MalaysianUpdates

Tag: #InvestmentMalaysia

  • Shah Alam Becomes Regional Nexus for Atlas Copco Group’s Southeast Asian Operations and Shared Services

    Shah Alam Becomes Regional Nexus for Atlas Copco Group’s Southeast Asian Operations and Shared Services

    Atlas Copco Group has formally inaugurated its new integrated headquarters and regional hub in Alam Impian, Shah Alam, representing a strategic expansion of its operational capabilities within Malaysia and the broader Southeast Asian corridor. This state-of-the-art, 120,000-square-foot facility is the result of an eight-figure investment, reaffirming the Group’s enduring commitment to the Malaysian industrial landscape since its inception in the country in 1982.

    Strategically situated within Selangor’s primary manufacturing belt, the three-acre complex serves as a centralized coordination point for the Group’s domestic operations in Kuantan, Penang, and Johor. Beyond its domestic functions, the facility acts as a regional nexus, housing a shared finance services center that provides critical support to multiple international markets. This consolidation is designed to optimize operational logistics, enhance service delivery, and facilitate seamless regional integration.

    The opening ceremony was officiated in the presence of key stakeholders from the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA) and the diplomatic community. Encik Sherulanuar Abd. Karim, MIDA Selangor Director, noted that the investment aligns with Malaysia’s objective to position itself as a preferred destination for advanced industrial services and regional headquarters. H.E. Mr. Niklas Wiberg, Ambassador of Sweden to Malaysia, further emphasized the facility as a symbol of the robust bilateral innovation and sustainability partnership between the two nations.

    Aligned with the New Industrial Master Plan 2030 (NIMP 2030), the hub is set to play a pivotal role in national talent cultivation. Currently supporting a workforce of 273 personnel, Atlas Copco Group has outlined a roadmap to generate approximately 80 to 100 high-value professional roles over the next five years. By incorporating modern ESG-compliant infrastructure and leveraging superior connectivity to Port Klang and major transit lines, the facility is engineered to sustain long-term industrial productivity and support Malaysia’s transition toward a high-income, knowledge-based economy.

  • Racing Towards Singularity: CGS International Sets the Course for an AI-Smart, High-Value Capital Market

    Racing Towards Singularity: CGS International Sets the Course for an AI-Smart, High-Value Capital Market

    CGS International Securities Malaysia Sdn. Bhd. (CGS MY) officially launched its 18th Annual Malaysia Corporate Day 2026 under the theme “Racing Towards Singularity”, convening corporate leaders, capital market participants, fund managers and government representatives to examine the structural reforms shaping Malaysia’s economic and investment future. The conference took place against the backdrop of ASEAN’s accelerating energy transition and the rapid adoption of artificial intelligence (AI), positioning the event as a key platform for dialogue on how technology and policy are reshaping capital allocation and competitiveness.

    As Malaysia enters a pivotal transition year following its ASEAN chairmanship in 2025, discussions centered on the idea of an “economic singularity” — a stage where technological advancement, particularly AI, becomes an irreversible driver of productivity and growth. With 2026 marking the execution phase of several national strategies under the Thirteenth Malaysia Plan (13MP) 2026–2030, the conference highlighted how Malaysia’s AI Nation framework is moving from policy design to real-world implementation, signaling new opportunities for investors and businesses alike.

    A keynote address titled “Racing Towards Singularity, Investing in Future Intelligence” was delivered by Yang Berbahagia (YBhg.) Tan Sri Shahril Ridza Ridzuan, Chairman of Axiata Group Berhad and Independent Non-Executive Director of CGS MY. He emphasised that AI is fundamentally redefining how value is created, with capital markets increasingly rewarding future-ready organisations that demonstrate scalable intelligence, digital resilience and long-term innovation capabilities. He also stressed that AI should be viewed as a tool to augment human potential, create new competencies and strengthen participation in a fast-evolving economy, rather than replace the workforce.

    The conference featured panel discussions and presentations covering key themes such as the Ringgit outlook, carbon tax implementation, data center development, and Carbon Capture, Utilization and Storage (CCUS). These sessions were led by CGS MY’s award-winning research team alongside listed companies and industry experts from the technology, energy and services sectors, offering market insights into how structural reforms and sustainability initiatives are influencing investment strategies.

