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Energy & Technology

Petra Energy Unit Secures Sarawak Field Operations Contract

Petra Energy Bhd’s wholly owned subsidiary, Petra Energy Development Sdn Bhd (PEDSB), has secured a field operations management services contract from Vestigo Petroleum Sdn Bhd for the SK407 production sharing contract (PSC) located offshore Miri, Sarawak. The contract covers the provision of operations management services for five offshore oil and gas fields namely West Lutong, Baram, Tukau, Siwa and Fairly Baram. In a filing with Bursa Malaysia, Petra Energy said PEDSB received the Letter of Award from Vestigo Petroleum on March 27, 2026. The contract will run for a period of two years, commencing from April 1, 2026 until March 31, 2028. No fixed contract value was disclosed in the award letter. Petra Energy said the contract is expected to contribute positively to the group’s earnings and net assets per share throughout the duration of the project. The company added that the award will not have any impact on its issued share capital or the shareholdings of major shareholders. Petra Energy noted that, as with any oil and gas services contract, the project carries operational and execution risks. However, PEDSB will implement appropriate measures to manage and minimise these risks during the contract period. The group also confirmed that none of its directors, major shareholders or persons connected to them have any direct or indirect interest in the contract. The contract does not require approval from shareholders or any additional government authorities.

Energy & Technology

Yinson Targets Global FPSO Leadership In Energy Transition

Yinson Holdings Bhd is increasingly viewed as a strong player in the global energy transition space, with growing potential to become a leading force in the floating production, storage and offloading (FPSO) market. UOB Kay Hian Research said Yinson made history after successfully operationalising the world’s first offshore post-combustion carbon capture system through FPSO Agogo on March 30, 2026. The research house added that the group has also fully funded Provaris Energy’s liquid carbon dioxide tank venture, further strengthening its position in low-carbon energy solutions. Although Yinson was not initially seen as a key beneficiary of the Middle East crisis, its sole very large crude carrier (VLCC), YP Antares, is reportedly benefiting from stronger tanker spot rates. UOB Kay Hian said the ownership of the VLCC aligns with Yinson’s strategy of securing at least one new FPSO project annually. The group is currently competing with Bumi Armada Bhd for Mubadala’s Tangkulo gas FPSO project in Indonesia, which could receive approval by mid-2026. The brokerage noted that growing concerns over global energy security may make FPSOs a more attractive investment option for sovereign nations, potentially accelerating demand for Yinson’s services. Yinson’s subsidiary, Yinson Production, is also progressing on key projects including FSO Lac Da Vang and FSO Block B, with construction milestones advancing steadily. The firm said FSO Lac Da Vang could potentially achieve early delivery by mid-2026. Meanwhile, Yinson’s Brazil-based FPSO Anna Nery continued to support earnings, contributing more than RM100 million in associate income during the fourth quarter of FY2026. UOB Kay Hian maintained its “buy” call on Yinson with a target price of RM2.75, citing confidence in the group’s long-term growth outlook and strong FPSO pipeline. For the fourth quarter ended FY2026, Yinson posted revenue of RM1.12 billion, down 19.48% year-on-year due mainly to lower contributions from engineering, procurement, construction, installation and commissioning activities. However, the group said this was partly offset by stronger operational income from FPSO Maria Quiteria, FPSO Atlanta and FPSO Agogo following the start of their charter periods, as well as a RM340 million gain linked to the buy-out of the project loan for FPSO Atlanta.

