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GEORGE TOWN, July 3 --  Penang's economy grew by 7.3 per cent in 2025, with its gross domestic product (GDP) rising to RM130.3 billion from RM121.4 billion in the previous year, driven by the strong performance of the manufacturing and services sectors. The Department of Statistics Malaysia (DOSM) said in a statement that the manufacturing and services sectors continued to dominate the state's economy, contributing a combined 94 per cent to GDP, followed by the construction sector, which accounted for 3.3 per cent. Chief statistician Datuk Seri Dr Mohd Uzir Mahidin said the manufacturing sector contributed 47.3 per cent to Penang's GDP in 2025, with value-added amounting to RM61.7 billion, an increase of 10 per cent compared with 4.0 per cent growth in the previous year. "Electrical, electronic, and optical products were the main drivers of the manufacturing sector's 12.7 per cent growth, supported by increases in the electronic components and boards, communications equipment, and consumer electronics segments. "In addition, non-metallic mineral products, basic metals and fabricated metal products also supported the sector's expansion, growing by 8.7 per cent in 2025," he said in the statement. Mohd Uzir said the services sector recorded a value-added of RM60.8 billion, up from RM58.4 billion in 2024, registering growth of 4.1 per cent. The sector's performance was driven by a 5.6 per cent increase in the wholesale and retail trade, food and beverage, and accommodation subsectors, as well as 2.7 per cent growth in the utilities, transportation and storage, and information and communications technology (ICT) subsectors. The construction sector recorded a value-added of RM4.3 billion, compared with RM3.8 billion in the previous year, contributing 3.3 per cent to the state's GDP and expanding by 13.4 per cent. This was driven by double-digit growth in the civil engineering and specialised construction activities subsectors. The agriculture sector grew by 1.8 per cent in 2025, compared with a contraction of 0.5 per cent in 2024. This was supported by a 3.4 per cent increase in the fisheries subsector, while the mining and quarrying sector expanded by 1.1 per cent in 2025. "In terms of GDP per capita, Penang recorded an increase of RM4,477, rising from RM76,107 to RM80,584, exceeding the national average of RM59,167," the chief statistician said. -- BERNAMA

Penang Economy Grows 7.3 Per Cent, Records RM130.3 Bln GDP In 2025

GEORGE TOWN, July 3 — Penang’s economy grew by 7.3 per cent in 2025, with its gross domestic product (GDP) rising to RM130.3 billion from RM121.4 billion in the previous .... read more

SINGAPORE, June 12 -- SmartLend, a fully digital alternative financing platform, has officially launched in Singapore, offering small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) a faster, more transparent way to secure funding.  Apply Once Access All By eliminating third-party brokers and unnecessary costs, SmartLend simplifies the financing process, enabling businesses to compare and obtain loans efficiently without hidden fees. For many SMEs, securing financing from traditional banks remains challenging due to stringent credit requirements and complex application procedures. Those who explore alternative financing often rely on brokers who charge high fees—typically between 3% and 7%—or impose undisclosed costs. SmartLend removes these barriers with a free-to-use platform that provides SMEs with a clear and unbiased view of their financing options, ensuring they secure the best possible funding quickly and cost-effectively. What once took days of paperwork can now be completed in just minutes. By connecting SMEs directly with a network of trusted lenders, SmartLend ensures a transparent and cost-effective borrowing experience. Removing intermediaries benefits both businesses and lenders, creating a more streamlined and efficient financing ecosystem. Unlike traditional loan aggregators, SmartLend's intelligent matching engine prioritises the most cost-effective bank financing first, only recommending alternative lenders when necessary. This ensures businesses always receive the best possible financing terms. According to Danny Phua, CEO of SmartLend, the platform builds upon the success of Smart Towkay, a comparison platform that has helped over 5,000 SMEs secure more than S$100 million in funding. However, the process was still largely manual, requiring businesses to sift through offers and handle paperwork. SmartLend takes this further by automating the entire journey—from loan matching to application—providing businesses with a seamless, digital-first experience. By integrating automation, SmartLend makes alternative financing more accessible, efficient, and borrower-friendly. Beyond business loans, SmartLend is expanding its offerings to include property equity term loans, allowing SMEs to unlock capital using their assets, providing them with greater financial flexibility. Future features will include an instant property valuation tool, enabling businesses to assess their assets in real time, and a document vault, allowing SMEs to track and manage loans across multiple lenders from a single platform. Phua emphasised that the platform's goal is to empower SMEs by giving them full control over their financing journey without unnecessary delays or consultancy costs. With its innovative approach, SmartLend is set to transform the way businesses in Singapore access funding, making alternative financing more transparent, accessible, and cost-effective. -- PRNewswire -- Source: SMARTLEND FINANCIAL PTE. LTD. 

