Inovatif

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  • RHB expands access to higher education with Shariah-compliant financing

    RHB Banking Group (RHB or the Group) has introduced Commodity Murabahah Term Financing-i (CMTF-i) Education Financing (RHB Education Financing-i), a Shariah-compliant solution designed to help Malaysian families manage the rising cost of higher education.

    With many students delaying or forgoing tertiary studies due to financial constraints, RHB Education Financing-i offers a flexible and affordable financing option that enables families to invest in education without undue financial pressure.

    Key features of RHB Education Financing-i:

    • Joint Applicant Flexibility: The solution allows up to three joint applicants, excluding the main applicant. This enables families to combine income eligibility, thus reducing individual financial burden. This option is limited to immediate family members (parents, spouse, siblings, or children).
    • Extended Tenure & Grace Period: Financing terms of up to 20 years or age 70 (whichever earlier), with a grace period of up to four (4) years during the course of study. This enables students to focus entirely on their academic performance, without the pressure of principal payment during their studies.
    • Generous Financing Range: From RM10,000 up to RM500,000, covering tuition and related expenses.
    • Inclusive Coverage: Supports undergraduate, postgraduate, and professional programmes, catering to both students and working adults.

    Jeffrey Ng Eow Oo, Managing Director, Group Community Banking of RHB Banking Group said, “Access to higher education should never be limited by financial constraints. We are committed to playing our part in addressing this national challenge by providing families with practical and ethical financing options. This is in line with RHB’s objective of being a Responsible and Purposeful Bank – one that empowers Malaysians to pursue their academic ambitions and contribute to the country’s long-term growth.”

    Dato’ Adissadikin Ali, Managing Director of RHB Islamic Bank Berhad added, “RHB Education Financing-i is based on the Shariah concept of Commodity Murabahah, ensuring ethical and transparent financing. Phase 1 of the rollout focuses on financing for studies at domestic institutions to support the local education ecosystem, with plans to expand to overseas education financing in the next phase.”

  • Lazada Malaysia records surge in premium brand purchases

    Malaysian consumers are showing a decisive shift in their online shopping behaviour, with premium brands now driving some of the strongest growth on Lazada Malaysia’s platform during the 11.11 Global Brands Festival 2025.

    Premium brands such as Nike, Sony, Estée Lauder, Dyson and Lancôme were among the top brands purchased on Lazada Malaysia during 11.11, showing that Malaysians are confidently choosing higher value products online and are doing it on Lazada.

    Consumers are also demonstrating strong trust in Lazada’s platform for higher value electronics. Shoppers in the Electronics (EL) category increasingly chose higher value gadgets, emerging as standout performers during the recent mega campaign. During the 11.11 campaign:

    • Smart Devices, a sub segment of Electronics, recorded a 76% increase in average order value (AOV) compared to the 9.9 campaign.
    • Computers and Components another sub segment of Electronics, grew 106% while Gaming Devices and Software increased 197% in purchase compared to 9.9.

    Meanwhile, beauty emerged as a clear premiumisation story, with top tier skincare brands delivering some of the sharpest growth in spend per order on Lazada during 11.11 compared to 9.9. Average order value climbed 54% for Lancôme, 44% for Kérastase and 47% for Innisfree, underscoring Malaysians’ growing appetite for higher value branded products online.

    “Malaysian consumers are showing a new level of confidence in buying premium products online, and the results from 11.11 reflect this remarkable shift. This demonstrates a deep trust in Lazada’s authenticity, fulfilment quality and the overall shopping experience. We will continue investing in technology, partnerships and consumer protection systems that give Malaysians the confidence to shop safely and securely,” said Kaya Qin, Chief Executive Officer of Lazada Malaysia.

    Verified virtual mall environments continue to benefit most from this shift. LazMall’s AOV surged by a 20% compared to the 9.9 campaign. LazMall’s AOV on 11.11 also rose 13% year on year from 2024 to 2025, reflecting larger and more considered baskets.

    This performance mirrors wider regional trends captured in a recent Cube Asia study, “The Rise of Virtual Mall Ecosystems in Southeast Asia”, commissioned by Lazada. Regionally, authenticity driven eCommerce, defined as branded goods purchased through authorised Mall environments on eCommerce platforms, has grown from 12% of total eCommerce in 2020 to 30% in 2025, and is projected to reach 55% by 2030, worth around USD $150 billion in sales.

