Inovatif

Category: events

  • Alibaba Cloud’s new whitepaper shows how AI can power sustainable business transformation

    Alibaba Cloud’s new whitepaper shows how AI can power sustainable business transformation

    A new whitepaper released by Alibaba Cloud, Driving Sustainability with AI: A Guide to Partnering with Technology Service Providers, offers a forward-looking blueprint for how organisations can harness digital infrastructure — particularly AI and cloud computing — to accelerate their sustainable journey.

    Based on insights from the Tech-Driven Sustainability Trends and Index 2024, which surveyed 1,300 business leaders across Asia, Europe, and the Middle East, the report combines industry data, actionable recommendations, and real-world case studies to explore how emerging technologies can close the gap between aspiration and execution.

    The State of Sustainability: Progress, Gaps and Opportunity

    The whitepaper highlights the growing urgency for businesses to act on sustainability, with 80% of surveyed organisations setting green targets. Yet only one-third of these have committed to science-based net-zero goals. Many companies still struggle to move from commitment to impact, citing gaps in technical understanding, measurement tools and concerns about the energy footprint of digital technologies.

    Despite these barriers, a strong majority — 76% — see AI and cloud computing as essential tools to achieve sustainability outcomes. At the same time, 82% say it is critical that these technologies themselves are developed sustainably.

    From Insight to Impact: Green AI in Action

    Alibaba Cloud is helping organisations bridge this gap through platforms like Energy Expert, which uses AI to measure emissions and energy consumption in real time. The platform has already served over 3,000 organisations globally.

    One standout case is its collaboration with Covestro, a polymer material company. Working together, the two helped Chinese beverage brand Nongfu Spring trace the full lifecycle emissions of its recycled water barrels — later repurposed into gel pens – offering supply chain transparency from production to reuse.

    The whitepaper also showcases Alibaba Cloud’s commitment to low-carbon AI innovation. Its open-source Qwen series models are designed for efficiency and accessibility. Japanese AI start-up Lightblue, for example, used Qwen to build a localized high-performance Japanese-language model with lower development costs and energy use.

    Five Strategies to Drive Recommendations for Sustainable Digital Transformation

    The whitepaper identifies five strategic actions that businesses can take to align digital transformation with sustainability outcomes. First, organizations are encouraged to link their adoption of AI and cloud technologies with specific sustainability KPIs—for example, using predictive tools to optimise operations or monitor emissions across supply chains. Second, companies should partner with transparent, green technology providers that publish energy usage and emissions data, operate on renewable energy, and invest in energy-efficient infrastructure. Third, the paper highlights the importance of embedding security into sustainability strategies, noting that cybersecurity concerns remain a key barrier to wider adoption of digital sustainability tools.

    Fourth, it recommends embracing open and trustworthy AI, such as open-source models that reduce costs, improve energy efficiency, and allow for localized applications. Finally, the paper calls for stronger public-private collaboration, with 82% of surveyed executives supporting more active government involvement to accelerate the adoption of sustainable technologies through policy, incentives, and education.

    A Roadmap for Business Leaders

    More than a guide, the whitepaper is a call to action. It emphasizes that sustainability is no longer a nice-to-have but rather a competitive differentiator and a catalyst for growth.

    For companies navigating climate and digital transformation simultaneously, the message is clear: success depends on choosing the right partners, tools, and strategies to deliver measurable progress. With the right foundation, AI and cloud can power a greener, smarter, and more resilient future.