/C O R R E C T I O N — SMARTLEND FINANCIAL PTE. LTD./

SINGAPORE, June 12 — SmartLend, a fully digital alternative financing platform, has officially launched in Singapore, offering small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) a faster, more transparent way to secure funding. .... read more

SHAH ALAM, July 3 -- Applications for zero-profit financing under the DANA Pantas initiative, part of the Selangor Resilience Strengthening Package phase two, will open on Aug 1 with an allocation of RM20 million to support micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) facing current economic challenges. Hijrah Selangor chief business officer Nilammasri Jaafar said financing of up to RM10,000 can be applied for via the DANA PLUS application, available on Google Play and the App Store, through QR code scanning or at any of the 12 Hijrah Selangor Business Centres statewide. The state government initiative offers zero-profit financing with a repayment period of up to three years and is expected to benefit 2,000 registered entrepreneurs. Nilammasri said DANA Pantas is open to all registered business sectors that have been operating for at least one year, while DANA Niaga Tani, which is dedicated to agriculture, fisheries, livestock and aquaculture, requires a minimum operating period of six months. “Entrepreneurs must also be registered with the Companies Commission of Malaysia (SSM), hold valid local authority licences, relevant permits, or be registered with professional bodies,” she told Bernama. Beyond new financing, Hijrah Selangor expects about 6,000 existing entrepreneurs with outstanding financing to benefit from a repayment rescheduling facility offered without penalty, subject to current terms and conditions. Nilammasri said the facility aims to ease financial commitments, reduce cash flow pressure and support business continuity amid challenging economic conditions. She acknowledged rising demand for financing among entrepreneurs, driven by higher operating costs, increased raw material prices and global supply chain disruptions. “There are also requests for rescheduling from entrepreneurs affected by economic pressures and cash flow constraints. Each application will be assessed based on individual circumstances and needs,” she said. Nilammasri said key challenges faced by entrepreneurs in Selangor include limited working capital, rising operating expenses, higher input costs and the need for fast access to financing to seize business opportunities. She added that some micro and small entrepreneurs also face difficulties securing funding through traditional financial channels, prompting the introduction of faster, more accessible and entrepreneur-friendly financing initiatives. Nilammasri said she hopes DANA Pantas, DANA Niaga Tani and the Selangor Entrepreneur Recovery Initiative (SERI) will help strengthen cash flow, enhance business resilience and expand access to financing. She added that the initiatives are also expected to spur business growth, encourage digital adoption among entrepreneurs and contribute to sustainable economic development in Selangor. -- BERNAMA 

Dana Pantas Opens 1 Aug, Offers RM20 Mln Zero-Profit Financing

SHAH ALAM, July 3 — Applications for zero-profit financing under the DANA Pantas initiative, part of the Selangor Resilience Strengthening Package phase two, will open on Aug 1 with an .... read more

