Inovatif

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  • insureKU goes live with first native aggregation service

    Censof Holdings Berhad (Censof or the Group), a technology holdings company specialising in financial management software solutions, today announced that insureKU — Malaysia’s first fully digital, end-to-end insurance and takaful aggregator — is now officially live.

    Developed by its subsidiary, Censof Maal Sdn Bhd, insureKU is built with the consumer in mind and delivers a seamless, transparent, and user-friendly experience for comparing, understanding, and purchasing a wide range of insurance and takaful products — from life and general insurance to travel coverage and beyond.

    Commenting on the service launch, Ameer Shaik Mydin, Group Managing Director of Censof said, “insureKU represents a natural extension of Censof’s vision to empower Malaysians through innovative financial technologies. This service launch is not just about offering insurance online, it is about removing barriers, building confidence, and enabling consumers to make informed decisions about protecting their future. We believe insureKU is a key milestone in that journey.”

    The platform currently features travel insurance options for consumers to engage with, alongside plans to expand into other categories later this year, with an initial list of insurance providers that includes Generali, TokioMarine and Tune Protect. Using the service, insureKU is able to help consumers specify, identify, understand and purchase their specific travel insurance product in under three minutes which is a tremendous and empowering time and money saving hack.

    “insureKU is built to remove the complexity around insurance decisions and give consumers the clarity they need to feel in control,” said Shadhana Sekaran, Co-founder and Chief Executive Officer of insureKU. “From a single platform, users can compare plans from multiple providers, understand their options with greater transparency, and complete their purchase with confidence — all in just a few clicks. Our goal is to simplify insurance for everyone, and we’re just getting started.”

    More Than Just Comparisons – A Smarter, Trusted Way to Secure Coverage

    Backed by Censof Maal Sdn Bhd’s decades of experience in developing complex financial systems, insureKU leverages this expertise and the domain experience in insurance of its management team, to enhance how it offers an intuitive, technology-driven solution that places consumer empowerment in their hands.

    As one of the earliest authorised participants under Bank Negara Malaysia’s Financial Technology Regulatory Sandbox, insureKU has been extensively developed and tested over the past one year to meet real-world needs. The platform is the first of its kind in Malaysia to offer fully integrated aggregation and digital solutions across both the insurance and takaful sectors.

    To shift perceptions and expectations of what insurance can and should be for consumers, insureKU’s service launch focuses on the first step of its long-term planning; education, comparison, and the aggregation of information to allow consumers to make easier, better, and value-driven decisions for their insurance needs. Savings gained through insureKU’s processes are also passed back seamlessly to consumers, aiming to make insurance more affordable over time.

    insureKU is committed to continual innovation, with upcoming enhancements including multi-lingual support, expanded product offerings, and user-centric tools such as the Need Analysis Calculator and Financial Budget Calculator — all designed to help users tailor their insurance plans to suit their personal goals and financial circumstances, further simplifying and enhancing the digital insurance experience.

    “This is more than a product service launch — it is the beginning of a much needed movement to dismantle the barriers that have long excluded many Malaysians from securing their financial future,” added Shadhana.

    To celebrate the service launch, insureKU is rewarding the first 100 customers who purchase travel insurance through the platform with items from a limited exclusive merchandise offering – making it even more rewarding as consumers in Malaysia take their first steps toward easier, smarter, and empowered insurance choices.

    For more information and to explore your insurance options, visit www.insureku.com.

  • Hong Leong Islamic Bank distributes 1,000 food packets to foodpanda riders

    Hong Leong Islamic Bank distributes 1,000 food packets to foodpanda riders

    In conjunction with the holy month of Ramadhan, Hong Leong Islamic Bank (HLISB/Bank) distributed 1,000 buka puasa meals to foodpanda e-hailing delivery riders in its ‘Senyum-Senyum Ramadhan’ initiative, bringing the festive spirit and putting smiles on the faces of foodpanda riders as they continue to deliver food to Malaysians throughout the month of Ramadhan.

