In today’s episode, we break down how Malaysia’s strategic bets — from Johor land plays to biofuel infrastructure — are colliding with global AI cycles and regulatory change.
The question now:How much of our momentum is built, and how much is borrowed from global trends?
Malaysian Corporate & Market Developments
🏞️ SD Guthrie Sells RM815M Johor Land in JS-SEZ
940-acre Kulai plot offloaded to EcoWorld JV. Development value estimated at RM3.75B. Deal to generate RM526M gain in FY2026 — a high-stakes SEZ positioning move.
🔋 Dialog Group Wins RM1B Biofuel EPC Contract
New Pengerang facility expands green energy footprint. Marks another major step in Dialog’s shift toward integrated energy services.
🐠 Aquawalk IPO Jumps 22.6% on Day One
Operator of Aquaria KLCC raises RM14M to expand into Sabah and Indonesia. Strong market appetite for regional lifestyle brands.
Macro & Policy Signals
📈 Exports Surge 15.7% in October
Driven by E&E shipments. RHB upgrades 2025 GDP outlook. Malaysia benefits from global tech demand — AI, 5G, and EVs power factory pipelines.
🔓 Open Finance Framework Coming in 2027
BNM to grant consumers full control over financial data access. Promises stronger fintech competition and better personalised services — a major digital policy shift.
🚗 Auto Sales Hit 2025 Peak on EV Tax Rush
75,000+ units sold in October as buyers race to beat year-end expiry of imported EV exemptions. Expected pullback ahead.
⚡ RM4.57B Lost to Electricity Theft Since 2020
Mostly due to illegal crypto mining ops. Gov’t considers fines up to RM1M and legal amendments to crack down.
🏗️ MRT Corp Appoints New Chairman
Datuk Seri Saripuddin Kasim steps in as non-executive chair. Signals renewed focus on non-rail commercial expansions (property, retail).
Global & Geopolitical Outlook
📉 Goldman Sachs Warns of Market Pullback
President John Waldron flags uncertainty around AI investment returns. All eyes on Nvidia earnings as market sentiment pivots.
🌊 China–Japan Seafood Trade Tensions Escalate
China threatens ban on Japanese seafood imports amid Taiwan-related diplomatic dispute. Trade risk rears again for regional exporters.
🎧 Listen Now for a deep dive into Malaysia’s financial gems and global trends shaping 2025!
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