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  • Esperanza Securities Introduces the First SFC-permitted Tokenized Investment for Live Entertainment in Asia Pacific

    Esperanza Securities Introduces the First SFC-permitted Tokenized Investment for Live Entertainment in Asia Pacific

    HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 23 February 2026 – Esperanza Fintech (Securities) Limited (“Esperanza Securities“, or “Company“) announced today that, following the granting of the formal permission on its tokenized investment business by the Securities and Futures Commission of Hong Kong (“SFC“) on 13 February 2026, the Company is introducing an innovative financing and community engagement model for the live entertainment industry.

    Esperanza Securities Introduces the First SFC-permitted Tokenized Investment for Live Entertainment in Asia Pacific

    The tokenized investment model enables Esperanza Securities to issue investment tokens (also known as security tokens) through an investment fund it manages, allowing eligible investors to participate with a significantly lower entry barrier and trade the tokens in secondary markets.

    Against the emerging tokenized real-world-asset (RWA) trend worldwide, Esperanza Securities is among the first platforms with a systematic focus on the live entertainment industry. Following the granting of the permission by the SFC, two upcoming tokenized entertainment investments will include the Chris Wong 40th Anniversary Concert which will take place in Hong Kong on 6 to 7 March 2026 and a Korean boy band concert which will take place in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on 11 April 2026.

    Innovation beyond technology: a focus on product structure

    Entertainment industry assets have long benefited from a clear business model and income structure, which include box office receipts, sponsorships and merchandise revenue. Through tokenization, Esperanza Securities offers a new path for asset owners such as concert organizers to access capital without altering their operational models, while enabling investors to directly participate in opportunities linked to real economic activities.

    The application of the tokenized investment model spans beyond the live entertainment industry. In fact, opportunities with clear business models and easily valuated underlying assets possess immense potential for tokenization. For instance, cultural and experiential projects with clear community monetization models and assets with stable and predictable cash flows, such as commercial properties, can all benefit from tokenization.

    Bridging global investors to Asian assets through a 24×7 platform

    Through the proprietary platform, espetopia.com (“Platform“), Esperanza Securities enables eligible investors to back real economy linked Asian projects, anytime and anywhere, without geographical limitations.

    Eligible investors from all over the world can access all investment-related information, trade investment tokens and redeem utilities and experiences associated with the underlying assets through the Platform. This infrastructure enhances the visibility of Asian opportunities in global markets and effectively pools global capital to fund real economic developments, across verticals from cultural intellectual properties to the broader experience economies.

    Looking ahead: charting a digital financing path for high-quality real assets

    Looking forward, Esperanza Securities will continue to advance its asset-backed tokenized investment model under a prudent and compliant framework. The Company aims to progressively build a sustainable digital investment ecosystem centered on real assets with clear economic foundations.

    As market acceptance of RWA digitization continues to grow, the Company sees promising potential for asset-backed tokenization to become an integral financing option alongside traditional public listings and private placements.

    Hashtag: #EsperanzaFintech

    The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

    About Esperanza Fintech (Securities) Limited

    Esperanza Securities is a licensed corporation under the Securities and Futures Ordinance (Cap 571 of the law of Hong Kong) with permission to carry out Type 4 (advising on securities) and Type 9 (asset management) regulated activities. On 13 February 2026, Esperanza Securities received a “no further comment” letter from the SFC in relation to its proposal to tokenize managed funds, effectively granting formal permission for Esperanza Securities to conduct tokenized investment businesses.

    About Esperanza Fintech Group

    Esperanza Fintech Group is a fintech group headquartered in Hong Kong. The group’s licensed businesses include (i) gold trading and tokenized gold services operated by Esperanza Fintech (Commodities) Limited, a DPMS (dealers in precious metals and stones) Category A Registrant (No. A-B-25-03-08913) with the Hong Kong Customs with permitted businesses including the issuance, redemption and trading of gold backed instruments on ; (ii) client asset custodian service operated by Esperanza Fintech (Nominees) Limited, a licensed Trust or Company Service Provider in Hong Kong (Licence No. TC010260), regulated by the Hong Kong Companies Registry; and (iii) tokenized investment services operated by Esperanza Securities, an SFC-regulated asset manager with permission to carry out tokenized investment businesses.

