At my Chinese New Year gatherings this year, some friends divulged that their calendar was filled with “appointments” to conceive “dragon babies” before the “deadline”.

It’s fascinating how many in modern society still adopt feng shui as a guide in important decisions in life, despite t...

My Say: Feng shui, confirmation bias and polarisation

Large-scale land and forest fires regularly impact 30 million to 50 million hectares of land in Southeast Asia. These fires can generate smoke clouds covering hundreds of millions of hectares for months at a time, resulting in transboundary smoke haze that has severely impacted parts of all 10 As...

Climate And Environmental Governance: Stopping fires and transboundary haze in Southeast Asia

Our rice was at centre stage again with a very peculiar problem, that is, local rice was not available in the market in the second half of last year although 64% of supply comes from local farms. Despite stern warnings from the government against manipulation of rice supply, the problem persisted...

My Say: What is wrong with our rice sector

They are home to a quarter of humanity — 1.9 billion people. They possess prized natural resources, including one-fifth of the world’s copper and gold reserves, as well as many of the rare metals essential for the transition to clean energy. Their working-age populations are set to expand for the...

The New Global Economy: The world cannot afford to ignore the poorest countries

THE appointment of Prabowo Subianto as the new president of the Republic of Indonesia has the potential to enhance bilateral relations between Malaysia and Indonesia. The relationship between the two countries is already built on a strong foundation, with mutual interests in strengthening cooperation. Prabowo’s interactions with Malaysian counterparts, including his visit to Malaysia and meetings with officials, have highlighted the importance of defence ties and the potential for collaboration in various areas, such as security, economic development and social cooperation.

Rumpun Nusantara: Leveraging Indonesia’s new leadership for bilateral sustainability with Malaysia

It has been a volatile and strange month in the markets. Gold prices crossed an all-time high of over US$2,400 per ounce after Iran launched 350 drones and missiles against Israel, having just crossed US$2,000 earlier in the month. The US 10-year Treasuries yield went back up to 4.6% per annum, w...

Condivergence: Heed Dimon’s view on how financial regulators must support growth

In the third and fourth instalments of our four-part series on the economy, we are focusing on mission-based policy packages that Malaysia can embark on to realise our vision of Malaysia Madani. As a recap, the first article — “Taking a systems approach to fuel subsidies” (Issue 1515, March 18) —...

My Say: Mission Madani: Now is not the time to work in silos

With Malaysia’s 5G outdoor coverage having reached the 80% target for coverage of populated areas (CoPA) at the end of 2023 and after the signing of the share subscription agreements (SSAs) by five mobile network operators (MNOs) on Dec 1, 2023, what’s next for the next stage of 5G deployment in Malaysia?

What’s next for 5G deployment in Malaysia?

The global landscape is currently undergoing a transformative shift marked by ageing populations in countries such as Japan, South Korea, China and the European Union. This demographic evolution has far-reaching implications, extending beyond these nations to emerging economies like Malaysia, as ...

My Say: Demographic shifts and economic resilience: A call to action

In Part 1, I outlined three possible scenarios for voter turnout and support for the DAP/PH/unity government candidate in the upcoming by-election in Kuala Kubu Baharu (KKB), out of which there is only one scenario where the incumbent manages to defend the seat. In this concluding part of this article, I will outline some of the likely and desired parameters of contestation during the campaign.

Kuala Kubu Baharu by-election: The challenges for DAP, PH, unity government — Part 2

Amidst Malaysia and the region’s recent heatwave, with flash floods ravaging cities and rising sea levels threatening coastal communities worldwide, the urgency of adapting to climate change grows ever more pressing. While attention often centres on major metropolises, the indispensable role of second-tier cities in shaping sustainable urban growth and bolstering resilience against climate impacts cannot be overstated.

Unlocking the potential of second-tier cities: A blueprint for climate resilience and sustainable growth 

The chronic scarcity of skilled labour in crucial sectors like manufacturing, IT, green technology and medicine presents not merely a challenge but an urgent issue requiring prompt resolution. Data from the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry underscores this urgency, revealing a stark dis...

My Say: Three ways to solve skilled labour shortages

Talk abounds the world over concerning the future of international trade in an increasingly uncertain geopolitical environment.

