Inovatif

Category: News & Events

  • Alibaba Cloud and MDEC launch SME Digitalisation Program

    Alibaba Cloud and MDEC launch SME Digitalisation Program

    Alibaba Cloud and Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC) launched the SME Digitalisation Program — a comprehensive initiative designed to accelerate the digital transformation journey of Malaysia’s small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs).
    Developed in support of MDEC’s Business Digitalisation Initiative (BDI), the programme aims to empower Malaysia’s SMEs to harness the full potential of artificial intelligence (AI) and cloud computing, technologies that underpin productivity, innovation, and global competitiveness.

    Recognising that Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) are vital to Malaysia’s socioeconomic development and central to achieving the 2030 GDP growth targets outlined in the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP), this initiative addresses a critical national priority. Built around four key pillars of digital transformation; Awareness, Upskilling, Adoption, and Innovation, the program is designed to accelerate digital adoption, strengthen the SME ecosystem, and foster sustainable, innovation-led growth for local businesses.

    “By focusing on SMEs, this programme ensures that a broad segment of Malaysia’s business ecosystem can harness the transformative potential of AI and cloud technologies. said Feifei Li, President of International Business and SVP of Alibaba Cloud Intelligence Group, “Leveraging Alibaba Cloud’s advanced technologies in AI and cloud computing, we are excited to partner with MDEC to empower Malaysian businesses to innovate, scale, and thrive in the digital economy—driving sustainable growth and strengthen competitiveness at scale.”

    Anuar Fariz Fadzil, Chief Executive Officer of MDEC added, “Malaysia’s SMEs are an integral part of our aspiration to become an AI- nation by 2030. The ability to adopt advanced digital tools, particularly AI and cloud technologies, is critical to strengthening our competitive edge. Through this strategic public-private collaboration with Alibaba Cloud, we aim to bridge the digital divide and uplift our SMEs. By equipping businesses with accessible and impactful digital solutions, we are accelerating nationwide digital adoption and establishing the foundations of a resilient innovation-led economy.”

    The SME Digitalisation Program will roll out a series of targeted initiatives including educational campaigns, interactive workshops, webinar series, and ready-to-use solution kits, all designed to support SMEs at every stage of their business journey and empower them to turn challenges into growth.
    With practical upskilling and real-world application at its core, the initiative empowers SME to become a digitally capable force that drives Malaysia’s national digital transformation goals under the Malaysia Digital (MD) initiative.

    This collaboration reinforces Alibaba Cloud’s commitment to advancing Malaysia’s digital economy by empowering local businesses with secure, scalable, and accessible technologies. Through this program Alibaba Cloud and MDEC are bridging capability gaps, nurturing innovation, and contributing to a robust, inclusive and resilient digital ecosystem across the nation.

  • MBSB partners with Santander Group’s Navigator Global

    MBSB partners with Santander Group’s Navigator Global

    MBSB announces a strategic partnership with Navigator Global, a pioneering global trade platform developed by the Santander Group, aimed at transforming how Malaysian Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) access international markets.

    Through this partnership, MBSB will connect Malaysian businesses to Navigator Global’s powerful digital platform, offering a comprehensive suite of tools that simplifies international trade and helps to accelerate growth. These include tailored market-entry action plans, real-time global market intelligence, an extensive network of verified providers and local experts, as well as a rich calendar of educational events and webinars. The goal is clear: to help Malaysian SMEs overcome traditional barriers and participate more confidently in the global economy.

    “This partnership with Navigator Global is a landmark achievement for MBSB and for the future of Malaysian SMEs,” said Rafe Haneef, Group Chief Executive Officer of MBSB. “In an era defined by connection, global trade offers significant opportunities for growth. This collaboration aligns with our strategic imperative to empower businesses with the confidence and acumen to extend their footprint far beyond Malaysia’s shores. We see Navigator Global becoming an indispensable ally for many of our SMEs, breaking down the complexity to international commerce and making global markets more accessible than ever.”

