Category: Uncategorized

  • SCG unveils groundbreaking DECAAR facade system at ARCHIDEX 2025

    SCG unveils groundbreaking DECAAR facade system at ARCHIDEX 2025

    SCG, a pioneering force in building materials innovation, made architectural history at ARCHIDEX 2025 with official launch DECAAR by SCG, a revolutionary façade system that redefines how buildings interact with natural light. The groundbreaking technology was unveiled at The 24th International Architecture, Interior Design & Building Exhibition, held at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Center (MITEC).

    Under leadership of Mr.Chanon Sangkaew, Export Manager, SCG collaborated with AKUBIG X SURIWONG to present cutting-edge building solutions that combine aesthetic excellence with superior performance. The company’s participation was recognized with a Bronze Award in the Best Booth Design.

    DECAAR by SCG: Revolutionary Façade Technology
    Operating under the concept “Build to Catch the Light. Made to Move with Its,” DECAAR transforms static building surfaces into dynamic, light-responsive architectural elements using advanced extrusion technology.

    Three Innovative Product Lines:

    • Modish V: V-shaped profiles that maximize light capture and shadow play, creating façades that perform from sunrise to sunset
    • Modish U: Engineered with light as the primary design element, creating dramatic shadow effects while maintaining structural integrity
    • C-Channel: Delivers precision and uniqueness to architectural works with clean lines and structural efficiency

    DECAAR’s advanced extrusion technology enables complex profiles previously impossible to manufacture, offering enhanced structural strength with lightweight properties, superior weather resistance, unprecedented design flexibility, and reduced installation time.

    Comprehensive Building Solutions Portfolio

    • SCG Smartwood: Merging the natural warmth of wood with fiber cement strength, offering eco-friendly, low-maintenance
    • Next-Generation SCG Smartboard ULTRA: The fiber cement board with three major improvements:
      • 20% enhanced durability
      • Advanced Anti-Mold Technology
      • Eco Heart certification by EPD International, demonstrating environmental responsibility
    • Premium Roofing Solutions:
      • SCG Roman Tiles (Atap Gajah): Market-leading position in eco-friendly roof systems
      • SCG Concrete Roof: Long-lasting color retention and superior structural strength
      • SCG Ceramic Roof – EXCELLA: Innovation-driven roof tiles setting new quality standards

    Market Impact
    DECAAR launch at ARCHIDEX 2025 signals SCG’s transition from traditional building materials supplier to technology-driven architectural solutions provider, with numerous architects and contractors expressing immediate interest in innovative technology.

  • Invest Malaysia highlights country’s growth potential at ASEAN Conference

    Bursa Malaysia (the Exchange) concludes the third edition of its Invest Malaysia 2025 series (IM 2025), which was held in Singapore in collaboration with the Macquarie ASEAN Conference 2025. A flagship programme by Bursa Malaysia, Invest Malaysia strategically profiles Malaysia’s capital market to global investors, highlighting the nation’s robust economic fundamentals, dynamic capital market and growth opportunities that underpin its appeal as a compelling investment destination in the region.

    Co-hosted by Bursa Malaysia and Macquarie, the event attracted over 250 delegates comprising institutional investors and fund managers across the ASEAN region, representing assets under management (AUM) exceeding RM220 trillion (approximately USD52 trillion). Headlined by YB Datuk Seri Utama Tengku Zafrul Aziz, Minister, Investment, Trade & Ministry (MITI) Malaysia, the session also featured Dato’ Fad’l Mohamed, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Bursa Malaysia, and Verena Lim, Macquarie Asia CEO and co-Head of Infrastructure in Asia Pacific for Asset Management.

    In her welcome remarks, Macquarie Asia CEO Verena Lim, cited MITI’s proactive stakeholder engagements as one of the key factors in the considerable growth of foreign direct investment (FDI) into Malaysia in recent years. Referencing Southeast Asia’s economic resilience, Macquarie continues to see investment thematic in areas such as energy transition, digital infrastructure, and social infrastructure.

