09/05/2025

BIZ & FINANCE 15 10 M’sian SMEs to take part in Philippine expo KUALA LUMPUR: Ten Malaysian companies will showcase their products and services in Malaysia’s inaugural participation at the 16th Philippine SME Business Expo (PHILSME) through a national pavilion at the SMX Convention Centre in Manila from May 9-10. The Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (Matrade) will lead the companies that represent a wide range of sectors including ICT and digital solutions, halal consumer products, food and beverage, franchising, and business support services. The national pavilion will showcase Malaysia’s innovative and high-quality offerings, while fostering opportunities for partnerships, distributorships and joint ventures with Filipino counterparts. According to Matrade, Malaysia’s participation marks the first time the trade agency is coordinating a unified Malaysian presence at PHILSME, one of the Philippines’ most significant and most established business-to-business trade events focusing on small and medium-sized enterprises (SME). Having a national pavilion in PHILSME 2025 demonstrates Malaysia’s firm commitment to strengthening trade and business ties with the Philippines, particularly within the SME segment. “Matrade’s debut at PHILSME reflects a significant step in our strategic efforts to strengthen trade ties with the Philippines, one of our key trading partners within Asean,” Matrade CEO Datuk Mohd Mustafa Abdul Aziz said. “We are confident that Malaysian SMEs bring valuable solutions and competitive advantages that align well with the evolving needs of the Philippines’ market,” he said. PHILSME 2025 comes at a time of strong economic momentum in the Philippines. The country’s GDP is projected to grow 6% in 2025 and 6.1% in 2026, supported by strong domestic demand and public investment. In tandem with this momentum, trade between Malaysia and the Philippines grew by 12.6% in the first quarter of 2025 to US$2.05 billion (RM9.12 billion), compared to US$1.82 billion in the same period of 2024. Malaysia’s exports rose 12.5% to US$1.48 billion, while imports from the Philippines increased by 12.9% to US$0.57 billion, indicating a positive trend in bilateral trade recovery and growth. As members of the Asean Economic Community, Malaysia and the Philippines enjoy smoother trade facilitation and regulatory cooperation, creating a favourable environment for bilateral commercial activities. FRIDAY | MAY 9, 2025

Kerjaya Prospek, Majestic Gen in RM162m Johor deal From left: Majestic Gen Sdn Bhd executive director Ta Wee Dher, Hoo, Tee and Kerjaya Prospek (M) Sdn Bhd senior contract manager Chia Sow Teck.

RM870.3 million, placing us well on track to achieve our RM1.6 billion target for the year,” he said in a statement. Tee said the total outstanding order book now stands at RM4.6 billion, providing healthy earnings visibility and a solid foundation for continued growth over the next four financial years. Majestic Gen CEO Datuk Hoo Kim See said the company had appointed Kerjaya Prospek, a reputable construction firm, to build Gen Rise – its first project in Johor. “This is a truly momentous occasion for both companies as we aim to deliver quality and sustainable products to our esteemed buyers. “We hope that this collaboration will further boost the market’s confidence in our current and future developments with an estimated GDV of RM3.7 billion,” he said.

o Contract covers main works for Gen Rise, a 47-storey serviced apartment near the CIQ and Bukit Chagar RTS

KUALA LUMPUR: Construction company Kerjaya Prospek Group Bhd’s wholly owned subsidiary Kerjaya Prospek (M) Sdn Bhd has accepted a letter of award from Majestic Gen Sdn Bhd for a building contract worth RM162 million in Johor Bahru. The contract entails main building works for Gen Rise, a 47-storey transit-oriented serviced apartment development near the customs, immigration and quarantine (CIQ) and Bukit Chagar Rapid Transit System (RTS). The project comprises a single block with 732 units, nine levels of podium parking, and other supporting facilities.

Construction, scheduled to commence on Aug 1, is expected to be completed within 36 months. Kerjaya Prospek CEO and executive director Tee Eng Tiong said the construction of Majestic Gen’s is the company’s maiden project in Johor and its first contract win in the state for 2025. “Geographically, our focus remains on three growth regions namely Klang Valley, Penang and Johor, where we see strong demand and vibrant development activities continue to shape the future of urban living. “With this latest RM162 million job, our year to-date new contract wins have reached