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Poh Kong Holdings Bhd has appointed Poh Ying Loo as an independent and non-executive director, effective April 13, 2026. In a filing with Bursa Malaysia, the jewellery retailer said Poh, 64, brings over 35 years of experience spanning auditing, manufacturing, trading and retail industries. He began his career in 1986 as an auditor with Ong Boon Bah & Co before moving on to roles in several companies, including FACB Industries Inc Bhd and CPC/AJI (M) Sdn Bhd, where he served as a senior accountant. Poh later joined AEON Co (M) Bhd in 1996 as a finance manager and steadily rose through the ranks to become chief financial officer and executive director. In that role, he was responsible for overseeing corporate management, operations and business strategy. He retired from AEON in June 2020. Currently, Poh serves on the boards of Berjaya Sports Toto Bhd and MST Golf Group Bhd.

Computer infrastructure firm Pentech Holdings Bhd has entered into an underwriting agreement with Public Investment Bank Bhd for its upcoming initial public offering (IPO) on the ACE Market. Under the agreement, Public Investment Bank will underwrite approximately 62 million shares, representing 10% of Pentech’s enlarged share capital. This covers shares allocated to the Malaysian public as well as the “pink form” tranche for eligible parties. Pentech managing director and chief executive officer Yeoh Chin Ming said the agreement marks an important milestone in the company’s listing journey and reflects confidence in its business prospects. He added that the timing is favourable, as the group is well-positioned to capitalise on growth opportunities within Malaysia’s ICT sector. Based in Penang, Pentech specialises in enterprise ICT infrastructure, including systems integration, hardware and software supply, as well as cloud and related services. In the financial year ended Dec 31, 2024, more than half of the company’s revenue was derived from systems integration projects involving enterprise data centres, network infrastructure and security systems. Pentech recorded a net profit of nearly RM10 million on revenue of RM188.94 million for the year. Following the IPO, Yeoh is expected to retain joint control of about 60% of the company through Evernorth Capital Sdn Bhd, together with chief sales officer Ho Huang Ken and business development director Toh Say Yee. Public Investment Bank is acting as principal adviser, sponsor, sole underwriter and sole placement agent for the IPO.

Big Caring Group Bhd is stepping up its use of automation and artificial intelligence (AI) across its supply chain as it prepares for a Main Market listing on Bursa Malaysia. The retail pharmacy and healthcare group recently unveiled a new distribution centre in Klang, along with a centralised corporate headquarters. Strategically located near Port Klang, the facility is expected to strengthen logistics efficiency and support nationwide distribution. The group had earlier filed its draft prospectus, with a significant portion of IPO proceeds earmarked to reduce its RM1.3 billion borrowings and fund an automated distribution centre. Executive director Lim Sin Yin said the move towards automation was shaped by lessons from the Covid-19 pandemic, which highlighted weaknesses in traditional operating models during periods of volatile demand and supply chain disruptions. The new facility integrates robotics, warehouse control systems, and inventory management into a unified ecosystem, improving coordination and operational visibility. This has led to a 76.5% boost in efficiency and 99.8% accuracy in operations. Lim added that AI now plays a key role in demand forecasting and inventory planning, analysing real-time sales data to anticipate shifts and optimise stock levels. On the operational side, more than 160 robots and 700 racks support faster fulfilment and higher storage capacity, while reducing manual workload for staff. The centralised headquarters complements the distribution centre by bringing teams together to improve collaboration and speed up decision-making. Big Caring currently operates over 600 pharmacy outlets nationwide under brands such as BIG Pharmacy, CARiNG Pharmacy, Georgetown Pharmacy, Wellings, and Ting Pharmacy. It also connects with more than 5,000 healthcare partners, including hospitals and clinics, while processing over 90,000 order lines daily. Founded in 2006 by husband-and-wife pharmacists Lee Meng Chuan and Lim, the group has expanded through organic growth and acquisitions, including RedCap Pharmacy, My Pharmacy, and CARiNG Pharmacy. Under its planned IPO, Big Caring aims to offer up to 1.88 billion shares, with proceeds supporting expansion plans of 40 to 50 new outlets annually over the next three to five years. The new Klang facility will play a key role as its existing Bukit Raja centre approaches full capacity. For the financial year ended June 30, 2025, the group recorded a net profit of RM143.02 million on revenue of RM3.41 billion, with same-store sales growth rising to 9.6% from 7.3% a year earlier.

The government has allocated up to RM5 billion in low-cost financing to support the growth of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), according to Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives Minister Steven Sim. Sim said the loans, offered at interest rates between 3% and 5%, are aimed at helping businesses upgrade operations, adopt automation, and transition դեպի more sustainable practices. The funding forms part of a broader push to strengthen SMEs amid increasing global uncertainties and economic shifts. Speaking at the launch of Heritage Brands of Penang, a publication by the Penang Institute highlighting long-standing businesses, Sim introduced the PowerUp10K campaign as a key initiative for the year. Under this campaign, the government aims to disburse up to RM15 billion in low-cost financing in 2026, up from RM10 billion last year. The initiative targets supporting 10,000 businesses, with at least RM100 million allocated to train up to 100,000 entrepreneurs. As of February, RM2 billion in financing has already been approved under the programme. Sim noted that Penang is well-positioned to benefit, given its strong presence in the semiconductor sector and its history of innovation. He highlighted heritage brand Ghee Hiang as an example of business evolution—from producing traditional tau sar pneah (Tambun biscuits) to exporting sesame oil, and now exploring health supplements using its oil’s properties. He encouraged Penang businesses to tap into the available support to sustain growth over the next 50 to 100 years.

