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LFE Corp Executive Chairman Increases Shareholding By 7%

KUALA LUMPUR, LFE Corp Bhd (KL) executive chairman and largest shareholder Chuah Chong Ewe has further strengthened his position in the construction and mechanical and electrical (M&E) services company, raising his total shareholding to 30.895%. According to the group’s filing on Tuesday, Chuah’s stake rose following the inclusion of Sierra Bonus Sdn Bhd’s 7.096% interest — amounting to 82.6 million shares — under his deemed indirect interest. The recognition of this additional block underscores Chuah’s expanding control and confidence in the company’s long-term prospects. This latest increase follows his recent move just a week earlier, when Chuah acquired an additional 50 million shares, equivalent to a 4.295% stake, in his personal capacity. Following both transactions, Chuah now holds a direct interest of 13.839% and an indirect interest of 17.056%, through several investment vehicles and his son, Chuah Chern Yang. Apart from Chuah, LFE Corp’s other key shareholders include Ng Kok Kheng, who holds a 7.53% stake, and managing director Liew Kiam Woon, who owns 7.32%. Shares in LFE Corp closed half a sen or 2.86% higher at 18 sen on Tuesday, giving the group a market capitalisation of RM203.71 million. The stock has seen active trading in recent weeks, coinciding with Chuah’s share accumulation and renewed investor attention on the company’s restructuring and growth initiatives.

News

Omesti Proposes To Replace Two Ho Hup Board Members With New Nominees

KUALA LUMPUR, Omesti Holdings Bhd a substantial shareholder of Ho Hup Construction Co Bhd, has called for an extraordinary general meeting (EGM) to propose changes to the construction company’s board. Omesti, which holds a 10.4% stake in Ho Hup, is seeking shareholder approval at the EGM — scheduled for Nov 20 — to remove two existing directors, executive director Datuk Wong Kit-Leong and director Low Kheng Lun, and to appoint Ong Koon Loong and Bernard Chen Tong Liang as their replacements, according to a bourse filing on Wednesday. The ICT solutions provider is also proposing that any new appointments to Ho Hup’s board made between the date of its notice and the EGM be revoked. No rationale was provided for the proposed changes. Wong has served on Ho Hup’s board since August 2010, while Low has been a director since October 2011. Wong owns a 0.029% direct stake in the company, while Low holds 4.42% indirectly through family vehicle Low Chee Group Sdn Bhd. Omesti’s nominees bring extensive experience in corporate and financial management. Ong has two decades of expertise in audit and finance, having served as chief financial officer at Asdion Bhd and as chief risk and compliance officer at Managepay Systems Bhd. Chen, meanwhile, has over 30 years of experience in corporate finance, banking, asset management and business advisory, and has held senior roles at OCBC Bank (M) Bhd and as CEO of BIB Insurance Brokers Sdn Bhd under the Hong Leong Group. Ho Hup has been grappling with financial challenges since early this year. The company was classified as a Practice Note 17 (PN17) entity in April after its wholly owned subsidiary, Bukit Jalil Development Sdn Bhd, defaulted on RM112.69 million in loans guaranteed by Ho Hup. The group has been loss-making since 2021, with its latest financial results showing a net loss of RM275.9 million on revenue of RM2.31 million for the quarter ended June 30, 2025, primarily due to impairment charges. For the 18-month period ended June 30, 2025, Ho Hup reported a cumulative net loss of RM473.25 million on RM57 million in revenue. Ho Hup shares closed one sen or 40% lower at 1.5 sen on Wednesday, giving it a market capitalisation of RM7.77 million. Omesti shares fell half a sen or 6.25% to 7.5 sen, valuing the company at RM82.6 million.