  • Scoot adds flight capacity to support travel demand

    Scoot adds flight capacity to support travel demand

    Scoot, the low-cost subsidiary of Singapore Airlines (SIA), announces increased flight frequencies and passenger capacity to support the strong demand for air travel in the upcoming months:

    • From 6 June 2025, flights to Iloilo City will increase from two to four times weekly
    • From 24 June 2025, flights to Cebu will increase from seven to 10 times weekly and services to Koh Samui from 21 times to 25 times weekly
    • From 2 August 2025, services to Taipei and Seoul (via Taipei) will increase from five times weekly to daily services
    • From 4 August 2025, frequencies to Perth will increase to 14 times weekly, up from 12 times weekly
    • From 30 August 2025, services to Davao will increase to 12 times weekly, up from nine weekly services
    • From 5 October 2025, frequencies to Sydney will increase to 14 times weekly, up from 10 times weekly

    Flight schedules are subject to government and regulatory approvals or changes. Scoot remains committed to enhancing its network and connectivity. The airline will continue to remain nimble, regularly review its routes and align its capacity with the demand for air travel and evolving travellers’ needs.

    Limited-time promotional fares to selected destinations are currently on offer on Scoot’s website and mobile application. Follow on social media and/or subscribe to Scoot’s newsletter to receive notifications on the latest promotions.

  • AFFIN launches “AFFIN 50 Years, 50 Prizes” Golden Jubilee campaign

    AFFIN launches “AFFIN 50 Years, 50 Prizes” Golden Jubilee campaign

    AFFIN Group (“AFFIN” or “the Group”) celebrates its 50th anniversary with the launch of the “AFFIN 50 Years, 50 Prizes” Golden Jubilee Campaign, a year-long celebration rewarding customers with exclusive prizes, strengthening financial literacy and empowering Malaysians on their financial journey. Running from 1 March 2025 to 31 January 2026, this milestone campaign features 50 exclusive prizes, including a Grand Prize of RM1,000,000.

    The “AFFIN 50 Years, 50 Prizes” Golden Jubilee Campaign invites customers to participate by performing eligible transactions, such as maintaining a minimum Month-End Balance (MEB) of RM5,000 in their AFFIN Current or Savings accounts. With every eligible transaction, customers earn entries for a chance to win.

    Datuk Wan Razly Abdullah, President & Group Chief Executive Officer of AFFIN Group, said, “For 50 years, AFFIN has underscored its commitment to strengthening financial resilience, fostering economic growth, and delivering value to our customers wherever they are. The “AFFIN 50 Years, 50 Prizes” Golden Jubilee Campaign reflects our dedication to creating opportunities, driving progress, and empowering people with financial solutions that meet their evolving needs. As we look ahead, we remain focused on building a future-ready financial ecosystem that serves a wider community, aligned with the strategic pillars of our AFFIN Axelerate 2028 (AX28) Plan, which are Unrivalled Customer Service, Digital Leadership, and Responsible Banking With Impact.”

    Beyond this flagship campaign, AFFIN is introducing a suite of initiatives tailored to meet the diverse financial needs of its customers, including Jalan-Jalan Raya AFFIN with Naelofar, the Porsche Cashback Campaign, the 1-for-1 Business Class offer with AFFIN Credit Card, and many more to be launched throughout the year. These initiatives are spearheaded by AFFIN’s key business divisions such as Deposit Business, Cards, Personal Financing, Mortgage, Auto Finance, Corporate Banking, Enterprise Banking and Wealth Management, in collaboration with Affin Hwang Investment Bank Berhad.

    Learn more about how customers can benefit from the “AFFIN 50 Years, 50 Prizes” Golden Jubilee Campaign and start earning rewards today by visiting www.AffinAlways.com or following @Affinmy on social media.

  • Alliance Bank expands access to cancer screening

    Alliance Bank expands access to cancer screening

    Alliance Bank Malaysia Berhad (Alliance Bank or the Bank), Prince Court Medical Centre (Prince Court) and the National Cancer Society Malaysia (NCSM) have joined forces in a landmark partnership to improve access to cancer screening and encourage early detection among Malaysians. The collaboration was formalised through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) at the SEA Healthcare and Pharma Conference 2025.

