Monday, 17 August 2026 Stay informed. No noise.

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Chin Hin Group Property introduces Avalton By The Water

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Chin Hin Group Property (CHGP) unveils Avalton By The Water during a special preview event at its new sales gallery, located in Jalan Bandar Hilir, Melaka. This marks CHGP’s first development preview of the year.

Avalton By The Water is a resort-themed, luxurious development spanning 6.619 acres of leasehold land, facing Malacca Island. The project features 539 units across seven residential blocks—six low-rise and one mid-rise—and offers two layout types, each with three-bedroom options. Unit sizes range from 760 to 850 sq ft, with prices starting at RM508,000.

With its contemporary design, Avalton By The Water offers an urban sanctuary surrounded by Melaka’s rich historical sites and coastal heritage. The development draws inspiration from the elegance and strength of flowing water, reflecting the beauty and energy of its waterfront setting.

Ideally located at Jalan Melaka Raya 35, the development provides convenient access to major roads and is just 4 kilometres from Melaka Sentral Bus Terminal and 6.3 kilometres from Malacca International Airport. The North-South Highway is approximately 16 kilometres away, making Avalton By The Water a prime choice for future commutes. Popular tourist attractions, such as A Famosa, Jonker Street, Melaka River Cruise, and Little India, are also within close proximity.

Avalton By The Water ensures exceptional convenience with easy access to healthcare facilities, educational institutions, and leisure spots. It is located near Mahkota Medical Centre, Melaka Hospital, and top schools such as JT International School, SMK Tinggi Melaka, and MMU University Malaysia. For shopping and entertainment, Aeon Mall Bandaraya Melaka, Mahkota Parade, Plaza Hang Tuah, and The Shore Shopping Gallery are all within arm’s length.

Maybank Asset Management launches first in-house Shariah Global Tech Fund to tap AI megatrends

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Maybank Asset Management Sdn Bhd (“MAM Malaysia”) is proud to introduce the Maybank Global Technology-I Fund (“the Fund”), its second in-house global fund and a key addition to its suite of Shariah-compliant investment solutions. Designed for investors seeking long-term capital growth, the Fund aims to offer investors access to high-growth technology companies that are shaping the future of the global economy while adhering to Shariah principles.

Hisham Hamzah, CEO of MAM commented, “The launch of the Fund comes at a pivotal time as financial markets navigate heightened volatility. Following President Donald Trump’s return to office, the U.S. has imposed significant tariffs on key trading partners, including Canada, Mexico, and China, introducing renewed uncertainty in the global economy. Amid these challenges, investors seek resilient investment solutions, and the Fund is designed to meet this need.”

He added, “Concurrently, China’s technological advancements are reshaping the competitive landscape. Notably, a Chinese startup has released a low-cost, high-performance AI model, R1, which has garnered significant attention and is seen as a major development in the AI industry. Keeping up with these rapidly evolving market developments can be complex for investors, requiring the expertise of professional fund managers to identify opportunities and mitigate risks. the Fund offers a unique opportunity to participate in the future of innovation while benefiting from professional investment management.”

As an equity fund, the Maybank Global Technology-I Fund invests primarily in a diversified portfolio of Shariah-compliant equities and equity-related securities of technology-driven companies worldwide. By maintaining at least 75% of its net asset value (NAV) in global Shariah-compliant technology-related equities, the Fund aims to provide investors with meaningful exposure to cutting-edge innovations in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, digital payments, and cloud computing.

Denominated in Malaysian Ringgit (MYR) as the base currency, the Fund is available in both retail (MYR Class) and institutional (MYR Institutional Class) offerings, with a minimum investment of RM1,000 and RM250,000, respectively.

Investors are advised to read and understand the contents of the Fund’s Product Highlights Sheet and Prospectus, dated 6 February 2025, before making any investment decisions.

The Maybank Global Technology-I Fund is now available on Maybank2U and Maybank branches nationwide. To learn more about the Fund, investors can visit www.maybank-am.com.my.

RHB #JOMBIZ empowers over 700 micro-entrepreneurs

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RHB Banking Group (“RHB” or the “Group”) celebrates the continued success of its #JomBiz programme, a socio-economic empowerment initiative aimed at empowering B40 micro-entrepreneurs. Since its launch in 2022, the programme has invested over RM1.1 million, benefitting more than 700 micro-entrepreneurs and delivering an impressive 35% average sales growth within just three months.

