GECS Q1 2026: Malaysia’s finance professionals highlight rising geopolitical risks alongside economic concerns

ACCA-IMA survey records near-pandemic-low confidence as Middle East conflict drives energy costs and supply chain stress

KUALA LUMPUR, April 21 (Bernama) -- The ACCA and IMA Q1 2026 Global Economic Conditions Survey (GECS), conducted between 3 and 19 March, coincided with the outbreak of war in the Middle East, weighing heavily on global business sentiment.

For Malaysia, the implications are significant. As a key semiconductor hub, the country may experience some upward pressure on input costs due to disruptions in petrochemicals and other critical materials. As a net energy importer, it could also be affected by higher oil and gas prices. In addition, a stronger US dollar may place some pressure on the ringgit, potentially increasing import costs and foreign currency exposures.

Regionally, 33% of Asia Pacific respondents ranked geopolitical instability as their top risk priority in Q1 2026, above the global average of 25%. Cybersecurity risk ranked second globally at 17%, a concern that is relevant in Malaysia’s fast-digitalising economy.

Andrew Lim, Head of Maritime SEA, ACCA, said: “The Q1 2026 GECS findings are a sobering reminder of how deeply interconnected Malaysia’s economy is with global trade and geopolitical dynamics. Our position at the heart of Southeast Asia means that supply chain disruption, energy price volatility, and currency pressures hit us at multiple pressure points simultaneously. Finance professionals in Malaysia must now navigate an environment where the risks are not only economic but deeply geopolitical – and the two are increasingly inseparable.”

The survey showed a sharp decline in confidence, close to the series lows recorded at the beginning of the pandemic in 2020, as firms grapple with the fourth major global shock this decade. Confidence also fell sharply among chief financial officers.

While an April ceasefire brought some market relief, uncertainty remain high, and energy and other commodity prices look set to remain elevated. Rising cost pressures were evident in Q1, with reports of increased operating costs at their highest since Q3 2022. With energy prices rising and supply chains under strain, pressures are expected to intensify.

Some indicators were more encouraging though. The Global New Orders Index registered a solid increase and is now at its historical average level. Meanwhile, the Global Employment Index, which captures the hiring and firing decisions of firms, also saw slight improvement, although it remains below its historical average.

Read GECS Q1 2026 here.

Source: ACCA

FOR MORE INFORMATION,PLEASE CONTACT:
Email: newsroom@accaglobal.com

--BERNAMA

QINGYANG LEVERAGES AI, COMPUTING POWER TO TRANSFORM RURAL E-COMMERCE

A public welfare lecture about AI livestreaming and intelligent e-commerce.

 KUALA LUMPUR, April 21 (Bernama) -- Qingyang is advancing its digital transformation by integrating artificial intelligence (AI) and "computing power" into rural e-commerce, enabling farmers and homemakers to become livestream sellers, or "Code Farmers".

At the Qingyang Electronic Commerce Association, training programmes on AI livestreaming and intelligent e-commerce are equipping participants with practical skills—from product selection and content planning to virtual human streaming—reshaping how local communities engage in online commerce.

The initiative is supported by the Qingyang National Computing Hub under China’s Eastern Data and Western Computing Project, which provides low-cost, low-latency computing resources, according to a statement.

This enables the use of AI tools such as virtual streamers, creating a development model that combines local computing power, AI applications and talent training to boost operational efficiency.

The results have been significant. Qingyang recorded total e-commerce sales of 6.91 billion Chinese yuan in 2025, with online retail contributing 3.27 billion Chinese yuan, up 12.7 per cent year-on-year. (100 Chinese yuan = RM 58.01)

Since 2023, more than 2,000 people have received hands-on e-commerce training, strengthening the region’s digital talent base.

As a result, local residents are shifting from traditional agriculture to digital entrepreneurship, using AI-powered platforms to market regional products nationwide. This transformation highlights how digital infrastructure and emerging technologies are driving new economic opportunities in rural China.

-- BERNAMA

PETRONAS inks MoU with Terengganu to Explore Nature-based Solutions Projects

Dato' Mohd Azmi Mohamad Daham, Terengganu State Secretary (Centre) signs the MoU together with (Left to Right); Datuk Razali Idris, Chairman of the Terengganu State Committee on Tourism, Culture, Environment and Climate Change; Dato' Rosli Latif, Director, Terengganu Economic Planning Unit; Gulia Sartori, Senior General Manager, Nature, Corporate Sustainability, PETRONAS; Ezrin Johanna Elias, General Manager, Nature Centre of Excellence and Solutions, Corporate Sustainability, PETRONAS and Khairuddin Jaafar, Senior General Manager, Stakeholder Relations, Group Strategic Relations and Communications.

