Investment & Market Trends

Malaysia secured RM791.54 million (US$192.36 million) in export sales from its participation in the Farnborough International Airshow (FIA) 2026, held in the United Kingdom from July 20 to 24. The five-day event saw Malaysian companies engage with international aerospace players through 148 business meetings, coordinated by the Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE) together with the National Aerospace Industry Corporation Malaysia (NAICO). MATRADE said the strong sales reflected Malaysia’s growing position as a trusted aerospace manufacturing and supply chain partner in the global market. The Malaysia Pavilion featured 15 Malaysian companies, along with Invest Selangor Bhd and the Malaysia Aerospace Industry Association. The business opportunities secured covered various high-value aerospace segments and are expected to further strengthen Malaysia’s participation in the global aerospace supply chain. MATRADE chief executive officer Datuk Abu Bakar Yusof said Malaysia’s aerospace industry recorded RM32.5 billion in revenue in 2025, with exports contributing RM7.95 billion, or 24.5% of total industry revenue. He said growing high-value exports would be important for Malaysia to achieve the Malaysia Aerospace Industry Blueprint 2030 target of RM55.2 billion in industry revenue. “Expanding high-value exports will remain a key growth driver alongside domestic aerospace manufacturing, maintenance, repair and overhaul, systems integration and engineering services,” he said. Malaysia’s aerospace capabilities also received international recognition at the exhibition, with CTRM Aero Composites Sdn Bhd receiving the 2026 Asia Best Maturity Award at the Aero Excellence International Best Maturity Awards.

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has instructed the management of the Federal Land Development Authority (Felda) to prepare a comprehensive report on a proposed sale of a Felda-owned hotel that would reportedly result in a significant loss. Anwar, who is also the Finance Minister, said he had refused to approve the proposed transaction after discovering that the hotel was being considered for sale at £100 million (about RM550 million), despite having been purchased by Felda’s previous management for £160 million. He said the proposed sale raised concerns, particularly as Felda settlers continue to face financial difficulties and require greater support to improve their living conditions and basic facilities. “Felda is under my watch. Two months ago, the Felda management came and asked me to sign for the sale of this hotel,” Anwar said during his speech at the Semarak Kenegaraan Programme with the armed forces at Terendak Camp. “I said, wait a moment, what kind of business is this? Selling at a price lower than when it was bought. So I did not sign. I said, find out who did this and submit a report,” he added. Anwar questioned the rationale behind the proposed disposal, noting that many Felda settlers continue to struggle with inadequate income and basic infrastructure needs. He said settlers had raised concerns during his visits, including requests for improvements to air-conditioning facilities, school repairs and better income opportunities. “Felda settlers are struggling. When I visited the settlers, they said they wanted air conditioning, schools to be repaired, and their income is insufficient. But Felda itself is just casually losing money,” he said. The Prime Minister said the decision to request a full report was intended to ensure greater accountability and protect Felda’s role as an important national institution. He stressed that government agencies, particularly those established to support the country’s communities, must be managed responsibly and their resources protected. “If we don’t do something, no matter how long, our agencies — including Malay agencies that we take pride in and want to defend — this is what will become of them. So we must correct that,” he said. Also present at the event were Religious Affairs Minister Zulkifli Hasan, Deputy Defence Minister Adly Zahari, Chief Secretary to the Government Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar and Army Chief Gen Azhan Othman.