Tenaga Nasional Bhd (TNB) is partnering with the Perak government to refurbish key hydroelectric stations along the Temengor, Bersia, and Kenering corridor at a total cost of RM5.8 billion. Perak Infrastructure, Energy, Water and Public Transport Committee chairman Datuk Seri Mohammad Nizar Jamaluddin (front left) and Perak State Development Corporation (PKNPk) chief executive Datuk Redza Rafiq Abdul Razak (second from right), with other representatives, at Thursday’s groundbreaking ceremony.  The project is being carried out under TNB’s Hydro Life Extension Programme (HLEP), which includes the development of a centralised workers’ quarters. The upgrades are expected to enhance operational efficiency and increase the total hydroelectric generation capacity to 650.75 megawatts (MW). The HLEP will be executed by a consortium led by Voith Hydro and HeiTech Padu Bhd, which has been awarded a RM1.04 billion contract for the core engineering and construction works. The programme aims to strengthen Perak’s position in clean energy and attract potential investment in green technology and data centres. Perak Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad said the RM5.8 billion investment is expected to revitalise towns such as Gerik and the Hulu Perak district, transforming the area into a new economic hub. He added that the state government is committed to ensuring local contractors and vendors benefit from the project, supporting the growth of Perak’s industrial ecosystem. Datuk Redza Rafiq Abdul Razak, chief executive of Perak State Development Corporation (PKNPk), highlighted that the centralised workers’ quarters, which can accommodate 200 staff, is crucial for operational efficiency while maintaining worker welfare and community standards. The groundbreaking ceremony for the workers’ quarters was held in Bandariang, Gerik, marking the start of this large-scale hydroelectric refurbishment initiative.

Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) has imposed a RM1 million fine on Bank Kerjasama Rakyat Malaysia Bhd (Bank Rakyat) over inadequate cybersecurity controls and insufficient incident response measures that led to breaches of customer data. The fine was issued on 20 January 2026 and paid by the bank on 26 January 2026. According to a statement on BNM’s website, the penalty followed a cyberattack that allowed unauthorised access to Bank Rakyat’s IT systems, highlighting lapses in the bank’s cybersecurity and consumer data protection protocols. In response, Bank Rakyat has implemented remedial actions to strengthen its cybersecurity infrastructure, ICT controls, governance arrangements, and resources. BNM emphasised that all financial institutions must adhere to two key policy documents: Risk Management in Technology Policy Document – requires banks to maintain robust cybersecurity measures to detect, prevent, and respond to threats, with clear plans for incident management, recovery, and communication. Management of Customer Information Permitted Disclosures Policy Document – mandates strong safeguards to protect customer data against theft, misuse, or unauthorised access, with continuous monitoring for suspicious activity. BNM warned that it will continue to take strict action against any financial institutions that fail to comply with legal and regulatory requirements, reinforcing the importance of cybersecurity and data protection in Malaysia’s banking sector.

RHB Banking Group has launched two new wealth and protection solutions: RHB Wealth Advance and Takaful mySmart Income Enhanced, offering both conventional and Shariah-compliant options. The products were developed in collaboration with Tokio Marine Life Insurance Malaysia and Syarikat Takaful Malaysia Keluarga. Jeffrey Ng Eow Oo, Managing Director of Group Community Banking at RHB, said,“Customers today seek solutions that help them grow, protect, and transfer their wealth with confidence. RWA and MSIE provide two complementary pathways tailored to different financial priorities, risk appetites, and life stages.” RHB Wealth Advance is a protection and investment plan designed for wealth accumulation and intergenerational wealth transfer. It offers premium payment terms of three, five, or eight years, with coverage up to age 128. The plan provides guaranteed acceptance up to age 75 without a health questionnaire, 100% allocation for basic premiums from year one, access to a diversified range of investment funds, and protection benefits of up to 200% of total premiums paid, with additional benefits for accidental death. Takaful mySmart Income Enhanced is a Shariah-compliant family takaful plan offered via RHB Islamic Bank. It provides guaranteed yearly income and financial protection in case of death or total permanent disability. Contributions can be made over three years, with coverage extending up to 20 years. The plan also includes periodic Cash Booster Benefits, maturity payouts based on accumulated savings and investment performance, wealth distribution through Hibah Takaful, and accidental death coverage up to 500% of the sum covered. Both plans are now available nationwide at RHB Bank branches.

