StarCruises has announced the return of its cruise ship, Star Voyager, to Southeast Asia for the winter season, commencing on 20 November 2025. The ship will offer a variety of short-getaway options, perfectly timed for the festive season and school holidays in Singapore and Malaysia. Departures will be available from Singapore and Kuala Lumpur via Port Klang, providing passengers with flexible and convenient travel options.

The itineraries include 3-night weekend getaways to Penang and Kuala Lumpur, as well as 4-night sailings to Phuket, Penang, and Pulau Bintan. Michael Goh, President of StarDream Cruises, stated, “This deployment gives cruise passengers from Singapore and Malaysia more choices, flexibility and convenience, with 3 and 4 Night getaways from both Singapore and Kuala Lumpur (Port Klang), sailing between the two cities and calling at the ever-popular destinations of Phuket, Penang and Pulau Bintan.”

Guests can embark at the Singapore Cruise Centre, conveniently located near VivoCity Mall and the HarbourFront MRT station, or from Kuala Lumpur via the Port Klang Cruise Terminal. The itineraries highlight Southeast Asia’s popular holiday destinations, including Penang’s UNESCO-listed George Town and Phuket’s beaches.

Additionally, Star Voyager will offer two special one-way repositioning cruises. The first, a 4-night journey from Hong Kong to Singapore, departs on 16 November 2025. The second, a 5-night voyage from Singapore to Hong Kong, departs on 8 February 2026, allowing guests to celebrate the Lunar New Year at sea.

Bookings for these cruises will open on 3 October 2025.

Sunway Medical Centre, located in Sunway City, has been recognised as the top Malaysian smart hospital and has made its debut in Newsweek’s World’s Best Smart Hospitals 2026 ranking. This marks the first time a Malaysian hospital has been featured in this prestigious list, with Sunway Medical Centre securing the 313th position among leading international hospitals.

The rankings are determined through a comprehensive online survey, the Statista Smart Hospitals Maturity Survey, and the Joint Commission International (JCI) hospital accreditation. These assessments evaluate hospitals based on their use of technology and innovation in healthcare delivery.

Dato’ Lau Beng Long, President of Sunway Healthcare Group, expressed pride in the achievement, stating, “We are extremely proud to be ranked among the world’s best smart hospitals.” This accolade highlights the hospital’s commitment to integrating advanced technology to enhance patient care and operational efficiency.

The inclusion of Sunway Medical Centre in the global ranking underscores Malaysia’s growing presence in the international healthcare landscape. It also reflects the hospital’s dedication to adopting cutting-edge solutions to improve healthcare outcomes.

As the healthcare sector continues to evolve with technological advancements, Sunway Medical Centre’s recognition sets a benchmark for other Malaysian hospitals aspiring to enhance their smart capabilities. This achievement is expected to encourage further innovation and investment in the country’s healthcare infrastructure.

MARC Ratings has affirmed the AAAIS/Stable rating for Celcom Networks Sdn Bhd’s (CNSB) RM5b Sukuk Murabahah Programme. CNSB, a subsidiary of Celcom Berhad and ultimately owned by CelcomDigi Berhad, provides network telecommunication services within the group. The rating reflects the robust credit profile of CelcomDigi, supported by its leading position in Malaysia’s telco industry, solid margins, and strong cash flow, despite rising competition potentially impacting earnings.

CelcomDigi holds a 40% market share with 20.4 million subscribers as of June 2025, a slight decrease from the previous quarter. This decline was due to a significant drop in prepaid users, which overshadowed growth in postpaid and Home & Fibre segments. The company is implementing initiatives such as competitive plans, device bundling, and expanded 5G coverage to attract and retain customers, though market competition and pricing pressures remain challenges.

Financially, CelcomDigi’s 2024 performance aligned with expectations, maintaining revenue at RM12.7b, though EBITDA fell to RM5.8 billion due to increased operating costs. In the first half of 2025, revenue and EBITDA were stable at RM6.4b and RM2.7b, respectively. The company anticipates low single-digit growth in service revenue and EBIT, with more substantial gains post-2027 as merger synergies develop.

Liquidity is strong, with cash flow from operations covering capital expenditures and dividends. Borrowings were RM8.9b by June 2025, but cash flow strength supports debt management. The appointment of U Mobile as a second 5G provider alleviates some capital expenditure concerns, although CelcomDigi has invested RM350m in Digital Nasional Berhad, which could affect cash flow. The government is expected to exercise a put option related to these investments by November 2025.

The Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM) and Futurise Sdn Bhd are accelerating Malaysia’s entry into Advanced Air Mobility (AAM), targeting the launch of a Concept of Operations (ConOps) by the first quarter of 2026. This initiative is set to position Malaysia as a regional leader in the low-altitude airspace economy, introducing new transport solutions such as electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft (eVTOLs).