Lifestyle

Kering Posts Milder Sales Drop As New CEO Steps In

KUALA LUMPUR, French luxury group Kering SA, the parent company of Gucci, reported third-quarter sales that fell less than expected, offering a glimmer of optimism as newly appointed chief executive officer Luca de Meo begins his turnaround efforts. The group’s revenue declined 5% on a comparable basis, outperforming analysts’ forecasts of an 8.7% drop, Kering said on Wednesday. Its flagship label Gucci recorded a 14% decline in sales — still a contraction, but narrower than market projections — while Yves Saint Laurent and Bottega Veneta both delivered stronger-than-expected results. A Gucci store on Via Monte Napoleone, in Milan. Gucci owner Kering SA reported better-than-expected sales. Despite Gucci’s continued struggle amid the broader luxury slowdown, investor sentiment toward Kering has improved, with shares rising nearly 30% this year. Confidence in De Meo’s leadership has been bolstered by his swift strategic moves, including the recent €4 billion (RM19.63 billion) divestment of Kering’s beauty business to reduce debt and refocus resources on its core fashion brands. “Kering’s performance remains well below market levels, but we are working relentlessly to drive a turnaround,” De Meo said in a statement. Gucci — which contributes roughly half of Kering’s total profit — has been battling sluggish demand and creative challenges, leading to two designer changes in less than two years. However, there are signs of stabilisation, particularly in North America, where retail revenue returned to growth during the quarter. Chief financial officer Armelle Poulou noted that sales in the region encompassing China, while still negative, showed improvement as Gucci’s new collections, such as the mini GG bag and the compact Giglio model, gained traction among consumers. With De Meo now at the helm, investors and analysts will be watching closely for how Kering balances innovation, brand revitalisation, and operational discipline to restore Gucci’s leading position in the global luxury market.

Investment & Market Trends

THMY Holdings Jumps On Debut Trading Day On ACE Market

KUALA LUMPUR, THMY Holdings Bhd (KL:THMY) delivered a strong debut performance on the ACE Market of Bursa Malaysia, surging 158% above its initial public offering (IPO) price amid buoyant investor demand and solid market sentiment. The counter opened at 80 sen, a sharp jump from its IPO price of 31 sen per share, making THMY one of the standout listings on the ACE Market in recent months. Shortly after opening, the stock eased slightly before regaining momentum to trade back at 80 sen at 9.10am, with more than 87 million shares changing hands in early trade. At that price, the company commanded a market capitalisation of over RM710 million, reflecting strong investor confidence in THMY’s growth potential and business prospects. Analysts noted that the strong debut reflects renewed interest in small- and mid-cap counters, particularly those in sectors seen to benefit from Malaysia’s ongoing economic recovery and digitalisation efforts. The company’s robust listing performance also signals encouraging sentiment in the local equity market, as more retail investors return to participate in IPO opportunities.

Lifestyle

From Campus To Clouds – MMU Alumnus Launches The World’s First Halal Masala Tea In A Can

CYBERJAYA, A story brewed in the lecture halls of Multimedia University (MMU) has now taken flight. Gisnervern Arikrishnan, MMU alumnus and creator of the viral “10,000 Cans to Sell” challenge, has officially launched the World’s First Halal Sterilised Masala Tea in a Can — a product redefining Malaysia’s beverage innovation and uniting Malaysians through culture, health, and entrepreneurship. The grand launch, titled “An Alumni’s Dream,” was held at MMU’s Entrepreneur Development Centre (EDC), drawing hundreds of guests, influencers, and business leaders. The event marked a turning point for Malaysia’s F&B industry — where heritage meets innovation and tradition is reborn through technology. “We are proud to witness our alumni breaking barriers and setting new global standards,” said Prof. Mazliham Mohd Su’ud, President of Multimedia University. “MMU will always continue to support and nurture entrepreneurship that begins from within our campus walls. What began as a small campus kiosk has now become a brand ready to travel the world. After two years of research and development, Gisnervern’s company, Leafhaus, is now in talks with AirAsia for a potential collaboration to bring Malaysian flavours to international skies. Inspired by Tan Sri Tony Fernandes’ RM1 dream, Gisnervern shared, “Tan Sri proved that a Malaysian dream can fly. I wanted to show that a Malaysian taste can travel just as far.” The collaboration aims to feature Leafhaus Masala Tea and Turmeric Milk on select AirAsia flights and Santan outlets, symbolising freedom, accessibility, and innovation — the same values that built AirAsia into a global powerhouse. The Alumnus also added to his interest to join AirAsia, and is looking forward to doing it right. The journey didn’t stop with tea. Motivated by Datuk Rosyam Nor’s drive, discipline, and fearless entrepreneurship, Gisnervern developed Turmeric Milk in a Can, another world-first innovation designed to promote wellness through Malaysia’s age-old remedies. “Datuk Rosyam told the benefits of Turmeric Milk in one of his podcasts with Wonda. This isn’t just a drink — it’s a movement towards natural healing through modern packaging.” To bring these flavours closer to the people, Leafhaus is now exploring a strategic collaboration with BananaBro, Malaysia’s fastest-growing banana leaf restaurant chain. Together, the brands aim to make authentic, halal-certified heritage drinks available at every BananaBro outlet nationwide, pairing Malaysia’s beloved comfort food with Malaysia’s proudest new beverage innovation. “BananaBro represents the evolution of Malaysian dining — youthful, modern, and rooted in culture,” said Gisnervern. “It’s the perfect platform for Leafhaus to connect with every Malaysian, every table, every meal.” Launched in conjunction with Deepavali, this milestone represents not just business success but personal transformation. Once weighing 138 kg, Gisnervern turned health struggles into strength — crafting a product low in sugar, rich in antioxidants, and built around the principle that “health is the true wealth.” “My mission now is clear — to sell 10,000 cartons by year-end, not just for profit, but to inspire every young Malaysian to dream big, start small, and stay clean in business.”

