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KUALA LUMPUR: The Asia School of Business has announced the appointment of Joseph Cherian as its Chief Executive Officer, President, Dean, and Distinguished Professor. Professor Cherian was previously Deputy CEO of the School and assumes the role of CEO from Professor Sanjay Sarma, who has taken on a new role on the School’s Board of Governors and returns to the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) after two years helming Asia School of Business. As Professor of Finance, he possesses a highly versatile, varied and distinguished international background, spanning academia, global financial markets, and strategic leadership in education. Professor Cherian’s academic career in teaching and researching finance, asset management and portfolio investments includes top global universities including Cornell University, National University of Singapore, and Boston University. Apart from teaching at the Asia School of Business, he most recently served as Visiting Professor of Finance at the Samuel Curtis Johnson Graduate School of Management, SC Johnson College of Business, Cornell University. He was formerly an Executive-in-Residence and a two-term member of the Johnson Dean’s Advisory Council at Cornell University and is now an Emeritus Member of the Council. Professor Cherian’s professional experience in the financial services sector spanned asset management where he managed US$67 billion in client assets as Global Head and Chief Investment Officer of the Quantitative Strategies Group at Credit Suisse Asset Management. He continues to be involved in the financial industry through advisory roles to governments and think-tanks in the Asia-Pacific region, including Australia, Malaysia, Hong Kong and Singapore, in areas such as venture funds, asset management, pensions and capital market policies and reforms. As an internal successor to the School’s top role, Professor Cherian’s appointment builds on his international and varied experience combined with his successful steering of the School’s strategic endeavors since joining in 2022. The School remains focused on delivering world-class business education with its unique perspectives from emerging markets and economies.  Professor Cherian holds a BSc in Electrical Engineering from MIT, and MSc and PhD degrees in Finance from Cornell University.   A respected academic, innovator, and entrepreneur, Professor Sanjay Sarma led key changes at the School, driven by his vision to transform education for the future. He introduced Agile Continuous Education (ACE), a modular, flexible, and stackable learning pathway designed to support lifelong learning and upskilling in a range of business topics with rich AI immersions. As he steps down and returns to MIT after two years at the helm of the School, Professor Sarma will remain closely involved in its endeavours as an Eminent Visiting Professor and a member of the Board of Governors

KUALA LUMPUR: Nearly half of Malaysia’s accountancy and finance professionals are positioning themselves for entrepreneurial ventures, with a significant number considering career moves in the near term. These are among the key findings of the ACCA (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants) Global Talent Trends Survey 2025, the world’s largest annual talent survey for the accountancy profession. Now in its third edition, the report draws on insights from over 10,000 respondents across 175 countries, offering a comprehensive perspective on career outlooks, evolving workplace expectations and future aspirations within the global finance sector — including Malaysia. According to the latest data, 46% of Malaysian finance professionals view their qualifications as a launchpad for entrepreneurship. This reflects a broader regional trend of professionals leveraging accountancy as a strategic foundation for business leadership, innovation and commercial ventures. The appetite for roles aligned with environmental and social governance is also gaining momentum, with 71% of Malaysian respondents expressing strong interest in sustainability-focused careers — one of the highest levels globally. As green finance continues to take centre stage, this enthusiasm signals a readiness to contribute meaningfully to sustainable business practices. However, retention remains a key concern for employers, as 64% of Malaysian professionals anticipate changing roles within the next two years, with 62% indicating that their next opportunity is likely to be outside their current organisation. This sentiment underscores a critical challenge in workforce stability. Workplace flexibility also remains high on the agenda. While 80% of respondents prefer hybrid working models, 59% are still required to work fully on-site, pointing to a clear misalignment between employee preferences and organisational policies. On diversity and inclusion, nearly half (49%) of Malaysian participants believe that certain dimensions of diversity — such as recognising the contributions of older employees — are overlooked within their organisations. Meanwhile, cost-of-living concerns continue to weigh heavily, with 40% expecting a salary increase of at least 11% to manage rising expenses, mirroring a broader sentiment across the Asia Pacific region. The issue of future-readiness also emerged strongly in the findings. 