Wednesday, 5 August 2026 Stay informed. No noise.

RHB’s net profit up 7.0% to RM1.6 billion in 1H FY2025

RHB Bank Berhad (RHB or the Group) registered a net profit of RM1.6 billion in the first half of its financial year ending 31 December 2025 (1H FY2025), a 7.0% Y-o-Y increase, primarily driven by higher net fund-based income, disciplined credit cost management and improved credit quality, reflecting the Group’s strong fundamentals and prudent risk discipline.

Total income expanded marginally at RM4.2 billion, mainly from higher net fund-based income but partially offset with contraction in non-fund based income. The Group maintained operational stability, supported by prudent cost management, continued strength in capital and liquidity positions. Cost growth was contained at 2.1% with CIR at 47.3%.

Dato’ Mohd Rashid Mohamad, Group Managing Director/Group Chief Executive Officer of RHB Banking Group said, “The first half of 2025 was marked by global uncertainties and industry headwinds. Despite this, RHB remained resilient in delivering performance with sustained growth, lower ECL, and disciplined cost management. Our domestic loan growth tracked well with the industry, supported by sound asset quality. These results underscore our strength and position us well to capture new growth avenues in the months ahead.”

“We remain focused on sharpening the execution of PROGRESS27, our three-year strategic roadmap. The recently concluded strategic bancassurance and bancatakaful partnerships reinforce our commitment to staying relevant to customers, diversifying income streams, and driving sustainable long-term growth. This is aligned to our strategic priorities, enabling us to deliver broader value for stakeholders, strengthen our non-interest income base, and unlock greater opportunities ahead,” added Dato’ Mohd Rashid.

Strong Capital and Liquidity Position
The Group’s total assets rose to RM354 billion, supported by healthy balance sheet growth and prudent capital management. Group shareholders’ equity stood at RM33 billion, with the Common Equity Tier-1 (CET-1) ratio of 15.9% and Total Capital Ratio (TCR) at 18.3%, reinforcing a strong capital position to support future growth ambitions while providing ample buffers against macroeconomic uncertainties. Whereas the Bank’s CET-1 and TCR stood at 14.6% and 17.4%, respectively. Loan loss coverage ratio including regulatory reserves, improved to 116.5%, reflecting sound provisioning practices.

Domestic loan growth of 4.2% (annualised) tracking well against the industry’s 4.3%, while the Group’s GIL ratio contained at 1.51%, and the domestic GIL ratio was below the industry average, demonstrating sound credit quality.

The Group has delivered RM48 billion in sustainable financial services, achieving more than half of its RM90 billion target for 2027. This underscores its commitment to sustainable financing and supporting the nation’s low-carbon transition agenda. Most recently, the Group partnered with Malaysia Rail Link Sdn Bhd (MRL) to activate the RHB-MRL 360⁰ ESG Finance Ecosystem, a first-of-its-kind sustainable financial value chain transition roadmap. Through this partnership, MRL has placed funds in RHB ESG Deposits to finance green and social projects, embedding sustainability into the core of banking while reinforcing the role of financial flows in driving climate resilience and inclusive economic growth.

Outlook: Building on Momentum
Looking ahead, Malaysia’s economy is projected to remain resilient, with strong domestic demand, growth in tourism activity, job creation, and sustained investment activity from both private and public sectors. The Government’s Ekonomi MADANI framework is key to guiding sustainable and inclusive growth, emphasising high value activities, fiscal consolidation, and social equity. Initiatives such as the Energy Transition Roadmap and the New Industrial Master Plan 2030, alongside the steady rollout of structural reforms, are expected to further stimulate investment and economic growth. In this environment, the operating landscape remains conducive for the Group to pursue its growth ambitions under PROGRESS27.

