With QR codes and instant transfers on the rise, Bank Negara Malaysia is accelerating efforts to make cross-border payments as seamless as domestic ones across Asean.

In early April, Malaysia and Cambodia launched the second phase of their cross-border QR payment system, enabling QR-bas...

Integration: Malaysia to broaden regional payment links as Asean chair

NEWS

Malaysia sees tech salary surge in 2025, led by system engineers

Tech salaries in Malaysia have risen significantly this year, with system engineers recording the highest increase at 8%, according to NodeFlair’s Tech Salary Report 2...

Bits + Bytes: A Miscellany Of Technology

Teenagers are increasingly becoming both victims and perpetrators of online crimes on social media platforms, driven by a combination of growing screen time, uneven digital literacy and anonymity on the internet. This trend warrants urgent intervention from parents, educators and law enforcement ...

Online Safety: Teens both victims and perpetrators in rise of social media-linked crimes

It has been more than two years since ChatGPT’s debut upended the artificial intelligence (AI) world and led to massive global investments in AI technologies and infrastructure. But the world was once again turned upside down with DeepSeek’s emergence.

The essence of the “DeepSeek momen...

Ideas: The DeepSeek moment: A catalyst for AI infrastructure growth

Nearly six in 10 employees, or 59%, in Malaysia say they would resign from a toxic work environment — the highest percentage in Asia-Pacific, according to Randstad’s 2025 Workmonitor research.

Toxic workplaces driving employee resignations

Southeast Asia’s once-hyped Web3.0 sector, long overshadowed by speculative trading and high-profile collapses, is now undergoing a quiet but determined resurgence. Following a period of decline marked by the implosions of Terra-Luna and FTX, early-stage Web3.0 investment in the region rebounded ...

Future Perfect: Web3.0 is back in Southeast Asia — but it looks nothing like before

Over the past 15 years, job transformations have become life-altering. This introduces the concept of personal obsolescence, a somewhat chilling reality. Unfortunately, current education systems are unprepared for this rapid change.

The “one and done” model, where secondary or tertiary ...

Learning: Human versus machine

The entertainment landscape shifted significantly with the advent of over-the-top (OTT) platforms like Netflix and Amazon Prime, which offer movies and series on demand that are accessible anytime and anywhere. Despite data-driven, personalised recommendations, audiences now appear to be experien...

Entertainment: Traditional TV and OTT platforms consolidate

Threat actors are evolving their tactics, moving beyond traditional ransomware and data theft to focus on business disruption, artificial intelligence (AI)-assisted attacks and insider threats. According to Palo Alto Networks’ 2025 Unit 42 Global Incident Response Report, almost half of the secur...

Issues: Nearly 44% of security incidents involve web browsers, says Palo Alto Networks

When Malaysia’s first satellite, Measat-1, was launched in 1996, the country made headlines for its space aspirations. But today, participating in this area is less about national pride than tapping into a rapidly growing economy powered by data, connectivity and satellite-based services.

...

Cover Story: Reaching for the final frontier

US President Donald Trump’s decision to impose tariffs on imports from all countries has sparked concerns about the future of the low-carbon energy transition, as products such as solar panels, battery storage and electric vehicles (EVs) rely heavily on global supply chains.

The global clean energy supply chain

Devoting years of one’s life to repopulating an endangered species, only to see the numbers dwindling until nothing was left, is a terrible outcome to witness.

This was the experience of John Payne, who was part of WWF-Malaysia’s programme to save the Sumatran Rhinoceros in the 1980s. T...

Biodiversity: Keeping the wild banteng alive

When asked how bad the pollution in Kota Kinabalu (KK) was, Marine Research Foundation (MRF) founder and executive director Dr Nicolas Pilcher could not find the words. Instead, he showed ESG a video of MRF’s boat sailing through the rivers of KK, pushing through plastic waste that encompassed th...

Waste: Ray of hope in cleaning up Malaysian seas

Bank Negara Malaysia will support Malaysia’s Asean chairmanship theme of “Inclusivity and sustainability” by focusing on two areas: Financing for energy transition projects in Asean, and supporting small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in their journey on the low-carbon transition.

These ...

Finance: Bank Negara Malaysia to work with Asean on the green transition

Malaysia is not short of policies and plans to tackle climate change. However, for these initiatives to be effective, climate change and its related impacts must be considered in the country’s public financial management processes.

These are among the suggestions that Marco Larizza, sen...

Climate: World Bank: Malaysia has to strengthen institutions to adapt to climate change

Public-listed companies (PLCs) in Malaysia are now required to use Bursa Malaysia’s Centralised Sustainability Intelligence (CSI) platform as their official sustainability reporting channel. This follows the regulator’s late-March announcement that the CSI platform is fully equipped to support di...

