Regional News

Sunway Medical Centre, located in Sunway City, has been recognised as the top Malaysian smart hospital and has made its debut in Newsweek’s World’s Best Smart Hospitals 2026 ranking. This marks the first time a Malaysian hospital has been featured in this prestigious list, with Sunway Medical Centre securing the 313th position among leading international hospitals.

The rankings are determined through a comprehensive online survey, the Statista Smart Hospitals Maturity Survey, and the Joint Commission International (JCI) hospital accreditation. These assessments evaluate hospitals based on their use of technology and innovation in healthcare delivery.

Dato’ Lau Beng Long, President of Sunway Healthcare Group, expressed pride in the achievement, stating, “We are extremely proud to be ranked among the world’s best smart hospitals.” This accolade highlights the hospital’s commitment to integrating advanced technology to enhance patient care and operational efficiency.

The inclusion of Sunway Medical Centre in the global ranking underscores Malaysia’s growing presence in the international healthcare landscape. It also reflects the hospital’s dedication to adopting cutting-edge solutions to improve healthcare outcomes.

As the healthcare sector continues to evolve with technological advancements, Sunway Medical Centre’s recognition sets a benchmark for other Malaysian hospitals aspiring to enhance their smart capabilities. This achievement is expected to encourage further innovation and investment in the country’s healthcare infrastructure.

MARC Ratings has affirmed the AAAIS/Stable rating for Celcom Networks Sdn Bhd’s (CNSB) RM5b Sukuk Murabahah Programme. CNSB, a subsidiary of Celcom Berhad and ultimately owned by CelcomDigi Berhad, provides network telecommunication services within the group. The rating reflects the robust credit profile of CelcomDigi, supported by its leading position in Malaysia’s telco industry, solid margins, and strong cash flow, despite rising competition potentially impacting earnings.

CelcomDigi holds a 40% market share with 20.4 million subscribers as of June 2025, a slight decrease from the previous quarter. This decline was due to a significant drop in prepaid users, which overshadowed growth in postpaid and Home & Fibre segments. The company is implementing initiatives such as competitive plans, device bundling, and expanded 5G coverage to attract and retain customers, though market competition and pricing pressures remain challenges.

Financially, CelcomDigi’s 2024 performance aligned with expectations, maintaining revenue at RM12.7b, though EBITDA fell to RM5.8 billion due to increased operating costs. In the first half of 2025, revenue and EBITDA were stable at RM6.4b and RM2.7b, respectively. The company anticipates low single-digit growth in service revenue and EBIT, with more substantial gains post-2027 as merger synergies develop.

Liquidity is strong, with cash flow from operations covering capital expenditures and dividends. Borrowings were RM8.9b by June 2025, but cash flow strength supports debt management. The appointment of U Mobile as a second 5G provider alleviates some capital expenditure concerns, although CelcomDigi has invested RM350m in Digital Nasional Berhad, which could affect cash flow. The government is expected to exercise a put option related to these investments by November 2025.

The Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM) and Futurise Sdn Bhd are accelerating Malaysia’s entry into Advanced Air Mobility (AAM), targeting the launch of a Concept of Operations (ConOps) by the first quarter of 2026. This initiative is set to position Malaysia as a regional leader in the low-altitude airspace economy, introducing new transport solutions such as electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft (eVTOLs).

In December 2024, CAAM appointed Futurise as the Secretariat of the Advanced Air Mobility Steering Committee, leveraging its expertise in regulatory sandboxes for emerging technologies. Futurise will develop the ConOps document, aligning with CAAM’s policy direction and contributing to Malaysia’s AAM roadmap. The ConOps will outline operational scenarios, stakeholder roles, airspace usage, and regulatory requirements, facilitating the transition from conceptual frameworks to real-world deployment.

The ConOps will adhere to international regulatory frameworks, including those from the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Workshops and industry engagements throughout 2025 will ensure comprehensive input from government, regulators, and the aviation industry.

Dato Captain Norazman Bin Mahmud, CEO of CAAM, highlighted the importance of distinguishing AAM from drones, stating, “Whilst drones are classified as Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) and are already regulated, AAM encompasses a broader class of aircraft such as eVTOLs that require a new regulatory approach.”

The regulatory sandbox will provide a controlled environment for testing and innovation, marking a significant step in Malaysia’s active participation in the global AAM landscape.

MARC Ratings has affirmed the AA-IS rating for Malaysia Marine and Heavy Engineering Holdings Berhad’s (MHB) RM1b Sukuk Murabahah Programme, maintaining a stable outlook. The rating benefits from a one-notch uplift due to MHB’s affiliation with the Petroliam Nasional Berhad (PETRONAS) group, which is expected to continue its support. PETRONAS holds an indirect stake in MHB through its 51% ownership of MISC Berhad, which owns 66.5% of MHB.

