Nvsion, a Malaysian AI startup specialising in high-precision inspection technology for the semiconductor industry, has successfully secured a multi-million Ringgit investment from the Cambrian Fund. This marks the inaugural deal for the Cambrian Fund, managed by Southern Capital Group, with key investors including Khazanah Nasional and ViTrox Corporation Berhad co-founders. The funding aims to advance Nvsion’s AI-powered Automated Optical Inspection (AOI) solutions, crucial for enhancing precision and efficiency in semiconductor manufacturing.

Founded in October 2024 by Jeffrey Chung and his team, Nvsion leverages over 30 years of combined technical expertise to develop its proprietary Synthia Vision AI Platform. This platform uses a hybrid of AI and rule-based algorithms for high-speed industrial applications, targeting the outsourced semiconductor assembly and test (OSAT) and electronics manufacturing services (EMS) segments. The company also plans to extend its technology to other sectors, including advanced electronics, automotive, and medical devices.

The new capital will be used to accelerate product development, recruit top-tier talent, and expand Nvsion’s customer base. “Securing this first round of funding is a defining moment for Nvsion,” said Jeffrey Chung, Managing Director of Nvsion. “With Cambrian Fund’s support, we are confident in our ability to deliver greater innovation and contribute to Malaysia’s emergence as a leader in advanced manufacturing.”

Kenneth Tan, CEO of Southern Capital Group, expressed confidence in Nvsion’s potential, stating, “Nvsion’s advanced, software-first approach to machine vision is set to make a significant impact in the Industrial 4.0 landscape.” The investment aligns with Cambrian Fund’s strategy to support technology companies in Southeast Asia with a clear path to market leadership.

MARC Ratings Berhad has been awarded the title of Best Islamic Rating Agency 2025 at the 15th Global Islamic Finance Awards (GIFA) held in Kuala Lumpur. The event, attended by over 400 guests including Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, celebrated the achievements of more than 60 winners globally. This marks the 11th time MARC Ratings has received this accolade, highlighting its consistent excellence in the Islamic finance sector.

The award underscores MARC Ratings’ dedication to providing high-quality ratings that enhance transparency and confidence in Islamic finance. Arshad Mohamed Ismail, Group CEO of MARC and CEO of MARC Ratings Berhad, expressed gratitude for the recognition, stating, “The team is honoured by this recognition and grateful to the GIFA Awards Committee for acknowledging its work.” He emphasised the company’s commitment to delivering accurate and timely ratings that support the growth and resilience of Islamic finance.

MARC Ratings’ contribution to the Islamic finance ecosystem is significant, particularly as the industry expands into new markets and adopts more complex structures. Reliable credit ratings are crucial in promoting transparency and facilitating investment. Through its focus on analytical excellence and innovation, MARC Ratings continues to support issuers, investors, and regulators, reinforcing Malaysia’s position as a global centre for Islamic finance.

Established in 1996, Malaysian Rating Corporation Berhad (MARC) has grown to include subsidiaries offering diverse services, from ratings to ESG assessments. The group remains committed to its transformation journey, embracing technology and agility to adapt to the evolving business landscape.

Hongkong Land Holdings Limited has announced the divestment of its Singaporean and Malaysian residential development business, MCL Land, to Sunway Group. The transaction, valued at S$739m (US$579m), is part of Hongkong Land’s strategy to recycle capital and focus on ultra-premium commercial properties in Asian gateway cities. The sale proceeds will enhance Hongkong Land’s balance sheet and contribute US$150m to its share buyback programme.

The divestment marks a significant step in Hongkong Land’s strategic vision to exit the residential build-to-sell segment.

MCL Land, a prominent residential developer in Singapore and Malaysia for over 60 years, will continue its operations under Sunway’s ownership, with its management team remaining intact.

Michael Smith, Hongkong Land’s Chief Executive, highlighted the importance of finding the right steward for MCL Land, stating, “This is a business Hongkong Land has grown for over thirty years, with a strong brand known for quality and a robust residential development pipeline.” Sunway Group’s Executive Deputy Chair, Sarena Cheah, expressed confidence in the acquisition, noting, “This acquisition marks a decisive expansion of our footprint in one of Asia’s most competitive property markets.”

The agreement’s completion is subject to standard closing conditions and is expected to finalise before the end of 2025. This transaction aligns with Sunway’s strategy to integrate MCL Land’s expertise with its own in sustainable, mixed-use developments, aiming to accelerate growth in Singapore and key regional markets.

Zurich Malaysia has unveiled Z-Driver EV Protect, a specialised insurance and takaful package for electric vehicle (EV) owners, offering coverage for EV batteries, home wall chargers, and portable charging accessories. Priced at $25 (RM120), this add-on aims to address the unique risks associated with EVs, enhancing existing Z-Driver features like unlimited towing for battery depletion.

