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In a strategic move to strengthen its digital presence and connect with a new generation of drivers, Lotus Cars Malaysia (LCM) has appointed NP Digital, a global leader in performance marketing, as its official paid media agency. The partnership marks a pivotal chapter in LCM’s resurgence, aligning with the brand’s ambitious plans to reintroduce the iconic British marque to the Malaysian market through a refreshed product portfolio. NP Digital will spearhead strategy, media management, and performance optimisation across key platforms including Meta (Facebook and Instagram) and Google Search, focusing on brand awareness and lead generation. “Partnering with a brand as renowned as Lotus Cars Malaysia is a milestone that reflects the confidence global brands place in NP Digital’s ability to deliver real business outcomes,” said Marcus Siow, Senior Director of Business Development at NP Digital. “It also highlights our expanding footprint in the automotive sector.” More than just a tactical partner, NP Digital brings a holistic approach, combining data-driven insights with compelling creative to resonate with digitally savvy, performance-driven audiences. The agency aims to build brand affinity, drive conversions, and cultivate a passionate community that celebrates innovation, sustainability, and driving excellence. LCM, distributed under Lotus Karz Sdn Bhd, a subsidiary of Karrus Automotive Group, made a strong comeback in 2024, delivering over 200 units — led by the Eletre, the world’s first all-electric hyper-SUV. This success coincided with a record year for Malaysia’s automotive industry, which saw over 816,000 vehicles sold, marking a 2.1% year-on-year increase largely driven by rising demand for electric vehicles. “We’re rebuilding Lotus Cars Malaysia with passion and purpose,” said Justine Ong, Head of Marketing at LCM. “That’s why we chose a partner who believes in the brand as much as we do. When you’re starting from the ground up, conviction matters just as much as capability.” With a secured retainer through 2025 and plans for long-term collaboration, NP Digital is set to play a crucial role in translating Lotus’ legacy into a compelling digital narrative that meets the expectations of modern, eco-conscious consumers. The partnership also reinforces NP Digital’s growing presence in Southeast Asia and its reputation as the go-to agency for premium global brands. For more information, visit www.npdigital.com and www.lotus-cars.com.my.

JOHOR BAHRU: The government is open to reviewing the Inland Revenue Board’s (IRB) e-Invoicing implementation to ensure that small businesses are not unduly burdened, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. “We will look into it because e-Invoicing is very important to prevent leakages and revenue loss. But for small companies, it can be quite burdensome. So, God willing, we will make improvements so that it does not become a burden,” he said during the closing of his policy speech at PKR’s national congress on Saturday. The e-Invoicing initiative was launched in August 2024 for companies with an annual turnover exceeding RM100 million. It expanded on Jan 1 this year to businesses earning between RM25 million and RM100 million. The third phase, beginning July 1, will cover all businesses, including micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). Anwar, who also serves as finance minister, said Malaysia is one of the most generous nations in terms of subsidies. “For example, with the [adjustment of electricity tariffs], 85% of users are not affected, but our explanation was lacking. As for gas subsidies, that’s valid — some small companies and others are still struggling even with available support. This is another area we’ll review,” he said. On petrol subsidies, Anwar reiterated that the government does not support raising fuel prices and aims to maintain subsidies for Malaysians, while removing them for foreigners. “The Cabinet and I do not agree with raising fuel prices. Prices can be lowered gradually depending on market conditions. However, fuel subsidies must be removed for foreigners — we have 3.5 to 4 million foreigners in Malaysia benefiting from them,” he said, adding that no other country provides fuel subsidies for foreigners or the wealthy. Anwar assured Malaysians that the government’s subsidy rationalisation will not affect citizens. He also shared results from an IDE Research Centre study showing increased support for the unity government among civil servants. “The study found that among the 1.4 million civil servants — mostly Malays — there is a clear shift in support. This is encouraging and shows civil servants are now more confident in the government,” he said. Anwar attributed this shift to the implementation of the Public Service Remuneration System (SSPA), which replaced the Malaysian Remuneration System (SSM) in December 2024. He said the new system has positively impacted civil service performance and morale.

KUALA LUMPUR: Senior ASEAN economic officials convened on Saturday to evaluate the progress of the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) Blueprint 2025 and to deliberate on the next strategic roadmap that will shape regional economic integration through 2030. Held ahead of the 25th ASEAN Economic Community Council (AECC) Meeting, the Preparatory Senior Economic Officials’ Meeting (Prep-SEOM) centred on reviewing key outcomes of the current blueprint and aligning them with the ASEAN Community Vision 2045. New Strategic Plan in the Works The officials discussed the AEC Strategic Plan 2026–2030, a crucial component of ASEAN’s post-2025 vision. The document is expected to be launched and adopted by ASEAN leaders during the 46th ASEAN Summit, taking place on May 26 and 27 at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre. Malaysia’s Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI) Deputy Secretary-General (Trade), Mastura Ahmad Mustafa, chaired the session. Other notable attendees included ASEAN Deputy Secretary-General for the AEC, Satvinder Singh, and senior economic representatives from all ASEAN member states, including Timor-Leste and Myanmar (the latter joining virtually). Responding to Global Shifts The meeting also examined the region’s current economic performance in light of global economic uncertainties. Participants discussed the implications of policy shifts among major global economies and formulated strategic responses to safeguard ASEAN’s economic resilience. “There is a shared understanding that ASEAN must remain agile and cohesive in responding to external shocks while unlocking new growth opportunities,” noted one official. The Prep-SEOM sets the stage for key decisions at Monday’s 25th AECC Meeting, where ministers are expected to endorse several reports and outcome documents, providing guidance on the way forward for ASEAN’s economic pillar. ASEAN Summit and Strategic Engagements This year’s ASEAN Summit will feature two concurrent high-level engagements: The 2nd ASEAN–Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Summit The inaugural ASEAN–GCC–China Summit Both are expected to broaden ASEAN’s external economic partnerships and reaffirm its role as a central player in regional and global economic affairs. Malaysia’s ASEAN Chairmanship 2025 carries the theme “Inclusivity and Sustainability,” reflecting a broader commitment to equitable and future-focused growth across all member states.–BERNAMA