    YB Datuk Seri Utama Tengku Zafrul Aziz, Minister, MITI, in his keynote address highlighted that shifting global trade dynamics are reshaping supply chains, suggest that open economies such as Malaysia and ASEAN need to be responsive and build resilience. He outlined Malaysia’s priorities as ASEAN Chair to strengthen regional resilience and position ASEAN as an investible asset class, while calling for deeper ASEAN economic integration to safeguard the region’s growth trajectory in an increasingly fragmented global economy. He also added that the current period of volatility could serve as a springboard for Malaysia to accelerate its move into higher-value sectors, with the New Industrial Master Plan 2030 (NIMP 2030) providing the long-term policy certainty, targeted incentives, and “safe harbour” measures needed to secure investor confidence.

    On the sidelines of the conference, Dato’ Fad’l Mohamed, CEO, Bursa Malaysia reiterated Malaysia’s investment appeal noting that “Malaysia’s capital market remains resilient and well-positioned for growth, supported by strong fundamentals, proactive policies and rising opportunities in strategic sectors. Through Invest Malaysia, Bursa Malaysia connects global investors to the diversity, dynamism and potential of our markets. The strong momentum of initial public offerings (IPOs) reflects the confidence of Malaysian businesses, as they expand and tap the capital market to power their next phase of growth.” As at 1 August 2025, Bursa Malaysia has had 39 IPOs listed, a 39 per cent increase year-on-year compared to the same period in 2024. It maintained lead position in the ASEAN region for total number of IPO listings, and total IPOs funds raised.

    “This demonstrates a thriving market where companies are growing, creating value, and offering opportunities for investment. As a multi-asset exchange, Bursa Malaysia remains committed to enhancing the vibrancy and depth of our markets, to support Malaysia’s economic momentum and propel its competitiveness globally,” Dato’ Fad’l Mohamed added.

    Since its inception in 2005, Invest Malaysia has expanded its reach globally with 61 Invest Malaysia Away editions hosted in major financial centres worldwide. In 2025 alone, the series has already made its mark in London (January), followed by the Invest ASEAN-Malaysia in Kuala Lumpur (June) – each reinforcing Malaysia’s position as a vibrant and attractive investment destination.

  • MyCIF surpasses RM1 Billion co-investment mark

    The Malaysia Co-Investment Fund (MyCIF) has exceeded RM1 billion in total co-investments since its inception, a major a milestone in supporting the growth of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in the country.

    MyCIF, set up by the Ministry of Finance under Budget 2019, has been a pivotal force in the financing landscape, utilising equity crowdfunding (ECF) and peer-to-peer (P2P) financing platforms to channel funds into MSMEs.

    Since its inception, more than 9,500 MSMEs have benefited from MyCIF’s co-investments.
    In its Annual Performance Report 2024 released today, MyCIF said total co-investments reached RM1.19 billion as of end-2024, with RM264 million invested in 2024 alone.

    MyCIF has attracted 4.1 times in private sector funding for every ringgit invested, demonstrating a strong crowding-in effect. This saw a 21.4% increase in total private investment.

    The RM1.19 billion total co-investments by MyCIF represents 4.6 times of RM260 million total funds disbursed from the Government to date into the program, demonstrating efficient use of public funds.

    In addition to the General Scheme 1:4 co-investment, MyCIF continues to bolster strategic and underserved segments of the economy through targeted schemes. These include Food Security and Environmental & Social Enterprise Schemes with preferential 1:2 co-investment ratio.
    Co-investments in these segments rose to RM7 million in 2024 from RM3.4 million in 2023, reflecting MyCIF’s strengthened commitment to targeted investment areas.

    Under Budget 2025, MyCIF has earmarked up to RM40 million for promoting innovative Islamic risk-sharing financing through ECF and P2P platforms.

    This allocation complements existing MyCIF schemes and aims to encourage greater adoption of Islamic financing structures (Musharakah and Mudharabah concepts) by offering the following incentives:

    • MyCIF will invest on a first-loss basis in ECF and P2P campaigns based on Islamic risk-sharing models; and
    • For P2P campaigns, MyCIF will additionally invest at 0% financing rate.

