Alliance Bank Launches RM2 Million BizSmart Challenge Accelerator Edition 2026

KUALA LUMPUR, June 22 (Bernama) -- Alliance Bank Malaysia Bhd has launched the BizSmart® Challenge Accelerator Edition 2026, offering prizes worth up to RM2 million to accelerate the next group of high-potential small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and startups in the country.

Malaysia, Bangladesh Eye Fast-track FTA, Collaboration In Energy And Halal Industry

PUTRAJAYA, June 22 (Bernama) -- Malaysia and Bangladesh have agreed to strengthen bilateral economic relations through a fast-track free trade agreement (FTA) and enhanced cooperation in key growth sectors, including energy and the halal industry.

Anwar’s Russia, Turkmenistan Visits Strengthen Malaysia’s Energy Security - BRICS International Malaysia

KUALA LUMPUR, June 21 (Bernama) -- BRICS International Malaysia welcomes the positive outcomes of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s official visits to Russia and Turkmenistan, particularly in advancing Malaysia’s long-term energy security, enhancing oil and gas cooperation and strengthening strategic economic partnerships.

Setia Fontaines Industrial Park Drives High-tech Investments In Penang

KEPALA BATAS, June 20 (Bernama) -- SP Setia Bhd today marked another significant milestone when it commenced the development of Setia Fontaines Industrial Park in Bertam through a ground-breaking ceremony, marking an achievement in the group's growth strategy and strengthening Penang's position as a future-ready investment destination.

Indonesia's New Palm Oil Export Framework Draws Close Watch From Malaysia, Global Markets

JAKARTA, June 20 (Bernama) -- Indonesia's plan to tighten oversight of strategic commodity exports through a new state-linked monitoring framework is being closely watched by industry players in Malaysia as well as buyers and traders in major markets, with analysts assessing its potential implications for the global palm oil trade.

Businesses Should Identify Pain Points Amid Rising Uncertainty - Economist

KUALA LUMPUR, June 19 (Bernama) -- Malaysian businesses should identify their operational pain points before making strategic decisions as the business landscape becomes increasingly uncertain, said AmBank Group chief economist Firdaos Rosli.

Malaysia's Rise In IMD Ranking Reflects Sustained Reforms, Public-Private Cooperation - FMM

KUALA LUMPUR, June 19 (Bernama) -- Malaysia's rise to 15th place in the 2026 International Institute for Management Development (IMD) World Competitiveness Ranking reflects sustained reform efforts and closer coordination between the public and private sectors, the Federation of Malaysian Manufacturing (FMM) said.

Selangor Plans To Expand SA500 To Assist Companies Affected By Supply Disruptions

SHAH ALAM, June 19 (Bernama) -- The Selangor state government plans to expand its Selangor Advance (SA500) programme to support the cash flow needs of companies involved in state infrastructure projects, including those undertaken at the district and local authority levels.

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).

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.

MR D.I.Y. Thailand Earns Spot In Key Set Benchmark Indices

By Kenny Teng

BANGKOK, June 18 (Bernama) -- Thailand’s leading home improvement and lifestyle retailer, MR D.I.Y. Holding (Thailand) Public Company Limited (MRDIYT), has been selected for inclusion in three key indices of the Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET), underscoring growing investor confidence in the company’s business fundamentals and market position.

Capital Market Can Bridge SME Financing Gap For R&D, Expansion -- Bursa Malaysia

GEORGE TOWN, June 18 (Bernama) -- Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) should consider tapping the capital market to finance research and development (R&D) and business expansion that may not be fully supported through conventional bank financing, said Bursa Malaysia Bhd.