KUALA LUMPUR, April 21 (Bernama) -- PETRONAS and the Terengganu State Government, through the Terengganu Economic Planning Unit (UPEN), have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to explore opportunities for the development of Nature-based Solutions (NbS) in the state.

Under the MoU, both parties will collaborate to identify and assess potential sites across Terengganu for Nature-based carbon projects that meet internationally recognised certification standards. These projects are intended to generate high-quality carbon credits while delivering tangible benefits to local communities and supporting environmental conservation.

The MoU was signed by PETRONAS Senior General Manager, Nature, Corporate Sustainability, Giulia Sartori and Terengganu State Secretary, Dato’ Mohd Azmi Mohamad Daham. The signing was also witnessed by Ezrin Johanna Elias, General Manager, Nature Centre of Excellence and Solutions, Corporate Sustainability, PETRONAS and Dato' Rosli Latif, Director, Terengganu Economic Planning Unit.

Commenting on the collaboration, Giulia Sartori said PETRONAS looks forward to working closely with the state to advance climate-positive initiatives that create shared value.

“We are pleased to collaborate with the state of Terengganu in advancing nature-based solutions that strengthen climate resilience, enhance biodiversity and deliver meaningful benefits to local communities. This collaboration builds on PETRONAS’ long-standing presence in the state, and we look forward to delivering value for the state and supporting Malaysia’s overall climate ambitions together,” she said

Dato’ Mohd Azmi welcomed the collaboration, highlighting the role of Terengganu’s natural ecosystems and their potential to contribute to climate change mitigation.

“Terengganu is blessed with diverse natural ecosystems that hold significant potential for nature-based solutions. Through this collaboration with PETRONAS, we aim to contribute to Malaysia’s efforts to reduce carbon emissions while ensuring environmental conservation brings lasting benefits to the people of Terengganu,” he said.

NbS comprises actions to reduce and remove greenhouse gas emissions through conserving, protecting, restoring and sustainably managing natural ecosystems. Carbon credits generated through NbS are integral for PETRONAS in addressing residual and hard-to-abate emissions, complementing its Net Zero Carbon Emissions by 2050 Pathway.

Issued by
Channels & Media Relations
Group Strategic Relations & Communications
PETRONAS

SOURCE: PETRONAS

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:
Name: Aisyah Mustapha
Tel: +6012 3818 790
Email: aisyah.mustaphakamil@petronas.com

--BERNAMA

SHANGPREE to Showcase Aesthetic Heritage at Beauty Asia Singapore, Expanding Global Presence via Amazon & Shopee by 2026

 

SINGAPORE, April 17 (Bernama-GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- SHANGPREE, Korea’s premier aesthetic skincare brand, is accelerating its global expansion by participating in ‘Beauty Asia’ in Singapore. Following recent successful launches on Amazon US and Japan, the brand is set to officially enter Amazon Singapore and Shopee within 2026, strengthening its digital footprint across Southeast Asia.

■ "Esthetician’s Touch in Your Hands": Introducing the 'FF Program'

At the exhibition, SHANGPREE will present its iconic bestsellers alongside the newly launched ‘FF Program (Focus on Focus PROGRAM)’. The FF Program is a high-performance intensive care line designed to precisely analyze and restore skin balance disrupted by external stressors. Developed based on 36 years of aesthetic clinical data accumulated since 1990, the lineup embodies SHANGPREE’s core mission: bringing the meticulous care of a professional esthetician into the customer’s daily skincare ritual.

■ A K-Beauty Apex Trusted by Global Luxury Channels

Originating from an aesthetic spa in 1990, SHANGPREE has already proven its value within the world’s most selective luxury distribution networks, including Harrods in London and Barneys New York. Participation in Singapore’s Beauty Asia serves as a strategic milestone to further solidify SHANGPREE’s standing as a high-end skincare authority on the global stage.

■ From the US and Japan to Southeast Asia: A Vision for Global Leadership

Following its recent entry into major global markets, SHANGPREE is now focusing on reinforcing its distribution network in Southeast Asia.

"Our participation in Beauty Asia is an opportunity to prove SHANGPREE’s rigorous standards and 36-year heritage to the global market," said a representative from SHANGPREE. "With our recent expansion into Amazon US and Japan, and our upcoming 2026 launches on Amazon Singapore and Shopee, we are committed to building an environment where customers across Southeast Asia can easily experience our high-end aesthetic spa solutions."

