Latest news with #13MP
The Star
4 hours ago
- Business
- The Star
Country still an attractive investment destination
PETALING JAYA: Tariff negotiations and the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP) will be key factors that determine how investor sentiment is on Bursa Malaysia for the second half of the year (2H25). Hong Leong Investment Bank Research (HLIB Research) is optimistic Malaysia can negotiate a lower tariff level than the 25% announced by the White House effective before the Aug 1 deadline date. However, it said even if the tariff rate was to remain at the current level, the country will remain an attractive investment destination among foreign investors despite Vietnam (20% tariffs) and Indonesia (19% tariffs) having successfully negotiated a lower tariff rate. 'The gaps are modest and we believe they unlikely to deter foreign investments meaningfully. Even if tariffs remain elevated, policy tools like tax incentives can cushion the impact, in our view,' the research house stated in a strategy report. It added that Malaysia's corporate tax rate of 24%, versus 22% in Indonesia and 20% in Vietnam, has not historically hindered investments here due to the country's strong manufacturing base and supply chain links. 'We see these structural strengths will continue to make Malaysia an attractive destination under the global supply chain diversification or '+N' strategy,' HLIB Research stated. The research house has a 2025 target of 1,640 points for the benchmark FBM KLCI, with the valuation based on a 14.5 times price-earnings multiple, adding there is ample liquidity on the sidelines which is deployed increasingly by buying on dips. It however warned global markets are vulnerable to profit-taking and top-slicing activities, following the sharp rally after the announcement of US tariffs in April. 'Global equity prices have stayed relatively resilient, and overall market composure seems intact, which is arguably too calm. 'This prevailing stability may reflect a degree of complacency that suggest markets could be underpricing the risk of Trump following through with his latest tariff threats in August,' HLIB Research stated. It added the muted reaction on global markets may inadvertently embolden US President Donald Trump to follow through with his high reciprocal tariffs as his confidence has been reinforced by several recent successes such as the over US$100bil in customs duties collected without significantly derailing the economy, and continued strength in US equity markets which are trading at record highs. The research house however anticipates the equity market in the third quarter of this year (3Q25) to remain volatile due to macro and policy factors with 4Q25 likely becoming more calmer with any sharp drop in the market viewed as an opportunity to buy high beta stocks in particular. HLIB Research forecast the 13MP, which will be tabled in Parliament by the end of this month, to propose RM440bil of development expenditure and to have a globalist stance underpinned by the Madani ethos with projects reinforcing national flagship policies like the National Energy Transition Roadmap, New Industrial Masterplan 2030 and the National Semiconductor Strategy. This should provide leads for investors to pick stocks that can benefit from the 13MP plans. HLIB Research top picks at present are stocks of companies like CIMB Group Holdings Bhd , Sunway Bhd , Gamuda Bhd , 99 Speed Mart Retail Holdings Bhd , AMMB Holdings Bhd , IOI Properties Group Bhd , Dialog Group Bhd and SMRT Holdings Bhd .
Borneo Post
12 hours ago
- Business
- Borneo Post
KUSKOP to hold 23-series nationwide E-Invoicing Seminar tour
Ewon gives thumbs up to the event. PENAMPANG (July 22): The Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives Ministry (KUSKOP) will implement 23 series of the MADANI Entrepreneur e-Invoicing Seminar nationwide this year, targeting the participation of 20,000 Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise (MSME) entrepreneurs. Its minister, Datuk Ewon Benedick, said the initiative is in line with the government's efforts to accelerate the adoption of the e-Invoicing system among entrepreneurs, which is an early step towards the scaling and modernisation of MSME operations in the country. 'In the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP), which will begin in 2026, KUSKOP will place strong focus on the MSME entrepreneur scaling agenda, that is, to develop micro enterprises into small enterprises, and small enterprises into businesses that can be listed on Bursa Malaysia. 'This agenda begins with the early step of MSME entrepreneurs adopting the use of e-Invoicing in their businesses. I hope entrepreneurs view this as a potential to scale up their businesses. 'That is why KUSKOP, through its agency the National Entrepreneurship Institute (INSKEN), is organising 23 series of e-Invoicing seminars nationwide this year. In addition, SME Corp is also working together with the Inland Revenue Board (LHDN) to support the adoption and implementation of e-Invoicing among MSME entrepreneurs,' he said. He said this while officiating the MADANI Entrepreneur e-Invoicing Seminar at the Sabah Cultural Centre here on Tuesday. Also present were INSKEN Board of Trustees chairman Haji Mustaffa Kamil Ayub, INSKEN Chief Executive Officer Viviantie Sarjuni, INSKEN board members, and heads of agencies under the Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives Ministry. Ewon said the seminar is part of the ministry's initiative to empower entrepreneurs through understanding and compliance with digital systems, particularly the e-Invoicing system. 'In line with the digitalisation trend and the Malaysia MADANI aspiration, the implementation of e-Invoicing is an important step in increasing business operational efficiency and ensuring transparency and integrity in transactions. 'KUSKOP remains committed to strengthening the national entrepreneurial ecosystem, including expanding access to knowledge, technology, and business support,' he said.
