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Park Hyatt debuts in Malaysia with landmark opening in Merdeka 118

Park Hyatt debuts in Malaysia with landmark opening in Merdeka 118

New Straits Times19 hours ago
KUALA LUMPUR: Hyatt Hotels Corporation has launched Park Hyatt Kuala Lumpur, marking the luxury brand's long-anticipated entry into the Malaysian market.
Perched between levels 75 and 114 of the iconic Merdeka 118—the tallest skyscraper in Asia Pacific—the hotel offers an elevated experience for discerning travellers, complete with sweeping views of the Kuala Lumpur skyline.
"The Park Hyatt brand hits a milestone at 50 properties globally, adding its first hotel in Malaysia with the debut of Park Hyatt Kuala Lumpur – also marking an important breakthrough for the brand within Southeast Asia and worldwide," said David Udell, group president, Asia Pacific, Hyatt.
"This makes for an exciting chapter for Hyatt's brand growth in the region, with three new properties opening in Kuala Lumpur within a year, an expansion of diverse offerings," he said.
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King test drives Russian-made Aurus luxury car during visit to top auto institute in Moscow
King test drives Russian-made Aurus luxury car during visit to top auto institute in Moscow

Daily Express

time32 minutes ago

  • Daily Express

King test drives Russian-made Aurus luxury car during visit to top auto institute in Moscow

Published on: Friday, August 08, 2025 Published on: Fri, Aug 08, 2025 By: Bernama Text Size: Sultan Ibrahim during a visit to Russia's Central Scientific Research Automobile and Automotive Engines Institute. — Picture from Facebook/Sultan Ibrahim Moscow: His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, today visited the Central Scientific Research Automobile and Automotive Engines Institute (NAMI) here to observe advancements in Russian automotive technology. Upon arrival, His Majesty was received by NAMI chief executive officer Fedor Nazarov. Advertisement Also present were Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin, who is also the Minister-in-Attendance, Foreign Ministry secretary-general Datuk Seri Amran Mohamed Zin, and Malaysian Ambassador to Russia Datuk Cheong Loon Lai. The visit began with a briefing by Nazarov and a video presentation on NAMI, a premier Russian scientific and engineering institute established in 1918 as the country's first automobile research laboratory. Today, NAMI is among Europe's largest automotive testing centres, with laboratory facilities, test tracks, and a special zone for autonomous vehicles. Among its key projects is the development of the AURUS luxury vehicle range, designed and manufactured at NAMI facilities. Advertisement His Majesty showed keen interest in the institute's operations, vehicle models and production processes, posing various questions throughout the visit. Sultan Ibrahim later toured the showroom with Russian Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade Albert Karimov, before visiting the assembly plant. Before concluding the visit, His Majesty took the wheel of an AURUS vehicle for a brief test drive. Sultan Ibrahim is currently in Moscow for a state visit to Russia at the invitation of President Vladimir Putin.

