The electronics manufacturing services (EMS) sector in Malaysia has seen mixed performance in 2024 despite being part of the broader tech upcycle, with rising costs, inflation, and supply chain disruptions offsetting growth from increased global demand and outsourcing trends. Key EMS Performances Winners : SKP Resources Bhd (+76% YTD) V.S. Industry Bhd (+47% YTD) NationGate Holdings Bhd (+51% YTD) P.I.E. Industrial Bhd (+29% YTD) Strugglers : ATA IMS Bhd (-8% YTD) JHM Consolidation Bhd (-36% YTD) Growth Drivers and Challenges Diversification Opportunities : The China+1 and Taiwan+1 strategies have positioned Malaysian EMS players to gain market share. However, reliance on major customers, such as Dyson, continues to be a concern. Cost Pressures : High inflation and production costs have affected profit margins. Company Highlights SKP Resources : Recorded a 27% y-o-y net profit increase , benefiting from a recovery in consumer demand. V.S. Indust...
As his second term approaches, US President-elect Donald Trump has made significant appointments to bolster his administration's defence and cryptocurrency policy teams. The high-profile selections include billionaire Stephen Feinberg as the deputy secretary of defence and Michael Kratsios as head of tech policy at the White House.
Defence Leadership
Stephen Feinberg, co-founder of private equity firm Cerberus Capital Management, is set to take on the No. 2 role at the Pentagon. Known for his investments in hypersonic missile technology and other defence-related ventures, Feinberg will oversee day-to-day Pentagon operations. His appointment comes as Trump’s pick for secretary of defence, Pete Hegseth, faces resistance in the Senate.
Other defence appointments include:
- Michael Duffey: Undersecretary of acquisition and sustainment.
- Emil Michael: Undersecretary of research and engineering.
- Keith Bass: Assistant secretary for health affairs.
- Joe Kasper: Chief of staff to Pete Hegseth.
Crypto Policy Team
Trump’s administration is placing heavy emphasis on cryptocurrency policy with a robust lineup:
- Michael Kratsios, managing director at Scale AI and a veteran of Trump’s first term, will head the Office of Science and Technology Policy.
- Lynne Parker, Kratsios' former deputy, will lead the Presidential Council of Advisers for Science and Technology (PCAST).
- Bo Hines, a former football player and Republican candidate, will direct the newly formed Crypto Council.
These entities will report to David Sacks, the designated "crypto czar," who plans to divide his time between the White House and Silicon Valley.
Additional Appointments
Trump’s recent announcements also include:
- Scott Kupor: Managing partner at Andreessen Horowitz, to lead the Office of Personnel Management.
- Mauricio Claver-Carone: Special envoy for Latin America at the State Department.
- Callista Gingrich: Ambassador to Switzerland.
- Stephen Vaden: Deputy secretary of agriculture.
Strategic Focus
These appointments highlight Trump’s priorities for his second term: advancing defence technology, streamlining federal government operations, and solidifying the US as a leader in cryptocurrency policy. The selection of figures from private equity, tech, and venture capital also underscores a strong alignment with business and innovation to drive government strategy.
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