Category: events

Kuala Lumpur, 4 November 2024 — Bursa Malaysia Berhad (“Bursa Malaysia” or “the  Exchange”) will be hosting its flagship retail investment event, Bursa Marketplace Fair 2024  (“Marketplace Fair”) at Vivacity Megamall in Kuching this Saturday and Sunday, 9 – 10  November 2024.  

Bursa Marketplace Fair will be officiated by YB Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas,  Deputy Premier, Second Minister for Finance and New Economy, and Minister for Infrastructure and Port Development Sarawak. The event is part of Bursa Malaysia’s  ongoing efforts to promote financial literacy and encourage a culture of active learning  and informed investing among the Malaysian public.  

Highlights of Bursa Marketplace Fair Sarawak 2024 

The Marketplace Fair, themed “Invest Today, Powering the Future,” welcomes all visitors,  from beginners to seasoned investors. It features curated talks aimed at enhancing knowledge towards effective financial planning and wealth creation. Attendees will also  gain insights into investment opportunities across various investment asset classes or  types available through Bursa Malaysia — including stocks, exchange-traded funds,  structured warrants, derivatives, and gold. More than a dozen key stakeholders in the 

capital market, including the Securities Commission Malaysia, investment banks, brokers,  and public-listed companies, will be present at the fair to provide visitors with investment related advice and services. Topics covered will range from investing fundamentals to  technical analysis for developing investment strategies. In addition to capital market talks,  a variety of fun activities and games will be available for visitors to enjoy. 

Datuk Muhamad Umar Swift, Chief Executive Officer of Bursa Malaysia said, “The  Exchange firmly believes in promoting financial literacy and a culture of investing as part of prudent financial planning. With a population of over 2.5 million, Sarawak currently has  48,000 users who maintain an active Central Depository System (CDS) account, which  represents only 1.9% of the state’s population. From January to September this year, 5,100  new CDS accounts were from Sarawakians, which amounts to over 4% of the  approximately 115,000 CDS accounts opened nationwide in the same period.” 

“This presents a significant untapped investor base in the state, and highlights the need  for more Sarawakians to begin or diversify their types of investments. It is thus timely for  the Bursa Marketplace Fair to be held in Kuching to equip locals with investing knowledge,  and to increasing their participation in opportunities in our vibrant capital market.” 

The Marketplace Fair presents an avenue for investors to explore digital tools and  platforms as well as other resources to facilitate and empower them in their investment  journey. Some of these include: 

• Burmon Trader — An interactive game designed to teach kids (as young as 8 years old) on trading and financial literacy, in a fun and engaging way
• Bursa Anywhere app — ASEAN’s first mobile central depository services electronic  platform 
• MyBURSA — A one-stop customer-centric platform that offers personalised  services and seamless interactions to help investors in their investment journey • Bursa REACH — A profiling platform dedicated to improve connections between  investors and dealer’s representatives (DRs) 
• Bursa Gold Dinar — A Shariah-compliant gold trading platform that offers investors the convenience of investing in gold through a mobile app, starting from just RM10 • BR Capital — A platform that provides investors with access to fresh fixed income  investment opportunities (from as low as RM100), while supporting growth plans  of unlisted or listed companies 

The Marketplace Fair in Kuching marks the first time the Exchange’s retail investment fair  is being held in Sarawak. It also marks the fourth physical Marketplace Fair held outside  Kuala Lumpur, following previous editions in Penang (2019), Johor Bahru (2023), and Kota  Kinabalu (May 2024). This upcoming fair is expected to draw over 2,000 attendees.

The event is free to attend and open to the public, with giveaway prizes awaiting visitors.  Registration is available both online and on-site at the fair. To learn more about the Bursa  Marketplace Fair Sarawak 2024, visit https://www.bursamarketplace.com/bursa marketplace-fair/

KUALA LUMPUR, 5 November 2024 – Funding Societies | Modalku (Funding Societies), the largest unified digital finance platform for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in Southeast Asia today announced signing the third credit facility* with HSBC under its ASEAN Growth Fund. The overall transaction, an accumulative commitment of over US$100 million (RM436 million), also includes the two annual credit facilities extended to Funding Societies, reaffirms HSBC’s continued support for MSMEs through the platform since 2022. 

