Sam Edelman, the renowned American footwear brand, has officially opened its first boutique in Malaysia, located at The Gardens Mall in Kuala Lumpur. This marks a significant step in the brand’s expansion across Southeast Asia, following the successful launch of its Singapore boutique in 2024. The new store offers Malaysian shoppers a taste of Sam Edelman’s signature blend of timeless American elegance and modern sophistication.

The boutique, situated on the first floor of The Gardens Mall, showcases Sam Edelman’s core collection. Shoppers can expect to find iconic designs such as the effortless Bay Sandal, the sleek Hazel Pump, the polished Loraine Loafer, and the classic Michaela Flat. These pieces exemplify the brand’s enduring appeal and commitment to refined yet attainable luxury.

The store’s interior reflects Sam Edelman’s modern-luxe aesthetic, featuring sleek lines, warm lighting, and elegant gold accents. This inviting atmosphere aims to provide a sophisticated shopping experience for customers.

The opening of the Kuala Lumpur boutique is a milestone for Sam Edelman as it continues to expand its presence in the region. The brand’s entry into the Malaysian market is expected to attract fashion-conscious consumers seeking high-quality, stylish footwear options. As Sam Edelman continues its growth journey, the new boutique is set to become a key destination for footwear enthusiasts in Malaysia.

Allianz Malaysia Berhad has been acknowledged for its outstanding corporate governance, securing a spot among the Top 50 ASEAN Public Listed Companies in the 2024 ASEAN Corporate Governance Scorecard (ACGS) Regional Assessment. This accolade underscores the company’s dedication to maintaining high governance standards and its influential role within the ASEAN region.

The recognition highlights Allianz Malaysia’s leadership in governance practices, as noted by its Chief Executive Officer, Sean Wang. “Allianz Malaysia’s achievement in the ACGS Regional Assessment is a testament to our steadfast commitment to upholding the highest standards of corporate governance,” Wang stated. This achievement not only affirms the company’s leadership but also strengthens its reputation as a trusted corporate entity in the region.

The ACGS Regional Assessment evaluates public listed companies across ASEAN, focusing on their adherence to corporate governance principles. Allianz Malaysia’s inclusion in the top 50 reflects its commitment to transparency, accountability, and ethical business practices.

This recognition is expected to enhance Allianz Malaysia’s standing in the corporate world, potentially attracting more investors and partners who value strong governance. As the company continues to uphold these standards, it sets a benchmark for other firms in the region, promoting a culture of excellence in corporate governance.

Small Medium Enterprise Development Bank Malaysia (SME Bank), a subsidiary of Bank Pembangunan Malaysia Berhad, has successfully concluded its annual business-matching event, SME Bank XCESS 2025. The event connected 500 Malaysian small and medium enterprises (SMEs) with ASEAN buyers, unlocking an estimated RM45m in potential sales.

Themed ‘Entrepreneur Gateway to the ASEAN Market’, XCESS 2025 aligns with Malaysia’s role as ASEAN Chair this year. The event aims to integrate Malaysian SMEs into the ASEAN economy, enhancing export opportunities and regional competitiveness. Minister of Entrepreneur and Cooperatives Development, Ewon Benedick, highlighted the importance of SMEs, noting their projected contribution of 41% to Malaysia’s GDP and 15% to exports by 2025.

Samad Majid Zain, acting President and CEO of SME Bank, stated, “XCESS 2025 once again demonstrates that Malaysian SMEs are ready to compete regionally.” The event facilitated over 180 business meetings, generating significant sales potential. It also offered access to financing, capacity-building, and networking sessions to support sustainable SME growth.

In collaboration with MATRADE and supported by MECD, the event brought together key industry players, including government-linked companies and multinationals. A notable outcome was the trilateral partnership between SME Bank, EXIM Bank, and BPMB, which facilitated an RM11.1 million export transaction for Amat Sinar Sdn. Bhd. to China and the US.

Since its inception in 2016, XCESS has facilitated over 1,800 business sessions, reinforcing SME Bank’s role in promoting Malaysian SMEs in ASEAN and global markets.

A recent survey by Kintone Southeast Asia has revealed a significant trend in Malaysia, where nearly one in three companies are embracing no-code tools to empower employees in creating digital workflows. This shift is enabling frontline workers to become digital problem-solvers, thereby transforming the digital landscape across the nation.

