Latest news with #digitalinvestment
Free Malaysia Today
3 days ago
- Business
- Free Malaysia Today
Bursa opens firm on tech, AI investment optimism
KUALA LUMPUR : Bursa Malaysia opened higher on Thursday, lifted by optimism over the country's digital investment pipeline, despite an overnight decline on Wall Street. The ministry of investment, trade and industry said Malaysia's digital investment pipeline reached RM59.1 billion as of April 2025, fuelling growth in the artificial intelligence (AI) and technology sectors. At 9.05am, the FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI (FBM KLCI) rose 1.66 points to 1,525.14 from Wednesday's close of 1,523.48. The benchmark index opened 2.12 points higher at 1,525.60. In the broader market, decliners led gainers 147 to 123, while 237 counters were unchanged, 1,879 untraded and 110 suspended. Turnover was 107.21 million shares worth RM57.59 million. Wall Street closed lower overnight, following reports that the US President Donald Trump had ordered American software firms to halt services to Chinese companies, said Rakuten Trade Sdn Bhd equity research vice-president Thong Pak Leng. He noted, however, that Nvidia's earnings, released after the market closed, exceeded consensus forecasts, reviving investor sentiment and lifting US futures. Back home, the FBM KLCI had fallen on May 28 despite a strong start, as market sentiment remained fragile. 'As such, we expect the ongoing consolidation to persist in the absence of catalysts, with the index likely to hover between 1,520 and 1,530 today,' he added. Among heavyweights, Malayan Banking added two sen to RM9.86, Public Bank rose one sen to RM4.34, and CIMB gained three sen to RM6.90. Tenaga Nasional was flat at RM14.10, while IHH Healthcare eased one sen to RM6.90. In active trade, Avangaad, Harvest Miracle, MYEG and Sumisaujana were unchanged at 28 sen, 18 sen, 89 sen and 17.5 sen respectively, while Nationgate added three sen to RM1.61. On the index board, the FBM Emas Index advanced 7.37 points to 11,404.54, the FBMT 100 Index rose 8.73 points to 11,170.10, and the FBM ACE Index gained 6.24 points to 4,555.58. The FBM Emas Shariah Index edged up 1.35 points to 11,376.86, while the FBM 70 Index slipped 0.68 of a point to 16,305.97. By sector, the Financial Services Index added 13.43 points to 17,971.33, the Industrial Products and Services Index eased 0.09 of a point to 152.61, the Energy Index fell 2.39 points to 704.12, while the Plantation Index rose 2.29 points to 7,294.84.
Malay Mail
4 days ago
- Business
- Malay Mail
Malaysia's digital investment pipeline hits RM59.1b, boosting AI and tech growth, says minister
KUALA LUMPUR, May 28 — Malaysia has a digital investment pipeline of RM59.1 billion as of April 2025, according to Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz. He said that the projected information technology (IT) load for this pipeline exceeds 300 megawatts (MW). 'From 2021 to 2024, approved investments in data centres and cloud computing alone total RM113.8 billion, with 23 landmark projects proposing nearly 1,900 MW in IT load,' he said in his opening remarks at the Microsoft Artificial Intelligence (AI) Tour 2025, here today. Tengku Zafrul said the impact of Microsoft's investments, along with other strategic digital projects, has propelled Malaysia into the upper echelons of regional digital competitiveness. 'Malaysia's AI ecosystem is vibrant, we have over 140 local AI solution providers in the Malaysia Digital framework, delivering real-world applications in healthcare, agriculture, cities, and manufacturing. 'Our policy ecosystem also supports this momentum. The government has introduced the Digital Ecosystem Acceleration (Desac) incentive to attract high-quality, sustainable digital infrastructure,' he said. He noted that Microsoft's commitment is pivotal, as evidenced by initiatives such as Project Big Blue in Johor and Project Baby Blue in Cyberjaya, as well as the US$1 billion Bersama Malaysia Initiative and the recent US$2.2 billion GoSEA announcement (US$1=RM4.23). These are investments in Malaysia's future, people, and status as a regional AI and digital hub, said Tengku Zafrul. In 2024, Malaysia approved a record RM133.3 billion in new digital investments, bringing the total approved during the 2021-2024 period to RM278 billion across 23 major projects, anchored by advanced data centres and cloud infrastructure, creating nearly 88,000 new jobs and establishing Malaysia as a digital leader in Asean. 'Malaysia's digital economy is projected to contribute 25.5 per cent of gross domestic product (GDP) this year, with national GDP growth forecast between 4.5 per cent and 5.5 per cent. 'Our ambitions are tightly linked to our role as Asean chair in 2025, where we are championing the theme: 'Advancing for a Resilient, Inclusive, and Sustainable Asean,'' he added. — Bernama