MHB’s credit profile is bolstered by its established expertise in offshore fabrication and marine repairs, alongside a substantial order book valued at RM5.17b as of June 2025, ensuring revenue visibility until 2028. However, the company’s exposure to the cyclical oil and gas sector moderates the rating.

In the first half of 2025, MHB secured two significant contracts worth RM572m from Vestigo Petroleum Sdn Bhd for the fabrication of three wellhead platforms. Despite these contracts, MHB’s revenue for the period dropped by 53% year-on-year to RM884.7m, attributed to reduced contributions from the heavy engineering segment. This decline was partially offset by robust performance in the marine segment, which saw an increase in vessel conversion and repair contracts.

Counterparty risk remains a concern, with 56% of the order book linked to Petrofac International (UAE) LLC and 41% to PETRONAS-related projects. However, Petrofac’s risk is mitigated by the involvement of TenneT B.V., a transmission system operator in Europe, which underpins payments to MHB.

Looking ahead, MHB’s full-year revenue for 2025 is anticipated to fall short of the previous year’s RM3.6b, given current project timelines. As of June 2025, MHB’s cash reserves stood at RM506.5m, with total borrowings reduced to RM241.7m, resulting in a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.17x.

Microsoft has taken decisive legal action against RaccoonO365, a rapidly expanding cybercrime service used to steal Microsoft 365 credentials. The tech giant, through a court order from the Southern District of New York, has seized 338 websites linked to RaccoonO365, effectively dismantling its technical infrastructure and severing criminals’ access to victims. This operation highlights the accessibility of cybercrime tools, which have put millions of users at risk worldwide.

RaccoonO365 has been implicated in the theft of approximately 5,000 Microsoft credentials across 94 countries, with around 70 victims identified in Singapore alone. Although not all stolen credentials lead to compromised networks or fraud, the scale of the threat underscores the persistent effectiveness of social engineering and phishing tactics employed by cybercriminals.

The disruption of RaccoonO365’s services is a significant step in Microsoft’s ongoing efforts to combat cybercrime and protect its users from potential threats.

This legal action by Microsoft not only disrupts a major phishing operation but also serves as a warning to cybercriminals exploiting simple tools to facilitate widespread harm. The company’s proactive measures demonstrate its commitment to safeguarding user data and maintaining the integrity of its services.

The Singapore Island Country Club (SICC) has officially reopened its historic Island Course, following an extensive redevelopment aimed at preserving its legacy whilst integrating modern sustainability practices. The reopening ceremony, held on 17 September, was attended by Emeritus Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong and nearly 80 distinguished guests, including club members and partners.

The Island Course, originally designed by Scottish architect Peter Robertson in 1932, has been a cherished golfing landmark in Singapore. The recent redevelopment, led by the late Neil Haworth of Nelson & Haworth Golf Course Architects, sought to honour the course’s historic design whilst adapting it for contemporary play. “We set out to honour the soul of The Island Course, its history, its natural beauty, its place in the hearts of Members whilst reimagining it for the demands of modern play,” said Ivan Chua, Chairman of The Island Golf Redevelopment Project Committee.

Key improvements include advanced turf and drainage systems, multiple tee options for inclusivity, and eco-friendly technologies such as SubAir and TORO Lynx irrigation systems. Over 90% of the flora has been replanted with native species to enhance biodiversity, and fallen trees have been repurposed into course markers.

The redevelopment positions SICC as a premier golfing destination, with the club set to host the Moutai Singapore Open later this year. Beyond golf, SICC offers a range of lifestyle amenities, reinforcing its status as a leading sport and leisure venue in Singapore.

Singaporeans have set a new record by contributing $6.7b in top-ups to their Central Provident Fund (CPF) accounts in the first seven months of 2025. This unprecedented figure highlights a growing trend of individuals prioritising their retirement savings amidst economic uncertainties.

The CPF Board announced that the surge in top-ups reflects increased public awareness and confidence in the CPF system as a reliable means of securing financial stability for retirement. The board noted that the top-ups were made through various schemes, including the Retirement Sum Topping-Up Scheme, which allows members to enhance their retirement savings.

The increase in CPF contributions is significant as it underscores the importance of long-term financial planning in Singapore. With an ageing population and rising life expectancy, the need for adequate retirement savings has become more pressing. The CPF system, a cornerstone of Singapore’s social security framework, plays a crucial role in ensuring that citizens have sufficient funds to support themselves in their later years.

