Malaysia

Popular Korean convenience store chain emart24 today marked the opening of its 100th store in Malaysia at a launch event in their new outlet in Kota Damansara.  Vuitton Pang, CEO of emart24 Holdings Sdn Bhd, described the brand’s journey in Malaysia as both humbling and inspiring. “The 100th store is a milestone we’re truly thankful for, and has been made more meaningful by the trust and encouragement of the communities we serve.”  “We remain committed to growing hand-in-hand with Malaysians and building meaningful connections for many more years to come. We hope to open another 50 outlets over the next year to bring affordable halal Korean street food experience to even more neighbourhoods,” he said.  “What began with a single store in Bangsar South has grown into a familiar presence across the country,” Pang continued. “We’re always listening to our customers and will continue to optimise our network to better serve our customers by being closer to wherever they are.”  “The Retail scene is evolving, and Malaysians today seek more meaningful connections in their daily experiences. We are excited to be part of this shift by offering a blend of quality, culture and community.”  emart24 was the first and fastest Korean convenience chain to break into Malaysia’s East Coast, tapping into local demand for halal-certified Korean flavours. “The response in States like Terengganu and Kelantan has been incredibly encouraging, and we are grateful for the warm welcome and continuous support,” Pang added.  Backed by South Korea’s retail giant Shinsegae Group, emart24 is the fastest-growing convenience store brand in its home country, with over 6,500 outlets. Malaysia is its first overseas market, and the brand’s success here has been closely tied to the rise of Korean culture and local demand for accessible, high-quality convenience offerings.  Kang In Sok, COO of emart24 Korea, said: “We congratulate emart24 Malaysia on the opening of its 100th store in Malaysia. I would like to express my heartfelt appreciation to everyone who has contributed to emart24’s remarkable growth in the Malaysian market. I look forward to seeing emart24 continue to lead the convenience store industry in Malaysia with even greater success in the future.”  The brand’s signature halal-certified Korean street food, including its bestselling cupbap and cheesy tteokbokki, continues to appeal to a wide range of consumers. The e-kafé product line, officially certified halal in February 2025, has been a key step in reinforcing emart24’s commitment to inclusivity and cultural respect.  “Securing halal certification was a proud milestone for us, showing our sincere intention to serve all Malaysians,” said Pang. “Our food is Korean at heart, but thoughtfully created for local tastes without compromising authenticity.”  “We have invested in a new and enlarged central kitchen which will deliver more variety of exciting halal ready-to-eat products to our customers,” he adds.  The 100th store celebration, themed “100 Stores. Endless Moments,” was held at the new flagship outlet in Kota Damansara. The store design, features a mural by local visual artist Nas Suha, capturing the spirit of cross-cultural connection between Korea and Malaysia, reflecting the brand’s core identity. The new store also features digital innovation powered by SOLUM ESL, including real-time pricing solutions and digital signage that enhance operational efficiency and elevate the customer experience with a sleek, modern touch.  Adding to the festivity was the official introduction of emart24’s new mascot, Dilly, who made a playful appearance at the event. The event also marked the launch of a new menu through a collaboration with Pinkfong’s Baby Shark, the globally beloved character celebrating its 10-year anniversary this year. Designed to engage families with children, the collaboration aims to strengthen brand affinity across all age groups.  “Baby Shark is one of the most cherished family entertainment IPs of The Pinkfong Company, and this partnership allows us to create joyful, memorable brand experiences for our younger customers,” said Tan Chuan Hoe, Chief Commercial Officer of emart24 Holdings Sdn Bhd.  In conjunction with the momentous celebration, emart24 introduced limited edition apricot-hued ice cream cones called “party cone”, an edible wafer cup and brand-new Matcha Strawberry soft serve. A nationwide “Spend & Win” campaign will kick off nationwide from 1st to 31st July 2025, where over 100 lucky customers stand a chance to win amazing prizes such as Samsung S25 phones and Samsung Galaxy Watches alongside Flight and Hotel vouchers to South Korea and other destinations, courtesy of Traveloka.  This event was proudly supported by Korea Agro-Trade (aT) Center. “The rise of Korean food culture in Malaysia has opened the door for deeper agro-trade and consumer trust. Through emart24’s expanding footprint, more Malaysians are discovering the quality and creativity of Korean food products, many of which are proudly promoted by the Korea Agro-Trade Centre. We are proud to support emart24’s efforts in making premium Korean offerings more accessible, especially through its halal-certified innovations,” said Chang Chung Ho, Director of Korea aT Center Kuala Lumpur.  “Malaysians are emotionally connected to the food and lifestyle they see in K-dramas, and emart24 brings a part of that into their neighbourhoods,” said Pang. “It’s that sense of familiarity and joy that keeps customers coming back.”  With a store presence now spanning the entire Peninsular Malaysia, emart24 is preparing for its next phase of growth, focused on building density, rewarding loyalty, and becoming even more integrated into local communities. Looking ahead, emart24 will continue to serve more customers in their own neighbourhoods.