Ongoing developments — including the intensifying rivalry between the US and China, the ill-fated Russo-Ukrainian war and the unmitigated bloodletting in Gaza,...

My Say: In face of uncertainties,trade policy should pivot South

The upcoming by-election in Kuala Kubu Baharu (KKB), a semi-urban seat located in the Hulu Selangor district, will provide one of the toughest electoral challenges to DAP, to Pakatan Harapan (PH) coalition, and to this unity government since the state elections of 2023.

Kuala Kubu Baharu by-election: The challenges for DAP, PH, unity government — Part 1

China passed a law on Friday strengthening its trade defence capabilities as the US and the European Union take aim at Beijing over excess industrial capacity.

China passes tariff law amid tensions with trading partners

FRANKFURT/BERLIN/PRAGUE (April 26): Thyssenkrupp will sell a 20% stake in its steel business to the energy holding controlled by Czech billionaire Daniel Kretinsky, a major breakthrough for the German conglomerate after years of unsuccessful attempts to divest the unit.

Thyssenkrupp sells stake in steel unit to Czech billionaire Kretinsky

Here is a brief recap of some business news and corporate announcements that made the headlines on Friday.

BCorp, Capital A, AAX, YNH, Sam Engineering, Turiya, Gadang, Microlink, Nestle, Wiradani, D&O, Homeritz, Unisem

(April 26): HSBC Holdings Plc successfully fought off a London court claim brought by a group of investors in a £1.3 billion (US$1.6 billion) lawsuit over tax breaks linked to Walt Disney Co film financing.

HSBC wins £1.3 bil suit over Disney film finance scandal

KUB Malaysia Bhd has extended the deadline for its mandatory general offer for Central Cables Bhd (CCB) a second time to May 20 from April 30, according to its latest filing on Bursa Malaysia.

KUB extends deadline for CCB MGO a second time

EVENING 5: Five things you need to know today

KUALA LUMPUR (April 26): KPJ Healthcare Bhd, through its premier educational institution KPJ Healthcare University (KPJU), has entered into a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on Friday with Trusx Malaysia Sdn Bhd (Trustr), a global digital health organisation, as an initiative to revolutionise healthcare.

KPJ Healthcare, Trusx Malaysia collaborate for AI-driven healthcare solutions

Wall Street's main indexes advanced on Friday as most megacap growth stocks rose after robust quarterly results from Alphabet pushed its market value over US$2 trillion (RM9.5 trillion), while an in-line inflation reading calmed interest rate jitters.

Wall Street rises as Big Tech charges higher

In today’s edition of Evening 5: 00:00 Merger of airlines enough to reverse negative equity - Fernandes 02:16 Govt set to unveil second 5G network next week  03:26 Unisem’s 1Q hit by margins, forex 04:30 Berjaya Corp denies Forest City casino talks   05:30 Homeritz’s 2Q earnings spike on stronger greenback

EVENING 5: Merger of airlines enough to reverse negative equity - Fernandes

A weekly round-up of tanker and dry bulk market (April 26, 2024)

Baltic Exchange shipping updates: April 26, 2024

Most read this week - Stay up to date with the biggest news and latest trending topics by checking out the top 10 articles of the week. 

Most read this week

Malayan Banking Bhd (Maybank) has obtained a summary judgement at the High Court here against ACE Credit (M) Sdn Bhd, ACE Corporation (M) Sdn Bhd, and the company directors Datuk Choong Chee Meng and Chang Ai Nee, for defaulting on a RM46.47 million loan given to them by the bank.

Maybank obtains summary judgement against ACE Corporation, three others for RM46m loan default

KUALA LUMPUR (April 26): Gamuda Land, the property arm of Gamuda Bhd, has unveiled partners for Gardens Square, the latest commercial development at the 810-acre Gamuda Gardens in Sungai Buloh.

Gamuda Land announces retail partners for upcoming commercial development in Gamuda Gardens

The Employees Provident Fund (EPF) has emerged as the second largest shareholder of aero-engine components manufacturer Sam Engineering &amp; Equipment (M) Bhd, after Singapore's sovereign wealth fund Temasek Holdings Pte Ltd.