News

YTL Corp, YTL Power Seek Shareholder Approval For Director-Linked Employee Share Options

KUALA LUMPUR, YTL Corp Bhd and YTL Power International Bhd will be seeking their shareholders’ approval at upcoming annual general meetings (AGMs) to issue share options to employees associated with their directors. In separate filings to Bursa Malaysia on Wednesday, YTL Corp said it intends to issue options to several employees linked to its directors within the group’s subsidiaries. Meanwhile, YTL Power noted that its proposal involves the issuance of options to one director-linked employee of the company. Both proposals fall under their respective employees’ share option schemes (ESOS), which collectively allow for the allocation of up to 10% of each company’s issued share capital, subject to the schemes’ terms and conditions. “The details of the proposed option issuances will be outlined in the respective AGM notices, which will be made available to shareholders in due course,” both companies said. At market close on Wednesday, YTL Corp shares fell five sen or 1.96% to RM2.50, valuing the group at RM29.09 billion. YTL Power shares slipped eight sen or 2.04% to RM3.84, giving it a market capitalisation of RM33.32 billion.

Investment & Market Trends

EPF No Longer A Major Shareholder In 99 Speed Mart

KUALA LUMPUR, The Employees Provident Fund (EPF) has ceased to be a substantial shareholder in 99 Speed Mart Retail Holdings Bhd following the disposal of a small portion of its equity in the homegrown minimart chain operator. In a filing with Bursa Malaysia, 99 Speed Mart said the EPF disposed of 11.61 million shares, equivalent to a 0.14% stake, on Oct 16. The sale reduced the retirement fund’s shareholding to 4.89%, below the 5% threshold that defines a substantial shareholding under Bursa Malaysia’s listing requirements. While the filing did not disclose the transaction value, based on 99 Speed Mart’s closing price of RM3.13 on Oct 16, the divested shares were worth approximately RM36.33 million. Following the disposal, 99 Speed Mart’s founder and chief executive officer Lee Thiam Wah remains the company’s only substantial shareholder, maintaining a controlling 79.68% stake. The EPF first appeared as a substantial shareholder in June this year after accumulating a 5.02% stake. Since then, it has actively traded the counter, with its holdings peaking at 5.52% in early October before gradually reducing its position. 99 Speed Mart’s shares have shown a strong performance in recent months, buoyed by investor confidence in the company’s steady earnings growth and expansion strategy. From RM2.09 at end-June, the stock has surged nearly 58% to reach an all-time high of RM3.30 on Tuesday. At the close of trading on Wednesday, 99 Speed Mart’s shares eased six sen or 1.82% to RM3.24, valuing the retail group at RM27.2 billion. Founded by Lee Thiam Wah, 99 Speed Mart operates more than 2,500 outlets nationwide and has become one of Malaysia’s leading neighbourhood convenience chains, focusing on affordability and accessibility for consumers.