The 2025 RHB #JomBiz Award Ceremony celebrated these remarkable achievements of selected micro- entrepreneurs from RHB Jom#Biz, showcasing the programme’s critical role in providing funding, capacity building, and mentorship to Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) from the B40 group and underserved communities. The ceremony recognised the recipients of business incentive funding from Cohort 5 of the #JomBiz programme. Participants undergo capacity-building classes on topics such as social media marketing, sustainable business practices, and financial management. Following these sessions, they present their business plans to a panel of judges, with the top 10 proposals receiving initial funding ranging from RM5,000 to RM15,000 to support their business growth.

Dato’ Mohd Rashid Mohamad, Group Managing Director/Group Chief Executive Officer of RHB Banking Group, emphasised RHB’s commitment to supporting micro-entrepreneurs, “We recognise the immense potential of MSMEs in transforming lives and uplifting communities, but we also acknowledge the challenges they face such as limited access to funding, lack of business knowledge, and the difficulty of building networks within competitive markets. This initiative reflects our unwavering commitment to driving growth, fostering resilience, and empowering participants to overcome obstacles and thrive in today’s dynamic economy.”

At the graduation ceremony of Cohort 5, Dato’ Mohd Rashid also shared inspiring success stories from the programme, including participants who secured franchise opportunities and supply contracts with renowned companies after attending the Franchise Expo Malaysia (FEM) 2024 organised by the Malaysia Retail Chain Association (MRCA). Notably, four #JomBiz participants were recognised at The Star Outstanding Business Awards (SOBA) 2023.

The top 3 winners of Cohort 5’s business incentive funding are:

  • 1st Place Puan Nurul Farhana Binti Amirul Hizan, Hanawarrah Creation Enterprise (healthy dried snack food products) – awarded RM15,000
  • 2nd Place Encik Mohd Shafiq Ezwanie Bin Jafri, Senju Co (pastry and bakery business) – awarded RM12,000
  • 3rd Place Puan Nur Shawani Binti Che Mansur, Wisymadani Resources (agro-tourism and agro-based industry business) – awarded RM10,000

Dato’ Mohd Rashid concluded, “These stories inspire us at RHB to continue providing more platforms for our RHB #JomBiz participants. We hope their success inspires and motivates other micro-entrepreneurs to pursue their dreams.”

RHB aims to expand the #JomBiz programme in 2025 to reach more participants and broaden its impact on Malaysia’s micro-entrepreneur community. The programme will continue to prioritise Asnafs, single parents, and Persons with Disabilities (PWDs), ensuring inclusive opportunities for all.

Learn more about how RHB #JomBiz can help micro-entrepreneurs achieve their goals by visiting https://www.rhbgroup.com/jombiz.

Bursa Malaysia wins sustainability award

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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.

emart24 plans for 5 outlets to be certified halal each month

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Popular Korean convenience store chain emart24 announces its plans to roll out five halal-certified outlets every month this year.

In the recent halal certificate presentation event at emart24 e-kafe, Southville, CEO of emart24 Holdings Sdn Bhd, Vuitton Pang said that besides Southville, emart24 (e-kafé) at Vista Alam in Shah Alam has also received the halal certification by the Malaysian Islamic Development Department (JAKIM).

“Meeting the needs of our customers has always been at the heart of what we do,” said Pang. “Securing halal certification is a significant step in our commitment to offering trusted, high-quality Korean street food that is Muslim-friendly.”

Pang said that emart24 was giving priority to get all its current outlets certified halal. “With our internal processes and standard operating procedures already fine-tuned, we are primed to get five outlets certified halal each month. At this rate, we aim to completely get all the outlets certified halal by next year,” he added.

Also at the ceremony was prominent religious scholar Ustaz Datuk Dr Hj Zahazan bin Mohamed who commended emart24’s unwavering commitment to meeting the needs of the Muslim community. “This halal certification of emart24 reflects its genuine dedication to meeting the highest standards of quality and hygiene while respecting the desires of Muslim consumers.”

“I am certain this will further strengthen the trust and bond that emart24 has built up with its Muslim customers,” Datuk Dr Zahazan said.

With over 80 outlets nationwide and over 800,000 monthly transactions, emart24’s halal-certified initiative further solidifies its position in the market, winning over a larger customer base with its adherence to the highest dietary guidelines and standards of halal compliance.

To meet the rigorous standards of halal certification, emart24 has implemented strict supplier vetting processes, thorough cleanliness protocols, and stringent quality controls. Suppliers are required to submit documentation reviewed by halal executives, with details uploaded to JAKIM’s official portal.

The certification process reinforces the company’s commitment to maintain the highest standards of compliance and transparency.

Malaysia faced 27.9 million online threats in 2024

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Malaysia has moved up the global rankings for web threats, a stark reminder of the escalating cyber dangers lurking online. According to the latest Kaspersky Security Network (KSN) report, Malaysia now ranks 30th worldwide, with a staggering 27.9 million web threats detected and blocked by the global cybersecurity company in 2024, a 4% increase compared to the previous year. This alarming data underscores the critical need for enhanced cybersecurity measures to protect individuals and businesses in the country.

