Respondio, a Malaysia-based customer conversation management platform, has announced a $62.5m Series B funding round led by Camber Partners, with participation from Endeavour Catalyst and existing investors. The new capital will support Respondio’s expansion into North America and Europe, focusing on mergers and acquisitions to strengthen its market presence.

The platform, which unifies various messaging apps and communication channels into a single interface, serves over 10,000 businesses across 180 countries, including notable names like Toyota and British Airways. Respondio’s AI-powered system processes 2 billion messages per quarter, driving significant revenue growth for midmarket B2C businesses in sectors such as education, healthcare, and retail.

CEO Gerardo Salandra highlighted the company’s profitable growth, noting a 169% year-over-year increase in annual recurring revenue, reaching $35m with a 30% profit margin. “We built Respondio over nine years across markets most competitors never entered and did it profitably,” Salandra stated, emphasising the company’s strong product-market fit and unit economics.

Camber Partners, known for investing in capital-efficient software businesses, sees Respondio as a leader in AI-native customer conversations. Scott Irwin, founder of Camber Partners, remarked, “Respondio is positioned to lead this category at a global scale.”

The funding will accelerate Respondio’s entry into North America and Europe, where social commerce is rapidly growing. Reid Hoffman, co-founder of LinkedIn and Chairman of Endeavour Catalyst, expressed enthusiasm for supporting Respondio’s expansion, recognising its potential to scale in the world’s largest economies.

TAAG and AMPOWER have announced a strategic partnership to bolster the advanced manufacturing sector in ASEAN, particularly in Singapore and Malaysia. This collaboration combines TAAG’s industrialisation expertise with AMPOWER’s market intelligence to support manufacturers and investors in transitioning to high-value production using additive manufacturing (AM).

The alliance comes as Singapore and Malaysia’s manufacturing sectors shift from cost-competitive production to advanced manufacturing, with AM playing a pivotal role. Daniel Johns, founder of TAAG, highlighted the region’s manufacturing ambition, stating, “ASEAN’s manufacturers are asking the right questions about AM technology and business development.”

AMPOWER, founded in 2017 in Hamburg, has established itself as a leader in AM market intelligence, providing insights to OEMs, investors, and policy bodies. The firm, co-founded by Dr. Maximilian Munsch, offers comprehensive market data and strategic advisory services. “TAAG’s strength is building the business to win within the market,” Munsch noted, emphasising the complementary nature of the partnership.

TAAG, with its roots in regulated aerospace AM production, offers a structured programme for commercial and operational transformation. Its Xchange programme is expanding across Singapore and the Asia-Pacific region, providing forums for senior AM executives.

The partnership aims to bridge the gap between market navigation and competitive production, offering tailored solutions for AM service providers, investors, and industrial OEMs. Operating globally, the collaboration promises to deliver a connected offer from market intelligence to production-scale delivery, with no territorial restrictions.

Pertubuhan Keselamatan Sosial (PERKESO) and 7-Eleven Malaysia have entered a strategic partnership to bolster employment opportunities for individuals in the Return to Work (RTW) programme. Announced on 16 June, the collaboration aims to provide training, workplace exposure, and potential employment within 7-Eleven’s extensive retail network.

The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed at the Pusat Rehabilitasi NeuroRobotik dan Sibernik Kebangsaan in Meru, Perak. This initiative is designed to aid the rehabilitation and workforce reintegration of PERKESO-insured persons, offering them pre-employment training and practical workplace exposure. With over 2,700 stores nationwide, 7-Eleven Malaysia is well-positioned to offer accessible employment opportunities, reducing barriers to workforce participation.

Tan Sri Dato Seri Mohd Annuar bin Zaini, Chairman of 7-Eleven Malaysia Holdings Berhad, emphasised the importance of employment in restoring confidence and independence. “Recovery is not only about regaining physical strength. It is also about restoring confidence, dignity, and the opportunity to participate meaningfully in society once again,” he stated.

Participants will gain hands-on experience in customer service and retail operations, equipping them with skills for long-term career development. The programme aims to provide sustainable opportunities that support economic participation and self-sufficiency.

This partnership marks the first formal employment-focused collaboration between PERKESO and 7-Eleven Malaysia. The first cohort of RTW participants is expected to be welcomed before the end of 2026, with plans to expand the programme nationwide. The collaboration underscores the role of public-private partnerships in enhancing Malaysia’s social protection ecosystem and workforce participation.

AnyMind Group has released its Influencer Marketing in Malaysia 2026 Report, offering a detailed analysis of the country’s creator economy from 2023 to 2025. The report highlights Malaysia’s unique focus on awareness-driven campaigns, which accounted for 70% of influencer marketing activity in 2025, contrasting with the broader Asia-Pacific region’s shift towards performance metrics.

