Newsletter

Written by Irhamy Ahmad, Founder and Managing Director of Irhamy ValuersInternationalMalaysia’s industrial parks have played a critical role in transforming the country into a manufacturing and export-driven economy, with Selangor, Johor, and Pulau Pinang leading the charge. However, many older industrial zones—such as Shah Alam and Klang in Selangor, or Pasir Gudang in Johor—are beginning to show signs of age, facing challenges like outdated infrastructure, digital gaps, and environmental inefficiencies. In response, state-led initiatives like the Selangor Industrial Master Plan and public-private partnerships in Johor are pushing for modern upgrades, green technology, and smarter logistics. Meanwhile, new industrial zones like Elmina Business Park and developments under Iskandar Malaysia are showcasing what the next generation of industrial growth could look like.Pulau Pinang’s Bayan Lepas Free Industrial Zone remains a key hub for electronics and medical devices, backed by a skilled workforce and innovation-led economy. Yet, limited space and aging infrastructure are prompting shifts towards new development on the mainland, notably in Batu Kawan, with smart-city infrastructure being built from the ground up. As Malaysia embraces Industry 4.0, the national New Industrial Master Plan 2030 (NIMP 2030) is supporting the transformation toward smart, sustainable industrial ecosystems. Future competitiveness will depend on integrating 5G, IoT, energy efficiency, and talent development—ensuring the country's industrial base remains globally relevant in the decades to come.click for more info!

Written by Shan Saeed, IQI Chief EconomistThe global economic landscape in 2025 is marked by heightened uncertainty, driven by deepening geopolitical risks, volatile tariff policies, and mounting fiscal pressures—particularly in the U.S. While central banks are pivoting toward lower interest rates to sustain growth, market volatility has intensified, causing a disconnect between U.S. yields and the dollar. Despite 5% Treasury yields, the dollar has depreciated due to investor concerns over U.S. fiscal discipline and governance, especially after new tariffs and rising deficits. The “bro billionaire” tech stocks have surged 45% post-election, while small-cap “Main Street” stocks have lagged, revealing imbalances in market sentiment.Investor focus is shifting toward tangible assets, echoing strategies from the 1970s. Weekly capital flows show major inflows into cash ($94.8bn), bonds ($15.8bn), and gold ($1.9bn), with emerging markets also gaining traction. Technology remains attractive, supported by innovation in AI, robotics, and climate tech. However, experts suggest a more selective approach to equities, favoring "growth at a reasonable price" and emphasizing real assets as protection against inflation and currency devaluation. Overall, while opportunities persist, the path forward demands careful diversification and strategic positioning in a rapidly changing global environment.click for more info!

Written by Taco Heidinga, IQI Global Strategic AdvisorIn 2025, savvy investors are eyeing emerging real estate markets that offer high potential beyond the typical hotspots like London or Dubai.Destinations such as Malaysia’s Penang and Johor Bahru stand out due to affordable, high-quality developments, improved expat visa schemes, and strategic infrastructure like the RTS rail link to Singapore.Sri Lanka’s southern coast is rebounding with bargain-priced coastal villas and increasing foreign incentives, while Albania's budget-friendly Riviera and EU candidacy attract Europeans seeking visa-friendly Mediterranean escapes.Inland regions of Portugal—Braga, Viseu, and Alentejo—offer tranquility and investment potential as urban prices soar, while Türkiye continues to benefit from its citizenship-by-investment appeal and growing expat communities in lifestyle-rich areas like Antalya and Fethiye.Meanwhile, North and East Bali emerge as prime alternatives to the overcrowded south, attracting developers focused on eco-villas and slow tourism. These under-the-radar regions share key 2025 investment trends: improving residency policies, booming tourism with digital nomad appeal, expanding infrastructure, and local openness to foreign investors. With stable rental yields and growing dual-purpose markets for both vacationers and remote workers, these locations represent a new wave of global real estate opportunities tailored to evolving investor and lifestyle demands.click for more info!

