Inovatif

Category: Investments

  • Maybank becomes first Southeast Asian bank to grant sustainability-linked loan to Austria’s AT&S

    Maybank becomes first Southeast Asian bank to grant sustainability-linked loan to Austria’s AT&S

    Maybank announced it is granting a Sustainability-Linked Loan (SLL) amounting to USD150 million to Austria Technologie & Systemtechnik Malaysia (AT&S Malaysia). This landmark transaction marks the first SLL issued by a Malaysian and Southeast Asian commercial bank to AT&S, and notably the first such facility by a local lender to a multinational company in Malaysia’s semiconductor sector. This deal follows a USD250 million loan provided to AT&S Malaysia by International Finance Corporation (IFC) in March 2025 and concludes the parallel loan arranged by IFC under the same agreement.

    AT&S Malaysia is the subsidiary of Austria Technologie & Systemtechnik Aktiengesellschaft (AT&S), a public listed company in Vienna and a leading global manufacturer of high-end printed circuit boards (PCB) and integrated circuit (IC) substrates.

    The said financing will support the development of AT&S’ first high-end IC substrate plant in Kulim Hi-Tech Park, Malaysia, that will include state-of-the-art equipment and closed-loop recycling systems, adhering to AT&S’ comprehensive sustainable energy framework. The facility will produce advanced IC substrates, essential components to meet surging demand for high-performance data processors, data centres, and AI infrastructure. Its clients include among others, AMD for data centre processors. With over USD1 billion committed to Malaysia, this represents AT&S Group’s largest initial investment.

    The targets attached to the SLL include reducing annual greenhouse gas emissions by 31% by March 31, 2028, using fiscal year 2022 as the baseline.

    Dato’ John Chong, Group Chief Executive Officer, Global Banking of Maybank said, “We are pleased to back AT&S in developing its first IC substrate facility in Kulim that further strengthens Malaysia’s role in the global semiconductor value chain. The financing aligns with our strategic focus on the semiconductor ecosystem in Southeast Asia where we have identified financing opportunities. The SLL structure also strengthens our commitment to mobilising sustainable finance and powering the region’s green transition. This transaction is also a reaffirmation of our growing collaboration with the International Finance Corporation.” From 2021 to the end of Q1 2025, Maybank mobilised RM125.46 billion in sustainable finance across ASEAN, surpassing its RM80 billion target by 2025.

    Petra Preining, Chief Financial Officer, AT&S said, “We welcome Maybank as a valued financing partner in our investment in the Kulim facility. This transaction is a milestone for both Maybank and AT&S as it represents the first time AT&S has raised financing at its Malaysian subsidiary level.”

    “Our sizeable investment of over USD1 billion in Malaysia follows the demand from our global clients, and reflects our confidence in Malaysia’s semiconductor ecosystem and its growth trajectory. It also aligns with the ambitions of Malaysia’s National Semiconductor Strategy and the New Industrial Master Plan 2030 to position the country as a leading hub for advanced manufacturing,” said Michael Mertin, President and CEO, AT&S. “For AT&S the new facility is an important foundation for our profitable growth path based on superior technology, experience and our global leading customers.”

    AT&S ranks sixth in high-end PCBs market and fifth in IC substrates market globally in terms of revenue. The company is also the only non-Asian company producing IC-substrates in significant volumes and one of two non-Asian companies among the top 50 PCB companies in the world.

     

  • RAM BCI: Businesses still pessimistic about their three-month outlook in 2Q 2025

    The RAM Business Confidence Index (BCI) dropped further to 40.0 in 2Q 2025 (1Q 2025: 41.1). This marks the second consecutive quarter of negative sentiment on business prospects, which aligns with the rapidly escalating risks in global trade stemming from rising US protectionism policy. Three out of five sub-indices declined Q-o-Q, namely sales, capital investment and capacity utilisation.

     

    Consistent with the overall cautious and subdued business outlook, rising cost of doing business remains the most pressing issue, with 80% of firms citing it as top concern. More competition and weak economic conditions also pose significant hurdles, with 63% of firms identifying them as key challenges. The share of firms citing supply chain issues also jumped 11 percentage-points to 40% in this survey.

    Impact of US tariffs under spotlight

    A special focus for this quarter’s survey, which was conducted from 29 May 2025 to 28 June 2025 polling 33 firms, was the impact of the US tariffs on Malaysian goods. Around two-thirds of firms surveyed anticipate a negative impact from these tariffs, of which a significant 27% of firms expect a major negative impact, with firms anticipating moderate and minor impact each at 18%. Sales and revenue topped the list of business aspects likely to be hit, followed by profit margins, supply chains and cash flow.

