Bleak outlook for media sector as Adex slumps
The industry continues to struggle with the rapid decline of traditional media, while digital transformation efforts have delivered slow and uneven results.
"Adex remains subdued, weighed down by cautious global sentiment and tighter corporate marketing budgets," it said in a note.
"While monetisation of digital platforms is growing, it still lags the sharp decline in legacy revenue streams."
Adex across all segments has been disappointing. Nielsen data showed total adex from January to May this year shrank 17 per cent compared to the same period last year, reflecting ongoing market weakness.
Digital adex, once a bright spot, plunged 47 per cent, suggesting advertisers are cutting back across all platforms.
Other media segments also suffered declines: free-to-air television adex fell by six per cent, newspapers by 12 per cent, magazines by 10 per cent, radio by 23 per cent and cinema by a staggering 50 per cent.
"That said, there is potential for a modest uplift in the second half, supported by the upcoming Sabah state election by January 2026 and pre-promotional activities ahead of the Visit Malaysia 2026 campaign," the firm said.
While both Media Prima Bhd and Astro Malaysia Bhd have made digital investments through REV Media and digital content platforms respectively, HLIB Research said these initiatives have yet to translate into material gains.
"The overall share of digital advertising captured by local players remains small compared to global tech giants like Meta, Google and TikTok.
"These international platforms dominate digital ad spend due to their superior targeting capabilities and vast user bases, leaving Malaysian companies with limited bargaining power and thinner margins," it said.
HLIB Research added that monetising digital content remains a challenge, especially in a market where consumers are reluctant to pay for online media.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Star
37 minutes ago
- The Star
Khazanah's Dana Impak initiative a boost for MTCs
Khazanah Nasional Bhd managing director Datuk Amirul Feisal Wan Zahir. PETALING JAYA: More than 100 mid-tier companies (MTCs) in Malaysia are being honed to level-up via efforts by Khazanah Nasional Bhd's initiative, Dana Impak. In Malaysia, MTCs contribute about 36% to the country's gross domestic product and employ some 16% of the national workforce. In a statement, the sovereign wealth fund said these will include a dual-track approach of capacity development and mobilising growth capital via private credit and private equity strategies. Managing director Datuk Amirul Feisal Wan Zahir said through Dana Impak, the group aims to be both a catalyst and a connector by identifying gaps in the ecosystem, deploying patient capital where markets are underserved, and investing in talent among others. 'Our focus on levelling up Malaysian MTCs represent our Advancing Malaysia strategy to enhance the country's economic competitiveness and resilience,' he said. He added among the initiatives included were the Elevate Programme, a four-month executive leadership programme established by the Securities Commission's affiliate, Capital Markets Malaysia (CMM) with the aim of preparing small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and MTCs for successful capital raising. 'As part of Khazanah's efforts to support MTCs access to the capital markets and strengthen their fundraising capabilities, Khazanah together with CMM will jointly fund MTCs participants in Elevate cohorts until 2027,' it said. Another initiative is the MTC Growth Innovation Programme (MGIP), designed to equip MTCs with the skill sets to venture into new markets or expand into new business segments. Khazanah said there will be masterclasses on customer-centricity, enterprise innovation and business expansion plan validation, while companies will have diagnostic support and executive coaching. MGIP participants such as Enda Group Sdn Bhd said challenges faced as MTC's are distinct from those of SMEs. 'That's what drew us to join MGIP as it is a programme that understands what it takes to scale a business like ours,' said group chief executive officer Mohammad Munzir Aminuddin. According to Amirul, Khazanah's private credit strategy under Dana Impak aims to accelerate the growth of Malaysian MTCs with non-dilutive financing solutions. 'In line with this effort, Khazanah is pleased to announce its partnerships with Navis Capital Partners and Granite Asia,' he said. Under the private equity strategy, Khazanah announced a partnership with Creador, to accelerate regional expansion and drive growth within MTCs through its value creation capabilities. Meanwhile, Khazanah said there are opportunities for MTC's to apply for the next MGIP cohort, which will commence in the third quarter of this year.
The Star
an hour ago
- The Star
Semiconductor shares slide as Trump announces 100% tariff on chip imports
KUALA LUMPUR: Bursa Malaysia started on a flattish note although technology stocks were seen pulling back on news the US was imposing a 100% tariff on semiconductors imported into the country. As trading commenced on the Malaysian stock market, semiconductor-related companies were on the backfoot, including Frontken down seven sen to RM4.29, Pentamaster diving 14 sen to RM3.60 and Unisem shedding six sen to RM2.31. The sector decline was at odds with the country's blue-chip FBM KLCI, which hovered in slightly positive territory at 1,540.4 points minutes into trading. Malacca Securities said investors are expected to stay cautious following US President Donald Trump's announcement of the semiconductor tariff. This is depite an overnight recovery on Wall Street, coupled with a US rate cut expectation in September. On sectors, the research firm said the construction and utilities sectors should be benefiting from the data centre developments and mega infrastructure projects in the country. It added that the recent overnight policy rate cut may boost the interest for the REIT and property sectors, such as Sunway REIT, IGB REIT and EcoWorld. In healthcare, Malacca Securities favours KPJ Healthcare due to its brownfield expansion and opening of new hospitals. "KPJ has experienced a breakout continuation pattern, with a consensus target price of RM2.98," it said in a note. At 9.19am, the most actively traded counters on Bursa Malaysia were Pharmaniaga down one sne to 17.5 sen, TWL flat at 2.5 sen and SNS Network down one sne to 51 sen.
The Sun
2 hours ago
- The Sun
Malaysia-Russia ties strengthened by friendship, says King
MOSCOW: His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, stated that his state visit to Russia reflects his sincere desire to strengthen bilateral ties. He affirmed Malaysia's view of Russia as a trusted and important partner. 'Our diplomatic relations span more than five decades, having been formally established in April 1967,' said Sultan Ibrahim. He noted that Malaysia was among the earliest ASEAN nations to establish ties with Moscow. 'As a Russian saying goes, friendship is more valuable than money,' he remarked. He expressed belief that friendship will continue shaping Malaysia-Russia relations for mutual benefit. Sultan Ibrahim made these remarks during an official meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin. The two leaders exchanged official gifts at St. Andrew's Hall before attending a state banquet in the Granovitaya Chamber. The historic meeting marks the first state visit by a Malaysian Head of State to Russia. The visit celebrates 50 years of diplomatic relations between Malaysia and Russia, established in 1967. Prior to the official ceremony, Sultan Ibrahim paid respects at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Alexander Garden. The site holds deep significance as a memorial to Soviet soldiers who perished in World War II. The Moscow Kremlin, a UNESCO World Heritage site, served as the backdrop for the high-profile meeting. The complex includes the Grand Kremlin Palace, the official residence of the Russian president. Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin accompanied His Majesty. Also present were Foreign Ministry secretary-general Datuk Seri Amran Mohamed Zin and Malaysian Ambassador to Russia Datuk Cheong Loon Lai. President Putin was joined by senior Russian officials, including Aide for International Affairs Yury Ushakov. Other attendees included Minister of Economic Development Maxim Reshetnikov and Minister of Science and Higher Education Valery Falkov. Deputy Ministers of Foreign Affairs and Defence, Alexander Pankin and Alexander Fomin, were also present. Sultan Ibrahim's visit underscores the role of Malaysia's monarchy in strengthening international diplomacy. The trip, lasting until August 10, was conducted at Putin's invitation. - Bernama
