Ant International’s WorldFirst has partnered with OCBC, Southeast Asia’s second-largest financial services group, to simplify cross-border trade for 1.2 million small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). This collaboration comes as trade between Greater China and Southeast Asia continues to grow, necessitating a robust payment ecosystem for SMEs.

The partnership, formalised under a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed on 29 October 2025, will extend WorldFirst’s services into Malaysia and Indonesia. This expansion allows SMEs to collect payments in 14 major currencies and send funds across 210 countries and regions from a single account. OCBC customers will benefit from fee-free transfers into their WorldFirst global accounts, enhancing cost efficiency in international payments.

WorldFirst’s Vice President, Clara Shi, highlighted the significance of the partnership, stating, “The deepened partnership with OCBC is a key step in strengthening WorldFirst’s regional financial network. By integrating OCBC’s market-leading presence in Southeast Asia, we can better support local SMEs with compelling benefits.”

Melvyn Low, Head of Global Transaction Banking at OCBC, added, “We are glad to strengthen our partnership with Ant International and WorldFirst. Together, we share a strong commitment to empowering SMEs across Southeast Asia with powerful, cost-effective financial solutions.”

In 2025, WorldFirst plans to accelerate its Southeast Asia expansion with an official launch in Thailand and the acquisition of a Money Services Business (MSB) licence in Malaysia. This partnership with OCBC is expected to further enhance WorldFirst’s cross-border trade and international payments capabilities for SMEs in the region.

Paywatch, Southeast Asia’s leading fintech-driven employee benefit platform, has successfully completed a US$20m Series A equity round. The funding, supported by strategic investments from Malaysia’s Artem Ventures and South Korea’s Kakao Pay, marks a significant milestone in Paywatch’s transformation into a next-generation multi-product fintech platform.

The investment round, initially led by New York-based Third Prime and other US investors, brings Paywatch’s total capital raised to over US$50 million, including global credit facilities. This financial boost will enable Paywatch to enhance its suite of employee benefits, integrating insurance, payments, cross-border remittance, and rewards into an AI-powered ecosystem.

Artem Ventures, backed by FWD Group, aims to foster insurtech innovation, whilst Kakao Pay, South Korea’s largest digital wallet platform, will collaborate with Paywatch to develop enterprise solutions across Southeast Asia and South Korea. Alex Kim, Co-Founder and President of Paywatch, expressed enthusiasm for the partnerships, stating, “Together, we’re building bridges between markets, technology, and people – enabling companies to empower their employees with real financial freedom.”

Founded in 2020, Paywatch operates in Malaysia, the Philippines, Indonesia, South Korea, Singapore, and Hong Kong. It has processed over US$200m in Earned Wage Access transactions and serves clients like DFI Retail, Genting Group, and Shangri-La Hotels. The new funding will support Paywatch’s vision to become Asia’s premier employee benefits platform, delivering comprehensive financial solutions for employees.

Zhen Hui, Managing Partner of Artem Ventures, praised Paywatch’s rapid scaling and social impact, highlighting its role in redefining financial wellness for employees across Asia.

The Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ) has secured MYR37b (US$8.8b) in approved investments during the first half of 2025, accounting for two-thirds of Johor’s total investment inflows, according to a report by UOB Global Economics and Markets Research. This significant investment underscores strong economic ties between Malaysia and Singapore, even as US tariff uncertainties loom. Singapore-based firms have pledged S$5.5b (US$4.2b) since the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding in January 2024, highlighting investor confidence in the region.

At the second JS-SEZ Joint Investment Forum in Singapore, officials announced measures to enhance the zone’s appeal, including fast-track manufacturing licences and multiple entry investor passes. Malaysia also introduced the ASEAN Business Entity (ABE) initiative to facilitate cross-border operations and talent mobility, further boosting regional integration.

Despite evolving US tariffs, businesses are adapting by diversifying strategies, with ASEAN’s resilience attracting increased foreign direct investment (FDI). In 2024, FDI inflows to ASEAN reached a record US$225b, and the positive momentum continues into 2025. The JS-SEZ’s strategic location and proactive investment measures are expected to strengthen its role in global supply chains.

The Forest City Special Financial Zone in Johor has also been transformed, offering tax incentives and corporate tax rates between 0% and 5% to attract global business services and fintech firms. These developments position JS-SEZ and ASEAN as stable and promising investment destinations amidst global economic uncertainties.

Batik Air Malaysia, along with Batik Air Indonesia and Thai Lion Air, will relocate their operations to Terminal 4 at Changi Airport, Singapore, starting 11 November 2025. This strategic move aims to bolster the airline’s regional presence and accommodate its expanding route network across Southeast Asia.