Looking ahead, the CPF Board aims to continue promoting awareness and understanding of the benefits of CPF top-ups. The board is committed to encouraging more Singaporeans to take proactive steps in securing their financial future, ensuring that the trend of increased contributions continues.

Skylink Holdings Limited, a Singapore-based commercial vehicle specialist, made a notable debut on the Catalist Board of the Singapore Exchange (SGX) on 17 September 2025. The company’s shares closed at S$0.250, a 25% increase from the S$0.20 placement price, highlighting strong investor confidence.

The trading day saw Skylink’s shares reach an intraday high of S$0.275, with approximately 10.8 million shares changing hands. This performance underscores the robust support for the company’s reverse takeover (RTO) of Skylink APAC Pte. Ltd., which had been previously announced. The RTO attracted significant interest from prominent funds, including Asdew Acquisitions Pte. Ltd. and ICH Capital Pte Ltd.

The listing ceremony was attended by Skylink’s directors and senior management, alongside key figures such as Koh Jin Hoe, Head of Capital Markets at SGX, and Tan Kian Tiong, Head of Capital Markets at SAC Capital. The event marked a new chapter for Skylink, which operates one of Singapore’s largest commercial leasing fleets and manages a loan book of approximately S$66 million.

In connection with the RTO, Skylink raised approximately S$9.2 million, including S$4.2 million from the placement of shares and S$5 million from the issuance of convertible bonds. The funds will support the expansion of Skylink’s loan book, fleet size, and engineering capacity.

Wesley Shen, CEO of Skylink Holdings, expressed optimism about the company’s future, stating that the listing positions Skylink to expand its capabilities and services.

The National University of Singapore (NUS) Business School’s Master of Business Administration (MBA) programme has been ranked first in Asia for the third consecutive year, according to the QS Global MBA Rankings 2026. The programme has also achieved its highest global ranking, moving up two places to 23rd worldwide, amidst an evaluation pool that expanded by nearly 15%.

The QS Global MBA and Business Masters Rankings assess programmes based on several key performance indicators, including Employability, Return on Investment, and Thought Leadership. The NUS MBA scored an impressive 87 out of 100 overall, excelling in Thought Leadership with a score of 82.5, Employability at 83.9, and Return on Investment at 94.2. These scores are at least 30% above the global average.

The programme’s employability rate has notably improved, reaching 95% for the Class of 2024, up from 83.3% the previous year. Additionally, the programme has advanced 27 places to 56th globally in Class and Faculty Diversity, reflecting increased representation of women and international members.

Andrew Rose, Dean of NUS Business School, stated, “Our position as Asia’s top MBA for the third consecutive year, alongside our historic rise to 23rd globally, reflects the School’s commitment to academic excellence, innovative research, and developing dynamic, adaptive leaders.”

The NUS MBA offers a transformative experience, equipping future leaders with a global toolkit and cross-cultural insights. The programme’s curriculum is anchored in Singapore’s dynamic business environment, providing strong global exposure through international study trips and exchange opportunities. Students can customise their learning journey with over 50 electives across nine areas of specialisation, enhancing their ability to lead with impact both within Asia and globally.

The Singapore Business Federation (SBF) has spearheaded a delegation of prominent Singaporean enterprises at the 22nd China-ASEAN Expo (CAEXPO) in Nanning, China. The event, themed “Digital Intelligence and Innovation Empower Development,” underscores the critical role of technology and innovation in fostering regional growth and economic collaboration.

Senior Minister of State for Trade and Industry Low Yen Ling inaugurated the Singapore Pavilions, featuring 25 exhibitors, including 10 newcomers. These exhibitors showcased a wide array of products and services, spanning food, healthcare, education, and technology. Notable participants included DBS Bank, Grab, Pacific International Lines, and the Port of Singapore Authority (PSA).

The Expo coincides with the 35th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Singapore and China, celebrated through events like the Singapore Day Seminar and Singapore-China Friendship Night. These gatherings reaffirm the nations’ commitment to deepening bilateral ties.

SBF Chairman S. S. Teo highlighted the significance of the upgraded China-ASEAN Free Trade Area (FTA) 3.0 framework, stating, “With FTA 3.0 opening new doors for cooperation, Singapore businesses are well positioned to play a leading role in digital transformation, green growth, and innovation-led partnerships.”

Singaporean business leaders are also engaging in high-level forums alongside ASEAN and Chinese counterparts, discussing topics such as the China-Singapore Free Trade Agreement (CSFTA), the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), and supply chain resilience.

The Expo serves as a platform for Singapore to demonstrate its capabilities as a trusted partner in sustainable and tech-enabled growth, fostering strategic collaborations that enhance global competitiveness.