Perhentian Islands has been named Malaysia’s fastest-growing destination for international travellers, according to Agoda’s latest New Horizons ranking. The digital travel platform’s annual report highlights the islands’ rise from 16th to 14th place in 2025, showcasing its increasing appeal. Known for its crystal-clear waters and vibrant marine life, Perhentian Islands offers exceptional snorkelling and diving experiences, making it a prime spot for nature enthusiasts.

Agoda’s New Horizons ranking compares accommodation booking trends over the past two years to identify emerging travel hotspots in Asia. Fabian Teja, Country Director for Malaysia and Brunei at Agoda, noted, “Travellers today are looking beyond the usual hotspots, and destinations like the Perhentian Islands reflect a growing appetite for authentic, nature-led, and culturally rich experiences.”

In addition to Perhentian Islands, Sitiawan has emerged as the top trending domestic destination, moving from 48th to 43rd place in 2025. Known for its delicious seafood and cultural heritage, Sitiawan offers visitors a chance to explore traditional temples and enjoy local hospitality.

For Malaysians travelling abroad, Phu Quoc Island in Vietnam has gained popularity, rising from 34th to 21st place. The island’s stunning beaches, luxury resorts, and vibrant night markets make it an attractive destination for relaxation and culinary exploration.

Agoda’s findings underscore a shift in traveller preferences towards destinations that offer unique and enriching experiences. As these locations continue to gain traction, they are poised to become significant players in the travel industry.

Bossjob, an AI-enhanced recruitment platform, has reported remarkable growth in Malaysia during the third quarter, establishing the country as a pivotal market in its regional expansion. The platform, which facilitates connections between employers and job seekers across Asia, saw its Malaysian market more than double in new companies, job postings, and employer engagement compared to the previous quarter.

This surge underscores the demand for recruitment solutions that blend advanced technology with personal interaction. Malaysia achieved a significant milestone with its first successful placement, affirming the platform’s suitability for the local market. Bernie Goh, Country Manager for bossjob Malaysia, highlighted the importance of balancing speed with meaningful engagement, stating, “Malaysia is teaching us that whilst speed matters, substance matters more.”

Bossjob’s strategy leverages AI to manage complex recruitment processes whilst maintaining the human touch essential for effective hiring. The platform’s recommendation engine analyses thousands of data points to propose suitable matches, yet each connection starts with a genuine conversation.

The success in Malaysia is further bolstered by bossjob’s Referral Partner Programme, which has effectively scaled operations with the help of three active partners. This approach has allowed the company to expand cost-effectively whilst maintaining quality, attracting respected brands in sectors such as retail, manufacturing, healthcare, and food and beverage.

As bossjob continues to grow, its AI-human partnership model could redefine recruitment practices across the region, offering a template for balancing technological efficiency with personal engagement.

Malaysian travellers are showing a growing preference for domestic travel during the year-end holidays, according to digital travel platform Agoda. Between September and November 2025, searches for accommodation in Malaysia surged, with Kuala Lumpur emerging as the most popular destination. This trend highlights a significant shift towards local travel for the December holiday period.

Kuala Lumpur saw an 18% increase in accommodation searches compared to the previous year, leading the list of top domestic destinations. Penang, Malacca, Kota Kinabalu, and Johor Bahru also experienced double-digit growth in interest. For those looking abroad, Hat Yai, Bangkok, and Tokyo were the most searched international destinations, with Krabi, Thailand, noting a remarkable 35% increase in searches.

Fabian Teja, Country Director for Malaysia and Brunei at Agoda, commented on the trend: “The increasing enthusiasm among Malaysians for domestic travel is great to witness considering the variety of incredible destinations right here at home.” He also noted the rising interest in international locations like Seoul and Krabi, reflecting the diverse interests of Malaysian travellers.

Agoda continues to support this travel enthusiasm by offering over 130,000 flight routes, more than 6 million holiday properties, and over 300,000 activities. The platform aims to provide flexible options and great value deals to cater to travellers’ varied plans and preferences. With its extensive network and user-friendly mobile app, Agoda remains committed to making travel more accessible and enjoyable for all.

Malaysia’s card payments market is projected to grow by 6.1% in 2025, reaching MYR408.5b (US$89.3b), according to GlobalData. This growth is attributed to increased electronic payment adoption, government initiatives to enhance digital payment infrastructure, and expanded access to banking services. The forecast follows a 9.7% increase in card payment value in 2024, which reached MYR385.2b (US$84.2b).

