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Month: August 2025

Alibaba Cloud is Selangor’s official cloud service provider

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Alibaba Cloud, the digital technology and intelligence backbone of Alibaba Group, has been officially recognised as one of the Cloud Service Provider (CSP) under the newly launched Selangor Multi-Cloud Services (SMC) — a strategic state initiative aimed at accelerating artificial intelligence (AI) adoption and driving digital transformation across Selangor.

Spearheaded by Menteri Besar Selangor (Pemerbadanan) or MBI Selangor via its wholly owned subsidiary Smartsel Sdn Bhd (SMARTSEL), the SMC was launched at MBI Digital Innovation Day by Selangor Chief Minister YAB Dato’ Seri Amirudin Shari. The initiative plays a central role in realising the state’s Smart Selangor ambitions under Rancangan Selangor Pertama (RS-1) and the upcoming RS-2.

As part of its collaboration, Alibaba Cloud, facilitated by its local partner VSTECS Bhd, will provide secure, scalable multi-cloud solutions to support digitalisation across government agencies and state-linked entities.

“We are proud to be one of the official cloud service providers for the Selangor Multi-Cloud Services (SMC) to support the digitalisation for the state. Our collaboration with the MBI Selangor reflects a shared vision to create an inclusive, knowledge-driven digital economy. By combining Alibaba Cloud’s advanced technological capabilities with the state’s bold digital agenda, we aim to build a future where digital innovation is accessible to everyone, from public agencies to students and entrepreneurs,” said Kun Huang, General Manager of Malaysia, Alibaba Cloud Intelligence.

In addition to cloud infrastructure, Alibaba Cloud is rolling out two key initiatives to promote broader AI literacy and accessibility; the Alibaba Cloud AI Toolkit and the “Celik AI Selangor” online learning programme — both designed to make AI technology more accessible to government agencies, educators, students, and grassroots communities.

As part of its support for the SMC rollout, Alibaba Cloud also introduced its AI Toolkit — a comprehensive, all-in-one resource designed to equip users across various sectors with the tools and support needed to begin building AI applications with ease and at no upfront cost.
Tailored to meet the diverse needs of startups, SMEs, students, educators, and enterprises, the AI Toolkit includes:

  • 1 Million Free Tokens per Model – Users receive up to 1 million free tokens across selected large language models (LLMs) via Alibaba Cloud Model Studio — ideal for prototyping, testing, and small-scale deployments.
  • Free Tier and Promotional Credits – New users can access complimentary computing, storage, API calls, and serverless inference through Alibaba Cloud’s Promo Center — enabling low-cost experimentation and development.
  • User-Friendly Tools and Learning Resources – The toolkit supports both technical and non-technical users with hands-on access to real-world tools and datasets, helping accelerate AI literacy and practical application. Free training is also available for non-technical users to understand core AI concepts and apply them to real-world challenges.

In tandem with infrastructure support, Alibaba Cloud also introduced Celik AI Selangor — a new online learning platform created for rakyat of Selangor, the platform provides free access to:

  • Eight foundational AI and cloud computing courses curated to meet Malaysia’s public sector and grassroots needs
  • Alibaba Cloud certifications that can unlock further career and learning opportunities
  • Eligibility for government staff, educators, and students across Selangor

The programme is designed to build foundational AI literacy, especially among youth, civil servants, and educators, empowering the rakyat to become active participants in Malaysia’s digital future.

Through initiatives like the Selangor Multi-Cloud Services, Alibaba Cloud is deepening its role as a trusted partner in Malaysia’s digital ecosystem. Beyond delivering world-class infrastructure, it is also creating pathways for inclusive participation in the digital economy, advancing the nation’s journey toward a high-income, knowledge-based future.

FedEx’s intelligent AI-powered customs solutions to streamline global trade

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Federal Express Corporation (FedEx) launches two AI-powered tools — Customs AI and the Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) Code Lookup Feature across Asia-Pacific (APAC) markets, designed to simplify the often-complex process of completing global shipping documents needed for international shipments, empowering businesses and individuals to ship with greater ease, accuracy, and confidence.

Inaccurate shipping documentation continues to be a major challenge in global trade. To address this challenge, FedEx has integrated new tools into its FedEx Ship Manager™ platform at fedex.com, offering customers an intuitive solution to more seamlessly navigate shipment requirements.

