Monday, 17 August 2026 Stay informed. No noise.

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

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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.

Asia Vision Capital’s new Shariah fund connects investors to Johor’s investment opportunity

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Asia Vision Capital Sdn. Bhd. (AVC), a licensed Venture Capital Company registered and regulated by the Securities Commission Malaysia (SC), has launched QJBCCI PLT, a Shariah-compliant Real Estate Fund offering accredited investors structured access to Quayside JBCC. It is an iconic mixed-use development located within the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ), one of Southeast Asia’s most dynamic cross-border corridors.

QJBCCI PLT complements AVC’s conventional real estate fund, QJBCCA PLT, which was launched in January 2025. Both funds operate under a regulated framework where the funds are lodged with SC, with TMF Group as the trustee and Tawafuq Consultancy serving as the Shariah adviser for the Islamic tranche.
These funds provide accredited investors with the opportunity to participate in the development of Quayside JBCC through Redeemable Convertible Preference Shares, standing benefits from quarterly dividend distributions and redemption options after a five-year lock-in period. Backed by institutional-grade governance and oversight, the fund is designed for investors seeking exposure to real estate income streams across hospitality, serviced residences, parking, retail, rooftop restaurants and the development’s prominent LED advertising display.

“JS-SEZ and Rapid Transit System represent one of the region’s most exciting growth opportunities, powered by cross-border connectivity and rising demand for integrated urban destinations. Through our funds, we are pleased to offer accredited investors a structured and professionally managed pathway to participate in this option. This initiative reflects our commitment to unlocking long-term value through disciplined investment, Shariah governance and institutional-grade oversight,” said Ian Khor, Chief Investment Officer of Asia Vision Capital Sdn. Bhd.

AVC targets to raise up to RM 300 million as the initial commitment goal for this development project. To enhance investor experience, AVC plans to launch a dedicated mobile platform by late 2025, offering fund performance updates of its portfolios through web and mobile-optimised dashboards.

As part of its long-term strategy, AVC is also exploring the potential conversion of this mixed-used hospitality development into a publicly listed Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT) by 2032, broadening liquidity options and expanding investor access through public markets.

SC alerts public on impersonation scam involving fake guarantee deposits

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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

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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.

Psychological traps in trading: Octa Broker’s perspective on avoiding costly mistakes

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Even the most seasoned Contract for Difference (CFD) traders can fall into psychological traps—from chasing the hype to holding poor trades out of stubborn hope. Emotional biases can cloud judgment and lead even experienced traders to costly blunders. However, psychological resilience reduces the risk of a loss. Octa Broker, as part of its commitment to traders’ education, explores how emotion-driven decisions can quietly sabotage performance and offers practical guidance for staying focused and disciplined.

Psychological traps in CFD trading
Psychological traps consist of cognitive bias and emotional responses that negatively affect trading decisions. Cognitive bias compels traders from their strategy, potentially undermining their results. Notably, such traps are not exclusive to novices. Experienced traders are not immune to them either, especially when the market is volatile.

Emotions are powerful forces in trading. They can override rational analysis, prompting impulsive behaviour and unwise actions. Empirical findings in trading psychology indicate that investors frequently succumb to fear and greed, two emotions that can cloud their decision-making, potentially resulting in suboptimal profits or, more severely, significant losses.

Understanding six common psychological traps in CFD trading

  1. Fear of missing out (FOMO) drives traders to enter positions based on the anxiety of missing potential profits, often influenced by market hype or social media trends. This behaviour can lead to buying at peak prices without proper analysis. FOMO-driven traders may trade excessively, believing that more trades will increase their chances of hitting a winning opportunity.
  2. Revenge trading. After incurring losses, some traders attempt to recover quickly by making impulsive trades without adequate analysis. This often exacerbates losses and deviates from disciplined trading plans.
  3. Overtrading. A situation when traders try to always be active in the market and take positions without clear signals or strategies. This impatience can result in increased transaction costs and exposure to unnecessary risks.
  4. Gambler’s fallacy involves believing that a series of losses or gains will be naturally followed by the opposite outcome. Driven by the anticipation of an imminent reversal, traders may prematurely try to ‘pick a top’ during a bullish trend or ‘find a bottom’ in a bearish trend, often without sufficient evidence.
  5. Hope vs. strategy means holding onto losing positions, believing that the market will turn in their favour, despite evidence to the contrary. This can lead to significant losses as traders ignore stop-loss rules and objective analysis.
  6. Herd mentality implies mimicking the crowd by following others’ trades without analysis. Herd behaviour may form bubbles or exacerbate market downturns, leading traders to buy or sell too early.

