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Attendees included Datuk Noripah Kamso, Senior Independent Non-Executive Director of DXN Holdings Bhd; Amirah Khairiah Abdul Latip, District Officer of Kubang Pasu; Dr. Haim Hilman Abdullah, Kedah State Executive Councillor; Dato’ Dr. Nadzman Mustaffa, Kedah State Financial Officer; Kedah Chief Minister Dato’ Seri Haji Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor; DXN Executive Chairman and Founder Datuk Lim Siow Jin; PKNK CEO Dato’ Haji Mohd Sahil Zabidi; Kubang Pasu Municipal Council President Junaidi Abdul Rani; DXN COO Abdul Hafiz Mahmood Hisham; CFO Lim Beng Cheng; and CTO Muhammad Luthfi Hidayat.  DXN Holdings Bhd. (“DXN” or the “Company”) , a leading global wellness company and manufacturer of nutraceutical products, broke ground on Malaysia’s largest nutraceutical manufacturing facility in Bukit Kayu Hitam, Kedah (“BKH Facility”), a RM140 million investment that cements Malaysia’s position as the anchor of DXN’s global manufacturing network and strengthens the Group’s long-term growth platform. The ceremony was officiated by YAB Dato’ Seri Haji Muhammad Sanusi bin Md Nor, Menteri Besar of Kedah, accompanied by Datuk Lim Siow Jin, Founder and Executive Chairman of DXN. Phase 1 of the development will feature approximately 300,000 square feet (“sq ft”) of built-up space across a 26.6-acre site leased from Perbadanan Kemajuan Negeri Kedah (“PKNK”). The integrated manufacturing hub will house 7 production blocks, 10 warehouse facilities and a dedicated Research and Development centre, making it DXN’s largest facility worldwide and one of Malaysia’s largest nutraceutical manufacturing complexes. Production is targeted to commence in March 2028 with 118 SKUs across Coffee, Food & Beverage and Juice categories, while future phases will support expansion into higher-value segments such as Cosmetics, Personal Care and Pharmaceuticals. The investment comes as DXN continues to experience sustained growth across its international markets. Over the past three years, the Group has delivered consistent expansion in revenue and earnings, increasing demand on its manufacturing and logistics infrastructure. The BKH Facility is designed to provide the capacity, flexibility and operational resilience required to support DXN’s next phase of global growth while ensuring that manufacturing capability remains ahead of future demand. The BKH Facility will complement and expand DXN’s existing manufacturing footprint by providing a scalable platform for production, warehousing and research, while improving operational flexibility and strengthening supply chain resilience. Beyond capacity expansion, the facility is expected to deliver efficiency gains through greater automation, integrated logistics capabilities and the consolidation of key manufacturing and warehousing functions within a single campus, positioning DXN to support growing global demand more effectively over the long term. Welcoming the investment, Menteri Besar of Kedah YAB Dato’ Seri Haji Muhammad Sanusi bin Md Nor said: “On behalf of the Kedah State Government and the people of Kedah, I congratulate DXN on this historic investment. Malaysia’s largest nutraceutical factory will be built right here in Kedah, and that is a source of great pride for our State. This RM140 million commitment creates quality employment for our people, strengthens Kedah’s position as a premier industrial destination within the Northern Corridor, and demonstrates the confidence that world-class manufacturers continue to place in Kedah as a foundation for global operations. DXN has been a trusted partner of Kedah for over 20 years. Today, that partnership enters a new and historic chapter.” Datuk Lim Siow Jin, Executive Chairman and Founder of DXN pointed to the structural resilience of the global nutraceutical and wellness industry as the foundation underpinning the investment. “DXN’s revenue has grown at a compounded annual growth rate of 15.4% over the past three years, and FY2025 delivered all-time highs in revenue, net profit and EBITDA. That growth has outpaced our existing production capacity.” “Bukit Kayu Hitam is our answer, with seven production blocks and a dedicated R&D centre, built to support the next decade of growth. More than a factory, it is a purpose-built manufacturing, logistics and innovation hub that will enable DXN to scale more efficiently, operate more effectively and serve our global markets with greater flexibility and resilience. Together with our existing facilities in Kedah, it will further reinforce Malaysia’s role as the heart of our global production ecosystem and strengthen our ability to support customers worldwide.” Datuk Lim pointed to the structural resilience of the global nutraceutical and wellness industry as the foundation underpinning the investment. “The global health and wellness market is growing at a pace that most investors have yet to fully appreciate. The ready-to-eat and functional food segment alone is projected to reach RM1.6 trillion by 2034, growing at 7.7% annually. Wellness spending per capita in Asia stands at just RM1,860 per year compared to RM23,815 in North America and RM7,410 in Europe; that convergence gap represents decades of addressable growth. DXN currently generates RM1.9 billion in annual revenue from a global market measured in the hundreds of billions. Bukit Kayu Hitam is how we ensure our production capacity is never the constraint on capturing that opportunity.” Bukit Kayu Hitam is the flagship of DXN’s Global Manufacturing Strategy, which targets 21 factories across four continents by 2028. The facility anchors a three-pillar Malaysian manufacturing ecosystem alongside the existing Jitra complex and the Gua Musang