Tan Ai Leng

Tan Ai Leng

MALAYSIA CORRESPONDENT

Tan Ai Leng is Malaysia correspondent at The Business Times, where her reporting encompasses a diverse array of subjects within the country. Her prior experience includes a role at The Edge Malaysia.

Bersama founder Tan Gin Theam (right) hands over a mock registration certificate for the party to Rafizi Ramli (middle) and Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad on May 17.

Two key allies of Malaysian PM Anwar turn opponents, launch new party

The breakaway renews concerns over whether the prime minister can push through reforms as costs, risks rise

Malaysia’s economic growth in Q1 is underpinned by resilient household spending and continued investment activities.

Malaysia economy expands 5.4% in Q1 as Bank Negara warns of tougher outlook

The country is entering a tougher global environment from a ‘position of strength’, says the central bank

Often dubbed the “Silicon Valley of the East”, Penang handles an estimated 5% per cent of global semiconductor sales.

Penang looks past hyperscale data centres, doubles down on chips

The northern state shuns the data centre race to focus on its stronger competitive advantages

Workers at a plastics manufacturing plant in Selangor. Malaysian firms face mounting shortages of key inputs, including petrochemical feedstocks and packaging.

7 in 10 Malaysian manufacturers see worsening outlook amid Middle East conflict: survey

Depleting inventories, cash-flow strains and rising freight costs are eroding manufacturers’ margins

Semi's president and CEO Ajit Manocha (right) and Malaysia’s Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Johari Abdul Ghani at the opening ceremony of Semicon Southeast Asia in Kuala Lumpur.

South-east Asia risks missing global chip boom as fab investments bypass region

Only a handful of new plants planned as region races to move beyond back-end manufacturing

Malaysia’s deep integration into global networks is now a primary vulnerability; about 83% of companies source more than 30% of their raw materials from abroad.

Malaysia’s energy windfall masks a burgeoning ‘two-speed’ economy

While higher oil prices have increased export revenues, businesses face strain from supply disruptions

Group CEO of IHH Healthcare Dr Nair says: "In a hospital, even cleaners are critical – without them, the system simply cannot function."
THE LEADERSHIP PLAYBOOK

‘In hospitals, even cleaners are critical’: IHH Group CEO says leadership starts with the people no one sees

Every role matters – empathy, not strategy alone, determines success, says group CEO

Johor Chief Minister Onn Hafiz Ghazi (left) and UOB Malaysia CEO Ng Wei Wei at a fireside chat during the JS-SEZ Strategic Forum 2026.

Johor delays JS-SEZ blueprint roll-out for further refinements, targets launch in H1

The state seeks alignment among agencies as cross-border investment gains pace

Alps Group's Dr Tham Seng Kong says: "The challenge is no longer about developing technology, but ensuring that it can be used by the mass market. The problem is, most people cannot afford it."

Less than six months after Nasdaq debut, Malaysia’s Alps Group pivots to bridge biotech access gap

It is expanding into insurance and education to rebuild valuation and put advanced treatments within reach for more people

Governments and airlines overseeing the annual Haj pilgrimage have pledged to ensure this year’s rituals go ahead despite mounting geopolitical tensions and surging oil prices.

Fuel shock meets faith: Iran war drives up pilgrimage costs for South-east Asian Muslims

Surging oil prices are forcing airlines to balance rising costs with their commitment to transport pilgrims