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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.

SINGAPORE: Prudential Singapore (“Prudential”) has launched the Prudential Wealth Suite (“Wealth Suite”). It is an exclusive space for the life insurer’s Private Client Advisors (PCAs) to serve their expanding pool of high net worth (HNW) customers who seek comprehensive wealth and financial planning services in Singapore. The Wealth Suite is located within the insurer’s main customer service centre at Prudential Tower in Raffles Place, and opened its doors on 17 March 2025. Prudential Singapore recently launched the Prudential Wealth Suite, an exclusive space for the life insurer’s Private Client Advisors such as Danny Susanto, Senior Executive Wealth Director, Prudential Financial Advisors Singapore (left) and Peiyi Tang, Master Financial Consultant, Prudential Singapore (middle), to serve the insurer’s expanding pool of high net worth customers. Prudential’s HNW business has grown in recent years, mirroring Singapore’s rise in prominence as a leading international financial centre. The company saw a 16 per cent increase in its number of HNW customers from 2023 to 2024, driven by its financial representatives and advisors, and sales rose by over 40 per cent within the same time period. With the millionaire population in Asia projected to more than double from 10 million in 2022 to 22 million in 2030,[1] Prudential anticipates leveraging this growth momentum to build on its HNW business. Mr Goh Theng Kiat, Chief Customer Officer, Prudential Singapore, said: “The Prudential Wealth Suite is part of Prudential’s strategy to support the continued growth of wealthy individuals in Singapore and the region, and it is designed to deliver seamless and convenient holistic advisory to our high net worth customers. “In tandem with the region’s growing pool of wealthy individuals who view Singapore as a global wealth hub, we anticipate that overseas customers will make up a significant portion of Prudential Wealth Suite users. These customers often have complex and globally connected portfolios, and appreciate Singapore’s strategic location for accessing Asian markets and a climate of stability in the country, making it their preferred location for wealth diversification solutions.” The Wealth Suite offers a private, by-appointment-only environment where HNW customers can discuss their insurance and wealth management requirements with their PCA in comfort. A special feature of the Wealth Suite is the presence of an in-house advisor who works together with PCAs to support HNW customers with more complex financial needs. Eligible HNW customers can additionally request to consult with an external panel of experts for tax and business advisory, legal and estate planning, fiduciary and trust services, family office advisory services as well as legacy giving. “Tax planning is an integral part of financial planning for high net worth individuals with complex wealth structures and estate planning needs. Many of our wealthy customers seek ongoing guidance on tax-related matters to optimise their financial planning strategies. Another priority is growing and preserving their wealth, so we are focused on ensuring that we have the right advisors and solutions to meet their unique needs,” said Mr Goh. In response to these priorities, Prudential offers a range of solutions from wealth accumulation to legacy planning for HNW customers, including its latest offering – PRUVantage Legacy Index – an indexed universal life insurance product designed to address HNW individuals’ protection and legacy planning needs. Prudential’s HNW customers also receive swift underwriting, priority service, and VIP medical services. In 2018, Prudential set up a team of 60 PCAs who are specially trained to support the unique needs of HNW individuals. This group has since grown over six-fold in strength to more than 380 PCAs today. There are stringent criteria for Prudential financial representatives to become a PCA, including being a Million Dollar Round Table (MDRT)[2] qualifier with at least three years of licensed financial advisor experience in the industry. “We invest in our Private Client Advisors to equip them with the knowledge and skills needed to deliver the highest level of advice and service to our growing clientele of high net worth customers. We now have more than 380 Private Client Advisors who are specially trained to advise our customers,” added Mr Goh. In addition to in-house training, Prudential fully funds the professional development of its PCAs through customised courses designed by the Wealth Management Institute (WMI), a leading centre for wealth and asset management education and research. Through the WMI training, PCAs gain expertise in wealth structuring areas such as asset protection, liquidity planning, wealth accumulation, and wealth preservation. About the Prudential Wealth Suite and Customer Service Centre The Wealth Suite is located within Prudential’s new customer service centre (CSC) at Prudential Tower (30 Cecil Street, Singapore 049712) and commenced operations on 17 March 2025. The location may be familiar to some customers who would have been served at the CSC when it was housed in Prudential Tower back in 1999. The CSC was moved to the Marina One building in 2018, before being relocated back to Prudential Tower in 2025. The CSC covers two floors at Prudential Tower, with the Wealth Suite situated on the mezzanine level. The entire CSC is constructed from eco-friendly, green-labelled materials, and is wheelchair-accessible. It offers a lounge-style environment with private servicing areas for customers. Besides serving customers in-person, the CSC offers video servicing for all customers for greater convenience. Customers can make a video servicing appointment easily on the Prudential Singapore website.