Investment & Market Trends

Padini Shares Fall Amid MACC Investigation

Shares of apparel retailer Padini Holdings Bhd came under selling pressure on Monday after news emerged that several of its bank accounts had been frozen by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) as part of an ongoing money-laundering investigation. The stock fell nearly 10% in early trading to an intraday low of RM1.40 before recovering some losses. As of 9.39am, shares were trading at RM1.48, down 4.52% from Friday’s closing price of RM1.55, with 8.21 million shares traded. Over the weekend, Padini confirmed that it had launched an internal review to assess the circumstances surrounding the MACC’s action involving accounts belonging to the company and several subsidiaries. The group said the freezing order was related to an ongoing investigation involving certain external counterparties linked to the company, and clarified that the individuals involved are not employees, officers or members of Padini’s management. Padini stressed that, based on currently available information, it is not aware of any allegations of wrongdoing against the company and understands that the account freeze is part of standard procedures during the investigation process. The company added that it has appointed external legal counsel to advise on the matter and has taken steps to seek appropriate relief, including the unfreezing of the affected accounts. Padini also reassured shareholders that its day-to-day operations remain fully functional and unaffected, with stores, business activities and corporate operations continuing as normal. The retailer said it will continue to cooperate fully with the relevant authorities and remains committed to transparency, adding that further announcements will be made if there are any material developments.

ESG

Carlsberg Malaysia Strengthens Sustainability Reporting With IFRS S1 And S2 Standards

Carlsberg Brewery Malaysia Berhad (The Group) has released its Integrated Annual Report (IAR) for the financial year 2025, reaffirming its commitment to sustainable shareholder value creation and strong corporate governance. The alignment with National Sustainability Reporting Framework (NSRF) and adoption of International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB) reflects the Group’s intent to move beyond disclosure for compliance to addressing investors growing demand for consistent and reliable sustainability data. Carlsberg Malaysia Annual Report 2025. The IAR 2025 reported on the Group’s approach in leveraging data-driven sustainability and climate insights into identification of key material risks from its annual materiality review. The brewer is guided by its sustainability ambition to safeguard its licence to operate and achieve zero carbon emission within the brewery operations by 2032, amid rising energy costs, increasing regulatory scrutiny and more frequent extreme weather events. Three material matters were prioritised: Responsible Drinking & Marketing and Energy Management under the IFRS S1 (General Requirements for Disclosure of Sustainability-related Financial Information), and its efforts to improve Climate Resilience under IFRS S2 (Climate-related Disclosures). It is a step change in how the Group mitigates risks and optimises opportunities, strengthening operational resilience and future-proofing the business. Under IFRS S2, climate risk assessments identified exposure to energy price volatility, carbon-related transition risks and physical risks linked to increased rainfall intensity and water availability. These assessments guided operational actions during the year, including higher energy efficiency management, the transition to Malaysia Renewable Energy Certificates (M-RECs) from I-REC, which resulted in savings of RM0.18 million, exploration on biomass energy as an alternate source to natural gas, and the feasibility study of Solar Power Purchase Agreements. Together, these initiatives supported the Group’s decarbonisation pathway while helping to reduce exposure to long-term energy cost volatility. The Group also strengthened climate-resilience measures at its brewery to mitigate potential disruption risks arising from heavier rainfall patterns, reinforcing asset protection and business continuity planning. The Group also highlighted the importance of responsible drinking and marketing as IFRS S1 to address integrity and compliance risks associated with operating in a tightly regulated industry. During the year, the Group reinforced strict marketing governance, enhanced brand safety controls and compliance with local advertising standards, reaffirming its decade-long #CELEBRATERESPONSIBLY commitments. A total of RM6.73 million was spent on responsible drinking, sales and marketing efforts, through packaging, point-of-sales materials, consumer-facing events and strategic partnerships, to mitigate every possible reputational risk of non-compliance. On the governance front, Carlsberg Malaysia became the first Carlsberg market globally and the first local beverage manufacturing company certified by SIRIM QAS International to attain ISO 37001:2025 Anti-Bribery Management System certification. The upgraded standard places greater emphasis on Board oversight and integrity risk management, reflecting heightened expectations on corporate conduct and accountability. The Group’s efforts in overall sustainability performance were recognised through multiple awards and external benchmarks during the year, including being named the Highest Return on Equity at The Edge Billion Ringgit Club Awards for the sixth consecutive year, and achieving an improved FTSE4Good Bursa Malaysia score of 3.8. Another notable achievement is Carlsberg Malaysia’s improved MSCI ESG rating, moving from AA to AAA. Stefano Clini, Managing Director of  Carlsberg Malaysia. Managing Director of Carlsberg Malaysia, Stefano Clini said, “Despite a challenging operating environment in 2025, we delivered a resilient performance, continuing its six-year track record of profitability through disciplined execution of our Accelerate SAIL strategy and our sustained focus on premiumisation, innovation and operational efficiency.” “In 2025, the adoption of IFRS S1 and S2 marked an important step in how we integrate sustainability risks and opportunities with everyday business decision-making. By strengthening climate, energy and governance disciplines, we are better positioned to manage uncertainties and remain focused on creating sustainable value while strengthening climate resilience,” Clini added. In March this year, Carlsberg Malaysia launched its refreshed sustainability strategy – Brewing Tomorrow, focusing on four pillars: Cutting Carbon, Protecting Nature, Empowering People and Inspiring Choice. Brewing Tomorrow reflects a renewed, science-backed ambition to reduce the Group’s impact on people and the planet.

