Inovatif

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  • Myra unveils Alam Impian’s township with Malaysia’s first developer-backed renovation financing

    Myra unveils Alam Impian’s township with Malaysia’s first developer-backed renovation financing

    Myra, the residential brand under Oriental Interest Berhad (OIB), is making its most significant entry yet into Shah Alam with the unveiling of Myra Tenuman, a 70-acre township in Alam Impian with a projected gross development value (GDV) of RM1 billion. The development is set to raise the benchmark for community-centric urban living in one of the Klang Valley’s most rapidly maturing corridors.

    Designed as more than a residential project, Myra Tenuman is envisioned as a full-fledged township that integrates premium landed homes, upcoming serviced apartments, community-oriented commercial zones, and placemaking-driven public spaces.

    Anchored by a thoughtfully curated village hub, the masterplan will eventually connect green corridors, pocket parks, and public realms, creating a long-term address for multigenerational families and upwardly mobile professionals seeking both exclusivity and community.

    Speaking at the exclusive preview, Akil Hassan, Chief of People and Growth at Myra, said “Myra Tenuman marks a deliberate step forward in how we think about the liveability of place and permanence.

    The first landed offering within the township will be unveiled under the Halaman collection, comprising 54 semi-detached homes and 16 bungalows, with an estimated GDV of RM165.5 million. All units are freehold and come with individual titles, offering homeowners long-term ownership security and greater flexibility for future modifications or extensions.

    Conceived by Tangu Architecture, Halaman celebrates the idea of a “Green Village Compound”, fostering a sense of openness, connection, and harmony with nature. These homes draw inspiration from the traditional kampung spirit, reinterpreted through contemporary architecture and tropical design thinking.
    Bungalows in Halaman sit on expansive land parcels ranging from approximately 6,652 to 8,826 sq ft, with built-ups of up to 3,982 sq ft, and are priced from RM3 million. The semi-detached units will have lot sizes between 4,166 and 7,535 sq ft, with built-ups of up to 3,376 sq ft, and prices starting from RM2 million.
    Across both typologies, homes feature open-plan layouts, generous windows, and seamless transitions between indoor and outdoor spaces, blurring boundaries to enhance daily liveability. The architectural language promotes cultural sensitivity and environmental responsiveness, resulting in residences that are not only visually refined but also functional, adaptable and sustainably conceived.

    Myra Tenuman represents Myra’s final parcel in Alam Impian and is undertaken in collaboration with fellow landowners and partners Naza TTDI and Triterra, underscoring the area’s emerging profile as one of Shah Alam’s most valuable suburban corridors.

    To make homeownership more accessible and customisable, Myra has partnered with RHB Banking Group (RHB) to introduce a bundled Home & Renovation Loan/Financing package, marking RHB’s first collaboration of this kind with a property developer.

    This financing solution offers eligible homebuyers up to 120% financing of either the Sales and Purchase Agreement (SPA) price or open market value. Significantly, up to 30% of this amount can be specifically allocated for renovations, covering a wide range of enhancements including tiling, fittings, structural upgrades, and interior design.

    Jeffrey Ng Eow Oo, Managing Director, Group Community Banking, RHB Banking Group, said, “We recognise that today’s homebuyers aspire to create spaces that truly reflect their personal style and needs. This pioneering partnership with Myra allows us to empower them with a seamless and flexible financial pathway to achieve this vision, ultimately contributing to a more vibrant and personalised living environment for communities.”

    The renovation portion of the financing will be disbursed progressively over a 12-month period, commencing after the full disbursement of the home loan/financing. This offer is available to both new and existing RHB customers and also covers essential costs such as legal and valuation fees, as well as mortgage protection insurance or takaful, providing a comprehensive financial solution from the initial purchase through to moving in and personalising their new home.

    While Myra Tenuman buyers can only apply for the renovation loan upon completion, RHB’s financing initiative will also be extended to selected completed properties within Myra’s portfolio, including Myra Saujana Phase 4 in Sepang and Myra Gardens Phases 2 and 3 in Sungai Buloh.