KEPALA BATAS, July 2 -- Ideal Property Group has completed all infrastructure works at its 880-acre (323.7-hectare) Penang Technology Park @ Bertam, with the development entering full delivery following the completion of its landmark entrance gateway. The group said in a statement that the technology park is now development-ready, allowing investors to acquire land and begin construction and operations. “More than 60 per cent of industrial land has been taken up. The project is expected to generate employment and support regional supply chain growth as operations commence,” it said. Located in North Seberang Perai, the park is connected to the North-South Expressway and has direct access to Penang Port and the North Butterworth Container Terminal (NBCT), supporting logistics efficiency and supply chain integration. Ideal Property Group chief operating officer Datuk Goh Teng Whoo said Penang has developed into a high-technology manufacturing hub supported by a mature semiconductor supply chain, skilled talent pool and established industrial ecosystem, making it an attractive destination for multinational investment. “Investors can acquire freehold industrial land at Penang Technology Park @ Bertam, complemented by one-stop support services including plot advisory and regulatory coordination,” he said. Goh said the park is equipped with four-lane dual carriageway, 100-ft-wide internal roads, water supply, power supply infrastructure, 5G connectivity, natural gas pipelines and 24-hour CCTV surveillance. He noted that the state’s financing and capital market ecosystem continues to support corporate expansion, and thanked the Penang state government for its support in fast-track approvals, infrastructure delivery and investment promotion. Goh said Penang Technology Park @ Bertam aims to provide a full industrial ecosystem, enabling businesses, particularly small and medium enterprises, to integrate into the global semiconductor supply chain. The development comprises light and medium industrial lots, commercial components and built-to-lease facilities. -- BERNAMA

Penang Technology Park @ Bertam’s Infrastructure Works Completed

KEPALA BATAS, July 2 — Ideal Property Group has completed all infrastructure works at its 880-acre (323.7-hectare) Penang Technology Park @ Bertam, with the development entering full delivery following the .... read more

KUALA LUMPUR: Sapura Industrial Bhd (SIB) has submitted a proposal to sell two adjacent industrial land plots in Bandar Baru Bangi, Selangor to Zeito Plastic Components Sdn Bhd (ZPC) for a cash consideration of RM42.33 million. Two vacant industrial land plots, measuring 40,964 square metres (4.096 hectares), comprising Lot 48474 and Lot 48475, both with a 99-year lease term expiring on 18 July 2103. In a filing to Bursa Malaysia today, the automotive component manufacturer said it had entered into a sale and purchase agreement (SPA) with ZPC on July 1 following receipt of an offer letter on June 8. "Initially, the property was taken over by SIB to expand its factory located in Bandar Baru Bangi. "However, after considering steps to expand the existing factory to be closer to the group's customers, the board of directors believes the proposed sale is timely." "The proposed sale allows the group to leverage the value of its non-core assets at current value and convert them into liquid funds for more productive operational use," he said. According to SIB, the sale consideration was negotiated on a mutual consent basis between the buyer and seller after taking into account the free market valuation of RM40.60 million as at 30 April 2026, the original investment cost of RM12.10 million and the aggregate net book value of RM9.10 million as at 31 January 2026. According to the notice, it expects to recognise a pro forma net profit of approximately RM29.14 million from the proposed sale. He said the proposed sale is subject to shareholder approval at an extraordinary general meeting and other related approvals, if required. SIB said none of its directors, major shareholders and individuals connected with the company have any direct or indirect interest in the proposed sale. "The board of directors, after considering all aspects of the proposed sale, is of the opinion that the proposed sale is in the best interests of the company," he said. According to SIB, subject to unforeseen circumstances, the transaction is expected to close in the first half of 2027. -- BERNAMA

Sapura Industrial sells two adjacent plots of land in Bangi for RM42.33 million

KUALA LUMPUR: Sapura Industrial Bhd (SIB) has submitted a proposal to sell two adjacent industrial land plots in Bandar Baru Bangi, Selangor to Zeito Plastic Components Sdn Bhd (ZPC) for .... read more

