14/01/2026

BIZ & FINANCE WEDNESDAY | JAN 14, 2026

16

E-commerce in Malaysia – evolving and maturing

MN Holdings proposes to transfer listing to Main Market of Bursa Malaysia PETALING JAYA: MN Holdings Bhd, a infrastructure utilities construction and engineering solutions specialist in Malaysia, has proposed a transfer of its listing from the ACE Market to the Main Market of Bursa Malaysia Securities, alongside proposed amendments to its constitution to facilitate the imple mentation of the transfer. For the financial year ended June 30, 2025, the group recorded an audited consolidated profit after tax attributable to shareholders of approxi mately RM47.75 million, while achieving, in aggregate, an audited profit after tax of approximately RM74.16 million over the past three financial years, from FYE2023 to FYE2025. The proposed transfer, if approved by the relevant authorities, represents a significant milestone following the group’s listing on the ACE Market in April 2022. It is expected to enhance MN Holdings’ corporate profile, strengthen investor confidence, and improve access to a broader base of institutional investors. MN Holdings managing director, Datuk Clement Toh said, “The pro posed transfer to the Main Market reflects the progress MN Holdings has made over the past few years, underpinned by consistent earnings growth, a strong balance sheet, and an expanding project portfolio. This milestone represents a natural pro gression that aligns with the group’s current scale and level of maturity.” He added, “We believe the Main Market platform will further enhance our visibility and credibility among clients, business partners, and investors, while supporting our long term growth objectives as we continue to participate in the infra structure and energy development of Malaysia.” Barring any unforeseen circum stances and subject to all requisite approvals being obtained, the proposals are expected to be com pleted by the second quarter of this year.

payments to advanced platform reliability, and marketplace safety, involves ongoing structural costs that cannot be sustained solely through broad-based subsidies designed for an earlier stage of growth. This underscores the need for shared responsibility of contributions across the ecosystem, spanning public sector enablement, private-sector infrastructure investment, and MSME capability-building, to support sus tainable growth that will ultimately benefits sellers and buyers alike,” he said. Against this backdrop, Pankaj noted, the conversation needs to move beyond fees alone to focus on outcomes. He said the more important question is whether the e-commerce ecosystem is delivering greater reliability, stronger trust, and more sustainable growth for MSMEs, and consumers alike. Framing the discussion solely around cost, risks overlooking the value created through improved infrastructure, service quality, and long-term competitiveness. Pankaj said policymakers, industry leaders and MSMEs alike have highlighted the fundamental shift in Malaysia’s digital landscape. With the digital economy moving into a more mature growth phase, the emphasis must increasingly be on capability building. This includes strengthening digital skills, pro ductivity, brand development and business resilience among MSMEs. “Support remains important, but long-term competitiveness will depend on upskilling and innovation, enabling MSMEs to fully leverage digital e-commerce opportunities. It is time to align incentives and policies with this next chapter of growth, one that enables continued investment in infrastructure, tools, and capabilities that uplift all market participants,” Pankaj concluded.

o It’s a complex ecosystem with stakeholders all working together to enable digital trade at scale

PETALING JAYA: As public discussion intensifies around the role of e-commerce platforms in Malaysia, including questions about costs, fairness and sustainability, it is timely to recognise that e-commerce today is no longer a simple buyer-seller interaction. It has evolved into a complex ecosystem comprising platforms, logistics providers, payment systems, regulators, sellers, and consumers, all working together to enable digital trade at scale. This ecosystem perspective is increasingly important as online business becomes embedded in daily life and national economic activity. Beyond competitive pricing, consumers now expect reliability, delivery in speed, secure payments, data protection, and dispute resolution. These expectations require continuous investment across the entire value chain. According to data from the Department of Statistics Malaysia (DoSM), Malaysia’s e commerce sector recorded RM937.5 billion in revenue for the first nine months of 2025. Total e-commerce expenditure also expanded, driven by higher participation from both businesses and consumers. This continued growth reflects not only rising online sales but also increasing reliance on digital platforms for goods, services, and everyday payments. As these expectations intensify and the economics of online selling evolve, stakeholders are calling for a more pragmatic conversation on how Malaysia will be able to sustain growth in e

