Category: Business

KUALA LUMPUR: StashAway Malaysia, a digital wealth management platform, is targeting RM80 million in investments within the next 12 months through its newly launched syariah global portfolios designed to offer Malaysians globally diversified syariah-compliant investment solutions. Its country manager, Wai Ken Wong, said the company decided to venture into syariah-compliant investing and introduce it to… Continue reading StashAway Malaysia introduces syriah-compliant investment portfolios

JOHOR BAHRU: Astaka Holdings Ltd, an integrated property developer based in Johor, has launched a RM1.2 billion GDV mixed-use project featuring a lifestyle retail mall, located next to its upcoming residential skyscraper, Arden @ One Bukit Senyum (Arden). It will also partner with CapitaLand Investment Ltd (CLI), a global real asset manager with a network… Continue reading Astaka launches RM1.2b project with CapitaLand

KUALA LUMPUR: The MUI Group and Mah Sing Group Bhd have inked an agreement which saw the MUI Group divesting its prime 1.485-acre freehold parcel of land in the heart of KLCC precinct. The strategically located land, housing Corus KLCC hotel and within 5 minutes walking distance of the iconic Petronas Twin Towers and Suria… Continue reading Mah Sing acquires Corus Hotel land for KLCC precinct project

KUALA LUMPUR: The Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB) Malaysia has emphasised that all employers are required to comply with the accreditation and compliance process for construction personnel as outlined under the Construction Industry Development Board Act 1994 (Act 520). This requirement ensures that all foreign construction workers nationwide possess the necessary competency level, adhere to… Continue reading CIDB: Foreign construction workers must be up to par

PETALING JAYA: LBS Bina Group Berhad, a property developer, today announced its unaudited financial results for the second quarter ended June 30, 2025, which delivered a resilient performance amidst the Group’s efforts to lay a solid foundation for its next wave of growth. The Group’s revenue of RM309.8 million contributed to a profit after tax… Continue reading LBS posts RM55.3 million Patmi in 1H FY2025

JOHOR BAHRU: Topmix Berhad, a decorative surface solutions provider in Malaysia, recorded a resilient 17.4% year-on-year revenue growth to RM25.4 million for the second quarter ended June 30, 2025, from RM21.7 million a year ago. This improvement was primarily driven by the 11.6% higher sales of its high pressure laminate (HPL) products to RM22.9 million,… Continue reading Topmix posts 82% jump in PAT in first half 2025

KUALA LUMPUR – S P Setia Bhd reports an uptick of 34% in its sales at RM1.186 billion in Q2 FY2025, compared to RM883 million in Q2 FY2024. During the review period, sales momentum has picked up quarter-on-quarter, primarily from the Group’s domestic projects. Sales in the first half of FY2025 were mainly contributed by… Continue reading S P Setia’s sales in Q2 FY2025 at RM1.186 billion

KUALA LUMPUR: Express Powerr Solutions (M) Bhd, a standby power generator rental specialist, is set to debut on the ACE Market of Bursa Malaysia Securities on Sept 24, following the launch of its its initial public offering (IPO) prospectus today. The group aims to raise RM36 million from the IPO, with funds earmarked to expand… Continue reading Express Powerr aims to raise RM36 million from IPO

KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Micro Businesses Association (Mamba) has raised concern over growing discussions around the introduction of a standard minimum delivery fee, warning that such a move could significantly reduce online shopping activity and negatively impact local micro-entrepreneurs and the broader digital economy. This follows a nationwide survey conducted by Mamba involving 720 online… Continue reading Domestic micro businesses calls for balanced approach, support goals of the 13MP

KUALA LUMPUR: Bursa Malaysia main market-listed marine operations service and solutions provider Avangaad Bhd posted an increase in group revenue to RM32.3 million for the second quarter (Q2) ended June 30, 2025 (FY25) from RM30.6 million, while year-on-year revenue rose to RM62.2 million from RM61.8 million. The quarter’s standout was a RM66.8 million suite of… Continue reading Avangaad secures RM66.8m in contracts, boosts Q2 revenue to RM32.3m

