25/07/2025

BIZ & FINANCE FRIDAY | JULY 25, 2025

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Malaysian Paper

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Maxis, Aduna to accelerate enterprise innovation

Updated corporate governance code to be issued next year KUALA LUMPUR: An updated iteration of the Malaysian Code on Corporate Governance (MCCG) will be issued in 2026, revisiting matters that help with board quality and effectiveness as well as strengthening the board’s role in long-term value creation. Securities Commission (SC) chairman Datuk Mohammad Faiz Azmi said the SC is undertaking a review of the MCCG as part of its Capital Market Masterplan review. “We will be engaging stakeholders later this year through targeted discussions and consultations on where we are and what we can do better. “This consultative approach ensures any revisions to the code remain relevant and impactful,” he said in his opening address at the Asean Corporate Governance Conference 2025 here yesterday. According to him, the SC is prepared to make certain elements of the upcoming MCCG (MCCG 2026) mandatory if doing so would help corporates demonstrate stronger governance and deliver better results. He noted that MCCG has long served as a key tool to drive good corporate conduct but it must be continuously updated to ensure it fits current international standards and practices, as well as local needs. “The current iteration is MCCG21, which had for the first time included best practices for board diversity and environmental, social and corporate governance (ESG). The next one will be issued in 2026,” he said. Mohammad Faiz said Asean countries, including Singapore, are understood to be embarking on similar exercises this year, which highlights a shared recognition that regulatory frameworks must continue to evolve to meet new challenges. “While alignment with global standards and investor expectations remain important, each Asean jurisdiction is unique. “Therefore, codes must be tailored to reflect each jurisdiction’s unique context, market maturity and strategic priorities,” he said, adding that there is no one-size-fits-all approach in governance. He noted that Asean is home to close to 4,500 public-listed companies, with a combined market capitalisation of US$3 trillion (RM12.7 trillion). Mohammad Faiz also highlighted that the region has a significant opportunity to lead in sustainability, with the potential to generate up to US$1.5 trillion in new value by 2030 through green investments, regional power grid integration, carbon markets, and clean energy incentives. – Bernama

o Partnership will provide businesses with seamless access to global platform of network APIs KUALA LUMPUR: Maxis, Malaysia’s leading integrated telco, yesterday entered a partnership with Aduna, a landmark venture between some of the world’s leading telecom operators and Ericsson, to drive the adoption of powerful, standardised network APIs that will accelerate digital innovation for businesses. The partnership, marked by a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) exchange at the GSMA Digital Nation Summit Singapore, will provide developers and businesses with seamless access to Aduna’s global platform of common network APIs. These advanced API solutions will enable businesses in Malaysia to unlock new use cases and deliver next generation services by harnessing the full potential of Maxis’ advanced connectivity and network capabilities. This collaboration will enable faster and more secure development and deployment of API driven solutions, reducing time-to-market for new features and services. Initial offerings will focus on high-impact APIs such as Number Verification, SIM Swap, KYC Match & Location Verification, key enablers to combat digital fraud and strengthen the security of online transactions. These capabilities are especially valuable and will benefit businesses in sectors such as financial services and e-commerce, for example e-wallet providers and hyperscalers. Beyond security, network APIs are unlocking new opportunities for multiple industries by acting as a universal bridge for

(From left) Maxis enterprise, marketing and digital head LiLian Hor, GSMA Asia Pacific head Julian Gorman and Ericsson Malaysia key account vice-president of sales Chee Kean Chan during the MoU exchange at the GSMA Digital Nation Summit Singapore.

user-centric services backed by seamless access to advanced network APIs.” Aduna CEO Anthony Bartolo said: “Aduna is committed to building a global ecosystem that accelerates the next wave of digital innovation. “Our platform enhances connectivity, allowing for seamless collaboration between developers, enterprises, and telecom providers to drive innovation. “We are thrilled to partner with Maxis, a leader whose commitment to digital empowerment is clear. This collaboration will ring our unified network APIs to one of Southeast Asia’s most dynamic digital economies, providing businesses in Malaysia with access to powerful and scalable solutions.”