    In response, firms are mainly adopting cost-related strategies to mitigate tariff impacts. About 42% are focusing on cutting operational expenses, while 39% are adjusting pricing strategies to remain competitive.

    Demand for government support
    Businesses are calling for more assistance from the government, especially in terms of better access to financing and working capital. Grants and direct subsidies are equally in demand to help offset the challenges posed by trade tensions.

    The latest RAM BCI survey highlights the growing pressures Malaysian businesses face from rising costs, intensified competition and external trade disruptions such as US tariffs. Chris W.K. Lee, RAM Holdings Berhad Group CEO and Executive Director said, “While businesses remain cautious, it is encouraging to see that companies are still investing and hiring. It is crucial that government and industry stakeholders work together to respond to the new challenges for businesses to survive and thrive.”

  • China Medical System successfully debuts on the Mainboard of the SGX-ST

    China Medical System successfully debuts on the Mainboard of the SGX-ST

    China Medical System Holdings Limited (CMS or the Group), a platform company linking pharmaceutical innovation and commercialisation, made its debut on the Mainboard of the Singapore Exchange Limited (SGX-ST) under the ticker symbol “8A8”. CGS International Securities Singapore Pte. Ltd. is the sole issue manager for this secondary listing.

    This marks CMS’s secondary listing in the capital markets, following its debut on the Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited (HKEX) in 2010. While no new shares were issued or placed, the move reflects CMS’s commitment to expand its footprint to the broader Asia-Pacific region by capitalising on its proven track record in the pharmaceutical industry of over 30 years in China.

    Having evolved from being China’s largest contract sales organisation (CSO) into an innovation-driven multinational pharmaceutical company, the Group is now operating an integrated product lifecycle management platform that covers target selection and confirmation, to preclinical research, clinical development, and commercialisation. Building on this foundation, CMS has developed strong capabilities in identifying, developing, and commercialising First-in-Class and Best-in-Class innovative products. As of 15 July 2025, the Group’s market capitalisation stood at HK$31.91 billion1.

    The listing comes at a time where CMS is transitioning toward an innovative product-driven business model to mitigate the impact of China’s volume-based procurement (VBP) policies to ensure sustainable growth. Since 2018, the Group has developed a robust pipeline of approximately 40 innovative products, five of which were already approved for marketing as of 2024. Notably, two other products have been submitted for marketing approval in China as well.

    CMS currently sells seven major exclusive or brand-name products in the market, which have shown a progressively upward trend in their revenue contribution over time. Together with five commercialised innovative drugs, these collectively contributed RMB 4.56 billion in revenue in FY2024, accounting for 52.8% of the Group’s total turnover. Given the gradually easing impact from China’s VBP policy and the Group’s optimised product portfolio focusing on exclusive and innovative drugs which are typically exempt from VBP, CMS is well-positioned to resume its top-line growth trajectory from FY2025.

    With a forward-looking mindset and acute market insight, the Group has implemented an industrial internationalisation strategy for its business expansion in Southeast Asia and the Middle East, which has already begun to deliver tangible outcomes. To date, the Group has established a full-scale pharmaceutical value chain based in Singapore, which covers R&D, production, and commercialisation. This not only enables the Group to bring high quality, regulatory-compliant, and affordable drugs to emerging markets with increasing pharmaceutical demand, but also serves as a bridge for introducing global innovative therapies into the broader Asia-Pacific region.

    Emerging markets such as Southeast Asia and the Middle East are becoming new growth opportunities for the global pharmaceutical industry.  The key drivers behind the rapid expansion of these markets include large population bases, the early onset of aging demographics, increased healthcare coverage, and a rising burden of chronic diseases that reshape the disease landscape. At the same time, the growing middle class and rising health awareness are also driving the increase in both purchasing power and accessibility of medicines.

    With regard to the regional market outlook and CMS’s overseas expansion, the Group added that Southeast Asia remains a largely untapped market in its view. The region comprises many small to mid-sized developing economies, each with distinct healthcare systems and regulatory requirements for drug launch. While complex, this landscape aligns well with CMS’s strengths and resources, particularly its proven track record in commercialising innovative therapies.

    Looking ahead, CMS remarked, “The successful listing of CMS on SGX marks a solid step forward in advancing our industrial internationalisation strategy, further enhancing our brand visibility and credibility in the broader Asia-Pacific region. Meanwhile, to meet the growing pharmaceutical demand, our CDMO facility is planning to expand its manufacturing capability to include nasal spray platform, cream and injectable lines beyond its current focus on oral solid dosage forms. Further expansion to double or triple the current capacity by the end of 2028 is also under evaluation. As such, we firmly believe that our notable progress in innovative drug development, steady growth in the speciality-focused business, and continued advancement in overseas expansion will collectively facilitate the Group’s return to a multi-year growth trajectory.”

