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International

Bank Negara Malaysia Keeps Interest Rate Unchanged at 2.75%

Malaysia's central bank kept the Overnight Policy Rate (OPR) at 2.75%, in line with market expectations, according to a Thursday news release.The central bank said global growth stayed resilient in early 2026, supported by strong domestic demand and continued expansion in the technology sector. However, higher energy and commodity prices, along with supply chain disruptions linked to Middle East tensions, are starting to weigh on momentum.For Malaysia, growth indicators point to steady expansion in the first quarter, driven by domestic demand and strong exports.Headline and core inflation averaged 1.6% and 2.1% in the first quarter, respectively. While cost pressures from higher global commodities may push prices slightly higher, inflation is expected to remain contained in 2026, supported by policy measures and stable demand conditions, the central bank said.

FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI
Asia

MATRADE Bags Over MYR126 Million in Potential Export Deals

Malaysia's trade agency MATRADE has generated about 126.4 million ringgit in potential export deals through its International Sourcing Program (INSP), MATRADE announced in a Facebook post on Wednesday.Under the program, held in conjunction with SEMICON Southeast Asia, 49 Malaysian companies linked up with 14 international buyers from 12 different countries, including the US, Taiwan, and Switzerland.A total of 105 business meetings took place during the event, focusing on the semiconductor and advanced manufacturing supply chain.MATRADE CEO Abu Bakar Yusof said this initiative has generated roughly 961 million ringgit in recorded sales for 327 Small and Medium Enterprises.

FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI
Asia

Malaysian Shares Extend Winning Streak Ahead of Interest Rate Decision

Malaysian shares ended in green on Wednesday, extending gains in the last three sessions, ahead of the interest rate decision later this week.The FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI added 9.44 points to end 0.5% higher at 1,756.87. The day range was between 1,746.80 and 1,760.30.In local news, New Zealand is considering storing its fuel in Malaysia amid the impact of the Iran war, Bloomberg News reported.In corporate news, Bus Cap (KLSE:BUSCAP) is seeking to raise 24.7 million ringgit via an initial public offering on the ACE Market of Bursa Malaysia. The bus manufacturer's IPO entails a public issue of 107.3 million new shares at 0.23 ringgit each, and an offer for sale of 19.2 million shares.Magni-Tech Industries (KLSE:MAGNI) unit Magni Land signed an agreement to acquire a freehold land parcel in Penang, Malaysia. Shares ended 1% higher on Wednesday.Inspace Creation (KLSE:INSPACE) is slated to debut on the ACE Market on Friday, May 8.

FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCIKLSE:BUSCAPKLSE:INSPACE
Asia

Market Chatter: New Zealand Considering Singapore, Malaysia as Fuel Storage Options Amid Middle East Conflict

New Zealand is considering storing its fuel in Singapore and Malaysia amid the impact of the Iran war, according to a report by Bloomberg on Wednesday.The country's resource minister, Shane Jones, revealed that New Zealand does not have surplus storage capacity and is currently exploring alternatives, with Malaysia and Singapore cited as two countries to cater to the country's storing needs, the report said.New Zealand's storage capacity was severely impacted following the closure of a solitary refinery in Auckland in 2022, the report noted.(Market Chatter news is derived from conversations with market professionals globally. This information is believed to be from reliable sources but may include rumor and speculation. Accuracy is not guaranteed.)

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Asia

Malaysian Shares Extend Gains Ahead of Interest Rate Decision; Feytech's Shares Rise 6%

