Investment & Market Trends

Ant Group Co. has received China’s regulatory approval to complete its purchase of Hong Kong-listed brokerage Bright Smart Securities & Commodities Group Ltd, finalizing a deal agreed nearly a year ago. According to a filing with the Hong Kong Stock Exchange on Monday, Ant has completed the required reporting procedures with Chinese authorities for high-value, non-sensitive investment projects, confirming an earlier Bloomberg News report. The transaction is now expected to close on March 30. Bright Smart’s shares surged as much as 82% on Tuesday morning to HK$16.88 (RM8.46), giving the company a market value of roughly US$3.6 billion (RM14.1 billion). Bright Smart chairman Yip Mow Lum conditionally agreed in April to sell his 50.55% stake—about 858 million shares—to Wealthiness and Prosperity Holding Ltd for HK$3.28 per share, totaling HK$2.81 billion. Wealthiness and Prosperity is ultimately controlled by Ant, the fintech giant led by Jack Ma. Yip, nicknamed the “Money Hunter,” founded Bright Smart in 1995 and developed it into a popular online trading platform with low brokerage fees. The company went public in Hong Kong in 2010. Ant’s unit controlling Wealthiness and Prosperity also holds other investments in the digital brokerage sector, including the wealth management platform Ant Wealth Shanghai Yunjin Information Technology.

Malaysian B2B technology eProcurement & eMarketplace company Borong (formerly known as Dropee) has once again claimed the top position in the Financial Times High-Growth Companies Asia-Pacific 2026 ranking, compiled in partnership with Statista, this time rising from 2nd place to rank No. 1 across the entire Asia-Pacific region. The ranking, now in its eighth annual edition, identifies the top 500 companies that achieved the highest compound annual growth rate (CAGR) in revenue between 2021 and 2024. Aizat Rahim, Chief Executive Officer of Borong (Dropee) with with YAB Dato’ Seri Anwar Bin Ibrahim launching Salaam Market, a joint-effort between Borong (Dropee) & Maybank Islamic Berhad. Two Years. One Consistent Story of Growth. This is Borong’s second consecutive appearance on the FT High-Growth Companies Asia-Pacific list, and the most emphatic yet. Having ranked 2nd in 2025, Borong now claims the No. 1 position in 2026, making it not only the fastest-growing company in the region this year, but also the most consistently growing. This back-to-back recognition underscores what Borong has always believed: that sustainable, compounding growth driven by genuine enterprise value is not an accident, it is a strategy. Borong remains the highest-ranked Malaysian company on the list and one of only a small number of Malaysian firms featured among the top 500 high-growth companies spanning 13 Asia-Pacific economies, alongside businesses from Japan, South Korea, India, Singapore, Australia, and beyond. Expanding Into New Industries, Deepening Strategic Partnerships Since its founding in 2017, Borong has grown from a bootstrapped startup with US$300,000 in revenue into a regional B2B technology platform funded by prominent Venture Capitalists trusted by thousands of businesses. Beyond its stronghold in FMCG and traditional retail supply chains, Borong has now expanded aggressively into new industry verticals, including: Oil & Gas (O&G) Procurement – Borong has secured an exclusive procurement partnership with Shell, enabling digitised, streamlined supply chain and procurement operations within the energy sector. Semiconductor – Borong is now serving procurement and supply chain needs in Malaysia’s growing semiconductor ecosystem, one of Southeast Asia’s most strategically critical industries. Property & Construction – Borong’s platform now supports procurement workflows for property developers and construction firms, addressing inefficiencies in project-based supply chains that have historically relied on manual, fragmented processes. Banking – framed around digitising internal procurement and vendor management for financial institutions, with a nod to regulatory compliance Defense & Aviation – positioned around mission-critical supply chains with emphasis on compliance, traceability, and reliability These expansions mark a pivotal chapter in Borong’s evolution, from a B2B marketplace for MSMEs into a full-spectrum enterprise procurement and supply chain platform serving Malaysia’s most important industrial sectors. “Ranking No. 1 in Asia-Pacific for the second consecutive year is a testament not just to our growth numbers, but to the trust our clients, partners, and team place in us every single day. We are not growing for growth’s sake, we are building infrastructure that the region needs. From empowering B40 retailers in rural Malaysia to enabling Large Enterprises procurement operations and expanding into semiconductors and construction, Borong is proving that inclusive, technology-driven commerce is the future of this region.” – Aizat Rahim, Chief Executive Officer, Borong (formerly known as Dropee) From MSMEs to Multinationals Fortune 500 Enterprises: A Platform for All Borong’s growth story is uniquely dual-sided. On one end, it continues to serve tens of thousands of micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs), digitising their procurement, credit, and distribution operations to help them compete in a digital economy. On the other, it has become the platform of choice for large multinationals and Fortune 500 companies including Petronas, Shell, and other global brands, enabling them to connect seamlessly with their downline distributors, dealers, and grassroots retail networks. This breadth, from a mom-and-pop shop in rural Sabah to a multinational energy company’s procurement desk, is precisely what sets Borong apart and continues to drive its compounding growth trajectory. A Mission That Extends Beyond Commerce Borong’s ambitions are not merely commercial. The company has consistently championed economic inclusion, helping to narrow Malaysia’s income gap by empowering B40 communities, rural businesses, and traditionally underserved segments with better access to goods, services, and financial tools. This social mandate is embedded in Borong’s DNA and has earned it recognition not only in business rankings but also as a force for positive change in the region. Backed by Y-Combinator (US), Ondine Capital (TW), Brama One Ventures (ID), Vynn Capital (MY), Wide-Growth Investment (HK), HCL Capital (HK), Blawpark Partners (SG), and Colopl Next Inc (JP), Borong continues to attract world-class investors who believe in its mission to become Southeast Asia’s leading B2B commerce infrastructure. Some of Borong (formerly known as “Dropee”) fortune 500 list of clients

