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.

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).

Malaysia Rises To 15th In Global Competitiveness Ranking, Records Best Achievement -- Anwar

KAZAN, June 18 (Bernama) – Malaysia rising to the 15th spot in the 2026 World Competitiveness Rankings by the International Institute for Management Development (IMD) is proof that efforts to strengthen efficiency and improve execution continue to pay off, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

Winner Sky Tech Opens Batu Kawan Facility, Commits RM70 Mln Investment

BATU KAWAN, June 18 (Bernama) – Electronics manufacturing services (EMS) provider Winner Sky Technology Sdn Bhd has opened its new 60,000-square-foot manufacturing facility in Batu Kawan, marking a significant milestone in the company’s growth trajectory and reinforcing its long-term commitment to Malaysia as a base for high-value electronics manufacturing.

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.

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.

KHPT Bags Components Contract For New Proton Model

KUALA LUMPUR, June 18 (Bernama) -- KHPT Holdings Bhd has secured a contract from Perusahaan Otomobil Nasional Sdn Bhd (Proton) to supply automotive components for a new Proton model.

MAHB Appoints Azmil Khalid As Non-Independent Non-Executive Chairman

KUALA LUMPUR, June 18 (Bernama) -- Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd (MAHB) has appointed Tan Sri Dr Azmil Khalid as its non-independent non-executive chairman, effective June 18, 2026.

Buying In Consumer Stocks Helps Bursa Malaysia Close Slightly Higher

By Siti Noor Afera Abu

KUALA LUMPUR, June 18 (Bernama) -- Bursa Malaysia’s key index finished marginally higher, supported by strong buying interest in consumer-related counters, amid mixed performance across regional markets.

Fortegra Appoints Anthony Katz As SVP, Reserving To Lead Actuarial Team

KUALA LUMPUR, June 18 (Bernama) -- The Fortegra Group Inc, a global speciality insurer, has appointed Anthony Katz as senior vice president (SVP), reserving, strengthening the speciality insurer’s actuarial leadership as it expands its reserving and reporting capabilities.