With QR codes and instant transfers on the rise, Bank Negara Malaysia is accelerating efforts to make cross-border payments as seamless as domestic ones across Asean.

In early April, Malaysia and Cambodia launched the second phase of their cross-border QR payment system, enabling QR-bas...

Integration: Malaysia to broaden regional payment links as Asean chair

NEWS

Malaysia sees tech salary surge in 2025, led by system engineers

Tech salaries in Malaysia have risen significantly this year, with system engineers recording the highest increase at 8%, according to NodeFlair’s Tech Salary Report 2...

Bits + Bytes: A Miscellany Of Technology

Teenagers are increasingly becoming both victims and perpetrators of online crimes on social media platforms, driven by a combination of growing screen time, uneven digital literacy and anonymity on the internet. This trend warrants urgent intervention from parents, educators and law enforcement ...

Online Safety: Teens both victims and perpetrators in rise of social media-linked crimes

It has been more than two years since ChatGPT’s debut upended the artificial intelligence (AI) world and led to massive global investments in AI technologies and infrastructure. But the world was once again turned upside down with DeepSeek’s emergence.

The essence of the “DeepSeek momen...

Ideas: The DeepSeek moment: A catalyst for AI infrastructure growth

Nearly six in 10 employees, or 59%, in Malaysia say they would resign from a toxic work environment — the highest percentage in Asia-Pacific, according to Randstad’s 2025 Workmonitor research.

Toxic workplaces driving employee resignations

Southeast Asia’s once-hyped Web3.0 sector, long overshadowed by speculative trading and high-profile collapses, is now undergoing a quiet but determined resurgence. Following a period of decline marked by the implosions of Terra-Luna and FTX, early-stage Web3.0 investment in the region rebounded ...

Future Perfect: Web3.0 is back in Southeast Asia — but it looks nothing like before

Over the past 15 years, job transformations have become life-altering. This introduces the concept of personal obsolescence, a somewhat chilling reality. Unfortunately, current education systems are unprepared for this rapid change.

The “one and done” model, where secondary or tertiary ...

Learning: Human versus machine

The entertainment landscape shifted significantly with the advent of over-the-top (OTT) platforms like Netflix and Amazon Prime, which offer movies and series on demand that are accessible anytime and anywhere. Despite data-driven, personalised recommendations, audiences now appear to be experien...

Entertainment: Traditional TV and OTT platforms consolidate

Threat actors are evolving their tactics, moving beyond traditional ransomware and data theft to focus on business disruption, artificial intelligence (AI)-assisted attacks and insider threats. According to Palo Alto Networks’ 2025 Unit 42 Global Incident Response Report, almost half of the secur...

Issues: Nearly 44% of security incidents involve web browsers, says Palo Alto Networks

When Malaysia’s first satellite, Measat-1, was launched in 1996, the country made headlines for its space aspirations. But today, participating in this area is less about national pride than tapping into a rapidly growing economy powered by data, connectivity and satellite-based services.

...

Cover Story: Reaching for the final frontier

Bank Negara Malaysia will support Malaysia’s Asean chairmanship theme of “Inclusivity and sustainability” by focusing on two areas: Financing for energy transition projects in Asean, and supporting small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in their journey on the low-carbon transition.

These ...

Finance: Bank Negara Malaysia to work with Asean on the green transition

Malaysia is not short of policies and plans to tackle climate change. However, for these initiatives to be effective, climate change and its related impacts must be considered in the country’s public financial management processes.

These are among the suggestions that Marco Larizza, sen...

Climate: World Bank: Malaysia has to strengthen institutions to adapt to climate change

Public-listed companies (PLCs) in Malaysia are now required to use Bursa Malaysia’s Centralised Sustainability Intelligence (CSI) platform as their official sustainability reporting channel. This follows the regulator’s late-March announcement that the CSI platform is fully equipped to support di...

Reporting: Bursa aims to address companies’ sustainability reporting burden

Malaysia’s passing of the Carbon Capture, Utilisation and Storage (CCUS) Bill in March has left many questions unanswered about the bill’s place in contributing to the country’s climate goals. Yet, it is a step forward in implementing a flagship catalyst project under the National Energy Transiti...

Cover Story: Who benefits from CCUS in Malaysia?

US President Donald Trump’s decision to impose tariffs on imports from all countries has sparked concerns about the future of the low-carbon energy transition, as products such as solar panels, battery storage and electric vehicles (EVs) rely heavily on global supply chains.