    In July 2024, MyCIF introduced the Environmental & Social Impact Scheme to support impact-driven businesses in environment, community, food security, education, and healthcare sectors. The scheme also extends to MSMEs financing Waqf asset development projects within these focus areas.

    To enhance awareness and access to financing, MyCIF hosted its inaugural Nationwide Roadshow in Penang in February 2025, themed “Empowering Financing, Advancing Growth.” The event, supported by the Northern Corridor Implementation Authority (NCIA), aimed to raise MyCIF’s profile and benefits among MSMEs in the northern states of Malaysia.

  • Kajian Shopee dedah pembeli Malaysia kini seimbangkan harga dan kualiti

    Kajian Shopee dedah pembeli Malaysia kini seimbangkan harga dan kualiti

    Rakyat Malaysia masih berhati-hati dengan perbelanjaan mereka, namun kini mereka juga meneliti strim langsung dan video produk sebelum membuat pembelian. Menurut tinjauan pengguna terkini dari Shopee*, walaupun 42% responden masih mengutamakan diskaun dan harga rendah, sebilangan yang lebih besar iaitu 58% kini meletakkan keutamaan kepada kualiti produk dan kredibiliti penjual dalam menentukan sama ada sesuatu pembelian itu benar-benar berbaloi.

    Trend baharu ini menandakan perubahan ketara dalam landskap e-dagang: pengguna masih peka terhadap harga, namun tidak lagi membuat keputusan berdasarkan diskaun semata-mata. Sebaliknya, mereka menggunakan pelbagai ciri yang membina kepercayaan seperti Shopee Live, Shopee Video, kandungan affiliate dan ulasan yang sahih untuk mencapai keseimbangan antara kemampuan dan kualiti. Golongan pengguna ini lebih berwaspada dan bijak, memanfaatkan teknologi digital untuk memaksimumkan nilai setiap ringgit serta memastikan keputusan pembelian yang lebih bernilai.

    Pengesahan Kualiti Produk Melalui Bukti Sosial

    Walaupun harga kekal sebagai faktor penting, pengguna masa kini tidak sekadar mencari diskaun, mereka juga menilai kualiti produk menggunakan pelbagai ciri yang tersedia di platform.

    Lebih 60% pengguna Malaysia memanfaatkan ciri seperti baucar harian, pulangan tunai, Syiling Shopee dan label ‘Lagi Murah’ bagi mendapatkan penjimatan terbaik. Malah, 79% responden melaporkan bahawa mereka menggabungkan pelbagai baucar untuk memaksimumkan penjimatan, manakala 40% aktif mencari label ‘Lagi Murah’ bagi memastikan mereka mendapat harga terendah. Namun, pendekatan baharu ini disertai dengan semakan lanjut menerusi ciri-ciri tambahan seperti Shopee Live dan Shopee Video.

    Sebanyak 83% pengguna menyatakan bahawa mereka menggunakan Shopee Live sebagai panduan pembelian. Penstriman langsung bukan sahaja bersifat interaktif dan menghiburkan, malah turut menampilkan demonstrasi produk dalam masa nyata, interaksi jujur antara penjual dan pelanggan serta promosi eksklusif. Kesemuanya membina keyakinan yang tidak dapat dicapai menerusi paparan produk statik. Pembelian kini bukan sekadar soal harga, tetapi nilai menyeluruh yang dirasai pengguna.

    Kandungan video pendek seperti Shopee Video pula menjadi sumber ulasan pantas dan boleh dipercayai yang menambah keyakinan pembeli. Sekitar 70% responden mempercayai cadangan pencipta kandungan, terutamanya apabila disokong oleh penilaian penjual yang tinggi dan ulasan pengguna yang telah disahkan. Bagi produk atau penjual baharu, hampir separuh responden menyatakan bahawa penilaian penjual dan ulasan pembeli adalah rujukan paling penting. Ini menunjukkan permintaan yang semakin meningkat terhadap bukti sosial dan ketelusan, di mana nilai produk turut merangkumi pengesahan komuniti.

