Malaysian businesses are facing an alarming rise in cyber threats, with over 1,050 exploit attacks occurring daily in the first half of 2025, according to Kaspersky. This marks a 16% increase from the previous year, as the country’s digital infrastructure continues to expand. The cybersecurity firm emphasises the importance of patching systems to protect against these vulnerabilities, which leave enterprises exposed to potential cyberattacks.

Kaspersky’s data reveals that Malaysia ranks third in Southeast Asia for exploit volume, trailing behind Indonesia and Vietnam. Exploits, malicious programmes that exploit software vulnerabilities, pose significant risks when systems remain unpatched. Globally, the most common exploits targeted unpatched Microsoft Office products, with vulnerabilities such as CVE-2018-0802 and CVE-2017-11882 being frequently exploited.

The report highlights that both new zero-day vulnerabilities and older, overlooked issues are being targeted by cybercriminals. Notably, attackers are also focusing on low-code/no-code platforms and AI-powered applications, as businesses increasingly adopt these technologies. Adrian Hia, Managing Director for Asia Pacific at Kaspersky, warns, “A 16% jump in exploit attempts against Malaysian businesses in just six months highlights how relentless these attackers have become.”

In addition to exploit attacks, Malaysian companies encountered over 1.7 million B2B web threats in the first half of 2025, making it the second most targeted country in Southeast Asia. To combat these threats, Kaspersky advises businesses to maintain robust patch management, deploy reliable security solutions, and utilise the latest threat intelligence.

As Malaysia’s digital economy grows, strengthening cybersecurity measures is crucial to safeguarding its digital progress and maintaining trust in its digital infrastructure.

Malaysia’s Prime Minister, Anwar Ibrahim, is set to inaugurate the Global Islamic Finance Forum (GIFF) 2025 in Kuala Lumpur from 13 to 15 October. The event, organised by the Association of Islamic Banking and Financial Institutions Malaysia (AIBIM) with support from Bank Negara Malaysia, will focus on expanding Islamic finance assets to $7.5t by 2028.

The forum, themed “Bridging Tradition and Tomorrow: Advancing Business, Empowering Communities,” will feature key speakers including Dato’ Paduka Iqbal Khan, CEO of Fajr Capital, and Dr Mahmoud Mohieldin, UN Special Envoy for Financing Sustainable Development. The Governor of Bank Negara Malaysia, Abdul Rasheed Ghaffour, will deliver the opening address.

AIBIM President, Mohd Muazzam Mohamed, stated, “Islamic finance is evolving beyond conventional boundaries, towards a future defined by purpose, innovation and global relevance. GIFF 2025 is not just a conference but a strategic convening of minds.”

The forum will address issues such as intra-OIC investment flows, Shariah standards, and sustainability through Value-Based Intermediation. It will also highlight the MIFC Global Impact Challenge winners, focusing on climate resilience and social inclusion.

Standard Chartered Saadiq will host the Global Shariah Majlis, whilst Labuan IBFC and Kenanga Investment Bank will discuss digital finance innovations. The event is supported by sponsors including Bank Islam Malaysia Berhad and CIMB Islamic Bank Berhad. Registration details are available on the GIFF website.

CIMB Bank Berhad has launched a bespoke wealth management platform, marking a significant step in digitalising its wealth management services. The platform, supported by CIMB’s Chief Investment Office (CIO), provides users with direct access to digital wealth solutions, data-driven insights, and expert analysis, catering to the growing demand for digital tools in wealth management.

The CIO, the first of its kind in Malaysia, serves affluent customers by combining global market perspectives with local insights. Haniz Nazlan, CEO of Group Consumer Banking at CIMB, highlighted the platform’s ability to offer “expert in-house insights provided by a dedicated team and quicker access to customised solutions and strategy to grow wealth.” This digital transformation aims to enhance client relationships and meet investment goals.

The platform consolidates market intelligence, research publications, and interactive tools into a single digital portal. It allows users to monitor market indicators and visualise portfolio allocations based on individual risk profiles. CIMB Preferred and Private Banking clients can access personalised advisory services, whilst other users benefit from the CIO’s insights.

Nazlan emphasised, “The CIO portal represents CIMB’s commitment to providing advisory-led, insight-driven solutions that safeguard and grow our clients’ wealth.” The initiative aligns with CIMB’s Forward30 strategy, leveraging innovation and technology to deliver lasting value.

The CIO portal is now live and accessible online, offering a comprehensive digital solution for wealth management.

IHH Healthcare Bhd has secured approval from the Securities Exchange Board of India to proceed with its mandatory open offers for Fortis Healthcare Ltd and Malar Hospitals Ltd. This development marks a significant step for IHH in expanding its presence in the Indian healthcare market.