    Through its partnership with foodpanda, the Bank has also sponsored buka puasa meals for over 300 foodpanda riders and their families in Melaka, Terengganu, Negeri Sembilan and Perak, spreading warmth, positivity, and appreciation in the community.

    Dafinah Ahmed Hilmi, Chief Executive Officer of HLISB commented on the impactful event, “Ramadhan is a time for gratitude and appreciation, and for many Muslims, it represents an opportunity to give back to the community. This year, we wanted to recognise the sacrifice and dedication of our e-hailing delivery riders, who in many ways are the unsung heroes of our country, especially during festive seasons. During Ramadhan, they brave the heavy traffic and face high volumes of orders, with a majority of them fasting themselves. At HLISB, we wanted to find a way to appreciate their sacrifices, give back to this community, and bring a smile to these riders, which led to us forging our partnership with foodpanda.”

    The Bank’s partnership with foodpanda to sponsor and distribute buka puasa meals to delivery riders is aligned with its Raya theme of “Amal”, where it encourages Malaysians to engage in good deeds which will lead to positive outcomes and multiplied rewards. This concept of “Amal” extends beyond doing good, and also includes inculcating healthy financial habits. The Bank highlights that robust financial habits such as consistent savings, regular investing, and smart protection strategies can set Malaysians up for a brighter financial future.

    Zalman Zainal, Hong Leong Bank’s (HLB) Chief Marketing and Communications Officer, who also heads the Bank’s CSR department, commented, “We at HLB and HLISB have always been committed to engaging in community investment initiatives, where we not only give back to the community but also actively work to uplift and empower them towards a brighter future. With the spirit of “Amal”, we want to continue putting our words to action and engage in more community-centric initiatives such as this one with foodpanda, bringing the Raya spirit and recognising the hardships of these unsung heroes. We believe that good habits, generosity, and kindness are important values to instill, which are the reasons for our smiles as we reap the rewards of a brighter future ahead.”

    HLB and HLISB have a proud tradition of community service during festive seasons, with the Bank organizing Employee Donation Drives where employees donate meal kits and essential goods to welfare homes across the country. Since its inception in 2019, the Bank’s employees have donated more than RM100,000 worth of food, goods, and household items to welfare homes. Employees also regularly engage in spring cleaning initiatives at welfare homes, ensuring that these underserved communities receive the help and support they need.

    In conjunction with the Raya season and to highlight its “Amal” theme, the Bank recently unveiled its Raya campaign with brand ambassador Alif Satar, which features a Raya song and music video titled ‘Senyum-Senyum Raya’, presented by Alif Satar & The Locos. Besides bringing about a positive Raya spirit, the song also emphasises on the importance of good deeds that can multiply and be the reason for your smile this Raya season.

    Senyum-Senyum Raya is available to stream on Spotify and Apple Music, and the music video can be seen on HLB’s YouTube Channel. You may watch the music video here: https://youtu.be/3Tm4O0uNxxA?si=GY1xPTeEFz1R_st7

  • ARC Group commemorates 10 Years with flagship forum in Kuala Lumpur

    ARC Group commemorates 10 Years with flagship forum in Kuala Lumpur

    ARC Group recently hosted the Capital Markets & M&A Forum 2025: Malaysia Edition, bringing together over 400 distinguished guests, including senior executives, investors, legal and advisory professionals and entrepreneurs.

    Themed around growth, strategy, and cross-border collaboration, this year’s forum offered timely insights into Southeast Asia’s evolving financial landscape, bridging capital markets, mergers and acquisitions and long-term economic strategy.

    The event featured international expertise as speakers and panelist, including Arc Group’s local venture partner, Paul Chong who provided a strategic deep dive into “Going Public – Choosing Between IPO, RTO, and De-SPAC. Drawing on his vast experience in global capital markets, Paul Chong delivered a nuanced comparison of public listing routes, offering actionable insights for Malaysian and regional companies considering international capital markets.

