Malaysia Money Matters Daily News Digest 28th Jan 2025

Dear Subscribers,Wishing you a joyous Chinese New Year! 🧧🎉Please note that Malaysia Money Matters will not be updated on 30th Jan - 3rd Feb 25 as we take a short break to celebrate the festivities. We'll resume regular updates on 4th Feb 25.Thank you for your understanding, and may this new year bring prosperity, happiness, and success to all of us!Episode HighlightsToday’s episode dives into the latest financial news shaping Malaysia’s economy and the global forces impacting your investments. From Bursa Malaysia’s impressive performance to global trade tensions and emerging corporate trends, here’s what you need to know.Key Malaysian Company News1. Bursa Malaysia’s Stellar 2024 Performance:* Net Profits Jump: Nearly 23% increase in net profits.* New Listings: 60 new listings expected this year, including a potential mega IPO from MMC Port Holdings, estimated to raise RM7 billion—potentially the largest IPO in over a decade.* New CEO Appointed: Datuk Fad’l Mohamed, formerly of RHB and Maybank, is at the helm to lead Bursa Malaysia through global uncertainties.2. Competition Heats Up for Penang LRT Contracts:* RM9 billion worth of contracts up for grabs, with major players like Gamuda, MRCB, IJM, and Sunway Construction vying for civil works and systems projects.3. Colform Group’s Oversubscribed IPO:* The Sabah-based steel manufacturer saw its IPO oversubscribed by 41.82 times, raising RM462.5 million from the public portion alone.4. Microsoft Expands in Johor:* Microsoft purchased additional land in Johor from Crescendo Corp to expand its data center operations, reinforcing Johor’s status as a data center hub.5. AirAsia X and Capital A’s Major Acquisition Plan:* AirAsia X extended the deadline to finalize its RM6.8 billion acquisition of Capital A’s short-haul aviation business, with completion expected by March 2024.6. MMAG Holdings Expands Air Freight Fleet:* MMAG acquired a Boeing B737-400SF aircraft for over RM29 million, signaling growth in Malaysia’s air freight sector amid rising e-commerce and global trade demands.Notable Industry Trends1. Renewable Energy Growth:* Solarvest Holdings acquired a 30% stake in Kee Ming Electrical, emphasizing the growing synergy between renewable energy and the construction sector.2. DXN Holdings’ International Success:* Health and wellness company DXN saw profits jump by 18.4%, driven by strong performance in Latin America and the Middle East.3. Genting Plantations Sells Land in Malacca:* Genting sold land for RM334 million, trading future palm oil income for a significant cash injection.4. Prolintas Infra Trust Reinforces Transparency:* Amid graft cases involving its sponsor company, Prolintas Infra Trust is cooperating with authorities to maintain investor trust and reputation.International Highlights1. DeepSeek Shakes Up the AI Industry:* Chinese startup DeepSeek is making waves with its low-cost AI model, challenging the high-cost dominance of leading AI players.2. Trade Tensions – Tesla & BMW Sue the EU:* Tesla and BMW are suing the EU over 45% tariffs on Chinese-made EVs, citing unfair trade practices.3. China’s Economic Recovery Stalls:* Manufacturing activity contracted in January, prompting calls for additional stimulus from Beijing.4. UEM Group Solidifies Control Over MAHB:* UEM Group increased its stake in Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhad (MAHB) to over 90%.🎧 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