Saudi commits to drive Malaysia’s visitor growth

Saudi’s national tourism brand, ‘Saudi, Welcome to Arabia’ reinforced its commitment to the Malaysian market recently at its B2B trade show, where they hosted over 30 Saudi stakeholders and more than 150 local and regional trade partners to explore collaboration opportunities. The trade show garnered strong support from Saudi Destination Marketing Organizations (DMOs), Online Travel Agencies (OTAs), airlines, and hotels as well as key local travel associations, such as Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (MATTA) and Malaysian Chinese Tourism Association (MCTA) and The Association of Bumiputera Tourism Operators (BUMITRA). The aim was to expand tourism offerings, such as Umrah+ packages within Saudi, diverse leisure destinations, and innovative travel solutions designed for Malaysian travellers.

“We are seeing growing interest from Malaysian visitors to Saudi beyond Umrah. As of June 2025, we’ve recorded a 9% increase in Malaysian visitors compared to 2024 and we are confidently on track to surpass 300,000 visitors by year-end. This robust growth highlights the rising demand among Malaysians to experience Saudi beyond its spiritual offerings, with destinations like the Saudi Red Sea, AlUla, Aseer, and Al Baha gaining popularity,” says Alhasan Aldabbagh, President of APAC Markets, Saudi Tourism Authority. “We are fully committed to working with our travel trade partners to develop tailored packages, promote leisure experiences, to sustain the momentum of this expanding and dynamic market.”

To further enhance accessibility, Saudi showcased its unparalleled air connectivity, facilitated by SAUDIA, Malaysia Airlines, AirAsia, Batik Air, Air Asia X, Air Arabia, to name few. These carriers collectively serve over 25 destinations across Saudi. The trade show also featured an array of B2B incentives and giveaways, designed to highlight Saudi’s accessibility and services:

  • Airline tickets: Including SAUDIA tickets from Kuala Lumpur to any part of Saudi, an AirAsia X return ticket to Medina, Air Arabia return tickets to Abha and Yanbu, and a grand prize of return Business Class tickets from Johor Bahru to Madinah with Amal by Malaysia Airlines.
  • Exclusive prizes: an Alif Dinar Gold Bar from WeXpress; a two-night stay in a five-star Riyadh hotel by Middle East Made Yours; a two-night stay at the Address Hotel Jabal Omar, Makkah; a complimentary 50-seater bus from Makkah to Ala Khutah (courtesy of Ala Khutah, a new Prophets’ Hijra route destination); two-night stays at Maysan Hotels in Makkah and Madinah; and a one-day Maybach chauffeur-driven tour in Riyadh with Talia Tourism.

Innovative products and initiatives were presented to enhance travel experience and support agencies alike:

  • Aroya Cruises: Saudi-owned cruise liner, set to bring’ Malaysian passengers into Jeddah in 2026.
  • Touch ‘n Go partnership: Up to 5% cashback when using the TNG travel card in Saudi, plus a dedicated Saudi app-page with real-time Riyal conversion.
  • WeXpress collaboration: Streamlined logistics support for Umrah travellers.
  • VAT Tax Refund: The Saudi authorities have recently introduced new shopping incentives for travelers and tourists into Saudi Arabia, allowing them to get a tax refund upon spending more than SAR 500.

Recognising the growing demand for diverse travel experiences, new and emerging destinations were introduced to cater to both Umrah+ and leisure travellers.

  • Our Habitas Hotel & Shaden Hotel in AlUla: Participation in Malaysia for the first time showed increasing interest in AlUla among travellers for both religious and leisure purposes. AlUla is becoming a more common destination for Umrah pilgrims, who are now including it in their itineraries for day trips or overnight stays.
  • Al Baha & Aseer (Abha): These newly introduced cool-weather highland escapes are positioned for year-round tourism.
  • Saudi Red Sea: An 1,800-kilometre stretch of pristine coastline split into three regions, where travelers can embark on truly unique adventures.
  • Ala Khutah: a journey 470 km long that follows the footsteps of Prophet Muhammad, retracing the historical route of the Hijrah from Mecca to Medina, and featuring 7 overnight stations and 41 historical sites.