Malaysian shares ended in green on Tuesday, ahead of the interest rate decision later this week. The investor sentiment remained upbeat following the release of positive manufacturing data.Malaysia's manufacturing sector expanded at its fastest pace in four years in April, supported by stronger output and a return to growth in new orders, according to data released by S&P Global.The FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI gained 7.66 points to end 0.4% higher at 1,747.43. The day range was between 1,732.64 and 1,747.82.In local news, Malaysia's Health Ministry has formed a Special Task Force on Drug and Medical Device Safety to act as a central command unit to reinforce the country's supply resilience amid intensifying global supply disruptions, The Star reported. Health Minister Dr. Dzulkefly Ahmad said the system includes real-time monitoring and broader diversification of pharmaceutical procurement sources.In corporate news, Manforce Group (KLSE:MFGROUP) is scheduled to make its debut on Bursa Malaysia's ACE Market on Wednesday. The workforce solutions provider's enlarged issued share capital stands at 399.98 million units, with a total capital base of 51.7 million ringgit.Shares of Feytech (KLSE:FEYTECH) jumped over 6% on Tuesday's close after its unit Gosford Leather Industries bagged a deal to supply seat covers for Perusahaan Otomobil Nasional (Proton) for an upcoming modelMeanwhile, shares of Exsim Hospitality (KLSE:EXSIMHB) gained 3% on close after its subsidiary EXSIM Concepto accepted a letter of award from Epic Team Construction worth 2.08 million ringgit.

FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCIKLSE:EXSIMHBKLSE:FEYTECHKLSE:MFGROUP
US Markets

Indonesia Economy Expands By 5.61% on Year in First Quarter

Boosted in part by government outlays, Indonesia's gross domestic product (GDP) expanded by 5.61% on year in the first quarter, reported the Central Statistics Agency on Tuesday.Southeast Asia's largest economy logged the biggest annual expansion since 2022, but some experts warned the growth could lag in coming seasons as the national government tempers outlays, and as higher energy bills sap businesses and consumers.Government outlays rose 21.8% on year in the first quarter as Jakarta ramped up flagship social-welfare programs, including a free-meal scheme and village cooperative funding, to spur household consumption.The national government also spent briskly during the first quarter to support outlays during the fasting month of Ramadan, and the Eid al-Fitr holiday, when many businesses are closed.Despite challenges, the Indonesian economy may still grow by a relatively robust 5% for the full 2026 year, said economists with Maybank (Malayan Banking Berhad), which is Malaysia's largest bank.Headwinds to Indonesian economic growth are likely to intensify in the second quarter, with exports hampered by cost pressures on international trade, said Brian Lee and Hak Bin Chua, analysts at Maybank, reported the Singapore-based The Business Times.Higher fuel prices and a weakening Indonesian currency, the rupiah, are likely to push up import bills going forward, added the analysts.There are also concerns that Indonesian national government is engaged in unsustainable spending."A team of economists from the Macroeconomic, Finance and Political Economy Research Group at University of Indonesia noted that the government is continuing to roll out fiscally costly flagship programs, including a nationwide free-meal initiative," reported The Business Times.Concerns over fiscal outlays and government borrowing have also unsettled financial markets, including negative comments from credit-rating agencies Moody's and S&P Global Ratings, noted The Business Times.In Mid-April, S&P Global assigned a "BBB/A-2" rating to Indonesian bonds, with BBB- being the lowest rating for an "investment grade" government bond.If Indonesia national debt levels continue to rise, the BBB rating could be lowered, said S&P Global.

FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI
Asia

Market Chatter: Malaysia to Boost Palm Biodiesel Blend to B15 to Ease Fuel Prices

Malaysia will raise its biodiesel blend to B15 from June, lifting palm oil content in transport diesel to 15% as part of efforts to ease persistently high fuel costs, Nikkei Asian Review reported Monday, citing Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.The move follows earlier steps from B10 to B12 and is expected to gradually progress to B20 within a few years, with longer-term targets possibly reaching B50 as the country expands renewable fuel use, according to the report.The policy shift comes amid volatile global oil prices linked to Middle East tensions, which have pushed local diesel costs sharply higher, though subsidies remain in place in parts of the country. Officials said the expansion will use existing refinery infrastructure and form part of a broader strategy to reduce dependence on fossil fuels while supporting the palm oil sector, the Nikkei said.(Market Chatter news is derived from conversations with market professionals globally. This information is believed to be from reliable sources but may include rumor and speculation. Accuracy is not guaranteed.)

FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI
Asia

Market Chatter: Malaysia Sets Up Health Task Force to Secure Drug, Medical Supply Chains

The Health Ministry has formed a Special Task Force on Drug and Medical Device Safety to act as a central command unit to reinforce the country's supply resilience amid intensifying global supply disruptions, The Star reported Monday.Health Minister Dr. Dzulkefly Ahmad said the system includes real-time monitoring and broader diversification of pharmaceutical procurement sources. An early warning mechanism has also been activated, requiring suppliers to flag possible disruptions at least six months in advance by July 2026, reportedly.Meanwhile, to further safeguard domestic production, the Medical Devices Authority has secured cooperation with China, while a fast-track channel has also been initiated for urgent medical equipment imports, the news outlet said.(Market Chatter news is derived from conversations with market professionals globally. This information is believed to be from reliable sources but may include rumor and speculation. Accuracy is not guaranteed.)

FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI
International

ASEAN Manufacturing Growth Slows to Nine-Month Low in April, S&P Global Says

ASEAN's manufacturing sector expanded at a slower pace in April, with growth easing to a nine-month low as price pressures intensified, according to data released by S&P Global on Tuesday.The S&P Global ASEAN Manufacturing Purchasing Managers' Index fell to 50.7 in April from 51.8 in March, marking the weakest reading since July but extending the current expansion streak to nine months.New order growth slowed to an eight-month low, while production growth eased further and moved close to stagnation. New export orders declined for a second straight month at the fastest pace since last July.Firms cut employment for the first time in eight months, while purchasing activity increased.On the price front, input cost inflation surged to its highest level since March 2022, while output prices rose at the fastest pace in 49 months, reflecting stronger cost pass-through by firms.Despite challenges and weak historical levels, business confidence stayed positive in April, with manufacturers expecting production to grow over the next year, the report said.

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Asia

Malaysian Shares Begin Week Higher on Upbeat Manufacturing Data

Malaysian shares ended in green on Monday on upbeat investor sentiment following the release of positive manufacturing data.The FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI gained 17.8 points to end 1% higher at 1,739.77. The day range was between 1,725.01 and 1,739.77.Malaysia's manufacturing sector expanded at its fastest pace in four years in April, supported by stronger output and a return to growth in new orders, according to data released Monday by S&P Global. The S&P Global Malaysia Manufacturing Purchasing Managers' Index rose to 51.6 in April from 50.7 in March, marking a second straight month of expansion.In corporate news, T7 Global (KLSE:T7GLOBAL) slid about 2% after listing 9.2 million private placement shares.Meanwhile, Uzma (KLSE:UZMA) closed 1% lower after it signed a memorandum of understanding with state-owned Majlis Amanah Rakyat to explore cooperation in renewable energy, aerospace and defense maintenance services.

FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCIKLSE:T7GLOBALKLSE:UZMA
US Markets

Malaysia's Factory Activity Hits 4-Year High in April as War Uncertainty Triggers Global Stockpiling

Malaysia's manufacturing activity in April hit a four-year high due to stockpiling efforts amid the Iranian conflict.The seasonally adjusted S&P Global Malaysia Manufacturing Purchasing Managers' Index or PMI jumped to 51.6 from 50.7 in March, according to S&P Global's latest release on Monday.Panellists said clients were buying in bulk to build safety stocks as the war in Iran brought uncertainty and hiked oil prices around the globe."As firms looked to protect themselves against intensifying price pressures, purchasing activity increased as firms hoped to raise their stocks of preproduction items," S&P Global Market Intelligence economist Maryam Baluch said. "However, with supply-chain disruption widespread, firms continued to see stocks of inputs fall."While new orders grew domestically, new orders from abroad slowed down for a second straight month due to the ongoing war.Stockpiling also bolstered local production to its strongest since December 2021, boosting employment, S&P Global said.Meanwhile, the ongoing war pushed prices higher, as well as energy and material costs.Manufacturers' business confidence moderated to its weakest in eight months as the Iran war dampened outlook.Malaysia has been resilient despite external factors that shook the global economy. The country's gross domestic product in 2025 rose 5.2% even though global markets were disrupted by U.S. tariffs. However, the Asian Development Bank predicted in its Asian Development Outlook report last month that its GDP will slow down to 4.6% in 2026 and 4.5% in 2027 if the war in Iran is prolonged.On the contrary, ADB's Business Tendency Survey showed the continuation of business optimism throughout this year due to government measures that can help mitigate risks."The sector's performance in the coming months will be partly shaped by how the situation in the Middle East unfolds, but the latest data already highlights steps manufacturers are taking to mitigate some of the impacts," Baluch said.

FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI
International

Asia Week Ahead: PMI Reports; Central Bank Decisions; and Inflation Prints

For the week ahead in Asia, the economic calendar is packed with S&P Global's monthly purchasing managers' index reports, inflation prints, and central bank decisions across the region.Monday brings a slate of S&P Global manufacturing PMI reports for April, alongside Indonesia's inflation and trade figures.On Tuesday, markets will turn to the Reserve Bank of Australia's interest rate decision, while Thailand and the Philippines release April inflation data.Wednesday features South Korea's April inflation print and New Zealand's first-quarter labor-market report, along with PMI readings from India, China, Hong Kong and Singapore.On Thursday, Malaysia's central bank decision will be in focus, alongside Taiwan's April inflation data and the Philippines' first-quarter GDP report.On Friday, Taiwan's April trade data and Malaysia's March industrial production figures will be due, before China closes out the week with April trade figures on Saturday.Here's what to watch in the week ahead.MONDAY, May 4The week kicked off with a slate of S&P Global purchasing managers' index reports covering manufacturing activity during April.Most economies in the region saw a rise in output despite the ongoing conflict in the Middle East which has pushed oil prices upwards.Malaysia's manufacturing sector expanded at its fastest pace in four years in April, supported by stronger output and a return to growth in new orders.The S&P Global Malaysia Manufacturing Purchasing Managers' Index rose to 51.6 in April from 50.7 in March, marking a second straight month of expansion.Output grew at the fastest pace since December 2021, while new orders increased as firms and clients built safety stocks amid uncertainty linked to the Middle East war.Output activity also expanded in South Korea, India, and Taiwan, according to S&P Global.Meanwhile, Vietnam's manufacturing sector also expanded, albeit at a slower pace.The S&P Global Vietnam Manufacturing PMI slipped to 50.5 in April from 51.2 in March, a seven-month low, signalling a tenth straight month of expansion but only marginal growth.In contrast, Indonesia's manufacturing sector slipped into contraction in April as cost pressures intensified due to material shortages and delays linked to the Middle East conflict.The S&P Global Indonesia Manufacturing Purchasing Managers' Index fell to 49.1 in April from 50.1 in March, dropping below the 50 mark for the first time in nine months.Manufacturing activity similarly slipped in the Philippines as new orders fell sharply and cost pressures intensified.Indonesia released inflation figures, noting a 2.4% year on year rise in prices during April -- slower than the 3.5% recorded a month prior.The island state also booked a trade surplus of $5.55 billion in the first quarter, supported by a strong non-oil and gas balance despite higher import growth, according to official data released by Statistics Indonesia.The Melbourne Institute released its monthly inflation gauge, noting another increase in April, mainly driven by higher recreation-related prices. The monthly cost of living also increased in April, especially for employees and self-funded retirees.TUESDAY, May 5An interest rate decision in Australia will capture headlines on Tuesday.The Reserve Bank of Australia is likely to rate hikes by 25 basis points to 4.35% as persistent inflation pressures and rising fuel costs linked to Middle East supply disruptions keeps the central bank on a hawkish path even as global peers hold steady.Thailand and the Philippines will release inflation data for April.Economists at ING said they expect the Philippines' headline inflation to rise above 5% as the government passes on the impact of higher global oil prices onto consumers. The Philippines' inflation climbed to 4.1% in March.Thailand is similarly expected to see a rise in consumer prices during April. According to a consensus compiled by Trading Economics, headline inflation