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First Phosphate Announces Intention to Complete Non-Brokered Private Placement to Accommodate Demand from Existing Investor

Saguenay, Quebec – Newsfile Corp. – August 5, 2025 – First Phosphate Corp. (CSE: PHOS) (OTCQB: FRSPF) (FSE: KD0) (“First Phosphate” or the “Company”) is pleased to announce a non-brokered private placement for gross proceeds of a minimum of $1 million to accommodate demand from an existing investor (the “Offering“). The Offering is anticipated to consist of any combination of: Flow-through shares of the Company (“Flow-Through Shares“) at a price of $0.50 per share (“Flow-Through Offering“); and Hard dollar units of the Company (“Hard Dollar Unit“) at a price of $0.50 per Hard Dollar Unit (the “Hard Dollar Unit Offering“), with each Hard Dollar Unit comprised of: (i) one common share in the capital of the Company (“Common Share“), and (ii) one half of one Common Share purchase warrant (“Warrant“) with each whole Warrant exercisable for one Common Share at a price of $0.50 per Common Share until December 31, 2025, subject to an Accelerated Expiry Date (as defined below). The gross proceeds from the Flow-Through Offering will be used to incur “Canadian exploration expenses” that are “flow-through mining expenditures” (as such terms are defined in the Income Tax Act (Canada)) related to the Company’s projects in Québec. The net proceeds received from the Hard Dollar Unit Offering will be used for exploration and development activities, working capital and for general corporate purposes. The Offering is expected to close on or about August 22, 2025, or such other date or dates as may be determined by the Company. All securities issued under the Offering will be subject to a four-month and one day statutory hold period in accordance with applicable securities laws. In connection with the Offering, eligible finders will be paid: (i) a fee consisting of up to 8% of the gross proceeds raised from subscribers introduced by them, and (ii) such number of compensation warrants (“Compensation Warrants“) as is equivalent of up to 8% of the number of Hard Dollar Units or Flow-Through Shares issued to subscribers introduced by them. Each Compensation Warrant shall entitle the holder thereof to acquire one Common Share at a price of $0.50 per share until December 31, 2025, provided that if the volume weighted average trading price of the Common Shares on the Canadian Securities Exchange for any 5 consecutive trading days equals or exceeds $0.80, the Company may, upon issuing a press release, accelerate the expiry date of the Compensation Warrants to the date that is 30 days following the date of such press release (“Accelerated Expiry Date“). The Company reserves the right to pay cash finders’ fees on the Flow-Through Offering in Common Shares rather than cash issued at the Flow-Through Offering issue price. This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to sell any of securities in the United States. The securities have not been and will not be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “U.S. Securities Act“) or any state securities laws and may not be offered or sold within the United States or to U.S. Persons unless registered under the U.S. Securities Act and applicable state securities laws or an exemption from such registration is available. Completion of the Offering is subject to certain conditions including, but not limited to, the receipt of all necessary approvals. There can be no assurance that the Offering will be completed, whether in whole or in part. About First Phosphate Corp. First Phosphate (CSE: PHOS) (OTCQB: FRSPF) (FSE: KD0) is a mineral development company dedicated to producing high-purity phosphate for the LFP battery industry. The Company is committed to sustainable extraction and purification with a low anticipated carbon footprint. Its vertically integrated model connects phosphate mining directly into the supply chains of North American battery producers. First Phosphate’s flagship project, the Bégin-Lamarche Property in Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean, Quebec, contains rare igneous anorthosite rock that yields high-purity phosphate with minimal impurities. Media & Investor Contact: Bennett Kurtz Chief Financial Officer [email protected] Tel: +1 (416) 200-0657 Investor Relations: [email protected] Media Relations: [email protected] Website: www.FirstPhosphate.com Follow First Phosphate: X: https://x.com/FirstPhosphate LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/first-phosphate Forward-Looking Information and Cautionary Statements This news release contains certain statements and information that may be considered “forward-looking statements” and “forward looking information” within the meaning of applicable securities laws. In some cases, but not necessarily in all cases, forward-looking statements and forward-looking information can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as “plans”, “targets”, “expects” or “does not expect”, “is expected”, “an opportunity exists”, “is positioned”, “estimates”, “intends”, “assumes”, “anticipates” or “does not anticipate” or “believes”, or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results “may”, “could”, “would”, “might”, “will” or “will be taken”, “occur” or “be achieved” and other similar expressions. In addition, statements in this news release that are not historical facts are forward looking statements, including, among other things: the Company’s planned exploration and production activities; the properties and composition of any extracted phosphate; the Company’s plans for vertical integration into North American supply chains; the minimum gross proceeds of $1,000,000; the use of proceeds from the Offering; the terms of the Offering, including, the issuance of any securities, the closing date, and the receipt of all necessary approvals. These statements and other forward-looking information are based on assumptions and estimates that the Company believes are appropriate and reasonable in the circumstances, which may prove to be incorrect, include, but are not limited to, the various assumptions set forth herein and in the Company’s public disclosure record including the short form base prospectus dated June 5, 2024, as well as: the receipt of all necessary approvals and the Company’s ability to raise the minimum gross proceeds of $1,000,000. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. There can be no assurance that any opportunity will be successful, commercially viable, completed on time or on budget, or will

