Wednesday, 26 August 2026 Stay informed. No noise.

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insureKU goes live with first native aggregation service

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Censof Holdings Berhad (Censof or the Group), a technology holdings company specialising in financial management software solutions, today announced that insureKU — Malaysia’s first fully digital, end-to-end insurance and takaful aggregator — is now officially live.

Developed by its subsidiary, Censof Maal Sdn Bhd, insureKU is built with the consumer in mind and delivers a seamless, transparent, and user-friendly experience for comparing, understanding, and purchasing a wide range of insurance and takaful products — from life and general insurance to travel coverage and beyond.

Commenting on the service launch, Ameer Shaik Mydin, Group Managing Director of Censof said, “insureKU represents a natural extension of Censof’s vision to empower Malaysians through innovative financial technologies. This service launch is not just about offering insurance online, it is about removing barriers, building confidence, and enabling consumers to make informed decisions about protecting their future. We believe insureKU is a key milestone in that journey.”

The platform currently features travel insurance options for consumers to engage with, alongside plans to expand into other categories later this year, with an initial list of insurance providers that includes Generali, TokioMarine and Tune Protect. Using the service, insureKU is able to help consumers specify, identify, understand and purchase their specific travel insurance product in under three minutes which is a tremendous and empowering time and money saving hack.

“insureKU is built to remove the complexity around insurance decisions and give consumers the clarity they need to feel in control,” said Shadhana Sekaran, Co-founder and Chief Executive Officer of insureKU. “From a single platform, users can compare plans from multiple providers, understand their options with greater transparency, and complete their purchase with confidence — all in just a few clicks. Our goal is to simplify insurance for everyone, and we’re just getting started.”

More Than Just Comparisons – A Smarter, Trusted Way to Secure Coverage

Backed by Censof Maal Sdn Bhd’s decades of experience in developing complex financial systems, insureKU leverages this expertise and the domain experience in insurance of its management team, to enhance how it offers an intuitive, technology-driven solution that places consumer empowerment in their hands.

As one of the earliest authorised participants under Bank Negara Malaysia’s Financial Technology Regulatory Sandbox, insureKU has been extensively developed and tested over the past one year to meet real-world needs. The platform is the first of its kind in Malaysia to offer fully integrated aggregation and digital solutions across both the insurance and takaful sectors.

To shift perceptions and expectations of what insurance can and should be for consumers, insureKU’s service launch focuses on the first step of its long-term planning; education, comparison, and the aggregation of information to allow consumers to make easier, better, and value-driven decisions for their insurance needs. Savings gained through insureKU’s processes are also passed back seamlessly to consumers, aiming to make insurance more affordable over time.

insureKU is committed to continual innovation, with upcoming enhancements including multi-lingual support, expanded product offerings, and user-centric tools such as the Need Analysis Calculator and Financial Budget Calculator — all designed to help users tailor their insurance plans to suit their personal goals and financial circumstances, further simplifying and enhancing the digital insurance experience.

“This is more than a product service launch — it is the beginning of a much needed movement to dismantle the barriers that have long excluded many Malaysians from securing their financial future,” added Shadhana.

To celebrate the service launch, insureKU is rewarding the first 100 customers who purchase travel insurance through the platform with items from a limited exclusive merchandise offering – making it even more rewarding as consumers in Malaysia take their first steps toward easier, smarter, and empowered insurance choices.

For more information and to explore your insurance options, visit www.insureku.com.

UMW Toyota Motor to support Ministry of Transport’s green mobility drive

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UMW Toyota Motor Sdn Bhd (UMWT) is taking a major step in driving Malaysia’s clean mobility transition through a strategic collaboration with the Ministry of Transport (MOT). UMWT has extended a fleet of electrified vehicles to the Ministry, bridging cutting-edge product innovation with public policy development.

The fleet includes five advanced electrified vehicles comprising:
• Three Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEVs), namely the Toyota Alphard, Camry and Corolla Cross, and
• Two Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs), the Toyota bZ4X and Lexus RZ.