    The Malaysia cut of the study underscores how strongly local shoppers are leaning into Mall environments on eCommerce platforms and quality led decisions:

    • Nearly 30% of Malaysian consumers say they are willing to pay an extra 5% to 10% for the assurance of purchasing from verified Mall stores.
    • About 85% of Malaysian online shoppers now make at least 40% of their purchases in Mall environments, especially for fashion, beauty, electronics and home.

    Digital tools inside the Lazada ecosystem also saw strong momentum during 11.11, helping Malaysians shop more intentionally.

    AI Lazzie, Lazada’s AI powered shopping assistant, enabled:

    • 56.13% more conversions compared to the 9.9 campaign.
    • 85.65% more conversions compared to a normal business day.

    Shoppers are using AI Lazzie to refine searches, compare options, understand reviews quickly and build better quality baskets within their budgets.

    At the same time, creator and affiliate driven commerce is gaining ground, with affiliate driven performance in Malaysia growing 108% during the 11.11 campaign compared to 9.9, boosted by Lazada’s collaboration with YouTube as creator content and product recommendations helped turn inspiration into purchases.

    These levers, AI Lazzie and affiliates, will play an even more important role ahead of 12.12 as Malaysians, plan year end purchases in beauty, electronics, lifestyle and home, and look to stretch their ringgit through smarter, more confident choices.

  • Taylor’s Education introduces First Lexel International Schools

    Taylor’s Education introduces First Lexel International Schools

    Taylor’s Education Group (TEG), has launched Lexel International Schools, a new model of international education designed to make globally benchmarked learning more accessible to Malaysian families. Lexel, a merging of the words “lexicon” and “excellence,” has been designed to inspire students to build their own bodies of knowledge and pursue excellence in everything they do.

    This initiative builds on the 2024 strategic partnership between TEG and Gamuda Land, combining Taylor’s academic excellence with Gamuda Land’s township development expertise. The collaboration integrates affordable private education into master-planned communities, enhancing quality of life and long-term value. Lexel’s first campus at the township of Gamuda Gardens offers students a unique campus with well-lit, large classrooms, labs, as well as a library, multi-purpose hall, and canteen, amid the town centre and with easy access to township amenities including an Olympic-length swimming pool, Wellness Centre, indoor badminton courts, and extensive parks, walking trails, and water features.

    Malaysia’s private and international school sector has grown rapidly over the past decade. Between 2019 and 2024, local student enrolment in international schools increased by 34%, driven by a growing middle class and rising demand for globally relevant, English-medium education. At the same time, Malaysia’s national plan continues to strengthen its position as a regional education hub, with the government targeting 250,000 international students by 2025.

    Despite this growth, many families face barriers such as high tuition fees and limited proximity to reputable schools. Lexel International Schools bridge this gap by offering internationally benchmarked education at an accessible price point, supported by holistic facilities and community infrastructure within Gamuda Land’s township.

    Speaking at the launch, Karl Engkvist, President of Taylor’s Education Private Limited, emphasised the strategic importance of expanding access to international education as part of Taylor’s long-term growth and social impact agenda. “Taylor’s has always been committed to shaping the future of education in Malaysia and beyond. Lexel International Schools represents a strategic step in delivering high-quality international education at an affordable price point. By leveraging our academic expertise and operational excellence, we are creating a scalable model that aligns with our vision to educate the youth of the world and prepare them for global opportunities.”

    The new Lexel campus at Gamuda Gardens expands Taylor’s education ecosystem beyond its nine established institutions in Southeast Asia, which collectively serve more than 34,000 students annually. Lexel upholds academic excellence by drawing on proven frameworks from Taylor’s institutions in Malaysia, Singapore, and Vietnam, supported by the expertise of Taylor’s University School of Education. This approach ensures world-class facilities and quality education while keeping fees significantly lower.

    Wong Siew Lee, Chief Operating Officer of Gamuda Land, underscored the role of education in driving sustainable community development and long-term value creation. “For us at Gamuda Land, building a township has always been more than constructing homes or designing beautiful parks. It’s about building a place where life can truly happen for a community.”

