02/12/2025

Editorial T: 03-7784 6688 F: 03-7785 2625 E: sunbiz@thesundaily.com Advertising T: 03-7784 8888 E: advertise@thesundaily.com

SCAN ME

TUESDAY | DEC 2, 2025

Hong Leong Islamic Bank shifts focus to wealth solutions

Smaller outflow of US$1.17b from Asian markets last week KUALA LUMPUR: Foreign investors were net sellers across the eight markets in the week ended Nov 28, with total outflows reaching US$1.17 billion (RM4.83 billion), about 5.8 times less than in the week before. MBSB Investment Bank Bhd’s (MBSB IB) Fund Flow Report for the period said South Korea posted its fourth straight week of net foreign outflows, with an outflow of US$1 billion, the largest outflows in the region, as investors turned cautious following the Bank of Korea’s hawkish hold. “The Philippines ended its three-week consecutive streak of net foreign inflows, registering US$54.6 million in net foreign outflows. This was despite the trade deficit narrowing to US$3.83 billion in Oct 2025, the smallest in five months. “Thailand extended to a five-week consecutive streak of net foreign outflows, totalling a modest US$34.7 million, while Vietnam continued to post weekly net foreign outflows since late July, with the previous week’s total outflows at US$22.1 million,”it said. For Malaysia, MBSB IB said foreign investors extended a two-week conse cutive streak of net selling, registering RM484.8 million in outflows. “Friday (-RM484.5 million) and Monday (-RM328.4 million) were the only days that saw net foreign selling, while Thursday saw the largest inflow at RM158.3 million, followed by Wednesday (RM120.5 million), and Tuesday (RM49.4 million),” it said. MBSB IB said that the top three sectors that recorded net foreign inflows last week were financial services at RM226 million, telecommunication and media at RM154 million, and consumer products and services at RM69.6 million. Meanwhile, the top three sectors that recorded net foreign outflows were utilities at RM420.5 million, industrial products and services at RM310.1 million, and con struction at RM63.6 million. MBSB IB said that local institutions extended a two-week consecutive streak of net buying at RM356.4 million. “Similarly, local retailers logged their second consecutive streak of net buying at RM128.4 million. “The average daily trading volume saw a broad-based increase: local retailers registered a 9.3% increase, while local institutions and foreign investors recorded increases of 1.2% and 42% respectively,” it added. – Bernama

KUALA LUMPUR: Hong Leong Islamic Bank Bhd (HLISB) expects strong demand in the Islamic wealth management segment for financial year 2026 (FY26), driven by growing consumer interest in syariah-compliant savings, protection and investment solutions. CEO Dafinah Ahmed Hilmi said HLISB – which contributed 18.9% to Hong Leong Bank’s net income and 14.5% to group profit before tax in Q1 FY26 – is shifting its strategic focus towards Islamic wealth management as it enters its next phase of growth. “When we talk about our propositions and our commitment to supporting wealth management, the mandate before us is substantial. As I mentioned, it goes beyond individual clients – it also encompasses entrepreneurs and businesses. Every stage of their journey has implications for Islamic wealth management,” she told reporters at HLISB’s 20th Anniversary celebration and media briefing yesterday. She added that the bank is strengthening its reach across the mass, affluent and high-net worth segments. “Our target segment is clear. We cover all segments – mass, affluent and high net worth – and we have strategies tailored for each,” she said. Dafinah shared that HLISB will introduce new and enhanced wealth solutions next year as part of its refreshed strategic direction. The upcoming offerings will be anchored on its five-pillar Islamic wealth management framework, covering wealth creation, accu mulation, preservation, purification and distri bution. “We will be looking at more developments next year, ahead of Hari Raya,” she said. Dafinah highlighted that Malaysia’s low takaful penetration rate of 25% underscores o HLISBcelebrates20th anniversary, enhances reach to cover all segments – mass, affluent and high net worth – with strategies tailored for each Ű BY HAYATUN RAZAK sunbiz@thesundaily.com

Dafinah says Hong Leong Islamic Bank will introduce new and enhanced wealth solutions next year as part of its refreshed strategic direction.

RM197 million, contributing 14.5% to the group’s overall performance for the period.” He emphasised that Islamic banking is not merely an alternative to conventional banking, but a value-based proposition that comple ments it. “Our renewed focus blends the wisdom of maturity with the agility of a startup to drive sustainable wealth for our customers.” HLISB signed a memorandum of under standing with University College of MAIWP International to expand its waqaf initiatives. Focused on healthcare needs, the part nership will channel customer contributions towards medical equipment and patient care, transforming personal success into social impact by recognising community well-being as part of holistic wealth. For retail customers, HLISB continues to reward disciplined financial behaviour through the HLB Meezani Account-i, a syariah-compliant unrestricted investment account. Designed to support wealth creation, the account rewards more than 23,000 customers with daily, weekly, quarterly and annual returns, while offering flexible access to funds.

gaps in financial resilience, as many households still lack adequate protection amid mounting economic pressures. “Today, many people remain under protected. HLISB plans to leverage the group’s takaful arm, Hong Leong MSIG Takaful, to strengthen protection solutions for our customers.” She said HLISB, as a key contributor within the Hong Leong Financial Group, will continue to grow across retail banking, SME financing and wealth management throughout FY26. “We operate within a leveraged banking model, drawing on the parent bank’s distri bution and network. What is most important is that our products are syariah-compliant and guided by strong syariah governance,” she added. Hong Leong Bank group managing director and CEO Kevin Lam said HLISB continues to serve as a core growth engine for the group. “This trajectory is evident in our Q1 FY26 results announced last week, where financing assets expanded 7.8% year-on-year and now account for 23.4% of HLB’s total financing. HLISB recorded a PBT (profit before tax) of

Orkim IPO’s public portion oversubscribed nearly 12 times PETALING JAYA: The public portion of marine transport company Orkim Bhd’s initial public offering (IPO) has been oversubscribed, reflecting strong investor confidence in the group’s prospects. shares, corresponding to the 20 million shares made available for application by the Malaysian public, representing an oversubscription rate of 11.84 times. The Bumiputera portion the institutional offering, were also fully subscribed. logistics ecosystem. “We will continue to uphold the highest standards of safety, compliance, and governance as we steer Orkim towards long-term, sustainable growth,“ he said in a statement.

Orkim chairman Datuk Abdul Hamid Sh Mohamed said the com pany is encouraged by the strong support and confidence shown by investors. The oversubscription reflects market recognition of Orkim’s track record, capabilities and resilience. “As we approach our listing, our focus remains on strengthening our fleet, driving operational efficiency through technology, and expanding our service offerings to support Malaysia’s energy and maritime

attracted 3,430 applications for 120.1 million shares, oversubscribed by 11.01 times, while the remaining public portion recorded 3,337 applications for 136.7 million shares, oversubscribed by 12.67 times. The 8 million shares reserved for eligible directors, employees, and persons who have contributed to the group’s success, together with

The public balloting for the IPO was conducted yesterday, with encouraging participation from both retail and institutional investors, marking another key milestone in Orkim’s journey towards its listing on the Main Market of Bursa Malaysia. The group received a total of 6,767 applications for 256.8 million

CIMB Investment Bank Bhd is the principal adviser, joint bookrunner, managing underwriter and joint underwriter for the IPO. RHB Investment Bank Bhd acts as the joint bookrunner and joint underwriter, while Affin Hwang Investment Bank Bhd is the joint underwriter.