Media OutReach

From Utility to Smart Tech: Ausko’s Role in Singapore’s Evolving Waste Landscape

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 5 August 2025 – As Singapore continues to push towards greener, smarter infrastructure, Ausko has announced a shift in focus to address these evolving waste disposal needs. The company aims to focus on product variety, hygiene requirements, and design customisation for waste solutions in different environments. A Shift Toward Customised and Scalable Solutions According to Mr. Andrew Koh, founder of Ausko, the company’s next phase will centre on: Advising on product selection based on operational and hygiene requirements. Expanding its range of bin types and sizes to meet varying industry needs. Offering customised bin designs tailored to specific environments and use cases One example of this is the Big Buddy Bin—a monkey-proof bin developed and launched in collaboration with the National Environment Agency (NEA). Projects like this reflect Ausko’s broader approach: responding to real-world conditions with practical, context-specific bin design. “We aim to keep pace with industry shifts and provide solutions that help clients meet both regulatory requirements and day-to-day operational needs,” said Mr. Koh. A Front-Row Seat to a Changing City In the early 2000s, the demand for durable, wheeled bins grew in step with Singapore’s construction boom and population growth. Ausko’s early clients included schools, town councils, waste collectors, cleaning companies, and healthcare facilities—sectors that needed small- to large-capacity bins along with basic hygiene infrastructure. Two decades later, the demand faced today is markedly different. With a shift toward space optimisation, stricter public hygiene standards, and the country’s Green Plan 2030, the types of bins needed—and the expectations around them—have changed. Meeting New Demands with New Tools To meet these evolving needs, Ausko moved beyond bin distribution and into manufacturing, setting up production facilities across countries in Asia and forming partnerships across Europe. Today, the company supplies a range of options—from recycling bins and dustbins with lids to other hygiene-focused designs tailored for different environments. These newer models incorporate features like fill-level monitoring and cloud-based tracking, which allow users to better plan waste collection routines. As businesses and municipalities seek to streamline their waste solutions while aligning with sustainability goals, these tools have become increasingly relevant. More broadly, such developments reflect Ausko’s ongoing efforts to adapt to Singapore’s changing urban and environmental needs. Moving forward, the company aims to continue supporting industries with products and services tailored to evolving operational and regulatory demands. Hashtag: #Ausko https://www.auskogroup.com/ The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. About Ausko Ausko Pte Ltd is a Singapore-based waste solutions provider offering indoor and outdoor bin systems for commercial, industrial, and municipal use. Since 2000, the company has expanded its footprint to include manufacturing in Shanghai and strategic partnerships in Europe. Its product range includes mobile garbage bins, stainless steel units, dustbins, pedal bins, and smart waste systems.

