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KUALA LUMPUR, CGS International Securities Pte Ltd, via its subsidiary CGS International Securities Malaysia Sdn Bhd, has introduced two new Islamic structured investment products: the Islamic Equity Linked Investment Notes (ELIN-i) and the Islamic Autocallable Equity Structured Investment Notes (AESIN-i). According to Rushdan Nadzir, Group Head of Syariah Services, the launch marks a significant milestone as these are the first Shariah-compliant equity-linked structured investment products in Malaysia, specifically designed for affluent and institutional investors. “These offerings underscore our dedication to financial innovation while aligning with our shared mission to position Malaysia as a global hub for Islamic finance,” Rushdan said during the product launch. He added that the products support the vision outlined in Bank Negara Malaysia’s Financial Sector Blueprint 2022–2026, which seeks to solidify Malaysia’s status as a leading financial centre in ASEAN. Rushdan noted that Malaysia’s Islamic capital market, valued at over RM2.6 trillion and representing 63% of the nation’s total capital market, provides a robust foundation for these new offerings. ELIN-i and AESIN-i are designed to provide structured exposure for sophisticated investors seeking opportunities in Shariah-compliant equity investments. “These products tap into Malaysia’s strong legacy in Islamic finance and CGS’s investment expertise to deliver structured alternatives for high net-worth individuals and entities,” he said.

PETALING JAYA, July 23 (Bernama) – YelaoShr Education Group Sdn Bhd has officially become a licensed franchise under the YelaoShr brand, setting its sights on establishing 300 centres throughout Malaysia by 2028. The announcement was made at a franchise signing ceremony today, where the education provider also welcomed 66 new franchisees under its expansion initiative. Co-founder and CEO David Yap Wing Fai said the franchise model is built to empower educators and young professionals to operate centres using a standardised, proven system. “From humble beginnings in a single classroom, we’ve grown into a network of over 60 centres, supported by thousands of educators and tens of thousands of students who benefit from our trilingual, one-on-one teaching approach,” he said. Yap stressed that YelaoShr’s mission extends beyond numerical growth, aiming to uplift individuals — particularly women and youth — by helping them build sustainable education ventures. “Our vision is not just to open 300 centres, but to create 300 stories of transformation,” he added. To date, YelaoShr has reached over 120,000 students nationwide through its personalised learning model, which focuses on individual instruction in Mandarin, English, and Bahasa Malaysia. Established in 2005, the company is currently in the pre-IPO phase and is working toward listing on the ACE Market of Bursa Malaysia within two years. Malaysian Franchise Association (MFA) chairman Datuk Dr Radzali Hassan commended YelaoShr’s achievement, noting it reflects the ongoing progress of Malaysia’s franchise industry. “With more than 1,200 registered franchises and over 13,000 outlets nationwide, the sector continues to generate tens of thousands of jobs,” he said. “YelaoShr, though a relatively new member of MFA, is poised to make a strong impact in the industry.” He also lauded YelaoShr’s plan to go public, calling it a bold move that underscores the company’s confidence in its educational mission. “It shows a deep commitment to delivering accessible, quality education to children from all backgrounds,” he added. In conjunction with the event, YelaoShr launched a new book titled “Finnish Education is What Malaysian Children Need the Most”, which examines how Finnish education philosophies can be integrated with Malaysia’s Madani Education Framework. As part of its CSR efforts, YelaoShr also donated a total of RM33,688 to three charitable organisations. Madrasah Tahfiz Al-Quran Darul Falah in Melaka and Maahad Tahfiz Istiqomatuddin in Sementa, Klang each received RM10,000, while Dual Blessing Bhd was presented with RM13,688.