commerce in its next phase, taking into consideration the needs of all stakeholders. DARE managing director Pankaj Kumar ( pic ) said: “Malaysia’s e-commerce ecosystem is no longer in its infancy. What began with adoption drive incentives has now evolved into an essential economic infrastructure serving consumers and MSMEs across multiple generations, with rising demands for reliability, speed, safety and trust.” He added that long-term sustainability requires continued ecosystem investment to strengthen the industry’s infrastructure, along side targeted support. “Meeting today’s market demands, from robust logistics networks, and secure digital

BigPay, Bank Rakyat jointly offer syariah-compliant personal financing PETALING JAYA: BigPay has entered into a strategic partnership with Bank Rakyat to enable seamless access to the latter’s syariah-compliant Personal Financing-i through the BigPay app, which will direct users to Bank Rakyat’s BRICK virtual banking platform for more information and the financing application process. inclusion and empowerment. “This partnership reinforces BigPay’s mission to help Malaysians gain access to Islamic financing and make smarter and more informed financial decisions. Together with Bank Rakyat, we are giving financing greater transparency and accessibility directly through the BigPay app.” 7.60% per annum. While the financing offering is targeted towards active BigPay app users, it is also open to all Malaysians. New users can download the BigPay app to have direct access to BRICK.

Both BigPay and Bank Rakyat remain committed to promoting inclusive, syariah compliant Personal Financing-i that enhance accessibility and empower individuals to take charge of their financial well-being.

Eligible users may apply for Bank Rakyat’s Personal Financing-i InstaCash, with Personal Financing-i of up to RM50,000 at rates from

BigPay chief operating officer Vijayanathan Sockanathan said the strategic partnership reiterates BigPay’s commitment to financial

KLIH and Philips sign MoU to advance smart hospital innovations PETALING JAYA: Royal Philips and KL International Hospital Sdn Bhd (KLIH) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to embrace smart hospital initiatives and innovative solutions, aimed at creating a modern, patient-centric and technology-integrated health care facility. The MoU establishes a framework for exploring collaboration long-term collaboration to advance smart hospital initiatives. “Healthcare systems are under immense pressure to deliver timely, high-quality care. Through this MoU, we are committed to reimagining care delivery by embedding ad vanced technologies into our hospital care experience,” said KL International Hospital managing director, Datuk Dr Colin Lee. proves operational efficiency, and delivers a healthcare environment centred on both patients and clinicians; and developing a hospital clinical command centre.

Dr Lee and Sievers at the Dr Lee and Sievers at the signing of the MoU.

Both parties plan to explore a pioneering clinical command centre leveraging real time patient data, predictive analytics, and workflow optimisation to support informed clinical decision-making and con tinuous innovation to improve patient care. The MoU will pave the way for joint research and development, fostering long-term collaboration to advance medical technologies and practices. A joint working committee will ensure ongoing dialogue and exchanges, enabling both parties to evolve smart hospital initiatives in line with Malaysia’s healthcare landscape. “By partnering with KLIH, we’re

“Together, we will advance our smart hospital initiatives that optimise efficiencies, empower clini cians, and enable personalised and accessible care for every patient,”he added. Under the MoU, KLIH and Philips will jointly develop opportunities on co-creating a next-generation smart hospital. KLIH and Philips will jointly develop technology roadmap that enhances clinical excellence, im

opportunities to improve patient care, streamline operations, and strengthen data management. It focuses on operational efficiency through systems that optimise workflows and resources, while promoting a patient-centric approach for better care accessibility as well as enhanced safety and outcomes. It also addresses regulatory compliance and data security, and encourages research, innovation and

creating where technology gives clinicians time back, enables informed decisions, and drives proactive care. Together, we’re setting the foundation for a environments

seamlessly connected healthcare ecosystem in Malaysia, as we look to deliver better health outcomes for more people,” said Philips Apac managing director Stephanie Sievers.