63% of Malaysian respondents expressed concern about lacking the skills required for the evolving workplace. Despite growing interest in digital transformation, only 25% report being given opportunities to learn artificial intelligence-related skills, suggesting a gap in training provision and digital preparedness. Mental health remains a critical issue, with 59% acknowledging that their mental wellbeing is compromised by workplace pressures. This figure signals the urgent need for employers to foster healthier, more supportive environments. In a further sign of evolving professional dynamics, 35% of respondents in Malaysia are engaged in side projects or secondary income-generating activities alongside their main roles. This trend may reflect deeper concerns around income sufficiency, job satisfaction and work–life balance. On the global stage, international mobility continues to appeal strongly to younger professionals. A notable 73% of Gen Z and 47% of Gen Y Malaysian respondents express interest in pursuing careers abroad, affirming the global value of the ACCA qualification. Commenting on the findings, Jamie Lyon FCCA, Global Head of Skills, Sectors, and Technology at ACCA, said: “Our 2025 data continue to show a workplace in transition, but one of the exciting themes emerging this year is how accountancy training can be a brilliant early career pathway for building entrepreneurial skills. There’s no doubt this in part reflects how career ambitions continue to transform at work.” Andrew Lim, ACCA Portfolio Head of Maritime Southeast Asia, added: “Malaysia’s finance professionals are sending a strong signal — they want purpose-driven careers that allow them to innovate, lead and make a difference. The rise in entrepreneurial ambition, interest in sustainability roles and demand for hybrid work reflects a bold and future-ready mindset. As Malaysia steers the ASEAN chair this year, this survey underscores the importance of investing in talent strategies that empower professionals to thrive, not just locally but regionally and globally. Employers must now act decisively to build inclusive cultures, prioritise wellbeing and accelerate digital upskilling to retain and attract the best talent.”

KUALA LUMPUR: Bank Negara Malaysia is anticipated to reduce its overnight policy rate (OPR) by 25 basis points in July, according to a research note from Standard Chartered. The expected move comes in response to a moderation in economic growth and subdued inflationary pressures. In its assessment, Standard Chartered noted that Bank Negara had highlighted a softer growth trajectory in its first-quarter (Q1) gross domestic product (GDP) report, with expansion in 2025 now likely to fall slightly below the official 4.5–5.5% target range. The research house observed that downside risks to the growth outlook remain prominent. “GDP running below potential should help suppress core inflation in the near term,” the report stated. The bank maintained its projection for a 25bps rate cut in July, with the possibility of further reductions in 2025 should macroeconomic conditions weaken more significantly than expected. Malaysia’s economy grew 4.4% year-on-year in Q1, moderating from 4.9% in the previous quarter. This deceleration was attributed primarily to weaker goods exports, particularly due to lower oil and gas shipments. In response to the softer Q1 data and ongoing trade-related uncertainties, Standard Chartered revised its 2025 GDP forecast downward to 4.2%, from 5.0% previously. The firm cited reciprocal tariffs—24% and 10%—as factors that could subtract approximately 0.7 and 0.4 percentage points from GDP, respectively, assuming 30% of Malaysia’s exports are exempt and applying a U.S. import elasticity rate of 0.5 times. Additionally, the bank revised its 2025 consumer price index (CPI) inflation forecast to 1.8% from 2.2%, citing lower-than-expected inflation data and declining oil prices. While weaker external demand is expected to weigh on Malaysia’s economic performance in 2025, Standard Chartered noted that domestic consumption and investment are likely to remain the key drivers of growth. -Business Times

Australia is currently in negotiations with Malaysia to establish a strategic partnership aimed at expanding its halal meat export industry. The move is expected to bolster economic ties between the two nations and unlock significant opportunities in both agricultural trade and technology collaboration. Speaking in Kuala Lumpur following Bernama TV’s “The Nation: Diplomatic Dispatch” programme, Australian High Commissioner to Malaysia, Danielle Heinecke, highlighted the importance of the ongoing discussions. She noted that the outcome will not only reinforce Australia’s comparative strength in agriculture but will also support Malaysia’s ambitions to further develop its halal industry, particularly through agricultural technology. “There are lots of opportunities, and we hope to finalise the partnership via negotiations that we have been working on for a little while with Malaysia,” said Heinecke. She confirmed that 17 Australian meat exporters are currently certified by Malaysia’s Department of Islamic Development (JAKIM), meeting its rigorous halal standards and actively exporting to the Malaysian market. In 2023, Australia