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Coca-Cola is reportedly exploring the possibility of taking its Indian bottling unit public in a deal that could raise around US$1 billion, Bloomberg News reported on Friday, citing sources familiar with the matter. The company has reportedly held preliminary discussions with bankers about a potential listing of Hindustan Coca-Cola Beverages, which could value the unit at approximately US$10 billion. Coca-Cola and Hindustan Coca-Cola Beverages did not immediately respond to requests for comment. The move comes amid increasing competition in the Indian beverage market, notably from Reliance’s consumer products brand, Campa Cola. India has recently seen a surge in global companies listing their local subsidiaries. For instance, LG Electronics India, the consumer appliance arm of the South Korean firm, launched a blockbuster US$13 billion IPO this week. The potential Coca-Cola unit listing are still in the early stages, and no bankers have been formally appointed yet. If the plan moves forward, the IPO could take place next year.

PETALING JAYA, TNG Digital Sdn Bhd, the operator behind the widely used TNG eWallet, has announced the appointment of Datuk Syed Zaid Albar as its new chairman and non-independent non-executive director, effective from Oct 17, 2025. In an official statement, TNG Digital highlighted Syed Zaid’s extensive legal and corporate experience, noting that he is a seasoned lawyer with expertise spanning multiple areas, including financial services, corporate advisory, and regulatory compliance. His leadership is expected to bring strategic guidance and strong governance to TNG Digital as the company continues to expand its digital financial services footprint in Malaysia. Syed Zaid, who stepped away from active legal practice in 2018, previously served as the executive chairman of the Securities Commission (SC) until mid-2022. During his tenure at the SC, he was instrumental in strengthening governance frameworks, enhancing regulatory oversight, and promoting the development of Malaysia’s capital markets on both a domestic and international level. His contributions helped position the Malaysian capital markets as more robust and competitive globally. In addition to his new role at TNG Digital, Syed Zaid currently holds the chairmanship of CIMB Group Holdings Bhd, CIMB Bank Bhd, and Touch ‘n Go Sdn Bhd. His appointment to TNG Digital comes at a pivotal time for the company, as it seeks to leverage his wealth of experience in finance, regulation, and corporate strategy to drive innovation, improve operational excellence, and strengthen investor confidence in the rapidly evolving digital payments sector. TNG Digital said that with Syed Zaid’s appointment, the board aims to reinforce its commitment to transparency, corporate governance, and long-term strategic growth, particularly as the company looks to expand its range of digital financial products and services for Malaysian consumers.

KUALA LUMPUR, ICT Zone Asia Bhd has secured a purchase order worth RM14.15 million from Starza Corporation Sdn Bhd for the lease of information and communication technology (ICT) hardware and software over a 36-month period. In a filing with Bursa Malaysia on Tuesday, the company said the contract was awarded to its wholly owned subsidiary, ICT Zone Ventures Bhd, and covers the leasing of desktops, laptops, printers, Microsoft Office software, and related peripheral devices to Starza for deployment to a government agency. The agreement, however, excludes ICT services. ICT Zone plans to fund the acquisition of the hardware and software using a combination of IPO proceeds, bank borrowings, and internally generated funds. The group expects the order to positively contribute to earnings and net assets over the contract period, although gearing is likely to rise due to the partial use of borrowings. Having transitioned from the LEAP Market, ICT Zone raised RM26.6 million through its ACE Market IPO on June 3, allocating RM21 million specifically for ICT asset acquisitions to support future leasing arrangements. The company, which provides ICT solutions and technology financing, recorded a net profit of RM3.33 million for its first financial quarter ended April 30, 2025 (1QFY2026) on revenue of RM41.62 million, largely driven by its technology financing and ICT trading segments. ICT Zone has previously stated its goal of growing its unbilled order book to RM500 million within three years following its ACE Market listing, leveraging recurring income from long-term leasing contracts. The group’s shares closed 0.5 sen higher, or up 2.94%, at 17.5 sen on Tuesday, giving it a market capitalisation of RM139.2 million.