    Other featured sessions include topics such as ‘Company Preparations for Going Public’, “From Startup to Exit” and “The Future of M&A in Emerging Asia”. The Forum was closed by Xi Zhang, Partner at ARC Group who delivered a thought-provoking keynote on “China 2030 and Implications for Southeast Asia”, offering macroeconomic lens on China’s long-term transformation and actionable takeaways for ASEAN businesses navigating trade shifts, digital acceleration, and supply chain evolution.

    The event also marked the firm’s 10th anniversary. Carlos Lopez, COO of ARC Group commented, “These events have always held a special place for us—not just as platforms for sharing insights, but for building lasting relationships. This year’s forum was particularly meaningful as we marked ARC Group’s 10-year anniversary. It was a proud moment to reflect on how far we’ve come, and an inspiring one to envision where we’re headed next.”

  • Maybank Investment Banking Group named Syndicated Loan House of the Year in Malaysia and Vietnam

    Maybank Investment Banking Group named Syndicated Loan House of the Year in Malaysia and Vietnam

    Maybank Investment Banking Group (Maybank IBG) continues to stamp its leadership in Southeast Asia, winning recognition from the Asia Pacific Loan Market Association (APLMA) as Syndicated Loan House of the Year in Malaysia for the fifth consecutive year and in Vietnam for the fourth consecutive year.

    The repeat wins are even more impressive given that 2024 loan volumes were concentrated on fewer deals in both countries. Nonetheless loan volumes rebounded by +1.9% in Malaysia and +13.2% in Vietnam, boosted by a couple of mega transactions that closed in 2024.

    The Asia Pacific Syndicated Loan Market Awards 2024 recognised outstanding achievements across 32 categories, with winners selected through an independent vote by more than 400 APLMA members, without any application or promotion process.

    Michael Oh-Lau, Chief Executive Officer, Maybank Investment Banking Group, said, “Maybank IBG is proud to receive these accolades once again from our peers in the APLMA, attesting to our market leading position in Malaysia and Vietnam. Despite a cautious sentiment in 2024, we remained watchful to unlock opportunities for our clients. Our strong network combined with our commitment to sustainability and Islamic finance position us at the forefront of investment banking in the region.”

    In 2024, Maybank IBG was mandated as the sole Coordinator Bank for various onshore and offshore syndicated transactions. Among the key deals were the refinancing of the iconic Battersea Power Station building in London under PNB-Kwasa International 2 Limited’s GBP1.11 billion Syndicated Green Loan Facility; Yarra Park City’s AUD265 million Syndicated Term Loan facility to part finance the development of a residential apartment in Melbourne; and the USD400 million dual tranche (Islamic and conventional) Syndicated Term Financing for Bumi Armada Holdings Labuan Limited.

    In Vietnam, Maybank IBG acted as the Mandated Lead Arranger, Underwriter and Bookrunner for Vietnam Prosperity Bank’s Syndicated USD400 million Green Loan facility as well as the back-to-back syndications for Vinpearl and Vingroup that raised USD200 million and USD115 million respectively.
    Michael added, “These are high profile repeat mandates that successfully closed with overwhelming response from the market — a testament of Maybank’s ability to structure, underwrite, distribute and arrange successful fundraising exercises for our clients.

    “For 2025, we expect overall loan volumes to remain robust, supported by favourable economic recovery conditions, good local market dynamics and positive regional trends. Sectors of focus in Malaysia are in
    line with strategic government investments, such as real estate and data centres as well as potential infrastructure projects that will continue to drive loan activities.”

  • PMCK Berhad gains Bursa approval for ACE Market IPO listing

    PMCK Berhad gains Bursa approval for ACE Market IPO listing

    PMCK Berhad (PMCK), a healthcare services provider in Northern Malaysia, has gained the approval of Bursa Malaysia Securities Berhad (Bursa Securities) to list on the ACE Market of Bursa Securities.

    This milestone underscores PMCK’s strategic focus on expanding its footprint through the development of PMC Kulim, a state-of-the-art private medical centre and mixed-use facility in Kedah, poised to address critical gaps in regional healthcare access.