Furthermore, the Saudi Travel Fair will return in 2025 at IOI City Mall in Putrajaya in October featuring curated Umrah+ leisure packages in Saudi from selected travel agents.

Students champion 3R values in PIAM’s #GoGreenWithPIAM 3R Campaign

In a bid to cultivate environmental awareness among Malaysian youth, the Persatuan Insurans Am Malaysia (PIAM) celebrated the achievements of tertiary students from across the country at a recent prize-giving ceremony held at its headquarters. The event honoured nine winners whose creative, inspiring and authentic submissions showcased how they incorporate the practices of 3R into their daily life. This was the first nationwide initiative under PIAM’s #GoGreenWithPIAM 3R Campaign.
The campaign, which took place between May and June 2025, invited Malaysian tertiary students to submit short, creative videos showing how they incorporate the principles of 3R – Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle – in their daily lives. Open to tertiary students, the campaign was designed to encourage personal reflection and storytelling on sustainable living.

PIAM’s Chief Executive Officer, Chua Kim Soon, shared that the initiative came at a time when environmental issues are increasingly affecting the general insurance industry. He explained that, “We have seen how floods and storms are becoming more frequent and severe. As insurers, we help with the aftermath, but we also feel a responsibility to be part of the solution. Through the 3R Campaign under our #GoGreenWithPIAM initiative, we are hoping to bring back simple habits from the past, like using tiffin carriers instead of plastic containers, that can help protect the environment and ourselves.”

He also highlighted how the younger generation brings fresh energy and creativity to such efforts, saying, “What made many of the video entries stand out was how personal and authentic they were. These students didn’t just talk about recycling, they showed how it fits into their lifestyle. Their sincerity, combined with strong editing and storytelling, was impressive and inspiring.”

One of those standout voices came from the Grand Prize winner, Nur Aqilah Binti Noor Hisyam from Perlis, whose video was praised for its creativity and heartfelt message. “It has been a passion of mine for some time now, and this campaign gave me the platform to showcase my commitment to sustainable living,” she said. “Organising a community recycling drive and seeing young children learn about waste really stuck with me, it showed how small actions can spark bigger change. Climate change can feel overwhelming, but I have learnt that simple habits, like using reusables or encouraging others to recycle, do make a difference.” She shared that the prize money will go towards her studies in environmental science and, if possible, a small eco-project like a compost bin or mini garden to keep the campaign’s spirit alive.

The campaign was led by Lee Chiew Lai, Programme Leader of the 3R Campaign and member of PIAM’s Climate Change Action Committee (CCAC). He explained that this first initiative is part of a broader, long-term goal to drive behaviour change starting with young people. “We believe tertiary students are future leaders. If they start building sustainable habits now, they will influence their peers, families, and eventually the wider community,” he said.

Lee added that the campaign was not just about promoting recycling, but about encouraging deeper thinking around reducing waste and reusing materials in practical, everyday ways. “Our goal is to encourage a circular economy mindset. It’s not just about what we throw away, but how we can reduce what we use in the first place,” he said. “This is only the beginning of our #GoGreenWithPIAM journey, and we are excited to continue building on this momentum.”

The campaign received submissions from across the country, with students showcasing a mix of creativity, storytelling and technical skill. Prizes were awarded to nine winners, including a Grand Prize of RM3,000, three Runner-Up prizes of RM750 each, and five Consolation Prizes of RM350.

PIAM hopes to continue engaging the youth through more campaigns in the future, while also expanding outreach to schools and local communities. Chua emphasised that the association is focused on long-term change, not just short-term impact. “Our aim is to encourage lasting habits of environmental responsibility. Through education and awareness, we hope to inspire a mindset shift that stays with people for life,” he said.