  • MEASAT partners with Boustech to support Malaysian Armed Forces

    Malaysia’s premier satellite solutions provider has signed a Term Sheet with Boustead Technology Sdn Bhd (Boustech) to formalise a collaboration between both companies to support the Malaysian Armed Forces’ satellite needs. The Term Sheet was signed in Langkawi in conjunction with the 17th Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition (“LIMA 2025”).

    MEASAT was represented by Ganendra Selvaraj, its Chief Commercial Officer while Boustech was represented by Sharifuddin Md Zaini Al-Manaf, its Chief Executive Officer. The signing was witnessed by Malaysia’s Minister of Defence YB Dato’ Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin, Ministry of Defence Secretary General Datuk Lokman Hakim Ali, Boustead Holdings Berhad Chairman Tan Sri Abu Bakar Haji Abdullah, and other representatives from the Ministry of Defence, Armed Forces Fund Board (LTAT) and the two companies.

    “As a proudly Malaysian company that is the country’s sovereign satellite operator and solutions provider, MEASAT is proud to partner with Boustech to support the Malaysian Armed Forces’ satellite communications requirements as detailed in the nation’s Defence White Paper. This also reflects our commitment to support the Government of Malaysia’s communications needs. Our three decades of experience in delivering end-to-end satellite solutions enabled by cutting-edge technology has proven MEASAT’s ability to serve the most exacting and sensitive use cases, putting us in an ideal position to meet the nation’s security needs,” said Ganendra Selvaraj, Chief Commercial Officer, MEASAT.

    “This collaboration marks a key step forward in Boustech’s mission to enhance secure, mission-critical communications infrastructure for the Malaysian Armed Forces. MEASAT’s three decades of proven capabilities as Malaysia’s sovereign satellite operator make them an ideal partner as we jointly explore advanced satellite-based solutions tailored for defence operations. We are confident this partnership will unlock new possibilities aligned with the evolving needs of national security and digital resilience,” said Sharifuddin Md Zaini Al-Manaf, Chief Executive Officer, Boustech.

  • Maybank signs LOI to support JS-SEZ

    Maybank signs LOI to support JS-SEZ

    Maybank has signed a Letter of Intent (“LOI”) with the Malaysian Ministry of Economy, outlining the bank’s interests to jointly promote the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ) during the JS-SEZ Partners’ Dialogue: Advancing Facilitation” event hosted by the Ministry. The event also facilitated the submission of LOIs by Singapore clients to the Iskandar Regional Development Authority (IRDA) expressing a combined investment interest of up to RM2.35 billion over the next three to 10 years.

    Maybank’s LOI covers four key areas: Financing Support; Promotion and Global Visibility leveraging the Bank’s extensive network; Collaboration on Events and Stakeholder Engagement; and Research and Thought Leadership.

    Under Financing Support, Maybank would among others facilitate financing including green financing and Islamic financing for critical new technologies and infrastructure development; and provide comprehensive trade finance solutions, investment guarantees and credit facilities to attract foreign direct investments.

    Dato’ Khairussaleh Ramli, President & Group CEO of Maybank said, “As a preferred banking partner in the JS-SEZ with the widest touchpoint network in Johor and in Singapore as a foreign bank, Maybank has launched a number of initiatives to position the zone as a regional hub. This includes strengthening the local ecosystem by upskilling micro, small and medium enterprises (“MSMEs”) in the areas of supply chain and Halal Facilitation; and establishing a JS-SEZ Desk to drive investments. Maybank has been taking the lead in supporting clients in strategic sectors such as data centres, infrastructure and semiconductor, and facilitated the approval of the first Single Family Office in Malaysia and in the Forest City Special Financial Zone.”

    In attracting investment interests, Maybank facilitated the submission of LOIs by Singapore-headquartered clients: Alpine Renewables and Edible Oils Pte Ltd (“Alpine”), Centurion Corporation Limited (“Centurion”), and Thomson Medical Group Limited (“TMG”).

