Investment & Market Trends

Brrandom Founded three years ago in India and last year 2025 in Kuala Lumpur, March 2026, Brrandom Asia was founded on a conviction the industry called premature — that artificial intelligence would not merely assist marketing, but fundamentally reimagine it. Today, that conviction has become competitive reality. On its third anniversary, Brrandom  — India and Southeast Asia’s leading AI-native marketing technology company — is launching six fully integrated AI practice areas, forging strategic alliances with global AI technology leaders to deploy advanced agentic models, and announcing the establishment of new offices in Singapore and Indonesia before the close of 2026. This is not a company celebrating the past — it is a company declaring the future. Brrandom Asia Leadership Team [L-R] Sadhak Mandal (COO, India); Safder Ali (COO, Southeast Asia; Kavitha K (Chief Business Officer, Southeast Asia);  Anand Prakash (Head of Digital Growth India & South East Asia) & Avik Guha (CEO, India)  “When we started Brrandom, we were told AI in marketing was a nice-to-have. We disagreed. We believed it was the only sustainable competitive advantage a brand could build. Three years on, the market has caught up — and we are ready to lead it across the entire region,” said Avik Guha, Co-Founder & Chief Executive Officer, Brrandom. “Singapore and Indonesia are the two markets where the next decade of Southeast Asian brand growth will be won or lost. We are not entering these markets to participate — we are entering to lead. Our AI capabilities were built for exactly this scale, and this moment,” said Safder Ali, C-Founder & Chief Operating Officer, Brrandom Asia.  Six AI Practices. One Integrated Intelligence. The anniversary marks the maturation of a complete AI marketing stack — six interconnected practices that address every layer of the modern brand-building equation. AI Ad Tech — AI & Machine learning across programmatic, paid social, and search recalibrates bidding, targeting, and channel allocation in real time, driving higher return on ad spend with AI fraud detection, agentic lead generation, and full-funnel attribution. AI Retail Marketing — Real-time shopper intelligence, AI-powered SEO and AEO, footfall tracking, and a unified dashboard bridge brand equity and basket conversion across Southeast Asia’s omnichannel landscape. AI Creative Lab — Generative AI paired with human creative direction delivers high-volume, brand-consistent assets and dynamic creative optimisation that personalises in real time across video, static, and rich media. AI Data Analytics — Unified data platforms, natural-language insight generation, and predictive consumer intelligence transform fragmented signals into clear, executive-ready strategy. AI Market Mix Modelling — Always-on, machine-learning-powered econometric models account for media saturation, competitive activity, seasonality, and macroeconomic variables in real time, delivering sharper attribution and better business decisions. AI Agentic Systems — Built with global AI Agentic system for B2B & B2C, autonomous agents plan, reason, execute, and optimise campaigns end-to-end, orchestrating media, personalising customer journeys, and generating executive-ready insight continuously and at scale. Planting the Flag in Singapore and Indonesia Brrandom ‘s third anniversary is the springboard for its most significant geographic expansion to date, with new offices confirmed in two of Southeast Asia’s most pivotal markets by 2026-2027. Singapore will serve as the company’s Regional AI Centre of Excellence — housing senior client leadership, AI research capabilities, and strategic partnerships that will accelerate growth across ASEAN and beyond. Indonesia — with over 200 million internet users, the world’s fourth-largest population, and an e-commerce sector growing at extraordinary velocity — represents a high-conviction move into one of the world’s most complex and rewarding digital environments. Powered by the World’s Best Through partnerships with global leaders in large language models, autonomous agent frameworks, and enterprise AI infrastructure, Brrandom  is embedding next-generation agentic AI across its stack — autonomous systems that orchestrate campaigns, monitor competitive signals, personalise customer journeys, and synthesise performance intelligence at scale. AI challenge We see AI as a creative catalyst, not a creative substitute. Its role is to eliminate limitations, while human talent continues to provide vision, emotion, and originality. At Brrandom, we believe AI should automate the process, not the purpose. Because great ideas will always begin and end with people – Avik Guha, Co-Founder & Chief Executive Officer, Brrandom. Leadership Update: In 2026, Brrandom Asia’s CEO Amol Deelip Kale stepped down from his role. Safder Ali, previously Chief Operating Officer, has since assumed expanded leadership responsibility as COO, South East Asia, steering the agency’s regional growth and operations going forward. Rafidah Binti Rozally ( Director Brrandom Asia ) – We bid a heartfelt farewell to Amol Deelip Kale, who has stepped down as Chief Executive Officer of Brrandom Asia in 2026 , We congratulate Safder on this well-deserved recognition and look forward to the next chapter of growth under his stewardship.

