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Industry News

Healthcare

UCrest expands iMedicT with longevity tools

UCrest Berhad, a digital health service provider, has unveiled iMedicT Longevity, an innovative addition to its iMedicT platform. This new suite of capabilities is designed to support functional and longevity medicine, offering healthcare providers digital tools for personalised care. The platform is already in use by doctors to manage patient health effectively.

iMedicT Longevity aligns with preventive and personalised medicine principles, drawing on historical practices of long-term health management. It supports functional medicine, anti-ageing medicine, and longevity medicine, focusing on maintaining health and extending the healthspan. These disciplines are gaining traction among healthcare providers and patients seeking comprehensive health maintenance strategies.

The platform enables healthcare providers to maintain patient health records, document personalised health plans, and communicate securely with patients. Patients can access their health information and receive communications from their healthcare providers through the iMedicT app, which is available on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store.

The introduction of iMedicT Longevity comes amid growing interest in health optimisation and personalised care, with the health and wellness sector expanding across Malaysia and the Asia-Pacific region. The healthy ageing supplements market in Malaysia is projected to grow significantly, reflecting increased consumer awareness of health maintenance.

Eg Kah Yee, Chairman and Managing Director of UCrest Berhad, stated, “We are pleased to introduce iMedicT Longevity as an expansion of our iMedicT platform’s capabilities.” The module is available to healthcare providers and patients in Malaysia, Singapore, the United States, India, China, and Taiwan, supporting the delivery of quality care through digital tools.


Hotels & Tourism

Hilton expands flagship brand with Shah Alam hotel

Hilton has announced the opening of its latest hotel, Hilton Shah Alam Glenmarie, in Selangor, Malaysia. This new establishment, overlooking the Glenmarie championship golf courses, marks a significant expansion of Hilton’s flagship brand in the region. The hotel features 261 rooms and is designed to cater to both business and leisure travellers with its extensive event facilities, five dining options, and resort-style amenities.

Located just 10 minutes from Subang Airport and 45 minutes from Kuala Lumpur International Airport, Hilton Shah Alam Glenmarie provides convenient access to major attractions such as Sunway Lagoon Theme Park and the Shah Alam Botanical Garden. The hotel offers a variety of room configurations, including 107 guest rooms, 74 deluxe rooms with golf course views, and 55 premium executive rooms. Additionally, there are 25 suites available for longer stays and family getaways.

Dining options at the hotel include the all-day dining restaurant Gingerfire, the al fresco Garden Terrace Restaurant, and the elegant Fūrin Restaurant for Japanese cuisine. Guests can also enjoy leisure facilities such as an Olympic-sized swimming pool, a fitness centre, and access to the Glenmarie Golf and Country Club.

The hotel boasts over 2,800 square metres of meeting and event spaces, including the 556-square-metre Glenmarie Ballroom, capable of hosting up to 500 guests. Alexandra Murray, area vice president and regional head of South East Asia for Hilton, stated, “Hilton Shah Alam Glenmarie is an important addition to our Malaysia portfolio as we continue to grow in step with evolving travel demand.”

Hilton Honours members can earn an additional 1,000 points per stay from 1 March to 31 August 2026, celebrating the hotel’s opening.


Insurance

Allianz Malaysia reports increase in total business volume for FY2025

Allianz Malaysia Berhad has announced a strong financial performance for the year 2025, with total business volume increasing by 10.4% to RM6.24b. This growth was supported by positive developments in both its general and life insurance segments. The company’s operating profit also saw a significant rise of 15.9%, reaching RM1.17b, underscoring its commitment to excellence and adaptability in a changing market.

The company’s Chief Executive Officer, Sean Wang, highlighted the importance of technical excellence and adaptability in meeting customer needs. “As we celebrate our 25th anniversary in 2026, we are grateful for the trust placed in us and we remain focused on ensuring sustainable growth in the year ahead,” he stated.

In the fourth quarter of 2025, Allianz Malaysia recorded a business volume of RM1.60b, marking a 6.7% increase. However, the operating profit for this period saw a slight decline of 2.2% to RM278.3m. Despite this, Gross Written Premiums rose by 4.6% to RM1.81b, driven by the Fire, Motor, and Bancassurance businesses.

Allianz General Insurance Company, a subsidiary, reported an 11.2% increase in business volume to RM3.58b for 2025, with the Motor and Commercial sectors being key growth drivers. Meanwhile, Allianz Life Insurance Malaysia Berhad achieved a 6% rise in annualised new premiums, supported by its Employee Benefits and Bancassurance businesses.


Manufacturing

Dezign Format overcomes IPO costs with S$2.2m profit

Dezign Format has announced an adjusted net profit of S$2.2m for the financial year 2025, despite incurring significant costs related to its initial public offering (IPO) and strategic expansion efforts. The company is poised for growth with plans to enter key Southeast Asian markets and the upcoming launch of a new production facility in Malaysia.