Malaysia’s Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026) campaign could face challenges due to escalating geopolitical tensions in the Middle East and shifting global sentiment, according to TA Research. The campaign, which targets 47 million international arrivals and RM329 billion in tourism receipts, may be affected by rising geopolitical risks, softer global demand, and inflationary pressures, particularly impacting long-haul and high-spending travellers. Since US-Israel strikes on Iran began on Feb 28, more than 37,000 flights to and from the Middle East have been cancelled. TA Research noted that although visitors from the Middle East make up only about 0.4% of total arrivals (around 162,000 tourists), disruptions in the region could have wider indirect effects. Key transit hubs in the Middle East are crucial for travellers from Europe and other long-haul markets, and any disruption or higher travel costs could reduce arrivals from these segments. “The potential shortfall of two to three million visitors is likely due to indirect spillover effects rather than the Middle East market alone,” the research house said. It highlighted that past geopolitical events have impacted tourism significantly. During the Iraq War in 2003, Malaysia’s tourist arrivals dropped to 10.5 million from 13.2 million the previous year, contributing to a 17.4% decline in tourism receipts, compounded by the SARS outbreak. Current developments are also affecting travel conditions, including flight cancellations, reduced seat capacity, longer travel routes, and rising airfares. Since late February, more than 37,000 flights to and from the Middle East have been cancelled, removing about 4.4 million seats and disrupting major transit hubs such as Dubai, Doha, and Abu Dhabi. Additionally, travel advisories issued for several Middle Eastern countries have further increased uncertainty, while the closure of the Strait of Hormuz has pushed up jet fuel prices, leading to higher ticket costs. Despite these challenges, TA Research said strong regional demand from **Asia—particularly Singapore, Thailand, Indonesia, China, and India—**along with domestic tourism, is expected to help cushion the impact on Malaysia’s tourism sector.