This transaction, which is amongst HSBC’s largest asset-backed secured facilities extended to digital SME lenders in Southeast Asia, will further deepen and extend Funding Societies’ reach to providing credit access to underserved MSME segments in the region. 

While the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region has grown its middle-class and gained tremendous traction in terms of increasing access to formal banking services and digitalising its commercial environment, the region still has a US$2.5 trillion (RM10.9 trillion) credit access gap, making up over half of the global shortfall in small business financing1. To put into perspective, up to 99.9% of enterprises are MSMEs contributing to 35% to 69% of each country’s gross domestic product (GDP). 

Co-founder and Group CEO of Funding Societies, Kelvin Teo, said, “The continued support from a global bank such as HSBC is a testament to its commitment to support the development of digital platform businesses such as ours and MSMEs as we ride through a two-decade high interest rates impacting the global economy. This enables us to further explore scalable debt financing for growth and profitability, and bolster financial inclusion for the underbanked and underserved SMEs in the region.” 

As part of its ASEAN Growth Fund strategy, this transaction underlines a scalable solution to allow and enable digital lenders like Funding Societies to raise additional equity capital and debt financing through different channels. Furthermore, HSBC will act as the structuring bank, lender, account bank, FX counterparty, facility and security agent in providing a scalable and pan-regional financing solution to support Funding Societies’ business expansion in the region. 

Harish Venkatesan, Head of Corporates and Business Banking, HSBC Singapore, said, “As an early-starter and a leading MSME digital financing player in ASEAN, we are pleased to provide our third credit facility for Funding Societies, cumulatively in excess of US$100 million (RM436 million). This will enable us to continue supporting its efforts to provide financing support to micro, small and medium enterprises which will contribute to the building blocks of societies in the ASEAN region. We look forward to continuing support for Funding Societies as they grow their business and for the underlying MSMEs in the region through the HSBC ASEAN Growth Fund.” 

The US$1 billion (RM4.4 billion) HSBC ASEAN Growth Fund was launched in March 2024 to enable Singapore-based digital platform businesses supporting e-commerce in the region to achieve economies of scale across multiple international markets, grow their asset portfolios, and advance along the corporate lifecycle. Together with the New Economy and Venture Debt Fund, HSBC Singapore offers a comprehensive suite of financing solutions for new economy businesses across different stages of growth3. 

This announcement comes at the heels of Funding Societies’ most recent strategic investments from Maybank in September. 

Since its inception in 2015, Funding Societies has disbursed over US$4 billion (RM17.4 billion) in business financing, positively impacting more than 100,000 businesses across Singapore, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, and Vietnam, as well as processed an annualised US$1.4 billion (RM6.1 billion) payments GTV (gross transaction value) since its entry into payments in late 2022.

• The new facility is the largest DHL Express investment in Malaysia, to date
• The gateway is triple the size of its predecessor and can handle four times more shipment volume
• First fully automated sorting DHL Express gateway in Southeast Asia, further supporting intra-regional trade

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, 28 October 2024: DHL Express has unveiled an expanded Kuala Lumpur Gateway to better support businesses exporting out of and importing into Malaysia following significant increase in international trade. The new RM300 million (EUR60 million) facility represents the company’s largest local investment to date, and forms part of its strategy to bolster intra-Asia connectivity.  

Standing at 13,422 square metres, the enhanced Kuala Lumpur Gateway is thrice the size of its previous premise. It is also the first of its kind in Southeast Asia equipped with a fully automated sorting system. Combining the two kilometre-long conveyor belt and high-speed scanning system allows inbound and outbound shipments to be processed four times as fast, and achieve a peak throughput of 10,000 shipment pieces per hour. This translates to accelerated transit times and shorter delivery windows. 

