In today’s episode, we unpack major corporate shifts, policy pivots, and global economic tremors shaping Malaysia’s financial landscape.

From Genting’s billion-dollar breakthrough in New York to flooding disruptions in ASEAN supply chains, we dig beneath the headlines to spotlight the signals that matter to your money.

Corporate Moves & Market Signals

🎰 Genting Malaysia Secures Coveted New York Casino License

* Win comes with a massive US$5.5 billion expansion plan

* Analysts project RM1.93 billion in profit by 2030

* But… shares fell 4.26% as investors await key details: final license terms, tax rates

📈 Capital A Soars 60% on Strategic Pivot

* Post–dividend in-specie distribution of AirAsia X shares

* Market is reacting to the group’s transformation into a digital and logistics-led business

* Focus areas: Teleport (cargo logistics) and AirAsia MOVE (travel super app)

📶 5G Structure Shifts: Gov’t Exercises Put Option on DNB

* MOF exits Digital Nasional Berhad, requiring CelcomDigi, Maxis, and YTL Power to each buy in at RM327.9 million

* Signals official transition to dual wholesale network model for 5G

* All three telcos now hold equal ownership in DNB

🚄 UEM Tapped for Controlling Stake in CRRC Malaysia

* Nominated to acquire 51%+ of CRRC Rolling Stock Centre

* Secures local control over RM10.7B train leasing project, with a strong tech transfer upside

🚘 NAZA Italia Exits Maserati Deal

* Strategic pivot to core brands like Suzuki

* Focus intensifies on EV mobility solutions and restructuring distribution portfolio

Global Risks & Supply Chain Disruptions

🌊 Thailand Floods Paralyze Tech & Auto Component Supply

* Estimated ฿500B in damages

* Nearly halts component flow into Malaysia

* Short-term supply shock for manufacturers; possible opportunity for Vietnam/Indonesia

💱 China’s Yuan Defies Expectations

* Poised for best year since 2020, up ~4% vs USD

* Signals confidence in China’s export diversification strategy

🇪🇺 Eurozone Inflation Surprise: 2.2% in November

* Dims hopes for further ECB rate cuts

* Adds to cautious global macro sentiment

Domestic Policy & Financial Governance

⛽ PM Reaffirms Targeted RON95 Fuel Subsidy

* Rejects World Bank’s call to lift it

* Benefit reaches 13.9 million Malaysians

* Expected RM4 billion in fiscal savings

📉 1MDB Debt Repayment Progress

* RM42B of RM50B inherited debt repaid

* Managed to avoid disruptions to current development budgets

🚗 Hire-Purchase Reform: Fairer Car Loan Terms by 2026

* Early settlement discounts now mandatory

* Rule of 78 abolished, ending front-loaded interest structure

* Big win for consumers financing cars

🏛️ Tax-Exempt Status Tightens for Non-Profits

* 10-year limit imposed by IRB

* Applies retroactively; compliance enforcement to increase

* Affects institutional-linked charitable foundations

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

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