Media OutReach

The Answer in a tree: Practices of Environmental Governance and Industrial Development in Lankao, Henan

LANKAO, CHINA – Media OutReach Newswire – 5 August 2025 – From July 23 to 27, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization Media and Think Tank Summit took place in Zhengzhou, Henan Province. Themed Upholding the “Shanghai Spirit” to Build a More Beautiful Home, the summit brought together leading media outlets, prominent think tanks, senior government officials and diplomatic envoys from SCO member states, observer states and dialogue partners, renowned scholars and experts in relevant fields, as well as representatives of the SCO Secretariat and other international and regional organizations. On July 26, guests traveled to Lankao County, Kaifeng City, for a field visit. They roceeded to Jiaotong Square to hear stories about the Jiaotong Tree,headed to Jiao Yulu Memorial Park for the exhibition showcasing Comrade Jiao Yulu’s life and deeds,and departed for Huanghewan (Yellow River Bay) in Dongbatou Town to learn about ecological protection and high-quality development of the Yellow River.At last, guests departed for Guyang Music Town to visit the national musical instrument industry.They were eager to learn how this once impoverished region, long tormented by sandstorms, salinization, and waterlogging, had achieved comprehensive revitalization through environmental governance and industrial development. Cultural Exchange Center in Lankao County, Henan Province, taken on May 14th Decades of relentless effort have forged Lankao’s remarkable transformation, a change vividly reflected in each upright paulownia tree. This is the pulse of the earth.Stretching beneath the vast sky of China, the mighty Yellow River, revered as the Mother River, surges like a dragon, nourishing the root of Chinese civilization. In Lankao, however, these same torrential waters of the Yellow River, with their relentless floods and windblown sands, also left three natural disasters, sandstorms, saline-alkaline soil, and waterlogging. When the spring breeze blows across the old course of the Yellow River again, the landscape of Lankao is transformed. An ocean of paulownia trees spreads out into a stretch of vibrant green. With broad-leaved canopies, these tall and straight trees are like immortal monuments standing on the earth, wordlessly telling the name of a pioneer – Jiao Yulu. One generation plants the trees, under whose shade another generation rests. In 1962, Jiao Yulu, then secretary of the Lankao County Party Committee, led the masses in a battle against three natural disasters. Their ingenious methods—covering sand dunes with excavated silt and planting trees to stabilize moving sands—have found a new life today. The ecological corridor, with a length of more than 1,500 kilometers, and the ecological forest land, covering an area of 200,000 mu, have become the unique “lucid waters and lush mountains” in the plain sandy area.Once endangering the people in Lankao, the three natural disasters—sandstorms, saline-alkaline soil and waterlogging—have now been transformed into ecotourism resources.Tourists can view old photos at the Yellow River Control Memorial Hall, go birdwatching by restored wetlands, and enjoy the rustle of leaves in the paulownia forest. The paulownia forest is not only a green barrier guarding the homeland, but also breeds vigorous vitality.In Xuchang Village,Guyang Town, people there awaken to the melodious sound of the guzheng and guqin.Once planted to shield against wind and fix the sands, the paulownia trees have now become excellent materials for making Chinese traditional instruments. Xuchang Village produces over 100,000 units of guzheng and guqin annually, generating 150 million yuan (CNY) in output value. With the help of e-commerce, the products are not only sold well across the country, but also exported to more than 10 countries and regions, including Japan and the United States. From a poverty-stricken village in the past to a prosperous village nowadays, the paulownia tree has witnessed the remarkable transformation of Xuchang Village. Meanwhile, in the home-furnishing industrial park, leading enterprises such as Sofia and TATA Wood Door have taken root. These “singing woods” have been transformed from “timber worth dozens of yuan” into a modern home-furnishing industry with a production and operation income of more than 50 billion yuan(CNY). Paulownia has become the economic pillar of Lankao, and the furniture produced is shipped from Lankao to many cities across the country. The gifts of this land extend far beyond this. The once barren saline-alkali soil are now planted with melt-in-your-mouth and sweet salt-tolerant sweet potatoes, juicy honey melons, and plump peanuts. These characteristic agricultural products have not only become the “New Three Treasures” of Lankao, but also a powerful new engine for boosting farmers’ incomes The economic development has changed the local people’s way of life, and there are many such changes. In terms of education, finance, culture, science and technology, ecology and transportation, the brand-new Lankao is increasingly capturing the world’s attention. In the sunlight, the vast fields of photovoltaic panels shimmer like a blue ocean. In the fields, the modern wind turbines, stand tall and upright, their blades turning steadily in the breeze, generating clean energy that meets the local electricity demand and is transmitted to other regions. The construction of high-standard farmland has been comprehensively promoted.The former saline-alkali land has now become ten thousand mu of fertile farmland. Through the exploration of “5G + smart agriculture”, Lankao has realized the transformation from “relying on the weather for food” to tech-driven harvests. The grain yields climb steadily. The Harvest Festival brims with stories of the smart farming. On the land of Lankao, the beautiful picture of fertile farmland is slowly unfolding with “villages in the fields, fields among the villages, and villages and fields as one”. From the paulownia tree planted by Jiao Yulu to the comprehensive revitalization of Lankao today, this is a history of struggle, and also a legend of moving from desolation and poverty to fertility and prosperity . The vitality of a tree lies in taking root downward and growing upward; the vitality of a city lies in transforming the sand of suffering into the light of hope. This is the answer that Lankao has given to the world. Ahmed Hassan Ahmed Mohamed Moustafa, Owner and Director of Asia Center for Studies and Translation from Egypt, expressed during his visit that he was deeply impressed