GOLD prices declined to their lowest point in almost three weeks on Wednesday. The drop came as the US dollar strengthened significantly in global markets. Investors are closely monitoring the upcoming Federal Reserve symposium in Jackson Hole. Spot gold decreased by 0.1 percent to $3,313.51 per ounce by 0240 GMT. This level represents the weakest… Continue reading Gold price drops to 3-week low on strong dollar and Fed focus

CYBERJAYA: Pure play enterprise Internet of Things (IoT) solutions provider, SMRT Holdings Bhd, posted a net profit of RM28.4 million, a growth of 14.1% year-on-year (YoY) for the financial year ended June 30, 2025 (FY25), after adjusting for a one-off disposal gain of RM1.1 million recorded in FY24. This stronger underlying growth, compared to the… Continue reading SMRT posts RM28.4m FY25 profit on strong IoT, recurring revenue growth

KUALA LUMPUR: The ringgit opened flat against the US dollar on Wednesday, amid cautious market sentiments ahead of the United States (US) Federal Reserve (Fed) chair, Jerome Powell’s Jackson Hole speech this Friday. At 8 am, the local note stood at 4.2215/2420 from yesterday’s close of 4.2215/2255. Bank Muamalat Malaysia Bhd chief economist Dr Mohd… Continue reading Ringgit opens flat against US dollar on cautious sentiment

NEW YORK: European stock markets experienced gains while Wall Street saw mostly declines as investors monitored potential progress in negotiations to end the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Market participants are also anticipating a crucial speech by Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell later this week for indications about future interest rate adjustments. Hopes for a diplomatic breakthrough increased… Continue reading Markets watch Ukraine talks and US Fed rates decision

PETALING JAYA: The government is strategising to integrate Transit-Oriented Development into future public housing to improve access for urban communities to job opportunities and education, and also help to ease traffic congestion in city centres. Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming said Malaysia is also expanding the adoption of Industrialised Building System and… Continue reading Govt looking at way to integrate TOD into future public housing projects in sustainable urban development

PETALING JAYA: The government will conduct a feasibility study on nuclear energy, including small modular reactors (SMR), to assess its potential as a stable base-load power source for regions where renewable deployment faces unique challenges. Depuyy Prime Minister and Energy Transition and Water Transformation Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof said this study will evaluate waste… Continue reading Feasilibity study on nuclear energy to include small modular reactors

KUALA LUMPUR: The Energy Transition and Water Transformation Ministry (Petra) will introduce a digital platform called Pipeline Accountability Portal to provide the public with real-time data on pipeline disruptions, leakage rates and repair timelines, said Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof. Fadillah who is also deputy prime minister said the initiative reflects the government’s shift from… Continue reading Ministry to roll out ‘pipeline’ to provide real-time info on water supply issues

KUALA LUMPUR: Ninja Van Malaysia has launched 44 new international delivery lanes, extending its cross-border reach to 46 destinations worldwide in a move aimed at helping Malaysian businesses scale into global markets at significantly lower costs. The new routes span Asia-Pacific, North America, Latin America, the Middle East and Europe, adding to existing services to… Continue reading Ninja Van Malaysia launches 44 new international delivery lanes, extends cross-border reach

PETALING JAYA: Despite all the hype about OpenAI’s new ChatGPT-5 model, some Malaysian business leaders say companies should instead “go local” for artificial intelligence (AI). Doing so can create jobs, protect Malaysian consumer data, make artificial intelligence more Malaysian and boost companies’ bottom line, according to insights released today by Juwai IQI. Juwai IQI Group… Continue reading Forget ChatGPT-5, Malaysian companies say it’s better to ‘go local’ in using AI: Juwai IQI

BENGALURU: ChatGPT maker OpenAI on Tuesday launched ChatGPT Go, a new India-only subscription plan priced at 399 rupees (US$4.57; RM19.28) per month, its most affordable offering yet, as the company looks to deepen its presence in its second-largest market. Global companies often offer cheaper subscription plans for India’s price-sensitive market, targeting the nearly one billion… Continue reading OpenAI launches cheapest ChatGPT plan in India

