13/10/2025

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SCAN ME

MONDAY | OCT 13, 2025

Bursa, SC welcome catalysts for resilient, inclusive growth

Measures will strengthen nation’s digital

ecosystem: Gobind KUALA LUMPUR: Budget 2026 outlines key initiatives that will strengthen Malaysia’s digital ecosystem and accelerate the transformation into a digitally driven and innovation-led economy, said Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo. He said the RM53 million allocation for the Malaysia Digital Acceleration Grant will catalyse the growth and adoption of emerging technologies such as blockchain, artificial intelligence (AI) and quantum computing. “These technologies are central to building an ecosystem that is future-ready and globally competitive. “This initiative will empower more Malaysians and local businesses to embrace innovation and digital solutions, driving productivity and streng thening our national competitiveness,” he said in a statement. According to Gobind, the government’s continued commitment to AI development is reflected in the RM18.1 million allocation for the National AI Office, which underscores the office’s expanding role in shaping Malaysia’s AI strategies and policies while fostering collaboration across ministries, government agencies and the private sector. Equally significant, he said, is the RM30 million allocation to strengthen cyber security in the country as this measure is both timely and strategic, as it focuses on enhancing digital trust – a cornerstone of the nation’s digital trans formation. “The Budget also provides RM20 million to further develop the MyGOV Malaysia mobile application, supporting efforts to centralise and digitalise government services. This initiative will make public services more accessible, efficient, and cost-effective for the rakyat , ensuring that digital transformation brings tangible benefits to all Malaysians.” Gobind said the proposal to establish a Sovereign AI Cloud with a RM2 billion investment through the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission will lay the foundation for Malaysia’s secure, sovereign AI infrastructure. “The Budget also allocates RM5.9 billion for research, development, commercialisation, and innovation activities across ministries, demon strating the government’s focus on driving high value, knowledge-based growth in the era of rapid technological change,” he noted. – Bernama

PETALING JAYA: Budget 2026, which was tabled on Friday, has drawn positive, optimistic reactions from key capital market institutions, with both Bursa Malaysia and Securities Commission Malaysia (SC) welcoming the government’s targeted ini tiatives to boost economic resilience and unlock new growth avenues. Bursa Malaysia praised the Budget’s strategic push for sustainable, technology-led progress, highlighting allocations towards semiconductor development, digital grants and equity programmes as strong signals of the nation’s commitment to nurturing high impact industries and empowering busi nesses across the board. Echoing this sentiment, the SC underscored Budget 2026 as a pivotal moment in shaping an inclusive, innovation driven capital market. With measures aligned with national blueprints such as the Madani Economy and the New Industrial Master Plan 2030 (NIMP 2030), the SC highlighted new mechanisms, such as the Asean Business Entity (ABE) status initiative and expanded co-investment funds, as game changers for Malaysia’s mid tier companies and regional ambitions. Both regulators affirmed their readiness to support the implementation of these ini tiatives, ensuring the capital market remains a dynamic enabler of long-term prosperity. Bursa Malaysia CEO Datuk Fad’l Mohamed said with investments of RM550 million from Khazanah Nasional Bhd and Kumpulan Wang Persaraan into Malaysia’s semiconductor ecosystem to strengthen collaborations between local businesses with multinational companies, Bursa Malaysia is optimistic that this will deepen industrial linkages and enhance Malaysia’s position in o Capital market regulators affirm readiness to support implementation of game-changing initiatives