    Menilai Semula Erti “Berbaloi”: Kualiti + Mampu Milik = Pembelian Bijak

    Trend ini mencerminkan perubahan kekal dalam tabiat membeli-belah dalam talian rakyat Malaysia. Pengguna kini tidak hanya mengklik pada produk paling murah – mereka menilai, membandingkan, dan mencari bukti kualiti. Maka, penjual perlu menawarkan tawaran menarik sambil melabur dalam kandungan berinformasi, penglibatan masa nyata dan pengalaman yang membina kepercayaan.

    Bagi memenuhi keperluan pembeli bijak ini, Shopee giat memperkembangkan ekosistem affiliate melalui pelbagai inisiatif daripada menggalakkan lebih banyak kandungan bentuk pendek menerusi Video Missions, membimbing pencipta kandungan berkualiti tinggi melalui Content Creator Club, hinggalah memudahcara padanan affiliate secara strategik antara penjual dan jenama. Usaha ini semakin membuahkan hasil yang ketara: dalam kempen Raya Bersama Shopee dan Festival Fesyen & Kecantikan 5.5 baru-baru ini, affiliate menyumbang kepada 1 daripada setiap 3 pesanan, sekali gus membuktikan peranan besar mereka dalam mendorong penukaran melalui kandungan yang dipercayai dan mudah didekati. Pembangunan berterusan ini mencerminkan komitmen Shopee untuk membekalkan pengguna dengan kandungan yang lebih bermakna dan diyakini, menyokong keputusan pembelian yang lebih bijak serta membantu penjual berkembang dan menyumbang kepada kemajuan ekonomi digital jangka panjang.

    Komitmen ini telahpun menunjukkan hasil yang nyata buat penjual tempatan seperti Mohd Naimran Nordin, pengasas jenama Adnaa yang dikenali dengan busana tradisional elegan dan mampu milik. Sepanjang kempen Raya Bersama Shopee, jualan Adnaa meningkat sebanyak 170% hasil penggunaan alat kandungan interaktif seperti Shopee Live dan Shopee Video. Naimran berkongsi bahawa alat ini “menghidupkan rekaan kami, membolehkan pelanggan melihat kualiti dan potongan secara langsung.” Sepanjang kempen tersebut, Adnaa mencatatkan peningkatan pesanan melalui Shopee Live (116%), Shopee Video (281%), dan yang paling ketara, melalui kandungan affiliate (227%).

    Kejayaan Adnaa menunjukkan mengapa Shopee terus memberi tumpuan kepada kandungan dan komuniti. “Pengguna hari ini lebih berpengetahuan berbanding sebelum ini,” kata Tan Ming Kit, Ketua Pemasaran Shopee Malaysia. “Mereka bukan sekadar mencari harga terendah, bahkan mereka mencari keyakinan dan nilai yang bermakna. Oleh itu, kami melabur dalam alat seperti Shopee Live, Shopee Video, dan memacu kandungan affiliate. Kami mahu memperkasakan rakyat Malaysia untuk berbelanja dengan lebih bijak, dan pada masa yang sama, membantu penjual memacu penukaran melalui pembinaan kredibiliti dan hubungan yang bermakna.”

    Perubahan ke arah pembelian yang lebih bijak ini adalah satu anjakan struktur yang berkekalan. Bagi jenama dan penjual, nilai kini tidak lagi bergantung kepada harga semata-mata, tetapi pada gabungan kemampuan dengan keyakinan.

  • Shopee study reveals: Malaysian shoppers now balance price with quality

    Shopee study reveals: Malaysian shoppers now balance price with quality

    Malaysians are still watching their wallets – but they’re also watching livestreams and product videos before making a purchase. According to Shopee’s latest consumer survey*, while 42% of respondents still value discounts and low prices, a greater number – 58% – now prioritise product quality and seller credibility when deciding if something is truly worth it.

