Malaysia Money Matters Daily News Digest 13th Jun 2025

In today’s episode of Malaysia Money Matters, we break down a packed slate of updates—from AirAsia’s major fleet expansion plan and Bermaz Auto’s profit woes, to the FMM’s strong warning on the incoming SST expansion.Plus, we examine ASEAN’s push for a unified digital economy, diverging global rate paths, and a cooling US labor market that could shape upcoming Fed decisions.🇲🇾 Malaysian Company & Market News🔹 AirAsia in Talks for 100+ Airbus JetsA potential fleet upgrade featuring smaller A220 aircraft points to a shift in regional strategy as Capital A eyes a financial turnaround and PN17 exit.🔹 Byand Exits Vietnam VentureRM202M cash from selling 80% stake in a Vietnam property arm will go toward debt repayment and working capital. A balance sheet-focused move with modest gains.🔹 Bermaz Auto Feels the HeatQuarterly profits hit a 3-year low amid rising competition from Chinese carmakers. Lower sales, earnings pressure, and expected dividend cuts highlight shifting auto dynamics.🔹 Binastra Lands RM268M JobSecures high-rise project from a new client. Order book hits RM4.3B, boosting visibility despite margin concerns due to client diversification.🔹 CPE Tech Gains Analyst CoverageMaybank IB initiates with a “Buy” rating. CPE is riding the global semiconductor fab construction wave and has already doubled profits in 9 months.🔹 Kenanga to Raise RM500M in Tier-1 CapitalFlexible funding platform for future business needs—strengthens capital base and supports growth.🔹 Sunway REIT Faces SST & Competition PressureCIMB flags the July 1 SST expansion and a nearby new mall as potential drags on rental growth and profitability.🔹 Thong Guan Scraps F&B SaleFood and beverage divestment to major shareholder falls through due to pricing disagreement. Group retains business segment.🔹 Felda Doubles Down on ProductivityRolls out new models to boost palm oil yields under its 25:23 Project. Aims to cut losses, raise mill efficiency, and improve settler incomes.🌏 Global & Regional Developments🌐 ASEAN Unveils US$2 Trillion Digital Economy PlanMassive push toward regional integration by 2030 includes harmonising data rules and taxation across borders. A game changer for digital businesses.💸 Asian Inflation Slows, Room for Rate Cuts?Cooling inflation gives room for policy easing, but trade fears—especially from US tariffs—cloud growth prospects for exporters like Singapore and Thailand.📉 US Dollar Hits 2025 Low Amid Risk-Off SentimentMiddle East tensions and trade concerns spark flight to safety. Gold and yen rally as global stocks dip.📊 FMM Slams SST Expansion as “Damaging”Warns July 1 tax changes will raise business costs and hit investment. Renews call for GST instead. Machinery and rental services among key flashpoints.💼 Malaysia Jobless Rate Hits 10-Year LowApril unemployment at 3.0% signals robust labor market. But global trade turbulence could still pose risks to export-heavy industries.🚧 Perak Proposes East-West Highway OverhaulState government calls for federal upgrade or new alignment following a deadly accident. Infrastructure and safety top the agenda.⚖️ Audit Crackdown: SC Sanctions Chengco PLTSuspends audit firm and five partners for serious quality issues involving public interest entities. Signals tighter oversight ahead.📉 US Jobless Claims Hold Steady at Elevated LevelData shows labor market cooling. Fed likely watching closely as slower job growth affects inflation outlook.📌 Key Takeaways & Investor Insights✅ AirAsia’s fleet plan signals post-restructuring ambition and regional growth focus.✅ Bermaz’s profit fall reveals competitive pressure from cheaper EV imports.✅ ASEAN’s digital strategy could reshape business across borders by 2030.✅ Malaysia’s job market is resilient, but global trade shifts may test that strength.✅ Expanded SST draws sharp criticism—investors should watch retail and REIT sectors closely.🎧 Listen Now for a deep dive into Malaysia’s financial gems and global trends shaping 2025!🔗 Subscribe & Share the Malaysia Money Matters podcast on Substack, Spotify, or Apple Podcasts.Malaysia Money Matters is a one-person passion project. Subscribe for free or support me as a paid subscriber—it means the world to me! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit mmoneymatters.substack.com