could clock in at 1.7% on an annual basis, compared with a 0.08% decline in March.First-quarter gross domestic growth data will be due in Indonesia. DBS said it was forecasting 5.6% growth for the quarter thanks to government spending and festive spending during the period, the Wall Street Journal reported.Hong Kong will similarly release its first-quarter advance GDP growth estimate on Tuesday.Meanwhile, March retail sales figures will be expected in Singapore.On the activity front, S&P Global will release PMI reports manufacturing activity in Thailand and services and composite activity in Australia.WEDNESDAY, May 6Another inflation print, this time in South Korea.Economists at ING said they expect consumer prices to rise at a faster pace in April despite attempts by Seoul to rein in the impact of rising oil costs on consumers. A consensus compiled by Trading Economics indicated headline inflation could clock in at 2.6%.In March, South Korea's annual inflation rose to 2.2%, breaching the central bank's 2% target.First-quarter labor data from New Zealand will also be in the news.CommBank expects headline labor-market figures to remain weak, forecasting just 0.1% quarterly employment growth and a rise in unemployment to 5.5%, compared with Trading Economics consensus estimates of 0.3% employment growth and a 5.4% jobless rate for the first quarter."We do not envisage a labor market recovery until 2027, reflective of adverse impacts from geopolitical ructions," CommBank said in a preview.The Philippines will similarly release labor data for March, as well as industrial production figures.ING said it expects unemployment to edge higher. "On the industry side, weak soft construction activity should continue to weigh on growth," ING said.Additional S&P Global PMI reports covering services and composite activity in India and China, as well as overall activity in Hong Kong and Singapore, will be due.A business confidence report will be due in Thailand, while Hong Kong's March retail sales figures will also be on display.THURSDAY, May 7Malaysia's central bank will meet for its interest rate decision, with no change expected in the 2.75% policy rate.RHB Bank said it expects Bank Negara Malaysia to hold rates as growth remains steady and inflation remains in check, the Wall Street Journal reported.Taiwan's April inflation print will be due, with analysts looking for signs on how the Iran war was weighing in on prices. ING said it expects to see inflationary pressure picking up after limited pass through of energy prices in March.Australia will release March trade figures. The country's trade surplus could fall to A$4.45 billion from the A$5.69 billion recorded in the month prior, according to a consensus compiled by Trading Economics.CommBank said it expects the goods trade balance to decline due to rising fuel imports in the wake of the Iran conflict.The Philippines' first-quarter GDP growth figures will be expected. ING said the Philippines' economy could recover to a growth of 4.3% year on year thanks to favorable base effects and some pick-up in government spending.The Philippines' economy grew by 3% last quarter.Another confidence report covering consumer sentiment will be due in Thailand.FRIDAY, May 8Markets will be on the lookout for Taiwan's trade data for April.ING said it expects the island state's trade surplus to rise to $21.6 billion from $21.3 billion in the month prior. "We're looking for another strong month, with 59.3% YoY export growth and 35.5% import growth," ING said in a preview.In Malaysia, March industrial production figures will be due.S&P Global will release PMI reports covering services and composite activity in Japan.SATURDAY, May 9China will release its April trade data on Saturday.The world's second largest economy could record a surplus of $82.4 billion for the month, rising from $51.13 billion in March, according to a consensus compiled by Trading Economics.Analysts at DBS expect a sharp uptick in surplus, with export growth more than doubling to 8.4% from the 2.5% rise seen in March, the WSJ reported.