    The IPO comprises 272.6 million new shares (25% of enlarged issued share capital), with proceeds allocated for:

    1. Repayment of bank borrowings for PMC Kulim’s construction
    2. Acquisition of equipment for PMC
    3. Estimated expenses related to the listing exercises

    “PMC Kulim is not just a hospital. We are a holistic ecosystem designed to elevate healthcare accessibility in the region,” said PMCK Berhad Managing Director, Dato’ Lee Gaik Cheng. “This listing enables us to accelerate our vision while maintaining financial discipline through strategic partnerships and streamlined operations.”

    PMCK reported robust FYE 2024 performance, with revenue rising to RM104.34 million (FYE 2023: RM99.85 million) and net profit climbing almost 40% to RM15.02 million, reflecting strong demand for its specialist consultant services and healthcare support services. The company’s existing PMC in Alor Setar has treated over between 115,000 patients and 128,000 patients over the past three FYEs 2022 to 2024, supported by 40 specialist consultants across 17 specialisations.

    Post-listing, PMCK will consolidate its other businesses in Kulim (Poliklinik Unik and Klinik Pergigian Unik) under PMC Kulim to enhance operational efficiency. The project’s mixed-use component is also expected to diversify revenue streams, contributing to long-term sustainability.

    “Our goal is to bridge the healthcare divide in the Northern region of Malaysia,” added Dato’ Lee. “The approval for our listing marks a significant milestone for PMCK Berhad and we are now poised to deliver world-class care closer to home.”

    Malacca Securities is the IPO’s principal adviser, sponsor, underwriter, and placement agent.

    The listing will propel PMCK’s RM193 million PMC Kulim project, a 12-storey medical centre integrated with a seven-storey mixed-use development (hotel, food court, and amenities). Slated for completion in Q1 2028, the facility will feature:

    • 90 in-patient beds (single and double rooms only), one endoscopic suite, one operating theatre, two labour rooms, two nursery units, and 15 specialist consultation clinics.
    • Strategic amenities for patients’ families and the public, managed by a third-party operator to ensure operational focus on healthcare.

    The project targets underserved populations in Kulim, Bandar Baharu, and neighbouring districts, where private healthcare infrastructure remains sparse.

    With only 7.72 private hospital beds per 10,000 persons in Northern Malaysia (versus 17.71 in Kuala Lumpur), PMC Kulim aims to alleviate the pressure on existing facilities while tapping into demand from Kulim Hi-Tech Park’s industrial workforce and growing middle-class communities.

  • Tune Protect and Ticket2U unveil ticket refund insurance

    Tune Protect Malaysia (Tune Protect), a leading digital insurer, has partnered with Ticket2U, Malaysia’s premier ticketing platform, to introduce Ticket Refund Insurance for events in Malaysia. The comprehensive plan covers tickets for a wide range of events, including conferences, marathons, runs, concerts, festivals, and sports tournaments, ensuring ticket holders receive a full refund if unforeseen circumstances prevent them from attending. This initiative reinforces Tune Protect’s commitment to delivering customer-centric solutions and enhancing the overall event experience.

    Covering a comprehensive range of unexpected situations, Ticket Refund Insurance protects attendees from disruptions such as medical emergencies, accidental death, home emergencies like fire or burglary, natural disasters, and sudden unemployment, ensuring that ticket buyers are not financially burdened. The coverage also extends to road accidents, vehicle breakdowns on the way to the event, as well as other unforeseen circumstances.

    “The launch of Ticket Refund Insurance is a game-changer for eventgoers, giving them the confidence to book tickets without the fear of the unexpected disrupting their plans. This innovative protection plan reinforces our commitment to making insurance simple, seamless and accessible to everyone. With event attendance on the rise, we are ensuring that customers can fully enjoy their favourite events stress-free, knowing they have a reliable safety net in place,” said Jubin Mehta, Chief Executive Officer, Tune Protect Malaysia.