The initiative is part of Zurich Malaysia’s collaboration with Gentari Green Mobility Sdn Bhd to bolster Malaysia’s EV infrastructure. This partnership has expanded Zurich’s brand presence to 13 EV charging stations at high-traffic locations such as Suria KLCC and Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre. Teresa Wong, Chief Risk Officer at Zurich Malaysia, stated, “Our collaboration with Gentari is not just about increasing the number of chargers, it’s about helping to build a more connected and confident EV ecosystem.”

Key benefits of Z-Driver EV Protect include coverage for home wall chargers up to $3,100 (RM15,000), personal liability whilst charging up to $10,400 (RM50,000), and a compassionate allowance for incidents at public charging stations up to $4,200 (RM20,000). Optional enhanced special perils protection is also available.

Aliah Nasreen Abdullah, Chief Customer Officer of Gentari Green Mobility, highlighted the importance of the collaboration, saying, “Together, we’re expanding the availability of EV chargers and enhancing the entire ownership experience.”

This move supports Zurich Malaysia’s goal of promoting sustainable mobility by addressing the need for reliable EV charging infrastructure, thus encouraging more Malaysians to adopt electric vehicles.

The Muslim Consumers Association of Malaysia (PPIM) has raised alarms over counterfeit health products being sold online with fraudulent halal certificates. Nadzim Johan, Chief Activist of PPIM, urged authorities to take swift action against the companies involved, warning that these illegal practices could jeopardise public health and undermine the confidence of Muslims in Malaysia regarding syariah compliance.

PPIM, in collaboration with Holista Colltech, has reported the sale of counterfeit PRISTIN Omega-3 fish oil products on popular e-commerce platforms Lazada and Shopee. Holista, a leading Omega-3 supplement provider in Malaysia, discovered that the counterfeit products contained low-grade palm oil instead of fish-derived Omega-3. The company has filed a police report with the Royal Malaysia Police following independent laboratory tests.

Nadzim emphasised that genuine Holista products are available only through licensed pharmacies and official online stores. He expressed concern over the rapid growth of e-commerce in Malaysia, fearing that other counterfeit cases might go undetected. He highlighted three critical issues: the misuse of halal certification undermines trust, counterfeit products evade regulatory oversight, and violations could severely impact syariah-compliant businesses.

PPIM has called on the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission and the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia to investigate the e-commerce platforms and identify those responsible. Nadzim also urged industry players, including pharmacy chains and the Malaysian Dietary Supplement Association, to address consumer concerns, particularly among Muslims.

StarCruises has announced the return of its cruise ship, Star Voyager, to Southeast Asia for the winter season, commencing on 20 November 2025. The ship will offer a variety of short-getaway options, perfectly timed for the festive season and school holidays in Singapore and Malaysia. Departures will be available from Singapore and Kuala Lumpur via Port Klang, providing passengers with flexible and convenient travel options.

The itineraries include 3-night weekend getaways to Penang and Kuala Lumpur, as well as 4-night sailings to Phuket, Penang, and Pulau Bintan. Michael Goh, President of StarDream Cruises, stated, “This deployment gives cruise passengers from Singapore and Malaysia more choices, flexibility and convenience, with 3 and 4 Night getaways from both Singapore and Kuala Lumpur (Port Klang), sailing between the two cities and calling at the ever-popular destinations of Phuket, Penang and Pulau Bintan.”

Guests can embark at the Singapore Cruise Centre, conveniently located near VivoCity Mall and the HarbourFront MRT station, or from Kuala Lumpur via the Port Klang Cruise Terminal. The itineraries highlight Southeast Asia’s popular holiday destinations, including Penang’s UNESCO-listed George Town and Phuket’s beaches.

Additionally, Star Voyager will offer two special one-way repositioning cruises. The first, a 4-night journey from Hong Kong to Singapore, departs on 16 November 2025. The second, a 5-night voyage from Singapore to Hong Kong, departs on 8 February 2026, allowing guests to celebrate the Lunar New Year at sea.

Bookings for these cruises will open on 3 October 2025.

Sunway Medical Centre, located in Sunway City, has been recognised as the top Malaysian smart hospital and has made its debut in Newsweek’s World’s Best Smart Hospitals 2026 ranking. This marks the first time a Malaysian hospital has been featured in this prestigious list, with Sunway Medical Centre securing the 313th position among leading international hospitals.

The rankings are determined through a comprehensive online survey, the Statista Smart Hospitals Maturity Survey, and the Joint Commission International (JCI) hospital accreditation. These assessments evaluate hospitals based on their use of technology and innovation in healthcare delivery.

Dato’ Lau Beng Long, President of Sunway Healthcare Group, expressed pride in the achievement, stating, “We are extremely proud to be ranked among the world’s best smart hospitals.” This accolade highlights the hospital’s commitment to integrating advanced technology to enhance patient care and operational efficiency.

The inclusion of Sunway Medical Centre in the global ranking underscores Malaysia’s growing presence in the international healthcare landscape. It also reflects the hospital’s dedication to adopting cutting-edge solutions to improve healthcare outcomes.

