Inovatif

Category: Investments

  • Kenanga Investment Bank’s NagaWarrants unlocks new trading frontiers with HSCEI and HSTECH warrants

    Kenanga Investment Bank’s NagaWarrants unlocks new trading frontiers with HSCEI and HSTECH warrants

    Kenanga Investment Bank Berhad (Kenanga Group or The Group), announces the launch of its first-ever Hang Seng China Enterprises Index (HSCEI) structured warrants – HSCEI-CAA and HSCEI-HBA – and Hang Seng TECH Index (HSTECH) structured warrants – HSTECH-C30 and HSTECH-H27 – under its flagship brand, NagaWarrants by Kenanga (NagaWarrants).

    This launch marks a strategic expansion of the Group’s East Asia footprint, following the successful introduction of Hang Seng Index (“HSI”) structured warrants – HSI-CIW and HSI-HMO – in 2021. With HSCEI and HSTECH now listed on Bursa Malaysia, Malaysian investors will gain diversified access to two of Hong Kong’s most influential indices, offering new opportunities to tap into China’s financial and technology sectors.

    The HSCEI tracks heavyweight mainland enterprises listed in Hong Kong, including financial and infrastructure giants such as ICBC, China Construction Bank, PetroChina, and Ping An Insurance. It serves as a key benchmark for tracking the performance of China’s largest state-owned enterprises.

    The HSTECH, on the other hand, captures the growth of China’s leading tech innovators such as Tencent, Meituan, Xiaomi, and JD.com. With its focus on fast-evolving technology and innovation, HSTECH is ideal for traders with higher risk appetites looking for volatility and growth potential.

    Kenanga Group’s presence in the structured warrants market is underscored by its 64% market share in HSI warrants. In 2024, the structured warrants segment on Bursa Malaysia recorded a turnover of RM30.3 billion, contributing approximately 4% to the exchange’s total market turnover of RM848.7 billion.

    The launch of HSCEI and HSTECH structured warrants is expected to broaden market participation, diversify product offerings, and boost overall liquidity – particularly among retail traders already familiar with Hang Seng Index warrants.

    “The launch of HSCEI and HSTECH structured warrants marks a pivotal step in our mission to democratise access to global markets. As Malaysia’s leading issuer, Kenanga Group remains committed to driving innovation, expanding investor opportunities, and shaping the future of structured warrants. This initiative reflects our long-term vision to empower a new generation of traders while reinforcing our leadership in the region’s capital markets,” said Datuk Chay Wai Leong, Group Managing Director of Kenanga Investment Bank Berhad.

    “In 2024, NagaWarrants achieved a record-breaking market share of 52%, with a total turnover of RM15.7 billion. This milestone also marks our 300th Hang Seng-listed structured warrant on Bursa Malaysia – a testament to our relentless drive to innovate and serve the evolving needs of Malaysian traders,” added Datuk Lee Kok Khee, Executive Director, Head of Group Equity Business of Kenanga Investment Bank Berhad.

    Beyond product innovation, NagaWarrants continues to empower investors through a blend of educational outreach and advanced analytics. In 2024, it hosted over 50 webinars and events, earning the SRP Asia Pacific Award for Best Educational Initiative in 2022, 2023 and 2025. At the same time, its adoption of machine learning models – which analyse interest rate movements, market trends, and regional dynamics to anticipate demand fluctuations – has enhanced precision in warrant issuance.

    In recognition of its leadership and innovation, Kenanga Group has received several prestigious accolades, including:
    • Bursa Excellence Awards: Best Structured Warrants Issuer (2021 and 2024) (Equity and Index)
    • Global Banking & Finance Awards (UK): Best Warrants Issuer & Best Market Maker (2024 and 2025)
    • FinanceAsia (HK): Most Innovative Use of Technology (2024 and 2025)

    Looking ahead, Kenanga Group remains committed to supporting investors through innovation, education and access to global markets. To explore trading opportunities and stay informed, visit www.nagawarrants.com or join our Telegram community (@NagaWarrants).

  • 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.

  • SC unveils initiatives to drive adoption of Masaqid al-Shariah Guidance in ICM

    SC unveils initiatives to drive adoption of Masaqid al-Shariah Guidance in ICM

    The Securities Commission Malaysia (SC) today launched the 40 Hadiths book series on sustainability and ethical sales transactions to promote a deeper understanding of the Islamic perspective on sustainability and Islamic ethics in commercial transactions.

    The publications, launched during the 3rd SC Nadwah of Shariah Advisers in Islamic capital market (ICM) (SC Nadwah), aim to enhance industry awareness and practical implementation. They mark a significant milestone in raising industry awareness on embedding the principles of Maqasid al-Shariah Guidance (Guidance) in ICM, specifically in areas such as environmental stewardship, responsible business, and trade practices.

    The SC Chairman Dato’ Mohammad Faiz Azmi said internalising the Guidance encapsulated in these hadiths contributes to the development of a just, inclusive and sustainable economy.

    “More importantly, the SC is committed to making Maqasid al-Shariah a fundamental framework for business dealings in ICM,” he said. “The outcomes that we are witnessing today is one of the approaches towards ensuring Islamic financial products and services are designed and implemented in a way that promotes the welfare of society and the environment,’’ he added.