Duopharma Biotech Bhd, whose shares have fallen 22% since mid-February, said its unit has secured a RM155.28 million contract to supply insulin products to public hospitals and clinics nationwide. In a filing on Tuesday, the pharmaceutical group said the government has accepted the tender submitted by its wholly owned subsidiary Duopharma (M) Sdn Bhd (DMSB) and issued a letter of award (LOA) for the contract. The supply covers recombinant human insulin 100 IU/ml Penfill/Refill, including short-, intermediate- and premixed-acting formulations, as well as reusable insulin pens. The contract runs for three years, from June 3, 2026 to June 2, 2029. Under the terms of the award, DMSB is required to provide an irrevocable performance bond of RM2.59 million within 30 days of accepting the LOA. The company must also ensure timely delivery and compliance with government-set quality specifications, with penalties or order cancellations applicable in cases of non-compliance or delays. The agreement also allows for termination under certain conditions, including failure to submit the performance bond, supply delays, breach of tender requirements, unauthorised equity changes, or reasons related to public interest, security, or national interest. Duopharma noted that Malaysia has an estimated 4.75 million diabetics, with around 450,000 patients receiving recombinant human insulin treatment at government healthcare facilities. The group said the contract is expected to contribute positively to earnings over its duration. Duopharma, in which Permodalan Nasional Bhd holds a 44.11% stake, is a long-standing supplier of human insulin to the government and the primary distributor for Biocon Biologics, which manufactures insulin in Johor. The group previously supplied about 80% of government insulin demand, while the remainder was supplied by Novo Nordisk, which exited the human insulin market in 2024, leaving Duopharma as the sole supplier. Duopharma shares closed unchanged at RM1.21, giving the company a market capitalisation of RM1.16 billion.

Collins Aerospace, a subsidiary of RTX Corporation, is investing US$63 million (RM255.8 million) to expand its maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) facility at the Subang Aerotech Park, significantly increasing its operational capacity in Malaysia. Collins Aerospace president Irene Markis. The expansion will quadruple the facility’s footprint from 46,000 square feet to 164,000 square feet, making it the largest MRO facility of its kind in the region. According to Collins Aerospace president Irene Markis, the expansion is aimed at capturing rising demand from the fast-growing Asia-Pacific aviation sector. She noted that the Asia-Pacific region is currently the fastest-growing aviation market globally, with the majority of its population yet to take their first flight. Over the next two decades, the global aircraft fleet is expected to grow from 30,000 to more than 45,000 aircraft, with Asia-Pacific expected to drive a significant share of that expansion. The expanded Subang facility will provide maintenance, repair and overhaul services for aircraft including the Boeing 787, Boeing 777 and Airbus A330, along with their associated systems. Services will cater not only to Malaysia and neighbouring markets but also to wider international clients. While the facility was officially launched on Tuesday, full transition into the expanded operations is expected to be completed by the end of 2026. Talent expansion and Malaysia’s role Markis said Malaysia was chosen for the expansion due to Collins Aerospace’s more than 30 years of operations in the country, as well as the adaptability and technical capability of local talent in adopting advanced technologies. Currently, the Subang MRO facility employs about 150 people, with headcount expected to increase by 30% to 50% over the next five to 10 years as operations scale up. Minister of Transport Anthony Loke Siew Fook highlighted ongoing government efforts to support the industry, including a memorandum of understanding with the Ministry of Defence to reskill retired Royal Malaysian Air Force personnel for roles in the aerospace sector. He noted that these experienced personnel, many of whom are in their early 40s, represent a ready talent pool to support the industry’s expansion. “We have a ready workforce who have just retired and are in their early 40s who can come to fill these jobs. So bring in more investment, bring more jobs. We will have people ready for you,” he said.

