NORAINI CALLS FOR GREATER INNOVATION AND MARKET ACCESS TO STRENGTHEN MALAYSIA’S RUBBER PRODUCTS INDUSTRY

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 21 (Bernama) -- Malaysia’s rubber products industry must accelerate innovation, strengthen supply chain resilience and expand market access to remain competitive in a rapidly changing global economy, said Minister of Plantation and Commodities, YB Datuk Seri Dr. Noraini Ahmad.

Speaking at the inaugural Malaysian Rubber Council (MRC) Industry Leadership & Networking Dinner, she said the industry must build on its manufacturing strengths while responding to growing market expectations for sustainability, traceability and technology-driven solutions.

“We must build on our existing strengths and reinforce Malaysia’s position as a preferred global supplier of innovative, sustainable and high-quality rubber products. This is essential to securing the long-term growth and resilience of our industry,” she said.

Datuk Seri Dr. Noraini outlined three key priorities for the industry. These include accelerating innovation, automation and digital transformation, strengthening sustainable and resilient supply chains, and expanding market access for Malaysian rubber products.

She reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to providing a conducive policy and regulatory environment while continuing to engage closely with industry to understand operational challenges and develop practical solutions.

The Minister also welcomed MRC’s commitment to eliminating forced labour in the Malaysian rubber industry as part of its collaboration with the International Labour Organization. She called on industry players to support responsible labour practices and participate actively in MRC’s social compliance initiatives.

The event also saw MRC exchange five memoranda with its strategic partners to accelerate innovation, support the commercialisation of new technologies and develop higher-value rubber products.

Datuk Seri Dr. Noraini also presented the MRC Scholarship Awards and congratulated the recipients. She encouraged them to make full use of the opportunity and contribute their knowledge and leadership to Malaysia’s rubber industry.

The inaugural dinner brought together key industry stakeholders and reinforced the importance of close Government-industry collaboration, strategic partnerships and talent development in strengthening the future of Malaysia’s rubber products industry.

About MRC

The Malaysian Rubber Council (MRC), formerly known as the Malaysian Rubber Export Promotion Council, was incorporated on 14 April 2000 under the Companies Act 1965 as a company limited by guarantee under the Ministry of Plantation and Commodities (KPK). MRC is governed by a Board of Trustees appointed by KPK. MRC is tasked with undertaking market promotion of quality Malaysian rubber and rubber products in world markets. In getting more Malaysian rubber products to penetrate local and international markets successfully, MRC also provides various commercialisation supports to the industry. MRC has overseas offices in the US and India serving as hubs for information on Malaysian rubber and rubber products. These offices support Malaysian companies in expanding their business abroad, promote Malaysian rubber exports, monitor policy changes and regulations affecting rubber imports and usage, as well as facilitate joint ventures, and R&D collaborations.

SOURCE: Malaysian Rubber Council (MRC)

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:
Corporate Communications Division
Malaysian Rubber Council (MRC)
Tel: +603 2782 2100
Email: comms@myrubbercouncil.com
Visit our website: www.myrubbercouncil.com

Media Contacts
Name: Angela Chan
Tel: +60 16 280 7703
Name: Thania Ammanena
Tel: +60 19 218 3564
Name: 'Aisyah 'Izzati
Tel: +60 17 739 1219

--BERNAMA

MIDF SUPPORTS GAPIMA’S EXPANSION WITH RM13.4 MILLION ISLAMIC FINANCING FOR NEW LOGISTICS FACILITY

Azizi Mustafa, Chief Executive Officer of MIDF

PETALING JAYA, Aug 20 (Bernama) -- Malaysian Industrial Development Finance Berhad (“MIDF”) has provided RM13.4 million in Islamic financing to GAPIMA Sdn Bhd (“GAPIMA”) under the Soft Financing Scheme for Automation and Modernisation (SFSAMi) to part-finance the acquisition of a new industrial property in Klang, Selangor.

