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  • foodpanda Malaysia launches nationwide rider safety programme

    foodpanda Malaysia launches nationwide rider safety programme

    foodpanda Malaysia launches pandasafe, a comprehensive and long-term safety initiative designed to protect and empower delivery partners through a comprehensive, long-term safety ecosystem across the country. This pioneering programme is the result of a strategic coalition with key public and private sector partners including Allianz Malaysia Berhad (Allianz Malaysia), Hong Leong Bank, PERKESO, and Hong Leong Yamaha Motor.

    The launch ceremony held at foodpanda’s headquarters, was officiated by YB Anthony Loke, Minister of Transport Malaysia. In his keynote, YB Anthony Loke lauded the programme as a proactive step forward in supporting Malaysia’s growing gig economy workforce.

    “The safety of our delivery partners must be treated as a national priority,” said YB Anthony Loke. “I applaud foodpanda and its partners for stepping up with a long-term, structured programme that goes beyond awareness. pandasafe sets a new benchmark for how companies can take responsibility in making our roads safer for gig workers.”

    More than just a campaign, pandasafe is a data-driven, multi-touchpoint safety ecosystem — combining education, technology, behavioural science, and financial literacy to build a long-term culture of road safety for delivery partners.

    According to Tan Ming Luk, Managing Director of foodpanda Malaysia, pandasafe is a permanent commitment to rider wellbeing, it is not a one-off initiative.

    “Our delivery partners are the heart of foodpanda,” said Tan Ming Luk. “Every safely completed order and every rider who gets home safely is a success. With pandasafe, we’re embedding safety into every aspect of our operations, every day. It’s not a seasonal campaign; it’s a permanent shift in how we operate. This is our commitment to our riders, their families, and the communities we serve.”

    Under the pandasafe initiative, foodpanda will roll out a range of integrated safety measures, including:

    • Structured rider training programmes focused on safe riding techniques
    • Telematics tools to help riders monitor and improve their riding habits
    • Road safety modules and first aid training, with Allianz Malaysia providing First Response and CPR training, equipping riders with the knowledge to act swiftly in emergencies
    • Social protection education and P-Hailing Safety Induction training, conducted in collaboration with PERKESO, ensuring riders are protected and informed under Malaysia’s safety net framework
    • Defensive riding techniques and braking skills training, supported by Hong Leong Yamaha Motor, enhancing rider control and road awareness
    • Financial literacy and financial safety programmes, led by Hong Leong Bank, to help riders manage their income, plan for the future, and achieve greater financial wellbeing

    These components are designed to work in tandem, creating a holistic framework that not only reduces risk but also builds long-term wellbeing for riders across the country.

    “Safety is not just a policy — it’s a culture,” added Tan. “And building that culture takes the right partnerships and the willingness to do things differently if it means ensuring our riders get home safely. That’s why this coalition matters.”

    With pandasafe, foodpanda Malaysia is setting a bold new precedent moving beyond awareness campaigns to a lasting culture of protection, empowerment, and accountability in the gig economy.

  • CelcomDigi unveils MobileSHIELD to safeguard customers online

    CelcomDigi unveils MobileSHIELD to safeguard customers online

    As part of its commitment to protecting Malaysians in the digital space, CelcomDigi Berhad (CelcomDigi) today introduced MobileSHIELD, an AI-powered mobile security app that gives customers full control over their digital safety. MobileSHIELD helps customers to stay protected from digital threats like scams, malicious apps, identity leaks, and privacy threats.

    Developed in partnership with F-Secure, MobileSHIELD provides comprehensive, always-on protection through a single, easy-to-use app:

    • Scam & Security Protection: Blocks fake websites and scam SMS, secures Wi-Fi connections, and protects devices during browsing, banking, shopping, or downloading.
    • Identity Monitoring: Alerts users when personal data is leaked online, enabling timely action.
    • Device Protection: Detects and shields against malware and risky apps.
    • Privacy VPN: Encrypts Internet activity to ensure private browsing, especially on public Wi-Fi.

    Customers can subscribe to MobileSHIELD via the Celcom Life or MyDigi apps and download MobileSHIELD from the app store.

    The launch of MobileSHIELD reflects CelcomDigi’s ongoing efforts to protect its customers in the digital space. It complements a series of educational programmes such as the S.A.F.E. Internet campaign, nationwide scam awareness and reporting efforts, and the annual Trust Circle Forum — all designed to empower Malaysians with tools and knowledge to stay safe online.

