Economy

While Asia is vulnerable, China, Malaysia are buffered from oil shocks - JP Morgan analyst

KUALA LUMPUR: A senior JP Morgan analyst says China and Malaysia stand out in Asia as markets that have some buffer from oil shocks due to their relative low reliance on oil imports.

Forex

Hawkish Fed bets, oil shock set to keep ringgit around 4.00 against US dollar next week

KUALA LUMPUR: The ringgit is expected to trade around the 4.00 level against the US dollar next week, as expectations of a prolonged West Asia conflict weigh on the currency.

Energy

PETRONAS denies involvement in reported Philippine fuel supply deal

KUALA LUMPUR: Petroliam Nasional Bhd (PETRONAS) has denied any involvement in a reported fuel supply deal involving a local government unit in the Philippines.

Star Biz7

Hoteliers ramping up for health tourism invasion

The Malaysian hospitality sector has entered 2026 not just with momentum but with a fundamental shift in its DNA.

Star Biz7

Why Johor is Malaysia’s 2026 investment apex

For decades, the narrative surrounding Johor's property market was one of potential, a sleeping giant in the shadow of Singapore's skyline. But as of March 2026, that narrative has shifted from speculation to a high-velocity reality.

Star Biz7

Bracing for building material price increase 

Hit by soaring diesel prices, the property and construction industry is facing an imminent rise in building material prices as building material suppliers said they could no longer hold off the escalating costs.

Business

SC sees no necessity to set up Bursa Malaysia RegSub following strengthened COI framework

KUALA LUMPUR: The Securities Commission Malaysia (SC) has decided there is no necessity at present to proceed with the proposed legislation to establish a Bursa Malaysia Bhd subsidiary (Bursa Malaysia RegSub) to assume the regulatory functions currently undertaken by the exchange holding company.

Star Biz7

Deal seekers lured to new debt

Credit investors are scoring some of the highest new issue concessions in years. That's because companies that seize the occasional window for bond offerings are competing to entice buyers who want to be compensated for a growing list of risks. 

Insight

The economics of noise: Who pays the price?

For the past two months, Malaysia has been running an unpriced experiment. Every night, across our cities and towns, we have collectively accepted a simple premise: that the private enjoyment of firecrackers outweighs the public cost imposed on everyone else. It is time to question that premise.

Star Biz7

The great diversity debate

BHP's surprise appointment of Americas head Brandon Craig as chief executive officer (CEO) recently has revived concerns in the mining sector over talent retention and the lack of leadership diversity, as senior female contenders were overlooked.

Insight

AI changes job market

At a recent law conference, I heard a phrase repeated frequently: "Artificial intelligence (AI) won't replace lawyers. Lawyers who use AI will replace those who don't."

Star Biz7

Rise of an investor magnet

Wedged between South American heavyweights Argentina and Brazil, Paraguay has long been ignored by the international community. Small, landlocked and poor, it was often seen as just a fly-over country.

Star Biz7

Thailand fires up energy sector

Thailand's energy and power sectors are poised for gains in the coming months, driven by rising oil prices and resilient refinery operations despite global disruptions. Investors may find fresh opportunities in oil exploration, refining, and electricity generation, as the market braces for a period of elevated commodity prices and government-led energy management measures.

Star Biz7

H&M: DESIRABILITY, DIVERSITY AND DECARBONISATION

He is a self-confessed "suit guy". Dressed in a comfortable beige linen-blend two-piece, Saed El-Achkar laughs as he smooths the lapel of his blazer on a characteristically humid morning in Kuala Lumpur.

Star Biz7

Tough test for corporates 

Asia-Pacific corporates are bracing for a turbulent stretch as the Middle East conflict sends oil and gas (O&G) markets into uncharted territory.

Short Position

Balancing government aid and limits

In recent weeks, many business associations have called on the government for help in coping with rising costs driven by the Middle East conflict.

Star Biz7

Sports market in the money

The next decade could see sports evolve from a passion asset into a portfolio cornerstone, with investors increasingly treating clubs, leagues and even emerging formats as strategic holdings rather than vanity plays.

Star Biz7

Setting the course for KWAP

Pension reform is becoming increasingly unavoidable as longer life expectancy and rising fiscal pressures impact the system.

Star Biz7

Tapping water’s investment potential

Malaysia is set for a transformation in water management as the government and private sector intensify efforts to tackle non-revenue water (NRW) losses, offering a potential lift to investors positioned in the right segments.

Star Biz7

Winning the smart battery game

For commercial vehicle fleet operators today, fuel, labour, and maintenance and repairs often rank among their most costly expenses.