The report reveals significant changes in platform preferences among Malaysian brands. TikTok’s campaign share skyrocketed from 8% in 2023 to 44% in 2025, nearly equalling Instagram’s 48%. This shift indicates a strategic move towards dual-platform strategies that combine Instagram’s lifestyle visuals with TikTok’s dynamic video content to maximise reach.

XiaoHongShu has emerged as a crucial platform, capturing over 7% of brand campaigns and 28% of Lifestyle & Home campaign spending. Unlike other platforms focused on entertainment, XiaoHongShu is driven by high-utility content, making it a preferred choice for high-consideration purchases in categories like Lifestyle & Home and Travel.

Lee Chin Chuan, Country Manager for Malaysia at AnyMind Group, emphasised the importance of long-term validation in the Malaysian market. “The data clearly underscores that the Malaysian influencer landscape operates on a foundation of long-term validation rather than passive scrolling,” he stated.

As Malaysia’s creator economy matures, the report suggests that brands should focus on building trust through nano- and micro-influencer networks and leveraging platform-specific strategies. This approach is expected to foster lasting consumer confidence and drive purchase decisions, positioning brands for success in the evolving digital landscape.

Annica Holdings Limited has announced the acquisition of a significant project to deploy integrated solar and hydrogen energy systems in Sarawak, Malaysia. The project, awarded by Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS), will see Annica’s subsidiary, H2 Energy Sdn Bhd, implement off-grid power solutions as part of the Kampung Assum Living Lab initiative. The project is set to commence at the end of June 2026.

This development marks the conversion of a 2024 non-binding Memorandum of Understanding into a commercial contract, showcasing Annica’s capability to transform strategic engagements into business opportunities. The initiative aims to address the challenge of providing renewable energy to remote communities in Sarawak, which are not connected to the national grid.

In addition to the solar-hydrogen project, Annica’s subsidiary, Cahya Suria Energy Sdn. Bhd., is in discussions with Travia Consultancy Services Pte. Ltd. to expand their existing framework agreement. This expansion will focus on producing diesel-grade products from end-of-life tyres, enhancing feedstock security, and improving product quality. The recycling facility in Tanjung Malim, Malaysia, is expected to commence commercial production by the fourth quarter of 2026.

Annica is also conducting a rights issue to raise up to S$5.23m, which will fund project development and other corporate needs. CEO Sandra Liz Hon Ai Ling stated, “The Living Lab project underscores our ability to deliver real-world applications of our technology.” The company anticipates that these initiatives will significantly contribute to the growth of its renewable energy segment.

Malaysian biomass producer Weng Yat Resources Sdn Bhd has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Japan-based Daya Synergy Borneo Co Ltd (DSB) to establish a biomass supply platform for Japan. The agreement, signed in Kuala Lumpur, targets more than RM60m in annual revenue once full-scale exports commence early next year.

The initial trial shipment of 10,000 metric tonnes of wood pellets is set for this year, with commercial shipments expected to start in January 2027. Weng Yat aims to capture a five per cent share of Japan’s biomass import market over the next three years, according to executive director Sunderaj Nagalingam.

The partnership supports Japan’s renewable energy and decarbonisation goals by strengthening biomass fuel supply chains. Japan’s biomass demand includes approximately seven million tonnes of palm kernel shells (PKS) and nine million tonnes of wood pellets annually. DSB will facilitate market access for Weng Yat, leveraging its trade relationships with Japanese biomass trading companies and power producers.

Weng Yat operates biomass production facilities across Malaysia, with a strategy focused on converting biomass materials into exportable fuel products. The company plans to expand its production capacity with a new EFB pellet line and a facility in Kapar, Klang, by 2027.

DSB’s representative director, Hideki Takizawa, highlighted the agreement as a foundation for long-term cooperation between Malaysian suppliers and Japanese buyers. “Today is not just the signing of an MOU but a memorable first step in a new relationship based on trust, mutual respect, and a shared vision for the future,” he stated.

Manulife Investment Management (M) Berhad has unveiled the Manulife Singapore Equity Fund, providing Malaysian investors with a new avenue for income and long-term capital growth. This launch comes as Singapore’s equity market undergoes significant changes, driven by the Monetary Authority of Singapore’s SGD 6.5 billion Equity Market Development Programme (EQDP), which aims to enhance market liquidity and broaden investor participation.

The fund is a feeder fund investing in the Manulife Singapore Opportunities Income Fund, managed by Manulife Investment Management (Singapore) Pte. Ltd. It targets opportunities in Singapore’s small- and mid-cap segments, which have historically been undervalued due to limited analyst coverage and low liquidity. Jason Chong, CEO of Manulife Investment Management (M) Berhad, highlighted the fund’s potential to diversify portfolios alongside domestic and global equities.

