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Southern Score: Exploring Synergistic Acquisition to Further Fuel Growth

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KUALA LUMPUR: Southern Score Builders Berhad, a leader in construction management for high-rise residential buildings and civil infrastructure, has garnered shareholder approval for a strategic move to maximize growth potential. The shareholders greenlit a proposal to extend the utilization timeframe of proceeds from a prior private placement, signaling the Group’s proactive stance towards enhancing its market position. The Group, having raised RM108.6 million from a private placement in November 2022 and with RM46.0 million still untapped as of February 2024, has decided to reallocate RM21.8 million towards potential acquisitions. These acquisitions are carefully chosen to complement the Group’s existing business, particularly in the mechanical and electrical (M&E) construction domain. This strategic reallocation aims to infuse Southern Score with fresh avenues for growth while bolstering its earnings. Mr. Gan Yee Hin, Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of Southern Score, emphasized the Group’s deliberate approach, stating, “We are actively pursuing acquisitions that align with our core business, focusing on M&E construction. With robust discussions underway and a solid financial standing, we are well-positioned to seize these opportunities.” He highlighted the potential within high-tech industries, driven by significant foreign direct investments in Malaysia, as key areas for expansion. The extended timeframe, ranging from 18 to 24 months, provides the Group with ample room to execute its strategic acquisitions and capitalize on emerging prospects within the M&E sector. Furthermore, this move is anticipated to diversify revenue streams and deliver enhanced value to stakeholders. In a separate development, the Group declared an interim dividend of 1.0 sen per share for the financial year ending 30 June 2024, underlining its commitment to shareholder returns amidst strategic growth initiatives.

Investment & Market Trends, News

BRI Showing Strength, Launches Buyback Amidst Stock Price Corrections

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JAKARTA: PT Bank Rakyat Indonesia (Persero) Tbk (BRI) announced the commencement of a share buyback process for its shares, which comes in response to significant adjustments in BRI’s share price following the release of the Q1 2024 financial report. The buyback programme that was approved at the Annual General Meeting (AGM) on 13 March 2023, allows BRI to repurchase up to Rp1.5 trillion (RM442.2 million) worth of BBRI shares within 18 months from the date of the AGM approval. In response to significant adjustments in BBRI’s share price following the financial report, BRI has initiated a share buyback process to signal the company’s robust position compared to market perceptions. BRI President Director, Sunarso, emphasised that the buyback is intended to signal the company’s stronger position compared to market perceptions. Meanwhile, BRI Finance Director, Viviana Dyah Ayu RK underscored that management is focused on ensuring the long-term growth and health of the company, even if it requires minor corrections in the short term. “For long-term shareholders, the enhancements and improvements we’re making should yield greater benefits,” she added. In terms of BRI’s performance, amidst the dynamic global economic and geopolitical challenges, BRI has managed to achieve positive profit growth. By the end of the first quarter of 2024, BRI’s consolidated profit reached Rp15.98 trillion (RM4.71 billion), as revealed by Sunarso at the Q1 2024 Financial Performance press conference. As of March 2024, BRI has successfully disbursed loans totaling Rp1,308.65 trillion (RM386.04 billion), representing a double-digit growth of 10.89% year-on-year (YoY). Of these loans, 83.25% amounting to Rp1,089.41 trillion (RM321.42 billion) were allocated to the micro, small and medium enterprise (MSME) segment. “BRI believes that the continuous empowering of the MSME segment can contribute to the national economic resilience, considering that MSMEs account for about 97% of job creation and about 61% of Indonesia’s GDP,” Sunarso explained. The double-digit loan growth has contributed to the company’s asset increase, with BRI’s total assets reaching Rp1,989.07 trillion (RM586.85 billion), up 9.11% YoY. “With the positive performance in the first three months of 2024, BRI is optimistic about sustainable growth, prioritising prudent banking principles and effective risk management amid the evolving global economic and geopolitical landscape. BRI will focus on addressing domestic challenges, particularly through MSME empowerment,” Sunarso concluded.