    CGS MY’s Chief Executive Officer, Khairi Shahrin Arief bin Baki, noted that the theme reflects not only changes in the broader economy but also CGS MY’s own transformation. He highlighted the firm’s evolution from a traditional stockbroking model into an integrated financial services provider encompassing investment banking, private wealth and asset management. Leveraging its China-ASEAN heritage and extensive regional networks, CGS MY aims to connect capital with high-growth opportunities while supporting government, corporate and retail stakeholders navigating shifts in technology, sustainability and high-value industries.

    Despite ongoing global uncertainties, CGS MY reaffirmed that Malaysia’s outlook remains supported by structural reforms, improving investment quality and a clear policy direction toward innovation-led growth. As the nation races toward economic singularity, closer collaboration between government, businesses and capital markets will be critical to translating technological progress into sustainable, long-term value creation.

  • Solid Growth: Bank Islam Group Records RM571.1 Million Net Profit in FY2024

    Solid Growth: Bank Islam Group Records RM571.1 Million Net Profit in FY2024

    Bank Islam Malaysia Berhad (Bank Islam or the Group) closed FY2024 on a positive note, recording a net profit of RM571.1 million, reflecting a 3.3% growth from the previous year. Earnings per Share rose to 25.20 sen, while the net Return on Equity stood at 7.6%. The profit increase was driven by stronger net income and a substantial reduction in net allowance for impairment on financing, reinforcing the Group’s financial stability.

    The Group’s net fund-based income expanded by 5.1% to RM2.2 billion, supported by y-o-y investment securities and financing growth. Its net income margin (NIM) improved to 2.13%, and fee and commission income increased by 11.2%. A 46.0% reduction in net allowance for impairment on financing and advances lowered financing credit cost to 0.14%, down from 0.26% in FY2023. Bank Islam’s gross impaired financing ratio remained strong at 1.06%, well below the industry benchmark of 1.44%.

    In line with its commitment to shareholder value, Bank Islam declared a second interim single-tier dividend of 4.12 sen per share, bringing total dividends for the year to 15.12 sen per share. The Group’s total assets expanded to RM96.8 billion, marking a 6.4% y-o-y increase, supported by steady investment securities and financing growth. Consumer financing grew by 6.3%, and commercial financing by 6.7%, although corporate financing declined slightly, leading to an overall 3.8% y-o-y increase in gross financing to RM70.2 billion. Meanwhile, customer deposits and investment accounts saw a 6.4% y-o-y increase to RM80.9 billion, with CASATIA contributing 39.7% to total deposits.

    A major highlight of 2024 was Bank Islam’s ongoing digital transformation, marked by the successful launch of BIMB Mobile and BIMB Web in November. These advanced banking platforms offer seamless, branchless banking solutions with enhanced security and usability. To date, nearly one million customers have migrated to these new platforms, solidifying the Group’s progress in digital banking.

    Bank Islam Group Chief Executive Officer, Dato’ Mohd Muazzam Mohamed, highlighted the significance of digital innovation in Islamic banking. “We are actively integrating technology into our services to drive customer-centric solutions, strengthen security, and remain ahead of industry trends,” he said.

    Moving into 2025, Bank Islam is set to enhance its growth by focusing on cost efficiency, business expansion, and strategic digital investments. Key areas of focus include strengthening Wealth Management, Ar-Rahnu, and bureau-de-change services, while enhancing collaboration with BIMB Investment Management Berhad and BIMB Securities Sdn Bhd. Additionally, the Group aims to invest in environmentally sustainable assets, reinforcing its commitment to responsible banking.

    Sustainability remains a key strategic pillar, with Bank Islam planning to mobilize RM28 billion in sustainable financing by 2025. The Group’s initiatives are centered on supporting a low-carbon economy, fostering financial inclusion, and upholding strong governance principles.

    “As we look ahead, we remain committed to innovation, sustainability, and financial prudence. Our strategic initiatives will continue to drive Bank Islam towards a future-ready, Shariah-compliant banking ecosystem,” Mohd Muazzam concluded.