How Malaysia’s Expanded SARA Programme Is Boosting Small Traders and Local Communities
Malaysia’s Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) programme — part of the government’s economic support under Budget 2026 — is not only helping low-income households manage the rising cost of living but also giving a meaningful boost to small traders and local retailers across the country. 🔍 What Is the SARA Programme? SARA (meaning Basic Compassion Contribution) […]
ChatGPT’s “Literary Taste” Raises Red Flags Among Researchers
A recent study has sparked fresh concerns over the reliability of AI-generated content, after researchers found that models like ChatGPT can be easily misled into praising meaningless or nonsensical writing as high-quality literature. 🧠 AI Struggles to Distinguish Sense from Nonsense A German researcher discovered that GPT-based systems frequently rate “pseudo-literary” or nonsensical text as […]
Malaysia to Require Accreditation for All Foreign Construction Workers by 2030
KUALA LUMPUR, 2 February 2026 – Malaysia is set to implement a comprehensive workforce reform in the construction sector, with plans to accredit all foreign construction workers under the Construction Skills Competency Certificate (SKKP) framework by 2030. The initiative aims to raise industry standards, strengthen safety compliance, and enhance overall professionalism across the sector. The […]
Malaysia’s Cashless Economy: How Digital Payments and E-Invoicing Are Transforming Businesses
Malaysia is rapidly moving toward a cashless economy, with digital payments and e-wallet usage becoming increasingly common across businesses of all sizes. From retail stores to food outlets and online platforms, consumers are embracing faster, more convenient ways to pay. At the same time, the introduction of e-invoicing is further accelerating digital transformation, pushing businesses […]
Asian Markets Tumble as Iran Conflict Deepens, Triggering Global Sell-Off
Asian stock markets fell sharply as escalating tensions in the Middle East sent shockwaves across global financial markets, with investors reacting to rising oil prices and growing economic uncertainty. The sell-off comes as the conflict involving Iran intensifies, raising fears of prolonged disruption to global energy supplies and trade flows — particularly through key routes […]
Malaysian Exporters Gain Breathing Room Amid US Trade Uncertainty
Malaysian exporters are seeing a sense of short-term relief following recent developments in United States trade policy, but experts caution that businesses must remain vigilant as the global trade environment continues to shift unpredictably. Recent policy adjustments in the US have eased some immediate pressures on exporters, particularly after earlier concerns over broad-based tariffs. However, […]
AI Boom vs Job Cuts: The Real Cost of Artificial Intelligence in 2026
The rapid rise of artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping industries worldwide, driving innovation, efficiency, and new business opportunities. However, behind this technological boom lies a growing concern: the real cost of AI adoption, particularly in terms of jobs and workforce transformation. As global tech giants accelerate their AI investments, companies are increasingly forced to make […]
Global Oil Prices Surge Past US$100 — Rising Tensions Spark Energy Market Volatility
Global oil prices have surged sharply, climbing above US$100 per barrel for the first time in years, as escalating geopolitical tensions in the Middle East disrupt supply and rattle global energy markets. The rally in crude prices marks a significant shift after a relatively stable period, with Brent crude now trading around the US$100–US$105 range, […]
Ringgit Opens Easier Against US Dollar, Firms Against Major Currencies
The Malaysian ringgit opened slightly weaker against the US dollar but strengthened against several major global currencies in early trading, reflecting cautious investor sentiment amid rising geopolitical tensions and global market uncertainty. At 8am, the local currency traded at 3.9275/3.9400 against the US dollar, easing slightly from the previous close of 3.9240/3.9280, according to market […]