KUALA LUMPUR, Solarvest Holdings Bhd plans to raise up to RM254.1 million through a private placement, issuing 10% of its enlarged share capital to fund solar photovoltaic (PV) projects, support working capital, and repay borrowings. The exercise will involve up to 84.7 million new shares to be allocated to independent third parties, with the issue price to be determined later. Based on an illustrative price of RM3 per share—around a 4.15% discount to its five-day volume-weighted average price of RM3.13 up to Oct 17—the proceeds are estimated at RM254.1 million. Almost half of the funds, RM124.6 million, will go towards equity contributions for three solar PV projects: RM49 million for a 470MWac plant in Larut and Matang, Perak (a joint venture with Malakoff Corp Bhd), RM45.6 million for a 100MWac plant in Mukah, Sarawak (60%-owned by Solarvest), and RM30 million for a 60MWac plant in Kuala Langat, Selangor. The remaining proceeds will fund RM79.2 million in working capital, RM50 million to repay borrowings, and cover expenses related to the placement. Solarvest last conducted a private placement in April 2024, raising RM28.61 million via 20.15 million shares. The current placement is expected to be completed by the first half of 2026, with KAF Investment Bank Bhd appointed as principal adviser and placement agent. Shares in Solarvest closed two sen higher at RM3.17 on Tuesday, giving the company a market capitalisation of RM2.69 billion.

HANOI, Meey Group has announced the appointment of Ms. Léonie Nguyen as its new Chief Executive Officer, marking a significant leadership transition as the company accelerates its global expansion and prepares for a potential IPO. Mr. Hoang Mai Chung presents the appointment decision to Ms. Nguyen Ly Kieu Anh as CEO of Meey Group.  Ms. Nguyen, who has served as Chief Strategy Officer at Meey Group since January 2025, brings extensive international experience across technology, investment, and innovation. A well-connected figure in the global AI and Web3 sectors, she has invested in and advised numerous startups worldwide and co-founded several companies in emerging technology fields. Before entering the fintech and proptech industries, Ms. Nguyen held senior leadership roles managing global supply chains and strategic partnerships at Minh Thai ATV, working with major international brands such as Lacoste, Zara, The North Face, and Adidas. She also served as a Project Manager at GEODIS and held consulting positions across Europe and Asia. Ms. Nguyen holds a Master of Engineering in Industrial Engineering from the Université de Technologie de Troyes (France), a dual Master’s degree in Logistics and Management, and multiple executive certificates from leading U.S. institutions. Mr. Hoang Mai Chung, founder of Meey Group, will continue as Chairman of the Board, focusing on long-term strategy and partnerships. He said Ms. Nguyen’s appointment reflects Meey Group’s forward-looking approach during a pivotal phase of transformation. “Ms. Nguyen has played a vital role in shaping Meey Group’s foundation for sustainable growth,” Hoang said. “Her innovative mindset and strategic leadership will be key to strengthening the company’s position as it moves toward international expansion.” In her inaugural address, Ms. Nguyen outlined her vision of building a comprehensive technology ecosystem to drive Vietnam’s digital transformation and improve transparency in the real estate market. “We actualize technology through real products and real value, validated by the market,” she stated. She highlighted Meey Group’s recent achievements, including its business mission to New York, where it became one of the few Vietnamese companies to have the national flag displayed at the world’s largest financial center. This milestone, along with positive responses from global investors, has strengthened confidence in Meey Group’s growth trajectory. Ms. Nguyen emphasized her leadership philosophy centered on investing in people and fostering a culture of innovation. She described human capital as the “core foundation” of Meey Group’s success, noting the company’s growing team of millennial and Gen Z professionals driven by technological expertise and entrepreneurial ambition. Under her leadership, Meey Group will focus on preparing for a global IPO, including financial standardization, governance enhancement, and international expansion. The company is collaborating with Loeb & Loeb LLP, YKVN, and Marcum Asia to ensure compliance with global capital market standards. Having achieved ISO 9001:2015 and ISO/IEC 27001 certifications, Meey Group has already demonstrated its commitment to quality management and information security. The IPO process, Ms. Nguyen noted, requires “precision in every detail—from financial reporting to corporate governance—ensuring that growth and transparency move hand in hand.” Looking ahead, she envisions Meey Group as a global public enterprise, recognized for innovation, transparency, and sustainable value creation. The company aims to expand its PropTech ecosystem into new international markets and strengthen partnerships with major global financial institutions, reinforcing Vietnam’s position on the world technology map. “Meey Group’s success,” Ms. Nguyen concluded, “will not only define our future but also inspire greater recognition of Vietnamese innovation and potential within the global investment community.”    

