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Malaysia Debt Ventures Bhd (MDV) has approved a total of RM2.26 billion in green technology financing for more than 148 companies, according to Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Chang Lih Kang. The funding is part of ongoing government efforts to support sustainable and technology-driven projects across the country. The minister highlighted that MDV had previously launched a RM2 billion sukuk programme in 2022, designed to fund technology-based initiatives and contracts under its mandate. Proceeds from the sukuk are used to provide green technology financing, leveraging government-backed initiatives such as the Green Technology Financing Scheme (GTFS). In addition to financial support, the government is expanding fiscal incentives to encourage investment in renewable and sustainable technologies. These include the Green Investment Tax Allowance (GITA) and Green Income Tax Exemption (GITE), which will now cover hydrogen technology. There are also import duty and tax exemptions for renewable energy equipment, including hydrogen-related systems. Chang noted that a 100% Investment Tax Allowance is available for capital expenditure on hydrogen projects over a 10-year period, allowing full deduction from statutory income. Additional policy measures are being explored to lower hydrogen production costs. These include renewable energy tariff packages, relaxed grid access, the use of Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs), and the allocation of gazetted land to accelerate infrastructure development. On the establishment of a Hydrogen Investment Zone, Chang explained that it has the potential to drive Malaysia’s economic growth while positioning the country as a leading regional hydrogen hub and competitive investment centre in the Asia-Pacific. To implement these initiatives, MOSTI has set up a dedicated working group tasked with coordinating the national hydrogen economy agenda. This platform engages with other government agencies and ministries, including the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry, to ensure an integrated approach. The working group is also responsible for formulating a comprehensive incentive package, encompassing energy tariffs, fiscal incentives such as GITA and pioneer status, import tax exemptions, and infrastructure support, all aimed at accelerating the development of Malaysia’s hydrogen economy.

Capital A Bhd is moving into the final phase of its restructuring with the proposed distribution of 1.69 billion new shares in AirAsia X Bhd (KL:AAX) to its shareholders via a dividend-in-specie. The group said the exercise represents a major step in completing the disposal of its airline operations to AAX, which will unify all AirAsia-branded carriers under a single listed entity. In a statement on Thursday, Capital A said the distribution forms part of its broader strategy to transform the company into a travel and digital services group, allowing it to focus on non-airline businesses once the restructuring is completed. Under the entitlement terms, shareholders whose names appear in the record of depositors as at 5pm on Dec 3 will receive approximately 389 AAX shares for every 1,000 Capital A shares held. The ex-date has been set for Dec 2, and any fractional entitlements will not be distributed. Capital A described the move as a “significant milestone” within its comprehensive regularisation plan, which also includes a proposed capital reduction to offset accumulated losses. The entire restructuring is targeted for completion by December, after which the group intends to seek an uplift from its Practice Note 17 (PN17) classification. Chief financial officer Mun Hui Teh said finalising the entitlement date signals that Capital A is approaching the last stage of the airline business disposal. Once completed, AirAsia X will serve as the consolidated airline vehicle for all AirAsia carriers. He added that the realignment is designed to enhance shareholder value and set the stage for Capital A’s next chapter as a high-growth, multi-platform travel and digital solutions group, separate from the operational responsibilities of running an airline. Following the consolidation, AirAsia X will operate the combined airline portfolio, while Capital A will concentrate on accelerating the expansion of its non-airline verticals. These include its engineering subsidiary Asia Digital Engineering (ADE), logistics provider Teleport, travel platform AirAsia MOVE, the Santan F&B brand, and its brand licensing and intellectual property unit, AirAsia Next. Capital A emphasised that the restructuring will allow the group to build a more streamlined, asset-light business model positioned for long-term growth across multiple travel and digital segments.