    “That is why weaving reputable education partners into our masterplan is such an important part of what we do. We’ve always believed that a great township is defined by the people and partners we bring in. Whether it’s education, retail, wellness, or lifestyle — the right partners help us create places where our residents have everything they need, right here at home,” Wong added.

    In 2026, Lexel plans to open its second flagship campus in Gamuda Cove, further strengthening its presence and expanding access to affordable international education. Beyond these two campuses, the brand also aims to grow nationwide and into regional markets, creating a network of schools that deliver consistent quality and inclusivity.

  • MBSB partners with Santander Group’s Navigator Global

    MBSB partners with Santander Group’s Navigator Global

    MBSB announces a strategic partnership with Navigator Global, a pioneering global trade platform developed by the Santander Group, aimed at transforming how Malaysian Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) access international markets.

    Through this partnership, MBSB will connect Malaysian businesses to Navigator Global’s powerful digital platform, offering a comprehensive suite of tools that simplifies international trade and helps to accelerate growth. These include tailored market-entry action plans, real-time global market intelligence, an extensive network of verified providers and local experts, as well as a rich calendar of educational events and webinars. The goal is clear: to help Malaysian SMEs overcome traditional barriers and participate more confidently in the global economy.

    “This partnership with Navigator Global is a landmark achievement for MBSB and for the future of Malaysian SMEs,” said Rafe Haneef, Group Chief Executive Officer of MBSB. “In an era defined by connection, global trade offers significant opportunities for growth. This collaboration aligns with our strategic imperative to empower businesses with the confidence and acumen to extend their footprint far beyond Malaysia’s shores. We see Navigator Global becoming an indispensable ally for many of our SMEs, breaking down the complexity to international commerce and making global markets more accessible than ever.”

    A pilot programme in the UK demonstrated strong impact, having supported more than 2,500 UK businesses in expanding internationally and catalysing hundreds of global connections. The enhanced Navigator Global platform, now introduced to Malaysia via MBSB’s Commercial Business Division, features an intuitive trade tool that generates bespoke export action plans and provides direct access to verified global providers. It is designed not only to inform, but to enable decisive action and sustained international growth.

    “Our collaboration with MBSB represents a significant stride forward in our mission to simplify international trade, and help to accelerate SME growth” said John Carroll, CEO of Navigator Global Ltd. “We are a membership club, that guides ambitious businesses through the international trade journey and offers end-to-end solutions.” SME’s are the centre of the Malaysian success story, they are the inventors, the job creators and the lifeblood of communities. Through this partnership we can help to reduce the cost, time and risks associated with going global. This alliance reflects a shared vision: a more integrated, accessible and prosperous global trade ecosystem, where SMEs get the support they need.”

    Navigator Global directly addresses the core challenges businesses face when venturing abroad, including complexity, high risks of failure and limited visibility of credible partners. The platform offers clear guidance on local regulations and compliance, privileged access to experts, verified partners and comprehensive, actionable market intelligence. This helps SMEs identify and connect with trusted local contacts, significantly streamlining their expansion efforts.

    The platform is available to businesses at any stage in their international growth journey, from identifying their first market, to expanding within existing ones and looking for new opportunities.

  • Regional study reveals spending patterns across key SEA markets in 2025

    Regional study reveals spending patterns across key SEA markets in 2025

    Southeast Asia (SEA) remains one of the fastest-growing regions globally, with household consumption as the major driver. While often viewed as a single economic bloc, a new study by Milieu Insight indicates that the region has diverged into three distinct consumer economies, shaped by differences in outlook, financial pressure, digital adoption, and spending priorities.

    The study draws on responses from 3,054 consumers across six key SEA markets – Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, the Philippines, Indonesia, and Vietnam. It examines current spending sentiment compared to three months prior, trade-offs prompted by grocery inflation, the role of digital payments, and expectations for purchasing behaviour into 2026.

    “Consumers in SEA are no longer behaving as a unified market,” said Juda Kanaprach, Co-Founder and Chief Commercial Officer at Milieu Insight. “Different levels of financial pressure and sentiment are shaping three distinct consumer economies. A single regional playbook is ineffective, businesses must understand the specific financial and emotional contexts driving decision-making in each market.”

