ZHONGSHAN FIRMS SHOWCASE SMART MANUFACTURING PRODUCTS IN MALAYSIA TRADE PUSH

KUALA LUMPUR, April 28 (Bernama) -- The first overseas edition of Guangdong’s “Goods Go Global” trade promotion programme has brought more than 70 manufacturers from Zhongshan to Kuala Lumpur, showcasing consumer goods and smart manufacturing products over the weekend.

Held at Pavilion Bukit Jalil, the two-day event combined a business conference with an offline product exhibition aimed at helping Zhongshan companies expand their presence in Southeast Asian markets, according to a statement.

The programme, titled “Zhongshan Premium Products, Trade Connecting Southeast Asia”, featured more than 300 products across categories including smart home appliances, lighting systems, hardware, household goods, industrial equipment and rehabilitation robotics.

Participating companies included major Chinese manufacturers such as TCL, Changhong and Vatti, with organisers saying more than 20 firms conducted direct retail sales during the event, while around 30 companies focused on brand promotion and distributor outreach.

A dedicated exhibition zone branded “Intelligent Manufacturing Zhongshan” highlighted the city’s manufacturing capabilities, while additional displays introduced Zhongshan’s urban development, cultural heritage and tourism resources.

Representatives from Shopee also engaged participating firms to support digital market entry, discussing onboarding procedures, platform policies and local distribution opportunities in Malaysia.

During the event, organisers also announced the launch of a new trade platform in Johor Bahru designed to provide Zhongshan companies with a permanent base for product display, sales and business matching in Malaysia.

Alongside product promotion, officials from Zhongshan presented the city’s investment environment and appointed members of the Malaysian business community as advisers for future cooperation projects, saying the programme reflects broader efforts to diversify overseas market access.

-- BERNAMA

Helical Fusion Launches Helix Program “Official Partners” to Build Japan’s Industrial Coalition for Commercial Fusion Energy

 

^{Helical Fusion’s Integrated Demonstration Device, “Helix HARUKA,” currently under construction (photographed at the company’s dedicated workspace within the National Institute for Fusion Science in Gifu, Japan)} 


Multiple long-established Japanese companies join as inaugural partners in a shared push to build the fusion energy industry; Helical Fusion also completed the first close of its Series B round


TOKYO, April 28 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- Helical Fusion Co., Ltd., a fusion energy company developing a Helical stellarator power plant, today announced the launch of Helix Program Official Partners, a new strategic partnership framework designed to bring together long-term industrial collaborators committed to advancing fusion from laboratory progress to real-world fusion power deployment.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260427596284/en/ 

The Helix Program is Helical Fusion’s core initiative to realize commercially viable fusion energy in the 2030s. Rather than starting from a reactor concept alone, the program works backward from the three essential requirements for commercial fusion power: net electricity, continuous operation, and high maintainability. Based on this framework, Helical Fusion has adopted the Helical Stellarator as the reactor approach with the clearest pathway to achieving all three requirements in a fully operational fusion power plant, building on Japan’s decades-long research foundation in helical stellarator technology.

The first three companies to join as founding Official Partners are NICHIAS Corporation, Hasetora Spinning Co., Ltd., and Seno Kisen Co., Ltd. Each brings a business legacy spanning roughly a century or more. More importantly, they are joining not simply as suppliers or investors, but as long-term partners who share Helical Fusion’s ambition of helping build the fusion energy industry itself.

“Commercial fusion will not be realized by a startup alone, or by physics alone,” said Takaya Taguchi, Co-Founder and CEO of Helical Fusion Co., Ltd. “It requires a coalition of companies willing to apply the strengths they have built over generations to one of the most consequential industrial challenges of the next century. Helix Program Official Partners was created for that purpose.”

Unlike a conventional sponsorship program, Helix Program Official Partners is structured for companies that will work alongside Helical Fusion as active industrial collaborators. Participation is tied not only to strategic business alignment, but also to capital commitment. The framework is intended to support manufacturing and construction for Helix HARUKA, Helical Fusion’s Integrated Demonstration Device, and ultimately Helix KANATA, the company’s planned first commercial plant in the 2030s.

