07/04/2026

BIZ & FINANCE TUESDAY | APR 7, 2026

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Batik Air to introduce direct services to Shanghai, Sydney

PETALING JAYA: Batik Air is strengthening its international network with the introduction of direct services to two of its key global markets, China and Australia, reflecting the airline’s continued commitment to supporting sustained travel demand and reinforcing connectivity during Visit Malaysia 2026. The introduction of the Kuala Lumpur-Shanghai service, com mencing June 23, marks a significant milestone in Batik Air’s network expansion into China, comple-menting its existing ser vices to Changsha, Chengdu, Guangzhou, Kunming, Xiamen and Zhengzhou. All in one-way fares start from RM399 for Economy Class and RM1,679 for Business Class. In parallel with its expansion into China, Batik Air is also strengthening its presence in Australia with the introduction of a direct Kuala Lumpur-Sydney service commen cing on July 1. Batik Air currently serves Australia through Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth, and Sydney via Denpasar, alongside 14 weekly direct Kuala Lumpur-Perth flights. All-in one-way fares start from RM749 for Economy Class and

“The airline remains focused on maintaining a balanced and sustainable approach to growth, identifying opportunities where demand is strongest while continuing to support Malaysia’s position as a preferred destination in the region,” said Chandran. With Shanghai and Sydney now introduced to its network, Batik Air said it strengthens its role as a regional connector, expanding access to key global destinations while supporting increased mobility across the Asia-Pacific region. These new routes are expected to stimulate two-way travel, contri buting to tourism flows into Malaysia while further enhancing commercial exchanges, cultural connections, and people-to-people ties between markets.

o Flights to Chinese city commence on June 23, Australian destination July 1

that these routes support tourism and business travel while enhancing overall connectivity between Malaysia and key global markets. During Visit Malaysia 2026, he said, improved air connectivity will play a critical role in supporting inbound travel growth. “China and Australia remain important markets, and these services will help facilitate greater movement of travellers while reinforcing economic and people- to people ties,” said Chandran. Despite the broader global environment, he said, the outlook for travel demand remains positive.

tourism, business, and visiting friends and relatives segments. Batik Air CEO Datuk Chandran Rama Muthy said the introduction of both routes reflects the airline’s continued commitment to building a resilient, demand-driven network while maintaining a measured outlook amid an evolving global environment. “Batik Air continues to align its network with sustained market demand, and the addition of Shanghai and Sydney strengthens two of our most important inter national corridors,” he said, adding

RM4,069 for Business Class. The expansion into Shanghai and Sydney comes amid continued momentum in Malaysia’s travel sector, with both China and Australia remaining key contributors to inbound and outbound traffic. Improved connectivity and ongoing travel facilitation, including visa-free access for Malaysian travellers to China for short stays, continue to support increased mobility and accessibility between the two countries. Australia similarly maintains strong bilateral travel flows, driven by

MBSB: M’sia only one among eight Asian bourses to post net foreign inflow KUALA LUMPUR: Net selling activities were broad based among the eight Asian countries MBSB Investment Bank Bhd monitors, with Malaysia being the only market to receive net foreign inflow. The investment bank, in its fund flow report ended April 3 stated that foreign investors extended their consecutive net buying streak to two weeks on Bursa Malaysia, recording RM98.5 million in net foreign inflows. Foreign investors were net buyers on two out of five trading days during the week, with the largest inflow recorded on Wednesday (RM138.1 million), followed by Thursday (RM107.3 million). In contrast, the largest outflows were recorded on Tuesday (RM78.3 million), Monday (RM68.7 million) and Friday (RM1.4 million). The top three sectors that recorded net foreign inflows were plantation (RM764.3 million), energy (RM149.6 million), and healthcare (RM96.4 million). “Meanwhile, the top three sectors that recorded net foreign outflows were transportation and logistics (RM249.3 million), technology (RM155.3 million), and consumer products and services (RM122.3 million),” it said. MBSB Investment Bank said, however, that local institutions extended a consecutive two-week net selling, recording RM98.3 million in net outflows. Across the eight Asian markets that MBSB Investment Bank monitors, foreigners extended a seven-week consecutive streak of net selling, with net foreign outflows totalling US$11.68 billion (RM47 billion). Taiwan, South Korea, India, Indonesia, Vietnam, the Philippines and Thailand led in outflows. Thailand reverted to net selling after the previous week of inflows, recording US$21.2 million in net foreign outflows. Indonesia extended a consecutive two-week streak of net foreign outflows, totalling US$173.7 million. This came after Indonesia released its March 2026 inflation data, offering a modest reprieve amid broader macro uncertainties. In South Korea, foreign investors were net sellers for a seventh consecutive week, recording outflows of US$3.80 billion, while Taiwan extended a consecutive five-week net selling streak, recording US$5.07 billion in net foreign outflows, the largest in the region. – Bernama

SP Setia wins award for AI innovaton in real estate PETALING JAYA: SP Setia Bhd was honoured with the AI (Real Estate) Category award at the Malaysia Technology Excellence Awards 2026 recently. SP Setia was recognised for its deployment of artificial intelligence across selected property development processes.

personalise engagement, delivering clearer follow ups and more consistent service. On the delivery side, drone inspections and AI enabled visual quality checks expand coverage and standardise what the group looks for onsite-surfacing issues earlier, more consistently and with stronger traceability. This strengthens Setia’s quality assurance discipline, supports safer inspections, and reduces reliance on manual, selective checks. The Malaysia Technology Excellence Awards, presented by Asian Business Review, recognise technology innovation and digital transformation in Malaysia. Setia said it remains committed to leveraging technology and data-led inno vation to support more sustainable develop ment outcomes, strengthen operational efficiency and deliver enduring value for the communities it serves.

raising quality of life, strengthening delivery and operational excellence, and consistently building better homes. This award sharpens our resolve to shape the future of real estate in Malaysia, while validating Setia’s selection in the BIG programme, a key pillar under Ekonomi Madani that aims to enhance digital capabilities and innovation.” He added that BIG leverages Setia’s potential in enabling seamless access to affordable, high-quality housing through technology. “We continue to enhance AI and tech driven efforts across our processes, towards creating more sustainable communities and enriching lifestyles,” Zaini said. Setia’s AI deployment included AI sales agents and AI-visioning based inspection solutions. On the commercial side, AI sales agents help Setia respond faster and

Setia chief information digital officer Alex Chi Chong Lim received the award on behalf of the group. Setia was recognised for its deployment of artificial intelligence (AI) across selected property development processes. Delivered under the Bengkel Inovasi GLC (BIG) programme, the initiative focused on improving sales efficiency and strengthening construction quality through automated lead qualification, design document analysis and site inspection support. Setia president and CEO Datuk Zaini Yusoff said, “This recognition affirms our innovation strategy is delivering real business and community impact. Innovation is about