Category: Business & Investments

  • Racing Towards Singularity: CGS International Sets the Course for an AI-Smart, High-Value Capital Market

    Racing Towards Singularity: CGS International Sets the Course for an AI-Smart, High-Value Capital Market

    CGS International Securities Malaysia Sdn. Bhd. (CGS MY) officially launched its 18th Annual Malaysia Corporate Day 2026 under the theme “Racing Towards Singularity”, convening corporate leaders, capital market participants, fund managers and government representatives to examine the structural reforms shaping Malaysia’s economic and investment future. The conference took place against the backdrop of ASEAN’s accelerating energy transition and the rapid adoption of artificial intelligence (AI), positioning the event as a key platform for dialogue on how technology and policy are reshaping capital allocation and competitiveness.

    As Malaysia enters a pivotal transition year following its ASEAN chairmanship in 2025, discussions centered on the idea of an “economic singularity” — a stage where technological advancement, particularly AI, becomes an irreversible driver of productivity and growth. With 2026 marking the execution phase of several national strategies under the Thirteenth Malaysia Plan (13MP) 2026–2030, the conference highlighted how Malaysia’s AI Nation framework is moving from policy design to real-world implementation, signaling new opportunities for investors and businesses alike.

    A keynote address titled “Racing Towards Singularity, Investing in Future Intelligence” was delivered by Yang Berbahagia (YBhg.) Tan Sri Shahril Ridza Ridzuan, Chairman of Axiata Group Berhad and Independent Non-Executive Director of CGS MY. He emphasised that AI is fundamentally redefining how value is created, with capital markets increasingly rewarding future-ready organisations that demonstrate scalable intelligence, digital resilience and long-term innovation capabilities. He also stressed that AI should be viewed as a tool to augment human potential, create new competencies and strengthen participation in a fast-evolving economy, rather than replace the workforce.

    The conference featured panel discussions and presentations covering key themes such as the Ringgit outlook, carbon tax implementation, data center development, and Carbon Capture, Utilization and Storage (CCUS). These sessions were led by CGS MY’s award-winning research team alongside listed companies and industry experts from the technology, energy and services sectors, offering market insights into how structural reforms and sustainability initiatives are influencing investment strategies.

    CGS MY’s Chief Executive Officer, Khairi Shahrin Arief bin Baki, noted that the theme reflects not only changes in the broader economy but also CGS MY’s own transformation. He highlighted the firm’s evolution from a traditional stockbroking model into an integrated financial services provider encompassing investment banking, private wealth and asset management. Leveraging its China-ASEAN heritage and extensive regional networks, CGS MY aims to connect capital with high-growth opportunities while supporting government, corporate and retail stakeholders navigating shifts in technology, sustainability and high-value industries.

    Despite ongoing global uncertainties, CGS MY reaffirmed that Malaysia’s outlook remains supported by structural reforms, improving investment quality and a clear policy direction toward innovation-led growth. As the nation races toward economic singularity, closer collaboration between government, businesses and capital markets will be critical to translating technological progress into sustainable, long-term value creation.

  • Majestic Gen Strengthens Presence Through Strategic Land Acquisition in Penang

    Majestic Gen Strengthens Presence Through Strategic Land Acquisition in Penang

    Majestic Gen has strengthened its footprint in Penang’s Northern Region with the strategic acquisition of a prime freehold site along Jalan Anson in George Town, purchased for RM75 million via Dynamic Gates Sdn Bhd, a special purpose vehicle under Paramount Corporation Bhd’s earlier securitization exercise. The site, comprising three adjoining parcels with a combined gross floor area of approximately 295,508 square feet, is currently occupied by UOW Malaysia KDU Penang University College. The purchase price, which exceeds the RM70 million valuation conducted in November 2025, reflects Majestic Gen’s confidence in the long-term potential of both the location and the region.

    This acquisition aligns with Majestic Gen’s strategy to expand its presence in high-growth urban centers across the Northern Region, as Penang continues to flourish as a hub for technology, education, culture, and tourism. Jalan Anson offers a unique combination of accessibility, established amenities, and proximity to key commercial, medical, and cultural destinations, positioning Majestic Gen in a highly sought-after enclave that provides a solid foundation for future high-rise developments. Guided by its CHARM values—customer-centric, honest, ambitious, resourceful, and magnificent—the group aims to develop projects that meet community needs while maintaining clarity, purpose, and relevance in planning.

