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Business

Maxis Expands Home Solar Options With New Outright Purchase Plan

KUALA LUMPUR, May 12– Maxis has expanded its Maxis Home Solar offerings with the introduction of an Outright Purchase option, giving Malaysian households another way to adopt renewable energy while .... read more

IBM, Micron, Boeing Among 22 US Firms Backing Malaysia’s Green Transition — NRES

PUTRAJAYA, May 12 — IBM, Micron and Boeing are among 22 United States (US) companies supporting Malaysia’s green transition through strategic cooperation with the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental .... read more

MANILA, May 12 -- Malaysia Airlines continues to focus on operational consistency and customer flexibility amid today's evolving operating environment. The airline maintained on-time performance (OTP) above 90% throughout April, marking the second consecutive month of average OTP above the 90% level, while consistently exceeding its 85% target since January 2026. This sustained performance reflects ongoing operational improvements across the network, including enhancements to boarding processes and on-ground support, contributing to a smoother and more dependable travel experience for customers. Customer demand has also remained encouraging. In March, year-on-year (YoY) passenger traffic increased by 30%, with positive momentum continuing into April as traffic grew by 8% YoY. The sustained growth reflects stable underlying demand for travel across key markets, even as the broader air travel environment continues to evolve. Bryan Foong, Chief Executive Officer of Airline Business from Malaysia Aviation Group, said, "We recognise that travellers today are navigating a more uncertain environment, and that reliability and flexibility remain important when planning their journeys. Our focus continues to be on delivering safe and dependable operations, while providing our customers the flexibility and support they need as travel patterns continue to evolve. The operational consistency we have seen in recent months, together with continued customer demand across key markets, is an encouraging reflection of the steady progress being made across the airline. Above all, our priority is to ensure customers feel supported and confident throughout their journey with us." Recognising that travellers are increasingly seeking both assurance and value, Malaysia Airlines has introduced its "Now Boarding" campaign across key markets. The campaign brings together customer-focused offerings designed to support more flexible and confident travel decisions. Central to this is the airline's Flex fare family, which allows unlimited flight changes with no extra fees, providing greater peace of mind should plans evolve. For families planning their holidays, Malaysia Airlines also offers child fares alongside dedicated onboard activity packs for young travellers, helping create a more enjoyable and seamless travel experience for families. Customers who book directly via the Malaysia Airlines website or official mobile app can also enjoy exclusive benefits*, including 5% savings on flights for Enrich members, and up to 15% off privileges with Maybank, ensuring they get more value out of their journey. The airline's progress is further reflected in the continued growth of its brand value. In the latest Airlines 50 2026 report by Brand Finance, Malaysia Airlines recorded the highest brand value growth among Malaysian carriers. Brand value increased by 27% to USD771 million, with the airline climbing four places to rank 41st globally, supported by sustained recovery and a continued focus on delivering a premium, customer-centric experience. Malaysia Airlines will continue building on these efforts as it strengthens the overall travel experience for customers across its network. /PRNewswire/

Malaysia Airlines Maintains Focus on Operational Consistency and Greater Flexibility for Travellers

MANILA, May 12 — Malaysia Airlines continues to focus on operational consistency and customer flexibility amid today’s evolving operating environment. The airline maintained on-time performance (OTP) above 90% throughout April, .... read more