The approval allows IHH to move forward with its strategic investment plans in Fortis Healthcare and Malar Hospitals, two prominent players in India’s healthcare sector. The open offers are part of IHH’s broader strategy to enhance its footprint in the region, leveraging the growth potential of the Indian healthcare industry.

IHH Healthcare, a leading international healthcare provider, has been eyeing opportunities in India to tap into the country’s burgeoning demand for quality healthcare services. The approval from the Indian regulatory body is a crucial milestone in this endeavour, enabling IHH to solidify its position in the market.

The open offers are expected to bolster IHH’s portfolio, providing access to Fortis Healthcare’s extensive network of hospitals and Malar Hospitals’ specialised services. This move aligns with IHH’s commitment to delivering high-quality healthcare services across its global operations.

As IHH proceeds with the open offers, the company is poised to play a more significant role in shaping the future of healthcare delivery in India. The successful completion of these offers could pave the way for further investments and collaborations in the region, enhancing healthcare accessibility and quality for Indian patients.

Tenchijin Inc, a leader in spacetech innovation, will participate in the Malaysia International Water Convention (MIWC) 2025, held from 14 to 16 October at the World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur. The event, which aligns with Malaysia’s Water Sector Transformation 2040, will gather over 3,000 professionals to explore water sector innovations. Tenchijin will exhibit its KnoWaterleak platform and deliver a presentation on sustainable water management.

The MIWC 2025 aims to address water sector transformation through technology and innovation. Tenchijin’s KnoWaterleak platform, which uses satellite data and AI to predict and prevent water infrastructure risks, will be a focal point at the convention. Yohei Nishiyama, Tenchijin’s VP of Business Development, will present on 15 October, discussing how satellites and AI are revolutionising water pipeline maintenance.

Malaysia faces significant challenges with high non-revenue water, particularly in rural areas. The government’s Water Sector Transformation 2040 seeks to improve water infrastructure, and Tenchijin believes its technology can support these efforts. “We are honoured to have been directly invited to speak at the conference,” said Nishiyama, highlighting the importance of knowledge exchange and global best practices in developing sustainable water management solutions.

Tenchijin’s KnoWaterleak platform provides insights into potential leaks within 100-metre square zones, offering a five-level risk evaluation system. Recognised by Japan’s Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, this technology underscores Tenchijin’s commitment to sustainable water management. The company’s participation in MIWC 2025 marks a significant step in addressing Malaysia’s water challenges through innovative solutions.

HLB Private Bank has announced a refreshed brand identity and an enhanced proposition aimed at high net worth (HNW) and ultra-high net worth (UHNW) clients, focusing on intergenerational wealth transfer and legacy planning. The bank, with a 120-year heritage, aims to be the partner of choice for these clients by combining tradition with innovation. This initiative is bolstered by a strategic alliance with Lombard Odier, Switzerland’s oldest private bank, offering clients access to global expertise and sophisticated wealth management solutions.

The bank’s new brand video, featured on Malaysia Airlines flights, highlights the importance of communication in aligning family values, reflecting HLB Private Bank’s commitment to seamless wealth transfer and legacy planning. As Asia experiences the largest wealth transfer in history, with an estimated $5.8t set to change hands, the bank’s approach is designed to secure a sustainable multigenerational legacy.

Jeffrey Yap, Hong Leong Bank’s Managing Director and Head of Regional Wealth Management, emphasised the need for a holistic perspective in wealth management, stating, “The modern wealthy family requires wealth management that extends far beyond mere portfolio optimisation and financial advisory.”

The collaboration with Lombard Odier enhances HLB Private Bank’s ability to deliver tailored solutions for multigenerational asset stewardship, balancing global opportunities with regional specifics. The bank’s new brand identity, including a refreshed logo and upgraded office spaces in Kuala Lumpur and Singapore, embodies its sophisticated yet grounded philosophy, facilitating essential dialogue for bespoke wealth planning. This strategic move positions HLB Private Bank to effectively support clients in preserving and growing their wealth across generations.

UOB Kay Hian’s latest financial updates reveal a mixed performance across Asian markets, with Bank Rakyat Indonesia (BBRI) experiencing a 9.9% year-on-year decline in earnings for the first eight months of 2025. The bank’s pre-provision operating profit fell by 4.4%, impacted by lower yields and increased operational expenses. Despite a modest 5.8% growth in loans, driven by corporate and consumer sectors, micro loans continued to contract. The bank maintains a “hold” rating with a target price of Rp4,250, supported by a 7.9% dividend yield.

In Malaysia, the banking sector remains robust despite macroeconomic headwinds. August statistics indicate steady loan growth at 5.4%, improved asset quality with gross impaired loans at historical lows, and healthy liquidity levels with a loan-to-deposit ratio below 90%.

Meanwhile, VS Industry in Malaysia reported disappointing results due to operational challenges and cost-cutting measures. However, the company remains optimistic about narrowing losses by March 2026. The valuation appears attractive at 13.0 times FY26 forecast price-to-earnings ratio, maintaining a “buy” rating with a target price of RM0.76.