    According to Datuk Hoo Kim See, Chief Executive Officer of Majestic Gen, the acquisition represents an important step in the company’s Northern Region expansion, enabling the creation of developments that deliver lasting value and trust to the community. Executive Director Mr Ta Wee Dher added that the Jalan Anson site offers a strategic foundation for the next phase of growth, with the potential to integrate contemporary design while respecting the character of George Town.

    This move builds on Majestic Gen’s proven track record in Penang, including the successful launch of Majestic Aman in July 2025, a 5.66-acre freehold residential and commercial development in Taman Sungai Dua Utama with a Gross Development Value of RM66.8 million. Beyond residential and commercial projects, the group also drives industrial growth through its joint venture Suling Hill Development Sdn Bhd, which manages the 176-acre Northern TechValley industrial park with a projected GDV of RM1.3 billion. With the Jalan Anson acquisition, Majestic Gen reinforces its commitment to Penang’s urban development, focusing on thoughtfully planned high-rise projects that combine modern design, urban convenience, and enduring value for communities.

    For more information, log on to www.majesticgen.com.my.

  • Emirates concludes the Dubai Airshow with major strategic investments to drive future growth and unveil next-generation aviation innovations.

    Emirates concludes the Dubai Airshow with major strategic investments to drive future growth and unveil next-generation aviation innovations.

    Emirates capped off a highly successful week at the Dubai Airshow with major announcements, strategic partnerships, and technology showcases that reinforce its confidence in long-term growth and its role in advancing the UAE’s aerospace ambitions. Throughout the week, the airline unveiled significant commitments to expand its fleet, elevate the customer experience with new cabin innovations, strengthen industry partnerships, and enhance the UAE’s standing as an emerging global aerospace hub.

    Demonstrating strong public interest, Emirates’ largest-ever static display—featuring the Airbus A380, A350, and Boeing 777—drew over 82,000 visitors. More than 15,000 attendees also had the chance to test Emirates’ Starlink high-speed inflight Wi-Fi aboard a retrofitted Boeing 777, offering a glimpse into a more connected future of air travel.

    Emirates’ announcements throughout the airshow aligned closely with Dubai’s D33 economic agenda. The airline revealed a substantial fleet expansion with orders for 65 additional Boeing 777-9s and eight Airbus A350-900s, valued at US$41.4 billion. This brings Emirates’ total wide-body order book to 375 aircraft, ensuring capacity growth well into 2038.

    To further enhance the passenger experience, Emirates showcased its first aircraft equipped with Starlink, underscoring its plans to introduce high-speed connectivity on 232 aircraft within the next two years. The airline also confirmed that 111 existing aircraft will undergo a major cabin refresh featuring elevated interiors and next-generation entertainment systems.

    Emirates strengthened its global reach through expanded partnerships, including a reciprocal codeshare with South African Airways and an extended codeshare and loyalty partnership with Air Canada through 2032. The airline also highlighted the ongoing success of its close cooperation with flydubai, further supporting Dubai’s aviation ecosystem.

    Sustainability and efficiency were also central themes. Emirates signed an MoU with ENOC to explore sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) development in Dubai and entered into a research collaboration with dans and Thales aimed at reducing arrival holding patterns at DXB to improve airspace efficiency. In the technology space, Emirates announced a new partnership with OpenAI to deploy ChatGPT Enterprise across its organisation, supported by AI training programmes and strategic implementation frameworks.

    In logistics innovation, Emirates SkyCargo partnered with LODD Autonomous to pursue next-generation hybrid, unmanned heavy-lift cargo aircraft built in the UAE—signaling the airline’s intent to help shape the future of air freight.

    Further bolstering Dubai’s aerospace manufacturing and engineering capabilities, Emirates signed several landmark agreements. These include an MoU with Safran Seats to establish Dubai’s first aircraft seat manufacturing facility and another with the CCE Group to co-develop next-generation cabin and cargo products. Emirates also inked a long-term partnership with Rolls-Royce to enable Trent 900 engine MRO for its A380 fleet at a new purpose-built facility by 2027, extending their TotalCare support well into the 2040s. In a significant national milestone, Emirates Engineering achieved the UAE’s first Design Organisation Approval (DOA) from the GCAA, enabling the team to certify major aircraft modifications locally—an important step in building homegrown aerospace expertise.

    Crowning its achievements during the airshow, Emirates earned major industry accolades, including ‘Best Airline in the World’ for the eighth year in a row at the ULTRAs Travel Awards. The airline also took home Airline of the Year and Best First Class of the Year at the Aviation Business Middle East Awards 2025, reaffirming its leadership and excellence in global aviation.