    This emerging trend of smart spending signals a new chapter in e-commerce: shoppers remain price-conscious, but they’re no longer buying blindly based on discounts alone. Instead, they are leveraging Shopee’s trust-building tools such as Shopee Live and Shopee Video, affiliate content, and trusted reviews to find the right balance between affordability and quality. Smart shoppers are more intentional, using digital tools to stretch every ringgit and ensuring valuable purchase decisions.

    Validating Product Quality Through Social Proof
    While price remains a key motivator, today’s shoppers aren’t just chasing discounts – they investigate product quality from readily available tools before buying.

    Around 60% of Malaysians use built-in features like daily vouchers, cashback offers, Shopee Coins, and the ‘Lagi Murah’ tag to find the best deals. In fact, 79% of respondents reported stacking vouchers to maximise their savings, while 40% actively searched for the ‘Lagi Murah’ tag to ensure they’re getting the lowest possible price. But here’s what’s new: shoppers are complementing these tools with deeper research and validation features, especially Shopee Live and Shopee Video.

    Nearly 83% of users now use Shopee Live to help them decide what to buy. These livestreams provide more than just entertainment – with real-time demos, authentic seller interactions, and exclusive deals – they create a sense of trust that static product listings can’t replicate. It’s not just about what is cheapest, but why it’s worth buying.

    Short-form content, like Shopee Video, serve as quick, credible reviews that further build buyer confidence. Around 70% of respondents trust creator recommendations, especially when backed by strong seller ratings and verified user reviews. And when trying out new products or new sellers, nearly half of all respondents consider seller ratings and buyer reviews as their most important reference point. This shows a growing demand for social proof and transparency where product value includes social validation.

    Redefining “Worth It”: Quality + Affordability = Smart Spending
    This emerging trend marks a lasting evolution in Malaysian online shopping habits. Today’s consumers aren’t just clicking on the cheapest item – they’re evaluating, comparing, and looking for proof of product quality. That means offering compelling deals and investing in real-time engagement, informative content, and trust-building experiences.

    In response to the rise of smart shoppers, Shopee is actively expanding its affiliate ecosystem from driving more short-form content through Video Missions, nurturing high-quality creators via the Content Creator Club, and facilitating targeted affiliate matchmaking for sellers and brands. These efforts are beginning to show meaningful impact: in the recent Raya Bersama Shopee and 5.5 Fashion & Beauty Festival, affiliates contributed 1 in 3 orders, underscoring their powerful role in driving conversion through trusted, relatable content. This ongoing development reflects Shopee’s commitment to equipping shoppers with richer, trusted content that supports smarter purchase decisions, ultimately helping sellers grow and contributing to long-term digital economic progress.

    This commitment is already delivering tangible results for local sellers like Mohd Naimran Nordin, founder of Adnaa, a brand known for elegant and affordable traditional wear. During the Raya Bersama Shopee campaign, Adnaa’s sales grew by 170% through the use of Shopee’s content-driven tools like Shopee Live and Shopee Video which Naimran shared, “brought our designs to life, helping customers see the quality and fit in real-time.” During the campaign Adnaa saw orders grow across all features from Shopee Live (116%), Shopee Video (281%), and most impressively affiliate content (227%).

    Adnaa’s success reflects why Shopee is doubling down on content and community. “Today’s shoppers are more informed than ever,” says Tan Ming Kit, Head of Marketing at Shopee Malaysia. “They’re not just looking for the lowest price – they’re looking for confidence and meaningful value. That’s why we’ve invested in tools like Shopee Live, Shopee Video, and driving affiliate content. We want to empower Malaysians to shop smarter and give sellers more ways to drive conversions through building credibility and connecting meaningfully.”

    This shift in smart shopping marks a lasting change. For brands and sellers, value is no longer just about price. It’s about layering affordability with trust.

  • LG Malaysia transforms HVAC industry through AI-driven innovation

    LG Malaysia (LG) is leveraging its outstanding core technologies, AI and intimate knowledge of different industries to deliver HVAC solutions for a smarter, more efficient future.

