Point Hope has unveiled the Anchor Generational Assets Fund, a global equities strategy aimed at investors with multidecade investment horizons. This new fund focuses on businesses with enduring competitive advantages, designed to sustain returns across economic cycles rather than short-term gains.

The fund’s strategy is informed by Point Hope’s research into business longevity, examining how companies maintain economic relevance amidst competition and technological change. “Over the years, we have run a range of different strategies, but once we began viewing investing through the lens of generational durability—asking which businesses could survive and thrive not just this cycle but across generations—everything changed,” said Guan Zhen Tan, Chief Investment Officer of Point Hope.

The Anchor Generational Assets Fund invests in a select group of high-quality businesses, primarily in the United States and China, known for their technological leadership and capital formation. These companies are characterised by strong pricing power, dominant market positions, and conservative balance sheets. The fund’s investment process emphasises deep research, disciplined capital allocation, and patience, resulting in a concentrated portfolio with low turnover.

Point Hope, operating from Singapore and Kuala Lumpur, manages capital with an institutional mindset, prioritising risk management and long-term survivability. The firm’s principals are the largest investors in the fund, aligning their interests with those of their clients. The fund is intended for family offices and accredited investors, with further information available upon request.

Deutsche Bank Malaysia has announced the appointment of Datin Wan Daneena Liza binti Wan Abdul Rahman as its new Chairperson, marking the first time a woman has held this position in the bank’s history in Malaysia. Alongside her, Yang Amat Mulia Tunku Dato’ Seri Zain Al-‘Abidin ibni Tuanku Muhriz joins the board as an Independent Non-Executive Director, both appointments reflecting the bank’s commitment to strong governance and long-term presence in Malaysia.

Datin Wan Daneena brings over 25 years of experience in financial services, having held senior roles at Ernst & Young Malaysia and serving on the boards of several major companies. Her expertise in audit quality, risk management, and financial reporting is expected to enhance the bank’s governance framework. Tunku Zain, Founding President of the policy think tank IDEAS, adds significant public policy and governance insight from his experience with organisations such as the UK Houses of Parliament and the World Bank.

CEO of Deutsche Bank Malaysia, Dato’ Yusof Annuar bin Yaacob, stated, “These appointments demonstrate Deutsche Bank’s commitment to the highest standards of governance. Datin Wan Daneena’s significant financial services expertise and Tunku Zain’s broad policy and stakeholder background will strengthen the Board’s independence, risk oversight, and strategic guidance.”

Deutsche Bank has been operating in Malaysia for over 55 years, focusing on responsible growth, risk management, and investment in local talent. The new board appointments are set to support the bank’s strategic ambitions and contribute to Malaysia’s economic growth, aligning with Bank Negara Malaysia’s expectations and global best practices.

YTL Cement’s CDL Academy and Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) have formalised their collaboration by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on 9 January 2026. This agreement aims to advance talent development and research innovation in sustainable construction within Malaysia’s engineering sector. The MoU, signed by UTM Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Mohd Shafry Mohd Rahim and CDL Academy Chairman Dato Sr Mohd Zaid Zakaria, seeks to provide students with industry exposure and practical experience.

The partnership will focus on initiatives such as professional training programmes, student internships, academic exchanges, and workshops. These efforts will concentrate on green building materials, advanced construction technologies, and cost management solutions. UTM, known for its commitment to engineering, science, and technology, aims to equip graduates with the skills necessary for the nation’s development.

Since its inception in 2019, CDL Academy has conducted over 100 seminars, benefiting more than 10,000 participants. The collaboration with UTM expands these efforts, supporting the development of industry-ready graduates and addressing emerging needs in sustainable construction. The MoU will be effective for three years, with opportunities for renewal, and will be overseen by coordinators from both parties to ensure measurable outcomes.

CDL Academy, part of the YTL Cement Group, focuses on developing well-trained professionals through structured training and practical knowledge-sharing. The academy serves as a hub for knowledge exchange, bringing together practitioners, academics, and industry leaders. This collaboration underscores the commitment to strengthening industry talent pipelines and supporting the long-term advancement of the construction ecosystem.

Risen Energy and Eco Persona, a Malaysian solar EPC enterprise, has announced a significant expansion in Southeast Asia by signing a strategic agreement to develop new photovoltaic (PV) projects in four northern states of Malaysia.

This cooperation will prioritize the use of Risen Energy’s high-power Heterojunction (HJT) modules, string inverters, and commercial and industrial energy storage cabinets to construct an efficient power generation PV-storage integrated system.