News

Citi appoints Damien Tan as Head of Corporate Bank for Singapore

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SINGAPORE: Citi today announced the appointment of Damien Tan as Head of Corporate Bank for Singapore, effective May 1, 2024. In his capacity, Damien will spearhead Citi’s corporate banking endeavors in Singapore, focusing on enhancing business performance and refining strategic directions. His responsibilities encompass overseeing client relationships with top-tier local corporates, public sector entities, financial institutions, and multinational firms in the nation. Reporting to K. Balasubramanian, Head of Corporate Bank for Asia South, and Tibor Pandi, Citi Country Officer and Head of Banking for Singapore, Damien will also serve as a key member of the Singapore Management Committee. Having commenced his journey with Citi in 2003 as a Management Associate within the Corporate and Investment Bank, Damien has amassed a wealth of experience across various roles. Noteworthy among his past positions include serving as an Investment Product Manager at Citi Singapore’s offshore banking arm – International Personal Bank, and contributing to the Asia Fixed Income Syndicate Team in Hong Kong, facilitating bond issuances for Citi’s Asian clientele. With over two decades of banking experience under his belt, Damien brings to the table profound industry insights and a keen understanding of the evolving needs of local corporate clients. Prior to assuming his current role, he held the position of Head of Local Corporates for Singapore, where he steered several significant deals for Citi. His purview included managing relationships with top-tier local corporates across diverse sectors such as Real Estate, Aviation, Shipping, Industrials, Healthcare, and Agribusiness, while also driving overall business strategy, client acquisition, lending activities, product collaborations, and deal execution. K. Balasubramanian expressed confidence in Damien’s ability to leverage Citi’s global network and suite of products to meet clients’ dynamic requirements, acknowledging the pivotal role played by large corporates in driving growth across Asia and beyond. Tibor Pandi emphasized the significance of nurturing local talent within Citi, citing Damien’s journey from the Management Associate program to his current leadership role as a testament to the firm’s commitment to fostering a diverse talent pool. Damien Tan is an alumnus of the London School of Economics & Political Science, holding a Bachelor of Science in Economics (Hons).

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MIDA-MOHE Collaboration to Develop More Skilled Talent for Global Market

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KUALA LUMPUR: The cooperation between the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA) and the Ministry of Higher Education (MOHE) can catalyse the country’s industrial growth, especially in supporting the development of more talent globally. Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI) Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz said a trained and competitive workforce is key to the success of the New Industrial Master Plan (NIMP) 2030. “The shortage of skilled talent became a constant issue among our investors, both domestic and foreign. “Without a holistic solution on talent development and supply, Malaysia can never achieve the economic complexity, high-tech industrial ecosystem, net-zero target or the economic security envisaged by the NIMP 2030,” he said at the Memorandum of Understanding signing ceremony between MIDA and MOHE, to which the Minister of Higher Education Datuk Seri Zambry Abd Kadir was also present. According to Tengku Zafrul, the collaboration is in line with the aspirations of the MADANI Economy framework that aims to create graduates and skilled talent to crown Malaysia among the 30 largest economies in the world by 2033. He said that investment in the industrial sector is one of the most stable job creators for a country. “This is the kind of steady and enduring capital that Malaysia needs,” he said. Between 2021-2023, he noted that as many as 150,000 job opportunities were created through 2,386 approved manufacturing projects. Out of this, over 81% have already been implemented and most of those opportunities are for high-income skilled talents for Malaysians. “For manufacturing projects that were approved for that period, a total of 3,678 (over 83%) have been implemented, while 612 (14%) projects are at the planning stage,” he stated. Tengku Zafrul said that in 2023 alone, the project implementation rate shows that more than 63% (559 projects) have been implemented, covering projects in the production stage, factory construction or machine installation. “Typically, each project takes 18 to 24 months to implement. Almost 35% (309 projects) are at the planning stage including activities such as location determination and discussions with developers and consultants. “Only 1.25% (11 projects) have yet to be implemented and 4 other projects that cannot take place for certain reasons, including changes in investor strategy,” he explained. He added that the current rate is encouraging as this investment is unlike the capital market where funds can go in immediately, but can also be withdrawn in just a few hours. “When we ensure a robust talent pipeline, we will strengthen Malaysia’s industrial capacity and this is where we can push value proposition that Malaysia is where global starts,” Tengku Zafrul said, adding that Malaysia is where global companies can situate their regional hubs and where homegrown companies can grow into global champions. — BERNAMA

News

Shell Committed to Malaysia Mobility Ops

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BENGALURU: Shell reaffirms its dedication to the mobility sector in Malaysia despite recent reports suggesting discussions with Saudi Aramco regarding the potential sale of its petrol stations in the country. According to Reuters, discussions commenced in late 2023, with a potential deal valued at up to US$1 billion, as per four industry sources. With approximately 950 fuel stations in Malaysia, Shell ranks as the second-largest operator following state-owned Petronas. In addition to its retail presence, Shell engages in the sale of industrial lubricants, offshore crude oil and natural gas extraction in Sarawak and Sabah, and participation in two liquefied natural gas joint ventures within the nation. This purported divestment aligns with CEO Wael Sawan’s strategy to prioritize the most profitable segments of the company. As part of this initiative, Shell aims to divest 500 fuel stations within the current and following fiscal years. Furthermore, the company is in the process of selling its Singapore refinery and petrochemical complex. —REUTERS