Trinity Group Sdn Bhd, a boutique property developer, has announced a 100% take-up rate for Phase 1 of its latest residential project, Trinity Sensoria, achieving over RM 172 million in sales within just six months of its soft launch, with majority of buyers comprised young families and professionals seeking a secure, wellness-focused lifestyle near the city. Building on this strong momentum, Trinity Group will soon launch Phase 2 of the development, with units starting from just RM592,000. Strategically located in Beverly Heights, Ampang North, Phase 2 of Trinity Sensoria sits on 6.1 acres of freehold land and offers well-designed condominiums ranging from 1,008 to 1,286 sq ft. The project has a gross development value (GDV) of RM580 million and is targeted for completion by Q3 2028. Trinity Sensoria distinguishes itself as Malaysia’s first condominium to feature the pioneering 5X Protection System, a comprehensive approach to lifestyle safety and well-being. The five pillars include: Contactless Technology Wellness-Oriented Design Physical Wellness Amenities Social Wellness Amenities Mental Wellness Amenities Further reinforcing its commitment to quality and long-term value, Trinity Sensoria also introduces the Trinity Gold Assurance Program, providing buyers with extended warranties and peace of mind. Among the key highlights of the development is the Sensoria Garden Spa, a 11,000 sq ft. wellness sanctuary inspired by Austria’s iconic Aqua Dome. Thoughtfully designed to promote restorative living, the spa garden includes a Himalayan Salt Sauna, Outdoor Jacuzzi Pavilion, and Hydrotherapy Pods, providing residents with a serene, nature-inspired escape. Spanning an expansive 67,133 sq ft, the outdoor facility deck at Trinity Sensoria is carefully curated as a lifestyle sanctuary, offering residents an abundance of wellness, leisure, and family-centric amenities. Located just 10 km from the Kuala Lumpur city centre, Trinity Sensoria offers exceptional connectivity via major highways including MRR2, SUKE, DUKE, AKLEH, SPE, and the New Klang Valley Expressway (EKVE). The development is also conveniently close to lifestyle amenities such as Melawati Mall, Wangsa Walk, KL East Mall, and KLCC. “As a developer committed to redefining urban living, we’re proud that homebuyers have embraced Trinity Sensoria’s unique blend of innovation, security, and family-focused design,” said Dato’ Neoh Soo Keat, Managing Director of Trinity Group. “This milestone shows that today’s buyers are looking for more than space, they want peace of mind, enduring value, and a true sanctuary to call home.” To improve accessibility, Trinity Group has also invested RM6 million in infrastructure upgrades, including the construction of a new access road to the development. With Phase 2 on the horizon, the Group anticipates continued strong interest, building on its legacy of delivering high-quality, timely, and thoughtfully designed homes.

