BENGALURU (May 12): Apple is weighing price hikes for its upcoming fall iPhone lineup but is keen to avoid linking any increases to US tariffs on imports from China, where most of its devices are assembled, the Wall Street Journal (WSJ) reported on Monday.

Apple considers raising iPhone prices, WSJ reports

US President Donald Trump's sudden about-face on sweeping import tariffs did little to soothe companies' worries about the fallout from his trade war and its chaotic implementation: soaring costs, falling orders and snarled supply chains.

In a stunning reversal, the president said on Wednesday he would temporarily lower the hefty tariffs he had just imposed on dozens of countries, though he also hiked duties for China and kept 25% tariffs levied on aluminium, steel and autos in place.

Trump tariff pause leaves CEOs asking: What happens in 90 days?

LAS VEGAS/BENGALURU (April 9): Alphabet said on Wednesday that it was still committed to spending some US$75 billion (RM335.69 billion) this year to build out data centre capacity despite turmoil over US tariffs, and sought to reassure investors that its artificial intelligence (AI) plans were yielding good returns.

Alphabet reaffirms US$75b spending plan in 2025 despite tariff turmoil

BENGALURU (April 3): Marketing platform AppLovin said on Thursday that it has submitted a bid for TikTok assets outside of China, ahead of the April 5 deadline set by the US President Donald Trump to find a non-Chinese buyer for the short video app used by 170 million Americans.

AppLovin bids for TikTok in all markets outside of China

OpenAI must transition to a for-profit company by the end of the year to secure the full US$40 billion (RM177.41 billion) funding led by SoftBank it is in the final stages of raising, a person familiar with the matter said on Friday.

OpenAI must complete for-profit transition by year end to raise full US$40b — Reuters

SHANGHAI/SINGAPORE (May 16): New rules for Chinese active funds unveiled this month that are set to drastically change fund flows in the country's stock markets have prompted immediate action from some of the biggest players in the industry to introduce fresh products.

China Asset ...

Chinese active funds gear up with fresh products after dramatic industry reforms

A Thai construction tycoon and 14 others surrendered to police on Friday over a building collapse that killed nearly a hundred workers during a powerful earthquake in March, authorities said.

Thai construction tycoon and 14 others surrender to police over fatal Bangkok tower collapse

Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) expects the front-loading of exports — especially in the electrical and electronics (E&E) sector — to normalise in the coming months, after a temporary uptick as businesses sought to preempt higher tariffs during the 90-day pause announced by the US.

BNM expects front-loaded export momentum to taper off in coming months

Taiwan President Lai Ching-te offered his support and encouragement to the armed forces on Friday ahead of what the government has warned could be a new round of Chinese military exercises near the island from as early as next week.

Taiwan president rallies troops ahead of possible Chinese drills

(May 16): The founders of Indian clean energy producer Greenko Energy Holdings are still working on purchasing Orix Corp’s stake in the company, despite the Japanese financial group’s announcement cancelling the sale, said people familiar with the matter.

India’s Greenko Energy founders eye new deal to buy stake from Orix — Bloomberg

Vietnam and Thailand elevated diplomatic ties to a comprehensive strategic partnership and targeted bilateral trade to hit US$25 billion (RM107 billion) soon.

Vietnam, Thailand lift relationship amid rising economic ties

SINGAPORE/TAIPEI (May 16): In 1996, a rust-streaked freighter carrying barrels of nuclear waste attempted to dock at Orchid Island off the southeast coast of Taiwan. It never made it to shore. Hundreds of residents, mostly from the island’s indigenous community, blocked the vessel with fishing boats and rocks, forcing it to turn back. It was the last time nuclear waste was sent there.

Nuclear plant shutdown leaves Taiwan facing energy crunch

Magma Group Bhd (KL:MAGMA) said it has signed a partnership with Nasdaq-listed Chagee to tap the Chinese premium tea chain business in Malaysia.

Magma to tap Chagee's premium tea chain in Malaysia

Tenaga Nasional Bhd or TNB (KL:TENAGA) and Malakoff Corp Bhd (KL:MALAKOF) are expected to benefit most from Malaysia’s first power plant tender in over 10 years, as demand rises sharply due to data centres.

TNB, Malakoff front runners for Malaysia’s first power plant tender in over 10 years — CGS International

Russian and Ukrainian negotiators will meet in Istanbul on Friday for their first peace talks in more than three years as both sides come under pressure from US President Donald Trump to end Europe's deadliest conflict since World War Two.

Russia and Ukraine to hold first direct peace talks in over three years

SHAH ALAM (May 16): The Sessions Court issued an arrest warrant for former Erdasan Group Bhd (KL:ERDASAN) director Mak Siew Wei on Friday, after he missed court proceedings to face 14 charges of embezzling RM39.875 million from the company.&nbsp;

Arrest warrant issued for former Erdasan director Mak Siew Wei for missing court

Malaysia Semiconductor Industry Association (MSIA) members surveyed unanimously believe they will be unable to absorb any tariffs or similar trade actions.&nbsp;

This stark finding highlights the deep concern within the Malaysian semiconductor industry regarding potential US&nbsp;tariff policies, according to the MSIA in a statement on Friday.

No member able to absorb tariffs, says Malaysian semiconductor association

Paradigm Real Estate Investment Trust, which owns three shopping malls, has launched its initial public offering (IPO) that could raise up to RM560 million ahead of its Main Market listing.