The expansion is supported by the government’s financial inclusion efforts and the proliferation of point-of-sale (POS) systems. Ravi Sharma, Lead Banking and Payments Analyst at GlobalData, noted, “Malaysia’s card payments market is steadily building momentum as the ecosystem shifts towards electronic payments.” He highlighted the role of government initiatives and improved payment acceptance infrastructure in this growth.

Debit card payments are expected to account for 41% of the total card payment value in 2025, driven by a growing banked population and accessible payment cards. Credit and charge cards, despite lower penetration, will represent 59% of the market, bolstered by banks’ reward programmes and instalment options.

The market’s growth is further propelled by low-cost POS solutions, enhancing small and medium enterprise acceptance. For instance, Hong Leong Bank and CIMB offer advanced POS terminals to facilitate contactless and mobile payments.

Looking ahead, Malaysia’s card payments are forecast to rise to MYR538b (US$117.6b) by 2029, marking a 31.7% increase. However, economic and geopolitical challenges, such as US tariffs, may impact consumer spending.

Syntec Technology, a leader in smart manufacturing solutions, has announced the Phase II development of its Syntec Intelligence Technology Sdn. Bhd. facility in Malaysia, with an investment exceeding RM78m. This expansion is designed to address increasing demand from the machine tool industry, particularly in India, and to enhance the company’s global supply chain resilience.

The expansion, part of Syntec Group’s strategy to adapt to rapid changes in the global manufacturing landscape, will be implemented in phases. This approach allows for operational flexibility and helps manage execution and geopolitical risks. Otis Siah, Global Director of Syntec Intelligence, stated, “Establishing and expanding our operations in Malaysia is a strategic move to better support fast-growing demand across ASEAN.”

Scheduled for completion in early 2027, the new facility will manufacture and test industrial controllers and assemble intelligent robotic arm systems. It is expected to become a key manufacturing hub for markets in India, Turkey, ASEAN, and the United States, reducing delivery lead times and enhancing local supply capabilities.

Grant Kuo, Independent Director of Syntec Technology, emphasised the project’s significance, stating, “By strengthening our overseas manufacturing footprint, we are enhancing supply chain flexibility whilst positioning the group to capture sustainable growth in multiple high-potential markets.”

The project, developed in partnership with Malaysian construction firm Pembinaan Tuju Setia Sdn. Bhd., will incorporate green building design and energy-efficient construction methods, aligning with Syntec’s environmental, social, and governance commitments. This expansion is part of Syntec’s long-term strategy to deliver stable and sustainable growth globally.

Kärcher Cleaning Systems Sdn. Bhd, celebrating its 90th anniversary, has donated professional cleaning equipment worth $8,600 (RM40,592) to Zoo Negara in Malaysia. This initiative, announced on 23 December 2025, aims to elevate the zoo’s cleaning standards with sustainable and high-performance solutions.

The handover event took place on 19 December, marking a significant collaboration between Kärcher Malaysia and Zoo Negara. The donation underscores Kärcher’s commitment to community and environmental care, aligning with its global mission to support sustainable practices.

The advanced cleaning technology provided by Kärcher is expected to significantly improve the maintenance of Zoo Negara’s facilities. This partnership not only enhances the cleanliness of the zoo but also contributes to the well-being of the animals and the overall visitor experience.

Kärcher Malaysia’s donation is part of its broader corporate social responsibility efforts, which focus on environmental sustainability. The company believes that by providing state-of-the-art cleaning solutions, it can help institutions like Zoo Negara maintain high standards of hygiene and care.

This collaboration is anticipated to set a precedent for future partnerships between corporations and public institutions, promoting sustainable practices and community support. As Kärcher continues to celebrate its milestone anniversary, it remains dedicated to fostering positive environmental impacts through its innovative cleaning technologies.

Malaysia Smelting Corporation Berhad (MSC), a prominent tin miner and metal producer, has appointed Nicolas Chen Seong Lee and Lam Hoi Khong as Co-Group Chief Executive Officers, effective 1 January 2026. This strategic move follows the retirement of Dato’ Dr. Patrick Yong Mian Thong, who will continue to serve on the Board as an Adviser, providing strategic guidance and overseeing new projects.

The dual leadership model aims to enhance MSC’s operational effectiveness, governance, and strategic execution, ensuring continuity and sustainable growth. Chen will focus on operational, corporate, and institutional matters, whilst Lam will manage financial, sales/marketing, commercial, and governance-related functions.