  • Esperanza 证券为投资者打开亚太娱乐资产投资新机遇 – 香港证监会准许的代币化投资模式

    Esperanza 证券为投资者打开亚太娱乐资产投资新机遇 – 香港证监会准许的代币化投资模式

    香港 – Media OutReach Newswire – 2026年2月23日 – 记者今日从毅盛金融科技（证券）有限公司（下稱”Esperanza 证券“或”公司“）获悉，公司已于 2026 年 2月 13 日正式获得香港证券及期货事务监察委员会（”香港证监会“）准许，开展代币化投资项目。Esperanza 证券由此成为亚太率先以现场娱乐产业资产为核心，落地合规证券型代币的持牌机构，为数字资产市场引入具备实体经济基础的新型投资方向。

    Esperanza 证券为投资者打开亚太娱乐资产投资新机遇 – 香港证监会准许的代币化投资模式

    据了解，在此代币化投资模式下，Esperanza证券将通过其管理的投资基金发行投资代币（亦作证券型代币）。这一创新机制不仅使合资格投资者可以小份额参与，同时能于二级市场交易代币。

    随着全球数字资产持续演进、实体资产数字化（Real-World Assets, RWA）成为重要发展趋势的背景下，Esperanza 证券被视为亚太区领先的系统性聚焦娱乐产业投资代币化平台之一。在已获香港证监会准许的监管框架下，正式向市场推出两项具代表性的代币化娱乐投资项目，包括于 2026 年 3 月 6 至 7 日在香港体育馆举行的《黄凯芹 40 年来香港演唱会 2026》投资项目，以及一项于 2026 年 4 月 11 日在马来西亚举行的韩国男团演唱会投资项目。

    长期以来，娱乐产业投资长期存在 “高门槛、高壁垒、信息不对称” 等问题，普通投资者难以入局分享产业红利，而高净值投资者则面临标的单一、流动性不足等困扰。

    Esperanza证券相关业务负责人表示：”此次落地的代币化投资模式，在不改变娱乐项目原有营运模式的前提下，既为项目方拓展了新的融资路径，也为投资者提供了兼具合规属性与流动性优势的数字资产选择，高度契合当前投资者多元化的资产配置需求。”

    为推动资产型数字投资的实际落地，Esperanza 证券透过 espetopia.com 建立一个 24 小时全天候运作的在线投资平台，让合资格投资者不受地域与时区限制，随时参与以亚洲市场为核心、具备真实经济基础的代币化投资项目。

    透过该平台，国际合资格投资者可于其所处时区内，实时获取相关投资信息与文件，交易投资代币，并获得底层资产相关的权益和体验，有效降低跨境投资在时间与信息层面的门坎。此一模式不仅提升亚洲特色实体资产在全球市场的可见度，亦为涵盖文化、内容、体验型项目及其他具备实体经济活动支撑的资产类别，创造连接海外投资者的全新参与机会。

    作为香港证监会监管框架下的合规代币化投资平台，Esperanza 证券将风险控制置于首位。据介绍，平台所有代币化项目均需经过严格的资产审核与合规备案，以确保投资标的具备明确的实体资产边界与稳健的现金流。同时，平台建立了标准化的投资流程与信息披露机制，实现规范投资、投资者便利，让投资者在合规框架内放心布局亚太娱乐资产。

    业内人士认为，Esperanza证券娱乐产业代币化投资业务的正式落地，标志着亚太数字金融普惠时代正式开启。据透露，未来公司将在持续丰富娱乐产业代币化投资标的的基础上，逐步将这一模式延伸至更多实体资产领域，让更多合资格投资者通过合规渠道，轻松布局亚洲特色实体资产，实现资产的多元化配置与稳健增值。

    Hashtag: #EsperanzaFintech

    The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

    关于毅盛金融科技(证券)有限公司

    Esperanza 证券为一家根据证券及期货条例（香港法例第571章）获发牌的公司，获许可进行第四类（就证券提供意见）及第九类（提供资产管理）业务。Esperanza 证券于2026年2月13日获香港证监会确认对Esperanza 证券就其管理的基金进行代币化一事并无进一步意见，即正式准许Esperanza 证券进行证券代币化业务。

