Under the Companies Act 2016, a company cannot be incorporated in Malaysia without appointing at least one director who ordinarily resides in the country, a requirement that has quietly become one of the defining realities for foreign businesses entering the market. As Malaysia continues to attract record levels of foreign investment across technology, manufacturing, and…
In Malaysia, 2026 marks the point at which several compliance measures take effect simultaneously, requiring businesses to adjust to a government focused on narrowing a long-standing tax gap. With a tax-to-GDP ratio at about 13 per cent, well below global levels, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s administration has used recent budgets to put key measures in…
Artificial Intelligence is transforming the way businesses handle company incorporation, corporate compliance, and governance processes. Tasks that once required extensive manual effort, such as document preparation, regulatory filings, and record management, are now being automated with advanced AI tools. This shift raises a crucial question for businesses and professionals alike: Can AI replace Company Secretaries…
According to the Ministry of Digital, AI adoption in Malaysia is projected to contribute US$115 billion (~RM530 billion) to Malaysia’s digital economy over the next five years, transforming AI for Malaysia’s businesses from a trend into a business imperative. From mandatory Malaysia e-invoicing and digital reporting to investments in sovereign cloud infrastructure, data centres, and…
As Malaysia enters 2026, its corporate tax framework remains a cornerstone of fiscal policy, balancing revenue generation with business growth incentives. For entrepreneurs, compliance is no longer just a legal obligation, it is a strategic tool that safeguards reputation, reduces financial risk, and fosters investor confidence. For companies incorporating in Malaysia, the corporate tax framework…
Registering a company in Malaysia is just the beginning. From the date of incorporation, every business entity faces a continuous stream of statutory obligations, annual returns, director updates, share transfers, board resolutions, and more, all governed by the Companies Commission of Malaysia (SSM) under the Companies Act 2016. For business owners focused on growth, managing…
Globally, artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming economies, and Malaysia is establishing itself as a developing digital and AI hub in Southeast Asia. The government of Malaysia and the private sector are promoting AI adoption to boost productivity, creativity, and competitiveness as industries become increasingly technology-driven, particularly among small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs), which are…
Not every company that is incorporated continues trading forever. Some businesses pause operations due to market conditions, restructuring, changes in partnerships, or strategic realignment. When a company becomes inactive and no longer serves a purpose, keeping it registered can lead to unnecessary compliance costs, penalties and administrative burden. If you are considering striking off a…