CIMB Bank Berhad and CIMB Islamic Bank Berhad have announced a series of targeted assistance measures to support customers impacted by the ongoing geopolitical uncertainties in the Middle East. The initiative aims to alleviate financial pressures and ensure cash flow continuity for both individual and business clients, including small and medium enterprises.

The relief measures include up to six months of payment relief on loan and financing facilities for eligible customers. Additionally, business clients can access customised restructuring and rescheduling solutions to manage repayment obligations and maintain operations. Novan Amirudin, Group CEO of CIMB, emphasised the bank’s commitment to supporting the economy and its customers during these challenging times. “CIMB is committed to standing alongside our customers as they navigate evolving challenges, ensuring financial support remains available,” he stated.

Customers seeking assistance can apply through the Payment Assistance Programme forms available on CIMB’s website, contact their Relationship Managers, or visit any CIMB branch nationwide. This initiative underscores CIMB’s dedication to providing timely and practical support to help customers manage their financial commitments and sustain business continuity.

CIMB, one of ASEAN’s leading banking groups, is headquartered in Kuala Lumpur and operates across several countries, including Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, and Thailand. The bank’s extensive network and comprehensive services position it as a key player in the region’s financial landscape.

Nam Cheong Limited, Malaysia’s largest offshore support vessel (OSV) operator, has announced securing RM102.5m in new charter contracts, further cementing its position in the industry. The contracts involve two vessels—a maintenance work vessel and an Anchor Handling Tug Supply (AHTS) vessel—set to commence operations in 2026 with options to extend for an additional year.

The AHTS vessel will be chartered to Offshore Oil Engineering Co., Ltd., a subsidiary of CNOOC, starting in the first quarter of 2026. The maintenance vessel will begin operations in the second quarter of the same year, supporting various offshore oil and gas activities across Southeast Asia. This development increases Nam Cheong’s fleet under long-term charter to 69%, just shy of its 70% target, enhancing revenue visibility and recurring income.

Chief Executive Officer of Nam Cheong, Leong Seng Keat, commented, “These charter contracts underpin our clients’ confidence in the quality of our fleet. Our average vessel age now stands at 9 years, lower than the market average, which provides a long runway.”

The announcement comes amidst a robust offshore activity environment in Malaysia, driven by energy security concerns and Petronas’ aim to sustain domestic production at approximately 2 million barrels of oil equivalent per day through 2028. With a tight OSV supply due to an ageing fleet and minimal newbuild activity, Nam Cheong remains focused on securing contracts that bolster long-term earnings quality and resilience.

The Milken Institute’s 2026 Global Opportunity Index highlights Malaysia, Vietnam, Indonesia, and the Philippines as Southeast Asia’s leading investment destinations. The report, released on 7 April, underscores the region’s resilience and growth amidst global challenges, attracting significant global capital inflows. The index evaluates investment attractiveness using 101 variables across five categories, including Business Perception and Economic Fundamentals.

Malaysia ranks highest in the region and 23rd globally, buoyed by strong institutions and economic fundamentals. Vietnam follows, ranking second regionally and 39th globally, with impressive economic performance and financial sector development. Indonesia, Southeast Asia’s largest economy, has improved significantly in Financial Services, climbing from 78th to 38th place since 2022. The Philippines, despite strong growth prospects, faces governance and regulatory challenges that may hinder long-term investment.

Matthew Aleshire, director of GeoEconomics at the Milken Institute, noted, “Countries that can maintain macroeconomic stability whilst deepening their financial systems and strengthening governance will be best placed to attract long-term investment.”

The report also highlights Singapore’s consistent ranking among the top 20 most attractive countries for investors, placing 7th globally. The Milken Institute’s index uses data from sources like the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund, incorporating updated indicators to reflect evolving investment trends. The full report is available on the Milken Institute’s website.

The ACES Institute has unveiled a new research publication, “Doing Things Right, Doing the Right Things: The Scramble for the Soul of an Organisation,” which explores the complex balance between operational efficiency and ethical conviction in modern businesses. The study introduces the 4Cs leadership framework—Creativity, Conscientiousness, Constancy, and Collaboration—to guide organisations in embedding ethical considerations into their operations.