The global clean energy supply chain

Devoting years of one’s life to repopulating an endangered species, only to see the numbers dwindling until nothing was left, is a terrible outcome to witness.

This was the experience of John Payne, who was part of WWF-Malaysia’s programme to save the Sumatran Rhinoceros in the 1980s. T...

Biodiversity: Keeping the wild banteng alive

When asked how bad the pollution in Kota Kinabalu (KK) was, Marine Research Foundation (MRF) founder and executive director Dr Nicolas Pilcher could not find the words. Instead, he showed ESG a video of MRF’s boat sailing through the rivers of KK, pushing through plastic waste that encompassed th...

Waste: Ray of hope in cleaning up Malaysian seas

Following its debut in Malaysian markets in October last year, Chinese car manufacturer Leapmotor launched its local assembly operations for its electric vehicles (EVs) with Stellantis at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport on Friday.

Stellantis Malaysian assembly plant to serve as Asean regional hub

KUALA LUMPUR (April 9): The unpredictable catastrophes caused by climate change have madeit difficult for insurance companies to manage risks, said speakers at the National Climate Governance Summit (NCGS) 2025 held in Sasana Kijang, Kuala Lumpur, on Tuesday (April 8).

Insurers paying attention to climate risks

To push more small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to decarbonise, there must be a business case to compel them to start the journey, along with top-down regulations to mandate actions like sustainability reporting.

Create business case for SMEs to decarbonise

The Edge Best Managed & Sustainable Property Awards 2025

The Edge Property Excellence Awards 2024

The Edge ESG Awards 2024

The Edge Billion Ringgit Club 2024

The Edge Centurion Club Corporate Awards 2024

Read more in the May 5 edition of The Edge Malaysia Weekly. Pick up from the newsstands or subscribe at https://theedgemalaysia.com/subscription

Protect the middle-class Malaysians from unjustified medical insurance premium hikes

Rakuten Trade thinks that Tuju Setia is turning the beat around.

MORNING CALL: 30/4/25

Behind KL Tower’s gleaming glass and concrete facade, a knockdown drag-out fight had taken place. Deputy editor Liew Jia Teng has the full story.

EDGE WEEKLY: Explaining the KL Tower kerfuffle

Wall Street's main indices dropped on Wednesday after data showed the economy contracted for the first time in three years in the first quarter (1Q), deepening concerns around the impact of US tariffs and the global trade war.

Wall Street tumbles as economy contracts for first time since 2022

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

Malayan Banking, Eco World International, Eco World Development, LPI Capital, Tasco, HCK Capital, Vizione, KNM, WTK, Compugates

The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission's (MACC) probe into the alleged submission of false claims amounting to RM360 million — which has nabbed four people, including one with a 'Datuk Seri' title — is linked to funds from a RM1.3 billion sukuk issuance for the 18km Maju Expressway Extension, according to sources.

MACC probe into RM360 mil false claims involves MEX II's RM1.3 bil sukuk issuance — sources

The US economy contracted at the start of the year for the first time since 2022 on a monumental pre-tariffs import surge and more moderate consumer spending, a first snapshot of the ripple effects from President Donald Trump’s trade policy.

US economy contracts for first time since 2022 on imports surge

Starting Thursday (May 1), all private healthcare facilities and community pharmacies will be required to display medicine prices. This move aimed at improving transparency and consumer choice.

Medicine price display mandatory at private clinics, pharmacies from May 1

Eco World International Bhd (KL:EWINT) (EWI), which was established in 2013 to focus on overseas property development, is planning to expand its geographical footprint to Malaysia, amid headwinds it faced in the UK and Australia since the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Eco World Int’l now eyes Malaysia market, proposes name change to EWI Capital

Grab Holdings Ltd raised its full-year earnings forecast after quarterly sales beat estimates, a sign the online arena may prove a rare bright spot in a region rattled by trade tensions.

Grab hikes outlook after sales beat estimates on ride demand

Malaysian poultry stocks rose on Wednesday, after the government decided to scrap price control and subsidies for eggs.

Malaysian poultry stocks rise after govt scraps price control, subsidies on eggs

Below is a summary of how key Bursa Malaysia indices and the ringgit performed on Wednesday.

