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Industry News

Healthcare

IHH Healthcare revenue surges 19% in Q2 2026

IHH Healthcare, a prominent multinational healthcare provider, has announced a significant double-digit growth in its financial results for the second quarter of 2026. The Group’s core revenue rose by 19% year-on-year to RM6.9b, whilst core profit after tax and minority interest (PATMI), excluding exceptional items, surged by 30% to RM675m. This growth is attributed to increased patient volumes and a more complex case mix across its diversified portfolio.

The Group’s performance was bolstered by strong results in key regions. Malaysia experienced higher revenue intensity and inpatient admissions, alongside a double-digit increase in daycase volumes. Türkiye and Europe continued to see broad-based growth, driven by strong local and foreign patient demand, even with the addition of new beds at several hospitals. In India, the integration of Fortis Healthcare and Gleneagles India under a maintenance services agreement contributed to ongoing growth.

Singapore showed signs of recovery, with occupancy rates improving to 51% in Q2 and maintaining strong margins of 29%. The Group plans to introduce more competitive packages in collaboration with leading insurers to further boost volumes.

Despite global volatilities and the impact of a stronger Ringgit, IHH’s reported revenue increased by 12% to RM7b, and reported PATMI rose by 29% to RM573m. The Group remains focused on its multi-year transformation journey, aiming for a double-digit return on equity by 2028, supported by country-specific growth strategies and operational synergies.


Energy & Offshore

DayOne, TNB partner to explore a 1.5 GW power project in Malaysia

DayOne Data Centres Limited, a Singapore-based digital infrastructure platform, has announced a collaboration with TNB Power Generation Sdn. Bhd. (TNB GenCo) to explore a dedicated on-site power generation solution of up to 1.5 gigawatts (GW) for its new data centre in Selangor, Malaysia. This initiative aims to enhance Malaysia’s energy resilience and support the growing demand for AI and cloud infrastructure.

The collaboration will integrate on-site power generation with a battery energy storage system (BESS) to bolster grid security and reliability. This project marks DayOne’s continued expansion in Greater Kuala Lumpur, complementing its existing presence in Johor. The partnership builds on previous collaborations, including green energy programmes like the Corporate Renewable Energy Supply Scheme and the Green Electricity Tariff.

Jamie Khoo, CEO of DayOne, emphasised the importance of Malaysia in the company’s growth strategy, stating, “Together with TNB, we are exploring an integrated approach that combines on-site power generation and a battery energy storage system directly with our data centre infrastructure.”

TNB CEO, Datuk Ir. Ts. Shamsul Ahmad, highlighted the significance of reliable electricity infrastructure for Malaysia’s digital economy, noting, “TNB’s role is now more pertinent than ever in balancing digital economy growth and long-term sustainability.”

The project aligns with Malaysia’s National Energy Transition Roadmap and aims to attract high-value digital investments whilst minimising environmental impact. DayOne expects its investment in Malaysia to exceed RM28b by the end of 2026, reinforcing its commitment to the region’s long-term growth.


Energy & Offshore

Unitrade profit jumps 68.5% in Q1 FY27

Unitrade Industries Berhad, one of Malaysia’s largest building materials wholesalers, has announced a significant 68.5% increase in net profit for the first quarter of FY27, reaching RM10.9m This marks the first time since the third quarter of FY24 that the company has achieved a quarterly net profit exceeding RM10m. The surge in profit is attributed to robust performance in its core wholesale and distribution business, alongside contributions from its renewable energy segment.

Revenue for the quarter ending 30 June 2026 rose by 4.3% year-on-year to RM418.8m. The wholesale and distribution segment, which accounted for 57.2% of total revenue, saw a 23.7% increase in revenue to RM239.7m, driven by improved market demand. Meanwhile, the renewable energy segment experienced a 71.9% rise in revenue, reflecting growing demand for solar products.

Unitrade’s Managing Director, Nomis Sim Siang Leng, expressed satisfaction with the results, noting, “This is the first quarter in more than two years that we have breached the RM10m net profit mark. What we have delivered this quarter came from the underlying business—stronger demand, better product mix, disciplined pricing, and tighter inventory and credit management.”

Looking ahead, Unitrade is poised to benefit from Malaysia’s ongoing infrastructure developments and energy transition initiatives. The company remains optimistic about its prospects for FY27, despite potential challenges such as commodity price fluctuations and foreign exchange rate volatility.


Financial Services

CIMB profits rise in Q2 2026 amid market pressures

CIMB Group Holdings Berhad has reported a net profit of RM1.94b for the second quarter of 2026, marking a 1.2% increase from the previous quarter. The group achieved an annualised return on average equity of 11.2% and declared a first interim dividend of 19.65 sen per share, amounting to a total payout of RM2.1b.

The group’s total income rose by 2.8% quarter-on-quarter to RM5.56b, driven by growth in both net interest income and non-interest income. Non-interest income saw a 6% increase to RM1.83b, bolstered by higher franchise fees and strong client sales momentum. Net interest income grew by 1.3% to RM3.73b, supported by asset and loan growth.