TOKYO: Intel is getting a US$2 billion (RM8.4 billion) capital injection from SoftBank Group in a major vote of confidence for the troubled US chipmaker that is in the middle of a turnaround effort. The equity investment, announced by the two companies on Monday, is a lifeline for the once-iconic US chipmaker which has struggled… Continue reading Intel gets US$2b shot in the arm from SoftBank

KUALA LUMPUR: India’s palm oil imports from Malaysia surged 16% in July 2025 to 301,000 tonnes, the highest in nine months, even as Malaysia’s palm oil inventories climbed to a 19-month high of 2.11 million tonnes on slower pace of exports, said Malaysian Palm Oil Council (MPOC). In a statement yesterday, it said demand from… Continue reading India’s purchases of Malaysian palm oil surge in July

PUTRAJAYA: Malaysia’s trade performance recorded a positive growth in July 2025 with a total trade exhibiting an increase of 3.8% from RM256.2 billion in the previous year to RM265.9 billion. This performance primarily driven by a marginal growth in imports by 0.6%, reaching RM125.5 billion and exports by 6.8%, valued at RM140.4 billion in July… Continue reading July trade rises to RM265.9b, surplus widens

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia’s trade performance rebounded in July 2025, growing 3.8 per cent year-on-year to RM265.92 billion, the highest monthly value on record. The Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI) reported exports rose 6.8 per cent to RM140.45 billion, the strongest since September 2022. Imports saw a modest 0.6 per cent increase to RM125.47… Continue reading Malaysia’s trade rebounds 3.8 pct to RM265.92b in July 2025

KUALA LUMPUR: Chin Hin Group Bhd signed a strategic customer cooperation agreement on August 13, 2025, with Kingdee International Software Group Company Ltd, a leading provider of digital management solutions listed on the main board of the Hong Kong Stock Exchange and headquartered in Shenzhen, China. This partnership marks a pivotal leap in Chin Hin… Continue reading Chin Hin teams up with Kingdee for digital and AI expansion

KUALA LUMPUR: The ringgit rebounded to open slightly higher against the US dollar and major currencies, despite the US dollar’s uptrend amidst the United States (US)-Ukraine talk, said an analyst. At 8 am, the local note inched up to 4.2190/2320 from Monday’s close of 4.2200/2240. Bank Muamalat Malaysia Bhd chief economist Dr Mohd Afzanizam Abdul… Continue reading Ringgit rebounds to open slightly higher vs US dollar

KUALA LUMPUR: The Intellectual Property Corporation of Malaysia (MyIPO) is intensifying its efforts to shape future policies and legislation that address the growing challenges posed by artificial intelligence (AI) in the intellectual property landscape. MyIPO said its priority, as the custodian of intellectual property rights in Malaysia, is to strike a balance between protecting the… Continue reading MyIPO pushes for stronger IP legal framework amid AI challenges

KUALA LUMPUR: The accountancy profession is central to Malaysia’s economic resilience and future growth, particularly in embedding sustainability into business models, said Deputy Finance Minister Lim Hui Ying. She said accountants are no longer “mere number keepers” but “guardians of integrity”, upholding trust and transparency across both public and private sectors. “With sustainability now a… Continue reading Accountancy profession central to Malaysia’s economic resilience and future growth: Lim

PETALING JAYA: CelcomDigi Bhd registered revenue growth of 2.3% year-on-year (y-o-y) to RM3.18 billion in its second quarter of financial year 2025 (Q2’25). Earnings before interest and tax grew 12.3 % y-o-y to RM736 million, while profit after tax improved 5.5% y-o-y to RM439 million, supported by disciplined capital and operating expenditure management and the… Continue reading CelcomDigi posts improved Q2 results declares 3.8 sen dividend

KUALA LUMPUR: U Mobile Sdn Bhd will roll out in-building 5G coverage to 175 buildings within a year and over 600 nationwide within four years, said chief technology officer Woon Ooi Yuen. He said the telco has already equipped more than 70 buildings with its 5G infrastructure with Berjaya Times Square becoming the first shopping… Continue reading U Mobile aims to provide 5G coverage in 175 buildings within a year