In December 2024, CAAM appointed Futurise as the Secretariat of the Advanced Air Mobility Steering Committee, leveraging its expertise in regulatory sandboxes for emerging technologies. Futurise will develop the ConOps document, aligning with CAAM’s policy direction and contributing to Malaysia’s AAM roadmap. The ConOps will outline operational scenarios, stakeholder roles, airspace usage, and regulatory requirements, facilitating the transition from conceptual frameworks to real-world deployment.

The ConOps will adhere to international regulatory frameworks, including those from the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Workshops and industry engagements throughout 2025 will ensure comprehensive input from government, regulators, and the aviation industry.

Dato Captain Norazman Bin Mahmud, CEO of CAAM, highlighted the importance of distinguishing AAM from drones, stating, “Whilst drones are classified as Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) and are already regulated, AAM encompasses a broader class of aircraft such as eVTOLs that require a new regulatory approach.”

The regulatory sandbox will provide a controlled environment for testing and innovation, marking a significant step in Malaysia’s active participation in the global AAM landscape.

MARC Ratings has affirmed the AA-IS rating for Malaysia Marine and Heavy Engineering Holdings Berhad’s (MHB) RM1b Sukuk Murabahah Programme, maintaining a stable outlook. The rating benefits from a one-notch uplift due to MHB’s affiliation with the Petroliam Nasional Berhad (PETRONAS) group, which is expected to continue its support. PETRONAS holds an indirect stake in MHB through its 51% ownership of MISC Berhad, which owns 66.5% of MHB.

MHB’s credit profile is bolstered by its established expertise in offshore fabrication and marine repairs, alongside a substantial order book valued at RM5.17b as of June 2025, ensuring revenue visibility until 2028. However, the company’s exposure to the cyclical oil and gas sector moderates the rating.

In the first half of 2025, MHB secured two significant contracts worth RM572m from Vestigo Petroleum Sdn Bhd for the fabrication of three wellhead platforms. Despite these contracts, MHB’s revenue for the period dropped by 53% year-on-year to RM884.7m, attributed to reduced contributions from the heavy engineering segment. This decline was partially offset by robust performance in the marine segment, which saw an increase in vessel conversion and repair contracts.

Counterparty risk remains a concern, with 56% of the order book linked to Petrofac International (UAE) LLC and 41% to PETRONAS-related projects. However, Petrofac’s risk is mitigated by the involvement of TenneT B.V., a transmission system operator in Europe, which underpins payments to MHB.

Looking ahead, MHB’s full-year revenue for 2025 is anticipated to fall short of the previous year’s RM3.6b, given current project timelines. As of June 2025, MHB’s cash reserves stood at RM506.5m, with total borrowings reduced to RM241.7m, resulting in a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.17x.

The Malaysia International Halal Showcase (MIHAS) 2025 is set to open its doors from 17 to 20 September at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre in Kuala Lumpur. This year’s event, themed “Pinnacle of Halal Excellence,” will feature 45,000 visitors and 2,400 booths, with participants from 80 countries. The showcase aims to foster global business collaborations and discussions on halal standards and innovation.

The Prime Minister of Malaysia, Anwar Ibrahim, will officiate the opening ceremony on 19 September. MIHAS 2025 is part of the Global Halal Summit, underscoring Malaysia’s dedication to advancing the halal industry through innovation and international partnerships.

The exhibition will highlight a diverse range of halal products, including food and beverages, pharmaceuticals, medical devices, Islamic finance, and Muslim-friendly tourism. The International Sourcing Programme (INSP) will facilitate business matching, offering platforms like MADANI Digital Trade for direct engagements between buyers and sellers.

The Knowledge Hub will provide expert briefings and panel discussions on halal certification, market access, and themes such as digitalisation and sustainability. The MIHAS Awards Ceremony on 20 September will recognise enterprises for excellence and innovation in the halal sector.

Following its success in Dubai, MIHAS will expand internationally with MIHAS Shanghai from 5 to 10 November, in conjunction with the China International Import Expo. This expansion aims to strengthen Malaysian enterprises’ presence in the Chinese market, one of the largest halal consumer bases globally. Through these initiatives, MIHAS continues to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of the global halal economy.

AlphaMove, a Malaysian blockchain start-up, has entered into a strategic partnership with the Guangxi Research Department under the Nanning Provincial Government of China. Announced during the 3rd Forum on China-ASEAN Artificial Intelligence Cooperation, this collaboration aims to accelerate advancements in AI, blockchain, and smart city development.

The agreement outlines a long-term partnership to create a compliant and interoperable blockchain ecosystem enhanced by AI capabilities. AlphaMove and Guangxi Research Department will explore applications in asset pricing, risk management, and regulatory monitoring, focusing on tokenised real-world assets such as real estate and corporate equity. The partnership also plans to establish AI and blockchain research laboratories in Nanning and Kuala Lumpur, fostering cross-border innovation.