Gamuda Bhd is on course to solidify its status as a premier regional engineering and infrastructure powerhouse, underpinned by a robust project pipeline and sustained expansion into key international markets. The company is expected to achieve an impressive order book totalling between RM40 billion and RM45 billion by the end of 2025. This trajectory is being propelled by its increasing foothold in high-potential markets and participation in major infrastructure initiatives. According to MIDF Research, ongoing reports surrounding possible delays in the Sydney Metro West (SMW) project may actually present an upside for Gamuda. The research house noted that the group could stand to benefit from potential variation claims related to the delays. Awarded in March 2022, the Western Tunnelling Package of the SMW project is valued at approximately A$2.57 billion and was secured by Gamuda Australia in partnership with Laing O’Rourke, under a contract with the New South Wales Government. This value includes RM1.2 billion in variation orders. Recent developments in Australia have revealed that two tunnel boring machines were halted for six weeks due to proximity concerns involving the Telstra Exchange building on Church Street. While this has raised the prospect of significant additional costs and variation claims—potentially in the hundreds of millions of dollars—tunnelling has since resumed. Both NSW Premier Chris Minns and Sydney Metro have confirmed that the temporary suspension is not expected to impact the overall project budget or delivery timeline. MIDF Research reaffirmed its positive outlook on Gamuda, stating that any delays associated with the SMW project may ultimately benefit the company due to strategic workarounds and entitlement to variation claims. Elsewhere, Gamuda is poised to make its entry into the New Zealand market. The group, as part of the Together North consortium, has been shortlisted as one of three contenders for the initial phase of the Northland Corridor project. The scope includes the construction of a 26-kilometre expressway and a twin-bore tunnel, marking a significant milestone in the company’s international growth strategy. MIDF Research has maintained a “buy” call on Gamuda, with a target price of RM5.42, citing the company’s resilient fundamentals and expanding global footprint. -The Star

RHB Bank Berhad has confirmed the appointment of Vashta Mahendran as its new Group Chief Operations Officer (COO), effective 1 July. The transition follows the departure of current COO David Chong Ming Liang, whose term concludes on 30 June after three years in the role. Vashta brings with her more than 30 years of experience in the financial services industry, underpinned by a strong track record in operational leadership and strategic execution. She first joined RHB Bank a decade ago and has since led a number of key group-wide transformation initiatives, contributing significantly to the bank’s ongoing modernisation and performance optimisation efforts. Datuk Mohd Rashid Mohamad, Group Managing Director and Group Chief Executive Officer of RHB Banking Group, expressed confidence in the appointment, stating that Vashta’s leadership will be instrumental in the bank’s continued transformation and operational excellence. “As we embark on the next phase of our growth journey, Vashta’s leadership and strength in driving operational transformation will be key in delivering our Progress27 strategy, and achieving our strategic objectives of being best in service, highly profitable and to be a responsible and purposeful organisation,” he said. Vashta holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting and finance from the University of Manchester. -The Edge

Cleanroom and other facility services provider, iCents Group Holdings Berhad (“iCents Group”) has successfully launched its prospectus today in conjunction with its initial public offering (“IPO”) exercise and listing on the ACE Market of Bursa Malaysia Securities Berhad (“Listing”) (“Bursa Securities”). iCents Group, through its subsidiaries (collectively, the “Group”), is principally involved in the provision of cleanroom services, covering engineering, procurement, construction, and testing and commissioning (“EPCC”) of cleanrooms. The Group also manufactures cleanroom fixtures and related products. In addition to its cleanroom expertise, the Group provides a range of other facility services, including the hook-up of machinery and equipment, supply and installation of heavy-duty ceiling systems, construction services, and maintenance services for other facilities. The Group’s services cater to highly technical industries including but not limited to, semiconductor and electronics, data centres, life sciences, and pharmaceutical product manufacturing. Managing Director of iCents Group, Ir. Ts. Vincent Ong Mum Fei said, “The launch of our prospectus today marks a significant milestone for iCents Group, underscoring our commitment to growth and excellence. With a decade of experience and a proven track record in delivering cleanroom projects for several multinational corporations, we are ready to embark into a new phase of our growth journey and strengthen our market presence. The IPO proceeds will support key initiatives towards our business expansion plans including the purchase of machinery and equipment to enhance our in-house manufacturing capabilities, strengthening and expanding our presence across foreign geographical markets such as Indonesia, Singapore, and Sarawak, as well as the funding for working capital requirements.” Executive Director of iCents Group, Mr. Foo Siang Leng said, “We are confident in the long-term prospects of iCents Group. Growth and investment in data centres, and high-growth, high-value industries such as electronics and electrical (“E&E”), pharmaceutical and others