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Energy & Technology

AirTrunk To Invest RM12 Billion More In Malaysia This Year

Data centre platform AirTrunk will increase its investment in Malaysia by an additional RM12 billion this year, bringing its total committed investments in the country to RM27 billion, says Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. He said the matter was conveyed during a courtesy visit by AirTrunk founder and chief executive officer Robin Khuda and his delegation on Wednesday (April 29). According to Anwar, discussions during the meeting focused on the progress of AirTrunk’s ongoing data centre developments in Johor, which form part of the company’s broader expansion plans in Malaysia’s digital infrastructure sector. He added that both sides also discussed a localisation framework aimed at increasing the participation of Malaysian companies across the data centre value chain, including construction, services, and supporting industries. “The investment commitment is highly welcomed and is expected to further strengthen Malaysia’s position as a competitive, progressive and high-capacity regional digital hub,” he said in a Facebook post on Thursday (April 30). Anwar noted that AirTrunk’s expanded commitment reflects continued investor confidence, particularly among global technology firms, in Malaysia’s role as a strategic destination for digital infrastructure and data centre development. He added that this development also aligns with the government’s ongoing efforts to streamline policies, improve regulatory efficiency, and facilitate faster implementation in the development and operation of data centres nationwide. The additional investment is expected to further accelerate Malaysia’s growth as a regional hub for cloud computing, hyperscale data infrastructure, and digital services.

Property

QEW Group Unveils RFP For RM1 Billion Smart Industrial Park At Malaysia–Thailand Trade Gateway

QEW Group Berhad has officially launched a Request for Proposal (RFP) for the development of the QEW Smart Integrated Industrial Park (QSIIP), a strategic industrial initiative positioned at the Malaysia–Thailand border in Bukit Kayu Hitam, Kedah. Developed via its wholly-owned subsidiary, QEW Smart Integrated Industrial Park Sdn. Bhd., and in collaboration with Invest Kedah Berhad, the project underscores a broader push to strengthen cross-border economic activity and regional industrial integration. Spanning approximately 258 acres, the development is strategically located within a key trade corridor and aligned with the Indonesia–Malaysia–Thailand Growth Triangle (IMT-GT) framework. The initiative is expected to serve as a catalyst for enhanced logistics connectivity, industrial expansion, and cross-border trade flows between Malaysia and its northern neighbours. The QSIIP development will be executed in two phases. The first phase comprises a 200-acre Smart Integrated Industrial Zone, designed to accommodate advanced manufacturing and industrial activities. This will be complemented by a 58-acre commercial and mixed-use component, aimed at supporting business ecosystems and ancillary services. With an estimated Gross Development Value (GDV) of approximately RM1.0 billion, the project is projected to be developed over a period of three to ten years. As part of its rollout, QEW Group has initiated an Expression of Interest (EOI) stage under the RFP process, inviting participation from qualified developers, infrastructure partners, contractors, and strategic investors. This marks the first step in assembling a consortium of stakeholders to drive the project’s development and long-term viability. EOI submissions are set to close on 4 May 2026, with a formal briefing scheduled to take place on 7 May 2026 at QEW Group Berhad’s headquarters in Putrajaya. The launch of QSIIP reflects a growing emphasis on regional connectivity, industrial modernisation, and investment-led growth, reinforcing Malaysia’s position as a strategic gateway within Southeast Asia’s evolving economic landscape. Enquiries and RFP Registration For further information or to register your interest: Corporate Finance Investment DepartmentAsfiah Zulaikha📞 017-2170727✉️ [email protected]

Lifestyle

Tune Talk Becomes Malaysia’s First Telco To Launch A Fully Integrated In-App E-Commerce Platform