Petronas has appointed Datuk Seri Dr Maimunah Mohd Sharif as its Property Adviser, effective 17 November 2025. In her new role, Maimunah will provide strategic guidance for the growth of Petronas’ property portfolio, focusing on developments such as the Sungai Besi land, Kota Madani, and other key projects. Maimunah brings over 40 years of experience in sustainable urban development. She holds a Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Town Planning from the University of Wales Institute of Science and Technology and a Master’s Degree in Urban Planning from Universiti Sains Malaysia. She previously served as the Mayor of Kuala Lumpur and was the first woman president of the Seberang Prai Municipal Council. Her distinguished career also includes leadership roles at the United Nations, where she became the first Asian woman appointed as Under-Secretary-General and Executive Director of the UN Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat), and she also served as Acting Director-General of the UN Office in Nairobi. Petronas expressed confidence that Maimunah’s expertise and global experience will significantly contribute to the company’s property development initiatives.

TH Plantations Bhd has appointed Datuk Borhan Bachi as its new chief executive officer (CEO), effective Nov 17, 2025. The announcement was made in a filing with Bursa Malaysia on Monday. According to TH Plantations, Borhan’s appointment also follows the company’s earlier disclosure on July 18, 2025, regarding the formation of a board executive committee (board exco). With the new leadership now in place, the company said the board exco has been dissolved effective the same day as Borhan’s appointment. The leadership changes come after a period of internal scrutiny triggered by alleged unauthorised payments amounting to RM5.1 million to plantation workers. Former CEO Mohamed Zainurin Mohamed Zain and former chief financial officer (CFO) Marliyana Omar were both issued show-cause letters in relation to the matter. Mohamed Zainurin, who had been placed on garden leave pending the investigation, was subsequently terminated on Aug 26. Marliyana opted to resign with immediate effect on July 18. Mohamed Zainurin had served as CEO since his appointment on Oct 1, 2021. The appointment of Borhan marks a new chapter for TH Plantations as it moves to restore stability and strengthen governance following recent internal developments.

The International Islamic Liquidity Management Corporation (IILM) has issued and reissued a total of US$1.35 billion (US$1 = RM4.15) in short-term sukuk across five different tenors — marking its broadest range of maturities offered in a single auction to date. In a statement, the IILM said the sukuk were priced at 4.10% for US$290 million (one-month), 4.15% for US$385 million (two-month), 4.10% for US$365 million (three-month), 4.12% for US$210 million (six-month), and 4.05% for US$100 million for its newly introduced nine-month note. The addition of the nine-month tenor expands the IILM’s liquidity management tools and provides Islamic financial institutions with greater flexibility in managing Shariah-compliant funding requirements. With the latest issuance, the IILM’s outstanding sukuk will rise to a record US$6.4 billion. The auction attracted US$3.29 billion in bids, achieving an average bid-to-cover ratio of 2.44 times. IILM chief executive officer Mohamad Safri Shahul Hamid said the new tenor addresses market demand for longer-dated short-term placements comparable to US dollar asset-backed commercial paper. “Broadening our maturity spectrum enhances our value proposition and delivers a more calibrated and efficient liquidity management toolkit to investors,” he said. This marks the IILM’s 20th auction of the year, bringing its total 2025 issuances to US$21.55 billion across 65 series under its US$8.5 billion programme, which carries an “A-1” rating from S&P Global Ratings and “F1” from Fitch Ratings. Primary dealers participating in the issuance include Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank, Al Baraka Turk, Affin Islamic Bank, Al Rayan Bank, Boubyan Bank, CIMB Islamic Bank Bhd, Dukhan Bank, First Abu Dhabi Bank, Golden Global Investment Bank, Kuwait Finance House, Kuwait International Bank, Maybank Islamic Bhd, Meethaq Islamic Banking of Bank Muscat, Qatar Islamic Bank and Standard Chartered Bank.

