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KUALA LUMPUR: Bee Informatica announces its successful acquisition of a nationwide digital lending licence from Malaysia’s Ministry of Housing and Local Government (KPKT), aligning with the government’s Budget 2025 priorities on digital inclusion, SME support, and AI adoption. This milestone positions the company at the forefront of financial inclusion, enabling the development of an AI-driven microlending platform to bridge the gaps in traditional financial systems and policies, which have left significant segments of Malaysia’s population sidelined and underserved. Currently, 40% of Malaysia’s adult population remains underserved or excluded by traditional financial institutions, with rural areas and the B40 income group facing significant barriers. Women-led MSMEs are especially disadvantaged, with 95% relying on personal or family savings for business growth. Stringent customer due diligence requirements, on the other hand, while designed for anti-money laundering compliance, have inadvertently created barriers for rural Malaysians to access even basic banking services, perpetuating financial exclusion in remote areas. Additionally, women entrepreneurs often face additional hurdles, such as limited awareness of financial products, lack of tailored services, and persistent gender disparities in access to external financing, resulting in slower business growth and greater vulnerability during economic shocks. There are currently fewer than 30 licensed digital lenders in Malaysia. Bee Informatica enters this space with a unique AI-first, inclusion-led strategy, positioning itself at the intersection of fintech and socioeconomic development. By enabling a fully digital, AI-driven microlending platform, they are tackling these issues directly, offering swift, accessible, and fair financing to those long overlooked by conventional lenders. This positions the company as a catalyst for financial inclusion at a moment when innovative, technology-driven solutions are urgently needed to bridge Malaysia’s urban-rural and gender financial divides. “Our mission is simple: All SMEs should be assessed fairly and have access to finance,” said Fumiko Inada, CEO and Founder of Bee Informatica. “This licence allows us to operate nationwide while offering a fully digital lending process that is fast, fair, and accessible.” The new licence empowers the platform to deliver a fully digital loan processing experience, where borrowers can complete the entire journey online—from electronic Know Your Customer (e-KYC) verification to e-signatures—through mobile or web platforms. The company also harnesses AI technology, including Optical Character Recognition (OCR) and automated risk analysis, to assess applications and approve loans within just two to three hours, requiring minimal documentation. With nationwide reach, Bee Informatica can now extend its financial services across urban and rural areas alike, while further enhancing financial inclusion with the introduction of fairer credit scoring methods. These assessments incorporate qualitative data such as an entrepreneur’s business background and personality traits, ensuring informal and micro-scale business owners receive equitable access to financing. The platform distinguishes itself within Malaysia’s fintech ecosystem through several standout features, such as:  Quick Disbursement: Funds are made available within hours — significantly faster than traditional lenders.  Seamless Integration: API connections with CTOS, Curlec, Wise-AI, and other fintech platforms provide a one-stop service for users.  Empowerment for Women Entrepreneurs: A mobile-friendly interface enables women balancing family and business responsibilities to access financing independently. The platform has also ensured full compliance with KPKT’s stringent regulatory framework by implementing secure on-premises servers and consulting experienced legal advisors. Looking ahead, the company plans to expand into Shariah-compliant financing, enhance AI capabilities for qualitative data analysis, revamp its user interface for better customer experience, and extend operations regionally to Indonesia. In the meantime, Bee Informatica is also gearing up for its next equity fundraising round of USD 1.4 million this summer, supported by its lead venture capital partner. Collaborations with government agencies like SME Corp and SiDEC further cement its role as a key player in driving Malaysia’s digital economy forward.  

KUALA LUMPUR:  ZUS Coffee is ramping up its regional presence with plans to open nearly 200 new outlets across Southeast Asia this year, solidifying its status as a major player in the regional coffee market. The expansion includes 107 new stores in Malaysia—where the brand already leads as the largest coffee chain—and approximately 80 new locations in the Philippines, according to Chief Operating Officer Venon Tian in an interview with Bloomberg. ZUS Coffee will also add six stores in Singapore and make its debut in Thailand and Indonesia in 2025. This aggressive growth trajectory comes after a milestone achievement in early 2024, when ZUS overtook Starbucks to become Malaysia’s largest coffee chain, boasting 743 outlets nationwide compared to Starbucks’ 320. Backed by Filipino billionaire Frank Lao, ZUS has made inroads into the Philippines with around 120 stores and currently operates four outlets in Singapore, in addition to a franchise presence in Brunei. Tian attributes ZUS’s momentum to its hyperlocal strategy, offering tailor-made flavours designed to appeal to regional palates. “It’s about how we make quality coffee accessible to most people,” he said. Financially, the brand is on a strong footing. Net income tripled to RM37 million in 2024, underpinned by a business model that proved resilient during the pandemic. Initially launched in 2019 as a delivery-focused kiosk, ZUS leveraged its proprietary app and strong digital presence to scale rapidly. “Covid accelerated our business model,” Tian noted, highlighting how lockdowns helped propel app-based sales and delivery services. As ZUS continues its Southeast Asia expansion, its strategy remains rooted in localised flavours, tech-enabled convenience, and a value-driven approach—a blend that appears to be winning over coffee lovers across the region.