“At FedEx, we are driven by our commitment to delivering flexibility, efficiency, and intelligence for our customers,” said Salil Chari, senior vice president of marketing & customer experience for APAC at FedEx. “By leveraging advanced digital insights and intuitive tools, we’re empowering businesses with the agility to adapt, the efficiency to streamline operations, and the intelligence to make better decisions. These innovations not only simplify global trade but also enable our customers to grow their businesses with confidence in an ever-evolving marketplace.”

The Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) Code Lookup Feature assists customers in their selection of correct HTS code for U.S. import clearance. Customers can input an item description, and the system will automatically suggest the most appropriate HTS code options, along with a confidence score, from which the customer can choose.

Currently available in Australia, Guam, Malaysia, New Zealand, Singapore, and the Philippines, Customs AI leverages advanced generative AI technology to help simplify the shipment documentation process. By analyzing customer inputs in real time, the chatbot intelligently prompts the customer to provide a specific item description and assists customers in selecting the corresponding HTS codes, which can be applied directly to shipment documentation with a single click.

Each suggested HTS code also includes a direct link to the official U.S. HTS tariff schedule, educating customers on the selection and ensuring full transparency and verification. The system is updated to maintain regulatory compliance in an evolving trade landscape, helping customers remain compliant with the latest customs requirements while saving valuable time and effort.

Together, these tools deliver a unified solution that simplifies global trade by addressing key challenges in clearance. Customers may benefit from:

  1. Efficient Customs Clearance: The AI-powered chatbot dynamically tailors questions based on the item being shipped, guiding customers through a simplified documentation process that helps them provide complete and accurate data to brokers. This can help speed up clearance and drive compliance for U.S.-bound packages.
  2. More Accurate Duty & Tax Estimation: Proper HTS code classification enables more precise calculation of import duties and taxes, helping customers better forecast and manage international shipping expenses.
  3. Reduced Delays: Specific item descriptions and HTS code classifications from the outset significantly reduce the likelihood of shipments being held during customs clearance, supporting on-time delivery.
  4. Potential Cost Savings: By avoiding errors in documentation, customers can mitigate the risk of additional handling fees, penalties, or delays caused by non-compliance.

To further support businesses in navigating evolving trade regulations, FedEx offers a range of customer-centric initiatives, including webinars designed to provide practical knowledge and insights on customs compliance and global shipping best practices. These webinars, combined with the robust FedEx suite of digital Import solutions such as the FedEx Import Tool and Collaborative Shipping Tool, empower businesses to adapt confidently to dynamic trade environments.

Bridge Data Centres partners with Johor Special Water for Malaysia’s first Water Reclamation Plant facility

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Bridge Data Centres (BDC), a leading regional provider of hyperscale data centre solutions, has partnered with Johor Special Water (JSW) to embark on Malaysia’s first Water Reclamation Plant (WRP) integrated within a data centre facility.

The Water Reclamation Plant (WRP) is the first of its kind, repurposing treated effluent from a
nearby Indah Water Konsortium (IWK) facility and converting it into high-grade reclaimed water
suitable for data centre cooling.

The plant applies advanced Membrane Bioreactor (MBR) and Reverse Osmosis (RO)
technologies to deliver superior water recovery and quality. Located at the MY07 campus in Ulu
Tiram, Johor, the initiative is an exciting step forward in aligning high-performance digital
infrastructure with national sustainability goals.

Mr Eric Fan, CEO of Bridge Data Centres, said the project demonstrates BDC’s commitment to
environmental leadership and sustainable growth in Malaysia. “This is more than a technical
achievement — it is an innovative response to growing industry demand for hyperscalers which
vie for water resources. BDC’s investments in infrastructure and technologies in this plant are
anchored on harvesting recycled water for industrial use instead of competing for potable water
supplies”, said Mr Fan.

The plant significantly reduces reliance on potable water and strengthens the long-term resilience
of BDC’s operations, while supporting Johor’s broader environmental agenda. With cumulative
investments in Johor exceeding billions, BDC’s facility in MY07 is designed to support up to over
200MW of IT load across multiple phases and serves cloud providers, AI compute operators, and
mission-critical enterprises across Southeast Asia. More than 200 skilled jobs in engineering, IT,
and operations have been created as part of the MY07 development.