Tune Talk today announced the launch of Tune Talk Shop, the first fully integrated in-app e-commerce platform powered by Presto. As the first telecommunications provider in Malaysia to embed a complete commerce experience within its mobile app, Tune Talk is redefining the category from a price-led “GB for RM” model to a value-driven digital ecosystem. The new feature reinforces Tune Talk’s leadership position by shifting the role of a telco from a connectivity provider to a “Techo”, an everyday platform that delivers tangible lifestyle value. Moving Beyond Price Competition to Value Creation For years, the telecommunications industry has competed primarily on data pricing and volume. Tune Talk is deliberately moving away from this model. Tune Talk Shop introduces a new paradigm where connectivity is only one part of a broader value equation. By integrating commerce directly into its ecosystem, the company enables subscribers to derive real, everyday benefits from their mobile usage. This approach transforms customer engagement from transactional top-ups into continuous value creation, where spending, rewards, and consumption are interconnected within a single platform. Malaysia’s First Fully Integrated Telco E-Commerce Experience Unlike standalone marketplaces or bolt-on rewards catalogues, Tune Talk Shop is built as a native layer within the Tune Talk app. Subscribers can browse, purchase, and receive products without leaving the platform, with every step enhanced by Tune Talk’s proprietary value system. Key capabilities include: · Access to over 20,000 curated products· Fully integrated in-app browsing, checkout, and payment· Flexibility to use Tune Talk Points as part of the total transaction value· Nationwide doorstep delivery Tune Talk owns and manages the end-to-end experience and payment environment, ensuring security and seamless transactions, while its partner Presto powers the backend infrastructure, including the product catalogue and nationwide fulfilment. This architecture ensures that commerce is not an add-on feature, but a core extension of the Tune Talk ecosystem. Scaling on Strong Engagement Fundamentals Tune Talk’s ecosystem strategy is underpinned by strong user engagement. Since the introduction of Games and Drama in May 2025, internal data shows that average daily app usage has reached 36 minutes, approximately 400 percent above global telco app benchmarks. This level of engagement provides a scalable foundation for commerce integration, enabling Tune Talk to deepen customer relationships and increase lifetime value. Expanding Tune Talk’s Digital Ecosystem Since enhancing its app experience in 2025 with additional digital features, Tune Talk has continued to expand its services beyond traditional telecommunications. With more than 1.8 million subscribers nationwide, the company is strengthening its proprietary platform as a multi-service digital destination. The introduction of Tune Talk Shop builds on this strategy by adding e-commerce capabilities to increase everyday usage while continuously unlocking new products and services for its customer base. Capturing Growth in Malaysia’s E-Commerce Market The launch comes amid sustained growth in Malaysia’s digital e-commerce sector, which serves an estimated 18.8 million online shoppers and is projected to expand by approximately 10 percent annually. Malaysian consumers spend an average of RM182 per month online, reflecting strong mobile-first purchasing behaviour. By integrating shopping directly into its platform, Tune Talk offers subscribers a convenient, single integrated channel while expanding its participation in the country’s growing digital economy. “This shift for Tune Talk reflects our commitment to our customers. We are moving beyond competing solely on GB for RM to providing the best plans and ever-evolving value that truly resonates with Malaysians. Tune Talk Shop is not just an e-commerce feature; it is a fully integrated platform that connects connectivity, rewards, and transactions into one seamless experience,” said Gurtaj Singh Padda, Co-founder and CEO of Tune Talk. “We are proud to enable Tune Talk’s vision by providing the marketplace infrastructure and fulfilment capabilities behind Tune Talk Shop. This partnership allows Tune Talk to scale commerce within its ecosystem while maintaining full ownership of the customer experience,” said Prawn Cheng, CEO of Presto.

News

U Mobile Partners Pavilion REIT To Boost In-Building 5G Coverage In Kuala Lumpur Properties