KUALA LUMPUR: CelcomDigi Berhad has appointed Grey (Malaysia), GrowthOps Asia, and M&C Saatchi as its new brand agency partners, as the company enters a transformative phase aimed at accelerating growth and enhancing customer-centric innovation. The three agencies were selected for their robust strategic acumen, creative capabilities, and agile execution, aligned with CelcomDigi’s commitment to future-focused, tech-driven marketing solutions. The collaboration will support key business areas as the company sharpens its strategic positioning in a rapidly evolving digital landscape. “This collaboration comes at a pivotal time, as digitalisation and emerging technologies reshape how we operate,” said a CelcomDigi spokesperson. “We are excited to work with our new agency partners to realise our vision of becoming a customer-driven, strategy-led, best-in-class solutions provider.” The company underscored its commitment to developing competencies in artificial intelligence (AI) and advanced technologies, with a focus on transforming its people, processes, and organisational structure to remain competitive. CelcomDigi also expressed gratitude to its outgoing agency partners, acknowledging their contributions and long-standing support in building the company’s brand over the years.

Malaysia and China have agreed to extend their mutual visa-free travel arrangement for another five years, a move hailed by policymakers and industry leaders as a boost to bilateral relations and economic recovery through tourism. The announcement followed Chinese President Xi Jinping’s state visit to Malaysia on April 16, during which 31 memoranda of understanding (MOUs) were signed. Under the extended agreement, Chinese nationals may now stay in Malaysia for up to 90 days without a visa, with reciprocal privileges granted to Malaysian travellers entering China. This marks a significant enhancement from earlier arrangements, when Malaysians were only eligible for 15-day visa-free stays in China. “We agreed to extend it for another five years, with an option to renew for a further five years once it ends,” said Home Affairs Minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail, during a press briefing on April 22. The move is part of Malaysia’s broader visa liberalisation strategy that came into effect in December 2023, aimed at bolstering tourism and international business engagement. Chinese tourists remain Malaysia’s largest source of international visitors, followed by India, Singapore, and Thailand. As of April this year, nearly 900,000 Chinese tourists have visited Malaysia, compared to 4 million recorded throughout 2024. “Tourism continues to be a key contributor to the national economy, given its immediate impact compared to other forms of investment,” Saifuddin noted. Industry Reaction: Clarity and Confidence The tourism industry has welcomed the news as a stabilising measure that allows for long-term planning. “There is now stability for the industry to plan ahead and boost efforts to attract more Chinese tourists,” said Nigel Wong, President of the Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents. Wong pointed out that the travel demands of Chinese tourists are evolving, with growing interest in experiential tourism, such as culinary adventures, cultural heritage, and ecotourism. The extension is also expected to support the country’s Visit Malaysia 2026 campaign, which targets 35.6 million international arrivals and RM147.1 billion (US$33 billion) in tourism receipts. “The visa-free arrangement will tie in well with Visit Malaysia 2026 and beyond,” said Mint Leong, President of the Malaysian Inbound Tourism Association. “It also enhances Malaysia’s appeal for business events and travellers, offering a competitive advantage in the region,” she added. Broader Economic Impact Industry leaders believe the visa exemption will have positive knock-on effects across hospitality, retail, and services. “With fewer travel hurdles, Chinese tourists will likely spend more on accommodation, dining, and local goods,” said Koong Lin Loong, Treasurer-General of the Associated Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry. In contrast, regional competitors such as Thailand have seen declining Chinese arrivals amid safety and economic concerns. The Bangkok Post recently reported a significant drop in Chinese tourist entries, with numbers falling to 5,833 on April 16, well below the average of 15,000 to 20,000 daily. The Malaysian government’s continued visa liberalisation efforts position the country as a safe, accessible, and attractive destination amid regional competition. The move also comes as Singapore and China initiated a similar 30-day mutual visa-free entry agreement in January, reflecting a wider trend of travel facilitation in the region.–CNA