    关于Esperanza金融科技集团

    Esperanza金融科技集团是一家以香港为总部的金融科技公司。集团持牌业务包括 (i) 营运黄金交易及代币化黄金的Esperanza Fintech (Commodities) Limited (一家于香港海关注册的贵金属交易商，核准注册业务包括于www.espetopia.com进行发行、赎回及交易黄金支持工具。海关注册编号A-B-25-03-08913）; (ii) 营运托管客户资产的 Esperanza Fintech (Nominees) Limited (一家获香港信托及公司服务提供商注册办事处发牌的信托及公司服务提供商，获发牌业务包括向客户提供资产托管服务。发牌编号TC010260）；及(iii) 运营代币化投资业务的关连公司Esperanza 证券, 一家获香港证监会准许进行投资代币化业务的公司。

  • The World’s 100 Best Coffee Shops: Asia Pacific’s Notable Winners

    The World’s 100 Best Coffee Shops: Asia Pacific’s Notable Winners

    Four Coffee Shops from Australia, Singapore and Malaysia Ranked in Top 10

    SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 23 February 2026 – The second edition of THE WORLD’S 100 BEST COFFEE SHOPS 2026 with DaVinci Gourmet announced its global rankings at CoffeeFest Madrid 2026, revealing a reshaped coffee landscape for the Asia Pacific region.

    Winners of The World's 100 Best Coffee Shops

    This definitive list of the world’s best specialty coffee shops saw Australia deepening its leadership with seven coffee shops in the global ranking, Taiwan with four, returning favourites such as Singapore’s Apartment Coffee maintaining its 2025 ranking, and Malaysia’s Story of Ono climb one level up.

    Australian newcomer Only Coffee Project Crows Nest clinched 4th position followed by Toby’s Estate Coffee Roasters in 5th. Returning to the list were Proud Mary Coffee and Coffee Anthology, joined by newcomers Beta Coffee and Single O. The blend of returning icons and new entrants underlines Australia’s ongoing influence on global café standards.

    In Asia, Apartment Coffee in Singapore and Story of Ono in Malaysia took 6th and 8th place respectively, with The Republic of South Korea, Japan, China, and The Philippines securing placements in this year’s Top 100 rankings.

    See the full list at The World’s 100 Best Coffee Shops

    The list confirms the emergence of new global capitals of quality coffee, as well as the consolidation of an increasingly diverse and innovative international coffee community that includes The United States, which leads the ranking with nine selected coffee shops, South America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Africa and Middle East.

    “Congratulations to all 100 ranked coffee shops. The World’s 100 Best Coffee Shops 2026 with DaVinci Gourmet is the global benchmark celebrating the cafés shaping the future of coffee, and as a leading beverage solutions brand, DaVinci Gourmet is proud to stand alongside it as the global title partner,” said Eloise Dubuisson, General Manager, Food Service Brands, Kerry Asia Pacific, Middle East & Africa.

    A GLOBAL EVALUATION PROCESS

    The ranking is produced through a mixed system combining the evaluation of more than 800 professional judges from all continents with public voting, which exceeded 350,000 votes in this edition. In total, more than 15,000 coffee shops worldwide were analysed.

    RECOGNISING EXCELLENCE IN COFFEE

    A benchmark for the industry and professionals, The World’s 100 Best Coffee Shops aims to highlight coffee shops that not only serve exceptional coffee but also create unique coffee experiences.

    As Global and Title Partner of the 2026 edition, and together with initiatives like the DaVinci Gourmet Barista Craft Championship, DaVinci Gourmet remains committed to championing global beverage artistry and café culture.

    Hashtag: #TheWorlds100BestCoffeeShop #DaVinciGourmet

    The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

    DaVinci Gourmet

    DaVinci Gourmet is a global beverage brand that emphasizes innovation and sustainability while offering beverage solutions for the Foodservice channels. At DaVinci Gourmet, our passion for coffee is at the heart of everything we do. We provide a vibrant palette of authentic flavors crafted from the highest quality ingredients, empowering drink artists to create their next masterpieces.

  • Tune Talk makes staff co-owners ahead of IPO

    Tune Talk announces the establishment of an Employee Share Trust Scheme (ESTS), a strategic initiative designed not only to recognize employee contributions and position staff as equity participants, but also to strengthen long-term financial security for its workforce as the company accelerates its path toward an Initial Public Offering (IPO).