will continue to drive demand for cleanroom services, which play a critical role in ensuring product integrity and process reliability in sensitive manufacturing operations. Malaysia is accelerating its efforts to transform its industrial landscape and attract high-value investments, through initiatives such as the New Industrial Master Plan 2030 and the RM25 billion National Semiconductor Strategy. With growing demand across these industries, we believe our integrated capabilities position us strongly to grow alongside the nation’s technology driven ambitions”. As at 5 June 2025, the Group recorded an unbilled order book of RM93.21 million, comprising RM53.53 million from the Group’s cleanroom services segment and RM39.68 million from the Group’s other facility services segment. The expected RM27.00 million IPO proceeds to be raised are set to be utilised in the following manner: Utilisation of IPO Proceeds RM’000 % Purchase of machinery and equipment 4,675 17.31 Business expansion 3,022 11.19 Product development 1,715 6.35 Marketing activities 1,500 5.56 Working capital 12,088 44.77 Estimated listing expenses 4,000 14.82 Total 27,000 100.00 iCents Group’s IPO exercise encompasses a public issuance of 112.50 million new ordinary shares (“Issue Shares”), representing approximately 22.50% of its enlarged issued share capital upon Listing, as well as an offer for sale of 30.00 million existing shares (“Offer Shares”), representing approximately 6.00% of its enlarged issued share capital. Out of the Public Issue of 112.50 million Issue Shares, 25.00 million Issue Shares will be made available to the Malaysian public via balloting; 10.00 million Issue Shares will be made available to its eligible directors, employees and persons who have contributed to the success of the Group; 15.00 million Issue Shares will be made available by way of private placement to selected investors, while the remaining 62.50 million Issue Shares will be made available by way of private placement to Bumiputera investors approved by the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry. Additionally, all 30.00 million Offer Shares to be offered for sale, will be offered to selected investors by way of private placement. In terms of financial performance, the Group’s revenue increased from RM55.78 million in the financial year ended 30 June 2022 (“FYE 2022”) to RM80.70 million in the financial year ended 30 June 2024 (“FYE 2024”). Over the same period, the Group’s profit after tax (“PAT”) rose from RM2.90 million to RM7.02 million, representing a compound annual growth rate of 55.57%. For the six-month financial period ended 31 December 2024 (“FPE 2025”), the Group recorded a revenue of RM43.93 million and PAT of RM5.03 million. iCents Group will have a market capitalisation of RM120.00 million upon Listing based on an enlarged issued share capital of 500.00 million shares and an IPO price of RM0.24 per Share. Following the prospectus launch, applications for the public issue are open from today and will be closed on 2 July 2025 at 5:00 pm. The Group is scheduled to be listed on the ACE Market of Bursa Securities on 17 July 2025. Alliance Islamic Bank Berhad is the Principal Adviser, Sponsor, Sole Underwriter, and Placement Agent for the IPO exercise.

Sunway Sanctuary, the nation’s premier senior living residence today marked its second anniversary with a unique, one-night media sleepover that also served to highlight the company’s innovative offerings, award-winning achievements and its ceaseless commitment to enhancing senior living. The event brought to life significant milestones realised within just two years as Sunway Sanctuary looks to scale up its mission to promote proactive ageing and reinvent retirement living. The residence has witnessed continuous growth as a trusted choice for vibrant, holistic senior living as evidenced by an increase in occupancy rate from 30% in 2024 to 50% in 2025 across 235 rooms. Sunway Sanctuary also unveiled wellness-based individual programmes, which include a Post-Cardiac Recovery package for patients recovering from a heart surgery for rehabilitation purposes and to ensure residents receive dedicated support as they transition from hospital to home. The Advanced Assisted Care package, meanwhile,comprises various levels of nursing care with options to have upgraded facilities as well as personalised, one-to-one attention. The residence is also expanding its health tourism solutions by offering stay packages with wellness screenings in partnership with Sunway Medical Centre, for international guests. Dr. Khoo Chow Huat, Managing Director, Hospital & Healthcare Operations of Sunway Healthcare Group said: “The expansion of specialised care packages and rehabilitation services aligns with our mission to enhance senior wellness and mobility. We are excited to introduce these new offerings to ensure holistic healthcare solutions for our residents.” To underline its commitment to integrated healthcare solutions for seniors, Sunway Sanctuary has collaborated with Sunway Home Healthcare to station a full-time physician to provide residents with seamless access to medical consultation, routine screenings and preventive care within the premises. The event also witnessed the launch of a new rehabilitation facility at the Wellness Centre, equipped with senior-friendly technology to enhance mobility and independence. The facility features smart, air-resistance HUR machines used for strength training and exercises that improve strength, balance and mobility, supporting seniors in regaining confidence and independence in daily life. The machines are digitally-controlled to allow therapists to customise and track exercise and rehabilitation sessions. These safe, adjustable devices are easy on aging joints, facilitating low impact movement even for those with