Empire Sushi chain owner signs underwriting agreement with Maybank IB for Main Market IPO
The owner-operator of Empire Sushi said the IPO entails 363 million ordinary shares consisting of a public issue of 218 million issue shares and an offer for sale of 145 million existing shares (offer shares). "A total of 137.5 million offer shares, representing 12.5% of the enlarged issued shares, to Bumiputera investors approved by the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (Miti). "Another 155.5 million IPO shares (comprising 7.5 million offer shares and 148 million issue shares), representing up to approximately 14.1% of the enlarged issued shares, to institutional and selected investors (other than Bumiputera investors approved by Miti)," it said. For its retail offering, a total of 70 million issue shares are allocated, representing approximately 6.4% of the enlarged issued shares. Maybank IB is the principal adviser, sole placement agent, sole bookrunner and sole bookrunner and sole underwriter for the IPO exercise.
Source:The Edge Markets
March 13, 2026 09:50 UTC
Appellate court allows activist Chegubard to obtain Bloomberg journalist's statement in sedition case
PUTRAJAYA (March 13): The Court of Appeal on Friday allowed an appeal by Badrul Hisham Shaharin, also known as Chegubard, to reinstate the Sessions Court order directing the prosecution to disclose a witness statement to him for use in his defence in a sedition case. Badrul Hisham, a political activist, is facing a charge at the Johor Bahru Sessions Court with making seditious remarks related to the casino project in Forest City in Johor. Last year, the Sessions Court allowed Badrul Hisham’s application for disclosure of the statement. Badrul Hisham subsequently filed an appeal to the Court of Appeal. During the proceedings at the Court of Appeal on Friday, Badrul Hisham’s lawyer Muhammad Rafique Rashid Ali told the court that the trial at the Sessions Court is scheduled to resume on April 6.
Source:The Edge Markets
March 13, 2026 09:40 UTC
#SHOWBIZ: Indonesian star Atta Halilintar reveals 'vampire' lifestyle amid battle with chronic eczema
Atta Halilintar has revealed that his severe eczema makes his skin highly sensitive to sunlight, forcing him to stay indoors during the day. Pic from IGJAKARTA: Popular Indonesian influencer Atta Halilintar has opened up about his struggle with a severe form of chronic eczema that has drastically altered his daily routine. According to reports from Kompas, Atta explained that the sun triggers intense redness and peeling, which eventually leads to open wounds. "If I'm exposed to sunlight, my skin immediately turns red and peels before it becomes wounded and eventually flakes off," he shared. The physical toll is significant, with Atta noting that the stinging sensation can persist for up to five days following a brief period of exposure.
Source:New Strait Times
March 13, 2026 09:33 UTC
MTDC, Tradeview launch RM20 mil venture capital fund
The Malaysian Technology Development Corporation (MTDC) and Tradeview Capital Sdn Bhd have launched the MTDC Tradeview Quantum Fund, a public–private venture capital partnership channelled through joint venture entity Modal Lestari Sdn Bhd. Modal Lestari, the venture fund management company established for the collaboration, is the first joint venture of its kind between a licensed fund management company and a government-linked venture capital firm, with committed capital from both sides. The fund — MTDC's first public-private investment fund — brings together MTDC's experience in technology venture development with Tradeview Capital's equity investment expertise, expanding the range of financing options available to Malaysian technology entrepreneurs. Meanwhile, Tradeview Capital is a boutique fund management company licensed by the Securities Commission Malaysia, providing investment and fund management services across asset classes including equities, bonds and commodities. As the private capital partner in the Modal Lestari venture, Tradeview will contribute its capital markets expertise, particularly in the small- and mid-cap segment.