The financing will support GAPIMA’s purchase of a semi-detached industrial building and factory located at 2A, Jalan Anding 3/KU5, with a total purchase price of RM14.896 million. The new facility forms part of GAPIMA’s ongoing upgrading and expansion programme, aimed at enhancing logistics efficiency, strengthening its warehousing capabilities and providing additional capacity to support the company’s continued growth.

Established in 1974, GAPIMA has evolved from its beginnings in forwarding and stevedoring at Penang Port into an integrated logistics provider offering project logistics, freight forwarding, multimodal transportation and warehousing solutions. Today, the company operates a network of 10 offices and warehouses nationwide, with its headquarters owned by the company and its other locations leased from third parties.

The acquisition represents an important step in GAPIMA’s efforts to strengthen its physical infrastructure alongside the continued development of its business. With operations spanning key locations across Peninsular and East Malaysia, the company continues to expand its operational capabilities while investing in its people and digital skills to support greater efficiency.

Azizi Mustafa, Chief Executive Officer of MIDF, said “GAPIMA’s investment in a new logistics facility is a good example of how strategic financing can help Malaysian businesses build the capacity required for sustainable growth. At MIDF, we remain committed to supporting businesses as they modernise their operations, strengthen their competitiveness and invest in the infrastructure and capabilities needed to capture future opportunities. We are pleased to support GAPIMA as it continues to expand its logistics capabilities and strengthen its presence across Malaysia.”

The RM13.4 million financing is provided under MIDF’s SFSAM-i, which supports eligible companies in modernising and upgrading their operations and capabilities, including the acquisition of commercial property.

Muhammad Taufiq bin Johari, Chief Executive Officer of GAPIMA Sdn Bhd, said “The acquisition of this new facility marks an important milestone in GAPIMA’s continued growth journey. As our operations and service capabilities expand, having the right infrastructure in place is increasingly important to support our customers and our people. This investment will strengthen our warehousing and logistics capabilities, improve operational efficiency and provide us with additional capacity as we continue to grow. We are incredibly grateful to MIDF for believing in our vision and helping us to take this next big step”

The new facility will complement GAPIMA’s nationwide network while strengthening its warehousing and operational capabilities. The investment supports the company’s continued growth as an end-to-end logistics provider, with expertise spanning oil and gas, infrastructure cargo, freight forwarding, warehousing and multimodal transportation.

About MBSB Berhad

MBSB Berhad (MBSB) is a dynamic financial services group with a longstanding role in supporting the nation’s financial system and economic development. MBSB is the holding company of MBSB Bank Berhad, MBSB Investment Bank Berhad, and Malaysian Industrial Development Finance Berhad (MIDF). MBSB Bank Berhad is a progressive Islamic bank offering comprehensive Shariah-compliant banking solutions to retail, SME, and corporate customers, with a strong emphasis on innovation and sustainable financing. MBSB Investment Bank Berhad serves as the Group’s investment banking and capital markets arm, providing advisory, research, equity brokerage, and capital markets services. MIDF plays a pivotal role in supporting business and industrial development through development finance, nurturing a resilient and thriving SME ecosystem.

SOURCE: MBSB Berhad (MBSB)

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:
Name: Norsiah Juriani Johari
Group Head
Group Communications & Marketing Department
Group Corporate Strategy
Tel: +6012 900 1907
Email: norsiah.johari@mbsb.com

Name: Arna Farisa Binti Mohamad Isa
Senior Manager
Group Communications & Marketing Department
Group Corporate Strategy
Tel: +6013 394 2590
Email: arna.farisa@mbsb.com

--BERNAMA

ASIA PACIFIC SHOWS STRONGEST GOVERNANCE IMPROVEMENT, SINGAPORE TOPS CHANDLER INDEX

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 19 (Bernama) -- Asia Pacific recorded the strongest improvement of any region in the latest 2026 Chandler Good Government Index (CGGI), with 79 per cent of governments in the region recording higher scores, while Singapore retained the top global ranking for the fourth consecutive year.