  • Chin Hin Group partners with HK-listed Kingdee for digital transformation

    Chin Hin Group partners with HK-listed Kingdee for digital transformation

    Chin Hin Group Berhad (Chin Hin Group) announces its  Strategic Customer Cooperation Agreement on with Kingdee International Software Group Company Limited (Kingdee), a leading provider of digital management solutions listed on the Main Board of the Hong Kong Stock Exchange and headquartered in Shenzhen, China. This landmark partnership marks a pivotal leap in Chin Hin Group’s digital transformation journey, uniting two market leaders with a shared commitment to set the highest standards, learn from global exemplars, and execute with decisive speed and precision. It aligns with a broader regional vision to set the benchmark for the adoption of digital and AI-driven enterprise solutions across Southeast Asia.

    “This is more than a partnership; it is the convergence of vision, ambition, and a shared determination to shape the future of enterprise in Southeast Asia,” said Mr. Chiau Haw Choon, Group Managing Director of Chin Hin Group Berhad. “With Kingdee as our strategic partner and its next-generation ecosystem platform as the foundation of our Enterprise Resource Management (ERM), we are ready to lead boldly into the GenAI era.”

    Kingdee, with more than 30 years of expertise and a global customer base exceeding 7.4 million enterprises and organisations, has established itself as a pioneer in cloud-native enterprise management software. The company has been ranked the No. 1 SaaS ERM Cloud vendor in China (IDC, 2020-2024) for consecutive years and continues to push the boundaries of AI innovation.

    At the signing ceremony, Mr. Jason Zhang, President of Kingdee Group, acknowledged that today’s agreement is the result of months of close collaboration and strategic alignment. This is a strong alliance that will set a new benchmark for digital transformation in Southeast Asia. We look forward to combining Kingdee’s rapid development with Chin Hin Group’s operational excellence, and to jointly developing AI-enabled capabilities in Kingdee Cosmic AI Service Cloud, making this project Kingdee’s overseas flagship reference.”

    The new platform will seamlessly integrate Chin Hin Group’s entire value chain — from building materials, construction engineering, to property development and home living — onto a single, reliable, and intelligent backbone of finance, procurement and supply chain that cohesively links with respective industry-leading front-end operational modules. Built on this foundation, embedded AI workflows and AI agents elevate operations into a fully connected, data-driven ecosystem that powers smarter decisions, sharper efficiency, and accelerated growth.

    “This partnership leapfrogs conventional transformation cycles, positioning Chin Hin as a frontier firm in the era of intelligent management, where agility, foresight, and sustainable impact redefine how a diversified group thrives.” said Abel Saw, Group Transformation Officer of Chin Hin Group.

    Together, Chin Hin Group and Kingdee are shaping the next chapter of AI-driven digital transformation. This strategic cooperation goes beyond operational synergy — it reflects a high-conviction investment in digital leadership. By fusing Chin Hin Group’s diversified strengths with Kingdee’s AI-native platforms, the partnership is poised to unlock scalable efficiencies, future-proof growth, and set new standards for long-term value creation.

  • Invest Malaysia highlights country’s growth potential at ASEAN Conference

    Bursa Malaysia (the Exchange) concludes the third edition of its Invest Malaysia 2025 series (IM 2025), which was held in Singapore in collaboration with the Macquarie ASEAN Conference 2025. A flagship programme by Bursa Malaysia, Invest Malaysia strategically profiles Malaysia’s capital market to global investors, highlighting the nation’s robust economic fundamentals, dynamic capital market and growth opportunities that underpin its appeal as a compelling investment destination in the region.

    Co-hosted by Bursa Malaysia and Macquarie, the event attracted over 250 delegates comprising institutional investors and fund managers across the ASEAN region, representing assets under management (AUM) exceeding RM220 trillion (approximately USD52 trillion). Headlined by YB Datuk Seri Utama Tengku Zafrul Aziz, Minister, Investment, Trade & Ministry (MITI) Malaysia, the session also featured Dato’ Fad’l Mohamed, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Bursa Malaysia, and Verena Lim, Macquarie Asia CEO and co-Head of Infrastructure in Asia Pacific for Asset Management.

    In her welcome remarks, Macquarie Asia CEO Verena Lim, cited MITI’s proactive stakeholder engagements as one of the key factors in the considerable growth of foreign direct investment (FDI) into Malaysia in recent years. Referencing Southeast Asia’s economic resilience, Macquarie continues to see investment thematic in areas such as energy transition, digital infrastructure, and social infrastructure.

