Malaysia Money Matters Daily News Digest 17th Dec 2025

In today’s episode, we break down a pivotal day defined by aggressive corporate expansion, global financial shifts, and a major political realignment at home. From Genting’s high-stakes New York gamble to a comprehensive cabinet reshuffle, the key question now is: can domestic ambition generate enough momentum to insulate Malaysia from mounting global headwinds?Malaysian Corporate & Market Developments 🎰 Genting Malaysia Secures NY License & US$5.5B Funding Resort World NYC wins near-term exclusivity for live table games by June 2026. However, net debt is set to hit RM10B as the group leverages up for this massive US bet. ⚡ TotalEnergies Powers Google’s AI Ambitions A massive 21-year deal secured to supply 1 TWh of renewable energy to Google’s Malaysian data centers. Simultaneously, the firm is divesting its SK408 Sarawak gas stake to PTTEP. 🦄 Bjak Targets Europe & IPO The insurtech unicorn plans a bold expansion into Spain and Germany by 2026, signaling confidence in scaling Malaysian tech to the West ahead of a future listing. 💰 Velesto Cashing Out Naga 3 Old rig sold for RM251M, with proceeds returning to shareholders. A classic asset-light move to optimize the fleet.📈 DNeX Joins FTSE4Good Dagang NeXchange enters the FTSE4Good Bursa Malaysia indices, validating its ESG commitment and opening doors to global green capital.Projects, Policy & Political Developments 👔 Major Cabinet Reshuffle Announced A comprehensive midterm realignment: 10 ministerial changes and 6 promotions. Key moves include Johari Ghani to MITI and Akmal Nasrullah to Economy, signaling a hard pivot toward execution. 🤝 Petronas-Petros Truce in Sight DPM Fadillah Yusof signals negotiations are progressing well, aiming for a settlement by early next year to avoid a protracted court battle over gas rights. 🚭 Full Vape Ban Confirmed Health Ministry confirms a cabinet memorandum is coming early next year to ban e-cigarettes and vapes completely, citing rising health risks. 🏗️ Bank Pembangunan Funds RTS Link Financing secured for the Coronation Square development in Johor, ensuring critical connectivity to the upcoming RTS station.Global & Geopolitical Outlook 🔔 NASDAQ Eyes 23-Hour Trading US exchange plans to launch near round-the-clock trading by late 2026. Banks warn of volatility, but global demand is forcing the shift. ⚠️ Shadow Banking Risks Hit $250T Financial Stability Board sounds the alarm on systemic risks as shadow banking assets surge, with specific concerns over murky data in private credit. 🚗 EU Reverses Combustion Engine Ban bowed to industry pressure, the EU is set to soften its 2035 ban on combustion engines. A major policy reversal driven by market realities.🎧 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 PodcastsMalaysia 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