Retaining cargo volume
Retaining cargo volume

New Straits Times

timean hour ago

  • New Straits Times

Retaining cargo volume

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysian ports operators and authorities should introduce targeted incentives and improve turnaround times to offset tariff disadvantages and cargo diversion to rivals, industry observers said. With US tariffs on Malaysian goods now set at 19 per cent compared to just 10 per cent for Singapore particularly, shipping lines are becoming increasingly cost-sensitive. High-value cargo and US-bound shipments could be rerouted if Malaysia fails to respond decisively, they added. Transport analyst and economist Dr Rosli Azad Khan said said Malaysia's ports particularly Port Klang and Port of Tanjung Pelepas (PTP) could maintain their attractiveness with targeted incentives. "Temporary port fee reductions, streamlined customs clearance or rebates for shippers handling transshipment cargo could keep carriers from diverting too much volume," Rosli told Business Times. Westports Holdings Bhd acknowledged the increasingly complex operating environment, pointing to multiple global headwinds such as tariff volatility, growing regionalisation, military conflicts, intermittent port congestion, and unsettled interest rates. Despite these challenges, the company noted that front-loading activity earlier this year had supported container volume growth to date. However, it cautioned that sustaining this momentum in the second half may prove difficult due to persistent external pressures. "Asia's economic dynamism and the alliance-based operating models of container shipping lines could help cushion some of the volume decline," the company said in its latest financial filing. It forecasted a single-digit positive growth in container volumes for the year but noted that projections would be revisited as conditions evolve. Bintulu Port Holdings Bhd also highlighted concerns over the uncertain global trade environment, stating that ongoing tariff uncertainties and policy shifts could impact its overall performance. Nevertheless, Bintulu Port said it remains focused on enhancing operational efficiency, ensuring equipment reliability and maintaining cost competitiveness. "The handling of LNG cargo and vessel calls will continue to be the main revenue contributor. Additional support is expected from methanol, raw energy, Samalaju cargoes, and bulking services," the port noted. Efforts by Business Timesto obtain comments from other port operators, shipping companies and industry associations were unsuccessful at press time. Cost Pressure Rosli said there is a real risk of cargo diversion, especially for US-bound shipments and high-value goods, because shipping lines will respond to cost differentials. Rosli explained that the 19 per cent tariff effectively raises the landed cost of Malaysian exports to the US, making them less attractive compared to goods routed through lower-tariff hubs like Singapore. While tariffs are technically imposed based on the origin of goods, shipping lines and freight forwarders will naturally adjust their routing preferences if Malaysian ports appear less efficient or more costly under the new tariff burden. He said a likely scenario is that transshipment competitiveness will decline, with US importers possibly preferring to consolidate cargo via Singapore, which enjoys the perception of regulatory stability, efficiency and now a tariff advantage. "This could erode Malaysia's position as a regional hub, particularly for Port Klang and PTP, which rely heavily on transshipment volumes, often exceeding 50 to 60 per cent of their container throughput," he noted. However, Rosli said the net impact of the tariff gap would not be immediate or total and over time, although the combination of a 19 per cent tariff on Malaysian-origin goods and Singapore's logistical strength could gradually shift cargo flows southward. He added that not all transshipment cargo would be affected by the tariff difference, especially when Malaysia continues to offer lower overall port charges. "Malaysia's port fees, denominated in ringgit, remain cheaper than Singapore's, providing some exchange-rate advantage," he said. Rosli warned that the bigger concern lies in perception, as major carriers may gradually adjust schedules and alliances to favour Singapore if they begin to see Malaysia as less competitive. Tariff Parity On what Malaysia can do to stop losing transshipment volume to rival ports, Rosli said the possible countermeasures include negotiating or lobbying for tariff parity. He said Malaysia must engage Washington through diplomatic and trade channels to argue for a level playing field, possibly by tying tariff treatment to Asean-wide arrangements or demonstrating compliance with US trade requirements. Sunway University economics professor Dr Yeah Kim Leng said Malaysia's ports are being affected by changes in trade volume and export market shares caused by the differential import tariffs imposed by the US on its trading partners. He added that a potential decline in trade, driven by higher US prices and stricter controls to prevent tariff circumvention, may impact port throughput and transshipment volume. "With lower activity, Malaysian ports may be forced to cut rates for importers and exporters. Singapore's tariff advantage in exporting to the US may divert some trade flows to Singapore. "This needs close monitoring so that port operators can adopt countermeasures to minimise any potential leakage, with appropriate government support," he said. Yeah called for Malaysian ports to improve efficiency, turnaround times and value-added services to reduce the diversion of transshipment volume to Singapore. He said they also need to enhance connectivity with major international and regional ports to compete with Singapore's advantage in global linkages. Early Days UniKL Business School economic analyst Associate Professor Dr Aimi Zulhazmi Abdul Rashid said the dynamics of the Trump tariffs are clearly reflected in the ongoing shifts in US administrative decisions, creating unpredictability and uncertainty in global trade. He said Malaysia, like other countries, must learn and adapt accordingly to the new US trade policy under the Trump administration. Nevertheless, Aimi believes there will not be a significant impact yet, as the Trump administration is still negotiating with many countries. "Even the decision on Singapore has not been finalised, as the 10 per cent currently imposed is a temporary rate, similar to Malaysia's, effective until Aug 6. "More importantly, the China-US trade ceasefire will end on Aug 12 and will set the tone for the direction of global trade between the two largest economies," he said. Similarly, economist Dr Geoffrey Williams said it is still too early to judge trade shifts, as the tariffs may encourage changes in business models, but he cautioned that there is a risk and Malaysian ports need to respond. He added that shipping out of Singapore will be cheaper unless the tariffs are applied based on the country of origin. He said this depends on whether the tariff is charged based on where the product was made, rather than where it was shipped. "Malaysia always faces tough competition from Singapore, especially at PTP in Johor but is so far very competitive in cost and efficiency terms. "Improving the quality of shipping services, quick turnaround and easy regulations will enhance competitiveness in Malaysia," Williams added.

