MyPermohonan

Category: Activity

  • ICAEW: Malaysia’s economic growth is expected to moderate due to global challenges, but monetary easing will help sustain domestic demand.

    ICAEW: Malaysia’s economic growth is expected to moderate due to global challenges, but monetary easing will help sustain domestic demand.

    Malaysia’s Economic Growth to Slow in 2025 Amid Global Uncertainties, ICAEW Reports. Malaysia’s economy is expected to grow at a slower pace in 2025 as external challenges weigh on the country’s trade-dependent sectors, according to the latest ICAEW Southeast Asia Economic Insight: Q2 2025 report. The nation’s GDP growth is projected to moderate to 4.3% in 2025, down from 5.1% in 2024. The slowdown reflects the impact of escalating global trade tensions, softer demand from major export destinations like the United States and China, and overall subdued external sentiment.

    Despite a temporary export boost early in the year—particularly in April 2025, when goods exports surged by 26% year-on-year due to front-loaded shipments ahead of U.S. tariff hikes—the uplift is expected to be short-lived. Export growth had already slowed sharply in Q1 2025 to just 1.6% year-on-year, well below the 7.1% average of the preceding three quarters. Malaysia’s heavy reliance on external markets, especially the U.S., which accounts for more than 4% of GDP and around 11% of gross exports, continues to expose the economy to volatility. The imposition of a 10% U.S. tariff on Malaysian imports, while less severe than the initially proposed 24%, still poses a considerable downside risk.

    China’s weakening demand adds further pressure, as it remains Malaysia’s largest export destination. However, one of the country’s saving graces has been its resilient electrical and electronics (E&E) sector. Global demand for semiconductors and related components—key segments in which Malaysia plays a vital role—has helped E&E exports grow by approximately 20% year-to-date. This sector remains critical to sustaining export performance amid global headwinds.

    GDP, private consumption and goods and services exports trends

    Tourism also continues to support economic activity. Visitors from ASEAN nations, who made up 67% of all tourist arrivals in 2024, are helping to stabilize the sector. In Q1 2025, tourism-related service exports grew by 17% year-on-year. Nonetheless, the outlook for further growth may be tempered by income and employment uncertainties in key source countries.

    With limited room for fiscal expansion due to elevated public debt, monetary policy is expected to take the lead in supporting domestic demand. Inflation remains modest at around 1.5%, creating the conditions for Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) to potentially cut interest rates by 50 basis points later this year. The central bank has already indicated an accommodative stance aimed at mitigating the effects of sluggish domestic investment and consumer spending.

    Speaking at the ASEAN Investment Conference 2025 in Kuala Lumpur, Dato’ Mohammad Faiz Azmi, Executive Chairman of the Securities Commission Malaysia and an ICAEW Council Member, emphasized the importance of ASEAN collaboration. He noted that the region’s collective strength lies in its unity and shared goals, urging deeper regional investment and cooperation to cushion against global volatility.

    ICAEW also pointed to a clear trend of deceleration in Malaysia’s key economic indicators between March 2022 and March 2025, including GDP growth, private consumption, and exports. Nevertheless, the report concludes that Malaysia’s economy remains on a stable course, underpinned by robust sectors and responsive policymaking.

  • Nippon Paint Partners with the Malaysian Association of Hotels (MAH) to Strengthen and Future-Proof Hotel Infrastructure in Malaysia

    Nippon Paint Partners with the Malaysian Association of Hotels (MAH) to Strengthen and Future-Proof Hotel Infrastructure in Malaysia

    Nippon Paint and MAH Collaborate to Future-Proof Malaysia’s Hotel Industry. Nippon Paint (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd. has partnered with the Malaysian Association of Hotels (MAH) in a strategic initiative aimed at elevating hotel refurbishment standards across the country. This collaboration, launched under Nippon Paint’s Total Coating & Construction Solutions (TCCS) framework, is designed to support Malaysia’s hospitality sector with future-ready solutions as the nation gears up for an expected 31.4 million tourist arrivals and RM125.5 billion in tourism receipts under Visit Malaysia 2026.