RHB-OSK property partnership expands Malaysians’ access to prime overseas properties

RHB Banking Group (RHB or the Group) recently announced a strategic collaboration with OSK Property to offer Malaysians greater access to overseas residential properties through the launch of the RHB Overseas Property Financing solution. This offering debuts with Melbourne Square, OSK Property’s landmark development in Southbank, Melbourne, Australia.

Melbourne Square is a mixed-use precinct offering spacious residences with panoramic city views, extensive green spaces, and convenient proximity to universities, retail hubs, and cultural attractions. This makes it an attractive choice for Malaysian seeking to secure an alternate residence with long-term capital appreciation.

Under this strategic partnership, RHB Premier clients now access Malaysian Ringgit (MYR)-denominated full flexi housing loans for overseas residential properties in Australia. The RHB Overseas Property Financing solution, designed for Malaysians who are neither permanent residents nor citizens of Australia, is applicable for properties in Melbourne and Sydney, Australia (within a 30km radius of the Central Business District). The financing comes with flexible repayment terms, no-cost redraw facilities, and early release options during the construction phase.

The financing solution is also applicable for properties in London, UK (Zones 1-3). This offering is part of the Group’s plan to expand its overseas property financing to key global cities, aligning with market trends and the aspirations of its Premier clients. The product’s features are designed for clients to manage foreign exchange exposure while complying with Bank Negara Malaysia’s regulations.

Dato’ Mohd Rashid Mohamad, RHB Banking Group Managing Director / Group Chief Executive Officer said “RHB remains committed to being the trusted partner for our Premier clients as they diversify and expand their residential real estate portfolios beyond Malaysia’s borders. Property continues to be a time-tested, resilient asset class, offering long-term value and a natural hedge against inflation. Through this partnership with OSK Property, we are offering our clients with seamless financing solutions that enable them to confidently capitalise on premium overseas opportunities like Melbourne Square.”

Ong Ju Yan, Group Managing Director, OSK Property Group, added, “RHB Bank has introduced an innovative and flexible financing product for Malaysians to acquire properties overseas. This unique product can help Malaysian investors and families to fulfil their dreams of owning a property in a prime location like Melbourne Square.”

The partnership was launched at Beyond Borders: Australia Property Investment Outlook, an exclusive event that brought together property experts and investors. Dominic Heaton-Watson, Associate Director of the International Residential Property at Knight Frank Malaysia, delivered the keynote presentation, highlighting Melbourne’s robust economic fundamentals and rising popularity among buyers seeking property for their children’s education.

RHB plans to expand its overseas property financing to include more Australian cities and outer zones of London, aligned with market trends and client needs. The RHB Premier proposition reinforces the Group’s commitment to delivering financial solutions that help clients grow their international real estate investments.

Alibaba Cloud is Selangor’s official cloud service provider

Alibaba Cloud, the digital technology and intelligence backbone of Alibaba Group, has been officially recognised as one of the Cloud Service Provider (CSP) under the newly launched Selangor Multi-Cloud Services (SMC) — a strategic state initiative aimed at accelerating artificial intelligence (AI) adoption and driving digital transformation across Selangor.

Spearheaded by Menteri Besar Selangor (Pemerbadanan) or MBI Selangor via its wholly owned subsidiary Smartsel Sdn Bhd (SMARTSEL), the SMC was launched at MBI Digital Innovation Day by Selangor Chief Minister YAB Dato’ Seri Amirudin Shari. The initiative plays a central role in realising the state’s Smart Selangor ambitions under Rancangan Selangor Pertama (RS-1) and the upcoming RS-2.

As part of its collaboration, Alibaba Cloud, facilitated by its local partner VSTECS Bhd, will provide secure, scalable multi-cloud solutions to support digitalisation across government agencies and state-linked entities.