QUERÉTARO, Mexico, July 2 — Dymax, a global manufacturer of light-curing materials, dispensing equipment, and UV/LED curing systems, has officially opened a new distribution and technical center in Querétaro, Mexico, reinforcing its commitment to customers across Mexico and Latin America. Located at Parque Terra Park Centenario in El Marqués, the new facility is designed to provide faster product delivery, local inventory, and expanded technical services to support the region's growing advanced manufacturing sector. The opening ceremony was attended by Dymax executives, business partners, customers, and local government representatives, highlighting the company's continued investment in one of Mexico's key industrial hubs. The new center will serve industries such as medical devices, automotive electronics, and aerospace, where high-precision manufacturing and reliable production processes are essential. As demand grows alongside trends such as electrification, miniaturization, and smart technologies, the facility is expected to strengthen collaboration with customers and accelerate the implementation of engineered manufacturing solutions. Greg Bachmann, Director and Chairman of Dymax Companies, said the new center represents more than just a physical expansion. "This facility reflects our commitment to being closer to our customers and supporting their success. We are investing in the expertise, capabilities, and partnerships needed to help manufacturers innovate, improve performance, and bring products to market more efficiently," he said. In addition to warehousing and distribution, the Querétaro facility offers technical resources for product development, application testing, and process optimization, enabling customers to work more closely with Dymax specialists. It also strengthens the company's distribution network throughout Latin America by improving product availability, reducing lead times, and expanding access to technical training and customer support. Guido Albo-Gutierrez, Senior Regional Sales and Operations Manager for Latin America, said establishing operations in Querétaro places Dymax at the heart of one of the world's fastest-growing manufacturing regions. "This facility allows us to deliver faster service and deeper technical collaboration with customers and partners across Mexico and Latin America," he said. Meanwhile, Stéphane Idier, Director of the France-Mexico Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said the investment further reinforces Querétaro's position as a leading destination for advanced manufacturing. He noted that the project is expected to support job creation, strengthen the region's industrial ecosystem, and contribute to long-term economic growth. Mexico continues to attract international manufacturers due to its skilled workforce and strategic role in global supply chains, making it an increasingly important base for advanced manufacturing operations. Looking ahead, Bachmann said the company sees the new facility as the foundation for continued regional growth. "This milestone is just the beginning. We look forward to growing alongside our customers and partners throughout the region," he said. The facility is located at Parque Terra Park Centenario, Nave A1-065, El Marqués, Querétaro, and will serve customers across Mexico and Latin America with distribution, technical support, and engineering services. Dymax develops rapid light-curable materials, adhesives, coatings, dispensing equipment, and UV/LED curing systems for industries including aerospace and defense, medical devices, and consumer and automotive electronics. -- MINUTESMY -- SOURCE: Dymax

Dymax Opens New Distribution and Technical Center in Querétaro to Enhance Support Across Latin America

QUERÉTARO, Mexico, July 2 — Dymax, a global manufacturer of light-curing materials, dispensing equipment, and UV/LED curing systems, has officially opened a new distribution and technical center in Querétaro, Mexico, .... read more

BEIJING, July 1 -- The fourth China International Supply Chain Expo (CISCE) came to a close on June 26 in Beijing. Held under the banner 'Connecting the World for a Shared Future,' the event drew 676 exhibitors from 85 countries and regions, including leading supply-chain companies, innovative SMEs, and research institutions. Overseas participants accounted for 36.5% of the total, while Fortune 500 companies and sector front-runners made up 65% of the exhibiting base. Organizers described the expo as an open, sustainability-focused, and results-driven platform for international trade and supply-chain cooperation.  Australia took part as the guest country of honor, with France's Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region and Italy's Liguria region joining as the first overseas guest regions alongside China's guest provinces, Anhui and Hainan. The arrangement spurred cross-regional exchanges and collaboration throughout the event. The expo welcomed 223 overseas business delegations for on-site visits and negotiations, marking a 29.7% increase from the previous expo. Drawing more than 1,200 exhibitors and supply-chain partners, this year's CISCE marked the largest gathering in the expo's history and shattered previous participation records. On-site professional attendance rose 22% compared with the last edition. Organizers hosted 70 business forums and two evening exhibitor networking events, with the livestreams attracting more than 62 million cumulative online views. This year's event also marked the beginning of the "Digital and Intelligent CISCE" initiative. The former Digital Technology Chain exhibition was upgraded to the Digital and Intelligent Technology Chain, with a dedicated artificial intelligence exhibition zone added. The event saw 161 new products, technologies, services, and applications make their global or industry debuts. In parallel, the 2026 edition of the Global Supply Chain Promotion Report and a new Global Supply Chain Resilience Index Matrix were released, providing new insights into global supply-chain resilience. Business activity at the expo was robust, with exhibitors establishing ties with 43,000 upstream and downstream partner companies, surpassing last year's figure. On the final morning alone, 115 companies and institutions from China and abroad signed letters of intent to exhibit at the fifth CISCE. This early booking figure represents a 12.7% year-on-year increase. Among them, 20 firms committed to multi-year participation, signing agreements spanning three or five years. Media coverage also expanded, with more than 2,300 Chinese and international journalists accredited to cover the event, up 21.5% from 2025. -- PRNewswire -- Source: China International Supply Chain Expo   