KUALA LUMPUR, 12 MAY -- The ringgit opened higher against a basket of major currencies, including the US dollar, ahead of the release of key US economic data tonight, which is expected to reinforce expectations that the US Federal Reserve (Fed) will maintain interest rates, said an analyst. At 8am, the local currency rose to 3.9200/9300 against the US dollar from 3.9220/9260 at the close on Monday. Bank Muamalat Malaysia Bhd Chief Economist, Mohd Afzanizam Abdul Rashid said the US consumer price index (CPI) for April will be announced tonight with the headline and core CPI expected to jump by 3.7 per cent (March: 3.3 per cent) and 2.7 per cent (March: 2.6 per cent) respectively. "Therefore, the US Fed is likely to maintain stable interest rates, while interest rate cuts this year are expected to remain low." "The ringgit is expected to remain in flat trading mode in the near term as geopolitical risks remain heightened with the high-impact meeting between US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping scheduled to take place this week," he told Bernama. At the opening, the ringgit traded mostly higher against major currencies. The local unit rose against the Japanese yen to 2.4925/4990 from 2.4955/4983 at Monday's close and gained against the British pound to 5.3312/3448 from 5.3331/3383 yesterday, however it declined against the euro to 4.6162/6280 from 4.6150/6197 previously. At the same time, the ringgit traded mixed against ASEAN currencies. The ringgit strengthened against the Singapore dollar to 3.0883/0964 from 3.0887/0921 at yesterday's close and surged against the Indonesian rupiah to 225.1/225.7 from 225.2/225.5 previously. However, the local currency was unchanged against the Philippine peso to 6.41/6.43 from 6.41/6.42 at yesterday's close and depreciated against the Thai baht to 12.1374/1759 from 12.0900/1083 previously.

Ringgit opens higher against US dollar and major currencies

KUALA LUMPUR, 12 MAY — The ringgit opened higher against a basket of major currencies, including the US dollar, ahead of the release of key US economic data tonight, which .... read more

BANGI, 12 MAY -- The Bumiputera financing fund under the National Business Group Economic Fund (TEKUN Nasional) has been increased from RM500 million to RM1 billion, according to the Minister of Entrepreneur and Cooperative Development, Steven Sim. He said the government decided to increase the funding amount after an encouraging response to the scheme, which was previously increased from RM300 million to RM500 million. "This is part of the KUSKOP (Ministry of Entrepreneur and Cooperative Development) PowerUp 10K effort to strengthen Malaysian businesses." "We want more funds to be injected into the micro, small and medium enterprise sector (PMKS) as well as TEKUN Nasional which is one of the important agencies under KUSKOP," he said. He said this to reporters after the TEKUN Nasional 2026 Appreciation Ceremony, here, yesterday. Sim said the increased funding is expected to help entrepreneurs expand their businesses and face various global crises that affect the sector. "With this RM1 billion, we will not only be able to help entrepreneurs face geopolitical and geoeconomic challenges, but also help them to further expand their businesses," he said. The PowerUp 10K initiative implemented by KUSKOP aims to help SMEs entrepreneurs improve their businesses in the face of global uncertainty. Sim previously said that the government has allocated funding of up to RM15 billion into the market, to support the scaling up of approximately 10,000 MSME companies, in line with efforts to empower the people's economy. In a similar development, he also said that the government is expected to channel the entire fund (RM15 billion) through agencies under KUSKOP in 2026, to benefit 400,000 entrepreneurs and cooperatives nationwide. He said that TEKUN Nasional will also be strengthened through this large allocation, so that it can continue to play an important role in the agenda to empower the country's PMKS. "From Jan 1 to April 30 this year, TEKUN Nasional has channeled around RM360 million to almost 20,000 PMKS entrepreneurs," he said. At the event, Sim also celebrated the dedication and contributions of TEKUN Nasional employees in empowering businesses in Malaysia. A total of five categories of awards were presented to 247 recipients, namely the Jasamu Dikenang Award, the Loyal Service Award, the Excellent Service Award, the TEKUN Excellence Award and the 2025 Achievement Award. Also present were TEKUN Nasional Chairman, Datuk Abdullah Sani Abdul Hamid; Deputy Minister of KUSKOP, Datuk Mohamad Alamin and Secretary-General of KUSKOP, Datuk Seri Khairul Dzaimee Daud.

