Inovatif

Category: News & Events

  • Microsoft’s 2025 Work Trend Index: Malaysian workforce and leadership align on intelligent agent integration

    New data released from Microsoft’s 2025 Work Trend Index reveals how the rise of AI-driven intelligent agents is redefining the traditional organisational chart and transforming knowledge work across every job level – from the C-suite to frontline workers.

    The latest data exposes a widening capacity gap, with 61% of Malaysian leaders saying productivity must increase, but 83% of the country’s workforce – both employees and leaders – saying they lack enough time or energy to do their work. This is supported by Microsoft 365 telemetry data, which shows that on average, employees are interrupted every two minutes by meetings, emails, or pings.

    However, with the rise of agents that can reason, plan, and act as digital labour, roles and organisations will reshape to scale capacity as needed. Already, 89% of Malaysian leaders say this is a pivotal year to rethink core strategies and operations – and 86% say they’re confident they’ll use agents as digital team members to expand workforce capacity in the next 12 to 18 months – both notably above global averages.

    “Malaysia is stepping up as a regional leader in AI transformation – and the latest Work Trend Index findings affirm that,” said Laurence Si, Managing Director of Microsoft Malaysia. “With 86% of business leaders confident in using AI agents to expand workforce capacity and more than half already automating entire workstreams, Malaysia is proving how organisations can turn ambition into action and scale impact through intelligent agents.”

    Reimagining teams for higher impact

    As AI continues to democratize access to expertise, the data shows an evolution from rigid and hierarchical organisational charts to more fluid “Work Charts”, where teams are formed around outcomes rather than siloed functions like marketing or finance – mirroring a model typically used on movie production sets today.

    With agents acting as research assistants, analysts, or creative partners, companies can deploy lean, high-impact teams on demand. In fact, more than half of Malaysian leaders (51%) are already using agents to fully automate workstreams or business processes – above the global average of 46%.

    But to maximise impact, organisations need to achieve the right ratio of human and digital labour for specific tasks. The report highlights that employees in Malaysia turn to AI to access capabilities humans can’t provide: 24/7 availability (44%), machine driven speed and quality (35%), and unlimited ideas on demand (31%).

    The rise of the Frontier Firm

    The report points to the emergence of Frontier Firms – a new type of organisation powered by hybrid teams of humans and agents – as proving what’s possible by scaling faster, moving with greater agility, and creating value in new ways.

    Workers and leaders at these Frontier Firms are more than twice as likely to say their companies are thriving and that they can take on additional work. They are also more likely to report having opportunities to do meaningful work. In Malaysia, Frontier Firm workers report notably high levels of opportunity for meaningful work (92%) and ability to take on more work (58%) – far above the APAC average (77% and 21%, respectively).

    Within the next two to five years, every organization is expected to begin the journey toward becoming a Frontier Firm. 44% of Malaysian leaders say expanding capacity with digital labour is a top priority in the next 12-18 months, second only to upskilling (48%). Beyond agents, 84% of Malaysian leaders also say their company is considering adding new AI-focused roles to prepare for the future, such as AI agent specialists, AI trainers, and AI workforce managers.

    AI skills now a top priority

    Both leaders and employees in Malaysia are rapidly building familiarity with AI agents. Nonetheless, countering last year’s findings, which showed employees leading in AI adoption, this year business leaders are ahead of the curve. 68% of Malaysian leaders report being highly familiar with AI agents, compared to just 39% of employees.

    To bridge this gap, 59% of Malaysian managers expect AI training or upskilling to become a core responsibility for their teams in the next five years. Within the same period, Malaysian leaders have greater expectations than global peers that their team’s scope will expand to include redesigning business processes with AI (40%), building multi-agent systems to automate complex tasks (46%), as well as training and managing agents (48% and 44%, respectively).

    Looking ahead

    The findings suggest Malaysia’s early adoption of AI agents could translate into significant competitive advantages over the next decade. From the boardroom to the front line, success will increasingly depend on thinking like the CEO of an agent-powered startup – skillfully delegating to and managing teams of specialized AI agents.

    Organisations embracing the Frontier Firm model are positioned to outperform traditional competitors in innovation speed, operational efficiency, and talent attraction. “AI is more than a shift in tools. It’s a strategic transformation that will be woven into the modern workplace,” adds Laurence Si. “Malaysia is emerging as a model for how AI-powered organizations can transform productivity, empower talent, and lead in the digital economy.”

