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Intel’s board of directors is undergoing significant changes as the company moves forward under newly appointed CEO Lip-Bu Tan. According to a recent SEC filing, three board members—Omar Ishrak, Tsu-Jae King Liu, and Risa Lavizzo-Mourey—will retire and not seek reelection at Intel’s Annual Meeting on March 31, 2025. This shift follows the December ouster of former CEO Pat Gelsinger, whose turnaround strategy had sparked internal disagreements. Lip-Bu Tan, a seasoned chip industry executive, was named his successor. New Leadership and Board Composition   Intel chairman Frank D. Yeary emphasized the company’s commitment to a well-balanced board, highlighting the 2024 additions of Eric Meurice (former ASML CEO) and Steve Sanghi (Microchip’s interim CEO). Both bring deep semiconductor industry expertise, a crucial asset as Intel navigates a competitive landscape. While Ishrak, Liu, and Lavizzo-Mourey were recognized for their leadership, their backgrounds in medical devices, academia, and population health raised concerns about the board’s semiconductor expertise—an issue that intensified after Lip-Bu Tan abruptly resigned from the board last August due to strategic disagreements with Gelsinger. With the latest exits, Intel’s board will shrink to 11 members, signaling the potential for further appointments as the company refines its leadership structure.

DBS Group has emerged as the frontrunner to acquire a controlling stake in Indonesia’s Panin Bank, according to sources familiar with the matter. The Singaporean banking giant is currently advancing through the second round of bidding, positioning itself ahead of Malaysia’s CIMB Group. The proposed acquisition involves the sale of approximately 86% of Panin Bank, Indonesia’s 12th largest lender. The stake, jointly held by Australia’s ANZ Group and the founding Gunawan family, was valued at around US$1.8 billion as of Tuesday’s market close. ANZ, which owns 39% of Panin Bank, has been seeking to divest its interest since 2013. The Gunawan family has reportedly remained flexible regarding the extent of its stake sale, depending on the valuation offered by potential buyers. Binding bids are expected by late April or early May, though the timeline may shift depending on market conditions. Industry analysts suggest that a successful acquisition would significantly strengthen DBS’s presence in Indonesia, potentially positioning it among the nation’s top ten banks. Currently, DBS operates 34 offices in Indonesia through its subsidiary, PT Bank DBS Indonesia, with over 3,000 employees across 15 cities. If the deal proceeds, it would mark the first major acquisition under the leadership of Tan Su Shan, who is set to assume the role of CEO at DBS on March 28. Tan has previously stated that the bank remains open to strategic acquisitions that align with its long-term growth objectives and contribute positively to earnings within a reasonable timeframe. Panin Bank, founded in 1971 by Mu’min Ali Gunawan and listed on the Jakarta Stock Exchange since 1982, has a strong presence in consumer finance and private wealth. Last year, the bank reported an 8.2% rise in net profit to US$165 million, driven by higher interest income and lower provisions for bad loans. DBS, ANZ, CIMB, and Panin Bank have not commented on the ongoing discussions. Panin Bank’s President Director Herwidayatmo directed inquiries to the bank’s controlling shareholders. Past interest in Panin Bank’s stake has also been shown by Singapore’s OCBC and Japan’s Sumitomo Mitsui, reflecting strong regional demand for expansion opportunities in Indonesia’s banking sector.

Grab Malaysia has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC) to drive the digitalisation of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) across the country. This collaboration aligns with MDEC’s Business Digitalisation Initiative, which seeks to foster inclusive economic growth through increased technology adoption. As part of its commitment to empowering MSMEs, Grab Malaysia aims to provide businesses with digital tools that enhance their reach and operational efficiency. In 2023 alone, over 500,000 newly registered MSMEs across Southeast Asia gained consumer access through Grab’s platform, demonstrating the potential of digital integration in expanding market opportunities. In Malaysia, Grab’s merchant-partners significantly contributed to the nation’s economy, generating RM4.2 billion in GDP last year, according to a study by EconWorks. The company’s GrabMerchant app offers business owners valuable insights into customer behavior and operational performance, enabling data-driven decision-making and improved customer engagement. Adelene Foo, Managing Director of Grab Malaysia, emphasized the company’s commitment to supporting local businesses: “At Grab, we are dedicated to equipping MSMEs with the right tools, insights, and financial solutions to ensure sustainable growth. Our collaboration with MDEC strengthens these efforts, allowing us to reach and support even more businesses across Malaysia as they transition into the digital economy.” This partnership underscores Grab’s broader mission to foster economic resilience among small businesses. By working closely with MDEC and other strategic partners, Grab Malaysia aims to accelerate digital adoption, ensuring that more MSMEs can leverage technology to scale and thrive in an increasingly digital landscape.

SEPANG: Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG) has placed an order for 30 Boeing 737 aircraft, with deliveries set to be completed by 2030, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim announced. The order consists of 18 Boeing 737-8s and 12 Boeing 737-10s, reinforcing MAG’s commitment to modernizing its fleet and expanding its operational capabilities. The company, which operates Malaysia Airlines and Firefly, also holds an option to purchase an additional 30 aircraft from Boeing. Anwar highlighted the significance of this investment, describing it as a strategic move to enhance Malaysia’s global aviation standing and economic resilience. “This milestone is not just about modernising the fleet but also fortifying Malaysia’s position as a key player in global aviation,” he said. “It will improve travel, incorporate modern technology, enhance efficiency, and create jobs, while also driving tourism and strengthening related industries.” MAG’s managing director, Izham Ismail, confirmed that the aircraft will begin arriving as early as 2029, with all 30 planes delivered within two years. The deal also includes a price-lock option for an additional 30 aircraft, ensuring competitive pricing with minimal adjustments. Izham emphasized that the timing of the fleet expansion is crucial for maintaining Malaysia Airlines’ competitive edge. “Aviation market growth in ASEAN is projected at 5.6% over the next five years. Without fleet investments, we risk falling behind,” he said. “However, ordering too soon would be financially unsustainable.” MAG is currently transitioning to a newer fleet, phasing out its ageing Boeing 737-800s. The company has an existing lease order for 25 Boeing 737-8 aircraft, with 11 already delivered and the remaining set to arrive by 2027. This move comes after flight disruptions last year, which were attributed in part to delays in aircraft deliveries. MAG’s strategic fleet expansion aims to prevent similar issues while ensuring operational efficiency and market competitiveness.