    These intended investments contribute to the development of the 11 JS-SEZ economic sectors, particularly in the green economy, manufacturing, logistics and healthcare, and align with the MADANI Economy’s aspirations of creating new growth engines, and adding high value jobs.

    In anticipation of surging demand for sustainable biofuels, Alpine via its subsidiary, Alpine Assets Management Sdn. Bhd., plans to invest approximately RM350 million over the next three years to develop a Renewable Energy Feedstock Pretreatment and Renewable Biodiesel Refinery Facilities in the Tanjong Langsat Industrial Port. The project has a forecasted throughput of approximately 600,000 MT of renewable feedstock oil into biofuel finished product, which would strengthen the port’s position as a major biofuel bunker supplier for the marine fuel market. Headquartered in Singapore, Alpine supplies feedstocks to biofuel producers in Europe, China, South Korea, and the US.

    Listed on SGX and a global owner and manager of workers and student accommodation across the world, Centurion has expressed interest to invest RM300 million to RM500 million in the next five years to double its bed capacity in the JS-SEZ, and address the priorities of employers in key sectors of the JS-SEZ for Centralised Living Quarters that are certified by Jabatan Tenaga Kerja Semenanjung Malaysia (JTKSM) and meet the Employees’ Minimum Standards of Housing, Accommodations and Amenities Act 1990 requirements.

    Also listed on SGX, TMG specified strong interest to invest up to RM1.5 billion over the next ten years to develop Thomson Hospital Iskandariah, located on a 1.5 hectare site in Stulang, Iskandar Malaysia. The envisaged worldclass hospital will be a state-of-the-art, multi-specialty tertiary care facility, incorporating AI-assisted tools, and featuring Centres of Excellences in Oncology, Orthopaedics, Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Fertility and General Surgery. It aims to serve as a healthcare anchor within the JS-SEZ as a model public-private partnership, creating approximately 1,500 jobs across clinical, research, specialist physicians, and support services including healthcare technologies.

    Dato’ Khairussaleh said, “These LOIs signal confidence in the JS-SEZ’s strategic value. Maybank takes a long-term view of the zone’s success, and actively promotes broad-based participation from MSMEs to mid- to large-cap and multinational corporations in diverse sectors. We believe that inclusivity is fundamental to building a vibrant, integrated and resilient ecosystem within the JS-SEZ.”

    In empowering MSMEs, Maybank has entered into an MOU with Perbadanan Usahawan Johor Sdn. Bhd. (PUJB) to form a strategic collaboration aimed at strengthening support for about 60,000 local Johor entrepreneurs, focusing on Halal Facilitation and businesses aligned with the JS-SEZ. The Bank is also partnering with the Association of Small and Medium Enterprises (ASME) to facilitate Singapore-based SME financing and access to the SEZ and ASEAN region.

    Maybank has 71 touchpoints in Johor, including branches, Maybank Premier Centres, Maybank Service Centres and Commercial Banking Centres, with two more opening in Forest City and Medini, as well as 23 branches and PremierHubs.

    For more information, please visit Maybank’s JS-SEZ page at maybank.my/jssez

  • IFSB releases 13th edition of Islamic Financial Services Industry Stability Report

    IFSB releases 13th edition of Islamic Financial Services Industry Stability Report

    The Islamic Financial Services Board (IFSB) has released the 13th edition of its flagship Islamic Financial Services Industry (IFSI) Stability Report. This year’s report reflects a renewed momentum across the industry, with total global assets reaching USD 3.88 trillion in 2024—a 14.9% increase year-on-year.

    Themed “Navigating Shallow Waters: Addressing Structural Vulnerabilities and Shoring Up Resilience to Global Shocks,”, the report also observed broad-based growth across Islamic banking, ṣukūk, and Islamic insurance, signalling deepening market participation, growing global relevance, and broadening geographical reach.

