27/10/2025

BIZ & FINANCE MONDAY | OCT 27, 2025

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Maicsa: Madani Budget 2026 progressive and reform-driven

KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators (Maicsa) has commended the government for tabling a progressive and reform driven Madani Budget 2026 which underscores Malaysia’s unwavering commitment to good governance, institutional integrity and human capital empowerment. Described as the “Rakyat’s Budget”, the fourth Madani Budget lays a strong foundation for inclusive and sustainable pros perity – rooted in the principles of accountability, transparency and equity – values that Maicsa has consistently championed in advancing the governance and professional education agenda, the institute said in a statement. Maicsa welcomed the government’s continued emphasis on governance reform through structural Government Procurement Bill 2025, and the expansion of digital governance tools including e invoicing and MyDigital ID. These reforms – combined with strengthened fiscal discipline and enhanced enforcement measures – represent a decisive step towards curbing leakages, restoring confi dence in public institutions, and reinforcing Malaysia’s global com petitiveness, it added. PETALING JAYA: Sunway iLabs, the innovation lab and corporate venture capital (CVC) arm of Sunway Group, on Friday announced a partnership with China International Capital Corporation (CICC), one of China’s leading investment banks, at FutureX Connect in Kuala Lumpur, aimed at advancing artificial intelligence (AI) technology and deepening cross-border cooperation between China and Malaysia. FutureX Connect is part of the flagship FutureX Series that brings together startups, corporates and investors from across the region to exchange insights, build part nerships and explore opportunities in AI and deep tech. “The partnership combines CICC Capital’s global investment expertise with Sunway iLabs’ innovation ecosystem, which marks a vital step in expanding China’s AI ecosystem beyond its domestic borders, enabling Chinese innovation leaders to pilot and scale pragmatic, application-focused AI solutions in Malaysia and Southeast Asia, and vice versa,” CICC Southeast Asia and South Asia head and CICC Singapore CEO Stephen Ng said. Currently managing about US$ 60 billion in assets, CICC Capital stands at the forefront of AI-driven global innovation, leveraging deep expertise in capital formation, corporate advisory and technology commercialisation. Over the years, CICC Capital has established a robust track record of advancing frontier technologies through strategic investments in AI and deep tech innovation. Its diversified portfolio spans semicon ductor materials for AI computing, AI-powered healthcare platforms, initiatives such as the Public Finance and Fiscal Respon sibility Act 2023, the upcoming

Chartered Governance Qualifying Programme and specialised training in governance, risk and compliance, Maicsa equips professionals to stay ahead, enhancing employability while contributing to stronger, more transparent organisations.” He added that Maicsa will continue collaborating with uni versities, regulators and corporate partners to widen access to governance education, encouraging young Malaysians to pursue professional certifications that align with the nation’s upskilling and digital transformation agenda. Justin further noted, “The Budget’s twin focus on governance reform and human capital development will directly benefit our members as organisations strengthen compliance and accountability standards. Maicsa will continue to empower governance professionals through lifelong learning, continuous professional development and strategic engagement initiatives.” Maicsa also welcomed the government’s move to enhance the enforcement capacity of regulatory and oversight agencies, with over PETALING JAYA: Proton New Energy Technology Sdn Bhd (Pro-Net), the distributor of Proton e.MAS, has expanded its nationwide dealership network to more than 40 outlets, making Proton e.MAS the largest electric vehicle (EV) dealership network in Malaysia. By the end of October, 45 dealerships will be fully operational, offering Malaysians an accessible and comprehensive EV retail and ownership experience, from sales and test drives to charging facilities and aftersales support. The number is expected to increase to 50 dealerships by December. “The response to Proton e.MAS has been truly encouraging. We have grown from zero to the largest EV dealership network in Malaysia within a year, and this is just the beginning,” said Pro-Net CEO Zhang Qiang. “Our goal is simple: to make electric mobility accessible to everyone. The support we’ve received from our partners, dealers, and customers proves that Malay sians are ready for this change.” In line