    The Stressed Digital Economy: Philippines, Indonesia, Vietnam
    Consumers in the Stressed Digital Economy, the Philippines, Indonesia, and Vietnam, are increasing spending despite financial constraints, supported by strong digital payment adoption and resilient sentiment. Across these markets, 59% of consumers report spending more than three months ago, the highest in the region. Grocery inflation remains a core pressure point, with 77% in the Philippines and 83% in Indonesia identifying groceries as unavoidable expenditure, prompting substitution towards more affordable proteins and brands. E-wallet usage is deeply embedded: 64% of Filipinos and 57% of Indonesians prefer digital wallets for routine transactions.

    These markets are likely to further entrench digital-first purchasing, with e-wallet adoption expected to continue rising. However, the sustainability of spending will depend on whether inflation stabilizes. Optimism currently sustains consumption, but prolonged price pressures may test that resilience.

    The Strategic Comfort Economy: Singapore, Malaysia
    Consumers in Singapore and Malaysia demonstrate financial stability but pair it with disciplined, value-oriented decision-making. Singapore records the lowest spending increase in the region, with 40% reporting higher expenditure compared to the Southeast Asia average of 51%. This does not indicate weakened purchasing power, but rather deliberate control of discretionary spending. Value maximization is prominent: 83% of Singaporeans wait for promotions, and 58% prefer credit cards for rewards and cashback.

    Malaysia shows the lowest caution sentiment in the region at 20% and the highest current optimism at 28%, alongside comparatively lower grocery pressure. Consumers in this economy are selective rather than constrained, willing to spend where value, convenience, or quality is clearly justified.
    This value-optimization mindset is expected to persist. Price comparison, loyalty benefits, and clarity of value proposition will continue to influence brand and channel choice, particularly in premium lifestyle and convenience categories.

    The Transition Economy: Thailand
    Thailand remains the region’s most sentiment-responsive market. While 56% of consumers describe themselves as cautious, the highest in Southeast Asia, 54% still report increased spending, indicating prioritization rather than broad reduction. Thailand also shows the strongest expected improvement, with 53% anticipating greater optimism in the coming quarter.

    Payment habits reflect a market in transition, with cash and e-wallet usage at equal levels (39% each).
    Over the next year, Thailand’s consumer economy will hinge on the direction of sentiment. If confidence strengthens, spending growth will follow; if it weakens, caution is likely to deepen. Digital adoption will continue regardless, making Thailand a key market to watch for shifts in regional consumer mood.

    Future Outlook: Divergence Will Widen
    The differences between Southeast Asia’s consumer economies are expected to deepen over the coming years. Digital maturity, inflation exposure, and value sensitivity will continue to shape spending behaviours in distinct ways. As a result, market success will increasingly depend on understanding economic mindset rather than geography alone. Businesses entering or expanding in Southeast Asia will need market-specific value propositions and communication strategies that reflect the distinct financial behaviours and confidence levels across these three consumer economies.

    “A uniform brand narrative will not yield consistent results across Southeast Asia,” Juda added. “Pricing strategies, promotions, channel plays, and loyalty programs must now align with the economic mindset of each market, not just its geography.”

  • Western Union launches first two company-owned retail stores

    Western Union launches its first two company-owned retail locations in Malaysia. This forms part of the company’s global retail strategy, aiming to offer customers enhanced service and, ultimately, enable them to enjoy an omni-channel experience.

    The launch represents an investment by Western Union in its retail presence in Malaysia, while supporting financial inclusion in migrant communities. Malaysia has the second highest number of company-owned stores in Asia for Western Union. The first store is located in Semenyih, a locality southeast of Kuala Lumpur, and caters to the needs of the high proportion of residents there from overseas that have strong ties to countries such as Bangladesh, Indonesia, Nepal and Myanmar. The second store is also found in the outskirts of Kuala Lumpur, in Sunway, another area where migrants in Malaysia live and work.

    Western Union-owned stores represent a new retail offering, where customers can not only make international money transfers, but also benefit from premium brand experience and level of service.

    Bhavin Shah, Country Director for Malaysia, Singapore, Brunei, Hong Kong and Macau at Western Union, said, “I am extremely pleased with the launch of the first two Western Union owned locations in Malaysia. This is a vote of confidence in the nation’s retail sector, which caters to a growing population of migrant workers since the pandemic.”

