22/08/2026

BIZ & FINANCE

BIZ & FINANCE SATURDAY | AUG 22, 2026

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Apex Securities upgrades Malaysia’s export outlook

KUALA LUMPUR: Apex Securities Bhd has raised its 2026 export forecast for Malaysia to 26.2% from 16.3%, underpinned by robust export growth in the first seven months of the year. In a note yesterday, the securities firm said this is consistent with its positive GDP growth outlook of 5% this year. “Going forward, we expect the electric and electronic sector to remain resilient and drive overall export momentum in the second half of 2026 (2H’26), with structural growth in artificial intelligence, electric vehicles and other related industrial segments supporting a steady order pipeline over the medium term,” it said. It is also particularly positive on commodity exports in 2H’26, as elevated crude oil prices and potential trade diversion arising from disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz should support Malaysia’s oil and gas exports. Separately, firmer B50 biodiesel demand from Indonesia should

keep palm oil demand supported, while the anticipated intensification of El Niño, with hotter and drier weather conditions between October and December, should underpin firmer palm oil prices. Apex Securities said palm oil prices had risen 16.8% to RM4,596 per metric tonne as of Aug 19 since the start of the year. “That said, exports may face increasing headwinds towards year-end as front-loaded demand from earlier stockpiling activities unwinds, alongside an unfavourable high base from the corresponding period last year. “Other key risks include a steep re-escalation of geopolitical tensions in the Middle East weighing on global demand, as well as uncertainty surrounding US trade policy,” it said. It noted that Malaysia remains exposed to higher tariffs as the US Section 301 investigation into excess capacity is still ongoing. – Bernama

Key priorities for local rubber products sector Malaysia has a well-established rubber products manufacturing sector serving domestic and global markets. – SUNBIZ PIX

industry as part of its collaboration with the International Labour Organization. She urged industry players to support responsible labour practices and actively participate in MRC’s social compliance initiatives. The event also saw MRC exchange five memoranda with its strategic partners to accelerate innovation, support the commercialisation of new technologies and develop higher-value rubber products. Dr Noraini also presented the MRC Scholarship Awards and con gratulated the recipients. The inaugural dinner brought together key industry stakeholders, providing a platform for government representatives, industry leaders and strategic partners to strengthen engagement and explore oppor tunities for closer cooperation. The event also highlighted the im portance of government-industry collaboration, strategic partnerships and talent development in sup porting the rubber products in dustry’s long-term growth and competitiveness.

o Accelerate innovation, strengthen supply chain resilience and expand market access to remain globally competitive: Minister

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia’s rubber products industry must accelerate innovation, strengthen supply chain resilience and expand market access to remain competitive in a rapidly changing global economy. Plantation and Commodities Minister Datuk Seri Dr Noraini Ahmad said the industry must build on its manufacturing strengths while meeting growing demand for sustainability, traceability and tech nology-driven solutions. “We must build on our existing strengths and reinforce Malaysia’s position as a preferred global supplier of innovative, sustainable and high-quality rubber products. This is essential to securing the long term growth and resilience of our industry,” she said at the inaugural

Malaysian Rubber Council (MRC) Industry Leadership & Networking Dinner recently. Dr Noraini outlined three key priorities for the industry. These include accelerating innovation, automation and digital trans formation, strengthening sustainable and resilient supply chains, and expanding market access for Malaysian rubber products. She reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to providing a con ducive policy and regulatory environment while continuing to engage closely with industry to understand operational challenges and develop practical solutions. Dr Noraini also welcomed MRC’s commitment to eliminating forced labour in the Malaysian rubber

Electrical and electronics products are expected to remain a key driver of Malaysia’s export momentum in the second half of 2026. – PEXELS PIX

Education retains its importance in the Malaysian landscape for parents, students and stakeholders. The changes are fast paced with new developments in new fields of study such as cybersecurity, data protection, augmented and virtual reality, machine learning in education, digital education and artificial Intelligence. Leading the way are universities, who are invited to showcase their latest programmes, curriculum and content in our Education Focus for 2026.

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