Perbadanan Usahawan Nasional Bhd (PUNB) has allocated RM80 million through three enhanced financing programmes to help 220 Bumiputera entrepreneurs gain faster access to funding and improve their business cash flow. The three programmes — Prosper Grow Biz Express, Prosper Grow Fuel Up and Prosper Grow Auto Biz — offer financing rates starting from 3.5% per annum on a flat-rate basis for selected financing products. Perbadanan Usahawan Nasional Bhd (PUNB) chief executive officer Izwan Zainuddin. Under Prosper Grow Biz Express, eligible entrepreneurs can apply for financing between RM100,000 and RM300,000, with funds potentially being released within 12 working days, subject to complete documentation and credit assessment. The programme is open to sole proprietorships, partnerships and limited liability partnerships operating in the retail, distributive trade and manufacturing sectors. PUNB Chief Executive Officer Izwan Zainuddin said timely access to financing is important for businesses looking to take advantage of growth opportunities and expand their operations. He said entrepreneurs need not only sufficient financing but also a faster application process and repayment structures that match their business needs. Meanwhile, Prosper Grow Fuel Up provides working capital financing of up to 100% for inventory purchases by Bumiputera petrol station operators. Financing ranges from RM100,000 to RM1 million, with repayment periods of up to seven years. Prosper Grow Auto Biz, meanwhile, is designed for automotive service centres operating under strategic partners such as PETRONAS AutoExpert. The programme provides financing of between RM100,000 and RM1 million for fixed assets and working capital, also with repayment tenures of up to seven years. PUNB also provides a principal repayment grace period of up to six months, subject to assessment. This allows entrepreneurs additional time to stabilise their businesses before beginning principal repayments. Izwan said the programmes reflect PUNB’s broader role as a business development partner, rather than simply a financing provider. The initiative is aimed at helping Bumiputera entrepreneurs build stronger, more resilient and competitive businesses while supporting the government’s Bumiputera economic development agenda and Ekonomi MADANI framework. By improving access to capital, PUNB expects the programmes to encourage greater participation by Bumiputera businesses across key economic sectors and support their long-term growth.

Khazanah Nasional Bhd’s (Khazanah) Jelawang Capital and Retirement Fund Inc’s (KWAP) Dana Perintis invested a combined RM588 million into Malaysian startups in 2025, supporting businesses across sectors including consumer, digital, agritech and education technology (edtech). The Ministry of Finance (MoF) said the initiative, carried out under the Government-Linked Enterprises Activation and Reform Programme (GEAR-uP), has supported more than 130 Malaysian startups, including nearly 30 Bumiputera startups, between 2020 and June 2026. The ministry said both platforms work with fund managers through targeted investment strategies, helping expand Malaysia’s venture capital ecosystem while attracting additional private sector funding. In July 2024, Khazanah consolidated two government venture capital entities — Malaysia Venture Capital Management Bhd (MAVCAP) and Penjana Kapital Sdn Bhd) — before launching Jelawang Capital in October 2024 as Malaysia’s national fund-of-funds. The initiative received an initial allocation of RM1 billion for 2024 to 2028 under Dana Impak. Meanwhile, KWAP’s Dana Perintis operates as a RM500 million early-stage investment fund for the same period, supporting promising Malaysian startups with growth capital and funding continuity. MoF said Jelawang Capital channels investments to emerging and regional fund managers, who then raise additional private capital and invest in local startups. In 2025, the platform helped mobilise RM290 million into emerging domestic and regional fund managers. Together, Jelawang Capital and Dana Perintis aim to strengthen Malaysia’s startup ecosystem by improving access to funding, supporting business expansion and encouraging greater private investment participation. The ministry also highlighted other investment initiatives under GEAR-uP, including Khazanah’s Dana Impak, which has committed RM1 billion between 2024 and 2028 to support the growth of Malaysian mid-tier companies (MTCs). Through partnerships with private equity firms such as Creador, Navis Capital and Granite Asia, Dana Impak aims to provide growth capital and strategic support for local businesses. KWAP’s Dana Pemacu also contributes growth-stage private equity investments through its co-investment approach. For Bumiputera mid-tier companies, Ekuinas continues to provide private equity and private credit support, having generated RM7.1 billion in Bumiputera equity value since 2009. This is further complemented by Khazanah’s upcoming Dana Ciptawan, a planned RM200 million initiative aimed at supporting Bumiputera enterprises and other Malaysian mid-tier companies.

