Empire Premium Food Bhd , the operator of the Empire Sushi chain , has launched its Main Market IPO , aiming to raise RM254 million to fund aggressive expansion across Malaysia. IPO Details and Valuation The offering is indicatively priced at 70 sen per share , implying a market capitalisation of RM770 million and a valuation of 20.3 times FY2025 earnings . RM152.6 million will go to the company RM96.3 million will be raised by existing shareholders (founders) Listing is scheduled for April 17 , with pricing on April 7 For FY2025, the group reported: Net profit: RM37.9 million Revenue: RM235.6 million Expansion Strategy Drives Growth Story A key IPO driver is Empire’s aggressive outlet expansion plan . The group aims to open 56 new outlets over the next three years , focusing on high-traffic locations such as: Shopping malls Airports Transit hubs More than 51% of IPO proceed...
South Korea is ramping up emergency measures as the Middle East conflict drives oil prices higher, exposing the country’s heavy reliance on energy imports and raising risks to growth, inflation, and supply chains.
Government Activates Emergency Response System
Prime Minister Kim Min-seok has called for a “whole-of-government” crisis response, warning that the conflict could be prolonged and requires urgent contingency planning.
Authorities will:
- Establish an emergency economic task force meeting twice weekly
- Set up a presidential-level crisis monitoring unit
- Accelerate policy coordination across ministries
This reflects a shift toward full crisis management mode as risks intensify.
$16.7 Billion Stimulus to Cushion Impact
The government plans a 25 trillion won (US$16.7 billion) supplementary budget, equivalent to roughly 0.9% of GDP, aimed at mitigating the economic fallout.
Key focus areas include:
- Offsetting rising energy costs
- Supporting vulnerable households
- Stabilising supply chains
Importantly, the package will be funded through stronger tax revenues, avoiding additional debt issuance and limiting pressure on bond yields.
Inflation Risks Rising with Oil Shock
South Korea has already implemented emergency fuel price caps—the first in nearly 30 years—to contain inflation.
However, analysts warn that without intervention:
- Fuel prices could surge significantly
- Broader inflation pressures may intensify
- Fiscal stimulus could further add to price pressures
Economists estimate the stimulus could boost GDP growth by 0.18–0.35 percentage points, partially offsetting earlier downward revisions.
Heavy Energy Dependence Amplifies Risks
South Korea imports around 70% of its crude oil from the Middle East, making it highly vulnerable to supply disruptions.
A prolonged shock could:
- Increase costs for industrial inputs (naphtha, urea)
- Weaken export competitiveness
- Reduce domestic consumption
The effective disruption of the Strait of Hormuz further heightens these risks.
Policy Trade-Off: Growth vs Inflation
Authorities now face a difficult balancing act between:
- Supporting economic growth through fiscal stimulus
- Containing inflation driven by energy prices
Markets will closely monitor whether policy measures can stabilise the economy without triggering further price volatility.
Investor Takeaways
- South Korea has shifted into crisis mode, reflecting heightened risks from the oil supply shock.
- A 25 trillion won stimulus package aims to support growth without increasing debt levels.
- Fuel price caps and potential tax cuts highlight aggressive efforts to contain inflation.
- Heavy reliance on Middle East oil imports (70%) makes the economy highly vulnerable.
- The key risk is policy trade-off between growth support and rising inflation pressures.
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