Written by Irhamy Ahmad, Founder and Managing Director of Irhamy Valuers InternationalThe East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) is more than a railway project, it is a game changing economic reshaping Malaysia’s east and west coast connectivity. Stretching across 665 kilometres from Kota Bharu, Kelantan, to Port Klang, Selangor, the ECRL is built to serve both passenger and cargo, with a dual-track electric rail system capable of speeds up to 160 km/h for passengers and 80 km/h for cargo. Once completed, it’s set to boost everything from logistics and real estate to industrial growth and tourism.One of the impacts of the ECRL is on real estate. New stations and transport hubs in areas like Mentakab, Kuantan, and Dungun are increasing interest in nearby land and property. Improved accessibility is attracting investors and developers to previously remote locations. Property prices are expected to rise, especially near transit-oriented developments (TODs), where mixed-use projects are likely to thrive. In Terengganu, for example, TODs are being planned around the six ECRL stations, and this could pave the way for new townships and lively urban centres in the East Coast Economic Region (ECER).Strategic ports such as Kuantan, Kemaman, Kertih, and Tok Bali are set to benefit immensely from the ECRL. By connecting these ports to Port Klang via an efficient land bridge, the rail link reduces logistics costs and transit times for cargo shipments. Kuantan Port is expected to grow into a key regional transshipment hub, while Kemaman and Kertih ports, will support industries like oil, gas, and chemical. Tok Bali, with its proximity to agriculture and fisheries activities, can leverage the ECRL to access wider markets, boosting local economies.To support the integration of rail logistics, the Ministry of Transport (MOT) is working on policies to encourage cargo companies to move away from road transport. The idea is to reduce road congestion, reduce accident risks, and improve the flow of goods. The policy is expected to be implemented when the ECRL becomes operational, which is projected for early 2027.Supporting this logistics revolution are ECER industrial parks strategically located along the ECRL route. These include the Malaysia-China Kuantan Industrial Park (MCKIP), Kertih Biopolymer Park, Pahang Technology Park, Kuantan Fish Processing Park and the Tok Bali Industrial Park. These parks are tailored to attract high value industries such as manufacturing, biotechnology, food processing, and petrochemicals. This creates a shared advantage, streamlined logistics for businesses and broader development for the region.Beyond logistics and real estate, the ECRL is also opening new frontiers in rail tourism. With scenic routes through lush forests, rivers, and coastal towns, the ECRL offers a unique travel experience that could rival other scenic railways in Asia. The development of Recreational Vehicle (RV) tourism in ECER is another innovative initiative. By establishing RV parks near ECRL stations and tourist attractions, Malaysia aims to draw local and foreign tourists seeking flexible, land-based travel experiences.In conclusion, the ECRL is not just a rail line it is an economic artery. Its impact on real estate, ports, industry, and tourism will be long-lasting, contributing significantly to the goals of balanced national development under the Shared Prosperity Vision.As Malaysia accelerates into a new era of connectivity, the ECRL is laying the tracks for a more connected, balanced, and prosperous Malaysia.click for more info!