Spotting the signs—when you’re not thinking straight
Be mindful of the sudden impulses to deviate from your trading plan, especially after winning or losing a lot. A shifted risk tolerance, such as opening positions that are unusually large, can be a sign of emotional trading. Other behavioural red flags include:

  • ignoring predetermined stop-loss levels
  • doubling down on losing positions
  •  frequently changing strategies without thorough evaluation.

Recognising these signs is the first step in regaining control and preventing emotion-driven decisions. Here are other tips to stay in control when trading:

  • Plan before trading. Develop a comprehensive trading plan that outlines entry and exit points, risk tolerance, position sizes, and adhere to it
  • Journal your trades to record your progress and monitor your emotional state. This helps identify patterns in behaviour and improve self-control.
  • Use stop-loss and take-profit orders to automate discipline, ensuring that decisions are executed as planned, even in volatile markets. Given the high-risk nature of CFDs, such controls are vital
  • Learn from mistakes. Regularly review your trading history to understand what worked and what didn’t. Reflecting on past errors fosters growth and helps in refining strategies
  • Step away when needed. Taking breaks from trading, especially after a series of losses or even wins, can provide perspective and prevent burnout. As Kar Yong Ang, a financial analyst at Octa Broker, advises: ‘Your worst trades often come when you feel most confident—or most afraid. Mastering trading psychology is what separates short-term reaction from long-term resilience.’

While technical ability and market knowledge form the foundation of trading, psychological discipline determines long-term success. Even a valid strategy can be undermined by emotional biases. By recognising common psychological traps and implementing measures to negate them, traders can improve their decisions and perform more consistently. Constant self-monitoring, deliberate discipline, and emotional mastery are key factors in navigating the complex psychological landscape of trading.

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Disclaimer: This content is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice, a recommendation, or an offer to engage in any investment activity. It does not take into account your investment objectives, financial situation, or individual needs. Any action you take based on this content is at your sole discretion and risk. Octa and its affiliates accept no liability for any losses or consequences resulting from reliance on this material.
Trading involves risks and may not be suitable for all investors. Use your expertise wisely and evaluate all associated risks before making an investment decision. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future results.
Availability of products and services may vary by jurisdiction. Please ensure compliance with your local laws before accessing them.

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

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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.

TikTok Shop and KPDN introduce #ShopSafe Tips

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TikTok Shop has partnered with the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN) to spread awareness on #ShopSafe tips for online scam prevention. #ShopSafe is part of a wider online scam awareness initiative by TikTok Shop to empower Malaysians through education.

YB Datuk Armizan bin Mohd Ali, Minister of KPDN, emphasised, “We are delighted to partner with TikTok Shop to educate Malaysians on best practices when shopping online and to empower them with the right knowledge and tools to #ShopSafe digitally. We have found that a large majority of reported e-commerce scams were conducted outside of legitimate online shopping platforms and apps, where bad actors redirect consumers off-platform to complete transactions, either through phone numbers, suspicious links, or direct debits. TikTok Shop’s dedication to championing the rights and safety of consumers is commendable, and we look forward to combating online scams together.”

TikTok Shop Malaysia’s Director of Strategic Partnerships, Nur Azre Abdul Aziz, echoed the sentiment: “Safety is our top priority at TikTok Shop. We continuously invest in people and technologies for Malaysians to enjoy worry-free and secure online shopping experiences, such as through our robust 15-Day Free Return and Refund Policies. In the first half of 2024, we proactively rejected 20.4 million attempted product listings and two million seller account registrations globally that did not meet our standards. Combatting online scams is a collaborative effort and we are immensely thankful to KPDN for their support in educating Malaysians on our #ShopSafe tips. Together, we can keep our community informed and up to date on new scam trends, along with ways to safeguard each other against it.”

The #ShopSafe tips introduced by TikTok Shop and KPDN include:

  1. Avoid Off-Platform Purchases.
  • TikTok Shop users should conduct all online purchases using only the official app to ensure their protection against scams. TikTok Shop strictly enforces its Product Listing Guidelines and Seller Registration Guidelines, which help to prevent violative products and sellers on the platform. Policies such as the Platform Abuse Policy, Anti-Counterfeit Policy, and TikTok Shop Mall’s 100% Authenticity Guarantee, actively detect and minimise any potential fraudulent activities and deceptive behaviours on the platform.
  • Users should ensure that all online transactions are conducted through TikTok Shop’s secure in-app payment gateways. All purchases can then be verified and tracked on the in-app order history, even when opting for Cash-On-Delivery (COD) transactions.
  • Users should not download TikTok’s apps via external links or APK files. Download TikTok’s apps (which are listed ‘by TikTok Pte. Ltd.’) via the official website (https://www.tiktok.com) and platforms, including the Google Play Store and Apple App Store. Be wary of suspicious links and misspelled websites.
  • By adhering to these #ShopSafe tips, users can avoid common scams, such as false advertising, phishing, COD scams, brushing scams, malware, and more

