MBSB BANK LAUNCHES SME STABILISATION RELIEF FACILITY (SME SRF) TO SUPPORT BUSINESSES NAVIGATING GEOPOLITICAL UNCERTAINTY

MBSB Bank

PETALING JAYA, May 14 (Bernama) -- MBSB Bank Berhad (MBSB Bank) yesterday announced the launch of the SME Stabilisation Relief Facility (SME SRF), a strategic financing initiative designed to provide timely working capital support to viable Malaysian small and medium enterprises (SMEs). This facility aligns with Bank Negara Malaysia’s (BNM) RM5 billion fund established to help businesses manage operational disruptions and cash flow constraints arising from the ongoing geopolitical conflict in West Asia.

The SME SRF is specifically tailored for Malaysian SMEs that have experienced financial stress due to trade and supply chain disruptions since March 2026. By providing essential liquidity, MBSB Bank aims to support businesses in sustaining their operations and navigating this period of global economic uncertainty. In line with industry efforts to enhance access to financing, MBSB Bank is also streamlining its credit assessment processes to ensure affected businesses receive timely assistance.

Noor Mohamed Amin Bin Mohamed, Group Chief Commercial Banking Officer of MBSB Berhad, said “At MBSB Bank, we recognize that SMEs are the backbone of Malaysia’s economy, yet they are often the most vulnerable to global geopolitical shifts. The SME SRF is a proactive intervention designed to provide a vital liquidity buffer for businesses facing with supply chain disruptions and rising operational costs. By streamlining our credit assessment processes, we are ensuring that eligible SMEs receive the urgent financial support they need to maintain business continuity and emerge more resilient despite the current market volatility.”

MBSB Bank offers financing of up to RM750,000 per SME to help alleviate cash flow constraints. Eligible SMEs may obtain financing for a tenure of up to five years, at a maximum financing rate of 3.75% per annum (inclusive of the guarantee fee). The financing is supported by guarantees of up to 80% from Credit Guarantee Corporation Malaysia (CGC) or Syarikat Jaminan Pembiayaan Perniagaan (SJPP), particularly for SMEs without sufficient collateral. The facility is specifically designated for working capital purposes and strictly excludes the refinancing of any existing facilities.

To qualify for the facility, businesses must be viable Malaysian SMEs as defined by SME Corporation Malaysia with at least 51% share of ownership held by Malaysians. 

Applicants must demonstrate that they have been materially affected by trade and supply chain disruptions resulting from the West Asia conflict.

SMEs interested in the SME Stabilisation Relief Facility can begin submitting their applications starting 15 May 2026 until 31 December 2026, or until the fund is fully utilised. For further information or to check eligibility, business owners are encouraged to: 

· Contact their dedicated Relationship Manager.
· Visit the nearest MBSB Bank branch nationwide.
· Browse the official website at www.mbsbbank.com.
· Submit enquiries via email at commercialbanking@mbsbbank.com.

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 (formerly MIDF Amanah Investment Bank), 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, complemented by its asset management capabilities.

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

MHTC Advances Malaysia–China Healthcare Collaboration Through Strategic Partnership with Maycham Guangzhou

 From left:

1. Jaslyn Chong Chai Lin, Head of China Market, MHTC
2. Kara He Qianwen, Representative of China Market, MHTC 
3. Kwan Joo Sin, Chairman of MayCham China Guangdong Office
4. Loh Wee Keng, Chairman of MayCham China 

 

GUANGZHOU, May 11 (Bernama) -- Malaysia is accelerating its engagement with China’s healthcare ecosystem through a strategic partnership between the Malaysia Healthcare Travel Council (MHTC) and MayCham China Guangdong Office, formalised through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at the Visit Malaysia 2026 Forum and Gala Dinner held in Guangzhou on 9 May 2026.

MHTC’s participation in the forum reflects its focused approach to strengthening Malaysia’s presence in the China market through targeted, high-impact engagements. At the forum, MHTC advanced Malaysia Healthcare’s value proposition through strategic engagements with key stakeholders, while driving business matching efforts to build credible, long-term partnerships within the Greater Bay Area.

The MoU represents a strategic shift towards a more structured and sustainable approach to market development. Anchored on a business-to-business ecosystem model, the collaboration positions both MHTC and MayCham Guangzhou as facilitators of high-value connections, focusing on enabling partnerships, strengthening networks, and expanding access to key stakeholders within the Greater Bay Area.

Through this partnership, Malaysia Healthcare will be embedded within MayCham’s established corporate and institutional network, unlocking access to pre-qualified intermediaries, corporates, and decision-makers. This enables a transition from broad-based outreach to precision-targeted engagement, while laying the foundation for a scalable referral ecosystem that supports long-term growth in healthcare travel.