About Helix Program Official Partners

NICHIAS Corporation, founded in 1896, has supplied insulation, sealing, and high-performance industrial products to sectors that have underpinned modern industrial society, including shipbuilding, petroleum refining and petrochemicals, electric power, automobiles, construction, and semiconductors. Its participation reflects the view that the technologies required for large-scale industry in one era can become enabling technologies for a new energy system in the next.

Hasetora Spinning Co., Ltd., founded in 1887, has evolved through more than a century of manufacturing while building expertise in materials and textile-based technologies. Its decision to join points to a broader idea central to fusion commercialization: that advanced materials companies with deep manufacturing DNA may have an important role in shaping the infrastructure of future energy.

Seno Kisen Co., Ltd., founded in 1946 and built through decades of global maritime operations, brings expertise in industrial logistics, fleet management, and the movement of essential resources that sustain economies. Its participation underscores that future energy systems will not depend only on invention, but on the operational disciplines needed to move, deploy, and sustain large-scale assets in the real world.

The company is already advancing that roadmap in hardware. Manufacturing and construction are underway for magnet demonstration work for Helix HARUKA at a dedicated Helical Fusion workspace on the campus of the National Institute for Fusion Science in Toki, Gifu.

In connection with this broader push, Helical Fusion also completed the first close of its Series B round, raising approximately JPY 2.7 billion. Investors in the round include NICHIAS Corporation, Hasetora Spinning Co., Ltd., Seno Kisen Co., Ltd., Ecrowd NEXT, Konoike Transport Co., Ltd., and MITANI SANGYO Co., Ltd., among others. Among these investors, NICHIAS Corporation, Hasetora Spinning Co., Ltd., and Seno Kisen Co., Ltd. are also participating as the Helix Program Official Partners. Including grants and loans, the company’s total funding to date has reached approximately JPY 9.8 billion. The company said this additional capital will support continued development under the Helix Program alongside the expansion of its industrial partnership network.

About Helical Fusion Co., Ltd.

Helical Fusion Co., Ltd. is a company working to commercialize fusion energy through the development of the Helical Stellarator. The company was founded in 2021 as a spin-out from the National Institute for Fusion Science (NIFS), leveraging research achievements accumulated at NIFS.

View source version on businesswire.com: 
https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260427596284/en/

Contact

Media Contact
Communications Design Office
Helical Fusion Co., Ltd.
contact@helicalfusion.com 

Source : Helical Fusion Co., Ltd.

PETRONAS Dagangan Berhad Marks Another Year of Steadfast Operations and Sustainable Growth

 

(From Left) Chief Operating Officer, Azureen Azita Abdullah; Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer, Azrul Osman Rani; Chairman, Datuk Anuar Ahmad and Chief Financial Officer, Mazlie Minhat at PETRONAS Dagangan Berhad's 44th AGM.

KUALA LUMPUR, April 27 (Bernama) -- PETRONAS Dagangan Berhad (PDB) reaffirmed its commitment to serving Malaysians through safe and reliable nationwide operations. Anchored on customer centricity, PDB continues to prioritise solutions that enhance convenience, accessibility and reliability for Malaysians.

Central to this effort is Setel, PDB’s proprietary digital platform, which has played a pivotal role in strengthening customer engagement and accelerating the adoption of cashless and seamless transactions nationwide. During FY2025, this digital capability was instrumental in supporting the successful rollout of the Government’s BUDI MADANI RON95 (BUDI95) subsidy framework, ensuring smooth implementation while maintaining continuous nationwide operations.

At its 44th Annual General Meeting (AGM) today, the Company shared that for the financial year ended 31 December 2025 (FY2025), sales volume reached a record high of 17.1 billion litres and profit after tax (PAT) was RM1.14 billion. PDB also declared a total dividend of 112 sen per share, including a 20 sen per share special dividend, reflecting a 100 per cent payout ratio.

FY2025 Highlights:

• Resilient Volume and BUDI95 enablement: Retail volumes remained stable, attributed by high Setel app adoption rate. With more than 11 million registered users nationwide, Setel was instrumental in facilitating the smooth implementation of BUDI95.