Media OutReach

Shede Aged Baijiu Festival Debuts in Malaysia and Singapore – Fosun Empowers Shede Spirits to Share Its Aroma with the World

KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 5 August 2025 – On August 3, the Shede Aged Baijiu Festival was staged in Malaysia, following its successful Singapore edition. Once again, Shede Spirits celebrated baijiu as a cultural bridge to advance its expansion in Southeast Asia, hosting a series of high-profile events to actively promote Chinese baijiu culture on the global stage. Panoramic view of the Shede Aged Baijiu Festival Distinguished guests included Lee Thai Hung, Deputy Director-General of Tourism Malaysia; Datuk Chong Sin Woon, Secretary-General of the Malaysian Chinese Association (MCA); Prof. Dr. Choong Chee Keong, Vice President of Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR); Guo Guangchang, Chairman of Fosun International; Pu Jizhou, Chairman of Shede Spirits; Wu Yifei, Co-Chairman of Shede Spirits; Tang Hui, President of Shede Spirits; Yang Xiao, Chairman of Mix Company; along with representatives from Malaysian business circles, distributors, media, and collectors and aficionados of aged baijiu. At the event, Lee Thai Hung, Deputy Director-General of Tourism Malaysia, lauded Shede Spirits for its role in fostering China–Malaysia cultural exchange and charitable initiatives. He noted that the “Shede Spirit” resonates strongly with Malaysia’s vision of integrating culture and tourism, fulfilling social responsibilities, and deepening bilateral friendship. He expressed the hope that more leading Chinese enterprises would join in advancing cooperation between the two nations. Guo Guangchang, Chairman of Fosun International, reaffirmed Fosun’s commitment to propelling Shede Spirits and Chinese baijiu culture onto the world stage. He highlighted Shede’s recent strides in production capacity and R&D infrastructure, which underpin the brand’s long-term growth under its aged-baijiu strategy. Guided by the principle of long-termism, Fosun will continue to support Shede’s sustainable development by harnessing both domestic and international platform resources—deepening its footprint in China while accelerating overseas expansion. Guo emphasized Southeast Asia’s deep-rooted Chinese communities and natural affinity for baijiu, expressing his hope that Shede will become the most beloved and trusted Chinese baijiu brand in the region. He added that cultural outreach and product innovation would serve as the twin engines driving Shede’s future, creating shared success for partners and energizing global market growth. As a cornerstone of Shede’s international strategy, Southeast Asia holds profound strategic importance. In his keynote, Shede Spirits Chairman Pu Jizhou reflected on the enduring friendship and cultural bonds between China and Malaysia, offering an incisive interpretation of the contemporary significance of the “Shede” philosophy. He noted that Shede hails from Shehong in Suining, Sichuan—Hometown of Baijiu. As Tang poet Du Fu once wrote, “Shehong spring wine stays freshly green despite the chill.” Today, a pot of Shede Baijiu, just like the iconic Guanyin Lake with its vast expanse, becomes the signature of the city. With Fosun’s support, Shede has rapidly expanded into 40 countries and regions worldwide, achieving both overseas profitability and sustained growth. Pu pledged to deepen Shede’s commitment to the Southeast Asian market, forging partnerships with more distributors to weave premium aged baijiu into local lifestyles—transforming the wisdom of Shede into a bridge for global cultural exchange and emotional resonance, and enabling the world to savor the fragrance of Chinese baijiu and the elegance of Chinese culture. The evening reached its zenith with a charity auction, as rare bottles of Shede aged baijiu drew spirited bidding from collectors and connoisseurs, with every lot sold. All proceeds were donated to Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman to support the advancement of Chinese education and academic development in Malaysia—embodying the Shede Spirit through meaningful action. With Fosun’s strategic empowerment, Shede Spirits continues to accelerate its global footprint, with products now available in 40 countries and regions. Looking ahead, the brand will further leverage its “Aged Baijiu + Culture” model, exploring new pathways for sustainable overseas growth and joining hands with partners worldwide to champion Chinese baijiu culture—crafting a better life for families across the globe. Hashtag: #ShedeSpirits The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