    The signing was witnessed by Yang Berhormat Datuk Seri Haji Dr. Dzulkefly bin Ahmad, Minister of
    Health, underscoring the collective commitment to improving public health initiatives in Malaysia.
    Cancer remains a major health concern in Malaysia, with early detection playing a critical role in
    improving patient outcomes. This partnership supports the Ministry of Health’s National Strategic Plan
    for Cancer Control Programme 2021 – 2025, which aims to reduce cancer risk factors, strengthen
    early detection through screening, and improve access to timely diagnosis and treatment. This
    tripartite collaboration brings the three organisations together to support national efforts in advancing
    cancer awareness and screening accessibility, ultimately improving survival rates and the overall wellbeing
    of Malaysians.

    “Improving access to cancer care is not just a medical priority, it is a moral imperative. These
    symposiums mark an important step in bringing together minds, expertise, and commitment from
    across sectors to ensure that no one is left behind in the fight against cancer. Collaboration is our
    most powerful tool — and together, we can build a future where quality cancer care is within reach for
    all,” said Yang Berhormat Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad.

    Ms. Gan Pai Li, Group Chief Consumer Banking Officer of Alliance Bank, said, “At Alliance Bank, we
    recognise that health and financial security are closely linked. When individuals are financially secure,
    they are able to better invest in their health, and good health allows them to focus on achieving their
    financial goals. In tandem with the MOH’s initiative to elevate awareness of early cancer detection,
    our partnership with Prince Court and NCSM reflects our commitment to empowering our customers
    and employees to take charge of their health, while also easing some of the financial constraints
    associated with health screenings. As The Bank For Life, we strive to make a meaningful impact on
    our customers by being a trusted partner at every stage of their lives.”

    Dr. Shuba Srinivasan, Chief Executive Officer of Prince Court, said, “At Prince Court, we see health
    screening not as a service, but as a responsibility. Early detection changes outcomes, but more
    importantly, it changes lives. This partnership reflects what’s possible when healthcare, community,
    and corporate responsibility come together with a shared purpose. With Alliance Bank and NCSM, we
    are removing barriers and creating pathways so more Malaysians have the opportunity to act early,
    understand their risks, and take control of their health. We are proud to play a role in advancing this
    effort and to stand alongside partners who share our commitment to better health for all.”
    “Through this series of cancer symposiums, we aim to empower our communities with knowledge,
    connect professionals across disciplines, and drive forward our mission of early detection, better treatment, and compassionate care. Together with our partners, we are building a future where no
    one faces cancer alone,” said NCSM Managing Director, Kol. Bersekutu Assoc. Professor Dr
    Murallitharan Munisamy.

    As part of the campaign, NCSM will organise cancer awareness symposiums at Prince Court,
    featuring leading surgeons, oncologists, and cancer care experts. Each session will focus on a
    different aspect of cancer education, from understanding risk factors to the latest advancements in
    treatment. Attendees will gain practical insights into prevention, early detection, and care, while
    having the rare opportunity to engage directly with specialists. Open to all Alliance Bank customers
    and business partners, these symposiums aim to equip individuals with the knowledge to make
    informed decisions about their health and encourage proactive steps towards cancer prevention.

    From 2 May to 31 December 2025, all Alliance Bank cardholders will enjoy a 10% discount on all
    health screening packages and selected aesthetics, along with a 25% discount on maternity
    packages at Prince Court Medical Centre. This exclusive offer is designed to encourage individuals to
    prioritise their health and undergo regular health screenings as a preventive measure, as well as
    ensure that a trusted medical centre is selected, ensuring safety and professional care.
    For more information on the Bank’s products and services, please visit
    https://www.alliancebank.com.my.

  • 21% and growing: women-Led SMEs drive Malaysia’s economy forward

    21% and growing: women-Led SMEs drive Malaysia’s economy forward

    Women-owned businesses (defined as 51% owned, managed, and controlled by one or more women) are on the rise. Micro and small women entrepreneurs (MSWEs) make up 21% of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Malaysia.

    This translates to approximately 241,767 women-led businesses (MSWEs) forming a vital part of the country’s economy, where SMEs account for 97.4% of all businesses.

