GXS Group, comprising GXS Bank in Singapore and GXBank in Malaysia, has reported a significant financial upturn for the fiscal year ending 31 December 2025. The Group’s asset base tripled, and revenue doubled, driven by strategic expansions in retail and micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).

The Group’s total loans surged by 323% to S$1.03b, reflecting a diversified strategy across various segments. Despite a challenging interest rate environment, total deposits grew by 38% to S$2.3b, with an 84% increase in Net Interest Income. The Expected Credit Loss improved from 6.8% to 4.6%, attributed to enhanced credit modelling and a balanced mix of secured and unsecured assets.

Following the completion of its regional technology infrastructure in 2024, GXS Group managed to halve its cost-to-income ratio from 695% to 313%, maintaining flat operating expenses. This operational efficiency highlights the Group’s strategic focus on scaling its financial services.

In 2025, GXS Group expanded its Business Banking services to MSMEs, offering interest-bearing accounts and flexible credit lines. The acquisition of GXS Capital, formerly Validus Capital, marked a milestone as the first successful acquisition of a local fintech by a homegrown digital bank in Singapore. This move accelerated GXS Bank’s market reach, particularly in trade finance and working capital loans.

The Group’s regional expansion included a capital injection of over S$54m into GXBank in Malaysia and a minority stake in Indonesia’s Superbank, which successfully launched its IPO in December 2025. GXS Group’s efforts underscore its commitment to financial inclusion and innovation in Southeast Asia’s digital banking landscape.

Sunrate, a global payment and treasury management platform, has been granted a Class B licence by Bank Negara Malaysia under the Money Services Business Act 2011. This approval allows Sunrate to offer regulated money remittance services in Malaysia, marking a significant milestone in the company’s global expansion strategy.

The licence strengthens Sunrate’s ability to provide secure, compliant, and efficient cross-border payment solutions to businesses both locally and internationally. Paul Meng, co-founder and CEO of Sunrate, stated, “Securing regulatory approval in Malaysia is an important step forward in our global strategy.”

Sunrate has established its Kuala Lumpur operations as a Shared Services Centre, which serves as a core operational backbone supporting key functions such as operations, customer experience, product development, and business growth. This development reinforces Malaysia’s role as a key location for fintech talent and execution on a global scale.

As Malaysia experiences growth in digital trade and cross-border commerce, the demand for reliable and regulated financial infrastructure is increasing. Sunrate is well positioned to support this demand through its unified platform and global network. The expanded regulatory capabilities and the established Shared Services Centre enhance Sunrate’s ability to support both local enterprises expanding internationally and global companies entering the Malaysian market.

China-based home furnishing giant, Easyhome, has inaugurated its first flagship store in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on 26 April 2026. This launch signifies the company’s strategic entry into the Southeast Asian market and aims to bolster China-Malaysia economic and trade cooperation. The grand opening was attended by notable figures, including Easyhome’s Chairman and CEO Wang Ning, and other distinguished guests.

Easyhome’s expansion into Malaysia is part of a broader internationalisation strategy initiated three years ago. Wang Ning highlighted Malaysia’s mature business environment and strategic location as pivotal factors in choosing it as a hub for further expansion into Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and Central Asia. Over the next three years, Easyhome plans to strengthen its local supply chain and expand into key Malaysian cities such as Johor Bahru and Penang.

The Kuala Lumpur store replicates Easyhome’s successful one-stop home solution model, integrating China’s advanced supply chain with local consumer needs. This collaboration with Pavilion REIT aims to set a benchmark for China-Malaysia commercial cooperation. The mall, located in USJ 1 Subang Jaya, offers a comprehensive lifestyle experience with a mix of international and local brands across multiple floors.

Easyhome’s digital ecosystem, including platforms like Homestyler and Doorverse, supports its transition from traditional retail to a digitalised service platform, enhancing customer experience. The Kuala Lumpur launch is a significant milestone in Easyhome’s global expansion, following ventures in Phnom Penh and Macau, and sets the stage for further growth in the region.

Sarawak has been selected to host the 11th Asia Pacific Regional Conference 2028 (APRC 2028) of the International Union Against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease. Scheduled for 23–26 March 2028 in Kuching, the conference will coincide with World Tuberculosis Day and is expected to draw more than 1,000 delegates from across the Asia Pacific region.

This marks a significant achievement for Sarawak, as it will be the first time the conference is held in Borneo and the second time in Malaysia since 2007. The event is anticipated to generate an economic impact of RM8.2m.

Tuberculosis remains a pressing global health issue, exacerbated by drug-resistant strains, delayed diagnoses, and unequal healthcare access. The diversity of healthcare systems in the Asia-Pacific region further complicates control efforts. In Sarawak, initiatives such as the use of portable handheld X-ray technology by the Bintulu Divisional Health Office aim to improve early detection and access to care, especially in remote areas.