    Key takeaways from the report includes:

    • Renewed growth momentum of the IFSI: High year-on-year growth across key sectors of the IFSI, registering double-digit growth rates. In 2024, total asset growth for the Islamic banking and Islamic insurance grew by 17.05% and 16.9% respectively, while sukuk issuances increased by 25.6%.
    • Emerging markets opening new frontiers: Africa and Central Asia posted the highest growth rates globally, representing important opportunities to deepen local financial markets and expanding the industry’s global footprint.
    • Financial soundness indicators remained broadly stable: Capital, leverage, liquidity, and asset quality positions in both the banking and insurance sectors remain broadly sound. This is reflecting the positive impact of strengthened regulatory frameworks, wider adoption of IFSB standards, and growing investor confidence.
    • While outlook remains positive, some structural vulnerabilities remain: The report underscores the need to address long-standing structural imbalances, particularly the underdevelopment of capital markets and insurance sectors, which can constrain the industry’s scalability and its ability to fully support investment, funding, and liquidity needs across sectors.
    • Critical need to address structural limitations in ṣukūk markets: A key conclusion of the report is the need to deepen ṣukūk markets, which plays a vital role in strengthening financial intermediation and supporting macro-financial stability. While 2024 saw a surge in ṣukūk issuance and growing issuer diversity, structural limitations remain, including underdeveloped market infrastructure, complex ṣukūk structures and limited local-currency sovereign issuances, investor concentration, and low trading volumes, among other factors. If unaddressed, these structural limitations may constrain the IFSI’s long-term growth and pose broader financial stability risks, while also affecting other segments of the industry that depend on capital markets to manage their funding, investment portfolios, and liquidity positions.

    The report further outlines a forward-looking set of policy priorities to address these limitations and unlock the potential growth of Islamic finance. It calls for coordinated action among regulators, policymakers, and industry stakeholders to address these challenges, to ensure the sound development of the Islamic financial services industry.

    First published in 2010, the IFSI Stability Report has become a key reference for global stakeholders, regulators, and market participants. It offers in-depth insights into industry trends, vulnerabilities, and evolving policy priorities shaping the future of Islamic finance.

    The IFSB Islamic Financial Services Industry Stability Report 2025 is now available at https://www.ifsb.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/IFSI-Stability-Report-May-2025.pdf.

  • Bursa Malaysia and Boardroom partner to scale CSI adoption

    Bursa Malaysia and Boardroom partner to scale CSI adoption

    Bursa Malaysia Berhad (Bursa Malaysia or the Exchange) announces its collaboration withthe BoardRoom Group (BoardRoom), a leading provider of corporate and advisory services in the Asia-Pacific region. The collaboration seeks to encourage wider adoption of the Centralised Sustainability Intelligence (CSI) Solution among Malaysian public listed companies (PLCs), with the goal of enhancing the quality of sustainability disclosures across the corporate sector.

    The CSI Solution was developed by Bursa Malaysia in support of Malaysia’s transition to a low-carbon economy. It enables companies — listed and non-listed — streamline sustainability reporting. Following its designation in March 2025 as the Exchange’s official sustainability reporting channel, the CSI Solution’s disclosure module now supports the International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB) IFRS S1 General Requirements for Disclosure of Sustainability-related Financial Information and IFRS S2 Climate-related Disclosures under the National Sustainability Reporting Framework (NSRF).

    Commenting on the collaboration, Dato’ Fad’l Mohamed, Chief Executive Officer of Bursa Malaysia, said “Bursa Malaysia is committed to supporting Malaysian companies in their decarbonisation journey and lowering their climate impact. This commitment is reflected in our decision to make CSI reporting tools, aligned with IFRS S1 and S2, accessible at no charge to all public listed companies.”

    “Our collaboration with BoardRoom will extend the CSI Solution’s reach. Leveraging Boardroom’s established presence and sustainability advisory expertise in the corporate advisory space, we hope to support more companies in navigating evolving disclosure requirements and enhancing the quality of their sustainability reporting with greater confidence.”

