Cover Story 2: Investing ideas for 2025

EXCHANGE 106 was touted as the country’s new signature tower when the multibillion-ringgit Tun Razak Exchange (TRX) was launched in 2012 by then prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak. But when the 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB) scandal blew up three years later, the construction of the building...

Cover Story 1: Shareholder dispute at Exchange 106

The announcement last year of potential health insurance premium hikes ranging from 40% to 70% has understandably alarmed policyholders. For a society already bracing for the rationalisation of petrol and education subsidies in 2025, this represents another financial strain that challenges househ...

My Say: Unpacking the steep rise in health insurance premiums

When US president-elect Donald Trump suggested annexing Canada, the world collectively rolled its eyes. Another provocative soundbite from the man who makes headlines with the frequency of a late-night infomercial. But let’s take a step back, forget the knee-jerk outrage, and ask: What if there i...

My Say: Turning annexation into advantage: A strategic opportunity

THE CEO Confidence Index shows steady growth over the past eight quarters, rising from 106.9 in 1Q2023 to a peak of 114.6 in 3Q2024 before settling at 113.0 in 4Q2024. In 2023, the index fluctuated due to global uncertainties and post-pandemic adjustments. But recovery gained traction in late 202...

4Q2024 Vistage-MIER CEO Confidence Index: Confidence dips in 4Q2024

THIS time last year, I wrote about how I saw the US stock market performing in 2024, after its spectacular 26.3% total return in 2023. Given the strong earnings growth in the US, robust capital expenditure around artificial intelligence (AI) and anticipated interest rate cuts, my view was that th...

How Asian investors should look at US stocks in 2025

There are two ways to gain competitive advantage. Build it internally (an organic approach), or acquire it through buying tech from someone else or through mergers and acquisitions (M&A) of another, often smaller, company. Eat lunch or be lunch.

How you fund the acquisition of new t...

Condivergence: Using M&A to gain competitive advantage in the tech sector

“With the new day comes new strength and new thoughts.”  — Eleanor Roosevelt (1884-1962), activist and former first lady of the US

 

A new dawn, a new day and a new year. Welcome 2025.

After an indiffere...

Everyday Matters: New year brings an economic uptick for Malaysia

THE days of “super big profits” once enjoyed by Sime Darby Bhd (KL:SIME) in China’s car market are over, but the automotive and industrial equipment trading company remains confident in its long-term prospects.

Executive director and group CEO Datuk Jeffri Salim Davidson still believes ...

Special Report: China’s car-making juggernaut keeps Sime Darby CEO up at night

GAMUDA Land, the property arm of Gamuda Bhd (KL:GAMUDA), is aggressively expanding its footprint in Vietnam, acquiring its eighth project there, this time in the Le Chan district of Hai Phong City, Vietnam’s third largest, just 1½ hours from Hanoi.

The 2.7-acre land, worth RM175.4 milli...

Gamuda Land’s 8th project in Vietnam leverages two-decade experience and strong property demand

Real estate investment trusts

OVERWEIGHT

  
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Brokers Digest: Local Equities - Real estate investment trusts, Keyfield International Bhd, Tenaga Nasional Bhd, Kerjaya Prospek Group Bhd

Notable filings

From Dec 30, 2024, to Jan 3, notable filings on shareholding changes at Bursa Malaysia-listed companies include those at Berjaya Corp Bhd (KL:BJCORP) which saw Kossan Holdings Sdn Bhd cease being a substantial shareholder of the consumer conglomerate.<...

Insider Moves: Berjaya Corp Bhd, Sunway Bhd, HIL Industries Bhd, Mestron Holdings Bhd, Malakoff Corp Bhd, Velocity Capital Partner Bhd 

BUSINESSES related to elderly care, assisted living and post-operation recovery have gained traction in recent years, with several major property developers understood to be jumping on the bandwagon while some are widening their footprint in the industry.

One such property and construct...

Major property players pursue elderly and recovery care business as ageing population grows 

The forthcoming fourth United Nations Financing for Development (FfD4) conference must address developing countries’ major financial challenges. Recent setbacks to sustainable development and climate action make FfD4 all the more a critical event.

FfD4

The FfD4 conference, t...

My Say: Address current financing for development priorities today

Meta Platforms Inc plans to invest as much as US$65 billion (RM288.56 billion) on projects related to artificial intelligence (AI) in 2025, including building a giant new data centre and increasing hiring in AI teams, chief executive officer Mark Zuckerberg said on Friday.

The company intends to use the funds to build a data centre “so large that it would cover a significant part of Manhattan,” Zuckerberg said in a Facebook post.

Zuckerberg says Meta to spend up to US$65 bil on AI this year

Urban development planning in Malaysia must preserve the country’s identity, particularly in terms of its arts and culture, even while embracing advanced technology.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said in addition to prioritising organised and systematic planning, cities in the country should also be recognised for their distinct character and uniqueness, setting them apart from major cities like London and those in Japan.

Urban planning in Malaysia must preserve national identity, culture — PM 

Sales of previously owned homes in the US rose for the third straight month in December, entering 2025 with some momentum after the worst year in nearly three decades.