    YB Datuk Seri Utama Tengku Zafrul Aziz, Minister, MITI, in his keynote address highlighted that shifting global trade dynamics are reshaping supply chains, suggest that open economies such as Malaysia and ASEAN need to be responsive and build resilience. He outlined Malaysia’s priorities as ASEAN Chair to strengthen regional resilience and position ASEAN as an investible asset class, while calling for deeper ASEAN economic integration to safeguard the region’s growth trajectory in an increasingly fragmented global economy. He also added that the current period of volatility could serve as a springboard for Malaysia to accelerate its move into higher-value sectors, with the New Industrial Master Plan 2030 (NIMP 2030) providing the long-term policy certainty, targeted incentives, and “safe harbour” measures needed to secure investor confidence.

    On the sidelines of the conference, Dato’ Fad’l Mohamed, CEO, Bursa Malaysia reiterated Malaysia’s investment appeal noting that “Malaysia’s capital market remains resilient and well-positioned for growth, supported by strong fundamentals, proactive policies and rising opportunities in strategic sectors. Through Invest Malaysia, Bursa Malaysia connects global investors to the diversity, dynamism and potential of our markets. The strong momentum of initial public offerings (IPOs) reflects the confidence of Malaysian businesses, as they expand and tap the capital market to power their next phase of growth.” As at 1 August 2025, Bursa Malaysia has had 39 IPOs listed, a 39 per cent increase year-on-year compared to the same period in 2024. It maintained lead position in the ASEAN region for total number of IPO listings, and total IPOs funds raised.

    “This demonstrates a thriving market where companies are growing, creating value, and offering opportunities for investment. As a multi-asset exchange, Bursa Malaysia remains committed to enhancing the vibrancy and depth of our markets, to support Malaysia’s economic momentum and propel its competitiveness globally,” Dato’ Fad’l Mohamed added.

    Since its inception in 2005, Invest Malaysia has expanded its reach globally with 61 Invest Malaysia Away editions hosted in major financial centres worldwide. In 2025 alone, the series has already made its mark in London (January), followed by the Invest ASEAN-Malaysia in Kuala Lumpur (June) – each reinforcing Malaysia’s position as a vibrant and attractive investment destination.

  • RHB introduces new Vehicle Financing-i (Variable Rate) Flexi Redraw

    RHB Banking Group introduces its new Vehicle Financing-i (Variable Rate) Flexi Redraw with the aim to provide a more responsive alternative to conventional hire purchase arrangements.

    The RHB Vehicle Financing-i (Variable Rate) Flexi Redraw seeks to address limitations of traditional vehicle financing through a two-pronged approach. At its core, the product allows hirers to make additional payments beyond their scheduled instalments. Crucially, these overpayments are designed to directly reduce the underlying profit charges on the outstanding financing amount. This mechanism presents a tangible opportunity for hirers to reduce their total financing cost over the tenure, a notable departure from standard fixed-payment structures.

    The “Flexi Redraw” element introduces a significant layer of financial agility by permitting customers to withdraw these accumulated excess funds when unforeseen circumstances arise. This feature effectively integrates a liquidity buffer directly into the financing arrangement, potentially alleviating the need for alternative, often more costly, short-term borrowing/financing solutions during financial exigencies.

    Jeffrey Ng Eow Oo, Managing Director of Group Community Banking, RHB Banking Group, highlighted the rationale behind the product, “Consumers are increasingly seeking financial solutions that offer both savings and flexibility. Our latest financing enhancement is designed to help our customers take control of their financial future by reducing overall costs while ensuring they have access to additional funds when needed.”

    In close partnership with Volvo Car Malaysia, RHB Vehicle Financing-i (Variable Rate) Flexi Redraw will now also be available as an option on Volvo Car Financial Services – Volvo’s premium financing solutions to help customers get in the seat of their new Volvo car.

    “We are grateful to have RHB Banking Group as our long-standing financing partner for Volvo Car Financial Services whose products have given our customers the flexibility of variable rates. The new Flexi Redraw option is an excellent value-add for customers seeking the safety, luxury, comfort and performance of our latest electrified cars without compromising their financial security,” said Chris Tan, Sales Director of Volvo Car Malaysia.