U Mobile, Malaysia’s newest 5G network provider, has partnered with Pavilion Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT) to enable seamless 5G in-building coverage across some of Kuala Lumpur’s most high-traffic commercial and lifestyle destinations. The partnership is aimed to enhance the overall indoor connectivity to support smarter building operations and complements the broader 5G infrastructure within the properties. The rollout will cover Pavilion Kuala Lumpur, Pavilion Hotel Kuala Lumpur, Pavilion Tower, Pavilion Elite, Banyan Tree Kuala Lumpur, The Intermark and Pavilion Bukit Jalil, spanning some of the city’s busiest retail, commercial and hospitality spaces. Together, these properties see high daily footfall, making reliable indoor connectivity increasingly important for both businesses and visitors. Under the partnership, U Mobile will deploy and manage its 5G-Advanced (5G-A) in-building coverage (IBC) system across these properties, improving network performance across high-traffic retail, office and hospitality environments where reliable connectivity is critical to day-to-day operations. The system is designed to support multiple mobile network operators, helping ensure that tenants, businesses and visitors experience more consistent indoor coverage, regardless of their service provider. This is particularly important in large, high-density buildings where network performance is often challenged. As part of the deployment, U Mobile will also be collaborating with Pavilion REIT to explore 5G-A use cases to support the digitalisation of their building operations. This allows systems such as security monitoring, smart sensors and parking solutions to run reliably, even during peak hours, helping Pavilion REIT operate its properties more efficiently while supporting a more seamless experience for tenants and visitors. For the public, this means better indoor connectivity whether shopping, working or staying in these properties, along with smoother digital experiences such as navigation, payments and real-time services throughout the buildings, no matter which floor they are on. The deployment reflects a growing need for networks that can support both connectivity and the systems that power modern buildings. Woon Ooi Yuen, Chief Technology Officer of U Mobile, said: “U Mobile’s approach to ULTRA5G deployment goes beyond just outdoor coverage. We also believe in prioritising deep in-building coverage to ensure that customers experience seamless, high-performance connectivity wherever they are whether indoors or outdoors. This allows us to support not just everyday usage, but also more advanced, business-critical applications that require consistency, reliability and scale.” Dato’ Phillip Ho, CEO of Pavilion REIT, said: “At Pavilion REIT, we are committed to continuously enhancing the quality of our properties through technology that improves both operational efficiency and the overall visitor experience. This collaboration with U Mobile supports our efforts to strengthen in-building connectivity across our assets, complementing the broader 5G ecosystem within our properties. By enabling more reliable indoor coverage, we are better positioned to support the evolving needs of our tenants, business partners and visitors, while advancing smarter and more responsive building operations.” This partnership is focused on improving the everyday experience for people, with more reliable connectivity and smoother digital services across some of Kuala Lumpur’s busiest spaces.

Investment & Market Trends

Censuria Taps Affin Wealth To Drive Family Office Push In Private Banking Segment

Censuria Family Office, under the leadership of esteemed capital markets investor Datuk Marco Yap, has engaged AFFIN Group’s wealth management and financial advisory arm to formulate its family office strategy under the AFFIN DIVENTIUM Private Banking segment. The engagement aligns with its preparations to register under Malaysia’s Single Family Office Incentive Scheme with the Securities Commission Malaysia. Censuria Family Office primarily invests in listed equities, pre-IPO opportunities, and fixed income securities. It plans to further expand its portfolio through collaboration with Affin Hwang Investment Bank Berhad’s private equity arm to explore co-investment opportunities, strategic growth initiatives, and cross-border investments within the AFFIN Group’s ecosystem. Commenting on the engagement, Datuk Marco Yap said, “The Group has earned our confidence with its comprehensive investment banking, wealth management, and brokerage solutions. It is able to provide us with co-investment opportunities and connect us with both private and institutional investors across Malaysia and the region, delivering tailored and robust investment solutions to Censuria Family Office and also our private equity arm, Censuria Capital Sdn Bhd.” Dr Calvin Goon, Managing Director of Wealth Management, Affin Bank Berhad, said, “We are excited to work alongside Censuria Family Office, delivering tailored advisory, investment, and wealth management solutions. Together, we aim to drive long-term portfolio growth, co-investment initiatives, and strategic wealth management outcomes, while strengthening Malaysia’s family office ecosystem.” Family offices in Malaysia have been gaining traction in recent years, driven by rising interest among ultra-high-net-worth individuals in structured investments, succession planning, and long-term wealth preservation. The Single Family Office Incentive Scheme offers a tax framework designed to position Malaysia as a competitive wealth management hub, requiring a minimum of RM30 million in assets under management, RM500,000 in annual local operating expenditure, and the employment of local professionals.