PETALING JAYA, E-hailing platforms inDrive and Maxim have been granted a three-month probation period to continue operations, following successful appeals against the revocation of their licences. The Land Public Transport Agency (APAD) said both companies were required to implement corrective actions, especially in ensuring that all drivers possess valid e-hailing vehicle permits (EVPs). “To comply with these requirements, both firms have enhanced their registration systems to ensure only drivers with valid EVPs are allowed to operate. Additionally, APAD has been given ‘view only’ access to their databases for easier cross-verification,” the agency said in a statement. A spot check conducted by APAD on July 11 confirmed that both operators were in compliance. As a result, APAD and the Road Transport Department agreed to place the companies under a three-month observation period starting July 23. During this period, representatives from inDrive and Maxim must attend monthly meetings at APAD’s headquarters. These sessions will allow real-time monitoring and random inspections of driver compliance via the firms’ mobile apps. The firms were initially ordered to cease operations from July 24 due to non-compliance with regulations introduced in 2019. In previous enforcement actions, inDrive was found operating with an expired licence in 2022, while Maxim was caught allowing unpermitted vehicles on its platform in 2023.

KUALA LUMPUR, UOB Malaysia has bagged three prestigious awards, further strengthening its reputation as one of the top foreign banks operating in the country. At the Euromoney Awards for Excellence 2025, UOB Malaysia was named Best Bank for Consumers, recognising its strong retail banking presence. The bank also took home Best Bank and Best Sustainable Bank in Malaysia under the international category at the 29th Annual FinanceAsia Awards 2025 – Southeast Asia. “These accolades reflect UOB Malaysia’s unwavering commitment to excellence, sustainability, and innovation that puts customers first,” the bank said in a statement. The Euromoney win highlights UOB Malaysia’s retail banking success, bolstered by its integration of Citigroup’s consumer banking business and continued growth in credit card and wealth management services. FinanceAsia’s recognition acknowledges the bank’s resilience and strong performance in 2024. UOB Malaysia’s leadership in sustainable finance is underpinned by a robust framework aligned with international standards, alongside deep sectoral expertise and customised solutions that assist businesses in their low-carbon transition journeys. UOB Malaysia is also the first bank to collaborate with Bursa Malaysia to provide the Centralised Sustainability Intelligence platform to its SME customers. This initiative supports businesses in enhancing sustainability performance and reporting in line with the National Sustainability Reporting Framework (NSRF). Further demonstrating its sustainability commitment, the bank continues to embed green practices into its operations—symbolised by its eco-friendly headquarters, UOB Plaza 1 in Kuala Lumpur. These awards add to UOB Malaysia’s growing recognition in the industry. Earlier in March, it was named Malaysia’s Best Bank at Global Finance’s 32nd Annual World’s Best Bank Awards – Asia Pacific.

KUALA LUMPUR, Jati Tinggi Group Bhd has secured a RM19.41 million contract from Tenaga Nasional Bhd for submarine cable installation works in Sungai Manjung, Perak. In a bourse filing on Tuesday, the company said the scope of work includes dismantling existing submarine cables and supplying pipes, new 33-kilovolt submarine cables and accessories. The contract was awarded to an unincorporated joint venture 70% owned by Jati Tinggi’s wholly owned subsidiary Jati Tinggi Holding Sdn Bhd and 30% by Worktime Engineering Sdn Bhd. The contract will be completed within 365 days, the company added. This latest win follows a RM54.24 million cable installation contract awarded to the same partnership in June. With the new award, Jati Tinggi has secured a total of RM192.68 million in new projects since December 2024. For the financial year ended Nov 30, 2024, Jati Tinggi posted a net profit of RM9.7 million on revenue of RM128 million, up from RM3.9 million in net profit on RM115 million revenue in the previous year. Jati Tinggi shares closed 0.5 sen or 1.1% lower at 46.5 sen on Tuesday, giving the company a market capitalisation of RM182.2 million. Year-to-date, the stock has declined 4.1%.

Senheng New Retail Berhad has announced the appointment of its Executive Chairman, Lim Kim Heng, to the additional role of Managing Director, effective 1 August 2025. The move consolidates leadership at the top of Malaysia’s leading consumer electronics retailer. Lim, 64, a well-known veteran in the Malaysian retail industry, will now serve as both Non-Independent Executive Chairman and Managing Director. The dual role was approved by Senheng’s Board of Directors, acknowledging his key contributions to the company’s success and his vision for future growth. As Managing Director, Lim will assume direct oversight of day-to-day operations and lead the execution of strategic initiatives, while continuing to chair the Board and uphold strong corporate governance. The company expects the expanded leadership role to streamline decision-making and accelerate its long-term plans. The Board expressed full confidence in Lim’s continued leadership and his ability to steer the company through the evolving retail landscape.