“The rise in web threats detected in Malaysia is a serious concern. Our latest data shows us the growing sophistication of cybercriminals and the urgent need for individuals and businesses to continuously enhance they safeguards against cyberthreats. Neglecting cybersecurity best practices can have severe consequences, from data breaches and financial losses to reputational damage, and event disruption of critical services,” says Yeo Siang Tiong, General Manager for Southeast Asia at Kaspersky.

The Digital Communications Ministry highlighted that no single entity could address the cybersecurity challenges that Malaysia faces today. The threats are complex, multifaceted and evolve at a pace that demands collective action. The ministry views public and private partnerships as an important synergy to address the cybersecurity concerns.

Malaysia is the current overall coordinator of the ASEAN Regional Computer Emergency Response Team (ASEAN Regional CERT), with the aim to build a more resilient digital ecosystem for all. The country is also in the midst of joining the Budapest Convention and the United Nations Convention Against Cybercrime, demonstrating the country’s commitment to combat cybercrime both locally and internationally.

“The Malaysian government’s ongoing efforts to combat cyberthreats are commendable. These steps are crucial in raising public awareness and strengthening the country’s cyber defenses. Staying safe online requires a multi-layered approach, strong passwords, updating software, being vigilant against phishing attempts are just the first steps. You need to utilize robust cybersecurity solutions, so you can significantly enhance your protection against cyberthreats. It is troubling to learn that approximately RM5 billion in losses occurred due to cybercrimes from 2020 to 2024. We urge Malaysians to continue to prioritize online safety and take proactive measures as soon as possible,” adds Yeo.

Kaspersky experts advice the following for users to reduce some of the online risks:

  • Use strong and unique passwords. The weakest link is often the entry point to the platform, which is the password. This should be unique and not one that you re-use on multiple social media platforms. If you struggle to come up with a unique password, consider using a password manager to generate a unique and strong password.
  • Two-factor authentication. While many people choose to use SMS or email as the source of the second verification, Kaspersky recommend using an authenticator app.
  • People you do not know, do not click to read the direct message. There is no reason for you to assume that you should click on any link sent from people you do not know. It may be a goal to chase the influencer wagon and make fast cash, if something sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
  • Talk to your kids on basic safety on social media networks.

FWD Insurance and Arus Academy launch financial literacy programme

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FWD Insurance Berhad (“FWD Insurance”) partners with Arus Academy to empower university students through the Fun(d) for Life – University Edition (FFL Uni) programme. This initiative aims to equip 500 local university students with essential financial skills through a 3-month curriculum that includes training, coaching, and community service.

“At FWD Insurance, financial literacy is something very dear to our hearts, recognising it as a fundamental skill everyone should have. Through this programme, we go beyond education by offering a holistic approach that not only equips young people with the skills to manage their finance, but also provides them with the resources to put their learning into practice,” said Mak See Sen, Chief Executive Officer of FWD Insurance. “By investing in their growth, we empower individuals and cultivate a financially literate society, driving Malaysia’s economic progress.”

“The Fun(d) for Life – University Edition programme equips university students with the financial skills and autonomy to make informed decisions about their futures,” said Alina Amir, CEO and Co-Founder of Arus Academy. “University students are at a pivotal stage of their lives, where building strong financial habits can significantly shape their future careers and personal goals.”

The 3-month FFL Uni programme begins with a 3-day immersive bootcamp focused on setting financial goals, budgeting, and creating comprehensive financial plans, including savings, protection, and investments. Over the course of the programme, students will receive ongoing coaching and mentoring, alongside tools to track expenses, reflect on their financial habits, and develop actionable financial plans. Participants will also document their journey through weekly diaries to raise awareness about financial literacy.

A significant component of the initiative includes eight hours of community service, where participants teach financial literacy to at least 20 peers. By the programme’s end, each participant will receive a meaningful RM3,000 grant, deposited into their savings accounts or as fixed deposits, to support their financial goals and foster long-term independence. With an anticipated reach of over 10,000 beneficiaries through direct engagement and community service, the initiative reinforces Malaysia’s vision of fostering a financially literate, resilient, and economically inclusive society.

Aligned with FWD Insurance’s Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) goals to uplift communities, the program seamlessly blends Arus Academy’s innovative teaching methods with FWD Insurance’s dedication to financial inclusion, working hand-in-hand towards a common goal of nurturing a financially savvy generation. By reaching tertiary students, FFL Uni is broadening its impact on youth of all ages, promoting a more inclusive and sustainable future nationwide. Previously, a collaboration between Arus Academy and FWD Takaful Berhad benefited over 47,108 primary and secondary school students from January to December 2024 through comprehensive financial education initiatives, featuring interactive learning portals, financial literacy camps, and design-focused events in 2024.