AMMB Holdings Bhd is acquiring its corporate headquarters, Menara AmBank on Jalan Yap Kwan Seng, for RM331 million in cash through a related-party transaction, a move aimed at securing its long-term office requirements and reducing future rental costs. In a filing with Bursa Malaysia, the banking group said its wholly owned subsidiary, AmBank (M) Bhd, has entered into a sale and purchase agreement with Maybank Trustees Bhd, acting on behalf of AmFIRST Real Estate Investment Trust (AmFIRST REIT), the current owner of the property. The 46-storey freehold office tower has a net lettable area of 453,419 square feet and an occupancy rate of 77.8%, with AmBank serving as the anchor tenant and occupying 65.6% of the building. As part of the acquisition, AmBank will assume the existing tenancies and licences covering approximately 12.2% of the building’s net lettable area, while the remaining vacant space will provide opportunities for future expansion or operational consolidation. The group said owning Menara AmBank will help secure its long-term office tenure while potentially mitigating increases in occupancy-related costs. The transaction is classified as a related-party deal due to overlapping ownership interests between AMMB and AmFIRST REIT. AmREIT Managers Sdn Bhd, the manager of AmFIRST REIT, is wholly owned by AmREIT Holdings Sdn Bhd, of which 70% is owned by AmInvestment Group Bhd, a wholly owned subsidiary of AMMB. The remaining 30% stake is held by Amcorp Properties Bhd, a unit of AMMB’s major shareholder, Amcorp Group Bhd. Tan Sri Azman Hashim, chairman emeritus and honorary adviser of AMMB, is an indirect major shareholder of both AMMB and the REIT manager through his interests in Amcorp Group. He is also a director of Yayasan Azman Hashim, a substantial unitholder of AmFIRST REIT. In addition, AmBank holds a 26.73% stake in AmFIRST REIT, making it one of the trust’s major unitholders. AMMB said the RM331 million purchase price was agreed on a willing buyer-willing seller basis after taking into account an independent market valuation of RM333 million. The acquisition will be funded through internally generated funds and is not expected to have a material impact on the group’s earnings, net assets or gearing for the financial year ending March 31, 2027. As at end-March, the group had RM6.82 billion in cash and short-term funds. The transaction is expected to be completed by the fourth quarter of 2026. Shares of AMMB closed 10 sen lower at RM6.45 on Monday, giving the banking group a market capitalisation of RM21.38 billion.

Keyfield International Bhd is strengthening its offshore support vessel fleet with the acquisition of a 2014-built anchor handling tug supply (AHTS) vessel for US$7.35 million (RM29.6 million), as the group positions itself to meet growing charter demand. In a filing with Bursa Malaysia, the offshore support vessel operator said its wholly owned subsidiary, Keyfield Resolute Sdn Bhd, has entered into an agreement to acquire the vessel, which will be renamed Keyfield Joyful. The seller was identified only as an unrelated third-party company incorporated in Indonesia and belonging to a Singapore-headquartered group. In addition to the purchase price, Keyfield expects to invest between RM3 million and RM4 million to progressively upgrade the vessel’s capabilities, including its bollard pull, accommodation capacity and Dynamic Positioning 2 (DP2) system. The company said the acquisition will immediately expand its available AHTS capacity to capitalise on near-term chartering opportunities, as all of its existing AHTS vessels are currently chartered out or allocated for contracts in Malaysia and overseas. Its two new-build DP2 AHTS vessels are only expected to be delivered in 2028. Group Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director Datuk Darren Kee Chit Huei said the domestic offshore support vessel market continues to show strong fundamentals, particularly for AHTS vessels below 80 tonnes. “The medium-term outlook for the domestic offshore support vessel sector remains highly resilient, with widening supply shortages projected for AHTS under 80 tonnes. “By acquiring Keyfield Joyful, it provides our group with an opportunity to deploy into the tight local market to earn immediate income. We will further enhance its marketability by upgrading its technical specifications,” he said. Kee added that the purchase follows the recent mobilisation of three AHTS vessels — comprising two owned vessels and one third-party managed vessel — to the Middle East. The latest acquisition is part of Keyfield’s long-term fleet expansion strategy, which is expected to increase its owned fleet from 14 vessels currently to 18 vessels by 2028. The expansion plan includes three vessels currently under construction: one DP2 accommodation work boat and two DP2 90MT AHTS vessels. Keyfield said the acquisition will be financed entirely through the remaining proceeds from its sukuk issuance completed in December 2024 and is expected to contribute positively to the group’s earnings and net assets in the second half of 2026 once the vessel is deployed. For the first quarter ended March 31, 2026, Keyfield’s net profit more than doubled to RM56.13 million from RM20.68 million a year earlier, largely driven by a RM78 million gain from the disposal of an accommodation workboat, despite lower vessel utilisation and weaker revenue. Revenue declined 45.6% to RM47.18 million from RM86.75 million previously, while the group recorded a gross loss of RM16.03 million compared with a gross profit of RM34.8 million a year earlier. The company reported a fleet utilisation rate of 36.1%, equivalent to 442 chartered days, during the quarter, covering vessels operating in Malaysia, the Middle East and Thailand. Shares of Keyfield closed four sen higher at RM1.58 on Monday, giving the group a market capitalisation of RM1.28 billion.