facility under development in Kelantan. Together, this integrated cluster will supply the majority of DXN’s global SKU portfolio to its consumer community of approximately 22 million registered consumers across more than 180 countries, while new regional facilities in Peru, Bolivia, Morocco, Saudi Arabia and Brazil serve their respective local markets. The RM140 million investment will be financed through external funding facilities, underpinned by the Group’s robust financial position, including a zero net debt balance sheet and a debt-to-equity ratio of approximately 0.15 times. This provides DXN with the financial flexibility to pursue strategic growth initiatives while maintaining a disciplined approach to capital allocation and long-term value creation. From Kedah to the world, the BKH Facility reflects DXN’s confidence in Malaysia as its manufacturing home base and its commitment to building a world-class production platform capable of supporting future growth across global markets. The project represents a significant milestone in DXN’s journey to strengthen its global manufacturing network and deliver

Allianz Global Investors (AllianzGI) is reportedly in exclusive negotiations to acquire the asset management business of Singapore-based United Overseas Bank Ltd (UOB), according to sources familiar with the matter. The investment manager is understood to have emerged as the leading bidder after outpacing several competing suitors, with discussions now focused on finalising the terms of a transaction that could value UOB Asset Management (UOBAM) at as much as S$600 million (US$467 million). While negotiations are said to be progressing, the sources noted that no definitive agreement has been reached and the deal remains subject to ongoing discussions. A spokesperson for AllianzGI declined to comment on the matter. UOB also refrained from commenting on the reported talks, stating only that it remains focused on creating long-term value for shareholders and meeting the needs of its customers. Reports of a potential sale follow earlier indications that UOB had been exploring strategic options for its asset management arm as part of efforts to streamline its business portfolio. Industry sources previously identified several interested parties, including Amundi SA, KKR & Co, and Seviora, an asset management group backed by Temasek Holdings. One of the key considerations in the sale process has been the extent to which UOB’s extensive distribution network across Southeast Asia would be included in any transaction, given its strategic importance in driving regional fund sales and client acquisition. Established in 1986, UOB Asset Management is a wholly owned subsidiary of UOB and manages more than S$41 billion in assets. The firm has built a regional presence with operations in Singapore, Brunei, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Thailand and Vietnam. For AllianzGI, the acquisition would further strengthen its footprint in Asia and expand its access to one of Southeast Asia’s largest banking distribution networks. As of the end of March, AllianzGI managed nearly €600 billion (US$697 billion) in assets across a broad range of investment strategies, including equities, fixed income, private markets and multi-asset solutions. AllianzGI is part of Allianz SE, the German financial services group that also owns global fixed-income investment manager Pacific Investment Management Co (PIMCO).

Sapura Industrial Bhd is disposing of a 2.163-hectare parcel of vacant leasehold land in Ayer Keroh, Melaka, to Loongsen Plastics (M) Sdn Bhd for RM10.48 million as part of its efforts to unlock value from non-core assets and strengthen its financial position. In a filing with Bursa Malaysia, the automotive components manufacturer said the property carries a 99-year leasehold tenure that is set to expire on Oct 22, 2073. The land is currently occupied by a tenant and generates a monthly rental income of RM2,940. According to the company, the disposal presents an opportunity to realise the capital appreciation of the asset after holding it for approximately 25 years. Sapura Industrial noted that the land was originally acquired to support the expansion of its manufacturing operations in Melaka. However, changing business requirements and evolving operational priorities have prompted the group to reassess the strategic value of the property within its portfolio. The board said that while the site had been earmarked for future expansion, the company is now focusing on growth opportunities in locations that are closer to its existing customers and those of its subsidiaries. This shift is expected to enhance operational efficiency, improve logistics management and better support customer demand. “Having held the asset as an investment for 25 years and having considered the need for expansion of plant facilities in other areas that are in closer proximity to the company’s or its subsidiaries’ customers, the board believes that the proposed disposal is timely,” the company said. Sapura Industrial added that the transaction will enable the group to unlock the value embedded in the property and convert it into liquid funds that can be redeployed towards more productive uses. The proceeds from the disposal are expected to support the group’s operational requirements, strengthen its cash position and provide additional flexibility to pursue future expansion and investment opportunities aligned with its long-term business strategy. The company said the disposal reflects its ongoing efforts to optimise asset utilisation and focus resources on areas that offer stronger strategic and operational benefits, while continuing to support its growth ambitions in the automotive and industrial sectors.