    Angeline Aw, Group Chief Executive Officer of BoardRoom Group, said, “We are proud to partner with Bursa Malaysia, to scale the CSI Solution across the corporate sector. This collaboration builds on our strong and long-standing relationship with the Exchange, underpinned by our shared commitment to strengthening corporate governance and regulatory readiness. With our deep experience in serving public listed companies and expertise in Sustainability Reporting and Advisory, BoardRoom is well-positioned to support clients in adopting the CSI Solution and producing impactful sustainability reports.”

    Since its launch in June 2024, around 180 PLCs have onboarded onto the CSI Platform. All companies, not just PLCs but also mid-tier companies (MTCs) and small-medium enterprises (SMEs) are encouraged to adopt the CSI Solution to strengthen their sustainability journey. By leveraging its comprehensive suite of services, including an emissions calculator, a supplier management module, and a range of complementary value-added services delivered through a network of ecosystem partners, businesses can enhance their environmental performance and drive long-term value.

    For more information regarding the CSI Solution and its value-added services, please visit Bursa Malaysia CSI Solution or contact csi@bursamalaysia.com.

  • Zurich releases report addressing climate risks

    Zurich releases report addressing climate risks

    Zurich Insurance Group (Zurich) releases the “Climate Risks: Strategies for Building Resilience in a More Volatile World,” report emphasising the urgent need for coordinated action against the rising threats posed by extreme weather and natural catastrophes. The report outlines the increasing costs of these events, highlights the role of insurance, and offers recommendations for policymakers to build resilient societies and economies.

    Extreme weather events such as hurricanes, floods and wildfires caused about USD2 trillion in economic losses over the past decade according to the International Chamber of Commerce. The frequency and intensity of these events are increasing, potentially exacerbated by long-term climate shifts like temperature variations, rising sea levels and changes in precipitation patterns.

    “The insurance industry is uniquely positioned to help strengthen resilience to physical climate risks,” said Alison Martin, CEO EMEA and Bank Distribution. “However, addressing the escalating costs of extreme weather and natural catastrophes requires collective and immediate action. Our paper provides a roadmap for how governments, insurers and communities can collaborate to meet the growing challenges posed by extreme weather and natural catastrophes.”

    Insurance is crucial in protecting households, businesses and governments, helping them recover financially from the effects of natural catastrophes. However, insurance coverage is not keeping up with growing losses, leading to more underinsured or uninsured households and businesses.

    Zurich advocates for a new approach that focuses on risk reduction and extending insurance coverage to protect communities and businesses. The insurance industry can provide risk management insights and capabilities to strengthen resilience to physical climate risks. By de-risking capital flows, the industry can also help unlock the necessary finance to build the infrastructure required to deliver that resilience, enhancing the protection provided by insurance.

    Teresa Wong, Chief Risk Officer – General Segment / Head of Sustainability Risk at Zurich Malaysia, emphasises “The growing volatility of climate-related disasters globally demands that we reframe the role of insurance and takaful beyond traditional risk transfer. While financial protection remains critical, our focus must also shift towards risk prevention, reduction, and resilience-building strategies. This is particularly relevant in Malaysia, where our Climate Resilience Survey highlights that more than half of respondents feel unprepared, with many citing financial constraints as a key barrier to readiness. As insurers, we must harness our risk expertise to support customers and communities not just in recovery, but in building long-term adaptive capacity. Now more than ever, strengthening climate resilience is fundamental to ensuring protection remains accessible and sustainable in the face of escalating risks.”

    However, the insurance industry cannot tackle this challenge alone. A coordinated effort between the private and public sectors is needed. This paper makes three recommendations for policymakers:

    1. Invest in risk prevention and reduction: Governments should make formal commitments to strengthen climate resilience through robust strategies and the implementation of building codes and urban planning regulations. Measures include building climate resilience into national planning, establishing national centres of competence, and making more effective use of technology, data analytics and scientific research.
    2. Enhance insurance accessibility and affordability through supportive policy frameworks: Governments can raise awareness of extreme weather risks and offer incentives for households and businesses to obtain adequate insurance. This can be achieved by establishing a regulatory environment that sustains market capacity, attracts new entrants, and fosters competition and innovation to broaden coverage options for consumers.
    3. Develop public-private risk-sharing solutions to raise finance climate resilience: Innovative solutions such as blended finance and (re)insurance pools can help share resources and distribute risks, improving affordability and preventing the development of “insurance deserts.” Public-private partnerships (PPPs) can enhance insurance accessibility and affordability, especially in higher-risk areas.