Beyond market access, the collaboration reinforces Malaysia’s position as a credible and trusted healthcare destination. By leveraging MayCham’s role as a neutral and reputable chamber platform, the partnership enhances confidence among stakeholders, reduces market entry barriers, and ensures sustained visibility within one of China’s most dynamic economic regions.

Suriaghandi Suppiah, Chief Executive Officer of MHTC, said, “China continues to be a key market for Malaysia Healthcare, and this partnership with MayCham Guangzhou allows us to deepen our engagement in a more structured and meaningful way. By embedding ourselves within a trusted business ecosystem, we are able to move beyond broad outreach towards building high-quality, conversion-driven partnerships that deliver long-term value.”

“This collaboration reflects our broader vision under the Malaysia Year of Medical Tourism (MYMT) 2026, where Healing Meets Hospitality is not only a promise of care, but a commitment to delivering a seamless and trusted healthcare journey. Through strategic partnerships such as this, we are strengthening Malaysia’s position as the preferred medical tourism destination of the world,” he added.

As Malaysia progresses towards Visit Malaysia 2026, initiatives such as this underscore MHTC’s continued commitment to expanding its global footprint through high-impact collaborations that drive sustainable growth, strengthen patient trust, and elevate Malaysia Healthcare on the global stage.

About Malaysia Healthcare Travel Council
 
Malaysia Healthcare Travel Council (MHTC), established in 2009 under the purview of the Ministry of Health (MOH) Malaysia, is entrusted with developing and nurturing the “Malaysia Healthcare” brand. MHTC enhances, coordinates, and promotes Malaysia’s healthcare travel industry by fostering industry collaborations and building valuable public-private partnerships both domestically and internationally. With 80 member hospitals nationwide, MHTC continues to elevate the healthcare travel ecosystem through strong branding, seamless patient experiences, and strategic market initiatives. In line with these efforts, MHTC is spearheading the Malaysia Year of Medical Tourism (MYMT) 2026, the nation’s first dedicated year to celebrate and advance healthcare travel. MYMT 2026 serves as a milestone initiative to showcase Malaysia’s world-class healthcare offerings, strengthen its position as the premier global healthcare destination, and highlight the industry’s significant contribution to the national economy.
 
More information can be found at https://www.malaysiahealthcare.org.   

SOURCE: Malaysia Healthcare Travel Council

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT: 
Name: Mohamad Shahizam Fauzi                                                       
Head, Communications
Tel: +603 8776 6168                      
Email: shahizam.f@mhtc.org.my
 
Name: Siti Hamidah Mohd Najib                                
Senior Executive, Communications
Tel: +603 8776 6168           
Email: hamidah.m@mhtc.org.my 

--BERNAMA

VEDANTA POSTS RECORD FY26 PROFIT, REVENUE FOLLOWING DEMERGER

KUALA LUMPUR, May 11 (Bernama) -- India-based Vedanta Limited, a global leader in metals, oil & gas, critical minerals, power and technology, posted a record profit of US$2.8 billion for the financial year ended March 31, 2026, up 22 per cent year-on-year (YoY), driven by structurally strong businesses and disciplined execution. (US$1 = RM3.91)

In a statement, Vedanta said the fourth-quarter (Q4) profit rose nearly 90 per cent YoY to US$1 billion.

Vedanta also recorded its highest-ever annual revenue of about US$20 billion, representing a 15 per cent increase from a year earlier, while its Q4 revenue rose nearly 30 per cent YoY to US$5.6 billion.

Annual earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) increased about 30 per cent to a record US$6.3 billion, with margins expanding to around 40 per cent. Q4 EBITDA stood at US$2 billion with margins of about 44 per cent.

The company said its balance sheet strengthened further during the year, with net debt-to-EBITDA improving to 0.95 times, supported by strong cash generation.

Vedanta said its demerger became effective on May 1, resulting in the creation of five independently scalable business entities spanning aluminium, oil and gas, power, iron and steel, and critical minerals.

The company’s AA credit ratings were reaffirmed by CRISIL and ICRA, while parent company Vedanta Resources received a ratings upgrade to BB- from Fitch Ratings.

Vedanta delivered a total shareholder return of nearly 50 per cent in financial year 2026 (FY26), outperforming India’s Nifty Metal Index.

-- BERNAMA

STUDENTS GAIN BETTER UNDERSTANDING OF INDUSTRY DEMANDS AFTER PARTICIPATING IN ACE CAMP

 

ACE Camp 2026 participants practising how to budget during the Ringgit Rules workshop.

