25/09/2025

BIZ & FINANCE THURSDAY | SEPT 25, 2025

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Express Powerr opens 7.5% above IPO price in market debut

KUALA Integrated engineering solutions provider Oxford Innotech Bhd (OXB), is gearing to boost production capacity at its new Penang Science Park (PSP) Factory 2 (Phase 1). The 39,392 sq ft manufacturing facility, which was completed in May 2025, is currently undergoing production trial runs. Managing director Ng Thean Gin said,“Following our recent listing in July 2025, the team has been working on all fronts – executing expansion plans, stepping up business development activities, and navigating a complex operating environment. We are pleased to share that our expansion plans are on track. We expect to commence mass production at our PSP Factory 2 (Phase 1) in the coming months upon completion of the trial runs, thus elevating our total manufacturing footprint to 125,174 sq ft. The additional capacity positions us to capture the rising demand across semiconductors, electrical and electronics, and modular building systems sectors.” On the business development front, he added they are seeing stronger engagements from customers. Looking beyond PSP Factory 2 (Phase 1), the group plans to expand production capacity further with the construction of a new plant under Phase 2. mass production at Penang plant Leader Energy secures US$80m green loan for Cambodia project LUMPUR: Oxford Innotech gears up for KUALA LUMPUR: Leader Energy Group Bhd, a renewable energy and transmission solutions provider, said its subsidiary Cambodian Transmission II Co Ltd (CTLII) has secured a US$80 million green financing facility from a consortium of banks led by Maybank (Cambodia) PLC, which also acted as the sole structuring bank. This financing facility will be utilised to refinance CTLII’s high-voltage transmission assets. CTLII owns and operates a 230 kV transmission line spanning approximately 125 km, connecting Kampong Cham to Phnom Penh. It serves as a vital artery in Cambodia’s power grid, playing a crucial role in enhancing grid reliability and ensuring efficient electricity delivery to support the country’s economic development and energy access goals. Leader Energy executive deputy chairman and group CEO Datuk Sean H’ng said that this green financing reflects their steadfast commitment to accelerating the energy transition in Cambodia and across the region. “Strengthening our transmission capabilities not only ensures energy security but also supports national targets towards a low-carbon future,” he added. Maybank global banking CEO Datuk John Chong said their collaboration responds to the growing demand for sustainable energy infrastructure in Cambodia to attract investments and catalyse economic growth.

our gross profit margin to 62% in the first half of 2025, compared to 53% last year,” he said. Tenaga Nasional Bhd (TNB) remains Express Powerr’s anchor client, providing a stable revenue base as demand for emergency power remains consistent. “As the country develops, expectations for reliable power rise. If there’s a failure, people call TNB within half an hour, and that means TNB continues to require emergency supply. At the same time, we want to broaden our customer base beyond one major client. O&G is an area where we are actively building our presence,” Lim said. He noted that the group expects initial O&G contracts to materialise by the fourth quarter, though contributions will be modest at first. Contracts in this segment typically run between three months to a year, with scope for extensions. Express Powerr has also ventured into solar photovoltaic (PV) solutions, though the contribution remains small.

“We want to be transparent. Solar is currently very small for us, maybe a few percentage points of revenue. But it is part of our move towards ESG, and we are training our people to build capacity in this area,” Lim said. The company will relocate to a 53,000 sq ft headquarters by early 2026 to boost efficiency and support growth, with its sales team already tripled since last year. Express Powerr has pledged to distribute 30–50% of net profit as dividends. Lim said the policy strikes a balance between rewarding shareholders and funding expansion. With Malaysia’s light machinery and equipment rental industry projected to grow at a 7.6% CAGR to RM1.3 billion by 2029, Express Powerr is positioning itself to capture new opportunities. “We don’t set a rigid target for market share, but our goal is clear: to keep growing. From 5.8% to 7.8%, we’ve shown progress, and we will continue to expand geographically and across industries,” Lim said.