limited strength. Other facility services consist of pain management sessions, hot/cold therapy, a combination therapy machine with Transcutaneous Electrical Nerves Stimulation (TENS) and ultrasound treatment for physiotherapy purposes, parallel bars, walking aids for safe gait training, as well as InBody analysis to measure sarcopenia (loss of muscle mass and function). As part of its’ commitment to enhancing comfort and care, Sunway Sanctuary has also introduced advanced hardware upgrades, including state-of-the-art electrical mobile beds with convenient over-bed tables coupled with in-room vital signs monitoring service, ensuring residents’ well-being is always a priority. To further elevate the experience, the team proudly unveiled the Signature Floor—a thoughtfully-designed and luxurious space that blends comfort with elegance, offering discerning seniors a premium living option with a touch of everyday warmth. These developments, as well as Sunway Sanctuary’s overarching aim to redefine senior living in Malaysia, saw it recently win its second consecutive Facility of the Year – Active Ageing and inaugural Operator of the Year – Senior Living awards at the 13th Eldercare Innovation Awards 2025 in Singapore. The residence’s leadership in senior living excellence across the Asia-Pacific region was also recognised when it was shortlisted as a finalist in three other categories – Operator of the Year (Active Ageing), Innovation of the Year (Active Ageing on Lifestyle Programme) and Innovation of the Year (Social Engagement). “As we celebrate two years of growth and innovation, Sunway Sanctuary remains committed to redefining senior living with world-class care and hospitality. Our latest enhancements reflect our dedication to providing seniors with a vibrant, enriching lifestyle,” said Mr. Leonard Theng, General Manager of Sunway Sanctuary. As Sunway Sanctuary continues to set new benchmarks in senior living with unparalleled healthcare, hospitality and lifestyle experiences, the anniversary event underscored the residence’s commitment to innovation, excellence and all-inclusive care while simultaneously facilitating an enriching, stimulating environment for active seniors.

KUALA LUMPUR : Global accountancy body ACCA (the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants) has announced a major redesign of its globally recognised ACCA Qualification, marking a significant step in redefining the accountancy profession for a future shaped by AI, sustainability, and business transformation. The newly announced Future ACCA Qualification reflects a transformative shift in the role of accountants—from financial stewards to enablers of sustainable business, ethical leadership, and technological advancement. The redesign recognises the increasing expectation of professional accountants to create long-term value for both business and society, while remaining agile amid global economic uncertainty. The redesigned qualification, to be rolled out from mid-2027, builds on the strengths of the current ACCA Qualification, which is highly regarded among employers, regulators, and learning institutions across Malaysia. Helen Brand, Chief Executive of ACCA, said: “Accountancy is being redefined. Accountants are now expected to lead on sustainability, support digital transformation, and contribute to social value creation. The changes we’re making to the ACCA Qualification reflect this expanded role—and are designed to equip the next generation of professionals with the right blend of skills, ethics and insights needed to succeed.” The changes follow extensive consultation with employers, members, tuition providers and students globally, including input from Malaysian stakeholders. The redesigned structure introduces a fully integrated learning and assessment model across all three levels of the qualification, with content shaped around real-world employability, business relevance, and future-readiness. Key enhancements include: Employability Modules at every level, offering simulated work experience in areas such as digital technology, ethics, sustainability, and business leadership AI-powered learning journeys and personalised digital mentoring tools to support individual progression A new Data Science Professional exam option at the Strategic Professional level Enhanced awards and designations recognise achievement and allow students to demonstrate their skills to employers at every stage of their ACCA journey Reza Ali, ACCA Director of Innovation in Learning and Assessment, added: ‘The ACCA Qualification has always been the gold standard, globally recognised and highly valued by employers in Malaysia. It will remain as rigorous, relevant, and future-focused as ever, with an even sharper focus on employability. ‘The redesigned qualification comes together as a unified experience at each of its three levels with learning guidance and support, assessments, employability support, and help to develop skills. Students will benefit from tailored learning journeys supported by AI technology and a digital mentor.’ Malaysian students currently pursuing the ACCA Qualification will undergo a smooth and fully supported transition. All completed achievements will be recognised, with no disadvantage in terms of progression or additional costs under the new structure. Through a collaboration with the University of London, ACCA students will continue to have the opportunity to earn a globally respected BSc (Hons) in Professional Accountancy alongside their professional studies. In line with ACCA’s long-standing commitment to inclusion and opportunity, the refreshed Foundations in Accountancy route will continue to offer a flexible entry point for individuals without prior academic qualifications. For more information on the Future ACCA Qualification, visit https://www.accaglobal.com/my/en.html.