Economy

IMF credits Malaysia’s economic reforms, calls for further action to strengthen resilience

KUALA LUMPUR: The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has commended Malaysia’s economic reforms, notably the introduction of the Public Finance and Fiscal Responsibility Act (FRA) 2023 and the successful implementation of electricity and diesel subsidy reforms. 

Economy

Britain joins trans-Pacific pact in biggest post-Brexit trade deal

LONDON: Britain officially became the 12th member of a trans-Pacific trade pact which includes Japan, Australia and Canada on Sunday as it seeks to deepen ties in the region and build its global trade links after leaving the European Union.

Star Biz7

When a tenant refuses to leave

Purchasing a sub-sale property occasionally comes with a tenant included as part of the deal, according to the agent anyway. But what happens when all the documents are done and dusted, and then the tenant changes his/her mind and refuses to leave?

Star Biz7

Malaysia in the lead

As we step into 2025, Malaysia’s property market is poised for incremental growth, particularly in the realm of foreign home buying.

Star Biz7

Choosing between unbuilt homes and sub-sale units

Purchasing a property will make buyers dig deep into what they really desire in a home.

Corporate News

Eco World redesignates Leong Kok Wah as non-independent, non-executive director

KUALA LUMPUR: Eco World Development Group Bhd has redesignated Datuk Leong Kok Wah as a non-independent, non-executive director, effective Dec 12, 2024.

Forex

Ringgit seen trading in cautious mode ahead of US rate decision next week

KUALA LUMPUR: The ringgit is expected to be traded in a cautious mode against the US dollar next week ahead of the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) meeting on Dec 17-18.

Star Biz7

Another stellar year ahead for STI

The Singapore stock market is poised for another year of steady performance in 2025, underpinned by its defensive blue-chip stocks, strong cash flows and attractive valuations.

Insight

Testing times for education

There is a benchmark for most things we do. In a race, athletes not only compete against their opponents, but also against the clock. In weightlifting, competitors are judged by the weight they can carry, and in football, teams are measured by their wins and goals scored.

Star Biz7

Heralding the Golden Age of Crypto

The cryptocurrency world is buzzing with speculation that bitcoin could reach an unprecedented US$200,000 by 2025. While bitcoin has yet to stabilise around the US$100,000 mark, its meteoric rise in 2024 has emboldened investors and analysts to project a bullish future for the world’s leading digital asset.

Short Position

Governance challenges continue at TMC Life after CEO’s removal

This week saw the removal of TMC Life Sciences Bhd’s suspended chief executive officer (CEO), Wan Nadiah Wan Mohd Abdullah Yaakob, with immediate effect, marking the culmination of a year-long internal conflict.

Star Biz7

Dassault Aviation flying high in Malaysia

Dassault Aviation’s Falcon 8X jet, which drew much attention at the Selangor Aviation Show 2024 in September, is fast becoming a top choice for business jets with its long-range capabilities and large cabin.

Insight

Bursa bridge to secondary listings

With 47 listings as at end of November and at least six more initial public offerings (IPO) this month, Bursa Malaysia will clearly surpass its target of 42 for 2024. An exciting development is that companies listed on foreign exchanges are now looking at secondary listing in Malaysia.

Star Biz7

Latest chart-topper at auctions

On Dec 18, a significant collection of fine art sourced from The Playboy Archives will go under the hammer.

Star Biz7

Grocer well-stocked on community spirit

The continuous shifts in consumer lifestyles and behaviour have had a significant impact on the retail industry. For David Tseng, founder and chief executive officer of premium grocer brand Qra, this change is particularly evident in the aisles of a grocery store.

Insight

Turning smart cities into wise cities

Imagine a city lit up with neon, the streets slick from a gentle drizzle, and flying cars zooming overhead. Holographic ads beam from towering skyscrapers, and pedestrians walk by, wearing augmented reality visors that light up their faces. It’s a scene straight out of Blade Runner 2049, where technology and urban life blend seamlessly.

Short Position

Estates of late tycoons spark M&A interest

While it is still unclear as to how the assets of the two tycoons who passed away recently will be dealt with, mergers and acquisitions (M&A) experts are working overtime to suss out potential deals.

Star Biz7

2025 - cautiously taking stock

The Malaysian bourse has been on a roller-coaster ride this year, and 2025 brings more uncertainties, with Donald Trump being sworn in as the 47th president of the United States in January.

Star Biz7

Sabah’s green power ECoSystem

Sabah’s energy sector faces many challenges. The state’s challenging geography, with its population dispersed across mountainous terrain, complicates energy infrastructure expansion.

Star Biz7

Buckle up for a bumpy 2025

Since 2024 is almost over, it’s an opportune time to plan one’s investment for next year.