SINGAPORE, Temus, a Temasek Holdings company focused on providing digital transformation solutions for the public and private sectors, has announced the appointment of three new managing directors to lead its key business verticals. Sutowo Wong joins as head of the AI and data practice. Formerly director of the Health Analytics Division at Singapore’s Ministry of Health, Wong led multidisciplinary teams applying AI, machine learning, and advanced analytics to inform policy, service planning, and operational improvements. He has also held senior roles at Accenture, Deloitte, and OgilvyOne, driving analytics, risk management, and AI transformation projects across healthcare, pharmaceuticals, financial services, telecoms, consumer goods, travel, hospitality, and retail in Southeast Asia, China, India, and Japan. Vincent Tay has been appointed head of the public sector practice. Tay was previously a partner in EY’s government and public sector practice, and before that in IBM Consulting’s public sector and healthcare practice. He brings nearly three decades of experience in IT consulting and digital transformation, having led initiatives in regulatory reform, citizen-facing platforms, and strategic studies that have strengthened Singapore’s digital governance capabilities. Samuel Chong takes the role of head of the insurance practice. He was most recently Vice President at eBaoTech International, where he spearheaded business strategy, market expansion, and digital insurance adoption across the region. Chong also served as CEO of Fullerton Systems and Services, a technology subsidiary of Fullerton Health, and has held senior roles at Dell EMC, Cisco, Capgemini, and Accenture. He brings over 20 years of leadership experience across insurance, fintech, healthtech, and digital transformation in the Asia-Pacific. In conjunction with these appointments, Temus announced three new strategic collaborations with the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA), Peak3, and Resaro. These partnerships aim to develop Singapore’s AI workforce, advance the responsible development of enterprise-grade AI, and drive digital adoption in the insurance sector, reinforcing Temus’ commitment to fostering innovation and digital transformation across industries.

SINGAPORE, Resorts World Sentosa (RWS) has announced the appointment of Si Chen as its new chief operating officer (COO). Chen, currently the CEO and representative director of Inspire Entertainment Resort in Incheon, South Korea, will assume the role on December 1. RWS said Chen’s appointment reflects the resort’s continued focus on leadership renewal and sustained operational excellence as it advances its transformation under RWS 2.0. As COO, Chen will support RWS chief executive officer Lee Shi Ruh, overseeing day-to-day operations and enhancing the overall guest experience. With nearly two decades of experience in the gaming and hospitality industry, Chen has held senior leadership roles at integrated resorts across the region. “We welcome Mr. Chen and look forward to his contributions as RWS continues its transformation and growth, reinforcing its position as a leading integrated resort and premier tourism destination in Asia,” RWS said in a statement. In line with Chen’s departure, Inspire Entertainment Resort has appointed Gyubum Ko as its new CEO, effective December 1. Inspire described Ko as a “business leader with over 20 years of proven leadership and management experience in global markets.” Ko has held senior positions at multinational companies including Procter & Gamble, Johnson & Johnson, Smith & Nephew, and Stryker, and has served as an independent board member of Jeisys Medical since November 2024. Inspire highlighted Ko’s extensive international experience, having successfully grown businesses across Korea, the U.S., China, Singapore, the U.K., the UAE, and Australia. “I am truly excited to join Inspire at such a dynamic time in the global casino and integrated resort industry. Drawing on international experience and customer insights, I look forward to working closely with Inspire’s talented team to drive innovation, enhance customer engagement, and deliver long-term value for our guests, employees, and stakeholders,” Ko said. Ohsang Kwon, partner at Bain Capital, Seoul, representing Inspire’s majority owner Bain Capital, praised Chen’s tenure at Inspire. “Under CEO Chen Si, Inspire successfully opened and achieved key milestones during its initial ramp-up, welcoming 4 million visitors in its first year and establishing itself as a leading entertainment destination for tourists, convention guests, and music fans.” Kwon added that Ko’s leadership, combining international expertise and market insight, is expected to continue Inspire’s growth momentum. “Bain Capital is excited to work closely with Inspire’s management team to invest in the resort’s long-term growth and operational excellence.”