Reporting: Bursa aims to address companies’ sustainability reporting burden

Malaysia’s passing of the Carbon Capture, Utilisation and Storage (CCUS) Bill in March has left many questions unanswered about the bill’s place in contributing to the country’s climate goals. Yet, it is a step forward in implementing a flagship catalyst project under the National Energy Transiti...

Cover Story: Who benefits from CCUS in Malaysia?

Following its debut in Malaysian markets in October last year, Chinese car manufacturer Leapmotor launched its local assembly operations for its electric vehicles (EVs) with Stellantis at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport on Friday.

Stellantis Malaysian assembly plant to serve as Asean regional hub

KUALA LUMPUR (April 9): The unpredictable catastrophes caused by climate change have madeit difficult for insurance companies to manage risks, said speakers at the National Climate Governance Summit (NCGS) 2025 held in Sasana Kijang, Kuala Lumpur, on Tuesday (April 8).

Insurers paying attention to climate risks

To push more small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to decarbonise, there must be a business case to compel them to start the journey, along with top-down regulations to mandate actions like sustainability reporting.

Create business case for SMEs to decarbonise

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While the outcome of Astro Malaysia’s tax case is “relatively favourable”, Maybank Investment Bank said the stock remained a “sell”.

MORNING CALL: 29/4/25

The new group CEO of KLCC (Holdings) Sdn Bhd Datuk Mohd Salem Kailany has plans to unveil the ambitious 486-acre Bandar Malaysia development in Sungai Besi the company has recently taken over by year’s end, in addition to managing the largest real investment trust in the country.

Plans for Bandar Malaysia to be unveiled by year’s end

It has been weeks since the Putra Heights gas fire and everyone is still dealing with the fallout. Deputy editor Adam Aziz talks about the timeline back to some semblance of normality.

EDGE WEEKLY: Putra Heights and its mark on business

World stocks and the dollar edged up on Tuesday after US President Donald Trump's administration said it planned to reduce the impact of auto tariffs, a further sign of flexibility on a trade policy that has wreaked havoc on markets in April.

World stocks, dollar nudge higher on US auto tariff relief

China’s top diplomat warned countries against caving in to US tariff threats, as the Trump administration hints at the possible use of new trade tools to pressure Beijing.

China vows to stand firm, urges nations to resist ‘bully’ Trump

The cost of a plate of nasi lemak — a beloved Malaysian staple — has skyrocketed by 81.3% over the past 13 years, rising from RM2.03 in 2011 to RM3.68 in 2024. This increase significantly exceeds the national inflation rate of 28.7% during the same period, according to the Department of Statistics Malaysia (DOSM).

Nasi lemak price jumps 81% in 13 years, much higher than Malaysia’s inflation rate

Fraser & Neave Holdings Bhd (KL:F&N) expects its dairy farming venture to break even within three to five years.

F&N optimistic dairy farm venture will break even in three to five years

Eco-Shop Marketing Bhd has launched Malaysia’s largest IPO in eight months, aiming to raise RM419.87 million from 347 million new shares on Bursa Malaysia’s Main Market.

Eco-Shop launches Malaysia’s largest IPO in eight months at RM1.21 per share

HHRG Bhd (KL:HHRG), formerly known as Heng Huat Resources Group Bhd, said that the company has issued a show cause letter to its CEO Fong Chee Khuen.

HHRG issues show cause letter to CEO, extends suspension

The investigation into corruption allegations involving former prime minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob has reached 15% to 20% progress, said Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) chief commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki.

Probe into Ismail Sabri only about 15%-20% complete, says MACC chief 

HSBC launched a US$3 billion (RM13 billion) share buyback after reporting a 25% fall in first-quarter profit on Tuesday, and warned of a possible hit to loan demand and credit quality in the face of US President Donald Trump's global trade war.

HSBC launches US$3b buyback after 1Q profit drop, raises tariff alarm

Canada’s Liberal Party is projected to win a fourth consecutive election, giving a mandate to former central banker Mark Carney after a campaign in which he pledged to boost economic growth and stand up to US President Donald Trump in a trade war.

Carney’s Liberals win narrow victory in Canada’s election

KUALA LUMPUR (April 29): Nestlé (Malaysia) Bhd (KL:NESTLE) is likely to report softer earnings for the rest of financial year 2025 (FY2025), as rising input costs and softer consumer demand continue to pressure profit margins, analysts said.

Nestlé Malaysia to see softer earnings in FY2025 as higher costs take a bite out of profits — analysts

Bursa Malaysia Bhd's (KL:BURSA) stock on Tuesday slipped to its lowest level in three weeks, while analysts slashed earnings estimates after a soft quarter.

