat Malaysia Bhd chief economist Dr Mohd Afzanizam Abdul… Continue reading Ringgit rebounds on softer US stance towards China

KUALA LUMPUR: Integrated aquaculture group Camaroe Bhd has received approval from Bursa Malaysia Securities to list on the ACE Market. In a statement today, Camaroe, which specialises in the farming and processing of black tiger prawns, said its initial public offering (IPO) will involve the issuance of 99 million new shares, as well as an… Continue reading Aquaculture company Camaroe receives Bursa Malaysia approval for ACE Market listing

KUALA LUMPUR: Juwai IQI expects Malaysia to see Chinese investment inflow of at least RM30 billion this year, with battery and solar component plants accounting for a larger share. Juwai IQI co-founder and group chief executive officer Kashif Ansari said 2024 was the second-biggest gain ever in terms of Chinese capital, with RM31 billion finding… Continue reading Juwai IQI: Malaysia set to receive Chinese investment inflow of at least RM30b this year

KUALA LUMPUR: TNG Digital Sdn Bhd, Malaysia’s largest integrated fintech player, has partnered with Kakitangan.com, a human resource solutions provider, to offer businesses a smarter and more inclusive way to disburse salaries, especially to unbanked and underserved workers. TNG Digital CEO Alan Ni said financial inclusion has always been at the heart of the company’s… Continue reading TNG Digital, Kakitangan.com launch salary payment solution

KUALA KANGSAR: Artificial intelligence (AI) is now being harnessed to revolutionise the palm oil industry, traditionally one of Malaysia’s most labour-intensive sectors. Plantation and Commodities Deputy Minister Datuk Chan Foong Hin, who paid an official visit to Minsawi Industries (Minsawi) in Kuala Kangsar, highlighted Malaysia’s bold strides towards tech-enabled industrial transformation. He witnessed firsthand the… Continue reading AI slashes palm oil labour needs by 45%

KUALA LUMPUR: The domestic automotive industry has yet to feel the impact of US tariffs on vehicle parts, according to Malaysian Automotive Association (MAA) president Mohd Shamsor Mohd Zain. He said any potential cost increases or supply disruptions would likely only begin to materialise in about six months. “We haven’t seen any impact so far.… Continue reading MAA: Impact of US tariffs on local auto parts industry yet to be felt

KUALA LUMPUR: The penetration of xEVs in Malaysia is projected to reach 9.6% by the end of this year, driven by the launch of new models and increased consumer interest. Malaysian Automotive Association (MAA) president Mohd Shamsor Mohd Zain said xEVs accounted for 8.6% of total vehicle sales in the first half of 2025. “We’ve… Continue reading MAA: xEV penetration in Malaysia set to reach 9.6% by end of this year

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia is striving to establish itself as a global healthcare hub, underpinned by industrial reform, international partnerships and growing trade diplomacy. “It is a declaration that Malaysia is ready to lead, collaborate and build a healthier, more resilient future not just for our nation, but for the world,“ Investment, Trade and Industry Minister… Continue reading Malaysia ready to lead, build a more resilient and healthier world: Tengku Zafrul

SINGAPORE: Airlines may be reluctant to take delivery of aircraft due to the ongoing uncertainty around U.S. tariffs and their impact on the cost of the planes, International Air Transport Association Director-General Willie Walsh said on Wednesday. “It’s not just going to be a major Boeing and Airbus issue. It’ll impact all aspects of the… Continue reading Airlines hesitant on aircraft deliveries due to US tariff uncertainty

KUALA LUMPUR: MBSB Investment Bank Bhd (MBSB IB) remains sanguine on the property sector, given the healthy buying interest in the second half of 2025, with the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone and the Johor Bahru–Singapore Rapid Transit System continuing to be catalysts to the sector. In a note today, the investment bank said the recent… Continue reading MBSB IB remains bullish on property sector amid OPR cut, Johor catalysts

KUALA LUMPUR: Bursa Malaysia made a flat start on Wednesday, following the downbeat performance on Wall Street overnight. At 9.10 am, the FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI (FBM KLCI) inched down 0.29 of a point, or 0.02 per cent, to 1,525.11 from Tuesday’s close of 1,525.40. The benchmark index opened 1.63 points lower at 1,523.77. The… Continue reading Bursa Malaysia flat in early trade after downbeat Wall St performance

KUALA LUMPUR: Economists have projected the Malaysian economy to expand between 4.5 per cent and 5.5 per cent in the second quarter of 2025 (2Q 2025), driven partly by increased export demand, especially from the United States (US) importers due to heightened fears of impending tariff in August. Putra Business School Associate Professor Dr Ahmed… Continue reading 2Q 2025 GDP likely to grow 4.5–5.5% amid tariff rush – Economists

KUALA LUMPUR: The ringgit opened lower against the US dollar today as the greenback strengthened on waning hopes of an interest rate cut this month by the United States. At 8 am, the ringgit dipped to 4.2480/2575 against the greenback, compared to Tuesday’s close of 4.2395/2440. Bank Muamalat Malaysia Bhd chief economist Dr Mohd Afzanizam… Continue reading Ringgit slips at opening against greenback as US rate cut hopes fade

WASHINGTON/BEIJING/HONG KONG: Nvidia’s planned resumption of sales of its H20 AI chips to China is part of the United States’ negotiations on rare earths, US Commerce Secretary Lutnick said on Tuesday, and comes days after its CEO met U.S. President Donald Trump. “We put that in the trade deal with the magnets,“ Lutnick told Reuters,… Continue reading Nvidia’s AI chip resumption to China tied to rare earths talks

KUALA LUMPUR: SSF Home Group Bhd, a retailer in furniture, home décor, and home living products, recently announced its financial results for the fourth quarter ended April 30, 2025 (Q4’25), concluding the financial year with total revenue of RM152.5 million and rofit after tax (PAT) of RM5.9 million. In Q4’25, the group posted revenue of… Continue reading SSF Home posts softer full-year financial results

PETALING JAYA: Johor-based property developer Paragon Globe Bhd is positioning itself for sustained growth in the industrial and residential sectors, supported by strategic projects and the state’s buoyant economic prospects, following a record-breaking financial performance in its recently concluded financial year. For the financial year ended March 31, 2025, Paragon Globe achieved a net profit… Continue reading Paragon Globe eyes strong growth from industrial, residential segments

AT FIRST glance, Malaysia’s residential property market may appear quiet, but beneath the surface, a meaningful transformation is under way: a fundamental shift in how Malaysians approach property ownership. Today’s buyers are intentional, value-focused, and sharply attuned to economic signals. The optimism of past years has given way to a more measured mindset shaped by… Continue reading Homebuyers redefine value amid shift in mindset