National Kekun Bumiputera financing fund increased to RM1 billion – Steven Sim

BANGI, 12 MAY — The Bumiputera financing fund under the National Business Group Economic Fund (TEKUN Nasional) has been increased from RM500 million to RM1 billion, according to the Minister .... read more

TOKYO, May 11, 2026 -- ACROBiosystems announced a major upgrade to its global license solution for HEK293 functional cell lines. Centered on customer value and empowering global biopharmaceutical innovation, the upgrade simplifies compliance workflows to support efficient drug discovery and development. As essential tools for innovative drug R&D, functional cell lines need clear, accessible usage authorization to keep projects on track. The updated policy expands authorized scope and eliminates redundant review steps. Across global markets, it establishes a unified compliant framework: customers may use HEK293 functional cell lines for internal research, drug discovery, assay development, quality assurance testing and lot release analysis without extra licensing or fees, fully complying with IP and contractual rules to focus on core R&D. This policy applies to all global markets (excluding the Greater China region), enabling seamless and efficient access to HEK293 functional cell line products for research and development activities. To help global customers adapt smoothly, ACROBiosystems provides localized support via professional teams in the United States, Europe and Asia-Pacific. Regional experts offer timely policy interpretation, streamlined compliance consultation and professional technical assistance, enabling fully compliant and efficient HEK293 functional cell lines research. This upgrade clarifies permitted-use terms, optimizes compliance management and cuts operational costs for drug developers worldwide. It builds a more transparent, flexible framework supporting standardized, scalable HEK293 functional cell line applications in diverse R&D scenarios. ACROBiosystems will keep optimizing global IP governance and licensing systems, delivering regulated, user-friendly functional cell line solutions to expand preclinical and translational research and accelerate high-quality drug development globally. Founded in 2010 and listed in 2021, ACROBiosystems Group is a biotechnology company aimed at being a cornerstone of the global biopharmaceutical and healthcare industries by providing innovative products and business models. The company spans the globe with offices, R&D centers, and production bases in over 15 cities across the United States, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, and Germany. Maintaining long-standing partnerships with top-tier pharmaceutical enterprises, the company comprises several subsidiaries such as ACROBiosystems, bioSeedin, Condense Capital, and ACRODiagnostics. Its main products and services—including recombinant proteins, kits, and antibodies—support the entire drug development lifecycle under a stringent quality control system. Through continuous technological advancement, ACROBiosystems Group is dedicated to accelerating drug development and contributing to global health. Source: ACROBiosystems Group

ACROBiosystems Launches Global License Solution Upgrade for HEK293 Functional Cell Lines, Streamlining Compliance to Accelerate Biopharmaceutical R&D

TOKYO, May 11, 2026 — ACROBiosystems announced a major upgrade to its global license solution for HEK293 functional cell lines. Centered on customer value and empowering global biopharmaceutical innovation, the .... read more

KUALA LUMPUR: The ringgit opened higher against the United States (US) dollar on Monday as investors monitored ongoing peace talks over the crisis in West Asia, analysts said. At 8am, the local currency rose to 3.9170/9230 against the US dollar from 3.9185/9230 at the close last Friday. Bank Muamalat Malaysia Bhd Chief Economist Mohd Afzanizam Abdul Rashid said market sentiment continued to be focused on the war in Iran, with ongoing peace talks seen as difficult to achieve amid inconsistent reports on the progress of the talks. “High oil prices are affecting business margins and consumer spending worldwide, leading to the possibility of investment and consumer spending being dampened. "Therefore, traders' willingness to take risks is expected to remain cautious," he told Bernama . So far, the price of Brent crude oil has increased by 3.55 percent to US$104.93 per barrel. Mohd Afzanizam said the US non-farm payrolls report rose to 115,000 in April compared to the consensus estimate of 62,000, indicating that the US labour market remains resilient and the US Federal Reserve may not be in a hurry to lower interest rates. Therefore, he said the ringgit is expected to trade in a small range and traders are also anticipating the announcement of Malaysia's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) for the first quarter of 2026 this Friday. "The Malaysian economy is seen to continue to maintain a good growth trajectory in the first three months of this year and possibly in the first half of 2026." "This expectation could provide support to the ringgit as the government remains proactive in providing a good response to the current shock," he said. In the opening session, the local currency traded higher against a basket of major currencies and most ASEAN currencies. The ringgit rose against the Japanese yen to 2.4970/5010 from 2.5010/5040 at the close last Friday, rose against the pound to 5.3248/3329 from 5.3354/3416 and gained against the euro to 4.6095/6166 from 4.6121/6174 previously. The local currency rose against the Singapore dollar to 3.0886/0936 from 3.0910/0948 at last Friday's close, strengthened against the Thai baht to 12.1322/1579 from 12.1640/1844 and rose against the Indonesian rupiah to 225.3/225.7 from 225.4/225.7 previously. However, the ringgit was unchanged against the Philippine peso at 6.46/6.47 compared to its closing level last Friday.