Retirement Fund Inc (KWAP) has invested RM51 million through its Dana Pemacu initiative to support the growth of a Malaysian nutraceutical products supplier and brand owner, as part of efforts to strengthen the country’s private markets ecosystem and healthcare sector. According to the Ministry of Finance’s (MoF) GEAR-uP Progress Report released today, the investment was made in Bio-Science Nutraceutical Holdings Sdn Bhd through local general partner Mekar Capital and global general partner Navis Capital. The ministry said the investment demonstrates how institutional capital can help develop high-value healthcare and wellness businesses by enhancing Malaysia’s capabilities in nutraceutical innovation, product commercialisation and premium brand development. The report also highlighted another Dana Pemacu initiative involving the development of centralised labour quarters through Foster Capital as the local general partner and Castleforge as the global general partner. Under the first phase of the project, KWAP has committed RM210 million to develop accommodation for 9,000 workers. The initiative forms part of a larger development comprising four projects that will provide 28,800 beds with a combined gross development value of approximately RM600 million. The Ministry of Finance said the project aims to improve living conditions for workers while supporting Malaysia’s long-term economic growth. Launched in May 2024, Dana Pemacu is designed to accelerate Malaysia’s economic transformation by deploying commercially viable investments that create long-term value while enhancing the impact of government-linked investment companies (GLICs). The report also outlined the progress of Khazanah Nasional’s Dana Impak initiative. As of June 2026, the programme had supported 32 mid-tier companies through the Mid-Tier Companies Growth Innovation Programme and another 21 companies under the ELEVATE 2.0 Programme. MoF added that GLICs continue to play a key role as cornerstone investors in quality listings on Bursa Malaysia, helping to strengthen the country’s capital markets by providing funding that can be reinvested into future high-growth businesses. The ministry said achieving the Capital Market Master Plan 2026–2030 target of RM5.8 trillion to RM6.3 trillion in market capitalisation by 2030 will depend on a steady pipeline of new listings supported by institutional investors. Meanwhile, GLICs actively managed a portfolio of 37 government-linked companies (GLCs) with a targeted annual return of 7.5% between 2024 and 2028. In 2025, the portfolio exceeded expectations by delivering an 8.0% shareholder return, with the potential to generate up to RM100 billion in value. MoF noted that as GLCs account for around 27% of Bursa Malaysia’s Main Market capitalisation, the returns generated ultimately benefit Malaysians through institutions such as the Employees Provident Fund (EPF), KWAP, Permodalan Nasional Bhd (PNB) and Lembaga Tabung Haji. The ministry added that GLICs continue to create long-term value by driving shareholder returns, strengthening corporate governance and supporting Malaysia’s strategic national development priorities.

Cambodia is set to develop its first large-scale fresh milk production and processing facility through a US$68 million investment in Pursat province, a move aimed at strengthening the country’s dairy industry, reducing milk imports and meeting growing domestic demand. The project, known as Farm Fresh Pursat, will be developed in Veal Veng district across approximately 1,000 hectares. It will feature international-standard dairy farms and a local milk processing plant, creating a fully integrated dairy production ecosystem capable of supplying both the domestic market and future export opportunities. Celebrating a landmark partnership for sustainable dairy development: Rida (left) and Loi (right) shaking hands following the land lease signing ceremony for the Farm Fresh Pursat project. The investment follows a land lease agreement signed on Aug 5 between the Pursat Provincial Administration, Sonavith Co Ltd, Malaysia’s Farm Fresh Group and Cambodia’s Alpha Group. The project builds on a memorandum of understanding signed by Farm Fresh and Alpha Group during the 47th ASEAN Summit in October 2025 to establish Cambodia’s first large-scale fresh milk production and processing facility. Pursat Governor Khoy Rida described the project as a historic milestone that will establish the country’s largest dairy farm while creating significant employment opportunities for local communities and supporting the province’s economic development. Farm Fresh Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Loi Tuan Ee said the company is honoured to invest in Pursat and welcomed the strong support and incentives provided by the Cambodian government. He added that the investment would not only strengthen Cambodia’s dairy industry but also raise Pursat’s profile across Southeast Asia and internationally. The project comes as Cambodia seeks to improve its food security following supply disruptions caused by last year’s border conflict with Thailand. Thailand previously supplied more than 76% of Cambodia’s dairy imports, and the disruption led to widespread fresh milk shortages, affecting supermarkets, cafés and restaurants. With the new facility, Cambodia aims to expand local fresh milk production, reduce dependence on imports and build a more resilient and sustainable dairy supply chain for the future.