exported 38,220 tonnes of halal sheep meat and 13,511 tonnes of halal beef and veal to Malaysia. These exports were valued at US$249.26 million and US$120.83 million respectively (US$1 = RM2.75), according to data from the Australian High Commission. Malaysia now stands as Australia’s second-largest red meat export destination in Southeast Asia, trailing only Indonesia in volume. Further market insights from Meat and Livestock Australia reveal that Malaysians consume the highest amount of beef per capita in ASEAN, with an estimated 8.8kg per person in 2024. This consumption trend underpins the commercial potential of a deepened halal trade relationship. Heinecke underlined the role of the Malaysia-Australia Free Trade Agreement (MAFTA) in enhancing bilateral trade flows, encompassing goods, services, and investments. Total trade between the two countries reached US$33 billion in the 2023–2024 financial year, solidifying Malaysia’s position as Australia’s second-largest trading partner in ASEAN and 10th-largest globally. Australia’s economic partnership with Malaysia is described as “mature, comprehensive and complementary,” with longstanding cooperation underpinned by major retail brands such as Aesop, Arnott’s, Blackmores, Boost Juice, Cotton On, Harvey Norman, and King Living operating across Malaysian markets. During the programme, Heinecke also reiterated Canberra’s commitment to deepening regional economic engagement through targeted trade and investment missions. She confirmed that Australia would be sending a mission to Malaysia aligned with the Energy Asia initiative and examining opportunities within the Johor–Singapore Special Economic Zone. Australia’s role as the fourth-largest digital technology investor in Malaysia was also highlighted, alongside successful bilateral ventures such as Gentari’s renewable energy developments and Gamuda’s involvement in high-tech transport infrastructure projects in Australia. Beyond MAFTA, both nations are also active participants in broader multilateral trade frameworks, including the ASEAN–Australia–New Zealand Free Trade Agreement (AANZFTA), the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), and the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP). -Bernama

TOKYO: In a significant step toward strengthening regional legal frameworks, the Asian International Arbitration Centre (AIAC) and the Japan Commercial Arbitration Association (JCAA) have formalised a legal cooperation agreement aimed at advancing arbitration and dispute resolution initiatives. The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed during an official visit by Malaysia’s Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Law and Institutional Reform), Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said, held from 15 to 17 May. The MoU establishes a structured collaboration between the two arbitration bodies in areas such as commercial arbitration, institutional capacity building, and joint training initiatives. This strategic alignment is expected to culminate in further ministerial-level cooperation during the forthcoming Special Malaysia-Japan Dialogue on Legal Cooperation scheduled for August. “This dialogue brings together government-recognised arbitration institutions from both nations with the aim of converting shared vision into actionable frameworks,” noted the Legal Affairs Division of the Prime Minister’s Department (BHEUU) in an official statement. Datuk Seri Azalina underscored the importance of transitioning from dialogue to implementation, stating that “real success in legal cooperation is measured by action.” She reiterated Malaysia’s commitment to fostering a robust regional legal ecosystem that not only supports the commercial sector but also enhances investor confidence and drives sustainable regional development. The MoU also highlights the growing bilateral rapport between Malaysia and Japan in the legal sector. With Malaysia preparing to assume the ASEAN Chairmanship in 2025, the visit reinforces the country’s strategic direction in consolidating regional legal institutions to support sustainable development and integration efforts. Further demonstrating international confidence in Malaysia’s reform agenda, Azalina presented Malaysia’s comprehensive legal transformation strategy during the visit. Japanese stakeholders expressed strong interest in initiatives such as the Drafting of the Online Safety Act (2024), proposed amendments to the Arbitration Act (2024) and Mediation Act 2012, and the Ratification of the Singapore Convention on Mediation. She also highlighted Malaysia’s legislative agenda, including the reinstatement of the Parliamentary Services Act (2025) and the adoption of the UNCITRAL Model Law on Cross-Border Insolvency. The discussions also explored the establishment of a Special Mediation Task Force under the MADANI Government framework, positioning mediation as a cornerstone of dispute resolution. The initiative aims to improve access to justice, streamline litigation burdens, and offer cost-effective alternatives for conflict resolution. Strategic engagements included discussions with the Japan International Mediation Center (JIMC) in Kyoto and a visit to Doshisha University’s Faculty of Law, which further underpinned Malaysia’s commitment to collaborative capacity building. In addition