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CapBay and CGC Digital have partnered to launch a Digital Guarantee Scheme aimed at improving financing access for underserved MSMEs in Malaysia. The scheme combines CGC Digital’s credit guarantee capabilities with CapBay’s supply chain finance and peer-to-peer (P2P) platform, creating a risk-sharing structure that enables lenders to offer more competitive financing while supporting businesses without traditional collateral. CapBay’s AI-driven credit assessment is designed to speed up approvals and improve access to funding. The programme offers both Islamic and conventional financing options — its first dual-facility rollout — targeting MSMEs with at least 51% Malaysian ownership. Financing ranges from RM50,000 to RM500,000, with tenures of up to 60 months. To date, CapBay has facilitated over RM5.4 billion in financing to more than 2,500 SMEs. Under the partnership, CGC Digital’s guarantee enhances the credit profile of participating businesses, helping attract institutional and retail investors while supporting lower financing costs. Ang Xing Xian said the collaboration aims to make financing more accessible to SMEs that face challenges with traditional approval processes, leveraging AI to deliver faster and more seamless funding. Meanwhile, Yushida Husin said the initiative uses data-driven insights to bridge financing gaps, while offering both Shariah-compliant and conventional options to broaden access and provide greater assurance to financiers. The initiative supports broader efforts to enhance financial inclusion and drive MSME growth in Malaysia.

Bank Muamalat Malaysia Bhd is offering targeted financial assistance to customers facing temporary financial strain amid global uncertainties, including developments in West Asia. The initiative, introduced under its “Program Bantuan Ketahanan Kewangan Sementara”, aims to support individuals experiencing short-term income disruptions while remaining financially viable in the long term. The bank said the programme provides flexible and tailored solutions, including payment rescheduling, revised instalment plans, financing tenure extensions and restructuring options based on customers’ financial capacity. President and CEO Khairul Kamarudin said the move reflects the bank’s proactive approach to safeguarding customer wellbeing while maintaining prudent financial practices. He added that the initiative is not only intended to provide temporary relief but also to help customers achieve sustainable financial stability, in line with the bank’s guiding principles of “Amanah” and “Ihsan”. The programme also includes personalised financial advisory services and encourages early engagement to identify suitable solutions. It is open to individual customers facing temporary financial difficulties, subject to eligibility criteria. Applications can be made via email or at Bank Muamalat branches nationwide.

Weststar Aviation Services Sdn Bhd has secured a RM2 billion financing facility from AMMB Holdings Bhd (AmBank Group) to support its expansion plans. Executive director Syed Muhammad Azni Syed Azman said the syndicated facility will fund fleet expansion, strengthen working capital and support foreign exchange management. Front row (from left): Datuk William Koh, Head, WBC Large Corporate 5, AmBank, Datuk Mohd Wazeer Nawawi, CFO, Weststar Group, and Yeoh Teik Leng, Head, Debt Markets, AmBank Second row (from left): Eqhwan Mokhzanee, CEO, AmBank Islamic, Datuk Jamzidi Khalid, MD, Wholesale Banking, AmBank, Datuk Mohamed Rafique Merican Mohd Wahiduddin Merican, Chairman, AmBank Islamic, Tan Sri Syed Azman Syed Ibrahim, Group MD of The Weststar Group, Syed Muhammad Azni Syed Azman, Director, Weststar Aviation Services Sdn Bhd, and Datuk Wan Hasmar Azim Wan Hassan, CEO. He said the partnership will enable the company to grow its helicopter fleet, enhance operations and continue supporting key sectors such as offshore oil and gas, defence and emergency services. With the financing in place, Weststar aims to double its fleet from 32 to 64 aircraft within two years. The facility was arranged with support from AmInvestment Bank Bhd as lead coordinator and joint mandated lead arranger, while AmBank Islamic Bhd is among the financiers. AmBank managing director of wholesale banking Jamzidi Khalid said the financing marks the next phase of Weststar’s growth, enabling it to scale operations and expand its presence both regionally and globally. The agreement builds on a longstanding 15-year partnership between the two groups, supporting Weststar’s continued growth and transformation.

Meiji Seika Pharma Co Ltd said its subsidiary, Meiji Pharma Asia Pte Ltd, began operations in Singapore on April 1, marking a strategic step to expand its presence in ASEAN. The company said the new unit will handle the commercialisation, marketing and distribution of pharmaceuticals, including vaccines, across the region. Singapore will serve as a regional hub to drive business strategy and accelerate growth in ASEAN markets. Established on Dec 10, 2025, Meiji Pharma Asia will focus on treatments for infectious diseases, haematologic cancers and lifestyle-related conditions, while supporting reliable supply and contributing to public health. The move aligns with Meiji Seika Pharma’s “Meiji Group 2026 Vision” to become a leading player in Asia’s infectious diseases segment, building on decades of experience in Thailand and Indonesia.

Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia is targeting sales of up to 800 units of its newly launched Mitsubishi Xforce this month, with a longer-term goal of averaging 500 units monthly. Chief executive officer Takashi Sakamaki said the company has already received 2,600 bookings and is confident of exceeding 3,000, surpassing its initial target of 2,000. The Xforce is offered in two variants — Urban, priced at RM109,980, and Ultimate, priced at RM119,980. Early buyers are eligible for a RM5,000 cash rebate, free labour for three services, and entry into a promotional “Buy 1 Free 1” contest. On market conditions, Takashi said rising global oil prices due to tensions in West Asia have not significantly impacted demand for petrol vehicles in Malaysia, supported by the stable RON95 fuel price of RM1.99 per litre. However, he noted that higher diesel prices — now around RM6.00 per litre — are expected to affect demand for diesel-powered vehicles, particularly pickup trucks, in Peninsular Malaysia, while demand in East Malaysia remains more stable.