2. Never Share Sensitive Personal Information With Other People.

  • Users can familiarize themselves with TikTok Shop’s Privacy Policy, which transparently outlines how TikTok Shop protects user data.
  • Users should be vigilant and avoid disclosing sensitive personal information to other people, especially potential scammers pretending to be TikTok Shop employees, authorities, or government officials. TikTok Shop will never ask for users’ sensitive personal information, such as passwords, TACs, and debit/credit card details through direct messaging, phone calls, or emails.
  • As an additional layer of protection, users should activate the 2-step verification feature on the TikTok app, which protects their accounts even when passwords are compromised.
  • With these helpful tips, Malaysians can prevent themselves from falling victim to Macau scams, phone scams, account takeovers, and more.

3. Report Violative Behaviours In-App.

  • Users are encouraged to directly report violative products, content, and sellers on TikTok Shop via the in-app reporting channel, available on every product display page.
  • Users can also reach out to live agents in-app for enquiries about their TikTok Shop orders, via the Help Center page.
  • TikTok Shop is governed by robust 15-Day Free Return and Refund Policies, which facilitate simplified and fair after-sales requests for customers facing issues with their orders on the platform. TikTok Shop does not tolerate any fraudulent or unlawful activities on its platform.

For more information on TikTok Shop Malaysia, please visit:

@tiktokshop_my

SC celebrates investED Leadership second cohort graduation

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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.

insureKU goes live with first native aggregation service

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Censof Holdings Berhad (Censof or the Group), a technology holdings company specialising in financial management software solutions, today announced that insureKU — Malaysia’s first fully digital, end-to-end insurance and takaful aggregator — is now officially live.

Developed by its subsidiary, Censof Maal Sdn Bhd, insureKU is built with the consumer in mind and delivers a seamless, transparent, and user-friendly experience for comparing, understanding, and purchasing a wide range of insurance and takaful products — from life and general insurance to travel coverage and beyond.

Commenting on the service launch, Ameer Shaik Mydin, Group Managing Director of Censof said, “insureKU represents a natural extension of Censof’s vision to empower Malaysians through innovative financial technologies. This service launch is not just about offering insurance online, it is about removing barriers, building confidence, and enabling consumers to make informed decisions about protecting their future. We believe insureKU is a key milestone in that journey.”

The platform currently features travel insurance options for consumers to engage with, alongside plans to expand into other categories later this year, with an initial list of insurance providers that includes Generali, TokioMarine and Tune Protect. Using the service, insureKU is able to help consumers specify, identify, understand and purchase their specific travel insurance product in under three minutes which is a tremendous and empowering time and money saving hack.

“insureKU is built to remove the complexity around insurance decisions and give consumers the clarity they need to feel in control,” said Shadhana Sekaran, Co-founder and Chief Executive Officer of insureKU. “From a single platform, users can compare plans from multiple providers, understand their options with greater transparency, and complete their purchase with confidence — all in just a few clicks. Our goal is to simplify insurance for everyone, and we’re just getting started.”

More Than Just Comparisons – A Smarter, Trusted Way to Secure Coverage

Backed by Censof Maal Sdn Bhd’s decades of experience in developing complex financial systems, insureKU leverages this expertise and the domain experience in insurance of its management team, to enhance how it offers an intuitive, technology-driven solution that places consumer empowerment in their hands.

As one of the earliest authorised participants under Bank Negara Malaysia’s Financial Technology Regulatory Sandbox, insureKU has been extensively developed and tested over the past one year to meet real-world needs. The platform is the first of its kind in Malaysia to offer fully integrated aggregation and digital solutions across both the insurance and takaful sectors.

To shift perceptions and expectations of what insurance can and should be for consumers, insureKU’s service launch focuses on the first step of its long-term planning; education, comparison, and the aggregation of information to allow consumers to make easier, better, and value-driven decisions for their insurance needs. Savings gained through insureKU’s processes are also passed back seamlessly to consumers, aiming to make insurance more affordable over time.

insureKU is committed to continual innovation, with upcoming enhancements including multi-lingual support, expanded product offerings, and user-centric tools such as the Need Analysis Calculator and Financial Budget Calculator — all designed to help users tailor their insurance plans to suit their personal goals and financial circumstances, further simplifying and enhancing the digital insurance experience.