CTOS Digital Bhd has proposed to sell a 10% equity stake in Juris Technologies Sdn Bhd to Natsoft (M) Sdn Bhd for RM50 million in cash, as part of its strategy to optimise its investment portfolio and sharpen its focus on its core business operations. According to a filing with Bursa Malaysia, CTOS entered into a Share Sale Agreement (SSA) with Natsoft on July 22, involving the disposal of 100,000 ordinary shares, representing 10% of Juris Technologies’ issued and paid-up share capital. Upon completion of the transaction, CTOS’ shareholding in Juris Technologies will decrease from 49% to 39%, while Natsoft, the software developer’s founding and majority shareholder, will increase its stake. CTOS said the proposed disposal aligns with its long-term strategy of monetising non-core investments that offer limited strategic influence and operational synergies. “The proposed disposal is consistent with CTOS’ strategy to optimise its investment portfolio by monetising a non-core asset with limited strategic synergies and influence,” the company said. The group noted that while Juris Technologies remains a valuable investment, its minority stake provides limited strategic control over the company’s operations. By unlocking the value of the investment, CTOS will be able to redeploy capital towards initiatives that are more closely aligned with its core credit reporting, digital solutions and data analytics businesses. The disposal price of RM50 million was agreed on a willing buyer-willing seller basis and reflects an overall equity valuation of RM500 million for Juris Technologies. CTOS said the valuation was determined after considering the market value of comparable companies operating in similar sectors. The transaction is expected to be completed by the end of July 2026, subject to the fulfilment of the completion obligations outlined in the Share Sale Agreement. CTOS acknowledged that the completion of the deal remains subject to the agreed terms and conditions under the SSA. Should any of the completion obligations not be fulfilled, the transaction could be delayed or terminated in accordance with the agreement. Nevertheless, the company said it will take all reasonable steps to ensure the conditions are met promptly to facilitate a smooth completion of the disposal. The proposed sale does not require shareholders’ approval or approval from any regulatory authorities. It is also not conditional upon any other corporate proposals undertaken or planned by the company. As the transaction will be settled entirely in cash, CTOS said it will not affect the company’s share capital, nor will it result in the issuance of new shares or changes to the shareholdings of its substantial shareholders. Following a review of the transaction, the board concluded that the proposed disposal is in the best interests of both the company and its shareholders. “The board, having considered all aspects of the proposed disposal, is of the opinion that the proposed disposal is in the best interest of CTOS and its shareholders,” the company said. The move reflects CTOS’ continued efforts to streamline its investment portfolio, improve capital efficiency and strengthen its focus on businesses that offer greater strategic value and long-term growth potential.

The Royal Commission of Inquiry (RCI) into the management and operations of Lembaga Tabung Haji (TH) has recommended a forensic audit on 14 past investment decisions that led to significant asset impairments at the Islamic pilgrimage fund. The recommendation was made following the RCI’s investigation into TH’s management practices between 2014 and 2020, with the identified investments highlighted in a report released today. The 14 investments proposed for further forensic review include: PT TH Indo Plantations Emrail Sdn Bhd Wellspring Worldwide Ltd Deru Semangat Sdn Bhd Trurich Resources Sdn Bhd Abraj Sdn Bhd Putrajaya Perdana Bhd Al-Rawda Real Estates Development & Project Management Co Ltd Alfareeda Residential Fund TH Plantations Bhd TH Properties Sdn Bhd Alam Maritim Resources / TH Marine TH Hotel & Residences Sdn Bhd FGV Bhd The RCI said investment transactions that remain subject to court cases or arbitration proceedings should continue to be closely monitored by TH’s management and board to ensure the processes are managed effectively and deliver the best possible outcomes for the institution. It also recommended strengthening out-of-court settlements and arbitration processes to enable disputes to be resolved more efficiently while protecting TH’s interests. The commission emphasised that TH’s investment management and profit distribution functions must continue to operate independently and professionally. It noted that both fund management and haj management should remain under the same entity due to the element of cross-subsidisation currently practised by TH. The RCI further proposed that TH’s investment management function remain within the organisation as a dedicated department, potentially named “Dana Haji”, which would oversee TH’s investments while being regulated by the Securities Commission Malaysia. The commission also advised TH to focus on fund management activities and avoid involvement in high-risk investments, particularly those categorised as strategic investments. Meanwhile, the RCI urged Urusharta Jamaah Sdn Bhd (UJSB) to consider early redemption of sukuk issued following the transfer of assets from TH to UJSB. The report stated that TH assets were transferred to UJSB at a value of RM19.9 billion, despite having a market value of RM9.7 billion at the time, representing a premium of RM10.2 billion above market value. As part of the asset transfer arrangement, UJSB issued fully subscribed zero-coupon Sukuk Murabahah, comprising: Sukuk Series 1: RM10 billion Sukuk Series 2: RM9.6 billion Cash payment: RM300 million The RCI noted that income generated from UJSB’s sukuk contributed nearly 26% of TH’s annual income and accounted for more than one-third of the annual profits distributed to depositors. It warned that any failure or constraints in UJSB meeting its obligations could pose a major risk to TH’s financial position and potentially create wider implications for Malaysia’s financial ecosystem. “The government must give serious attention by ensuring an annual allocation of RM1.73 billion is provided, as agreed by the Cabinet, for the early redemption of UJSB’s sukuk,” the RCI said. The commission was also informed that UJSB is currently in discussions with the Ministry of Finance (MOF) to seek consideration for a government guarantee and has begun negotiations with TH on the terms of a new Government Guaranteed Sukuk.