    “At Ticket2U, we are focused on elevating the ticketing experience, and Ticket Refund Insurance marks a significant step towards setting a new industry standard. This protection gives ticket buyers greater assurance, knowing they are covered if the unexpected happens, while also reinforcing trust between event organisers and attendees. By reducing financial risk and making ticket purchases more secure, we are enhancing confidence in event attendance and supporting a more dynamic, worry-free event experience for all,” said YC Chia, Managing Director, Ticket2U Sdn Bhd

    For sports enthusiasts, Sports PA (Personal Accident Insurance) is available as an optional add-on, providing financial protection for accidental injuries sustained during sports-related events, ensuring peace of mind while staying active.

    Jubin added, “By embedding protection seamlessly into the event ticketing journey, Ticket2U and Tune Protect are setting a new industry standard for consumer protection against unexpected events while enhancing overall customer experience with greater confidence and ease.”

    Available to all Ticket2U customers purchasing event tickets, this insurance is available to a wide range of events, including concerts, sports matches, exhibitions and festivals at only 5% of the ticket price. Purchasing Ticket Refund Insurance is quick and effortless where eventgoers can:

    1. Select an event ticket on Ticket2U.
    2. Opt-in for ‘Ticket Refund Insurance’ at checkout.
    3. Complete the purchase, and coverage is automatically activated.

    The claims process is equally seamless:
    1. Submit a claim directly to Tune Protect with the required documentation.
    2. Claims are processed, and eligible refunds are issued promptly.

    For more information on Ticket Refund Insurance, visit www.ticket2u.com.my and click the “Read More” button on eligible event pages.

  • UOB Malaysia named Malaysia’s best bank at Global Finance Best Bank Awards 2025

    UOB Malaysia has been named the Best Bank in Malaysia at the 32nd annual World’s Best Bank Awards 2025 – Asia Pacific by Global Finance magazine.

    Ms Ng Wei Wei, Chief Executive Officer of UOB Malaysia, said, “Over the past three years, we have been working relentlessly on the Bank’s transformation and the recognition by Global Finance affirms UOB Malaysia’s leadership as a progressive, purpose-driven bank that not only contributes to Malaysia’s growth but also supports customers and communities across Malaysia and the wider ASEAN region. We are proud to be acknowledged for our strong financial performance, as well as our commitment to innovation, sustainability, service excellence and community stewardship.”

    The Global Finance World’s Best Bank Awards honour financial institutions that demonstrate long-term stability, technological innovation and excellence in service. In selecting the top banks, Global Finance considered a mix of quantitative and qualitative factors, including asset growth, profitability, geographic reach, strategic partnerships, innovation, and new business development. Input was gathered from industry experts, analysts, consultants, and corporate financial executives worldwide.

    Advancing from a position of strength
    Over the past year, UOB Malaysia has made significant strides in both retail and wholesale banking. On the retail front, the Bank successfully integrated the Citi consumer banking business and continues to enhance its digital capabilities with the award-winning UOB TMRW app. UOB Malaysia is now among the largest credit card issuers in the country and continue to be a key player in wealth management and residential mortgages.

    In wholesale banking, UOB Malaysia has built a strong track record in Financial Supply Chain Management (FSCM), regional connectivity and sustainable financing. Its Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) Advisory unit continues to provide strategic support to foreign companies investing into Malaysia and Malaysian companies expanding into ASEAN. In 2024, the Bank also played a substantial role in strengthening regional economic connectivity to boost cross-border collaboration through initiatives such as the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ).

    A front runner in sustainability
    UOB Malaysia is also a front runner in sustainability. The Bank’s sustainable financing portfolio has tripled over the last two years, supported by comprehensive frameworks across many strategic focus areas including smart cities, green buildings, circular economy and transition finance.

    Operationally, UOB Malaysia achieved carbon neutrality for its own operations since 2021. Its headquarters, UOB Plaza 1 Kuala Lumpur, reflects its commitment to environmental responsibility and progressive workplace design – having earned double Platinum certifications and winning both the National Energy Award 2024 and ASEAN Energy Award 2024 for energy efficiency.