Conducted with almost 1,000 business and IT decision-makers, the 2025 IT Decision-Making Survey highlights that over half of Malaysian companies are actively pursuing digital transformation. However, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) face challenges due to knowledge gaps and limited resources. The survey also identifies project management, file storage, and communication as persistent pain points for businesses.

Security remains a top concern, with 40.4% of decision-makers prioritising reliable security in IT systems. Additionally, 37.4% of respondents expressed worries about data leakage during system rollouts, whilst 35.4% cited a lack of in-house expertise as a major barrier.

Tsubasa Nakazawa, Managing Director of Kintone Southeast Asia, stated, “Digital transformation isn’t just about adopting new tools – it’s about making them usable for the people who drive the business every day. By putting no-code tools directly into the hands of employees, this opens up opportunities for SMEs, including frontline employees to build their own solutions, close the digital skills gap, and build momentum from within.”

The survey underscores the potential for no-code tools to bridge the digital divide in Malaysia, offering a pathway for SMEs to enhance productivity and innovation. As more companies adopt these tools, the role of citizen developers is expected to grow, further shaping Malaysia’s digital economy.

e-pay by NTT DATA has announced the relocation of its Sarawak operations to a new office in Kuching, Malaysia, as of 25 September 2025. This strategic move aims to bolster the company’s ability to serve retail partners and customers across East Malaysia more effectively.

As the largest prepaid top-up and bill collection network in Malaysia, e-pay continues to expand its presence nationwide. The new office is set to provide merchants in Sarawak and beyond with secure, convenient, and reliable electronic payment services. This development is part of e-pay’s ongoing efforts to support businesses of all sizes in meeting the increasing demand for digital transactions and in-store services.

e-pay by NTT DATA empowers thousands of merchants across Malaysia with a comprehensive electronic payment ecosystem. The services offered include mobile reloads, bill payments, game credits, loan repayments, e-wallet top-ups, and travel and entertainment reloads. The company handles over 15 million transactions each month, establishing itself as a trusted provider of seamless in-store digital services.

As a subsidiary of NTT DATA Payment Services, e-pay operates not only in Malaysia but also in Thailand and the Philippines, further solidifying its position as a leading payment solutions provider in the region. The new office in Kuching underscores e-pay’s commitment to enhancing its service delivery and supporting the digital payment needs of its clients.

Eligible members of CPA Australia in Malaysia are set to be the first to participate in a new work placement initiative in Australia, as part of the Young Professionals Exchange Programme. Organised by the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, this programme aims to enhance business engagement between Australia and Southeast Asia, with Malaysia being the initial market before expansion to other regions.

The programme allows organisations within CPA Australia’s Recognised Employer Programme to apply for participation, matching eligible employees with Australian counterparts. Priya Terumalay, CPA Australia’s Head for Southeast Asia, highlighted the programme as an “exciting opportunity” for members to gain a competitive edge by working in cross-border markets. “We are dedicated to enhancing the global mobility of CPA Australia members,” she stated.

The initiative is open to individuals aged 40 and under with at least three years of professional experience. Placements, recommended to last between three and 12 months, will commence in late 2025 or early 2026. Financial support, including flights, visas, and orientation, is available to facilitate the exchange.

This programme coincides with CPA Australia’s 70th anniversary in Malaysia, where it boasts over 10,500 members. The exchange is expected to benefit both Malaysian and Australian members by providing valuable work and cultural experiences, fostering lasting professional connections, and strengthening economic ties between the two nations. For more details, interested parties can visit the CPA Australia website.

Founder Group Limited, a prominent engineering procurement construction and commissioning (EPCC) solutions provider for solar photovoltaic systems in Malaysia, is poised to capitalise on a significant $4.1b (RM17.4b) contract. This development is expected to drive growth in Malaysia’s renewable energy sector, data centre expansion, and national artificial intelligence (AI) ambitions.

The contract, which represents a 40% increase in EPCC value, is set to sustain sector activity until the end of 2028. Founder Group’s strategic alignment as a pure-play EPCC provider positions it to benefit from the anticipated bottoming of solar panel prices in 2025, which presents cost advantages for EPCC players.

The company recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding with GCL Systems Integration Technology Co., Ltd. to collaborate on renewable energy projects valued at up to $220m across Malaysia and other ASEAN countries. Additionally, Founder Group is exploring AI-powered solutions to enhance project management and operations.

