The Port of Tanjung Pelepas (PTP), Malaysia’s premier transshipment hub, has selected GEP Software’s AI-driven contract lifecycle management (CLM) solution to manage and monitor contracts across its business units. The decision, announced by GEP, a global provider of procurement and supply chain software, aims to bolster PTP’s governance, compliance, and scalability as it continues its rapid growth.

PTP, a joint venture between MMC Corporation Berhad and APM Terminals, is currently the world’s fastest-growing port, with a 15.4% increase in the first half of 2025, according to Alphaliner. The port is consistently ranked among the most efficient and connected globally. By implementing GEP’s CLM solution, PTP intends to streamline pre- and post-signature processes, reduce contract risk, and enhance visibility into all contract types for proactive monitoring.

The implementation of GEP’s software is scheduled to go live in February 2026. GEP Software, recognised as a leader in the 2025 Magic Quadrant for Source-to-Pay Suites, offers a range of digital procurement and supply chain platforms, including GEP SMART and GEP NEXXE. These platforms are designed to integrate seamlessly with existing systems, providing clients with enhanced efficiency, agility, and visibility.

As PTP continues to expand as a premier Southeast Asian hub, the adoption of GEP’s industry-leading CLM solution is expected to support its objectives and drive further growth.

Fingular, a Singapore-based global fintech holding, has unveiled its Smart Limit solution in Malaysia, providing a digital consumer finance option that allows users to access funds flexibly and quickly. The service, which can be activated online in just five minutes, is initially available to existing Tambadana customers and will expand to AhaPay BNPL users before opening to the general public in March 2026.

The Smart Limit offers a modern alternative to traditional financing, featuring a fully digital onboarding and risk-scoring process. Customers can complete the application and receive approval in under five minutes. The service supports repayments via e-wallets, FPX transfers, and direct debit from bank accounts. Future enhancements will include top-ups, additional repayment options, and expanded usage channels, alongside a 30-day grace period and upcoming rewards and cashback programmes.

Maksim Chernushchenko, CEO of Fingular, highlighted the product’s relevance to Malaysia’s burgeoning digital economy, noting its potential to serve the near-prime market segment often overlooked by traditional banks. “With this launch, we continue our expansion into the near-prime segment—a market that remains underserved or overlooked by traditional banks,” he said.

Fingular, founded in 2021 by Maxim Chernushchenko and Vadim Gurinov, aims to build a comprehensive neo-bank promoting financial inclusion across Asia and the Middle East. The company operates in multiple markets, including Indonesia, Malaysia, and India, offering digital financial products tailored to local needs.

Standard Chartered has unveiled its inaugural report on Islamic Banking for Corporates, highlighting a significant market opportunity worth US$5.5t for global corporates. The report, published on 3 November 2025, identifies key growth markets such as Saudi Arabia, Malaysia, and the UAE, where Islamic finance is integral to national strategies. Despite the potential, 65% of corporates interested in Shariah-compliant solutions lack familiarity with Islamic banking products.

The report, titled “Islamic Banking for Corporates: Broadening Horizons,” underscores the lack of product familiarity as a major barrier preventing corporates from accessing the projected US$7.5t in global Islamic finance assets by 2028. The number of corporate Sukuk issuers has nearly doubled since 2020, with issuance volumes increasing by 38% to US$58.8b in 2024.

Khurram Hilal, CEO of Group Islamic Banking at Standard Chartered, stated, “Islamic banking has evolved into one of the world’s fastest-growing sources of capital, but awareness amongst corporates has not kept pace.” He emphasised that corporates developing Islamic finance capabilities could access specialised capital pools, preferential pricing, and government incentives in high-growth markets.

The report also highlights the alignment of Islamic finance principles with Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) frameworks, noting that sustainable Sukuk were oversubscribed by an average of 4.3 times their issuance value in 2024. Digital innovations such as tokenised Sukuk and AI-enabled Shariah-compliance tools are expected to further transform capital management.

Islamic banking offers strategic access to emerging markets, particularly across the GCC, Southeast Asia, South Asia, and Africa. The Halal economy alone presents a US$2.2t market opportunity. Standard Chartered, the only international bank with a global Islamic banking franchise, has arranged over US$200b in Islamic financing, supporting corporates with Shariah-compliant solutions.

Agoda, the digital travel platform, has extended its social impact initiative, Agoda Tech Camp Day, to Malaysia for the first time. The event, held on 7 November 2025, brought together more than 300 students from Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM), Malaysia’s largest higher education institution. The two-day programme focused on equipping students with skills in artificial intelligence (AI) and other essential digital competencies.

The expansion into Malaysia marks a significant step for Agoda in its mission to empower the next generation of tech leaders. By providing hands-on experience and expert-led workshops, the initiative aims to bridge the gap between academic learning and industry demands. This approach is designed to prepare students for the rapidly evolving tech landscape, ensuring they are well-equipped to meet future challenges.

Agoda’s decision to host the event at UiTM underscores the institution’s pivotal role in Malaysia’s educational sector. The university’s large student body and focus on technology make it an ideal partner for such initiatives. By targeting students at this stage of their education, Agoda hopes to inspire and nurture future innovators who will contribute to the tech industry’s growth.

The programme’s success in Malaysia could pave the way for further expansions across the region, as Agoda continues to invest in educational initiatives that foster technological advancement and innovation.

The “Hong Kong Art Toy Story 2025@Kuala Lumpur” exhibition has officially opened at TRX in Kuala Lumpur, showcasing over 450 original art toys crafted by 12 Hong Kong designers from various generations. Organised by the Innovative Entrepreneur Association (IEA) and sponsored by the Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency (CCIDA) of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, the exhibition aims to immerse visitors in the vibrant world of Hong Kong’s art toy culture.

The opening ceremony, held today, was officiated by Christine Chie, Head of Architecture, Print. The event marks the first large-scale exhibition of Hong Kong’s original art toys in Malaysia, highlighting the creativity and innovation of Hong Kong’s designers. The exhibition is set to attract art enthusiasts and collectors, offering a unique glimpse into the dynamic art toy scene.

The exhibition’s significance lies in its ability to bridge cultural and creative exchanges between Hong Kong and Malaysia, fostering a deeper appreciation for art toys as a form of artistic expression. By bringing together designers from different generations, the event showcases the evolution and diversity of Hong Kong’s art toy industry.

Looking ahead, the exhibition is expected to pave the way for future collaborations and cultural exchanges between the two regions, potentially leading to more international showcases of Hong Kong’s creative talents. Visitors can explore the exhibition at TRX, experiencing the innovative spirit of Hong Kong’s art toy designers firsthand.

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.