    The company’s latest breakthrough, the DUALCOOL™ AI air conditioner leverages on the company’s enhanced AI Core-Tech. Key innovative features include the AI kW Manager, which provides users with effortless control over energy consumption. Accessible via the ThinQ app, this tool offers real-time power usage data and allows users to set customised energy-usage limits. The groundbreaking Window Open Detection technology represents a significant leap in energy-saving capabilities, switching the air conditioner to energy-saving mode when it detects sudden temperature changes.

    The DUALCOOL™ AI air conditioner intelligently adapts to each user’s environment by detecting ambient conditions and automatically adjusting temperature, airflow direction, and speed for consistent comfort. The innovative Sleep Timer+ analyses user preferences and sleep patterns, creating the ideal sleeping environment by optimising temperature and operating quietly during rest hours. Additionally, the DUAL Vane™ system and Soft Air function further optimize airflow control for maximized comfort.

    LG Subscribe represents a revolutionary approach to making advanced technology accessible to everyone. More than just a subscription service, it removes financial barriers that typically limit access to premium air conditioning solutions, giving businesses and homeowners easy control over their indoor environment without the burden of high upfront costs.

    “LG Subscribe is our strategic vision of making advanced technology available to everyone. We’re breaking down the barriers between cutting-edge innovation and accessibility, ensuring that intelligent, life-enhancing technologies are not a luxury, but a standard that every business and household can experience. This is how we’re redefining the future of smart living,” said Justin Choi, Managing Director of LG Malaysia.

    The company’s comprehensive product range spans multiple segments, ensuring solutions for diverse market requirements. From residential offerings like ARTCOOL, Premium, Classic, and Lite categories to robust commercial solutions including Single Commercial Air Conditioning, VRF, and advanced Chiller systems, LG showcases unparalleled technological diversity. The range is complemented by 360° Air Purifier and Dehumidifier solutions, embodying the company’s holistic approach to creating comfortable indoor environments.

     

  • Crockfords wins Forbes Travel Guide 5 Star Award for the seventh consecutive time

    Crockfords wins Forbes Travel Guide 5 Star Award for the seventh consecutive time

    Crockfords at Resorts World Genting (RWG) has once again secured a 5-star rating in the 67th Forbes Travel Guide (FTG), making it an impressive seventh consecutive year for the hotel.

    Crockfords stamps its mark as the only hotel in Malaysia to be awarded FTG’s prestigious 5 Star accolade in 2025, being amongst the 539 celebrated luxury properties worldwide to have been accorded this status.

    RWG properties, Genting Grand and Highlands Hotel also stood out among the list of other honourees and award recipients, emerging as Forbes 4 Star Property and Forbes Recommended Property, respectively, making it the eighth year these hotels have upheld their respective recognitions.

    FTG is globally considered as the foremost benchmark of the world’s finest luxury hotels, restaurants, spas and ocean cruises. Its award ratings serve as an authoritative guidepost for guests seeking exceptional travel experiences. The travel guide utilises a proprietary algorithm to weigh excellence in service and quality of the property. Evaluated anonymously by FTG’s expert inspectors, a hotel must receive a high score of at least 90% in all respects from service to the minutest of details to deserve a 5-Star rating.

    “We are honoured to receive a 5-Star rating from the acclaimed Forbes Travel Guide. At Resorts World Genting, we are dedicated to continuously push the envelope for greater gold standard achievements in world class hospitality,” said Spencer Lee, Executive Vice President of Sales, Marketing & Public Relations.

    “This latest distinction from Forbes Travel Guide is a validation of our relentless passion for delivering exceptional stays. Crockfords as a Forbes Travel Guide 5-Star property is a destination unto itself. As an iconic symbol of luxury and thoughtful service from the heart, we take pride in ensuring that every visit is extraordinary and memorable,” said David Leung Ming Sum, Vice President of Hotel Operations.

    Resorts World Genting was recently the proud recipient of the Best ASEAN New Tourism Attraction award at the 34th ASEANTA Excellence Awards in Johor Bahru. The premier resort above the clouds is poised to play host to and receive visitors from all over ASEAN as Malaysia embraces its role as the Chair of ASEAN in 2025.

