Inovatif

Tag: investments

  • NCT collaborates with Intrinsic Venture to fuel start-ups

    NCT collaborates with Intrinsic Venture to fuel start-ups

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  • Maybank signs LOI to support JS-SEZ

    Maybank signs LOI to support JS-SEZ

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  • RAM: Malaysian banks on steady footing despite external pressures

    RAM Ratings maintains a stable outlook on the Malaysian banking sector in conjunction with the release of its latest sector commentary, Banking Insight 2025 – Maintaining Momentum.

    While uncertainties from US protectionist measures and ongoing geopolitical tensions could spill over to the domestic economy, it is still too early to assess the full extent of these effects. With the US and China being key trading partners of Malaysia (approximately 14% of Malaysia’s total value-added production), the retaliatory tariff contest may dampen the positive trade momentum and Malaysia’s growth trajectory.

    “Despite these external challenges, we anticipate banks’ credit profiles to hold steady. Banks are also entering the year in strong shape, with still-solid capital buffers and asset quality at its most robust ever,” said Wong Yin Ching, RAM’s Co-head of Financial Institution Ratings.

    Key expectations:

    • Loan growth to hold steady at 5.5% in 2025. Household loans may ease slightly but will likely be the main driver of loan growth, while business loans increase from infrastructure projects and investments.
    • Capital reverting to pre-pandemic levels. The industry’s common equity tier-1 capital ratio declined to 14.3% as at end-2024 (2020-2023 average: 15.3%; end-2019: 14.6%), although still robust. Banks are cautiously raising dividends, with most estimating the impact of new Basel III reforms to be manageable.
    • GIL ratio to remain stable at 1.4% this year. The system’s gross impaired loan (GIL) ratio hit a historic low of 1.44% as at end-2024. Prudent underwriting and potential write-offs will help sustain the GIL ratio amid new challenges.
    • Funding and liquidity profiles to stay sound. As loan growth outpaced deposit growth, the sector’s loans to deposits ratio surpassed 90%. Other metrics like the liquidity coverage ratio and net stable funding ratio were kept healthy.
    • Moderate earnings increase in 2025. While 2024’s non-interest income surge may not repeat, banks are on track for moderate profit growth from stable credit expansion and a low credit cost of around 20 bps.

    RAM’s GDP growth expectation of 4.0%-5.0% for 2025 (2024: 5.1%), though slower, will be driven by domestic demand given favourable labour market conditions and accommodative interest rates.

    Investment activity will gain from progress on multi-year infrastructure projects and greater realisation of record-high levels of approved investments last year, as well as the ongoing rollout of catalytic initiatives under the national master plans. These factors are likely to stimulate business lending. On the retail front, home financing will continue to be a major growth contributor while auto lending is anticipated to normalise in line with the lower total industry volume forecast for 2025. “Beyond these, the overall loan growth trajectory will also inevitably depend on how global external risks and domestic adjustments to fuel subsidies and electricity tariffs unfold,” Wong adds.

    On the asset quality front, the weighted average credit cost ratio of eight selected local banks rated by RAM eased further to 18 bps in 2024 (2023: 23 bps). Banks’ loan loss coverage (with regulatory reserves) is strong, with the average of the eight banks improving to 143% as at end-2024 (end-2023: 134%)
    “Malaysian digital banks are also making a nascent mark on the industry, with all three operational banks ramping up deposit gathering efforts over the past year, driven by high-interest savings accounts,” said Sophia Lee, RAM’s Co-head of Financial Institution Ratings. Digital banks have also recently expanded their services to include lending, strategically focusing on specific customer segments.

    Expectedly, all three digital banks are still far from breaking even, with quarterly trends indicating that losses have yet to peak in view of high set-up costs. “The key hurdle for these banks lies in retaining tech-savvy and price-sensitive customers in a competitive market while managing acquisition costs and scaling up without assuming significant risks. Shareholders have so far demonstrated strong financial support, with all three players receiving additional capital injections in 2024,” Lee adds.

    RAM’s Banking Insight is available for download at www.ram.com.my.

  • AHAM Capital declares income distribution of RM1.11 billion

    AHAM Capital declares income distribution of RM1.11 billion

    AHAM Asset Management Berhad (“AHAM Capital” or “the Company”) has declared a total income distribution of RM1.11 billion for the financial year 2024, spanning across a total of 89 wholesale and retail funds managed by the Company. These Funds encompass a diverse set of strategies and asset classes including equities, bonds, and mixed assets.

    Anton Tan, Chief Officer of Product Solutions of AHAM Capital said, “We are delighted to reaffirm our commitment to delivering consistent income to investors with average distribution yield ranging between 4.0% – 8.0% across our funds. In 2024, our strategic positioning in Malaysian equities paid off, supported by strong market performance driven by policy reforms and a surge in foreign direct investments. Additionally, easing inflationary trends and interest rate cuts by the US Federal Reserve created a supportive backdrop for fixed income markets, contributing to the overall stability of our income strategies.”

    Looking ahead to 2025, Anton adds, “As the global stage shifts under Trump’s new administration, alongside heightened geopolitical tensions and persistent currency volatility, the need for diversification is more critical than ever. Income strategies help provide a cornerstone for portfolio resilience by offering stability and capital preservation in an uncertain environment.

    “While the pace of rate cuts may slow, and interest rates could remain higher-for-longer, the current environment still offers a rare window for income-seeking investors to lock-in higher yields today. We remain steadfast in our commitment to providing globally diversified solutions spanning different strategies, assets and currency classes to help our clients recalibrate and position for the year ahead.”

    The Company’s Select and World Series funds delivered strong income distribution yields ranging from 4.0% to 8.0% across various asset classes and strategies. Notable highlights include the AHAM World Series – Income Fund, which achieved an impressive yield of 8.3% by capitalising on global income opportunities, while the AHAM Select SGD Income Fund and AHAM Select AUD Income Fund each recorded yield of 4.50%, offering investors the advantages of currency diversification. In the Shariah-compliant segment, the AHAM Aiiman Income Plus Fund and AHAM Aiiman Quantum Fund delivered competitive yields of 4.50% and 4.60%, respectively.

    As at 31 December 2024, AHAM Capital’s total Assets Under Administration (AUA) stood at approximately RM89.0 billion, encompassing assets under management, investment advisory, and those under distribution.