Written by Muhazrol Muhamad, GVP, Head of Bumiputra SegmentThe latest NAPIC Q1 2025 Snapshot shows that affordable housing continues to dominate Malaysia’s new residential supply.In the first quarter of 2025, 12,498 new residential units were launched nationwide. Of this total, a significant 22.5% (2,809units) were priced below RM300,000, while 42.8% (5,350 units) fell in the RM300,001 to RM500,000 range. Combined, this means that 65.3% of all new launches were priced under RM500,000, clearly showing that affordable options remain widelyavailable.Price Is Not the Main BarrierFor years, many first-time buyers and young families have cited high prices as the primary obstacle to homeownership. But with nearly 2,800 units launched under RM300,000 and more than 5,000 under RM500,000, the evidence shows that affordable homeownership is well within reach.Where Are These Homes Being Launched?The top three states with the most new residential launches in Q1 2025 were: - Johor: 3,194 units - Selangor: 2,129 units - Negeri Sembilan: 1,838 unitsThese are not fringe or rural areas—they are active growth zones with expanding infrastructure and vibrant job markets.What Else Does the Data Show?Of the total launches: - 72.8% (9,102 units) were landed homes - 27.2% (3,396 units) were high-rise propertiesMalaysian buyers have long shown a strong preference for landed homes over high-rise living. With nearly three-quarters of all new launches being landed units, the good news is that these preferred options are still widely available.Final ThoughtsThe first quarter of 2025 confirms one thing: affordable homes are out there, but they won’t last forever. With construction costs rising and demand building up, prices may not remain this accessible.Click for more info!

Written by Dante Azarmi, Head of Business DevelopmentAs we move into the second half of 2025, global financial markets are increasingly shaped by evolving interest rate policies. Central banks—having tackled the inflationary pressures of the early 2020s through aggressive tightening—are now entering a more cautious phase of monetary adjustment. For investors, understanding these shifts is crucial to preserving value and seizing new opportunities in a transitioning environment.Understanding the Rate LandscapeThe Federal Reserve, European Central Bank, and other major monetary authorities have signaled that while inflation is moderating, rate cuts will be gradual and data-dependent. Real interest rates remain positive across most developed economies, and yields on government bonds continue to offer attractive, low-risk returns. However, geopolitical uncertainties and regional growth disparities underscore that a one-size-fits-all investment strategy is no longer sufficient.Implications for Asset ClassesEquities: Growth stocks may remain under pressure as higher rates reduce the present value of future earnings. In contrast, value and dividend-paying stocks—especially in sectors like utilities, consumer staples, and financials—could regain investor favor.Bonds: Duration risk is back in focus. Investors should consider short- to intermediate-term bonds and inflation-linked securities to manage volatility while still earning yield.Real Estate: Higher financing costs are putting pressure on valuations in some markets. However, segments with strong rental demand and limited supply—particularly data centers, logistics hubs, and sustainable housing—remain resilient. Real estate continues to offer long-term value as a hedge against inflation and a stable source of passive income. Key regions with demographic growth, urban renewal, and infrastructure investment are especially promising for future appreciation.Alternatives: Asset classes such as private credit, infrastructure, and commodities offer valuable diversification and may provide protection against macroeconomic shocks.Strategies for Income and BorrowingFor income-focused investors, laddered bond portfolios and high-yield savings accounts remain reliable. Borrowers should evaluate variable-rate debt and consider refinancing if interest rates begin to reverse later in the year. Fixed-rate products continue to offer predictability amidst economic uncertainty.Rebalancing with PurposeNow is an ideal time to reassess portfolio allocations. Are your investments aligned with current macroeconomic realities? Do your holdings match your risk tolerance and time horizon? Purposeful rebalancing—rather than reactive decision-making—is essential for long-term success.Interest rate dynamics in 2025 present both challenges and opportunities across global markets. By staying informed and agile, investors can position themselves to capitalize on these shifts while mitigating avoidable risks. Real estate remains a standout: a tangible, income-generating asset class with enduring appeal. As always, a balanced blend of prudence and adaptability will be your greatest asset in navigating the road ahead.Click for more info!