KUALA LUMPUR, May 8 (Bernama) -- Recognising that students from lower-income families often have limited exposure to information about the range of potential career pathways available, the Financial Industry Collective Outreach (FINCO) introduced ACE (Aspire Career and Education) Camp, an annual programme that serves as a critical final touchpoint for SPM-leavers to build their professional networks and better understand industry demands.

During the three-day camp, students build on their employability and communication skills through engaging in resume writing workshops, mock interviews, panel sessions with experts from the financial industry, workplace visit sessions, and other relevant activities.

In 2026, 96% of the 77 students who participated in the camp were able to state at least two next steps to achieve their post-SPM ambitions. Meanwhile, 98% were able to state at least one skill needed to achieve their post-SPM ambitions.

“Exposure to different industries helps students make better decisions about their futures. By understanding the range of roles, skills, and pathways available, they can identify what suits their strengths and interests, set clearer goals, and take more informed steps toward building the skills needed to pursue a meaningful career,” said FINCO’s CEO, Clare Walker.

This year, FINCO partnered with institutions from the architecture, aviation, education, financial, game development, law enforcement, and medical industries, to give students relevant workplace visit opportunities.

Real world exposure and skills-building opportunities through workplace visits

• Financial industry immersion: At AmBank (M) Berhad and Public Investment Bank Berhad (PIVB), students were introduced to various roles in banking and investment, including communications, marketing, human resources, group sustainability, trading, and compliance. They also participated in hands-on activities such as using trading computers, learning to read stock market data, conducting research on a Bloomberg terminal, and practising checking mock customer transactions.
• Creative and project planning skills: At Electronic Arts Malaysia, students learned about graphic designing and animation, as well as how a project team works together to launch a new product.
• Understanding qualifications and exploring different pathways: Through visits to the Brickfields District Police Headquarters, NU-SA Architect, Pusat Kreatif Kanak-Kanak Tuanku Bainun, Subang Jaya Medical Centre (SJMC) and Subang MRO, students were able to learn about the various roles available in these workplaces and the different pathways and qualifications that helped current personnel secure their  positions,  including the relevance of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) graduates in these industries.

The positive feedback from participating students highlights the impact of this exposure. As Umaira Qasrina binti Sudirman, 18, from Terengganu shared, “ACE Camp really opened my eyes to many things that I didn’t know about, including jobs that would still be relevant in the next ten years. I learned how to polish my answers and communicate during interviews, how people conduct themselves in the workplace, and I know more about different jobs that I’m interested in.”

ACE Camp students were also partnered with mentors from AmBank, BNP Paribas Malaysia Berhad, Citibank Berhad, Generali Insurance Malaysia Berhad, Manulife Insurance Berhad, and  Sun Life Malaysia Assurance Berhad who will journey with them until the end of the year, as students navigate their post-SPM life.

Commenting on the success of the camp, now in its third year, FINCO Chairman, Tan Sri Azman Hashim said, “This close collaboration with the financial industry is a key driver in ensuring students receive practical and sector-specific exposure that supports their transition from school to tertiary education or employment. It also highlights the industry’s commitment to nurturing a more informed, capable talent pipeline for the nation.”

 

About the Financial Industry Collective Outreach
The Financial Industry Collective Outreach (FINCO) is a collaborative initiative pioneered by financial institutions in Malaysia with the guidance of Bank Negara Malaysia to provide underprivileged children and youth with the guidance and educational tools they need to achieve their life goals. FINCO seeks to achieve these objectives through inclusive educational initiatives under four strategic pillars - English Proficiency and Life Aspiration, Financial Literacy and Disaster Relief.

FINCO Website: www.finco.my
Instagram: finco_my
Facebook: fincomalaysia
LinkedIn: company/fincomy 

SOURCE: Financial Industry Collective Outreach (FINCO)

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT: 
Name: Ms. Hannah Jonas

Communications and Event Manager, FINCO

Tel:  014 649 4295
Email: hannah.jonas@finco.my

--BERNAMA

OVER 1.6 MILLION STUDENTS SUPPORTED IN DEVELOPING FUTURE-READY SKILLS THROUGH FINANCIAL INDUSTRY COLLABORATION WITH FINCO

KUALA LUMPUR, May 8 (Bernama) -- Since its inception in 2017, the Financial Industry Collective Outreach (FINCO) has seen over 1.6 million students benefiting from its educational initiatives, trained over 17,000 teachers and engaged 2,200 volunteers, due to its wide-reaching network of support through the financial industry.