the global semiconductor value chain. Bursa Malaysia also lauds the government’s focus on technology-driven growth, particularly through the Malaysia Digital Accelerator Grant, which allocates RM53 million to accelerate the adoption of emerging technologies. Fad’l said, “This complements Cradle Fund’s RM55 million for equity investment programmes and innovation workshops, which have now been expanded to the private sector. “The allocation of RM40 million via government-linked investment companies and government-linked companies, along with Ekuinas’ commitment to grow and scale its investee companies, it will build more competitive Bumiputera businesses. “The exchange looks forward to working closely with partners and facilitating these companies through our suite of fundraising avenues and services.” Fad’l said that with board diversity being one of the key pillars of good governance, Bursa Malaysia will continue to work with the SC and ecosystem partners through engagement and advocacy to increase women’s representation on boards, beyond the 30% target already achieved by 45% of public listed companies. “Bursa Malaysia is committed to supporting our stakeholders in translating the announced measures into tangible outcomes for investors, businesses and the nation. We stand ready as the fundraising platform for all businesses and the preferred marketplace for investors,” Fad’l said. Meanwhile, the SC welcomed the Budget 2026 measures to promote sustainable growth by broadening inclusion and unlocking high growth economic opportunities. It said the capital market remains a vital engine for national growth. As such, the SC welcomes the

Fad’l

Mohammad Faiz

announcements that will stimulate greater activity in both the public and private markets. These are primarily aimed at ensuring targeted funding support for regional businesses and MSMEs. Further, the SC said these measures and initiatives, which are aligned with national blueprints such as the 13th Malaysian Plan, the Madani Economy Framework, the National Energy Transition Roadmap and NIMP 2030 are poised to sustain Malaysia’s economic trajectory. SC chairman Datuk Mohammad Faiz Azmi said Budget 2026 is a strong statement of intent for the Malaysian capital market to lay a resilient foundation for long-term national prosperity and economic competitiveness. “Our focus is dual: to raise the ceiling for market growth, while simultaneously raising the floor by making our markets more inclusive. By expanding allocations for mechanisms such as the NIMP Strategic Co Investment Fund (NIMP CoSIF) and the Malaysia Co-investment Fund (MyCIF), we continue to ensure that capital is directed towards future growth engines.” Mohammad Faiz said the ABE status initiative will directly empower Malaysian companies to build scale and become regional powerhouses. He added that the success of the Single Family Office (SFO) Scheme, the expansion of NIMP CoSIF and MyCIF, and the introduction of ABE demonstrate that Malaysia’s capital market is adapting, opening, and leading in a new era of regional capital flows.

U Mobile’s U Home 5G Borneo makes high-speed broadband more accessible in East Malaysia

PETALING JAYA: Building on the success of its U Home 5G plan, U Mobile has expanded its broadband range with the launch of U Home 5G Borneo, a plan designed exclusively for customers in East Malaysia. U Home 5G Borneo offers unlimited data with no Fair Usage Policy, delivering reliable, fibre-like speeds to customers across Sabah, Sarawak and Labuan. Like its predecessor, U Home 5G Borneo is extremely flexible as customers will enjoy a hassle-free, plug-and-play solution, making it ideal for homeowners, renters, SME entrepreneurs and those who are on-the-go. Priced at a promotional fee of RM58 per month, customers will enjoy the

to bring the same high quality experience to Borneo with an even more accessible price of RM58 monthly. With U Home 5G Borneo, customers across Sabah, Sarawak and Labuan may enjoy the benefits of unlimited ultra-fast 5G and 4G for a seamless digital experience, whether at home or in the office,” said U Mobile chief marketing officer Navin Manian. U Home 5G Borneo is available only in East Malaysia. Customers may subscribe at U Mobile branches, authorised dealers across East Malaysia. They may also subscribe via U Mobile’s eShop and MyUMobile app. For more information on U Home 5G Borneo, visit u.com.my/UH5GB .

SIM-only U Home 5G Borneo Plan contract-free. Customers also have the option to bundle their U Home 5G Borneo with a game-grade router for free, with a 24-month contract. To elevate their home broadband experience, customers may opt for the U Home 5G Borneo x sooka Premium streaming bundle at RM88 per month or bundle the plan with a Samsung smart TV (starting from RM64 per month with U PayLater). “U Mobile is pleased to expand our 5G home broadband range with U Home 5G Borneo, an offering that’s specifically tailored for our East Malaysian customers. Following the success of U Home 5G, we’re excited

U Home 5G Borneo is extremely flexible, making it ideal for homeowners, renters, SME entrepreneurs and those on-the-go.