4th China International Supply Chain Expo Concludes in Beijing

BEIJING, July 1 — The fourth China International Supply Chain Expo (CISCE) came to a close on June 26 in Beijing. Held under the banner ‘Connecting the World for a .... read more

KUALA LUMPUR, June 30 -- TikTok Shop has become the first e-commerce platform to implement the Jualan Ihsan RAHMAH programme in collaboration with the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN). Minister Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali said the collaboration takes the RAHMAH Sales concept online, making it easier for consumers to purchase essential goods at affordable prices. Under the programme, consumers can purchase selected essential goods comprising 75 stock keeping units (SKUs) at discounted prices from participating retailers HeroMarket and KedaiFGV via TikTok Shop. "There were suggestions that we should introduce RAHMAH Sales online. However, when the government implements any initiative, it has to consider all aspects based on the resources available. "Fortunately, before the government rolled out an online RAHMAH Sales programme, TikTok pioneered the online Jualan Ihsan RAHMAH initiative," he said after officiating the JomLokal 2026: Lokal Jaga Lokal Festival and launching Jualan Ihsan RAHMAH at Ampang here today. Also present was TikTok Shop Malaysia senior director of Strategic Partnerships, Nur Azre Abdul Aziz. Armizan said TikTok Shop is contributing RM180 million to implement three key components of the programme, including discount vouchers offering savings of up to 30 per cent on selected essential goods. The collaboration also provides zero per cent commission for 56 product subcategories, reduced platform fees for another 39 subcategories, and a RM2 shipping rebate for every eligible order nationwide to help lower sellers' operating costs and consumers' online shopping expenses. "The programme has three main objectives: to elevate local products, help address the cost of living and support entrepreneurs in increasing their income," he said. Armizan said the programme also complements the Buy Malaysian Products Campaign (JOM MALAYSIA), launched on June 27, by promoting a whole-of-nation approach to supporting local products, services and entrepreneurs. -- BERNAMA

TikTok Shop Pioneers Online Rahmah Sales – Armizan

KUALA LUMPUR, June 30 — TikTok Shop has become the first e-commerce platform to implement the Jualan Ihsan RAHMAH programme in collaboration with the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost .... read more

KUALA LUMPUR: The Ministry of Entrepreneur and Cooperative Development (KUSKOP) is spending almost RM3 billion to implement various specific programmes to empower Bumiputera entrepreneurs from 2023 to 2025. Minister of Entrepreneur and Cooperative Development Steven Sim said the effectiveness of the spending was measured through several outcome indicators, including an increase in sales of at least 20 percent among participants and 150 companies successfully increasing their business size. "Regarding the government's return on investment , the ministry measures the effectiveness of empowerment programs and overall spending from various outcome indicators or tangible results for participants," he said. Steven said this when answering a supplementary question from Datuk Seri Dr Zaliha Mustafa (PH-Sekijang) regarding the allocation spent by KUSKOP for the Bumiputera empowerment programme and the return to the government measured through job creation during the question and answer session in the Dewan Rakyat today. According to him, for the first five months of this year, the ministry has approved financing worth RM5 billion which has benefited almost 180,000 entrepreneurs of various races and business categories nationwide. He said for the period 2025 to May 2026, specific programmes for Bumiputera entrepreneurs through agencies under KUSKOP have approved financing totaling RM1.407 billion to more than 53,000 Bumiputera entrepreneurs. "Of that total, 11,469 Bumiputera youth received benefits with an allocation of more than RM251 million," he said. Steven said the ministry also implemented elements of halal industry development through various programs through its agencies to help entrepreneurs obtain halal certification to expand the market. Regarding Datuk Mas Ermieyati Samsudin's (PN-Masjid Tanah) proposal regarding a national database system or single window mechanism for coordinating assistance to micro, small and medium enterprises (PMKS), Steven said KUSKOP had appointed SME Corp Malaysia as the coordinating agency. "SME Corp is being used as a one-stop centre to coordinate in terms of financing, grants, funds and other support systems. SME Corp also plays a role in facilitating the provision of information, channeling applicants and PMKS to the appropriate agencies," he said. Steven said KUSKOP was also implementing an initiative to develop a website or portal as a one-stop centre to list various types of support provided by more than 60 government agencies. -- BERNAMA