CIMB’s operating expenses decreased by 1.6%, improving the cost-to-income ratio to 45.2%. The group continues to invest in technology and AI to enhance long-term growth and customer experience. Asset quality remains stable, with a gross impaired loan ratio at a record low of 1.6%.

Looking ahead, CIMB is focused on opportunities in AI, data centres, and cross-border trade within ASEAN. The group is also reallocating capital from underperforming sectors and enhancing its digital offerings. CEO Novan Amirudin stated, “Our 2Q26 performance reflects the continued execution of our Forward30 strategy and the strength of our banking franchise.”

CIMB’s robust capital position and strategic initiatives are expected to drive sustained growth and strengthen its competitive edge across ASEAN markets.


Markets & Investing

Sorento Capital surges with Bursa Main Market debut

Bathroom and kitchen sanitary ware provider Sorento Capital Berhad has successfully transitioned to the Main Market of Bursa Malaysia, marking a significant milestone just two years after its initial listing on the ACE Market in October 2024. This move involves the transfer of all 860 million issued ordinary shares.

The company’s Managing Director, Loo Chai Lai, expressed pride in this achievement, noting that the transfer is expected to boost Sorento Capital’s market credibility and visibility among customers, business partners, and investors. “The transfer also enables us to engage with a broader investor base, including institutional and long-term strategic investors,” he stated.

This transition coincides with Sorento Capital’s record financial performance for the financial year ending 30 June 2026. The Group reported a 2.6% increase in revenue year-on-year to RM183.9m, whilst net profit surged by 17.4% to RM30.8m, marking its second consecutive year of record net profit. Loo highlighted that this performance underscores the resilience of their business model and their focus on cost management, operating efficiency, and sustainable growth.

Looking ahead, Sorento Capital plans to expand its product offerings, sales channels, and geographical footprint. Loo concluded, “We will continue to implement these initiatives in a disciplined manner whilst maintaining our focus on sustainable earnings and long-term value creation for shareholders.”

Sorento Capital, through its subsidiaries, markets and distributes a wide range of bathroom and kitchen sanitary wares under brands such as Sorento, Mocha, Cabana, and i-Born. It also distributes foreign luxury brands like Bravat and Infinity in Malaysia.


Insurance

Allianz Life warns financial crisis from critical illness

Allianz Life Insurance Malaysia Berhad is urging Malaysians to consider critical illnesses not just as health challenges but as significant financial burdens. This call to action was made during the ‘Beyond Survival: The Journey from Setback to Comeback’ Media Forum, where industry leaders and healthcare advocates gathered to discuss the economic impact of serious illnesses like cancer and stroke.

Giulio Slavich, CEO of Allianz Life, emphasised that whilst medical advancements have improved survival rates, many Malaysians are unprepared for the financial repercussions of a critical illness diagnosis. “Critical illness is no longer solely a health issue. For many families, it becomes a financial crisis,” he stated, highlighting the ongoing financial commitments that can persist long after medical treatment.

In 2025, Allianz Life paid RM1.33b in claims, underscoring the financial support needed when unexpected life events occur. The data reveals a rise in critical illness cases, with cancer-related payouts increasing by 29%, stroke by 95%, and heart disease by 22% since 2022. These figures challenge the perception that critical illnesses primarily affect older individuals, with claims from young adults and even students.

The forum also featured insights from Dr. Murallitharan Munisamy of the National Cancer Society Malaysia, who stressed the importance of early prevention and awareness. In response to these challenges, Allianz Life has launched HealthCover Prime, a new solution aimed at providing stronger financial protection against the long-term impacts of critical illnesses. This initiative reflects Allianz Life’s commitment to helping families build resilience amidst rising healthcare costs and medical inflation.


Financial Services

CIMB’s tokenised sukuk pilot challenges Malaysia’s financial norms

CIMB Group, through CIMB Islamic Bank Berhad, has successfully completed a pilot project for the settlement of tokenised sukuk using tokenised deposits. This initiative, part of Bank Negara Malaysia’s Digital Asset Innovation Hub, tested the digital representation of RM1.38b of a RM1.68b sukuk issuance, with the remainder issued traditionally.

Tokenisation, which uses distributed ledger technology, allows financial assets like sukuk to be represented digitally, potentially enhancing automation and settlement efficiency. The pilot aimed to explore how digital financial assets and commercial bank money can work together, offering insights into operational, legal, and regulatory aspects.

The project involved 12 institutional investors and was conducted under CIMB Islamic Bank Berhad’s RM10b Senior Sukuk Wakalah Programme. The tokenisation process does not alter the sukuk’s economic or Shariah structure, ensuring compliance with Islamic finance principles.

Minister of Finance II, Senator Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan, highlighted the pilot’s significance in advancing Malaysia’s capabilities in Islamic finance and capital markets. “This pilot moves tokenisation beyond theory, testing how digital assets can enhance market efficiency whilst maintaining governance and investor protection,” he stated.

