In today’s episode, we unpack a fast-moving mix of local tech momentum, major policy shifts, and Malaysia’s delicate positioning in the global trade chessboard. From ACE Market euphoria to US-China trade diplomacy, it’s all about navigating opportunity — and risk.
Corporate Highlights
🚀 Insights Analytics Smashes ACE Market Debut
* Shares soared +81% on first day
* Raised RM43.6M for West Malaysia expansion
* Big bet on digital twin tech in smart cities, ports, and utilities
🔧 IJM Corp Lands RM1.26B Data Center Deal
* Hyperscale project at Elmina Business Park
* More MEP work (RM1B+) potentially on the table
🏗️ Broad Contract Momentum
* MGB wins affordable housing job (order book: RM1.25B)
* AWC secures RM82M FM contract in Putrajaya
* LBS Bina & Oriental team up on RM600M JV in Melaka
* Perak Transit moves ahead with terminal projects despite stock slump
🏢 KNM Drops Delisting Appeal
* Eyes survival, not status
* Sale of German unit (RM270M) critical to shed RM1.3B debt
💼 Mulpha Sells London Marriott Stake
* RM190M divestment to fund new local investments
Policy & Regulation Watch
🌏 Rare Earth Export Ban Clarified
* Applies universally — no raw exports to US, China, Japan, or Korea
* BUT: Malaysia–US deal exempts processed minerals
📦 US Chip Tariff Pressure Eases (for now)
* PM Anwar: tariffs “not an issue”
* Trump to revisit “at appropriate time”
* Malaysia’s new trade commitments may influence future decisions
🚚 Zero Tolerance for Overloaded Lorries
* Transport Minister Loke doubling down on enforcement
🏘️ Crackdown on Abandoned Housing Projects
* Govt mulls travel bans on directors of blacklisted developers
* 107 abandoned projects as of Sept
💳 Premium Healthcare Expansion
* Rakan KKM “premium economy” services still planned for Cyberjaya
Global Trade, Energy & Tech
🤝 US–China Trade Talks Continue in KL
* Malaysia hosts top-level talks through Oct 27
* Hopes rise after Trump’s Japan visit
⚡ IEA Outlook: Oil & LNG Prices to Ease
* LNG becoming buyer’s market
🧬 AMD Lands $1B US Supercomputer Contract
* “Lux” & “Discovery” to support AI, nuclear, and medical research
🚗 XPeng Eyes Malaysia as EV-AI Hub
* Looking to tap local semiconductor talent
Legal & Compliance Updates
👤 IRB Sues Muhyiddin’s Son-in-Law
* RM2.5M in alleged tax arrears and penalties
📄 Farhash vs Rafizi
* Defamation suit filed, seeking RM10M
🎧 Listen Now for a deep dive into Malaysia’s financial gems and global trends shaping 2025!
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