This initiative enables MOT to evaluate the real-world practicality, performance and benefits of electrified mobility technologies in daily operations, offering critical insights to inform future planning and policymaking.

“Malaysia’s journey to net-zero emissions by 2050 requires collaboration and action from all sectors,” said Datuk Ravindran K., President of UMW Toyota Motor. “Our support is beyond formality — it enables policymakers to experience the effectiveness of electrified vehicles first-hand. Toyota’s Multipathway approach is inclusive, practical, and tailored to Malaysia’s needs. This ensures that no one is left behind as we move toward a cleaner and more sustainable future.”

This partnership reflects UMW Toyota’s belief that achieving carbon neutrality requires engagement at every level, from individual consumers to national institutions. By aligning with the National Energy Policy 2022–2040 and the National Energy Transition Roadmap (NETR), the initiative highlights how private-sector innovation can help translate national ambitions into practical, real-world outcomes.

Bridging Innovation and Public Policy

UMWT’s experience in hybrid technology reflects its commitment to delivering practical, scalable solutions that meet real-world needs. Through the deployment of its electrified vehicle line-up, UMWT is giving MOT officials the opportunity to experience infrastructure readiness, user interaction and operational dynamics across different electrification platforms. These first-hand learnings will support more informed and evidence-based policymaking as Malaysia moves toward a cleaner, more resilient mobility ecosystem. While full electrification remains a long-term goal, hybrid vehicles continue to offer a swift, accessible pathway to reduce emissions without placing excessive pressure on current infrastructure or consumer behaviour.

“Hybrid technology continues to be a critical enabler in Toyota’s electrification strategy, especially for markets like Malaysia,” said Mohd Shamsor Mohd Zain, Executive Director of UMW Toyota Motor. “It offers immediate reductions in emissions without the need for sweeping infrastructure changes. This makes it ideal for building mass-market confidence while paving the way toward full electrification.”

A Shared Commitment to Sustainable Progress

The collaboration also supports the Low Carbon Mobility Blueprint 2021–2030, which targets 15% xEV adoption by 2030 and 38% by 2040. Through access to a range of electrified drivetrains, the Ministry of Transport can experience these technologies first-hand, offering valuable insights that can inform future planning and infrastructure readiness.

This effort is part of Toyota’s Multipath way journey, which includes Hybrid and Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs), as well as Plug-in Hybrids (PHEVs), Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles (FCEVs), and emerging technologies such as hydrogen and synthetic fuels. The company’s approach is grounded in a full well-to-wheel lifecycle view of emissions, ensuring that sustainability progress is meaningful, measurable and grounded in science.

Rooted in UMWT’s “Move Your World” vision, the collaboration reflects a broader commitment to people-first innovation that delivers practical, inclusive and environmentally responsible progress. This vision is aligned with Toyota’s global mission to ‘Produce Happiness for All’ by creating mobility solutions that go beyond vehicles to improve lives, empower communities, and protect the planet. Through this initiative, UMWT is not only moving people – it is moving policy, mindset, and the nation forward toward a low-carbon, high-impact future.

UMWT’s ongoing engagement with government, industry and the public is part of a larger movement to build a cleaner, more connected mobility ecosystem for Malaysia. From product deployment to policy dialogue and public education, UMWT continues to play a catalytic role in advancing the nation’s shift toward a sustainable transport future.

Alliance Bank expands access to cancer screening

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Alliance Bank Malaysia Berhad (Alliance Bank or the Bank), Prince Court Medical Centre (Prince Court) and the National Cancer Society Malaysia (NCSM) have joined forces in a landmark partnership to improve access to cancer screening and encourage early detection among Malaysians. The collaboration was formalised through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) at the SEA Healthcare and Pharma Conference 2025.

The signing was witnessed by Yang Berhormat Datuk Seri Haji Dr. Dzulkefly bin Ahmad, Minister of
Health, underscoring the collective commitment to improving public health initiatives in Malaysia.
Cancer remains a major health concern in Malaysia, with early detection playing a critical role in
improving patient outcomes. This partnership supports the Ministry of Health’s National Strategic Plan
for Cancer Control Programme 2021 – 2025, which aims to reduce cancer risk factors, strengthen
early detection through screening, and improve access to timely diagnosis and treatment. This
tripartite collaboration brings the three organisations together to support national efforts in advancing
cancer awareness and screening accessibility, ultimately improving survival rates and the overall wellbeing
of Malaysians.

