Investment & Market Trends

SINGAPORE, StarHub has acquired full ownership of MyRepublic’s broadband business in a S$105.2 million (US$81.8 million) deal, the telco announced on Tuesday (Aug 12). The purchase covers the remaining 49.9% stake in MyRepublic Broadband — on top of the 50.1% already owned — along with the MyRepublic brand in Singapore and key operational assets tied to its broadband operations. The deal includes S$94.3 million for the shares and S$10.9 million for the assets, according to a Singapore Exchange filing. StarHub said the move strengthens its multi-brand strategy in the local broadband market, enabling service differentiation and cross-product bundling. “This isn’t just an acquisition, it’s an acceleration,” said CEO Nikhil Eapen, noting that full ownership will allow the company to “move faster, go further, and serve customers with greater clarity and care.” He added that Singapore’s broadband sector is entering a consolidation phase, where scale, quality and resilience are critical. StarHub first acquired a majority stake in MyRepublic Broadband in 2022 with regulatory approval from the Infocomm Media Development Authority.

KUALA LUMPUR, VentureTECH Sdn Bhd has made a strategic investment in Y Us Sdn Bhd (Evenesis) to enhance its event management platform, meet evolving customer needs, strengthen its market position, and drive regional expansion. Evenesis, a Bumiputera-owned company, offers an end-to-end Event Management Software (EMS) and managed services platform designed to transform how business events are planned, delivered, and evaluated. Having supported more than 3,000 events locally and abroad, the company now aims to expand into key regional markets such as Singapore, Indonesia, and Saudi Arabia, where demand for digital event solutions is growing in line with the global shift toward immersive and hybrid events. VentureTECH CEO Ahmad Redzuan Sidek said the investment underscores its role in nurturing homegrown companies in high-value, technology-driven sectors. “By investing in companies like Evenesis, we are building a new generation of Bumiputera champions who can drive digital transformation, strengthen Malaysia’s regional presence, and contribute to the nation’s innovation and industrial agenda,” he said. Evenesis founder and CEO Mohd Yusno Mohd Yunos described the partnership as a significant milestone that validates the company’s vision to revolutionise the events industry. “With VentureTECH’s backing, we can now scale regionally, enhance our platform, and deliver greater value to our clients while showcasing Bumiputera innovation on the global stage,” he said. VentureTECH is wholly owned by the Malaysian Industry-Government Group for High Technology (MIGHT) and focuses on catalysing the growth of local industries — particularly Bumiputera — in high-value-added and high-tech sectors through equity investments.

KUALA LUMPUR, DRB-Hicom Bhd has announced plans to acquire the Malaysian operations of aerospace manufacturer Spirit AeroSystems in a deal valued at US$95.2 million (RM426.1 million). Upon completion by year-end, Spirit AeroSystems Malaysia Sdn Bhd will come under the full ownership of Composites Technology Research Malaysia Sdn Bhd (CTRM), DRB-Hicom’s wholly owned aerospace subsidiary. DRB-Hicom described the acquisition as a strategic move to strengthen CTRM’s position in the aerospace sector by expanding its aerostructure capabilities. Spirit Malaysia, based at the Malaysia International Aerospace Centre in Subang — its Southeast Asian hub — supplies key components for major Airbus and Boeing programmes, including the A220, A320, A321, A350, B737 and B787. In 2024, it posted a net profit of RM70.1 million on revenue exceeding RM1 billion. CTRM specialises in composite manufacturing, producing wing components for the A320, A350 and A380, nacelles for the A350, and various aerostructures for the A400M, B737, B787, B767 and B777. The combined operations are expected to deliver greater scale, stronger customer relationships, improved pricing power, and enhanced competitiveness across the supply chain. DRB-Hicom said the integration will also boost CTRM’s ability to secure integrated work packages and new contracts. The acquisition coincides with Boeing’s planned takeover of Spirit AeroSystems’ US parent, while Airbus is set to assume certain Spirit assets tied to its programmes. Should regulatory approvals from the European Commission or US Federal Trade Commission be denied, or if government opposition arises, the seller will pay a US$7 million termination fee. AmInvestment Bank is acting as principal adviser for the transaction. Shares in DRB-Hicom closed unchanged on Monday following the announcement.