Hock Fai Chan, Head of Equities at Manulife Investment Management in Singapore, noted that the fund’s strategy includes a 60% allocation to large-cap leaders and 40% to small- and mid-cap companies. This approach aims to capture re-rating opportunities as market conditions improve. The target fund currently yields approximately 4.2%, offering stable income and growth prospects.

The fund’s initial offer period runs from 10 June to 30 June 2026, available in SGD, RM, and RM-hedged share classes. It is designed for investors seeking capital appreciation and income with a long-term investment horizon.

KPJ Healthcare Berhad has unveiled its inaugural Kidney Transplant Service within its hospital network, a significant step in expanding access to specialised transplant care. This service, launched at Tawakkal Specialist Hospital in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, is part of the KPJ Health System’s ongoing development of advanced clinical capabilities.

The new service offers kidney transplantation as a treatment option for patients with kidney failure, following a successful procedure earlier this year involving a living related donor. The procedure was conducted by a team of specialists, including Consultant Urologist Dr Norman Dublin and Professor Dr Azad Hassan Abdul Razack, supported by a multidisciplinary team of anaesthesiologists, radiologists, and critical care specialists.

Kidney transplantation is recognised as a crucial treatment for patients with advanced kidney disease, offering improved long-term outcomes and reduced reliance on dialysis compared to traditional therapies. The service is supported by an integrated care pathway, ensuring comprehensive care for both donors and recipients.

Chin Keat Chyuan, President and Managing Director of KPJ Healthcare, stated, “The launch of the Kidney Transplant Service marks an important milestone in the continued development of advanced clinical capabilities under the KPJ Health System. It reflects our commitment to broaden access to highly specialised treatment and strengthen the range of complex care available to patients across the KPJ network.”

This development underscores KPJ Healthcare’s commitment to enhancing its clinical offerings and providing comprehensive care solutions within its network.

Small Medium Enterprise Development Bank Malaysia Berhad (SME Bank) has significantly impacted nearly 1,000 asnaf entrepreneurs across Malaysia, generating approximately RM40m in income and creating 410 jobs through its iTEKAD ISHRAF programme. Launched in 2020 under Bank Negara Malaysia’s iTEKAD social finance framework, the initiative aims to enhance economic opportunities and entrepreneurial skills among asnaf and underserved communities.

The latest cohort of SME Bank iTEKAD ISHRAF 4.0 was celebrated recently, marking the programme’s ongoing expansion nationwide. Samad Majid Zain, Relief President and CEO of SME Bank, highlighted the programme’s success, stating, “The achievements of iTEKAD ISHRAF since 2020 demonstrate how Islamic social finance can create meaningful and lasting impact by strengthening entrepreneurial capabilities, increasing incomes and supporting business growth among asnaf and underserved communities.”

The programme, which began as a pilot with 20 entrepreneurs and RM250,000 in zakat funds, has expanded significantly. By 2023–2024, it had reached 400 entrepreneurs across 14 states with a budget of RM5.6m. For 2025–2026, the programme continues to support 420 entrepreneurs with RM9m in funding, including contributions from strategic partners like Export-Import Bank of Malaysia Berhad and Bank Islam Malaysia Berhad.

SME Bank’s efforts also extend to strengthening Malaysia’s halal entrepreneurship ecosystem, with over RM2b in halal-related financing and initiatives like the HalalBiz Financing Programme. The bank’s commitment to inclusive entrepreneurship aligns with the MADANI Economic Framework, focusing on sustainable socio-economic development.

Malaysian biomass producer Weng Yat Resources Sdn Bhd has entered into a partnership with Japan-based Daya Synergy Borneo Co Ltd (DSB) to establish a biomass supply platform aimed at the Japanese market. The agreement, formalised through a memorandum of understanding signed in Kuala Lumpur, is expected to generate over RM60m in annual revenue once full-scale exports commence.

The initial commercial shipment is slated for early next year, with long-term supply agreements anticipated by the end of this year. An initial trial shipment of 10,000 metric tonnes of wood pellets is planned for this year, according to Weng Yat Resources’ executive director, Sunderaj Nagalingam. The company aims to capture a five per cent share of Japan’s biomass import market within three years.

The partnership will bolster Japan’s biomass power generation sector, which relies heavily on imported biomass fuels such as wood pellets, palm kernel shells (PKS), and Empty Fruit Bunch (EFB) pellets. Japan’s demand for biomass is substantial, with an estimated seven million tonnes of PKS and nine million tonnes of wood pellets required annually.

DSB will facilitate market access for Weng Yat Resources, leveraging its established trade relationships with Japanese biomass trading companies and power producers. The collaboration also includes energy-related projects, such as a proposed 100MW Battery Energy Storage System in Hokkaido, valued at approximately $300m.

Weng Yat Resources, established in 2007, operates biomass production facilities across Malaysia. The company plans to expand its production capacity with new facilities in Klang and Sarawak by 2027.