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Energy & Technology

Yiked Bina To Support Kedah Connectivity Rollout Under Tanjung Digital Appointment

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In a move to advance Kedah’s digital infrastructure and connectivity agenda, EDOTCO Malaysia subsidiaries Tanjung Digital Sdn Bhd (TDSB) and Yiked Bina Sdn Bhd (Yiked Bina) today formalised a Telecommunications Infrastructure Deployment Agreement with the Kedah State Government. Under the agreement, TDSB has been appointed as a State Deployment Partner for 15 years, working closely with the State Secretary of Kedah (Incorporated) (SSK), which serves as the One Stop Agency (OSA), to streamline and coordinate telecommunications infrastructure development across the state. The signing of the Telecommunications Infrastructure Deployment Agreement of Tanjung Digital Sdn. Bhd. and Yiked Bina Sdn. Bhd. featuring (from left) Hasnul Hamdi, Manager of YBSB; Datuk Azam, BOD of Tanjung Digital; Dato’ Balan, BOD of Tanjung Digital; Gayan Koralage, Director of Malaysia Business, EDOTCO; Mohd Isham Ishak, Director of YBSB; and Lt. Khirul Annuar, Head of In-Building Solutions. Yiked Bina, a licensed Network Facilities Provider (NFP) and wholly-owned subsidiary of TDSB, will lead on-ground deployment, expanding coverage and enabling faster delivery of connectivity infrastructure for Mobile Network Operator (MNO) partners across both urban centres and underserved areas. To date, Yiked Bina has delivered close to 500 telecommunications sites in Kedah, achieving a tenancy ratio of 2.49x — a strong indicator of growing data demand and the need for scalable infrastructure. The company has doubled its tenancies over the past three years, with a significant proportion of sites already 5G-enabled to support industrial growth, enterprise connectivity and tourism development. Leveraging EDOTCO Group’s regional expertise and operational scale, Yiked Bina is applying data-driven planning and digital analytics to identify coverage gaps and optimise deployment rollout, ensuring more targeted and efficient expansion. The company has also introduced one of Malaysia’s first biochar-based telecommunications poles, advancing sustainable and low-carbon infrastructure development. Gayan Koralage, Director of EDOTCO Malaysia Business, said: “Kedah’s strategic position within the Northern Corridor Economic Region — supported by industrial parks, tourism hubs such as Langkawi, cross-border trade access and national fibre routes — places it at the centre of Malaysia’s next phase of growth. “Strengthening digital infrastructure is fundamental to unlocking that potential — enabling investments, supporting industries and ensuring that communities across the state can participate meaningfully in the digital economy.” This appointment reinforces EDOTCO Malaysia’s and Yiked Bina’s commitment to supporting RMK13 and national connectivity targets, including improving network quality, expanding coverage and meeting MCMC’s coverage performance ambitions.