FBM KLCI up 1.63% to 1,540.22 on April 30, 2025

KUALA LUMPUR (April 30): The Labuan International Business and Financial Centre (Labuan IBFC) could see growth in new company incorporations in 2025 moderate to its lowest in four years, based on first quarter performance published by the Labuan Financial Services Authority (Labuan FSA).

Labuan IBFC sees slower 2025 growth in new biz incorporations

The National Higher Education Fund Corporation (PTPTN) declared on Wednesday a 4.05% dividend for Simpan SSPN for 2024 — the highest rate recorded in a decade.

PTPTN declares 4.05% dividend for Simpan SSPN 2024, highest in a decade

CIMB Group Holdings Bhd's (KL:CIMB) stock rose on Wednesday to its highest level in nearly a month as investors cheered its Indonesian unit's strong earnings report.

CIMB nears one-month high after strong Indonesia results

Oil prices extended declines on Wednesday and were set for their largest monthly drop in more than three years as the global trade war eroded the outlook for fuel demand, while fears of mounting supply also weighed.

Oil drops, poised for biggest monthly fall in three years

Malaysia will end price control on eggs effective on May 1 as part of the government’s phased subsidy retargeting, the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (MAFS) said on Wednesday.

Malaysia to end price control on eggs effective May 1

US President Donald Trump’s “Liberation Day” tariff announcement on April 2, and the subsequent dropping of tariffs to 10% on imports from most trading partners for a 90-day period to allow for negotiations, have disrupted global trade due to the resulting uncertainties.

How do the US’ trade partners stack up as negotiations begin?

Malaysia has called for the extension and expansion of the current ceasefires in Myanmar, which expired on Wednesday, to ensure safe, unhindered humanitarian operations, especially in areas affected by the recent earthquake.

Malaysia calls for extension, expansion of ceasefire in Myanmar to safeguard humanitarian efforts

Malaysia must balance its close ties with the US and other nations while fulfilling its responsibility as Asean chair to drive regional growth.

Malaysia must balance US, other global ties — PM

Malaysia has emphasised the importance of a collective Asean approach in addressing regional issues, including the United States’ retaliatory tariff and the crisis in Myanmar, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

Collective Asean approach crucial to protecting regional interests — Anwar

The new auditors of Annum Bhd (KL:ANNUM), formerly Cymao Holdings bhd, have decided to withhold their opinion on the financial statements of the plywood products manufacturer for the period ended Dec 31, 2025, citing prior unresolved issues and doubts about the group's ability to continue as a going concern.

New auditors also withhold opinion on Annum's financials, citing prior unresolved issues

The 21st Malaysia International Halal Showcase (Mihas) will leverage its groundbreaking artificial intelligence (AI)-powered Madani Digital Trade (MDT) platform to target RM4.5 billion in global halal sales for 2025.

Leveraging Madani Digital Trade platform to target RM4.5 bil in global halal sales in Mihas 2025

Proposed amendments to the Peaceful Assembly Act 2012 (Act 736) are expected to be tabled in the upcoming session of Parliament or by October at the latest, said Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil.

Amendments to Peaceful Assembly Act to be tabled in Parliament by October the latest

The global recognition Malaysia received when it clinched the top spot in the Open Data Inventory (ODIN) 2024/25 assessment proves that several reform measures brought by the government in data management have borne fruit.

Top spot in ODIN 2024/25 assessment proof of govt's reform measures effective — Fahmi

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has cautioned the government against becoming overconfident with its victory in the Ayer Kuning state by-election, instead calling for intensified efforts to address public concerns.

PM urges govt not to be complacent after Ayer Kuning win — Fahmi

US oil major ConocoPhillips has confirmed its exit from operating the Salam-Patawali deepwater oil and gas field, also known as Block WL4-00, off Sarawak’s coast.

ConocoPhillips confirms exit from Salam-Patawali field

Malaysia is exploring opportunities in emerging markets, including China, as part of its efforts to expand the halal industry this year, said Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (Matrade) chairman Datuk Seri Reezal Merican Naina Merican.

Malaysia eyes emerging markets, China for halal industry expansion in 2025 — Matrade chairman

Stock markets work only if they are a ‘growth enabler’, not a cashing-out machine

TUN Abdullah Ahmad Badawi (1939-2025) carved a name for himself in Malaysia’s history by being the gentleman that he was during his five-year rule as the fifth prime minister. Abdullah, who was known to the people as Pak Lah, brought closure of a sort to the judicial crisis of 1988 that had destr...

