Most Japanese Firms See Negative Impact From US Tariffs
TOKYO, June 18 (Bernama-Xinhua) -- A private survey conducted by Tokyo Shoko Research showed on Wednesday that over half of Japanese companies believe the US tariffs are negatively impacting their business performance, Xinhua reported.
Of the more than 7,000 companies surveyed nationwide, 11 per cent reported a significant negative effect and 45 per cent a slight negative effect, with only 38 per cent indicating no impact.
Rubber product manufacturers, including tire makers, and the steel industry were among the hardest hit.

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The Star
28 minutes ago
- The Star
Lump sum withdrawals may undermine long-term retirement security
KUALA LUMPUR: The practice of lump sum retirement withdrawals may jeopardise long-term financial security and increase the risk of retirees outliving their savings, said Employees Provident Fund (EPF) chief executive officer Ahmad Zulqarnain Onn. He said that only a small proportion of EPF members currently meet the basic savings threshold, while over 58 per cent of working-age Malaysians are not contributing to any formal retirement scheme. "If Malaysia is serious about preparing for a 100-year life, we must fundamentally rethink how we work, save, engage and care, across all stages of life,' he said. Ahmad Zulqarnain added that the EPF is exploring enhanced accumulation strategies, including structured monthly withdrawal options, to help members manage longevity risks and ensure the sustainability of their retirement savings. "We are intensifying efforts to promote retirement literacy, particularly among youth, informal workers and vulnerable groups, to build a culture of long-term saving and informed financial decision-making,' he said during his closing remarks at the International Social Wellbeing Conference 2025, themed 'Living to a Hundred: Are We Prepared?' held here on Wednesday (June 18). As Malaysians live and work longer, he said the country must eventually align the full EPF withdrawal age with the national minimum retirement age to ensure a more coherent and secure transition into later life. "The EPF remains committed to turning this challenge into an opportunity by delivering retirement solutions that are inclusive, sustainable and future-ready,' he said. "Our shared responsibility is to build systems that enable Malaysians to age with dignity and social connection,' he added.- Bernama


Sinar Daily
33 minutes ago
- Sinar Daily
Savings habit turns retired teacher into BSN SSP millionaire
Recalling his savings journey with BSN SSP, Bahari said he enjoyed depositing money at various branches, always hoping that luck would one day be on his side to win the BSN SSP Millionaire draw. 18 Jun 2025 06:16pm Bahari Harun, 60, from Kampung Sungai Putat, said he began saving in his BSN SSP account at the age of 17, Initially drawn by the attractive prizes offered through the draw, a habit he continues to this day. - Bernama photo MELAKA - What began as a simple savings habit turned into a life-changing moment for a retired teacher who was named the winner of the 112th Bank Simpanan Nasional Sijil Simpanan Premium (BSN SSP) Millionaire draw. Bahari Harun, 60, from Kampung Sungai Putat, said he began saving in his BSN SSP account at the age of 17, Initially drawn by the attractive prizes offered through the draw, a habit he continues to this day. Bahari Harun, 60, from Kampung Sungai Putat, said he began saving in his BSN SSP account at the age of 17, Initially drawn by the attractive prizes offered through the draw, a habit he continues to this day. - Bernama photo "At first, I only saved RM10 as I didn't earn much, but I was motivated by the prizes offered, such as motorcycles and cars, so I continued saving. "I've won several prizes before, including cash and electrical appliances, which keeps me motivated to continue saving in my BSN SSP account. Who knows, I might become a millionaire one day,' he told reporters here today. He said this when met after the interview session held in conjunction with the 112th BSN SSP Millionaire Prize Presentation Ceremony, presented by Melaka BSN director Mohd Hairul Izam Abu Bakar. Recalling his savings journey with BSN SSP, Bahari said he enjoyed depositing money at various branches, always hoping that luck would one day be on his side to win the BSN SSP Millionaire draw. The former senior assistant (administration) at Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan (SMK) Ayer Molek said his savings had steadily grown over the years, without any expectation of earning dividends. Sharing the moment he had long been waiting for as a loyal SSP account holder, the father of three, aged between 13 and 20, said he received the good news from his wife, Dalena Mahadi, 42, over the phone last Saturday. "Although I was really hoping to win, I didn't believe it at first because the draw wasn't held on the usual first Saturday of the month. "I only believed it after confirming with BSN, and I'm truly thankful for this long-awaited blessing,' said Bahari, who had served in the teaching profession for 34 years. He said that for now, he had no plans on how to spend the prize money and would continue saving it in his SSP account to remain eligible for future draws. However, Bahari said he intended to use part of the winnings to take his siblings, who had yet to perform the haj or umrah, to fulfil the pilgrimage. - BERNAMA More Like This