    Read the 2025 Work Trend Index on Worklab or visit the Microsoft blog and Microsoft 365 Blog to learn more. For all WTI blogs, videos, and assets, please visit our microsite.

  • UOB Malaysia reports record high NPBT of RM2.2 billion in 2024

    UOB Malaysia reported a record net profit before tax (NPBT) of RM2.2 billion and total operating income of RM4.7 billion for the financial year ended 2024. The Bank’s net profit before tax increased by 15.9 per cent (2023: RM1.9 billion), while operating income grew by 2.3 per cent (2023: RM4.6 billion). The Bank’s financial performance for 2024 was disclosed in its Annual Report 2024.

    The increase in operating income was backed by steady growth across all income streams, including net interest income, Islamic banking, net foreign exchange gains and fees and commissions. Meanwhile, total expenses decreased by RM22 million due to disciplined cost management, while total allowances for expected credit losses declined significantly by 52.1 per cent to RM159 million with improved asset quality and lower provisions for both impaired and non-impaired assets.

    In 2024, UOB Malaysia’s gross loans, advances and financing grew by 2.1 per cent to RM109.5 billion (2023: RM107.2 billion), supported by steady growth across both its Wholesale and Retail segments. As the Bank continued to strengthen its balance sheet, it remained focus on growing and maintaining quality deposits, resulting in higher current account-savings account (CASA) ratio of more than 44%.

    Ms Ng Wei Wei, Chief Executive Officer, UOB Malaysia, said, “We are pleased to report another year of strong financial performance, with record net profit before tax of RM2.2 billion. This achievement reflects the strength of our diversified business model, supported by prudent risk management, disciplined cost control and solid performance across our core businesses. Our Wholesale Banking business has made significant strides in advancing the Bank’s sustainability and connectivity agenda, delivering double-digit growth in both sustainable financing and trade loans. On the back of good trade flows, our Global Market income also grew strongly, as we assisted our clients in managing interest rate risks in a volatile environment. Additionally, our expanded retail franchise continues to deliver strong momentum, particularly in credit card and wealth management business, following the successful integration of the Citigroup’s Consumer Banking business.”

    The Bank’s solid credit standing and stable outlook were also reaffirmed by its AAA rating by RAM Holdings Berhad (RAM Group), a distinction it has maintained since 2012. Its capital position remained strong, with a Common Equity Tier 1 ratio of 16.0 per cent and a Capital Adequacy Ratio of 19.4 per cent, well above regulatory requirements, providing a sufficient buffer to support future growth.

    UOB Malaysia leverages its regional network and expertise, supported by 11 Foreign Direct Investment teams across Asia, to connect businesses to opportunities and drive cross-border investments. Aligned with national economic strategies, it supports key growth sectors – from Penang’s semiconductor industry to the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone and Sarawak’s renewable energy, contributing to Malaysia’s diversified economic growth and UOB Group’s goal of becoming a leading cross-border trade bank by 2026.

    In the sustainability space, UOB Malaysia continues to actively champion sustainable financing through our comprehensive framework, validated by credible international second-party opinion providers. As a testament to its commitment to ESG within its operations, UOB Malaysia’s head office, UOB Plaza 1 Kuala Lumpur, was awarded the most energy efficient building at the National Energy Award 2024 and ASEAN Energy Award 2024.

    Recognised for its long-term stability, technological innovation and excellence in service, UOB Malaysia was named Malaysia’s Best Bank at the 32nd annual World’s Best Bank Awards 2025 – Asia Pacific by Global Finance in March 2025. The Bank was also recognised as the Best Bank and Best Sustainable Bank in Malaysia for the International Categories (2025) by FinanceAsia.

    UOB Malaysia’s Annual Report 2024 is available at uob.my/stakeholders/annual/annual.page.

  • SC alerts public on impersonation scam involving fake guarantee deposits

    The Securities Commission Malaysia (SC) cautions the public on an impersonation scam demanding payment under the guise of the SC.

    The scam involves the perpetrators falsely claiming that individuals are “under investigation” by the SC for market offences such as insider trading and market manipulation.

    Victims will then be pressured to pay a “guarantee deposit” — purportedly up to RM500,000 — to avoid alleged legal action, including arrest or prosecution.

    The modus operandi of this scam has the characteristics of a Macau Scam, where the SC’s name has been misused to deceive victims into making payments.