News

Coca-Cola Eyes US$1 Billion IPO For Its Indian Bottling Arm

Coca-Cola is reportedly exploring the possibility of taking its Indian bottling unit public in a deal that could raise around US$1 billion, Bloomberg News reported on Friday, citing sources familiar with the matter. The company has reportedly held preliminary discussions with bankers about a potential listing of Hindustan Coca-Cola Beverages, which could value the unit at approximately US$10 billion. Coca-Cola and Hindustan Coca-Cola Beverages did not immediately respond to requests for comment. The move comes amid increasing competition in the Indian beverage market, notably from Reliance’s consumer products brand, Campa Cola. India has recently seen a surge in global companies listing their local subsidiaries. For instance, LG Electronics India, the consumer appliance arm of the South Korean firm, launched a blockbuster US$13 billion IPO this week. The potential Coca-Cola unit listing are still in the early stages, and no bankers have been formally appointed yet. If the plan moves forward, the IPO could take place next year.

News

CIMB Chairman Appointed As Director Of TNG Digital

PETALING JAYA, TNG Digital Sdn Bhd, the operator behind the widely used TNG eWallet, has announced the appointment of Datuk Syed Zaid Albar as its new chairman and non-independent non-executive director, effective from Oct 17, 2025. In an official statement, TNG Digital highlighted Syed Zaid’s extensive legal and corporate experience, noting that he is a seasoned lawyer with expertise spanning multiple areas, including financial services, corporate advisory, and regulatory compliance. His leadership is expected to bring strategic guidance and strong governance to TNG Digital as the company continues to expand its digital financial services footprint in Malaysia. Syed Zaid, who stepped away from active legal practice in 2018, previously served as the executive chairman of the Securities Commission (SC) until mid-2022. During his tenure at the SC, he was instrumental in strengthening governance frameworks, enhancing regulatory oversight, and promoting the development of Malaysia’s capital markets on both a domestic and international level. His contributions helped position the Malaysian capital markets as more robust and competitive globally. In addition to his new role at TNG Digital, Syed Zaid currently holds the chairmanship of CIMB Group Holdings Bhd, CIMB Bank Bhd, and Touch ‘n Go Sdn Bhd. His appointment to TNG Digital comes at a pivotal time for the company, as it seeks to leverage his wealth of experience in finance, regulation, and corporate strategy to drive innovation, improve operational excellence, and strengthen investor confidence in the rapidly evolving digital payments sector. TNG Digital said that with Syed Zaid’s appointment, the board aims to reinforce its commitment to transparency, corporate governance, and long-term strategic growth, particularly as the company looks to expand its range of digital financial products and services for Malaysian consumers.

Investment & Market Trends

Sin-Kung Subsidiary Partners With Pos Malaysia Unit For Aviation Support Services

KUALA LUMPUR, Sin-Kung Logistics Bhd’s air cargo and private jet charter arm is teaming up with Pos Malaysia Bhd’s aviation units to strengthen its operational capabilities ahead of its commercial launch this quarter. The company’s wholly owned subsidiary, Sin-Kung Airways Sdn Bhd, has signed a series of service agreements with Pos Aviation Sdn Bhd and Pos Aviation Engineering Services Sdn Bhd (PAES), covering ground handling, in-flight catering, and aircraft engineering services, the company said in a statement on Tuesday. From left: Pos Aviation Engineering Services Sdn Bhd general manager Akbar Ali and CEO Saravanan Ramasamy, with Sin-Kung Logistics Bhd managing director Alan Ong and executive director Angeline Ong. Sin-Kung Logistics managing director Alan Ong said the collaboration forms part of the airline’s strategy to build a strong operational framework to support its upcoming service rollout. “Partnering with Pos Aviation and PAES allows us to tap into their nationwide infrastructure and technical expertise, ensuring our operations meet international standards for safety, quality, and reliability,” Ong said. Pos Aviation CEO Saravanan Ramasamy added that the partnership reinforces the company’s role as a comprehensive aviation solutions provider, offering end-to-end operational support for airline partners. Last week, Sin-Kung Logistics also appointed AeroDarat Sdn Bhd as its ground handling partner at key Malaysian airports, including Kota Kinabalu, Kuching, Miri, Labuan, Tawau, Sandakan, and Penang, with Kuala Lumpur International Airport as an alternate hub. The three-year agreement covers aircraft ramp operations, load control, flight operations, cargo and mail handling, and related technical support. Shares of Sin-Kung Logistics closed unchanged at 11.5 sen, giving the company a market value of RM132.25 million. Pos Malaysia shares ended 1.5 sen or 5% higher at 31.5 sen, valuing the group at RM246.57 million.

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