ASX 200^BSE^HNX^HOSEHang Seng^JKSEFTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCIKOSPINikkei 225^NSE^NZ50^PSEI^SETShanghai Composite^STI^SZSETaiwan Weighted
Asia

Market Chatter: Malaysian PM Confirms Stable Fuel Supply Amid Oil Crisis

Malaysia's fuel supply is still stable even as global crude prices climb amid external geopolitical tensions, The Star reported Monday, citing Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.Anwar noted that Malaysia remains among ASEAN countries with a relatively secure supply position, although international developments continue to drive up costs outside the government's control. He said subsidies are still in place, including for RON95 petrol, which remains among the cheapest globally, reportedly.He added that subsidy spending is already running at about 5 billion ringgit a month and could increase further if oil prices rise. He also highlighted growing congestion in the Strait of Hormuz, pointing to ongoing tensions between the United States and Iran that are affecting key shipping routes, the news outlet said.(Market Chatter news is derived from conversations with market professionals globally. This information is believed to be from reliable sources but may include rumor and speculation. Accuracy is not guaranteed.)

FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI
Asia

ADB Commits $70 Billion Investment in Asia Through 20235 to Boost Energy, Digital Infrastructure

The Asian Development Bank will inject $70 billion through 2035 to expand energy and digital infrastructure across the Asia-Pacific, with a focus on cross-border electricity trade and broader internet access.In the recent report on Monday, ADB President Masato Kanda said stronger regional connectivity will help lower costs and support growth. The bank plans to mobilize $50 billion under its Pan-Asia Power Grid Initiative to link national grids, scale up renewable energy use, and build transmission lines, substations and storage.A further $20 billion will go towards the Asia-Pacific Digital Highway, funding fibre networks, data centres and other digital systems. By 2035, the projects aim to connect 200 million people to power, widen broadband access, and generate jobs across the region, the report said.

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International

Malaysia's Manufacturing Expands at Four-Year High as Prices Hit Record, S&P Global Says

Malaysia's manufacturing sector expanded at its fastest pace in four years in April, supported by stronger output and a return to growth in new orders, according to data released Monday by S&P Global.The S&P Global Malaysia Manufacturing Purchasing Managers' Index rose to 51.6 in April from 50.7 in March, marking a second straight month of expansion.Output grew at the fastest pace since December 2021, while new orders increased as firms and clients built safety stocks amid uncertainty linked to the Middle East war.Export orders declined for a second month, with firms citing weaker external demand tied to the conflict.Purchasing activity and employment increased, while supplier delivery times lengthened at the sharpest rate in nearly four years, leading to a further decline in pre-production inventories.Input costs rose to a 45-month high, driven by higher energy and material prices linked to the war, while selling prices increased at a record pace.Business confidence eased to an eight-month low, with firms citing uncertainty surrounding the Middle East conflict.

FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI
US Markets

ADB Pledges $70 Billion For Energy, Digital Networks Across APAC as Middle East Conflict Batters Outlook

The Asian Development Bank is committing $70 billion to support new energy and digital infrastructure initiatives across the Asia-Pacific region by 2035.ADB President Masato Kanda announced the pledge on Sunday during the lender's annual meeting in Uzbekistan."Energy and digital access will define the region's future," said Kanda. "These two initiatives build the systems Asia and the Pacific need to grow, compete, and connect. By linking power grids and digital networks across borders, we can lower costs, expand opportunity, and bring reliable power and digital access to hundreds of millions of people."The pledge comes as the ADB sharply downgraded its forecast for the APAC region, citing energy disruptions from the ongoing Middle East conflict.On Wednesday, the ADB slashed its GDP growth outlook for developing Asia and the Pacific to 4.7% in 2026 from the previous 5.1% forecast.Inflation for 2026 is projected to accelerate to 5.2% in 2026 from 3% in 2025, before easing to 4.1% in 2027."Our revised outlook is a significant downward revision for growth and a sharp increase in inflation following a special update to reflect the deepening crisis," Kanda said at the time.The bank's new outlook assumes that oil prices average around $96 a barrel in 2026, well above the $69 per barrel average in January and February before the Middle East conflict. The bank expects oil prices to ease to around $80 per barrel in 2027."We are confronting systemic, long-lasting disruptions to global energy and trade networks, not just temporary volatility. ADB will remain an agile partner in protecting the region's economy; tracking fast-moving risks, and moving with urgency to scale up our support," Kanda added.Diesel prices across several Southeast Asian countries have increased by more than 100% since late February, the ADB said in its updated outlook report.The ADB also noted in its Wednesday report that the energy shock is also affecting fertilizer prices, which it said could add to food inflation, particularly for economies most dependent on Middle East imports.Against that backdrop, the ADB is committing $70 billion to build new energy and digital infrastructure in Asia and the Pacific by 2035.The largest investment, worth $50 billion, will be allocated towards cross-border power infrastructure to unlock renewable energy at scale, the ADB said.The project will focus on transmission and grid integration, including cross-border lines, substations, storage, and grid digitalization, according to the lender.By 2035, the bank aims to integrate about 20 gigawatts of renewable energy across borders, connect 22,000 circuit-kilometers of transmission lines, and cut regional power sector emissions by 15%, while improving energy access for around 200 million people.The remaining $20 billion will fund the Asia-Pacific Digital Highway, targeting digital corridors, data infrastructure, and AI-ready economies.The project aims to bring first-time broadband access to 200 million people and cut connectivity costs in remote and landlocked areas by about 40%.The South Korean government will back a new Center for AI Innovation and Development in Seoul with a $20 million contribution. The center will aim to train about 3 million people in digital and AI-related skills by 2035.Separately on Sunday, the ADB also unveiled a Critical Minerals-to-Manufacturing Financing Partnership Facility designed to help the region move beyond mining into higher-value industries such as processing, manufacturing, and recycling.Japan committed $20 million to the grant window, the UK contributed $1.6 million, and the Korea Eximbank and the Korean Trade Insurance Corporation each signed $500 million memorandums as the facility's first partners.