KUALA LUMPUR: The inaugural ASEAN Women Economic Summit 2025 (AWES 2025) kicked off today with a firm commitment to place women at the heart of Southeast Asia’s inclusive economic growth and regional integration agenda. The two-day summit, hosted under Malaysia’s ASEAN chairmanship, aims to spotlight the vital contributions of women across all sectors and strengthen their role in shaping a resilient, connected, and prosperous ASEAN. A Platform for Collective Action Datuk Dr Hafsah Hashim, founder and chairman of the Women Leadership Foundation, emphasised that ASEAN governments are actively investing in rural development, education, and healthcare—key areas for unlocking the full potential of women in the region. “We have leaders who are passionate and persistent in pushing for women’s contributions to the economy. This enables us to strive for a more energised and prosperous ASEAN,” she said at the AWES 2025 press conference. She described the summit as a dynamic platform for regional collaboration, leadership development, and cross-border growth opportunities for women entrepreneurs, professionals, and policymakers. Malaysia’s Commitment to Gender-Inclusive Growth Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz highlighted that AWES 2025 aligns with Malaysia’s chairmanship theme of Inclusivity and Sustainability. He said the initiative dovetails with the ministry’s ongoing efforts to empower women, youth, and MSMEs. “With support from all parties, our ministry and the government will ensure AWES continues to receive strong backing year after year,” he said. “We want to uplift women through targeted programmes and open access to new market opportunities via upselling initiatives.” Elevating Leadership, Inspiring Change Themed Empowering Women, Energising ASEAN: Pioneering Economic Integration for a Resilient Tomorrow, the summit features high-level sessions including strategic dialogues, leadership labs, mentorship forums, and a gala dinner. Over 700 delegates from across ASEAN’s public, private and civil sectors are in attendance. The summit aims to position women at the forefront of ASEAN’s transformation, especially amid global trade tensions, digital acceleration, and sustainability challenges. Private Sector Support UOB Malaysia CEO Ng Wei Wei stressed that inclusive leadership is crucial to sustainable growth. “As ASEAN grows in complexity and opportunity, inclusive leadership isn’t just the right thing to do—it’s essential for long-term prosperity,” she said. “UOB is proud to support AWES 2025 as a strong advocate of inclusive growth across the region.” UOB Malaysia is the summit’s main sponsor, while Kuok Brothers Sdn Bhd is the official empowerment partner. — BERNAMA

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia’s solar-panel industry could forfeit as much as four per cent of its export value if Washington enforces new anti-dumping and countervailing duties on photovoltaic (PV) products from four Southeast Asian nations, including Malaysia, according to market observers. The warning follows a preliminary ruling by the US International Trade Commission (US-ITC) that cheap imports from Malaysia, Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam have “materially injured” US manufacturers. A final “yes” vote would trigger duties once the US Commerce Department formalises the orders. Potential Billions at Risk Global PV trade topped US $40 billion in 2021. Based on that benchmark, UOB Kay Hian Wealth Advisor head of investment research Mohd Sedek Jantan estimates Malaysia could absorb a revenue hit running into the “billions” if US demand retreats by roughly 30 % under higher tariffs. “The solar industry is a cornerstone of Malaysia’s energy sector, which itself contributes nearly 20 % to GDP,” Mohd Sedek told Bernama. “Over-reliance on a single major market that favours protectionist policies exposes manufacturers to outsized risk.” Geoeconomic Hedge Strategy To cushion the blow, Mohd Sedek advocates a “Geoeconomic Hedge Strategy” that redirects export growth toward Europe, India and Latin America, reducing dependence on the US market and diversifying supply-chain risk. Industry View: Local Value-Chain Needed Lee Choo Boo, managing director of Itramas Corporation Sdn Bhd, said any tariff-induced sales slump in the US could be tempered by ongoing renewable-energy projects at home—but warned of currency headwinds. “If recessionary fears prompt Bank Negara Malaysia to cut rates, the ringgit may weaken against the US dollar. That would raise the local cost of PV technology components we import in US dollars,” Lee explained. He argued Malaysia must accelerate efforts to “move up the value chain,” develop a domestic component ecosystem and reduce reliance on imported technology. “As an industry, we can’t just build power plants with foreign parts; we need a resilient local supply chain,” he stressed. The US-ITC’s final determination and the Commerce Department’s tariff orders are expected later this year. Industry players and policymakers alike will be watching closely to gauge the impact on Malaysia’s fast-growing solar-export sector. — BERNAMA