RM700 to strengthen capabilities in monitoring and compliance. This initiative, it said, will help ensure that rules and standards are applied fairly and consistently, reinforcing confidence in Malaysia’s governance ecosystem. Stronger enforcement and institutional oversight are vital in ensuring that governance reforms translate into measurable outcomes – greater transparency, fair com petition and improved integrity in both public and private sectors. Maicsa said it firmly believes that governance and education are twin engines of national progress. Effective governance ensures accountability and trust, while education fuels innovation and resilience. “Budget 2026 sets a clear direction: Malaysia’s renewal lies not only in economic expansion, but in the strength of its institutions and the calibre of its people,” said Akbar. “Maicsa remains steadfast in advancing these twin pillars – governance and lifelong learning – in support of a Malaysia that is both prosperous and principled.” million allocated with its expansion strategy, Proton e.MAS is exploring several key locations across major regions, including Klang Valley: Bangsar, Pandan Indah and Bukit Jalil (Kuala Lumpur); Batu Caves, Kota Daman sara, Cyberjaya and Kajang (Selangor); Skudai, Kluang and Johor Bahru (Johor); and Nibong Tebal and Batu Kawan (Penang). The Proton e.MAS 5 has already surpassed 4,000 bookings, signalling strong market confidence in Malaysia’s first affordable EV. As bookings continue to climb, Proton e.MAS is making a final call for customers to take advantage of the exclusive Early Bird Package before it closes at 5,000 bookings. Malaysians can register their interest for the Proton e.MAS 5 through the official Proton e.MAS website or make a booking directly at any of the Proton e.MAS dealerships nationwide. To book, just pay a RM99 booking fee and enjoy exclusive early bird perks – limited-edition Proton e.MAS Touch ‘n Go NFC Card preloaded with RM100 and RM500 rebate on the booking fee.

o It strengthens country’s governance foundations and upskilling agenda, says Malaysian Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators

Maicsa lauded the government’s RM7.9 billion allocation for Technical and Vocational Edu cation and Training and related initiatives that focus on upskilling, digital literacy and professional certification. This allocation reflects a deep understanding that Malaysia’s economic transformation depends on knowledge, adaptability, and lifelong learning, it said. “The government’s focus on human capital development is closely aligned with Maicsa’s mission to nurture competent, ethical, and future-ready pro fessionals,” said Maicsa CEO Justin Anthony. “As industries evolve, so must our workforce. Through the

“Good governance is not merely an administrative process – it is the bedrock of economic confidence, social justice and sustainable growth,” said president Datuk Akbar Moidunny. “By embedding transparency, fiscal prudence, and institutional integrity at the heart of policy making, the Madani Budget 2026 reinforces Malaysia’s credibility as a governance-driven economy. Maicsa stands ready to support this national agenda through pro fessional development, policy dialogue, and continuous edu cation in governance, ethics, and corporate responsibility.”

Sunway iLabs links up with Chinese investment bank to advance AI tech

Pro-Net: Proton e.MAS largest EV dealership network in Malaysia

From left: Sunway iLabs fund director Raymond Hor, van Leeuwen, CICC Capital managing director Du Fang and Ng at the partnership agreement signing ceremony.

venture capital firms – Sunway iLabs continues to position itself as a key connector between global capital, cutting-edge technology and Southeast Asia’s rapidly expanding innovation landscape. Through this partnership, Sunway iLabs will continue to nurture high potential startups, accelerate AI and deep tech adoption, and reinforce Southeast Asia’s emergence as a regional hub for innovation. Leeuwen concluded, “Looking ahead, this collaboration highlights Sunway iLabs’growing role as a bridge between global innovation networks and regional opportunity. By aligning with international partners such as CICC Capital, Sunway continues to expand Malaysia’s innovation capacity while strengthening the group’s position as a key player in Asia’s digital transformation journey.”

automotive intelligence, mobile communication networks and AI driven cybersecurity solutions. Sunway Group chief innovation officer and Sunway iLabs CEO Matt Van Leeuwen said,“For Sunway iLabs, the collaboration offers access to China’s mature AI ecosystem and reinforces its long-term strategy of integrating innovation, investment and sustainable growth. By linking the two ecosystems, the partnership creates a two-way bridge where China contributes proven AI technologies and market-tested models. At the same time, Malaysia provides a diverse environment for adaptation, regional scaling and innovation exchange.” Building on its growing network of global collaborations – including with Andreessen Horowitz (a16z), one of Silicon Valley’s most influential

By the end of October, 45 dealerships will be fully operational, increasing to 50 dealerships by December.