Investment & Market Trends

Johor Faces Skills And Salary Mismatch As JS-SEZ Growth Accelerates

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A new workforce study released ahead of the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ) Masterplan announcement reveals a growing disconnect in Johor’s labour market. As the state prepares to move up the value chain, expectations for income are rising faster than workforce readiness. The findings suggest that the success of JS-SEZ will depend not only on investment and infrastructure, but also on whether workforce capability and expectations can be brought back into alignment. While 45% of Johor’s workforce is already capable of driving adoption, a significant portion remains in transition, with uneven exposure to advanced tools and limited readiness for higher-value roles. At the same time, income expectations remain anchored around a relatively narrow band, with many workers defining a “good life” within modest salary thresholds, even as the state’s economic ambitions continue to rise. This creates a structural tension — a workforce that is operationally strong, but not yet uniformly prepared for the type of growth it increasingly expects. “The narrative has been that Johor needs more talent. What this data shows is more nuanced — the talent already exists, but it is not yet aligned to where the economy is heading,” said See Toh Wai Yu, CEO of Central Force International. “What we are now seeing is a widening gap between expectations and readiness, and that gap will ultimately shape how far and how fast Johor can move.” Readiness Concentrated in Certain Areas The study also highlights a geographic imbalance across the state. Johor Bahru stands out as the most digitally prepared district, with a concentration of talent capable of supporting advanced services and technology-enabled industries. In contrast, districts outside the urban core are dominated by technically skilled and trainable workers, but with more limited exposure to AI and advanced digital tools. This creates a structural divide where execution capability is strong, but readiness for rapid innovation remains more limited. Transformation Must Follow Readiness The findings suggest that Johor’s primary challenge is not capability, but how transformation is sequenced. Advancing too quickly into high-value sectors in areas that are not yet ready risks slowing productivity gains and widening inequality. “The biggest risk is not that Johor moves too slowly — it’s that we move too uniformly. Transformation must follow readiness,” said Wai Yu. “If we mismatch ambition with capability, we risk creating friction instead of momentum.” Income Expectations Reflect Wider Economic Perceptions Beyond skills, the study points to a deeper structural issue in how workers evaluate opportunity. A majority of Johoreans indicated that RM3,000 or below is sufficient for a “good life”, while only a small minority associated it with incomes above RM5,000. This perception remains consistent even among higher earners, suggesting that expectations are shaped less by individual earning potential and more by how Johor is collectively perceived as an economy. Johor is therefore viewed as stable and affordable, but not necessarily aspirational, which may limit how quickly workforce expectations evolve alongside higher-value economic activity. Implications for JS-SEZ As Malaysia approaches the JS-SEZ Masterplan announcement, the findings reposition workforce alignment as a key determinant of success. Johor enters this phase with a strong execution base and a sizable pool of trainable talent. However, unlocking higher-value growth will depend on how effectively capability, expectations and investment are aligned. In this context, the success of the JS-SEZ may depend less on how fast Johor moves, and more on whether it moves in the right sequence — ensuring that ambition does not outpace readiness. The lite report is available at: Central Force International Central Force International is a member of the American Association for Public Opinion Research (AAPOR) Transparency Initiative and is currently the only Malaysian research organisation participating in the initiative.

News

Asia School Of Business Vaults Into Financial Times World’s Top 100 For Executive Education

