Inovatif

Category: business

  • Green financing remains unfamiliar to SMEs – MBSB Research

    Research on Malaysian SMEs found that green financing remains unfamiliar to many smaller businesses and is often viewed as something intended for large corporations. Limited resources, insufficient technical knowledge, misconceptions about green financing and the complexity of securing suitable funding continue to slow adoption.

    MBSB Research noted that sustainability requirements are also reaching Malaysian exporters and smaller suppliers through their customers. Although proposed European Union changes could reduce the number of non-European groups directly covered, affected companies may still request carbon data, labour information and product traceability from suppliers. Electronics, palm oil, rubber and chemical manufacturing are among the sectors potentially exposed.

    This makes early preparation increasingly important. Once an SME identifies which machine, process or business premise needs improvement, financing becomes part of the decision. MIDF’s Sustainable Green Biz Financing supports eligible local manufacturing and services businesses seeking to adopt green technology or undertake energy efficiency projects.

    The scheme offers financing up to RM10 million with low financing rate of 3% per annum for purchase of energy-saving machinery and equipment and other fixed assets. Applications remain subject to MIDF’s credit evaluation and approval.

  • Maybank participates in Monetary Authority of Singapore’s BLOOM initiative

    Maybank Singapore confirms its participation in the Monetary Authority of Singapore’s (MAS) BLOOM initiative, reinforcing its commitment to advancing next-generation, best-in-class cross-border payments and transaction banking infrastructure.

    BLOOM — Borderless, Liquid, Open, Online, Multi-currency — is an industry initiative that seeks to enhance cross-border settlement through tokenised bank liabilities and regulated stablecoins, enabling a more interoperable, seamless financial ecosystem.

    This builds on a series of tokenisation milestones for Maybank in ASEAN, including its role in anchoring the inaugural tokenised sukuk issuance by Malaysian sovereign wealth fund, Khazanah Nasional Berhad, and in completing the first on-chain Malaysian Ringgit–Singapore Dollar FX conversion and cross-border payment for Yinson Holdings Berhad in real time, under Bank Negara Malaysia’s Digital Asset Innovation Hub.

    Alvin Lee, Country CEO and CEO, Maybank Singapore, said: “Through BLOOM, Maybank aims to help shape the common standards and infrastructure principles needed to enable the future of digital finance in Singapore, in collaboration with MAS and industry participants including fintech players. This aligns with ROAR30, our five-year strategic plan to deliver values-based offerings, making banking more efficient and accessible especially for small and medium enterprises (SMEs).”

    Maybank’s digital investments in tokenisation forms part of its ROAR30 commitment to invest RM10 billion (SGD3.2 billion) over five years in technology, data and artificial intelligence (AI).
    Separately, Euromoney’s Awards for Excellence 2026 has recognised Maybank as the World’s Best Bank for Corporate Responsibility, Asia’s Best Bank for ESG, and ASEAN’s Best Bank for Large Corporates.

  • Maybank and Haier partner to drive Smart Energy Adoption across ASEAN

    Maybank and Haier partner to drive Smart Energy Adoption across ASEAN

    Maybank and Haier Energy Sdn Bhd, a subsidiary of Haier Group headquartered in China, have entered into a Heads of Agreement (HoA) to form a strategic partnership to accelerate the growth of Haier’s new energy platform and ecosystem.

    The partnership will initially focus on Malaysia, with plans to expand into selected markets in the ASEAN region.

    Haier Energy’s platform combines AI-enabled technologies and advanced solar photovoltaic solutions, energy storage, and smart energy systems to deliver efficiencies, and reduce emissions and energy costs for customers.

    Serving more than one billion households globally, Haier group is backed by a footprint of 133 manufacturing facilities and 71 research and development centres, highlighting its scale, innovation capabilities and commitment to advancing sustainable energy solutions.