    A key feature of this partnership was the “Elevating Hotel Maintenance: Comprehensive Solutions for Refurbishment” workshop, which brought together hoteliers and facility managers to equip them with practical, long-term refurbishment strategies. Nippon Paint’s long-standing commitment to the sector focuses on enhancing the aesthetics, durability, and safety of hotel environments—ensuring they are better positioned to support sustainable tourism growth.

    The need for refurbishment is evident in the increasing investments in hotel infrastructure, such as the RM100 million upgrade of the Putrajaya Marriott Hotel and the reimagined Renaissance Kuala Lumpur. These projects highlight a nationwide shift toward modern, guest-focused designs that prioritize operational excellence and visual appeal. According to Isaac Mohan Raj, CEO of MAH, hotels serve as vital touchpoints for travelers and play a major role in shaping their impressions of Malaysia. He emphasized the importance of well-maintained, beautiful spaces in providing memorable guest experiences, praising the collaboration with Nippon Paint as a timely and impactful effort to empower hotel professionals with the tools they need to excel.

    Tay Sze Tuck, General Manager of Nippon Paint, echoed this sentiment, noting the company’s dedication to delivering solutions that not only enhance hotel aesthetics but also improve long-term functionality. He highlighted Nippon Paint’s goal of helping hotels remain competitive by creating welcoming, clean, and safe environments for every guest.

    A key element of the initiative is Nippon Paint’s 5-step service framework, which includes comprehensive support from initial site assessment to post-project handover. The company identified common hotel maintenance issues such as surface cracks, efflorescence, and water seepage—often caused by poor application techniques or incompatible materials—and presented targeted solutions to address them efficiently and without disrupting daily operations. With expertise in repainting, re-waterproofing, resealing, and reflooring, Nippon Paint offers end-to-end refurbishment services that ensure quality, safety, and compliance, while reducing the burden on hotel operators by eliminating the need to work with multiple vendors.

    Hoteliers who participated in the workshop shared real-world challenges and solutions. A representative from Mövenpick Malaysia noted how first impressions and aesthetics play a crucial role in shaping guest perceptions, while highlighting the difficulties of discovering structural flaws post-construction. Similarly, Legoland Malaysia Resort stressed the importance of water management in high-traffic environments and how choosing the right materials from the start can prevent long-term issues and operational disruptions.

    Ester Goh, Senior Manager of Waterproofing Solutions at Nippon Paint Malaysia, underscored the significance of empowering maintenance teams with the knowledge and tools needed to proactively manage infrastructure. She pointed out that Nippon Paint’s refurbishment solutions have already benefited a wide range of hotels nationwide, including Premier Hotel in Klang, Hilton in Petaling Jaya, and Cititel Express in Sabah, among others. Goh emphasized that the demand for high-quality, resilient hospitality infrastructure will only increase, making industry upskilling more essential than ever.

    Through its comprehensive TCCS approach and continuous collaboration with key industry stakeholders like MAH, Nippon Paint remains committed to advancing the standards of Malaysia’s hotel infrastructure. For more information on Nippon Paint’s refurbishment solutions, visit: https://professional.nipponpaint.com.my/refurbishment.

  • Ejen Ali 2 Surpasses RM40 Million Mark with Support from MDEC’s Digital Content Grant

    Ejen Ali 2 Surpasses RM40 Million, Marking a New Milestone for Malaysian Animation Industry. The Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC) has extended its heartfelt congratulations to Wau Animation, an MD Status company, on the outstanding box office success of Ejen Ali The Movie 2 (EATM2). In just 13 days since its release, the film has grossed over RM40.6 million, setting a new benchmark for locally produced animated features and showcasing the rising strength of Malaysia’s creative industry.

    This major achievement reflects the immense talent within Malaysian studios, particularly in their ability to develop homegrown stories that resonate deeply with audiences. EATM2 not only captivates viewers with its compelling narrative and high-quality visuals but also features a powerful original score, further elevating the overall cinematic experience. The film’s triumph highlights the potential of local digital content and serves as a source of inspiration for aspiring creators across the nation.

