01/12/2025

MONDAY | DEC 1, 2025

12

BANKING & INSURANCE

Maybank facilitating RM15b inflows into JS-SEZ

OCBC Serial Entrepreneur expanded to Sarawak

PETALING JAYA: OCBC Malaysia’s first-of-its kind serial entrepreneur programme has gained strong momentum among SMEs, securing approved financing exceeding RM1.6 billion since its pilot phase just over a year ago. OCBC Serial Entrepreneur is designed to support serial entrepreneurs who own multiple businesses and are continuously building, scaling and diversifying their ventures. Unlike traditional banking models that evaluate businesses as a separate entity, this programme takes a holistic view by assessing the strengths and potential of entrepreneurs’ entire portfolio. The bank provides financing solutions and support that enable visionary entrepreneurs to navigate the complexities of managing multiple businesses with ease, flexibility and speed. Speaking at a recent OCBC Serial Entrepreneur event in Kuching to introduce the programme to Sarawak, OCBC Malaysia managing director and wholesale banking head Jeffrey Teoh said he was pleased with the positive response from entrepreneurs and expressed confidence that the programme will greatly benefit entrepreneurs in Sarawak too. “Since the official launch of OCBC Serial Entrepreneur in Kuala Lumpur in July 2025, we have onboarded more than 100 new keyperson customers, demonstrating its effectiveness in addressing the unique needs of serial entrepreneurs. We are now excited to bring the programme to Sarawak, a state experiencing a thriving renewable energy sector, expanding digital infrastructure, and progressive policies. With this development, a new generation of entrepreneurs is emerging, and we want to support and empower them to capture the opportunities through the OCBC Serial Entrepreneur programme,” he said. Elaborating on the programme, Teoh said the bank supports serial entrepreneurs through a dedicated group of relationship managers who assist and advise the keyperson through a comprehensive financial and banking roadmap tailored for their business growth, with a focus on their entire business growth portfolio rather than evaluating each business in isolation. “What makes this programme unique is our holistic credit approach. We assess the entrepreneur’s overall track record and strategic vision, not just the financials of individual entities. This means we can support ventures even before they are incorporated, making it a game-changer for founders to be ready to scale again. We have always believed that SMEs are the backbone of Malaysia’s economy, and this belief drives our innovation, investments, and partnerships,” he added. Besides providing capital financing, OCBC Serial Entrepreneur equips entrepreneurs with the tools and support they need for their next business venture and helps them grow confidently. OCBC Malaysia comprises its conventional banking arm, OCBC Bank (Malaysia) Bhd and its Islamic banking subsidiary, OCBC Al-Amin Bank Bhd.

PETALING JAYA: Malayan Banking Bhd (Maybank) is facilitating more than RM15 billion into the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ) that comprises about RM10 billion in committed financing and, separately, up to RM5.35 billion in the next three to 10 years in investment interests via letters of intent (LoIs) from clients. The financing and investment facilitated by Maybank covers the whole spectrum of client segments – from SMEs and mid-cap com panies to large and multinational corporations – all of which play a key role in the supply chain of JS-SEZ-focused industries including high value manufacturing, digital economy, food security, healthcare and logistics. Total financing of about RM120 million to five Johor-based SMEs and mid-cap corpo rations were announced, with letters of offer extended to Cape EMS Bhd, Haily Construction Sdn Bhd, NES Packaging Sdn Bhd, MCH M&E Sdn Bhd and TSH Manufacturing Solution Sdn Bhd. The recent launch of Maybank’s Forest City Service Centre was officiated by Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi and Maybank president and group CEO Datuk Seri Khairussaleh Ramli. Maybank has facilitated client LoIs totalling up to RM5.35 billion to the Iskandar Regional Development Authority. This includes a RM3 billion LoI from Equalbase, a Singapore-based sustainable industrial real estate developer. This investment aims to expand 2.2 million sq ft facilities in Senai, supporting green-certified supply chain operations and tech-enabled jobs – boosting the JS-SEZ’s appeal to top multinational tenants. Earlier announced LoIs of RM2.35 billion were from Alpine Renewables and Edible Oils Pte Ltd, Centurion Corp Ltd, and Thomson Medical Group Ltd for projects over the next three to 10 years. Building on these commitments, Maybank is extending finan-cing and other banking solutions to support these plans. Maybank has been at the forefront of advising and facilitating approvals for its clients to set up single family offices (SFO), a key differentiator of the bank’s wealth management offerings. To date, Maybank has provided advisory services in the successful establishment of two SFO in the Forest City Special Financial Zone (FCSFZ), for One KL Management Sdn Bhd, the first in Malaysia, and the other for Beach Capital Holdings Sdn Bhd, with 13 more in the pipeline. Within its scope of Islamic finance and o Lender launches ‘next generation’ service centre in Forest City Special Financial Zone