Mr Fan added that the project was designed in full compliance with guidelines issued by the
National Water Services Commission (SPAN), and that BDC worked closely with regulatory
agencies, JSW, IWK, and Permodalan Darul Ta’zim (PDT) throughout the planning and execution
phases.

In addition to the Water Reclamation Plant, BDC’s broader water sustainability strategy includes
rainwater harvesting, condensate recovery, and the exploration of alternative effluent sources to
diversify supply and minimise environmental impact. The plant also features smart water metering
for real-time monitoring, enabling a more efficient and measurable approach to water use.
Currently in its final commissioning phase, the Water Reclamation Plant is expected to be fully
operational by the fourth quarter of 2025. Test runs have already demonstrated water quality
outputs that exceed industry standards.

BDC’s initiative not only sets a new benchmark for sustainable data centre operations but also
positions Johor as a rising hub for climate-conscious digital infrastructure in the region. As the
demand for hyperscale capacity continues to grow, this model offers a blueprint for how the
industry can address resource challenges through innovation and partnership.

BDC currently has six data centres in operation or development across Malaysia.

foodpanda Malaysia launches nationwide rider safety programme

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foodpanda Malaysia launches pandasafe, a comprehensive and long-term safety initiative designed to protect and empower delivery partners through a comprehensive, long-term safety ecosystem across the country. This pioneering programme is the result of a strategic coalition with key public and private sector partners including Allianz Malaysia Berhad (Allianz Malaysia), Hong Leong Bank, PERKESO, and Hong Leong Yamaha Motor.

The launch ceremony held at foodpanda’s headquarters, was officiated by YB Anthony Loke, Minister of Transport Malaysia. In his keynote, YB Anthony Loke lauded the programme as a proactive step forward in supporting Malaysia’s growing gig economy workforce.

“The safety of our delivery partners must be treated as a national priority,” said YB Anthony Loke. “I applaud foodpanda and its partners for stepping up with a long-term, structured programme that goes beyond awareness. pandasafe sets a new benchmark for how companies can take responsibility in making our roads safer for gig workers.”

More than just a campaign, pandasafe is a data-driven, multi-touchpoint safety ecosystem — combining education, technology, behavioural science, and financial literacy to build a long-term culture of road safety for delivery partners.

According to Tan Ming Luk, Managing Director of foodpanda Malaysia, pandasafe is a permanent commitment to rider wellbeing, it is not a one-off initiative.

“Our delivery partners are the heart of foodpanda,” said Tan Ming Luk. “Every safely completed order and every rider who gets home safely is a success. With pandasafe, we’re embedding safety into every aspect of our operations, every day. It’s not a seasonal campaign; it’s a permanent shift in how we operate. This is our commitment to our riders, their families, and the communities we serve.”

Under the pandasafe initiative, foodpanda will roll out a range of integrated safety measures, including:

  • Structured rider training programmes focused on safe riding techniques
  • Telematics tools to help riders monitor and improve their riding habits
  • Road safety modules and first aid training, with Allianz Malaysia providing First Response and CPR training, equipping riders with the knowledge to act swiftly in emergencies
  • Social protection education and P-Hailing Safety Induction training, conducted in collaboration with PERKESO, ensuring riders are protected and informed under Malaysia’s safety net framework
  • Defensive riding techniques and braking skills training, supported by Hong Leong Yamaha Motor, enhancing rider control and road awareness
  • Financial literacy and financial safety programmes, led by Hong Leong Bank, to help riders manage their income, plan for the future, and achieve greater financial wellbeing

These components are designed to work in tandem, creating a holistic framework that not only reduces risk but also builds long-term wellbeing for riders across the country.

“Safety is not just a policy — it’s a culture,” added Tan. “And building that culture takes the right partnerships and the willingness to do things differently if it means ensuring our riders get home safely. That’s why this coalition matters.”

With pandasafe, foodpanda Malaysia is setting a bold new precedent moving beyond awareness campaigns to a lasting culture of protection, empowerment, and accountability in the gig economy.

CelcomDigi unveils MobileSHIELD to safeguard customers online

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As part of its commitment to protecting Malaysians in the digital space, CelcomDigi Berhad (CelcomDigi) today introduced MobileSHIELD, an AI-powered mobile security app that gives customers full control over their digital safety. MobileSHIELD helps customers to stay protected from digital threats like scams, malicious apps, identity leaks, and privacy threats.

