16/07/2025

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BIZ & FINANCE WEDNESDAY | JULY 16, 2025

MBSB unveils new look for investment unit as part of image revamp PETALING JAYA: MBSB Group has officially rebranded MIDF Amanah Investment Bank Bhd to MBSB Investment Bank Bhd (MBSB IB), effective July 10, as part of the group’s broader transformation and unified branding strategy. This rebranding reflects MBSB Group’s commitment to present a single, unified identity to clients, regulators, and partners, one that signals the full strength and breadth of MBSB’s offerings across its portfolio. MBSB IB CEO Datuk Seri Diraja Nur Julie Gwee Ariff said the rebranding to MBSB Investment Bank signals a new era for the firm. “We are proud to carry the MBSB name as we continue building on our core strengths in advisory, equity markets, and debt markets services. “We look forward to continuing to unlock new opportunities and delivering greater value to all our stakeholders,” she said in a statement. MBSB IB stands as an integral pillar of MBSB Wholesale Banking together with corporate and institutional banking, financial markets, asset management, and transaction banking. While collaboration across client coverage and solution delivery is already well embedded, this rebranding aims to sharpen that synergy in the MBSB Group. MBSB IB will continue to contribute to the group’s non-funded income through its core strengths in advisory, research, equity brokerage, and capital markets including sukuk structuring, equity raisings, and project financing. As part of this transition, its investment research arm, MIDF Research has been rebranded as MBSB Research and continues to provide timely market intelligence and economic insights to support both the group and the broader investment community.

Mamba seeks balanced dialogue on e-commerce fees

KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Micro Business Association (Mamba) is calling for a more balanced and constructive dialogue surrounding the recent adjustments to e commerce platform fee structures. Secretary-general Alvin Low Wei Yan said that while the association understands the concerns raised by various stakeholders, Mamba believes the issue demands a holistic perspective—one that considers both the sustainability of digital platforms and the competitiveness of local micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). “We must avoid scare tactics and the politicisation of important conversations that directly impact thousands of Malaysian sellers. “There must be room for discussion—so that everyone, from sellers to shoppers to platforms— can benefit,” he said in a statement. Mamba acknowledges that price hikes are never easy, but stresses that global dynamics—particularly

costly—it’s unsustainable,” he added. “For any e-commerce platform to fund major upgrades in AI tools, logistics, fraud prevention, and customer support independently, it requires significant investment. If platforms are unable to reinvest due to pricing pressure or policy uncertainty, the entire seller ecosystem will suffer in the long run.” Mamba believes that joint investments by both sellers and platforms will yield long-term benefits. According to data and analytics firm GlobalData, Malaysia’s e commerce market is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 8.5% between 2024 and 2028, reaching RM67.1 billion (US$14.7 billion) by 2028. This outlook highlights the long term potential of the digital economy, and the need to stay competitive through reinvestment and innovation. At the same time, Mamba emphasises the importance of balancing MSME needs with rising customer expectations. Poor buyer experiences caused by delivery delays, miscommunication, or a lack of transparency—have a direct impact on seller performance, ratings, and returns. “That’s why blanket criticism of e-commerce platforms may not be helpful,” said Low. “Calling for punitive actions against platforms simply for adjusting fees is counter-productive and risks undermining the very ecosystem we are trying to strengthen.” Mamba calls for open, collaborative dialogue between the government, platforms, and seller associations to chart a sustainable and inclusive path forward—ensuring Malaysian MSMEs continue to thrive amid global headwinds.

o Micro business group warns price backlash could hurt local online sellers

To counter current pressures, Mamba believes platforms must continue investing in infrastructure, tools, and services that enhance customer satisfaction such as faster delivery, reliable refund processes, improved search functions, and AI driven product recommendations. These enhancements not only attract buyers but also increase traffic, visibility, and conversion rates for sellers. “Customer experience is not just a buyer issue—it’s a seller issue too,” said Low. “When platforms are seen as trustworthy, convenient, and efficient, everyone benefits. Sellers operating on such platforms are better positioned to build customer loyalty and drive repeat business.” “Going it alone is not only

the escalating US-China trade war and rising tariffs—are likely to result in a surge of low-cost Chinese products being redirected into Southeast Asian markets, including Malaysia. “We are already seeing cheap imports entering the market through new and existing e commerce platforms targeting Malaysian consumers, undercutting local sellers and threatening their long-term survival,” Low said. “This trend is expected to accelerate in the coming months, and we must prepare for it strategically.” Mamba urges both the government and local sellers to support and collaborate with platforms that prioritise MSMEs within their ecosystem.

Mamba says strong partnerships between platforms and sellers are key to boosting buyer trust, customer loyalty, and Malaysia’s digital

economy. – PEXELS PIX

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