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StashAway launches ETF Explorer

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StashAway Malaysia has launched ETF Explorer, a simple way to invest in Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs) across assets, themes, and global markets in minutes by removing complexities through its intuitive design and transparent pricing. Users can invest in over 80 expertly-selected ETFs across global equities, bonds, commodities, and trending themes like US tech, artificial intelligence, and emerging markets – all without needing a foreign account.

“Many Malaysians we spoke to felt that global investing was only for the financially savvy,” said Wong Wai Ken, StashAway Malaysia Country Manager. “But it has a place in everyone’s portfolio. Whether you’re just getting started or already experienced, ETF Explorer makes it easy to discover global opportunities and make informed decisions that build long-term wealth.”

ETF Explorer is designed to make global investing as intuitive as possible. Users can invest in an ETF in as little as a minute, without having to sift through thousands of different tickers. Each ETF comes with clear, jargon-free explanations, so users understand exactly what each ETF represents and what they’re investing in.

With just USD $1.99 per order and no ongoing management fees — ETF Explorer allows returns to compound faster over time. Dividends are also automatically reinvested at no charge.

Behind the scenes, StashAway’s investment team screens thousands of ETFs worldwide to identify the most cost-efficient, tax-optimised, and well-managed options for each asset class. This allows investors to benefit from professional insights without the high costs of traditional wealth managers.

ETF Explorer is part of StashAway’s mission to make long-term investing simple and cost effective for all Malaysians. It’s designed for investors who want to build their own portfolios with guidance, while those who prefer a hands-off approach can still choose to grow their wealth through StashAway’s managed investment portfolios.

NCT Group establishes RM1 billion Sukuk Wakalah programme

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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

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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

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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

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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 empowers women through investED for Returning Women

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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.

Sunway City Iskandar Puteri is Malaysia’s top smart township

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Sunway City Iskandar Puteri (SCIP) has won Platinum distinction at the Smart Township Malaysia 2025 Awards organised by PLANMalaysia (Jabatan Perancangan Bandar dan Desa) under the Ministry of Housing and Local Government (Kementerian Perumahan dan Kerajaan Tempatan [KPKT]), ranking first among 15 participating townships nationwide.

This milestone marks a historic achievement for Malaysia’s urban development landscape as for the first time, a developer-led township has earned Platinum recognition in a programme traditionally reserved for local councils and government agencies.

The Smart Township Malaysia 2025 Awards operate under the Rangka Kerja Bandar Pintar Malaysia (2019–2025), the national benchmark for smart city implementation aligned with Malaysia’s Smart Nation 2040 vision. PLANMalaysia’s evaluation framework – under the Malaysia Standard ISO 37122:2019 – assesses the performance and level of the townships’ initiatives and implementation against seven key pillars: Smart Government, Smart Economy, Smart People, Smart Living, Smart Mobility, Smart Environment, and Smart Digital Infrastructure.

Chung Soo Kiong, Managing Director of Sunway Property, highlighted that the “This Platinum recognition reaffirms Sunway Property’s leadership in driving Malaysia’s next generation of smart townships. Through Sunway City Iskandar Puteri, we’ve successfully brought to life the seven key pillars set by PLANMalaysia of what a truly integrated, future-ready community is. By harnessing the power of AI, technology, and sustainability, we’re creating connected ecosystems that learn, adapt, and thrive — a model for the smart townships of today and tomorrow.”

Gerard Soosay, Chief Executive Officer of Sunway Property (Southern Region), emphasised that sustainability and innovation has always been at the heart of Sunway’s development philosophy.
“At Sunway, sustainability is embedded into every aspect of how we design and build. As the Master Community Developer, our focus goes beyond infrastructure—it’s about creating smart, connected, and inclusive townships that elevate the quality of life for our community. Sunway City Iskandar Puteri reflects this long-term vision, where smart technologies, digital systems, and sustainable design work hand-in-hand to build resilient communities and a better future for generations to come.”

This Platinum distinction positions Sunway City Iskandar Puteri as the blueprint for Malaysia’s next generation of smart and sustainable townships, showcasing how developer-led innovation can complement national urbanisation goals. The recognition also reinforces Sunway Property’s strategic alignment with Malaysia’s Smart City Malaysia 2.0 and Smart Nation 2040 frameworks, opening new avenues for collaboration with federal agencies and setting the pace for sustainable urban transformation.