    Under the HoA, Maybank will leverage its regional business banking platform, Maybank2E and its comprehensive suite of products and services to support Haier Energy’s expansion and facilitate supply chain agility.

    Specifically, the collaboration will encompass integrated transaction banking, payments and financing solutions, including credit card partnerships and financing facilities for retail clients, Islamic financing, sustainability finance, supply chain financing, cash management, trade finance, treasury and foreign exchange services.

    Dato’ John Chong, Group Chief Executive Officer, Global Banking, Maybank said, “The partnership with Haier Energy aligns with Maybank’s commitment to playing a bigger role in ASEAN’s energy transition and the China-ASEAN economic corridor, where China is one of ASEAN’s top investors and trading partners. We expect the China+1 stratedy to continue with companies seeking to diversify and expand into new markets in ASEAN. Coupled with demand for investments to strengthen regional energy resilience, this partnership with Haier Energy presents exciting opportunities.”

    Ji Xiaojian, General Manager of Haier Energy, Haier Energy Technology Co. Ltd said, “With roots in China and market presence in Europe, the Middle East and Asia Pacific, one of our strategies has been to grow via open collaborations. Having a strong banking partner like Maybank is critical to supporting our cross-border expansion. We see ASEAN as strategically important. It is dynamic, expanding faster than the global average, and offers growth opportunities in smart energy generation, storage and infrastructure.”

  • Foreign funds return to Malaysia’s transport and utilities sectors, investors turn more selective – MBSB Research

    Foreign funds return to Malaysia’s transport and utilities sectors, investors turn more selective – MBSB Research

    Foreign investors returned to Malaysian equities in July, with buying concentrated in Financial Services, Transportation and Logistics, and Utilities, according to MBSB Research’s latest Weekly Fund Flow Report.

    Foreign institutions recorded RM300.9 million in net inflows on Bursa Malaysia during the month, ending two consecutive months of net selling. Financial Services attracted the largest inflow at RM1.11 billion, followed by Transportation and Logistics at RM367.2 million and Utilities at RM305.6 million.

    The recovery was not broad based. Industrial Products and Services recorded RM759.7 million in net foreign outflows, while Technology saw outflows of RM484.9 million. Consumer Products and Services also registered RM212.8 million in net selling.

    The pattern continued during the final week of July. Foreign institutions recorded RM11.1 million in net buying, with Transportation and Logistics receiving RM107.4 million in inflows. Financial Services and Healthcare led the weekly sector inflows at RM216.5 million and RM148 million respectively.

    Imran Yassin Yusof, Head of Research at MBSB Research, said the distribution of the inflows offered a more useful indication of investor sentiment than the overall figure alone.

    “The return of foreign buying is a constructive signal, but the composition of the flows is more telling than the headline figure. Inflows were concentrated in Financial Services, Transportation and Logistics, and Utilities, while Technology and Industrial Products and Services continued to see selling.

    “In our view, this reflects a more selective allocation of capital towards sectors offering clearer earnings visibility, stronger domestic relevance and more defensive characteristics. Even so, one month of inflows does not establish a durable trend. Elevated producer prices, softer leading indicators and uncertainty over global interest rates could continue to shape investor appetite in the coming months.”

    The July inflows came against a mixed economic backdrop. Malaysia’s producer price inflation accelerated to 9.2 per cent year on year in June, its strongest annual increase since June 2022, driven largely by supply chain disruptions linked to the Middle East conflict.

    At the same time, Malaysia’s Leading Index declined 0.5 per cent month on month in May, with annual growth moderating to 0.8 per cent. MBSB Research said this pointed to a softer near-term economic outlook.

    Global monetary conditions also remain uncertain. The United States Federal Reserve, Bank of England and Bank of Japan kept their respective policy rates unchanged in July, although dissenting policymakers at each central bank favored tighter policy.

    This indicates that inflation risks remain part of the global investment outlook despite some moderation in price pressures.