    While this is encouraging, there is still a notable gender gap as Malaysia aims to achieve a 60% female Labour Force Participation Rate (LFPR) by 2033. The latest female LFPR rose slightly to 56.3%, while the male LFPR stood at 82.9%, highlighting a notable gender gap despite the upward trend in women’s participation.

    In an effort to bridge the gender gap and uplift MSWEs in Malaysia, leading self-service laundrette dobiQueen has recently organised an engaging panel discussion entitled, “Empathy Meets Innovation: How Women Entrepreneurs Utilise Purposeful Technology & Empathetic Leadership to Transform Businesses” with experts from the public and private sector, including TalentCorp’s Wanita MyWira, Khazanah Research Institute (KRI) and Strive Malaysia.

    A study by Strive Malaysia has revealed that women entrepreneurs face three main challenges. Time poverty ranks tops with 97% citing juggling business, childcare, and household responsibilities as the biggest challenge. This is deeply rooted in gender norms, as women are often expected to be the primary caregivers in Malaysia’s social, cultural and religious contexts.

    While over 80% of MSWEs acknowledge the potential advantages of digital literacy, and are able to search for information online via Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok, many use it for personal rather than for business purposes. There is a disconnect between digital literacy and entrepreneurial pursuits.

    Lastly, only 50% of MSWEs expressed confidence in their financial knowledge and skill, limited to basic expenses of tracking income records, with many lacking understanding of broader financial concepts such as dynamic markets or funding applications. Of this, 78% expressed the need for more information from financial institutions in the areas of loan management, grants, and market information.

    “This insightful report has since guided the development of targeted interventions to address the unique needs of women-owned and women-led businesses.

    “We provide them with easy access to a free self-assessment tool, tailored skill-building training and microlearning resources, and mentorship opportunities, thus fostering a more enabling business ecosystem via Strivers’ Hub, a one-stop-shop digital platform designed to cater to the evolving needs of small businesses, particularly women entrepreneurs”, said Li Yang Lau, Program Officer at Strive Malaysia.

    Women entrepreneurs are on the rise, with women-led businesses such as dobiQueen combining purposeful technology merged with its understanding of Malaysian households facing time poverty as they juggle work, childcare and household responsibilities.

    Nini Tan, Co-founder and Executive Director of dobiQueen, shares, “As a small and medium-sized enterprise (SME), dobiQueen was founded 10 years ago with an empathetic mission to ease the burden of household chores.

    “Women spend close to 63.6% more time daily on unpaid work than men, with women continuing to perform an additional 3.6 to 4 hours on average for unpaid chores after office hours, leading to the “double burden” or “second shift”.”

    Both the private and public sectors have made many strides in uplifting women in society, with the Government allocating nearly RM470 million through the Budget 2025 to assist women-led entrepreneurs in Malaysia.

    Natasha Alias, Head of Wanita MyWira at TalentCorp, said, “In 2024, the Ministry of Human Resources, through TalentCorp, introduced Wanita MyWira to address workforce gaps by enabling more women to participate fully in Malaysia’s economy. As the agency driving national talent strategies, we are committed to supporting women’s career journeys – from re-entry to leadership, and strengthening their long-term contribution to the workforce.”

    “Wanita MyWira supports a broad spectrum of women – from students and returning professionals to entrepreneurs and industry leaders, through strategic advocacy, skills development, and employer engagement. The aim is to create real pathways into meaningful, sustainable employment.

    “In 2025, we’re scaling our impact with targeted efforts. These include promoting tax incentives under the Career Comeback Programme (CCP), embedding diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) practices within universities, and working with industry to expand job opportunities for women.

    “With CCP tax exemptions and hiring incentives outlined in Budget 2024 and 2025, we’re driving outcomes that benefit both women and employers, and laying the groundwork for a more inclusive, resilient workforce.

    TalentCorp is also developing the Gender Action Lab Report, which explores forward-looking models for workplace gender equality. Aligned with the UN Women’s Empowerment Principles, this effort reinforces the agency’s commitment to building a more equitable and progressive labour market for Malaysia.

