Malaysia Money Matters Daily News Digest 24th Oct 2025

In today’s episode, we unpack a split market story — surging optimism in Malaysia’s tech sector versus geopolitical uncertainty unfolding right here in Kuala Lumpur. Semiconductor recovery, regulatory pressure, and diplomacy all collide in one eventful week.Tech & Market Highlights⚙️ Chip Comeback in Full Swing* ViTrox Q3 profit jumps 50%* UWC sees seven‑fold growth in Q4💥 Tariff Threats Still Loom* President Trump hints at 100% chip tariffs🚀 THMY Holdings Skyrockets on Debut* Shares tripled on first day — best ACE Market debut in two years* Plans to quadruple capacity by 2029, funding new AI‑driven factoryEnergy, Governance & Corporate Risk⛽ Petronas Profit Down 19% (H1 2025)* Global crude average: US$71.87/barrel* Highlights volatility between record upstream investment (RM256B since 2018) and falling returns⚠️ KNM Faces Bursa Warning* Bursa flags MAA Group’s non‑compliance in proposed RM270M German unit sale* Needs 75% shareholder approval; tight Oct 30 debt‑settlement deadline📉 Perak Transit Plunges Amid Insider Trades* RM360M market value wiped; stock hits 5‑year low* MD actively buying and selling shares during turbulenceRenewables & Regional Projects🌞 Sarawak’s Solar Push* Zecon signs 30‑year deal to build & operate 100MW solar plant for SescoDiplomacy & Policy Front🤝 US‑China Trade Talks in KL* Held Oct 24–27 — rare earths, tariffs, and tech supply chains on the table🕊️ Thailand–Cambodia Peace Deal Nears Completion* Expected to be signed at Asean Summit in KL; President Trump may witnessGlobal Energy & Market Moves🛢️ Oil Prices Spike 5%* Triggered by new US sanctions on Lukoil & Rosneft* China—major importer—hit hardest; OPEC signals possible output hike🎧 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