“Improving access to cancer care is not just a medical priority, it is a moral imperative. These
symposiums mark an important step in bringing together minds, expertise, and commitment from
across sectors to ensure that no one is left behind in the fight against cancer. Collaboration is our
most powerful tool — and together, we can build a future where quality cancer care is within reach for
all,” said Yang Berhormat Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad.

Ms. Gan Pai Li, Group Chief Consumer Banking Officer of Alliance Bank, said, “At Alliance Bank, we
recognise that health and financial security are closely linked. When individuals are financially secure,
they are able to better invest in their health, and good health allows them to focus on achieving their
financial goals. In tandem with the MOH’s initiative to elevate awareness of early cancer detection,
our partnership with Prince Court and NCSM reflects our commitment to empowering our customers
and employees to take charge of their health, while also easing some of the financial constraints
associated with health screenings. As The Bank For Life, we strive to make a meaningful impact on
our customers by being a trusted partner at every stage of their lives.”

Dr. Shuba Srinivasan, Chief Executive Officer of Prince Court, said, “At Prince Court, we see health
screening not as a service, but as a responsibility. Early detection changes outcomes, but more
importantly, it changes lives. This partnership reflects what’s possible when healthcare, community,
and corporate responsibility come together with a shared purpose. With Alliance Bank and NCSM, we
are removing barriers and creating pathways so more Malaysians have the opportunity to act early,
understand their risks, and take control of their health. We are proud to play a role in advancing this
effort and to stand alongside partners who share our commitment to better health for all.”
“Through this series of cancer symposiums, we aim to empower our communities with knowledge,
connect professionals across disciplines, and drive forward our mission of early detection, better treatment, and compassionate care. Together with our partners, we are building a future where no
one faces cancer alone,” said NCSM Managing Director, Kol. Bersekutu Assoc. Professor Dr
Murallitharan Munisamy.

As part of the campaign, NCSM will organise cancer awareness symposiums at Prince Court,
featuring leading surgeons, oncologists, and cancer care experts. Each session will focus on a
different aspect of cancer education, from understanding risk factors to the latest advancements in
treatment. Attendees will gain practical insights into prevention, early detection, and care, while
having the rare opportunity to engage directly with specialists. Open to all Alliance Bank customers
and business partners, these symposiums aim to equip individuals with the knowledge to make
informed decisions about their health and encourage proactive steps towards cancer prevention.

From 2 May to 31 December 2025, all Alliance Bank cardholders will enjoy a 10% discount on all
health screening packages and selected aesthetics, along with a 25% discount on maternity
packages at Prince Court Medical Centre. This exclusive offer is designed to encourage individuals to
prioritise their health and undergo regular health screenings as a preventive measure, as well as
ensure that a trusted medical centre is selected, ensuring safety and professional care.
For more information on the Bank’s products and services, please visit
https://www.alliancebank.com.my.

Hong Leong Islamic Bank distributes 1,000 food packets to foodpanda riders

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In conjunction with the holy month of Ramadhan, Hong Leong Islamic Bank (HLISB/Bank) distributed 1,000 buka puasa meals to foodpanda e-hailing delivery riders in its ‘Senyum-Senyum Ramadhan’ initiative, bringing the festive spirit and putting smiles on the faces of foodpanda riders as they continue to deliver food to Malaysians throughout the month of Ramadhan.

Through its partnership with foodpanda, the Bank has also sponsored buka puasa meals for over 300 foodpanda riders and their families in Melaka, Terengganu, Negeri Sembilan and Perak, spreading warmth, positivity, and appreciation in the community.