Paradigm REIT launches Main Market IPO that could raise up to RM560 mil for WCT

Malaysia’s economy decelerated but continued to expand in the first three months of 2025, thanks to resilient household spending and business investments, while exports slowed.

Malaysia's economic growth slows to 4.4% in 1Q as exports decelerate, official data show

KUALA LUMPUR (May 16): Dialog Group Bhd’s (KL:DIALOG) stock fell on Friday, snapping a six-day winning streak, following a set of weaker than expected quarterly results by the oil and gas services firm.&nbsp;

Dialog Group falls nearly 7%, snaps six-day winning streak after weak results

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) and the US have signed an agreement for the Gulf country to&nbsp;build&nbsp;the largest artificial intelligence (AI) campus&nbsp;outside&nbsp;the US, a type of&nbsp;deal&nbsp;that previously faced restrictions over Washington's concerns that&nbsp;China&nbsp;could access the technology.

UAE to build biggest AI campus outside US in Trump deal, bypassing past China worries

Malaysia is committed to reducing petrol subsidies in the second half of the year, and is refining its plan as US tariffs darken the economic outlook.

The government “will continue to assess inputs and feedback in refining details” of its fuel subsidy revamp, as it actively engages with a wide range of stakeholders, a spokesperson at the Ministry of Finance (MOF) said in response to questions from Bloomberg News.&nbsp;

Malaysia committed to 2025 petrol subsidy cut but no fixed date, MOF tells Bloomberg

Lynas Rare Earths Malaysia has commenced its first production of separated heavy rare earths at its facility in Kuantan.&nbsp;

In a statement on Friday, the company noted that the facility is currently the only commercial producer of separated heavy rare earth products outside of China. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Lynas Malaysia starts production of separated heavy rare earths at Kuantan facility

Analysts&nbsp;remain&nbsp;upbeat on 99 Speed Mart Retail Holdings&nbsp;Bhd&nbsp;(KL:99SMART) following the release of its first-quarter results, citing sustained earnings growth prospects supported by ongoing expansion.

99 Speed Mart positioned for growth from expansion plans — analysts

Malaysia’s current-account surplus expanded in the first three months of 2025 to its widest in more than two years thanks to net exports of goods and a smaller secondary income deficit, data released showed.

Malaysia's 1Q current-account surplus widest in over two years, data show

Sarawak Cable Bhd (KL:SCABLE) board member and major shareholder Datuk Seri Mahmud Abu Bekir Taib was not aware of and does not support the board’s decision to sue Leader Cable Industry Bhd’s (LCIB) liquidators for alleged negligence in handling asset sales, according to an email sighted by The Edge.

Sarawak Cable’s Mahmud Abu Bekir opposed to lawsuit against Leader Cable’s liquidators — lawyer's email

TELUK INTAN (May 16): The driver of a stone-laden&nbsp;lorry&nbsp;pleaded not guilty at the Magistrates’ Court here on Friday on nine counts of causing the death of nine members of the Federal Reserve Unit (FRU), in an accident on Jalan Chikus-Sungai Lampam on Tuesday (May 13).

Lorry driver charged with causing death of nine FRU personnel

One in 10 people in Britain have zero cash savings to draw on in an emergency, according to figures published on Friday by the UK's top financial watchdog, in findings that underscore the financial vulnerability of millions.

One in 10 people in Britain have zero savings, FCA says

KAZAN (May 15): Malaysia remains firm in its position to seek justice and resolution, particularly for the families and victims of the Malaysia Airlines flight MH17, which was tragically shot down over Ukraine in 2014, says political secretary to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, Muhammad Kamil Abdul Munim.

Malaysia firm on justice for MH17 victims, says PM’s political secretary

(May 16):&nbsp;President Donald&nbsp;Trump&nbsp;on Thursday announced deals totalling over US$200 billion (RM853.6 billion) between the US and the United Arab Emirates, including a US$14.5 billion commitment between Boeing, GE Aerospace and Etihad Airways, the White House said.

Trump announces US$14.5 bil Etihad commitment with Boeing, GE

Asian stocks were ending a strong week on a softer note on Friday as the euphoria over US-China trade talks faded, while revived bets for policy easing in the US sparked a rally in beaten-down bond&nbsp;markets.

Asian shares set to end strong week on soft note; bonds enjoy relief rally

Magma Group Bhd (KL:MAGMA) said it has signed a partnership with Nasdaq-listed Chagee to tap the Chinese premium tea chain business in Malaysia.

Wall Street traders drove stocks higher as bond yields sank after the latest economic data spurred speculation the Federal Reserve (Fed) will cut interest rates twice this year to prevent a recession.

S&P 500 rises as Fed-cut bets sink Treasury yields

KUALA LUMPUR (May 16): Mobile network operator Maxis Bhd (KL:MAXIS) said its net profit rose 5% in the first three months of 2025 from a year earlier, thanks mostly to cost control, and kept its guidance unchanged.

Maxis’ 1Q net profit edges up 5%, declares dividend of four sen per share

A wave of Chinese exports redirected towards emerging markets is likely to help crimp inflation across the developing world and bolster longer-maturity bonds, fund managers say.

Goods from the Asian nation are set to flow away from the US due to the higher tariffs imposed by President Donald Trump, and be a force for disinflation elsewhere, according to Principal Asset Management, Banque Lombard Odier et Cie, and Barclays plc. Bonds in countries with a high ratio of Chinese imports will benefit the most, including Malaysia, Brazil and South Africa, Barclays says.&nbsp;

Jaspreet Singh

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Jaspreet Singh

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