KUALA LUMPUR, Gradiant, a global provider of advanced water and wastewater treatment solutions, has secured a US$50 million corporate credit facility from HSBC, bringing its total credit lines to more than US$100 million. (US$1 = RM4.21) The new financing underscores Gradiant’s financial strength and supports the company’s continued expansion of sustainable water solutions across its global markets. Gradiant co-founder and chief executive officer Anurag Bajpayee said the funding reflects the company’s financial maturity and the confidence that global lenders have in its performance and profitability. “Working with HSBC enhances our ability to deliver mission-critical water solutions to our industrial customers,” he said in a statement. Meanwhile, Gradiant’s chief financial officer Ananth Padmanabhan said the additional financing would strengthen the company’s balance sheet and liquidity as it expands project delivery worldwide. Structured as a corporate revolving credit facility, the HSBC line will support Gradiant’s working capital needs in the United States, providing flexible, on-demand liquidity to execute projects for its blue-chip North American customers. The company said its credit facilities were secured at single-digit interest rates, demonstrating a strong credit profile and robust support from institutional investors. Gradiant also sources financing directly from lending partners rather than through intermediaries, ensuring alignment between its financial strategy and long-term mission. With operations in over 90 countries, Gradiant plans to use the HSBC facility primarily to bolster its U.S. projects, while other credit lines will fund global expansion, particularly in the Indo-Pacific and Middle East regions. The financing marks another milestone in Gradiant’s growth trajectory as it continues to deliver innovative, sustainable water and wastewater solutions to industries worldwide.

