Malaysia Money Matters Daily News Digest 14th Feb 2025

Episode HighlightsIn this episode of Malaysia Money Matters, we break down the latest corporate developments in Malaysia, key investment trends, and major global financial shifts. From IPO debuts and airline industry rebounds to China’s booming REIT market and Trump’s new trade policies, here’s what you need to know.Key Malaysian Company NewsTechStore Bhd’s ACE Market Debut* Enterprise IT services firm set to list next Tuesday.* IPO price of RM0.20 per share, valuing the company at RM100 million.* Funds raised will go toward working capital, loan repayments, and business expansion.AirAsia X Sees Strong Passenger Growth* 41% surge in passengers in 2024, exceeding 4 million travelers.* Load factor at 83%, signaling strong demand.* Expanding routes to Chongqing, China, and Nairobi, Kenya.CelcomDigi Bhd’s Profit Decline* 64% YoY drop in Q4 2024 net profit due to depreciation and impairment charges.* Despite the decline, the company raised its FY2024 dividend to 14.3 sen per share.MPI Sells Penang Land for RM119.83M* Semiconductor firm expects a RM9.2 million profit from the sale.* Marks MPI’s full exit from leadframe manufacturing to focus on higher-growth segments.GUH Holdings Bhd Divests Industrial Land in China* Selling Suzhou industrial land for RM119.83 million as part of China’s urban redevelopment plan.* Expected to generate a RM95.31 million profit for future investments.MAHB Moves Toward Privatization* Consortium secures a 98.68% stake, leading to a potential delisting.* Raises questions about future transparency and Malaysia’s aviation sector direction.Revenue Group Bhd’s Share Price Hits Record Low* Investors are wary of its rights issue to fund money-lending expansion.* Diversification strategy seen as risky given recent financial struggles.International & Economic UpdatesAlibaba’s AI Surge* Stock has gained 46% since January, adding US$87 billion in market cap.* Qwen 2.5 Max AI model outperforming key competitors, with rumors of a partnership with Apple in China.China’s REIT Boom* Investors are heavily buying into real estate investment trusts (REITs).* A new pharmaceutical infrastructure REIT was oversubscribed 11,192 times.* Malaysia could see a similar surge in REIT interest.Trump’s New Trade Tariffs* US president is planning reciprocal tariffs on nations with high duties on American goods.* Could escalate trade tensions and affect Malaysia’s export markets.Japan’s Inflation Pressures* 4.2% wholesale inflation in January, the highest in five months.* Bank of Japan may consider raising interest rates, impacting global markets.Malaysia’s Economic OutlookGovernment’s New Investment Framework* Shift from “Made in Malaysia” to “Made by Malaysia” investment focus.* Aims to develop local talent and SMEs for long-term growth.KWAP Reports Record-High Returns* National retirement fund earned RM18 billion in investment income, delivering a 12% return.* Plans to invest RM40 billion in Malaysia’s private market over the next five years.Paddy Floor Price Increase* Government raises paddy price to RM1,500 per metric ton to support farmers.* Authorities assure that rice prices will remain stable, but market impacts remain uncertain.🎧 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