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ASIA SCHOOL OF BUSINESS VAULTS INTO FINANCIAL TIMES WORLD’S TOP 100 FOR EXECUTIVE EDUCATION The historic debut recognises ASB’s mission to deliver world-class education built in Asia, for Asia and beyond. The Asia School of Business (ASB) has achieved a historic milestone by debuting at 94th globally in the prestigious Financial Times (FT) Executive Education Custom Rankings. In its very first year of participation, ASB is the first business school in Malaysia to enter this definitive global ranking. This landmark achievement reflects the deep trust placed in ASB by diverse corporate partners and underscores the School’s commitment to executive learning engineered specifically for Asia’s unique leadership and organisational transformations. Delivering Tangible Business Value The FT methodology relies heavily on direct stakeholder sentiment, with client and participant feedback accounting for 80% of the overall ranking across dimensions like programme design, teaching methods, and value for money. Professor Joseph Cherian, CEO, President, Dean and Distinguished Professor of Asia School of Business, expressed his enthusiasm: “Securing a position among the world’s top 100 custom executive education providers in our inaugural debut is an extraordinary honour for the Asia School of Business, and a significant milestone that elevates Malaysia’s presence in global business education. With the Financial Times methodology placing an immense 80% weight on client feedback, this ranking directly validates the genuine trust, real-world value, and transformational impact our corporate partners experience with us.” Strategic Excellence Across Five Pillars ASB’s executive education programmes are uniquely structured to address the most pressing challenges of the modern economy. The School’s curriculum is anchored by five strategic pillars designed to empower leaders with a 360-degree perspective on regional and global shifts: Corporate Governance & Finance: Enhancing the skills of directors to effectively fulfil their fiduciary duties, with a focus on board-level risk management, strategy, and succession planning. Leadership & Management: Equipping busy executives and high-potential managers across industries with the practical tools and insights needed to lead effectively in today’s complex world. Technology: Immersing participants in the dynamic digital landscape, covering pivotal fields like AI and cybersecurity to understand how technology is reshaping global industries. Geopolitics: Examining the interplay between global policies and economics, enabling leaders to anticipate geopolitical shifts and adapt strategies for resilient growth. Sustainability: Moving beyond the buzzwords to help organisations strike a vital balance between profits and sustainable growth, progress, and future-minded impact. Global Inquiry, Local Heart This global recognition validates ASB’s defining ethos: Global Inquiry, Local Heart. Unlike traditional regional outposts, ASB operates as a homegrown executive education powerhouse built inside the region, significantly enhanced by the integration and legacy of the ICLIF Leadership and Governance Centre in 2020. “Our capability has been built deeply and institutionally over the years to design executive education that answers to Asian market dynamics while staying globally connected,” added Professor Cherian. “This recognition builds on ASB’s broader trajectory of international benchmarking, including our AACSB accreditation and growing global engagement. Moving forward, this milestone will catalyse our next phase of growth as we strengthen client listening mechanisms and expand our international footprint.” A Comprehensive Educational Ecosystem Building upon this momentum, ASB continues to shape global knowledge from Asia for the world. Beyond executive education, the School offers premier postgraduate degrees including the Master in Central Banking (MCB), MBA, Executive MBA (EMBA), and Agile Continuous Education (Micro-Credential) programmes (ACE). Driven by its signature Action Learning methodology, ASB ensures graduates possess rigorous real-world capabilities, backed by robust career services that successfully place students in top-tier global and regional organisations.