# About SHANGPREE

SHANGPREE is a premium skincare brand born from an aesthetic spa in 1990. By evolving decades of clinical expertise into scientific mechanisms, the brand provides precise skin solutions trusted by global experts and luxury retailers worldwide. Its signature lineup includes world-renowned bestsellers such as the Marine Energy Eye Mask, Gold Premium Plus Modeling Mask, and Phyto Essence UV Sunscreen, all of which embody the brand’s commitment to professional-grade results.

• Official Website:  www.shangpree.com
• Instagram:  @shangpree.official

# Media Contacts
cs@shangpree.com 

SOURCE: SHANGPREE

Supratechnic Secures Sole Singapore Distribution Rights for Swiss Air Quality Leader IQAir; Launches Suprayi E-Commerce Platform

SINGAPORE, April 15 (Bernama) -- Supratechnic (S) Pte Ltd (“Supratechnic”), a subsidiary of SGX Mainboard-listed USP Group Limited and a leading regional distributor of marine, instrumentation, and healthcare solutions, announced it has secured sole nationwide distribution rights in Singapore for IQAir on 14 April 2026.

Founded in Switzerland in 1963, IQAir is an air quality technology brand trusted in hospitals and critical healthcare environments worldwide.

This appointment formalises and elevates Supratechnic's existing partnership with the Swiss manufacturer to the sole authorised distributor for Singapore. This milestone expands Supratechnic’s healthcare division and secures its role as a key provider of clinical-grade infrastructure.

Mr. Melvin Tan, Chief Executive Officer of Supratechnic, commented on the milestone: 
 

“Our objective was never merely to sell more units. Over the years, we have invested steadily in building the service infrastructure required to uphold IQAir’s exacting standards — from technical training and after-sales support to market-wide service coverage. This sole nationwide distributorship appointment is not the beginning of that journey, but a recognition of the work already done. Our responsibility now is to honour that trust by delivering consistently, at the highest standard, every day.”

 
Alongside this appointment, Supratechnic officially launched Suprayi, a digital platform curated for clinically proven health solutions. The name ‘Suprayi’ brings together ‘supra,’ representing excellence and standards above the ordinary, and ‘yi’ (医), the Chinese character for healing and medicine. Together, the name embodies the platform’s mission to provide trusted, effective, and elevated health solutions that support healthier living.

Operated directly by Supratechnic, Suprayi is the official e-commerce and advisory channel for IQAir products in Singapore. The platform provides customers with access to genuine IQAir products, local warranty coverage, expert technical advice, and dependable after-sales support from the authorised distributor. 

IQAir utilizes HyperHEPA filtration technology to capture ultrafine particles as small as 0.003 microns. This includes airborne contaminants such as viruses, bacteria, smoke, and combustion particles. The systems are independently tested and meet international safety certifications for use in hospitals and specialist clinics. 

Mr Jens Hammes, Chief Executive Officer of Incen AG (IQAir) said, “ 
 

““Our cooperation with Supratechnic began in 2004. I still remember how impressed I was by the team’s professionalism, technical expertise, and unwavering dedication when introducing the IQAir brand to Singapore. 

Since then, we have shared a common mission — to make clean, healthy air accessible to as many people in Singapore as possible. Securing sole nationwide distribution rights today reflects the strength of that long-standing partnership and our confidence in Supratechnic’s ability to represent IQAir at the highest standards.” 
 

The timing of this sole nationwide distributorship appointment reflects a market in transition. Singapore's persistent air quality challenges—from seasonal transboundary haze to urban emissions and VOCs from renovation materials and rising pet ownership in compact homes—have fundamentally changed how households, workplaces, and healthcare facilities think about indoor air.

SOURCE : Aegis Communication 

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:
Name: Jason Fong
Tel: +6012-8631134
Email: jason@aegiscomm.com.my 

--BERNAMA 

AM Best Withdraws Performance Assessment of Delta International Limited’s Affiliates

 

SINGAPORE, April 16 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- AM Best has affirmed the Performance Assessment (assessment) of PA-2 (Excellent) of Delta Insurance New Zealand Limited (New Zealand) and Delta Underwriting Private Limited (Singapore). The companies are assessed on a consolidated basis under their parent, Delta International Limited (Delta). The outlook of the assessment is stable. Concurrently, AM Best has withdrawn the assessment as the company has requested to no longer participate in AM Best’s interactive performance assessment process.

This assessment reflects Delta’s strong underwriting capabilities, excellent governance and internal controls, strong financial condition, excellent organizational talent, and strong depth and breadth of relationships.