As global investment in the space economy accelerates, countries across Asia are exploring how they can position themselves within this rapidly evolving sector. In Malaysia, one of the most ambitious initiatives is emerging in the state of Pahang through the development of Pahang Aerospace City (PAC) — an integrated aerospace and advanced technology ecosystem spanning approximately 11,328 acres. Within this broader development, a dedicated space-sector initiative known as Space City Asia is being designed to support industrial, operational, and commercial activities related to the global space economy. At the center of this initiative is Rajeeshwaran Moorthy, who serves as Board Advisor to Pahang Aerospace City and Precinct Developer for Space City Asia. In a recent conversation with The Exchange Asia, Rajeeshwaran discussed the vision behind the project and how Malaysia could position itself within the global space ecosystem. “The Space Economy Is Expanding Far Beyond Launch Infrastructure”   According to Rajeeshwaran, the modern space economy is no longer defined solely by launch vehicles or satellite development. “The space economy today includes everything from advanced manufacturing and satellite operations to data infrastructure and downstream applications,” he explained. “Countries that want to participate meaningfully need to build ecosystems that support the entire value chain.” An Interview with Rajeeshwaran Moorthy, Precinct Developer for Space City Asia – Vision Presented During Royal Audience with the Sultan of Pahang and Engagement with Malaysia’s Deputy Prime Minister. Space City Asia, he said, was conceived to support precisely that type of integrated development. The initiative is planned as a 1,000-acre dedicated space sector precinct within the larger Pahang Aerospace City development. Rather than focusing on a single activity, the precinct is structured around three interconnected pillars designed to support different aspects of the industry. The industrial pillar will support advanced aerospace manufacturing, satellite component production, and supply chains associated with space technologies. The operational pillar focuses on infrastructure such as satellite operations facilities, mission support capabilities, and the systems required to manage space-enabled services. The commercial pillar will support research institutions, innovation hubs, and companies developing downstream applications using satellite data and other space-enabled technologies. “The idea is to create an environment where the entire space value chain can operate and collaborate,” Rajeeshwaran said. Building an Ecosystem Within a Larger Aerospace Development Space City Asia is not designed as a standalone project, but as a specialized cluster within the broader Pahang Aerospace City masterplan. PAC itself is envisioned as a large-scale aerospace and technology ecosystem that will integrate aviation infrastructure, aerospace manufacturing, advanced mobility technologies, and digital infrastructure. The development is expected to include: A new Kuantan international airport development Aerospace manufacturing zones Advanced mobility infrastructure Digital infrastructure including data center capabilities Research and education facilities Within this framework, Space City Asia functions as the dedicated precinct for space-sector activities. “We are not trying to build a single facility,” Rajeeshwaran explained. “The intention is to build an ecosystem where international companies, research institutions, and emerging technology firms can collaborate.” Origins of the PAC Aerospace Vision   During broader strategic briefings on the PAC masterplan, Rajeeshwaran emphasized that the concept of Space City Asia builds upon the larger aerospace vision originally articulated by the Managing Director of PAC Development Berhad (PACDB), Adj. Prof. Muhamad Nurazmi Abas. Nurazmi has been leading the development of Pahang’s aerospace ecosystem and the long-term strategy behind Pahang Aerospace City. Beyond his leadership role within PACDB, he also serves as Secretary of the Malaysia Space Industry Consortium (MASIC), where he contributes to national-level discussions on the development of Malaysia’s space industry. In addition, he holds an Adjunct Professorship at Universiti Malaysia Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah (UMPSA), reflecting the project’s close integration with Malaysia’s academic and research ecosystem. According to Rajeeshwaran, Space City Asia represents a strategic extension of this broader development vision. “The PAC masterplan already establishes the foundation for a comprehensive aerospace ecosystem,” he said. “Space City Asia builds on that framework by focusing specifically on how Malaysia can participate in the global space economy.” International Collaboration as a Core Strategy Rajeeshwaran emphasized that international collaboration will be central to the success of the initiative. The PAC leadership team recently engaged with global stakeholders and institutions connected to the international space sector, including discussions involving representatives associated with the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA) and The Karman Project, a global leadership platform focused on space policy and collaboration. “These conversations are important because the space sector is inherently international,” Rajeeshwaran said. “Governance frameworks, standards, and partnerships are essential for building a credible ecosystem.” Such engagement, he noted, also helps ensure that emerging space initiatives are aligned with international norms and responsible development practices. Engagement with National Leadership The initiative has also been presented to Malaysia’s national leadership. During a formal audience with His Royal Highness Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah, Sultan of Pahang and the 16th Yang di-Pertuan Agong of Malaysia (2019–2024), PAC representatives outlined the strategic blueprint for the development. The delegation included Adj. Prof. Muhamad Nurazmi Abas, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of PAC Development Berhad; Asyraf Niza, Chief Operating Officer of PAC; Harpreet Kaur, Chief Marketing and Communication Officer of KASDR Legacy; and Dato’ Gs. Azlikamil Napiah, Director General of the Malaysian Space Agency (MYSA). According to Rajeeshwaran, such engagements are important in aligning large-scale infrastructure initiatives with national policy priorities. “Developing a space ecosystem requires coordination between government agencies, industry players, and academic institutions,” he said. Developing Malaysia’s Technical Capabilities Infrastructure alone, Rajeeshwaran noted, will not determine the success of a space ecosystem. A key focus of recent discussions with Malaysian policymakers, including Deputy Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Dr. Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, has been the development of Centers of Excellence (COE) connecting universities, technical institutes, and industry partners. These centers would support the development of talent in areas such as: Satellite engineering Advanced aerospace manufacturing Space-enabled data services Systems engineering and mission operations “The long-term competitiveness of any space ecosystem depends on talent,” Rajeeshwaran said. “Human capital development is just as important as infrastructure.”