Kingsley Tan, CEO of AlphaMove, stated, “This partnership is a milestone in the collaboration between Malaysia and China in advancing high-tech economies. Together we are building the foundation for interoperable, compliant, and future-ready smart city solutions that will benefit communities across ASEAN.”

The collaboration highlights China’s leadership in smart city innovation and Malaysia’s contribution to ASEAN’s digital future. By merging China’s government-backed research with Malaysia’s entrepreneurial spirit, the partnership aims to drive transformative applications in healthcare, finance, and urban development, supporting a digitally interconnected ASEAN region.

UPS has announced significant enhancements to its intra-Asia air network, aiming to facilitate faster and more reliable trade across the Asia Pacific region. These upgrades, revealed on 16 September 2025, include increased flight frequency and capacity, particularly between Shenzhen and Sydney, as well as improved transit times from Asia and Europe to Australia.

The logistics giant now operates five weekly Boeing 767 flights from Shenzhen to Sydney, quadrupling capacity on this high-growth trade lane. This expansion is designed to meet the rising demand in sectors such as healthcare, technology, and automotive. “We continue to see strong momentum across Asia Pacific,” said Wilfredo Ramos, president of UPS Asia Pacific. “Our network is designed to give our customers the agility, reliability, and assurance they need to grow confidently in a dynamic region.”

Key improvements include a reduction in delivery time from China, Hong Kong SAR, Japan, Malaysia, the Philippines, South Korea, Thailand, and Vietnam to Australia, now achievable in two business days. Additionally, next-business-day delivery is available for Friday pickups. The enhancements also mean exports to major Asian markets and imports from Europe will arrive one day earlier, providing Australian businesses with faster access to critical goods.

Furthermore, UPS has upgraded its Hanoi-Shenzhen route by deploying larger Boeing 747 freighters, doubling weekly cargo capacity to 570 tonnes. This move supports growing demand from Vietnam to China, Hong Kong SAR, Japan, Malaysia, and Thailand, offering next-business-day deliveries to China and Hong Kong SAR.

These developments follow recent investments by UPS in Malaysia and Japan, aimed at enhancing delivery capabilities and expanding services. As UPS continues to invest in its global network, these enhancements are expected to optimise supply chains and support business growth across the region.

Amadeus, a leader in travel technology solutions, has been selected by Corporate Information Travel Sdn Bhd (CIT) in Malaysia to spearhead its digital transformation. CIT will transition to the Amadeus Travel Platform, aiming to enhance its air content and modernise its technological capabilities. This move is part of CIT’s strategy to build a scalable system that supports business growth and operational efficiency.

CIT’s Managing Director, Thaddeus Foo, expressed confidence in the partnership, stating, “We are confident that Amadeus will help us deliver on our digital transformation vision. We want our consultants to spend less time on repetitive tasks so they have more time to prioritise customer service and company values.” The collaboration will also enable CIT to offer a more client-oriented website with modern content, including New Distribution Capability (NDC), ensuring its competitiveness in the digital retail space.

Ramona Bohwongprasert, Senior Vice President of Southeast Asia Inside Sales and Startups at Amadeus, highlighted the significance of the partnership, saying, “This deal demonstrates the strength of Amadeus’ holistic travel technology offering beyond content, including digital retailing, automation, productivity, and back-office solutions.”

Established in 1985 and based in Kuala Lumpur, CIT has been a pioneer in business travel management, recently celebrating its 40th anniversary. The company provides airline reservations and ticketing services, offering competitive airfares from over 130 airlines worldwide. This partnership with Amadeus marks a significant step in CIT’s journey to future-proof and scale its business in the evolving travel industry.

The Malaysian property sector demonstrated resilience in the second quarter of 2025, with property transaction values increasing by 14% year-on-year (YoY), according to a recent report by UOB Kay Hian. Despite some companies like SP Setia, Sunway Bhd, and Lagenda falling short of expectations due to higher expenses and slower revenue recognition, the sector overall maintained a positive outlook, buoyed by strong industrial demand and significant activity in the Johor region.

The report highlighted that the property market’s transaction volume rose by 4% YoY, driven by a robust industrial segment and a notable rebound in Johor’s property transactions, which increased by 17% YoY. This growth was supported by resilient demand for industrial land and mass-market housing, alongside strong foreign direct investment inflows.

UOB Kay Hian maintained an “overweight” rating on the sector, citing a favourable interest rate environment and infrastructure developments as key drivers. The firm identified Sunway, Eco World, and Mah Sing as top picks, with Sunway’s upcoming healthcare IPO in the first quarter of 2026 expected to be particularly rewarding.

However, the sector faces challenges, including a 19% year-on-year increase in unsold completed units, although this is attributed to simultaneous project completions. The report remains optimistic, expecting the overhang to improve as the market absorbs new supply, aided by lower interest rates and demand driven by the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone.

Looking forward, the sector’s prospects are bolstered by anticipated government focus on affordable housing in the upcoming Budget 2026, which could further stimulate demand.