    The broader regional picture remains cautious. Across the eight Asian markets monitored by MBSB Research, foreign investors were net sellers for a sixth consecutive week, recording USD1.19 billion in outflows. Malaysia was among the markets receiving inflows, alongside India, South Korea, Indonesia, Thailand and the Philippines.

    Against this backdrop, the renewed interest in Transportation and Logistics and Utilities provides a timely signal for industries connected to trade, mobility, energy and industrial development.
    The sector classifications used in the fund flow report do not correspond directly with individual financing programmes. They nevertheless indicate where foreign investors are finding relative confidence within the Malaysian market.

    MBSB Bank has committed RM1 billion each to rail, aerospace, automotive and solar. These commitments are intended to support the wider development of industries that require investment in equipment, technology, working capital and capacity expansion.

    Through its wider collaboration with industry bodies and development agencies, the Bank is also working to identify credible projects and connect companies with the support required to move from planning to commercial execution.

    This includes a separate RM1 billion financing line for eligible businesses, investors and strategic projects across the Northern Corridor Economic Region. The allocation is intended to support companies establishing operations, expanding capacity and participating in major supply chains.

    The Northern Corridor partnership also provides a platform for businesses across advanced manufacturing, electrical and electronics, logistics, agribusiness and the digital economy.

    The wider economic activity generated by these investments can create opportunities for contractors, suppliers, transport providers, professional services firms and SMEs seeking to enter more sophisticated supply chains.

    MBSB Research said the return of foreign buying was encouraging but should be assessed over a longer period before being regarded as a sustained reversal.

    The July data suggest that foreign investors are again examining selected areas of the Malaysian market. Whether that interest develops into a more durable trend will depend on earnings delivery, economic conditions and the ability of strategic industries to convert capital interest into productive investment and business growth.

  • PPA Launches #ISaveInPRS Year-End Treats 2026

    PPA Launches #ISaveInPRS Year-End Treats 2026

    More than half of PPA’s contributing members did not make a PRS contribution in a given year between 2020 and 2025, with an average dormancy rate of 59.4% over the six-year period.

    The trend highlights that pausing contributions is a common part of the retirement savings journey, reinforcing the importance of returning to the habit and staying consistent over time.

    In response, the Private Pension Administrator Malaysia (PPA) launches the #ISaveInPRS Year-End Treats 2026 campaign, running from 11 August to 31 December 2026, to encourage PRS members to restart, continue, and strengthen their retirement savings.

    Open to PRS members aged 54 and below, including new enrollees, the campaign rewards members based on their individual contributions during the campaign period.

    Taufiq Iskandar, CEO of PPA, emphasizes the necessity of embracing change and evolving to keep pace with modern demand and an ever-changing landscape.

    “Retirement savings is a long-term journey, and contribution patterns may change as individuals navigate different financial priorities. What matters is continuing to take steps towards building retirement savings. Through this campaign, we hope to encourage Malaysians to restart where they have paused and make saving more consistent over time,” said Taufiq Iskandar.

    Under the campaign, eligible members will receive one draw entry for every RM1,000 in accumulated gross contributions. Dormant members — those who registered before 1 January 2025 and have not made any contributions since then — will receive an additional two entries per RM1,000 contributed.

    Members who contribute through PRS Online will receive a further one entry per RM1,000 contributed, allowing those who qualify for both incentives to earn up to four entries per RM1,000.
    PPA’s data also shows that members who have made at least one contribution in 2026 have, on average, almost twice the lifetime savings of inactive members. Regular contributions can help members build savings progressively, benefit from cost averaging across different market conditions, and make better use of the RM3,000 annual tax relief for PRS contributions, subject to applicable tax rules.

    As of 30 June 2026, PRS had 695,869 members and approximately RM11 billion in assets under management (AUM). From 2018 to 30 June 2026, members’ net contributions totalled RM5 billion, while PRS funds collectively generated RM3.7 billion in investment returns, representing a 74% uplift on member contributions.