‘Do not let money guide policies'
‘Do not let money guide policies'

The Star

timean hour ago

  • The Star

‘Do not let money guide policies'

G25: Commercialisation of public services can further divide society PETALING JAYA: The creeping commercialisation of public services in Malaysia under the guise of 'financial sustainability' is concerning, says civil society group G25. Citing rising foreign student intake in public universities and preferential treatment for paying patients in public hospitals, the group of prominent retired civil servants said such trends could deny deserving Malaysians access to essential services. The group warned that such policies risk deepening socio-­economic divides and undermining constitutional guarantees of equality. 'This risks creating new socio-economic divides not based on race or religion, but between those who can afford access and those who cannot,' it said in a statement yesterday. It could also be a violation of the equality provisions as enshrined in Article 8 (equality before the law) and Article 12 (equality in the administration of education) of the Federal Constitution, it added. It said that the nation's ambition to become a high-income, innovation-driven economy hinges on consistent implementation of policies. 'Malaysia's ambition to become a high-income, innovation-driven economy must be underpinned by policies that develop and retain talent as well as avoid deepening socio-economic inequalities,' it said. The group also warned that economic advancement must be matched by improvements in governance and civil liberties. 'As the saying goes, when the stomach is full, people expect higher standards. 'Failure to meet these expectations could lead to resentment that could be exploited by extremist narratives,' it added. MCA president Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong, who first raised the issue, said he was not alone in his concerns about public university admissions. 'The G25 shares my apprehension about the commercialisation of these institutions, whereby the rich can just enrol in our public universities as long as they can afford the high tuition fees. 'This could impact access for less affluent Malaysian students, despite their academic excellence,' he said in a Facebook post yesterday. He noted that such practice was reminiscent of the Rakan KKM policy, where money allows one to skip the queue for medical treatment. 'Kudos to G25 for their courage in speaking the truth,' added Dr Wee. On Wednesday, Dr Wee reiterated his concerns about the sharp rise in foreign student enrolment at Malaysia's public universities which is outpacing that of local students, raising red flags about allocation of placements. Citing a recent study by the Institute of Strategic Analysis and Policy Research (Insap), he said the number of Malaysian students enrolling in public universities increased modestly from 172,719 in 2018 to 191,450 in 2024, reflecting a 10.8% rise and a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of mere 1.73%. In stark contrast, non-Malaysian enrolment surged from 10,003 in 2018 to 19,731 in 2024, marking a 97.3% increase and a CAGR of 11.99%. While not against the intake of international students, Dr Wee said it becomes an issue when their enrolment seems to be replacing spots meant for Malaysian students. 'We must ensure a balance that respects the educational needs of our own creme de la creme.' In response, Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir denied the allegation, saying the government continued to prioritise Malaysians with no compromise on the quotas allocated for local students in public universities.

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