o RM36m proceeds earmarked for new equipment, growth beyond TNB contracts

KUALA LUMPUR: Express Powerr Solutions (M) Bhd (XPB), a generator rental services provider, made its debut on Bursa Malaysia’s ACE Market yesterday, opening at 21.5 sen — 7.5% above its issue price of 20 sen — with an opening volume of 28.4 million shares. Managing director Lim Cheng Ten described the debut as “a reflection of investor confidence,” adding that the company was “grateful for the support from shareholders” and would stay focused on its long-term expansion plans. Founded in 2005, Express Powerr has grown to command 7.8% of Malaysia’s light machinery and equipment rental market, up from 5.8% when it first submitted its listing application. The company provides emergency power supply, planned maintenance and standby services, supported by ancillary items such as distribution boards, transformers, switches and cables. “Our business activities go beyond generators. We provide a full ecosystem of power solutions that support critical infrastructure. With the fresh capital raised, we intend to purchase 36 new generators, expand our fleet and strengthen our position in the market,” Lim said. The RM36 million raised from the IPO will also fund medium- and high-voltage equipment, repayment of bank borrowings and working capital. According to Lim, the acquisition of generators will be staggered across three years, though the company may accelerate the timeline to meet rising demand. Express Powerr currently operates in eight states across Peninsular and East Malaysia. Lim confirmed that the group is extending into Penang and Kelantan following contract wins in July, while also setting its sights on Ű BY DEEPALAKSHMI MANICKAM sunbiz@thesundaily.com KUALA LUMPUR: M+Global by Malacca Securities, a stock trading platform and all-in-one trading app, has opened the doors to its very first stockbroking concept store located at KL Eco City. Billed as Malaysia’s first-of-its kind stock trading retail experience, the concept store elevates fintech with a human touch to help Malaysians, particularly youth in the 25 to 45 age group, to bridge their financial knowledge gaps with complete clarity and confidence in a premium, physical location. The launch ceremony was attended by representatives from Bursa Malaysia, Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation and featured a special telepresentation by Toh Ee

Sabah’s Labuan region to penetrate the oil and gas (O&G) sector. “The O&G industry is heavily concentrated in East Malaysia. We are moving into Labuan to supply safe-zone generators for planned maintenance on rigs and platforms. This is a sector we see as a natural extension of our business,” he said. The group’s revenue mix is also evolving. Emergency supply once accounted for 60% of sales, but following its entry into Sabah, planned maintenance has grown to take the lead at around 60% of revenue. Standby services remain below 5%. Lim explained that Sabah tenders contributed about 38% of revenue in 2024, although margins were diluted by pass-through diesel costs. “This year, we removed the diesel element from contracts, which lifted

From left: Express Powerr Solutions (M) Bhd independent non-executive directors Farah Shireen Mohamed Said, Aun Siew Kuan, Abdul Rahman Adam, Lim, independent non-executive chairman Datuk Mohd Redza Shah Abdul Wahid, non-independent executive director Rosli Jonid, Mercury Securities Sdn Bhd managing director Chew Sing Guan and head of corporate finance Eric Chong Soo Keng.

M+Global opens concept store to boost financial literacy

financial behaviour and resilience. Surveys like the Financial Capability and Inclusion (FCI) Demand Side Survey have found that a significant portion of Malaysians remain vulnerable to financial shocks with the 2024 survey revealing that 61% of Malaysians have difficulty raising as little as RM1,000 in an emergency. By leveraging more than 60 years of experience in the financial services sector through its award-winning, homegrown stockbroking arm Malacca Securities Sdn Bhd, the M+Global Concept Store will offer visitors ready access to private consultations tailored to their investing needs, supported by a team of over 200 licensed experts.

just saving to actively growing their wealth through a combination of expert advice, basic knowledge and sound investment strategies. In addition to our own stable of over 200 in-house licensed investment experts, the M+Global Concept Store will be playing host to an exciting line-up of sharing sessions, talks and seminars with other investment professionals, to provide a rounded and complete picture of financial knowledge.” According to Bank Negara Malaysia, while the state of financial literacy in Malaysia has been steadily improving, with a rise in the Malaysia Financial Literacy and Capability Index from 57.1 in 2018 to 59.1 in 2024, significant challenges remain – especially regarding

Wei, Malaysia’s rising badminton star. Malaysians keen on empowering themselves with financial literacy can level up on their learning experience through this interactive learning hub packed with features including a product experience zone, investment learning hub, merchandise retail, private consultation and a fun “Snap It” photo zone. “The Concept Store cements M+Global’s brand promise of ‘Less Guessing, More Guiding’ to help Malaysians move beyond just saving to actively growing their wealth through sound investment knowledge,” said M+Global managing director Lim Chia Wei at the opening ceremony. “The store’s focus on education aims to help move Malaysians beyond