Source:The Edge Markets
March 13, 2026 09:20 UTC
Britain’s economy unexpectedly stalled at start of year
(March 13): The UK economy unexpectedly failed to grow in January, suggesting activity was stalling even before conflict in the Middle East threatened to deliver a fresh blow to consumers and businesses. It was worse than the 0.2% growth economists had expected and below all the forecasts in the survey. The powerhouse services sector stagnated as a weakening labor market hit recruiters. “The UK economy entered 2026 with little forward momentum, and whether growth strengthens or stalls may depend more on geopolitics than on domestic fundamentals,” said Martin Beck, the chief economist of WPI Strategy. Oil rose above US$100 (RM393.65) a barrel once again on Thursday amid the worst supply disruption in the history of the global oil market.
Source:The Edge Markets
March 13, 2026 08:25 UTC
UTAR Wushu Club inspires growth
At UTAR, campus life plays a central role in shaping well-rounded graduates who are not only academically capable, but grounded in teamwork, resilience, cultural pride and a holistic outlook. Some days, when evening falls over Dewan Tun Dr Ling Liong Sik at UTAR Kampar campus, you will be greeted with various sightings of club activities. It becomes clear that the scenes from both venues belong to the same collective: the long-standing UTAR Kampar campus Wushu Club. The UTAR Kampar campus Wushu Club was established in 2007. Yet for the UTAR Kampar campus Wushu Club chairperson Kong Shao Xuan, the responsibility is not a burden, but a journey of shared growth – one marked by pride, perseverance and belonging.
Source:The Star
March 13, 2026 08:24 UTC
75 evacuated as floods persist in Paitan, Sabah
KOTA KINABALU: The number of flood victims in Sabah remains at 75 people, involving 23 families, as of 8am on Friday (March 13). The Sabah State Disaster Management Committee Secretariat, in a statement, said that 30 villages in the Paitan district are still affected by the floods, and two relief centres have been activated to accommodate the victims. According to the statement, the centres, which were opened on March 10, are the Batagon Darat Community Centre and Surau Nur Hikmah Kampung Kaindangan. It said that the authorities continue to monitor the situation and provide assistance to affected residents to ensure the safety and welfare of flood victims.
Source:The Star
March 13, 2026 08:15 UTC
Alibaba debuts OpenClaw app to feed China’s agentic AI addiction
Free for 14 days, it emerged after Baidu Inc released its own Android app this week for OpenClaw, which helps users shop online and book travel, among other things. From Tencent Holdings Ltd to Minimax Group Inc, China’s biggest AI players are competing to offer OpenClaw services — feeding a nationwide frenzy dubbed “raising lobsters”. They are hoping to lower barriers to entry and tap a phenomenon named after OpenClaw’s animal mascot, in which students and retirees across the nation are experimenting with agentic AI. But Beijing has also moved to restrict state-run enterprises and government agencies from freely running OpenClaw AI apps on office computers, acting swiftly to defuse potential security risks. For agentic AI like OpenClaw to be really useful, it needs wide access to users’ data and their various apps.
Source:The Edge Markets
March 13, 2026 08:15 UTC
Synagogue attacked in U.S. state of Michigan, suspect killed
NEW YORK, March 12 (Xinhua) -- A synagogue in the U.S. state of Michigan was attacked and the suspect has been killed, local media reported Thursday. Preliminary investigation found that the suspect came to the temple and engaged in a gunfight with the security of the temple. A video of the scene issued by local media shows a massive police response and black smoke coming out of a part of the synagogue. The Jewish Federation of Detroit posted on social media after the attack, saying that their Jewish agencies were in precautionary lockdown protocol. Later, the federation said that "all other Jewish organizations are no longer required to be in lockdown or lockout protocol."
Source:The Star
March 13, 2026 08:15 UTC
PM orders review of WFH proposal, decision expected March 17
PUTRAJAYA: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has instructed top civil service leaders to conduct a comprehensive review of the work-from-home (WFH) proposal to ensure administrative consistency across the board, says Datuk Fahmi Fadzil. According to the unity government spokesman, Anwar tasked the Chief Secretary to the Government and the Public Service Department director-general with examining the policy's feasibility and coordination. Fahmi, who is also Communications Minister, confirmed the directive during a press briefing on Friday (March 13), adding that the move aims to streamline operations while maintaining public service efficiency. "The Prime Minister asked the Chief Secretary and Public Service DG to look into the WFH proposals to ensure several matters are coordinated," Fahmi said. "The results of these discussions will be tabled and a decision reached this coming Tuesday (March 17)," he said.