Investment & Market Trends

DXN Reports 12.1% Revenue Growth, Declares 3.2 Sen Dividend

DXN Holdings Bhd. (“DXN” or the “Company”), a leading global manufacturer of nutraceutical products, has announced its fourth quarter (“4QFY26”) and full-year financial results for the year ended 28 February 2026 (“FY26”) for the Company and its subsidiaries (“DXN Group” or the “Group”). Despite a more challenging operating environment characterised by foreign exchange volatility, DXN delivered a resilient set of results in FY26. Revenue stood at RM1.9 billion, broadly in line with the previous year, reflecting the continued strength of its global member network and underlying demand across key markets. The Group’s performance was affected by currency translation arising from the strengthening of the Malaysian Ringgit against several operating currencies. However, excluding these effects, DXN achieved a healthy underlying normalised revenue growth of 12.1% year-on-year (“YoY”). From a profitability standpoint, earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation (“EBITDA”) stood at RM521.5 million, compared to RM583.2 million in the previous financial year (“FY25”). Profit after taxation and non-controlling interests (“net profit”) came in at RM271.5 million, compared to RM328.1 million in FY25, reflecting the overall moderation in profitability. The moderation in profitability was mainly attributable to foreign exchange losses, higher marketing expenditures to support business expansion, as well as pre-operating expenses associated with the Group’s ongoing investments in upstream and midstream segments. Additionally, the previous financial year included a one-off indirect tax refund, which resulted in a higher profitability base for comparison. Executive Chairman and Founder of DXN, Datuk Lim Siow Jin shared: “Looking ahead, the global operating environment remains shaped by ongoing geopolitical tensions. While these conditions introduce demand uncertainty and elevated energy costs, our diversified geographic footprint and vertically integrated business model provide us with the resilience and flexibility to navigate these challenges effectively. We are committed to enhancing our operational self-sufficiency. Development of our coffee plantations in Brazil, Bolivia, and Malaysia is progressing as planned, alongside the expansion of our manufacturing facilities across Latin America, the Middle East, and Asia. Notably, on 8 April 2026, we entered into a 60-year lease agreement with Perbadanan Kemajuan Negeri Kedah for a 1.2 million square foot industrial site in Bukit Kayu Hitam, Kedah. This new facility will complement our existing operations in the state, creating an integrated manufacturing base in northern Peninsular Malaysia and significantly increasing our production capacity while maintaining centralised control over quality and efficiency. Supported by steady membership growth across Latin America, Europe, and Africa, particularly encouraging traction in Argentina and Brazil, and underpinned by our commitment to embedding responsible ESG practices across our value chain, the Group is well-positioned to deliver sustainable, long-term growth despite prevailing macroeconomic headwinds.” On a quarterly basis, DXN delivered revenue of RM474.9 million in 4QFY26, up 3.5% YoY from RM458.9 million in the corresponding quarter last year (“4QFY25”). Performance was driven by strong organic growth in Latin America and India, with underlying growth of 6.3% YoY after excluding the impact of the strengthening Malaysian Ringgit. EBITDA came in at RM114.4 million, while net profit stood at RM62.6 million, compared to RM147.8 million and RM83.7 million respectively in 4QFY25, mainly due to foreign exchange losses and higher promotional and marketing activities undertaken during the quarter. In line with its dividend policy, the Board of Directors has declared a fourth interim dividend of 0.70 sen per ordinary share for FY26, amounting to RM34.8 million, payable on 29 May 2026. This brings total dividends for FY26 to 3.2 sen per share, or RM159.1 million, representing a payout ratio of 58.6%, consistent with the Group’s policy of distributing at least 50% of net profit to shareholders. DXN closed FY26 with a strong financial position, supported by a healthy net cash position and low gearing. As at 28 February 2026, the Group held cash and cash equivalents of RM617.4 million, more than three times its total loans and borrowings of RM177.5 million, alongside net operating cash inflows of RM334.3 million for the year. This positions DXN well to pursue growth opportunities while continuing to deliver value to shareholders.

Investment & Market Trends

Kimlun To Issue RM26 Million Islamic Commercial Papers (ICP)

Kimlun Corp Bhd has issued Islamic commercial papers (ICP) with a nominal value of RM26.4 million under its existing ICP programme. In a filing on April 28, the group said the issuance has a tenure of six months and forms part of its ICP programme, which, together with its Islamic medium-term notes programme, carries a combined limit of up to RM800 million. The programme is structured under the Shariah principle of murabahah via a tawarruq arrangement, in line with terms lodged with the Securities Commission in October 2021. Kimlun said proceeds from the issuance will be used for Shariah-compliant general corporate purposes, including working capital, capital expenditure and refinancing of existing borrowings across the group. OCBC Al-Amin Bank Bhd is acting as the lead manager for the issuance.