    “This store marks a new way for us to re-invent and evolve our retail presence in Malaysia alongside our key committed partners and serve our customers even better. At the same time, it provides an opportunity to trial new products and services, as we aim to become a one-stop shop for all our customers’ financial needs,” continued Bhavin.

    Western Union has been present in Malaysia since 1993, with a retail network that spans the entire country.

     

  • NCT Group, Ecorise Solar and Yingli Group forms strategic collaboration for solar farm development

    NCT Group, Ecorise Solar and Yingli Group forms strategic collaboration for solar farm development

    As part of its ongoing commitment to sustainable development, NCT Group of Companies (NCT Group), through its subsidiary NCT Century Sdn Bhd, announces a strategic collaboration with Ecorise Solar Sdn Bhd and Yingli Group Co., Ltd (China) to advance large-scale renewable energy development in the northern region of Malaysia. The collaboration reinforces NCT Group’s ambition to shape future-ready industrial ecosystems by driving innovative and low-carbon solutions for the region.

    A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was exchanged, paving way for the development of a 150MWp Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Farm integrated with a 200MWh Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) in Delapan Special Border Economic Zone (SBEZ), Bukit Kayu Hitam, Kedah. The project aims to enhance clean energy availability in Peninsular Malaysia and support the growing demand for renewable electricity among enterprises transitioning to low-carbon operations.

    Under the agreement, NCT Group will coordinate land matters with Northern Gateway (NGX) and oversee all regulatory requirements. Ecorise Solar and Yingli Group will jointly undertake the Engineering, Procurement, Construction and Commissioning (EPCC) as well as long-term Operations and Maintenance (O&M), supported by Yingli’s global solar expertise and Ecorise’s local technical capabilities. A Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) will be established to drive project implementation and investment participation.

    Dato’ Sri Yap Ngan Choy, Founder and Group Managing Director of NCT Group, said, “The development of a large-scale solar and storage facility in Delapan SBEZ will create tangible opportunities for investors and industries seeking cleaner and more resilient power solutions. This collaboration directly supports our mission to elevate the northern corridor as a strategic destination for advanced manufacturing, logistics and cross-border growth, particularly as we expand our ecosystem through our industrial park, NCT InnoSphere (NIS).”

    The collaboration also complements NCT Group’s ongoing development of NIS within the Delapan SBEZ, undertaken in collaboration with NGX. As Kedah’s first Managed Industrial Park focused on high-value, sustainable and cross-border industries, NIS enhances the region’s competitiveness through its strategic location and supports NCT Group’s broader strategy to integrate renewable energy and green infrastructure across its industrial developments.

    NIS is NCT Group’s second industrial park venture, strategically located in Delapan SBEZ, adjacent to the Malaysia-Thailand border and near Penang Port. Launched in September 2025, the project spans 137 acres of free-zone land and is being developed in partnership with NGX, with an estimated gross development value (GDV) of RM1.10 billion.

  • Foreign interest rebounds in Malaysian bonds with RM4.4b inflows

    Malaysian bond market recorded net foreign inflows of RM4.4 bil in October, reversing September’s RM6.8 bil outflows. Foreign buying was concentrated in MGS and GII (combined RM3.0 bil), with additional interest in MTB/MITB and corporate bonds at RM431.0 mil and RM937.0 mil, respectively.

    This renewed foreign interest reflected a narrowing UST–MGS yield differential as UST yields eased amid investor positioning at the start of last month to price in further potential rate cuts. The Federal Reserve’s (Fed) 25-basis-point policy rate cut at its October meeting and its announcement to end quantitative tightening in December also contributed to the fall. By end-October the 10-year UST yield eased to 4.11% (end-September: 4.16%), while the 10-year MGS yield rose to 3.52% (from 3.47%) over the same period.

    As a result, the 10-year UST–MGS yield spread narrowed to 59.1 bps as at end-October (end-September: 69.4 bps), improving the appeal of local bonds.

