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In today’s episode, we unpack a day of sharp contrasts — from glove sector comebacks and massive AI investments to delayed megaprojects and consumer lending reforms. It’s a moment where financial clean-up meets bold future bets.

Malaysian Corporate & Market Developments

🧤 Hartalega Profit Doubles in 2Q

RM18.3M signals real recovery. Cost discipline and returning demand revive optimism in the glove sector.

📉 Dialog Group Wiped Out RM1B in 2 Days

Further delays to the Pengerang project — now pushed to 2029 — raise major concerns over earnings potential and equity exposure.

🏗️ Kerjaya Prospek Adds RM198M in Contracts

Order book rises to RM3.7B, securing revenue visibility through 2028. Momentum continues in construction.

🏭 Eco Business Park 7 Launched (RM3B Project)

Joint effort by EcoWorld, NS Corp & SD Guthrie under MVV 2.0 — boosting central region’s logistics and advanced manufacturing footprint.

🚢 Aquawalk IPO 6x Oversubscribed

Strong investor demand. PSP Energy also sets IPO price at 16 sen to fund operations including a new bunker vessel.

📦 MTT Shipping Eyes Main Market Listing

Expansion into Indian subcontinent on the cards. Logistics sector momentum continues.

⚠️ Bursa Reprimands Solar District Cooling

Company breached 25% public shareholding rule pre-listing. Integrity in IPO compliance under focus.

💸 Taghill Units Seek Judicial Management

Severe cash flow strain prompts request for court-supervised restructuring.

🧾 Pelangi Prestasi Gets RM85.8M Payment Stay

Linked to Sabah Forest Industries insolvency concerns. Legal complexity deepens.

🕊️ RIP Tiong Hiew King

Sarawak tycoon and Rimbunan Hijau founder passes. A major figure in Malaysia’s timber and media sectors.

Policy, Legal & Political Developments

Sabah Revenue Standoff Continues

Gov’t will negotiate, but appeals legality of review. Tensions over 40% revenue claim still simmering.

🛢️ Finance Ministry: Petronas Only Nets 10% Margin

Clarifies Borneo oil revenue optics amid political scrutiny.

🌍 Petros Signs CCS Deals with Woodside

Sarawak makes climate-linked energy moves with three new agreements.

💰 1MDB Asset Recovery Nearing Endgame

Another RM1B retrieved. PM calls for full closure and accountability.

🔋 Khazanah Urged to Accelerate Rare Earth Push

China-linked ventures prioritized despite long-term strategic and ESG risks.

🚗 Perodua to Launch First All-Malaysian EV

Signals the start of a local EV shift at scale.

📚 BNM Bans Rule of 78, Mandates Loan Education

Flat-rate and Rule of 78 loan structures banned from 2027. New 15-minute education module required for big personal loans.

👴 RM1.97B Allocated for Pension Revisions (2026)

Nearly a million beneficiaries to receive adjusted payouts.

⚖️ Landowner Seeks Stay Over West Coast Expressway

Legal challenge delays key infrastructure project.

💼 GISB CEO Faces 230 Money Laundering Charges

Joint trial ordered. One of Malaysia’s largest financial crime cases.

⚖️ Chief Judge Shortlist Stirs Controversy

Public scrutiny grows over judicial nominations.

Global & Geopolitical Outlook

📈 Global CEOs Least Worried Since 2007

Strong risk appetite. S&P 500 earnings projected to rise 14.5% — AI optimism leads the charge.

🤖 SoftBank Exits Nvidia, Doubles Down on AI

Sells US$5.83B stake to reinvest in OpenAI, fueling its pivot into AI infrastructure.

🏗️ JPMorgan: AI Data Centers Need $7T

Microsoft plans $10B hub in Portugal. Meta signs $3B deal with Nebius. Capital flowing into hyperscale buildouts.

🇺🇸 US Senate Nears Shutdown Resolution

Compromise improves risk sentiment globally.

🇮🇳 Trump Hints at India Trade Deal

Also: Switzerland closing in on reduced US tariffs — better 15% rate.

🌏 Geopolitical Tensions Flare

China protests Taiwan VP speech. Thailand halts peace talks with Cambodia.

🎧 Listen Now for a deep dive into Malaysia’s financial gems and global trends shaping 2025!

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