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Burghley Capital: Singapore Tech Spending Set for Growth
SINGAPORE, SG / / May 26, 2025 / Singapore-based asset management firm Burghley Capital have identified strong resilience in Singapore's technology spending over the past 12 months, with projections indicating it will reach USD $19 billion (SGD $25.5 billion) by the end of 2025. Despite economic uncertainties and rising trade tensions in the region, the city-state continues to distinguish itself as a leading destination for digital investments within Asia Pacific, driven largely by substantial investments in artificial intelligence (AI) and digital infrastructure. AI investment remains a key growth driver, supported by the Singapore government's National Artificial Intelligence Strategy. Approximately USD $134 million (SGD $180 million) has been dedicated to AI research and development, resulting in AI integration in over half of Singaporean businesses, significantly surpassing the global average of 35%. Prominent sectors embracing AI include financial services (68%), healthcare (56%), and manufacturing (47%). James Barker, Director of Private Equity at Burghley Capital, identifies structured equity investments as essential tools for managing market volatility. These investment structures offer "flexible capital solutions that substantially reduce risk while enabling sustained growth," typically achieving returns in the mid-teens on an IRR basis. Barker further points out that structured equity allows companies to "maintain valuations more effectively during market shifts, greatly reducing dilution compared to conventional equity financing." Cloud computing and cybersecurity services are experiencing rapid demand growth, with annual increases of 12.5% and 15.2%, respectively, in the current fiscal period. In 2025, Singapore's cloud services market is projected to reach approximately USD $2.8 billion (SGD $3.8 billion), boosted by recent expansions in data centre capacity. Strong economic fundamentals continue to underpin Singapore's attractiveness. These include a notably low banking sector non-performing loan ratio of 1.3%, substantial international reserves, and record foreign direct investment levels at 31.8% of GDP in the preceding fiscal year. Barker emphasises that Burghley Capital integrates AI extensively into investment decision-making. The firm's "data-driven methods ensure early identification of strategic opportunities," positioning clients effectively within Singapore's evolving technology ecosystem. Singapore's focused investment strategies and significant infrastructure development reinforce its appeal to investors. Burghley Capital aligns client portfolios with critical growth sectors, including technology, healthcare, logistics, and green finance, thus enhancing returns in one of Asia Pacific's most stable technology markets. About Burghley Capital Established in 2017, Burghley Capital Pte. Ltd. (UEN: 201731389D) equips investors with insightful market analysis and strategic foresight. To learn more, visit or contact Martin Wei for media enquiries at SOURCE: Burghley Capital Pte. Ltd. View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire
Arabian Business
23-05-2025
- Business
- Arabian Business
UAE's $3.76bn IT services sector takes centre stage at GITEX EUROPE