Developed in partnership with F-Secure, MobileSHIELD provides comprehensive, always-on protection through a single, easy-to-use app:

  • Scam & Security Protection: Blocks fake websites and scam SMS, secures Wi-Fi connections, and protects devices during browsing, banking, shopping, or downloading.
  • Identity Monitoring: Alerts users when personal data is leaked online, enabling timely action.
  • Device Protection: Detects and shields against malware and risky apps.
  • Privacy VPN: Encrypts Internet activity to ensure private browsing, especially on public Wi-Fi.

Customers can subscribe to MobileSHIELD via the Celcom Life or MyDigi apps and download MobileSHIELD from the app store.

The launch of MobileSHIELD reflects CelcomDigi’s ongoing efforts to protect its customers in the digital space. It complements a series of educational programmes such as the S.A.F.E. Internet campaign, nationwide scam awareness and reporting efforts, and the annual Trust Circle Forum — all designed to empower Malaysians with tools and knowledge to stay safe online.

Chin Hin Group partners with HK-listed Kingdee for digital transformation

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Chin Hin Group Berhad (Chin Hin Group) announces its  Strategic Customer Cooperation Agreement on with Kingdee International Software Group Company Limited (Kingdee), a leading provider of digital management solutions listed on the Main Board of the Hong Kong Stock Exchange and headquartered in Shenzhen, China. This landmark partnership marks a pivotal leap in Chin Hin Group’s digital transformation journey, uniting two market leaders with a shared commitment to set the highest standards, learn from global exemplars, and execute with decisive speed and precision. It aligns with a broader regional vision to set the benchmark for the adoption of digital and AI-driven enterprise solutions across Southeast Asia.

“This is more than a partnership; it is the convergence of vision, ambition, and a shared determination to shape the future of enterprise in Southeast Asia,” said Mr. Chiau Haw Choon, Group Managing Director of Chin Hin Group Berhad. “With Kingdee as our strategic partner and its next-generation ecosystem platform as the foundation of our Enterprise Resource Management (ERM), we are ready to lead boldly into the GenAI era.”

Kingdee, with more than 30 years of expertise and a global customer base exceeding 7.4 million enterprises and organisations, has established itself as a pioneer in cloud-native enterprise management software. The company has been ranked the No. 1 SaaS ERM Cloud vendor in China (IDC, 2020-2024) for consecutive years and continues to push the boundaries of AI innovation.

At the signing ceremony, Mr. Jason Zhang, President of Kingdee Group, acknowledged that today’s agreement is the result of months of close collaboration and strategic alignment. This is a strong alliance that will set a new benchmark for digital transformation in Southeast Asia. We look forward to combining Kingdee’s rapid development with Chin Hin Group’s operational excellence, and to jointly developing AI-enabled capabilities in Kingdee Cosmic AI Service Cloud, making this project Kingdee’s overseas flagship reference.”

The new platform will seamlessly integrate Chin Hin Group’s entire value chain — from building materials, construction engineering, to property development and home living — onto a single, reliable, and intelligent backbone of finance, procurement and supply chain that cohesively links with respective industry-leading front-end operational modules. Built on this foundation, embedded AI workflows and AI agents elevate operations into a fully connected, data-driven ecosystem that powers smarter decisions, sharper efficiency, and accelerated growth.

“This partnership leapfrogs conventional transformation cycles, positioning Chin Hin as a frontier firm in the era of intelligent management, where agility, foresight, and sustainable impact redefine how a diversified group thrives.” said Abel Saw, Group Transformation Officer of Chin Hin Group.

Together, Chin Hin Group and Kingdee are shaping the next chapter of AI-driven digital transformation. This strategic cooperation goes beyond operational synergy — it reflects a high-conviction investment in digital leadership. By fusing Chin Hin Group’s diversified strengths with Kingdee’s AI-native platforms, the partnership is poised to unlock scalable efficiencies, future-proof growth, and set new standards for long-term value creation.

Invest Malaysia highlights country’s growth potential at ASEAN Conference

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Bursa Malaysia (the Exchange) concludes the third edition of its Invest Malaysia 2025 series (IM 2025), which was held in Singapore in collaboration with the Macquarie ASEAN Conference 2025. A flagship programme by Bursa Malaysia, Invest Malaysia strategically profiles Malaysia’s capital market to global investors, highlighting the nation’s robust economic fundamentals, dynamic capital market and growth opportunities that underpin its appeal as a compelling investment destination in the region.

