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BIZ & FINANCE MONDAY | MAR 16, 2026

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ICT Zone Asia achieves record full-year revenue of RM187m

KUALA LUMPUR: ICT Zone Asia Bhd, an ACE Market-listed Technology Financing (TechFin) and ICT solutions provider, reported its strongest financial performance to date for the financial year ended Jan 31, 2026 (FY2026). This marks the group’s first full financial year since its successful transfer to the ACE Market in June 2025. For FY2026, the group recorded a 46.4% jump in revenue to RM187.0 million, up from RM127.8 million in the previous year. This growth was primarily anchored by the core TechFin segment, which grew 24.3% to RM94.8 million, and the ICT hardware and software trading segment, which more than doubled its contribution to RM85.3 million (up 111.0% year-on-year). Revenue from cloud solutions moderated to RM6.6 million due to project timing. The group’s Patami surged 83.1% to RM16.1 million, compared with RM8.8 million in FY2025. While gross profit increased 28.2% to RM35.9 million, the overall gross profit margin eased to 19.2%. This compression was entirely driven by a change in the revenue mix, as the fast-growing hardware

FY2028,

and

RM55.5

harder to justify.

o Group reports 83% profit surge in FY2026 as order book nears RM300 million

million in FY2029.

“This creates a massive our TechFin business, which directly benefits clients by providing a cheaper, flexible alternative. “By converting what would be a heavy upfront opportunity for

Furthermore, combining the RM109.8 million TechFin order book recognition with approximately RM41.6 million in recently secured hardware trading

assets. In our TechFin model, this CAPEX is our revenue engine; these assets are immediately deployed into long-term lease contracts that generate sticky, recurring cash flows.” Looking ahead, he added, the IT hardware market is entering a period of meaningful cost inflation, with memory and component shortages expected to push PC prices higher through 2026. “For many organisations – particularly government agencies and SMEs managing large device fleets – the economics of outright purchase are becoming

trading segment carries structurally lower margins than the core TechFin business, which continues to command robust, high-yielding profitability. Reflecting the scale-up of its recurring revenue platform, the Group’s Ebitda rose 25.8% year-on year to RM93.0 million. Managing director and CEO Tommy Lim said: “Our first full year on the ACE Market has been transformative. “We successfully deployed our IPO proceeds and invested heavily – over RM100 million in capital expenditure – to acquire new ICT

contracts, ICT Zone enters FY2027 with roughly RM151.6 million in locked-in revenue. This effectively secures nearly 80% of the Group’s entire FY2026 full-year revenue right at the start of the year, providing exceptional earnings visibility. Rewarding shareholders for the record year, the Board has declared a first interim single-tier dividend of 0.20 sen per ordinary share in respect of the financial year ending Jan 31, 2027, payable on May 4, 2026.

capital commitment into a managed, subscription-based solution, we help our clients maintain access to modern, AI-ready computing infrastructure without bearing the full weight of rising procurement costs,” he said. As at Jan 31, 2026, ICT Zone’s unbilled order book stood at a robust RM293.0 million, up from RM267.2 million just three months prior. Of this unbilled amount, RM109.8 million is expected to be recognised in FY2027, RM86.2 million in

Empire Premium in underwriting deal with Maybank IB PETALING JAYA: Empire Premium Food Bhd has signed a retail underwriting agreement with Maybank Investment Bank Bhd (Maybank IB) pursuant to the initial public offering (IPO) in conjunction with the listing of Empire Premium on the Main Market of Bursa Malaysia Securities Berhad. the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (Miti); and 155.5 million IPO Shares (comprising 7.5 million Offer Shares and 148.0 million Issue Shares), representing up to approximately 14.1% of the enlarged issued Shares, to institutional and selected investors (other than Bumiputera investors approved by the Miti). As for Retail Offering - A total of 70.0 million Issue Shares, representing stage of our listing journey with the signing of the retail underwriting agreement. We appreciate the trust and support we have received as we progress towards our proposed listing.” She further added, “Our focus remains on running the business responsibly,

Inta Bina secures RM49m job, marking return to fast-growing industrial segment SUBANG JAYA: Inta Bina Group Bhd, an established name in Malaysia’s construction sector has secured a RM49.0 million contract for a project at Eco Business Park 7 in Port Dickson, Negeri Sembilan, marking the group’s return to undertaking modern factory projects after many years. The award reflects Inta Bina’s continued efforts to broaden its presence beyond its existing project base and reinforces its capability to expand into the industrial segment. The contract was awarded by Eco Business Park 7 Sdn Bhd and covers the proposed main building works for Package 4 – Zone 2 Phase 3 within the industrial development. The project is scheduled to commence on July 1, 2026 and is expected to be completed by Dec 31, 2027. This latest contract is significant for Inta Bina as it supports the group’s project diversification efforts and enables it to participate in the growing demand for manufacturing and industrial facilities in Malaysia. As industrial activity, supply chain realignment and domestic manufacturing investment continue to shape demand for modern industrial space, the group sees this award as an important step in expanding its footprint in a segment with long-term potential. Managing director Paul Lim said: “We are pleased to secure this contract at Eco Business Park 7, which marks our return to factory projects after many years. This is an important step for the group as it reflects our ability to expand into the industrial segment. At the same time, it strengthens our project diversification and allows us to take part in the growing demand for manufacturing and industrial facilities in Malaysia. We look forward to delivering the project well and creating value for all our stakeholders.” The group expects the contract to contribute positively to its order book and provide earnings visibility over the duration of the project. Moving forward, the group said it will continue to look for opportunities that support sustainable growth, strengthen its market position, and enhance long-term value for stakeholders.