Dafinah Ahmed Hilmi, Chief Executive Officer of HLISB commented on the impactful event, “Ramadhan is a time for gratitude and appreciation, and for many Muslims, it represents an opportunity to give back to the community. This year, we wanted to recognise the sacrifice and dedication of our e-hailing delivery riders, who in many ways are the unsung heroes of our country, especially during festive seasons. During Ramadhan, they brave the heavy traffic and face high volumes of orders, with a majority of them fasting themselves. At HLISB, we wanted to find a way to appreciate their sacrifices, give back to this community, and bring a smile to these riders, which led to us forging our partnership with foodpanda.”

The Bank’s partnership with foodpanda to sponsor and distribute buka puasa meals to delivery riders is aligned with its Raya theme of “Amal”, where it encourages Malaysians to engage in good deeds which will lead to positive outcomes and multiplied rewards. This concept of “Amal” extends beyond doing good, and also includes inculcating healthy financial habits. The Bank highlights that robust financial habits such as consistent savings, regular investing, and smart protection strategies can set Malaysians up for a brighter financial future.

Zalman Zainal, Hong Leong Bank’s (HLB) Chief Marketing and Communications Officer, who also heads the Bank’s CSR department, commented, “We at HLB and HLISB have always been committed to engaging in community investment initiatives, where we not only give back to the community but also actively work to uplift and empower them towards a brighter future. With the spirit of “Amal”, we want to continue putting our words to action and engage in more community-centric initiatives such as this one with foodpanda, bringing the Raya spirit and recognising the hardships of these unsung heroes. We believe that good habits, generosity, and kindness are important values to instill, which are the reasons for our smiles as we reap the rewards of a brighter future ahead.”

HLB and HLISB have a proud tradition of community service during festive seasons, with the Bank organizing Employee Donation Drives where employees donate meal kits and essential goods to welfare homes across the country. Since its inception in 2019, the Bank’s employees have donated more than RM100,000 worth of food, goods, and household items to welfare homes. Employees also regularly engage in spring cleaning initiatives at welfare homes, ensuring that these underserved communities receive the help and support they need.

In conjunction with the Raya season and to highlight its “Amal” theme, the Bank recently unveiled its Raya campaign with brand ambassador Alif Satar, which features a Raya song and music video titled ‘Senyum-Senyum Raya’, presented by Alif Satar & The Locos. Besides bringing about a positive Raya spirit, the song also emphasises on the importance of good deeds that can multiply and be the reason for your smile this Raya season.

Senyum-Senyum Raya is available to stream on Spotify and Apple Music, and the music video can be seen on HLB’s YouTube Channel. You may watch the music video here: https://youtu.be/3Tm4O0uNxxA?si=GY1xPTeEFz1R_st7

ARC Group commemorates 10 Years with flagship forum in Kuala Lumpur

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ARC Group recently hosted the Capital Markets & M&A Forum 2025: Malaysia Edition, bringing together over 400 distinguished guests, including senior executives, investors, legal and advisory professionals and entrepreneurs.

Themed around growth, strategy, and cross-border collaboration, this year’s forum offered timely insights into Southeast Asia’s evolving financial landscape, bridging capital markets, mergers and acquisitions and long-term economic strategy.

The event featured international expertise as speakers and panelist, including Arc Group’s local venture partner, Paul Chong who provided a strategic deep dive into “Going Public – Choosing Between IPO, RTO, and De-SPAC. Drawing on his vast experience in global capital markets, Paul Chong delivered a nuanced comparison of public listing routes, offering actionable insights for Malaysian and regional companies considering international capital markets.

Other featured sessions include topics such as ‘Company Preparations for Going Public’, “From Startup to Exit” and “The Future of M&A in Emerging Asia”. The Forum was closed by Xi Zhang, Partner at ARC Group who delivered a thought-provoking keynote on “China 2030 and Implications for Southeast Asia”, offering macroeconomic lens on China’s long-term transformation and actionable takeaways for ASEAN businesses navigating trade shifts, digital acceleration, and supply chain evolution.

The event also marked the firm’s 10th anniversary. Carlos Lopez, COO of ARC Group commented, “These events have always held a special place for us—not just as platforms for sharing insights, but for building lasting relationships. This year’s forum was particularly meaningful as we marked ARC Group’s 10-year anniversary. It was a proud moment to reflect on how far we’ve come, and an inspiring one to envision where we’re headed next.”