Co-hosted by Bursa Malaysia and Macquarie, the event attracted over 250 delegates comprising institutional investors and fund managers across the ASEAN region, representing assets under management (AUM) exceeding RM220 trillion (approximately USD52 trillion). Headlined by YB Datuk Seri Utama Tengku Zafrul Aziz, Minister, Investment, Trade & Ministry (MITI) Malaysia, the session also featured Dato’ Fad’l Mohamed, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Bursa Malaysia, and Verena Lim, Macquarie Asia CEO and co-Head of Infrastructure in Asia Pacific for Asset Management.

In her welcome remarks, Macquarie Asia CEO Verena Lim, cited MITI’s proactive stakeholder engagements as one of the key factors in the considerable growth of foreign direct investment (FDI) into Malaysia in recent years. Referencing Southeast Asia’s economic resilience, Macquarie continues to see investment thematic in areas such as energy transition, digital infrastructure, and social infrastructure.

YB Datuk Seri Utama Tengku Zafrul Aziz, Minister, MITI, in his keynote address highlighted that shifting global trade dynamics are reshaping supply chains, suggest that open economies such as Malaysia and ASEAN need to be responsive and build resilience. He outlined Malaysia’s priorities as ASEAN Chair to strengthen regional resilience and position ASEAN as an investible asset class, while calling for deeper ASEAN economic integration to safeguard the region’s growth trajectory in an increasingly fragmented global economy. He also added that the current period of volatility could serve as a springboard for Malaysia to accelerate its move into higher-value sectors, with the New Industrial Master Plan 2030 (NIMP 2030) providing the long-term policy certainty, targeted incentives, and “safe harbour” measures needed to secure investor confidence.

On the sidelines of the conference, Dato’ Fad’l Mohamed, CEO, Bursa Malaysia reiterated Malaysia’s investment appeal noting that “Malaysia’s capital market remains resilient and well-positioned for growth, supported by strong fundamentals, proactive policies and rising opportunities in strategic sectors. Through Invest Malaysia, Bursa Malaysia connects global investors to the diversity, dynamism and potential of our markets. The strong momentum of initial public offerings (IPOs) reflects the confidence of Malaysian businesses, as they expand and tap the capital market to power their next phase of growth.” As at 1 August 2025, Bursa Malaysia has had 39 IPOs listed, a 39 per cent increase year-on-year compared to the same period in 2024. It maintained lead position in the ASEAN region for total number of IPO listings, and total IPOs funds raised.

“This demonstrates a thriving market where companies are growing, creating value, and offering opportunities for investment. As a multi-asset exchange, Bursa Malaysia remains committed to enhancing the vibrancy and depth of our markets, to support Malaysia’s economic momentum and propel its competitiveness globally,” Dato’ Fad’l Mohamed added.

Since its inception in 2005, Invest Malaysia has expanded its reach globally with 61 Invest Malaysia Away editions hosted in major financial centres worldwide. In 2025 alone, the series has already made its mark in London (January), followed by the Invest ASEAN-Malaysia in Kuala Lumpur (June) – each reinforcing Malaysia’s position as a vibrant and attractive investment destination.

RHB introduces new Vehicle Financing-i (Variable Rate) Flexi Redraw

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RHB Banking Group introduces its new Vehicle Financing-i (Variable Rate) Flexi Redraw with the aim to provide a more responsive alternative to conventional hire purchase arrangements.

The RHB Vehicle Financing-i (Variable Rate) Flexi Redraw seeks to address limitations of traditional vehicle financing through a two-pronged approach. At its core, the product allows hirers to make additional payments beyond their scheduled instalments. Crucially, these overpayments are designed to directly reduce the underlying profit charges on the outstanding financing amount. This mechanism presents a tangible opportunity for hirers to reduce their total financing cost over the tenure, a notable departure from standard fixed-payment structures.

The “Flexi Redraw” element introduces a significant layer of financial agility by permitting customers to withdraw these accumulated excess funds when unforeseen circumstances arise. This feature effectively integrates a liquidity buffer directly into the financing arrangement, potentially alleviating the need for alternative, often more costly, short-term borrowing/financing solutions during financial exigencies.