A Tribute: A gentleman in the highest office 

On the morning of April 1, a catas­trophic gas pipeline explosion occurred in Putra Heights, Selangor. According to news reports, the blast was caused by a leak in a Petronas-owned underground pipeline and produced flames that soared 30m high and temperatures exceeding 1,000°C. The intense fire b...

Cultivating a safe environment for daily gas use

IF you’ve been following US President Donald Trump’s tariff policies — marked by erratic exemptions and exceptions across companies, sectors and countries — you might have heard Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent discussing “untariffing”, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick advocating for “retariffin...

Tech: Trump, tech regulation and the case against Meta Platforms

KUCINGKO Bhd (KL:KUCINGKO) may have made a name for itself in entertainment circles in Hollywood and Europe, but the homegrown animation production studio has yet to make its mark on the local stock exchange.

Having listed on the ACE Market on July 26 last year and raising RM30 million ...

Animation studio Kucingko aims to raise its profile and profitability 

MALAYSIA Airports Holdings Bhd (MAHB) is deep in its preparation for Visit Malaysia 2026 in anticipation of a likely increase in passenger traffic during the year.

“The three main focus areas that we’re looking at right now are aviation growth, service and capacity,” MAHB senior general...

MAHB gearing up for surge in passenger traffic during Visit Malaysia 2026

Donald Trump’s top economic adviser claims the president has weaponised tariffs to “persuade” other nations to pay the US to maintain its supposedly mutually beneficial global empire.

Geopolitical economist Ben Norton was among the first to highlight the significance of Trump’s Council ...

My Say: Trump wants the world to subsidise US empire

How do you invest in a company when the chairman calls his own chief financial officer (CFO) a “major loser”? That is what US President Donald Trump called Federal Reserve chairman Jay Powell, the man whom the world trusts to manage the credibility of the US dollar. After that remark, the Dow Jon...

Condivergence: Investing in the age of a changing world order

MALAYSIA Aviation Group Bhd (MAG), the parent company of national carrier Malaysia Airlines Bhd, will distribute up to 2½ months’ salary in bonuses to employees after posting its second consecutive annual profit, says group managing director Datuk Captain Izham Ismail.

The airline group...

Malaysia Airlines staff to receive up to 2½ months’ bonus on second straight annual profit

Running a business takes on a whole new dimension when you are undertaking it with your siblings. That is the dynamic at SPB Development Bhd, which is led by CEO Datuk Jacky Yap, chief financial officer Datuk Sean Yap and chief operating officer Yap Lih Shyan. At an interview with City & ...

Cover Story: SPB Development grows its property business

British finance minister Rachel Reeves is being investigated by parliament's standards commissioner over a possible breach of rules requiring lawmakers to register their financial interests and benefits received, a parliamentary website showed.

UK finance minister Reeves under investigation by parliament's standards commissioner

China has decided to lift sanctions on members of the European Parliament as well as on its subcommittee on human rights, the parliament's president, Roberta Metsola, said on Wednesday.

China decides to lift sanctions on members of European Parliament

Global air passenger demand rose by 3.3% in March 2025, compared to the 2.7% growth reported for February, according to the International Air Transport Association (IATA).

Global air passenger demand up 3.3% in March — IATA

Alphabet Inc chief executive officer Sundar Pichai said in court proceedings on Wednesday that he hopes that Gemini, his company’s AI service, will be added as a built-in option for iPhones this year.

Google eyes Gemini-iPhone AI deal this year, Pichai tells court

Donald Trump says China will likely bear the brunt of his 145% tariff on the world’s second-largest economy. But prices from some of the most popular sellers of made-in-China goods already suggest US shoppers will be paying a major portion of the bill.

Big price hikes undercut Trump bet China will absorb tariffs

Australian home prices climbed for a third straight month to a record high ahead of an election on Saturday, while defying rising uncertainty over the economic fallout from US-driven global trade turmoil.

Australian house prices hit record high ahead of Saturday’s vote

Nvidia Corp chief executive officer Jensen Huang said he’d like the Trump administration to change regulations for exporting artificial intelligence (AI) technology from the US to the rest of the world so American businesses can better capitalise on the opportunities in the future.

Nvidia CEO urges Trump to change rules for AI chip exports

App makers Meta Platforms Inc, Spotify Technology SA and Match Group Inc are girding for a high-stakes political battle with the world’s two dominant smartphone platforms over who should take responsibility for verifying users’ ages.

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