Insight

Tariffs tear across world trade

What are the benefits of free trade, and how has the US unilateral tariff policy disrupted trade due to the rise of nationalistic movements and twin deficits in America?

Short Position

Front-loading fever cools

A number of Malaysian manufacturers are enjoying a brief moment of exuberance. This is the result of a surge in orders from the United States, an exercise referred to as "front-loading", whereby importers seek to stockpile goods before the painful tariffs kick in.

Insight

Governance is substance over form

LAST week, Genting Malaysia Bhd (GENM) announced the proposed acquisition of the remaining 51% stake in Genting Empire Resorts LLC (GERL), which owns the Empire Resorts (ER), from Kien Huat Realty III Limited (KH) for US$41mil.

Short Position

FGV’s listed status in limbo as Felda mulls new buyout

Four years on, there is still no resolution in sight regarding FGV Holdings Bhd's listed status. Reports now indicate that a fresh plan is in the works by parent company Federal Land Development Authority (Felda) to take FGV private.

Short Position

M’sia faces regulatory crossroads with the return of the data centre boom

JUST a few months ago, the data centre (DC) boom in Malaysia looked like it was showing some cracks.

Insight

Navigating supply chain challenges in Malaysia’s automotive sector

Assemby lines are a wonderous thing – clockwork precision in motion, with specialised tasks broken down to be repeated with ease and efficiency.

Star Biz7

Bye US, hello Europe

When President Donald Trump decided to seek a second term in the White House, Doris Davis and Susie Bartlett – a couple living in New York City – made a life-changing decision.

Star Biz7

New fee rule might spike New York rents

A key real estate organisation and other industry groups have asked a federal judge to block a New York City law that requires landlords to pay fees for the brokers they hire, saying the rule that goes into effect next month will increase rents and make it more difficult for lower-income tenants to find housing.

Star Biz7

Volatility forces portfolio rethink

In the wake of sharp market tremors, many investors are beginning to question their long-standing assumptions – particularly those tied to US equities.

Star Biz7

Collektr connects collectors

Twenty Pokémon trading cards appear on the screen in steady succession, each one introduced in turn to a virtual audience.

Star Biz7

Hyperscalers power energy shift

The stage is set for Malaysia's power sector to shift into high gear this year, as massive data centre (DC) investments and grid upgrades spark a wave of infrastructure spending.

Star Biz7

Greenback on the back foot

What was once seen as an immovable pillar of global finance is now under increasing pressure.

Star Biz7

Elite colleges lead rush for PE exits

Private equity (PE) firms are taking the longest in more than a decade to give investors their money back. Elite college endowments, some of their most dependable clients, can't wait much longer. 

Insight

Cleaning up ‘origin washing’

For long now, certificates of origin for exports to the US market had been issued by business councils, chambers or associations appointed by the ministry. Not any more.

Star Biz7

Uncertain but not uninvestable

After months of caution and volatility, investors might be wondering whether Malaysian equities are finally turning a corner, or simply gearing up for another bout of turbulence.

Star Biz7

Drug price display – at what price?

In a healthcare system stretched by inflation and frayed by mistrust, Malaysia's new ruling mandating the display of drug prices in private clinics and hospitals is more than a regulatory update – it's a flashpoint in a long-brewing debate over fairness, access, and survival in medicine.

Star Biz7

Four is the new five as consultancy defies norms

When change management consultancy &samhoud Asia announced the implementation of a four-day workweek at the start of this year, reactions were mixed.

Insight

AGMs are not ritual, but a reckoning

It's that time of year again – annual general meeting (AGM) season is here!

Insight

One of a kind

A seasoned corporate finance veteran once told me – if one cannot deliver above 10% per annum net of all fees to clients consistently, it would be hard to start a fund management company.

Insight

How able is Abel?

Legendary billionaire-investor Warren Buffett has announced his retirement as chief executive officer (CEO) of Berkshire Hathaway Inc by the end of 2025, after over 55 years in that role.