In today’s episode, we break down the latest Malaysian corporate moves, evolving energy and tax policies, and the global economic cross-currents shaping markets. From ASM Automation’s listing to US tariff threats and BlackRock’s portfolio shifts, here’s what you need to know.
🇲🇾 Malaysian Company & Market News
🔹 ASM Automation Group Debuts on ACE Market
Shares ended day one down 3% despite oversubscription—reflects cautious investor sentiment. Plans RM11.4M new factory to drive growth.
🔹 Plytec Holding Eyes Main Market
Formal application signals strong profit track record and maturity as a business.
🔹 Wawasan Dengkil Wins RM53.8M Contracts
Fibre optic and earthwork deals highlight Malaysia’s infrastructure expansion focus.
🔹 Key Asic Secures RM3.1M AI Chip Contract
Strengthens local semiconductor design capabilities—potential long-term recurring revenue.
🔹 Powerwell Gets RM6.6M Switchboard Orders
Supplying Selangor hyperscale data centre—digital infrastructure demand surging.
🔹 Alibaba Launches Third Malaysian Data Centre
Part of US$53B global AI infrastructure push—positions Malaysia as a regional digital hub.
🔹 Tenaga Nasional Loses RM1.25B Tax Case
Federal Court rules power business is a utility—sets a precedent impacting future tax incentives.
🔹 Gov’t Slashes Green Electricity Tariffs 80%
Flat rates as low as 3 sen/kWh to boost green adoption and attract ESG-focused investments.
🔹 Gas Malaysia Resumes Full Klang Valley Supply
Pipeline disruption resolved—restores stability for industrial users.
🔹 Kerjaya Prospek Expands in KL and Penang
Land acquisition and JV signal push into mixed-use property development.
🔹 MyNews Holdings Sees Post-Raya Recovery
Plans to open 100 new stores—analysts expect improved sales but margin pressures remain.
🔹 Banking Sector Split
Kenanga says banks oversold on strong fundamentals; CIMB expects BNM rate cut soon.
🔹 Leadership Changes at MSM & UEM Edgenta
CEO resignations follow mixed financial results—watch for strategic shifts.
🔹 BMI Maintains CPO Forecast at RM4,150/Tonne
Supply recovery expected to cap price upside.
🏛️ Domestic Economy & Policy
🔸 Rooftop Solar Incentives Clarified
Users can keep offsetting non-energy charges—supports 70% renewable energy target.
🔸 E-Invoice Phase 3 Rolled Out
Applies to firms with RM5–25M revenue—free e-POS systems launched for SMEs.
🌍 Global & Market Developments
⚠️ US Tariff Threats Escalate
Trump signals 35% tariffs on Japan—fueling volatility across Asia. July 9 deadline looms.
📉 BlackRock Clients Shift From US Assets
Reallocating to Asia and Europe—potential capital flow shifts underway.
🇺🇸 Powell Links Tariffs to Rate Decisions
Tariff-driven inflation keeping Fed cautious on cuts—trade policy shaping monetary strategy.
🇨🇳 China Focuses on Domestic Demand
Leadership pledges to curb price wars and boost consumption—reducing export reliance.
🇪🇺 EU Targets 90% Emissions Cut by 2040
Includes flexible mechanisms—ambitious but politically challenging.
🇺🇸 US Senate Passes Major Tax Bill
Permanent breaks and chip manufacturing credits—pro-business policy tilt.
📈 Barclays Exuberance Gauge Hits Warning Zone
Elevated market valuations could signal brewing volatility.
💵 Hong Kong Intervenes to Defend Currency Peg
HK$20B spent amid sustained pressure—peg remains a key stability anchor.
📌 Key Takeaways & Investor Insights
✅ Malaysia’s tech and data infrastructure ambitions are clear—but rising costs and cautious investor sentiment remain challenges.
✅ TNB’s tax ruling may reshape how utilities approach incentives and capital plans.
✅ US trade policy is directly influencing rates, market flows, and global volatility.
✅ Banks’ outlook split underscores uncertainty—watch BNM’s next move.
✅ Global capital reallocations and high valuations demand a disciplined, diversified approach.
🎧 Listen Now for a deep dive into Malaysia’s financial gems and global trends shaping 2025!
🔗 Subscribe & Share the Malaysia Money Matters podcast on Substack, Spotify, or Apple Podcasts
Share this post