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.

Etiqa has unveiled Project Firefly, an environmental initiative focused on conserving the firefly habitats along Sungai Panjang in Sabak Bernam, Malaysia. This project, launched on 10 January 2026, is a collaboration with the Malaysian Nature Society, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, and the Sabak Bernam District Council. The initiative seeks to bolster the mangrove ecosystem and support the livelihoods of local communities dependent on ecotourism.

Project Firefly involves planting 130 Sonneratia Caseolaris saplings and 200 seeds, restoring habitats, and engaging 50 Etiqa volunteers in a community-driven effort along a 10-kilometre stretch of Sungai Panjang. Additionally, an awareness session by Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia’s Faculty of Science highlighted the ecological significance of fireflies and the necessity for long-term conservation.

Fireflies serve as vital indicators of mangrove ecosystem health, which is crucial for environmental balance and the prosperity of local communities. However, firefly populations in Malaysia are declining due to habitat loss from pollution, deforestation, and light pollution. Protecting these habitats is essential for preserving biodiversity and sustaining local livelihoods.

Fukhairudin Mohd Yusof, CEO of Etiqa General Insurance Berhad, stated, “By conserving firefly habitats, we are not only protecting an irreplaceable part of Malaysia’s biodiversity but also helping sustain the ecotourism and river-based livelihoods of Sungai Panjang residents.”

IS Shanmugaraj, Executive Director of the Malaysian Nature Society, praised Etiqa’s efforts, emphasising the need for collective action in conservation. The initiative aims to inspire more companies to collaborate with environmental organisations and communities to protect biodiversity and support sustainable livelihoods.

ISF Group Berhad, a leading provider of end-to-end piping solutions, has launched its prospectus for an initial public offering (IPO) on the ACE Market of Bursa Malaysia Securities Berhad. The company aims to raise RM61.15m at an IPO price of RM0.33 per share, with Alliance Islamic Bank Berhad acting as the principal adviser, sponsor, sole underwriter, and placement agent.

The proceeds from the IPO will be allocated to various growth initiatives, including RM11.35m for establishing and expanding operational facilities, RM2.05m for developing existing business activities, and RM1.85m for workforce expansion. Additionally, RM39.90m will be used for working capital, with the remainder allocated to loan repayments and listing expenses.

ISF, through its subsidiary Yeo Plumber Sdn Bhd, specialises in supplying and installing piping systems for various sectors, including industrial, residential, and healthcare. The company has a robust order book of RM120.68m as of 9 December 2025, providing earnings visibility until 2028.

Managing Director Jeff Ai Boon Chen highlighted the company’s growth trajectory, stating, “From our beginnings as a small family business, we have steadily grown into a company with a proven track record in executing large-scale and complex piping projects.”

The IPO involves a public issue of 185.30 million new ordinary shares and an offer for sale of 90.00 million existing shares. Applications for the public issue are open until 14 January 2026, with ISF scheduled to list on 28 January 2026. Upon listing, the company will have a market capitalisation of RM330.00m.

Kenanga Investors Berhad has launched the Kenanga Growth Fund Series 3 (KGFS3), the latest addition to its flagship conventional fund series. The fund is designed to provide capital growth over a medium to long-term investment horizon, employing a dynamic investment strategy that adapts to market conditions. This approach combines top-down asset and sector allocation with bottom-up stock selection.

The fund, which follows the successful Kenanga Growth Fund launched in 2000 and Series 2 in 2018, has already demonstrated consistent performance, with both previous funds surpassing RM1b in assets under management as of November 2025. This achievement underscores Kenanga Investors’ disciplined investment approach and commitment to long-term value creation.

KGFS3 will primarily focus on equities, whilst strategically allocating remaining assets into other classes based on market conditions and growth potential. Lee Sook Yee, Chief Investment Officer of Kenanga Investors, explained, “Our asset allocation decisions are driven by a comprehensive review of macroeconomic trends across global economies.”

The fund is tailored for sophisticated investors with a high-risk tolerance and a medium to long-term investment horizon, aiming for an 8% annual growth benchmark. The minimum initial investment is RM10,000, with subsequent investments starting at RM5,000.

Perhentian Islands has been named Malaysia’s fastest-growing destination for international travellers, according to Agoda’s latest New Horizons ranking. The digital travel platform’s annual report highlights the islands’ rise from 16th to 14th place in 2025, showcasing its increasing appeal. Known for its crystal-clear waters and vibrant marine life, Perhentian Islands offers exceptional snorkelling and diving experiences, making it a prime spot for nature enthusiasts.

Agoda’s New Horizons ranking compares accommodation booking trends over the past two years to identify emerging travel hotspots in Asia. Fabian Teja, Country Director for Malaysia and Brunei at Agoda, noted, “Travellers today are looking beyond the usual hotspots, and destinations like the Perhentian Islands reflect a growing appetite for authentic, nature-led, and culturally rich experiences.”