Lotus’s Malaysia, the Malaysian subsidiary of Thailand’s Charoen Pokphand Group retail business, is set to acquire Village Grocer along with four other retail brands in a deal valued at RM1.66 billion, according to reports by Says.com. The acquisition marks a major expansion for Lotus’s in Malaysia, strengthening its footprint in the country’s growing retail sector. Village Grocer, known for its premium supermarket offerings, has built a loyal customer base, while the additional four brands further diversify Lotus’s portfolio, spanning mid-market and convenience store segments. Industry analysts say the move positions Lotus’s Malaysia to better compete with both local and international supermarket chains, as consumer spending and modern retail demand continue to grow. The acquisition also reflects a broader strategy by the Charoen Pokphand Group to consolidate its retail operations in Southeast Asia and capture synergies across multiple store formats. Lotus’s Malaysia has not yet disclosed details regarding the integration plan for the acquired brands, but reports suggest the company will maintain existing management teams to ensure operational continuity while aligning corporate strategy across the group. The RM1.66 billion deal is expected to significantly boost Lotus’s market share in Malaysia and provide access to new customer segments. It also underscores the growing appetite for consolidation in the Malaysian retail sector, where competition is intensifying and scale is increasingly crucial for profitability. Regulatory approvals for the acquisition are expected to be sought in the coming months, with completion anticipated later in the year, subject to compliance with Malaysian competition and corporate regulations.

Gold futures contracts on Bursa Malaysia Derivatives are anticipated to trade within a broader range next week, as heightened volatility in the oil market begins to shape the wider macroeconomic outlook. Stephen Innes, managing partner at SPI Asset Management, noted that persistent tensions in West Asia and a surge in crude oil prices could place additional pressure on gold prices. “If the West Asia crisis continues without signs of easing and crude oil approaches a worst-case scenario near US$120 per barrel, the correlation we have observed between oil, yields, and the dollar suggests that gold could face further downward pressure from higher interest rates and a firmer US dollar,” he said. Under typical conditions, gold is expected to trade within roughly US$50 per troy ounce week-to-week. However, Innes added that current energy market volatility makes such predictions less reliable. “For now, I am expecting a broader trading range of around US$5,025 to US$5,125 per troy ounce,” he said. On a week-on-week basis, Bursa Malaysia gold futures contracts saw modest declines. The March 2026 contract fell to US$5,103.8 per troy ounce from US$5,128.50 previously, while April 2026 decreased to US$5,122.6 per troy ounce from US$5,147.0. The May 2026 contract dropped to US$5,141.8 per troy ounce from US$5,166.10, and June and August 2026 contracts settled lower at US$5,175.7 per troy ounce, down from US$5,200.0 per troy ounce. Weekly trading activity also showed a decline. Trading volume narrowed to 48 lots, down from 73 lots a week earlier, while open interest eased to 78 contracts, compared with 100 contracts previously. In the physical market, gold was fixed at US$5,130.1 per troy ounce during the London Bullion Market Association (LBMA) afternoon fix on March 12, 2026. Market analysts noted that while gold is traditionally seen as a safe-haven asset during periods of geopolitical uncertainty, its performance is increasingly linked to energy prices, interest rates, and the strength of the US dollar. Investors are expected to closely monitor developments in the Middle East and the oil market, as these factors are likely to influence gold’s short-term direction and trading range in the coming week.

Empire Premium Food Bhd, the owner of the popular Empire Sushi brand, has signed a retail underwriting agreement with Maybank Investment Bank Bhd (Maybank IB) for its upcoming initial public offering (IPO) and proposed listing on the Main Market of Bursa Malaysia. From left: Empire Premium Food Bhd non-independent executive director and COO Jordan Tan, Empire Premium non-independent executive director and CEO Nicole Lim, Maybank Investment Bank Bhd chief executive officer Micheal Oh-Lau and Maybank Investment Bank managing director and regional head of equity capital market Raymond Chooi. The agreement marks a key step in Empire Premium Food’s plans to raise capital from public investors, enabling the company to fund expansion initiatives and strengthen its presence in Malaysia’s growing food and beverage sector. Under the underwriting arrangement, Maybank IB will manage the retail portion of the IPO, ensuring smooth subscription and allocation for investors. This also provides confidence to the market that the IPO process will be well-structured and professionally managed. Empire Premium Food, known for its premium sushi and Japanese cuisine outlets, has seen strong growth in recent years, driven by increasing consumer demand for high-quality dining experiences. The capital raised from the IPO is expected to support the company’s strategic growth plans, including new outlet openings, technology upgrades, and potential regional expansion. Management said the IPO is part of its broader strategy to create long-term shareholder value while enhancing brand visibility in Malaysia’s competitive food and beverage market. The listing on Bursa Malaysia’s Main Market will also allow public investors to participate in the growth of Empire Premium Food as it scales operations and strengthens its position in the F&B industry.