Contract closings of existing homes last month increased 2.2% to an annualised rate of 4.24 million, the most since February, according to National Association of Realtors data released on Friday. That was in line with the estimate of economists surveyed by Bloomberg.

US existing-home sales pick up at end of worst year since 1995

(Jan 24): US Treasury yields have trended up since late last year, and commercial real estate distress risk is straining regional banks’ balance sheets again.

Stocks are already reacting to the higher borrowing costs. Smaller bank shares have fallen about 8.2% since late November a...

Regional banks face headache from rising Treasury yields

The benchmark S&P 500 and the Nasdaq struggled for direction on Friday, as investors avoided big bets and assessed fresh data to gauge the health of the economy, while Boeing dipped after issuing a quarterly profit warning.

A S&P Global survey showed that business activity slowed to a ninth-month low in January amid rising price pressures, but firms reported higher hiring, supporting the Federal Reserve's cautious approach to monetary policy this year.

S&P 500, Nasdaq flat as investors assess economic data; Boeing slips

Sarawak Consolidated Industries Bhd (KL:SCIB) on Friday said that the project developer for the now-scrapped civil servants housing project in Perak has disagreed with the repayment terms, and denied the outstanding debt it owed to the Main Market-listed company.

On Jan 13, SCIB announced that the RM162 million contract awarded to its wholly owned unit, SCIB Properties Sdn Bhd (SCIBP), from Awana JV Suria Saga Sdn Bhd in July 2024 as part of a debt settlement collapsed after Awana failed to fulfil a key condition precedent within the stipulated time frame.

Developer disagrees over repayment conditions, debt owed to SCIB for scrapped Perak housing project

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

MAHB, Gamuda, MRCB, Scientex, Genting Plantations, TMC Life Sciences, Axis REIT, AmanahRaya REIT, Taghill, Chin Hin, Ajiya, TCS 

Changpeng “CZ” Zhao, a few months out of prison and worth US$70 billion (RM310.75 billion)thanks to the relentless crypto rally, is turning the former venture capital (VC) arm of his Binance Holdings Ltd into a family office.
 
Binance Labs, which oversees about US$10 billion of crypto-related assets, will be renamed YZi Labs, according to a statement on Thursday.

Crypto’s richest man turns VC firm into giant family office

One of Chicago’s wealthiest families has named new leaders and appointed a board for the dynasty’s business after the death of Jim Crown at a racetrack accident in 2023.

Bill Crown, Jim’s first cousin, will replace him as president and chief executive officer of Henry Crown & Co, according to a statement on Friday. Brother Steve Crown will serve as executive chairman of a board of directors that will have five members.

Billionaire Crown dynasty revamps leadership after death of Jim Crown

TMC Life Sciences Bhd (KL:TMCLIFE) warned on Friday that it expects to report a loss for the second quarter ended Dec 31, 2024 (2QFY2025), compared to the net profit recorded in the same period last year.

TMC Life Sciences issues profit warning due to contract issues

Bursa Malaysia Bhd and its subsidiaries will be closed on Jan 29 and 30 in conjunction with the Chinese New Year (CNY) public holiday.

Bursa Malaysia, subsidiaries to close for CNY public holiday

A consortium led by Khazanah Nasional Bhd has received valid acceptances of 1.548 billion shares or 92.82% of the total number of issued shares in Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd (KL:AIRPORT) on its conditional voluntary offer for shares of the airport operator, better known as MAHB.

MAHB takeover: Acceptance of Khazanah-led consortium's offer reaches 92.82% 

Eco World Development Group Bhd (KL:ECOWLD)(EcoWorld Malaysia) has officially opened the Tuah 1895 dining and lifestyle hub at its Bukit Bintang City Centre (BBCC) mixed-use development in Pudu, Kuala Lumpur on Friday.&nbsp;

Developed by BBCC Development Sdn Bhd, which is a joint venture company between EcoWorld Malaysia, UDA Holdings Bhd and the Employees Provident Fund, the 19.4-acre BBCC comprises residential suites, offices, hotels, a mall and entertainment offerings.

EcoWorld Malaysia officially opens Tuah 1895 dining and lifestyle hub at Bukit Bintang City Centre

Packaging manufacturer and developer Scientex Bhd (KL:SCIENTX) on Friday said it is acquiring 528.49 acres of land in Paya Rumput, Melaka for RM333.8 million cash (RM14.50 per sq ft) from Genting Plantations Bhd (KL:GENP).

Scientex buys Melaka land from Genting Plantations for RM333 mil cash

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

TMC Life Sciences Bhd (KL:TMCLIFE) warned on Friday that it expects to report a loss for the second quarter ended Dec 31, 2024 (2QFY2025), compared to the net profit recorded in the same period last year.

A joint venture between Gamuda Bhd (KL:GAMUDA) and Ferrovial (GFJV) has inked an early contractor involvement (ECI) agreement with Capricornia Energy Hub (CEH) for a hydroelectric storage project in Queensland, Australia. CEH is backed by Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners, one of the world's largest clean energy investors.