APRC 2028 aims to foster collaboration and innovation in tuberculosis prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. “APRC 2028 directly supports Sarawak’s Post COVID-19 Development Strategy 2030, where healthcare is not only about treatment, but about equity and inclusion,” stated Datuk Amar Prof. Dr Sim Kui Hian, Deputy Premier and Minister of Public Health, Housing, and Local Government Sarawak. The conference will serve as a platform for global and regional leaders to strengthen partnerships and accelerate practical solutions in healthcare.

The Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ), established in 2025, is rapidly gaining traction as a major cross-border economic initiative in Asia. The upcoming completion of the Johor Bahru–Singapore Rapid Transit System (RTS) Link by the end of 2026 is set to significantly enhance connectivity, according to a recent UOB Global Economics and Markets Research report.

At the UOB Malaysia JS-SEZ Strategic Forum 2026, Johor Chief Minister Dato’ Onn Hafiz emphasised the region’s ambition to become a stable investment hub amidst global uncertainties. He highlighted the JS-SEZ as a unique opportunity for Malaysia and Singapore to leverage their economic strengths to create a shared ecosystem.

Johor’s economic progress is evident in its ambitious 7% growth target for 2026, outpacing Malaysia’s national forecast of 4%–5%. The region’s success is attributed to four key pillars: investment inflows, institutional architecture, physical infrastructure, and regulatory reforms. Notably, Singapore accounted for $12.4b (MYR58.3b) of the $23.4b (MYR110b) in investments approved for Johor in 2025.

The RTS Link, nearing completion, is expected to transform cross-border mobility with a five-minute rail connection between Johor Bahru and Singapore. This development, along with the establishment of the Invest Malaysia Facilitation Centre-Johor, aims to streamline investment processes and enhance investor experience.

Johor’s focus on talent development, logistics, and infrastructure is crucial for sustaining its growth trajectory. The state government is prioritising measures to address skills shortages and improve connectivity, ensuring Johor remains a competitive and attractive destination for investors.

Malaysia Airlines has revealed a striking new aeroplane livery in collaboration with the Mumbai Indians, featuring the cricket team’s iconic blue and gold colours on its A330-300. Announced on 24 April in Mumbai, this initiative aims to strengthen the airline’s brand presence in the Indian market through sports partnerships.

The collaboration extends beyond the aeroplane design, with the launch of a digital film celebrating Mumbai’s vibrant culture and the passion of its fans. The aeroplane will operate on key routes across India, Asia, and beyond, reinforcing Malaysia Airlines’ role as a global connector of people and cultures.

Bryan Foong, CEO of Airline Business from Malaysia Aviation Group, stated, “India remains a key growth market for Malaysia Airlines as we continue to strengthen our presence and connectivity across the region. This collaboration with Mumbai Indians allows us to go beyond traditional aviation partnerships by integrating cultural relevance into our brand experience.”

A spokesperson for Mumbai Indians added, “Our collaboration with Malaysia Airlines is a powerful expression of how the Mumbai Indians brand continues to travel beyond the game and into culture.”

The themed aeroplane will begin its operations later this year, offering fans a unique matchday experience even during their travels. This initiative is part of Malaysia Airlines’ broader strategy to enhance connectivity and support Visit Malaysia 2026, promoting Malaysia as a key travel destination.

Additionally, the airline continues to enhance its Bonus Side Trip programme, allowing international travellers to explore additional Malaysian destinations at no extra fare, further showcasing Malaysia’s cultural and natural attractions.

Sunway Medical Centre Velocity (SMCV) and Institut Sukan Negara (ISN) have entered a strategic partnership to bolster the healthcare services available to athletes and sports professionals. The collaboration, formalised through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), aims to provide seamless, specialised care focusing on surgical intervention, rehabilitation, and post-operative recovery.

The MoU outlines a comprehensive framework for mutual referrals and continuous knowledge sharing between SMCV specialists and ISN’s sports science and medical teams. This partnership is designed to support ISN athletes and staff across a wide range of medical needs, ensuring they receive tailored treatment plans that meet the specific demands of their sports disciplines.

Susan Cheow, CEO of SMCV, highlighted the significance of the partnership during the signing ceremony, stating that the collaboration will focus on surgical intervention and post-operative recovery. “This is not just a one-time collaboration but the beginning of a long-term partnership,” she said.

Dr Vellapandian A/L Ponnusamy, CEO of ISN, emphasised the importance of providing top-tier medical services to athletes. “Our athletes are the pride of the nation, and ensuring they have access to high-quality medical expertise is central to ISN’s mission,” he remarked.