    However, market appetite may soften in November after the Fed adopted a more hawkish tone after the October rate cut decision amid inflation concerns, which led to a retreat in December rate cut expectations. According to the CME FedWatch Tool data, the market-assigned probability of a December cut fell to about 30% on 20 November, down from roughly 99% a month earlier. The 10-year UST–MGS yield spread widened back to 70.0 bps as of 19 November, which diminishes the relative yield advantage of the local bond market.

  • Halal SMEs to receive full ESG Support under new MBSB–Asia CarbonX partnership

    Halal SMEs to receive full ESG Support under new MBSB–Asia CarbonX partnership

    MBSB Berhad (MBSB) today formalised a strategic collaboration with Asia Carbonx Change Plt (Asia Carbonx Change or ACCP) to provide Halal SMEs with a clearer and more practical pathway to meet ESG expectations. Through this partnership, Halal-certified and Halal-focused businesses will gain access to recognised renewable energy tools and support that help them prepare for certification, strengthen compliance and remain competitive as sustainability standards continue to evolve.

    This collaboration focuses on helping Halal SMEs improve their ESG practices through practical actions, including better energy management and recognized sustainability reporting tools. By integrating Renewable Energy Certificate (REC) solutions into MBSB’s Islamic Sustainability Financing Programme, the partnership enables businesses, particularly those adopting solar energy to access verified renewable energy attributes that help reduce Scope 2 emissions and strengthen sustainability reporting.
    Asia Carbonx Change Plt will serve as MBSB’s appointed intermediary to register, issue, manage and redeem RECs on behalf of solar asset owners and eligible MBSB customers.

    This includes asset onboarding and compliance with the internationally recognised I-REC(E) and I-Track standards, ensuring each certificate redeemed is traceable and credible.
    This partnership strengthens MBSB’s value proposition to SMEs by offering:

    • Up to 100% financing margin
    • Zero upfront capital for qualifying customers
    • Access to RECs for decarbonization reporting
    • Opportunities for REC monetization for eligible solar customers

    This follows MBSB’s latest initiative pursuant to its RM1 billion solar financing commitment and supports the Group’s broader goal of mobilizing RM10 billion in sustainable and transition finance by 2026 under its Sustainable and Transition Finance Framework. To date, MBSB has already mobilised RM4.73 billion in sustainable financing, representing 47% of its 2026 target.

    Asia Carbonx Change Plt, a Malaysia-based renewable energy solutions company, facilitates the creation, monetization and trading of Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs) that are internationally recognised. These certificates allow organisations to claim renewable electricity usage and offset Scope 2 emissions, reinforcing their sustainability credentials while supporting Malaysia’s clean energy transition.

  • Hong Leong Assurance launches HLA Legacy Wealth

    Hong Leong Assurance launches HLA Legacy Wealth

    Hong Leong Assurance (HLA) introduces HLA Legacy Wealth, a next-generation insurance solution designed to help individuals build, preserve, and pass on their wealth with clarity and care. The policy includes Loyalty Bonuses of up to 25% of the Basic Sum Assured, credited directly into the policy and compounded over time; the Lapse-Free Zone, a first-of-its-kind feature in Malaysia that ensures policy continuity beyond age 95 even in adverse market conditions; and the Death Benefit Settlement Options (DBSO), which allow policyholders to customise how and when their wealth is distributed.

    While wills, trusts and family offices remain essential components of estate planning, insurance continues to be one of the most widely adopted tools — offering both accessibility and structure. HLA Legacy Wealth complements these traditional instruments by providing a practical starting point for legacy planning.

    To enhance its investment potential, HLA Legacy Wealth offers access to a curated selection of funds, including the newly introduced HLA Strategic Global Equity Fund, managed by Hong Leong Asset Management in partnership with Amundi Singapore Limited — part of Amundi, Europe’s largest asset manager with over USD 2.7 trillion in assets under management (as at 30 June 2025). This global equity portfolio is designed to deliver medium to long-term capital growth.

    What truly sets HLA Legacy Wealth apart is its thoughtful approach to long-term financial security and legacy distribution. The Lapse-Free Zone offers true peace of mind in the later years of life, ensuring that the policy remains in force even when market conditions are unfavourable — a reassurance for those who want their legacy to endure without interruption. This feature reflects HLA’s commitment to protecting wealth not just during accumulation, but throughout the final stages of life.