Investment & Market Trends

Malaysia’s Capital Market Reaches Record RM4.3 Trillion In 2025

The Securities Commission Malaysia (SC) has released its Annual Report 2025, Audit Oversight Board Annual Report 2025, and Capital Market Stability Review 2025. Malaysia’s capital market grew 3.2% in 2025 to a record RM4.3 trillion, up from RM4.2 trillion in 2024, supported by stronger corporate bond issuances and higher fund management inflows. The SC said the performance was achieved despite heightened global market volatility caused by trade tensions and geopolitical uncertainty. Average daily trading value in the Malaysian equity market fell 19.7% to RM2.76 billion in 2025 from RM3.44 billion in 2024, reflecting cautious investor sentiment. SC chairman Dato’ Mohammad Faiz Azmi said the Malaysian capital market remained resilient despite the challenging global environment. He said the results reflect the market’s strong fundamentals, with the SC continuing to balance market development with integrity while providing a stable and innovative environment for stakeholders. He added that while global uncertainty, geopolitics and technological disruption remain challenges, the Capital Market Masterplan 2026–2030 positions Malaysia to continue reforms, improve competitiveness, strengthen governance and enhance investor protection. Key Highlights from 2025: Malaysia’s Islamic Capital Market grew 4.31% to RM2.7 trillion. Assets under management in the fund management industry rose 6.9% to a record RM1.14 trillion. Total funds raised through the capital market jumped 35.4% to RM187.7 billion. A record 60 IPOs were listed in 2025, surpassing 55 in 2024. Venture capital and private equity committed funds increased 21.66% to RM30.05 billion. Alternative financing channels raised RM5.7 billion for MSMEs and mid-tier companies. Regional Competitiveness: Malaysia strengthened its regional position in 2025 through: Recognition by the IFRS Foundation as one of the first ASEAN jurisdictions to adopt ISSB Standards under the National Sustainability Reporting Framework. Introduction of the Single-Family Office incentive framework, which has so far secured nine conditional approvals representing nearly RM670 million in indicative assets under management. Investor Protection and Enforcement: The SC said it continued to strengthen investor protection and enforcement in 2025. Malaysia achieved “Regular Follow-up” status under the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), the highest possible rating. The SC initiated 96 criminal charges against 16 individuals for securities law breaches. Courts secured nine convictions, with jail terms of up to three years and fines totalling RM13.1 million. Civil enforcement actions recovered RM11.14 million through disgorgement and penalties. A total of RM1.98 million was returned to 239 investors, with another RM8.63 million earmarked for 993 affected individuals. The SC also imposed 99 administrative sanctions, including RM8.28 million in penalties. Market Stability: The Capital Market Stability Review 2025 found that domestic markets remained fair and orderly, with no systemic risks identified. The report said intermediaries remained well-capitalised, equity and derivatives markets functioned smoothly, no corporate bond defaults were recorded, and listed companies continued to show resilience. Audit Oversight Board: There are currently 41 audit firms and 397 individual auditors registered under the Audit Oversight Board (AOB). In 2025, the AOB inspected 41 audit engagements involving 40 auditors from 14 audit firms. The AOB also took enforcement action against two audit firms and six auditors for breaches of auditing standards, imposing penalties totalling RM423,750. It also suspended one audit firm and two partners for serious audit quality issues. SC Priorities for 2026: The SC said future initiatives under the Capital Market Masterplan 2026–2030 will focus on market vibrancy, inclusivity, sustainability and regional opportunities. Upcoming measures include: Revised Malaysian Code on Corporate Governance 2026 Enhanced Main Market and ACE Market value proposition Improved LEAP Market framework Stronger Digital Asset Exchange framework Greater tokenisation of securities The SC has also launched the MY Value Up Programme, a private debt framework for MSMEs, and expanded ETF rules to allow Digital Asset ETFs.

