Malaysia Morning News For January 15

Ringgit strengthens further against US dollar
The ringgit continued its strong upward momentum to end higher against the US dollar, supported by better-than-expected manufacturing data and strong crude oil prices amid a softer US dollar.
— The Star Online

Top Glove to invest in Vietnam following Aspion acquisition
Top Glove, the world’s largest maker of rubber gloves, plans to expand into Vietnam this year to capitalize on the country’s competitive edge as global demand continues to climb.
— Nikkei Asian Review

CIMB’s divestment reflects strategy to focus on core business: MIDF Research
CIMB Group Holdings Bhd’s move to pare down its stakes in its asset management joint ventures is part of the group’s strategy of focusing on its core banking business, said MIDF Research.
— The Sun Daily

Bursa Malaysia to trade higher
Bursa Malaysia is expected to trade higher next week driven by a stronger ringgit, firmer oil price, strong economic growth and better corporate earnings, a dealer said.
— New Straits Times

Is the Malaysian economy really in dire straits?
The year 2017 has gracefully become part of history. We have witnessed our country plagued with a number of issues – both good and bad. The most popular was obviously on the rising cost of living and the Malaysian economy.
— Malaysiakini

Expect ringgit to appreciate further – Johari
The ringgit can be expected to appreciate further against the greenback amid the country’s positive economic outlook, says Second Finance Minister, Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani.
— New Straits Times

Nestle Malaysia in RM100 a share club, thanks to innovation
If you had believed in Nestle Malaysia Holdings Bhd MD Alois Hofbauer (pix) when he took the helm of the group in 2013 and invested in the group, you would now be part of a novel group of investors in an organisation whose share has passed the RM100 apiece mark.
— The Sun Daily

Positive manufacturing momentum is expected to continue: AmResearch
Positive manufacturing momentum, in terms of production and sales, is expected to continue, AmResearch said.
— New Straits Times

Sarawak’s Petros aims to be active oil & gas player within two years
MIRI: Petros, an oil and gas (O&G) company that is wholly owned by the Sarawak government, targets to become an active player in the O&G industry within two years.
— The Sun Daily

Malaysian PM Najib here for 8th Singapore-Malaysia leaders’ retreat
Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak will be in Singapore for a two-day visit from today to meet Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong for the eighth Singapore-Malaysia leaders’ retreat.
— The New Paper

Semipublic fund to back Japan bid for Malaysia-Singapore rail line
The government will help a Japanese corporate consortium win a bid for a high-speed rail project straddling Malaysia and Singapore, with plans to provide financial support through a public-private fund.
— Nikkei Asian Review

Vertice Bhd involved in Penang tunnel project because of diversification, local councillor tells MCA
Vertice Bhd, formerly known as Voir Holdings Bhd, is a shareholder in the Penang undersea tunnel project because it has diversified from fashion, a municipal councillor told MCA deputy president Datuk Seri Wee Ka Siong today.
— Malay Mail Online

Feature photo Bernard Spragg. NZ

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Malaysia morning news by AEC News Today is your one stop source for Malaysia news on matters of governance and policies affecting Asean business communities. It is published M-F by AEC News Today: Governance, not government; policies not politics.