The CGGI, now in its sixth year, assesses the capabilities and effectiveness of 133 governments across seven pillars, namely Leadership & Foresight, Robust Laws & Policies, Strong Institutions, Financial Stewardship, Attractive Marketplace, Global Influence & Reputation, and Helping People Rise.

The findings were presented by Chandler Governance Group (CGG) Director (Knowledge), Dinesh Naidu, at a joint session on future-ready governance in Asia and the Pacific, held as part of the OECD-UNDP-OPDC “Transforming Public Services in Thailand” programme in Bangkok.

Naidu said the region's progress demonstrated that sustained investment in institutions and public service delivery could deliver improvements despite a difficult global environment.

“The region improved across six of the Index's seven pillars since 2021, which suggests deliberate, sustained capability building in areas that matter most to citizens,” said Naidu in a statement.

The 19 Asia Pacific countries assessed recorded the largest improvement in average overall score of any region since 2021, with five countries ranking among the global top 20, namely Singapore, Australia, New Zealand, South Korea and Japan.

The region's strongest gains were recorded in the Strong Institutions and Helping People Rise pillars, although progress was uneven. Thailand ranked 58th globally, with its Financial Stewardship performance ranking 18th.

The session also introduced the Future-Ready Governance Index (FRGI), a new benchmarking tool being jointly developed by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and CGG to help governments across Asia Pacific respond to uncertainty, structural transformation and growing complexity.

Naidu said the CGGI provides governments with an evidence base to identify areas requiring stronger capabilities, while the FRGI is intended to help governments build capabilities to prepare for future challenges.

-- BERNAMA

IDFC FIRST Bank Secures Its First International Rating With Investment Grade From S&P Global Ratings

 

MUMBAI, India, Aug 17 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- IDFC FIRST Bank is pleased to announce that S&P Global Ratings has assigned the Bank its inaugural international investment-grade issuer credit ratings of ‘BBB-’ long-term and ‘A-3’ short-term, with a Stable Outlook.

Commenting on the rating, Mr. Sudhanshu Jain - Chief Financial Officer & Head Corporate Centre, said, "We are delighted to receive our first international investment grade Rating from S&P with a Stable Outlook.

We view this rating as an important milestone in our progress. The investment-grade rating is expected to enhance the Bank's standing with global investors and financial institutions, support access to international funding markets, facilitate Standby Letter of Credit (SBLC) lines, strengthen foreign currency funding at the Bank's GIFT City International Banking Unit, support mobilisation of FCNR(B) deposits, and deepen correspondent banking and cross-border trade finance relationships.”

Key excerpts from S&P Global Ratings' rating rationale:

• Expects IDFC FIRST Bank to maintain strong capitalization over the next 18-24 months, with its Risk-Adjusted Capital (RAC) ratio projected at 10.0%-10.5%, supported by regular capital raising, improving profitability and a low dividend payout policy.
• The agency also noted the Bank's demonstrated ability to access equity markets and raise capital to support growth.
• S&P Global Ratings expects further improvement in the Bank's profitability, supported by healthy revenue growth, declining credit costs and improving operating leverage. The agency expects the Bank's cost-to-income ratio to improve to 65%-70% from 75% in FY2026 over the next two years.
• S&P expects the Bank's asset quality to remain stable, supported by technology-driven underwriting, portfolio diversification and a growing focus on lower-risk lending segments. The Stable Outlook reflects the agency's expectation that the Bank will maintain strong capitalization, manageable asset quality risks and a granular retail funding profile over the next two years.
• S&P noted the Bank's experienced management team and strong digital capabilities, which have supported the expansion of a scalable retail banking franchise with nationwide reach.
• S&P further highlighted the Bank's strong funding profile, with a CASA ratio of 50.8% as of June 30, 2026.