• Commercial agility: The Commercial segment recorded strong growth, led by aviation fuel demand and the delivery of Malaysia’s first locally blended Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), with International Sustainability and Carbon Certification (ISCC) CORSIA certification. This milestone underscored PDB’s capability to support aviation decarbonisation while meeting stringent operational requirements.

• Sustainability and community: 303 stations were solarised, reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 4695.6 tonnes CO₂e. The used cooking oil (UCO) collection initiative resulted in the collection of 749 tonnes of UCO, generating RM2.2 million for community beneficiaries. Additionally, the PETRONAS Malaysia Open sponsorship in collaboration with the Badminton Association of Malaysia supports the development of ~140 athletes annually. This demonstrated PDB's commitment to responsible operations and positive environmental and social impact.

• Sales volume: 17.1 billion litres, supported by high Jet A-1 and Commercial Diesel demand.

• Revenue: RM38.3 billion, supported by higher volumes despite lower average selling prices.

• PAT and dividend: PAT of RM1.14 billion, underpinned by disciplined cost management and focused operational execution; total dividend of 112 sen per share, including a 20 sen per share special dividend (100 per cent payout ratio).

The AGM was chaired by Chairman Datuk Anuar Ahmad and attended by Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Azrul Osman Rani, Chief Operating Officer Azureen Azita Abdullah, Chief Financial Officer Mazlie Minhat and other Board members.

Guided by the theme “Win the Moment, Shape the Next” and aligned with the Company’s Integrated Report 2025, the AGM reaffirmed PDB’s drive to remain resilient in facing challenges. It also underscored PDB’s focus on agility and disciplined execution in facing the future.

Azrul said, “FY2025 was a year that tested our discipline and resilience amid a dynamic operating environment. Our performance was anchored by the strength of our core businesses, supported by steady operations and growing digital adoption. Our priority is our customers, and we are committed to meeting their needs while remaining mindful of costs. Looking ahead to 2026, our priorities are to further strengthen our core, scale digital adoption and embed sustainability, ensuring the business remains resilient and well-positioned for the future.”

“While the outlook for the industry is expected to be challenging in the coming months, due to the impact of the crisis in West Asia, PDB remains committed to ensure meeting domestic fuel requirements will continue to be our priority,” Azrul added.

Despite ongoing global changes and shifting energy policies, PDB is prepared to perform well. The Company remains committed to keeping Malaysia moving by ensuring reliable supply, supporting national priorities and delivering sustainable value to shareholders. "

For further reading, visit FY2025 PDB’s Integrated Report at www.mymesra.com.my/ir2025 and Bursa Malaysia’s website at www.bursamalaysia.com under Annual Report.

Issued by
Corporate Communications
PETRONAS Dagangan Berhad

ABOUT PETRONAS DAGANGAN BERHAD

PETRONAS Dagangan Berhad is the principal domestic marketing arm of Petroliam Nasional Berhad (PETRONAS), which holds 63.94 per cent of its equity. Incorporated in Malaysia on 5 August 1982 and listed on the Main Board of Bursa Malaysia on 8 March 1994, PDB has since established itself as Malaysia’s leading retailer and marketer of downstream oil and gas products.

The Company markets a wide range of high-quality petroleum products including motor gasoline, aviation fuel, diesel, kerosene, fuel oil, bunker fuel, lubricants, liquefied natural gas (LNG), liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and bitumen.

In line with its strategy to grow beyond fuel, the Company has established Mesra Retail & Cafe Sdn Bhd in 2021 to drive its food and beverage (F&B) business and expanded its retail footprint with the PETRONAS Shop, which offers exclusive PETRONAS-branded merchandise and souvenirs.

PDB’s proprietary digital platform, Setel, underpins this ecosystem by driving convenience, efficiency and delivering a seamless, end-to-end customer experience. This digital capability positions the Company to strengthen customer connectivity and enhance value beyond fuel sales.

Since 2015, PDB has been certified as a constituent company member of FTSE4Good Index Series – a testament to the Company’s commitment to strong environmental, social and governance practices measured against globally recognised standards.

