MalaysianUpdates

Tag: #FinancialLiteracy

  • Kenneth Chan Drives Webull’s Vision to Reshape Malaysia’s Investing Ecosystem

    Kenneth Chan Drives Webull’s Vision to Reshape Malaysia’s Investing Ecosystem

    With 17 years of experience spanning derivatives trading, monetary policy operations and multi-asset market development, Kenneth Chan has developed a deep understanding of Malaysia’s retail investing landscape. His career journey across the banking sector, Bank Negara Malaysia and Bursa Malaysia revealed a recurring challenge: while Malaysians are keen to invest, participation has long been limited by systems that were not designed for everyday investors. Now as CEO of Webull Malaysia, Kenneth is focused on addressing these structural gaps through technology, prioritizing digital access, simple tools, lower entry costs and a secure platform to make investing more inclusive and accessible.

    Kenneth’s vision was strongly shaped during his time at Bursa Malaysia, where he played a role in strengthening market liquidity, expanding algorithmic trading participation and supporting the exchange’s transformation into a digitally enabled, multi-asset marketplace. This exposure highlighted that the main barriers to retail participation were not a lack of interest, but challenges related to access, affordability, knowledge and language. When he took the helm at Webull Malaysia, he saw an opportunity to build investing infrastructure that directly addressed these issues through a strong localization strategy backed by Webull’s global technology.

    Localization became a core pillar of Webull Malaysia’s approach from day one. Bahasa Malaysia support was introduced across the app interface, real-time market data and the Webull Learn education hub to ensure financial knowledge was accessible to a wider audience. The platform was further aligned with local needs through the introduction of Islamic banking options and Shariah-compliant filters for US stocks. At the same time, Kenneth prioritized reducing cost barriers by introducing initiatives such as 0% commission trading for Bursa Malaysia stocks and fractional US share ownership starting from as low as USD1, making market participation less intimidating for first-time investors.

    Beyond technology and product design, Kenneth emphasizes education and engagement as essential drivers of sustainable retail participation. Under his leadership, Webull Malaysia maintains an active presence at Securities Commission Malaysia and Bursa Malaysia initiatives, while also expanding digital education through social media, webinars and bite-sized learning content. Campaigns such as #SamaSamaWebull reflect the platform’s commitment to meeting Malaysians where they are, combining on-ground engagement with digital learning to build confidence and long-term investing habits.

    Looking ahead, Kenneth envisions Webull Malaysia evolving alongside its users by offering tools and products that match different stages of an investor’s journey. From low-risk cash management solutions like Moneybull, to paper trading for beginners and multi-asset access for more experienced investors, the platform is designed to grow with its community. Recent milestones, including recognition as Best Retail Investment App at the PC.com Awards 2025 and the integration of securities and futures trading into a single interface, signal growing trust among Malaysian investors. As regulatory frameworks mature and financial literacy improves, Kenneth believes Malaysia is entering a pivotal phase for retail investing—one where inclusive design, education and technology can empower a more confident and informed investor base.

  • Malaysia Secures Third Straight Victory at the ASEAN Investment Challenge

    Malaysia Secures Third Straight Victory at the ASEAN Investment Challenge

    CGS International Securities Pte Ltd successfully wrapped up the third edition of its annual ASEAN Investment Challenge (AIC) 2025 in Kuala Lumpur during the Securities Commission Malaysia’s ASEAN Capital Markets Forum. This year marked a significant milestone as the Philippines joined the competition for the first time, alongside teams from Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, and Thailand. Since April, the national teams competed for the regional title by presenting the strongest investment portfolios, culminating in a finale judged by representatives from NASDAQ, Singapore Exchange, Bursa Malaysia, Indonesia Stock Exchange, the Stock Exchange of Thailand, the Philippines Stock Exchange, Securities Commission Malaysia, and CGS International.

    Aligned with the growing emphasis on sustainable finance, participants were required to include ESG-aligned stocks in their portfolios, integrating responsible investment principles into their strategies. After months of rigorous evaluation, Team Rever from Malaysia emerged as the champions, winning over S$22,000, while also being recognised by Yang Berhormat Senator Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan, Malaysia’s Finance Minister 2. The top five placements were: Malaysia – Team Rever (International Islamic University Malaysia), Philippines – Team ABM Quant (Polytechnic University of the Philippines), Thailand – Team ICU Associates (Mahidol University International College), Singapore – Team Retirement by 30 (Ngee Ann Polytechnic), and Indonesia – Team Liquid (Petra Christian University).