    Zurich remains committed to working with stakeholders worldwide to build a more resilient future, ensuring that communities and economies can thrive despite the growing challenges posed by climate risks.

    For more information on Zurich Malaysia’s insurance and takaful plans, please visit zurich.com.my.

     

  • Microsoft’s 2025 Work Trend Index: Malaysian workforce and leadership align on intelligent agent integration

    New data released from Microsoft’s 2025 Work Trend Index reveals how the rise of AI-driven intelligent agents is redefining the traditional organisational chart and transforming knowledge work across every job level – from the C-suite to frontline workers.

    The latest data exposes a widening capacity gap, with 61% of Malaysian leaders saying productivity must increase, but 83% of the country’s workforce – both employees and leaders – saying they lack enough time or energy to do their work. This is supported by Microsoft 365 telemetry data, which shows that on average, employees are interrupted every two minutes by meetings, emails, or pings.

    However, with the rise of agents that can reason, plan, and act as digital labour, roles and organisations will reshape to scale capacity as needed. Already, 89% of Malaysian leaders say this is a pivotal year to rethink core strategies and operations – and 86% say they’re confident they’ll use agents as digital team members to expand workforce capacity in the next 12 to 18 months – both notably above global averages.

    “Malaysia is stepping up as a regional leader in AI transformation – and the latest Work Trend Index findings affirm that,” said Laurence Si, Managing Director of Microsoft Malaysia. “With 86% of business leaders confident in using AI agents to expand workforce capacity and more than half already automating entire workstreams, Malaysia is proving how organisations can turn ambition into action and scale impact through intelligent agents.”

    Reimagining teams for higher impact

    As AI continues to democratize access to expertise, the data shows an evolution from rigid and hierarchical organisational charts to more fluid “Work Charts”, where teams are formed around outcomes rather than siloed functions like marketing or finance – mirroring a model typically used on movie production sets today.

    With agents acting as research assistants, analysts, or creative partners, companies can deploy lean, high-impact teams on demand. In fact, more than half of Malaysian leaders (51%) are already using agents to fully automate workstreams or business processes – above the global average of 46%.

    But to maximise impact, organisations need to achieve the right ratio of human and digital labour for specific tasks. The report highlights that employees in Malaysia turn to AI to access capabilities humans can’t provide: 24/7 availability (44%), machine driven speed and quality (35%), and unlimited ideas on demand (31%).

    The rise of the Frontier Firm

    The report points to the emergence of Frontier Firms – a new type of organisation powered by hybrid teams of humans and agents – as proving what’s possible by scaling faster, moving with greater agility, and creating value in new ways.

    Workers and leaders at these Frontier Firms are more than twice as likely to say their companies are thriving and that they can take on additional work. They are also more likely to report having opportunities to do meaningful work. In Malaysia, Frontier Firm workers report notably high levels of opportunity for meaningful work (92%) and ability to take on more work (58%) – far above the APAC average (77% and 21%, respectively).

    Within the next two to five years, every organization is expected to begin the journey toward becoming a Frontier Firm. 44% of Malaysian leaders say expanding capacity with digital labour is a top priority in the next 12-18 months, second only to upskilling (48%). Beyond agents, 84% of Malaysian leaders also say their company is considering adding new AI-focused roles to prepare for the future, such as AI agent specialists, AI trainers, and AI workforce managers.

    AI skills now a top priority

    Both leaders and employees in Malaysia are rapidly building familiarity with AI agents. Nonetheless, countering last year’s findings, which showed employees leading in AI adoption, this year business leaders are ahead of the curve. 68% of Malaysian leaders report being highly familiar with AI agents, compared to just 39% of employees.