Daily Express
18 hours ago
- Business
- Daily Express
13MP to drive MSMEs into digital economy
Published on: Tuesday, July 22, 2025 Published on: Tue, Jul 22, 2025 By: Sisca Humphrey Text Size: Ewon during Madani Entrepreneurs Seminar in Penampang on Tuesday PENAMPANG: The 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP) will prioritise helping micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) adopt digital tools like the e-Invoice system, said Entrepreneur Development Minister Datuk Ewon Benedick. Speaking at the Madani Entrepreneurs Seminar in Penampang, Ewon stressed that digitalisation is essential for business resilience. The seminar, part of a 23-stop nationwide tour, has already engaged over 11,000 entrepreneurs. Ewon said agencies like Insken and SME Corp are working with LHDN to prepare businesses for the e-Invoice rollout. He added that 13MP will also support inclusive business and social enterprise models for more equitable growth. Sabah and Sarawak, he assured, won't be left out, citing rural-focused programmes and grants for Borneo entrepreneurs. He also welcomed the appointment of Insken's new CEO, Viviantie Sarjuni of Sabah, as a sign of growing East Malaysian leadership in federal agencies. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
Barnama
19 hours ago
- Business
- Barnama
INSKEN To Ensure Govt Initiatives Reach Sabah, Sarawak Entrepreneurs
KOTA KINABALU, July 22 (Bernama) -- The National Entrepreneurship Institute (INSKEN) aims to ensure that government initiatives effectively reach target groups across the country, particularly entrepreneurs in Sabah and Sarawak. Its chief executive officer Viviantie Sarjuni said this has been her core aspiration since taking the helm of the agency under the Ministry of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives (KUSKOP) on July 1. To realise this, INSKEN will focus on strengthening social enterprise programmes to help bridge socio-economic disparities between Borneo and Peninsular Malaysia. "Sabah has one of the highest unemployment rates and is the poorest state in Malaysia. We hope social enterprises can help address these challenges, even if not entirely,' she told Bernama here today. She pointed out that 70 per cent of Sabah's population resides in rural areas and needs to be empowered through social entrepreneurship. INSKEN, she added, plays a vital role in providing guidance and support to entrepreneurs involved in the sector. Reflecting on her previous role as CEO of the Sabah Creative Economy and Innovation Centre (SCENIC), which she led for five years, Viviantie said the centre had successfully connected various players within the entrepreneurship ecosystem. 'SCENIC is now able to stand on its own. At INSKEN, we want to ensure that federal initiatives on social enterprise also reach Sabah and Sarawak, not just other states,' she said. She added that entrepreneurship will continue to be a priority under the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP). Since 2015, more than 100,000 entrepreneurs have been trained in Sabah, with a strong focus on micro and informal sectors. She also acknowledged the contributions of former INSKEN leadership in accrediting 468 social enterprises nationwide, including those in Sabah.
New Straits Times
19 hours ago
- Business
- New Straits Times
HLIB: Malaysia's investment appeal intact despite tariff jitters, tax gap
KUALA LUMPUR: Global markets have stayed largely composed despite the threat of renewed US tariffs – a resilience that could embolden former US President Donald Trump to intensify his protectionist push next month, said Hong Leong Investment Bank Bhd (HLIB). While Malaysia currently faces a 25 per cent US tariff – above Indonesia's 19 per cent and Vietnam's 20 per cent – HLIB believes the gap is relatively minor and unlikely to trigger a major shift in foreign investment flows, describing the differential as "modest". "Even if tariffs remain elevated, policy tools like tax incentives can cushion the impact, in our view. We are not overly alarmed. "The differential of five to six per cent is modest and, in our opinion, unlikely to be material enough to meaningfully divert foreign investment," HLIB said in its latest market strategy note today. Additionally, HLIB also noted that Malaysia's higher corporate tax rate of 24 per cent, compared to Indonesia's 22 per cent and Vietnam's 20 per cent, has not historically hindered its attractiveness to foreign investors. "This is thanks to our mature and integrated manufacturing ecosystem, supported by a well-developed local supply chain. "Thus, we believe these structural strengths will continue to make Malaysia an attractive destination under the global supply chain diversification," it added. While HLIB expects the third quarter (Q3) to remain noisy due to macroeconomic and policy uncertainties, it projects calmer conditions in Q4. "The FBM KLCI target is retained at 1,640, premised on a 14.5 times price-to-earnings ratio, which is below its five- to 10-year averages. "We continue to envision the second half of 2025 to be a quarter of contrasts, where Q3 is characterised to be turbulent before entering into calmer skies in Q4. Thus, we see any sharp drop as an opportunity to buy on weakness, especially high beta stocks. "Top picks include CIMB Group Holdings Bhd, Sunway Bhd, Gamuda Bhd, 99 Speed Mart Retail Holdings Bhd, AMMB Holdings Bhd, IOI Properties Group Bhd, Dialog Group Bhd, and SmartRent Inc," it said. On domestic strategy, HLIB expects the upcoming 13th Malaysia Plan to align with ongoing Madani initiatives while allocating RM440 billion in development expenditure. "That said, the development expenditure will be anchored by fiscal prudence to ensure adherence to the government's fiscal deficit target of 3.5 per cent gross domestic product between 2025 and 2027. "Overall, we anticipate the 13MP to adopt a globalist approach, particularly given the significant overlap with Trump's presidency through 2028. "Also, we expect a continuation of the whole-of-nation Madani ethos, with the 13MP reinforcing flagship policy anchors like the National Energy Transition Roadmap, New Industrial Master Plan 2030, and National Semiconductor Strategy," the firm added.