    The AIC 2025 offered participants hands-on exposure to capital markets, including mentorship from industry experts, access to CGS Academy’s e-learning platform, and demo trading accounts to practice investment strategies and risk management in real-world scenarios. Carol Fong, Group CEO of CGS International, highlighted the growing sophistication of teams and the continuity of past participants returning as mentors. She also noted initiatives like fractional share trading on Bursa Malaysia, which lowers barriers for new investors, reflecting CGS International’s commitment to financial literacy and inclusivity across ASEAN.

    Kevin Lee, Group Head of Sustainability, praised the participants for their dedication over seven months of training and activities, noting how the program has inspired students to pursue careers in finance and capital markets. Many alumni, including past winners, have already joined CGS International in professional roles, demonstrating the program’s long-term impact. Winners Muhammad Eyzzul Helmi Bin Zul Ramli and Nik Atikah Hani Binti Nik Mohd Zaid from Team Rever expressed their gratitude, emphasizing how AIC allowed them to integrate sustainability principles with practical investing and gain cross-border collaboration experience.

    Since its launch in 2023, the AIC has engaged over 15,000 students from 500 institutions across the five participating ASEAN nations, establishing itself as a premier platform for financial literacy, sustainable investing, and youth empowerment. By combining education, mentorship, and practical trading experience, the program continues to nurture the next generation of confident and responsible investors across the region.

  • M+Global Launches Malaysia’s First Stockbroking Concept Store to Drive Financial Literacy

    M+Global by Malacca Securities, Malaysia’s number one stock trading platform and trusted all-in-one trading app, has unveiled its very first stockbroking concept store at KL Eco City. Positioned as the country’s first of its kind stock trading retail experience, the concept store brings together financial technology and a human touch to help Malaysians, particularly those between the ages of 25 to 45, close financial knowledge gaps with clarity and confidence in a premium physical space.

    The launch ceremony was attended by representatives from Bursa Malaysia and Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation, and included a special tele-presentation by Malaysia’s rising badminton star, Toh Ee Wei. The concept store offers a new level of engagement with features such as a product experience zone, an investment learning hub, retail merchandise, private consultation, and a lively “Snap It” photo zone designed to enhance the learning journey.

    Speaking at the launch, M+Global Managing Director Lim Chia Wei explained that the concept store strengthens the company’s promise of “Less Guessing, More Guiding.” She emphasized that the focus on financial education is aimed at moving Malaysians beyond simply saving money to actively growing their wealth through knowledge, advice, and strategic investing. With more than 200 in-house licensed investment experts, M+Global will also host a series of sharing sessions, talks, and seminars in collaboration with other professionals to provide a complete and well-rounded financial perspective.

    The initiative comes at a critical time. According to Bank Negara Malaysia, the Malaysia Financial Literacy and Capability Index has improved from 57.1 in 2018 to 59.1 in 2024, yet challenges remain in terms of financial behavior and resilience. The 2024 Financial Capability and Inclusion survey found that 61 percent of Malaysians struggle to raise as little as RM1,000 in an emergency. Many save regularly, but often only for short-term needs, while debt from student loans and personal credit continues to weigh heavily, with 26 percent of Malaysians reporting that they carry too much debt.

    By leveraging more than 60 years of financial services expertise through Malacca Securities, M+Global is addressing these challenges with a fresh approach. Visitors to the store will gain access to private consultations tailored to their investment needs, ensuring personalized support that takes individual goals and challenges into account. The Investment Learning Hub also offers a new dimension to financial education through workshops, seminars, talk shows, and interactive sessions that make money matters engaging and relatable.

    October will see the launch of its interactive talk series with BBK Network, known for breaking down complex financial concepts into fun and relatable advice that resonates with young Malaysians. In November, the program will feature Financial Faiz, a well-regarded financial educator who provides practical, step-by-step strategies for wealth building and financial independence. The series will continue in January with a special guest to be announced later.

    In conjunction with the launch, M+Global also introduced its first brand ambassador, Toh Ee Wei, one of Malaysia’s most promising badminton players and fresh off her historic gold medal victory in mixed doubles at the 2025 World Championships in Paris. As brand ambassador, Toh will highlight the importance of financial literacy and planning, particularly among young Malaysians and national athletes. Her appointment is also symbolic of continuity, as her father has served M+Global for over two decades.

    The opening of the M+Global Concept Store marks a new milestone in making financial knowledge accessible, personal, and engaging. By combining education, expert guidance, and community-driven events, the store represents a step forward in helping Malaysians move from uncertainty to empowerment in their financial journeys.