    Incorporating a broader view on women entrepreneurs in the marketplace, Dr Teoh Ai Ni, a Research Associate at Khazanah Research Institute (KRI), also shares about women-led participation as agri-food smallholders.

    “Based on KRI’s gender gap research conducted among 3,300 agri-food smallholders, agri-food production has similar economic importance for both men and women smallholders, but women are more likely to face challenges.

    “In the past, women’s roles in agri-food production tended to be invisible as they were often viewed as the ‘farmer’s wife,’ or the helping hand, rendering them as the ‘invisible farmers’.

    “Over time, with significant progress in gender equality and the Government’s efforts in empowering women, women’s contributions to agriculture are increasingly recognised, but their representation remains low.

    “This is partly due to the persistent gender-specific challenges women in agriculture face, such as gender stereotypes, the high burden of unpaid care and lower access to resources, that contribute to inequitable experiences.”

    With technological advancement and digital adoption, agriculture is no longer as labour-intensive as before. This offers more opportunities for women who are deterred by gender stereotypes or inequality in access to information and resources to participate and strive in agrifood production, similarly to men.

    However, more efforts are needed to close the gender inequality in resource access among women agrifood smallholders and address other challenges that generally limit women’s labour force participation, such as disproportionate care burden.

    As Malaysia accelerates toward its 2033 goal of a 60% female LFPR, the momentum driven by women-led SMEs, public-private partnerships, and inclusive policy frameworks is undeniable.

    Women are reshaping industries with empathy, innovation, and resilience. By addressing structural barriers and unlocking access to digital tools, financial literacy, and supportive ecosystems, Malaysia is not only empowering its women entrepreneurs but also charting a more inclusive, equitable, and prosperous economic future for all.

  • SC celebrates investED Leadership second cohort graduation

    SC celebrates investED Leadership second cohort graduation

    The Securities Commission Malaysia (SC) today marked a key milestone in its talent development journey with more than 190 graduates completing the second cycle of the investED Leadership Programme.
    Officiated by Director General of Higher Education, Datuk Professor Dr. Azlinda Azman, the initiative continues to gain strong momentum as a key capital market initiative for nurturing skilled, future-ready talent for the industry.

    Announced by Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim in June 2023, this flagship graduate programme is designed to boost local graduates’ employability across various disciplines.

    It also marks the first-ever collaboration of its kind between the SC, the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Higher Education, the capital market industry, and universities—reflecting a shared commitment to strengthening Malaysia’s human capital and future workforce.

    In the span of just two years, the investED Leadership programme has trained 368 young graduates through close collaboration with industry and university partners. Of this, 233 graduates have been employed.

    The second cohort of the Leadership programme, which began in August 2024, received 1,200 applications. Following a month of intensive classroom training at the Asia School of Business, selected participants were placed with various capital market firms for six months of on-the-job experience.
    The SC Chairman Dato’ Mohammad Faiz Azmi said that investED is more than just a training programme – it is a bridge between classroom learning and career building.

    “Beyond equipping our young talent with skills, the programme also builds their confidence, drives industry growth, and nurtures a new generation of professionals for Malaysia’s capital market,” he added.
    The SC is now inviting applications for the third cohort of the investED Leadership Programme, now open until 30 June 2025. Apart from a potential career in the capital market industry, trainees also receive a monthly allowance of RM2,400 during the training period.
    Separately, the investED Foundation Programme, delivered by the SC’s learning arm, the Securities Industry Development Corporation (SIDC), also saw continued progress. Last year, more than 1,000 students enrolled, exceeding the annual target of 800 by 25%.

    In addition, investED has organised 44 career talks and 13 career fairs nationwide, reaching over 110,600 students in the last two years. Of this, 13,500 students have attended the career talks, surpassing the three-year target of 9,000 students in just under two years.

    For more information, visit www.invested.my.

  • 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.