Malaysia's Competitiveness Ranking Surge Signals Stronger Economic Fundamentals - Economists

By Rosemarie Khoo

KUALA LUMPUR, June 19 (Bernama) -- Malaysia's improved standing in the International Institute for Management Development (IMD) 2026 World Competitiveness Ranking reflects the country’s strengthening economic fundamentals.

Malaysian Re, China Re Life Sign Landmark Treaty For Cancer Treatment Coverage

KUALA LUMPUR, June 18 (Bernama) -- National reinsurer Malaysian Reinsurance Bhd (Malaysian Re) and China Reinsurance Life Insurance Company Ltd (China Re Life) have signed a landmark reinsurance treaty to support the first dedicated reinsurance framework for cancer precision medicine (CPM) treatment coverage in Malaysia.

Malaysia To 'Seriously' Look Into Expanding Settling Foreign Trade Payments In Local Currencies -- Anwar

KUALA LUMPUR, June 18 (Bernama) -- Malaysia will “seriously” explore using local currencies with trading partners to mitigate volatile foreign exchange risks, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said.

AI Boom Opens Growth Avenues For Penang SMEs - MSIA

GEORGE TOWN, June 18 (Bernama) -- The artificial intelligence (AI) boom is opening significant growth opportunities for Penang’s small and medium enterprises (SMEs), particularly those supporting the semiconductor value chain, according to the Malaysia Semiconductor Industry Association (MSIA).

Aizo's Unit Secures RM346.19 Mln Islamic Financing Facilities To Support Solar Project In Kampar 

KUALA LUMPUR, June 18 (Bernama) -- Aizo Group Bhd’s subsidiary, Wawasan Demi Sdn Bhd, has secured Islamic financing facilities of up to RM346.19 million from Bank Pembangunan Malaysia Bhd (BPMB). 

Malaysia Needs Robust Legal, Regulatory Framework For Nuclear Power - World Nuclear Association

From Siti Radziah Hamzah

TASHKENT, June 18 (Bernama) -- Malaysia would need to establish a robust legal and regulatory framework, as well as develop a skilled workforce, before nuclear power can become a realistic option in the country's long-term energy mix, according to World Nuclear Association (WNA) Director General Dr Sama Bilbao y Leon.

KUSKOP Channels RM5 Bln Financing, Benefiting 185,000 Entrepreneurs - Sim

GEORGE TOWN, June 18 (Bernama) --  The Ministry of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives (KUSKOP) has approved RM5 billion in financing as of May 31, benefiting 185,000 entrepreneurs nationwide, said its minister, Steven Sim Chee Keong.

UOB Malaysia Enhances Privilege Banking, Aims To Double Affluent Clientele By 2028

KUALA LUMPUR, June 18 (Bernama) -- UOB Malaysia has enhanced its Privilege Banking offering with expanded wealth advisory services, personalised client support and lifestyle benefits as it targets to double its affluent customer base by 2028.

WCT Secures RM529 Mln UAE Construction Sub-contract

KUALA LUMPUR, June 18 (Bernama) -- WCT Holdings Bhd has secured a sub-contract worth 479 million United Arab Emirates dirham (AED) or RM528.99 million for the construction of a commercial and residential development in Abu Dhabi, the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Malaysia Must Move Beyond Low-Cost Model To Support Higher Wages -- Sim

GEORGE TOWN, June 18 (Bernama) -- Malaysia can no longer rely on low prices as a competitive advantage, as the low-cost business model also limits the ability of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to offer higher wages, said Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives Minister Steven Sim Chee Keong.

Countries Seeking To Develop AI Capabilities Need To Navigate Trusted Partner Networks, Says Expert

By Siti Radziah Hamzah

TASHKENT, June 18 (Bernama) -- Countries seeking to develop artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities will need to navigate new alliances, controls and trusted partner networks as the technology increasingly becomes a geopolitical issue, said an expert today.

Ringgit Closes Lower Against Greenback On Fed Rate Hike Expectations

By K. Naveen Prabu

KUALA LUMPUR, June 18 (Bernama) -- The ringgit closed lower against the US dollar on Thursday as expectations of a possible US Federal Reserve (Fed) interest rate hike later this year boosted demand for the greenback.