PMCK Berhad gains Bursa approval for ACE Market IPO listing

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PMCK Berhad (PMCK), a healthcare services provider in Northern Malaysia, has gained the approval of Bursa Malaysia Securities Berhad (Bursa Securities) to list on the ACE Market of Bursa Securities.

This milestone underscores PMCK’s strategic focus on expanding its footprint through the development of PMC Kulim, a state-of-the-art private medical centre and mixed-use facility in Kedah, poised to address critical gaps in regional healthcare access.

The IPO comprises 272.6 million new shares (25% of enlarged issued share capital), with proceeds allocated for:

1. Repayment of bank borrowings for PMC Kulim’s construction
2. Acquisition of equipment for PMC
3. Estimated expenses related to the listing exercises

“PMC Kulim is not just a hospital. We are a holistic ecosystem designed to elevate healthcare accessibility in the region,” said PMCK Berhad Managing Director, Dato’ Lee Gaik Cheng. “This listing enables us to accelerate our vision while maintaining financial discipline through strategic partnerships and streamlined operations.”

PMCK reported robust FYE 2024 performance, with revenue rising to RM104.34 million (FYE 2023: RM99.85 million) and net profit climbing almost 40% to RM15.02 million, reflecting strong demand for its specialist consultant services and healthcare support services. The company’s existing PMC in Alor Setar has treated over between 115,000 patients and 128,000 patients over the past three FYEs 2022 to 2024, supported by 40 specialist consultants across 17 specialisations.

Post-listing, PMCK will consolidate its other businesses in Kulim (Poliklinik Unik and Klinik Pergigian Unik) under PMC Kulim to enhance operational efficiency. The project’s mixed-use component is also expected to diversify revenue streams, contributing to long-term sustainability.

“Our goal is to bridge the healthcare divide in the Northern region of Malaysia,” added Dato’ Lee. “The approval for our listing marks a significant milestone for PMCK Berhad and we are now poised to deliver world-class care closer to home.”

Malacca Securities is the IPO’s principal adviser, sponsor, underwriter, and placement agent.

The listing will propel PMCK’s RM193 million PMC Kulim project, a 12-storey medical centre integrated with a seven-storey mixed-use development (hotel, food court, and amenities). Slated for completion in Q1 2028, the facility will feature:

  • 90 in-patient beds (single and double rooms only), one endoscopic suite, one operating theatre, two labour rooms, two nursery units, and 15 specialist consultation clinics.
  • Strategic amenities for patients’ families and the public, managed by a third-party operator to ensure operational focus on healthcare.

The project targets underserved populations in Kulim, Bandar Baharu, and neighbouring districts, where private healthcare infrastructure remains sparse.

With only 7.72 private hospital beds per 10,000 persons in Northern Malaysia (versus 17.71 in Kuala Lumpur), PMC Kulim aims to alleviate the pressure on existing facilities while tapping into demand from Kulim Hi-Tech Park’s industrial workforce and growing middle-class communities.

Tune Protect and Ticket2U unveil ticket refund insurance

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Tune Protect Malaysia (Tune Protect), a leading digital insurer, has partnered with Ticket2U, Malaysia’s premier ticketing platform, to introduce Ticket Refund Insurance for events in Malaysia. The comprehensive plan covers tickets for a wide range of events, including conferences, marathons, runs, concerts, festivals, and sports tournaments, ensuring ticket holders receive a full refund if unforeseen circumstances prevent them from attending. This initiative reinforces Tune Protect’s commitment to delivering customer-centric solutions and enhancing the overall event experience.

Covering a comprehensive range of unexpected situations, Ticket Refund Insurance protects attendees from disruptions such as medical emergencies, accidental death, home emergencies like fire or burglary, natural disasters, and sudden unemployment, ensuring that ticket buyers are not financially burdened. The coverage also extends to road accidents, vehicle breakdowns on the way to the event, as well as other unforeseen circumstances.

