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Kumpulan Perangsang Selangor Bhd (KPS) has announced that its 51%-owned subsidiary, Aqua-Flo Sdn Bhd, has secured two significant framework agreements with Pengurusan Air Selangor Sdn Bhd for the supply and delivery of chemicals to water treatment plants. The combined value of the contracts stands at RM78.10 million. According to a Bursa Malaysia filing today, both contracts are scheduled to commence on Jan 1, 2026, and will run until Dec 31, 2028, covering a three-year period. KPS highlighted that the contracts are expected to make a positive contribution to the group’s earnings and net assets throughout the contract duration. The agreements are part of the shareholders’ mandate approved during KPS’s extraordinary general meeting on July 28, 2025, ensuring that the subsidiary can undertake such projects in line with the company’s strategic objectives. Aqua-Flo, as a key player in water treatment chemical supply, will provide essential products and services to support Selangor’s water treatment infrastructure, reinforcing KPS Group’s presence in the utilities and environmental solutions sector. The contracts are also expected to strengthen the long-term collaboration between KPS and Pengurusan Air Selangor, while enhancing operational efficiency and service reliability for water treatment operations across the state. This milestone reflects KPS Group’s continued focus on securing stable, recurring revenue streams from strategic partnerships and infrastructure-related contracts, which are expected to underpin sustainable growth in the coming years.

Malaysia is positioning its halal products to capture a larger share of South Korea’s rapidly expanding convenience and premium food sector, as Korean consumers increasingly demand halal, organic, and sustainably sourced goods. Leveraging globally recognised halal certification from the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (Jakim) and Malaysia’s decade-long leadership in the Global Islamic Economy Indicator, local brands are promoting themselves as premium, trustworthy, and convenient options for Korean buyers. Malaysian Ambassador to South Korea Datuk Mohd Zamruni Khalid highlighted Malaysia’s strong halal ecosystem and export capabilities as key factors in cementing its reputation as a reliable trading partner. “Korean consumers are embracing halal-certified products alongside ethical and sustainable consumption trends,” he said. South Korea’s convenience food market is valued at US$7.27 billion (US$1 = RM4.15) and is expected to grow at an annual rate of 11.43% between 2025 and 2030, according to Statista. Zamruni noted that Malaysian brands are well placed to capitalise on this growth, particularly in the premium segment. Several Malaysian names, including Amazin’ Graze, OldTown White Coffee, PopsMalaya, and Spritzer, have already made inroads, spanning snacks, beverages, confectionery, and mineral water. Moving forward, products such as halal-certified ready meals, frozen tropical fruits like durian, specialty ingredients, and sustainably sourced items are expected to see strong demand. Zamruni identified three key areas for growth: halal certification, supply chain transparency, and product-market fit. Korean buyers increasingly prioritise ethical production, including sustainable palm oil, organic farming, and low-carbon processes. Meanwhile, tailoring products to local habits—such as single-serve portions, clean-label ingredients, and premium packaging—will strengthen Malaysian brands’ competitiveness. The ambassador also noted that halal certification is increasingly recognised in South Korea as a marker of safe, hygienic, and high-quality production, prompting even non-food companies to launch halal-certified lines. While South Korea’s halal market remains relatively small, its growth potential is significant. Reflecting this trend, South Korean firms are also investing in the segment. Paris Baguette, part of the SPC Group, opened its first halal food hub in Johor earlier this year, using Malaysia as an export base to serve Indonesia and the Middle East. Events like the ASEAN Trade Fair 2025 at the Korea International Exhibition Centre (KINTEX) in Ilsan play a vital role in connecting Malaysian halal SMEs and food producers with Korean importers, retailers, and foodservice operators. The fair facilitates product sampling, business-matching, and direct meetings, helping brands build visibility and commercial relationships. Bilateral trade data highlights the growing demand: from January to September 2025, Malaysia’s exports to South Korea rose 2.2% year-on-year to US$8.9 billion. Processed food exports alone reached around US$154.8 million in 2024, up 6.1% from the previous year, reflecting increasing interest in Malaysian halal products. This momentum signals a promising opportunity for Malaysia to expand its footprint in South Korea’s premium halal food market while reinforcing its position as a global leader in ethical and sustainable halal production.

GoTo Group has appointed a new chief executive officer, a leadership shake-up widely seen as clearing the path for a potential takeover of Indonesia’s largest digital services company by Grab Holdings Ltd. The company announced that chief operating officer Hans Patuwo will succeed Patrick Walujo as CEO, pending shareholder approval. The leadership shift follows pressure from GoTo co-founders and major investors — including SoftBank Group Corp — who grew dissatisfied with Walujo amid the firm’s prolonged share-price slump. The move marks a reversal from GoTo’s statement earlier this year that Walujo would remain in charge for the long term. During his two-and-a-half years as CEO, Walujo helped the company achieve its first profit, but GoTo’s market value still dropped more than 40%. He had also resisted a takeover by Grab. GoTo shares rose as much as 4.7% in early Monday trading in Jakarta, giving the firm a valuation of around US$5 billion (RM20.71 billion). Grab, listed in New York, is valued at about US$20 billion. According to Citigroup Inc analysts Ferry Wong and Ryan Davis, the leadership transition could “signal a shift toward operational consolidation” and reinvigorate the long-discussed Grab–GoTo merger. Patuwo, 49, now faces the task of steering the company through a challenging period marked by rapid advances in artificial intelligence and renewed merger discussions. The likelihood of a deal has increased after the Indonesian government confirmed ongoing talks with both companies. Indonesia’s sovereign wealth fund, Danantara, is expected to participate in the potential merger structure. The fund has been exploring a minority stake in the combined entity since early this year, sources told Bloomberg in June. Its involvement is expected to address concerns over competition in the ride-hailing market. Analysts noted that Danantara’s participation would “serve as both symbolic and structural protection of national interests,” helping alleviate monopoly worries. Patuwo joined GoTo over seven years ago after working at an Indonesian conglomerate. He began as part of Gojek’s leadership, strengthening ties with drivers and merchants while expanding the company’s national footprint. He later led GoTo’s payments and financial services division. GoTo also announced additional leadership updates, including the appointment of co-founder Andre Soelistyo to the board of commissioners — a body overseeing governance and strategic direction. Soelistyo, who previously led GoTo and orchestrated the landmark Gojek–Tokopedia merger, had served as an executive director at Northstar Group, Walujo’s former private equity firm. GoTo shareholders will vote on the leadership changes and other corporate matters at an extraordinary general meeting scheduled for Dec 17.