The Sun
34 minutes ago
- The Sun
JS-SEZ draws global investor interest
JOHOR BAHRU: The Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ) is drawing increasing interest from international investors, particularly from Japan, South Korea, China, and Europe, as Johor positions itself as a strategic gateway to the Asean market. Iskandar Regional Development Authority (IRDA) chief executive Datuk Mohd Noorazam Osman said recent investment enquiries received by the Invest Malaysia Facilitation Centre Johor reflect strong interest from these key markets, underscoring Johor's emergence as a promising regional growth hub. 'This is a very positive outlook not only for Johor, but also for Malaysia as a whole. Amid ongoing global volatility, investors are looking to Asean as a promising entry point into new regional markets,' he said when met after speaking as a panellist at the Nikkei Forum Medini 2025: Driving Asia's Innovation Hub held here yesterday. On key investment sectors, Mohd Noorazam said Japanese investors are particularly drawn to electrical and electronics, financial services, technology, and the digital economy. Asked about confirmed Japanese investments, he noted that while specific names could not yet be disclosed, several companies had requested meetings with Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi, a clear indication of their strong interest. 'We have also received enquiries from Japanese banks acting on behalf of their clients. We are facilitating engagements, particularly with institutions such as Mizuho Bank and Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation, with whom the Economy Ministry recently signed a letter of intent,' he added. Meanwhile, Iskandar Investment Bhd (IIB) president and CEO Datuk Idzham Mohd Hashim said Medini is fully equipped to welcome new investors, supported by comprehensive infrastructure and a business-friendly ecosystem. He said the 'plug and play' development model implemented in Medini enables investors to begin operations immediately, without delays. 'The land is ready, and essential utilities, including electricity, water, fibre optics, and cabling, are already in place. Instead of starting from scratch, investors can establish operations in Medini, which already hosts nearly 40 international companies. 'These businesses are thriving, and it's now a matter of scaling up. At IIB, we see ourselves as growth partners, committed to helping businesses succeed in Medini,' he said. Idzham also emphasised Medini's high quality of life, supported by amenities such as pocket parks, Sireh Park, golf courses, Legoland, and the revitalised Johor Zoo, all catering to diverse lifestyles and income groups. Commenting on global uncertainties and Singapore's recent downward revision of its gross domestic product growth forecast to 0.2%, he acknowledged that some investors are adopting a wait-and-see approach due to geopolitical tensions. 'There may be short-term corrections, such as what Singapore is experiencing, but we believe these are temporary. Asean remains one of the world's fastest-growing regions, with a youthful and expanding middle class. Young people account for about 50 to 60% of Southeast Asia's 650 million population,' he said. He also highlighted the natural geographic advantages of Johor and Singapore as investment destinations, further bolstered by political stability and the absence of natural disasters. On IIB's development strategy, he stressed that focus is not solely on physical infrastructure but also soft infrastructure. 'Soft infrastructure includes talent development, facilitation by government agencies, and enabling businesses to access markets. 'That's the ecosystem we're building, not just buildings and roads, but the support systems businesses need to thrive.' The two-day Nikkei Forum Medini 2025 forms part of broader efforts to position Johor as a regional innovation hub, supporting the JS-SEZ initiative to attract high-quality investments and integrate value chains between Malaysia and Singapore. – Bernama