Key market opportunities include the LSS Petra and LSS Petra 5 developments, with up to RM12b worth of 6GW installed capacity anticipated by the end of 2027. The Corporate Renewable Energy Supply Scheme (CRESS) is also expected to boost EPCC job flow, potentially adding RM5b in works.

Lee Seng Chi, CEO of Founder Group, stated, “The significant pipeline of projects combined with favourable market conditions creates substantial opportunities for us. We remain committed to advancing Malaysia’s renewable energy goals.”

Founder Group’s initiatives are crucial for providing sustainable power solutions, enabling data centre expansion, and supporting Malaysia’s AI advancements.

A recent study by Milieu Insight has highlighted a significant shift in Malaysian consumer expectations regarding online shopping. Whilst 86% of Malaysians regularly shop online, the study, titled “Beyond the Hype: Malaysians Want Speed and Smarter Shopping in 2025,” reveals that consumers now prioritise reliability, fair delivery costs, and trustworthy service over price alone.

The study found that 67% of respondents desire lower delivery fees, with 51% admitting they have reduced their online shopping due to rising shipping costs. Additionally, 65% of consumers are willing to pay more for better service, and 82% would spend extra for consistently reliable delivery. This indicates a growing demand for smarter and faster logistics solutions.

Consumer loyalty appears fragile, with 49% of respondents ceasing purchases from a seller after a single delivery issue, and 20% abandoning a platform entirely. Furthermore, 35% of respondents refuse to tolerate poor service, even if discounts are offered.

These findings underscore the impact of delivery fees on household budgets and the frustrations associated with refunds and support. As the demand for efficient logistics grows, the study suggests that online platforms must adapt to meet these evolving consumer expectations.

The Malaysia Sarong Music Run (MSMR) 2025, a unique fusion of music and athletics, transformed Kuala Lumpur’s city centre into a lively celebration. Jetour, a leading Chinese SUV brand, joined as the exclusive automotive partner, showcasing its DASHING and VT9 models through interactive displays and engagements. The event, held at the iconic KLCC square beneath the Petronas Twin Towers, attracted over 10,000 runners and 30,000 concert-goers.

Jetour’s involvement in MSMR highlights its “Travel+” philosophy, aiming to blend driving with music and sports to create a dynamic lifestyle experience. Since launching its first model in April 2025, Jetour has quickly risen to become one of the best-selling Chinese SUV brands, emphasising its commitment to an exploratory lifestyle.

During the race kit collection period on 18-19 September, participants had the chance to view static displays of Jetour’s models. On the event day, 20 September, Jetour expanded its presence across multiple key locations, further integrating its brand with the vibrant atmosphere of the run. This partnership not only underscores Jetour’s rapid growth but also its innovative approach to redefining the car as a lifestyle choice.

Zurich Insurance Group has unveiled a global study revealing that empathy is a crucial factor for businesses seeking a competitive edge. Conducted in collaboration with Professor Jamil Zaki from Stanford University, the report titled “Addressing the Empathy Gap” highlights a significant disconnect between consumer expectations and their experiences with businesses. The study, based on a YouGov survey of over 11,500 consumers across 11 countries, underscores the importance of empathy in customer interactions.

The findings show that 73% of consumers avoid companies that fail to demonstrate empathy, with 43% having switched brands due to a lack of empathetic engagement. Furthermore, 61% of respondents expressed willingness to pay more for brands that genuinely care. The study also reveals that whilst artificial intelligence (AI) is recognised for its utility, 71% of consumers believe it cannot replicate genuine human connections, and 92% prefer direct human interaction over 24/7 availability.

The report emphasises the need for empathy, particularly in financial services, where 88% of consumers deem it important, yet only 63% feel the industry meets this expectation. Conny Kalcher, Zurich’s Group Chief Customer Officer, stated, “Empathy is key to shaping customer experience and building lasting relationships.”

Zurich’s Global Empathy Training Programme, co-designed with Be Human Partnership, has seen 26% of its global employees complete nearly 46,000 hours of training since 2023. This initiative has led to measurable improvements in customer advocacy and loyalty, with a 7-point rise in the Transactional Net Promoter Score from January 2024 to June 2025. The study advocates for integrating empathy into business strategies to foster trust and sustainable growth.