WPP Media Malaysia has been appointed as the Integrated Media Agency of Record for IKEA Malaysia under a three-year mandate covering strategy, planning and media buying across all channels. The partnership marks a new phase in how IKEA Malaysia engages and connects with customers. Leveraging WPP Open, WPP’s agentic marketing platform, IKEA Malaysia aims to deliver smarter, more personalised campaigns designed to turn online browsing into in-store visits. The collaboration reflects IKEA Malaysia’s focus on strengthening its media approach in an increasingly competitive and fragmented landscape. By tapping into WPP’s predictive intelligence and integrated media capabilities, IKEA Malaysia plans to better connect online inspiration with physical store experiences. The partnership is also intended to help the brand remain agile, data-driven and aligned with evolving customer behaviours. The collaboration will centre on three key priorities: deeper customer understanding, future-ready media execution, and measurable business outcomes. WPP Media will translate data into actionable insights to create more personalised experiences, support faster adaptation to market changes, and drive results such as customer acquisition, IKEA Family loyalty and clearer return on investment. The appointment builds on WPP Media’s existing global relationship with IKEA, with partnerships already in place across Europe, MENA, India, Japan and Australia. Helen McRae, CEO, SEAPAT (Southeast Asia, Pakistan, South Africa and Taiwan), WPP Media, said the partnership highlights the strength of WPP Open’s AI-led media ecosystem in delivering deeper consumer insights and measurable business impact. She added that the focus over the next three years will be on connecting digital discovery with in-store experiences while supporting sustainable growth for the IKEA brand. Amanda Low, Country Marketing Manager & PR, IKEA Malaysia, said the partnership marks a shift in how the brand engages Malaysians. She noted that WPP Media’s data-driven strategies and integrated media expertise will enable IKEA Malaysia to move with greater agility and deliver more relevant and meaningful customer experiences across touchpoints, while supporting the brand’s next phase of growth.

Concrete Engineering Products Bhd has received a takeover offer from YTL Cement Bhd, valued at RM2.60 per share, for a 53.49% stake in the company. The deal covers 32.92 million shares and is worth RM103.79 million, marking a 39% premium over Concrete Engineering’s last traded price of RM1.87 prior to trading suspension on Wednesday. Privately held YTL Cement, the building materials arm of YTL Corporation Bhd, plans to extend the offer to all remaining minority shareholders in line with Bursa Malaysia’s listing requirements. The offer represents a premium of 60% to over 90% compared with the stock’s volume-weighted average prices over the past one month to one year. YTL Cement has stated that it intends to maintain Concrete Engineering’s listing status on the Main Market. Among the sellers in the transaction are Inch Kenneth Kajang Rubber Public Limited Company, which held a 19.32% stake, and Datuk Dr Che Muhamad Fasir Samsudin, who sold a 4.09% stake, alongside his son Muhammad Firdaus Muhamad, who sold 4.67%. The disposal forms part of Inch Kenneth Kajang Rubber’s strategy to streamline non-core assets and focus on tourism, property development, and rubber manufacturing. The divestment is expected to generate proceeds of RM19.97 million for the group. Concrete Engineering, which manufactures and sells prestressed spun concrete piles and poles, has seen its stock surge to a 19-year high of RM1.99 in late March 2026, following months of muted trading below RM1.17. Its shares will resume trading on April 2. The company reported narrowing net losses of RM2.88 million in 1QFY2026 from RM5.99 million a year earlier, with revenue rising 8.3% to RM13.08 million. The takeover follows a series of shareholder adjustments, including the recent settlement of a RM16.8 million debt to Muhamad Fasir via the transfer of a 12.68% stake in Inch Kenneth Kajang Rubber, as well as exits by other family-linked holdings. YTL Cement’s offer is seen as a strategic move to gain control of a key infrastructure materials player while maintaining the company’s listing and operational continuity.

Tin miner and metal producer Malaysia Smelting Corp Bhd has announced a RM10 million investment to build a new rotary furnace at Rahman Hydraulic Tin (RHT) in Klian Intan, Perak, the company said in a press statement on Friday. The new furnace, expected to be completed by the third quarter of 2026, is planned to process approximately 10 tonnes of tin ore per day. Once operational, it will allow MSC to convert tin ore to crude tin metal on-site at RHT, reducing the current need to transport ore to its smelting facility in Pulau Indah, Port Klang for initial processing. After the primary conversion at RHT, the crude tin metal will be sent to the Pulau Indah facility for final refining before being delivered to London Metal Exchange warehouses and industrial customers in the electrical and electronics sectors. MSC co-CEO Nicolas Chen Seong Lee said the new rotary furnace will enhance operational efficiency by better integrating the company’s mining and smelting operations. “By initiating the primary smelting process at the mine, we can streamline material flow, improve efficiency, and provide a more consistent feedstock to our Pulau Indah smelter for final refining,” he noted. Co-CEO Lam Hoi Khong added that the investment would optimise logistics and turnaround times. “This investment strengthens our cost structure by reducing the need to transport non-value-adding materials over long distances. By shifting part of the processing upstream, we can optimise logistics, improve turnaround time, and enhance overall efficiency across the value chain,” he said. Shares of MSC closed unchanged at RM1.86 on Friday, giving the company a market capitalisation of RM1.56 billion.