    Anuar Fariz Fadzil, CEO of MDEC, emphasized that the success of Ejen Ali The Movie 2 is a clear demonstration of the world-class capabilities of Malaysian studios and storytellers. He noted that MDEC is proud to have played a role in this success through its Digital Content Grant (DCG), a funding initiative designed to accelerate the growth of high-quality, export-ready digital content. According to Anuar, Ejen Ali has become a symbol of Malaysian excellence in animation, encouraging the next generation to pursue bold and innovative creative ventures.

    Usamah Zaid Yassin, Founder and Executive Director of Wau Animation, echoed these sentiments, describing the film’s success as a collective win for Malaysia’s animation industry. He expressed gratitude for MDEC’s continued support, from Wau Animation’s early stages of incubation to the funding and advisory assistance for its first and second feature films. Usamah hopes this accomplishment will pave the way for emerging studios and content creators to thrive.

    This achievement aligns with the goals of the DICE (Digital Content Ecosystem) Roadmap, which positions Malaysia as a global digital creative hub by 2030. To date, the local creative content industry has generated over RM87 billion in revenue, RM11 billion in export value, and attracted RM80 billion in cumulative investments. As part of its ongoing efforts to nurture new talent, MDEC is currently accepting submissions for the Animated Short Challenge, with the aim of discovering and developing the next wave of intellectual properties akin to Ejen Ali, Upin & Ipin, BoBoiBoy, and Mechamato. The deadline for submissions is 13 June 2025.

    MDEC remains committed to supporting groundbreaking projects and reinforcing Malaysia’s position as a leader in the digital content space. Through strategic initiatives like the DCG and DICE Roadmap, MDEC continues to drive innovation and growth in the nation’s digital economy.

  • UiTM Partners with Bateriku.com to Strengthen Innovation, Research, and Entrepreneurial Efforts

    UiTM Partners with Bateriku.com to Strengthen Innovation, Research, and Entrepreneurial Efforts

    UiTM and Bateriku.com Forge Strategic Partnership to Strengthen Innovation, Entrepreneurship, and Research. Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM), through its Malaysian Academy of SME and Entrepreneurship Development (MASMED), has entered into a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Bateriku (M) Sdn. Bhd., a key player in Malaysia’s automotive ecosystem. This significant partnership aims to bridge the divide between academic theory and industrial practice, creating a foundation for collaboration in innovation, entrepreneurship, and academic research. The MoU was formalized at a ceremony held at the Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin Chancellery Building, UiTM Shah Alam, and officiated by Prof. TPr. Dr. Jamalunlaili Abdullah, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Industry, Community & Alumni Network), together with Bateriku.com’s Founder and CEO, Mr. Azarol Faizi Bin Zakaria Ansari. The ceremony was also witnessed by senior leaders from both UiTM and Bateriku.com, highlighting the mutual commitment to transformative industry-academia partnerships.

    This collaboration represents a concerted effort to strengthen ties between academia and industry, with a strong focus on nurturing innovation and equipping students with real-world skills. Among the key initiatives outlined in the MoU are opportunities for UiTM students to engage in industrial training and applied research, the joint organization of knowledge-sharing platforms such as seminars and conferences, and the establishment of academic and staff exchange programs. Furthermore, both institutions have committed to promoting entrepreneurship and technological innovation to empower the next generation of graduates.

    Bateriku.com’s expansive service model, which includes roadside assistance, workshop networks, and mobility data analytics, aligns with UiTM’s ambition to prepare future-ready graduates. The company’s integration of cutting-edge technologies such as big data and the Internet of Things (IoT) makes it an ideal partner for a university that is increasingly focused on digital transformation and sustainability. This partnership not only enhances UiTM’s curriculum but also provides students and faculty with meaningful exposure to contemporary industry practices.

    Azarol Faizi, CEO of Bateriku.com, expressed pride in working with UiTM, describing the partnership as a meaningful step towards developing Malaysia’s future workforce. “We are honored to collaborate with a prestigious institution like UiTM. This partnership goes beyond expertise sharing — it’s a joint effort to shape the workforce of the future,” he remarked. His sentiments were echoed by Prof. Dr. Jamalunlaili, who emphasized the MoU’s role in facilitating industrial training and entrepreneurial participation, all while contributing to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). He added that this initiative will help shape a generation of critical thinkers and socially aware leaders.