    Customer experience remains a top priority for UOB Malaysia, with strong improvements in Net Promoter Scores (NPS) across segments, reflecting the Bank’s commitment to delivering quality service, digital innovation and client-centric solutions.

  • WCT Holdings Berhad shareholders approve listing of Paradigm REIT

    WCT Holdings Berhad shareholders approve listing of Paradigm REIT

    WCT Holdings Berhad (“WCT” or “the Group”), an investment holding company with businesses in engineering and construction, property development and investment in and management of retail malls and hotels, announces that its shareholders have approved the proposed listing of Paradigm Real Estate Investment Trust (“Paradigm REIT”) on the Main Market of Bursa Malaysia Securities Berhad (Bursa Securities Main Market). The approval of the shareholders was obtained during the Extraordinary General Meeting (“EGM”).

    The proposed listing of Paradigm REIT will mark a significant milestone in WCT’s strategic growth plans, enabling the Group to unlock the value of its retail assets while optimising its capital structure. As part of the proposed listing of Paradigm REIT, the shareholders also approved the proposed disposal of three prime retail properties – Bukit Tinggi Shopping Centre (BTSC), Paradigm Mall Petaling Jaya (PMPJ), and Paradigm Mall Johor Bahru (PMJB) – to Paradigm REIT for RM2,437,000,000 (“Disposal Consideration”). The Disposal Consideration will be settled through the issuance of 1,600,000,000 units in Paradigm REIT (“Consideration Units”) at an issue price of RM1.00 per Consideration Unit and a cash consideration of RM837,000,000.

    In the approvals sought during the EGM, the shareholders also endorsed the proposed offering of 560,000,000 units in Paradigm REIT (“Offer Units”) by WCT (“Proposed Offering”).

    This includes a proposed retail offering of up to 254,657,500 Offer Units for the entitled shareholders of WCT, eligible directors and employees of the Group and Paradigm REIT Management Sdn Bhd, being the management company of Paradigm REIT, and the Malaysian public. From the proposed retail offering, 194,862,500 Offer Units will be made available to entitled shareholders of WCT on the basis of 1 Offer Unit for every 8 existing ordinary shares of WCT held by the shareholders whose names appear on the record of depositors of WCT as at the close of business on an entitlement date to be determined and announced later by WCT.

    The Proposed Offering also includes a proposed institutional offering at least 305,342,500 Offer Units, of which 200,000,000 Offer Units are reserved for Bumiputera investors approved by the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI) of Malaysia and at least 105,342,500 Offer Units to other institutional investors and selected investors.

    The proposed listing of Paradigm REIT is expected to strengthen WCT’s balance sheet by reducing borrowings while offering investors the opportunity to participate in a diversified portfolio of income-generating retail assets, delivering stable cash distributions and long-term capital appreciation.

    Dato’ Lee Tuck Fook, Group Managing Director, WCT Holdings Berhad, said, “We are grateful for the strong support from our shareholders in approving the proposed listing of Paradigm REIT. This strategic initiative not only unlocks the value of our retail assets but also provide WCT with greater financial flexibility to pursue new growth opportunities. We are confident that Paradigm REIT will be a valuable addition to the Bursa Securities Main Market and deliver sustainable returns to our investors.”

    The retail properties under Paradigm REIT are strategically located in populous urban areas in Malaysia. The proposed listing of Paradigm REIT reinforces WCT’s commitment to creating long-term value for stakeholders while solidifying its presence in Malaysia’s real estate investment sector.

  • SC issues revised guidelines on advertising for capital market products and related services

    The Securities Commission Malaysia (SC) today released a revised version of the Guidelines on Advertising for Capital Market Products and Related Services.

    The Guidelines was revised to update certain requirements and guidance taking into account advertising and promotional trends globally and domestically, including the growing prominence of social media and financial influencers (finfluencers).