“We are proud to be one of the official cloud service providers for the Selangor Multi-Cloud Services (SMC) to support the digitalisation for the state. Our collaboration with the MBI Selangor reflects a shared vision to create an inclusive, knowledge-driven digital economy. By combining Alibaba Cloud’s advanced technological capabilities with the state’s bold digital agenda, we aim to build a future where digital innovation is accessible to everyone, from public agencies to students and entrepreneurs,” said Kun Huang, General Manager of Malaysia, Alibaba Cloud Intelligence.

In addition to cloud infrastructure, Alibaba Cloud is rolling out two key initiatives to promote broader AI literacy and accessibility; the Alibaba Cloud AI Toolkit and the “Celik AI Selangor” online learning programme — both designed to make AI technology more accessible to government agencies, educators, students, and grassroots communities.

As part of its support for the SMC rollout, Alibaba Cloud also introduced its AI Toolkit — a comprehensive, all-in-one resource designed to equip users across various sectors with the tools and support needed to begin building AI applications with ease and at no upfront cost.
Tailored to meet the diverse needs of startups, SMEs, students, educators, and enterprises, the AI Toolkit includes:

  • 1 Million Free Tokens per Model – Users receive up to 1 million free tokens across selected large language models (LLMs) via Alibaba Cloud Model Studio — ideal for prototyping, testing, and small-scale deployments.
  • Free Tier and Promotional Credits – New users can access complimentary computing, storage, API calls, and serverless inference through Alibaba Cloud’s Promo Center — enabling low-cost experimentation and development.
  • User-Friendly Tools and Learning Resources – The toolkit supports both technical and non-technical users with hands-on access to real-world tools and datasets, helping accelerate AI literacy and practical application. Free training is also available for non-technical users to understand core AI concepts and apply them to real-world challenges.

In tandem with infrastructure support, Alibaba Cloud also introduced Celik AI Selangor — a new online learning platform created for rakyat of Selangor, the platform provides free access to:

  • Eight foundational AI and cloud computing courses curated to meet Malaysia’s public sector and grassroots needs
  • Alibaba Cloud certifications that can unlock further career and learning opportunities
  • Eligibility for government staff, educators, and students across Selangor

The programme is designed to build foundational AI literacy, especially among youth, civil servants, and educators, empowering the rakyat to become active participants in Malaysia’s digital future.

Through initiatives like the Selangor Multi-Cloud Services, Alibaba Cloud is deepening its role as a trusted partner in Malaysia’s digital ecosystem. Beyond delivering world-class infrastructure, it is also creating pathways for inclusive participation in the digital economy, advancing the nation’s journey toward a high-income, knowledge-based future.

FedEx’s intelligent AI-powered customs solutions to streamline global trade

Federal Express Corporation (FedEx) launches two AI-powered tools — Customs AI and the Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) Code Lookup Feature across Asia-Pacific (APAC) markets, designed to simplify the often-complex process of completing global shipping documents needed for international shipments, empowering businesses and individuals to ship with greater ease, accuracy, and confidence.

Inaccurate shipping documentation continues to be a major challenge in global trade. To address this challenge, FedEx has integrated new tools into its FedEx Ship Manager™ platform at fedex.com, offering customers an intuitive solution to more seamlessly navigate shipment requirements.

“At FedEx, we are driven by our commitment to delivering flexibility, efficiency, and intelligence for our customers,” said Salil Chari, senior vice president of marketing & customer experience for APAC at FedEx. “By leveraging advanced digital insights and intuitive tools, we’re empowering businesses with the agility to adapt, the efficiency to streamline operations, and the intelligence to make better decisions. These innovations not only simplify global trade but also enable our customers to grow their businesses with confidence in an ever-evolving marketplace.”

The Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) Code Lookup Feature assists customers in their selection of correct HTS code for U.S. import clearance. Customers can input an item description, and the system will automatically suggest the most appropriate HTS code options, along with a confidence score, from which the customer can choose.

Currently available in Australia, Guam, Malaysia, New Zealand, Singapore, and the Philippines, Customs AI leverages advanced generative AI technology to help simplify the shipment documentation process. By analyzing customer inputs in real time, the chatbot intelligently prompts the customer to provide a specific item description and assists customers in selecting the corresponding HTS codes, which can be applied directly to shipment documentation with a single click.