Authored by Ager Freddy, Timothy Benson, and Dr Shanggari Balakrishnan, the research highlights the varied interpretations of “doing the right thing” across different stakeholders, from regulatory compliance to environmental responsibility. The study argues that whilst ethical strategies may incur short-term costs, they can lead to long-term resilience and differentiation.

A case study of Letright Industrial Corp Ltd, led by CEO Ren Li, exemplifies the Constancy pillar of the framework. The company transitioned from using wood to recyclable materials like aluminium, driven by environmental concerns rather than market demand. Despite initial resistance, this shift allowed Letright to innovate and develop products like the Ombra solar smart pergola.

The research underscores the challenges of maintaining an ethical stance amid global economic and political dynamics. It concludes that organisations defining and consistently acting on their values are more likely to achieve lasting relevance. The ACES Institute, a Kuala Lumpur-based research organisation, continues to explore leadership, sustainability, and corporate transformation through its research initiatives.

Malaysia’s Kuala Lumpur Composite Index (KLCI) demonstrated notable resilience in March, closing at 1,690 and outperforming other MIST markets amidst global geopolitical challenges. The index fell by 1.5% month-on-month, a stark contrast to the MSCI Emerging Market Index and the MSCI All Country Asia ex-Japan Index, which plummeted by 13.3% and 13.9% respectively.

The month saw local investors stepping up to absorb a net foreign selling of RM41.7m, as foreign shareholdings dipped to 18.9%. Despite this, local institutions turned net buyers, with a net purchase of RM0.8b, reversing their selling trend from February. Local retail investors also contributed with a marginal net buying of RM39m.

Sector-wise, five out of Bursa Malaysia’s 13 sectorial indices recorded gains, with the plantation sector leading at an 8.6% increase, marking its strongest monthly growth in nearly four years. The industrial production and energy sectors followed with gains of 7.1% and 5.8% respectively. Conversely, the construction, technology, and consumer sectors faced declines.

Among KLCI constituents, Petronas Chemicals, Kuala Lumpur Kepong, and Press Metal Aluminium emerged as top performers, whilst Sunway, Mr DIY, and Gamuda saw the largest declines. The KLCI’s performance highlights its relative stability in a volatile global market, offering a glimpse of optimism for investors navigating uncertain times.

AirAsia X has announced the appointment of Tan Sri Jamaludin as its Independent Non-Executive Chairman, as the airline braces for rising fuel costs and global market uncertainties. The Group, known for its robust Asean network, remains optimistic about its business model and the region’s growth potential.

The appointment of Tan Sri Jamaludin is seen as a strategic move to provide independent oversight and a long-term perspective as AirAsia X focuses on growth. Despite the challenging environment, the airline is committed to enhancing Kuala Lumpur’s role as a central hub for affordable regional connectivity, driven by solid travel demand.

The Group’s confidence in its resilience is underscored by its strategy to navigate the complexities of the current aviation landscape. As the industry faces volatility, AirAsia X’s leadership aims to maintain its competitive edge and continue delivering seamless travel experiences across the region.

With Tan Sri Jamaludin at the helm, AirAsia X is poised to tackle the challenges ahead, reaffirming its commitment to its passengers and stakeholders. The airline’s focus on strengthening its network and operational efficiency is expected to support its growth trajectory in the coming years.

CIMB Islamic Bank Berhad has committed RM750,000 to the iTEKAD Melon Manis Terengganu Graduate Agropreneur Programme, empowering 40 students from underserved communities since 2023. The initiative, which focuses on sustainable agropreneurship, has successfully cultivated approximately 12,000 Melon Manis Terengganu plants, known for their high commercial potential.

The programme, in collaboration with Yayasan DiRaja Sultan Mizan and Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin (UniSZA), aims to provide technical expertise, entrepreneurial skills, and essential resources to young agropreneurs. The launch of the second cohort was officiated by key figures from CIMB Group and UniSZA, marking the expansion of training and production across four greenhouses at UniSZA’s Besut Campus.

Novan Amirudin, Group CEO of CIMB Group, highlighted the programme’s role in leveraging Islamic social finance to foster inclusive and sustainable development. “By thoughtfully integrating financial inclusion with capacity building, we empower students to develop resilient livelihoods whilst strengthening local agro-based value chains,” he stated.

Participants from the inaugural cohort have reported an average income of RM3,000 per harvest season, demonstrating the viability of agropreneurship as a sustainable career path. Bazli Amin Baharin, a 25-year-old participant, expressed gratitude for the hands-on experience, which has bolstered his technical and business skills.