  • Kenanga Group posts all-time-high RM1 Billion revenue and RM155.5 million operating profit in FY2024

    Kenanga Investment Bank Berhad (“Kenanga Group” or “The Group”) delivers one of its strongest financial results to date for the financial year ended 31 December 2024 (“FY2024”). The Group posted an all-time-high revenue of RM1.0 billion, up 22.3% year-on-year, while operating profit surged 88.7% to RM155.5 million, also its highest yet. PBT rose 33.1% to RM117.2 million, while net profit climbed 31.6% to RM95.8 million.

    Kenanga Group’s strong results were driven by a significant revaluation gain on strategic investments through its Private Equity arm, alongside higher trading and investment income, net brokerage income, and management and performance fees. Increased contributions from associates further bolstered its bottom line, partially offset by credit loss expenses.

    Reflecting this performance, the Board of Directors has declared an interim single-tier dividend of 8.00 sen per ordinary share for FY2024.

    “2024 was another landmark year for Kenanga Group, delivering one of our strongest financial performances to date, despite market headwinds. This milestone underscores the resilience of our diversified business model and our disciplined approach in capitalising on growth opportunities across all our key business segments,” said Datuk Chay Wai Leong, Group Managing Director, Kenanga Investment Bank Berhad.

    Kenanga Group’s Stockbroking division recorded RM363.6 million in revenue, a 17.9% increase from the previous year. PBT eased to RM15.4 million from RM16.1 million in FY2023, reflecting the impact of credit loss expense incurred during the year as opposed to a writeback in the previous year. Amid heightened market volatility and an evolving competitive landscape, the division successfully maintained its retail market share of 25.3%. The structured warrants business remained a key contributor, reinforcing the Group’s position as Malaysia’s leading issuer, with the highest market share in warrants trading volume.
    Its Asset and Wealth Management division posted revenue of RM303.9 million, an increase of 14.9% year-on-year. The revenue was primarily driven from its institutional and retail segments. Despite higher overhead cost, which led to a PBT of RM47.0 million relative to RM58.7 million in 2023, the division’s AUA saw strong growth, closing at RM23.5 billion, an increase of RM1.8 billion year-on-year.

    The Group’s Investment Banking division registered a jump in both revenue and PBT for FY2024, with a 10.0% increase in revenue to RM246.4 million, and an 8.4% increase in PBT to RM6.2 million. This was driven by higher investment income from treasury and fee income, buoyed by a vibrant bond market and capital market.

    Kenanga Group’s Listed Derivatives business continued its growth streak, delivering yet another year of record performance. Revenue climbed 15.3% to RM27.6 million, while PBT surged 24.1% to RM7.8 million, its highest in over a decade. This sustained upward trajectory was fueled by higher trading commissions and interest income, supported by a surge in trading activity across the listed derivatives market.

    “As we enter 2025, our focus remains on growing our core businesses while accelerating digital transformation. By strengthening recurring income streams, optimising cost efficiencies, and expanding product offerings, we are positioning Kenanga Group for sustainable, long-term growth,” added Datuk Chay.

    “With a legacy that spans over five decades, we continue to leverage our vast experience from navigating market cycles, and create synergies across our ecosystem to drive innovation, expand market reach, and create greater value for our stakeholders,” concluded Datuk Chay.

    Beyond financial performance, Kenanga Group remains committed to responsible and sustainable growth. In 2024, this commitment was reaffirmed with the Group’s continued inclusion on the FTSE4Good Bursa Malaysia Index, ranking among the Top 8% of Malaysian public-listed companies.

     

  • Bursa Malaysia wins sustainability award

    Bursa Malaysia Berhad (“Bursa Malaysia” or the “Exchange”) has won the “Best Climate Change Strategy in Asia – Stock Exchange” by Asia Asset Management’s 2025 Best of the Best Awards. This award recognises Bursa Malaysia’s leadership among Asian exchanges for integrating and mandating robust climate change and sustainability practices within Malaysia’s capital market.