Media OutReach

Sunstream Industries Marks 25-Year Partnership with Ranpak, Reinforcing Commitment to Sustainable Packaging in Asia

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 5 August 2025 – To address the growing demand for sustainable packaging in the e-commerce and retail sectors, Sunstream Industries is announcing the launch of its new paper poly mailer. This product incorporates Ranpak’s Geami honeycomb protective material, which securely wraps items without requiring adhesive tape or cutting. The launch reflects the partnership’s ongoing adaptation to market needs, providing a solution that combines recyclable materials with shipment protection. Sunstream Industries Marks 25-Year Partnership with Ranpak Sunstream Industries, a material handling equipment supplier in Singapore, is marking 25 years of partnership with Ranpak, a manufacturer of paper-based packaging solutions. Over the years, this collaboration has focused on developing and delivering sustainable packaging solutions for e-commerce and shipping needs across Asia. A Partnership Rooted in Shared Goals Founded by Mr Heng Joon Siang, Sunstream Industries began as a distributor of forklift attachments before expanding into palletless handling systems. With shared priorities in sustainability, innovation, and the development of cost-effective packaging systems for businesses in Asia, Sunstream Industries partnered with Ranpak, a supplier of fully recyclable, paper-based solutions. Over the past 25 years, the partnership has evolved from offering basic paper cushioning to a broader range of protective packaging products used in various industries across Asia. Adapting to Changing Needs in Packaging Ranpak has also recently opened a new factory in Johor Bahru, Malaysia, which is expected to strengthen supply chain efficiency and address regional demand for sustainable packaging solutions. Moving Forward In 2025 and beyond, Sunstream Industries plans to focus on strengthening partnerships, improving customer support, and leveraging technology to provide reliable and cost-effective packaging solutions. Through these efforts, the company aims to support the operational needs of businesses across global markets. Hashtag: #materialhandlingequipment #sunstream https://sunstream-industries.com/ The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. About Sunstream Industries Sunstream Industries is a Singapore-based provider of palletless handling systems and integrated solutions for load unitisation, cargo protection, and load securing. Operating in several countries in the Asia-Pacific region, the company partners with global brands like Lantech, Toppy, and Ranpak to deliver sustainable packaging and material handling solutions.