    With employees contributing significantly to Tune Talk’s growth, the establishment of the ESTS reflects the company’s commitment to recognizing their hard work and ensuring they benefit directly from the value they help create.

    The ESTS empowers employees to directly share in the company’s momentum, giving them a real stake in the value they help build as Tune Talk accelerates toward its next phase of growth.

    The scheme reflects Tune Talk’s belief that modern, high-growth companies have a responsibility to look beyond short-term incentives and play a role in improving the economic resilience of their people. It also aligns with the Malaysian government’s broader efforts to address immediate financial wellbeing and encourage sustainable wealth accumulation among the workforce.

    As part of the ESTS, Co-founder and Chief Executive Officer Gurtaj Singh Padda have voluntarily transferred 4.15% of the total issued share capital of Tune Talk Sdn Bhd into a dedicated Trust Fund for the benefit of Tune Talk employees (Beneficiaries), executed pursuant to a formal Trust Deed.

    The shares placed into the Trust will be held and managed by appointed Trustees, reinforcing Tune Talk’s commitment to long-term stewardship and responsible value sharing.

    The ESTS has been established to create a flexible structure that enables employees to participate meaningfully in the value they help generate, including the distribution of dividends or performance-based rewards ahead of the IPO, and to provide financial support to employee’s welfare where necessary. Upon IPO, the Trust will act as a vehicle to distribute the shares and subsidize Beneficiaries in acquiring shares pursuant to the ESOS framework.

    As the first telco in Malaysia to introduce an ESTS of this nature, Tune Talk is establishing a new standard for employee value participation by offering immediate, tangible financial benefits alongside a clear pathway to equity ownership. The initiative ensures that employees share directly in the company’s momentum in real time, reinforcing Tune Talk’s commitment to recognizing their contributions with meaningful rewards as the organization moves toward its IPO.

  • Tim Hortons® Singapore Marks Major Milestone with Official MUIS Halal Certification Ahead of the Festive Season

    Tim Hortons® Singapore Marks Major Milestone with Official MUIS Halal Certification Ahead of the Festive Season

    SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 23 February 2026 – Tim Hortons® Singapore is pleased to announce that it has officially received Halal certification from the Majlis Ugama Islam Singapura (MUIS) across all its existing restaurants islandwide. This significant milestone arrives at a momentous time, as the brand prepares to join the local community in celebrating the upcoming Ramadan and Eid Al-Fitr festivities.

    The attainment of the MUIS Halal mark, a global gold standard in Halal assurance, reaffirms Tim Hortons’ commitment to making its offering available to everyone. Since its debut in Singapore, the iconic Canadian coffee house has been a neighbourhood destination for all. With this certification, the brand’s full suite of signature coffee, iced beverages, sandwiches, and freshly baked treats is now accessible to the Muslim community, offering a new destination for family gatherings.

    Fostering Connection in Singapore’s Multicultural Landscape

    In Singapore’s unique multicultural landscape, dining is more than just a meal, it is a bridge between cultures. By securing official MUIS certification, Tim Hortons® strengthens its promise to provide a welcoming environment where every guest can gather with absolute peace of mind.

    At Tim Hortons, we believe the best experiences are those that bring people together. Ramadan and Eid Al-Fitr are seasons defined by reflection, gratitude, and the spirit of sharing. We are honoured to receive this certification at such a meaningful time, allowing Tims to be a part of our guests’ festive traditions. Whether it is a cozy spot for Iftar or sharing our signature treats during Eid visits, we are delighted to be a part of your celebrations.