The Board of Directors expressed gratitude for Dato’ Patrick’s leadership, under which MSC achieved significant milestones and established a strong foundation for growth. MSC, a subsidiary of The Straits Trading Company Limited, is listed on both the Main Market of Bursa Malaysia and the Main Board of Singapore Exchange.

UltraGreen.ai, a leader in fluorescence-guided surgery and digital health solutions, has achieved significant regulatory milestones with approvals for its Verdye (indocyanine green for injection) in the Philippines and IC-Flow Imaging System V2 in Malaysia. These approvals mark a crucial step in the company’s strategic expansion across Southeast Asia, a region experiencing a surge in healthcare demand.

The approvals enable UltraGreen and its local partners to support education, training, and the broader clinical adoption of indocyanine green-based techniques among surgeons in both countries. This development is particularly timely as surgical demand rises in oncology, colorectal, and reconstructive care across the region.

Fluorescence-guided surgery using indocyanine green has become an essential tool in various surgical procedures. The IC-Flow Imaging System V2’s approval in Malaysia facilitates the use of fluorescence imaging technology in clinical settings, whilst Verdye’s approval provides Filipino clinicians access to a globally recognised, high-quality product.

Declan Cassells, Chief Operating Officer of UltraGreen, stated, “These approvals represent far more than regulatory milestones – they pave the way for delivering proven surgical technologies to healthcare systems across Southeast Asia.”

UltraGreen’s commitment to advancing precision surgery through high-quality pharmaceutical, imaging, and data-driven solutions is further solidified by these approvals, strengthening its presence in Southeast Asia.

Lendlease has announced a significant partnership with a Malaysian family office, selling a 40% interest in The Exchange TRX retail mall and its entire 60% stake in the adjacent office asset. This transaction, valued at approximately $234m (RM1.1b), marks a pivotal step in Lendlease’s capital recycling programme and highlights the strong performance and appeal of the Kuala Lumpur-based precinct.

Since its opening in 2023, The Exchange TRX has rapidly become a leading retail destination in Malaysia, attracting high-profile international brands such as Apple, Gentle Monster, Alo Yoga, and Molton Brown. In its inaugural year, the mall achieved $561m (RM2.64b) in sales and welcomed 45 million visitors, reinforcing its status as a major draw for both shoppers and retailers.

Lendlease will maintain a 20% stake in the retail mall and continue to manage the assets, whilst retaining a 60% interest in the residential land plots and the completed hotel. The transaction is expected to finalise in the second half of FY26, pending the satisfaction of conditions precedent.

Justin Gabbani, CEO of Investment Management at Lendlease, remarked, “The strong performance of The Exchange TRX highlights the quality and appeal of the precinct, and introducing an established Malaysian partner is a strong endorsement of that success.” Stuart Crow, CEO of Capital Markets Asia Pacific at JLL, added, “The Exchange TRX has reshaped Kuala Lumpur’s skyline and is now firmly established as Kuala Lumpur’s pre-eminent retail, commercial and entertainment destination.”

This partnership underscores confidence in the long-term potential of The Exchange TRX, positioning it as a key player in Kuala Lumpur’s evolving urban landscape.

One Universal Production Group (OUP), a prominent intellectual property ecosystem and tourism company in Asia, has officially opened its new corporate building in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. This development marks a significant milestone in OUP’s mission to deliver world-class entertainment and educational experiences across the region.

The new facility is expected to bolster OUP’s capabilities in creating innovative content and attractions, further solidifying its reputation as a leader in the industry. The company has been instrumental in developing a range of entertainment and edutainment offerings that cater to diverse audiences across Asia.

During the event, OUP formalised a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Kayou Cultural Creativity Co., Ltd., China’s largest collectible card company. Under the partnership, Kayou will enter the Malaysian market alongside OUP, introducing new IP-driven collectible products and entertainment concepts aimed at Southeast Asian fans.

OUP also unveiled its upcoming international development roadmap, including the Hadi Excellence Collection – Thematic Safari Villas in the UAE, and the Hadi Premium Collection in Malaysia, featuring Malaysia’s first sea-front crystal-clear lagoon villas.

As OUP continues to innovate and expand, the new corporate building is set to play a crucial role in driving the company’s future growth and success in the competitive entertainment and tourism sectors.