PETALING JAYA: Integrated engineering solutions provider Oxford Innotech Bhd (OXB) is poised to capitalise on the rising adoption of automation in manufacturing as businesses increasingly seek solutions that enhance efficiency, ensure consistent quality and reinforce operational resilience in a competitive global market. OXB, which made its debut on the ACE Market of Bursa Malaysia Securities… Continue reading Oxford Innotech to ride on rising use of automation, robotics in manufacturing

PETALING JAYA: AirAsia X (AAX) has once again clinched the Best International Airline of the Year title at the Australian Aviation Awards 2025, marking its second consecutive win and reaffirming its strong and growing presence in the Australian market. The honour, presented at a gala ceremony in Sydney last Friday, recognises AAX’s continued excellence in… Continue reading AirAsia X again named Best International Airline of the Year at Australian Aviation Awards

TOKYO: Asian stocks climbed higher on Monday as oil prices declined ahead of crucial talks between former US President Donald Trump, Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky, and European officials in Washington. Trump’s recent meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska ended without progress on a Ukraine ceasefire, leaving markets cautious. Zelensky described a US proposal… Continue reading Asian stocks rise as oil falls before Trump-Zelensky talks

MALAYSIA’S income tax law is comprehensive and is designed to catch all income with very few exceptions. You do not need to be in business to be taxed. Even ordinary individuals receiving casual, miscellaneous, isolated receipts could be caught within the income tax net. Escaping from tax is only available for genuine gifts, receipts of… Continue reading Tax Matters – Casual and miscellaneous receipts can be taxed

KUALA LUMPUR: The ringgit opened slightly firmer against the US dollar on Monday as market sentiment leaned towards a potential US interest rate cut. At 8 am, the local currency traded at 4.2050/2260, up from Friday’s close of 4.2085/2155. Bank Muamalat Malaysia Bhd chief economist Dr Mohd Afzanizam Abdul Rashid noted growing expectations for a… Continue reading Ringgit opens firmer against US dollar amid rate cut expectations

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia’s creative industry micro small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) need consistent, targeted support to reach their full economic potential, said creative economy veteran Zainariah Johari. She said artisans and small creative businesses form the backbone of the sector, yet are often overlooked in favour of big players. “The most important thing is the… Continue reading Malaysian’s creative industry MSMEs need support to reach full economic potential: Expert

KUALA LUMPUR: Tetra Pak, a global leader in food processing and packaging solutions, has reaffirmed its commitment to achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions in its operations by 2030 and across its entire value chain by 2050. This ambition is supported by key initiatives such as reducing fossil-based materials in packaging, improving energy efficiency across facilities,… Continue reading Tetra Pak walks the talk on net-zero

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia is currently able to meet the influx of data centre cooling demand, said Malaysian Air-Conditioning and Refrigeration Association (Macra) president Peter Tan. He said the country’s power grid infrastructure is highly developed and capable of supporting such growth. “Basically, when we have such an investment coming to our shores, yes, we are… Continue reading Macra says Malaysia able to meet data centre cooling demand

KUALA LUMPUR: Heineken Malaysia Bhd posted a dip in earnings for the second quarter and first half of financial year 2025 (FY25) as softer consumer sentiment and cost pressures weighed on its performance. For the quarter ended June 30, 2025 (Q2’25), revenue fell 5% to RM540 million compared with RM565 million in the same quarter… Continue reading Heineken Malaysia posts softer results. declares 40 sen dividend

PETALING JAYA: Malaysian consumers are adopting artificial intelligence (AI) in their shopping habits at a rate far higher than the global average, positioning the country as one of the fastest-growing AI-driven retail markets in the world, according to the Adyen Retail Report 2025. The study, released recently by global financial technology platform Adyen, revealed that… Continue reading Malaysians use AI in shopping at rate that outpaces global average: Adyen

JOHOR BAHRU: Sun Bus Tech Sdn Bhd aims to be among Malaysia’s top three bus manufacturers within five to 10 years and a leading player in the Asean electric vehicle (EV) bus market. Its chief executive officer, Shyan Phang, said the outlook for Malaysia’s EV bus sector remains strong, driven by government plans to procure… Continue reading Sun Bus aims to be leading player in Asean EV bus market