Lazada partners with POP MART for faster access to collectibles

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Lazada has partnered with POP MART once again to expedite collector’s journey, delivering a more seamless and enjoyable experience with faster access to sought-after IP collectibles. With Lazada’s new logistics enhancements, fans will enjoy faster deliveries, lower shipping costs and smoother return process.

Starting today, shoppers across Malaysia will enjoy enhanced collector experience with orders dispatched within 48 hours and arriving in as fast as 2 days. Fans can now shop their favourite POP MART collectibles on LazMall with full confidence, knowing they’re buying through a trusted and authentic channel for total peace of mind. The same enhanced experience will also be extended to POP MART fans in Singapore and Indonesia, bringing even more joy to collectors across the region.

Reinforcing the eCommerce Foundation for a More Effortless Collector Journey

The new logistics upgrades are part of Lazada’s broader mission to make shopping not just fast, but also frictionless and reliable. Fans can expect:

  • Faster dispatch and deliveries: Orders will be shipped within 48 hours, and will arrive in as fast as two days
  • Lower shipping fees: Optimised logistics help reduce costs borne by shoppers and make premium art toys more accessible than ever.
  • Hassle-free returns: Shoppers will enjoy LazMall 30-day free return policy, with more localised processes to ensure that refunds are easy and fuss-free.

“As the toy collector community in Southeast Asia continues to grow, we want to make every moment of the shopping journey on Lazada, from discovery to delivery, to feel effortless, seamless and exciting,” said Kaya Qin, Chief Executive Officer, Lazada Malaysia. “These enhancements are about more than speed; they’re about elevating the experience of collecting something you truly love.”

Improving Accessibility for Collectors across Southeast Asia

Lazada’s ongoing partnership with POP MART showcases the blending of commerce and culture, transforming the art of collecting into a multi-faceted experience. The collaboration has enabled Lazada to bring the brand to life through vibrant community experiences and exclusive drops – from the Lazada x POP MART 5 KM Run in Southeast Asia – including Malaysia’s energetic edition on Sunday, 12 October 2025 – to the POP TOY SHOW event in Singapore this August, where Lazada also hosted the brand’s first Regional Super Brand Day (RSBD) concurrently to share the excitement with all its regional fans online.

These touchpoints reflect Lazada’s growing commitment to nurturing Southeast Asia’s art toy movement by improving access and convenience online as well as creating opportunities to connect offline for all fans.

MBSB Bank commits RM1 billion to solar financing

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MBSB Bank Berhad (“MBSB Bank”) announces a dedicated RM1 billion allocation for solar financing, with RM104 million already in the process of disbursement, reinforcing its role as a catalyst in Malaysia’s renewable energy transformation and in advancing the objectives outlined under the National Energy Transition Roadmap (NETR).

“Our RM1 billion allocation for solar financing is designed to empower SMEs and industry players to invest in renewable energy projects that can accelerate Malaysia’s transition to a low-carbon future,” said Jesleigh Johari, Chief Operating Officer of MBSB Bank.

Under its Sustainable and Transition Finance Framework, MBSB Bank has already mobilised over RM4.7 billion in sustainable and transition financing — nearly halfway to its RM10 billion target by 2026.
Through a dual-financing model with MIDF, MBSB Bank offers SMEs a structured pathway to growth via facilities such as the High Tech and Green Facility (HTG), All Economic Sectors (AES), and Low Carbon Transition Facility (LCTF).

Recently, MBSB Bank reached a major milestone by formalising RM1.3 billion in Islamic Financing Facilities for Cypark Resources Berhad, Malaysia’s leading renewable energy and environmental solutions provider
Jesleigh added, “Beyond financing, transformation happens when industries collaborate and share ideas. Our partnership with MPSEA reflects our shared vision of a resilient, low-carbon Malaysia powered by innovation, purpose, and responsible finance.”

MBSB Bank remains steadfast in its commitment to support the nation’s energy transition, empowering businesses and communities to embrace a future powered by innovation, collaboration, and responsible growth.

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

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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.