The Armed Forces Fund Board (LTAT), Malaysia’s pension fund for armed forces personnel, is exploring opportunities to expand its investment portfolio into the technology sector, including the United States, as part of efforts to enhance long-term returns. According to sources familiar with the matter, LTAT is currently in discussions with relevant authorities to obtain approval for the proposed move. The plan, if greenlit, would see the fund diversify beyond traditional sectors such as property, infrastructure, and fixed income, tapping into high-growth industries that could generate stronger returns over time. The US technology sector, once a “hot” market for investors, has recently seen more cautious sentiment amid market volatility and geopolitical concerns. Despite this, LTAT believes selective exposure could provide attractive opportunities, particularly in companies with strong fundamentals and long-term growth potential. A spokesperson for LTAT said the fund is committed to ensuring that any new investment strategy aligns with its mandate to safeguard and grow the retirement savings of Malaysia’s armed forces personnel. “Our goal is to optimise returns for our members while managing risk prudently. Expanding into high-potential sectors such as technology is part of this strategy,” the spokesperson said. Industry analysts noted that Malaysian pension funds, including LTAT, are increasingly looking overseas and into growth sectors as domestic opportunities become limited or overvalued. By targeting areas such as US tech, LTAT aims to diversify currency exposure, tap into innovation-driven growth, and position the fund for long-term resilience. While details of the fund’s potential investment plan remain under review, market watchers will be closely monitoring LTAT’s moves, as any approval could signal a broader trend of Malaysian institutional investors seeking higher returns through selective exposure to global technology companies.

IJM Corp Bhd’s management is defending the company’s value and outlining plans to accelerate the unlocking of its assets, following Sunway Bhd’s conditional voluntary takeover offer of RM3.15 per share. In an independent advice circular (IAC) released on Friday, M&A Securities Sdn Bhd advised IJM shareholders that the offer is “not fair and not reasonable.” Following the advisory, IJM group chief executive officer Datuk Lee Chun Fai said the company is considering a restructuring plan that could see several of its business segments spun off into separate pure-play listed entities. The move is intended to better reflect the group’s underlying value and address the holding company discount currently applied to IJM’s share price. Lee said the existing conglomerate structure makes it difficult for individual business segments to be properly valued by the market. “When everything is put into one basket — highways, construction projects, profitable units and also operations that are not performing as strongly, such as our Indian business — the valuation tends to average out,” he said during an interview at IJM’s headquarters in Petaling Jaya. He noted that IJM’s construction division is performing strongly, supported by projects including data centres and the New Pantai Expressway (NPE2) extension. However, these strengths may not be fully reflected in the group’s overall valuation under its current structure. According to Lee, spinning off business segments into standalone listed entities may be the most effective way to unlock the company’s true value. However, the proposed restructuring would depend on the current board remaining in place. If major shareholders — including the Employees Provident Fund (EPF), Permodalan Nasional Bhd (PNB), and Kumpulan Wang Persaraan (Diperbadankan) (KWAP) — choose to accept Sunway’s takeover offer, the restructuring plan may not proceed. M&A Securities noted that Sunway’s offer represents a 46.1% to 51.4% discount to the estimated value of IJM shares, which it placed between RM5.84 and RM6.48 per share. The decision now rests with shareholders, who must determine whether to accept the takeover offer or allow the current management team time to unlock the group’s asset value through restructuring.

OGX Group Bhd, a new ACE Market-listed company, has secured RM72 million in confirmed orders as of January 13, 2026, boosting its expansion plans in East Malaysia. Managing director Tan Suan Loong said the orders, spanning business and education sectors in Sabah, are part of the company’s strategy to strengthen its presence in the state. “Demand in Sabah is growing, and we have secured several projects to support that growth,” he said at OGX’s post-listing press conference. Tan added that the company anticipates strong growth over the next 12 to 24 months, driven by ongoing expansion and new project acquisitions. OGX Group made its ACE Market debut at 28 sen per share, a seven-sen discount to its IPO price of 35 sen, with 6.67 million shares traded. Tan noted that geopolitical developments may temporarily affect the share price, but he is confident it will eventually reflect the company’s fundamentals and growth potential. The company plans to use IPO proceeds to expand its facilities, including a new site near its Bukit Jelutong, Selangor location, expected to be operational by mid-2027. OGX is also exploring opportunities to broaden its brand portfolio, with potential European and Chinese partnerships expected within six to 12 months.