KUALA LUMPUR, Hong Seng Consolidated Bhd has announced the sale of its 32.6% equity stake in lingerie and apparel manufacturer Classita Holdings Bhd to NexG Sdn Bhd for RM60.3 million. In a filing with Bursa Malaysia, Hong Seng said the disposal aligns with its strategy to streamline its investment portfolio and unlock value from non-core assets. The divestment is expected to provide the group with additional working capital to support its core business operations and future growth initiatives. The transaction involves the sale of 256.3 million ordinary shares in Classita, formerly known as Caely Holdings Bhd, at a price of 23.5 sen per share. The disposal consideration will be satisfied entirely in cash. Hong Seng noted that the stake sale is not expected to have a material impact on the group’s earnings for the financial year ending Sept 30, 2025, but will strengthen its liquidity position. Classita, listed on the ACE Market, is involved in the design, manufacture, and retail of women’s lingerie, undergarments, and apparel, with an expanding presence in both local and overseas markets. The deal is expected to be completed in the third quarter of 2025, subject to the fulfilment of customary conditions and regulatory approvals.

KUALA LUMPUR, AirAsia is setting its sights on strengthening its presence in Hong Kong, with plans to expand connectivity to the territory as part of its broader regional growth strategy. The low-cost carrier is eyeing increased flight frequencies and the introduction of new routes linking Hong Kong with key Southeast Asian cities, aiming to tap into rising travel demand driven by both tourism and business sectors. AirAsia’s strategic move comes as the aviation industry in the region continues to rebound following pandemic disruptions, with Hong Kong regaining its status as a key transit hub for international travellers. The airline believes greater connectivity will not only boost passenger numbers but also strengthen trade and tourism flows between Malaysia, ASEAN countries, and Greater China. In addition to its network expansion, AirAsia is reportedly exploring the possibility of a stock market listing in Hong Kong. The potential move, still in its preliminary stages, is aimed at enhancing the group’s capital base, attracting new investors from North Asia, and raising its profile in one of the world’s leading financial markets. Industry analysts say the dual focus on route growth and a possible listing underscores AirAsia’s confidence in its post-pandemic recovery trajectory, as well as its ambition to cement a stronger foothold in the Greater China travel market. No official timeline has been disclosed for either the network expansion or the proposed listing, with further announcements expected as plans progress.

Bina Puri Holdings Bhd (BPHB) has received approval from Bank Negara Malaysia’s Corporate Debt Restructuring Committee (CDRC) to mediate negotiations with its lenders as part of its ongoing debt restructuring plan. In a filing today, the company said the move is intended to strengthen its financial position and address outstanding liabilities to secure long-term sustainability. BPHB has been in discussions with lenders since April 2025 to develop a mutually acceptable restructuring scheme. It now sees CDRC’s involvement as key to facilitating a resolution. Under the approval terms, BPHB must adhere to the CDRC Participant’s Code of Conduct, submit a proposed restructuring plan to lenders within 60 days, and observe a six-month Informal Standstill Agreement — extendable at CDRC’s discretion. The mediation will follow CDRC’s guidelines, with the company’s operations continuing as usual throughout the process.

OSAKA, ASEAN has declared its readiness to upgrade its free trade agreement (FTA) with Japan, aiming to refresh the long-standing pact to reflect today’s economic landscape. ASEAN Deputy Secretary-General for the Economic Community Satvinder Singh said the ASEAN–Japan Comprehensive Economic Partnership (AJCEP), signed in 2008, needs to be updated in line with evolving market realities. “The current FTA was designed decades ago. The timing is right for a review, much like how we have upgraded agreements with other major partners,” he said at a joint press conference with Malaysia’s Investment, Trade and Industry Minister, Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz. Satvinder highlighted ASEAN’s recent success in modernising trade agreements with China, Australia, New Zealand, and India — adding new focus areas such as e-commerce, innovation, sustainability, and global supply chain resilience. “Japan should naturally be one of ASEAN’s priorities in the coming years. We are ready to engage whenever Japan is ready,” he noted, adding that current global economic challenges make such an upgrade even more valuable. He said ASEAN fits seamlessly into Japan’s global strategy, especially in supporting supply chain diversification, and pointed to growing interest from Japanese companies in strengthening their business presence in the region. Meanwhile, Tengku Zafrul said the upcoming Expo 2025 Osaka offers an ideal opportunity for ASEAN to highlight its identity, diversity, and unity on the world stage. “We look forward to welcoming Japan to the ASEAN Economic Ministers’ Meeting in September and the ASEAN Leaders’ Summit in October. Continuous dialogue builds trust, and that trust paves the way for a stronger ASEAN and a better Asia for future generations,” he said.