Each suggested HTS code also includes a direct link to the official U.S. HTS tariff schedule, educating customers on the selection and ensuring full transparency and verification. The system is updated to maintain regulatory compliance in an evolving trade landscape, helping customers remain compliant with the latest customs requirements while saving valuable time and effort.

Together, these tools deliver a unified solution that simplifies global trade by addressing key challenges in clearance. Customers may benefit from:

  1. Efficient Customs Clearance: The AI-powered chatbot dynamically tailors questions based on the item being shipped, guiding customers through a simplified documentation process that helps them provide complete and accurate data to brokers. This can help speed up clearance and drive compliance for U.S.-bound packages.
  2. More Accurate Duty & Tax Estimation: Proper HTS code classification enables more precise calculation of import duties and taxes, helping customers better forecast and manage international shipping expenses.
  3. Reduced Delays: Specific item descriptions and HTS code classifications from the outset significantly reduce the likelihood of shipments being held during customs clearance, supporting on-time delivery.
  4. Potential Cost Savings: By avoiding errors in documentation, customers can mitigate the risk of additional handling fees, penalties, or delays caused by non-compliance.

To further support businesses in navigating evolving trade regulations, FedEx offers a range of customer-centric initiatives, including webinars designed to provide practical knowledge and insights on customs compliance and global shipping best practices. These webinars, combined with the robust FedEx suite of digital Import solutions such as the FedEx Import Tool and Collaborative Shipping Tool, empower businesses to adapt confidently to dynamic trade environments.

Bridge Data Centres partners with Johor Special Water for Malaysia’s first Water Reclamation Plant facility

Bridge Data Centres (BDC), a leading regional provider of hyperscale data centre solutions, has partnered with Johor Special Water (JSW) to embark on Malaysia’s first Water Reclamation Plant (WRP) integrated within a data centre facility.

The Water Reclamation Plant (WRP) is the first of its kind, repurposing treated effluent from a
nearby Indah Water Konsortium (IWK) facility and converting it into high-grade reclaimed water
suitable for data centre cooling.

The plant applies advanced Membrane Bioreactor (MBR) and Reverse Osmosis (RO)
technologies to deliver superior water recovery and quality. Located at the MY07 campus in Ulu
Tiram, Johor, the initiative is an exciting step forward in aligning high-performance digital
infrastructure with national sustainability goals.

Mr Eric Fan, CEO of Bridge Data Centres, said the project demonstrates BDC’s commitment to
environmental leadership and sustainable growth in Malaysia. “This is more than a technical
achievement — it is an innovative response to growing industry demand for hyperscalers which
vie for water resources. BDC’s investments in infrastructure and technologies in this plant are
anchored on harvesting recycled water for industrial use instead of competing for potable water
supplies”, said Mr Fan.

The plant significantly reduces reliance on potable water and strengthens the long-term resilience
of BDC’s operations, while supporting Johor’s broader environmental agenda. With cumulative
investments in Johor exceeding billions, BDC’s facility in MY07 is designed to support up to over
200MW of IT load across multiple phases and serves cloud providers, AI compute operators, and
mission-critical enterprises across Southeast Asia. More than 200 skilled jobs in engineering, IT,
and operations have been created as part of the MY07 development.

Mr Fan added that the project was designed in full compliance with guidelines issued by the
National Water Services Commission (SPAN), and that BDC worked closely with regulatory
agencies, JSW, IWK, and Permodalan Darul Ta’zim (PDT) throughout the planning and execution
phases.

In addition to the Water Reclamation Plant, BDC’s broader water sustainability strategy includes
rainwater harvesting, condensate recovery, and the exploration of alternative effluent sources to
diversify supply and minimise environmental impact. The plant also features smart water metering
for real-time monitoring, enabling a more efficient and measurable approach to water use.
Currently in its final commissioning phase, the Water Reclamation Plant is expected to be fully
operational by the fourth quarter of 2025. Test runs have already demonstrated water quality
outputs that exceed industry standards.