    The SC also announced the establishment of the Maqasid al-Shariah Task Force for ICM (MaTF), that will drive and streamline adoption of the Guidance across the Malaysian ICM. This includes identifying areas for strategic collaboration and innovation between regulatory bodies and industry players.

    Members of the task force include Bursa Malaysia Berhad, the Malaysian Association of Asset Managers (MAAM), the Federation of Investment Managers Malaysia (FIMM), Malaysian Investment Banking Association (MIBA), the Association of Islamic Banking and Financial Institutions Malaysia (AIBIM), the Islamic Banking and Finance Institute Malaysia (IBFIM), and the International Council of Islamic Finance Educators (ICIFE).

    Established in 2023, the SC Nadwah serves as a convening platform for intellectual discourse on applied Shariah knowledge sharing and charting the next wave of innovative Shariah solutions among Shariah advisers and market practitioners.

    This year’s SC Nadwah brought together over 200 stakeholders from the Shariah advisory ecosystem, including policy makers, government agencies, academia, Shariah advisers, State Islamic Religious Councils, State Mufti Departments and Islamic finance practitioners.

    Speakers were renowned industry leaders in the Islamic finance space. They include esteemed Shariah scholar Sheikh Dr. Nizam Yaquby and Chairman of SC’s Shariah Advisory Council Professor Dato’ Dr. Aznan Hasan. Sheikh Dr. Nizam Yaquby, who serves on more than 30 Shariah boards globally, including the Accounting and Auditing Organization for Islamic Financial Institutions (AAOIFI) and Islamic Development Bank (IDB), commended the SC’s efforts in organising the SC Nadwah.

    He said the SC should continue with this initiative, which he says is an invaluable platform for fostering strategic dialogue and knowledge-sharing in advancing Islamic finance and in facilitating the growth and readiness of the industry to navigate future challenges.

    The 40 Hadiths book series are now available for download at https://www.sc.com.my/resources/publications-and-research.

  • 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

  • IFSB releases 13th edition of Islamic Financial Services Industry Stability Report

    IFSB releases 13th edition of Islamic Financial Services Industry Stability Report

    The Islamic Financial Services Board (IFSB) has released the 13th edition of its flagship Islamic Financial Services Industry (IFSI) Stability Report. This year’s report reflects a renewed momentum across the industry, with total global assets reaching USD 3.88 trillion in 2024—a 14.9% increase year-on-year.

    Themed “Navigating Shallow Waters: Addressing Structural Vulnerabilities and Shoring Up Resilience to Global Shocks,”, the report also observed broad-based growth across Islamic banking, ṣukūk, and Islamic insurance, signalling deepening market participation, growing global relevance, and broadening geographical reach.

    Key takeaways from the report includes:

    • Renewed growth momentum of the IFSI: High year-on-year growth across key sectors of the IFSI, registering double-digit growth rates. In 2024, total asset growth for the Islamic banking and Islamic insurance grew by 17.05% and 16.9% respectively, while sukuk issuances increased by 25.6%.
    • Emerging markets opening new frontiers: Africa and Central Asia posted the highest growth rates globally, representing important opportunities to deepen local financial markets and expanding the industry’s global footprint.
    • Financial soundness indicators remained broadly stable: Capital, leverage, liquidity, and asset quality positions in both the banking and insurance sectors remain broadly sound. This is reflecting the positive impact of strengthened regulatory frameworks, wider adoption of IFSB standards, and growing investor confidence.
    • While outlook remains positive, some structural vulnerabilities remain: The report underscores the need to address long-standing structural imbalances, particularly the underdevelopment of capital markets and insurance sectors, which can constrain the industry’s scalability and its ability to fully support investment, funding, and liquidity needs across sectors.
    • Critical need to address structural limitations in ṣukūk markets: A key conclusion of the report is the need to deepen ṣukūk markets, which plays a vital role in strengthening financial intermediation and supporting macro-financial stability. While 2024 saw a surge in ṣukūk issuance and growing issuer diversity, structural limitations remain, including underdeveloped market infrastructure, complex ṣukūk structures and limited local-currency sovereign issuances, investor concentration, and low trading volumes, among other factors. If unaddressed, these structural limitations may constrain the IFSI’s long-term growth and pose broader financial stability risks, while also affecting other segments of the industry that depend on capital markets to manage their funding, investment portfolios, and liquidity positions.

    The report further outlines a forward-looking set of policy priorities to address these limitations and unlock the potential growth of Islamic finance. It calls for coordinated action among regulators, policymakers, and industry stakeholders to address these challenges, to ensure the sound development of the Islamic financial services industry.

    First published in 2010, the IFSI Stability Report has become a key reference for global stakeholders, regulators, and market participants. It offers in-depth insights into industry trends, vulnerabilities, and evolving policy priorities shaping the future of Islamic finance.

    The IFSB Islamic Financial Services Industry Stability Report 2025 is now available at https://www.ifsb.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/IFSI-Stability-Report-May-2025.pdf.