Bursa slips to three-week low, analysts slash forecasts after soft 1Q

KUALA LUMPUR (April 29): WTEC Group Bhd (KL:WTEC) slipped on its first day of trading on the ACE Market of Bursa Malaysia, amid tepid interest for its shares and broader investor caution.

WTEC Group opens flat, slips below IPO price in ACE Market debut

A top Pakistan defence official warned of the possibility of war with India but said it can be averted, as tensions rise over last week’s militant attacks in the northern region of Kashmir that killed 26 people.

Pakistan minister warns of ‘immediate threat’ of India war

WASHINGTON (April 28): The first 27 satellites for Amazon's Kuiper broadband internet constellation were launched into space from Florida on Monday, kicking off the long-delayed deployment of an internet-from-space network that will rival SpaceX's Starlink.

Amazon launches first Kuiper internet satellites, taking on Starlink

(April 29): A late-day wave of dip buying erased losses in stocks, with Wall Street investors awaiting a slew of corporate earnings and economic data for insights on the impacts of US President Donald Trump’s tariff war.

US stocks rise in final hour of Wall Street trading 

This year marks the 60th anniversary of bilateral relations between Malaysia and Singapore. Since the latter separated from the Federation of Malaya on Aug 9, 1965, trade, investment and tourism between the two countries have remained robust.

Six decades of strong ties between Malaysia and Singapore

PUTRAJAYA (April 29): The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission's (MACC) analysis of video clips allegedly involving a corruption scandal linked to several Sabah state assemblymen over mineral mining licensing, is expected to be completed within a week.

MACC: Analysis of Sabah corruption videos to be ready in a week 

Eco-Shop Marketing Bhd said on Tuesday there is no urgent need to raise prices at its chain of discount stores after the increase earlier this month.

Eco-Shop says no urgent need to raise prices after latest round, sees strong demand ahead

KUALA LUMPUR (April 29): The Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (Miti) has appointed its deputy secretary general (trade) Mastura Ahmad Mustafa, one of its most experienced senior civil servants, as Malaysia’s chief negotiator for the upcoming formal tariff negotiations with the United States.

Miti deputy sec-gen appointed chief negotiator for US tariff talks

WTEC Group Bhd (KL:WTEC), which debuted on the ACE Market on Tuesday, has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with China-based Jiangsu ChengFeng New Materials Co Ltd to establish a framework to develop and supply specialty polyurethane foam materials and products.

WTEC exploring polyurethane foam tie-up with Chinese firm for Asean market

KLCCP Stapled Group (KL:KLCC), which is controlled by national oil and gas company Petroliam Nasional Bhd (Petronas), said on Tuesday that it will be more selective in acquiring new assets amid weak global market sentiment stemming from the US tariff policy.

KLCCP Stapled Group to be selective in new asset acquisitions amid market uncertainty

Contractors under the Works Ministry handling government projects have been encouraged to complete their works ahead of schedule to prevent delays and financial losses.

Complete govt projects ahead of schedule, Ahmad Maslan tells contractors

Total approved investments under the Malaysia Digital (MD) initiative reached RM16.2 billion from January to April this year, backed by strong global investor confidence, said Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo.

RM16.2b in investments bagged under Malaysia Digital initiative, says Gobind  

PUTRAJAYA (April 29): The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) already has a list of individuals believed to be involved in the land encroachment case in Raub, Pahang, according to its chief commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki.

MACC already has a list of individuals linked to Raub land encroachment — Azam Baki

KUALA LUMPUR (April 29): Kuala Lumpur’s prime office market continued to improve in the first quarter of 2025 (1Q2025), with prime office rents holding steady at RM6.01 per square foot per month, said global property consultancy Knight Frank.

KL’s prime office market continued to improve in 1Q2025 — Knight Frank

Mudajaya Group Bhd (KL:MUDAJYA) confirmed on Tuesday that its Indian unit and independent power producer, RKM Powergen Ltd, was raided by local authorities in early February this year over an alleged fraudulent acquisition.

Mudajaya confirms Indian unit raided by local authorities over alleged fraudulent acquisition

Stock markets work only if they are a ‘growth enabler’, not a cashing-out machine

MALAYSIA Aviation Group Bhd (MAG), the parent company of national carrier Malaysia Airlines Bhd, will distribute up to 2½ months’ salary in bonuses to employees after posting its second consecutive annual profit, says group managing director Datuk Captain Izham Ismail.

The airline group...

Malaysia Airlines staff to receive up to 2½ months’ bonus on second straight annual profit

Running a business takes on a whole new dimension when you are undertaking it with your siblings. That is the dynamic at SPB Development Bhd, which is led by CEO Datuk Jacky Yap, chief financial officer Datuk Sean Yap and chief operating officer Yap Lih Shyan. At an interview with City & ...