With the acceleration of the global carbon neutrality process, the photovoltaic market in Southeast Asia is experiencing explosive growth.

This project between Risen Energy and Eco Persona not only consolidates their leading positions in the Malaysian PV market but also, through the deep synergy of cutting-edge technology and local services, provides global clients with more efficient and reliable green energy solutions, jointly outlining a blueprint for carbon neutrality.

Fasset, a global banking and investment platform, has announced the appointment of Rafiza Ghazali as Managing Director, Consumer Banking, effective 1 February 2026. Ghazali, a seasoned banker with over two decades of experience, will lead Fasset’s strategy to become a full-service, Shariah-aligned digital bank, following its recent approval to launch the world’s first stablecoin-based Islamic digital bank in Malaysia.

Ghazali’s extensive background includes leading the establishment and public launch of KAF Digital Bank, Malaysia’s second Islamic digital bank. Her expertise spans central banking, capital markets, Islamic finance, and digital banking. At Fasset, she will focus on expanding the company’s stablecoin-led banking strategy across retail, private SME, and trade finance segments, leveraging the Labuan regulatory framework in Malaysia.

“Fasset’s mission to expand financial access and build inclusive digital infrastructure strongly resonates with me,” Ghazali stated. Her role will involve scaling digital banking operations and enhancing Fasset’s multi-jurisdictional banking infrastructure.

Fasset, co-founded by Mohammad Raafi Hossain and Daniel Ahmed, aims to enhance financial inclusion in high-growth markets. The platform has seen significant growth, with 1 million retail app downloads in 2025 and a US$12b annualised volume. Hossain remarked, “Rafiza brings firsthand end-to-end experience in building and running a regulated digital bank.”

Ghazali’s appointment marks a significant step in Fasset’s journey to scale its consumer banking operations globally, aligning with regulatory expectations and institutional-grade governance.

Lockton Sime Insurance Brokers, formerly known as Sime Darby Lockton Insurance Brokers, has announced a pivotal change in its shareholding structure, with Lockton now holding the majority stake. Effective from 31 December 2025, the company has rebranded to Lockton Sime Insurance Brokers, marking a significant step in its strategic growth in Malaysia.

Lockton, which has been a minority shareholder since 2007, has transitioned to a majority position, reinforcing its commitment to the Malaysian market. This change is expected to bring enhanced access to global expertise and resources, allowing Lockton Sime to offer more tailored solutions to its clients. Sime remains a minority shareholder, ensuring continuity and stability within the company.

Tony Hardy, CEO of Lockton Asia, stated, “Malaysia is an important market for Lockton in Asia, and the shareholding transition marks a significant milestone in our journey to expand our presence in the region.” He emphasised that this shift will enable Lockton to bring more global capabilities to the local market, benefiting clients and partners with world-class expertise.

The rebranding to Lockton Sime underscores the company’s dedication to long-term partnerships and growth in Malaysia. Yahya Ibrahim, CEO of Lockton Sime, expressed excitement about the new chapter, stating that the name change reflects the strength of their global partnership with Lockton.

As part of the transition, Lockton Sime has launched a new website and invites stakeholders to stay updated through its social media platforms. This development marks a new era for the company, characterised by collaboration and innovation, with a continued focus on delivering value to clients and partners in Malaysia.

Natural catastrophes have emerged as the primary concern for businesses in Malaysia for 2026, according to the Allianz Risk Barometer. This marks a significant rise from its previous position at number five last year. The survey also notes the accelerated adoption of Artificial Intelligence (AI), which has surged to the second spot, alongside business interruption, including supply chain disruptions.

Globally and across the Asia Pacific, cyber incidents, AI, and business interruption are the top risks, with AI noted as the most significant riser. Allianz Commercial CEO Thomas Lillelund commented on the evolving risk landscape, stating, “Following the volatility and uncertainty of 2025, businesses continue to face interconnected and highly complex risks in 2026’s fast-changing environment. Given the continuing rise of AI across society and industry, it is unsurprising that it is the big mover in the Allianz Risk Barometer.”

In Malaysia, recent floods have underscored the urgency of addressing natural catastrophes. Over 15,000 people were affected across seven states, with significant damage in Kelantan, Perlis, and Kedah. The disaster saw 10 major rivers reach dangerous levels by the end of November 2025, resulting in losses up to $10.3m, primarily impacting paddy crops.