strengthening our core operations and services as well as executing the group’s growth roadmap while laying a solid foundation for sustainable growth. At the same time, we will continue to enhance our brand presence and create long-term value for our shareholders.” Michael Oh-Lau, CEO of Maybank Investment Bank, said: “We are deeply honoured to support Empire Premium’s listing on the Main Market of Bursa Malaysia. Operating and expanding over the last 16 years, the group has built a strong foundation with the Empire Sushi brand, which offers sushi-based cuisine tailored to Malaysian taste buds through its strategically located network of outlets. “The brand’s convenient format meets today’s consumer preferences for fast, affordable and accessible meal options. “We believe Empire Premium is well positioned to widen its lead in the growing freshly made ready-to-eat food segment.”

Empire Premium, together with its sole wholly-owned subsidiary, Empire Sushi Sdn Bhd, the owner-operator behind the Empire Sushi brand is Malaysia’s largest sushi chain operators based on revenue and number of outlets. As at Aug 31, 2025, the Group operates a network of 132 sushi outlets across Malaysia Moving forward, the Group aims to further strengthen and grow the Empire Sushi brand by expanding its outlet footprint across strategic locations nationwide. The IPO will comprise up to 363.0 million ordinary shares in Empire Premium (Shares) (IPO Shares), representing approximately 33.0% of the enlarged issued Shares, consisting of an offer for sale of up to 145.0 million existing Shares (Offer Shares) and a public issue of 218.0 million new Shares (Issue Shares). The IPO Shares will be allocated - (Institutional Offering) A total of up to 293.0 million IPO Shares, representing up to approximately 26.6% of the enlarged issued Shares - 137.5 million Offer Shares, representing 12.5% of the enlarged issued Shares, to Bumiputera investors approved by KEPALA BATAS: The Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (Matrade) is intensifying efforts to explore new markets as an alternative measure to mitigate the impact of the geopolitical conflict in Middle East on Malaysia’s trade. Its chairman, Datuk Seri Reezal Merican Naina Merican, said all Matrade trade commissioners have been instructed to conduct more aggressive market intelligence and submit reports based on new Terms of Reference (ToR). Such measures are crucial to ensure the country adopts a more strategic trade direction, particularly as global uncertainties continue to intensify, he said yesterday.

approximately 6.4% of the enlarged issued Shares - 55.0 million Issue Shares, representing 5.0% of the enlarged issued Shares, which are reserved for application by the Malaysian public via balloting, of which 27.5 million Issue Shares will be set aside for Bumiputera citizens, companies, co operatives, societies and institutions; and 15.0 million Issue Shares, representing approximately 1.4% of the enlarged issued Shares, which are reserved for the directors of Empire Premium, eligible employees of the Group and persons who have contributed to the success of the group. The Group plans to utilise majority of the IPO proceeds within three years from the date of listing for expansion of new outlets, upgrading and refurbishment of its existing outlets and working capital requirements. The remaining IPO proceeds will be used to defray fees and expenses incurred in connection with the IPO. Empire Premium CEO Nicole Lim remarked: “We are humbled to have reached this pivotal “We cannot deny that the conflict in West Asia will affect trade, not only Malaysia’s but also globally. If the Strait of Hormuz is closed, it could affect maritime routes and disrupt supply chains. “For sectors such as electrical and electronics (E&E), not everything is produced in Malaysia. Some components are semi finished products manufactured in other countries, so there will be supply chain disruptions,” he told reporters. Reezal Merican said such disruptions could lead to higher operating costs and global oil prices, increased shipping insurance costs and the possibility of order cancellations from

Maybank Investment Bank Bhd is the Principal Adviser, Sole Placement Agent, Sole Bookrunner and Sole Underwriter for this IPO exercise. Matrade actively exploring new markets amid Middle East conflict

importing countries, posing significant challenges to Malaysian exporters. Despite the difficulties, he said the crisis could also open up opportunities in new markets, especially among expanding emerging markets. He said several potential areas have been identified, including Central Asian countries such as Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan, which are developing and showing rising market demand. Matrade is also looking into opportunities in several African countries and markets that do not rely on major trade routes affected by the conflict, such as the Red Sea route or the Suez Canal, he said.– Bernama