Jeffrey Ng Eow Oo, Managing Director of Group Community Banking, RHB Banking Group, highlighted the rationale behind the product, “Consumers are increasingly seeking financial solutions that offer both savings and flexibility. Our latest financing enhancement is designed to help our customers take control of their financial future by reducing overall costs while ensuring they have access to additional funds when needed.”

In close partnership with Volvo Car Malaysia, RHB Vehicle Financing-i (Variable Rate) Flexi Redraw will now also be available as an option on Volvo Car Financial Services – Volvo’s premium financing solutions to help customers get in the seat of their new Volvo car.

“We are grateful to have RHB Banking Group as our long-standing financing partner for Volvo Car Financial Services whose products have given our customers the flexibility of variable rates. The new Flexi Redraw option is an excellent value-add for customers seeking the safety, luxury, comfort and performance of our latest electrified cars without compromising their financial security,” said Chris Tan, Sales Director of Volvo Car Malaysia.

For prospective motor vehicle owners in Malaysia, the RHB Vehicle Financing-i (Variable Rate) Flexi Redraw introduces several key advantages:

  • Cost Efficiency Potential: The ability to reduce profit charges through proactive overpayments offers a pathway to lower overall financing expenditure.
  • Integrated Financial Buffer: The redraw feature provides an accessible liquidity option directly linked to one’s vehicle financing.
  • Enhanced Control: The product design aims to empower hirers to better manage their long-term financial commitments.

The product is available for individuals (18-65 years old) and various business entities, covering new, new unregistered reconditioned, and used vehicles, with a minimum financing amount of RM80,000. It is important to note that the profit charges discount on excess payments is capped at 50% of the total original financing amount, and withdrawals are subject to minimal fee, with a minimum withdrawal of RM2,000 and in multiples of RM1,000.

Execution remains key for 13th Malaysia Plan

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The recently tabled 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP) continues the government’s dual-focus approach of fiscal consolidation alongside sustained support for growth. The headline development expenditure (DevEx) allocation of RM430 bil over five years represents a marked step-up in investment. This translates to an average allocation of RM86 bil per annum from 2026 to 2030, well above the RM79 bil annual average recorded from 2021 to 2024 and nearly double the pre-pandemic average of RM48 bil between 2015 and 2019. Spread evenly, this roughly works out to the government spending at least 3% of GDP on DevEx each year, with more than half of the total allocation (52.8%) directed to the economic sector. This should underpin the much needed infrastructure build-out, human-capital development and innovation-driven projects under the 13MP.

Screenshot 2025 08 07 132000

Realistic Growth Ambition
The plan targets an average annual GDP growth of 4.5%–5.5% over 2026–2030, a range close to the 5.2% average growth recorded between 2021–2024. We believe that this target is both realistic and achievable, and is also similar to our baseline medium-term GDP growth expectation of circa 5.0%, provided global headwinds remain manageable and domestic policy support continues.

Fiscal Consolidation Remains on Track
The 13MP reiterated its commitment to narrow the fiscal deficit to below 3% of GDP by 2030, from the 4.1% recorded in 2024. Assuming the total development expenditure is somewhat evenly spread across 2026–2030 and real GDP grows within the targeted range of 4.5%–5.5%, the deficit ratio should be on track to decline toward the sub-3% objective.

Screenshot 2025 08 07 132122

This fiscal consolidation is important to help lower the government’s debt load, which climbed to 64.6% of GDP as at end-2024 from 52.4% in 2019, and in turn ease its debt-servicing burden. Interest payments reached 15.6% of government revenue as of end-2024, up from 12.5% in 2019, which suggests that for every RM100 in government revenue earned, about RM16 is used to pay interest on borrowing. Sustained deficit reduction, therefore, helps avoid the crowding out of productive spending and frees up resources for development priorities over the long run.

Human-Capital and Income Targets
The 13MP aspires to raise compensation of employees (CE) to 40% of GDP by 2030, a commendable target in order to resolve Malaysia’s widely talked about issue of ‘stagnant’ wages. However, this would require an average annual CE growth of 11.1% between 2026 and 2030, more than double the 5.3% pace under the 12MP and higher than the pre-pandemic (2016-2019) average of 7.1%. With CE share at only 33.6% in 2024, achieving this will demand effective wage policies, including continued minimum-wage adjustments, stronger graduate and TVET wage progression, and broad-based productivity enhancements.