“The launch of Ticket Refund Insurance is a game-changer for eventgoers, giving them the confidence to book tickets without the fear of the unexpected disrupting their plans. This innovative protection plan reinforces our commitment to making insurance simple, seamless and accessible to everyone. With event attendance on the rise, we are ensuring that customers can fully enjoy their favourite events stress-free, knowing they have a reliable safety net in place,” said Jubin Mehta, Chief Executive Officer, Tune Protect Malaysia.

“At Ticket2U, we are focused on elevating the ticketing experience, and Ticket Refund Insurance marks a significant step towards setting a new industry standard. This protection gives ticket buyers greater assurance, knowing they are covered if the unexpected happens, while also reinforcing trust between event organisers and attendees. By reducing financial risk and making ticket purchases more secure, we are enhancing confidence in event attendance and supporting a more dynamic, worry-free event experience for all,” said YC Chia, Managing Director, Ticket2U Sdn Bhd

For sports enthusiasts, Sports PA (Personal Accident Insurance) is available as an optional add-on, providing financial protection for accidental injuries sustained during sports-related events, ensuring peace of mind while staying active.

Jubin added, “By embedding protection seamlessly into the event ticketing journey, Ticket2U and Tune Protect are setting a new industry standard for consumer protection against unexpected events while enhancing overall customer experience with greater confidence and ease.”

Available to all Ticket2U customers purchasing event tickets, this insurance is available to a wide range of events, including concerts, sports matches, exhibitions and festivals at only 5% of the ticket price. Purchasing Ticket Refund Insurance is quick and effortless where eventgoers can:

1. Select an event ticket on Ticket2U.
2. Opt-in for ‘Ticket Refund Insurance’ at checkout.
3. Complete the purchase, and coverage is automatically activated.

The claims process is equally seamless:
1. Submit a claim directly to Tune Protect with the required documentation.
2. Claims are processed, and eligible refunds are issued promptly.

For more information on Ticket Refund Insurance, visit www.ticket2u.com.my and click the “Read More” button on eligible event pages.

SC issues revised guidelines on advertising for capital market products and related services

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The Securities Commission Malaysia (SC) today released a revised version of the Guidelines on Advertising for Capital Market Products and Related Services.

The Guidelines was revised to update certain requirements and guidance taking into account advertising and promotional trends globally and domestically, including the growing prominence of social media and financial influencers (finfluencers).

This is towards ensuring responsible advertising activities in relation to capital market products and services.
The revised framework will include:

  • New requirements relating to finfluencers who are not engaged as marketing agents by an advertiser yet on their own accord undertake advertising activities for any capital market products and services. They will be subject to the requirements under the Guidelines as they would be regarded as advertisers for the purposes of the Guidelines;
  • Enhancement of requirements relating to advertisers’ duty to ensure the advertising activities conducted by their marketing agent comply with the Guidelines. The advertisers will otherwise be held accountable for the conduct of their marketing agent; and
  • Enhancement of requirements relating to use of social media to address its growing use for financial promotions.

The Guidelines will also impose a prohibition against advertising services in Malaysia, of persons who are not authorised by the SC.

The Guidelines is part of the SC’s ongoing efforts to promote responsible advertising on new channels of advertising such as social media, ultimately protecting investors.

In reviewing and formulating the revised Guidelines, the SC has, amongst others, benchmarked against other jurisdictions such as Australia, the UK and Singapore, and considered the feedback received from engagement with relevant stakeholders including finfluencers.

The revised Guidelines will come into effect on 1 November 2025 to allow sufficient time for advertisers to familiarise and make the necessary preparations to meet the new requirements.

Meanwhile, the relevant stakeholders may engage the SC for any clarification and guidance relating to the revised Guidelines. Any queries on the revised Guidelines may be submitted to AdGuidelines@seccom.com.my.

The revised Guidelines can be downloaded together with its revised FAQs at https://www.sc.com.my/regulation/guidelines/advertising-and-promotion.