    For the period of 1 August 2025 to 31 July 2026, the top five performing PRS funds recorded an average one-year return of 49.3% versus 14.6% across 79 PRS funds. These were Public Mutual PRS Islamic Strategic Equity, Principal Islamic PRS Plus Asia Pacific Ex Japan Equity, Public Mutual PRS Islamic Growth, Principal Islamic PRS Plus Growth, and Hong Leong PRS Asia Pacific Fund.

  • RHB launches Malaysia’s first bank-owned unified online payment gateway

    RHB launches Malaysia’s first bank-owned unified online payment gateway

    RHB Bank Berhad launches RHB PAY which gives businesses a single platform to accept digital payments and receive funds directly into their RHB accounts. Built, owned and operated entirely within RHB, the platform provides businesses with bank-grade security, automated reconciliation, enhanced cash flow visibility and faster access to funds.

    Dato’ Mohd Rashid Mohamad, Group Managing Director/Group Chief Executive Officer of RHB Banking Group, said, “RHB PAY reflects our continued commitment to advancing Malaysia’s digital economy by delivering innovative financial solutions that meet the evolving needs of businesses. As companies accelerate their digital transformation, they are looking beyond convenience and efficiency. They also want payment solutions that provide security, reliability and greater control over their cash flows. As a bank-owned solution, RHB PAY offers businesses greater assurance over the security of their funds and payment data. Backed by RHB’s banking infrastructure, governance standards and regulatory oversight, the platform enables businesses to transact with confidence, while staying focused on growing their business.”

    RHB PAY enables businesses to accept card payments, FPX and DuitNow Pay through a single integration. Additional payment capabilities, including e-wallets, QR payments, Direct Debit and Auto Debit, are expected to be introduced in Phase 2, targeted for rollout in the fourth quarter of 2026. The platform is designed for mid-sized enterprises, commercial businesses, corporates, and government-related institutions seeking a streamlined and scalable payment acceptance solution.

    Malaysia’s digital payments ecosystem continues to experience strong growth, with Bank Negara Malaysia reporting 18.4 billion e-payment transactions in 2025, a 25% increase from 14.7 billion in 2024. Through the integration of PayNet’s payment infrastructure, including FPX and DuitNow Pay, RHB PAY enables businesses to participate in this expanding digital economy while providing a secure and seamless payment acceptance experience.

    “RHB PAY is a bold step by RHB to create new value for its business and enterprise customers through a unified payment gateway. It shows how established financial institutions can unlock new growth opportunities by responding to evolving customer needs and bringing new solutions to the market. We are pleased to support this innovation through PayNet’s national payment rails. More importantly, it demonstrates the significant opportunities that remain for industry growth when participants focus on the needs of different customer segments,” said Praveen Rajan, Chief Executive Officer, PayNet.

  • MBSB Bank launches SBMB 5.0

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

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

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

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

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

  • Hong Leong Assurance launches HLA Legacy Wealth

    Hong Leong Assurance launches HLA Legacy Wealth

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

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

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

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

  • StashAway launches ETF Explorer

    StashAway launches ETF Explorer

    StashAway Malaysia has launched ETF Explorer, a simple way to invest in Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs) across assets, themes, and global markets in minutes by removing complexities through its intuitive design and transparent pricing. Users can invest in over 80 expertly-selected ETFs across global equities, bonds, commodities, and trending themes like US tech, artificial intelligence, and emerging markets – all without needing a foreign account.

    “Many Malaysians we spoke to felt that global investing was only for the financially savvy,” said Wong Wai Ken, StashAway Malaysia Country Manager. “But it has a place in everyone’s portfolio. Whether you’re just getting started or already experienced, ETF Explorer makes it easy to discover global opportunities and make informed decisions that build long-term wealth.”