EPF emerges as second largest shareholder of Sam Engineering

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim on Friday suggested all parties mentioned in a recent report&nbsp;alleging that the government is planning to issue&nbsp;a licence for a casino in&nbsp;Forest City, Johor, to take necessary action&nbsp;against the foreign news agency.

Anwar wants action taken against Forest City casino licence news report

Shares of AirAsia X Bhd (AAX) rose to a six-month high as investors cheered a restructuring plan that would make the company the largest low-cost carrier in Southeast Asia.

AirAsia X logs best day in six months on Capital A restructuring

YNH Property Bhd (YNH) issued a clarification to bondholders via Malaysian Trustee Bhd on the technical default of its Islamic notes, as well as the status of its mall sale and the appointment of a new auditor.

YNH says it has remedied 'technical default' involving sukuk programme

Nestle (Malaysia) Bhd is slated to raise prices for 22 of its products starting July 1, according to the Federation of Sundry Goods Merchants Associations of Malaysia (FSGMAM).

Nestle Malaysia to adjust prices of 22 products starting July 1

Gadang Holdings Bhd has secured a RM280 million contract to design and develop the Klang Valley Data Centre&nbsp;Block 2 in Cyberjaya from TM Technology Services Sdn Bhd, a business entity of Telekom Malaysia Bhd.

Gadang wins RM280 mil Klang Valley data centre jobs from TM Technology

MYAirline Sdn Bhd will continue to retain its nominated post holders as well as key personnel, while ensuring that its air operator’s certificate (AOC) documentation remains as current as possible.

MYAirline seeking multiple investors, to retain nominated post holders

Here is a brief recap of some business news and corporate announcements that made the headlines on Friday.

Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow&nbsp;has announced that he is in talks with a group of companies which have recently participated in Selangor’s integrated circuit (IC) design park.

Integrated circuit design firms to announce investments in Penang on Saturday, says Chow

Wiradani Development Sdn Bhd — a property developer linked to the son of former finance minister Tun Daim Zainuddin — has filed a fresh winding-up petition against SPNB Aspirasi Sdn Bhd, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Syarikat Perumahan Negara Bhd (SPNB).

SPNB unit faces fresh winding-up petition on failure to complete payment to Wiradani after settlement

S P Setia Bhd will launch Casaville, which comprises 38 single-storey bungalows, in its Setia EcoHill township in Semenyih at end-April.

With a gross development value (GDV) of RM50 million, the homes measure 52ft by 90ft each, with built-ups from 1,994 to 2,074 sq ft, and a three-bedroom, three-bathroom layouts. The selling price starts from RM1.376 million. It is slated for completion in the second quarter of 2026.

S P Setia to launch single-storey bungalows in Setia EcoHill at end-April

KUALA LUMPUR (April 26): Software company Microlink Solutions Bhd said on Friday that it has secured a contract worth RM56.45 million to implement and maintain a new core banking system for Bank Islam Brunei Darussalam Bhd.

Microlink gets RM56.45 mil contract from Bank Islam Brunei

Malaysia is poised to be the next home of Zhejiang Geely Holding Group Co Ltd’s (Geely) methanol-powered vehicles, after China and the European market.&nbsp;

Malaysia the next market for Geely’s methanol vehicle

Hong Kong and China stocks extended gains on Friday, with the Hang Seng Index logging its best week since October 2011, as sentiment recovered further after strategists from global investment houses upgraded their views on Chinese shares.

Hong Kong stocks notch best week in more than 12 years; China attracts record inflow 

KUALA LUMPUR (April 26): China will firmly support Malaysia in pursuing a development path suited to its national conditions, and support Malaysia’s Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim in promoting the principle of "Malaysia Madani" in governance.

China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi sa...

China backs Malaysia firmly in pursuing its development, role in global arena — Wang Yi

Huawei Technologies Co’s latest smartphones carry a version of the advanced made-in-China processor it revealed last year, independent analysis revealed, underscoring the Chinese company’s ability to sustain production of the controversial chip.

Huawei’s new phone runs latest version of made-in-China chip

Homeritz Corporation Bhd’s net profit surged by 65.9% in the second quarter ended Feb 29, 2024 (2QFY2024) to RM9.24 million, due to increased sales volume and a stronger US dollar.

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