    For prospective motor vehicle owners in Malaysia, the RHB Vehicle Financing-i (Variable Rate) Flexi Redraw introduces several key advantages:

    • Cost Efficiency Potential: The ability to reduce profit charges through proactive overpayments offers a pathway to lower overall financing expenditure.
    • Integrated Financial Buffer: The redraw feature provides an accessible liquidity option directly linked to one’s vehicle financing.
    • Enhanced Control: The product design aims to empower hirers to better manage their long-term financial commitments.

    The product is available for individuals (18-65 years old) and various business entities, covering new, new unregistered reconditioned, and used vehicles, with a minimum financing amount of RM80,000. It is important to note that the profit charges discount on excess payments is capped at 50% of the total original financing amount, and withdrawals are subject to minimal fee, with a minimum withdrawal of RM2,000 and in multiples of RM1,000.

  • Binghatti establishes Malaysia as gateway to Dubai projects

    Binghatti establishes Malaysia as gateway to Dubai projects

    Binghatti, a leading property developer based in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), has officially designated Malaysia as its Southeast Asia investment hub to drive regional interest in its expanding portfolio of premium residential developments in Dubai.

    With a development portfolio exceeding AED50 billion (approx. RM58 billion) of more than 80 projects, and over 11,000 residential units delivered across Dubai, Binghatti brings a proven track record of architectural innovation and execution to international markets.

    This move comes amid sustained momentum in Dubai’s real estate sector, which recorded transactions worth over AED 431 billion (approx. RM 498 billion) in the first half of 2025—a 25% year-on-year increase. Foreign demand for real estate, strengthened bilateral and multilateral ties, and the UAE’s safe haven status continue to fuel rapid growth in housing prices and rental rates, while contributing to ample domestic liquidity.

    As the appointed hub, Malaysia will serve as a launchpad for investor engagement across Southeast Asia, with a specific focus on reaching Malaysian and regional buyers through dedicated previews, advisory services and after-sales support. This strategic move builds on Malaysia’s strong appetite for international real estate—driven by a growing base of high-net-worth individuals, with its ultra-high-net-worth population projected to grow by 35% over the next five years, one of the fastest growth rates in Asia. Its well-developed financial infrastructure facilitates seamless cross-border transactions, while direct flight connectivity to Dubai further strengthens Malaysia’s role as a gateway for regional investors seeking access to tax-friendly and high-growth markets like the UAE.

    The initiative spotlights Binghatti’s latest off-plan development, Aquarise—an ultra-luxury waterfront tower currently under construction and scheduled for handover between late 2026 and mid-2027. Featuring sculptural, water-inspired architecture, smart-home technology, and resort-style amenities, Aquarise is located in Business Bay, one of Dubai’s most sought-after districts known for its proximity to Downtown Dubai, the Burj Khalifa, and the Dubai Canal. Units start from AED1 million (approx. RM1.16 million). Other developments, including Skyhall and Skyrise, are also underway, further expanding Binghatti’s portfolio and offering a range of premium residential investment opportunities.

    “Our presence in Malaysia marks the next chapter in Binghatti’s global investment platform—bringing world-class Dubai real estate closer to Southeast Asian investors,” said Lucky Zhang, Sales Manager of Binghatti. “With Swan Knights and Skylink as our partners, this alliance reflects our shared commitment to delivering a seamless investment experience—rooted in trust, design excellence, and long-term value.”

    Binghatti is renowned for its architectural distinction and global partnerships, having launched several record-breaking branded residences—including the Bugatti Residences, Mercedes-Benz Places, and Burj Binghatti Jacob & Co. Residences, set to become the world’s tallest branded residential tower.
    Investor engagement activities will commence in the coming months, including exclusive previews, briefings, and personalised consultations for interested buyers.

  • Scoot and Tourism Malaysia collaborate to boost tourism

    Scoot and Tourism Malaysia collaborate to boost tourism

    Scoot, the low-cost subsidiary of Singapore Airlines (SIA), and Tourism Malaysia today announced a three-year Memorandum of Collaboration (MoC) to jointly promote Malaysia as a must-visit travel destination across key regional markets, in the lead-up to Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026).

    The MoC formalises a strategic partnership till 5 August 2028, and seeks to drive awareness of various Malaysian cities through integrated marketing campaigns and co-branded initiatives. These will include targeted digital campaigns, and familiarisation trips to inspire travel to Malaysia.