The board has recommended a final dividend of 0.25 Singapore cents per share, reflecting confidence in the company’s future prospects. Chairman and CEO Mike Chong stated, “FY2025 was a pivotal, transitional year for Dezign Format. Whilst our headline numbers reflect the upfront costs of our IPO and strategic expansion, our Adjusted Net Profit of S$2.2m reveals the underlying resilience of our core business.”

The new Malaysian facility is expected to enhance cost efficiencies, whilst expansion into high-growth markets such as Vietnam and Thailand aims to solidify Dezign Format’s presence in the region. Chong added, “We remain optimistic about the path ahead and are focused on scaling our bespoke, experiential offerings to deliver sustained value to all our stakeholders.”

This strategic positioning is anticipated to improve long-term margins and scalability, setting the stage for sustained growth in the competitive Southeast Asian market.


Commercial Property

Raffles Education offloads property, plans expansion

Raffles Education Limited has announced the completion of its property disposal at 51 Merchant Road, generating net cash proceeds of S$121.3m. This strategic move, approved by shareholders earlier this month, is set to enhance the company’s balance sheet and support its expansion strategy across ASEAN markets, including Malaysia, Thailand, and Indonesia. The company also declared a tax-exempt special interim dividend of 0.4 Singapore cents per share, with the record date set for 9 March 2026.

The proceeds from the sale will primarily be used to repay the majority of the Group’s bank loans, significantly reducing interest expenses and strengthening its financial position. Additionally, S$12.25m of non-convertible bonds will be redeemed, further contributing to interest savings. The company aims to utilise the capital to accelerate growth initiatives in key ASEAN markets.

In Malaysia, Raffles Education plans to expand its Raffles American School and Raffles University in Iskandar, focusing on increasing enrolment and launching new programmes. In Thailand, the company will expand its Raffles American School in Bangkok to accommodate more students. Meanwhile, in Indonesia, a new premium K-12 school is set to open in Jakarta, targeting high-income households and expatriate communities.

Chew Hua Seng, Chairman and CEO of Raffles Education, stated, “The completion of the sale marks a key milestone in optimising our capital and providing the Group with the agility and means for expansion without reliance on external borrowings.” The company’s strategic focus remains on leveraging its established brand and operational expertise to drive growth across the region.


HR & Education

LMS Compliance revenue surges 32.5% in FY2025

LMS Compliance has announced a significant 32.5% increase in revenue for the financial year 2025, reaching RM33.63m. The company’s net profit also saw a substantial rise, growing by 29.8% to RM6.76m. This growth is attributed to the company’s strategic shift from a traditional laboratory testing firm to a comprehensive Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) assurance platform.

The Executive Director and CEO of LMS Compliance, Louis Ooi, highlighted the company’s operational discipline and strategic expansion as key drivers of this robust performance. He stated, “This strong performance reinforces our strategic shift from a traditional laboratory testing company to a comprehensive ESG assurance platform, powered by regulation-led growth.”

In addition to its financial success, LMS Compliance has proposed a final cash dividend of 1.00 Singapore cent per share, increasing the total dividend payout to S$1.37m. This move underscores the company’s commitment to rewarding shareholders whilst reinvesting for sustainable growth.

The strategic acquisition of ACC and the establishment of MY CO2 Inspection have expanded LMS Compliance’s capabilities into the novel food sector and electric vehicle and goods inspection services. As global regulatory standards evolve, the company is well-positioned to capture emerging opportunities and accelerate scalable growth.

Looking ahead, LMS Compliance aims to continue delivering enduring value to its stakeholders, leveraging its strengthened position in the ESG assurance market.


Energy & Offshore

Nam Cheong profits up 17.4% yoy on vessel sales

Nam Cheong Limited, a leading Malaysian Offshore Support Vessel (OSV) provider, has announced a significant rise in its profit attributable to owners of the parent (PATMI) for the second half of 2025, reaching RM189.6m. This marks a 17.4% year-on-year increase and a 138.2% rise half-year-on-half-year, attributed to stronger vessel utilisation and gains from vessel sales.

Revenue for the second half of 2025 climbed to RM341.5m, a 22.7% increase from the first half of the year, as more long-term charter contracts commenced. However, the full-year revenue saw a decline of 9.5% year-on-year to RM619.7m, reflecting a normalised vessel utilisation rate compared to the peak in 2024.

Gross profit for the period rose by 13.2% half-year-on-half-year to RM160m, although the gross margin narrowed to 46.9% due to scheduled vessel maintenance completed in the fourth quarter. Other income surged to RM115.4m, driven by higher gains from vessel sales and foreign exchange gains.

Looking ahead, Nam Cheong anticipates higher vessel utilisation in 2026, supported by long-term charters and potential vessel monetisation. CEO Leong Seng Keat expressed optimism, stating, “We expect a higher vessel utilisation compared to 2025 and see opportunities to unlock further value through the monetisation of some of our vessels.”