Source:The Star
March 13, 2026 08:05 UTC
Pakistani man dies in Kota Tinggi crash
KOTA TINGGI: A Pakistani man died on the way to the Tanjung Sedili Health Clinic after being involved in an accident. Kota Tinggi OCPD Supt Yusof Othman said the incident took place on Thursday (March 12) along Jalan Kuala Sedili–Tenggaroh Selatan at about 7.05pm. “The car, driven by the 42-year-old victim with two other passengers, also Pakistani nationals, skidded on its own,” he said in a statement. Supt Yusof said the victim suffered severe bodily injuries, while the 25- and 35-year-old passengers sustained major injuries and were admitted to Kota Tinggi Hospital. Supt Yusof said the case is being investigated under Section 41(1) of the Road Transport Act 1987.
Source:The Star
March 13, 2026 08:02 UTC
China’s BYD open to building cars in Canada, buying out rivals
(March 13): BYD Co, China’s largest car manufacturer, is actively considering building a plant in Canada while also keeping its options open to acquire a more established global automaker. While Canada has been courting investment from Chinese carmakers, its government is pushing a joint venture with one or more Canadian companies. In January, Canada agreed to exempt as many as 49,000 Chinese-built electric vehicles (EVs) annually from a 100% tariff imposed in 2024, part of a shift away from the country’s previous policy of keeping Chinese cars out. More recently, some Western automakers have stepped up efforts to tap Chinese carmakers for technological assistance and production capacity. Stellantis NV is considering tapping EV technology from its Chinese partner Leapmotor and is exploring deals with Chinese carmakers for investment in Europe.
Source:The Edge Markets
March 13, 2026 08:00 UTC
Quit rent hike burdens Penang smallholders, says MCA
GEORGE TOWN: The hike in quit rent in Penang has affected smallholders who rely on agricultural land to sustain their families, says Penang MCA. He said the sudden increase in quit rent had significantly raised their financial burden, making them the immediate victims of the policy. They are ordinary grassroots farmers who work hard to manage orchards and agricultural land. “Introducing a quit rent increase at such a time will undoubtedly place even greater pressure on them. “These farmers depend on their land to earn a living, yet they now face greater economic strain because of the higher quit rent.
Source:The Star
March 13, 2026 07:40 UTC
US Navy could escort vessels in Strait of Hormuz with international coalition, Bessent says
LONDON, March 12 (Reuters) - The U.S. Navy, perhaps with an international coalition, will escort vessels through the Strait of Hormuz when it is militarily possible, U.S. Treasury Secretary told Sky News in an interview on Thursday. "My belief, that as soon as it is militarily possible, the US Navy, perhaps with an international coalition, will be escorting vessels through," Bessent said. (Reporting by William James and Ismail Shakil; Editing by Caitlin Webber)
Source:The Star
March 13, 2026 07:34 UTC
Hong Kong to expand ‘name and shame’ list to IPO lawyers
(March 13): Hong Kong plans to expand its “name-and-shame” regime for sloppy listing applications to include law firms and auditors, stepping up a campaign to improve the quality of initial public offerings (IPO) in the city. Currently, the exchange only identifies the listing applicant and sponsoring banks when a filing is returned. The move comes as Hong Kong seeks to bolster its reputation as a global financial hub by ensuring higher disclosure standards. Others that would be singled out are industry consultants, experts who have consented to include their comments in the listing applications and promoters of SPAC transactions. The audit regulator also urged the industry to better safeguard quality of IPOs.
Source:The Edge Markets
March 13, 2026 07:25 UTC