ESG

Businesses Ignoring Sustainability Face Growing Unseen Risks

In today’s environment of trade tariffs, geopolitical tensions and changing regulations, some businesses have quietly scaled back their sustainability commitments by delaying net-zero goals, reducing ESG programmes and taking a wait-and-see approach. According to experts at ACCA’s annual Sustainability Conference, this could prove to be a costly mistake. Held virtually on Earth Day and attended by finance professionals from more than 100 countries, the conference highlighted that sustainability is no longer just a moral issue, but a financial one. Businesses that fail to integrate sustainability into their core strategies may be exposing themselves to growing risks that are already impacting operations and profitability. ACCA Head of Sustainable Business Sharon Machado said sustainability should not be treated as a side initiative, but as part of overall business strategy and risk management. She noted that concerns such as geopolitical disruption, supply chain instability, commodity shortages and extreme weather impacts are all closely linked to sustainability challenges. Risk, finance and sustainability leader Andrea Amaize said many organisations that have reduced their sustainability efforts are trying to balance long-term goals with short-term financial pressures. However, she said the immediate effects of sustainability issues are already being felt. Climate change is influencing the cost and availability of insurance, purchasing decisions increasingly include decarbonisation requirements, access to lower-cost capital is becoming linked to sustainability performance, and talent is increasingly drawn to purpose-driven organisations. Speakers at the conference also stressed that sustainability should not be seen only as a cost, but as a driver of profitability. Strong sustainability strategies can create new revenue opportunities, lower operating costs, improve resilience, strengthen brand value and build competitive advantage. Amaize added that companies must clearly demonstrate how sustainability creates measurable financial outcomes, with finance professionals playing an important role in proving that link.

ESG

RHB Earns MSCI AAA ESG Rating For Strong Sustainability Performance

RHB Banking Group (“RHB” or “the Group”) has been upgraded from AA to AAA in the MSCI ESG Rating, the highest rating available, placing the bank among the leading global financial institutions for managing environmental, social and governance (ESG) risks and opportunities. The upgrade reflects growing confidence among global investors in RHB’s ability to deliver sustainable growth through its progress in sustainable finance, reducing financed emissions in key sectors, and strengthening governance and risk management practices. As of FY2025, RHB has cumulatively mobilised around RM60 billion in sustainable financial services and is targeting RM90 billion by 2027. The Group has also achieved a 13.2% reduction in financed emissions across five priority high-emission sectors compared with its 2022 baseline, as well as a 49% reduction in operational greenhouse gas emissions against its 2016 baseline. RHB Group Managing Director and Group CEO Dato’ Mohd Rashid Mohamad said the upgrade reflects the Group’s progress in embedding sustainability into its operations. He said sustainability is integrated into how the bank allocates capital, manages risk and supports customers through transition journeys, while creating long-term value for stakeholders. Beyond financing, the recognition also highlights RHB’s stronger climate risk governance, operational resilience and responsible business practices. The Group has established climate risk management frameworks that include board-level oversight, scenario analysis and stress testing to support decision-making. RHB continues to advance its net-zero goals, targeting carbon neutral operations by 2030 and net zero emissions by 2050, while continuing to lower both financed and operational emissions. These efforts are supported by the Group’s Sustainable and Transition Finance Framework, which aims to improve governance, transparency and consistency in financing activities. RHB also continues to promote financial inclusion across its key markets, having supported more than 1.5 million individuals and businesses, with a target of 2.5 million by 2027. The Group has also strengthened its workforce and governance practices, including achieving close to 40% women representation in senior leadership, enhancing sustainability skills among employees, and improving responsible supply chain standards. MSCI ESG Ratings are widely used by global investors and assess more than 17,000 issuers worldwide. The ratings measure how companies manage financially relevant ESG risks and opportunities relative to industry peers, with AAA representing the highest level of ESG leadership. RHB’s sustainability credentials are also supported by its continued inclusion in the FTSE4Good Bursa Malaysia Index, recognition by S&P Global’s Corporate Sustainability Assessment, and its position among Malaysia’s leading ESG performers. Under its PROGRESS27 strategy, RHB said it will continue expanding sustainable and transition finance, strengthening ESG risk integration, and delivering solutions that support inclusive and low-carbon growth across the region.