KUALA LUMPUR, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has announced several new initiatives aimed at easing the cost of living for Malaysians, as part of a nationwide appreciation effort. The measures, which reflect the government’s commitment to supporting citizens amid ongoing economic challenges, include direct financial assistance, policy expansions, and price control mechanisms. 1. One-Off Cash Assistance for All Adults A one-time cash aid of RM100 will be provided to all Malaysian citizens aged 18 and above. The funds can be utilised between 31 August and 31 December 2025. This initiative, under the Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) programme, is expected to benefit approximately 22 million individuals, with a total allocation of RM2 billion. 2. Additional Public Holiday To mark Malaysia Day celebrations, Monday, 15 September 2025, has been declared a national public holiday. 3. Expansion of Jualan Rahmah MADANI The government will double the allocation for the Jualan Rahmah MADANI programme from RM300 million to RM600 million. The initiative provides essential goods at subsidised prices, and the increased funding will enable broader coverage and more frequent sales nationwide. 4. Toll Hike Postponement Planned toll rate increases for 10 major highways will be deferred, providing immediate relief to daily commuters. 5. Targeted RON95 Fuel Subsidy A targeted fuel subsidy will be introduced for RON95 petrol, setting the price at RM2.00 per litre for eligible Malaysian citizens. Foreign nationals, however, will be required to pay the market rate. These measures are part of the government’s wider strategy to ensure economic inclusivity and protect the welfare of the rakyat, especially amid rising living costs and global uncertainties.

Renault Group has appointed Nicolas Paris as the new Chief Executive Officer of Renault Korea, the company announced on Monday. Nicolas Paris, Chief Executive Officer of Renault Korea Paris will take over from current CEO Stephane Deblaise, who has been named to lead Renault Group’s operations in India starting September 1. Paris, a graduate of Reims Management School in France, brings more than two decades of experience in global automotive procurement and leadership. Before joining Renault Group in 2015, he worked at ZF Lenksysteme, an automotive components supplier. Within Renault, he has held various leadership positions across France, India, and China—including as head of purchasing at the Alliance Innovation Lab in China—and most recently served as vice president overseeing procurement for batteries, e-powertrains, ADAS, connectivity, software, and electronic components. Deblaise, who took the helm at Renault Korea in March 2022, focused on strengthening the company’s long-term competitiveness and strategic value within the group. He led the rollout of the Aurora Project, a flagship development initiative aligned with Renault’s international goals. The project’s first vehicle, the Grand Koleos, launched in September 2024, has already sold more than 45,000 units in South Korea. Renault said Deblaise’s move to lead its Indian operations highlights his strong leadership and the strategic significance of the Indian market.