The Executives

SME Corp. Malaysia Appoints Datuk Teng Chang Khim As New Chairman

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SME Corp. Malaysia has announced the appointment of Datuk Teng Chang Khim as its new chairman, effective May 18, 2026. The appointment was made by Entrepreneur and Cooperatives Development Minister Steven Sim Chee Keong. Datuk Teng holds a Law degree from the University of London and a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Perdana University. He previously served on the board of Selangor State Development Corporation (PKNS) and brings extensive experience in business, investment and industry development. He has also served as a board member of the Selangor Information Technology and Digital Economy Corporation (SIDEC) and Invest Selangor Berhad. The former Speaker of the Selangor State Legislative Assembly has significant experience in SME development through his previous roles as Selangor executive councillor overseeing portfolios including Investment, Small and Medium Industries, Trade and Transport from 2014 to 2018, as well as Industry and Trade from 2018 to 2023. Throughout his career, he also served as chairman of the Selangor Information and Digital Economy Council, vice chairman of the Selangor Halal Industry Council, and organising chairman of the Selangor International Business Summit (SIBS). SME Corp. Malaysia welcomed the appointment and reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in Malaysia, particularly through scaling-up initiatives under the 13th Malaysia Plan (RMK13). At the same time, the agency expressed its appreciation to former chairman Tan Sri Datuk Seri Panglima Bernard Giluk Dompok for his leadership and contributions since assuming the role on April 1, 2023.

Investment & Market Trends

Monee Launches SFinancing-i For All Shopee Users

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Monee Capital Malaysia Sdn. Bhd. (Monee) today announced the official public launch of SFinancing-i, a Shariah-compliant digital financing solution now available to all Shopee users* in Malaysia. Designed to offer greater financial flexibility, SFinancing-i provides users with convenient access to instant cash financing directly through the Shopee app. With financing of up to RM20,000 and flexible payment tenures of up to 24 months, SFinancing-i aims to support users’ personal financial needs through a seamless and fully digital experience. Approved users can instantly withdraw funds to their bank account or ShopeePay wallet, with no income documents or activation fees required. In conjunction with the launch, users who activate and make their first financing request can enjoy a special 1% monthly profit rate* promotion for payment tenures of up to 24 months. Powered by Monee Capital Malaysia in collaboration with Sedania As Salam Capital, and certified by Masryef Advisory, SFinancing-i is built on the Shariah principle of Commodity Murabahah (Tawarruq), offering users a transparent and accessible financing solution that aligns with Islamic financing principles. Key features of SFinancing-i include: ● Financing limit up to RM20,000● Flexible payment tenures of up to 24 months● Instant cash withdrawal to bank accounts or ShopeePay wallets● 1% monthly profit rate for the first financing request● Fully digital application process with no income documents required● Zero activation fees Eligible users can activate SFinancing-i directly through the “Me” tab on the Shopee app. The service is available to eligible Malaysian citizens and permanent residents aged 18 years old and above. For users seeking higher financing amounts, Monee also offers SFinancing-i Xtra, a term financing facility that provides eligible users** with financing of up to RM50,000 and profit rates from as low as 0.75% per month.