SOURCE: PETRONAS Dagangan Berhad

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:
Name: Dayang Ainul Mardiah Zainal
Tel: 03 – 2331 0236
Email: dayangainul_zainal@petronas.com.my

Name: Anisa Adnin Mohamad
Tel: 03 – 2392 3759 | 013 – 904 2724
Email: anisaadnin.mohamad@petronas.com.my

--BERNAMA

PETRONAS REINFORCES INDUSTRY RESILIENCE AND COMPETITIVENESS AT OGSE PARTNERS DAY 2026

Datuk Ir. Bacho Pilong, Senior Vice President, Malaysia Petroleum Management (third from right), alongside (from left to right) Mohd Razali Kamin, Senior General Manager, Group Procurement, PETRONAS; Terry Biusing, Chief Corporate & OGSE Officer, SMJ Energy Sdn Bhd; Ts Syed Saggaf, President, Malaysian Oil, Gas & Energy Services Council (MOGSC); Rashidah Alias, Vice President, Group Procurement, PETRONAS; PETRONAS; Ir. Norafizal Mat Saad, Vice President, Group Strategic Relations & Communications, PETRONAS and Mohd Yazid Ja'afar, President/Chief Executive Officer, Malaysia Petroleum Resources Corporation officiating at the OGSE Partners Day.

KUALA LUMPUR, April 24 (Bernama) -- PETRONAS reaffirmed the importance of strengthening resilience, competitiveness and execution capability across Malaysia’s oil and gas service and equipment (OGSE) ecosystem at its OGSE Partners Day, held today at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre. 

 

Themed “Empowering Resilience”, the event brought together more than 800 participants, including vendors, association representatives, production sharing contractors, financial institutions and government agencies. 
 

In his keynote address, Datuk Ir. Bacho Pilong, Senior Vice President of Malaysia Petroleum Management PETRONAS highlighted that the programme today aims to demonstrate a future-ready and resilient OGSE ecosystem that is financially sound, technologically capable, talent ready and governed with integrity.   
 

“The key areas of focus – from sustainability and digital operations to finance and talent development – are interconnected. Transformation does not happen in silos. It happens when technology, talent, capital and governance move forward together,” he said. 
 

The event featured a series of panel sessions exploring pathways to enhance operational efficiency, strengthen governance, and accelerate capability development across the supply chain. Discussions covered technology adoption, talent development and financing solutions, alongside the importance of deeper collaboration across the OGSE value chain. 
 

Panelists included representatives from the Malaysia Petroleum Resources Corporation (MPRC) and the Malaysian Oil, Gas and Energy Services Council (MOGSC), who shared perspectives on market volatility, global competition, sustainability requirements, technological shifts and evolving policy expectations. These discussions are aligned with the National OGSE Industry Blueprint 2021-2030, which aims to strengthen the regional competitiveness of Malaysian OGSE companies.  
 

PETRONAS also formalised a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for its Sustainable Vendor Financing Programme with Alliance Bank Malaysia Berhad, Bank Islam Malaysia Berhad, UOB Malaysia, RHB Bank Berhad and Malaysian Industrial Development Finance Berhad (MIDF). Launched last year, the programme enhances vendors’ access to sustainable financing by leveraging sustainability disclosures, enabling them to tap into Bank Negara Malaysia’s financing facilities, including the Low Carbon Transition Facility (LCTF) and High Tech and Green Facility (HTG) and MIDF’s Sustainable & Green Biz Financing (SGBF). This initiative is aimed at supporting PETRONAS vendors in adopting more sustainable practices across their operations. 
 

The OGSE industry remains a key pillar in Malaysia’s economy, contributing between five to eight per cent to national Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and supporting more than 123,000 jobs nationwide.  
 

As a progressive energy and solutions partner, PETRONAS is committed to driving sustainable and inclusive growth by working closely with industry partners to strengthen ecosystem capabilities and foster a resilient, capable and competitive industry for the future.  