to institutional dialogues, Azalina conducted a bilateral meeting with Japanese Minister of Justice Keisuke Suzuki, addressing shared legal reform priorities, digitalisation of justice systems, and the enhancement of alternative dispute resolution mechanisms. The mission represents a continuation of Malaysia’s regional legal diplomacy efforts, building on earlier engagements across ASEAN, including Indonesia, Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam. It also reflects Malaysia’s vision for a resilient, future-ready legal infrastructure that supports both national priorities and broader regional aspirations. “This initiative not only deepens mutual trust but also sets the groundwork for a robust legal architecture capable of meeting the complex challenges of cross-border commerce and regional governance,” the BHEUU concluded. -Bernama

AFFIN Group has posted a robust start to the financial year, recording a profit before tax (PBT) after zakat of RM178.2 million for the first quarter ended 31 March 2025. This reflects a significant year-on-year increase of 23.7%, or RM34.1 million, compared to RM144.0 million in the same period last year. The growth in profitability was driven by a RM39.4 million boost in net income. Total gross loans and financing rose by 7.1% year-on-year to RM72.9 billion from RM68.0 billion, while customer deposits grew by 5.2% to RM75.5 billion. The Group’s Current Account and Savings Account (CASA) ratio saw a marked improvement, increasing to 32.2% from 24.9% a year earlier. President and Group Chief Executive Officer of AFFIN Group, Datuk Wan Razly Abdullah, attributed the performance to consistent delivery under the AFFIN Axelerate 2028 (AX28) strategic plan. “Our first quarter performance reflects continued execution of our AX28 plan, with PBT rising 23.7% year-on-year to RM178.2 million. This was underpinned by higher net interest income, improved funding mix, and stronger contributions from associates,” he said. Despite ongoing global macroeconomic uncertainty and a tight monetary environment, the Group maintained rigorous cost and credit discipline. Datuk Wan Razly noted that AFFIN remains cautiously optimistic in the face of market volatility, supported by a well-diversified balance sheet, solid asset quality, and disciplined strategy execution. The Group also received an A3 international credit rating from Moody’s Ratings during the quarter. “This milestone enhances our credit profile and global standing, allowing us to access more cost-efficient USD funding, broaden our investor base, and unlock strategic cross-border financing opportunities,” he added. As part of its digital transformation agenda, AFFIN successfully launched its next-generation mobile banking platform, AffinAlwaysX, to 5,700 employees ahead of its public release on 22 May 2025. The application features enhanced user interface and experience (UI/UX), upgraded security protocols, and new functionalities designed to accelerate user growth to a projected 1.3 million by year-end. The Group expects this initiative to strengthen CASA retention and support its targeted payroll acquisition strategy. For the first quarter, the Group’s net interest income stood at RM206.0 million, reflecting a 6.4% increase from RM193.7 million in the previous quarter. Non-interest income registered a marginal decline of 1.7% to RM140.1 million. AFFIN Islamic Bank Berhad posted a PBT of RM87.1 million, down from RM98.6 million a year ago, impacted by increased operating expenses and higher impairment allowances totalling RM28.6 million. The Group’s asset quality remained resilient, with the gross impaired loan (GIL) ratio improving to 1.84% from 1.94% as of 31 December 2024. Loan loss coverage (LLC) and loan loss reserve (LLR) stood at 81.29% and 125.76% respectively, underscoring AFFIN’s prudent credit risk management. Operating expenses marginally increased to RM379.1 million from RM378.9 million in the prior year. The cost-to-income ratio improved significantly to 69.7%, down from 75.1% in the corresponding period. AFFIN continued to deliver strong momentum in its lending portfolio, with loans, advances, and financing up 7.1% year-on-year. Growth was primarily driven by a 10.3% increase in the Community Banking segment and a 10.8% rise in the Enterprise Banking segment, while Corporate Banking saw a 1.7% decline. Housing loans increased by 6.8%, and Auto Finance by 6.0%. Customer deposits rose to RM75.5 billion, supported by a 36.2% year-on-year increase in CASA balances to RM24.3 billion. The CASA ratio improved to 32.2%, exceeding the FY2025 target of 31%. AFFIN remains well-capitalised, with its Total Capital Ratio at 17.4%, Tier 1 Capital Ratio at 15.0%, and Common Equity Tier 1 (CET1) Ratio at 13.5%. Liquidity also remained strong, with a 12-month average Liquidity Coverage Ratio of 167.73%, comfortably above the 100% regulatory requirement. Further cementing its market leadership, AFFIN played a lead advisory and financing role in the recent acquisition of Cold Storage Singapore by Macrovalue, with more high-profile deals in the pipeline. In addition, the Group’s partnership with MUFG Bank (Malaysia) Berhad – Asia’s fifth largest bank – will enhance its capabilities in Islamic Finance, Green Finance, and Digital Transformation, and support cross-border trade and investment.