Energy & Technology

Cahya Suria Services, Suzhou EnnoTHING Partner For NexQuantum AI Digital Park In Perak

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Duli Yang Amat Mulia Raja Iskandar Dzurkarnain ibni Almarhum Sultan Idris A’fifullah Shah, Raja Di-Hilir Perak Darul Ridzuan, today graced the NexQuantum AI Digital Park Strategic Partnership Ceremony attended by YAB Dato’ Saarani bin Mohamad, Menteri Besar Perak and representatives from the Perak state development ecosystem, international technology partners, business leaders, investors, consultants and local stakeholders. NexQuantum AI Digital Park is envisioned as a long-term digital infrastructure platform comprising eight proposed data centre facilities, with NQ1 planned as the first flagship development.  Cahya Suria Services Sdn Bhd and Suzhou EnnoTHING Technology Co., Ltd. today formalised a strategic partnership through NexQuantum 1 Sdn Bhd to advance the development of NexQuantum AI Digital Park, a future-ready digital infrastructure platform in Perak designed to support Perak’s digital ambitions, accelerate Malaysia’s digital transformation and, progressively serve the wider ASEAN and Greater Asian digital economy. Marked by the NexQuantum AI Digital Park Strategic Partnership Ceremony in Ipoh, the collaboration brings together Malaysian project development capability and international technology exposure to establish a high-value digital ecosystem focused on AI-ready infrastructure, cloud services, intelligent operations, sustainability, talent development and regional digital connectivity in which positioning Perak as an emerging digital pathway capable of supporting digital growth across Malaysia, ASEAN and broader Greater Asian Region. The ceremony was graced by the presence of Duli Yang Amat Mulia Raja Iskandar Dzurkarnain ibni Almarhum Sultan Idris A’fifullah Shah, Raja Di-Hilir Perak Darul Ridzuan, attended by YAB Dato’ Saarani bin Mohamad, Menteri Besar Perak and representatives from the Perak state development ecosystem, international technology partners, business leaders, investors, consultants and local stakeholders. Under the wider masterplan, NexQuantum AI Digital Park is envisioned as a long-term digital infrastructure platform comprising eight proposed data centre facilities, with NQ1 planned as the first flagship development. NQ1 is proposed as a 32MW, fully AI-ready Tier III data centre equipped with liquid cooling technology, representing an estimated RM1 billion investment in Perak. The project is intended to support next-generation digital demand, including AI computing, high-performance computing, secure data infrastructure, cloud services, cybersecurity and enterprise digital applications. A Strategic Platform for Perak and the RegionThe partnership through NexQuantum 1 Sdn Bhd combines the local development strengths of Cahya Suria Services Sdn Bhd with the international technology capabilities of Suzhou EnnoTHING Technology Co., Ltd. Cahya Suria Services contributes local development execution, stakeholder coordination, project origination and familiarity with the Malaysian operating landscape. Suzhou EnnoTHING brings technology exposure linked to the broader Foxconn Ennoconn ecosystem, including expertise across smart manufacturing, industrial internet technologies, AI infrastructure, automation, cloud and edge computing, intelligent monitoring and digital industrial systems. Together, the parties aim to position NexQuantum AI Digital Park not simply as a property development, but as a digitally enabled platform capable of supporting future AI, cloud and industrial technology requirements across Perak, Malaysia and progressively, the wider ASEAN and Greater Asian region. Supporting the Aspirations of Perak Sejahtera 2030The strategic partnership is aligned with the aspirations of Perak Sejahtera 2030, Perak’s long-term development agenda, which seeks to build a more progressive, competitive, inclusive and sustainable state through quality investment, future-ready infrastructure, talent development, innovation, responsible development and broader economic opportunity for the Rakyat. NexQuantum AI Digital Park is expected to support these aspirations by contributing to:• digital infrastructure and AI readiness;• local SME and vendor participation;• skilled employment and technical career pathways;• collaboration with universities and TVET institutions;• sustainable, technology-led investment; and• Perak’s emergence as a credible digital economy location. “NexQuantum AI Digital Park is not intended to be merely a local development or a single data centre project. Our ambition is to build a Perak-born digital infrastructure platform that is connected to Malaysia and positioned to serve the wider Greater Asian digital economy,” said Mr Ong Teng Boon, representing Cahya Suria Services Sdn Bhd and NexQuantum 1 Sdn Bhd. Mr Ong added that through NexQuantum 1 Sdn Bhd, this strategic partnership brings together local execution capability and international technology exposure. “We believe this creates a strong foundation for a project that is AI-ready, sustainable and aligned with Perak’s long-term economic transformation.” On alignment with the state agenda, Mr Ong said, “We support the aspirations of Perak Sejahtera 2030 by helping to attract high-quality investment, encourage local vendor participation, support talent development and contribute to a more progressive, competitive and future-ready Perak.” Duli Yang Amat Mulia Raja Iskandar Dzurkarnain ibni Almarhum Sultan Idris A’fifullah Shah, Raja Di-Hilir Perak Darul Ridzuan takes a moment to engage with two humanoids at the Strategic Partnership Ceremony of NexQuantum AI Digital Park, today. A powerful testament to the State’s commitment to innovation and the digital frontier. NexQuantum AI Digital Park is envisioned as a long-term digital infrastructure platform comprising eight proposed data centre facilities, with NQ1 planned as the first flagship development.  “Our collaboration through NexQuantum 1 Sdn Bhd reflects a serious long-term commitment to building a technology-enabled digital infrastructure platform in Perak. We see strong value in combining local development strengths with international technology capability to support the next generation of AI infrastructure,” said Mr Liu Huoping, representing Suzhou EnnoTHING Technology Co., Ltd. Mr Liu added that NQ1, as a planned 32MW fully AI-ready Tier III data centre with liquid cooling technology, will serve as an important first step under the broader NexQuantum AI Digital Park vision. “We believe it can become a meaningful platform for advanced computing, cloud services and future regional digital demand.” On the broader ecosystem, he added, “Through this partnership, we hope to contribute not only technology exposure and systems experience, but also ecosystem connectivity that can help position Perak more strongly within the regional digital economy.” Mr Aven Lou, who is leading the Foxconn Ennoconn team said, “NexQuantum AI Digital Park has the potential to evolve into a smart, AI-ready, sustainable and regionally relevant digital infrastructure platform. With the right long-term planning and ecosystem support, it can become an important bridge between local ambition and international technology opportunity.” Datuk Redza Rafiq Abdul Razak, representing PKNPk and the state development ecosystem said, “Perak welcomes serious and responsible investors who