KUSKOP to spend nearly RM3 billion to empower Bumiputera entrepreneurs since 2023 – Steven

KUALA LUMPUR: The Ministry of Entrepreneur and Cooperative Development (KUSKOP) is spending almost RM3 billion to implement various specific programmes to empower Bumiputera entrepreneurs from 2023 to 2025. Minister of .... read more

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KUALA LUMPUR, June 30 -- Bursa Malaysia opened marginally higher on Tuesday, tracking Wall Street’s overnight gains as investor sentiment was lifted by the continued pause in military strikes between the US and Iran. At 9.10 am, the FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI (FBM KLCI) edged up 0.24 of a point to 1,666.15 from Monday’s close of 1,665.91. The benchmark index opened 1.37 points higher at 1,667.28. Market breadth was positive, with gainers outnumbering losers 181 to 130, while 297 counters were unchanged, 2,082 untraded, and 79 suspended. Turnover stood at 157.26 million shares valued at RM89.56 million. Rakuten Trade Sdn Bhd vice-president of equity research Thong Pak Leng said the FBM KLCI pared earlier losses to end little changed yesterday, possibly due to late bargain-hunting, although investors remained cautious over external uncertainties, as reflected in the day’s relatively low trading volume of 2.7 billion shares. “With no clear signs of West Asia tensions easing, we anticipate another lacklustre day on the local bourse, with the FBM KLCI expected to trade within the 1,660-1,670 range today,” he told Bernama. Among heavyweight stocks, Maybank and Tenaga Nasional bagged two sen each to RM10.82 and RM14.28, respectively, and Public Bank increased three sen to RM4.82. CIMB was flat at RM7.45, and IHH fell four sen to RM8.36. Of the active counters, ACE Market debutant Liftech Group eased 1.5 sen to 27.5 sen, while Tanco, Senheng and Dagang Nexchange were half-a-sen higher at 15 sen, 15 sen and 42.5 sen, respectively. SNS added three sen to 53.5 sen. On the gainers’ list, OCB soared 13.5 sen to 99.5 sen, Apollo and Dutch Lady gained 10 sen each to RM5.95 and RM32.60, respectively, Hume Cement improved seven sen to RM2.99, Genting Plantations moved up six sen to RM5.26. Among the top losers, Malaysian Pacific Industries shed RM1 to RM48.10, Batu Kawan dropped 80 sen to RM20.64, Tradeplus slipped 17 sen to RM4.93, KLCC decreased 15 sen to RM8.98, and Press Metal lost 10 sen to RM7.68. On the broader market, the FBM Emas Index was 3.81 points higher at 12,383.72, the FBM Top 100 Index added 2.34 points to 12,215.43, but the FBM Emas Shariah Index eased 3.38 points to 12,249.14. The FBM Mid 70 Index went up 5.82 points to 17,854.54, and the FBM ACE Index climbed 8.28 points to 4,797.57. Sector-wise, the Financial Services Index expanded 24.17 points to 19,697.20, the Energy Index ticked up 2.92 points to 750.42, the Plantation Index weakened 19.56 points to 8,806.07, and the Industrial Products and Services Index inched down 0.78 of a point to 180.59. -- BERNAMA 

Bursa Malaysia Opens Marginally Higher

KUALA LUMPUR, June 30 — Bursa Malaysia opened marginally higher on Tuesday, tracking Wall Street’s overnight gains as investor sentiment was lifted by the continued pause in military strikes between .... read more

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