The global food industry is no longer driven by production alone. Today’s consumers expect more than quality ingredients. They demand convenience, consistency, food safety and products that fit increasingly fast-paced lifestyles. At the same time, restaurants, retailers and distributors are under growing pressure to secure reliable supply chains while meeting ever-higher expectations for freshness and product quality. For food manufacturers, this has fundamentally changed the rules of the industry. Success is no longer determined simply by what is produced, but by the ability to create value beyond the product itself. It is this shift that has shaped the company’s evolution. Backed by more than two decades of expertise in research and development, sourcing, trading and food processing, the business has expanded into a diversified manufacturer of value-added fishball products, ready-to-use instant pastes, frozen seafood and premium fresh durian. Today, it is also recognised as one of the pioneering Malaysian companies to export fresh durian to China via air freight, reflecting a business built around innovation, quality and international opportunity.   Beyond Manufacturing Food manufacturing has traditionally focused on efficiency and scale. Today, the challenge is much broader. Consumers expect authentic flavours that remain consistent from one purchase to the next. Food service operators require dependable supply, while international buyers demand strict quality assurance, food safety and traceability throughout the supply chain. Meeting these expectations requires more than processing food. It requires understanding how consumer behaviour is changing. The company has responded by developing value-added food solutions that simplify preparation without compromising taste, freshness or reliability. Whether producing premium fishball products, frozen seafood, instant cooking pastes or exporting fresh durian, every product is designed to address a common challenge: making quality food more accessible in an increasingly complex market. The objective is not simply to manufacture food. It is to help businesses and consumers enjoy greater convenience while maintaining the authenticity that defines Malaysian cuisine.   Responding to a New Generation of Consumers Changing lifestyles continue to reshape food consumption around the world. Time has become one of the most valuable commodities, driving growing demand for products that reduce preparation without sacrificing quality. Restaurants, retailers and households alike are increasingly seeking solutions that offer consistency, convenience and confidence in every purchase. Recognising this shift early, the company invested in advanced food processing methods, freezing technology and quality control systems capable of preserving flavour, freshness and food safety across a wide range of products. These investments have enabled the business to bridge the gap between traditional food preferences and modern consumer expectations. For customers, the value lies not only in the products themselves, but in the assurance that every order delivers the same standard of quality regardless of where it is consumed.   Creating Value Beyond the Supply Chain As global food supply chains become increasingly interconnected, manufacturers are expected to contribute more than production capacity. They must become trusted partners capable of delivering reliability, consistency and long-term value. Rather than competing primarily on price, the company has focused on strengthening operational efficiency, product differentiation and manufacturing capability. Investments in automation and production systems have helped improve productivity while ensuring product quality remains uncompromised as demand continues to grow. This approach is particularly important within value-added food categories, where customer expectations increasingly extend beyond taste to include convenience, safety and dependable performance. By continually improving operational capabilities, the company is building resilience that supports both domestic growth and international expansion.   Bringing Malaysian Products to the World Perhaps one of the company’s most significant milestones has been its entry into the international fresh durian market. In 2024, it became one of Malaysia’s pioneering companies exporting fresh durian to China via air freight, opening new opportunities within one of Asia’s fastest-growing premium food markets. Exporting fresh produce, however, requires far more than meeting demand. Maintaining product integrity depends on precise cold chain management, reliable sourcing, careful handling and efficient logistics from farm to destination. Recognising these challenges, the company continues strengthening supplier relationships while investing in premium positioning, ensuring Malaysian produce competes on quality, consistency and trust rather than price alone. The success of this business reflects a broader ambition: creating greater international recognition for Malaysian food products through disciplined execution and uncompromising quality standards.   