Policymakers across Asia’s emerging markets are digging deeper into their toolkits to fend off a relentlessly strong greenback as Trump-administration tariffs loom.
 
Indonesia — already intervening regularly to rein in a weak rupiah — will now require commodities firms to repatriate all of their overseas earnings. South Korea sold won debt to top up its coffers for defending the exchange rate for the first time in 21 years.

Unstoppable US dollar forces Asia to dig deeper to defend foreign exchange 

Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said on Thursday that he will present a proposal in the Cabinet meeting, within two months, seeking approval for an initiative to designate the Rubber Industry Smallholders Development Authority (Risda) as the sole buyer of rubber from smallholders.

Zahid: Proposal for Risda to be sole buyer of smallholders' rubber to be presented to Cabinet

The government is committed to prioritising enabling policies over direct intervention to drive creativity and growth in key industries for the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP), Economy Minister Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli said.

13MP: Govt committed to enabling policies to drive growth in key industries — Rafizi

The 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB)-Tanore trial revisited the termination of KPMG as the company’s external auditor, with former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak asserting that it was not his "character" to threaten anyone.

Najib says not in his nature to intimidate people

2025 marks the Year of the Wood Snake, a symbol of renewal, adaptability, and resilience. These traits are as vital to navigating today's markets as they are reflective of the year's zodiac themes. The last time the Wood Snake graced the markets was in 1965, which saw a bullish year for that cycle, with both the Dow Jones and S&P 500 ending that cycle at then-all-time-highs, increasing by approximately 9.3% and 7.3% respectively. This year, investors face a different set of challenges and opportunities that require strategic thinking, a global perspective, and the flexibility to adapt to an evolving market environment. As a whole, we feel that there are multiple indicators to be cautiously optimistic about the investment outlook for 2025, with investors needing to tactically navigate key global and market events.

Investor Opportunities in the Year of the Wood Snake: Renewal and Adaptability in 2025

TNG Digital Sdn Bhd (TNG Digital) has introduced a new feature, SOS Balance, to ensure users are able to pass through toll booths despite insufficient balance in their TNG eWallet. 

It will be introduced to selected TNG eWallet users starting Thursday at no cost, giving them a 24-hour grace period to top up their eWallet and settle any outstanding toll charges.

TNG Digital launches free feature in ewallets allowing toll passthroughs

Despite questioning the veracity of his signatures, former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak claimed that the issue only came to light to him during trials of his criminal court cases related to 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB), the first of which commenced in 2018.

Najib says only made aware of self-claimed 'forged' signatures during 1MDB trials

A vape smuggling syndicate operating in the Free Commercial Zone (FCZ) at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) is suspected of bribing enforcement officers with daily payments between RM4,000 and RM6,000 to secure the release of lorries used in their illicit operations.

KLIA vape smuggling syndicate 'pays' enforcement officers up to RM6,000 daily

KUALA LUMPUR (Jan 23): Various sectors, including education, investment, trade, artificial intelligence (AI), energy, and digital, are expected to benefit directly from synergies and lucrative returns from the World Economic Forum (WEF) 2025, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

PM: Various sectors expected to benefit from synergies, lucrative returns from WEF

The Ipoh Sentral project, a transit-oriented development (TOD) covering an area of 27.11 hectares, is set to commence in six months, with the first phase focusing on landscaping, enhancements, and preservation of heritage and cultural elements.

Ipoh Sentral project to begin in six months

KUCHING (Jan 23): Cahya Mata Cement Sdn Bhd, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Cahya Mata Sarawak Bhd (KL:CMSB), expects to double its clinker production capacity with the development of a new facility, Clinker Line 2, in Mambong here.

Cahya Mata Sarawak’s unit expects to double clinker production with new facility

The Cabinet will discuss issues related to the new policy introduced by US President Donald Trump, which may affect Malaysia's economy due to his proposal to impose tariffs on imported goods from several countries.

Cabinet to discuss issues related to Trump's new policy, says Tok Mat

US President Donald Trump downplayed the national security risk posed by TikTok in an interview with Fox News on Wednesday, days after offering the social video app a reprieve from legislation that would have forced it to shut down.

Trump downplays threat of China using TikTok to spy on Americans

Oriental Kopi Holdings Bhd (KL:KOPI) surged more than 70% during its trading debut on Thursday, following strong demand for the café chain operator’s initial public offering (IPO).

Oriental Kopi hits opening gong with 71% premium on ACE Market debut

KUALA LUMPUR (Jan 23): The High Court allowed the forfeiture of Ricky Wong Shee Kai’s luxury condominium unit at Four Seasons Place in Kuala Lumpur, as well as RM445,039.28 in the businessman’s personal fixed deposit account.