 

Issued by:  

  

Channels and Media Relations  

Group Strategic Relations & Communications  

PETRONAS  

  

SOURCE: PETRONAS 

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:   

Name: Aisyah Mustapha Kamil
Tel: 012 3818 790 
Email: aisyah.mustaphakamil@petronas.com  

--BERNAMA

Bitget Advances Multi Asset Push with #2 Global Stock Perpetuals Ranking in Q1 2026

VICTORIA, Seychelles, April 24 (Bernama-GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Bitget, the world’s largest Universal Exchange (UEX), ranked second globally in Stock Perpetuals market share in Q1 2026 according to TokenInsight’s Crypto Exchange Report Q1 2026. The result highlights the growing traction in equity-linked derivatives as demand expands beyond crypto-native assets into broader market exposure.

The broader shift toward tokenized and multi-asset trading is still in its early stages, but the direction is becoming clearer. According to the report, Stock Perpetuals averaged roughly $423 million in daily volume during the quarter, reflecting sustained growth in the segment. That trend aligns with Bitget’s TradFi tokenization thesis, published in February 2026, which projected annual stock trading volumes could rise from an estimated $100 trillion–$130 trillion today to $160 trillion–$200 trillion by 2030 as more equities move on-chain.

Bitget’s position reflects its early entry into the category, having launched stock perpetual futures in September 2025. In Q1 2026, Bitget captured 22.61% of the Stock Perpetuals segment, with average daily trading volume reaching $95.74 million. The exchange has steadily built a meaningful position in the category, demonstrating the industry shift towards an Universal Exchange strategy and its ability to support broader market exposure through tested trading infrastructure.

“This milestone reflects more than category growth. It shows that users are responding to a broader shift in how trading platforms should serve them,” said Gracy Chen, CEO of Bitget. “Our focus is to build Bitget into a destination where users can move across crypto and TradFi assets with greater ease. Our performance in Stock Perpetuals is one step in executing that long-term vision.”

Beyond Stock Perpetuals, the report also highlighted Bitget’s strength in the broader exchange market. In Q1 2026, Bitget ranked fifth globally by total exchange market share, accounting for 7.70% of industry trading volume. Its share remained stable quarter over quarter, edging up 0.02 percentage points despite a broader market cooldown, solidifying Bitget’s top five position among its peers across both crypto-native and emerging traditional finance-linked trading activity.

Bitget’s performance in Stock Perpetuals reflects its broader Universal Exchange strategy, designed to bring together crypto and expanded market access within a single trading environment. The platform has already established a leading presence in tokenized equities, and its momentum in Stock Perpetuals points to a broader effort to build the infrastructure, liquidity, and access layers needed to support the migration of traditional market activity into on-chain and crypto-native trading environments.

To read the full report, visit here.

About Bitget

Bitget is the world's largest Universal Exchange (UEX), serving over 125 million users and offering access to over 2M crypto tokens, 100+ tokenized stocks, ETFs, commodities, FX, and precious metals such as gold. The ecosystem is committed to helping users trade smarter with its AI agent, which co-pilots trade execution. Bitget is driving crypto adoption through strategic partnerships with LALIGA and MotoGP™. Aligned with its global impact strategy, Bitget has joined hands with UNICEF to support blockchain education for 1.1 million people by 2027. Bitget currently leads in the tokenized TradFi market, providing the industry's lowest fees and highest liquidity across 150 regions worldwide.

For more information, visit: Website | Twitter | Telegram | LinkedIn | Discord

For media inquiries, please contact: media@bitget.com

Risk Warning: Digital asset prices are subject to fluctuation and may experience significant volatility. Investors are advised to only allocate funds they can afford to lose. The value of any investment may be impacted, and there is a possibility that financial objectives may not be met, nor the principal investment recovered. Independent financial advice should always be sought, and personal financial experience and standing carefully considered. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future results. Bitget accepts no liability for any potential losses incurred. Nothing contained herein should be construed as financial advice. For further information, please refer to our Terms of Use.

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/e4870efa-2684-4373-8877-efa7d8eb65fe 

SOURCE: Bitget Limited

DISCLAIMER: BERNAMA MREM are not accountable for any causes of website defacement, misuse, or illegal activities connected to cryptocurrency, blockchain, tokenisation, or bitcoin. This material should not be considered as guidance or an opinion, as it does not constitute financial or investment advice. Use this information at your own risk; we are not liable for any losses or damages caused by the republication of this article.