The transition from Terminal 3 to Terminal 4 is part of the Lion Group’s growth strategy, driven by increasing air travel demand. Terminal 4, designed to handle up to 16 million passengers annually, offers advanced facilities, including Changi’s fully automated self-service system, known as FAST, and unique attractions like the Chandelier playground and the Heritage Zone. These enhancements promise a seamless and engaging airport experience for travellers.

Datuk Chandran Rama Muthy, CEO of Batik Air Malaysia, stated, “This relocation represents an important step in Lion Group’s long-term growth strategy in Singapore. Terminal 4 offers the capacity and modern infrastructure to support our expanding operations whilst providing passengers with a seamless, world-class airport experience.”

In addition to the terminal move, Batik Air will introduce new routes from Singapore to Ipoh, Penang, and Subang on 8 December 2025. These new services, alongside existing flights to Kuala Lumpur, aim to enhance travel options and support tourism, business, and cultural exchanges in the region, aligning with the upcoming Visit Malaysia Year 2026.

Passengers are encouraged to verify their flight details and plan accordingly to take advantage of the improved facilities and connectivity offered by the move to Terminal 4. For more information, travellers can visit Batik Air’s website or download their mobile app.

The ASEAN Youth Conference (AYC) 2025, held from 6–8 November at Taylor’s University in Kuala Lumpur, brought together more than 100 young leaders from across Southeast Asia. Themed “Youth Role in Building an Inclusive & Sustainable ASEAN Region,” the event focused on fostering youth-driven solutions for regional development and sustainability.

Co-organised by the ASEAN Youth Organisation (AYO) and Taylor’s Centre for Family Business, the conference featured a dynamic mix of panel sessions, workshops, and capacity-building engagements. Speakers from various sectors, including government, academia, and civil society, participated, reflecting a commitment to intersectoral collaboration.

Prof. Prapaporn Tivayanond Mongkhonvanit, Dean of the School of Global Studies at Thammasat University, highlighted the importance of integrating global and local perspectives in her keynote address. “Real transformation is not about replacing what is local with what is global, but about weaving both into a new sense of belonging,” she stated.

The conference also included intensive workshops where delegates developed policy papers aligned with ASEAN priorities. These proposals will be submitted to the ASEAN Secretariat for consideration in the ASEAN Youth Work Plan 2026-2030.

AYO Chairperson Sarah Rauzana emphasised the significance of youth participation, noting the inclusion of Timor-Leste as ASEAN’s eleventh member. “Moments like these matter. We want young people to know that their voices are not only heard—they are needed,” she said.

The AYC 2025 continues to be a vital platform for fostering intercultural and multidisciplinary exchange, contributing to a resilient and sustainable ASEAN community.

Tune Talk, Malaysia’s fastest-growing mobile network operator, has announced a strategic partnership with Truecaller, the global leader in trusted communication platforms. This collaboration aims to enhance customer interactions by introducing more transparency and reliability in the telecom sector. Through the Truecaller Customer Experience Solution, Tune Talk will ensure that every customer call is transparent and recognisable, featuring a verified business caller ID with the company’s name, logo, and call purpose.

The partnership introduces features such as Business Profile, Call Reason, and Call Me Back, which provide customers with clarity and control over their interactions with Tune Talk. These capabilities are set to redefine customer engagement by ensuring that calls related to account support, loyalty offers, or plan renewals are clearly identified and understood.

Gurtaj Singh Padda, co-founder and CEO of Tune Talk, emphasised the importance of trust in customer relationships, stating, “Partnering with Truecaller allows us to take a proactive step towards greater transparency, clarity, and customer assurance.” Priyam Bose, Global Head of GTM and Developer Products at Truecaller, added, “Our partnership with Tune Talk empowers Malaysian businesses to communicate with their customers in a more transparent, credible, and secure way.”

This initiative underscores Tune Talk’s commitment to innovation and customer satisfaction, setting a new benchmark for customer engagement in Malaysia’s telecom sector. As Tune Talk continues to digitalise and scale, this partnership is expected to foster stronger, long-term relationships built on trust and transparency.

Grundfos, a leader in advanced pump solutions and water technologies, is set to host the Semiconductor Sustainability Summit 2025 on 11 November in Penang, Malaysia. Partnering with Arthur D. Little, the summit will focus on the water-energy nexus, a critical area where water systems impact energy consumption and efficiency. This comes as the semiconductor industry faces rising energy demands, with Scope 2 emissions comprising 77% of its carbon footprint in 2023.