Investment & Market Trends, News

Malaysia to Engage in Deeper Collaboration with China

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KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia foresees significant potential for deepened collaboration with China, mainly in industries such as infrastructure, digital economy, green development, new energy vehicles and the rare earth, said Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof. He noted that Malaysia’s MADANI initiative aligns with the values and principles of the Community Shared Future (CSF) advocated by President Xi Jinping since 2013. “Both concepts advocate and promote innovation, care and compassion, inclusiveness and mutual respect. The MADANI economic framework aims to strengthen national competitiveness by focusing on fiscal sustainability, excellent governance and effective service delivery. “The two countries can translate these concepts into reality for the benefit of their people,” Fadillah said during his keynote speech at the Malaysia-China Commemorative Forum, which was presented by Deputy Energy Transition and Water Transformation Minister, Akmal Nasrullah Mohd Nasir. Fadillah also emphasised on Malaysia’s leadership in promoting renewable energy through its partnership with China, considering that both nations are heavily investing in clean technologies such as solar, wind and hydroelectric power. He said that the Malaysia-China collaboration has expanded beyond technology, with both countries actively participating in knowledge-sharing initiatives to harness the immense potential of green energy. “Through these initiatives, we strive to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate the impacts of climate change. By prioritising innovation and sustainable development, Malaysia and China are making significant contributions. “We are addressing global climate challenges while also unlocking new economic opportunities. This dual approach promotes growth while ensuring environmental stewardship,” he added. China has remained Malaysia’s largest trading partner for the past 15 years, with total trade between the 2 countries reaching US$98.8 billion (RM450.84 billion) in 2023, with imports from China amounting to US$56.69 billion (RM258.63 billion). These imports predominantly consist of electrical and electronics products, machinery and chemicals, underscoring the robust economic relationship between the two nations. Meanwhile, Malaysia-China Business Council Executive and Acting Director Datuk Alvin Tee Guan Pian highlighted an increasing interest among Chinese investors, particularly in the data centre industry. “Malaysia is among the earliest countries in the region to venture into the digital economy. We established the Multimedia Super Corridor to accelerate the industry’s growth. As we open our doors to investors, we need to ensure that we meet the local content requirements. “We must ensure that wherever investors from China come in, the local content contribution is reasonable. We don’t want to close our doors, but it must genuinely be a win-win situation,” he added. — BERNAMA

News

Kinergy Advancement on Aggressive Expansion Mode

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KUALA LUMPUR: Kinergy Advancement Berhad (KAB), a leader in sustainable energy solutions, continues its upward trajectory, highlighted by its record-breaking Profit After Tax (PAT) in FY2023, substantial orders nearing RM1 billion by the year’s end, and a doubling of its concession assets within just one year. With pending tenders totaling RM3 billion, KAB is poised for even greater growth in FY2024. In FY2023, KAB achieved a pivotal milestone with the completion of its rebranding effort, unveiling a new name and logo that embody its steadfast commitment to sustainable energy solutions (SES). This strategic repositioning, initiated in 2018, underscores KAB’s dedication to SES, enhancing its profile and influence in the regional energy sector. The SES division remains the primary engine of growth for KAB, encompassing Clean Energy Generation (CE), Renewable Energy Generation (RE), and Energy-Efficient (EE) solutions. With twenty-seven projects under management and expanding operations across Southeast Asia, including Thailand, Indonesia, and the Philippines, KAB is solidifying its presence in the region. Of significant note is the increase in concession assets from six to fourteen as of December 31, 2023, encompassing a diverse range of energy solutions such as co-generation plants, waste heat recovery facilities, solar PV systems, a biogas plant, and a mini-hydro plant. Dato’ Lai Keng Onn, Executive Deputy Chairman cum Group Managing Director of KAB, expressed confidence in the strategic shift towards SES, emphasizing its alignment with Malaysia’s National Energy Transition Roadmap and broader sustainability objectives. FY2023 marked substantial gains for KAB, with FY2024 projected to witness further advancements, including the completion of the 52.0 MW gas engine power plant project at the Sipitang Oil & Gas Industrial Park, a joint venture with PETRONAS Gas Berhad. Additionally, strategic collaborations such as the MoU with LCS Holdings Co., Ltd for a 20.0 MW solar farm development in the Philippines and the proposed acquisition of shares in Tunjang Tenaga Sdn. Bhd. for a 9.6 MW hydro plant in Malaysia underscore KAB’s commitment to renewable energy and energy efficiency initiatives. Financially, KAB’s performance in FY2023 demonstrated significant growth, with revenue reaching RM199.4 million, a 6.6% increase from the previous year, and a record-breaking Profit After Tax of RM27.6 million, marking an impressive 862.6% rise. With a robust order book nearing RM1 billion and pending tenders totaling RM3 billion, KAB’s focus on high-margin SES projects ensures continued profitability and sustainability.