    To bridge this gap, 59% of Malaysian managers expect AI training or upskilling to become a core responsibility for their teams in the next five years. Within the same period, Malaysian leaders have greater expectations than global peers that their team’s scope will expand to include redesigning business processes with AI (40%), building multi-agent systems to automate complex tasks (46%), as well as training and managing agents (48% and 44%, respectively).

    Looking ahead

    The findings suggest Malaysia’s early adoption of AI agents could translate into significant competitive advantages over the next decade. From the boardroom to the front line, success will increasingly depend on thinking like the CEO of an agent-powered startup – skillfully delegating to and managing teams of specialized AI agents.

    Organisations embracing the Frontier Firm model are positioned to outperform traditional competitors in innovation speed, operational efficiency, and talent attraction. “AI is more than a shift in tools. It’s a strategic transformation that will be woven into the modern workplace,” adds Laurence Si. “Malaysia is emerging as a model for how AI-powered organizations can transform productivity, empower talent, and lead in the digital economy.”

    Read the 2025 Work Trend Index on Worklab or visit the Microsoft blog and Microsoft 365 Blog to learn more. For all WTI blogs, videos, and assets, please visit our microsite.

  • UOB Malaysia reports record high NPBT of RM2.2 billion in 2024

    UOB Malaysia reported a record net profit before tax (NPBT) of RM2.2 billion and total operating income of RM4.7 billion for the financial year ended 2024. The Bank’s net profit before tax increased by 15.9 per cent (2023: RM1.9 billion), while operating income grew by 2.3 per cent (2023: RM4.6 billion). The Bank’s financial performance for 2024 was disclosed in its Annual Report 2024.

    The increase in operating income was backed by steady growth across all income streams, including net interest income, Islamic banking, net foreign exchange gains and fees and commissions. Meanwhile, total expenses decreased by RM22 million due to disciplined cost management, while total allowances for expected credit losses declined significantly by 52.1 per cent to RM159 million with improved asset quality and lower provisions for both impaired and non-impaired assets.

    In 2024, UOB Malaysia’s gross loans, advances and financing grew by 2.1 per cent to RM109.5 billion (2023: RM107.2 billion), supported by steady growth across both its Wholesale and Retail segments. As the Bank continued to strengthen its balance sheet, it remained focus on growing and maintaining quality deposits, resulting in higher current account-savings account (CASA) ratio of more than 44%.

    Ms Ng Wei Wei, Chief Executive Officer, UOB Malaysia, said, “We are pleased to report another year of strong financial performance, with record net profit before tax of RM2.2 billion. This achievement reflects the strength of our diversified business model, supported by prudent risk management, disciplined cost control and solid performance across our core businesses. Our Wholesale Banking business has made significant strides in advancing the Bank’s sustainability and connectivity agenda, delivering double-digit growth in both sustainable financing and trade loans. On the back of good trade flows, our Global Market income also grew strongly, as we assisted our clients in managing interest rate risks in a volatile environment. Additionally, our expanded retail franchise continues to deliver strong momentum, particularly in credit card and wealth management business, following the successful integration of the Citigroup’s Consumer Banking business.”

    The Bank’s solid credit standing and stable outlook were also reaffirmed by its AAA rating by RAM Holdings Berhad (RAM Group), a distinction it has maintained since 2012. Its capital position remained strong, with a Common Equity Tier 1 ratio of 16.0 per cent and a Capital Adequacy Ratio of 19.4 per cent, well above regulatory requirements, providing a sufficient buffer to support future growth.

    UOB Malaysia leverages its regional network and expertise, supported by 11 Foreign Direct Investment teams across Asia, to connect businesses to opportunities and drive cross-border investments. Aligned with national economic strategies, it supports key growth sectors – from Penang’s semiconductor industry to the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone and Sarawak’s renewable energy, contributing to Malaysia’s diversified economic growth and UOB Group’s goal of becoming a leading cross-border trade bank by 2026.