    The partnership will focus on driving visitors from countries including Australia, China, Indonesia and Singapore. Scoot currently operates to 11 cities in Malaysia including Ipoh, Kota Kinabalu, Kuala Lumpur, Kuantan, Kuching, Langkawi, Melaka, Miri, Penang, Sibu and Subang. With the launch of Kota Bharu on 26 October 2025, Scoot will operate 115 weekly flights to 12 cities in Malaysia.

    The MoC signing ceremony was held at Scoot’s headquarters in Singapore, with Ms Agatha Yap, Scoot Director of Marketing, Communications and Loyalty signing the MoC on behalf of the airline, and Ms Norliza Md. Zain, Director of Tourism Malaysia (Singapore), representing the tourism board. The ceremony was witnessed by Mr Calvin Chan, Chief Commercial Officer of Scoot, alongside H.E Dato’ Dr. Azfar Mohamad Mustafar, High Commissioner of Malaysia to Singapore.

    Ms Agatha Yap said, “We are excited to deepen our relationship with Tourism Malaysia through a three-year partnership. Malaysia has always been an important market for Scoot, and we hope that this collaboration will allow us to drive even more awareness and interest in the various Malaysian cities that Scoot serves. Regional travellers, including Singaporeans, enjoy a 30-day visa-free stay in Malaysia, and with this MoC, we hope to connect more travellers to Malaysia from Singapore and the rest of Scoot’s extensive network.”

    YBhg. Datuk Manoharan Periasamy, Director General of Tourism Malaysia, shared, “This strategic partnership with Scoot comes at a crucial time as we ramp up efforts for VM2026. Leveraging Scoot’s extensive network will allow us to tap into high-potential regional markets and attract more international visitors to explore Malaysia’s unique offerings. As of May 2025, Malaysia recorded a 20.4% year-on-year surge in international arrivals, reaching 16.9 million visitors. Singapore remained our top source market with 8.3 million arrivals, followed by Indonesia, China, Thailand, and India. We are confident that this collaboration will contribute significantly to our 2025 target of welcoming 43 million international visitors.”

  • Singapore Tourism Board and Grab join forces to elevate visitor experiences

    Singapore Tourism Board and Grab join forces to elevate visitor experiences

    The Singapore Tourism Board (STB) and Grab, Southeast Asia’s leading superapp, have announced a partnership to enhance visitor experiences and strengthen Singapore’s position as a top travel destination. Through a newly signed Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), both organisations aim to attract more international visitors and drive tourism spend, while delivering seamless and authentic travel experiences across the city.

    At the heart of the partnership is a shared ambition to strengthen Singapore’s position as a destination that consistently delivers value, discovery and seamless experiences at every step of the traveller journey. By combining STB’s expertise in destination marketing and partnerships with Grab’s technology and insights into dining and commuting trends, the collaboration seeks to empower travellers of all profiles to explore Singapore’s diverse precincts with greater ease and relevance, ensuring they get the most value from their trips.

    The mutual sharing of data insights plays a key role in helping both organisations better understand evolving traveller behaviours and uncover more meaningful experiences for visitors. This aligns with STB’s Tourism 2040 roadmap by cultivating visitor demand, enhancing Singapore’s attractiveness as a destination and driving quality tourism growth.

    “Visitors today seek good value and unforgettable experiences when they travel – and Singapore is a compact, yet exciting destination that delivers on both. Together with Grab, we hope to inspire more travellers to consider Singapore, and when they are here, to make every ride an adventure. Grab’s extensive reach and capabilities, coupled with STB’s destination know-how, will help us understand our customers better, while making it easier for them to discover more, and get the most out of every moment in Singapore,” said Mr Terrence Voon, Executive Director for Southeast Asia at STB.

    Enhancing Value for Travellers

    As part of the collaboration, STB will act as the gateway connecting Grab with tourism partners across Singapore to enable closer collaboration. Deeper insights gained from these partners, combined with Grab’s demand generation tools and marketing capabilities, will help drive greater footfall and tourism spending throughout the island — benefiting a wide array of local businesses and experiences.

    One key initiative is the enhancement of the Grab Travel Pass, a convenient bundle offering discounts on Grab transport and services in-country. Available to all international travellers visiting Singapore, the Travel Pass simplifies travel planning and improves on-ground mobility, delivering greater value to travellers while driving growth for tourism partners.