The partnership also aims to enhance the quality of care and improve recovery outcomes through ongoing medical knowledge exchange. A mutual cross-referral network will be established, allowing athletes to benefit from the combined expertise and facilities of both institutions. This integrated approach is expected to provide comprehensive support in sports medicine, rehabilitation, and surgical care, ultimately improving the long-term health and performance of athletes.

CBL International Limited, a Nasdaq-listed marine fuel logistics company, has acquired a 50.5% majority stake in Green Marine Energy Holdings Limited (GMH), a British Virgin Islands-incorporated company. The acquisition, announced on 22 April 2026, aims to bolster CBL’s sustainable fuel material trading business in Malaysia, supporting the sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and biofuel industries.

GMH operates in Malaysia, focusing on feedstock trading for SAF and biofuels, alongside traditional bunkering services. The company holds licences to source and trade raw materials for SAF and biofuel production, supported by a robust network of suppliers and customers. Additionally, GMH’s bunkering operations include a licence to supply both conventional and biofuels within Malaysian waters.

This strategic move aligns with the global emphasis on environmental, social, and governance (ESG) considerations and evolving regulatory requirements in maritime and aviation sectors. CBL’s financial resources and expertise in marine fuel logistics are expected to support GMH’s expansion, particularly in scaling its feedstock trading activities and exploring opportunities to supply SAF-related producers in Malaysia.

Malaysia is witnessing increased investment in sustainable fuel infrastructure, with new commercial-scale SAF production facilities emerging. GMH’s licence positions the combined group to develop traditional and biofuel bunkering supply capabilities at key Malaysian ports, including Port Klang, one of the world’s top ten ports by throughput.

CBL’s Chairman and CEO, Teck Lim Chia, stated, “This acquisition represents a measured step to broaden our presence in the sustainable energy supply chain whilst leveraging our core strengths in marine fuel services.”

The transaction is expected to enhance CBL’s long-term positioning in the marine and energy sectors, maintaining its primary focus on established bunkering facilitation activities.

The Hong Kong Productivity Council (HKPC) and the Federation of Malaysian Manufacturing (FMM) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to forge a strategic partnership aimed at industrial upgrading and technological innovation across the ASEAN region. The agreement, signed on 20 April 2026 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, seeks to optimise global supply chain layouts and support enterprises in both Hong Kong and Malaysia.

The collaboration will focus on six key areas: Smart Manufacturing, Industry 4.0, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Robotics Innovation, Digital Transformation and Cybersecurity, Cross-border Business Ecosystems, and Talent Development. By leveraging FMM’s extensive supply chain network of over 4,000 member enterprises and HKPC’s research and development capabilities, the partnership aims to transform technological empowerment into a competitive advantage.

Hon Sunny Tan, Chairman of HKPC, highlighted the significance of the MoU, stating, “This not only deepens the partnership between the two organisations but also establishes a strategic hub connecting Hong Kong with the ASEAN market.” He emphasised the commitment to enhancing expertise in automation, AI, and robotics, and building business matching platforms to expand cooperation.

Jacob Lee Chor Kok, President of FMM, noted that the MoU is just the beginning, with plans for joint technical training workshops, technology visits, and pilot projects. “We envision a future where Malaysian and Hong Kong companies collaborate on research and development, pilot new technologies, and co-create solutions for emerging challenges,” he said.

This partnership is expected to create a resilient and innovative cross-border value chain, strengthening corporate resilience against supply chain risks and securing a proactive position in global supply chain competition.

Goodwill Entertainment is set to make its debut in Southeast Asia with the opening of a flagship multi-entertainment outlet in Kuala Lumpur on 25 April 2026. The venture, a 70%-owned joint company named Have Fun KL Sdn. Bhd., will be located at The Arch Galeries and marks the group’s first expansion beyond Singapore.

The new 27,800 square foot venue will feature VIP karaoke rooms and live shows, blending premium entertainment with food and beverage offerings. This expansion is part of Goodwill Entertainment’s strategy to tap into Malaysia’s vibrant entertainment scene and the growing demand for high-quality, immersive experiences.

Flint Lu, Chairman and CEO of Goodwill Entertainment, expressed enthusiasm about the venture, stating, “We are excited to bring our proven entertainment concepts to Kuala Lumpur with the launch of our first flagship regional venue. Malaysia’s vibrant entertainment culture and strong demand for premium, immersive experiences make it an ideal market to kick-off our geographic expansion.”

The partnership with HFE aims to leverage local market knowledge alongside Goodwill’s operational expertise. This initiative is expected to establish a scalable framework for further growth across Southeast Asia, potentially creating significant value for shareholders and introducing innovative entertainment concepts to Malaysian audiences.

As Goodwill Entertainment embarks on this regional journey, the company is poised to redefine entertainment experiences in Malaysia, setting the stage for future expansions in the region.