Novan Amirudin, CEO of CIMB Group, noted the practical benefits of the pilot, such as improved liquidity management and capital efficiency. “The experience gained will help us develop these capabilities further in Malaysia and potentially across regional and cross-border applications,” he said.

The initiative is part of CIMB’s broader efforts to integrate digital financial assets and explore the practical applications of tokenised deposits in financial markets.


Hotels & Tourism

Dusit launches largest ASAI hotel in Malaysia

Dusit Hotels and Resorts is set to introduce its ASAI Hotels brand to Malaysia with the opening of ASAI Gamuda Cove in Selangor on 15 September 2026. This 13-storey hotel, located within the expansive 1,530-acre Gamuda Cove township, is just 20 minutes by car from Kuala Lumpur International Airport and marks the brand’s largest property to date.

ASAI Gamuda Cove embodies the brand’s “Live Local” ethos, offering guests access to Selangor’s unique nature experiences. The hotel is adjacent to the Paya Indah Discovery Wetlands, a 1,111-acre nature reserve, and the 90-acre Wetlands Arboretum, providing opportunities for wildlife observation and environmental learning. Additionally, the nearby SplashMania Waterpark and Discovery Park offer recreational activities for families and adventure seekers.

The hotel features 280 rooms designed for comfort and flexibility, ranging from compact spaces for solo travellers to family rooms accommodating up to six guests. Amenities include an infinity pool, a gym, coworking spaces, and dining venues focusing on Malaysian, Thai, and international cuisines.

Chanin Donavanik, Group CEO of Dusit International, stated, “ASAI Gamuda Cove shows how our ‘Live Local’ approach can work in a setting where nature, recreation, and a growing community come together.”

The opening coincides with the return of the Formula 1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix to Malaysia on 24 October 2026, positioning ASAI Gamuda Cove as a prime destination for international visitors. This launch also marks a significant step in Dusit’s expansion in Malaysia, with further developments planned, including the upcoming Dusit Princess Ipoh.


Aviation

MAG renews Malaysia Airlines’ IATA IOSA, boosts safety standards

Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG) has announced significant achievements in operational and safety standards. Malaysia Airlines has successfully renewed its International Air Transport Association Operational Safety Audit (IATA IOSA) registration, extending through July 2028. Meanwhile, Firefly, another airline under MAG, has recorded its highest on-time performance (OTP) in five years, achieving an impressive 92.5% in the first half of 2026.

These accomplishments underscore MAG’s commitment to enhancing safety standards and operational reliability across its airline portfolio. The renewed IATA IOSA registration for Malaysia Airlines reaffirms its adherence to global safety standards, a critical factor for maintaining passenger trust and operational excellence.

Firefly’s notable OTP achievement reflects the airline’s focus on punctuality and service efficiency, marking a significant milestone in its operational performance. This achievement is particularly noteworthy as it represents the strongest OTP for Firefly in the past five years, highlighting the airline’s dedication to improving service delivery.

Both Malaysia Airlines and Firefly continue to uphold high safety ratings, with Malaysia Airlines maintaining a Seven Star safety rating and Firefly holding a Seven Star PLUS rating. These ratings are indicative of the airlines’ ongoing efforts to prioritise passenger safety and service quality.

Looking ahead, MAG’s reinforced operational strength and global certifications are expected to bolster its competitive position in the aviation industry, ensuring continued growth and customer satisfaction.


Commercial Retail

Sorento Capital profit surges amid fierce competition

Bathroom and kitchen sanitary ware provider Sorento Capital Berhad has announced a 17.4% increase in net profit for the financial year ending 30 June 2026, reaching RM30.8m. This marks the second consecutive year of record profit for the company, attributed to an improved gross profit margin and enhanced operational efficiency.

The Group’s revenue for FY26 rose by 2.6% to RM183.9m, primarily due to higher project-based sales. Dealer sales contributed RM112.6m, whilst project-based channels added RM70.1m, together accounting for 99.3% of total revenue. Online sales made up the remaining 0.7%.

Managing Director Loo Chai Lai expressed satisfaction with the results, stating, “We are pleased to deliver yet another strong set of results, marking our second consecutive year of record net profit notwithstanding a competitive operating environment.” Looking ahead to FY2027, the Group plans to focus on operational efficiency and brand strengthening, alongside pursuing new business development initiatives.

In the fourth quarter, Sorento Capital reported a 13.6% year-on-year increase in revenue to RM49.2m, with profit after tax rising 5.3% to RM8.3m. The company has declared an interim dividend of 0.50 sen per share for FY2027, with a total dividend payout of 1.25 sen per share for FY26, exceeding its policy of distributing at least 30% of net profit.

Sorento Capital remains in a strong financial position, with a net cash balance of RM39.8m. Additionally, the company has received approval to transfer its listing to the Main Market of Bursa Malaysia, effective 28 August 2026.


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