    A pilot programme in the UK demonstrated strong impact, having supported more than 2,500 UK businesses in expanding internationally and catalysing hundreds of global connections. The enhanced Navigator Global platform, now introduced to Malaysia via MBSB’s Commercial Business Division, features an intuitive trade tool that generates bespoke export action plans and provides direct access to verified global providers. It is designed not only to inform, but to enable decisive action and sustained international growth.

    “Our collaboration with MBSB represents a significant stride forward in our mission to simplify international trade, and help to accelerate SME growth” said John Carroll, CEO of Navigator Global Ltd. “We are a membership club, that guides ambitious businesses through the international trade journey and offers end-to-end solutions.” SME’s are the centre of the Malaysian success story, they are the inventors, the job creators and the lifeblood of communities. Through this partnership we can help to reduce the cost, time and risks associated with going global. This alliance reflects a shared vision: a more integrated, accessible and prosperous global trade ecosystem, where SMEs get the support they need.”

    Navigator Global directly addresses the core challenges businesses face when venturing abroad, including complexity, high risks of failure and limited visibility of credible partners. The platform offers clear guidance on local regulations and compliance, privileged access to experts, verified partners and comprehensive, actionable market intelligence. This helps SMEs identify and connect with trusted local contacts, significantly streamlining their expansion efforts.

    The platform is available to businesses at any stage in their international growth journey, from identifying their first market, to expanding within existing ones and looking for new opportunities.

  • WCT launches new CSR initiative

    WCT launches new CSR initiative

    WCT Holdings Berhad (WCT) has launched its latest CSR initiative, “Uniting Communities, Building the Nation” (Mengeratkan Komuniti Bersama Membina Negara), at Kampung Sungai Kembong Hilir, Kajang.

    Organised under WCTGives and guided by its pillars of #WeCareTogether and #EducationForAll, the initiative aims to revitalise the village’s balai raya and enhance facilities that support learning, social development, and community well-being.

    As part of the initiative, WCT contributed funds and volunteer support to refurbish the hall’s adjoining toilet, upgrade the badminton court into a multipurpose space, enhance the kitchen, and provide new tables, chairs, and a reading corner equipped with 300 books for local children. These improvements will enable the balai raya to once again serve as a venue for community meetings, cooking classes, tuition sessions, and recreational activities – fostering learning and connection across generations.

    The 80-year-old hall, which had been closed since 2017 due to ageing structures and roof damage, was recently restored by the Hulu Langat District Office and the local community. Building on these efforts, WCT’s contribution further strengthens the hall’s role as the heart of the village, benefitting the 2,000 residents in Kampung Sungai Kembong Hilir.

    In addition, WCT extended its support to 100 families from nearby villages – Kampung Sungai Kembong Hilir, Kampung Rinching Hilir, and Kampung Sungai Kembong Hulu by providing Kotak Rezeki packages containing essential groceries worth RM100 each.

    Launched in 2022, WCTGives embodies WCT’s commitment to balancing profitability with purpose — creating shared value for both business and society through its three core pillars: #WeCareTogether, #AGreenerTomorrow, and #EducationForAll.

     

  • XTransfer and Maybank announce strategic partnership

    XTransfer and Maybank announce strategic partnership

    XTransfer, the world’s leading B2B cross-border trade payment platform, and Maybank, a leading bank in ASEAN, are pleased to announce a strategic partnership to expand cross-border payment and Shariah-compliant solutions through an Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).

    Under the collaboration, XTransfer and Maybank will harness their respective strengths to deliver one-stop cross-border financial solutions, spanning domestic and cross-border payments and FX conversion, across key ASEAN markets, Hong Kong, United Kingdom and United States.

    The parties will leverage new technologies and innovations, including APIs, digital platforms, collection solutions, and virtual accounts, to enable automated, real-time, and seamless FX conversion and transaction processing, enhancing the scalability, efficiency, and reliability of cross-border financial services.

    Recognising the growing demand for Islamic finance-compliant services in ASEAN, XTransfer and Maybank will also explore and develop Shariah-compliant FX and payment offerings tailored to regional needs, broadening financial inclusion and meeting the evolving requirements of businesses seeking Shariah-compliant solutions.