The first cohort, comprising 50 students, will begin in February 2025. Interested applicants can submit their application requests to https://arus.cc/FFLUni-registration-of-interest-2025. For more information, visit https://www.instagram.com/fundforlife_uni/.

 

SC launches SARANA to widen financing options for MSMEs and small contractors

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The Securities Commission Malaysia (SC) today announced SARANA, an alternative financing scheme offered by nine SC-registered peer-to-peer financing (P2P) platform operators under the Government e-procurement system.

Effective immediately, this alternative financing option aims to address the working capital needs of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), and small contractors, participating in Government contracts under the scope of supplies, services or works.

SARANA offers two primary financing options, namely:

  • Invoice financing, which supports cash flow post-contract delivery; and
  • Financing for contract implementation (pre-financing), to bridge contractors’ initial working capital needs before a project is executed.

The participating P2P platform operators are as follows:

1. Bay Smart Capital Ventures Sdn Bhd*
2. B2B Finpal Sdn Bhd
3. Capsphere Services Sdn Bhd*
4. Crowd Sense Sdn Bhd*
5. P2P Nusa Kapital Sdn Bhd*
6. FBM Crowdtech Sdn Bhd
7. MicroLEAP PLT*
8. Modalku Ventures Sdn Bhd*
9. Moneysave (M) Sdn Bhd*

*Offers Shariah financing 

With the Government’s support for P2P financing as announced at the Budget 2025 tabling, SARANA provides a viable alternative to bridge critical funding gaps, particularly for companies facing challenges in assessing traditional financing.

This initiative of enabling access to the capital market through P2P platform operators is also in line with the SC’s Catalysing MSME And MTC Access to the Capital Market: 5-Year Roadmap (2024-2028).

Since the introduction of the P2P regulatory framework by the SC in 2016, registered P2P platform operators have played a pivotal role in addressing the financing needs of locally incorporated companies. As of 30 September 2024, P2P financing has raised a total of RM7.9 billion.

For more information on SARANA, visit www.sc.com.my/sarana.

AHAM Capital declares income distribution of RM1.11 billion

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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.

microLEAP Strengthens MSME Support Through SC’s Sarana Scheme

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microLEAP, a Securities Commission (SC)-registered P2P financing platform participates in the newly launched Sarana alternative financing scheme and is scaling its efforts to empower Malaysia’s micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and small contractors by offering innovative Shariah-compliant financing options.

In 2024, 207 out of 208 investment notes issued by microLEAP were fully Shariah-compliant, underlining its commitment to promoting ethical, sustainable, and transparent financing solutions.

Through the Sarana financing scheme, microLEAP leverages on technology to offer SMEs and government contractors faster, more flexible financing options, such as invoice financing and contract pre-financing, enabling businesses to meet their working capital needs effectively.

With RM125 million in financing disbursed in 2024 alone, marking an exceptional 101% year-on-year growth, microLEAP’s impact on the SME landscape is undeniable. Tunku Danny Nasaifuddin Mudzaffar, Founder & CEO of microLEAP, emphasised the critical role of alternative financing in building resilience within Malaysia’s SME sector.

“SMEs are the backbone of Malaysia’s economy, but many still face barriers to securing the capital they need to grow. Platforms like microLEAP are not just filling a gap, but transforming the way businesses access financing. Through Shariah-compliant and online solutions, we are fostering a more inclusive financial ecosystem that drives sustainable growth,” said Tunku Danny. “Through the Sarana scheme, we’re not just providing financing—we’re empowering businesses to grow, scale, and compete in an increasingly demanding environment. Invoice financing, in particular, is a game-changer for SMEs and contractors. It turns their unpaid invoices into immediate cash flow, ensuring they have the working capital needed to fulfil contracts, pay suppliers, and seize new opportunities.”

microLEAP’s innovative approach is built on a foundation of robust risk management, ensuring the confidence of both borrowers and investors. The platform achieved a default rate of just 0.63% in 2024, a 41.1% improvement from 2023, reinforcing its reputation for reliability. Meanwhile, investor confidence surged, with a 61.2% increase in new investors joining the platform last year.

As the only P2P financing platform with offices in Sabah, Sarawak, Johor, Penang, and Perak, microLEAP ensures SMEs across Malaysia can access financing tailored to their needs, regardless of location. This strategic reach is critical to advancing financial inclusion, particularly in rural areas, where businesses often struggle to secure funding.