In Singapore, real estate investment trusts (REITs) are poised to benefit from a shift in US monetary policy towards easing, which is expected to lower debt costs and expand yield spreads. UOBKH recommends buying blue-chip S-REITs, including CLAR, CLAS, KDCREIT, KREIT, and LREIT.

In Thailand, Krungthai Card is projected to report a slight increase in Q3 2025 net profit, supported by efficient asset quality control and anticipated government stimulus. Thanachart Capital, however, is expected to see a decline in quarterly net profit due to seasonal factors, though long-term improvements are anticipated from Q4 2025.

Allianz Life Insurance Malaysia Berhad has launched AssuredLove, a new feature allowing policyholders to choose flexible death benefit payouts over five or ten years. This initiative aims to provide tailored financial stability for beneficiaries, aligning with individual legacy planning strategies.

AssuredLove offers policyholders the option to select a payout period of either five or ten years. For the five-year term, the first-year payout is 28% of the death benefit, followed by 18% annually for the next four years. The ten-year term maintains the initial 28% payout, with subsequent annual payouts of 8% for the remaining nine years. Interest will accrue on the balance of the death benefit after the first payout, providing additional financial growth.

Charles Ong, CEO of Allianz Life, stated, “We are thrilled to introduce AssuredLove, a feature that reflects our commitment to providing innovative solutions that empower our customers. With AssuredLove, your life policy goes beyond protection; it becomes a lasting expression of love, thoughtfully designed to carry on.”

AssuredLove can be attached to existing policies at no additional cost, making it an accessible option for enhancing life insurance coverage. It is compatible with high sum assured products, including Allianz EverLink Signature and Allianz PremierLink, offering comprehensive coverage options.

This feature is now available to all eligible policyholders, providing the opportunity to customise life insurance benefits to better meet financial goals and needs.

Suriaghandi Suppiah has been appointed as the new Chief Executive Officer of the Malaysia Healthcare Travel Council (MHTC), effective 29 September 2025. The announcement was made by the Minister of Health, Dr. Dzulkefly Ahmad, marking the conclusion of an extensive selection process.

Suriaghandi brings a wealth of experience in leading transformation initiatives and driving sustainable growth across various sectors. His previous role as Healthcare Adviser to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF) saw him significantly influence the EPF’s Healthcare Investment Strategy. Additionally, his tenure as a Board Member of the National Sports Council involved launching the Olympic Sports Development Programme.

His career includes senior positions such as Group Chief Operating Officer at KPJ Healthcare Berhad and Consultant at Vamed Healthcare Services. He has also contributed to strategic investments and organisational transformation at Khazanah Nasional Berhad and Parkway Group Healthcare.

Dr. Dzulkefly Ahmad expressed confidence in Suriaghandi’s leadership, stating, “Malaysia’s healthcare ecosystem continues to grow in strength, both domestically and internationally. With the upcoming Malaysia Year of Medical Tourism 2026, we are committed to positioning the nation as a global leader in healthcare tourism.”

In his new role, Suriaghandi is expected to lead MHTC’s mission to solidify Malaysia’s status as a premier healthcare travel destination, focusing on expanding access and attracting international patients. This appointment is seen as a strategic move to enhance Malaysia’s reputation for quality and affordable healthcare.

Hilton Petaling Jaya has launched a comprehensive transformation, introducing redesigned rooms, enhanced dining options, and upgraded meeting facilities to cater to modern travellers. The hotel aims to seamlessly connect business, leisure, and local discovery, according to General Manager Andre Gomez, who stated, “This transformation goes beyond a visual refresh, it redefines how guests experience their stay.”

The hotel now boasts 547 redesigned rooms and suites, featuring contemporary elegance with Malaysian touches. Shared spaces, including lounges and the Executive Lounge, have been revamped to offer intuitive layouts and productivity pods, facilitating both social interaction and quiet work.

The meeting and event spaces have also seen significant upgrades. With 1,748 square metres of flexible space, the hotel introduces features that encourage collaboration and creativity. The column-free Kristal Ballroom can host up to 1,000 guests, and 20 modern meeting rooms are equipped with advanced A/V technology. Hilton’s “Meet with Purpose” packages focus on sustainability, offering carbon-neutral options and locally inspired breaks.

Dining at Hilton Petaling Jaya celebrates a rich tapestry of flavours. Guests can enjoy Cantonese delicacies at Toh Yuen, traditional Japanese dishes at Genji, and local heritage cuisine at Paya Serai. For a more intimate experience, Rye offers a whisky-led evening, whilst Drip café provides artisanal coffee and pastries.

This transformation positions Hilton Petaling Jaya as a gateway to discovery, blending local culture with world-class hospitality for the modern traveller.