Maybank has unveiled a pioneering Ringgit Corporate Current Account in Singapore, enabling eligible corporate clients to receive, hold, and transact in Malaysian Ringgit. This facility allows businesses with a Maybank Current Account to convert from Singapore Dollar or other currencies into Malaysian Ringgit, facilitating trade, payments, and operational funding in Malaysia.

This initiative comes amid increasing economic integration between Singapore and Malaysia, particularly through the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ). According to the Malaysian Investment Development Authority, Singapore is Malaysia’s largest immediate source of approved private investments, contributing RM93b (S$30b) in 2025 and RM40b (S$13b) in the first half of 2026, with Johor as a key beneficiary.

Alvin Lee, CEO of Maybank Singapore, stated, “Since the announcement of the JS-SEZ, we continue to see growing demand for cross-border banking, payments, and treasury solutions. Our landmark Ringgit facility gives corporate clients greater flexibility and control, making it easier to transact across borders.”

The account requires no initial deposit, minimum balance, or monthly fee. Transfers from Maybank Singapore to Maybank Malaysia are fee-free, with processing charges waived for eligible transfers. Clients can access their accounts via Maybank’s business banking channels, including the upcoming Maybank2E platform.

This development underscores Maybank’s commitment to enhancing regional supply chains and strengthening the Malaysia-Singapore economic corridor, aligning with its ROAR30 goals to be ASEAN’s leading transaction banking partner.

Parkland Berhad, an integrated township and property developer, has received approval from the Securities Commission Malaysia for its initial public offering (IPO) and proposed listing on the Main Market of Bursa Malaysia Securities Berhad. This move is set to enhance the company’s development plans and expand its land bank.

With 18 years of experience in construction and property development, Parkland has launched projects with a total gross development value of RM7.4b. The company operates in Johor, Melaka, and Selangor, with a strong pipeline of planned developments valued at RM5.05b, 75.5% of which are in Johor. Current projects include Taman Kluang Perdana and Bandar Botani Parkland.

In addition to its core business, Parkland has ventured into renewable energy through a joint venture with Xinyi Power Station Development, developing a 99.99 MW solar plant in Johor, expected to start operations in early 2027.

The IPO will comprise 621.54 million shares, representing 26.3% of Parkland’s enlarged share capital. Of these, 550.74 million shares will be available to institutional and selected investors, whilst 70.80 million shares will be offered to the Malaysian public. Proceeds will primarily fund land acquisitions and working capital.

Datuk Tan See Sen, Group Managing Director, stated, “The SC’s approval marks a significant milestone in Parkland’s journey towards listing on the Main Market.” Hong Leong Investment Bank Berhad and AmInvestment Bank Berhad are advising on the IPO.

A recent survey by Entermind reveals that 43% of AI users in Malaysia now consult AI tools first when making important decisions, surpassing the 31% who still rely on search engines. Conducted in September 2026, the survey involved 1,300 AI users, highlighting a significant shift in consumer behaviour towards AI reliance.

The whitepaper, titled “The Secret Lives of AI-Ready Customers,” also found that 41% of respondents have made purchases or financial decisions based primarily on AI recommendations. This trend underscores the growing influence of AI in everyday decision-making processes.

Entermind’s study introduces the concept of “AI Experience Debt,” which measures how far brands fall short of customer expectations at decision points. The survey indicates that 78% of users wish company apps and websites could simplify decision-making as effectively as AI tools do.

AI-savvy adults in Malaysia are estimated to account for RM190b in annual household spending, emphasising the economic impact of this technological shift. Entermind’s CEO, Prashant Kumar, notes that whilst AI provides valuable advice, users still prefer to maintain control over final decisions. “Trust comes with conditions,” Kumar states, highlighting that 80% of users value transparency about AI’s role in content production.

As AI continues to shape consumer habits, brands are encouraged to adapt to these evolving expectations to remain competitive in the market.

TeleChoice International Limited has announced a significant contract renewal with U Mobile Sdn. Bhd., valued at S$1.3b. The agreement, effective from February 2027, extends TeleChoice’s role as U Mobile’s strategic supply chain partner in Malaysia for an initial three years, with the possibility of a two-year extension.

The renewed contract, managed by TeleChoice’s subsidiary Planet Telecoms Managed Services Sdn. Bhd. (PTMS), expands upon the original S$500 million agreement signed in 2024. PTMS will continue to provide comprehensive supply chain services, including device procurement, lifecycle management, warehousing, and distribution. The partnership has been pivotal in TeleChoice’s growth within Malaysia, significantly impacting its Personal Communications Solutions Services Division.

