Malaysia Money Matters Daily News Digest 28th Oct 2025

In today’s episode, we unpack a fast-moving mix of local tech momentum, major policy shifts, and Malaysia’s delicate positioning in the global trade chessboard. From ACE Market euphoria to US-China trade diplomacy, it’s all about navigating opportunity — and risk.Corporate Highlights🚀 Insights Analytics Smashes ACE Market Debut* Shares soared +81% on first day* Raised RM43.6M for West Malaysia expansion* Big bet on digital twin tech in smart cities, ports, and utilities🔧 IJM Corp Lands RM1.26B Data Center Deal* Hyperscale project at Elmina Business Park* More MEP work (RM1B+) potentially on the table🏗️ Broad Contract Momentum* MGB wins affordable housing job (order book: RM1.25B)* AWC secures RM82M FM contract in Putrajaya* LBS Bina & Oriental team up on RM600M JV in Melaka* Perak Transit moves ahead with terminal projects despite stock slump🏢 KNM Drops Delisting Appeal* Eyes survival, not status* Sale of German unit (RM270M) critical to shed RM1.3B debt💼 Mulpha Sells London Marriott Stake* RM190M divestment to fund new local investmentsPolicy & Regulation Watch🌏 Rare Earth Export Ban Clarified* Applies universally — no raw exports to US, China, Japan, or Korea* BUT: Malaysia–US deal exempts processed minerals📦 US Chip Tariff Pressure Eases (for now)* PM Anwar: tariffs “not an issue”* Trump to revisit “at appropriate time”* Malaysia’s new trade commitments may influence future decisions🚚 Zero Tolerance for Overloaded Lorries* Transport Minister Loke doubling down on enforcement🏘️ Crackdown on Abandoned Housing Projects* Govt mulls travel bans on directors of blacklisted developers* 107 abandoned projects as of Sept💳 Premium Healthcare Expansion* Rakan KKM “premium economy” services still planned for CyberjayaGlobal Trade, Energy & Tech🤝 US–China Trade Talks Continue in KL* Malaysia hosts top-level talks through Oct 27* Hopes rise after Trump’s Japan visit⚡ IEA Outlook: Oil & LNG Prices to Ease* LNG becoming buyer’s market🧬 AMD Lands $1B US Supercomputer Contract* “Lux” & “Discovery” to support AI, nuclear, and medical research🚗 XPeng Eyes Malaysia as EV-AI Hub* Looking to tap local semiconductor talentLegal & Compliance Updates👤 IRB Sues Muhyiddin’s Son-in-Law* RM2.5M in alleged tax arrears and penalties📄 Farhash vs Rafizi* Defamation suit filed, seeking RM10M🎧 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