Growth Built on Stronger Foundations For many businesses, growth is measured by larger facilities or higher production volumes. For this company, growth is equally about building stronger capabilities. Every investment in manufacturing technology, food safety systems, operational efficiency and product development strengthens its ability to serve customers over the long term. As markets continue evolving, maintaining consistency becomes increasingly important. Customers expect the same quality whether purchasing frozen seafood, fishball products, instant cooking pastes or premium fresh durian, and sustaining that trust requires continuous improvement across every aspect of the business. Growth, therefore, is not simply about becoming bigger. It is about becoming more reliable, more efficient and more valuable within the global food ecosystem.   Looking Towards the Next Chapter The next phase of the company’s journey is centred on moving further up the value chain. Rather than focusing solely on increasing production capacity, leadership is prioritising product innovation, stronger brand positioning and deeper market penetration across both domestic and international markets. Opportunities continue to emerge within premium frozen seafood, ready-to-use food solutions, value-added fishball products and fresh durian exports, driven by consumers seeking greater convenience without compromising quality. Supporting this ambition requires continuous investment in automation, technology, quality management systems and talent development, ensuring the organisation remains agile while preserving the standards that have underpinned its success. As global demand for trusted food solutions continues to grow, manufacturers capable of combining operational excellence with innovation will define the next generation of the industry. That is the path this company has chosen—one that extends well beyond manufacturing itself. By creating value-added food solutions, strengthening supply chain reliability and bringing Malaysian products to international markets, it is contributing to a food industry where quality, trust and innovation remain the most important ingredients for sustainable growth.

Petra Energy Bhd is monetising its non-performing assets through the sale of two marine vessels for a combined cash consideration of approximately RM61.31 million, as the company seeks to optimise its asset portfolio and strengthen its financial position. The disposal will be carried out by Petra Marine Sdn Bhd, a wholly owned subsidiary of Petra Energy, involving the sale of two offshore vessels to international buyers. Petra explained that it is selling these vessels to monetise non-performing assets, with proceeds of the deals to be used as working capital. The first transaction involves the sale of Petra Orbit, an offshore support workboat, to Beaufond Swissline FZ-LLC, the commercial affiliate arm of UAE-based chemical manufacturer Beaufond plc, for RM29.63 million. The second agreement involves the disposal of Petra Endeavour, a 300-man work barge, to Indian company AJR Oil & Gas Engineering Services for RM31.67 million. Both transactions are expected to be completed by the end of September, subject to the successful delivery of the vessels to their respective buyers. Under the sales agreements, Beaufond and AJR will each provide initial deposits of 20% and 25%, respectively, following the formal signing of the agreements. In its filing with Bursa Malaysia, Petra Energy said the vessel disposals are part of its strategy to monetise non-performing assets, allowing the company to unlock value from underutilised assets while improving capital efficiency. The proceeds generated from the sales will be used as working capital to support the company’s ongoing business operations and future requirements. Both vessels were built in 2009. The Petra Orbit, which is approximately 17 years old, carries a book value of RM25.01 million, while the Petra Endeavour has a book value of RM30.06 million as at the proposal date. The disposal marks Petra Energy’s continued effort to streamline its asset portfolio and focus on improving operational flexibility amid changing market conditions in the offshore and marine services sector. By converting ageing or underperforming assets into cash resources, the company aims to enhance liquidity while creating greater room to support its core business activities. Following the announcement, Petra Energy’s shares declined 3.33% to 72.5 sen per share, giving the company a market capitalisation of approximately RM232.7 million. Despite the decline, the stock has gained 29.46% year-to-date.