software and applications to interact automatically. Through enhanced accessibility and integration, solutions can be deployed swiftly and function seamlessly across different mobile networks and markets, benefitting various industries and their end users. Maxis chief enterprise business officer Prateek Pashine said: “Our mission is to equip businesses with the tools they need to innovate for tomorrow, today. “APIs play a critical role in the modern digital economy, and Maxis is committed to leveraging them to unlock greater value for businesses. “Through this partnership with Aduna, we can enable the development of more secure,

MARC and CCXI to collaborate in cross-border credit rating KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysian Rating Corporation Bhd (MARC) and China Chengxin International Credit Rating Co Ltd (CCXI), one of China’s leading credit rating agencies, formalised a strategic partnership through the signing of a Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC) to strengthen cross-border collaboration in credit rating, macroeconomic research, and sustainable finance initiatives between Malaysia and China. The MoC aims to enhance transparency, promote best practices in credit assessment, and foster joint research and development of analytical tools as well as environmental, social, and governance (ESG) and green finance methodologies. The collaboration sets the foundation for shared networks, mutual market access, and joint product development between the two institutions. It also aims to reduce the informational gap between national rating practices, encourage investor confidence, and enhance global recognition of regional credit rating standards. MARC group CEO Arshad Mohamed Ismail said: “This partnership marks a significant milestone for MARC as we strengthen our international ties and deepen cooperation with one of China’s most respected rating agencies.” He added that it reflects their ambition to position MARC as a connector between Asean and key financial markets such as China. forward in expanding our presence and relevance within the Asean region. “In today’s increasingly interconnected financial markets, closer cooperation between rating agencies is essential – not only for knowledge sharing, but also for ensuring consistent credit benchmarks that investors can trust.” Dr Yue also emphasised that by joining forces with MARC and China Chengxin Green Finance Institute, they aim to accelerate the development of ESG frameworks, green finance solutions, and independent rating methodologies that support sustainable growth across borders.

Under the MoC, a joint working group will be formed to implement the cooperation framework, identify priority initiatives and develop joint programmes. These include macroeconomic and sectoral research, credit assessment innovations, and collaborative engagements in the Islamic capital market.

CCXI CEO Dr Yue Zhigang said: “We are honoured to establish this partnership with MARC, a highly respected institution in Malaysia’s credit rating landscape. “The signing of this MoC is a strategic step

It also opens the door for joint conferences, knowledge sharing, and closer cooperation on credit assessments of Chinese enterprises in Malaysia, and Malaysian entities in China and Hong Kong.

MTD Properties to develop RM4 billion Malacca project MALACCA: Property developer MTD Properties Sdn Bhd is planning to undertake a strategic development project in Ayer Keroh, with an estimated investment value of RM4 billion.

industrial sectors, with a total investment of RM4.5 billion. He added that during this period, 65.76ha of land in Taman Tasik Utama have been developed in collaboration with the state government to provide public facilities such as educational institutions, a mosque, recreational parks, and community support infrastructure. – Bernama

Ngwe Hee Sem, Malacca state secretary Datuk Azhar Arshad, MTD Group director Nik Faizul Nik Hussain, and MTD Group chief operating officer Dr Nik Fauzan Nik Faizul. Ab Rauf highlighted that since establishing its presence in Malacca in 1995, MTD Properties has completed 41 development projects spanning residential, commercial, and

promises direct benefits for the people. “This substantial investment will create jobs, catalyse local economic activities and will have a positive socio-economic impact on the people,” he said to reporters after officiating the launch of the MTD Properties’ sales office in Ayer Keroh. Also present were state health, human resources and unity committee chairman Datuk

Chief Minister Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh said yesterday the investment not only reflects private sector confidence in Malacca’s potential as a prime investment destination but also