As the healthcare sector continues to evolve with technological advancements, Sunway Medical Centre’s recognition sets a benchmark for other Malaysian hospitals aspiring to enhance their smart capabilities. This achievement is expected to encourage further innovation and investment in the country’s healthcare infrastructure.

MARC Ratings has affirmed the AAAIS/Stable rating for Celcom Networks Sdn Bhd’s (CNSB) RM5b Sukuk Murabahah Programme. CNSB, a subsidiary of Celcom Berhad and ultimately owned by CelcomDigi Berhad, provides network telecommunication services within the group. The rating reflects the robust credit profile of CelcomDigi, supported by its leading position in Malaysia’s telco industry, solid margins, and strong cash flow, despite rising competition potentially impacting earnings.

CelcomDigi holds a 40% market share with 20.4 million subscribers as of June 2025, a slight decrease from the previous quarter. This decline was due to a significant drop in prepaid users, which overshadowed growth in postpaid and Home & Fibre segments. The company is implementing initiatives such as competitive plans, device bundling, and expanded 5G coverage to attract and retain customers, though market competition and pricing pressures remain challenges.

Financially, CelcomDigi’s 2024 performance aligned with expectations, maintaining revenue at RM12.7b, though EBITDA fell to RM5.8 billion due to increased operating costs. In the first half of 2025, revenue and EBITDA were stable at RM6.4b and RM2.7b, respectively. The company anticipates low single-digit growth in service revenue and EBIT, with more substantial gains post-2027 as merger synergies develop.

Liquidity is strong, with cash flow from operations covering capital expenditures and dividends. Borrowings were RM8.9b by June 2025, but cash flow strength supports debt management. The appointment of U Mobile as a second 5G provider alleviates some capital expenditure concerns, although CelcomDigi has invested RM350m in Digital Nasional Berhad, which could affect cash flow. The government is expected to exercise a put option related to these investments by November 2025.

The Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM) and Futurise Sdn Bhd are accelerating Malaysia’s entry into Advanced Air Mobility (AAM), targeting the launch of a Concept of Operations (ConOps) by the first quarter of 2026. This initiative is set to position Malaysia as a regional leader in the low-altitude airspace economy, introducing new transport solutions such as electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft (eVTOLs).

In December 2024, CAAM appointed Futurise as the Secretariat of the Advanced Air Mobility Steering Committee, leveraging its expertise in regulatory sandboxes for emerging technologies. Futurise will develop the ConOps document, aligning with CAAM’s policy direction and contributing to Malaysia’s AAM roadmap. The ConOps will outline operational scenarios, stakeholder roles, airspace usage, and regulatory requirements, facilitating the transition from conceptual frameworks to real-world deployment.

The ConOps will adhere to international regulatory frameworks, including those from the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Workshops and industry engagements throughout 2025 will ensure comprehensive input from government, regulators, and the aviation industry.

Dato Captain Norazman Bin Mahmud, CEO of CAAM, highlighted the importance of distinguishing AAM from drones, stating, “Whilst drones are classified as Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) and are already regulated, AAM encompasses a broader class of aircraft such as eVTOLs that require a new regulatory approach.”

The regulatory sandbox will provide a controlled environment for testing and innovation, marking a significant step in Malaysia’s active participation in the global AAM landscape.

MARC Ratings has affirmed the AA-IS rating for Malaysia Marine and Heavy Engineering Holdings Berhad’s (MHB) RM1b Sukuk Murabahah Programme, maintaining a stable outlook. The rating benefits from a one-notch uplift due to MHB’s affiliation with the Petroliam Nasional Berhad (PETRONAS) group, which is expected to continue its support. PETRONAS holds an indirect stake in MHB through its 51% ownership of MISC Berhad, which owns 66.5% of MHB.

MHB’s credit profile is bolstered by its established expertise in offshore fabrication and marine repairs, alongside a substantial order book valued at RM5.17b as of June 2025, ensuring revenue visibility until 2028. However, the company’s exposure to the cyclical oil and gas sector moderates the rating.

In the first half of 2025, MHB secured two significant contracts worth RM572m from Vestigo Petroleum Sdn Bhd for the fabrication of three wellhead platforms. Despite these contracts, MHB’s revenue for the period dropped by 53% year-on-year to RM884.7m, attributed to reduced contributions from the heavy engineering segment. This decline was partially offset by robust performance in the marine segment, which saw an increase in vessel conversion and repair contracts.

Counterparty risk remains a concern, with 56% of the order book linked to Petrofac International (UAE) LLC and 41% to PETRONAS-related projects. However, Petrofac’s risk is mitigated by the involvement of TenneT B.V., a transmission system operator in Europe, which underpins payments to MHB.

Looking ahead, MHB’s full-year revenue for 2025 is anticipated to fall short of the previous year’s RM3.6b, given current project timelines. As of June 2025, MHB’s cash reserves stood at RM506.5m, with total borrowings reduced to RM241.7m, resulting in a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.17x.