The Malaysian OSV market is expected to remain stable, with Petronas maintaining domestic output and increasing exploration activities, which could sustain demand for OSVs. Nam Cheong, with its young and technologically advanced fleet, is well-positioned to capitalise on these opportunities and deliver long-term value to shareholders.


Financial Services

CIMB declares RM5.1b dividend amid headwinds

CIMB Group Holdings Berhad has announced a net profit of RM7.9b for the financial year ending 31 December 2025, marking a 1.7% increase from the previous year. The Group’s profit before tax rose by 2.7% year-on-year to RM10.7b, with earnings per share reaching 73.1 sen. This performance has led to an improved return on average equity of 11.3%, driven by the disciplined execution of its Forward30 (F30) strategy amidst challenging economic conditions.

The Group has proposed a second interim dividend of 20.35 sen per share, culminating in a record total dividend payout of RM5.1b. This move underscores CIMB’s commitment to rewarding shareholders through robust earnings and strategic capital management.

CIMB’s F30 strategy, now in its first year, is progressing well, focusing on capital reallocation, enhancing cash franchises, and boosting digital capabilities. The Group reported a 6.1% growth in assets on a constant currency basis, with a notable increase in profit before tax contribution from Malaysia.

The Group’s cash strategy has yielded positive results, with total deposits and current account savings account balances growing by 5.4% year-on-year. This has helped reduce the cost of funds by 21 basis points, mitigating the impact of rate cuts and stabilising net interest income at RM15.3b.

CIMB continues to invest in technology, spending RM1.7b in FY25 to enhance customer solutions and reduce operational costs. The Group is also advancing its sustainability agenda, committing RM200m to community investments by 2030 and setting a sustainable finance target of RM300b.

Novan Amirudin, Group CEO, stated, “2025 marked the first year of the F30 strategy and CIMB delivered record financial performance despite a challenging year of regional and global headwinds.” Looking forward, CIMB aims to build a stronger, more sustainable organisation that delivers long-term value for shareholders and communities.


Information Technology

IFC backs Zetrix AI with RM155.6m to boost blockchain and AI services

The International Finance Corporation (IFC), part of the World Bank Group, has announced a RM155.6m equity investment in Malaysia’s Zetrix AI Berhad. This investment is set to bolster the development and deployment of blockchain-based Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) applications and AI-enabled products, enhancing digital inclusion and economic efficiency in Malaysia and the broader ASEAN region.

Zetrix AI’s innovative solutions aim to streamline services such as digital ID verification, international trade digitalisation, and asset tokenisation. These services will integrate with Malaysia’s digital ecosystem, including MyDigital ID and the Malaysia Blockchain Infrastructure (MBI). The investment will also support Zetrix AI’s expansion into emerging markets within ASEAN and globally.

Judith Green, World Bank Group country manager for Malaysia, stated, “This investment reflects IFC’s commitment to advancing Malaysia’s digital transformation agenda, in line with the Thirteenth Malaysia Plan, 2026-2030.” She emphasised the importance of DPI services in improving public service delivery and economic competitiveness.

TS Wong, Group Managing Director of Zetrix AI, highlighted the transformative potential of their blockchain and AI solutions, saying, “With the participation and market access from IFC, we will accelerate our global expansion plans.”

The investment underscores IFC’s strategy to leverage private sector solutions to foster inclusive and sustainable growth in developing regions. As Zetrix AI continues to innovate, the collaboration is poised to drive significant socio-economic integration across ASEAN.
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Manufacturing

Oxford Innotech posts RM12.7m revenue for Q4 FY2025

Oxford Innotech Berhad (OXB), an integrated engineering solutions provider, has announced its financial results for the fourth quarter of fiscal year (FY) 2025, ending 31 December 2025. The company reported a revenue of RM12.7m, with the precision engineering components solutions segment contributing 60.1%, mechanical assembly solutions 34.8%, and automation and robotics solutions 5.1%. Profit after tax (PAT) for the quarter stood at RM1.0m, reflecting an 8.1% PAT margin.

For the full year, OXB achieved a revenue of RM63.2m, with the mechanical assembly solutions segment leading at 54.3%. The precision engineering components solutions segment followed with 42.6%, and automation and robotics solutions contributed 3.1%. The company reported a PAT of RM7.1m, which, after adjusting for listing expenses, resulted in an adjusted PAT of RM8.4m, translating to a 13.3% margin.

OXB Managing Director, Ng Thean Gin, expressed satisfaction with the FY 2025 results despite a challenging environment. He highlighted the company’s successful entry into the data centre industry, securing contracts worth RM9.6m, expected to be fully recognised in FY 2026. Additionally, OXB is witnessing progress in its semiconductor sector, with increased demand anticipated following First Article Inspection Reports (FAIRs) approvals.

Looking forward, OXB remains optimistic about FY 2026, supported by an order book of RM21.0m and expected new orders. The company maintains a strong balance sheet, with a net cash position and a current ratio of 7.3 times as of 31 December 2025.
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