China’s largest automaker, BYD, is accelerating its expansion across Europe with plans to double its sales network on the continent by the end of 2026, according to a senior company executive. The move marks one of BYD’s most ambitious pushes yet as it intensifies competition with established European and global automakers. Speaking at an event in Frankfurt, Maria Grazia Davino, BYD’s regional managing director for Europe, said the company expects to have 1,000 points of sale across Europe by the end of 2025, and is aiming to double that figure the following year. “To compete effectively, we need to be close to customers and build strong local relationships,” Davino said, noting that proximity and accessibility will be key advantages as the brand scales. Davino oversees BYD’s operations in German-speaking markets, Eastern Europe and Scandinavia—regions seen as strategically important for the company’s European growth. BYD’s expansion plan is supported by its “long-term localisation strategy” for Europe. The company already operates in 29 European markets, and its first manufacturing plant on the continent—located in Hungary—is expected to open soon. The automaker is also preparing to build a second facility in Turkey and is evaluating options for a third European production hub, with Spain emerging as a leading candidate. The push comes amid surging demand for BYD vehicles in Europe. In the first nine months of 2025, the company’s sales in the region more than tripled, reaching 80,807 units, compared with the same period a year earlier. The significant jump follows BYD’s decision to broaden its offerings by introducing both plug-in hybrid models and fully electric vehicles to European consumers. Davino emphasised that strengthening BYD’s footprint in Europe requires a sustained and well-coordinated effort.“Localising in a mature market like Europe is a major undertaking,” she said. “It demands deep expertise, significant investment and a commitment of resources across all levels of the organisation.” With its rapidly expanding network, growing production base, and rising sales momentum, BYD is positioning itself as one of the most aggressive and fast-growing new players in Europe’s increasingly competitive automotive landscape.

The recent disruptions to the KLIA Aerotrain have placed the system under renewed public and regulatory attention. The Aerotrain, which resumed operations earlier this year after a major upgrade, encountered several breakdowns that affected passenger movement between the main terminal and the satellite building. These incidents have since prompted further review, including Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission’s (MACC) intention to investigate aspects of the project. For Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhad (MAHB), which oversees KLIA’s operations, the Aerotrain issue represents both an operational challenge and a test of system resilience ahead of a significant travel cycle. Led by Managing Director Dato’ Mohd Izani Ghani, MAHB has outlined several measures intended to stabilise the system, ensure passenger continuity, and support ongoing regulatory assessments. Following news of MACC’s intended investigation, MAHB clarified that no formal request had yet been issued to the organisation. Dato’ Mohd Izani Ghani has stated that it stands ready to provide full cooperation when required, reaffirming its support for a thorough and transparent review process. MAHB is also working with the Transport Ministry and the Land Public Transport Agency (APAD), both of which are directly involved in the technical evaluation and oversight of the Aerotrain system. Their participation forms part of a broader multi-agency approach to understanding the system’s recent shortcomings. A structured technical roadmap: The Comprehensive Action Plan On 14 November, MAHB announced the activation of a Comprehensive Action Plan (CAP) to address the Aerotrain disruptions. Developed with guidance from the Transport Ministry and APAD, the CAP outlines a multi-phase engineering roadmap intended to review, rectify, and validate the full system. The plan includes: Nightly engineering shutdowns from 9pm to 7am to facilitate detailed inspections, component adjustments, and recalibrations. Root-cause analysis covering mechanical, electrical, and control-system elements. Simulated operations to verify performance before reintroducing the system to public use. Trial operations monitored jointly with regulators to confirm reliability prior to full reinstatement. While the CAP is underway, MAHB has deployed a full shuttle bus service to maintain uninterrupted passenger movement between terminals. The arrangement ensures that essential airport processes — including flight connections and gate transfers — continue without significant operational impact. Gate optimisation and other internal adjustments have also been implemented to minimise the number of passengers requiring inter-terminal travel during the rectification period. From July to the onset of the recent disruptions, MAHB reported that the Aerotrain achieved an Operational Service Availability (OSA) of 98.41%, completing more than 50,000 return trips and carrying over seven million passengers. These data points illustrate the system’s operational baseline and provide useful reference for ongoing engineering diagnostics. As technical inspections progress, MAHB is expected to release further updates to keep stakeholders informed of system stability, expected timelines, and regulatory assessments. Positioning KLIA ahead of Visit Malaysia 2026 The Aerotrain issue comes at a pivotal time for the aviation sector, with Visit Malaysia Year 2026 projected to bring a significant increase in passenger volume. Ensuring reliable internal mobility within KLIA is therefore a priority not only for MAHB but for broader tourism and economic objectives. MAHB has stated that the CAP is designed with long-term readiness in mind, ensuring that all system enhancements meet the requirements for higher traffic flow and international expectations.