BDC’s initiative not only sets a new benchmark for sustainable data centre operations but also
positions Johor as a rising hub for climate-conscious digital infrastructure in the region. As the
demand for hyperscale capacity continues to grow, this model offers a blueprint for how the
industry can address resource challenges through innovation and partnership.

BDC currently has six data centres in operation or development across Malaysia.

foodpanda Malaysia launches nationwide rider safety programme

foodpanda Malaysia launches pandasafe, a comprehensive and long-term safety initiative designed to protect and empower delivery partners through a comprehensive, long-term safety ecosystem across the country. This pioneering programme is the result of a strategic coalition with key public and private sector partners including Allianz Malaysia Berhad (Allianz Malaysia), Hong Leong Bank, PERKESO, and Hong Leong Yamaha Motor.

The launch ceremony held at foodpanda’s headquarters, was officiated by YB Anthony Loke, Minister of Transport Malaysia. In his keynote, YB Anthony Loke lauded the programme as a proactive step forward in supporting Malaysia’s growing gig economy workforce.

“The safety of our delivery partners must be treated as a national priority,” said YB Anthony Loke. “I applaud foodpanda and its partners for stepping up with a long-term, structured programme that goes beyond awareness. pandasafe sets a new benchmark for how companies can take responsibility in making our roads safer for gig workers.”

More than just a campaign, pandasafe is a data-driven, multi-touchpoint safety ecosystem — combining education, technology, behavioural science, and financial literacy to build a long-term culture of road safety for delivery partners.

According to Tan Ming Luk, Managing Director of foodpanda Malaysia, pandasafe is a permanent commitment to rider wellbeing, it is not a one-off initiative.

“Our delivery partners are the heart of foodpanda,” said Tan Ming Luk. “Every safely completed order and every rider who gets home safely is a success. With pandasafe, we’re embedding safety into every aspect of our operations, every day. It’s not a seasonal campaign; it’s a permanent shift in how we operate. This is our commitment to our riders, their families, and the communities we serve.”

Under the pandasafe initiative, foodpanda will roll out a range of integrated safety measures, including:

  • Structured rider training programmes focused on safe riding techniques
  • Telematics tools to help riders monitor and improve their riding habits
  • Road safety modules and first aid training, with Allianz Malaysia providing First Response and CPR training, equipping riders with the knowledge to act swiftly in emergencies
  • Social protection education and P-Hailing Safety Induction training, conducted in collaboration with PERKESO, ensuring riders are protected and informed under Malaysia’s safety net framework
  • Defensive riding techniques and braking skills training, supported by Hong Leong Yamaha Motor, enhancing rider control and road awareness
  • Financial literacy and financial safety programmes, led by Hong Leong Bank, to help riders manage their income, plan for the future, and achieve greater financial wellbeing

These components are designed to work in tandem, creating a holistic framework that not only reduces risk but also builds long-term wellbeing for riders across the country.

“Safety is not just a policy — it’s a culture,” added Tan. “And building that culture takes the right partnerships and the willingness to do things differently if it means ensuring our riders get home safely. That’s why this coalition matters.”

With pandasafe, foodpanda Malaysia is setting a bold new precedent moving beyond awareness campaigns to a lasting culture of protection, empowerment, and accountability in the gig economy.

CelcomDigi unveils MobileSHIELD to safeguard customers online

As part of its commitment to protecting Malaysians in the digital space, CelcomDigi Berhad (CelcomDigi) today introduced MobileSHIELD, an AI-powered mobile security app that gives customers full control over their digital safety. MobileSHIELD helps customers to stay protected from digital threats like scams, malicious apps, identity leaks, and privacy threats.

