Malaysia Morning News For February 8

Hypermarket sales not benchmark of Malaysian economic condition
Hypermarket sales cannot be viewed as the only benchmark to gauge the economic condition of Malaysia and its people, Minister in Prime Minister’s Department (Economic Planning Unit) Datuk Seri Abdul Rahman Dahlan said.
— New Straits Times

Affin Islamic helps finance solar project in Perak
Affin lslamic Bank Bhd is keen to explore more financing opportunities in the fields of green technology and renewable energy, chief executive officer Nazlee Khalifah said.
— New Straits Times

Digital transformation to contribute US$10bil to Malaysia GDP by 2021
BY 2021, digital transformation will add an estimated US$10 billion (RM39.11 billion) to Malaysia’s GDP, and increase the growth rate by 0.6% annually, according to a new business study released on Jan 7.
— Digital News Asia

Manulife warns of overvaluation risk for Malaysian stocks
A key risk to the Malaysian equity market is overvaluation that can cause volatility, even though the market is not in such a situation now, said Manulife Asset Management head of total solutions & equity investments, Malaysia, Tock Chin Hui.
— The Sun Daily

Malaysia’s December exports growth slows sharply
Malaysia’s exports growth will likely moderate this year after expanding at its fastest pace in more than a decade in 2017 as lurking risks of protectionism somewhat mars robust trade prospects.
— Nikkei Asian Review

Malaysia will continue to deliver robust growth: World Bank
Malaysia will continue to deliver robust growth, well-backed by its diversified economy, a wide range of reform initiatives and strong macroeconomic policy frameworks to withstand external shocks, said World Bank Group.
— The Sun Daily

Tabung Haji on the right track, to focus on core investments: CEO
Tabung Haji (TH) will continue to focus on its core investments in various sectors this year.
— New Straits Times

KWAP aims to raise ESG portfolio to 70%
Kumpulan Wang Persaraan (Diperbadankan) (KWAP), which has signed on to the Principles for Responsible Investment (PRI), aims to grow its environmental, social and governance (ESG) portfolio to 70% from 50%-60% currently as it strengthens its capabilities in responsible investments.
— The Sun Daily

2018 trade growth to moderate to 5pc to RM1.86 trillion: Mustapa
Malaysia’s 2018’s trade growth is expected to moderate to five per cent to RM1.86 trillion from 2017’s RM1.77 trillion, said Minister of International Trade and Industry Datuk Seri Mustapa Mohamed.
— New Straits Times

Bonia mulls listing CRG Inc on LEAP
Bonia Corp Bhd is contemplating the proposed demerger of wholly owned subsidiary CRG Incorporated Bhd and its subsidiaries from Bonia to pave the way for a listing on the LEAP market of Bursa Securities.
— The Sun Daily

AIIB, Malaysia to support ASEAN infrastructure development
The Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) will coordinate with Malaysia to support infrastructure development in the ASEAN region, said the bank’s president Jin Liqun on February 6.
— VietnamPlus

Malaysia well poised to take Asean lead in creating a greener future: CBI
Malaysia is well poised in taking the Asean lead in creating a more sustainable and greener future.
— New Straits Times

UAE, Malaysia set to boost economic cooperation
The UAE Minister of Economy Sultan bin Saeed Al Mansouri has stressed on the importance of enhancing the channels of cooperation between the UAE and Malaysia, especially in terms of trade and investment.
— Khaleej Times

Honeywell Aerospace engages with the Malaysian government to upgrade military jets
Honeywell Aerospace will continue to engage with the Malaysian Government for systems upgrade on the country’s military jets, the Lockheed C-130 Hercules.
— New Straits Times

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