Datuk Zaiton Mohd Hassan, an experienced Malaysian finance professional, has been elected as deputy president of ACCA. She will work alongside newly-elected president Melanie Proffitt and vice president Cristina Gutu in leading ACCA’s global community of more than 257,000 members and 530,000 future members across 180 countries. Having been elected to ACCA’s Council in 2016, Datuk Zaiton has contributed actively to the organisation’s strategy and engagement in Asia Pacific and beyond. She currently serves as CEO of the Malaysia Professional Accountancy Centre (MyPAC), a non-profit organisation that helps students from lower-income backgrounds access careers in accountancy. She is also chair of GX Bank, Malaysia’s first digital bank, and holds a number of board and advisory roles promoting sound governance and professional development. Datuk Zaiton Mohd Hassan said: “I’m honoured to take on the role of deputy president of ACCA and to continue contributing to an organisation that has always stood for opportunity and inclusion. I’ve seen first-hand how the ACCA Qualification changes lives, opening doors to rewarding careers and enabling people to give back to their communities. I look forward to supporting this mission in the year ahead.” Datuk Zaiton has also served as president of the ACCA Malaysia Advisory Committee and as deputy chair of the International Federation of Accountants (IFAC) Professional Accountants in Business Advisory Group. She is recognised for her calm, collaborative leadership and her strong belief in ethics, education, and access. Through her work with MyPAC and various national boards, she has consistently advocated for social mobility, transparency, and integrity in finance. This year marks the second time that all three ACCA officer roles are held by women, reflecting ACCA’s continued commitment to diversity, equality, and inclusion.

OpenAcademy, a Malaysian ed-tech platform, has introduced “Duit Yourself”, a financial literacy education series created in partnership with the Financial Education Network (FEN) — a national platform established by Bank Negara Malaysia — together with key members including the Malaysian Financial Planning Council (MFPC) and the Financial Planning Association of Malaysia (FPAM). The programme aims to help young Malaysians better understand, manage, and grow their finances through engaging lessons led by certified experts. Launched in line with the priorities outlined under Belanjawan 2026, the initiative supports Malaysia’s broader push to strengthen financial literacy and resilience, especially among youths. Hosted on the OpenAcademy app, the free “Duit Yourself” series features 11 practical modules developed with FEN’s network of planners and educators. Topics include payslip basics, EPF and SOCSO, budgeting, debt management, savings, investments, and long-term financial planning. Crafted by professionals with on-the-ground experience, the content offers accurate, real-world insights to help Malaysians make informed financial decisions at every life stage. The digital-only series will be delivered through the OpenAcademy platform and supported by social media outreach with education partners. It is designed for students, young working adults, individuals planning their long-term financial future, and anyone seeking better control over their personal finances. “Financial literacy is about feeling confident in everyday money decisions. With the ‘Duit Yourself’ series, we worked with FEN and leading financial experts to build content that is engaging, credible, and freely accessible to all Malaysians,” said Celine Ting, Co-founder and Managing Director of OpenAcademy. Driving a national conversation on financial literacy The launch event also included a panel discussion titled “Are Malaysians Financially Literate?”, moderated by Daryll Tan, Co-founder of OpenMinds and OpenAcademy. Panelists included Kevin Neoh, Licensed Financial Planner and Certified Financial Coach; Anuar bin Shuib, CEO of VKA Islamic Wealth Management and Fellow of MFPC; and Daniela Strîmbei, Executive Director of SOLS Foundation. The session explored the state of financial literacy in Malaysia, the importance of early financial education, and the role of public–private collaboration in closing knowledge gaps. Panelists also discussed why financial illiteracy persists among youths despite rising awareness, the influence of social media, the gig economy’s impact on financial habits, and whether traditional literacy benchmarks still reflect today’s needs. Cultural mindsets, systemic challenges, and widespread misinformation were highlighted as key barriers, along with practical steps communities, institutions, and policymakers can take to drive meaningful behavioural change. Extending impact through “Teach to Thrive” Beyond financial literacy education, OpenAcademy is also expanding its social impact through the “Teach to Thrive” campaign, a movement focused on bridging the education gap and empowering underserved communities with practical, real-world skills. Built on the belief that education unlocks opportunity, the initiative aims to help individuals build better futures through knowledge and confidence. The campaign currently collaborates with SOLS Foundation and Women of Will (WOW) to make education more inclusive and accessible. For partnership enquiries or more information, contact OpenAcademy at [email protected].