News

Green Doesn’t Have To Be Gold: 10 ESG Facts Every Malaysian Business Should Know

ESG is often dismissed as something only large corporations can afford. But in Malaysia, where over 97% of all businesses are SMEs, that logic no longer holds, and in fact, may be holding them back. From family businesses to homegrown startups, or even regional brands, sustainability is becoming a business necessity, not a luxury. The Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW) plays a large part in translating this transition into tangible business terms. By quantifying savings and projecting returns, the organisation helps businesses future-proof operations — not through hype, but through hard numbers. ICAEW supports this shift by equipping businesses and finance professionals with the tools, training, and data-driven insights needed to quantify sustainability risks, measure returns, and embed ESG into long-term strategy. For Malaysian businesses, sustainability is not the cost — it is the payoff.   Here are 10 data-backed insights, each paired with a clear business rationale, showing how ESG drives results at any scale.   1.    ESG reporting rules will soon impact SMEs across the supply chain Bursa Malaysia now requires large, listed companies to adopt ESG disclosures, starting from financial year 2025. While most listed companies are not SMEs, this mandate will cascade through procurement chains, prompting thousands of SMEs to align with ESG standards if they wish to remain competitive vendors. Companies that act early will be better positioned to retain key contracts, access green capital, and maintain investor trust.   2.    More SMEs are embracing ESG as a growth strategy A growing number of Malaysian SMEs are embracing ESG not just for compliance, but as a growth driver. For those already taking action, the commercial returns are starting to show. According to a recent study, 60% of SMEs have adopted ESG practices, up from just 28% two years ago. Among these adopters, 38% reported revenue growth exceeding 50%, driven by improved market access and customer demand.   3.    But few have embedded it into core operations While awareness is rising, many Malaysian SMEs have yet to embed ESG into their core operations. A study found that only 19% of SMEs have adopted environmentally friendly production processes, and just 12% are involved in structured social responsibility programmes. This gap shows the opportunity for early movers to lead the transition.   4.    Solar isn’t just green, it’s cost-efficient One key area where ESG delivers fast returns is energy. Malaysian businesses now benefit from incentives like 100% investment tax allowance, soft loans under the Green Technology Financing Scheme, and the Net Energy Metering (NEM) programme. Local companies have cut electricity costs by nearly half, with some saving up to 75% after switching to rooftop solar.   5.    Sustainability drives customer loyalty and willingness to pay Consumers are increasingly voting with their wallets. Businesses that can demonstrate environmental responsibility are more likely to attract and retain customers as well as command a price premium. According to the Malaysian Green Technology and Climate Change Corporation, 78% of Malaysian consumers consider a product’s environmental impact before making a purchase.   And the business case doesn’t stop there. Beyond regulatory pressure, revenue growth, and energy savings, ESG also opens doors to financing, talent retention, and long-term resilience. The following insights show how sustainability strategies are delivering measurable returns across different parts of the business.   6.    Banks are unlocking ESG access through green finance Banks are increasing sustainable lending, making ESG investments more accessible for Malaysian businesses. CIMB Group had mobilised RM86.2 billion in sustainable finance. Maybank reported RM83.2 billion in sustainable financing as of mid-2024, surpassing its RM80 billion goal set for 2025. RHB Bank disbursed RM23.8 billion and raised its target to RM50 billion by 2026.   7.    ESG is becoming a driver of talent attraction and retention Employees now expect more than pay—they want purpose and meaning from their work. A global IBM study found that over 70% of employees say they’d be more likely to apply for or accept a job with a company they consider environmentally or socially responsible, and around 35% of those who switched jobs last year did so to work for such companies.   8.    ESG readiness protects export competitiveness International buyers are raising the bar on climate standards. With the EU’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) phasing in from 2026, Malaysian exporters will need to track and report their carbon footprint to avoid penalties. ESG compliance is becoming essential for protecting access to international markets. According to the Securities Commission, 75 percent of Malaysia’s exports to the EU could be affected, even though the EU accounts for just over 8 percent of total exports.   9.    Greening supply chains saves millions in disruption  Climate risks, labour shortages and tightening ESG standards are creating vulnerabilities across global supply chains. Companies that adopt sustainable procurement practices and build resilience into their supply chain operations are better able to avoid revenue loss and delivery delays. Malaysia’s economy is losing an estimated RM8.7 billion each year to supply chain disruptions. ESG-aligned businesses can mitigate these risks while maintaining competitiveness and customer trust.   10.  ESG signals long-term business strength to investors Investors are prioritising companies with credible sustainability credentials, viewing them as more resilient, compliant, and better positioned for long-term growth. ESG performance is increasingly seen as a proxy for risk management and future-readiness. For SMEs seeking funding, this shift is especially relevant, ESG alignment isn’t just a moral imperative, it’s a competitive edge in attracting capital. In Malaysia, Sustainable and Responsible Investment (SRI) fund assets grew from RM7.05 billion in 2022 to RM7.7 billion in 2023, reflecting growing investor appetite for businesses that take ESG seriously. While this isn’t exponential growth, it marks a consistent upward trend in capital flowing into sustainability-focused investments — a signal SMEs can’t afford to ignore.