BANGKOK: SAMA (Strategic Asia Marketing Alliance) has officially launched its Thailand chapter at SCB Next Tech, Siam Paragon, marking a significant milestone in the evolution of APAC’s creative industry. Following successful expansions in Indonesia, Malaysia, and Singapore, the Thailand launch underscores SAMA’s commitment to hyperlocalisation – a strategy brands increasingly rely on to forge authentic connections in one of the world’s most diverse regions. Approximately 50 marketing and branding agencies from across the region came together as part of the alliance. The expansion comes amid a rapidly growing digital advertising landscape, with the APAC digital advertising market expected to reach approximately $392.8 billion by 2030. In 2024, 64% of marketers in Thailand region rely on AI to streamline operations, from creative ideation to data analysis. As businesses strive for competitive differentiation, culturally attuned branding and regionally tailored strategies are becoming essential for success. SAMA brings together top-tier independent agencies with deep local expertise, enabling brands to access a unified approach to marketing, technology, and communications. This extensive network allows businesses to accelerate market entry, execute high-impact regional campaigns, and seamlessly navigate Southeast Asia’s fragmented markets. “Brands today need more than just local know-how, they need scalable, regionally cohesive strategies,” said Chan Leong Teng, Founder and Regional President of SAMA. “SAMA bridges that gap, equipping businesses with the insights, technology, and executional support to adapt campaigns for local audiences while maintaining strategic consistency across multiple countries. ” The launch event featured an expert panel discussion with marketing and business leaders, including Sutirapan Sakkawatra, Chief Customer Officer at SCBX; Pert Pongpiti Phasukyud, Founder and CEO of Ad Addict; and Vanchana Jitkarnngarn, President of SAMA Thailand and Chief Strategy Officer at Chamni’s Eye. The conversation highlighted the evolving challenges and opportunities in Thailand’s marketing landscape and the power of strategic collaboration in driving future growth. SAMA also unveiled its official logo, website, and social media platforms, reinforcing its commitment to fostering industry-wide connections and innovation. “With SAMA, businesses gain more than just marketing support; they tap into a trusted regional network that helps them navigate complex markets, engage local consumers effectively, and achieve sustainable growth across Asia,” said Jitkarnngarn. The event concluded with a networking session, providing industry leaders and businesses an opportunity to explore potential collaborations with SAMA’s leadership and founding members in Thailand. Looking ahead, SAMA plans to expand its footprint across Vietnam, the Philippines, Cambodia, and beyond, solidifying its position as a premier alliance for brands seeking to scale across APAC’s dynamic and diverse markets. SAMA is looking to grow its network of agencies by 50% by end of the year.

 KUALA LUMPURE: Borong, a leading Malaysian B2B technology eProcurement and eMarketplace company (formerly known as Dropee), has been ranked the 2nd fastest-growing company in the Asia-Pacific region in the Financial Times High-Growth Companies Asia-Pacific 2025 list. Compiled in partnership with Statista, the prestigious ranking honors companies that have achieved the highest compound annual growth rate (CAGR) in revenue from 2019 to 2023. Borong is the highest-ranked Malaysian company on this year’s list and one of only seven companies from Malaysia featured among the top 500 high-growth firms across 13 Asia-Pacific economies. The list includes companies from Japan, South Korea, India, Singapore, Australia, and more, spotlighting those that have demonstrated exceptional performance in times of economic volatility. Founded in 2017, Borong started with a mission to digitize traditional supply chains for underserved micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs). What began as a bootstrapped startup with just US$300,000 in revenue has since scaled rapidly to reach over US$51.33 million in revenue by 2023—representing an extraordinary compound annual growth rate. While the company’s roots are in empowering traditional retailers and wholesalers, Borong has also become a trusted digital supply chain partner for large multinational and Fortune 500 companies such as Petronas, Nestlé, Shell, and other global brands. Its B2B procurement platform enables enterprises to connect seamlessly with their downline distributors, dealers, and rural mom-and-pop stores—supporting both supply chain digitization and sustainability goals. The company continues to demonstrate a strong commitment to developing inclusive, technology-enabled infrastructure that supports and advances commerce. With a particular emphasis on underserved and traditionally overlooked segments, its efforts are centered on ensuring that the benefits of digital transformation are accessible to all, fostering equitable growth across the ecosystem. Borong’s solutions are used to manage distribution, procurement, and credit across thousands of retailers, wholesalers, and corporate supply chains throughout Malaysia and the broader Southeast Asian region. The company’s mission extends beyond digitization—it actively contributes to narrowing the income gap by empowering rural businesses and B40 communities through better access to goods, services, and financial tools. The Financial Times High-Growth Companies Asia-Pacific 2025 list is a widely respected benchmark of entrepreneurial success in the region. Companies were selected based on independent data and rigorous methodology that evaluated CAGR, absolute revenue growth, and transparency. With this latest recognition, Borong joins the ranks of regional leaders redefining how commerce is done in Asia-Pacific.