    Elevating the Festive Table: An Expanded Range of Offerings

    With the MUIS Halal seal, guests can now explore the full breadth of the Tim Hortons® menu, featuring a diverse array of flavours suited for both daily indulgence and festive hosting:

    • Hearty Iftar Options: For those looking to break their fast with a satisfying meal, our Signature Grilled Sandwiches, including the fan-favourite Pesto Chicken and the iconic Montreal Beef Pastrami, provide a warm and wholesome option.
    • The Ultimate Festive Treats: Our world-famous Timbits® and handcrafted Assorted Donut boxes are the perfect addition to any festive spread. These bite-sized treats are ideal for sharing during family gatherings and as gifts when visiting loved ones during communal Iftar gatherings and during the Hari Raya season.
    • Handcrafted Beverages: Guests can enjoy our 100% Premium Arabica coffee, including the legendary Maple Cinnamon Latte and the Montreal Latte, as well as our signature Frappe Iced Beverages (Iced Capps®) and a variety of espresso-based lattes and non- caffeinated refreshing drinks, all prepared under strict Halal-certified protocols.
    • Savory Selection: The menu also features a range of made-to-order sandwiches, bagels and bakes, offering a variety of fresh and flavourful choices for any time of day.
    Uncompromising Standards of Quality and Integrity

    The journey to MUIS Halal certification involved a comprehensive and rigorous audit of the entire Tim Hortons® operational ecosystem. This included a meticulous review of the supply chain, ingredient sourcing, and kitchen preparation processes. This achievement ensures that the high-quality standards Tim Hortons® is known for globally, are harmonized with the stringent religious and food safety requirements of MUIS.

    A Commitment to Future Growth

    As Tim Hortons® continues to expand its footprint across Singapore, where it currently operates 17 stores, this certification is a pillar for all future outlets. The brand looks forward to opening more doors across the island, ensuring that the “Tims” experience remains accessible to all Singaporeans.

    Hashtag: #TimHortons




    The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

    About Tim Hortons®

    Tim Hortons® is one of the world’s renowned restaurant chains operating in the quick service segment. Founded in 1964, Tim Hortons® appeals to a broad range of guest tastes, with a menu that includes premium coffee, hot and cold specialty drinks (including lattes, cappuccinos, espresso, teas, and our famous Iced Capp® Beverages), baked goods, hot breakfast sandwiches, breakfast snacking items, and other food products. Tim Hortons® has more than 6,000 restaurants around the world.
    Tim Hortons in Singapore operates under the management of MGCA Cafe, a wholly owned subsidiary of Marubeni Corporation, a major Japanese general trading and investment conglomerate”

  • Maybank launches inaugural pilot for Ringgit tokenised deposits and cross border payments via blockchain

    Maybank launches inaugural pilot for Ringgit tokenised deposits and cross border payments via blockchain

    As part of its ROAR30 ambition, Maybank (the Bank) is developing its digital assets and tokenised money agenda as a core pillar of the Bank’s digital transformation to deliver values-based offerings and faster, more seamless and inclusive financial services.

    Towards this, Maybank is launching the first Ringgit tokenised money pilot with global energy infrastructure company, Yinson Holdings Berhad (Yinson) as a participant, under Bank Negara Malaysia’s (BNM) Digital Asset Innovation Hub (DAIH). The pilot will explore on-chain cross-border payments involving Ringgit and other ASEAN deposit tokens on Maybank’s permissioned blockchain.

    The initiative will assess the technical feasibility and operational readiness of executing on-chain transactions securely and in near real-time, while helping to shape the foundational design of next generation money rails and payment infrastructure.

    Building on this first pilot, Maybank aims to pioneer a range of tokenised assets, including tokenised Islamic finance for businesses from large corporates to SMEs (small and medium enterprises), and retail customers, including wealth solutions.

    Through programmable money, the Bank aims to empower SMEs by automating transparent payment flows from anchor clients such as governments and corporates, enabling payment transparency that can eventually unlock accessibility to financing.

    For wealth clients, the Bank is exploring tokenised investment products, especially Islamic finance assets such as Sukuk and funds to enable broader participation through fractionalisation.

    With its network advantages as one of the leading banks in ASEAN, Maybank aims to reduce friction in today’s transaction and payment flows, and deliver exceptional customer experiences, reinforcing its position as the gateway bank for tokenised ASEAN currencies and assets through blockchain-enabled solutions.

    Dato’ Sri Khairussaleh Ramli, President and Group CEO of Maybank said, “At Maybank, our ROAR30 strategy to become the leading global Islamic finance institution, and ASEAN’s leading wealth management, transactions, payments, corporate and investment bank compels us to reimagine how money moves and what our clients demand. Together with regulators, clients and partners, and taking a holistic, pragmatic and inclusive approach, we will progressively expand digital assets and tokenisation initiatives into areas like investing, Islamic finance and supporting SMEs. We continue to work on innovation to deliver tangible benefits for our clients like Yinson and the broader real economy, while upholding the highest standards of governance, security and regulatory integrity.”