    Leveraging Singapore’s strength as a hub for global and regional events, the partnership will also see Grab collaborating with STB and event organisers to elevate the overall event experience through its mobility, food and financial services which are widely used by both leisure and business travellers.

    Spotlighting Singapore’s Culinary Scene and Supporting Local Businesses

    Food has long been one of Singapore’s strongest tourism draws — not just because of its global acclaim, but also the accessibility and authenticity of its everyday dining experiences. From MICHELIN-starred restaurants to local hawker stalls, Singapore offers travellers a diverse and dynamic culinary landscape that reflects its cultural richness.

    In recent years, the appetite for these experiences has only grown. In 2024, Food and Beverage (F&B) contributed 14% to Singapore’s tourism receipts, marking a 6.3% increase compared to the same period in 2023 and a significant 73% increase compared to pre-pandemic levels. This growth outpaced other spend categories, highlighting the importance of culinary experiences in Singapore’s tourism landscape.

    “One of Singapore’s greatest charms lies in the richness of its everyday experiences — from its distinctive neighbourhoods to the hawker centres and small eateries that define its culinary identity. Through our partnership with STB, we hope to help travellers uncover these authentic moments, showcasing Singapore’s heritage and encouraging deeper exploration of its diverse precincts. In doing so, we not only enrich the visitor experience but also support local businesses by connecting them with a broader international audience,” Alejandro Osorio, Managing Director of Grab Singapore.

    To make it easier for visitors to discover and enjoy the city’s culinary offerings, features like Grab’s Dine-Out Discovery — which leverages mapping technology and food reviews to surface highly rated eateries nearby — can guide travellers to explore beyond the usual dining spots, uncovering options in both central districts and neighbourhood enclaves.

    In doing so, the partnership plays a key role in supporting local businesses by making them more discoverable to international visitors. Whether it’s a heritage hawker stall, a family-run eatery, or a hidden gem in the heartlands, Grab’s platform helps surface these options through curated recommendations and geo-location tools. This visibility drives footfall not only to neighbourhood F&B outlets, but also to nearby retail shops — connecting travellers with everyday dining and retail experiences across Singapore’s precincts and channeling tourism dollars beyond the city centre.

    Sustaining Tourism Momentum

    This partnership builds on Singapore’s strong tourism momentum in 2025, with 8.33 million international visitor arrivals recorded in the first six months of this year, and S$8.07 billion in tourism spend in the first quarter of 2025. As competition for global travellers intensifies, collaborations like this are essential for sustainable growth by offering richer experiences and extending the economic benefits of tourism deeper into local communities.

  • AEON Bank and foodpanda embark on strategic partnership

    AEON Bank and foodpanda embark on strategic partnership

    AEON Bank (M) Berhad, Malaysia’s first Islamic digital bank has officially entered into a strategic partnership with foodpanda Malaysia, the country’s leading online food and grocery delivery platform. This business-to-business (B2B) collaboration aims to increase digital banking adoption among their combined stakeholders and empower Malaysia’s gig economy through innovative fintech solutions, while simultaneously promoting financial inclusion.

    The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between AEON Bank and foodpanda Malaysia outlines a broad scope of collaboration, including customer acquisition, digital financing, joint campaigns and value-added services for their wider ecosystem of customers, riders, merchants and business partners.

    YM Raja Datin Paduka Teh Maimunah Raja Abdul Aziz, Chief Executive Officer of AEON Bank stated, “This strategic partnership with foodpanda marks the beginning of an exciting chapter for AEON Bank. We look forward to providing value to foodpanda riders and merchants by enabling access to digital banking, rewards programmes and services that elevate their experience. By optimising foodpanda’s expansive network and connecting it with AEON Bank’s Shariah-compliant products and AEON Points loyalty programme, we aim to deliver meaningful impacts to the target segments — particularly gig workers and MSMEs — while driving growth and engagement.”

    This partnership is strategically positioned to contribute to Malaysia’s rapidly growing food delivery and online grocery sector, where user penetration is expected to reach 34.2% in 2025 and over 14.5 million users by 2030 .

    “We are thrilled to join forces with AEON Bank to create real, tangible benefits for everyone in the foodpanda community. For our riders, this partnership goes beyond deliveries — it enables access to tech-driven financial support, microfinancing and financial literacy programmes that can improve their livelihoods. Meanwhile, our merchant partners will have greater opportunities to grow their businesses faster with targeted campaigns and financing solutions to scale their operations. And for our customers, they can expect more value and convenience with exclusive rewards and easier access to AEON’s retail ecosystem. This partnership is more than just a commercial collaboration — it’s about empowering riders, accelerating merchant growth and making every customer experience even more rewarding,” said Tan Ming Luk, Managing Director of foodpanda Malaysia.