Investment & Market Trends, News

Opportune Time for M’sian Businesses to Collaborate With Saudi Arabia – Tengku Zafrul

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KUALA LUMPUR: The Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI) is calling for local companies to establish investment partnerships with companies from Saudi Arabia, especially those in the services sector. Its minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz said that Saudi Arabia is inviting Malaysian companies to bolster bilateral trade and investment relationships with the country, which is in line with the Saudi Vision 2030 plan. “We have expertise in diverse sectors, including electrical and electronics, tourism, logistics and facility management. “This opens up opportunities for Malaysian companies to expand their business into the country,” he said after a dinner reception in honour of the Saudi Arabian delegation’s visit to Malaysia. In this regard, Tengku Zafrul said the Malaysia-Saudi Business Council has been established to boost business-to-business activities between the 2 countries. Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Commerce Dr Majid Abdullah Alkassabi said that it is important to build connections and discover the multitude of opportunities available. “We are preparing a comprehensive plan…a cooperation plan based on Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed Salman’s direction to prepare a joint plan and to enhance the bilateral trade cooperation,” Majib said. In October of last year when MITI facilitated Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s w-day visit to the United Arab Emirates (UAE), a total of RM40.6 billion worth of investment commitments were made for Malaysia in sectors such as renewable energy, aerospace and logistics. The investments included a commitment by Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company PJSC (Masdar) to invest up to RM37.8 billion to develop renewable energy projects with a 10GW capacity in Malaysia. To that end, the minister said MITI’s strategic collaboration with Masdar and UAE International Investment Council (UAEIIC) will pave the way for Malaysia’s pursuit of new technology that prioritises low-carbon, green manufacturing and circular economy solutions. Meanwhile, the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA) and the UAEIIC also agreed to strengthen their existing collaboration to enhance Malaysia-UAE sustainable economic cooperation to increase sustainable investment flows between both countries.

News

Najman Isa Named as CEO Role at RHB Islamic International Asset Management

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KUALA LUMPUR: Effective April 8, 2024, RHB Banking Group has appointed Mohd Najman Md Isa as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Chief Investment Officer of RHB Islamic International Asset Management Bhd (RHBIIAM). Najman brings extensive experience to his new role, having spent six years at Sumitomo Mitsui DS Asset Management Hong Kong as the lead equity portfolio manager for selected Asia Pacific ex-Japan equity mandates and lead analyst for the financials sector of emerging Asia ex-China markets. Prior to that, he served as the lead portfolio manager for selected Shariah Asia ex-Japan and Shariah Asean equity mandates at Eastspring Investments Malaysia, following a five-year tenure at Aberdeen Asset Management as a generalist for Asean equities and co-manager of various Shariah equity mandates. Najman is a distinguished graduate of the University of Melbourne, Australia, holding a double degree in civil engineering (first class honours) and commerce. Additionally, he is a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) charter holder and holds a Capital Markets Services Representative’s Licence (CMSRL) for the regulated activity of fund management, underscoring his qualifications and preparedness for the CEO role. RHBIIAM, a wholly-owned subsidiary of RHB Asset Management Sdn Bhd, is licensed to conduct Islamic fund management activities and dealing in securities restricted to unit trust products.

Investment & Market Trends, News

Google Updates Malaysia on Progress Regarding Areas of Expansion

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KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim recently held an online conference with Alphabet & Google President and Chief Investment Officer Ruth Porat, where the Prime Minister mentioned that the meeting was a follow-up to their meeting in the US last year. During the conference, Porat informed on the progress of the framework areas that Alphabet & Google can expand in Malaysia based on his previous explanation regarding the mission and focus of the Malaysian government. “Alphabet & Google very much welcomed the leadership, commitment and support of technology and AI related to the education, health and agriculture sectors. “I emphasised that these efforts must eventually bring comprehensive economic and social benefits without leaving out any group or community, especially in terms of technology literacy,” she said. With that, Anwar expressed his hopes the efforts will bear fruit particularly in launching the national technology transition planning and creating job opportunities. In the previous meeting in San Francisco, Anwar met with tech giants such as Google, Enovix Corporation, Microsoft and TikTok (through its parent company, ByteDance) which ended up in pledges of greater investments in Malaysia. At the time, Google revealed plans to invest in Malaysia’s digital competitiveness, including infrastructure and AI innovation programmes. The initiative is expected to see both parties getting together to help businesses advance their digital competitiveness through skilled programmes, investment in digital infrastructure, responsible AI innovation and cloud-first policies. Additionally, Enovix Cooperation had planned to set up a high tech silicon battery producing plant in Penang, which was expected to begin operations in April of this year.

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