Pauline Wong, President and CEO of TeleChoice, expressed gratitude for the continued partnership, highlighting the network’s growth from over 600 to more than 1,000 touchpoints across Malaysia. “As U Mobile extends the nationwide reach of its ULTRA5G network, we will invest further in our people, systems, and automation,” she stated.

U Mobile CEO Wong Heang Tuck noted that the renewed agreement enhances operational capabilities, supporting the expansion of their 5G network. “This supports our vision of being Malaysia’s preferred mobile and digital services provider,” he said.

The contract renewal is expected to positively influence TeleChoice’s consolidated net tangible assets per share and earnings per share for the financial year ending 31 December 2027. PTMS plans to further invest in technology, including AI for demand forecasting and inventory planning, to enhance service delivery.

Fingular, an international fintech group, has secured a US$20m credit facility from Singapore-based Silverstreak Group to bolster its operations in Malaysia. This latest funding elevates Fingular’s total investment in the Malaysian market to over US$50m, focusing on expanding its near-prime consumer and SME financing.

The funding will support Fingular’s diverse financial offerings in Malaysia, which include both conventional and Shariah-compliant products. These offerings range from consumer and micro-SME financing to the AhaPay buy-now-pay-later (BNPL) service, utilised by over 2,000 merchants. Fingular’s platform currently serves more than 2.6 million registered users in Malaysia.

Konstantin Barabanov, General Manager of Fingular, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership with Silverstreak, noting the group’s strengthened financial position since 2026. “Our paid-up capital has grown fivefold to US$37m, and our capital adequacy ratio now exceeds 25%,” he stated. Barabanov emphasised Malaysia as a priority market, aiming to develop a comprehensive financial platform for diverse population segments, including underserved communities.

Rajarajan Mohan, Chief Investment Officer of Silverstreak, highlighted the strategic alignment with Fingular’s mission to enhance financial inclusion across Emerging Asia. “Fingular has built a growing ecosystem of consumer financing, BNPL, and Shariah-compliant products,” Mohan said, expressing eagerness to expand the partnership.

The facility will be monitored through SilverstreakIQ, Silverstreak’s proprietary risk management platform, ensuring ongoing visibility into credit and portfolio performance.

Hong Leong Bank (HLB) has announced a strategic partnership with UnionPay International (UPI) to enhance cross-border payment connectivity for its customers. This collaboration allows HLB customers to make payments at more than 120 million merchants in Mainland China, Hong Kong SAR, Macao SAR, and Thailand, using HLB’s QR Pay feature on the HLB Connect app.

The partnership leverages UPI’s integrated network with Weixin Pay, enabling HLB customers to transact effortlessly whilst shopping or dining abroad. This initiative complements HLB’s existing multicurrency features, allowing users to lock in favourable exchange rates without the need for third-party apps.

Kevin Lam, HLB’s Group Managing Director and CEO, emphasised the importance of trust in cross-border transactions, stating, “Our customers take us beyond Malaysia through the businesses they build, the family ties they maintain, and the opportunities they pursue. We want them to have the same confidence paying overseas as they do at home.”

Carlson Li, Vice President of UPI, highlighted the benefits of interoperability, noting that HLB customers can now access a wider merchant network directly from their banking app, making cross-border payments more convenient.

Andrew Jong, HLB’s Managing Director of Personal Financial Services, added that digital innovation has transformed international transactions, offering greater convenience and flexibility. The partnership with UPI is a significant milestone in expanding HLB’s cross-border payment capabilities.

HLB plans to continue building international collaborations to support its customers’ growing needs and ambitions across markets.

Cupola Lower Carbon LLLP and SWCorp Malaysia have announced a strategic partnership to pilot low-carbon solid waste management projects. The initiative, revealed on 26 October, will focus on establishing recycling hubs, integrating waste data with emissions reduction, and enhancing community participation.

The collaboration will see the creation of low-carbon recycling hubs at selected locations, where waste sorting and recycling facilities will be supported by systems to track recycling volumes and waste diversion performance. Cupola will provide methodologies and data tools for low-carbon projects, whilst SWCorp will offer solid waste management standards and local expertise. Together, they will assess the impact of recycling activities on landfill waste reduction and greenhouse gas emissions.

Community engagement is a key component, with plans for workshops and incentive programmes to encourage ongoing participation in waste sorting and recycling. A representative from Cupola highlighted the often-overlooked potential of solid waste management in reducing emissions, aiming to connect recycling infrastructure, behavioural change, and emissions data.