Investment & Market Trends

BNM Launches RM5 Billion SME Support Facility

Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) has introduced the SME Stabilisation Relief Facility (SME SRF), a RM5 billion financing scheme to support small and medium enterprises (SMEs), including microenterprises, affected by the ongoing West Asia conflict. In a statement, the central bank said some SMEs are facing operational disruptions, cash flow pressure and difficulty meeting short-term financial obligations. The facility was announced following the prime minister’s roundtable discussion with financial institution CEOs on April 21, 2026. It is aimed at providing working capital support to help viable businesses continue operations during the period of uncertainty. Eligible SMEs can obtain financing of up to RM750,000 with a repayment period of up to five years. The maximum financing rate is 3.75% per annum, inclusive of guarantee fees. BNM said the loans will be supported by guarantees of up to 80% from Credit Guarantee Corporation Malaysia or Syarikat Jaminan Pembiayaan Perniagaan, especially for SMEs without sufficient collateral. Applications will be open from May 15, 2026 to December 31, 2026, or until the funds are fully utilised. SMEs can apply directly through participating financial institutions, including commercial banks, Islamic banks and development financial institutions regulated by BNM. The central bank urged businesses facing or expecting financial difficulties to engage early with their banks, noting that early communication allows lenders to explore solutions such as repayment flexibility, restructuring or other support measures. BNM added that financial institutions are ready to assist affected SMEs during this period. Businesses may also seek support from Agensi Kaunseling dan Pengurusan Kredit (AKPK), including debt management programmes for individuals and sole proprietors, as well as the Small Debt Resolution Scheme for SMEs.

Investment & Market Trends

CIMB Backs Malaysia’s First Tokenised Sukuk As Sole Principal Adviser

CIMB named sole principal adviser, arranger and facility agent for Malaysia’s first tokenised sukuk by Khazanah and SC CIMB Group Holdings Bhd has announced its role as the sole principal adviser, sole lead arranger and sole facility agent for Malaysia’s inaugural tokenised sukuk issued by Khazanah Nasional and the Securities Commission Malaysia. Chu Kok Wei, CEO of group wholesale banking for CIMB. In a statement, the bank said the issuance reflects collaboration between regulators and market participants to explore the use of distributed ledger technology to improve efficiency, transparency and execution, while maintaining strong governance and market integrity. The initiative also strengthens Malaysia’s position as a key hub for Islamic finance innovation, particularly in developing next-generation capital market instruments. “Khazanah’s inaugural tokenised sukuk represents an important step forward in advancing the practical application within a controlled and credible framework. It demonstrates how digital capabilities can be explored within existing capital market structures in a disciplined manner, while remaining aligned with established market practices. We are focused on supporting this milestone by working closely with regulators and partners to ensure that emerging structures are operationally sound, scalable and aligned with market expectations,” said Chu Kok Wei, CEO of Group Wholesale Banking at CIMB. CIMB said it will continue working with regulators and industry stakeholders to support the development of tokenised financial solutions and the wider digitalisation of financial markets.

Investment & Market Trends

SC, Khazanah Launch Malaysia’s First Tokenised Sukuk

Khazanah Nasional Berhad and the Securities Commission Malaysia (SC) have priced Malaysia’s first tokenised sukuk, a RM100 million issuance built on distributed ledger technology (DLT). The tokenised sukuk creates a secure digital version of the Islamic bond, allowing it to be issued and transferred as a token on a shared digital ledger. The issuance is the first tranche under Khazanah’s Sukuk Danum Programme, an Islamic Medium-Term Notes (IMTN) programme of up to RM20 billion. It carries a one-year tenure and is structured under the Shariah principle of Wakalah bi al-Istithmar, where an investment agent manages funds on behalf of investors. CIMB Group and Maybank acted as advisers and arrangers, while Credit Guarantee Corporation Malaysia (CGC), Kumpulan Wang Persaraan (Diperbadankan) (KWAP), OCBC Bank (Malaysia) and other institutional investors took part in the issuance. CIMB had previously committed to supporting the tokenised sukuk pilot across structuring, execution, custody and servicing. Khazanah and the SC said the issuance is a controlled pilot to test how blockchain technology can improve efficiency in sukuk issuance, settlement and post-issuance processes. The SC is running the pilot under its innovation framework to support future adoption by corporate issuers. “This is not about introducing a new product for its own sake, but about building the foundations for a more efficient and transparent market over time,” said Khazanah managing director Dato’ Amirul Feisal Wan Zahir. SC executive chairman Dato’ Mohammad Faiz Azmi said the pilot supports the Capital Market Masterplan 2026–2030, which targets growth of Malaysia’s capital market to RM5.8 trillion–RM6.3 trillion by 2030, with bond and sukuk market modernisation as a key focus. “Tokenisation offers potential to improve transparency, broaden participation and support a more vibrant market,” he said. Malaysia’s broader push into asset tokenisation is also advancing through Bank Negara Malaysia’s Digital Asset Innovation Hub, which is exploring tokenised deposits and stablecoin use cases with major financial institutions. The initiative is part of efforts to modernise Malaysia’s RM2.4 trillion Islamic capital market, including improving transparency, automation and accessibility through digital assets.

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