Sunday, 7 December 2025

Author: Noor Syahhira Hady

Eastel becomes U Mobile’s first 5G partner

KUCHING: Malaysia’s newest 5G network provider, U Mobile, has signed its first wholesale access agreement with Eastel in a move that signals stronger competition in the local mobile market. The five-year deal allows Eastel, a mobile virtual network operator (MVNO) under Anchor Communications, to tap into U Mobile’s next-generation 5G

Institutional discipline sustains fiscal strength

KUCHING: Budget 2026 signals a shift toward tighter fiscal discipline, but Malaysia is still not ready to let markets lead, said the Centre for Market Education (CME). The economic think tank said the Fourth MADANI Budget represents progress in fiscal restraint and transparency, yet remains rooted in interventionist policies that

Proton e.MAS 5 electric car debuts in Sarawak’s MISI 5 Tour

KUCHING: Sarawakian drivers got an early look at Proton’s new e.MAS 5 electric cars today as the MISI 5 Tour reached Kuching, bringing the nationwide showcase to East Malaysia for the first time. Hosted by Proton e.MAS 3S Ghee Hua Kuching, the city’s only 3S authorised Proton e.MAS dealership, the

Halal economy redefined with innovation, digital finance, sustainability

KUCHING: Malaysia is redefining its halal economy by fusing digital finance, innovation and sustainability, a shift that could strengthen its position as a global leader, said Citadel Tayyib 360’s Chief Executive Officer, Adly Mohamed. He said Budget 2026 shows that Malaysia is moving beyond traditional halal development by linking certification

Budget 2026 accelerates Malaysia’s AI, cybersecurity, digital future

KUCHING: Malaysia’s Budget 2026 strengthens the nation’s digital push with new investments in connectivity, cybersecurity and AI talent, reinforcing its position as a regional innovation hub, said Chee Kheong Lee. The Cisco Malaysia’s Managing Director said the budget reflects Malaysia’s strong commitment to advancing the Ekonomi MADANI agenda through technology-driven

Budget 2026 balances reform, growth and fiscal discipline

KUCHING: Malaysia’s RM470-billion Budget 2026 charts a steady course for growth and fiscal discipline, reflecting reform and resilience, said Affin Group President and Group Chief Executive Officer, Datuk Wan Razly Abdullah. He said the budget demonstrates the government’s commitment to long-term reform, inclusive growth, and fiscal strength through balanced spending

Budget 2026 places ageing at centre of national policy

KUCHING: Budget 2026 has placed ageing at the centre of national planning through a long-term framework, expanded welfare, and care training, as Malaysia moves toward becoming a super-aged society by 2056. Swinburne University of Technology Sarawak’s lecturer, Dr Nivakan Sritharan, said the introduction of the National Ageing Framework 2025-2045 marks

Malaysia pursues fiscal reform without sacrificing growth

KUCHING: Malaysia’s move to cut its fiscal deficit from 5.5 per cent in 2022 to 3.5 per cent by 2026 shows that the government can consolidate its finances without slowing growth, said Dzul Hadzwan Husaini. The Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS) senior lecturer said the government had managed to realign its

Malaysia can cut deficit, raise spending with smart fiscal discipline

KUCHING: Malaysia’s plan to cut its deficit while raising spending is achievable through stricter governance and smarter investments, said Datuk Madeline Berma. The Institut Masa Depan Malaysia (MASA) senior fellow said the government’s move to narrow the fiscal deficit from 5.5 per cent in 2022 to 3.5 per cent in

Enter into the new spheres of economy through blockchain

SARAWAK is positioning itself to enter the blockchain economy as global industries accelerate digital transformation. During the Borneo Blockchain Conference 2025, the Kuching Blockchain Technology Association (KBTA) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with ACCESS Blockchain Association Malaysia to boost collaboration and promote awareness of blockchain technology. Following the MoU,