SWCorp Malaysia emphasised the importance of aligning the national solid waste management agenda with local emissions reduction initiatives. The pilot phase will focus on sorting quality, facility maintenance, and community acceptance.

Whilst specific locations and launch dates for the pilots remain undisclosed, further details will follow post site assessments and community consultations. The collaboration is non-exclusive, allowing both parties to explore similar initiatives with other organisations. Analysts suggest that a successful pilot could set a new standard for public-private collaboration in Malaysia’s waste management sector, prioritising data and low-carbon outcomes.

Export-Import Bank of Malaysia Berhad (EXIM Bank), a subsidiary of Bank Pembangunan Malaysia Berhad Group, is set to bolster Malaysian businesses’ international competitiveness and sustainability through strategic initiatives exceeding RM1b, as outlined in the National Budget 2027. These initiatives aim to enhance the capacity of local enterprises to scale, diversify markets, and invest sustainably.

The bank’s efforts are part of a broader mandate from the government, which includes more than RM7b in strategic initiatives. As Malaysia’s official export credit agency, EXIM Bank will leverage its expertise to support exporters in expanding their global reach, aligning with the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry’s trade mandate.

Key programmes include the Local Acceleration and Growth Programme, which allocates RM300m to provide affordable financing for manufacturers and service providers to expand capacity and improve productivity. Additionally, the Export Leap Scheme, with RM500m will aid Malaysian entrepreneurs in entering new international markets and responding to global competition.

To mitigate commercial trade risks, the Malaysia Global Connect GoExport Cover offers a RM5m grant to protect exporters venturing into new markets. Furthermore, the Dana Kelestarian Alam 2.0 programme will finance RM400m in low-carbon initiatives, promoting sustainability in business operations.

These initiatives are expected to significantly impact Malaysia’s trade landscape, fostering resilience and competitiveness among local exporters.

The inaugural Invest Malaysia Day 2026, held in Singapore, brought together over 200 businesses and investors to explore investment opportunities in Malaysia’s burgeoning sectors. Organised by the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA), Singapore Business Federation (SBF), and CIMB Singapore, the event highlighted the strengthening economic ties between the two nations.

The forum, officiated by the Malaysian High Commissioner to Singapore, Datin Paduka Anizan Siti Hajjar Adnin, featured keynote addresses from Malaysian state investment leaders and representatives from SBF and CIMB Singapore. The event underscored Malaysia’s appeal to Singaporean businesses, offering insights into sectors such as manufacturing, digital economy, logistics, and renewable energy.

Datuk Sikh Shamsul Ibrahim Sikh Abdul Majid, CEO of MIDA, emphasised Malaysia’s strategic initiatives like the New Industrial Master Plan 2030 and the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone, which provide avenues for investment. “MIDA is committed to helping investors identify suitable locations and connect with relevant agencies,” he stated.

The programme included briefings on Malaysia’s business landscape, sustainability transitions, and a panel discussion on Malaysia’s investment appeal. Parallel sessions focused on state-specific opportunities in Selangor, Johor, Pahang, and Sarawak.

Benjamin Tan of CIMB Singapore highlighted the importance of the Singapore-Malaysia partnership, noting, “Strengthening these connections will unlock new opportunities across the region.” The event’s strong engagement reflects growing confidence in Malaysia’s economic outlook and the potential for enhanced regional collaboration.

Axaipay, a leading digital payment service provider, has teamed up with Incomedia, the creators of WebSite X5, to introduce a new platform called AxaiCart+. This innovative solution, announced on 22 October 2026, combines e-commerce capabilities with website building tools, aiming to streamline online business operations.

AxaiCart+ is designed to cater to businesses seeking a seamless integration of e-commerce functionalities with website development. By leveraging Incomedia’s expertise in website creation and Axaipay’s robust payment solutions, the platform promises to simplify the process for businesses to establish and manage their online presence.

The collaboration between Axaipay and Incomedia marks a significant step in providing comprehensive digital solutions for businesses. The platform is expected to enhance user experience by offering a one-stop solution for both website creation and e-commerce management. This integration is particularly beneficial for small to medium-sized enterprises looking to expand their digital footprint without the need for multiple service providers.

Incomedia’s WebSite X5 is renowned for its user-friendly interface and powerful features, making it an ideal partner for Axaipay’s payment services. The launch of AxaiCart+ is anticipated to attract a wide range of businesses aiming to optimise their online operations efficiently.

As digital commerce continues to grow, the introduction of AxaiCart+ could play a pivotal role in supporting businesses to adapt and thrive in the evolving market landscape. The partnership underscores the importance of integrated solutions in enhancing business capabilities and customer engagement.