Cover Story: SPB Development grows its property business

NON-bank lender AEON Credit Service (M) Bhd (KL:AEONCR) is exploring the possibility of implementing a salary deduction scheme for civil servant borrowers, a move analysts say could be positive for the company from an asset quality standpoint.

The company is currently in early talks wit...

AEON Credit mulls salary deduction scheme for civil servants

Brokers Digest: Local Equities - Malaysian REITs, Fraser & Neave Holdings Bhd, Gas Malaysia Bhd, Deleum Bhd

AS gold prices surge nearly 25% year to date, reaching a historic high of US$3,311 per ounce last Wednesday amid global tariff disputes, jewellers are left uncertain about the future but advise caution due to potential volatility.

Jewellers whom The Edge spoke to last week say the high ...

Bullion’s rapid surge turns spotlight on jewellers and pawnbrokers 

Notable filings

During the week of April 7 to 11, notable shareholding changes at Bursa Malaysia-listed companies included those at Eastern & Oriental Bhd (KL:E&O).

According to filings with Bursa, a handful of substantial shareholders, some who...

Insider Moves: Eastern & Oriental Bhd, Awanbiru Technology Bhd, Fast Energy Holdings Bhd, Eco World Development Group Bhd, Alliance Bank Bhd, D&O Green Technologies Bhd

The fifth prime minister of Malaysia (2003–2009), Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi — affectionately known as “Pak Lah” — was a gentle and soft-spoken man but led his nation with strength, dignity, humility and a deep sense of moral responsibility. His legacy endures not only in public policy but in the ...

My Say: A noble statesman, a moral compass: Remembering Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi (1939–2025)

Donald Trump is quickly turning the US into the greatest tax haven in history. One need only note the Treasury Department’s mandate to withdraw from the transparency regime that shares the real identities of company owners; the administration’s withdrawal from negotiations to establish a UN Frame...

Unconventional Economic Wisdom: America is becoming the world’s largest tax haven

A 126-acre piece of industrial land in Melaka World Solar Valley, Alor Gajah, is up for sale via tender. According to an advertisement and after several checks by The Edge on the lot number of the site, the owner of the land has been identified as Singapore-based Maxeon Solar Technologies, Ltd, a...

China-owned solar manufacturer puts 126-acre land, manufacturing plant in Melaka up for sale

THE tariff war between the US and China is expected to lead to inflation picking up slightly in Malaysia this year as producers are likely to pass on the tariff to end-users to maintain their profit margins.

According to economists The Edge spoke to, the US’ reciprocal tariffs and China...

The State of the Nation: Ripple effect on inflation from tariff war, expectations of lower OPR ahead to support growth 

India's financial crime agency has privately sought sales data and other documents from smartphone players including Apple and Xiaomi as part of an investigation into Amazon and Walmart-owned Flipkart, sources familiar with the matter told Reuters.

India queries Apple, Xiaomi in e-commerce probe of Amazon, Flipkart, Reuters reports

Malta’s “golden passports” programme for wealthy investors violates European Union (EU) rules on citizenship, the bloc’s top court ruled in a case that could have transformed the EU into a haven for affluent foreigners at a time when President Donald Trump wants to entice them to the US.

Top EU court bans ‘golden passports’ sold to rich foreigners

UK food prices posted their biggest rise in more than a year after supermarkets were hit by a double whammy of tax increases and a jump in the national minimum wage, a closely watched survey found.

UK food prices rise most in 15 months as tax hike starts

BP Plc’s finances took another battering in the first quarter, with a slump in cash flow and rising debt forcing the company to cut its buyback to the low end of its target range.

BP falls as weak cash flow casts doubt on future buybacks

Google parent Alphabet Inc is looking to raise at least €2.5 billion (US$2.8 billion RM12.2 billion) from a debut euro bond sale on Tuesday, just after selling US$5 billion of debt in the US.

Google parent Alphabet kicks off sale of debut euro bonds

Crude oil prices fell on Tuesday as investors lowered their demand growth expectations due to the ongoing trade war between the United States and China, the world's two biggest economies.

Oil falls as economic jitters dampen demand outlook

Danish brewer Carlsberg on Tuesday reported first-quarter sales slightly below expectations and kept its outlook for the full year unchanged despite warning of volatile consumer sentiment.

Carlsberg maintains full-year outlook, warns of volatile consumer sentiment

Adidas AG refrained from raising its financial targets for the year because of the concern around US tariffs, which will raise prices for consumers in the world’s biggest sports market and could upend the German brand’s momentum.

Adidas says Trump tariffs ‘put a stop’ to boost in targets

Rheinmetall AG’s military sales soared 73% in the first quarter, as Europe’s increased defence spending drove up orders for the manufacturer’s armoured trucks and weapons.

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