The investment-grade rating is expected to strengthen the Bank's access to international markets and funding sources, support trade and SBLC lines, foreign currency funding, FCNR(B) deposit mobilisation, correspondent banking relationships and cross-border trade finance activities.

About the Bank

1. Vision: To build a world-class Bank in India, founded with principles of Ethical, Digital, and Social Good Banking.
2. Scale: IDFC FIRST Bank is one of India’s fast-growing private banks, building its UI, UX, and tech stack like a fintech. As of June 30, 2026, the Bank serves 39 million customers, with a customer business at Rs. 6,04,776 crore ($65.9b) comprising customer deposits of Rs. 2,99,405 crore ($32.6b) and loans & advances of Rs. 3,05,370 crore ($33.3b). Customer deposits grew 16.6% YOY and loans 20.6% YOY. We reach over 60,000 cities, towns, and villages, operating through 1,155 branches.
3. Scope: We are a universal Bank offering a complete range of services, including Retail, MSME, Rural, Startups, Corporate Banking, Cash Management, Credit Cards, Wealth Management, Deposits, Government Banking, Working Capital, Trade Finance, and Treasury solutions.
4. Ethical Banking: We are committed to doing right even when customers are not watching. We have simplified descriptions, calculations, and legal jargon to avoid confusing customers.
5. Digital Banking: The Bank's modern technology stack delivers high-quality services across all channels like mobile, branch, internet banking, call centers and relationship managers. Built on cloud-native, API-led, microservices architecture, supported with data, analytics, AI, and fine aesthetics, we strive to deliver fintech-grade experiences on banking platform.
6. Social Good: We work for society. We have impacted over 40 million lives including 3.6 million women entrepreneurs. We have financed over 7.5 million lifestyle improvement loans (for laptops, washing machines, refrigerators etc. that enhance the quality of life of the middle class), 2.5 lakh electric 2W and 3W vehicles, 2.7 lakh water, sanitation, and hygiene loans, 2 million livelihood (cattle) loans, and 300,000+ SMEs. On deposits, we provide access to premium investment research, which is usually reserved for the wealthy, even to those holding balances as low as Rs. 5,000. Our ESG scores are high and improving.
7. Customer Friendly Banking: We make banking easy by having a customer first approach. We have waived fees on 36 essential savings account services which are commonly charged in the market, the first and only bank in India to do so. We create “pull” products that customers actively seek out.
8. Governance: We adhere to regulatory guidelines in letter and spirit and actively work with regulators to make things better. We take pride in maintaining highest levels of corporate governance.
9. Shareholders: We are building a well-diversified universal banking portfolio designed to deliver consistent ROE of 16%+.
10. Employees: IDFC FIRST Bank is designed to be a happy place to work, with cutting-edge roles, meaningful growth opportunities, and a culture of meritocracy. Compensation is healthy, efforts are recognized, and employees experience the pride and excitement of creating a world-class Bank in India.

View source version on businesswire.com:
https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260814899061/en/

Contact

Media Contact: Media.queries@idfcfirst.bank.in

Source : IDFC FIRST Bank

Northern Trust Expands Fund Administration Mandate With First Sentier In Singapore

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 13 (Bernama) -- Northern Trust has expanded its relationship with First Sentier Group after being appointed fund administrator for First Sentier Investors Global Growth Funds, a Singapore unit trust offering.

Under the expanded mandate, Northern Trust will provide custody, fund accounting and transfer agency services for the funds, combining its local Singapore transfer agency capabilities with its global operating platform, according to a statement.

Northern Trust Country Head of Singapore, Yen Leng Ong said the expanded mandate strengthens the company's fund administration support for retail investors in the region and represents an important milestone for its Singapore operations and local transfer agency capabilities.

Meanwhile, First Sentier Group Chief Operating Officer, Amanda Gazal said the appointment supports the continued simplification of the group's global operating model and strengthens service consistency across its fund ranges.