BlackBerry Limited (NYSE: BB; TSX: BB), Global Affairs Canada and Rogers Cybersecure Catalyst at Toronto Metropolitan University (“the Catalyst”) today announced the Women in Cyber Leadership Program, a strategic initiative designed to advance women cybersecurity professionals into leadership roles across Malaysia and ASEAN member states. Applications are now open, with the course scheduled to take place from 26-30 January, 2026, at the MCMC and BlackBerry Cybersecurity Center of Excellence (CCoE) in Cyberjaya, Malaysia. The intensive five-day course will bring together mid-level women professionals across all sectors to develop strategic capabilities in cyber risk management, governance frameworks, and executive leadership. The program aims to help address a critical workforce challenge. Women remain significantly underrepresented in cybersecurity leadership roles, despite the Indo-Pacific region facing an escalating digital threat landscape and a shortage in human cyber capital. It also aligns with Malaysia’s goals to foster more diverse leadership in cybersecurity and strengthen the region’s digital economy. “It is inspiring to see so many women participating in skills training and globally-certified courses at the MCMC and BlackBerry Cybersecurity Center of Excellence in Malaysia – but there is more work to be done as an industry to grow opportunities for women in cyber leadership roles across the region,” said Jaclyn Sim, Senior Manager, Cybersecurity Technical Training, BlackBerry. “As well as boosting regional cyber-resilience, this public-private sector initiative delivered in collaboration with Global Affairs Canada and the Catalyst can help to open doors for women to lead, influence, and shape the future of cybersecurity.” The curriculum combines practical application with strategic exploration of regional threat analysis, emerging technologies including AI, cyber governance frameworks, and executive communications. Participants will engage in tabletop simulation exercises, collaborative projects, and networking events led by global experts and regional leaders. The program culminates in a certificate of completion recognizing advanced leadership capabilities. “Cybersecurity is strongest when the people shaping it reflect the communities it protects, and it is encouraging to see Malaysia taking such proactive action to grow a more diverse and inclusive cybersecurity workforce,” added Charles Finlay, Founding Executive Director of the Catalyst. “We are proud to work with Global Affairs Canada and BlackBerry to support this effort, and create pathways for talented women in the Indo-Pacific to pursue leadership roles in one of the world’s fastest growing sectors.” The Women in Cyber program is offered at no cost for all accepted participants thanks to funding from the Government of Canada through its Anti-Crime and Counter-Terrorism Capacity Building Program. Travel bursaries covering transportation, accommodation, and meals are available for selected ASEAN nominees residing outside Malaysia. Approximately 40 women from ASEAN member states will participate in this program. This news follows a recent announcement during the 47th ASEAN Summit by the Right Honourable Mark Carney, Prime Minister of Canada, revealing that Canada is expanding its investment in advancing cybersecurity capacity building in the Indo-Pacific region. Under this initiative, Global Affairs Canada is providing CAD $226,000 to upskill and train 100 government and select civil society professionals in mid-level management roles through the MCMC and BlackBerry CCoE in Cyberjaya, with more details to follow soon. Interested professionals for the ‘Women in Cyber’ program can apply here. Successful candidates will be notified in December 2025. For more information about the MCMC and BlackBerry CCoE, visit the website, follow us on LinkedIn, or contact us at [email protected].