“This is more than a product service launch — it is the beginning of a much needed movement to dismantle the barriers that have long excluded many Malaysians from securing their financial future,” added Shadhana.

To celebrate the service launch, insureKU is rewarding the first 100 customers who purchase travel insurance through the platform with items from a limited exclusive merchandise offering – making it even more rewarding as consumers in Malaysia take their first steps toward easier, smarter, and empowered insurance choices.

For more information and to explore your insurance options, visit www.insureku.com.

UMW Toyota Motor to support Ministry of Transport’s green mobility drive

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UMW Toyota Motor Sdn Bhd (UMWT) is taking a major step in driving Malaysia’s clean mobility transition through a strategic collaboration with the Ministry of Transport (MOT). UMWT has extended a fleet of electrified vehicles to the Ministry, bridging cutting-edge product innovation with public policy development.

The fleet includes five advanced electrified vehicles comprising:
• Three Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEVs), namely the Toyota Alphard, Camry and Corolla Cross, and
• Two Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs), the Toyota bZ4X and Lexus RZ.

This initiative enables MOT to evaluate the real-world practicality, performance and benefits of electrified mobility technologies in daily operations, offering critical insights to inform future planning and policymaking.

“Malaysia’s journey to net-zero emissions by 2050 requires collaboration and action from all sectors,” said Datuk Ravindran K., President of UMW Toyota Motor. “Our support is beyond formality — it enables policymakers to experience the effectiveness of electrified vehicles first-hand. Toyota’s Multipathway approach is inclusive, practical, and tailored to Malaysia’s needs. This ensures that no one is left behind as we move toward a cleaner and more sustainable future.”

This partnership reflects UMW Toyota’s belief that achieving carbon neutrality requires engagement at every level, from individual consumers to national institutions. By aligning with the National Energy Policy 2022–2040 and the National Energy Transition Roadmap (NETR), the initiative highlights how private-sector innovation can help translate national ambitions into practical, real-world outcomes.

Bridging Innovation and Public Policy

UMWT’s experience in hybrid technology reflects its commitment to delivering practical, scalable solutions that meet real-world needs. Through the deployment of its electrified vehicle line-up, UMWT is giving MOT officials the opportunity to experience infrastructure readiness, user interaction and operational dynamics across different electrification platforms. These first-hand learnings will support more informed and evidence-based policymaking as Malaysia moves toward a cleaner, more resilient mobility ecosystem. While full electrification remains a long-term goal, hybrid vehicles continue to offer a swift, accessible pathway to reduce emissions without placing excessive pressure on current infrastructure or consumer behaviour.

“Hybrid technology continues to be a critical enabler in Toyota’s electrification strategy, especially for markets like Malaysia,” said Mohd Shamsor Mohd Zain, Executive Director of UMW Toyota Motor. “It offers immediate reductions in emissions without the need for sweeping infrastructure changes. This makes it ideal for building mass-market confidence while paving the way toward full electrification.”

A Shared Commitment to Sustainable Progress

The collaboration also supports the Low Carbon Mobility Blueprint 2021–2030, which targets 15% xEV adoption by 2030 and 38% by 2040. Through access to a range of electrified drivetrains, the Ministry of Transport can experience these technologies first-hand, offering valuable insights that can inform future planning and infrastructure readiness.

This effort is part of Toyota’s Multipath way journey, which includes Hybrid and Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs), as well as Plug-in Hybrids (PHEVs), Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles (FCEVs), and emerging technologies such as hydrogen and synthetic fuels. The company’s approach is grounded in a full well-to-wheel lifecycle view of emissions, ensuring that sustainability progress is meaningful, measurable and grounded in science.

Rooted in UMWT’s “Move Your World” vision, the collaboration reflects a broader commitment to people-first innovation that delivers practical, inclusive and environmentally responsible progress. This vision is aligned with Toyota’s global mission to ‘Produce Happiness for All’ by creating mobility solutions that go beyond vehicles to improve lives, empower communities, and protect the planet. Through this initiative, UMWT is not only moving people – it is moving policy, mindset, and the nation forward toward a low-carbon, high-impact future.

UMWT’s ongoing engagement with government, industry and the public is part of a larger movement to build a cleaner, more connected mobility ecosystem for Malaysia. From product deployment to policy dialogue and public education, UMWT continues to play a catalytic role in advancing the nation’s shift toward a sustainable transport future.