    This comprehensive partnership deepens XTransfer’s Southeast Asia coverage and multi-currency settlement capabilities, while supporting Maybank’s strategy to strengthen its regional franchise and ecosystem connectivity.

    Bill Deng, Founder and CEO of XTransfer, said, “This collaboration with Maybank marks a significant step in elevating our services across ASEAN. With stronger local collection, FX conversion, and potential Shariah-compliant settlement capabilities, we will help businesses reduce costs, enhance cash flow, and improve transaction efficiency. We will continue to strengthen compliance and risk management to build a trusted cross-border financial infrastructure for our clients.”

    Dato’ Sri Khairussaleh Ramli, President and Group CEO of Maybank said, “Together with XTransfer, we can enable more seamless cross-border payments and collections with competitive forex rates for merchants engaged in ASEAN-China trade, and participate in the surging flows between the two regions—now each other’s largest trading partners. Total trade value is on track to reach USD1 trillion this year. This collaboration also opens opportunities to develop innovative solutions for businesses. With Maybank’s presence in the key ASEAN markets, we are truly well positioned to support their cross-border needs.”

  • SC empowers women through investED for Returning Women

    The Securities Commission Malaysia (SC) officially launches investED for Returning Women, a training and re-entry programme designed to support women seeking to rejoin the capital market after a career break.

    The programme will provide returning women with the essential knowledge, skills and opportunities to thrive in the capital market.

    First announced in October this year, investED for Returning Women has received over 600 applications, reflecting strong interest and demand among women seeking structured pathways back into professional employment.

    Applicants’ ages range from mid 30s to late 40s, with many coming from the oil & gas, banking, finance and insurance sectors. Most applicants cited family responsibilities and caregiving as the primary reasons for the career break.
    investED for Returning Women is designed to support women re-entering the workforce after a career break, particularly into the capital market sector. It is delivered in two phases:

    1. REFRESH (professional & personal readiness)
    Focuses on building confidence, reintroducing workplace culture, and enhancing soft skills through career clinics, personalised guidance, and networking to prepare participants for job placement.

    2. RESKILL (technical & market competence)
    Equips participants with updated technical skills and industry knowledge relevant to today’s capital market, supported by structured training, industry exposure, and follow-up support during the first six months of employment.

    These phases provide a comprehensive pathway for women to successfully return to the workforce. Participants who complete both phases will receive RM2,000 in incentive and a certificate.

    SC Chairman Dato’ Mohammad Faiz Azmi said the programme aligns with the SC’s efforts to enhance diversity and inclusion in the capital market workforce, where women represent a substantial part of the talent pool.

    “Among the top 100 listed companies on Bursa Malaysia, over 34% of board positions are held by women as at 1 Oct 2025. With the capital market’s growing sophistication and facing a talent shortage, this programme aims to tap into the experience and expertise of returning professionals to strengthen the market’s depth and resilience,” he said.

    Similar to the approach taken for SC’s investED Leadership Programme, investED for Returning Women combines classroom learning, mentorship, and industry placements.

    The SC will also facilitate potential employment by connecting participants with partner companies. Participants will also receive guidance from seasoned professionals in leading firms.

    The programme is supported by the 30% Club Malaysia, LeadWomen Sdn Bhd, Securities Industry Development Corporation (SIDC), PricewaterhouseCoopers Malaysia Holdings Sdn Bhd (PwC) and Talent Corporation Malaysia Berhad. These partners play an active role in designing training modules and offering workplace placements.

  • NCT Group establishes RM1 billion Sukuk Wakalah programme

    NCT Group establishes RM1 billion Sukuk Wakalah programme

    NCT Group of Companies (NCT Group) marks a significant double milestone — the launch of its maiden RM1 billion Sukuk Wakalah Programme, with Maybank participating in the first tranche up to RM390 million in unrated Sukuk, alongside the ground-breaking ceremony for Phase 2 of its flagship NCT Smart Industrial Park (NSIP) in Selangor.