The Plan also addresses investments in human capital and preparation as the nation transitions into an aged nation. Latest projections by the Department of Statistics Malaysia indicate that the country will transition into an “aged society” by around 2050, with the working-age population share expected to fall from 70% in 2025 to 68%. Coupled with declining birth rates (total fertility rate of 1.7 in 2023 versus 2.0 in 2013), Malaysia faces a shrinking labour force. The review of the mandatory retirement age, alongside a comprehensive strategy for workforce upskilling and an emphasis on Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) to address skill mismatch issues under 13MP, should help mitigate some of the labour market challenges ahead.

Execution Remains Key
As with previous plans, execution remains the linchpin. The enhanced Policy Implementation Plan and monitoring system known as MyRMK will oversee integrated implementation across ministries. The enhanced transparency, which enables timely course corrections, provides the necessary tools for success. Whether the 13MP targets can be met will depend heavily on the effectiveness of execution and the discipline to follow through with the plans.

The 13MP strikes a prudent balance between fiscal consolidation and growth support, with a sizeable and well-targeted DE envelope and a realistic growth target. While sectoral allocations and digital-innovation drivers are well calibrated, execution capacity and human-capital challenges, particularly the ambitious income share goal, will be decisive. Strong implementation governance, more effective measures to minimise leakages and ensure efficient use of public funds, coupled with supportive policies for wages and innovation, will be critical to realising the 13MP’s 2030 vision.

Binghatti establishes Malaysia as gateway to Dubai projects

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Binghatti, a leading property developer based in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), has officially designated Malaysia as its Southeast Asia investment hub to drive regional interest in its expanding portfolio of premium residential developments in Dubai.

With a development portfolio exceeding AED50 billion (approx. RM58 billion) of more than 80 projects, and over 11,000 residential units delivered across Dubai, Binghatti brings a proven track record of architectural innovation and execution to international markets.

This move comes amid sustained momentum in Dubai’s real estate sector, which recorded transactions worth over AED 431 billion (approx. RM 498 billion) in the first half of 2025—a 25% year-on-year increase. Foreign demand for real estate, strengthened bilateral and multilateral ties, and the UAE’s safe haven status continue to fuel rapid growth in housing prices and rental rates, while contributing to ample domestic liquidity.

As the appointed hub, Malaysia will serve as a launchpad for investor engagement across Southeast Asia, with a specific focus on reaching Malaysian and regional buyers through dedicated previews, advisory services and after-sales support. This strategic move builds on Malaysia’s strong appetite for international real estate—driven by a growing base of high-net-worth individuals, with its ultra-high-net-worth population projected to grow by 35% over the next five years, one of the fastest growth rates in Asia. Its well-developed financial infrastructure facilitates seamless cross-border transactions, while direct flight connectivity to Dubai further strengthens Malaysia’s role as a gateway for regional investors seeking access to tax-friendly and high-growth markets like the UAE.

The initiative spotlights Binghatti’s latest off-plan development, Aquarise—an ultra-luxury waterfront tower currently under construction and scheduled for handover between late 2026 and mid-2027. Featuring sculptural, water-inspired architecture, smart-home technology, and resort-style amenities, Aquarise is located in Business Bay, one of Dubai’s most sought-after districts known for its proximity to Downtown Dubai, the Burj Khalifa, and the Dubai Canal. Units start from AED1 million (approx. RM1.16 million). Other developments, including Skyhall and Skyrise, are also underway, further expanding Binghatti’s portfolio and offering a range of premium residential investment opportunities.

“Our presence in Malaysia marks the next chapter in Binghatti’s global investment platform—bringing world-class Dubai real estate closer to Southeast Asian investors,” said Lucky Zhang, Sales Manager of Binghatti. “With Swan Knights and Skylink as our partners, this alliance reflects our shared commitment to delivering a seamless investment experience—rooted in trust, design excellence, and long-term value.”

Binghatti is renowned for its architectural distinction and global partnerships, having launched several record-breaking branded residences—including the Bugatti Residences, Mercedes-Benz Places, and Burj Binghatti Jacob & Co. Residences, set to become the world’s tallest branded residential tower.
Investor engagement activities will commence in the coming months, including exclusive previews, briefings, and personalised consultations for interested buyers.