     

  • Kenanga Investors launches new Global Real Asset fund

    Kenanga Investors launches new Global Real Asset fund

    Kenanga Investors Berhad (Kenanga Investors) launches the Kenanga Alternative Series: Global Real Assets Fund (KASGRAF), a new addition to its Kenanga Alternative Series (Series). The KASGRAF is an open-ended retail fund designed to achieve steady growth by diversifying investments across global real assets through carefully selected exchange-traded funds (ETFs).

    The Fund’s ETF exposure is managed by GAX MD Sdn Bhd (GAX MD or External Fund Manager), which employs sophisticated algorithms and advanced investment models to ensure precise and effective management of global real assets. GAX MD is also the creator of MYTHEO, a digital investment management platform launched in Malaysia since 2019.

    “The introduction of the KASGRAF enables Kenanga Investors to provide investors with enhanced growth opportunities through well diversified, global investment strategies. Amidst the complex economic landscape of today, the value of physical assets such as real estate, commodities and precious metals often appreciate, enabling investors to maintain the real value of their wealth. By integrating real assets into our portfolios, we offer our investors a robust hedge against market uncertainties and a means to achieve steady returns due to its sustainable growth potential”, said Datuk Wira Ismitz Matthew De Alwis, Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of Kenanga Investors.

    “Our partnership combines Kenanga Investors’ extensive asset management expertise with GAX MD’s advanced quantitative modelling capabilities, creating a strategy based on a systematic, data-driven and cost-efficient approach to portfolio construction that optimises performance while strengthening diversification and risk management”, he elaborated.

    KASGRAF aims to achieve a steady growth of investment assets and realise stable income, making it an ideal choice for investors with medium-term investment horizons. The fund’s core strategy involves investing primarily in ETFs linked to a diverse array of real assets. This includes sectors such as real estate, precious metals and commodities. By diversifying across these areas, KASGRAF helps to mitigate risk while enhancing the potential for returns. The Fund is available for subscription in MYR with a minimum initial investment amount of RM1,000.

    “We are excited to partner with Kenanga Investors in bringing our advanced proprietary algorithms to a wider audience. ETFs allow investors to access a diverse range of asset classes including real estate, commodities and precious metals, without the high costs and complexities of direct ownership. For optimal selection, the Fund’s strategy follows a rigorous screening process based on key factors such as liquidity, expense ratios and tracking efficiency. By combining data-driven analysis with a structured ETF selection process, the strategy maximises efficiency while maintaining flexibility to adapt to evolving market conditions. At GAX MD, we are excited to contribute to the success of KASGRAF and its investors, empowering them to navigate the complexities of the market with confidence”, said Ronnie Tan, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of GAX MD.

    The launch of the Series aligns with Kenanga Investors’ longstanding goal of offering diverse investment solutions to meet investors’ varying needs/objectives. In addition to KASGRAF, the Series also includes the Kenanga Alternative Series: Income Opportunities Fund and Kenanga Alternative Series: Islamic Global Responsible Strategies Fund. Each fund offers unique benefits, allowing investors to diversify and hedge their portfolios according to their needs. This commitment to innovative products has earned the firm recognition for its expertise in alternatives investments. This year it received the Malaysia Best House for Alternatives award from Asia Asset Management’s 2025 Best of the Best Awards for the sixth time.

     

  • Manulife Investments launches diversified real asset fund

    Manulife Investments announces the launch of the Manulife Diversified Real Asset Fund (the Fund), previously known as the Manulife Global Resources Fund. The Fund aims to protect investors in Malaysia against inflation amidst market volatility, while generating sustainable income and differentiated, diversified return streams compared to other equity or fixed income asset classes.

    The Fund will follow a diversified real asset strategy, which emphasises real returns through both intrinsic value and their ability to benefit from higher inflation. It targets four asset classes: natural resources equities (energy, metals and mining), REITs (U.S. and international REIT), infrastructure equities (utilities, communications, renewables, infrastructure), and fixed income (U.S. short-term credits & Treasury Inflation-Protected Securities).

    The Fund was restructured to include additional types of real assets that could benefit from a higher inflationary environment.

    Jason Chong, CEO, Manulife Investments said, “We recognise that investors are facing increasing challenges when it comes to managing their investments, especially with rising inflation and ongoing market volatility. Hence, we have designed the Manulife Diversified Real Asset Fund to help investors diversify and protect their wealth. Real assets could offer relatively stronger returns in a rising inflationary environment compared to traditional equity and fixed income securities. The Fund’s approach ensures that it can deliver not just the income, but also differentiated and inflation-adjusted growth.”