Resilience and Integrity of Malaysia's Professional Community Amidst National and Global Energy and Economic Challenges

 

Prof. ChM. Dr. Juan Joon Ching, President, Balai Ikhtisas Malaysia (BIM) 

KUALA LUMPUR, April 21 (Bernama) -- Balai Ikhtisas Malaysia (BIM), representing Malaysia’s professional community across multiple disciplines, expresses its concern over the escalating national and global challenges, including geopolitical tensions, persistent supply chain disruptions, global energy pressures, and rising cost-of-living impacts affecting economies and societies worldwide.

These developments are placing sustained pressure on national resilience, particularly in relation to the affordability of essential goods and services, including healthcare, energy-dependent industries, and professional service delivery.

In this environment, BIM reaffirms that Malaysia’s professional community must continue to play a stabilising role by providing ethical leadership, evidence-based expertise, and practical solutions to support government, industry, and the rakyat in navigating these uncertainties.

BIM acknowledges the Government’s continued efforts to strengthen economic resilience and safeguard national well-being. In support of this agenda, BIM has taken proactive steps to deepen institutional collaboration and reinforce governance integrity.

Most recently, BIM formalised a strategic partnership with the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). This collaboration strengthens the role of professional bodies in promoting integrity, transparency, and good governance—key foundations for national resilience during periods of economic and structural pressure.

In addition, BIM has initiated engagement sessions with the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI) and key agencies, including the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA), Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE), and Malaysian Productivity Corporation (MPC). These discussions focus on coordinated strategies to strengthen industrial resilience, support trade continuity, enhance productivity, and ensure Malaysia remains competitive amid global economic disruptions.

𝐏𝐑𝐎𝐅𝐄𝐗 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔 𝐚𝐬 𝐚 𝐍𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐓𝐚𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐏𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐦

In response to rising cost pressures, rapid technological transformation including artificial intelligence, and shifting workforce demands, professionals and graduates are actively seeking new pathways for career advancement and repositioning.
Against this backdrop, BIM is organising PROFEX 2026 – Professional Conference and Exhibition 2026, themed “Uniting Professions, Transforming Malaysia’s Future”, to be held on 29–30 September 2026.
 
PROFEX 2026 serves as a national platform connecting employers with qualified professionals, students, and graduates, bridging talent supply with evolving industry demand across Malaysia’s professional sectors. The event will also welcome participation from international delegates and professional bodies, further enhancing cross-border knowledge exchange and global networking opportunities.

The programme will focus on three core objectives: 
 

1. Strengthening awareness of professional career pathways, entry requirements, and progression opportunities
2. Promoting lifelong learning through certification, upskilling, and continuous professional development
3. Facilitating direct engagement between employers and potential talent for recruitment, internships, and career placement

Through this initiative, BIM aims to support structured talent development and strengthen Malaysia’s professional ecosystem in alignment with national economic priorities.

𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐢𝐭𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐍𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐠𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐃𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐥𝐨𝐩𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭

BIM underscores the importance of integrity, accountability, and public trust among professionals, particularly during periods of economic uncertainty. Professionals are called upon to uphold ethical standards, strengthen public confidence, and contribute constructively to national stability.

Through strengthened collaboration with key institutions such as MACC, MITI, MIDA, MATRADE, and MPC, BIM continues to position Malaysia’s professional community as an active partner in advancing governance integrity, economic resilience, and sustainable national development.

BIM calls upon all stakeholders to work collectively in strengthening Malaysia’s competitiveness, safeguarding public trust, and ensuring that professional careers remain a key driver of national progress and future talent development. 

Issued by:
Prof. ChM. Dr. Juan Joon Ching
President, Balai Ikhtisas Malaysia (BIM)
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

SOURCE: Balai Ikhtisas Malaysia (BIM)

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT: 
Name: Lisa Chong
Tel: +6012 672 3898
Email: lisa.chong@bim.org.my

--BERNAMA 

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