“We are on a well-planned track to continuously strengthen our network in robust economies. We see rapidly rising cargo volumes in Malaysia, which also shows massive potential for a sustained uptrend, as the country emerges as a preferred omni-sourcing destination. The Kuala Lumpur Gateway enables our customers to better leverage import and export opportunities, especially via the facility’s busiest trade lanes including the United States, China, Hong Kong, Japan, Singapore, Australia, Germany, and the United Kingdom,” said Ken Lee, CEO for Asia Pacific, DHL Express.

“In 2023, Malaysia jumped 15 places in the World Bank Logistics Performance Index to 26th, among the best in ASEAN,” said YB Anthony Loke Siew Fook, Transport Minister of Malaysia. “These indicators attest to the vibrancy of our courier services sector, which is witnessing positive momentum and has the drivers for long-term growth in place. The expansion of the Kuala Lumpur Gateway is a vote of confidence and helps to reinforce our country’s role as a critical node in global supply chains.”

Connected by two dedicated aircraft to DHL’s Central Asia and South Asia Hubs, the Kuala Lumpur Gateway is a pivotal link for facilitating the smooth movement of goods between the Klang Valley and overseas markets. Kuala Lumpur and Selangor collectively account for a sizeable chunk of Malaysia’s trade, most recently contributing RM3.3 billion in export value and RM7 billion in import in August 2024. 

Optimised for security excellence, the facility has been certified TAPA Class A, the highest airfreight security standard awarded by the Transported Asset Protection Association. Housing more than 400 CCTV cameras, 24-hour surveillance, and state-of-the-art X-ray screening, the facility has also been certified for compliance under the Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (C-TPAT) programme.

Sustainability is a priority when designing the facility. Constructed in alignment with DHL Group’s guidelines for a carbon-neutral building, green technologies are installed across the complex. These include 500 kilowatt-peak solar panels, smart LED lighting, and energy-efficient systems for water and electricity. The approach towards clean operations extends to the use of electric vehicles at the facility, from forklifts and tow tractors to vans and scooters. This has led to the Kuala Lumpur Gateway achieving LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification, the world’s most widely-used green building rating system.

“Through this offering, we boost our ability to support customers in navigating the evolving needs of cross-border shipping with wider and faster capacity,” said Julian Neo, Managing Director, DHL Express Malaysia and Brunei. “The upgraded Kuala Lumpur Gateway demonstrates our commitment to keep investing in the flexibility, agility, and resilience of our supply chain capabilities. The new, larger facility is ideally positioned to extend accessibility and complement our footprint in the more than 220 countries and territories we serve worldwide.”

Located at the KLIA Air Cargo Terminal 1 (KACT1), the Kuala Lumpur Gateway is one of five similar facilities in DHL Express Malaysia’s aviation and ground network. This includes 20 service centres, about 170 retail points of sale, more than 300 pick-up and delivery vehicles, over 60 weekly flights, four dedicated aircrafts, and a 1,300-strong workforce.

The facility’s opening was officiated today by the Prime Minister of Malaysia, YAB Dato’ Seri Anwar bin Ibrahim. YB Anthony also attended alongside approximately 400 industry authorities, partners, and customers.

KUALA LUMPUR, 28 October 2024 – Zurich Life Insurance Malaysia Berhad (ZLIMB) is pleased to announce the appointment of Pauline Teoh as its new Chief Executive Officer, effective 1 November 2024. Pauline brings over 25 years of experience in the insurance industry, having held multiple senior leadership roles across the APAC region with leading financial institutions. 

Junior Cho, Country CEO/Head of Zurich Malaysia, said, “We are excited to welcome Pauline as the new CEO of ZLIMB. Her extensive experience, industry knowledge, and strong leadership skills make her the ideal person to drive ZLIMB’s business through growth, diversification, simplification and innovation. Pauline will report to me and be part of our leadership council to align with the OneZurich approach under Zurich Malaysia.”

“Pauline’s dedication to delivering customer-focused solutions aligns perfectly with Zurich Malaysia’s mission to provide innovative insurance products that meet the evolving needs of Malaysians. We are confident that she will play a pivotal role in spearheading initiatives that strengthen ZLIMB’s competitive edge in the insurance sector.” Cho added.