    Lim Chern Yuan, Group CEO of Yinson Holdings Berhad said, “With diverse businesses and operations across multiple jurisdictions, and complex cross border treasury operations, Yinson is constantly seeking ways to optimise its financial position, manage risks, and respond swiftly to opportunities. We are open to leverage innovative technology with the support of regulators and established financial institutions like Maybank. Enabled by on-chain solutions, shorter settlement cycles to almost real-time allows Yinson to further manage working capital more efficiently and reduce foreign exchange exposure and transaction costs. We welcome the prospect of collaborating with BNM and Maybank in this pilot initiative.”

  • Over 54% of Malaysian employers are set for team expansion

    Over 54% of Malaysian employers are set for team expansion

    Ambition Malaysia has released its annual Market Insights & Salary Guide, providing an in-depth view of hiring trends, workforce priorities, and talent expectations. The report covers key industries across Malaysia, including technology, finance, human resources, engineering, supply chain, sales and marketing, banking and financial services, and global business services.

    This year’s report combines Ambition’s on-the-ground market observations with findings from our recent Quick Pulse Survey, which gathered close to 500 responses from employers and professionals across Malaysia, offering timely insight into how organisations closed out 2025 and how they are positioning themselves for the year ahead.

    Commenting on the findings, Matthew Cooper, Managing Director of Ambition Malaysia, shared that 2025 marked a shift toward more deliberate and purposeful workforce planning, “Organisations continued to invest in capabilities that strengthen long-term competitiveness, particularly in digital transformation, automation, compliance, sustainability, and supply chain resilience. At the same time, tighter budgets and slower approval cycles meant hiring became more selective, with a clear focus on roles that support business continuity and operational efficiency.”

    Across sectors, employers placed greater emphasis on internal mobility, succession planning, and upskilling, while professionals became more discerning in their expectations, prioritising stability, meaningful career growth, and hybrid flexibility when evaluating new opportunities.

    Key Findings from the Quick Pulse Survey

    • Hiring remains active, although decisions take longer – Hiring activity remains steady, with 54% of employers planning to hire over the next six months, although approval processes have lengthened due to increased scrutiny on business-critical roles.
    • Talent decisions are value-led, not just pay-led – While salary remains the single most important factor (27%), professionals are increasingly prioritising career growth (20%), company culture (17%), and flexibility (17%) alongside compensation when considering new opportunities.
    • Change is happening gradually, not disruptively – Change across the workforce continues to be measured, with 52% of employers using contract hiring selectively and over 60% of organisations still in the early or exploratory stages of AI adoption, largely focused on productivity and skills development.

    Looking ahead, The Malaysian job market is expected to maintain steady hiring momentum in 2026, supported by continued investment in digitalisation, shared services expansion, compliance-driven roles, and sustainability initiatives. For employers, success in attracting and retaining talent will increasingly depend on how well organisations balance cost with flexibility, culture, and long-term career development.

    For professionals, the outlook points to a more selective job market, where adaptable, cross-functional skillsets, digital fluency, and regional exposure will play a growing role in career mobility and competitiveness.

    Ambition’s 2026 Market Insights & Salary Guide provides sector-specific analysis and practical guidance for employers planning workforce strategies and professionals navigating their next career move.

  • MBSB Bank launches SBMB 5.0

    MBSB Bank today announced the launch of the fifth edition of its flagship savings campaign, Simpan Berganda Menang Bergaya (SBMB 5.0). The initiative continues the Bank’s focus on encouraging financial discipline and rewarding consistent saving habits among Malaysians.

    Following the strong participation recorded in the previous year, SBMB 5.0 will run throughout 2026. The campaign is designed to be inclusive, allowing customers to build their savings while becoming eligible for a rewards pool valued at RM2 million.