Energy & Technology

Malaysia–Türkiye Collaboration Boosts AI Innovation In Service Industry

A joint research and development initiative under the TÜBİTAK–MIGHT Grand Challenge has been launched to promote technological innovation and knowledge exchange between Malaysia and Türkiye. Supported by a RM1.2 million bilateral grant under the Bilateral Cooperation Programme, the project brings together industry and academic partners from the University of Nottingham Malaysia, Daythree, SESTEK, and İzmir Demokrasi Üniversitesi. This three-year collaboration focuses on developing an AI-powered Agent Insights and Coaching Platform designed to help organisations better understand customer–agent interactions and translate those insights into real-time learning and performance improvements for frontline service teams. The system, known as 360Pulse, aims to address gaps in fragmented AI tools used in live operations by integrating speech and text analytics, generative AI, and knowledge management into a single operational platform. The project also involves training AI models for Malaysian language contexts, including English, Bahasa Malaysia and Manglish, alongside the development of an intelligent knowledge base framework and proprietary tools to support wider industry applications. The four-party research team will focus on advancing human-centric service experiences using generative AI. Academic participants include Assoc. Prof. Mandy Sim Siew Chen, Assoc. Prof. Ioannes Tang, Assoc. Prof. Wendy Gan and Asst. Prof. Tan Chye Cheah from the University of Nottingham Malaysia, and Prof. Osman Büyük from İzmir Demokrasi Üniversitesi. Industry partners include Daythree’s Mr. Dinesh Paul Sivanesan and Mr. Rohan Sudakaran, and SESTEK’s Ms. Tuba Arslan Kır. Daythree founder and group CEO Raymond Davadass said the collaboration reflects the company’s focus on developing AI solutions that function in real operating environments. He said the key challenge in AI adoption is ensuring it works effectively in dynamic, real-world customer interactions, adding that the goal is to build solutions that connect data, systems and operations in a way that frontline teams can use effectively. The platform will be developed and tested within Malaysia’s Global Business Services ecosystem, using Daythree’s operational environment as a real-world testing ground. This approach aims to ensure the solution is scalable, consistent and adaptable to regional conditions before wider deployment. Daythree contributes its expertise in large-scale, multilingual service operations through its digital BPS capabilities and proprietary Daisy platform, providing the operational data and workflows needed to validate the AI system in complex service environments. SESTEK brings its expertise in speech and text analytics through its Conversation Intelligence and Analytics solutions, which are used globally in more than 20 countries. It also serves as the lead applicant and project coordinator, overseeing consortium management and project execution. SESTEK R&D&I Director Tuba Arslan Kır said the collaboration reflects increasing demand for AI solutions that can operate across diverse markets and real business conditions. She added that the project marks SESTEK’s first joint R&D initiative with Malaysian partners and could lead to further collaborations in the future. From an academic perspective, the University of Nottingham Malaysia said the project demonstrates the importance of bridging research and real-world application. Assoc. Prof. Mandy Sim said the initiative brings together academic expertise and industry experience to ensure research outcomes can be deployed at scale and create meaningful impact. The University of Nottingham Malaysia contributes expertise in AI-driven knowledge systems using Nvidia GPU infrastructure and human-centric service evaluation, while İzmir Demokrasi Üniversitesi provides expertise in generative AI, speech processing and natural language processing. Prof. Osman Büyük said the collaboration highlights the value of interdisciplinary and international partnerships in developing AI solutions that address real industry challenges. The initiative is supported under the TÜBİTAK–MIGHT Bilateral Cooperation Programme, which promotes joint innovation between Malaysia and Türkiye through technology development, knowledge exchange and cross-border collaboration.