Lifestyle

Canon Launches The EOS R6 V With First-Ever L-Series Power Zoom Lens

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EOS R6 V with RF20-50mm f/4L IS USM PZ. Canon Marketing Malaysia (“Canon”) today announced a new content creation kit comprising the EOS R6 V, a new full-frame camera, and the accompanying RF20-50mm f/4L IS USM PZ, a first-ever full-frame professional-grade L-series lens that comes with a built-in power zoom. The EOS R6 V possesses the powerful stills and video performance of the EOS R6 Mark III in a body that has been optimised for video content creation. The upgrades include a built-in cooling fan and a social media content-friendly vertical tripod socket. Its full-frame CMOS sensor, with up to 32.5 effective megapixels and 7K Open Gate recording, allows users to utilise the full field of view of ultra-wide-angle lenses, opening different possibilities. The RF20-50mm f/4L IS USM PZ pairs effortlessly with the EOS R6 V, giving you a compact, travel-friendly setup that doesn’t compromise on versatility. The 20–50mm zoom range covers everything from wide environmental shots to tighter conversational framing, while the built-in Power Zoom keeps transitions smooth and cinematic. With a constant f/4 aperture throughout, you get consistent, reliable exposure even as you zoom. “Today’s creators work across various platforms and formats. The EOS R6 V and RF20-50mm f/4L IS USM PZ are built to deliver the performance and ease creators need to create confidently, whether for professional productions or everyday content. This is part of Canon’s ongoing commitment to innovation and ‘Delighting You Always’,” said Edward Chang, Head of Image Communication Business Division, Canon Marketing Malaysia. More Platforms, Less SweatThe EOS R6 V features 7K Open Gate RAW/MP4 shooting, which records video via the entire sensor area. With this, the new camera offers creators more flexibility over what goes into the frame when repurposing horizontal content into a vertical format. Users achieve more creative control without having to do multiple shoots. The EOS R6 V’s built-in cooling fan also allows users to record in 7K Open Gate MP4 for approximately three times longer when compared to the EOS R6 Mark III. This makes the EOS R6 V ideal for long interviews, live events, or long single takes. The EOS R6 V is built natively for vertical content. A dedicated vertical tripod socket delivers direct, stable mounting without the need for an extra bracket, while the UI automatically reorientates to match, keeping the shooting experience seamless from start to finish. Its linear design with minimal protrusions also integrates cleanly with rigs, attachments and accessories. Make Your Videos DynamicBoth the EOS R6 V and RF20-50mm f/4L IS USM PZ are compact and lightweight, making them easy to use while on the move. With built-in image stabilisation, they are also easy to use handheld or on a gimbal and rig. The EOS R6 V’s built-in five-axis sensor-shift image stabilisation system (In-Body IS) and Digital Movie IS coordinate with the RF20-50mm f/4L IS USM PZ’s Optical IS to stabilise footage shot on the go. The setup also supports the Subject Tracking IS mode, which accounts for the subject position during stabilisation. The EOS R6 V retains a large, ergonomic grip that offers comfort and a stable hold during handheld shooting. The RF20-50mm f/4L IS USM PZ’s 20mm wide-end is ideal for stunning, and perspective-rich establishment shots. These can show plenty of context, including stunning interior scenes. Additionally, its 50mm long end offers a 0.24m minimum focusing distance that captures close-up shots with a natural perspective. Users can make use of the zoom ring or the EOS R6 V’s zoom lever to zoom seamlessly from one end to the other in one smooth take. They can also vary the degree of ring/lever movement to alternate between two zoom speeds. Fast and slow zooming are configurable up to 15 levels each. A new zoom mode selector switch enables switching between power zooming and the familiar manual zoom operations found on conventional zoom lenses. The lens barrel length does not change when zooming, so support systems will not require rebalancing. Superior StillsWhen placed in stills mode, the EOS R6 V shares the powerful performance of the EOS R6 Mark III and EOS C50. The high-resolution 32.5-megapixel full-frame sensor captures excellent detail and dynamic range, with ample allowance to crop in closer or produce 300 dpi A3-sized prints comfortably. The RF20-50mm f/4L IS USM PZ’s professional-grade optics are specially designed to combat distortion, chromatic aberration, flare and ghosting, thus ensuring high image quality. The EOS R6 V’s electronic shutter supports up to 40 fps continuous shooting and pre-shooting, with identical autofocus features and capabilities as the EOS R6 Mark III. The In-Body IS achieves a stabilisation effect of up to 7.5 stops at the centre and 7.0 stops at the image edges when shooting stills. The RF20-50mm f/4L IS USM PZ performs extremely well when shooting in low light, with its built-in Optical IS correcting camera shake by up to 6 stops’ equivalent. When mounted on an EOS R series camera with In-Body IS, it achieves an effect of up to 8.0 stops at the centre and 8.0 stops at the edges. Capture Yourself EffortlesslyThe EOS R6 V and RF20-50mm f/4L IS USM PZ allow creators to film themselves easily. The former has a front recording button and tally lamp that lights up when recording is in progress, and the latter’s zoom ring is easily accessible from the front. Users requiring remote camera and zoom control can achieve them via the Camera Connect app. Another alternative that users can consider is the new Wireless Remote Controller BR-E2, which allows for creative camera placement. The Bluetooth-connected Wireless Remote Controller BR-E2 offers users greater control over both still and video shooting functions compared to its predecessor (Wireless Remote Shutter BR-E1), including a dedicated movie shooting button and assignable functions. It comes included with the new Tripod Grip HG-200TBR, a portable tripod grip that can function as a desktop tripod and a selfie stick. Powerful and Cost-Efficient DuoThe EOS R6 V and RF20-50mm f/4L IS USM PZ integrate many of Canon’s powerful features, making them an excellent,