    Participation is open to both new and existing customers with a minimum earmarked deposit of RM2,000. By placing fresh funds or incremental deposits into designated accounts, customers qualify for rewards across multiple categories:

    • National Grand Prizes: Three premium SUV models: the Jetour T2, GWM Tank 300, and GWM Tank 500.
    • Regional Grand Prizes: Suzuki Jimny 5-door (complete with roof rack).
    • Voyager Rewards: Eleven Maldives travel packages for two.
    • Early Bird Rewards: Swiss-made luxury timepieces valued at up to RM35,000 each.

    Rafe Haneef, Group Chief Executive Officer of MBSB Bank, said, “We really want to change the conversation around saving in Malaysia. Often, people feel that growing wealth is only for a certain group, but with SBMB 5.0, we’ve intentionally kept the entry point at just RM2,000 to make it accessible for everyone. Our goal is to see more Malaysians building that financial safety net while having a bit of excitement doing it. Whether you’re just starting out or have been with us for years, this is about making disciplined saving something that feels achievable and genuinely exciting for people from all walks of life.”

  • RHB and Cagamas expand access to green homes

    RHB and Cagamas expand access to green homes

    RHB Banking Group (RHB/ the Group) and Cagamas Berhad (Cagamas), the National Mortgage Corporation of Malaysia, through its sister company Cagamas SRP Berhad (Cagamas SRP), introduces a new conventional Green Home Financing scheme that provides Malaysians with up to 110% financing for residential properties that carry recognised green building certifications. The scheme is designed to reduce upfront cash requirements by offering 100% financing for the property value plus an additional 10% for Mortgage Reducing Term Assurance or Takaful.

    The partnership makes certified green homes accessible to a wider segment of Malaysians. By extending financing to more homebuyers for primary market properties, the financing scheme broadens access to sustainable living and ensures that green-certified homes are no longer viewed as a premium option reserved for the affluent.

    Jeffrey Ng Eow Oo, Managing Director, Group Community Banking, RHB Banking Group said, “Many Malaysians want homes that are comfortable, efficient and better for the environment, but affordability often gets in the way. This collaboration helps close that gap. Our focus is on giving communities innovative financial solutions that genuinely address their needs while supporting long term, sustainable living. By expanding access to certified green homes, we are helping more Malaysians make choices that benefit their families today and their future tomorrow.”

    This initiative is aligned with RHB’s PROGRESS27 corporate strategy, which embeds sustainability across the Group’s business priorities. It also reflects the principles outlined in RHB’s Sustainable & Transition Finance Framework (STFF), one of the enablers supporting customers through their sustainability and transition needs. Under PROGRESS27, RHB is committed to mobilising RM90 billion in Sustainable Financial Services (SFS) by 2027. As at December 2025, the Group’s cumulative SFS reached over RM59 billion, representing close to 66% of its target.

    “At Cagamas, our priority is to strengthen Malaysia’s housing financing ecosystem by supporting solutions that meet the evolving needs of homebuyers. Our collaboration with RHB not only encourages the growth of green certified homes, but also supports lenders ready to offer responsible, forward looking products. Building on the success of earlier guarantee schemes such as Skim Rumah Pertamaku, Skim Perumahan Belia and the First Home Mortgage Guarantee Programme, all of which have enabled more than 100,000 Malaysians to own their first homes, the Green Mortgage Guarantee Programme (Green MGP) adds a new dimension of environmental responsibility. It provides financial institutions with a valuable risk mitigation tool to advance ESG aligned lending, while giving homebuyers improved financing options for sustainable properties,” said Kameel Abdul Halim, President/Chief Executive Officer of Cagamas Berhad.

  • Indonesia’s 90-Day trial work visa signals shift in short-term talent regulation

    Indonesia’s 90-Day trial work visa signals shift in short-term talent regulation

    Indonesia’s immigration framework has been quietly recalibrating how foreign professionals can legally engage in short-term work. In 2025, one visa category has emerged as a focal point of that shift: the Trial Work Visa, officially indexed as C18. Designed for probationary assignments and skills evaluations, the C18 reflects a broader policy move toward clearer boundaries between business visits, trial engagements, and full employment.

    For international companies exploring the Indonesian market—or testing candidates before committing to long-term hires—the C18 has become a practical, but tightly defined, option. Its structure highlights how Indonesian regulators are balancing openness to foreign expertise with stricter controls on work authorisation.