ACMF releases simplified guidance for ASEAN SMEs in supply chains

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The ASEAN Capital Markets Forum (ACMF) has launched the ASEAN Simplified ESG Disclosure Guide for SMEs in Supply Chains (ASEDG) Version 1. Aimed at equipping small to medium enterprises (SMEs) across ASEAN operating within global and local supply chains, it is a simplified reference guide to report on environmental, social and governance disclosures (ESG) to various stakeholders including customers, financiers and investors.

It streamlines and consolidates various global ESG reporting frameworks, such as the IFRS Sustainability Disclosure Standards and the Global Reporting Initiative Standards, as well as local guidelines and frameworks of each of the ten ASEAN member states into a set of 38 priority disclosures which SMEs can consider tracking and reporting against.

It is further categorised into Basic, Intermediate and Advanced, to cater to the different levels of sustainability maturity of each SME. The disclosures are applicable across all industries with different levels of priority, and SMEs are encouraged to determine the significance and relevance of these disclosures to their companies.

Mohammed Faiz Azmi, Chairman of the Securities Commission Malaysia and the 2025 Chair of the ACMF said, “SC Malaysia as the Chair of the ASEAN Capital Markets Forum (ACMF) is pleased to initiate development of this guide as a valuable contribution to our ASEAN counterparts. The ACMF remains committed to fostering sustainable and inclusive growth across the region. We encourage SMEs, investors, and all stakeholders to leverage this guide as a catalyst for meaningful ESG adoption.”

Publication of the ASEDG is one of Malaysia’s Priority Economic Deliverables on “Catalysing Access to Financing for a Climate Resilient and Just Transition in ASEAN”, as 2025 ASEAN Chair. It also complements ACMF’s ongoing efforts to promote corporate sustainability disclosure, a priority recommendation under the ACMF’s Roadmap for ASEAN Sustainable Capital Markets, by serving as a practical resource tool which SMEs in supply chains can consider using to progress in their sustainability reporting journey.

The ASEDG Version 1 incorporates inputs and feedback from all ACMF members and findings from engagements with multiple stakeholders across ASEAN Member States. As global sustainability standards, customer demands and ESG compliance requirements evolve, it is important to ensure that the Guide remains fit for purpose.

As such, the ASEDG is a living document which may be revised from time to time to ensure it remains relevant. This document serves as Version 1 of the ASEDG with further consultations planned across ASEAN Member States over the next 6 months.

The ASEDG Version 1 can be found on the ACMF website, here: https://www.theacmf.org/sustainable-finance/publications

TikTok Shop collaborates with ASEAN Foundation and ASEAN-BAC to empower MSMEs

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TikTok Shop continues its commitment to empower Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) through its latest collaboration with the ASEAN Foundation and the ASEAN Business Advisory Council (ASEAN-BAC) through the SOAR Together Program (Supporting Our Artisans and Retailers).

The collaboration aims to leverage on relevant expertise to drive digital transformation and economic inclusion for MSMEs, providing tailored support and resources to help participating MSMEs rapidly advance their businesses and creative endeavors on TikTok Shop within their own markets as well as regionally, enabling growth and sustainable development.

MSMEs play a crucial role in employment generation, income contribution, and local economic resilience. Across ASEAN, there are approximately 70 million MSMEs, accounting for between 97.2% and 99.9% of total establishments. Despite their significant presence, MSMEs often face challenges such as limited access to finance, inadequate business skills, and insufficient market linkages, which can hinder their growth and sustainability.

TikTok Shop gives people a place to translate the excitement of discovering unique products and sellers into impactful transactions that spark joy for both buyers and sellers, all without leaving the app. The ASEAN SOAR Together programme is another major step in TikTok’s ongoing efforts to address the unique needs of small businesses and creators in Southeast Asia.

The ASEAN SOAR Together programme is also aligned with the ASEAN Strategic Action Plan for SME Development 2016-2025 that aims to transform SMEs from domestic players into globally competitive and innovative enterprises by 2025, as well as the ASEAN Economic Community Blueprint 2025 that recognises Information and Communications Technology (ICT) as a key driver in ASEAN’s economic and social transformation.

More details of the ASEAN SOAR Together programme can be found at this link: https://www.aseanfoundation.org/call_for_application_asean_soar_together