Guided by Bank Negara Malaysia, FINCO’s collaborative approach is supported by over 110 financial institutions, channeling the resources of the financial industry into high-quality and inclusive initiatives which align with key national agendas in education, fostering future-ready students.

This enables the financial industry to create collective impact at scale and avoid duplication of effort, as they work towards achieving social and financial inclusion in line with the sector’s Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles.

“Our partnership-driven approach leverages the financial industry’s collective expertise to expand access to meaningful educational opportunities for students from low-income families.

“This shared effort enables FINCO to design evidence-driven and scalable programmes that improve opportunities and outcomes, demonstrating the power of collective action in closing opportunity gaps and helping build a resilient, sustainable workforce prepared for evolving demands,” FINCO’s Chairman, Tan Sri Azman Hashim, commented on the organisation’s unique model.

“I am now saving RM5 every day and doing my best to achieve my goal of saving RM200 every month for future use,” said 17-year-old Sushmithaa A/P Ananthan from SMK Bandar Tasik Selatan, after participating in FINCO’s Ringgit Rules workshop

Ringgit Rules is just one of the programmes that FINCO runs in schools to achieve its goal of bridging the educational gap, providing underprivileged children and youth with the guidance and tools necessary to access further education, secure decent work, and achieve long-term financial wellbeing.

The organisation’s programmes demonstrated remarkable success across its four strategic pillars in 2025:

• English Proficiency: 98% of students in the programme showed improvement in English proficiency, with 92% of teachers applying new reading and critical thinking strategies.
• Life Aspiration: 90% of students implemented learnings from the pillar’s programmes to make informed choices about their post-SPM pathway.
• Financial Literacy: 96% of students who participated in FINCO’s Good SENS programme for primary school students were able to apply financial management skills in real-life situations.
• Disaster Relief: 3,250 students benefitted through disaster relief channelled to their families or schools.

“Underserved students in Malaysia need targeted support to reach their full potential. By focusing on these key areas, we ensure that students are equipped with the relevant skills to navigate barriers, make informed choices about their future, and manage financial resources responsibly,” said FINCO’s CEO, Clare Walker.

The organisation remains committed to expanding its reach and impact to ensure every Malaysian youth has the opportunity to pursue meaningful careers and achieve their life goals. 

About the Financial Industry Collective Outreach
The Financial Industry Collective Outreach (FINCO) is a collaborative initiative pioneered by financial institutions in Malaysia with the guidance of Bank Negara Malaysia to provide underprivileged children and youth with the guidance and educational tools they need to achieve their life goals. FINCO seeks to achieve these objectives through inclusive educational initiatives under four strategic pillars - English Proficiency and Life Aspiration, Financial Literacy and Disaster Relief.

FINCO Website: www.finco.my
Instagram: finco_my
Facebook: fincomalaysia
LinkedIn: company/fincomy 

SOURCE: Financial Industry Collective Outreach (FINCO)

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT: 
Name: Ms. Hannah Jonas

Communications and Event Manager, FINCO

Tel:  014 649 4295
Email: hannah.jonas@finco.my

--BERNAMA

New Business Mix, New Valuation Lens: Has the Market Caught Up with Kinergy?

KUALA LUMPUR, May 6 (Bernama) -- For years, Kinergy Advancement Berhad (KLSE: 0193) was viewed mainly as an engineering business. That foundation remains relevant, but FY2025 suggests the company’s story has moved into a broader category.

Kinergy is increasingly exposed to energy ownership, infrastructure development and longer-duration revenue structures. This means investors who still assess the company purely through an engineering lens may be missing the shift taking place in its business model.

The company’s FY2025 results provide clearer evidence of this transition. Revenue rose 117.4% year-on-year to RM478.3 million, approaching the half-billion-ringgit mark. Profit attributable to shareholders stood at RM27.9 million, while earnings per share came in at 1.31 sen.

The more important change was in the revenue mix. Kinergy’s Sustainable Energy Solutions (SES) segment generated RM328.2 million in revenue, up 207.5% year-on-year, and accounted for 69% of group revenue, compared with 49% in FY2024. Engineering revenue stood at RM148.7 million.

Kinergy’s Founder, Executive Deputy Chairman and Group Managing Director, Dato’ Lai Keng Onn, said the Group’s risk profile has changed since 2018 as it moved into businesses requiring more capital, patience and disciplined governance.

“We made a deliberate shift beyond a traditional project-delivery model and the limitations of an engineering contract cycle. As this portfolio continues to take shape, SES has emerged as a significant growth pillar and a key differentiator in the Group’s value creation journey,” he said.