    The award-winning developer established the RM1 billion Sukuk Wakalah Programme to enhance funding flexibility for its working capital needs and support the Group’s long-term growth strategy, while broadening its access to the domestic debt capital market.

    Dato’ Sri Yap Ngan Choy, Founder and Group Managing Director of NCT Group, said “We are delighted to work with Maybank as our valued partner in our Sukuk Wakalah Programme, a key initiative that strengthens our financial foundation. The Sukuk Programme will provide us with greater flexibility to pursue new opportunities, driving us into the next phase of growth as we continue to deliver developments that generate sustainable value for our stakeholders.”

    The Group has appointed Maybank Investment Bank Berhad as the Sole Principal Adviser and Sole Lead Arranger for the establishment of the Sukuk Wakalah Programme, as well as the Sole Lead Manager for the first tranche of the unrated Sukuk.

    Following the Sukuk announcement, NCT Group also celebrated the ground-breaking of Phase 2 of its 732.5-acre NCT Smart Industrial Park (NSIP) in Selangor.

    With a gross development value of RM2.5 billion, the ground-breaking of Phase 2 underscores NCT Group’s strong commitment to driving industrial transformation and promoting economic growth in the state through world-class development built on the pillars of innovation, digitalisation and sustainability.

    The new phase will build upon the success of Phase 1, featuring similar industrial components with larger plots and enhanced infrastructure to meet the evolving needs of high-technology, logistics, and manufacturing industries. Maintaining NSIP’s core focus on smart and sustainability-driven development, Phase 2 will further strengthen the park’s integrated ecosystem with improved connectivity, upgraded utilities, and advanced digital systems that support automation and future-ready operations for long-term industrial growth. Completion of Phase 2 is scheduled for 2029.

    Dato’ Sri Yap added, “Another key milestone has been achieved today with this ground-breaking. Given the scale and expectations of this project, we are determined to ensure that each phase is completed well within its timeline as we continue to shape the nation’s industrial future. This next chapter brings us closer to realising a smart, sustainable, and globally competitive ecosystem that will elevate the sector.”

    Located within the Integrated Development Region in South Selangor (IDRISS), NSIP is NCT Group’s flagship project and one of Malaysia’s most advanced managed industrial ecosystems that is redefining industrial development in the region while meeting global ESG standards. Once fully developed, NSIP will serve as a key catalyst for the progress of Selangor and the broader IDRISS corridor.

     

  • WonderBrew bags 6 World Kombucha Award medals

    WonderBrew bags 6 World Kombucha Award medals

    WonderBrew, Malaysia’s home-grown brand of kombucha (fermented tea), made history on the global stage by clinching six prestigious titles at the World Kombucha Awards 2025.

    In its first-ever international competition, WonderBrew emerged as one of the biggest winners at this year’s event, clinching one Gold, four Silvers, and one Bronze, across both Taste and Design categories.

    This victory marks the first time a Malaysian brand has won at the World Kombucha Awards and the first time an Asian brand has secured six titles in a single award year.

    The winning entries are:

    • One Gold (Taste) for Passionfruit Mint Kombucha (also WonderBrew’s best-selling kombucha of all time);
    • Three Silvers (Taste) for Nihon Green Tea Kombucha, Mango Jasmine Kombucha, and Raspberry Lemon Jun Tea;
    • One Silver (Design) for Nihon Green Tea (World’s Best Bottle Design Category); and,
    • One Bronze (Taste) for Pink Guava Jun Tea

    The World Kombucha Awards (WKA), now in its third year, is a globally-recognised competition organised in collaboration with Kombucha Brewers International (KBI). It celebrates excellence in the fast-growing kombucha industry by honouring brewers for both quality and creativity.

    This year’s edition was its most competitive yet, featuring 360 entries from 39 countries competing for top honours in 22 distinct categories, up from 250 entries in 2024. Each winning kombucha underwent rigorous assessment by a panel of six accredited judges over a two-day judging session with blind tasting sessions.