News

Arshad Appointed CEO Of MARC Ratings

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysian Rating Corporation Bhd (MARC) has announced new leadership changes across its group, effective August 1, 2025, aimed at ensuring leadership continuity and sharpening strategic focus. Group CEO Arshad Mohamed Ismail has been appointed Chief Executive Officer of MARC Ratings Bhd, the group’s credit ratings division, following the retirement of Rajan Paramesran on July 31 after 17 years of service. “We are grateful to Rajan for his outstanding contributions and for establishing MARC Ratings as a trusted name in the capital markets,” said Arshad. “I’m committed to building on this strong foundation with our leadership team to deliver continued value and uphold analytical excellence.” To further bolster its ratings operations, MARC has also appointed Deputy Chief Rating Officer Taufiq Kamal to the Rating Committee. He will support Chief Rating Officer Hafiza Abdul Rashid in enhancing analytical quality, governance, and operational performance. These appointments underscore MARC’s ongoing commitment to quality, transparency, and leadership in Malaysia’s capital market landscape.

News

Maybank Partners With Microsoft To Drive Digital Transformation

KUALA LUMPUR, Malayan Banking Bhd (Maybank) has entered into a five-year strategic partnership with Microsoft worth RM1.0 billion to accelerate its digital transformation journey. In a statement released Tuesday, Maybank said the collaboration will leverage Microsoft’s cloud, artificial intelligence (AI), security tools, and collaboration technologies to enhance customer experience, boost operational agility, and embed a culture of continuous innovation. As part of the initiative, Maybank will upgrade its systems to Microsoft 365 and adopt Microsoft Azure as a key cloud platform for several core systems, functions, and data workloads. “This transition will provide Maybank with a secure, resilient, and scalable infrastructure — enabling real-time data insights, quicker rollout of new services, and improved operational efficiency,” the statement noted. To further boost productivity, Maybank will also deploy Microsoft 365 Copilot across its 44,000-strong workforce, offering employees access to powerful AI-driven tools. Beyond tech implementation, the partnership underscores a major investment in Maybank’s talent. Both organisations will explore setting up a joint centre of excellence focused on cloud and AI innovation, with plans to cultivate in-house capabilities in these strategic areas.

News

Pekat Secures RM31 Million Contract From TNB

PETALING JAYA: Pekat Group Bhd’s 60%-owned indirect subsidiary, EPE Switchgear (M) Sdn Bhd, has secured a RM31.32 million contract from Tenaga Nasional Bhd (TNB) for the maintenance and repair of switchgear systems. In a filing with Bursa Malaysia, Pekat said EPE Switchgear will carry out maintenance, servicing, and repairs for air-insulated and gas-insulated switchgears, including the supply and installation of spare parts, in accordance with TNB’s specifications. The contract takes effect from Aug 1, 2025, as stated in the Letter of Award, and will run for two years with an option to extend for an additional year. Pekat noted that the duration of each individual service will be based on purchase orders issued by TNB.

ESG

Johor Plantations, YPJ Plantations And PIJ Holdings Join Forces To Boost State’s Palm Oil Industry

KUALA LUMPUR, Johor Plantations Group Bhd (JPG) has entered into a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with YPJ Plantations Sdn Bhd (YPJP) and PIJ Holdings Sdn Bhd (PIJH) — both Johor state-linked companies — to boost collaboration and modernise the state’s palm oil industry. In a filing with Bursa Malaysia today, JPG said the partnership covers around 13,202 hectares of land managed by YPJP and PIJH. The focus will be on improving productivity through better procurement and processing of fresh fruit bunches, sustainability advisory services, and efforts to obtain Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) certification. The parties also plan to explore centralised procurement for key inputs like fertilisers and introduce training and upskilling programmes for plantation workers. JPG managing director Mohd Faris Adli Shukery said the group is committed to working with Johor state agencies to build a more efficient and sustainable agribusiness ecosystem. “By sharing resources and expertise, we aim to raise productivity, strengthen sustainable practices and enhance the skills of our workforce. This collaboration marks a meaningful step toward strengthening Johor’s agricultural sector,” he said. The partnership is expected to deliver long-term value, improve plantation standards and support Johor’s vision to become a national leader in sustainable agribusiness. YPJP is involved in palm oil trading under Yayasan Pelajaran Johor, while PIJH — under Perbadanan Islam Johor — operates across sectors including plantations, property, infrastructure, and the halal industry.

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