The RM646.32 million Labuan 120MW gas engine power plant is one example of this shift. It is Kinergy’s largest EPCC contract to date and its third major project involving PETRONAS-linked entities. The project is expected to support Labuan and the wider Sabah power system by providing reliable baseload capacity.

Another key catalyst is the proposed Teknologi Tenaga Perlis Consortium (TTPC) gas-fired development, where Kinergy has secured a position as the leading consortium member. The project signals Kinergy’s entry into the Independent Power Producer (IPP) space.

While the IPP model carries higher capital requirements and longer payback horizons, the Perlis project starts from a brownfield position. Existing transmission interconnection, gas supply infrastructure and water facilities may reduce the timeline and capital intensity compared with a full greenfield power project.

Kinergy’s transition also extends into renewable energy. Its 21-year Virtual Power Purchase Agreement with Safran Landing Systems Malaysia, backed by hydropower and requiring output of 80GWh to 108GWh per year, reflects the Group’s ability to structure long-term energy solutions for corporate users.

Taken together, these developments point to a company moving deliberately from project execution into energy infrastructure and ownership-linked models.

“Our growth has always been measured against the risk it introduces and the complexity it demands. The market takes time to reprice businesses that have genuinely changed category. We understand that. We are patient, and we believe the evidence continues to accumulate,” Lai said.

Kinergy ended FY2025 with a secured order book of RM1.0 billion and an active tender pipeline of RM2.2 billion, giving a total development pipeline of RM3.2 billion.
 
SOURCE : Aegis Communication

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT: 
Name: Jason Fong
Tel: +6012-8631134
Email: jason@aegiscomm.com.my

--BERNAMA​

RM15,000 Top Prize Drives Nationwide Bridge-Building Challenge

MACSian74 Competition and Prizes

MELAKA, May 4 (Bernama) -- A school-level engineering challenge that began more than a decade ago is set to take centre stage nationwide, with a RM15,000 top prize drawing participants to the Vital Factor Consulting Cup 2026, featuring the MACSian74 Bridge Over Troubled Waters competition.

Originally introduced in 2009 by alumni of Malacca Anglo-Chinese School (ACS), the competition has grown from a local initiative into a national platform for innovation. The 2026 edition marks its first nationwide expansion and will be jointly organised by ACS and Malacca Methodist Girls’ Secondary School (MGSS).

At its core, the challenge is deceptively simple: participants must construct a bridge using only ice cream sticks, strings and glue. However, the competition does not reward the strongest structure, but the most efficient one - with entries evaluated based on the ratio of load carried to material used, reflecting real-world engineering principles.

In earlier editions, the results have been notable. The winning bridge in 2009 supported 19.5 kilogrammes, while the 2012 edition saw this nearly double to 38.5 kilogrammes, roughly the weight of a child.

Beyond technical performance, the competition has also shaped individual aspirations. One participant from the inaugural event discovered a passion for engineering through hands-on involvement and later pursued an engineering degree at the National University of Singapore, inspired by both his own experience and success in 2009 and his sister’s success in the 2012 competition.

The upcoming edition is expected to attract approximately 160 teams from across Malaysia, including participants from schools, universities, industry and the general public. The official launch is scheduled for 9 May 2026, with the competition on 27 June 2026.

A total of 21 cash prizes will be awarded, including the RM15,000 prize for the overall winner.

Organisers noted that the competition is designed to develop not only engineering skills, but also broader competencies such as problem-solving, cost optimisation, teamwork and innovation under constraints.

Supporting the initiative, Mr Wooi Tan, Managing Director of Vital Factor Consulting Sdn Bhd, said, “As part of our commitment to corporate social responsibility, we are proud to support initiatives that nurture technical capability, innovation and practical problem-solving skills, enabling participants to compete effectively on a broader stage.”

Ms Cerlina Ho, Executive Director of Ikhua Engineering Sdn Bhd, added, “Our sponsorship is a way of giving back to society. The competition aligns closely with our industry and supports the development of engineering talent while promoting excellence and innovation.”

The event is presented by Vital Factor Consulting Sdn Bhd, with support from Ikhua Engineering Sdn Bhd.

The official site of The Vital Factor Consulting Cup 2026, together with the rules of the competition:
https://sites.google.com/moe-dl.edu.my/vfccups2026

Registration for participating:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSctuIZfJewgRf5SBpKTaup37q4KH2SRZbSJnU_qYXsGU3gwsg/viewform

SOURCE: Vital Factor Consulting Sdn Bhd​

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:
Name: Ms Soh Lay Hui
Principal, Malacca ACS
Email: sohlayhui@yahoo.com

--BERNAMA