    WonderBrew’s success stands as a remarkable achievement, not just for the brand but also for Malaysia’s presence in the global functional beverage scene.

    “We started with a small dream of making kombucha accessible to every Malaysian. Winning these awards among the world’s best brewers is an incredible milestone, and we’re proud to fly the Malaysian flag high in Barcelona,” said Joseph Poh Wen Xian, co-founder and CEO of WonderBrew. “This recognition proves that local innovation and passion can compete with the world’s best.”

    Poh and co-founder Loke Boon Eng (Boon) started the brand on a small scale in 2018 and its offering of naturally-bubbly fermented tea with local flavours has won over thousands of health-conscious consumers.

    WonderBrew has grown to become Malaysia’s leading kombucha producer, with more than 2,000 retail touchpoints across supermarkets, convenience stores, cafés, hotels, and restaurants nationwide. The brand prides itself on sourcing locally and partnering with Malaysian farmers to recycle production waste, reinforcing its commitment to sustainability and community empowerment.

    The brand is well-positioned to tap into the rising global demand for functional and fermented beverages. According to recent industry reports, the global functional drinks market is projected to reach around US$248 billion by 2030, while the kombucha segment alone is forecast to hit US$9 billion in the same period.

    Moving forward, WonderBrew plans to expand its footprint in Southeast Asia and introduce more lifestyle wellness drinks. Its entries featuring Jun Tea (a fermented green tea kombucha with honey), won two of its six medals proving this category has gained global recognition and endorsing WonderBrew’s excellence in this innovation.

  • Razorpay Curlec and NPCI International introduce UPI payments

    Razorpay Curlec and NPCI International introduce UPI payments

    Razorpay Curlec has partnered with NPCI International Payments Limited (NIPL) to bring India’s Unified Payments Interface (UPI) to Malaysia.

    This partnership will empower Malaysian businesses to receive instant payments from millions of Indian travellers through their preferred UPI apps, marking a major step toward seamless and instant cross-border commerce between the two countries.

    In 2024, Malaysia welcomed one million Indian tourists, who spent RM 6.11 billion – a 71.7% increase from the previous year. This growing travel corridor presents an opportunity to further simplify cross-border payments, enhancing convenience for Indian travellers and driving greater business for Malaysian merchants.

    Through this partnership, Indian visitors will be able to pay instantly using UPI-enabled apps to Malaysian merchants, who will accept payments directly via Razorpay Curlec’s platform – settled in ringgit, without the need for international cards or extra integration. This groundbreaking partnership that links one of the world’s most advanced real-time payment systems, India’s UPI, with Malaysia’s fast-growing digital economy will usher in a new era of seamless, instant, and inclusive cross-border commerce.

    Razorpay Curlec will soon be one of the first payment service providers in Malaysia to offer UPI acceptance.

  • MEASAT, Guodian Gaoke and Starwin form strategic alliance to power Sarawak’s digital ambition

    MEASAT, Guodian Gaoke and Starwin form strategic alliance to power Sarawak’s digital ambition

    MEASAT Global Berhad (MEASAT) enters a tripartite strategic alliance agreement with Beijing Guodian High-Tech Technology Co., Ltd. (Guodian Gaoke), and China StarWin Science & Technology Co. Ltd. (StarWin) to offer Internet of Things (“IoT”) services supported by the Tianqi Low Earth Orbit (“LEO”) Constellation in Malaysia.

    Under the collaboration, MEASAT will be the authorised service provider for the Tianqi Constellation’s satellite-based IoT services in Malaysia, leveraging its market expertise and distribution network to drive commercial rollout next year. Meanwhile, Guodian Gaoke will provide the Tianqi LEO satellite constellation and related systems, enabling seamless integration with local businesses and StarWin will supply and integrate certified ground terminals, ensuring compliance with Malaysia’s technical and regulatory standards to support end-user needs.