    Various key programmes will be introduced as part of this collaboration, including co-branding engagement featuring the two mascots; AEON Bank’s Neko and foodpanda’s Pau-Pau. Several initiatives currently in the pipeline are:

    For Riders

    • A joint programme to support delivery riders in enhancing their mobility and livelihood, including access to AEON Bank’s digital banking offering, financial tools and essential work resources, such as microfinancing for devices and motorcycle purchases
    • Financial literacy initiative to expand outreach and financial empowerment among the rider

    For Merchant Partners

    • Targeted campaigns with AEON Bank for foodpanda’s merchants
    • Financial solutions for merchants through the AEON Bank to Business (AB2B) Programme and financing for wholesale purchases, enabling inventory expansion and business growth

    For Customers

    • Special rewards and promotions for customers, while adding value to their foodpanda orders
    • Expanded access across the AEON retail ecosystem, hence allowing customers to purchase groceries online beyond just AEON MaxValu Prime, thereby increasing convenience.

    This alliance between AEON Bank and foodpanda Malaysia highlights a shared commitment towards improving the financial well being of the thriving community, driving innovation and supporting Malaysia’s socioeconomic development through digital inclusion. Both brands will leverage each other’s strength, aligned with a strategic mission to provide value based, customer-centric digital financial solutions that will deliver dynamic growth.

    Visit the website of AEON Bank and foodpanda for further details and stay updated on exclusive offers on social media.

  • RHB, Tokio Marine Life and Takaful Malaysia forge exclusive banca partnerships

    RHB Banking Group (RHB or the Group) has entered into bancassurance and bancatakaful partnerships with Tokio Marine Life Insurance Malaysia Bhd. (Tokio Marine Life) and its takaful partners – Syarikat Takaful Malaysia Keluarga Berhad (STMKB), and its wholly owned subsidiary, Syarikat Takaful Malaysia Am Berhad (STMAB) (collectively referred to as Takaful Malaysia). These partnerships are formalised through separate Distribution Agreements – between RHB Bank and Tokio Marine Life, and between RHB Islamic and Takaful Malaysia, as well as the Framework Agreement entered into by all parties.

    Under the Distribution Agreements, RHB will exclusively sell, distribute, market and promote the conventional life insurance products, the family takaful products and the general takaful products developed by Tokio Marine Life and Takaful Malaysia, in Malaysia. The Framework Agreement is entered into as part of the overall joint operating and governance framework for the banca partnerships.

    The exclusive Distribution Agreements will be for a period of 20 years (commenced 1 August 2025), at a Total Access Fee payable to RHB of up to RM1.6 billion. The Total Access Fee reflects the projected insurance and takaful business volume that RHB is expected to generate over the tenure of the Distribution Agreements, including anticipated sales of products through RHB’s network of branches and digital channels. These will contribute positively to the Group’s profit before tax.

    Dato’ Mohd Rashid Mohamad, Group Managing Director/Group Chief Executive Officer of RHB Banking Group said, “This long term and exclusive banca partnerships reinforces our commitment to staying relevant to our customers, diversifying our income streams and driving sustainable long-term growth. By deepening our collaboration, we are able to deliver tailored financial solutions, enhance customer experience and unlock meaningful value for RHB as well as our banca partners. This aligns with our PROGRESS27 strategic priorities, which is already in motion, enabling us to deliver broader value to our stakeholders while driving our non-interest income streams.”

    “This reflects the strength, resilience and maturity of our partnership. One that we have built over the years of collaboration and shared ambition. We are confident that this next chapter will see us deliver even greater value to the community, combining Tokio Marine’s global insurance expertise with RHB’s local reach and customer trust,” said Toi See Jong, Chief Executive Officer of Tokio Marine Life Insurance Malaysia Bhd.

    Additionally, Nor Azman Zainal, Group Chief Executive Officer of Takaful Malaysia said, “This collaboration positions us to scale our takaful offerings and broaden our footprint within the Islamic financial ecosystem. It reflects our ongoing commitment to making ethical, Shariah-compliant protection more accessible to a wider base of consumers across our key markets.”

    The product portfolio will continue to evolve in response to customer needs and emerging market trends.