In today’s episode, we explore the complex push and pull between market expansion, political accountability, and global volatility. From EPF’s strategic stake in TNB and a bold new state-backed digital currency to glove sector pains and growing regional instability — the signals are clear: long-term bets now require sharper short-term risk management.

Malaysian Corporate & Market Developments

⚡ EPF Becomes Largest Shareholder in TNB

* Acquires Khazanah’s 2.33% stake (RM1.69B)

* Raises holding to 21.25%, signalling deeper state-linked focus on national infrastructure and long-term stability

🏥 DKSH Holdings to Go Private at RM6.15/Share

* Offer from parent company DKSH Resources

* 16.7% premium offers exit for minority shareholders, but highlights broader liquidity fatigue in public markets

📊 Bursa Shifts IPO Strategy: Focus on Quality Over Quantity

* Post-2025, emphasis on scalable, globally competitive listings — especially Bumiputera-led firms

🚢 Orkim’s Debut Marks Steady Start for O&G Shipping Sector

* 1% gain on listing

* Govt hints at extending 100% tax exemption, providing fuel for industry fleet renewal

🪙 Johor Launches RMJDT Digital Currency via Zetrix Blockchain

* State-backed stablecoin aimed at easing cross-border trade settlement

* Signals Johor’s ambition to lead in decentralised finance (DeFi)

🏭 Empyrion Digital Gets Greenlight for 200MW Data Center in Johor

* Has secured 145MW from TNB

* Project driven by AI infrastructure demand, reinforcing Johor’s data hub status

🧤 Glove Makers Hit by Stronger Ringgit

* Ringgit up 9% YTD vs USD

* Margins squeezed as export revenues fall against rising input costs in local currency

🌊 Jentayu Sustainables Faces Legal Delay on Project Oriole

* Shareholder challenge threatens to delay financing for Sabah hydro plant

* Execution risk rises amid green energy buildout

Policy & Governance Headlines

⚖️ 1 in 3 Politician Graft Cases Withdrawn Since 2018 – NGO Report

* Raises red flags on prosecutorial consistency and institutional transparency

💸 IDEAS Pushes for Political Financing Act

* Seeks mandatory disclosure of spending on political influencers, to curb opaque campaign funding

🧾 Govt Reaffirms: No GST Revival, SST to Stay

* Income levels still too low, says Finance Ministry

* Targeted fiscal policy to support consumer affordability

🚗 Traffic Summonses Will Not Affect BUDI95 Eligibility

* Confirmation offers relief to many amid cost-of-living pressures

🧑‍🦽 Senate Urges Action on Disability Pay Gap

* Minimum wage cited as insufficient amid inflation

* Push for broader social wage reform underway

Global & Geopolitical Outlook

🤖 China Moves to Limit Nvidia’s H200 AI Chips

* Despite US export clearance, Beijing restricts top-tier chip access

* $160M smuggling case shows extreme demand and scarcity pressure

📱 Australia Bans Social Media for Under-16s

* Mandatory age verification, hefty fines for non-compliance

* Global precedent for tech regulation and child safety online

⚠️ Thai-Cambodian Border Clashes Erupt

* PM Srettha rules out talks

* Escalation threatens regional trade routes and investor confidence

🏦 Thailand Sees Flight to Gold Amid Instability

* Gold prices jump on weak baht, low rates, and rising uncertainty

* Classic safe haven play as tensions rise in Southeast Asia

🎧 Listen Now for a deep dive into Malaysia’s financial gems and global trends shaping 2025!

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