High Court allows seizure of Ricky Wong's luxury condo unit, fixed deposit

Oriental Kopi Holdings Bhd (KL:KOPI) surged more than 70% during its trading debut on Thursday, following strong demand for the café chain operator’s initial public offering (IPO).

KUALA LUMPUR (Jan 23): Café chain operator Oriental Kopi Bhd (KL:KOPI), which debuted on the ACE Market of Bursa Malaysia on Thursday, said the company is scaling up its product offerings in the fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) segment, targeting the launch of over 20 products by year end.

Oriental Kopi aims to launch over 20 fast-moving consumer goods by year end

Gamuda Land, in collaboration with Meaningfull Life, is launching Malaysia’s first integrated eldercare facility within its twentyfive7 township, setting a new benchmark for multi-generational community living.

Gamuda Land unveils Malaysia’s first integrated eldercare facility in twentyfive7

CNN, a unit of Warner Bros Discovery, plans to lay off hundreds of employees on Thursday, as it refocuses the business around a global digital audience, CNBC reported on Wednesday, citing people familiar with the matter.

CNN and NBC News to lay off employees — report

Elon Musk openly questioned whether companies that joined President Donald Trump’s announcement promising hundreds of billions of dollars in artificial intelligence infrastructure could follow through on their promises, exposing an early internal rift within the White House.

Musk and Altman spar over US$100b AI venture hyped by Trump

KUALA LUMPUR (Jan 23): KIP Real Estate Investment Trust (KL:KIPREIT) unitholders have approved the acquisition of four industrial properties associated to its largest shareholder Datuk Eddie Ong Choo Meng, for a total purchase price of RM98.3 million.

KIP REIT unitholders approve RM98m industrial properties buy from Eddie Ong

BYD Co has beaten out Toyota Motor Corp to take the title of most popular car brand in Singapore for the first time.

BYD outsells Toyota to becomes Singapore’s most popular car

Global stocks eased on Thursday, halting a rally sparked by US President Donald Trump's mammoth spending plans for artificial intelligence infrastructure as some of that excitement fizzled out, though Chinese shares fared better on Beijing's support.

Global stocks rally hits pause; dollar stays on back foot 

China announced plans on Thursday to channel hundreds of billions of yuan annually into shares from state-owned insurers, in the government's latest effort to support equity markets.

China pushes insurers to invest billions in latest move to support market

Kepala Batas Member of Parliament Dr Siti Mastura Muhammad has settled the payment of RM830,034.75 in damages and legal costs (including interest) to three DAP stalwarts.

PAS MP Siti Mastura settles payment of RM830k to Kit Siang, Guan Eng and Teresa Kok pending defamation appeal

(Jan 23):&nbsp;Saudi Arabian Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman told President Donald Trump that the kingdom wants to put US$600 billion (RM2.66 trillion)&nbsp;into expanded investment and trade with the United States over the next four years, the Saudi state news agency said early on Thursday.

Saudi Arabia plans US$600 bil in new US investment, trade over four years

The share price of Gadang Holdings Bhd (KL:GADANG) may rally on the back of strong earnings growth, following a better-than-expected quarter, TA Securities said.

Gadang shares may rally on strong earnings growth, says TA Securities in upgrade to 'buy'

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the government is working on a more targeted approach for the provision of toll exemptions during festive seasons.

Govt working on targeted toll exemptions for festive seasons, to benefit only B40, M40 — PM

KUALA LUMPUR (Jan 23): Aeon Co (M) Bhd (KL:AEON) is set to deliver another strong performance in the final quarter of the financial year 2024, with a projected net profit of RM57.3 million, according to CIMB Securities.

Aeon poised for strong 4Q performance on festive season, reopening of stores — CIMB Securities

South Korea's SK Hynix forecast sales of its high-end semiconductors used in generative artificial intelligence chipsets would double this year after reporting a record quarterly profit that surpassed its bigger rival Samsung.

SK Hynix profit surpasses Samsung, but shares dip on lower memory chip demand

Former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak on Thursday sought to portray a contrast between his leadership style with the 'work-in-silo' culture in 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB).

1MDB-Tanore trial: Work-in-silo not my leadership style, says Najib

One of the world’s biggest crop traders has halted loading of grain vessels at US Gulf terminals as the region’s worst snowstorm in 130 years slams the region.

Crop trader declares force majeure along US Gulf during rare southern snow

KUALA LUMPUR (Jan 23): Westports Holdings Bhd (KL:WSPRTS) reported a record-high net profit of RM256.7 million for the fourth quarter ended Dec 31, 2024 (4QFY2024), a 25% increase from RM206.1 million a year ago, driven by higher container revenue.

Westports books record revenue and profit for FY2024, declares 10.86 sen dividend

Binastra Corporation Bhd (KL:BNASTRA) may introduce a dividend payout earlier than expected in FY2025, according to Phillip Capital.

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