    As a regulatory body, the SC does not endorse any investment schemes, solicit monies from the public or demand deposits in any form for regulatory investigations.

    The SC would like to urge the public to be cautious and verify any investment offers through the SC’s Investment Checker at www.sc.com.my/investment-checker. If you receive any requests for payment claiming to be from the SC or its staff, please contact the SC’s Consumer and Investor Office at aduan@seccom.com.my or call 03 – 6204 8999 to verify or to report it.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  • Alliance Bank expands access to cancer screening

    Alliance Bank expands access to cancer screening

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  • SC celebrates investED Leadership second cohort graduation

    SC celebrates investED Leadership second cohort graduation

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    For more information, visit www.invested.my.

  • Hong Leong Islamic Bank distributes 1,000 food packets to foodpanda riders

    Hong Leong Islamic Bank distributes 1,000 food packets to foodpanda riders

    In conjunction with the holy month of Ramadhan, Hong Leong Islamic Bank (HLISB/Bank) distributed 1,000 buka puasa meals to foodpanda e-hailing delivery riders in its ‘Senyum-Senyum Ramadhan’ initiative, bringing the festive spirit and putting smiles on the faces of foodpanda riders as they continue to deliver food to Malaysians throughout the month of Ramadhan.

    Through its partnership with foodpanda, the Bank has also sponsored buka puasa meals for over 300 foodpanda riders and their families in Melaka, Terengganu, Negeri Sembilan and Perak, spreading warmth, positivity, and appreciation in the community.

    Dafinah Ahmed Hilmi, Chief Executive Officer of HLISB commented on the impactful event, “Ramadhan is a time for gratitude and appreciation, and for many Muslims, it represents an opportunity to give back to the community. This year, we wanted to recognise the sacrifice and dedication of our e-hailing delivery riders, who in many ways are the unsung heroes of our country, especially during festive seasons. During Ramadhan, they brave the heavy traffic and face high volumes of orders, with a majority of them fasting themselves. At HLISB, we wanted to find a way to appreciate their sacrifices, give back to this community, and bring a smile to these riders, which led to us forging our partnership with foodpanda.”

    The Bank’s partnership with foodpanda to sponsor and distribute buka puasa meals to delivery riders is aligned with its Raya theme of “Amal”, where it encourages Malaysians to engage in good deeds which will lead to positive outcomes and multiplied rewards. This concept of “Amal” extends beyond doing good, and also includes inculcating healthy financial habits. The Bank highlights that robust financial habits such as consistent savings, regular investing, and smart protection strategies can set Malaysians up for a brighter financial future.

    Zalman Zainal, Hong Leong Bank’s (HLB) Chief Marketing and Communications Officer, who also heads the Bank’s CSR department, commented, “We at HLB and HLISB have always been committed to engaging in community investment initiatives, where we not only give back to the community but also actively work to uplift and empower them towards a brighter future. With the spirit of “Amal”, we want to continue putting our words to action and engage in more community-centric initiatives such as this one with foodpanda, bringing the Raya spirit and recognising the hardships of these unsung heroes. We believe that good habits, generosity, and kindness are important values to instill, which are the reasons for our smiles as we reap the rewards of a brighter future ahead.”

    HLB and HLISB have a proud tradition of community service during festive seasons, with the Bank organizing Employee Donation Drives where employees donate meal kits and essential goods to welfare homes across the country. Since its inception in 2019, the Bank’s employees have donated more than RM100,000 worth of food, goods, and household items to welfare homes. Employees also regularly engage in spring cleaning initiatives at welfare homes, ensuring that these underserved communities receive the help and support they need.

    In conjunction with the Raya season and to highlight its “Amal” theme, the Bank recently unveiled its Raya campaign with brand ambassador Alif Satar, which features a Raya song and music video titled ‘Senyum-Senyum Raya’, presented by Alif Satar & The Locos. Besides bringing about a positive Raya spirit, the song also emphasises on the importance of good deeds that can multiply and be the reason for your smile this Raya season.

    Senyum-Senyum Raya is available to stream on Spotify and Apple Music, and the music video can be seen on HLB’s YouTube Channel. You may watch the music video here: https://youtu.be/3Tm4O0uNxxA?si=GY1xPTeEFz1R_st7

  • ARC Group commemorates 10 Years with flagship forum in Kuala Lumpur

    ARC Group commemorates 10 Years with flagship forum in Kuala Lumpur

    ARC Group recently hosted the Capital Markets & M&A Forum 2025: Malaysia Edition, bringing together over 400 distinguished guests, including senior executives, investors, legal and advisory professionals and entrepreneurs.