    The strategic alliance was formalised during the International Digital Economy Conference Sarawak (“IDECS”) 2025 in Kuching, witnessed by Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Haji Abdul Rahman Zohari Abang Haji Openg and Minister of Utility and Telecommunication Sarawak Dato Sri Haji Julaihi Haji Narawi. MEASAT was represented by Chief Operating Officer Yau Chyong Lim, Guodian Gaoke by Chief Operating Officer Guo Zhongjia, and StarWin by Chairman James Li.

    “Digital transformation is key to boosting Sarawak’s economic efficiency and productivity through technology such as Big Data, IoT and Blockchain. To enable this, upgrading our digital infrastructure is essential, where MEASAT and the Tianqi Constellation can play a vital role. Under the Sarawak Digital Economy Blueprint 2030, Sarawak aims to become high-income and developed by 2030, with 96% high-speed internet coverage, 20% GDP contribution from the digital economy, and 100% online delivery of government services. By this time, technologies such as AI, cloud computing, IoT and 5G will empower businesses of all sizes,” said Dato Sri Haji Julaihi Haji Narawi, Minister of Utility and Telecommunication Sarawak.

    Highlighting early success, he noted that a smart farming initiative using IoT had boosted productivity by 20% and farmer income significantly. Sarawak now targets IoT adoption across all agriculture stations, aiming for a 50% increase in yield, 40% rise in household income, and 40% reduction in labour costs.

  • SC and TERAJU to boost capital market access for Bumiputera MSME and MTC

    SC and TERAJU to boost capital market access for Bumiputera MSME and MTC

    The Securities Commission Malaysia (SC) and TERAJU Bumiputera Corporation (TERAJU) have jointly agreed to facilitate better access to capital market financing for Bumiputera micro, small and medium enterprises (MSME) and mid-tier companies (MTC) through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).

    The two-year MoU supports the SC’s ‘Catalysing MSME and MTC Access to the Capital Market: 5-Year Roadmap (2024-2028)’ (Roadmap), which is aimed at increasing MSME and MTC market-based fundraising to RM40 billion in 2028. In addition, this partnership supports SC’s capacity building initiatives as outlined under the Roadmap aimed at enhancing the readiness of MSMEs and MTCs for capital raising.
    The tie-up also aligns with the 13th Malaysia Plan aspirations to scale up SMEs and enable Bumiputera entrepreneurs to compete regionally and globally.

    Dato’ Mohammad Faiz said that Bumiputera companies have significant potential to scale, and capital market financing can be an important catalyst for their next phase of growth. “Through this collaboration with TERAJU, we aim to build a stronger pipeline of investment-ready companies that can raise funds, expand their businesses and compete regionally,” he said.

    TERAJU’s CEO Encik Junady Nawawi said, “This collaboration opens up new pathways for Bumiputera companies to expand beyond traditional financing. By working together with the SC, we are preparing more Bumiputera enterprises to access capital market opportunities with stronger governance, sharper financial discipline, and the confidence to compete regionally and globally.”

    A key outcome from this collaboration is to strengthen the fundraising readiness and leadership capacity of Bumiputera companies.

    This will be achieved through targeted capacity building initiatives, including the creation of the Elevate–TERAJU cohort under the SC’s Elevate programme, led by Capital Markets Malaysia (CMM), an SC affiliate.
    The Elevate programme is an executive leadership and fundraising readiness programme that help MTCs and SMEs strengthen their business strategy, governance, and financial management to meet the standards expected by investors.

    Since its launch, five cohorts, comprising 78 companies have now successfully completed the Elevate programme. Under this initiative, 20 Bumiputera companies from the manufacturing, healthcare, engineering and technology sectors has been selected for the inaugural Elevate–TERAJU cohort, marking the first step toward broader participation in Malaysia’s capital market.
    The MoU will cover the following areas:

    • Build a strong pipeline of Bumiputera companies with the potential to access capital market financing.
    • Explore financing avenues through potential co-investment opportunities with private investors, to support the growth and expansion of Bumiputera companies.
    • Support sustainability disclosures for companies through the adoption of the SC’s Simplified ESG Disclosure Guide and targeted capacity-building programmes.