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UOB Malaysia has introduced new investment and talent development initiatives to support the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ). The bank announced that it has secured two new investor commitments worth more than RM1 billion, which will be facilitated through its UOB Green Lane platform. The platform is designed to speed up investment approvals and project execution. Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi (left) and UOB Malaysia chief executive officer Ng Wei Wei. UOB Malaysia chief executive officer Ng Wei Wei said the bank has focused on practical measures to turn investor interest into real business opportunities. She added that Johor’s growth plans, combined with Singapore’s position as a global business hub, create strong cross-border opportunities for companies on both sides of the Causeway. To date, UOB said it has facilitated more than RM18 billion in foreign direct investment (FDI) flows into the JS-SEZ. The bank works closely with agencies such as Invest Johor, the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA) and Iskandar Regional Development Authority (IRDA) to attract high-value investments from various countries. Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi said the partnership between Invest Johor and UOB demonstrates how public-private collaboration can deliver quality investments, create skilled jobs and generate positive economic impact. Separately, UOB also launched its UOB My Digital Space (MDS) programme in Malaysia, aimed at improving digital and artificial intelligence (AI) literacy among students aged 10 to 16. The initiative is designed to equip students with essential digital skills, including AI awareness, critical thinking and responsible technology use, in line with Malaysia’s push for digital readiness and higher-value industries within the JS-SEZ. Both initiatives were announced during the UOB-Invest Johor Strategic Forum 2026.

Genting Bhd, through its wholly owned unit GOHL Capital Limited, has launched a tender offer to buy back up to US$1.5 billion (about RM5.93 billion) of its outstanding 4.25% notes due in 2027. In a filing with Bursa Malaysia, Genting said the exercise forms part of its broader refinancing plan aimed at extending the group’s debt maturity profile and strengthening its long-term financial position. Under the offer, noteholders are invited to tender their notes for cash at a purchase price of US$1,000 for every US$1,000 in principal amount, together with any accrued and unpaid interest. Notes accepted under the offer will be cancelled. The 2027 notes are listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange. Genting said the tender offer will remain open until 4pm London time on April 24, while the results are expected to be announced on or around April 30. Settlement is scheduled for on or about May 4. The company noted that the tender offer is subject to the successful completion of its refinancing exercise. The final amount of notes purchased, up to the US$1.5 billion cap, will be determined by GOHL Capital at its sole discretion. The move is seen as part of Genting’s proactive capital management strategy as the group seeks to optimise its debt structure and maintain financial flexibility. Shares of Genting closed one sen lower, or 0.42%, at RM2.37 on Monday, giving the company a market capitalisation of RM9.19 billion.

Convenience store operator KK Mart Retail Bhd has submitted its draft prospectus for an initial public offering (IPO) on Bursa Malaysia’s Main Market, almost four years after first announcing its listing plans. The IPO exercise will involve the issuance of 210 million new shares and the sale of 630 million existing shares, with the final offer price to be determined later. Based on the draft prospectus filed with the Securities Commission Malaysia on Monday, the listing could offer up to a 24% stake in the company. The institutional portion will consist of 735 million shares to be allocated through a book-building exercise, while the retail portion will comprise 105 million shares for eligible individuals who have contributed to the company. A Dow Jones Newswires report estimated the company could be valued at around RM3 billion. Following the listing, the stake held by major shareholders Datuk Seri Dr Chan Kee Kan and Datin Seri Loh Siew Mui through K8 Resources Bhd is expected to reduce to as much as 71.85%, from 95.05% currently. Chan, the company’s group managing director, founded the business in 2001 in Kuchai Lama and has since grown it into one of Malaysia’s leading convenience store chains. Today, KK Mart operates 996 outlets nationwide under the KK Super Mart and KK Mart brands, with most stores operating 24 hours a day. The company plans to use proceeds from the IPO to expand its network by opening 302 new stores over the next 15 months, increasing its total number of outlets to 1,290. Funds will also be used for distribution centre expansion, digital upgrades, IT systems and repayment of bank borrowings. For the financial year ended June 30, 2025 (FY2025), KK Mart recorded a net profit of RM96.98 million, down 4.5% from RM101.6 million a year earlier, despite revenue rising 7.7% to RM1.57 billion. In FY2023, the group posted a net profit of RM98.71 million on revenue of RM1.25 billion. Its gross profit margin improved to 28.8% in FY2025, compared with 28.1% in FY2024 and 27.8% in FY2023. However, profit-after-tax margin declined to 6.2% from 7% and 7.9% in the previous two years. Maybank Investment Bank Bhd has been appointed as principal adviser, sole bookrunner, underwriter and placement agent for the IPO.