    Themed around growth, strategy, and cross-border collaboration, this year’s forum offered timely insights into Southeast Asia’s evolving financial landscape, bridging capital markets, mergers and acquisitions and long-term economic strategy.

    The event featured international expertise as speakers and panelist, including Arc Group’s local venture partner, Paul Chong who provided a strategic deep dive into “Going Public – Choosing Between IPO, RTO, and De-SPAC. Drawing on his vast experience in global capital markets, Paul Chong delivered a nuanced comparison of public listing routes, offering actionable insights for Malaysian and regional companies considering international capital markets.

    Other featured sessions include topics such as ‘Company Preparations for Going Public’, “From Startup to Exit” and “The Future of M&A in Emerging Asia”. The Forum was closed by Xi Zhang, Partner at ARC Group who delivered a thought-provoking keynote on “China 2030 and Implications for Southeast Asia”, offering macroeconomic lens on China’s long-term transformation and actionable takeaways for ASEAN businesses navigating trade shifts, digital acceleration, and supply chain evolution.

    The event also marked the firm’s 10th anniversary. Carlos Lopez, COO of ARC Group commented, “These events have always held a special place for us—not just as platforms for sharing insights, but for building lasting relationships. This year’s forum was particularly meaningful as we marked ARC Group’s 10-year anniversary. It was a proud moment to reflect on how far we’ve come, and an inspiring one to envision where we’re headed next.”

  • Maybank Investment Banking Group named Syndicated Loan House of the Year in Malaysia and Vietnam

    Maybank Investment Banking Group named Syndicated Loan House of the Year in Malaysia and Vietnam

    Maybank Investment Banking Group (Maybank IBG) continues to stamp its leadership in Southeast Asia, winning recognition from the Asia Pacific Loan Market Association (APLMA) as Syndicated Loan House of the Year in Malaysia for the fifth consecutive year and in Vietnam for the fourth consecutive year.

    The repeat wins are even more impressive given that 2024 loan volumes were concentrated on fewer deals in both countries. Nonetheless loan volumes rebounded by +1.9% in Malaysia and +13.2% in Vietnam, boosted by a couple of mega transactions that closed in 2024.

    The Asia Pacific Syndicated Loan Market Awards 2024 recognised outstanding achievements across 32 categories, with winners selected through an independent vote by more than 400 APLMA members, without any application or promotion process.

    Michael Oh-Lau, Chief Executive Officer, Maybank Investment Banking Group, said, “Maybank IBG is proud to receive these accolades once again from our peers in the APLMA, attesting to our market leading position in Malaysia and Vietnam. Despite a cautious sentiment in 2024, we remained watchful to unlock opportunities for our clients. Our strong network combined with our commitment to sustainability and Islamic finance position us at the forefront of investment banking in the region.”

    In 2024, Maybank IBG was mandated as the sole Coordinator Bank for various onshore and offshore syndicated transactions. Among the key deals were the refinancing of the iconic Battersea Power Station building in London under PNB-Kwasa International 2 Limited’s GBP1.11 billion Syndicated Green Loan Facility; Yarra Park City’s AUD265 million Syndicated Term Loan facility to part finance the development of a residential apartment in Melbourne; and the USD400 million dual tranche (Islamic and conventional) Syndicated Term Financing for Bumi Armada Holdings Labuan Limited.

    In Vietnam, Maybank IBG acted as the Mandated Lead Arranger, Underwriter and Bookrunner for Vietnam Prosperity Bank’s Syndicated USD400 million Green Loan facility as well as the back-to-back syndications for Vinpearl and Vingroup that raised USD200 million and USD115 million respectively.
    Michael added, “These are high profile repeat mandates that successfully closed with overwhelming response from the market — a testament of Maybank’s ability to structure, underwrite, distribute and arrange successful fundraising exercises for our clients.

    “For 2025, we expect overall loan volumes to remain robust, supported by favourable economic recovery conditions, good local market dynamics and positive regional trends. Sectors of focus in Malaysia are in
    line with strategic government investments, such as real estate and data centres as well as potential infrastructure projects that will continue to drive loan activities.”