    Bursa Malaysia has implemented a comprehensive climate action strategy for Malaysian public listed companies, which includes rigorous sustainability reporting standards for PLCs, developing sustainability intelligence or measurement tools, facilitating green financing, as well as demonstrating thought leadership and undertaking active engagement in ASEAN and global climate initiatives.

    This approach goes well beyond regulatory compliance of enhanced disclosures, to embedding sustainability within business operations, greening supply chains, and facilitating decarbonisation initiatives via access to sustainable financing. These combined efforts are aimed at fostering a low-carbon and resilient economy, supporting Malaysia’s national sustainability agenda to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, while boosting public listed companies’ competitiveness and addressing the growing investor demand for sustainable driven value.

    “This award is a testament to our unwavering commitment to sustainability and our dedicated efforts to combat climate change,” said Datuk Muhamad Umar Swift, Chief Executive Officer of Bursa Malaysia. “As a leading exchange in ASEAN, we believe in setting a high standard for environmental stewardship, and encouraging our listed companies to adopt sustainable practices that make a positive difference, and support progress on global sustainable development goals.”

    The Best of the Best Awards 2025, organised annually by Asia Asset Management, celebrates outstanding performance across multiple areas, including investment management, pension governance, technology applications, securities servicing, innovative product offerings, and leadership in the financial industry. The “Best Climate Change Strategy in Asia” award in particular, recognises an institution – stock exchange, bank, asset manager, insurer, sovereign wealth fund, corporate – in the Asia-Pacific region that has demonstrated exceptional leadership and commitment to addressing climate change.

  • Funding Societies and foodpanda offer 2% per annum financing rates for Bumiputera merchants

    Funding Societies and foodpanda offer 2% per annum financing rates for Bumiputera merchants

    Funding Societies, Southeast Asia’s largest unified small and medium enterprise (SME) digital finance platform, has extended its partnership with Delivery Hero (M) Sdn Bhd [fka Foodpanda (M) Sdn Bhd] to offer exclusive financing for Bumiputera merchants. Eligible foodpanda merchants can access financing up to RM100,000 at a competitive 2% annual rate with a flexible financing tenor of up to 24 months. This limited-time initiative aims to empower local entrepreneurs with the capital to grow and succeed in a challenging market.

    Chai Kien Poon, Country Head, Funding Societies Malaysia, remarked, “The Department of Statistics Malaysia (DOSM) reported that Malaysia’s services sector achieved a total revenue of RM2.3 trillion in 2023, an 8.4% increase from RM2.1 trillion in 2022. Despite this growth, sub-sectors such as food and beverage (1.4%) have yet to recover to their pre-pandemic (2019) revenue levels. To support these businesses, particularly MSMEs, access to cash flow is crucial. We are hopeful that this partnership between Funding Societies and foodpanda can better assist and scale underserved, creditworthy SMEs in this industry.”

    “Furthermore, we are confident that this affordable financing can help food sellers to better restock supplies and prepare for upcoming seasonal growth amidst a potential surge in staple vegetable costs as a result of the recent floods and ahead of the festive season.”

    “We are thrilled to extend our partnership with Funding Societies to offer this exclusive financing opportunity to our Bumiputera merchants. At foodpanda, we believe in empowering our merchants with the tools and resources they need to thrive in today’s challenging market. This initiative not only provides access to much-needed capital at an affordable rate but also reinforces our commitment to supporting local entrepreneurs, especially as they prepare for the upcoming festive season. Together, we aim to drive meaningful growth and resilience for our foodpanda merchant community,” said Tan Ming Luk, Managing Director, foodpanda Malaysia.

    Under this offer, Bumiputera SMEs can apply for Shariah-compliant financing with just two initial documents: identification documents (for directors and the company) and six months of bank statements. The application is fully digital, with decisions provided within days.

    Together, Funding Societies and foodpanda have assisted 500 foodpanda merchants and the latest collaboration aims to build on the momentum. Besides providing essential cash flow and growth capital, by lowering the cost of financing, the collaboration aims to level the playing field and support more underserved micro and small businesses to grow their business within the foodpanda network.