Gamuda-Ferrovial JV lands early role in Australian hydroelectric storage project

The big data analytics (BDA) market is experiencing robust growth globally and in Malaysia, driven by the rising demand for data-driven solutions, said associate professor in Computer Science and head of the School of Mathematical and Computer Sciences at Heriot-Watt University Malaysia, Dr Ian Tan.

Malaysia's big data analytics market poised for robust growth, says expert

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EVENING 5: Five things you need to know today

Changpeng “CZ” Zhao, a few months out of prison and worth US$70 billion (RM310.75 billion)thanks to the relentless crypto rally, is turning the former venture capital (VC) arm of his Binance Holdings Ltd into a family office. 
&nbsp; 
Binance Labs, which oversees about US$10 billion of crypto-related assets, will be renamed YZi Labs, according to a statement on Thursday.

One of Chicago’s wealthiest families has named new leaders and appointed a board for the dynasty’s business after the death of Jim Crown at a racetrack accident in 2023.

Bill Crown, Jim’s first cousin, will replace him as president and chief executive officer of Henry Crown &amp; Co, according to a statement on Friday. Brother Steve Crown will serve as executive chairman of a board of directors that will have five members.

Building and infrastructure construction services provider TCS Group Holdings Bhd (KL:TCS) saw the emergence of a new substantial shareholder.

James Liew Vun Tak acquired an 11.9% stake, equivalent to 71.5 million shares, through a direct business transaction on Friday.

TCS sees emergence of new substantial shareholder with 11.9% stake as MD trims shareholding

China Life Insurance Co, the nation’s largest insurer by market value, said 2024 profit may have jumped as much as 144% from the previous year as the country’s stock rally boosted investment returns. 
&nbsp; 
Preliminary net income is estimated to rise between 122% and 144% to a range between 102.4 billion yuan (RM62.05 billion) and 112.6 billion yuan, the Beijing-based company said in a statement to the Hong Kong stock exchange on Friday.&nbsp;

China Life says profit jump up to 144% on market rally

Building materials and construction engineering firm Chin Hin Group Bhd (KL:CHINHIN) has proposed to acquire an additional 37.38 million shares or a 12.27% stake in metal roofing and safety glass maker Ajiya Bhd (KL:AJIYA) for RM54.2 million or RM1.45 per share.

Chin Hin raises Ajiya stake by 12.27% to 66.4% for RM54.2 mil

manahRaya Real Estate Investment Trust (AmanahRaya REIT) has terminated its plan to sell the Contraves building in Cyberjaya due to a failed condition precedent, but is simultaneously pursuing the acquisition of a sustainable asset to boost its distribution per unit (DPU).

The purchaser, 4X Software Sdn Bhd, was unable to fulfill the stipulated condition precedent within the agreed timeline, which ended on Dec 26, 2024, according to AmanahRaya Kenedix REIT Manager Sdn Bhd, the REIT’s manager.

AmanahRaya REIT pursues new asset buy as its RM42.5 mil Cyberjaya property sale falls through

Sarawak Consolidated Industries Bhd (KL:SCIB) on Friday said that the project developer for the now-scrapped civil servants housing project in Perak has disagreed with the repayment terms, and denied the outstanding debt it owed to the Main Market-listed company.

On Jan 13, SCIB announced that the RM162 million contract awarded to its wholly owned unit, SCIB Properties Sdn Bhd (SCIBP), from Awana JV Suria Saga Sdn Bhd in July 2024 as part of a debt settlement collapsed after Awana failed to fulfil a key condition precedent within the stipulated time frame.

Abu Dhabi-based Modon Holding PSC has bought a stake in the London skyscraper that will house Ken Griffin’s Citadel and Citadel Securities once complete. 
&nbsp; 
The company purchased 50% of the 2 Finsbury Avenue project from Broadgate REIT, which is itself a venture between British Land Co and Singapore’s GIC Pte, according to a statement on Friday.

Abu Dhabi developer buys stake in new Citadel London tower

Meta Platforms Inc plans to invest as much as US$65 billion (RM288.56 billion) on projects related to artificial intelligence (AI) in 2025, including building a giant new data centre and increasing hiring in AI teams, chief executive officer Mark Zuckerberg said on Friday.

The company intends to use the funds to build a data centre “so large that it would cover a significant part of Manhattan,” Zuckerberg said in a Facebook post.

The benchmark S&amp;P 500 and the Nasdaq struggled for direction on Friday, as investors avoided big bets and assessed fresh data to gauge the health of the economy, while Boeing dipped after issuing a quarterly profit warning.

A S&amp;P Global survey showed that business activity slowed to a ninth-month low in January amid rising price pressures, but firms reported higher hiring, supporting the Federal Reserve's cautious approach to monetary policy this year.

The recently-busted vape smuggling syndicate is believed to have an international network to make false declarations to mislead the country's authorities.

Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) Chief Commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki said the syndicate's tactics made it difficult for the authorities to detect the goods, with the bribes paid making it even harder for them and resulting in the goods not being inspected.

Edge Weekly

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Edge Weekly

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