Shopee has rolled out a RM50 million “Shopee Rai Lokal” MSME growth package to strengthen support for Malaysian micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and help them thrive in the country’s rapidly expanding digital economy. The initiative is designed to empower local entrepreneurs with comprehensive digital tools, training programmes, and incentives to build sustainable online businesses while expanding access to both domestic and international markets. “The Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry welcomes Shopee’s commitment through the RM50mil Shopee Rai Lokal MSME growth package, which aligns with the Government’s aspiration under Budget 2026 that allocates RM20mil for the Buy Malaysian Products initiative,” said Armizan. According to Shopee, the initiative reflects its long-term commitment to supporting local sellers in growing resilient businesses and contributing to Malaysia’s economic transformation. Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Minister Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali welcomed the initiative, describing it as a timely contribution that aligns with the Government’s “Buy Malaysian Products” campaign and its broader efforts to uplift local entrepreneurs. “The RM50 million Shopee Rai Lokal MSME growth package is in line with the Government’s aspiration under Budget 2026, which allocates RM20 million for the Buy Malaysian Products initiative. It also supports KPDN’s central theme for 2025, ‘Jom Beli Lokal’, and reinforces our shared determination to empower local entrepreneurs to stay competitive in the digital economy,” he said. Shopee Malaysia country director Saovanee Chan-Somchit said that as Shopee celebrates its 10th year in Malaysia, its mission remains focused on helping local MSMEs scale their businesses and reach wider audiences. “With this Shopee Rai Lokal growth package, we are deepening our commitment to helping sellers build resilient businesses, access the right digital tools, and grow sustainably online. We aim to walk alongside our local sellers as true partners in their long-term success,” she said. Under the RM50 million Shopee Rai Lokal MSME growth package, Shopee is offering support across several key areas — financial incentives, marketing tools, and capacity building. New sellers will benefit from commission fee waivers of up to RM2,000 and platform support fee exemptions. Shopee will also provide a complimentary six-month trial of its Fulfilled-by-Shopee (FBS) service, which includes warehousing support, faster delivery options such as same-day or next-day delivery, and free return-to-seller and storage services. In addition, sellers will receive RM60 in advertising credits to boost store visibility, while those using the GMV Max feature will have access to Shopee’s Return on Ad Spend (ROAS) Protection Programme — offering free ad credits if their campaigns do not achieve the expected performance. To help MSMEs strengthen their business capabilities, Shopee will expand access to the ShopeeXpert Community, providing personalised mentorship, expert guidance, and peer learning opportunities. Shopee University will continue offering targeted webinars and training sessions on store optimisation, digital marketing, and cross-border selling strategies. Beyond this package, Shopee continues to support local MSMEs through complementary initiatives such as the Shopee International Platform (SIP), which connects Malaysian sellers to regional markets in Singapore, Thailand, and the Philippines. Its SLoan for Sellers programme also provides flexible financing to help entrepreneurs invest in inventory, scale operations, and capture growth opportunities. These initiatives have already proven effective in helping small businesses achieve measurable success. Raymond Leong, founder of Hiasani — a DIY home essentials store — shared that Shopee’s integrated tools simplified everything from delivery logistics to advertising campaigns. “Once I learned how to optimise my storefront and marketing, my sales grew by 40%. The data dashboards gave me the confidence to scale my business,” he said. Similarly, chili farmer-turned-entrepreneur Mansur Remely credited Shopee for helping him turn his passion into a sustainable livelihood. “Shopee allowed me to reach customers far beyond my hometown. What started as a small business has now become my full-time venture,” he said. Through the Shopee Rai Lokal initiative, the company aims to continue building a more inclusive digital ecosystem, empowering Malaysian MSMEs to compete on both regional and global stages while fostering national pride in local products.

KUCHING, Singapore-based Health Management International Pte Ltd (HMI Medical) will establish a state-of-the-art smart specialist hospital, Regency Hospital Kuching, within The NorthBank township — a flagship mixed development by Ibraco Bhd. The proposed 300-bed hospital will feature comprehensive specialist and subspecialty services, advanced digital healthcare systems, and internationally benchmarked clinical standards, said HMI Medical group chief executive officer Chin Wei Jia. She said the project aims to meet rising demand for quality healthcare services in Sarawak and across Southeast Asia, while creating more than 1,000 new jobs and cross-training opportunities for healthcare professionals to enhance patient-centred care. With over 27 years of experience in healthcare operations across Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Vietnam, HMI Medical currently manages Mahkota Medical Centre in Melaka and Regency Specialist Hospital in Johor. Dr Richard Chew, senior surgeon and board director of HMI’s hospitals in Malaysia — and a Sarawakian — will lead the development of Regency Hospital Kuching, which is scheduled to open in 2029. “This initiative will drive new economic opportunities and strengthen Sarawak’s position as a leading medical tourism hub in Southeast Asia,” said Chin during the signing of a share sale agreement between Ibraco and Kuching Health Holdings Sdn Bhd, a wholly owned subsidiary of HMI Medical. Under the agreement, Ibraco will sell its 100% stake in NorthBank Specialist Hospital Sdn Bhd (NSHSB) to Kuching Health Holdings for RM900,000 cash. Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg witnessed the signing during the Sarawak Mega Fair 2025 at Singapore’s Suntec Convention & Exhibition Centre last Thursday. In a Bursa Malaysia filing, Ibraco said the transaction was made on a “willing buyer, willing seller” basis, with no material gain or loss expected. NSHSB currently holds development approval for a private hospital project that has yet to commence operations. Ibraco said the disposal enables a reputable healthcare group to realise the hospital’s potential while enhancing Sarawak’s private healthcare landscape. “This collaboration supports the national agenda to expand high-quality private healthcare services and improve accessibility for the community,” it said. The hospital will be built on a 1.7ha leasehold site within The NorthBank, with land acquisition to be completed within six months.