SEOUL / KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysian exporters are gaining momentum in expanding their footprint in East Asia, following strong participation in the Korea Import Fair 2025 held in Seoul. The event, one of South Korea’s premier global sourcing platforms, offered Malaysian businesses valuable exposure and new trade opportunities. Spearheaded by the Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE), the Malaysian delegation featured over 30 companies representing key sectors such as halal food and beverages, palm oil-based products, processed agro-goods, health and wellness, and sustainable consumer items. Organised by the Korea Importers Association (KOIMA), the fair attracted over 1,000 buyers and industry representatives from South Korea and neighboring markets. Malaysian exhibitors reportedly generated potential trade leads exceeding RM100 million, with several firms entering final negotiations for long-term supply deals. “This platform has created meaningful openings for Malaysian exporters, particularly in niche categories like halal-certified foods and plant-based health products, which are gaining traction among Korean consumers,” said MATRADE’s Trade Commissioner to Seoul, Noor Aini Abdul Rahman. South Korean buyers expressed strong interest in Malaysia’s emphasis on quality, sustainability, and innovation — particularly in food safety and eco-friendly packaging. Many cited Malaysia’s competitive pricing and proven reliability as key factors in driving trade discussions. A snack manufacturer from Selangor emerged as a standout, entering advanced talks with a major Korean retailer to supply tropical fruit chips under a private-label agreement. Other promising leads were secured by producers of palm oil-based personal care products and herbal beverages — both aligned with Korea’s rising health and wellness trends. “This fair offered a direct channel to Korean buyers and insights into their consumer preferences and regulatory landscape,” said Lim Yee Mei, business development manager of one participating SME. “We’re confident about building long-term collaborations in this market.” MATRADE’s presence also included a Halal Showcase to position Malaysia as a global halal hub, supporting the government’s broader export diversification goals. This effort comes amid a rise in Muslim tourism to South Korea and increased domestic interest in halal-certified goods. Beyond matchmaking sessions, participants also attended briefings on Korea’s import regulations, e-commerce landscape, consumer behavior, and halal certification frameworks. The Korea Import Fair is a key component of MATRADE’s North Asia market strategy, which also includes upcoming trade missions to Japan, Taiwan, and China. “With the right approach and persistence, Malaysia has significant potential to grow its exports to Korea, particularly in areas that resonate with consumer demand,” Noor Aini noted. In 2024, Malaysia-South Korea bilateral trade reached RM102.5 billion, with palm oil, electronics, and chemical products among Malaysia’s top exports. The Korea Import Fair 2025 has reaffirmed its role as a vital springboard for Malaysian companies aiming to tap into one of Asia’s most dynamic and discerning markets.

KUALA LUMPUR, Prolintas Managers Sdn Bhd, the trustee-manager of Prolintas Infra Business Trust, has named Mohamad Idros Mosin as chief executive officer effective July 21, ending a months-long interim leadership arrangement. His appointment comes after a leadership void managed by a temporary executive team led by non-executive chairman Datuk Ikmal Hijaz Hashim. Following Idros’ installation, the board resolved to disband the interim team, according to the company’s filing with Bursa Malaysia. Idros, 53, brings nearly 30 years of experience in strategic investments and real estate, having held senior roles at Permodalan Nasional Bhd (PNB), which fully owns Projek Lintasan Kota Holdings Sdn Bhd — the majority stakeholder (51.02%) of the trust. He most recently served as executive director at Prolintas from August 2024 to June 2025 and previously led PNB’s real estate and strategic investment divisions. He holds a Bachelor of Business Administration (Hons) from the International Islamic University Malaysia. The CEO post had been vacant since February 2025, when former CEO Malik Parvez Ahmad Nazir Ahmad was redesignated as a non-executive director. That same month, Datuk Mohammad Azlan Abdullah stepped down from the board, citing personal reasons. An interim team was formed following the arrests of the then-CEO and seven others by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) in June 2024 over alleged bribery involving two highway projects worth RM1.67 billion. In June 2025, Prolintas COO Rostam Shahrif Tami pleaded guilty to failing to report a bribe and was fined RM100,000, with over RM1 million in assets — including luxury watches and two cars — forfeited. Another executive, Zairulnizam Rohani, is currently on trial over a separate RM50,000 bribery charge. Prolintas Managers has clarified that neither of the individuals are part of Prolintas Infra Business Trust, which operates four toll highways: the Ampang-Kuala Lumpur Elevated Highway (AKLEH), Guthrie Corridor Expressway (GCE), Kemuning-Shah Alam Highway (LKSA), and Kajang SILK Expressway. These assets were transferred from Prolintas’ six-highway portfolio to the business trust ahead of its March 2024 listing, which raised RM445.3 million. The two remaining highways, SUKE and DASH, remain under the parent company. Prolintas Infra units closed at 97 sen on Monday, down half a sen or 0.51%, maintaining a slight premium over its IPO price of 95 sen, giving the trust a market capitalisation of RM1.07 billion.