Sime Darby Property Bhd has launched a new investment fund with a target size of up to RM1.25 billion to develop and invest in data centres and industrial assets located within its townships across Malaysia. Known as the New Economy Venture, the fund has secured full capital commitments from the Employees Provident Fund (EPF), the Armed Forces Fund Board (LTAT) and Great Eastern Life Assurance (Malaysia) Bhd. The company said additional limited partners may be brought into the fund at a later stage. Sime Darby Property chief executive Datuk Seri Azmir Merican. Sime Darby Property Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Datuk Seri Azmir Merican said the initiative represents a significant milestone in expanding the group’s investment and fund management capabilities. According to the company, the New Economy Venture builds on its growing presence in the industrial and logistics sector following the launch of its RM1 billion Industrial Development Fund, a joint venture with LOGOS Property established in 2022. Together, the two funds are expected to strengthen Sime Darby Property’s recurring income base by generating investment yields and fee-based earnings from the development and management of assets such as data centres, warehouses and other new economy infrastructure that continue to see strong market demand. The new fund has already secured two seed assets located within the group’s flagship developments, Elmina Business Park and the City of Elmina. These projects account for approximately 85% of the targeted fund size and are backed by long-term lease agreements. Construction of both assets is expected to be completed in the second half of 2027. Under the investment structure, Sime Darby Property will serve as the general partner and contribute RM500.1 million to the main fund. EPF will invest RM100 million, LTAT will commit RM200 million and Great Eastern will provide RM199.9 million. In addition, EPF will participate in a sidecar investment vehicle with a capital commitment of RM250 million. The sidecar fund is designed to invest alongside the main fund in selected projects. The company said the initiative supports its capital-light growth strategy by leveraging third-party institutional funding to accelerate the development of new economy assets across its existing townships. Sime Darby Property added that its investment and asset management division currently oversees approximately RM4.4 billion worth of assets, supported by a long-term hyperscale data centre lease that commenced operations in April 2026.