Pauline is highly regarded in the insurance industry, with a proven record in driving business growth, digital transformation, partnership management, sales and distribution, and financial risk management. Pauline holds a Bachelor of Mathematics, Actuarial Science and Economics from the University of Waterloo, Canada and is a Fellow of the Society of Actuaries.

Commenting on her appointment, Pauline Teoh said, “I am honoured to lead ZLIMB and look forward to contributing to the company’s continued success. Zurich Malaysia’s dedication to innovation and customer-centricity resonates with my own values, and I am excited to work with the team to continue delivering best-in-class solutions that truly care for what matters most to Malaysians, as we create a brighter future together.”

For more information about ZLIMB and its offerings, kindly visit https://www.zurich.com.my/.

KUALA LUMPUR, 24 OCTOBER 2024 — Sime Kansai Paints Sdn Bhd (Sime Kansai Paints) and Majlis Amanah Rakyat (MARA) have taken a significant step toward transforming technical and vocational education and training (TVET) in Malaysia with their recent signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). Witnessed by Deputy Prime Minister, Dato’ Seri Dr. Ahmad Zahid Bin Hamidi, and the Chairman of MARA, Datuk Wira Dr Asyraf Wajdi bin Dato’ Dusuki, this partnership is set to raise the standards of education and practical training at Institut Kemahiran Mara (IKM) outposts nationwide, contributing to Malaysia’s National TVET Policy 2030.

The local automotive sector has experienced strong growth over the year, as evidenced by the Malaysian Automobile Association (MAA) increasing its car sales forecast for 2024 by 3.38%, following strong sales in the first half of the year. Unfortunately, this remains moot should the industry’s need for skilled workers remain unmet. The Malaysia Automotive, Robotics, and IoT Institute (MARii) has noted a significant gap in the supply of workers proficient in these advanced skills, which hampers the industry’s progress.

By leveraging Sime Kansai Paints’ market leadership in Automotive Coatings in Malaysia, this MoU initiative seeks to foster a skilled workforce at the tertiary level offering opportunities for TVET students to upskill their capabilities to ensure they are ready for the workforce upon graduating. Beginning with Institut Kemahiran MARA Kota Kinabalu, the collaboration between both parties aligns with Malaysia’s broader goals under the National TVET Policy 2030 to equip TVET students with relevant skill-enhancing curricula to create more job opportunities and enhance employability for TVET students in the nation. 

Mr. Tan Seng Yang, Managing Director of Sime Kansai Paints Sdn Bhd, emphasised the importance of this collaboration, sharing: “This MoU represents more than just a collaboration. It is an initiative between both parties to elevate and set the new standard for TVET education as we aim to cultivate a highly skilled workforce for the automotive refinishing industry. By incorporating real market practices into our training programs, we are strengthening the relevance of TVET courses and empowering students to tackle future challenges confidently.”

The MoU will also see Sime Kansai Paints play an active advisory role to Institut Kemahiran MARA Kota Kinabalu while providing job opportunities within its extensive network — including collaborations with some of Malaysia’s leading automotive companies. At the same time, they will be developing standard operating procedures (SOPs) and providing centres with industrial equipment for students to develop deeper theoretical knowledge and technical experience. This includes programmes covering areas such as industry certification (Industry Certified Painter), colour matching, paint application, trainer certification courses, and more. In addition to giving students an industry-ready education, the practical sessions will also enable students to be up to date with the latest trends and work processes within the industry.  

Sime Kansai Paints, a joint venture between Kansai Paint Co., Ltd., Japan and Sime Darby Motors, operates Malaysia’s first waterborne automotive coatings plant at its state-of-the-art facility in Bukit Raja, Klang. As part of their efforts to foster a brighter future for aspiring automotive professionals, Sime Kansai Paints will be participating in the Worldskills Malaysia Sabah 2024 event next month, serving as a panel judge for the event’s Car Painting category.