    Effective for three years, the MoU signals a new chapter in UiTM’s commitment to collaborative growth with the private sector. It is expected to drive impactful projects that enhance national development through education, innovation, and environmental stewardship. Bateriku.com’s ESG (Environmental, Social & Governance) framework further complements this academic-industrial synergy, positioning it as a responsible and forward-thinking partner.

    On the environmental front, Bateriku.com advocates sustainability through its Second Life Batteries initiative, where used batteries are refurbished and reused to reduce waste. For batteries that are no longer viable, ethical disposal is ensured via certified smelting companies approved by the Department of Environment (DOE), alongside efforts to educate the public on hazardous waste management. Socially, the company actively creates job opportunities for university students, graduates, and the disabled, while promoting the sharing economy and entrepreneurship through its BHero and BPreneur programs.

    From a governance perspective, Bateriku.com upholds high standards of ethics, transparency, and legal compliance. It champions integrity and financial accountability, ensuring all stakeholders benefit from a sustainable and principled operational model. Through this MoU, UiTM and Bateriku.com are poised to make a lasting impact on Malaysia’s educational and economic landscapes.

  • TAICCA Introduces 10 of Taiwan’s Beloved Characters to Malaysian Audiences for the First Time

    TAICCA Introduces 10 of Taiwan’s Beloved Characters to Malaysian Audiences for the First Time

    Taiwan’s Top Character Brands Debut in Malaysia at Taiwan IP EXPO 2025. Ten of Taiwan’s most iconic and beloved character brands will be making their first collective appearance in Malaysia at the Taiwan IP EXPO 2025, a five-day celebration of creativity, storytelling, and cross-cultural exchange. Organized by the Taiwan Creative Content Agency (TAICCA) with support from Taiwan’s Ministry of Culture, and in collaboration with the Malaysia Creative Intellectual Property Association (MYCIP) and M\&M Creations Holdings Sdn. Bhd., the event will take place from 29 May to 2 June 2025 at Sunway Pyramid Shopping Mall.

    Among the featured original Taiwanese IPs are fan favorites like Bugcat Capoo, JIMMY LIAO – The Moon Forgets, Mr. Shark, Barkley The Cat, Kuroro Space Exploration Team, doudle studio, Kittenisland, LUSASA, Ugly Rabbit, and VeryMissRabbit. These creative properties reflect a broad range of visual styles and storytelling genres, from heartwarming narratives to quirky humor and fantasy adventures, marking a significant introduction of Taiwan’s character IPs to the Malaysian audience.

    The Taiwan IP EXPO offers a unique blend of consumer engagement and business opportunities. Visitors will enjoy immersive exhibits, live mascot appearances, themed photo zones, and exclusive merchandise, while industry professionals will benefit from dedicated business matching sessions. These sessions aim to connect Malaysian retailers, SMEs, and brand managers with Taiwanese IP owners to explore potential licensing, co-branding, and creative collaborations.

    The event also highlights the global success and appeal of these IPs. Bugcat Capoo, known for its playful and whimsical appeal, boasts nearly two million fans and over 2,000 licensed products. Jimmy Liao, one of Taiwan’s most renowned illustrators, has seen his picture books translated into over 20 languages, with The Moon Forgets adapted into lifestyle merchandise. Meanwhile, the Kuroro Space Exploration Team—which tells stories from a cat’s perspective—has expanded its reach through licensing deals in Japan, Thailand, and Korea, and a recent distribution partnership with Kinokuniya has further extended its presence to Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, and Australia.

    This showcase is part of TAICCA’s broader “Taiwan Content Island” strategy to promote Taiwan’s creative industries internationally. Through global events and trade shows like this, TAICCA supports Taiwanese IP creators in reaching new markets and forging international collaborations. The Taiwan IP EXPO also complements TAICCA’s flagship Creative Expo Taiwan, which serves as a global platform for cultural content buyers and licensing agents.

    With interactive displays, social media contests, and family-friendly activities, the Taiwan IP EXPO promises to be both an exciting cultural experience and a strategic bridge for creative industry partnerships between Taiwan and Malaysia. It offers a rare opportunity for Malaysian fans, collectors, and business leaders to connect with the vibrant world of Taiwanese intellectual properties, setting the stage for deeper regional cooperation in the creative economy.