    This is towards ensuring responsible advertising activities in relation to capital market products and services.
    The revised framework will include:

    • New requirements relating to finfluencers who are not engaged as marketing agents by an advertiser yet on their own accord undertake advertising activities for any capital market products and services. They will be subject to the requirements under the Guidelines as they would be regarded as advertisers for the purposes of the Guidelines;
    • Enhancement of requirements relating to advertisers’ duty to ensure the advertising activities conducted by their marketing agent comply with the Guidelines. The advertisers will otherwise be held accountable for the conduct of their marketing agent; and
    • Enhancement of requirements relating to use of social media to address its growing use for financial promotions.

    The Guidelines will also impose a prohibition against advertising services in Malaysia, of persons who are not authorised by the SC.

    The Guidelines is part of the SC’s ongoing efforts to promote responsible advertising on new channels of advertising such as social media, ultimately protecting investors.

    In reviewing and formulating the revised Guidelines, the SC has, amongst others, benchmarked against other jurisdictions such as Australia, the UK and Singapore, and considered the feedback received from engagement with relevant stakeholders including finfluencers.

    The revised Guidelines will come into effect on 1 November 2025 to allow sufficient time for advertisers to familiarise and make the necessary preparations to meet the new requirements.

    Meanwhile, the relevant stakeholders may engage the SC for any clarification and guidance relating to the revised Guidelines. Any queries on the revised Guidelines may be submitted to AdGuidelines@seccom.com.my.

    The revised Guidelines can be downloaded together with its revised FAQs at https://www.sc.com.my/regulation/guidelines/advertising-and-promotion.

  • ACMF releases simplified guidance for ASEAN SMEs in supply chains

    The ASEAN Capital Markets Forum (ACMF) has launched the ASEAN Simplified ESG Disclosure Guide for SMEs in Supply Chains (ASEDG) Version 1. Aimed at equipping small to medium enterprises (SMEs) across ASEAN operating within global and local supply chains, it is a simplified reference guide to report on environmental, social and governance disclosures (ESG) to various stakeholders including customers, financiers and investors.

    It streamlines and consolidates various global ESG reporting frameworks, such as the IFRS Sustainability Disclosure Standards and the Global Reporting Initiative Standards, as well as local guidelines and frameworks of each of the ten ASEAN member states into a set of 38 priority disclosures which SMEs can consider tracking and reporting against.

    It is further categorised into Basic, Intermediate and Advanced, to cater to the different levels of sustainability maturity of each SME. The disclosures are applicable across all industries with different levels of priority, and SMEs are encouraged to determine the significance and relevance of these disclosures to their companies.

    Mohammed Faiz Azmi, Chairman of the Securities Commission Malaysia and the 2025 Chair of the ACMF said, “SC Malaysia as the Chair of the ASEAN Capital Markets Forum (ACMF) is pleased to initiate development of this guide as a valuable contribution to our ASEAN counterparts. The ACMF remains committed to fostering sustainable and inclusive growth across the region. We encourage SMEs, investors, and all stakeholders to leverage this guide as a catalyst for meaningful ESG adoption.”

    Publication of the ASEDG is one of Malaysia’s Priority Economic Deliverables on “Catalysing Access to Financing for a Climate Resilient and Just Transition in ASEAN”, as 2025 ASEAN Chair. It also complements ACMF’s ongoing efforts to promote corporate sustainability disclosure, a priority recommendation under the ACMF’s Roadmap for ASEAN Sustainable Capital Markets, by serving as a practical resource tool which SMEs in supply chains can consider using to progress in their sustainability reporting journey.

    The ASEDG Version 1 incorporates inputs and feedback from all ACMF members and findings from engagements with multiple stakeholders across ASEAN Member States. As global sustainability standards, customer demands and ESG compliance requirements evolve, it is important to ensure that the Guide remains fit for purpose.

    As such, the ASEDG is a living document which may be revised from time to time to ensure it remains relevant. This document serves as Version 1 of the ASEDG with further consultations planned across ASEAN Member States over the next 6 months.

    The ASEDG Version 1 can be found on the ACMF website, here: https://www.theacmf.org/sustainable-finance/publications