ASX 200^BSE^HNX^HOSEHang Seng^JKSEFTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCIKOSPINikkei 225^NSE^NZ50^PSEI^SETShanghai Composite^STI^SZSETaiwan Weighted
Asia

Malaysian Shares End in Green Amid Mixed Regional Performance; Tomypak's Shares Drop 3%

Malaysian shares ended flat but in the green ahead of a holiday, amid a mixed regional performance, and despite continued widespread selling pressure.The FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI gained 1points to end 0.1% higher at 1,722.02. The day range was between 1,712.14 and 1,722.03.In economic news, Malaysia's international reserves stood at $126.6 billion at end-March, according to data released by the central bank. Other foreign currency assets were recorded at $69 million, with the breakdown outlining expected inflows and outflows over the next 12 months.Moreover, Malaysia's Ministry of Finance has directed all ministries and agencies to restructure their operating budgets, citing pressure from global supply disruptions and rising subsidy costs that are weighing on public finances. The step is part of a broader effort to manage spending prudently and make better use of government resources, the finance ministry said.In corporate news, shares of Tomypak (KLSE:TOMYPAK) fell over 3% on close after the company disclosed plans to undertake a private placement of up to 43.1 million new shares, representing 10% of its issued share capital.Australia's AirTrunk will raise its investment in Malaysia by an additional 12 billion ringgit this year, lifting its total committed investment to 27 billion ringgit, The Star reported, citing Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim. The announcement followed a courtesy visit on Wednesday by AirTrunk founder and CEO Robin Khuda and his delegation, where discussions focused on ongoing data centre developments in Johor, Malaysia.

FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCIKLSE:TOMYPAK
International

Malaysia's International Reserves Total $126.6 Billion at End-March

Malaysia's international reserves stood at $126.6 billion at end-March, according to data released by the central bank on Thursday.Other foreign currency assets were recorded at $69 million, with the breakdown outlining expected inflows and outflows over the next 12 months.Short-term foreign currency outflows totalled $9.90 billion, while net short forward positions came in at $23.2 billion, reflecting liquidity management in the domestic market. Contingent liabilities were limited to $846.4 million, Bank Negara Malaysia said.

FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI
Asia

Malaysia Orders Ministries to Restructure Budgets Amid Rising Fiscal Pressures

Malaysia's Ministry of Finance has directed all ministries and agencies to restructure their operating budgets, citing pressure from global supply disruptions and rising subsidy costs that are weighing on public finances.The step is part of a broader effort to manage spending prudently and make better use of government resources, the finance ministry said.Essential public services will not be affected, with overall economic stability and support for citizens remaining a priority, it added.

FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI
Asia

Market Chatter: Australian Data Center AirTrunk to Inject Further MYR Billion in Malaysia

Australia's AirTrunk will raise its investment in Malaysia by an additional 12 billion ringgit this year, lifting its total committed investment to 27 billion ringgit, The Star reported Wednesday, citing Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.The announcement followed a courtesy visit on Wednesday by AirTrunk founder and CEO Robin Khuda and his delegation, where discussions focused on ongoing data centre developments in Johor, Malaysia.Talks also covered a localization framework to expand participation of Malaysian firms in the data centre value chain, reportedly.Anwar said the commitment shows strong investor confidence in Malaysia as a regional digital hub, supported by continued policy improvements and streamlined approvals, the news outlet said.(Market Chatter news is derived from conversations with market professionals globally. This information is believed to be from reliable sources but may include rumor and speculation. Accuracy is not guaranteed.)

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