Malaysia's Competitiveness Ranking Surge Signals Stronger Economic Fundamentals - Economists

By Rosemarie Khoo

KUALA LUMPUR, June 19 (Bernama) -- Malaysia's improved standing in the International Institute for Management Development (IMD) 2026 World Competitiveness Ranking reflects the country’s strengthening economic fundamentals.

Malaysia Must Move Beyond Low-Cost Model To Support Higher Wages -- Sim

GEORGE TOWN, June 18 (Bernama) -- Malaysia can no longer rely on low prices as a competitive advantage, as the low-cost business model also limits the ability of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to offer higher wages, said Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives Minister Steven Sim Chee Keong.

Capital Market Can Bridge SME Financing Gap For R&D, Expansion -- Bursa Malaysia

GEORGE TOWN, June 18 (Bernama) -- Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) should consider tapping the capital market to finance research and development (R&D) and business expansion that may not be fully supported through conventional bank financing, said Bursa Malaysia Bhd.

Extreme Weather, Natural Disasters Top Construction Risks Over Next Five Years -- Zurich

KUALA LUMPUR, June 18 (Bernama) -- Zurich Insurance Group has identified extreme weather and natural disasters as the most severe risks facing the construction sector over the next five years, assigning a score of 6.2 out of seven on its risk severity scale.

Uzbekistan To Attract More FDIs Through Improvements In Investment Climate - President

TASHKENT, June 17 (Bernama) -- Uzbekistan is looking to lure more foreign direct investments (FDIs) as the country implements systemic measures to improve its investment climate, including the establishment of the Tashkent International Financial Centre (TIFC) and expanded privatisation initiatives.

Banks Must Build Specialised SME Lending Capabilities – EBRD

By Siti Radziah Hamzah

TASHKENT, June 16 (Bernama) --  Developing deeper capital markets and expanding financing access for underserved segments remain among the key challenges facing emerging Southeast Asian economies, according to the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD).

Elsa To Grow Digital Technology, Robotics, Engineering Segments After Positive ACE Market Debut

KUALA LUMPUR, June 16 (Bernama) -- Integrated oil and gas services and equipment (OGSE) provider Elsa Bhd aims to accelerate its growth in the digital technology, robotics, and engineering segments following an encouraging debut on Bursa Malaysia’s ACE Market today.

TERAJU's Transfer To PM's Department Boosts PuTERA35 Agenda

KUALA LUMPUR, June 16 (Bernama) -- Placing the Bumiputera Agenda Steering Unit (TERAJU) under the Prime Minister's Department will enable the agency to advance the Bumiputera Economic Transformation Plan 2035 (PuTERA35), said Economy Minister Akmal Nasrullah Mohd Nasir.