In AM Best’s view, the two affiliated companies exhibit several commonalities with one another and are regarded as strategically and financially important to Delta, providing access to businesses in certain geographic jurisdictions in the Asia Pacific region. Delta was founded in New Zealand in 2014 with local ownership and operates from offices in New Zealand, Australia and Singapore.

AM Best assesses Delta’s underwriting capabilities as strong. Delta has consistently recorded profitable underwriting results over the past few years across a wide range of product lines and geographic regions. Delta has a highly specialised underwriting philosophy and risk selection process, supported by its in-house underwriting and claims management teams. This has enabled the organization to grow its premium base rapidly through product and geographic expansion over time. However, compared to its historical growth rate, the company recorded lower growth in recent periods due to challenging market conditions.

AM Best considers Delta’s governance and internal controls to be excellent. Delta has implemented a sophisticated framework for selecting capacity providers, which elevates the products and coverage it provides to its policyholders. This is complemented by Delta’s extensive use of internal and external audits, policies and procedures, quality reviews and ongoing monitoring.

AM Best assesses Delta’s financial condition as strong. Delta has a track record of profitable operations with stable income sources and positive cash flow. The organisation does not retain any insurance risk. In recent periods, the shareholders’ equity was negatively impacted by the company’s buy-out of the non-controlling interest in its subsidiaries, which was recorded directly against equity under NZ IFRS 10. Prospectively, AM Best expects shareholders’ equity to increase, supported by positive earnings generation.

AM Best assesses Delta’s organizational talent as excellent. Delta’s senior management is highly experienced in the company’s lines of business and in the geographic regions in which the group operates. The knowledge share and training programs within Delta further benefit its underwriting capabilities. AM Best expects continued development in the quality and quantity of Delta’s staff as the organisation grows.

AM Best assesses Delta’s depth and breadth of relationships as strong. While Delta has a relatively compact history, most capacity providers have partnered with the organisation since its inception. Delta offers multiple programs across several countries, which provides appropriate diversification. There is opportunity for advancement in Delta’s ability to retain and sustain long-term relationships.

This press release relates to Performance Assessments that have been published on AM Best’s website. For all information relating to the release and pertinent disclosures, including details of the office responsible for issuing each of the Performance Assessments referenced in this release, please see AM Best’s website. For additional information regarding the use and limitations of Performance Assessments, please view Guide to Best’s Performance Assessments for Delegated Underwriting Authority Enterprises. For information on the proper use of Best’s Credit Ratings, Best’s Performance Assessments, Best’s Preliminary Credit Assessments and AM Best press releases, please view Guide to Proper Use of Best’s Ratings & Assessments.

AM Best is a global credit rating agency, news publisher and data analytics provider specializing in the insurance industry. Headquartered in the United States, the company does business in over 100 countries with regional offices in London, Amsterdam, Dubai, Hong Kong, Singapore and Mexico City. For more information, visit www.ambest.com.

Copyright © 2026 by A.M. Best Rating Services, Inc. and/or its affiliates. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

View source version on businesswire.com: 
https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260415172133/en/

Contact

Yi Ding
Associate Director
+65 6305 5021
yi.ding@ambest.com

Victoria Ohorodnyk
Senior Director, Head of Analytics
+65 6303 5020
victoria.ohorodnyk@ambest.com

Christopher Sharkey
Associate Director, Public Relations
+1 908 882 2310
christopher.sharkey@ambest.com

Al Slavin
Senior Public Relations Specialist
+1 908 882 2318
al.slavin@ambest.com 

Source : AM Best

MTDC UNVEILS SEMICONSTART MALAYSIA, A NATIONAL SEMICONDUCTOR INCUBATION PROGRAMME TO BUILD MALAYSIA’S IC DESIGN AND DEEP-TECH PIPELINE

KUALA LUMPUR, April 15 (Bernama) -- Malaysia is strengthening its position in the global semiconductor value chain through SemiconStart Malaysia, a national semiconductor incubation programme led by the Malaysian Technology Development Corporation (MTDC). The programme was unveiled today at a pre-launch event attended by stakeholders from government, industry, research institutions and universities, and is designed to support the development of globally competitive companies in areas such as integrated circuit (IC) design, photonics, Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems (MEMS) and quantum technologies.

The initiative is developed and led by MTDC in collaboration with Silicon Catalyst UK, one of the world’s leading semiconductor incubators and accelerators, with a strong track record of supporting hundreds of chip companies in scaling and growth. The programme combines early-stage funding managed by MTDC with access to advanced design tools, global industry mentorship, strategic partners and international investor networks through Silicon Catalyst’s ecosystem.