Property

PKNS Awards RM22.7 Million Housing Project In Sepang To Wawasan Dengkil

Wawasan Dengkil Holdings Bhd has secured a RM22.7 million contract to build residential units in Sepang, Selangor. In a Bursa Malaysia filing on Thursday, the group said the letter of acceptance was awarded to its wholly owned subsidiary Wawasan Dengkil Sdn Bhd (WDSB) by the Selangor State Development Corporation (PKNS). Under the contract, WDSB will construct and complete 56 single-storey residential units. Construction is scheduled to begin on June 8, with completion expected by Oct 24, 2027. Wawasan Dengkil is involved in construction-related services, including earthworks and civil engineering, trading of building materials, and providing machinery and commercial vehicles for hire. The company said the contract is expected to contribute positively to its net assets per share, earnings per share, and gearing over the project duration. At the time of writing on Thursday, shares of Wawasan Dengkil were unchanged at 14.5 sen, giving the group a market capitalisation of RM78.3 million. The stock has fallen 35.6% over the past year.

Investment & Market Trends

PwC To Pay US$166 Million To End Evergrande Probe In Hong Kong

PwC Hong Kong has agreed to pay HK$1.3 billion (US$166 million or RM658 million) in fines and compensation in Hong Kong over its auditing work for China Evergrande Group. The Accounting and Financial Reporting Council (AFRC) said PwC Hong Kong will be suspended for six months from accepting, performing, or issuing reports for new listed-company audit clients. It was also fined HK$300 million. In a separate settlement with the Securities and Futures Commission (SFC), PwC Hong Kong agreed to pay HK$1 billion, which will be used to compensate eligible independent minority shareholders of China Evergrande, according to the regulator. The SFC said both parties agreed the matter would be fully resolved without admission of liability, and no further action will be taken provided PwC Hong Kong complies with the settlement terms. The penalties come as PwC Hong Kong works to rebuild its reputation following earlier regulatory action linked to its audit of Evergrande, which contributed to client departures among state-owned enterprises, major Chinese firms, Hong Kong regulators, and staff. PwC China audited Evergrande, while its mainland arm, PwC Zhong Tian, audited its unit Hengda Real Estate Group. PwC Hong Kong served as Evergrande’s auditor for over a decade before resigning in January 2023, citing audit-related disagreements. Evergrande is listed in Hong Kong but operates mainly in mainland China. Separately, the AFRC issued a public reprimand to PwC Hong Kong and two former partners, and required the firm to submit regular updates on remedial actions for 12 months, as well as conduct staff training. PwC China chair and CEO Hemione Hudson said the settlements conclude regulatory matters related to Evergrande audits from more than five years ago, with no impact on existing clients. Regulatory scrutiny intensified following Evergrande’s collapse. Founder Hui Ka Yan has pleaded guilty to bribery, embezzlement, and fraud, while Chinese authorities previously accused the developer of inflating revenue by over 560 billion yuan. PwC was also fined 441 million yuan in China and suspended for six months, with regulators alleging it “turned a blind eye” to Evergrande’s fraud. Audit firms typically pay such fines from internal reserves, as professional indemnity insurance does not usually cover regulatory penalties, and partners may also be required to contribute depending on firm policy. Separately, a lawsuit filed by Evergrande’s liquidators seeking to recover funds from PwC Hong Kong is scheduled for its first public hearing in May, nearly two years after being initiated.

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