In addition to Perhentian Islands, Sitiawan has emerged as the top trending domestic destination, moving from 48th to 43rd place in 2025. Known for its delicious seafood and cultural heritage, Sitiawan offers visitors a chance to explore traditional temples and enjoy local hospitality.

For Malaysians travelling abroad, Phu Quoc Island in Vietnam has gained popularity, rising from 34th to 21st place. The island’s stunning beaches, luxury resorts, and vibrant night markets make it an attractive destination for relaxation and culinary exploration.

Agoda’s findings underscore a shift in traveller preferences towards destinations that offer unique and enriching experiences. As these locations continue to gain traction, they are poised to become significant players in the travel industry.

Bossjob, an AI-enhanced recruitment platform, has reported remarkable growth in Malaysia during the third quarter, establishing the country as a pivotal market in its regional expansion. The platform, which facilitates connections between employers and job seekers across Asia, saw its Malaysian market more than double in new companies, job postings, and employer engagement compared to the previous quarter.

This surge underscores the demand for recruitment solutions that blend advanced technology with personal interaction. Malaysia achieved a significant milestone with its first successful placement, affirming the platform’s suitability for the local market. Bernie Goh, Country Manager for bossjob Malaysia, highlighted the importance of balancing speed with meaningful engagement, stating, “Malaysia is teaching us that whilst speed matters, substance matters more.”

Bossjob’s strategy leverages AI to manage complex recruitment processes whilst maintaining the human touch essential for effective hiring. The platform’s recommendation engine analyses thousands of data points to propose suitable matches, yet each connection starts with a genuine conversation.

The success in Malaysia is further bolstered by bossjob’s Referral Partner Programme, which has effectively scaled operations with the help of three active partners. This approach has allowed the company to expand cost-effectively whilst maintaining quality, attracting respected brands in sectors such as retail, manufacturing, healthcare, and food and beverage.

As bossjob continues to grow, its AI-human partnership model could redefine recruitment practices across the region, offering a template for balancing technological efficiency with personal engagement.

Malaysian travellers are showing a growing preference for domestic travel during the year-end holidays, according to digital travel platform Agoda. Between September and November 2025, searches for accommodation in Malaysia surged, with Kuala Lumpur emerging as the most popular destination. This trend highlights a significant shift towards local travel for the December holiday period.

Kuala Lumpur saw an 18% increase in accommodation searches compared to the previous year, leading the list of top domestic destinations. Penang, Malacca, Kota Kinabalu, and Johor Bahru also experienced double-digit growth in interest. For those looking abroad, Hat Yai, Bangkok, and Tokyo were the most searched international destinations, with Krabi, Thailand, noting a remarkable 35% increase in searches.

Fabian Teja, Country Director for Malaysia and Brunei at Agoda, commented on the trend: “The increasing enthusiasm among Malaysians for domestic travel is great to witness considering the variety of incredible destinations right here at home.” He also noted the rising interest in international locations like Seoul and Krabi, reflecting the diverse interests of Malaysian travellers.

Agoda continues to support this travel enthusiasm by offering over 130,000 flight routes, more than 6 million holiday properties, and over 300,000 activities. The platform aims to provide flexible options and great value deals to cater to travellers’ varied plans and preferences. With its extensive network and user-friendly mobile app, Agoda remains committed to making travel more accessible and enjoyable for all.

Malaysia’s card payments market is projected to grow by 6.1% in 2025, reaching MYR408.5b (US$89.3b), according to GlobalData. This growth is attributed to increased electronic payment adoption, government initiatives to enhance digital payment infrastructure, and expanded access to banking services. The forecast follows a 9.7% increase in card payment value in 2024, which reached MYR385.2b (US$84.2b).

The expansion is supported by the government’s financial inclusion efforts and the proliferation of point-of-sale (POS) systems. Ravi Sharma, Lead Banking and Payments Analyst at GlobalData, noted, “Malaysia’s card payments market is steadily building momentum as the ecosystem shifts towards electronic payments.” He highlighted the role of government initiatives and improved payment acceptance infrastructure in this growth.

Debit card payments are expected to account for 41% of the total card payment value in 2025, driven by a growing banked population and accessible payment cards. Credit and charge cards, despite lower penetration, will represent 59% of the market, bolstered by banks’ reward programmes and instalment options.

The market’s growth is further propelled by low-cost POS solutions, enhancing small and medium enterprise acceptance. For instance, Hong Leong Bank and CIMB offer advanced POS terminals to facilitate contactless and mobile payments.

Looking ahead, Malaysia’s card payments are forecast to rise to MYR538b (US$117.6b) by 2029, marking a 31.7% increase. However, economic and geopolitical challenges, such as US tariffs, may impact consumer spending.