Ringgit opens higher against US dollar as West Asia peace talks continue

KUALA LUMPUR: The ringgit opened higher against the United States (US) dollar on Monday as investors monitored ongoing peace talks over the crisis in West Asia, analysts said. At 8am, .... read more

BUKIT MERTAJAM: The Ministry of Entrepreneur and Cooperative Development (KUSKOP) has approved financing of RM70 million to nearly 2,000 Indian entrepreneurs nationwide through the Entrepreneur Capital and Indian Economic Stimulus Package 2026 (MUDRA) so far. Its Minister, Steven Sim, said the amount was part of an overall fund of RM220 million announced recently, to help empower Indian entrepreneurs in the country. "I hope more entrepreneurs will come forward to participate in our MUDRA program, which is a program under Power Up 10,000 to boost and help Malaysian businesses." "The MADANI Government's commitment is to continue to empower the micro, small and medium enterprise (MSME) sector as the main pillar of the country's economic development, including ensuring more inclusive entrepreneurial development involving the Indian community through various special schemes and targeted assistance," he said. He said this after attending the Sales Carnival and Entrepreneur Engagement Session of the Malaysian Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MAICCI) together with KUSKOP agencies in conjunction with Mother's Day celebrations. The program, organised by MAICCI, brought together approximately 30 local entrepreneurs with 10 agency booths under KUSKOP participating to open up networking spaces, advisory services and financing opportunities for local SMEs. Sim, who is also the Member of Parliament for Bukit Mertajam, congratulated MAICCI and Sri Muniswarar Temple on the success of organising the carnival, which he described as an important platform to further boost the people's business activities. KUSKOP also welcomes the organization of the Indian Entrepreneur Carnival tour series by MAICCI throughout the country, and will provide full cooperation including mobilizing agencies under it to participate in the program. The participation of the KUSKOP agency in the carnival aims to provide explanations, information and provide services directly to participating Indian entrepreneurs. Touching on the redevelopment of the Bukit Mertajam Indian Society building, Sim said the historic building, which was established in 1952, would be redeveloped as a symbol of the Indian community in Bukit Mertajam, as well as for the convenience of the general public. -- BERNAMA

MUDRA funds 2,000 Indian entrepreneurs, RM70 million allocation

BUKIT MERTAJAM: The Ministry of Entrepreneur and Cooperative Development (KUSKOP) has approved financing of RM70 million to nearly 2,000 Indian entrepreneurs nationwide through the Entrepreneur Capital and Indian Economic Stimulus .... read more

SME Corp Allocates RM12 Mln To Bolster Local Entrepreneurs, Businesses

KUALA LUMPUR, May 10 2026 — SME Corp Malaysia has allocated RM12 million to strengthen the development of local entrepreneurs and businesses, which will benefit 500 Bumiputera youth entrepreneurs. The .... read more

DOSM Expands Economic Census 2026 To Medium, Large Companies

JELI, May 9 2026 — The Department of Statistics Malaysia (DOSM) has entered the second phase of the Economic Census 2026 nationwide, covering medium- and large-sized companies, Chief Statistician Datuk .... read more

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