YM Raja Lokman bin Raja Ahmad, Founder, BS Fitness Nutrition (M) SDN. BHD. Building a successful business is one challenge. Building a business that can scale consistently across manufacturing, distribution, exports, compliance, and brand development is another altogether. For BS Fitness Nutrition (M) Sdn Bhd, growth has never been viewed simply through the lens of product sales. Instead, the company has focused on creating the operational infrastructure, manufacturing capabilities, and market foundations required to build a business with long-term relevance and international potential. Today, operating from two production facilities in Bangi with a manufacturing capacity of up to 40 tonnes per month, BS Fitness Nutrition has established itself as an emerging player within Malaysia’s sports nutrition and functional wellness industry. Yet behind the products lies a broader strategy centred on manufacturing excellence, export readiness, ecosystem development, and the creation of a Malaysian brand capable of competing on a larger stage. As consumer expectations continue to evolve and global competition intensifies, the company’s focus remains clear: building a business defined not by short-term growth, but by operational credibility, scalability, and sustainable value creation. The wellness and performance nutrition sector has undergone significant transformation over the past decade. Once dominated by a handful of international brands, the market today is increasingly competitive, sophisticated, and driven by consumers who demand far more than attractive packaging or marketing claims. Quality assurance, product transparency, manufacturing standards, and brand trust have become critical factors influencing purchasing decisions. BS Fitness Nutrition recognised this shift early. When the company entered the market, there was a noticeable gap between what consumers were looking for and what was readily available. While demand for sports nutrition and performance supplements was growing steadily, locally manufactured products capable of competing with established international brands remained relatively limited. This created an opportunity not only to manufacture products, but to build a business around credibility, consistency, and consumer confidence. Rather than approaching the market purely from a retail or product perspective, the company invested heavily in building its manufacturing capabilities, operational systems, and compliance framework. This long-term approach allowed BS Fitness Nutrition to position itself as more than a product company—it became a business built on production capability, quality control, and continuous innovation. Today, the company produces a growing portfolio of sports nutrition products, functional beverages, and performance supplements while serving athletes, fitness communities, active consumers, commercial partners, and distributors. However, management views these products as an outcome of the business rather than the business itself. At the heart of BS Fitness Nutrition’s strategy is the creation of a scalable ecosystem. The company has spent years strengthening the foundations required for sustainable growth. This includes investments in research and development, manufacturing technology, compliance standards, digital commerce capabilities, distribution networks, and strategic partnerships. These investments may not always be visible to consumers, but they form the backbone of a business designed to compete in increasingly demanding markets. A key pillar of the company’s growth strategy is international expansion. While Malaysia remains an important market, BS Fitness Nutrition sees significant opportunities beyond its domestic borders. Rising global demand for wellness products, increasing acceptance of Malaysian-made goods, and growing interest in trusted nutritional solutions have created favourable conditions for expansion. To support this ambition, the company has actively participated in international trade exhibitions, export acceleration programmes, and cross-border business initiatives. These efforts are not simply aimed at increasing sales volumes but at building long-term market access, strengthening distribution channels, and establishing the credibility necessary to compete internationally. This disciplined approach also shapes how the company defines growth. For many businesses, growth is often measured through revenue, outlet expansion, or market share. BS Fitness Nutrition adopts a broader perspective. Growth means building stronger operational capabilities, creating entrepreneurship opportunities, developing products that can scale across markets, strengthening export presence, and building trust with customers and business partners alike. Equally important is what the company chooses not to pursue. Management remains cautious about opportunities that may generate short-term gains but undermine long-term sustainability. Price competition, aggressive expansion without supporting infrastructure, and growth that compromises quality standards are areas the company deliberately avoids. Instead, the focus remains on strengthening the foundations that support long-term competitiveness. As the business has expanded, maintaining consistency has become increasingly important. Generating demand is often easier than managing complexity. Scaling production, ensuring quality assurance, maintaining regulatory compliance, coordinating logistics, managing exports, and developing people all require a different level of organisational maturity. To address this, BS Fitness Nutrition has evolved from a founder-driven business into a more structured organisation supported by specialised leadership, operational systems, departmental accountability, and standardised processes. This transformation has enabled the company to maintain agility while creating the discipline necessary for larger-scale growth. Leadership development has become a particularly important area of focus. As the organisation continues to grow, the ability to build capable teams, empower decision-making, and develop future leaders will play a critical role in sustaining momentum. Behind the company’s commercial success lies a significant commitment to operational excellence. Over the past 18 months, BS Fitness Nutrition has prioritised investments into manufacturing systems, food safety compliance, export readiness, and internationally recognised certifications, including HACCP, GMP, and halal standards. While these initiatives require substantial investment, they provide the credibility and assurance required to compete within increasingly regulated and quality-conscious markets. For the company, sustainability is closely linked to operational integrity. Responsible growth means building systems that can support long-term expansion while maintaining product quality, customer trust, and business resilience. Looking ahead, BS Fitness Nutrition’s ambitions extend beyond becoming a larger manufacturer. The company is focused on establishing itself as a globally recognised Malaysian brand while strengthening its role within the broader wellness and performance nutrition industry. Future priorities include accelerating international market penetration, expanding innovation within the functional beverage category, strengthening distribution ecosystems, enhancing research and development capabilities, and leveraging automation to improve operational efficiency. Yet despite these ambitions, the company’s underlying philosophy remains unchanged. Success is not measured solely by how much a business grows, but by how well it

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

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

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