Written by Dave Platter, Global PR Director“Of all countries in the Middle East, the UAE has the least to fear,” said Kashif Ansari in his recent commentary for Gulf Today.He was responding to the global trade turbulence set off by President Trump’s sweeping new tariffs. Ansari, Co-Founder and Group CEO at IQI, pointed to the UAE’s strategic alignment with the U.S. as key to its resilience.“The UAE has moved quickly to partner with the Trump administration,” he said. “The Emirati government even committed to investing $1.4 trillion into the U.S. economy over ten years and let President Trump present that investment as a major “win” in a White House announcement.Ansari is probably right that this diplomacy helped the UAE avoid the harsher tariffs imposed on others. The U.S. imposed only a 10% customs duty on the Emirates. That is much less than on China.“Jordan faces tariffs of 20%, Algeria 30%, Iraq 39%,” he wrote. “Even the EU faces a 20% tariff.”But the UAE’s strategy has other legs just as successful as its diplomacy with the U.S. For example, the country has done an excellent job of diversifying its trade ties. This geographic spread protects the UAE from overexposure to any one market. The UAE isn’t betting everything on Washington, he said.“Trade with the U.S. totaled $34.4 billion in 2024, but trade with China reached $95 billion,” Ansari said. “With India, it was $84 billion. The European Union adds another $68 billion, and Sub-Saharan Africa another $64 billion.”Even the oil market’s volatility is less of a threat than it once was. “The Emirates have successfully diversified the economy away from petroleum,” Ansari explained. “Non-oil GDP has grown by 46% over ten years and now accounts for about three-quarters of output.”Visible examples of that transformation are everywhere. “Look at the Burj Khalifa, Emirates Airline, Jebel Ali Port, and Dubai Mall,” said Ansari. “They are icons of the UAE’s real estate sector, global trade, and consumer spending.”Another sign of the UAE’s momentum is its growing appeal among global elites. “In 2025, the flow of wealthy individuals moving to Dubai and Abu Dhabi is set to accelerate,” he said. “The UAE ranks year after year as a top-10 destination for international property investment, even ahead of much larger countries.”He pointed to a long-term shift underway. “The population of residents with assets exceeding $100 million doubled over the past 10 years and will double again in the next decade.”This influx, he added, “stimulates development, drives demand for private banking, and helps the Emirates diversify the econo my even further through investments in startups, tech, and green energy.”Ansari’s conclusion is that the UAE has built itself into an essential node of global commerce. In the new world of tariff battles, the Middle East is not a sideshow; it is a crossroads.Click for more info!

Written by Shan Saeed, IQI Chief EconomistMarkets are volatile, and investors are puzzled. The magnitude of recent market reactions has not been seen in a generation. While public markets face sharp selloffs, private investors are often more insulated from Wall Street's turmoil.This divergence is more relevant than ever. The Nasdaq recently endured its worst day since 2022, with over $1 trillion in market value wiped out in just six hours."The market is going through a period of transition," President Trump acknowledged—a diplomatic way of warning that public investors should brace for continued turbulence.Hard Economic Truths Can emerge QuicklyU.S. stocks rose 14% from their April lows as signs emerged that trade tensions with China may ease.Supply chains cannot be rewired quickly without significant disruption.Stay optimistic on developed market (DM) stocks, but expect near-term volatility.The underlying U.S. economy and corporate earnings remain solid, bolstered by transformative forces such as AI.Favor short- and medium-term fixed income maturities in the U.S. market.THE AI MARKET IS HEATING UPAI Innovation Race: Top 5 Countries with the Most AI PatentsChina leads the global AI race with an astonishing 300,510 patents, accounting for over 50% of all AI-related intellectual property. The country is investing heavily in deep learning, natural language processing (NLP), and computer vision—cementing its leadership in AI-powered industries.The United States follows with 67,773 patents, maintaining its edge in AI research and foundational technologies with strong commercial applications. Japan ranks third, focusing on robotics, smart cities, healthcare, and autonomous systems with 26,429 patents.India is rapidly emerging as a key player, with 25,991 patents driven by initiatives like the National AI Mission and significant progress in AI applications across agriculture, healthcare, fintech, and language tech. South Korea rounds out the top five with 23,666 patents, pushing advancements in consumer electronics, smart factories, and 5G.The global AI race is reshaping the future of technology.Which country will lead the chargeover the next decade?click here for more info!