The summit aims to provide practical solutions for reducing energy use and emissions in the semiconductor sector. Jennelle Loo, Regional Senior Manager at Grundfos, emphasised the urgency: “The time to act is now. As the semiconductor industry experiences unprecedented growth, it also faces increasing pressure on energy and water resources.”

Key discussions will include decarbonising operations, leveraging AI and IoT for resource efficiency, and balancing growth with energy intensity. The event will feature a keynote by YB Tuan Zairil Khir Johari, Penang State Executive Councillor, and a panel discussion with industry experts.

Grundfos will also showcase smart water systems, including smart pumps and intelligent temperature control, aimed at reducing the environmental impact of semiconductor manufacturing. The summit is open to industry professionals and media, offering insights into sustainable practices for the fast-growing sector. Prior to the event, Grundfos released a whitepaper, “Smart Pumps, Green Tomorrow,” outlining pathways for improved energy efficiency in semiconductor manufacturing.

The AmMetLife Cultural Run 2025 saw close to 2,000 Malaysians converge at Padang Merbok, Kuala Lumpur, for a vibrant celebration of the nation’s multicultural heritage. Organised by AmMetLife Insurance Berhad, the event aimed to promote unity and wellness through a morning of fitness and fun.

Participants, dressed in colourful traditional attire, engaged in a series of activities designed to highlight Malaysia’s diverse cultural landscape. The run was not just about physical fitness but also about fostering a sense of community and togetherness among attendees from various backgrounds.

The event underscored the importance of cultural appreciation and healthy living. The success of the AmMetLife Cultural Run 2025 highlights the growing trend of combining cultural events with wellness initiatives, offering participants a holistic experience that benefits both body and mind. As the event concluded, many participants expressed hope for its return in the coming years, further strengthening community bonds and cultural appreciation across Malaysia.

Malaysia Airlines has unveiled its “Time for Malaysia Airlines” campaign, encouraging global travellers to plan their year-end holidays and 2026 adventures. The campaign, running until 20 November 2025, offers an exclusive discount of up to 20% on flights across the airline’s extensive network, valid for travel until 31 August 2026.

The campaign aims to inspire travellers to explore new destinations and revisit favourite spots, leveraging Malaysia Airlines’ comprehensive route offerings. A spokesperson for the airline stated, “We are excited to offer our customers the opportunity to explore the world with Malaysia Airlines, providing them with great value and exceptional service.”

This initiative comes as the holiday season approaches, a peak time for travel, and seeks to capture the interest of those planning their next getaway. The airline’s extensive network ensures that travellers have a wide range of destinations to choose from, enhancing the appeal of the campaign.

By offering significant discounts, Malaysia Airlines is positioning itself as a competitive choice for holidaymakers looking to maximise their travel budgets. The campaign not only highlights the airline’s commitment to customer satisfaction but also aims to boost travel activity during the festive season and beyond.

As the campaign progresses, Malaysia Airlines anticipates a positive response from travellers eager to take advantage of the discounts and explore the world with the airline.

The Asian Institute of Chartered Bankers (AICB) has gathered over 50 global experts and more than 1,200 banking professionals at the 15th International Conference on Financial Crime and Counter Terrorism Financing (IFCTF) in Kuala Lumpur. Held from 4 to 6 November 2025, the event aims to address the escalating rates of financial crime through AI-driven solutions and cross-border collaboration.

Malaysia has reported RM112 billion in online fraud losses in the first half of 2025, with scam-related losses reaching nearly RM192 billion by September. These figures underscore the urgent need for enhanced cooperation and advanced technology to combat financial crime. The conference, supported by Bank Negara Malaysia, the Securities Commission Malaysia, and the Labuan Financial Services Authority, focuses on AI-enabled fraud detection and machine learning-driven compliance.

In his opening remarks, Bank Negara Malaysia Governor Abdul Rasheed Ghaffour emphasised the importance of ethics in sustaining trust within the financial industry. “No algorithm can replace the judgement, integrity, and accountability expected of the financial industry,” he stated. AICB Chairman Tan Sri Azman Hashim highlighted the alignment between innovation and integrity, noting that “our strength lies in our people—skilled, principled, and vigilant.”

The conference also aligns with Malaysia’s broader commitment to reform, as reflected in Budget 2026, which allocates RM32 million to strengthen legal frameworks and combat scams. The introduction of a new Cyber Crime Bill and expanded capabilities for the National Scam Response Centre are part of these efforts.

Now in its 15th year, IFCTF remains ASEAN’s leading platform for financial crime prevention and compliance excellence, reinforcing AICB’s dedication to advancing digital literacy and ethical leadership in the banking sector.