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Economy

Thailand's Economy Grows 1.9 Pct In 2Q 2026

BANGKOK, Aug 17 (Bernama) -- Thailand’s economy grew 1.9 per cent year-on-year (y-o-y) in the second quarter of 2026 (2Q 2026), slowing from 2.8 per cent growth in 1Q 2026, according to the National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC) report on Monday.

EPF 1H 2026 Total Investment Income Up 48 Pct To RM57.50 Bln

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 17 (Bernama) -- The Employees Provident Fund’s (EPF) total investment income rose by 48 per cent to RM57.50 billion in the first six months ended June 30, 2026 (1H 2026) from RM38.92 billion in the corresponding period a year ago.

EPF Registers 441,846 New Members In 1H 2026; Membership Rises To 18.5 Mln

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 17 (Bernama) -- The Employees Provident Fund (EPF) registered 441,846 new members in the first six months ended June 30, 2026 (1H 2026), bringing total membership to close to 18.5 million.

PIDM Appoints Afiza Abdullah As CEO Effective Aug 28

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 17 (Bernama) -- Perbadanan Insurans Deposit Malaysia (PIDM) has appointed Afiza Abdullah as its chief executive officer (CEO) for a three-year term, effective Aug 28, 2026, succeeding Rafiz Azuan Abdullah, who has led the organisation for nine years.

Malaysia’s July Inflation Eases To 1.8 Pct -- DOSM

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 17 (Bernama) -- Malaysia’s inflation eased to 1.8 per cent in July 2026 from 1.9 per cent in June, with the Consumer Price Index rising to 137.1 points in July from 134.7 a year earlier, the Department of Statistics Malaysia (DOSM) said.

Kenanga IB Maintains Ringgit Forecast Of RM3.95 To US Dollar By Year-end

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 17 (Bernama) -- Kenanga Investment Bank Bhd (Kenanga IB) has retained its ringgit forecast of RM3.95 to the US dollar by year-end, underpinned by resilient growth, a sustained current account (CA) surplus and record foreign-currency deposits.

Crossbow Named As GEAR Member, Contributing Payment Security Expertise

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 17 (Bernama) -- Crossbow Enterprise Cybersecurity, an enterprise cybersecurity partner, has been selected to serve on the PCI Security Standards Council’s (PCI SSC) 2026–2028 Global Executive Assessor Roundtable (GEAR) for its third consecutive term.

PublicInvest Raises 2026 GDP Growth Forecast To 5.4 Pct On Strong 2Q Results

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 17 (Bernama) -- Malaysia’s stronger-than-expected second quarter (2Q) economic growth has prompted Public Investment Bank Bhd (PublicInvest) to raise its 2026 gross domestic product (GDP) forecast to 5.4 per cent year-on-year (y-o-y) from 4.6 per cent.

Malaysia's Current Account Surplus To Remain Firm At 2.1 Pct Of GDP In 2026 - Kenanga IB

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 17 (Bernama) -- Kenanga Investment Bank Bhd (Kenanga IB) expects Malaysia’s 2026 current account to remain firmly in surplus, maintaining a forecast at 2.1 per cent of gross domestic product (GDP), compared with 1.6 per cent in 2025.

AM Best Withdraws Zhibao Re Credit Ratings Amid Investor Transition

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 17 (Bernama) -- Global credit rating agency, AM Best has withdrawn the credit ratings of Malaysia’s Zhibao Labuan Reinsurance Company Limited (Zhibao Re), as the company has chosen not to participate in AM Best’s interactive rating process for the time being, in light of an investor transition.

RM158.4 Mln Net Inflows From Transportation, Telecommunications, Energy Sectors - MBSB IB

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 17 (Bernama) -- Transportation and logistics, telecommunication and media as well as energy sectors have attracted a combined net inflow of RM158.4 million into Bursa Malaysia last week, according to MBSB Investment Bank Bhd (MBSB IB).

IDFC FIRST Bank Receives Inaugural Investment-Grade Ratings From S&P

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 17 (Bernama) -- IDFC FIRST Bank, one of India's fast-growing private banks, has received its inaugural international investment-grade issuer credit ratings from S&P Global Ratings, with a ‘BBB-’ long-term rating and ‘A-3’ short-term rating, both with a stable outlook.