Events

Affin Bank Rolls Out ‘Kita Bomba’ Debit Mastercard

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AFFIN Group (“AFFIN” or “the Group”) launched the AFFIN ‘KITA BOMBA’ Debit Mastercard, an exclusive card created to honour members of the Fire and Rescue Department of Malaysia, retired fire and rescue personnel, and their eligible family members. The launch was held on 9 May 2026 at Angsana Johor Bahru Mall in conjunction with the Karnival Sambutan Hari Anggota Bomba Sedunia 2026, and was officiated by YB Tuan Nga Kor Ming, Minister of Housing and Local Government Malaysia. The AFFIN ‘KITA BOMBA’ Debit Mastercard reflects the Group’s continued focus on developing progressive and innovative banking offerings that connect financial solutions with everyday lifestyle needs. The card is designed to be relevant to how customers live, transact and engage, while offering access to banking convenience and lifestyle privileges, including: • Lifetime Annual Debit Card Fee Waiver.• Seamless Digital Banking – fully integrated with AffinAlwaysX Mobile Banking Application (“app”), offering real-time transaction tracking, instant alerts, and smart spending tools to keep customers in control anytime, anywhere.• Lifestyle Privileges – access to travel, hotel and loyalty rewards. The card design features an artistic interpretation of an emergency response helicopter, inspired by the Fire and Rescue Department of Malaysia’s air rescue and emergency response capabilities. The design reflects the courage, readiness and professionalism of Malaysia’s fire and rescue personnel, while honouring their service and commitment to protecting communities across the nation. Datuk Wan Razly Abdullah, President & Group Chief Executive Officer of AFFIN Group, said, “We are proud to launch the AFFIN ‘KITA BOMBA’ Debit Mastercard, created exclusively for Malaysia’s fire and rescue community. This card reflects AFFIN’s commitment to delivering personalised, segment-focused banking experiences that are more relevant and closely connected to the communities we serve.” He added, “As customer expectations continue to evolve, AFFIN is focused on building innovative offerings that connect financial solutions with everyday lifestyle. The Group is expanding its reach across wider communities and states to meet the dynamic needs of customers, while advancing the AFFIN Axelerate 2028 Plan, anchored on Unrivalled Customer Service, Digital Leadership and Responsible Banking with Impact.” The AFFIN ‘KITA BOMBA’ Debit Mastercard forms part of the Group’s expanding, differentiated card portfolio, designed to reflect the identity, lifestyle, and aspirations of diverse customer segments. The portfolio includes state- and community-centric cards, such as the AFFIN Selangor Visa Debit Card, AFFIN Kinabalu Visa Debit Card, AFFIN Kenyalang Visa Debit Card, and AFFIN Borneo Credit Card, as well as dedicated cards for institutional and uniformed personnel, including the AFFIN LTAT Affiliate Debit Mastercard, with further additions in the pipeline. The launch further strengthens AFFIN’s ongoing engagement with the fire and rescue community, following the Group’s contribution of van jenazah in support of their welfare needs. Reinforcing this commitment on the ground, AFFIN participated as a Strategic Partner in the Karnival Sambutan Hari Anggota Bomba Sedunia 2026. This presence provided a valuable platform for the Group to engage directly with fire and rescue personnel, their families, and the wider community. The Group also wishes to congratulate YBhg. Datuk Wan Razly Abdullah on the conferment of Pangkat Penguasa Kanan Bomba (Kehormat) on 28 April 2026, marking a milestone in the deepening relationship between AFFIN Group and the Fire and Rescue Department of Malaysia. For more information or to apply for the AFFIN ‘KITA BOMBA’ Debit Mastercard, please visit www.affinalways.com or any AFFIN branch nationwide.