Rafliz Ridzuan, Chief Underwriting Officer at Allianz General Insurance Company (Malaysia) Berhad, emphasised the need for increased climate adaptation efforts. “Weather events and disasters that were considered rare or historic in the past are now common occurrences,” he noted, urging governments to enhance resilience to future events.

As businesses navigate these challenges, the focus remains on preparedness and protection against both natural and technological risks.

Semico Capital Berhad, a provider of family entertainment products and services, has made a notable debut on the ACE Market of Bursa Malaysia Securities Berhad. The company’s shares opened at 45 sen, marking an 80% premium over its initial issue price of 25 sen, with an opening volume of 23,478,400 shares. This impressive start follows an oversubscription of 28.1 times for its initial public offering, indicating robust investor interest.

The Executive Director and CEO of Semico Capital, Tai Lee Chuen, expressed that the listing is a significant milestone for the company, highlighting the dedication of the team and the progress achieved. “Supported by the listing proceeds of  RM23.2m, we are well positioned to accelerate our growth plans and pursue new opportunities within the family entertainment industry,” he stated.

The funds raised will be strategically allocated to support business expansion, including RM8.5m for new arcade and amusement machines, RM2.1m for replacing existing machines, and RM2.5m for purchasing toys and collectables. Additionally, RM1.6m will be used for repaying bank borrowings, and RM4m for working capital, with the remaining RM4.5m covering listing expenses.

Semico Capital plans to expand its arcade and amusement machine fleet and broaden its toys and collectables portfolio, aiming to strengthen customer engagement and meet market demand. Affin Hwang Investment Bank Berhad served as the Principal Adviser, Sponsor, Sole Placement Agent, and Sole Underwriter for the IPO.

Dr.stretch Malaysia has announced a partnership with national fencer Saif Nordin, a News Hub Asia athlete, to promote elite mobility and performance across Malaysia. This collaboration, revealed on 12 January 2026, aligns with Dr.stretch’s mission to make professional mobility, recovery, and performance care accessible to Malaysians of all ages and activity levels.

The partnership was commemorated at a session held at Dr.stretch in Sunway 163 Mall, Mont Kiara, Kuala Lumpur. Azri bin Khairudin, Area Manager at Dr.stretch Malaysia, highlighted the significance of this collaboration in addressing mobility issues that are becoming an economic challenge in the country.

According to the Malaysian Employers Federation, companies in Malaysia recorded 10.7 million lost working days in a year due to sick leave, largely attributed to poor mobility and insufficient recovery practices. This partnership aims to tackle these issues by promoting better movement and recovery practices, potentially reducing preventable pain, stiffness, and fatigue among the workforce.

Saif Nordin, recognised as one of Malaysia’s most promising young athletes, is expected to bring his expertise and experience to the collaboration, inspiring Malaysians to prioritise their physical well-being. The initiative underscores the importance of proper movement and recovery in enhancing overall health and productivity.

As Dr.stretch Malaysia continues to expand its reach, this partnership with Saif Nordin is poised to play a crucial role in improving the nation’s mobility and performance standards, potentially reducing the economic impact of lost working days due to health issues.

Royal Philips and KL International Hospital have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to develop next-generation smart hospital initiatives in Malaysia. This collaboration seeks to integrate advanced technologies into healthcare delivery, focusing on improving patient care, streamlining operations, and enhancing data management.

The MoU outlines a framework for both parties to explore opportunities that promote a patient-centric approach, ensuring better care accessibility and improved safety. It also addresses regulatory compliance and data security, whilst encouraging research and innovation to advance smart hospital initiatives.

Dato’ Dr. Colin Lee, Managing Director of KL International Hospital, stated, “Healthcare systems are under immense pressure to deliver timely, high-quality care. Through this MoU, we are committed to reimagining care delivery by embedding advanced technologies into our hospital care experience.”

Key initiatives under the MoU include co-creating a smart hospital and developing a Hospital Clinical Command Centre. This centre will utilise real-time patient data, predictive analytics, and workflow optimisation to support informed clinical decision-making.

Stephanie Sievers, Managing Director of Philips APAC, commented, “By partnering with KLIH, we’re creating environments where technology gives clinicians time back, enables informed decisions, and drives proactive care.”

This partnership is expected to foster long-term collaboration, paving the way for joint research and development in medical technologies and practices. The initiative aims to set a foundation for a seamlessly connected healthcare ecosystem in Malaysia, enhancing health outcomes for a broader population.