    ETF Explorer is designed to make global investing as intuitive as possible. Users can invest in an ETF in as little as a minute, without having to sift through thousands of different tickers. Each ETF comes with clear, jargon-free explanations, so users understand exactly what each ETF represents and what they’re investing in.

    With just USD $1.99 per order and no ongoing management fees — ETF Explorer allows returns to compound faster over time. Dividends are also automatically reinvested at no charge.

    Behind the scenes, StashAway’s investment team screens thousands of ETFs worldwide to identify the most cost-efficient, tax-optimised, and well-managed options for each asset class. This allows investors to benefit from professional insights without the high costs of traditional wealth managers.

    ETF Explorer is part of StashAway’s mission to make long-term investing simple and cost effective for all Malaysians. It’s designed for investors who want to build their own portfolios with guidance, while those who prefer a hands-off approach can still choose to grow their wealth through StashAway’s managed investment portfolios.

  • Zurich Malaysia introduces Z-Driver EV Protect

    Zurich Malaysia introduces Z-Driver EV Protect

    Zurich Malaysia has introduced Z-Driver EV Protect, a comprehensive insurance and takaful benefits designed exclusively for electric vehicle (EV) owners. This new offering enhances car insurance and takaful protection to cover EV batteries, home wall chargers, portable charging accessories, and more. With an affordable add-on premium/contribution of just RM120*, Z-Driver EV Protect delivers targeted coverage tailored to the unique needs of EV owners.

    “EV owners face a unique set of risks that go beyond traditional motor insurance and takaful. Z-Driver EV Protect is designed to address these concerns, offering practical coverage that reflects how EVs are used today. It’s part of our commitment to making protection more relevant, accessible, and aligned with our customers’ evolving lifestyles,” said Foo Chuen Hou, Chief Distribution Officer, General Segment of Zurich Malaysia.

    Key benefits* of Z-Driver EV Protect include:
    • Home wall charger coverage up to RM15,000
    • Personal liability while charging up to RM50,000
    • Portable charging cable coverage up to RM2,000
    • Compassionate allowance for incidents at public charging stations up to RM20,000
    • Optional enhanced special perils protection, including battery damage due to water ingress from insured events

    These benefits complement existing Z-Driver features, such as unlimited towing in the event of battery depletion, giving EV drivers greater confidence, peace of mind, and protection for every journey.

    Furthering this commitment to sustainable mobility, Zurich Malaysia has collaborated with Gentari Green Mobility Sdn Bhd, a subsidiary of Gentari Sdn Bhd (Gentari), to support greater awareness and visibility of EV charging infrastructure nationwide. Through this collaboration, Zurich Malaysia has extended its brand presence to 13 EV charging stations at high-footfall destinations, including Suria KLCC, Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre, KLIA2 Gateway, The Gardens Mall, Paradigm Mall Johor Bahru, Gamuda Gardens, Putrajaya Sentral, and more.

    “Reliable charging infrastructure plays a pivotal role in enabling more Malaysians to embrace electric mobility. Our collaboration with Gentari is not just about increasing the number of chargers, it’s about helping to build a more connected and confident EV ecosystem. Sustainability must be practical, customer-focused, and accessible,” said Teresa Wong, Chief Risk Officer – General Segment and Head of Sustainability Risk of Zurich Malaysia.

    Aliah Nasreen Abdullah, Chief Customer Officer of Gentari Green Mobility, echoed this sentiment, saying, “Gentari is committed to creating a robust green mobility ecosystem in Malaysia, and our collaboration with Zurich Malaysia is another step in that direction. Together, we’re expanding the availability of EV chargers and enhancing the entire ownership experience, making it easier, safer, and more accessible for drivers to transition to clean mobility.”

    The collaboration with Gentari, a leading clean energy solutions provider, supports Zurich Malaysia’s goal of building a more sustainable future by addressing one of the main barriers to EV adoption, convenient and reliable charging infrastructure.