In today’s episode, we explore the complex push and pull between market expansion, political accountability, and global volatility. From EPF’s strategic stake in TNB and a bold new state-backed digital currency to glove sector pains and growing regional instability — the signals are clear: long-term bets now require sharper short-term risk management.
Malaysian Corporate & Market Developments
⚡ EPF Becomes Largest Shareholder in TNB
* Acquires Khazanah’s 2.33% stake (RM1.69B)
* Raises holding to 21.25%, signalling deeper state-linked focus on national infrastructure and long-term stability
🏥 DKSH Holdings to Go Private at RM6.15/Share
* Offer from parent company DKSH Resources
* 16.7% premium offers exit for minority shareholders, but highlights broader liquidity fatigue in public markets
📊 Bursa Shifts IPO Strategy: Focus on Quality Over Quantity
* Post-2025, emphasis on scalable, globally competitive listings — especially Bumiputera-led firms
🚢 Orkim’s Debut Marks Steady Start for O&G Shipping Sector
* 1% gain on listing
* Govt hints at extending 100% tax exemption, providing fuel for industry fleet renewal
🪙 Johor Launches RMJDT Digital Currency via Zetrix Blockchain
* State-backed stablecoin aimed at easing cross-border trade settlement
* Signals Johor’s ambition to lead in decentralised finance (DeFi)
🏭 Empyrion Digital Gets Greenlight for 200MW Data Center in Johor
* Has secured 145MW from TNB
* Project driven by AI infrastructure demand, reinforcing Johor’s data hub status
🧤 Glove Makers Hit by Stronger Ringgit
* Ringgit up 9% YTD vs USD
* Margins squeezed as export revenues fall against rising input costs in local currency
🌊 Jentayu Sustainables Faces Legal Delay on Project Oriole
* Shareholder challenge threatens to delay financing for Sabah hydro plant
* Execution risk rises amid green energy buildout
Policy & Governance Headlines
⚖️ 1 in 3 Politician Graft Cases Withdrawn Since 2018 – NGO Report
* Raises red flags on prosecutorial consistency and institutional transparency
💸 IDEAS Pushes for Political Financing Act
* Seeks mandatory disclosure of spending on political influencers, to curb opaque campaign funding
🧾 Govt Reaffirms: No GST Revival, SST to Stay
* Income levels still too low, says Finance Ministry
* Targeted fiscal policy to support consumer affordability
🚗 Traffic Summonses Will Not Affect BUDI95 Eligibility
* Confirmation offers relief to many amid cost-of-living pressures
🧑🦽 Senate Urges Action on Disability Pay Gap
* Minimum wage cited as insufficient amid inflation
* Push for broader social wage reform underway
Global & Geopolitical Outlook
🤖 China Moves to Limit Nvidia’s H200 AI Chips
* Despite US export clearance, Beijing restricts top-tier chip access
* $160M smuggling case shows extreme demand and scarcity pressure
📱 Australia Bans Social Media for Under-16s
* Mandatory age verification, hefty fines for non-compliance
* Global precedent for tech regulation and child safety online
⚠️ Thai-Cambodian Border Clashes Erupt
* PM Srettha rules out talks
* Escalation threatens regional trade routes and investor confidence
🏦 Thailand Sees Flight to Gold Amid Instability
* Gold prices jump on weak baht, low rates, and rising uncertainty
* Classic safe haven play as tensions rise in Southeast Asia
🎧 Listen Now for a deep dive into Malaysia’s financial gems and global trends shaping 2025!
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