The iTEKAD initiative is part of CIMB Islamic’s broader efforts to support economic empowerment through structured financial support and market access, contributing to long-term resilience and social impact.

Nam Cheong Limited, a leading offshore support vessel provider based in Sarawak, Malaysia, has secured charter contracts worth up to RM102.5m. The contracts involve two offshore support vessels (OSVs) with a firm charter period of up to two years starting in 2026, with an option to extend for an additional year.

The contracts include an Anchor Handling Tug Supply (AHTS) vessel chartered to Offshore Oil Engineering Co., Ltd., a subsidiary of CNOOC, and a maintenance work vessel chartered to a regional independent oil producer. The AHTS vessel commenced operations in the first quarter of 2026, whilst the maintenance work vessel is set to begin in the second quarter of 2026. These vessels will support offshore oil and gas activities in Southeast Asia.

With these new charters, 25 of Nam Cheong’s 36-vessel fleet are now under long-term contracts, increasing the fleet’s long-term charter coverage to 69%. This move enhances the company’s revenue visibility and recurring income base. The company anticipates improved vessel utilisation rates in 2026, driven by the start of more long-term charters.

Chief Executive Officer Leong Seng Keat commented, “These charter contracts underpin our clients’ confidence in the quality of our fleet. Our average vessel age now stands at 9 years, lower than the market average, which provides a long runway.”

Nam Cheong continues to monitor the market closely, focusing on securing contracts that bolster its long-term earnings quality and resilience. The company remains committed to expanding its vessel chartering operations amidst robust offshore activity in Malaysia and tight OSV supply across Southeast Asia.

C-Hawk Technology, a California-based manufacturer of high purity plastics, has announced the expansion of its Southeast Asia operations with new facilities in Johor Baru, Malaysia, and Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. This move aims to meet the growing demand for localised production and advanced manufacturing in the semiconductor market.

The new facilities will introduce ultra-high-purity (UHP) orbital/TIG welding and PFA tube bending capabilities, enhancing C-Hawk’s service offerings. CEO Chase Zunino stated, “This investment reflects our commitment to growing alongside our customers and supporting their manufacturing operations in Southeast Asia.”

The Malaysian facility spans 200,000 square feet and currently employs over 300 people, with plans to increase to 400 by the end of 2026. It focuses on precision plastics and cleanroom assembly. Meanwhile, the Vietnam site, covering 96,000 square feet, specialises in contract manufacturing and full system builds, supporting complex semiconductor manufacturing programmes.

Peri Kasthuri, COO of C-Hawk, highlighted the strategic importance of these expansions, noting, “With expanded operations in Malaysia and Vietnam, we are strengthening our ability to support customers across multiple aspects of semiconductor equipment manufacturing.”

These expansions underscore C-Hawk’s long-term commitment to Southeast Asia as a pivotal manufacturing hub for the global semiconductor industry. The company is also engaging with regional universities and community programmes to foster local workforce development and engineering talent.

Oiltek International Ltd, listed on the Singapore Exchange, has partnered with Brunei-based BioSeaga Industries to develop a large-scale Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) biorefinery in Sabah, Malaysia. The project, valued at $350m (RM1.65b), is set to commence in the fourth quarter of 2026, with an initial production capacity of 300 metric tonnes per day.

Oiltek Sdn Bhd, a subsidiary of Oiltek, has been appointed as the exclusive engineering, procurement, construction, and commissioning partner for the facility. The plant will utilise Palm Oil Mill Effluent and Used Cooking Oil as primary feedstocks, contributing to a multi-feedstock, modular, and scalable design. This initiative aims to position Sabah as a significant SAF production centre in the region.

The project is part of a broader SAF ecosystem that includes production, blending, and export. Future expansions are planned to incorporate advanced fuels such as green hydrogen and other low-carbon energy derivatives. Oiltek’s CEO, Henry Yong Khai Weng, stated, “The Board is of the view that the project will enable the Group to further deepen its participation in the rapidly expanding SAF value chain.”

Oiltek is also planning a secondary listing on the Main Market of Bursa Malaysia, with M&A Securities appointed as the adviser. Upon completion, the facility is expected to support aviation decarbonisation efforts globally, enhancing Oiltek’s role in the renewable energy sector.