From left: Country Garden Pacific View Sdn Bhd executive director Datuk Pandak Ahmad, Kota Iskandar Assemblyman Datuk Asman Shah Abdul Rahman, Onn Hafiz, Khairussaleh, Maybank community financial services group CEO Syed Ahmad Taufik Albar at the launch of Maybank’s service centre at Forest City.

halal facilitation, Maybank Islamic has been providing advisory services to homegrown Johor businesses such as Kopi Rakyat and Holiday Inn Johor Bahru to secure halal certification. This has enabled them to unlock growth and new market access. Maybank continues to receive expressions of interest from clients in Malaysia as well as from the region to set up halal-certified global production hubs in the special economic zone. Maybank’s Forest City Service Centre strategically aligns with the FCSFZ’s vision to be a regional financial hub, while supporting the JS-SEZ’s aspirations. This presence allows Maybank to facilitate and support client investment and drive growth across key sectors, including wealth management, semiconductors, electric vehicles, healthcare and halal economy. The new service centre also exemplifies Maybank’s concept for the “future of banking” experience, offering clients the option of hybrid experience that blends high touch, face-to-face interactions with seamless digital experiences. Located within the vicinity of the Invest Malaysia Facilitation Centre Johor, and designed for accessibility, the new service centre features a consultative-designed space for clients to meet with advisers for personalised guidance; a Digital Xperience Zone with iPads and self-service terminals;

virtual rooms with secure video conferencing with bankers; and a community area for engagements and collaborations. Khairussaleh said, “Maybank is excited to support the development of the JS-SEZ. Over the past two years, we have collaborated with government bodies, industry associations and regulators in Malaysia and Singapore to drive investments in JS-SEZ-focused industries, strengthen SME ecosystems and build more resilient supply chains including Johor’s halal ecosystem. We are also at the forefront in supporting our wealth clients to set up their SFO in the FCSFZ. This complements our commitment in providing beyond banking support to include advisory services, posi tioning us as a trusted, values-based partner to our clients.” He added: “Our latest Forest City Service Centre reinforces our commitment in JS-SEZ and FCSFZ, while advancing our M25+ digitalisation initiatives of creating a space where efficiency, convenience and human connection can co-exist in the age of AI. Building on this momentum, we are working to position both zones as a gateway to invest and trade in Asean. Together with our stakeholders, our vision is to contribute sustainably in efforts to uplift both Malaysia and Singapore, and add to Asean’s competitiveness, resilience, and inte gration.”

Enhanced offerings for AmBank Cash Rebate Visa Platinum Credit Card PETALING JAYA: AmBank has enhanced its cashback offerings for its AmBank Cash Rebate Visa Platinum Credit Card. AmBank credit cardholder base, shopping habits reveal a strong preference for e-commerce, dining and public transport.

“Today’s consumers are savvy shoppers, and they are looking for credit cards that can offer more value for their everyday spending. With features like Apple Pay, Google Pay and full digital access through the AmOnline App, this enhanced credit card offers the convenience and the simplicity they expect,” he said in a statement.

Since Nov 1, cardholders enjoy up to 10% cashback on grocery and shopping, dining, online and public transport – including KLIA Ekspres, LRT and MRT rides. This marks a significant expansion from the previous offering, aligning with the daily habits of younger consumers who prioritise convenience, digital spending and sustainable commuting.

It now offers up to 10% cashback across four essential spending categories, designed to meet the modern spending habits of younger consumers. With millennials now making up to 40% of

AmBank retail banking managing director Cheong Chee Wai said it recognises the spending habits of the younger Malaysians that have evolved rapidly in tandem with digital accelerations.

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