KUALA LUMPUR: Instapay Technologies has partnered with Mastercard to enhance cross-border payment solutions for over three million migrant workers in Malaysia, leveraging Mastercard Move to deliver near real-time remittance services to more than 180 countries in over 150 currencies. This strategic collaboration aligns with ongoing efforts to improve financial inclusion and equitable access for Malaysia’s large migrant workforce, which includes individuals from Indonesia, Nepal, Bangladesh, India, the Philippines, and Pakistan. With the launch of Mastercard Move, users will benefit from secure and efficient transfers to bank accounts, digital wallets, and cash pickup points, alongside transparent tracking of fees and delivery times. Instapay will roll out these capabilities to individual users in Q2 2025, with plans to extend services to corporate clients in the future. “This collaboration enables us to leverage Mastercard’s global payment infrastructure and cross-border capabilities to deliver an enhanced, more cost-effective remittance experience,” said Rajnish Kumar, Co-founder and CEO of Instapay Technologies. “Our focus is on using technology to reduce transaction costs and provide accessible solutions for underserved communities,” he added. Mastercard Move, a comprehensive money movement portfolio, offers a fast and secure channel for cross-border transactions through both card and non-card networks. It integrates advanced cybersecurity and fraud protection, providing greater transparency and confidence to users — particularly those relying on these services to support families in their home countries. “Migrant workers play a vital role in supporting economies and families across borders. With Mastercard Move, we are equipping them with fast, transparent, and secure tools to manage their finances efficiently,” said Beena Pothen, Country Manager for Malaysia & Brunei at Mastercard. Instapay’s digital financial platform is designed to address the needs of unbanked workers, offering products such as prepaid Mastercard cards, remittance services, and salary crediting accounts. As a licensed e-money issuer, the company is driving ESG-aligned outcomes by fostering financial inclusion, economic resilience, and digital empowerment for underserved populations. Through this partnership, Instapay and Mastercard reaffirm their commitment to building an inclusive financial ecosystem that meets the evolving needs of migrant communities and supports broader socio-economic development across Southeast Asia.

KUALA LUMPUR:  Uganda is actively courting Malaysian investors to explore opportunities within its energy and mineral sectors, with a particular focus on oil refining, critical minerals, and clean energy infrastructure. Speaking at the Uganda: The Pearl of Africa Business Forum and Expo 2025, Uganda’s Minister for Energy and Mineral Development, Ruth Nankabirwa, emphasised her country’s readiness to facilitate foreign investment through a robust legal framework and state support. “You will not be left to deal with landowners alone—the minerals belong to the government, even if the land is privately owned,” said Nankabirwa, underscoring the government’s commitment to easing investment challenges. Uganda discovered commercial oil reserves in 2006, and two development areas are now underway. The Lake Albert basin is projected to produce 40,000 barrels of crude oil per day, while the Tilenga project in Northern Uganda is expected to yield 190,000 barrels per day. The minister also highlighted Uganda’s reserves of rare earth elements, gold, iron ore, and copper, noting that legislation prohibits the export of raw minerals without local value addition.“We want to industrialise domestically. That’s why we’re inviting investors who are prepared to process and partner with us locally,” she said. Nankabirwa identified Malaysia’s expertise in palm oil, downstream processing, and solar energy as strategic areas for collaboration.“If you are interested in solar development or partnering with regional electricity distributors, we are open to it. We want to walk this journey with you,” she added. Uganda’s electricity supply, which is over 86% derived from hydropower, is stable and well-suited for industrial operations, according to the minister. Also speaking at the forum, Finance Minister Matia Kasaija assured potential investors of Uganda’s political stability and investment-friendly policies.“If you choose to invest in Uganda, you will find clear and supportive laws that protect your capital. You can also exit freely, with full repatriation of your investment and profits,” he said. The forum was also attended by Bright Rwamirama, State Minister for Animal Industry, and Mulimba John, State Minister for Foreign Affairs (Regional Cooperation). The two-day event, organised by the High Commission of the Republic of Uganda in Malaysia in collaboration with the Word-One Business Federation, aims to position Uganda as a high-potential investment destination through networking, knowledge sharing, and the showcasing of its resource-rich landscape.–BERNAMA