The appointment expands a broader global relationship between the two firms that began in 2006, further broadening the scope of services Northern Trust provides to First Sentier Group.

Northern Trust provides asset servicing solutions to global investment managers, including fund administration, global custody, investment operations outsourcing and data solutions across various asset classes.

-- BERNAMA

SBC MEDICAL REPORTS 13 PCT RISE IN Q2 REVENUE, NET INCOME JUMPS 335 PCT

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 14 (Bernama) -- SBC Medical Group Holdings Inc (SBC Medical) reported a 13 per cent year-on-year (yoy) increase in consolidated revenue to US$49 million for the second quarter (Q2) of fiscal 2026 ended June 30. (US$1 = RM4.08)

Net income attributable to SBC Medical surged 335 per cent yoy to US$11 million, while adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) increased 32 per cent to US$20 million.

Basic earnings per share jumped 400 per cent year-on-year to US$0.10, while net income margin increased 16 percentage points to 22 per cent and adjusted EBITDA margin climbed six percentage points to 41 per cent.

In a statement, SBC Medical Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Yoshiyuki Aikawa said the company was increasingly confident that its growth reacceleration reflected strengthening underlying fundamentals, with the convergence of healthcare and artificial intelligence (AI) becoming a source of competitive advantage.

He said the company is leveraging more than 26 years of accumulated management data to develop AI-enabled services, including AI-powered call centres, AI-driven marketing and AI-assisted site selection for new clinics.

The company said the quarter marked a reacceleration in growth, supported by the expansion of its points business following a change in operating policy and higher service fees driven by enhanced AI-enabled support capabilities.

The medical corporations supported by SBC Medical also continued to expand, with the number of locations increasing by 34 yoy to 287 as of end-June. Last-12-month patient visits reached 6.9 million, up 10 per cent yoy, while average spending per visit rose nine per cent to US$287.

The company said fee revisions for call centre services provided to five affiliated medical corporations, together with separate fee revisions reflecting expanded support for Rize Clinic and Gorilla Clinic, are expected to increase annual service fees by approximately US$15 million if their impact is realised for a full year.

Looking ahead, SBC Medical said it will deepen its multi-brand strategy in aesthetic dermatology in Japan, expand its non-aesthetic business and accelerate international growth through its collaboration with OrangeTwist in the United States and expansion in Southeast Asia, anchored in Thailand. The company also plans to enter the longevity market.

-- BERNAMA

IHERB MARKS 30TH ANNIVERSARY WITH GLOBAL SALE, PLATFORM EXPANSION

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 13 (Bernama) -- iHerb, a global eCommerce retailer of vitamins, minerals, supplements and health and wellness products, is celebrating its 30th anniversary with its biggest sales event of the year and the addition of 10 newly supported languages to its shopping platform.

In a statement, the company said the milestone comes as it serves well over 16 million customers across approximately 180 countries, reflecting growing consumer interest in proactive health and wellness.

The anniversary promotions will begin on Aug 19 ahead of the company's September anniversary, offering discounts of up to 30 per cent across more than 600 brands, alongside daily flash deals and other customer rewards.

iHerb Chief Executive Officer, Emun Zabihi said the company's 30-year milestone reflects the growth of its customers and team members, adding that it remains focused on improving the customer experience and investing in trust, access and convenience.

The platform's newly supported languages include European Spanish, European Portuguese, Georgian, Bosnian, Azerbaijani, Kazakh, Armenian, Farsi, Hindi and Cantonese, bringing its total language offerings to 46.

iHerb said each language experience is localised to enable customers across the Americas, Europe, the Middle East and Asia to browse products and complete purchases in their preferred language.

Founded in 1996, iHerb has grown from selling its first supplement online from an apartment in Pasadena, California, into a global direct-to-consumer wellness platform, supported by a logistics network of climate-controlled and GMP and/or ISO-compliant facilities.

-- BERNAMA