The UAE's $3.76bn IT services sector took centre stage at Europe's largest inaugural tech, startup and digital investment event, GITEX EUROPE x Ai Everything, at Messe Berlin this week. The three-day show brought together more than 1,400 exhibitors, 600 top global investors and more than 500 speakers from 100-plus countries, together marking the strongest cross-border tech mobilisation the continent has seen. National pavilions stretched from India to Italy, Morocco to South Korea and 35 European states, alongside participation from the UAE showcasing how the nation is becoming a global reference for technology advancement across multiple industries including governance and public service. UAE IT and tech firms at GITEX EUROPE The UAE's IT services market is forecast to achieve record growth to reach $3.76bn in 2025, according to fresh Statista data, a momentum that was impossible to miss on a show floor featuring 65 UAE organisations. It represents the nation's biggest ever entrepreneurship and digital investment delegation to a European tech event. The Ministry of Economy pavilion presented a cohort of home-grown tech ventures aimed squarely at addressing global challenges. Among them were: Zeroe, delivering comprehensive carbon management to accelerate net zero goals Hikmah Labs, merging AI with cutting-edge research to transform industries IngenioData, deploying AR and BLE based indoor navigation, asset tracking and analytics Responsive Drip Irrigation, creators of the world's first plant-responsive irrigation system, which allows the plant to self-regulate its own water delivery Among the dignitaries inaugurating the momentous first European edition, Alia Al Mazrouei, UAE Minister of State for Entrepreneurship, shared in her welcome address: 'Germany is now the UAE's second largest trading partner within the EU. And Berlin as a global capital of innovation plays a central role in that story. 'It mirrors the trajectory; dynamic, diverse, and globally connected. Together, we are shaping a new economic corridor, one powered by innovation and grounded in common purpose.' Joining the UAE delegation at GITEX EUROPE were Hazza Al Mansoori, the first Emirati astronaut to travel to space and Nora Al Matrooshi, the first female Emirati astronaut. Hazza Al Mansouri shared insights on the aerospace evolution in a media briefing, 'Artificial intelligence in space is something that we are experimenting with. For example, Simon, a floating robot, and making the lunar gateway, the space station more autonomous, because it's not going to be inhabited all the time.' Organised by Digital Dubai, the Dubai Pavilion highlights the city's AI-powered evolution and advanced public services featuring 12 key government and private entities, including: Digital Dubai Dubai Police General Directorate of Identity and Foreigners Affairs (GDIFA) Dubai Civil Defence DIFC Courts Dubai Electronic Security Centre Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism, Dubai Customs Dubai Future Foundation Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC) e& Emaratech Among the top innovations on show include the Dubai Dashboard, a unified city-wide platform offering a 360-degree view of data and indicators across various city sectors; alongside the Dubai Monitor, DubaiNow, Smart Employee, and UAE PASS, the national digital ID that enables secure identity verification for citizens through facial recognition tech. Dubai Police presented its autonomous policing ecosystem including Ghaith, a smart patrol car. Also on showcase was Salama, an AI-powered platform that streamlines Dubai's residency services with automated renewals and instant visa assistance – making government interaction seamless and future-ready. Younus Al Nasser, Chief Executive, Dubai Data and Statistics Establishment, Digital Dubai, said: 'AI must be treated not as a tool to deploy but as a solution to integrate—strategically, ethically and sustainably. 'At Digital Dubai, we've learned that balancing innovation with accountability means aligning exploration with clear national outcomes. Whether adopting off-the-shelf AI models or investing in sovereign systems, the key lies in speed, agility and our ability to remain globally connected. 'These are Dubai's greatest strengths – rapid execution and ecosystem-wide collaboration that turn AI potential into real-world public value.' UAE's digital innovation momentum extends beyond the pavilions, with leading tech hubs, enterprises, startups and strategic investors participating across the show. Leading innovation district, Tecom Investments features the innovation success stories and synergies of Dubai's tech ecosystem; alongside Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) reinforcing Dubai's vision for future urban mobility and sustainable infrastructure. Other participants include CAFU, the region's on-demand mobile fuelling pioneer; and 6Bees, advancing productivity and performance management through AI-powered strategies.