    In the sustainability space, UOB Malaysia continues to actively champion sustainable financing through our comprehensive framework, validated by credible international second-party opinion providers. As a testament to its commitment to ESG within its operations, UOB Malaysia’s head office, UOB Plaza 1 Kuala Lumpur, was awarded the most energy efficient building at the National Energy Award 2024 and ASEAN Energy Award 2024.

    Recognised for its long-term stability, technological innovation and excellence in service, UOB Malaysia was named Malaysia’s Best Bank at the 32nd annual World’s Best Bank Awards 2025 – Asia Pacific by Global Finance in March 2025. The Bank was also recognised as the Best Bank and Best Sustainable Bank in Malaysia for the International Categories (2025) by FinanceAsia.

    UOB Malaysia’s Annual Report 2024 is available at uob.my/stakeholders/annual/annual.page.

  • Asia Vision Capital’s new Shariah fund connects investors to Johor’s investment opportunity

    Asia Vision Capital’s new Shariah fund connects investors to Johor’s investment opportunity

    Asia Vision Capital Sdn. Bhd. (AVC), a licensed Venture Capital Company registered and regulated by the Securities Commission Malaysia (SC), has launched QJBCCI PLT, a Shariah-compliant Real Estate Fund offering accredited investors structured access to Quayside JBCC. It is an iconic mixed-use development located within the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ), one of Southeast Asia’s most dynamic cross-border corridors.

    QJBCCI PLT complements AVC’s conventional real estate fund, QJBCCA PLT, which was launched in January 2025. Both funds operate under a regulated framework where the funds are lodged with SC, with TMF Group as the trustee and Tawafuq Consultancy serving as the Shariah adviser for the Islamic tranche.
    These funds provide accredited investors with the opportunity to participate in the development of Quayside JBCC through Redeemable Convertible Preference Shares, standing benefits from quarterly dividend distributions and redemption options after a five-year lock-in period. Backed by institutional-grade governance and oversight, the fund is designed for investors seeking exposure to real estate income streams across hospitality, serviced residences, parking, retail, rooftop restaurants and the development’s prominent LED advertising display.

    “JS-SEZ and Rapid Transit System represent one of the region’s most exciting growth opportunities, powered by cross-border connectivity and rising demand for integrated urban destinations. Through our funds, we are pleased to offer accredited investors a structured and professionally managed pathway to participate in this option. This initiative reflects our commitment to unlocking long-term value through disciplined investment, Shariah governance and institutional-grade oversight,” said Ian Khor, Chief Investment Officer of Asia Vision Capital Sdn. Bhd.

    AVC targets to raise up to RM 300 million as the initial commitment goal for this development project. To enhance investor experience, AVC plans to launch a dedicated mobile platform by late 2025, offering fund performance updates of its portfolios through web and mobile-optimised dashboards.

    As part of its long-term strategy, AVC is also exploring the potential conversion of this mixed-used hospitality development into a publicly listed Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT) by 2032, broadening liquidity options and expanding investor access through public markets.

  • SC alerts public on impersonation scam involving fake guarantee deposits

    The Securities Commission Malaysia (SC) cautions the public on an impersonation scam demanding payment under the guise of the SC.

    The scam involves the perpetrators falsely claiming that individuals are “under investigation” by the SC for market offences such as insider trading and market manipulation.

    Victims will then be pressured to pay a “guarantee deposit” — purportedly up to RM500,000 — to avoid alleged legal action, including arrest or prosecution.

    The modus operandi of this scam has the characteristics of a Macau Scam, where the SC’s name has been misused to deceive victims into making payments.

    As a regulatory body, the SC does not endorse any investment schemes, solicit monies from the public or demand deposits in any form for regulatory investigations.

    The SC would like to urge the public to be cautious and verify any investment offers through the SC’s Investment Checker at www.sc.com.my/investment-checker. If you receive any requests for payment claiming to be from the SC or its staff, please contact the SC’s Consumer and Investor Office at aduan@seccom.com.my or call 03 – 6204 8999 to verify or to report it.