“Malaysia’s global reputation in semiconductor manufacturing is firmly established. The next step is to build Malaysian companies that do not merely participate in the industry, but lead in innovation, technology development and value creation. SemiconStart Malaysia reflects MTDC’s role in building this pipeline, by translating technology into ventures, and ventures into globally competitive companies, while strengthening Malaysia’s long-term strategic position across semiconductor value chain,” said Ts. Hj. Mohammad Hazani Hj. Hassan, Group Chief Executive Officer of MTDC.

SemiconStart Malaysia is developed in alignment with Malaysia's National Semiconductor Strategy (NSS) and Budget 2026 commitments, which earmarked RM7.9 billion to upskill the nation's electrical and electronics (E&E) workforce and build strategic depth in the sector. MTDC has been mandated to implement the SemiconStart Malaysia programme, including managing the selection process and disbursement of grants of up to RM1 million per company, as well as overseeing the programme in collaboration with Silicon Catalyst through a structured 260-day incubation track.

Apart from funding, companies will undergo rigorous technical and commercial assessments coordinated by Silicon Catalyst’s UK and US teams. Focus areas include IC design, sensor technologies, photonics, MEMS, quantum technologies and advanced semiconductor materials, all of which have been identified as strategic, highvalue segments under the NSS.

Companies will also be assessed based on their commitment to value creation in Malaysia, including the registration of intellectual property in Malaysia and the development of local technical talent. Foreign participation is allowed under the programme, subject to clear local capability-building and ecosystem contribution .

Against a backdrop of geopolitical uncertainty, supply chain realignment and intensifying competition for critical technologies, Malaysia must continue strengthening its own technology ecosystem to build greater resilience and reduce long-term dependence in strategic areas. This requires stronger domestic capabilities in semiconductor innovation, intellectual property, talent development and venture creation, enabling Malaysian companies to compete more effectively in higher-value segments of the industry. SemiconStart Malaysia is intended to support this shift and reinforce Malaysia’s long-term competitiveness in the global semiconductor value chain.

Silicon Catalyst brings to the partnership a global network of industry advisors, investors and technology partners, as well as experience from similar programmes such as ChipStart UK, a UK Government-backed semiconductor incubator programme. The initiative is led by Sean Redmond, a semiconductor veteran who previously held leadership roles at Cadence, ARM-affiliated Verisity Design, and ARC, together with Dr. Ross Addinall, who brings decades of IC design and EDA experience to Malaysia’s startup pipeline.

The full launch of SemiconStart Malaysia is expected to take place later this year, with applications opening in April. The programme represents a strategic step in strengthening Malaysia’s capabilities in semiconductor design and deep technology, and reflects the broader national effort to move Malaysia further up the global semiconductor value chain through innovation, talent development and technology commercialisation.

Prepared by:
MINISTRY OF SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND INNOVATION
15 April 2026

About Malaysian Technology Development Corporation (MTDC)

Established in March 1992, Malaysian Technology Development Corporation Sdn. Bhd. (MTDC) is a wholly owned subsidiary of Khazanah Nasional Berhad and an agency under the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MOSTI). MTDC plays a strategic role in strengthening Malaysia’s deep technology ecosystem by supporting the progression of technology companies from development to adoption and scale.

As a technology investor and ecosystem enabler, MTDC provides developmental and growth funding through initiatives such as the National Technology and Innovation Sandbox (NTIS), Halal Technology Development Fund (HTDF), Dana Uji Beli MySTI, Dana Mudahcara MySTI, Business Start-up Fund (BSF), Business Growth Fund (BGF) and the MTDC–Tradeview Quantum Fund, a public–private investment initiative to accelerate the growth of high-potential Malaysian technology companies.

MTDC also strengthens companies through capability development and technology adoption platforms including the Centre of 9 Pillars® (Co9P®), Technopreneur Training Academy (TENTRA), and the MySTI ecosystem, facilitating market access and technology adoption across both public and private sectors.

Over more than three decades, MTDC has supported Malaysian technology companies across key sectors including Electrical & Electronics and Semiconductor, Industry 4.0, Healthcare and Life Sciences, Food Security, Green Economy, and Aerospace and Mobility.

Issued by MTDC Corporate Communications Department

SOURCE: Malaysian Technology Development Corporation (MTDC)

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:
Name: Munirah Abdullah Sani
Vice President, Corporate Communications Department
Tel: +6019-2687887
Email: munirah@mtdc.com.my

--BERNAMA