    He added, “The introduction of this Fund reflects Manulife Investments’ commitment to offering investors solutions that enable them to capitalize on the ever-changing market situation. We want them to stay ahead in today’s environment, as well as provide elevated stability and income potential, with increased confidence and control over their investments. Amidst the ongoing changes in global dynamics, the Fund could continue to serve as a portal for investors in Malaysia to access opportunities in the US and globally, while helping them navigate and benefit from periods of high inflation. With this launch, we now offer investors access to more than 60 unit trust and PRS funds, underscoring our strength and continued commitment to delivering a comprehensive suite of investment solutions tailored to evolving market needs.”

    The Fund will invest at least 85% of its net asset value (NAV) in Share class I3 Acc of the Manulife Global Fund – Diversified Real Asset Fund (the “Target Fund”), and the remaining NAV of the Fund will be in liquid assets such as money market instruments, placement of short-term deposits with financial institutions for liquidity purposes and/or derivative for hedging purposes.

  • NCT collaborates with Intrinsic Venture to fuel start-ups

    NCT collaborates with Intrinsic Venture to fuel start-ups

    Intrinsic Venture Capital (Intrinsic Venture) and Malaysia’s Invest NCT Programme under NCT Group of Companies’ (NCT Group) partnership aims to  leverage on the Canadian venture capital firm’s RM615 million (CAD 200 million) fund to catalyse innovation, smart industry growth and global market integration from Malaysia.

    The initiative is slated to empower high-growth start-ups and advanced industries at the NCT Smart Industrial Park (NSIP), under the theme “New Money for New Industries.” The fund targets strategic sectors including semiconductors, medical technology, electronics, green technology and digital infrastructure, positioning NSIP as Southeast Asia’s leading hub for smart industrial transformation.

    The initiative is further reinforced through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) today between NCT Group and Intrinsic EO, a global cross-border financial consultancy. The MoU marks a pivotal step toward integrating global finance, digital infrastructure, and market entry strategies within NSIP supporting the development of a next-generation, digitally connected industrial ecosystem aligned with Malaysia’s National Industrial Master Plan 2030 (NIMP 2030) and Industry ESG 4.0 standards.

    Intrinsic EO, a pioneering consultancy specialising in cross-border investment and global growth enablement, brings deep international expertise to the collaboration. Backed by Canada’s Intrinsic Group, China’s EqualOcean, and Southeast Asian industry veterans, the firm offers integrated solutions in venture funding, digitalization, industrial transformation, and resource localization. It is also one of the first global firms to be awarded the prestigious KL20 Golden Pass, Malaysia’s flagship initiative to elevate Kuala Lumpur into one of the world’s top 20 start-up ecosystems by 2030.

    As a strategic facilitator, the Invest NCT Programme offers flexible industrial property models, including Built-to-Suit (BTS) and lease-to-buy schemes, supported by a capital consortium comprising venture capital (VC), private equity (PE), bank co-investments, and talent bank resources. It embodies a future-forward investment strategy that integrates “New Finance, New Money” principles to create a fully bankable industrialization model.

    “This strategic partnership with Intrinsic EO opens exciting possibilities for NSIP and Malaysia’s industrial landscape,” said Dato’ Sri Yap Ngan Choy, Founder and Group Managing Director of NCT Group. “By tapping into global expertise and digital capabilities, we are not only strengthening NSIP’s value proposition as an investment-attractive industrial hub, but also reinforcing our commitment to sustainable and innovation-led development.”

    Dr. Neil Foo, Chief Strategist of NCT Group, added “Invest NCT is proud to launch the Venture Capital (VC) Consortium in conjunction with the ASEAN Summit 2025 in Kuala Lumpur. Guided by the principle of ‘New Money, New Finance,’ this initiative represents a strategic shift toward innovative capital structures—integrating global venture funding, private equity, and co-investment models. Through this platform, the NCT Smart Industrial Park (NSIP) is not merely an industrial zone, but a scalable and bankable model for the future of industrial development across ASEAN and beyond.

    Mr. Andrew Sanden, Chairman of Intrinsic EO, commented: “This partnership allows us to bring our international experience in market expansion, cross-border investment, and digital transformation to a strategic location in Southeast Asia. Together with NCT Group, we aim to build a smart, connected industrial environment that supports companies entering and scaling within the region — while contributing to Malaysia’s role as a regional hub for innovation and sustainable industry.”

    Located in the heart of the Integrated Development Region in South Selangor (IDRISS), NSIP is Malaysia’s first Managed Industrial Park (MIP), setting a new benchmark for smart, bankable industrial development in ASEAN. With its focus on advanced technologies and sustainable practices, NSIP is emerging as a catalyst for next-generation industrial growth.

  • Maybank signs LOI to support JS-SEZ

    Maybank signs LOI to support JS-SEZ

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  • 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.

  • 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.”