Developed in partnership with F-Secure, MobileSHIELD provides comprehensive, always-on protection through a single, easy-to-use app:

  • Scam & Security Protection: Blocks fake websites and scam SMS, secures Wi-Fi connections, and protects devices during browsing, banking, shopping, or downloading.
  • Identity Monitoring: Alerts users when personal data is leaked online, enabling timely action.
  • Device Protection: Detects and shields against malware and risky apps.
  • Privacy VPN: Encrypts Internet activity to ensure private browsing, especially on public Wi-Fi.

Customers can subscribe to MobileSHIELD via the Celcom Life or MyDigi apps and download MobileSHIELD from the app store.

The launch of MobileSHIELD reflects CelcomDigi’s ongoing efforts to protect its customers in the digital space. It complements a series of educational programmes such as the S.A.F.E. Internet campaign, nationwide scam awareness and reporting efforts, and the annual Trust Circle Forum — all designed to empower Malaysians with tools and knowledge to stay safe online.

Chin Hin Group partners with HK-listed Kingdee for digital transformation

Chin Hin Group Berhad (Chin Hin Group) announces its  Strategic Customer Cooperation Agreement on with Kingdee International Software Group Company Limited (Kingdee), a leading provider of digital management solutions listed on the Main Board of the Hong Kong Stock Exchange and headquartered in Shenzhen, China. This landmark partnership marks a pivotal leap in Chin Hin Group’s digital transformation journey, uniting two market leaders with a shared commitment to set the highest standards, learn from global exemplars, and execute with decisive speed and precision. It aligns with a broader regional vision to set the benchmark for the adoption of digital and AI-driven enterprise solutions across Southeast Asia.

“This is more than a partnership; it is the convergence of vision, ambition, and a shared determination to shape the future of enterprise in Southeast Asia,” said Mr. Chiau Haw Choon, Group Managing Director of Chin Hin Group Berhad. “With Kingdee as our strategic partner and its next-generation ecosystem platform as the foundation of our Enterprise Resource Management (ERM), we are ready to lead boldly into the GenAI era.”

Kingdee, with more than 30 years of expertise and a global customer base exceeding 7.4 million enterprises and organisations, has established itself as a pioneer in cloud-native enterprise management software. The company has been ranked the No. 1 SaaS ERM Cloud vendor in China (IDC, 2020-2024) for consecutive years and continues to push the boundaries of AI innovation.

At the signing ceremony, Mr. Jason Zhang, President of Kingdee Group, acknowledged that today’s agreement is the result of months of close collaboration and strategic alignment. This is a strong alliance that will set a new benchmark for digital transformation in Southeast Asia. We look forward to combining Kingdee’s rapid development with Chin Hin Group’s operational excellence, and to jointly developing AI-enabled capabilities in Kingdee Cosmic AI Service Cloud, making this project Kingdee’s overseas flagship reference.”

The new platform will seamlessly integrate Chin Hin Group’s entire value chain — from building materials, construction engineering, to property development and home living — onto a single, reliable, and intelligent backbone of finance, procurement and supply chain that cohesively links with respective industry-leading front-end operational modules. Built on this foundation, embedded AI workflows and AI agents elevate operations into a fully connected, data-driven ecosystem that powers smarter decisions, sharper efficiency, and accelerated growth.

“This partnership leapfrogs conventional transformation cycles, positioning Chin Hin as a frontier firm in the era of intelligent management, where agility, foresight, and sustainable impact redefine how a diversified group thrives.” said Abel Saw, Group Transformation Officer of Chin Hin Group.

Together, Chin Hin Group and Kingdee are shaping the next chapter of AI-driven digital transformation. This strategic cooperation goes beyond operational synergy — it reflects a high-conviction investment in digital leadership. By fusing Chin Hin Group’s diversified strengths with Kingdee’s AI-native platforms, the partnership is poised to unlock scalable efficiencies, future-proof growth, and set new standards for long-term value creation.