ESG

Maxim E-hailing Malaysia Supports Legal And Transparent E-Hailing Industry

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More than 50% of Maxim E-hailing Malaysia’s total operational expenses have been allocated towards initiatives supporting the legalisation of drivers and compliance with local e-hailing regulations, reflecting the company’s ongoing commitment to building a transparent and fully compliant industry ecosystem. As part of these efforts, Maxim has introduced various initiatives aimed at reducing the financial and administrative burden faced by driver-partners when entering the legal e-hailing market. One of the company’s key investments includes compensation and support related to the Public Service Vehicle (PSV) licence requirements. Through this initiative, Maxim helps drivers ease the cost of obtaining the necessary certification, enabling more individuals to participate legally in the growing gig economy sector. In addition, Maxim has also invested in providing assistance for drivers to obtain their E-Hailing Vehicle Permit (EVP). To streamline the process, the company established a dedicated internal support structure to guide drivers through the required documentation and procedures. As a result, the average legalisation process for drivers can now be completed within just two to three days. “When you know your work is properly supported, you feel more confident and take your responsibilities more seriously,” said Mr. Gilang, Maxim’s full-time driver. Maxim’s continuous efforts to encourage legal participation in the e-hailing industry have also contributed to a steady increase in new driver registrations. Every month, more Malaysians are choosing to generate income through e-hailing services while complying with industry regulations. In March alone, the number of new drivers joining Maxim increased by 28% compared to February. According to Mohd Hazwan Musley, Director of Maxim E-hailing Malaysia, the company remains committed to creating sustainable earning opportunities while ensuring full compliance with Malaysian transport regulations. “At Maxim E-hailing Malaysia, we are committed to building a safe, transparent, and fully legal e-hailing ecosystem in Malaysia. We continuously invest in driver legalisation processes, including PSV-related assistance, EVP application support, safety training for drivers, and awareness initiatives to help drivers enter the industry more easily and operate in compliance with existing regulations. Our focus is not only on improving mobility services, but also on creating sustainable earning opportunities for local communities while maintaining high standards of safety and service quality,” he said. The company also continuously monitors driver compliance, including the validity of licences and permits, to ensure all active driver-partners meet the necessary legal requirements. Maxim’s investments in legalisation support and driver compliance initiatives are part of its broader commitment to promoting transparency, strengthening the e-hailing industry, and contributing to the development of legal employment opportunities within Malaysia’s gig economy.

Property

SSBB Secures RM47.5 Million Data Centre Job

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Integrated engineering specialist providing construction management services, mechanical and electrical (“M&E”), and specialised engineering consultancy services, Southern Score Builders Berhad (“SSBB” or the “Group”) (聚宝建设), through its 51%-owned subsidiary, SJEE Engineering Sdn. Bhd. (“SJEE”), has accepted a letter of award from a local construction company to undertake a subcontract project more particularly described as “Supply, Installation, Testing & Commissioning of Electrical, ELV, Telco & Security Works” for a data centre project at a total subcontract sum of RM47.5 million (“Contract”). The Contract is expected to be completed by March 2027, contributing positively to the Group’s earnings from FY26 onwards until its completion. Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of SSBB, Mr. Gan Yee Hin (颜宇恒) said, “Fresh from securing our largest-ever M&E contract, we are pleased to receive the continued trust of a returning client with this latest data centre job. This is a further testament to the depth of relationships and quality of execution that our M&E division has established over the years, reinforcing SJEE’s healthy customer base and strong standing in the high-tech and data centre space.” “This win brings our total contract value secured in FY26 to RM456.1 million, providing the Group with clear earnings visibility for the coming years. Meanwhile, our team remains actively focused on capitalising on the ample opportunities in the data centre sector, where the tender pipeline continues to be exciting. At the same time, we have been channelling more resources to strengthen and grow the M&E team and will continue to scale up to support the division’s continued growth.”

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