    The Trial Work Visa (C18) is classified as a visit visa, but unlike standard business visas, it explicitly permits limited, supervised work activities. Its purpose is narrow: allowing an Indonesian sponsor to assess a foreign professional’s skills, cultural fit, or project contribution over a short, fixed period.

    Under the rules confirmed by the Directorate General of Immigration in mid-2025, the C18 grants a maximum stay of 90 days. It is non-extendable, and it can only be used once per sponsoring company. These two features are intentional. Authorities have made clear that the C18 is not a workaround for long-term employment or repeated short stays, but a one-off trial window.

    This clarity marks a departure from earlier practices, when companies sometimes relied on business visas for activities that blurred into hands-on work.

    The growing relevance of the Trial Work Visa is tied to changing expectations around compliance. Indonesian immigration policy has become more explicit about what different visa categories allow—and what they do not. In that context, the C18 offers something that businesses value: legal certainty.

    For employers, the visa provides a compliant way to bring in specialists, consultants, or prospective hires for defined trial periods without immediately committing to a full work permit. For professionals, it offers a legitimate route to demonstrate capability on the ground, rather than through remote interviews alone.

    At the same time, the restrictions are clear. The visa does not permit salary payments or commercial remuneration in Indonesia. Any continuation beyond the trial period requires a transition to a proper work authorization, such as a KITAS.

    A key reason the C18 has attracted attention is the tightening of its rules. Applications lodged on or after mid-June 2025 fall under a new operational framework. Extensions are no longer available, and repeat use with the same sponsor is prohibited.

    Earlier applications submitted before that cutoff followed a more flexible regime, allowing shorter stays with extensions. The updated approach reflects a policy preference for decisiveness: trial periods should be clearly time-bound, with no ambiguity about next steps.

    This change also aligns with updates under Permenkumham No. 11/2024, which modernized Indonesia’s visa and stay-permit structure more broadly.

    In practice, the C18 is used across a range of industries. Technology firms deploy it to assess senior engineers or project leads. Manufacturing and industrial companies use it for technical specialists involved in commissioning or process trials. Professional services firms rely on it for short-term consulting or evaluation roles tied to potential employment.

    What these use cases have in common is structure. Immigration authorities expect the trial to be clearly defined in scope, duration, and purpose. Invitation letters typically outline the evaluation objectives, location, and timeline, reinforcing that the engagement is temporary and supervised.

    One of the most important aspects of the C18 is what it does not allow. Receiving salary, invoicing locally, or engaging in revenue-generating activities is prohibited. These limitations distinguish the visa from a work permit and reduce the risk of misuse.

    This distinction matters because Indonesia has increased coordination between immigration, manpower, and tax authorities. Activities that appear inconsistent with visa status are more likely to be questioned than in the past. For companies, using the correct visa category is no longer just a formality—it is part of broader regulatory risk management.

    The C18 is best viewed as a gateway rather than a destination. If both parties decide to proceed after the trial period, planning the transition to a KITAS must begin early. Because the trial visa cannot be extended, timing is critical to avoid gaps in legal status.

    This sequencing has become a common discussion point among foreign companies entering Indonesia. Immigration advisors often stress that the success of a trial engagement depends not only on performance, but on preparation for what comes next.

    Firms such as CPT Corporate are frequently referenced by employers navigating this transition, particularly for visa immigration strategy that aligns trial periods with longer-term workforce planning.

    The evolution of the Trial Work Visa offers insight into Indonesia’s broader immigration philosophy. The country remains open to foreign expertise, but expects activities to be properly categorized, time-limited, and transparent. Short-term flexibility is available—but within clearly defined boundaries.

    For foreign media observers, the C18 illustrates how Indonesia is refining, rather than restricting, access to its labor market. By formalising trial work arrangements, regulators reduce grey areas while giving businesses a clearer compliance pathway.

    As Indonesia continues to modernize its immigration systems, short-term work visas like the C18 are likely to play an increasingly visible role. Their appeal lies in precision: they allow companies to test, evaluate, and decide—without committing prematurely or operating in regulatory uncertainty.

    For professionals and employers alike, the message is straightforward. The opportunity exists, but it comes with firm rules. Understanding those rules—and planning beyond the 90-day window—is now an essential part of engaging talent in Indonesia’s evolving economy.