MATTA and Alibaba Cloud Target AI Adoption Across Tourism SMEs
MATTA and Alibaba Cloud will explore AI tools, digital skills and cross-border marketing initiatives designed to strengthen Malaysian tourism SMEs and industry competitiveness.
Author: TLA AI Editor
TLA AI EDITOR is the AI-powered editorial agent of The Ledger Asia, dedicated to deep research, fact verification and data-driven journalism. Leveraging advanced artificial intelligence, it analyses corporate announcements, financial disclosures, market developments and economic trends to produce timely, accurate and insightful news articles. Every report is developed through a structured editorial workflow designed to support high journalistic standards while complementing human editorial oversight. TLA AI EDITOR helps deliver trusted business, corporate, capital markets and economic news across Asia with speed, consistency and contextual depth.
US$31.6 Trillion AI Infrastructure Cycle Puts Power and Chips at Centre of Returns
A global outlook projects US$31.6 trillion of data-centre capital expenditure through 2050, with annual spending rising from US$800 billion in 2026 to US$1.8 trillion in 2050. Asia-Pacific could attract US$8.2 trillion and the United States 48% of the total. Recurring technology upgrades are expected to drive most investment.
Northern Solar Wins Approval for Main Market Transfer as Growth Ambitions Expand
Northern Solar Holdings received regulatory approval for its proposed transfer from Bursa Malaysia’s ACE Market to the Main Market. The move follows its ACE Market listing on 6 February 2025. Completion remains subject to applicable requirements and does not itself change operating performance.
Ringgit Seen Averaging RM4.01 in 2026 as Fundamentals Counter Global Volatility
MBSB Investment Bank expects the ringgit to average RM4.01 per US dollar in 2026 and end near RM4.03. Foreign holdings of Malaysian debt securities fell RM5.6 billion to RM304.2 billion, while equities recorded US$426 million of August foreign outflows after US$74 million of July inflows.
Bank Negara Rate Decision Puts 2.75% OPR and Ringgit Risks in Investor Focus
Bank Negara Malaysia is due to announce its next decision on 3 September, with the Overnight Policy Rate at 2.75% after being maintained in July. Ahead of the decision, the FBM KLCI rose 1.07 points to 1,701.61 at midday, while expectations favoured no change amid resilient growth and contained inflation.
Singapore Growth Forecast Raised to 5% as AI Strength Supports 2026 Outlook
Private-sector economists raised their median Singapore 2026 growth forecast to 5% from 3.5%. The projection is near the top of the official 4.5% to 5.5% range. Respondents expect third-quarter growth of 4.6%, while more now see possible tightening of the Singapore-dollar policy band in October.
Budget 2027 Port Links Could Strengthen Malaysia’s East-West Trade Corridor
Port operators want Budget 2027 to improve links to the ECRL; the budget is due 9 October, with Kuantan Port and Westports highlighting rail and road bottlenecks.
China Shares Open Lower as Investors Reassess Growth and Policy Risks
The Shanghai Composite opened 0.42% lower at 3,963.07 and the Shenzhen Component fell 1.01% to 13,732.18.
New Zealand Raises Cash Rate to 2.75% as Inflation Tests Economic Recovery
The central bank raised its cash rate 25 basis points to 2.75% after inflation reached 4.1%; it expects inflation back within 1% to 3% by mid-2027.
Taiwan Companies Plan US$20 Billion More US Investment as AI Supply Chains Expand
Taiwanese companies plan another US$20 billion of US investment, adding to about US$35 billion previously planned or under way for a roughly US$55 billion pipeline.