JAKARTA, Bank Rakyat Indonesia (BRI), the nation’s largest lender by assets, has officially opened a new branch in Taipei, marking a significant expansion into East Asia. The move aims to capture opportunities from growing trade ties and remittance flows between Indonesia and Taiwan. Strategically located on Nanjing East Road in Taipei’s Zhongshan District, the branch is positioned to serve a market with substantial growth potential, fueled by rising cross-border transactions and a sizeable Indonesian community in Taiwan. Hery Gunardi, president director of Bank Rakyat Indonesia (BRI), delivers a speech during the openin of the BRI Taipei branch in Taiwan, Friday, Aug. 8, 2025.  BRI President Director Hery Gunardi said the Taipei branch will play a pivotal role in supporting the financial needs of approximately 360,000 Indonesian migrant workers in Taiwan — a key contributor group to Indonesia’s economy. “As the only Indonesian bank branch in Taiwan, BRI Taipei is committed to providing comprehensive banking services, including remittances, savings, and investment products, to help our migrant workers plan and secure their financial future,” Hery said. The branch offers integrated financial solutions such as savings products, financing services, remittance facilities, and foreign exchange transactions. It has also launched a BRI ATM card that can be used across Taiwan’s banking network. Beyond serving the Indonesian community, BRI hopes to position the branch as a gateway for Taiwanese investment into Indonesia by offering competitive investment returns. “We see this as an opportunity to facilitate more Taiwanese investors entering the Indonesian market,” Hery added. Rp 40 Trillion in Annual Remittances Arif Sulistiyo, head of the Indonesian Economic and Trade Office (KDEI) in Taipei, welcomed the expansion, noting that it would help strengthen economic cooperation between the two economies. Taiwan is home to nearly 400,000 Indonesians — the third-largest overseas Indonesian community after Malaysia and Saudi Arabia — with the majority working as caregivers and factory workers. These migrant workers send more than Rp 40 trillion (US$2.5 billion) home annually. The Taipei branch secured its full retail foreign bank license in 2021 from Taiwanese regulators, enabling it to offer a complete suite of banking services, including deposits, lending, remittances, trade financing, and treasury operations.

KUALA LUMPUR, The Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (Matrade) has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the nation’s export growth target of RM2.09 trillion by 2030, which requires an average annual increase of 5.8 per cent. In a statement, Matrade said it will continue to play a pivotal role in strengthening Malaysia’s global trade presence by expanding international networks and intensifying export promotion efforts, particularly in high-impact sectors aligned with the MADANI economic framework. Matrade chairman Datuk Seri Reezal Merican Naina Merican noted that the agency’s strategies will be closely coordinated to align with the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP). “Our focus will be on enhancing the nation’s export competitiveness by empowering micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), tapping into new and emerging markets, driving product innovation, and navigating an increasingly complex global trade environment through digitalisation and sustainable business models,” he said. “These initiatives reflect the 13MP’s vision to foster economic growth by boosting exports, promoting inclusivity, and integrating technology and innovation into key industries.” Matrade chief executive officer Datuk Seri Mohd Mustafa Abdul Aziz highlighted that the agency’s export promotion programmes will prioritise sectors such as electrical and electronic products, halal goods, digital and creative content, agriculture, franchised brands, and services. He added that Matrade’s overseas office network will be leveraged to provide Malaysian businesses with on-the-ground market insights and opportunities to break into global markets. The corporation also plans to expand export matching programmes, offer targeted guidance for entering foreign markets, and roll out capacity-building initiatives including seminars, workshops and training courses for MSMEs. To support government priorities, Matrade will place strategic emphasis on developing high-growth, high-value industries such as electronics, digital gaming and animation, halal products, modern agriculture, global services, and franchising. Efforts will also be directed towards exploring high-potential markets in South America, Africa, the Middle East and Eastern Europe through increased participation in free trade agreements, business matching events, and export acceleration missions. According to Matrade, the upcoming National Trade Blueprint 2.0 will act as a comprehensive roadmap to align trade policies, improve execution efficiency, and strengthen Malaysia’s overall export ecosystem.

Ascott, the lodging arm of CapitaLand Investment, has signed an agreement with Malaysian developer Coronade Properties to manage a new five-star hotel in Johor Bahru’s Ibrahim International Business District, part of the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ). The deal marks the first major hospitality partnership since the JS-SEZ agreement between Malaysia and Singapore in January 2025. The 207-room Ascott Coronation Square Johor Bahru will occupy Tower 1 of the RM5 billion Coronation Square development and cater to growing demand from cross-border business, tourism, and investment. Ascott CEO Kevin Goh said the project reflects strong cross-border cooperation and confidence in the region’s growth, while Singapore’s Minister of State for Trade and Industry Alvin Tan highlighted the JS-SEZ’s appeal for global investors.